[ It breaks Cisco's heart, that that is her answer. Better than a yes, sure. But that not yet. It hurts, mostly because he knows how it feels, waiting for things to fall apart. For things to go wrong, because things always go wrong eventually. The difference is, of course, that he hadn't thought that way when he was her age. He'd still believed the world was a grand adventure, that he was invulnerable, that the future was bright and he would be a part of it no matter what, and any obstacles that got in his way would be simple, and solvable.

The corner of his mouth dips into a frown, but he doesn't argue with her. He merely nods, silent as he tries to find the right words. ]

If someone does... you don't have to deal with it alone. I'll help. As much as I can.

[ It's not a promise she'll be safe in the future, or that there's nothing to worry about. Both of those statements would be lies. It's merely an offer, to be an ally when she needs one, if she needs one. ]

Did you have any friends you could count on, back home? Who helped you escape?