Alex almost smiles. He's engendered exactly the sort of reaction he was hoping for. But instead his lips press tightly together, a hard, firm line. It's the inevitability of the thing that'll get him, one way or another. He feels the temptation to pull the trigger, actually go and make it happen but -

Not yet, right? So why is that itch still in his veins? Why does he still want it? He's supposed to be better than this. This isn't supposed to...

No. No. He's fine. This will be fine.

"But not enough, right?" he says airily. His tone is light, even, almost careless. He adjusts his grip on the gun without any concern for the cold metal pressed to his head. One muscle spasm and he'd cut himself short prematurely.

Pity he can't afford that just yet.

"Just when it conveniences you."