Nezumi allows it, which likely continues to paint a picture of pain. It's not a side he enjoys showing Shion. While a huge majority of it is the need to always seem strong and capable, there's been another motivation added to the mix, one that didn't appear until Shion was a regular in his life. As much as he pushes for the white-haired boy to gain his own strength, Nezumi knows he'll be there to protect him. It's too annoying a feeling for him to ignore any longer. However, to be a shield, he needs strength. How could Shion feel any semblance of safety -- not that he should feel safe, but there's a difference between feeling no safety and feeling a little -- if this is the man who is supposed to protect him?

Nezumi doesn't want to be the protected. He doesn't even know how.

Normally-graceful legs stagger but manage to right themselves before either fall.

"Make it close."