It goes without saying that it was not the response Howard was anticipating, and he doesn't know what he should do. Under Alpha's hand he's tense and stiff, his feet dragging into place, and he's oddly reminiscent of a child being forced into a family photo with relatives they hate.

He's unsure if Alpha knows, if Alpha intends, to make Howard shudder with mention of his death. Or by calling it 'fast' when it was so painfully slow.

He can't quite match Alpha's smile, even fake. It's all he can do to match the casual tone, and he doesn't notice in time that he's let some bitterness slip into his words. "Not really, you didn't. Don't flatter yourself."