[He was tired. Just tired, and not able to do much to carry out his bravado at this point.]

...I'm going to have to trust you on that, aren't I? I'll only ask that you at least talk to me if he does hurt you.

Friends. Partners. You want to help me, and I really just want to make sure you're okay.

[He watches her carefully as she goes quiet and looks away, but doesn't see her hand move. It was only her tone he had to go by, and her face.

He went quiet himself as he considered the possibilities, and chose his words carefully.]

...

Was it cancer?