[He blinks in surprise at the poke, but listens carefully to the words. He's disappointed by the confirmation of what he already suspected. He winces at the pinch.]

H-hey! That hurts. [He looks decidedly put-out by it, rubbing his cheek.]

... I guess that makes sense.

Hearts are terribly inconvenient.

... [He doesn't really want to talk about that, it sound like weakness— but, never the less, he nods.]

Yes. Because I'm responsible for you, in a way, now that we live together. Even if you take care of me...

But I understand, I think. You can go. Just. One blow, okay? Like you said, don't drag it out.

[He gives him one more squeeze, then, lets go.]