[ He knew it and he didn't. That this affected Neil, that Neil was changing. But not like this. Alex thought Neil was understanding things better, understanding how Alex felt and thought better. He thought Neil was growing--he didn't know he was on the verge of breaking.
That while Neil has been saying all of the things that Alex had wanted to hear (because he had, hadn't he? Once, he must have had), that Alex in turn has been saying the things that Neil needs.
The things he needs not just to hear, but to have. To possess for his own. Worth. Care. Support. Family.
Despite Neil mentioning James Park, Alex is not Neil's father. It's only that Neil is comparing the only bonds he's had.
Step lightly.
--But there's no need for that, not really. Alex knows exactly how to move.
He steps forward, one arm pulling around Neil's shoulders to force him into Alex's chest, while his other hand carefully pulls Neil's fist backwards out of the metal. Hit him all you want in frustration instead--he's not letting go.
He presses his lips to Neil's hair; breathes out a sound of comfort and quiet. ]
...I'll say those things again. As much as you want. As much as you need. I'll repeat it over and over until it's the stable point in your life instead of all the mess you got instead.
no subject
That while Neil has been saying all of the things that Alex had wanted to hear (because he had, hadn't he? Once, he must have had), that Alex in turn has been saying the things that Neil needs.
The things he needs not just to hear, but to have. To possess for his own. Worth. Care. Support. Family.
Despite Neil mentioning James Park, Alex is not Neil's father. It's only that Neil is comparing the only bonds he's had.
Step lightly.
--But there's no need for that, not really. Alex knows exactly how to move.
He steps forward, one arm pulling around Neil's shoulders to force him into Alex's chest, while his other hand carefully pulls Neil's fist backwards out of the metal. Hit him all you want in frustration instead--he's not letting go.
He presses his lips to Neil's hair; breathes out a sound of comfort and quiet. ]
...I'll say those things again. As much as you want. As much as you need. I'll repeat it over and over until it's the stable point in your life instead of all the mess you got instead.