no subject

[ if it hadn't been strange to hear that question, it might have been amusing. it's not like it was the worst hit he'd ever taken, and maybe nate doesn't quite understand anything about him or the serum. it's not as if he'd really talked about it; most people who knew him already knew those things about him. it's not something he'd specifically discussed with nate either, so he gives his fingers another squeeze and lightly runs his thumb over nate's knuckles. ]

I'm stronger than I look. [ his slight smile says he's teasing. ] But if you're that worried about it, you can check it for me.

[ he doesn't have any problem stripping out of his shirt if that's what nate needs to relax. ]