She will be upset. [A hoarse warning.] But if it will keep her safe, I'll do what I must.

[She had gotten hurt and injured enough for his sake. They didn't know how severe this could be, but letting himself put her in danger like a fool again? He refused. He hadn't been able to tell her that properly, yet. He knew she would take it badly, if he tried to bring up the topic. But the last thing he wanted was to see her hurt or ill because of him once more. It was selfish, perhaps, but it was the truth of the matter.

Dizzily, he follows, trying to focus on articulating everything as much as possible.]

Coughing.... my throat hurts. Fever, dizziness. Nausea, movement makes it worse. The mark burns painfully, though I know not when it appeared.