[ Zuko leans in more when Gokudera gestures at the raw skin beneath the collar, examining it with a soft, concerned scowl. He looks at it a moment, and answers after a beat, leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest. ]

...So let him ask questions, then. A man has a right to his privacy. If he's your friend, he'll respect your secrets if you tell him to. But you need to get that thing off. And something for your skin under it... I'll ask Uncle for a salve.

[ Zuko says this very decisively, frowning all the while. He's serious. The way he shows his care and affection is just so stern sometimes, but he means well... ]