It still felt odd to touch someone else after so long of being alone. The firm pressure of flesh and sinew had a grounding effect, and absence of this stranger's hand in his almost made Thaddeus regret letting go. The sudden, sharp reminder of the pleasure of human contact was all too present, and try as he might to push the sudden ache of loneliness aside, he couldn't quite manage. He could pretend that he hated people all he wanted, but there were some baser needs that he couldn't just wish away.

He observed Everett like he would a newly acquired collection piece, looking for meaning in the other's minute expressions like he could piece together a puzzle. It was clear that the other gentleman was not entirely fine, no matter what he said, and Thaddeus frowned at him in disapproval.

He had just opened his mouth to say that lying was not always the best course of action when the other man's leg buckled, and Thaddeus was too distracted to point out that he had been right. He moved instinctively, grabbing Everett by the forearm to try to forestall a second fall and bracing himself to bear the sudden weight.

"What were you saying about my concern being appreciated?" Thaddeus remarked sharply, rolling his eyes outright in unrestrained annoyance. "Permit me to continue being concerned, at least until I know you can walk properly."