[ Even Dokja isn't so blind as to not notice the sudden shift in Ruby, and his eyes narrow in both suspicion and alarm at how she responds. He feels her flinch against his hand, and his first instinct is to loosen his hold should she want to draw back and away from him. But he, himself, doesn't let go just yet, and the concern from only moments ago rapidly builds itself up. ]

Hey, hold on a minute.

[ What an unnerving reaction, and one that Dokja unfortunately recognizes from years long past before the bitterness and anger had taken hold. He has no comfort to offer here, only an explanation that he hadn't thought he'd have to broach now or ever, but the sight of Ruby's discomfort brings it to the surface. ]

You're not stupid and this isn't your fault. I should have told you from the start that this might not work on me.

[ Thanks to his own recklessness and foolish actions. ]