"You think this is funny?" Howard bends over and grabs Emergency Rations as he walks, cuddling her close to his chest. It's some protective instinct, some 'you can't hit me because I'm holding the cat' nerve, even though Cedric's never done anything to hurt him, not even once.

Which, in Howard's mind, makes it extra upsetting that he's clearly trying to now.

"I put myself on the line. It's not fair for you to mess with me for it!" It's only once it's out of his mouth that he realizes he's yelling.