It's been a long time since anyone did that. Things went cool with South awhile before they went dark, not much more than a light shove, a hip-check, and elbow nudge - not that she was ever tender to begin with, but it had been going the other way all the same. And he'd told himself it was stress, preoccupation, whatever it is gnawing in his own chest that almost has him shrugging off that gesture until he realizes what a close mirror it would be and his stomach goes sour.

So he pats it instead. Brief, acknowledging, just enough to let him know he can take it back whenever he wants, thanks.

"Eyes forward, right?" No other choice. It's not as if they have anything to go back to.