Yeah, mine was too... they tend to fold over eventually, but it is really weird.

And it wasn't too small, especially since it was super important. Why is he hiding his pain from Erik so much? If anyone can help him learn to cope with these emotions, it's Erik himself. 

Also, I'm sorry if the change seems too... sudden. Erik's own emotions are still there. He's still suspicious, upset with being trapped, and regardless of Alexi's intentions, he still hates himself for getting caught. That was the reason for that touch of melancholic sarcasm at the end. But the process of learning to integrate Alexi's emotions is partially overriding that. And it helps that trust bond that he realizes the potion is nothing like the hard breaking effects. He doesn't completely trust what's happening, but there's a part of him that realizes that what's occurring is not his submission. 

I just hope you didn't find it unrealistic is all. :-/