It was easy for him to follow initially, the gesture universal enough that he got it without much thought. He wasn't fast, there was a slowness to him, his movements careful as if he was moving with an unseen injury, running with any speed would be decidedly difficult.

"I--" he isn't fond of touching, even more so now that every touch makes his skin prickle like claws being dragged over it, his being feeling barely held together after being torn apart again and again. But- no, if he starts to be a burden, he might have to endure that, he won't endanger this person. "If.. if I--should I-" he takes a deep breath, trying to organize the thought that needs to be said, "if I begin to, ah-- fall behind, I will."