The reassurance was enough to keep that breath of alarm from building into the full blare of fight-or-flight, but it did nothing to prevent Squall's mind from rushing along, seizing at details of what Blue said and worrying at them.

How am I supposed to not 'think loudly'? 'Things that I protect'... as if I can do that. It left him feeling horribly self-conscious, vulnerable, too aware of the weaknesses of his own heart, imagining his defenses as not much more than a cracked and brittle shell.

He gritted his teeth against the feeling of insecurity, face settling into a wary mask. "...Squall."