[yes, they will allow the hand. patting it gently with a large stone hand, until vax continues speaking.]

You've been talking to Steel about that?

[a surprised, incredulous laugh.]

...Well, I'll be. Good for you. [they seem pleased to hear this, it shakes them out of their sad reverie just a bit.]

I don't think you're wrong, but I'm not so sure how that'd go over. [...] I love Steel, and Steel loves me. When you've known people a very long time, you learn all their tricks. Most of you are pretty respectful, don't get mad when I push you, don't take offence when I give you advice and tell you what I think. But if you'd known me for a very long time, it might have started getting old.

Sometimes a new friend's perspective is better than an old one's.