[He flinches when she snaps, and then curses himself for being so damned pathetic. So she was angry. She was hurt and betrayed and now, Xanth is pulling all those half-buried feelings to the surface again.

And though it's deeply layered in guilt, some small, dark place inside Xanth is satisfied by her upset.]

Y-You... You shouldn't... h-have to. I'm-- I-I'm glad you're o--okay, really, I, I--I am. I'm-- I'm sorry. I just...

[He's just babbling.

He sets his elbows on his knees, then takes a deep breath and rubs his face. His words muffled, he adds finally,]

I'm... j-just not as-- as s-strong as I sh...should be.