[Maria bit her lip as she listened to Shadow softly encourage her that she should cry if she needed to. The hand on her cheek moved to her shoulder and she shivered under his hand. She still felt cold and emotionally exhausted. She doubted that would go away until she had a good attempt at sleep.]

I just don't want you thinking that you are the cause of tears caused by distress. [Sure, there were things that were causing her concern to do with Shadow, but not so badly that it was the core cause of her upset. There was just so many things going on that those concerns got swallowed up by everything else.

The hand that had slipped from his gentle grip curled around his shoulder in an attempt to draw him closer in a desire for a hug. Seeking warmth and comfort. She did manage to meet his eyes, seeing that concern in his expression. Though she heard the barbed comment regarding the other Shadow who was still supporting her. She heard the responding mutter, grateful that neither were trying to escalate.]

Shadow...[Her whispered tones held soft chiding in them.] Trust me. I am as safe with him as I am with you. [She sighed, lowering her eyes as she gave the other Shadow's hand a squeeze of support. This at least helped with keeping her from bursting into tears. She was getting tired from all the crying. She offered a small shaky smile.] He is perfectly capable of lifting my spirits. He certainly did when he danced with me.

What he means is that because I'm not his Maria and doesn't know me as well as you do, you are the most logical choice in being able to provide any care or have insight about my needs. We have a bond you and I, that me and your other do not have yet. [Yet. A soft word of promise. But only if the other Shadow wished it. She wouldn't force or push it, but her arms and friendship would always be open to him when he was ready.] No one is inferior here.

[Most likely due to being surrounded by adults and scientists at that, Maria had a way of speaking sometimes that was way beyond her years.]