[ it's the first time in a long time that carolina's needed a moment to find the meaning to what maine says, his intention not entirely clear, and that alone catches her off guard, nearly makes her balk. there's usually no hesitation, no question of what he meant, or if there is it's easy to clarify. feeling like she doesn't understand him makes her worry for a long few seconds that she can't actually do this.

but she didn't go through the effort of bringing him here for nothing. she's going to help him, somehow. carolina swallows hard, sets her expression a little more stubborn. ]

I don't consider this something either of us have a choice in. We can't protect one another if you won't come near me and if you won't come near me until you feel like you have control over this, then we need to figure it the hell out.