The snap stings against the sensitive, feverish flesh, but Neil gives away nothing. Only shifts uncomfortably, his dark eyes watching the expression on Alex's face.

The question rings of Alex-Seattle-Geer-grade innuendo, and the complicated face turns into something a bit more amused. "Harder," Neil repeats. "Possibly." He pauses, trying to accept the statement at face value, and attempts again.

"You care about me," he says quietly. "That makes things a little easier."