If Neil had just replied, it would not have been enough. But he speaks and reaches to press his hand against Alex, and Alex trembles again, shivers under the touch like a skittish animal.

He takes in a breath. This time it sticks.

His hand is pulled out, metal shards and blood marring skin, but he still reaches out, reaches to wrap his arms around Neil and press his body against his. Tucking his head down, Alex breathes in Neil's scent at the place where neck and shoulder meet, and exhales. Breathes out. Breathes.