When the kid doesn't bolt, J rests his hand on his shoulder a bit more firmly, trying to be a source of comfort if nothing else.

"You really think so?" His tone is a little lighter this time around. "'Cause I'm not in the habit of askin' stupid, mean people to explore beaches with me." He lets that settle for a moment and continues. "Life bein' rough on you doesn't mean you're stupid or mean. For what it's worth, you don't really strike me as either of those things, an' I've got a pretty good people sense."