[ He flinches, a little, at the stern look, immediately holding his arms up in apologetic surrender - only to have them immediately crushed against his torso as he gets hugged. He pinkens, a little, but he wriggles his arms free and hugs back. He's really good at hugs, too. He just imitates his mom's bear hugs. ]

Th-that's. I mean. That's-- is that an OK? That's an OK. I think. Is that-- is that a you're okay with this? I think that's a you're okay with this. I can't... really... tell? I think-- hoo boy.

[ he nervously pats her on the back. ]