[He was an unimposing figure once, but even then, even when he was unmotivated to move much at all, he was capable of surprising strength and speed. That's only increased now — and one thing he's learned in the past year is that his most impulsive, stupid choices are made for people he cares about.]

[The truth of the matter is that Riley is a physical threat to him as much as he is to her. They're both made of weapons, now. But that doesn't stop him from darting forward, grabbing her by the wrists, and yanking them away from her arms, up and between them, close to eye level. So he can keep watch on them. So that she can see what her own hands are doing. While the gesture is rough, he's careful to keep his claws a safe distance from her skin.]

Riley. I don't know what you think you did wrong.

[Calm, but not soothing. Level, but not kind. He's being honest, like he has been for the past ten minutes: he has no idea what she's talking about.]

Bad things have happened, but they aren't your fault. What are you blaming yourself for?