[He nods mutely. No need for explanation, even if the kinds of things that happened are things he couldn't even begin to guess. He has his own stories like that and this isn't the time to share them. It's just a pity that one of the things he no longer handles very well is seeing family.]

I get it.

[The tips of his fingers press together, pads briefly chafing through the fabric of the gloves, then he brings them up and lets a warming breath out into his palms.]

We've all got our sore spots, but we'd decimate half the fucking city if we started fighting each other, so let's not. We can say we did, if it makes you feel better. I'll even let you hypothetically win.

[A glance, slightly wry, and a raised eyebrow.]