Sound, sight, the air around Neil's body--everything gives off the essence of fear. Panic. A pure reaction, nothing more, and Alex has never seen the like from Neil Park. Alex's entire body shifts from tension to something looser. He touches the side of Neil's face opposite from his wound, touches the kid's cheek, and leans to kiss him extraordinarily gently. "Hey," he says. "It's okay. I won't let anything happen you don't want."

Alex will keep him awake himself, if Neil is so adverse to the idea. "I got you. I'll fix this. Trust me."