[They are both so human, and this is so far beyond either of them. This isn't something that happens to real people... and yet here they are.

He squeezes her hand back.]

Easier said than done, yes, but... I can't deny you have a point. I think... it's trying to protect people, but some good that does if I don't really have control over it and it's not really capable of discerning friend from foe. [He gives a soft, bitter laugh.] And here I thought that whole Valentine's thing was bad enough. Apparently not.

[And that's when he goes quiet for a moment, squeezing her hand tighter and avoiding her gaze as his face falls. Eventually, he manages a troubled sigh.]

Although... based on something else I remembered during all that. I think I know why it got so violent then, in particular.