The hand cupping Neil's head pets lightly toward the end of strands. "...Hey," he intones softly. "It's a weird subject to talk about right now. Don't worry about it, okay?"

Maybe Neil has trouble showing care, but Alex has trouble accepting it. And really... Honestly, this isn't the time or place. Not like this. Not right now.

"What about your questions?" he asks. "Bored of my tall tale already?"