...And you're worried how others will perceive you.

[It's less that he's correct all the time and more that Jolyne is an open book, past her shield. Now that he's gotten to know her - and she's allowed him to see a bit past her iron shell - It's easy enough for him to see the roiling emotions and assumptions she makes about herself and others.

It's painful and familiar, and he keeps his hand on her back.]

...You're not 'fucked up' for having casual relations with a consenting friend. Nor does it make you a whore, unless he paid you. Technically, slut is closest...but even then, that's just a word others use to put down a woman for daring to not be tied down to a single person.

[He gives a derisive snort, because, honestly? in the years he's been out in the world, he's seen plenty of strong women - enough to have made him realize the double standard society puts on them, and how they have to constantly prove themselves and deal with societal disapproval if they step out of their pre-approved roles.]

...I know this may not be a comfort to you - but for myself, at least, you are not any of those things. And you will never be any of those to me, no matter what you do.

You are merely Jolyne, my dear student, and a very strong woman.