[Even with his heart blocked off, it's easy to tell how Naesala's feeling by the look on his face. It's no use trying to hide that from her as well. He can barely look her in the eye as it is.]

I meant because of me. I don't want you hurt because I did something else stupid and you paid the price. [He looks down at his lap, toying with the brush underneath his feet.] I can protect you from beorc but I can't say the same for myself. I don't want you to regret that.

[As her hand lowers from brushing against his hair, though, he takes it in his own. Because as much as he doesn't want this....he does. He does want it. And he holds her hand to try and let her know how he feels, even as he makes these half-hearted attempts to convince her what an awful person he is.]