It didn't come as a surprise, not really, and wasn't as much unwanted as unthinkable. Still David jerked slightly, several thoughts chasing themselves around his head far too quickly. A moment later he relaxed, returning the gentle pressure. The hand stayed on Arla's shoulder when he moved away, but one thing was visible to the discerning eye: David's perpetual benign composure could only hold while he was keeping very firmly away from anything that might actually have to do with himself.