Alex nodded, his heart sinking a little more at the news. He wasn't sure it had been true, wasn't sure he wanted it to be.
Not because of their relationship, though.
"Then don't let him mess you up," he said quietly; and he glanced up, green eyes shining, glittering. Why did he only ever cry when Rick was around? He was so strong around his family, his doctors, the psychiatrists. Not Rick. "Please. I want to - I want to be able to see you again, eventually. You know?" His smile, trying to make light of it, trembled, didn't reach his eyes; didn't match the whisper of his voice. "Please?"