... no. [ She says, quiet and firm and just a little fond. ] You don't have to be here to protect me, Dave. You just have to be my friend. That's all I want. [ She huffs out a sigh, shutting her eyes. ] That's all I need, too.

[ For a moment she says there, leaning against him and drinking in his warmth. His solidity calms the anxiety she's been feeling in the restless, blurry hours since she left Xigbar on the clock tower. ]

I don't want to get hurt. And maybe... maybe if I could just keep talking to him, I wouldn't have to. No one would have to. Maybe he'll listen to me. [ She leans back, sitting up straight, though their hands remain linked. ] ... I don't know for sure, but I think I have to try.