[This isn't an argument she's going to have because Ellie knows how to pick her battles. She says she trusts Nic, and she does, but people have different ideas about what a word like that means. To Ellie, for everything she's come from and everything she's known- there's only one variety to give. Nic has done nothing but go out of his way to keep her alive.

She isn't here because she thinks he's some friend to share secrets with or run to for comfort when it feels like the world is ending. She's here because when push comes to shove, Ellie knows he'll have her back.

The door snaps closed behind her and the girl falls into step easily. Nic's strides are longer than her own, but she manages. In the distance they out behind them Ellie keeps her chin almost defiantly lifted. She doesn't look up at him, but the set of her mouth is far from thrilled.]

You say you won't teach me how to fight but you'll sign me up for fucking military bootcamp. How does that make sense, by the way?