[It does register a bit as strange to him, or at least unexpected. She's friends with Taako- she must be able to defend herself in some manner. But he misses the meaning that comes with it anyway, so he simply moves on.]

I wish I could get him to open up a bit more, to be honest. I mean, I... I can't begrudge him for having a hard time talking about his feelings. But it can be so difficult to get him to talk to me.

[He doesn't know how much longer this will go on- what he might be able to learn. So if he can glean anything, he should try.]

Tell me, in your experience, is... is there anything I can do to reassure him? To let him know I'm here for him in a way he'll believe?