Alex moves first, hand out and stretched to his full height. An intimidation tactic, Neil knows, and to any other, it would work. It would fucking work. Except Dr. James Park is Neil's father, and there is nothing--not Alex, not Autumn, not his own fucking son--that will sway him from this insanity.

His chest tightens, his mouth dries, and yet, Neil does nothing. He continues watching in silence, his eyes hollowed out. Watches as his father dismisses his lover, throws Neil's request to the wayside, before storming out of the house, his word carrying something like a threat.

Neil gives a shuddered exhale and turns slowly toward the kitchenette, away from the damn exit.