[ He coughs, clears his throat, and when he speaks his voice is a little better ]

Like my head isn't attached to my body. [ whatever they've been pumping into him to help with the pain is good stuff, apparently ] But I guess it's better than the alternative.

[ His gaze drifts over Peter, coming to rest on the bruises on his throat. He frowns ] I'm sorry. I should've done something sooner.