"You don't have to." Her mouth twists into a defensive frown, and she does lean back, resting against the tree trunk behind her with comfortable affection. "You can stay. -- I could name you."

It's an impulsive offer, or it sounds like one; there's a thread of childish neediness in her voice. She adds, tripping over her words, "That way they wouldn't hurt you without me knowing about it and I could keep you safe."

A slight hesitation.

"Probably."