Alex continues as Neil speaks, pulls his sleeve back down even as he moves to cover Neil with his body, pressing him into the wall. He leans to nuzzle Neil's jawline, then kisses there once, murmuring close. "If I'm not what you want, you can push me away. You can fight me. I'm not going to force you--"

His brain stutters, freezes. He continues.

"--Force you to stay with me. Don't feel like you have to."