Julien didn't need the apology because he knew Alfie felt it. He tried to show his lover that there wasn't anything he'd do in this space that he didn't want to (which was a lie and wasn't - if Julien thought something would have pleased Alfie he would do it even if he didn't want to).
He mewed a little at the petting, liking to be touched like that when they did this. He felt the restraint trembling in Alfie's muscles and he lifted his mouth off with a parting kiss to the head before looking at his boyfriend with concern, rubbing at Alfie's leg. "It's okay." he said, giving permission before smiling and resting his cheek against Alfie's thigh after giving it a little teasing lick. "I can take it." he almost purred, pushing his hand up to pet Alfie's waist.