[She's asking more of him than anyone has ever asked before, and for a moment, he's afraid he can't do what she wants. Shutting people out isn't even a conscious action on his part anymore. It's just how he copes, how he reacts to things, and he's got enough self-awareness to realize that much.
But now... now he wants to share things with her, because she hasn't judged him for anything, nor has she pitied him. She's just treated him like a person, like anyone else.]
... I promise. You drive a pretty hard bargain, though. Has anyone ever told you that?
[It's teasing, but the tone of his voice makes it clear that it's affectionate teasing.]
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But now... now he wants to share things with her, because she hasn't judged him for anything, nor has she pitied him. She's just treated him like a person, like anyone else.]
... I promise. You drive a pretty hard bargain, though. Has anyone ever told you that?
[It's teasing, but the tone of his voice makes it clear that it's affectionate teasing.]