[His grip is incredibly tight, when he returns it; he doesn't really understand why this is affecting him so strongly, just...let him try to force himself to relax. It isn't going to work, but he ought to at least put the effort in - ]

...It's fine. I just wasn't expecting it, that's all.

[That likely isn't helping with this whole thing, just.]

I will be fine, it's simply something that's concerned me in the past, it's good to have it confirmed either way.

[He just...shakes his head after that's out there, though; goddamn it, give him a moment. Or several, several might be good.]