They pull apart to speak words-- Sentiments, Neil finds, that prove far more potent than a mere declaration of love. Alex presses love, companionship, and genuine want, and Neil loses the smile, drops the confidence from his countenance, and finds himself trembling.

There's a potential for loss, great and heavy in the backdrop. There is death on the horizon from where they are.

He stops, of course. Trembling and imagery both. He stops shaking long enough to reach up to brush his thumb across Alex's lips. "You're the only person," Neil responses quietly, with emotion. "The only fucking person to say that to me. Did you know that?"

Did Alex understand that? "How the hell am I supposed to say no to you? After that?"