If he was new, Joel might wonder why she bothers to ask. As things are now, he's able to catch onto the notion that he's as suspicious as some girl in a cape that decided to trail him. This late in the night the streets are quiet and vacant, so he'd figured he wouldn't catch too much attention venturing out with everything that he needs in order to venture out-- needs, he's not giving it up for a second.

Doesn't matter that he could just wish it all back when he returns to the Castle. It's a long way back. She's got her hands up and she appears to be unarmed, but she's taking steps closer and that makes him nervous. Joel steps back as much as he can at the same time, irritatingly aware of the dead end behind him. He keeps his rifle pointed straight at her and steady.

"Protection." It's a growl, spoken with nothing but gravel. "And what's that for? Your getup?"

What's your aim here? He's not used to meeting anyone interested in doing actual hero work, not anyone who wasn't a Firefly, at least.