And — I know you wanna protect your sister. But you're important too. [ she cups charlotte's face between her hands, fingers moving to wipe away all of the dampness still clinging to the other woman's cheeks even if she can't take away all of the signs that charlotte's been crying, the red-rimmed eyes and the slightly puffy features. ] If you don't wanna go back there, you don't have to. We can figure out another way to keep her safe, and you can work somewhere better for you. Pick up more shifts at the club or somethin'.

[ it is an appealing thought, wielding her bat on something or someone, and she considers it with a tilt of her head, but in the same breath she realizes that this might be a case of playing it smart, not hard. especially since huaisang has already demonstrated how he reacts to the violent approach. ]

Why don't we think about somethin' else for a little while? No reason they need to live rent-free in your head anymore. [ she smooths charlotte's hair back with one hand, trying to coax a smile with one of her own. ] Lemme cheer you up.