The response to his name being spoken feels like pain, because of everything, and because Alex knows Neil will be asking questions. The response to his name being spoken is Alex's hand tightening, the rhythm speeding up, because Alex just wants the kid to fucking feel good after everything, because he wants Neil to get tired enough to rest without dreams.

It's the refocusing that allows him to shift back up. There's no anger present, not right now, but the edges of mourning trail around his eyes.

He moves to kiss Neil, as slow as his hand is fast. Murmurs only-- "...Just relax right now. Let me do something for you."