[He'd been hoping for a positive reaction, some indication that she'd felt encouraged by his words, but the last thing he'd expected is this. He's not unpleasantly surprised, but it's probably a good thing she can't see his expression. He doubts she's ever seen him so startled before.

Well, perhaps one time. Years ago, back on Alfheim- when he'd looked up, bleeding, terrified, heartsick by the carnage he'd caused, gazing up into the face of his savior and feeling, quite suddenly, the beginnings of what would become his new life's path. She'd sure surprised him then, too.

Tentatively, all certainty yanked out of him, he curves his good arm around her, to support her and steady her weight on his lap. He's so unbelievably out of his usual comfort zone, but if this is what she wants - what she needs - he won't take it away from her. If pressed, it's... kind of nice, actually. He's never experienced this sort of thing before.]

I'll give you everything I can. My skills may not be worth as much as they used to be, but I'll figure something out. I don't want to be another thing you need to worry about.