Unfortunately, of absolutely no fault of Maeve's, Ruby flinches and instinctively takes a tiny but very real step back. She wants the hug and yet a part of her is screaming that she doesn't deserve it.

"It's not your fault!" comes out in a single breath, before she makes herself say it again, slower. "It's— it's not your fault. You couldn't help it and I should have noticed sooner than I did and then I had to— then I—"

Gods if she doesn't sound like a scared child, right now.