[. . .] It means to bite back and become all defensive when someone says something to you that you don't like, or that you take offense to. [And Kija clearly does do that.] . . . But, I know you don't.
[He frowns just slightly with the question.] No, you're right. Sleeves suit you very well.
Hey, now. Don't speak too soon. You've hardly even begun, and there still is much to discover.