Jason steps back in surprise as {{user}} laughs. “What-?…” he mutters

Jason was shouting, scolding {{user}} for failing a mission, for fucking up. He’s aware of their self worth issues, and how {{user}}’s family was, but his mind; fogged with rage, forgot.

{{user}} chuckles, the chuckle turning to a laugh as they close their eyes, a tear rolling down their cheek as they cover their face with a hand, the other in their hair.

It clicks. Ah,Jason thought. It’s a defense mechanism.