[Is she trembling just a bit? That could be a sign of anything from impending tears to impending violence. Fortunately it's neither, and she simply pulls away. Back to the usual "cool and controlled" act, huh?]

I'd say everyone needs a bit of kindness in order to grow. Sort of like watering a flower.

[But fine, he won't make her accept more backrubs. He drops his hands away, glad to have diffused the situation. He's not afraid of being stabbed at the moment, and that counts as a success! Though his standards for what constitutes "success" are plummeting lower and lower by the minute...

With her out of his arms, he turns back towards the breakfast spread.]

I'm going to finish up here. After that, it'll be time to face the enemy directly, so be sure to tell me any useful skills you have.