"Says who?!" Espio was quick to snap, but then froze at the gesture. God damn, this man was way too touchy-feely at the best of times, but to cup his cheek while calling him 'adorable' of all things...

Espio huffed and turned away a little, though his scales turned a tiny bit brighter as he suddenly found himself feeling far more self-conscious than he would have liked. He tried to find something to say but "don't touch me" sounded a bit too harsh.