North has the advantage, at least, of being able to tumble into a nervous laugh, rather than a start or freeze. There is the second to adjust, with Theta pinging respond respond reminders that he still associates so much with combat that he's fighting the itch at his trigger finger when he turns into the lean, bumping noses in a near-adoring nuzzle.

"Well aren't you just full of surprises," he croons, in what is definitely an entirely pleased and not at all vaguely needling way.