[He nearly registers the slip-up as the words are forming on his tongue (or certain words aren’t), but it’s already too late, and that’s probably, definitely too much at once — even if it's the pure truth with all of the pretenses filed off.

And normally, Henry is cognizant enough to reel that back in, diffuse the degree of intensity he privately harbors. But if Alec felt relief at his immediate reply, he did not vocalize it, and this compels him to clarify. To double down, in case this does somehow slip away from him. He can’t allow that.]

I said I want you. [Let him hear it again, then.] It isn’t about which world I end up in, or what opportunities or freedoms exist for me there. It’s about the person, and I've chosen you, Alec.

I don’t want to be where you’re not.