[ His half-transformations are likely very disappointing to those who expect to see him as a giant huggable tiger (he is quite a handsome tiger when he lets the beast take over, sadly), but her compliment prompts a shy shuffle from him, hands laced behind the small of his back and his posture just a fraction straighter than before.

He tries to say something along the lines of 'thank you' to that first bit, but fancies that that might sound a bit arrogant. Have a little clearing of the throat, instead. ]

—It isn't rude at all. What I mean is... my ability allows me to heal fairly quickly, so I can take more than a few hits.

[ Proudly, as if the ability to live through skewering and stabbing is something to be commended, instead of something to be concerned about. ]

So...! I can definitely protect you, if something bad ever happens.