Neil laughs, or tries to. It comes out sounding like a cough instead. "It's fine. You probably needed it," he says while turning his head to watch Alex. "Everything hurts, but I'm coherent."

Much more so than ten hours ago, at least. Neil gently closes both hands into fists, testing the pain and swelling from the heat. As stated, neither is too bad, only far too sharp for his waking senses.