He feels ground under his feet and he wants to run, but he just can't move, as if he's a small animal hypnotized by the stare of a predator. His eyes dart around for a moment, looking for an escape, fearfully settling on Steve once he forces him to look up, meeting no resistance.

"I-I didn't mean to," he bargains. Okay, it seems he does need to speak, or things will get worse. But that particular question, well, he can't find the words for it even as he tries. Shit, he did just punch all over Steve's back, didn't he? What was he thinking? "I'm sorry... You can-- hit me back if you want, just please don't be mad..."