It takes another deep breath. It takes another few moments of focusing deep inside himself.

He can do this. He can do this because she needs him to do this. He can do this because having a crack down himself isn't what anyone else needs. This is a good lie. This is a lie to keep the world comfortable and safe for the people who are most important.

There's familiar elasticity in his arm as he moves it to wrap briefly tight around her shoulders. "No. Just... a little less easy than I thought it'd be. Get it right next time."