His reaction is completely unexpected, and it made her stop walking and turn to face him. She had worried he might think she was some kind of killer or monster but the fact he thought she was badass made her grin and laugh.

"You really think I'm badass?" Her laughter bubbled forth until she was downright giddy with giggles and had to lean forward and brace herself with her hands on her knees. It took her some time but she got the joy out of her eventually, and stood up so she could look him right in the eye as she grinned.

"Well, I think I'm gonna keep you around for a while, Murphy. No one's ever thought I was badass before." She knew that was because she always had to be protected. It felt nice being the one doing the protecting for a change.