He stroked him, wanting to be sure Josh said everything he felt he needed to say before replying. He'd learned that sometimes, replying too soon could redirect the conversation, and his older - and in some ways, more sensitive - alt, would react and reroute immediately. Whether it was training, personal inclination, or some manner in between, he didn't think he'd ever be really sure.
That was one of those things only Kevin would know. One of those things only Kevin had a right to.