[...what's happening here? She's...relenting a little? He watches her for a moment, holding his breath like he's waiting for her to strike but when she continues to talk he sags back into the bench and it's his turn not to look at her as he looks skyward instead.]

...it's not just about protecting her even though that's a huge part of it. I'm making it my job to protect everyone I can and I'm doing everything I can to make sure I get strong enough. You don't think I don't know I'm not yet? [A beat.] Look, Weiss...there are some things you don't know about me but I need you to believe me when I say that I'm going to do everything I can to make sure she stays safe or die trying. That was true even before I wanted to date her. Ruby's been important to me almost since the day I got here and she's been my--[He stops just before he can say the word "partner."] I'm not you. I know that. And I know I can't protect her as well as you guys probably can, but I made myself into a superhero. I'm going to make myself better, and I'm going to make things better for people.

[And he stops, tilting his head down to look at her.] Here's a question for you. Are you going to give me a chance to prove it, or do I have to find a way around you to make that point?