No words are given, only actions. Affection. Only arms drawing him closer. Lips press against the back of his neck, and Neil shivers. Takes comfort in the act.

Suddenly, he feels like weeping, sobbing until his throat turns raw and his eyes swell shut. There is something like mourning in the air. Like loss in the idea that this proximity, this better comfort was born from such a horrible circumstance.

Neil attempts to smile, to try to be better than what he once was. What Alex deserves. Somehow, it works, and his lips stretch to a curl, as if it is the most natural expression he can give.