Alex was, unfortunately or fortunately, not always in possession of a filter. His mouth had a mind of its own, and it was not always in close contact with his actual braincells. But this was a true statement, and not one he would regret saying. Still, as he tightened his fingers around Henry's -- secure and warm and something he could very much get used to -- he felt a surge of his own... not shyness. Shyness was the wrong word. But something that tingled in his chest, a fizzy and ticklish sensation because this felt different than some lark of a flirtation.

When Henry spoke, Alex glanced at him. The smile that was threatening his lips was a bit dangerous, the expression of someone poised at the top of a cliff and ready to leap straight into the waters below, heedless of what they might conceal. All he needed was that one tiny nudge, a word, a dare, a moment of stupid bravery.

"Is that a bad thing?" And he leaped. "Because I kind of like it, you looking at me."