[ Well, he's not being entirely dishonest. He really does have problems when he pushes his Blessing too hard, they're just... not this. He's dancing on technicalities and hoping it's enough, and it's not his best subversion but it's the best he can manage under the circumstances.

It's enough, thankfully. He's thankful. He's relieved, that Phoenix at least chooses to trust him and his choices.

That's why he accepts the jacket and nods, accepts Phoenix's wishes to help somehow. Speaking carefully, for the blood still flowing, making everything iron-thick and difficult. ]

Okay. Yeah. Thanks.

[ wipes his face and, you know what, actually he's just going to bury his face in the jacket a minute. this is fine. ]