Charlotte's gaze remained on the floor as Ethan closed and locked the door. She appreciated all that he had done for her that day. If it weren't for him, she would have been assaulted in that alley, maybe even killed. If he hadn't decided to chase after her, she wouldn't be sitting here with him in the safety of his apartment. She appreciated the way that he shielded her body with his own as they stood in the dingy alley, facing three other men. The way that he protected her partially bare figure from the prying eyes of the public with his on frame, keeping her close. Even the way that he snapped at the man who cat-called her... she appreciated it immensely.<br/><br/>She knew that her words stung him a bit, but only due to his own negligence. She didn't think much of her accusation, because it was true. She could tell that he felt badly for what he said, that he knew he hurt her, but she wasn't sure if she cared or not. She kept her arms tight around her chest, she wasn't one for public display. It wasn't like she had much to show as it was, but she wasn't keen on just being shirtless. She watched as he walked away to grab a few things, but she turned her eyes back down as he began to apologize for his behavior earlier that day. She understood what it was like to be frustrated, or upset, or even angry. But he had hurt her with his words, he meant everything that he said... did she really need to forgive him or that?<br/><br/>She only looked up to meet his eyes when he draped a blanket over her, securing it around her shoulders. She offered him a small smile and pulled the blanket tighter around her. She couldn't help but let out an amused breath as he explained how he didn't want her to get blood on his shirt. Humor tended to be a better band-aid with her than trying to baby her. Those who tried to bend to her every will and kiss it better as if she were five didn't find themselves on her list of people she liked. She could take care of herself just fine, and the way that Ethan was treating her right now was perfect. She wasn't broken, she just had a bit of an issue. An issue that he was resolving. She winced when he gently prodded her cheek, breathing out her nose slowly as he efficiently cleaned and patched up her cheek. His metallic fingers were cold against her skin, and she felt herself jump at the initial touch. Again, with the sarcasm as he pointed out that even with the potential scare, she was attractive. It made her laugh softly. "Thanks, I would hope not."<br/><br/>She took his shirt that he offered her, staring at it in her hands and smiling as she recognized the faded picture that was printed against the soft fabric. She slid the blanket off her shoulders and slipped the shirt on. It may have ridden past her hips, but she had to admit, it was amazingly comfortable. She went to thank him again, but his voice beat hers to it. As he began to speak, she turned her attention up to him. She would listen as he asked, if there was anything she was good for, it was listening. He went on about how he didn't mean what he said, how he was an awful person, an asshole, and a list of other negatives about himself. Though what truly took her by surprise was his confession that he needed help. It took a lot to make someone admit and seek help, they had to be truly broken to reach that point. She couldn't help the feeling of sympathy that rose in her chest, and she tried to push it down.<br/><br/><i>He's a dick, you don't have to be a good person all the time.<br/>
</i><br/>She almost believed herself, too. But when he spoke of how she was the only one he trusted at the moment, she sighed deeply, shaking her head at herself. Why she had to give into her empathy she had no idea, but as he cast his gaze to the ground, she couldn't hold back the soft exhale of defeat. She watched him for a moment, debating what to do before she reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, running her fingertips across the back of his arm. "You... you aren't a bad person, Ethan. You've just been down a rocky road. You make mistakes, you're human." She shrugged, dropping her hand after a moment more. She looked back to him and nudged his knee, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Besides, you lent me your favorite shirt. How could I walk away now?" Her smile grew a little. She hated how submissive she was, how desperately she wanted to help people. If she knew what was good for her, she would walk right out of his apartment.<br/><br/>They sat in silence for a moment, and she took this time to go through ideas in her head. "How about... how about I help you with your rent issue, and you can come work with me. Not for me though, I don't like that kind of power, I'd just be the one paying you." She added with a half smile. "We can start with the tangible issue of money, and we can figure out the rest." She held her pinky out. "Friends?"