[ahrun'ya nearly crumples, his entire body trembling, his tail poofed out and wrapped around his leg. he lifts his head to look elidibus in the eyes, his own blown out and red at the edges, tears streaked across his face. he looks flushed and disheveled, catching his breath]

No... no, don't--don't apologize. You just... surprised me.

[lifts a shaky hand to touch his cheek, thumbing at the wetness there]

You can do it again. Just... give me a bit... to recover.