[ It gets him to pause at least, desperately grasping for words this time. He has no problems being honest, but what he wants is to be understood, and after all this time he can't help but hold on to the idea that if he can explain himself well enough that maybe, just maybe, he won't have to fight as much to get things done. ]

I don't want to hurt you, [ He finally manages, ] I just want to know.

[ And right out of that, another idea hits him. ]

Would a local anesthetic help? You wouldn't have to feel it at all, wouldn't even have to look if you don't want to!