That does not negate that you are strong, nor everything you've achieved. [a little firmer now, though not sharper. it is not with bite but with conviction.

he lets out a soft sigh.] I know you well enough, love, to know when you wish that to be the case and it isn't. [his hold on his husband tightens.] You would not allow for me to speak like this about myself. [which is, perhaps cheating, but--]