Richard's eyebrows raise at that. Of all the strange things Alec has said so far, this has caught him most by surprise. He doesn't respond immediately, looking over Alec to determine if it is simply a joke as he opens the door for him. He can't deny that Alec is attractive, in an unconventional way, sharp cheekbones and piercing eyes.

He fixes Alec with a serious stare and responds with: "You don't owe me anything." The question is so out of left field that he wonders if this is Alec's way of trying to thank him for protecting him, though given the student's supposed desire to die that doesn't really make sense.