[ He stays quiet and lets him speak, watching him carefully. He's still upset, certainly, but he isn't quite mad anymore. There's still a lot to be fixed between them. ]

See, now that was much better.

[ He nods his head once, then looks forward, resting his elbows on his knees and lacing his fingers together. ]

I understand why you did it, I just. I don't need you to protect me, Merlin. I can handle myself perfectly fine without you sheltering me so.