[ Cassandra holds him there for a moment, feeling both tender and awkward. She thinks she may be doing this wrong, considering the lack of change in his posture, but it’s...not nothing. Of course, her mouth is still betraying her today, and she starts talking as she holds him. ]

I really mean all of that, you know. Seeing you learn new things, or tell me what you like and don’t, it’s- really nice? I didn’t think it could be that nice. I think everyone’s that way about you. Like, Christ, do you know how crazy Rex and Andy are for you? Not just them. You practically have a third of this city wrapped around your finger. And you deserve it, too.

[ To some extent, the thought makes her feel better. Martin has acquired a small army of protectors here, and there’s a sense of security knowing someone she cares about so much will be protected by so many people.

Anyway, the pot boils over. ]

Ah- ah, shit!