They're stock-still, watching him ignore the mess completely to...dry them off? Why?

After he pats down around half their face they pull back, something uncomfortable squeezing in their chest. They duck away and pluck a bit of the mess to drop on the counter, and then grab an actual paper, unmarked. The movement could be read as frantic to someone used to their usual gestures.

I promised I wouldn't do an hurt you and I will keep to it no matter how upset I am. You don't need to do this.