That's not the meaning he wanted to convey to Alex, who is only doing Neil a favor. Who still offers affectionate gestures without prompting. The younger man forces himself to take in a deep breath, closing his eyes at the hand against his hair, and try once again.

"You're good. Promise." The sarcasm from before has scattered to the air. In its place, Neil offers another regret. "I should be the one apologizing. This probably was--" Awkward begs to be inconsiderate. "--difficult for you to tell me."

A pause. "Doesn't matter. I just need fresh air. Know you wanted me to stay down below, but--" Here, Neil grins, the expression strained and disquieting. "Ten minutes outside is all I'm asking for."

But he wouldn't fight if Alex disagreed with the request.