That, however, gives Felih pause. Some warmth rises to his cheeks, but he shuts his eyes to think.

"You said you hadn't been touched in decades," he responds slowly, his ears slowly drooping. "...I cannot imagine what you must be experiencing. But to me- to be alone, without this warmth- without another's embrace... it would be so bitterly, painfully lonely."

He lets out a slow, deep sigh, the mirth gone as he looks aside, refusing to meet the man's gaze now.

"...call me a fool all you like. But it seems that is something I could not wish on even my worst enemy, as it turns out," he murmurs, a wry smile on his lips.