Neil says nothing, and Alex basically expected the same. But it's all right. Because he's not done talking. Because he finally realizes what he himself needs to say.

"I asked you outside that Republic if you were going to go it alone when you left here. If there was room in your plans for me or if you were going it alone. Well, Wanderer, I just want you to know that you lost that chance." The ability to make that singular choice.

Alex taps him under the chin, and drops his hand back down to Neil's knee. "Because I'm staying for the long haul, and I'm not walking away. You lost that chance to get rid of me. Now every step you take, I'm going to be dogging your steps. You hear me, Neil?"

I'm not leaving you to walk this path alone.

"You keep going forward. And I'll be there, right beside you."