"Well, let's just blame Judas for my trust issues and leave it at that," Mary said with a tight smile. No, she knew it wasn't all him, but it was so easy to blame Judas for everything. "I'm working on the acceptance of myself. You actually help with that." It seemed somewhat strange to her, but there it was.

"A war god who enjoys a challenge," Mary teased lightly. "I'm shocked." Her smile warm. "And I like you too, but you already knew that."