[Maria flinches a little when he jerks his hand back. Not out of fear though, just the suddenness of the movement. It was clear just by the look in her eyes as she regarded him, that she didn't fear him. She shook her head a little at his words.]

Shadow? He won't. I'll just tell him. I've always been able to confide in him, just as he can with me. And that also extends to you. [The invitation would always be there, whenever he was ready to, she'd be there for him. Always.] He can't tell me who I can and can't be friends with. Just like I'd never do that to him.