[He starts to pet Ren's neck with that same light touch.]

There are bad people who would take you crawling in their lap as an invitation. [Cu has a bad habit of playing grabass with people he's just met, sure, but if they tell him to back off, he will. No sense in playing with someone who isn't interested.]

You're a good boy, though. [He didn't sound condescending at all.] And hey, you've got a new friend right here. I'll be your guard dog -- so long as I'm around I'll try to keep you safe from anyone that might want to hurt you.