You know. The sudden and inescapable level of proximity wasn't intolerable, despite it being the first time he's been this close to a human being in days (in John's case) or really months (in Solus'). He knew it'd be fine. He's always fine.

And in fact, he was fine right up until Solus put that god damn cane on his shoulder.

"Don't be an idiot. If I wanted to make you quit your job via direct antagonism I'd be doing it myself. This is my coworker." He reaches up, seizing the cane's handle with his left hand, and doesn't let go. Then he takes his right foot and steps back, placing it against Solus' corresponding insole to forcibly unbalance him.

"Still, I gotta say. When you told me you were in no shape to cross blades, I didn't think you meant you were a fucking cripple. You can't spring that on a guy like this."