[His initial reaction is to pull away and shrug off her words. He doesn't need pity. He doesn't need pity.

But it's Belle. And she will always be an exception for him.

So instead his fingers curl about hers, just slightly.] I don't deserve your pity, deary.

It's like you said. I'm a cowardly thing. And because of that I'm left with nothing but regrets and broken things.