[Neo's optics find Dorothea and he offers her a nod of wordless thanks as she takes her leave; he'll be sure to help her gather her things soon. But for now...]

Sonic.

[Just his name, coupled with a gentle scritch behind the ear.]

None of this was your fault. Do you understand me? You didn't do anything wrong. I acted as I did because I couldn't bear to see you get hurt. [Not again.] But I didn't think; it didn't occur to me how badly it would upset you. The situation was... less than ideal, but it isn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself.

[He can explain what happened after Sonic's calmed down a little, but this is the most pressing thing to address first. This isn't Sonic's fault. He needs to believe that.]