Something in the way Brigitte begins her explanation pulls Maine's attention in. Prompts him to put his surprise aside and listen a little more closely. What he hears explains a hell of a lot. Her lack of fear; her willingness to approach him; the ease with which she does everything from meeting his eyes to straining against his arms.

She's used to someone his size. Used to someone like him.

A weird sort of warmth hits Maine. Like a hot shower after a hard workout, or putting on a hoodie that's fresh out of the dryer. He can't name the emotion. Finds that his lips have parted slightly with whatever-the-fuck it is; quickly, he schools his expression back to normal.

Focus on what she wants. What she's asking. Figure out the strange feeling later.

After a few seconds of silence to consider his words, Maine characteristically decides to be blunt.

"I'm brutal," he says flatly. Not a boast or even really a warning; just a statement of fact, delivered as a complete sentence to avoid any misunderstanding. "Not an instructor. Trained to kill."

He could hurt her, is what he's saying. Even if he didn't intend to do so, he could hurt her. Holding back during a fight isn't something he's well-versed in doing — and the last time he sparred with anyone (save for Wash), his error in judgment cost a teammate an eye.