[He snorts lightly, allowing her to very unsubtly hug him for just a moment—just a few second's indulgence—and then gently pulling away.]

What's all this now, [he teases, mask back in place as he reopens his eyes, like it'd never dropped away at all.] I've been eating spicy food my whole life, I have definitely gotten it in my eyes before.

[he grins. It doesn't matter if she saw through the excuse, what matters is he isn't about to allow himself to give into the sympathy. He doesn't deserve it.]

And so forward when I don't even know your name.