( the only thing that would hurt, that properly injured him - )

I would never take advantage of you. Not like that.

( manipulation? sure. little white lies? yes. but actually manipulating someone else into going against their boundaries - no, never. )

- but I won't stand here and let you suffocate me to prove a point! I'm not standing by and letting a human kill me again. Not even you.

( if he's turning away, aspen won't stop him, planting himself down to try and tend to his crushed wing. it's clumsier as his adrenaline wears off, but at least he can do it. )