[Any amount of care beyond the bare minimum is coddling when directed at him.
John bristles, but doesn't immediately respond, letting that immediate snappishness pass. He knows His voice is tight when he responds.]
Sorry.
[Years on, years in, even with Mary there, and it still feels strange and uncomfortable to have people wanting to look after him in any capacity. Mrs. Hudson had been different, motherly to everyone, not just him. That had made it all right, and even she'd gotten to be too much for him at times.]
no subject
John bristles, but doesn't immediately respond, letting that immediate snappishness pass. He knows His voice is tight when he responds.]
Sorry.
[Years on, years in, even with Mary there, and it still feels strange and uncomfortable to have people wanting to look after him in any capacity. Mrs. Hudson had been different, motherly to everyone, not just him. That had made it all right, and even she'd gotten to be too much for him at times.]
Thanks.
[His tone is fairly grudging, but he says it.]