Neil observes Alex for a good minute, for a reaction that might give clues to what is going on underneath. There is nothing. Alex only offers affection, genuine and true, and the younger man begins to believe he might be losing his sanity.

His eyes, heavy with exhaustion and fever, finally pull away to rest on the ceiling, on the piping. Nothing in Neil wishes to sleep, but he feels he may soon have no choice in the matter.

"Yeah," he gives. "I'm here."