James's eyes cut away, his expression going sour, but he doesn't smack Scorpius's hand away. No - it's warm against his damp and rapidly cooling skin, and he shuts his eyes, as if a silent decision to not look at him while they talk.

"This is- some sort of joke." His tone is hard, but also - confused. Why would he be acting like this? He'd punched him not so long ago at school. His hands flex uncomfortably at his sides, his breathing still shallow. "Or a prank. But it's not funny."