The contact makes him jerk upright and he scoots off of the berth abruptly, almost skittish.

"What gave you that idea? All of my glorious snark or was it when I was rude as hell or both?" Fulcrum asks wryly. "But I'll be careful, if I can be. Trust me, I'm not super thrilled with getting into trouble."

Fulcrum's shoulders sink a little. "Sorry for all of the chatter. Usually if I don't, well..."

Then it's whimpering and maybe a lot of crying involved. Words are easier and slightly more dignifying.