Second-to-second, V finds theirself backing down from all-alert.

There's a closed-mouth noise in the negatory, an "Nnnnn," that's as close to a word as they've managed yet.

Touch, at least, isn't painful. And as Jack continues to not make sudden movements, there's less potential for it to be overwhelming, a cumulative trend.

There has to be some way to reverse this, V thinks. Had- was it their sigil that did this? Another reason for them to strongly dislike it.

V tilts their head, one enormous paw raising again to the side of their neck - Jack will have to crane his neck to spot that circle on their skin, but it glows even now.