He starts at the feeling of skin against skin. His face remains somewhat stiff and alert, eyes widening in surprise. But, he doesn't pull away, nor does he say anything cruel or unpleasant.

Alecto turns his face back, glancing down at their joined hands, resists the odd (very odd indeed) inclination to thread their fingers together. "I'm sure, Joshua," he says in such a soft and tender tone it might actually have come off as more shocking than if he had yelled or snapped. "It's just that it's been...a while since I've...hurt myself in such a way. I suppose I thought myself invincible for quite some time."