[He purses his lips at that, internally cursing himself for his hesitation. She'd been so careful that first time, and she hadn't lied to him- it hadn't hurt. It isn't his favourite activity, sure, but it wasn't anything like he'd expected, and the trade-off is worth it, especially if it's what she needs. Or even just what she wants.

He shifts his hands, reaching up to cup her face, to hold her focus.]

Hey- hey. It doesn't hurt me. You don't hurt me. I promise, it's okay. I just... I want to help you. But you gotta let me. You're the one always getting me to talk about stuff, aren't you? Why won't you let yourself do the same thing?

[She could be protecting him, again, and that's not a good reason. And if she's protecting herself, he might be able to accept it, but he can't help doubting the validity of a claim like that. Not when she looks so distressed by this, not when she's clearly been through so much and has had to deal with it all by herself.]