The sounds of Wash thrashing is what wakes him and he lift his rocker bar to rush to Wash's side. "Wash, hey," he says, trying to sound calming, releasing Wash's rocker bar for him. Wash is panicking and North knows he needs to be a steadying influence. He hesitates, then chooses not to touch Wash. He doesn't want Wash to feel North is trying to restrain him.