[Another one of those laughs is her reward. He can do this. Ride this mysterious thing out and stay beside her.

And what then? He has to think as he walks about how engaging she has been and how the two of them have been pulled together. How she has always kept him from sliding into the darkness.

Going back to the apartment, standing in the elevator he finally speaks.]

Alex...I love you.

[He has to be in control when he says this.]

It's...it's important I try to say that when I'm not under the influence of this thing. But you should know. I love you. I think I've been falling in love with you ever since you walked into that interview with your podcast.

It's your eyes and your laugh and your smile and your intelligence and I...

[And he could take her here and now in this hallway and he pulls back.]

...Be kind to me until I can say it without wanting to fuck your brains out like some kind of animal. Please my Persephone.

[He has no hesitation to stand in front of his apartment however, looking at her and looking lost.