Cassie opened her mouth to protest, but then she snapped it shut as she further considered his words. No, she didn't intend him harm now or any time in the future, but she couldn't fault him for thinking that way, even if it hurt some to think that someone who she considered a friend might think of her in such a manner. Still though, didn't she more often than she cared to admit look at the world through those same lenses? Wasn't that why she maintained the secrets of her past from so many? It was a protective measure to keep herself and her friends safe just in case the worst happened.

No, she couldn't fault him for his suspicions and she wouldn't argue. "I understand."

Cassie preferred to be a glass half-full kind of person, even if she didn't always succeed. Sometimes humanity could beautiful too. "If you assume the worst, then that's all you ever see. At least that's been my experience," she mused.

"Burger?" It... wasn't what she'd had in mind, but she had left it to Howard and she wouldn't discourage him by showing any disapproval. At least he'd given the animal a name and he seemed to be a bit more comfortable around the brown cow, which was a step in the right direction. "Okay then. Burger it is."

Smiling at the cow, she patted its neck softly. "What do you think, Burger? Do you like your new name?"