[There's no reassurance in any of those words. But Christina isn't going to protest the door remaining unlocked, and that, at least, is something. Dipping her head in a nod, Ran stays where she is, the door cool against her back. It's comfort to her, and no one will be opening it with her there.]

[In the back of her mind, she can't help a flicker of thought about why the woman is bound to the idea of the door being guarded -- but maybe a woman who is willing to hold a gun, to shoot it towards another human being, has cause to wonder when a gun may be turned on her instead.]

I had to come. [The words are still soft.] Whatever happened at home, we're still supposed to be related here. Luci told us we're supposed to stay as normal as possible here to not attract attention.

[Blue eyes flick back up to Christina's face.] We need to find a way to still be family. Though . . . there's something I need to know.