[Oh, the way his heart flutters at the words. It isn't fair for Joshua to talk to him in such a way, he thinks. It's so easy for his mind to run away with itself, and before long the tips of his ears feel just that slightest bit warm.

It takes him a long moment to remember to respond, to shake his head. While he understands the sentiment, there is a problem with it all.]

These wounds are not from you. [Despite the correction his voice is gentle.] It was in your attempts to stop me in my rage. They are a reminder of what I have done.

[If there's more he wants to say, he can't seem to manage it. Joshua is right that it hurts, and he finds his hands gripping tightly at the fabric of the bed below him as a result. His eyes water reflexively, but he's long since used to blinking that away.

There is one advantage to his suffering, for Joshua at least. Dazed as he is, he doesn't register the apology until the pain ebbs. It's an unnatural shift, he swiftly realizes what's happened, but it's still far too late.]

Joshua - [There's not anger in his voice, but sorrow.] Please - no more. Do not weaken yourself, especially not for me.