Mm.

[One of her hands slips up to comb idly through his hair, more soothing fluffing than actual order going on.]

You're... a pretty guarded guy, you know. But, um, tensing before a blow lands... doesn't mean it doesn't hurt, just the same.

[She squeezes him, gently.]

Don't... Don't use his pain to try and blot out or downsize your own. You know that isn't fair to either or you.