"Neil," Alex speaks, calling attention. Even with the care that had laced the air between them, even the shifting emotions inside of Alex, this is something that needs to be pointed out.

"There's no reason to regret that. You acted like you always have been. The only difference is the length of time--which wasn't even your doing. Why the fuck are you caring about this?" A spark of frustration slips into his expression and he muffles it down. "You wouldn't have before. Don't let it bother you now."