Alex notices. Of course, he does. But he cuts the thread and reaches for the pot of homemade sealant on the table, slathering it over the cut with less careful motions than he did before. It dries into a somewhat sticky cream, but it'll help keep things together while stuff heals.

Which means he's done. Done and done.

He drops without warning, knees cracking on the floor, and leans to press his face into Neil's stomach, to take in, for a moment, that this first part--this first danger zone is over. He moves his head slightly, nuzzling, and just stays there. Stays right there.