Abused FMC is baffled by a decent MMC
Idk, maybe I am hormonal, looking for safety/comfort vibes.
Basically she is confused by and is suspicious of perfectly normal expressions of casual caring and consideration because she doesn't have a frame of reference for basic decency. Big "this has to be a trap, what does he _really_ want?" vibes.
A few checklist items but not looking to satisfy all of them.
- she recalls some horrible event in a very deadpan manner and the MMC is horrified.
- he differs to her judgement in something naturally assuming her competency and she feels emotional without knowing why.
- Evie from Devil in Winter like self-protective reaction to sudden physical movement from the MMC causing him to take several steps back or get away from the door to leave the exit unblocked.
- she experiences a panic attack and he talks her through it.
Thank you in advance.