[ her gaze flickers back up to jude; a side glance. then she's carding her hair behind and ear. 'special,' of course, or whatever right she had to lay claim to such a thing.

but. ]

You misunderstand. I understand that she cares. And regardless of how she may or may not feel about me, there isn't anything that would stop me from trying to protect her... from trying to look after her, as you say.

What I doubt is my ability to be the kind of person capable of doing so properly.

I am selfish, cold, and indifferent, Jude Mathis. I do not trust people. I do not care for them before they have done the same for me; I am not strong enough for that kind of generosity. The day I take Madoka's care for granted will be the day I've finally lost my way.