Connor didn't know if he'd be able to open up to a stranger, but just as he sought to alleviate Hermann's pain, he recognised that Hermann was trying to alleviate his.

He reached to his necklace, stroking one of the bear claws with his fingers, thumb pressing over the tip. "I taught myself to not flinch at a hand on my shoulder or a hand shake. Those are both common from the men of the liberty army. Especially Washington. He is very tactile with me."