"I would say that Georg isn't someone worth knowing, but I have a sneaking suspicion you'd fight me on that, too." It's said quietly, embarrassed, almost. Scolded. Though he does lean into Alfred's touch, letting the boy stroke his hair in a way no one has in so, so many years.

"I won't know what to do with such kindness, at the start," he warns. "I'll run from it. I'll frustrate you to no end, I'm sure."