He expects Neil to reject him. To push away the offer and keep to himself, but the kid surprises him, and hey, maybe Alex should have expected that instead. When shown the kid's dad, even Alex would be a better fucking option.

But see, Alex expects Neil to end off going with the guy. He's waiting for it to start, the you know, I really should go help my dad--should listen to him, and all the bullshit he spews.

That's not right now though. The kid holds onto him and lays his head on Alex's shoulder, and Alex brings his arms to wrap around Neil tight, holding him securely against his chest. "That was bs," he finds himself saying, quiet and heated and emotional. "That was crossing a fucking line." You didn't--

"You don't deserve that."