[He wants to say 'I see you'. But that was a claim that David didn't think he could justify yet, and it also was too forward. Though at least he could admit to one thing to show that he gets it.]

I was the same way for a while [words said while the knuckles of his free hand rubbed unthinkingly over his heart, over the memory of scars] too afraid to let people close. Certain that if I did I'd be disappointed. I sought my distance, and I got it for a long time, and I didn't realize how bad it was for me. I've learned to open up since then. I've been reminded just how important that is.

ANd yeah, I suppose a pirate should know how to adapt, otherwise you might end up losing quite a bit.