"No, you're my crotchety old alien. That's different," he points out, because to him that really does mean all the world.

But then Michael is moving to sit up, and Alex sighs, just wanting more. Memories that they're rewriting, a new life. So many things that matter to them.

Though somehow, still, that comment makes his stomach lurch. Moving to sit up, trying not to frown.

"Okay, you know you can ask me anything, Michael."

Even if he's scared after Michael's mood today and now this showing up just what it might be.