[The relief he feels is palpable when she answers. It's not complete absolution- this is a lesson, one he sorely needed. To do better next time, to be more attentive to what he's saying and how he's handling a particular problem. For her, and for him. They're a team, and he ought to be tackling these issues as a team. He can't just do what he's always done and act like it's good enough. It shouldn't be good enough. His desire to protect her should make him stronger, it shouldn't make him drag her down to his level of excusing and pretending this is acceptable.

Gently he tugs her in, giving her a proper hug, squeezing her tight and resting his head on her hair.]

It sucks, [he mumbles.] Feeling like this sucks. I don't want you to accept it. You don't deserve it, and... you're right, I don't, either. We're allowed to ask not to be hurt. And we don't have to accept the blame when asking doesn't change anything.