If he ever thought he really couldn't make a logical choice or even the right choice in caring for Jim, he would stand down. As his eyes trailed slowly along Jim's features, he let out a soft breath while thoughts wandered to times he'd had to let Boyce or others do some of the work during the wait for Jim to wake up. Not often, but sometimes. When he felt like he might come apart and actually did.

Arching a brow slowly, he tipped his head and spoke in that low southern drawl. "Kinda what I meant, Jim. You're gonna do what you feel you need to do." Not that he hated that. Jim was one damn beautiful person for that bravery. It just equally hard for him to bite back the selfish feelings of just wanting Jim to live through it. "Dunno if it's really the same to make a comparison... but say I'm throwing myself into something that likely 'll mean certain death. Cause I feel that every time ten fold."

Pulling his hand back when Jim let it go, he really just wanted Jim to get some idea of what it felt like. If only to get why he reacted like he did. Maybe Jim could forgive him a little of that selfishness if he understood. Breathing in slowly, he nodded his head. "Sorry. I really don't mean to lecture you. Guess it's more just venting." Picking his fork back up, he smiled at him just a little, a flicker of hope in his gaze. "Just work a little harder on coming back in one piece if ya don't mind."