( The gesture is... a strange one, if not wholly alien. Roche was a handsy one, and he would often offer comfort - even when Mishka insisted it was not needed. Still, it seems Mishka is not fully clear on how to receive it; he is still new, to this sort of thing.

Still, the suggestion makes him pause. Trahearne had erred toward this idea, but to have it reiterated is - mm. )

... And give him a closer relationship to miss? That seems cruel, does it not? It would be a counterproductive thing, I think, if he were to withdraw into himself after. He needs very little excuse to try.