A beating.... that says everything he needs to know, doesn't it? Warsman was considering asking about her family- she mentioned a father- or her home, or... but he should have guessed that it wouldn't be a happy picture, shouldn't he? What sort of family has their daughter sleeping rough?

Part of him would like to put a hand on her shoulder as a gesture- of what he's not sure, solidarity maybe?- but he's too worried about seeing patronising to follow through. The very last thing he wants is for her to think he's talking down to her. God only knows she must get enough of that from other people.

"That's why I learned to fight," he says quietly. "So that I wouldn't have to be beaten. I felt so helpless by myself- I guess I just wanted something I could be in control of."

The question of money is still lingering in his mind when he finally speaks again. "I don't mind. Really," he insists. "Think of it as an apology for getting you in trouble at Hattie's the other day." He's already going for his (new) wallet before she can object, checking what he has. Not a lot, but enough for a favour. "I wouldn't be able to sleep right if I didn't try to help you stay out of her bad book. She means well, I know she does, but..." He trails off, but his meaning is fairly evident in their experiences.