That's how Ver started too. Knowing she needed to be able to run and protect herself. Protecting other people is a more recent concern.

"I live here now. It's pretty nice when you get used to it, but it's a hell of a lot to take in at first." She switches from holding his arm to wrapping her arm around him while they walk. He's having a hard time and he's Matt's best friend; she has to look out for him. Transitive property of something. "And before you ask: no, I didn't grow up in your New York, but a New York."