Fear flashed in Stabler's eyes. It wasn't the first time he'd had fingers around his throat but every time he knew just the slightest flex could cut off his air. Remaining still, trying to keep his throat relaxed, he stared up at Keller with colder eyes, trying not to let anything slip. "I deserve this? What the fuck did I do to deserve this?" he growled, "I've been a good citizen, a decent father. I've let you have your way with me multiple times. How does that make me deserve you smacking me, hurting," he coughed, "me?" Scowling, his eyes fell shut.
Keller's words struck him though because all he did want was to be loved and trusted. Really, it was what every human wanted, wasn't it?