"Well. We're in a new world. New rules. He's still learning them, just like the rest of us. Remind him of that and it might help your case. Otherwise," he grins loosely. "I know you don't need protection," but I'd beat my big brother up for you is the stray thought, cobbled and hard to read, that she may pick up from him over the very loud static of his head, "but I'd do what I could on your behalf."

He doesn't say anything aloud about beating up Michael because he knows he can't, he's not strong enough, but the sentiment is still buried down there.