( he lifts his shoulders, shrugging. )

I have to think about not using my tail. It's easier to shift fully human otherwise.

( Because it's another appendage, so if he's reaching out or playing around or simply being in a non-formal context, his tail's as naturally a part of his body language as anything else. )

It's not really fair to you, since you can't respond in kind, but it's just... like another arm. Without fingers. And extra furry?