He wouldn't cry. Wouldn't cry. Wouldn't cry. He'd done enough of that to last a lifeti - he'd done enough crying.
Alex hissed through his teeth at the sudden pain, but he didn't ask Rick to let him go - didn't want to be let go; wanted to be held so tight that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have to go, ever.
He couldn't stop shaking. But he didn't make a sound as he closed his eyes and hugged back. What on earth was there that he could say?