[ Kainé can scarcely believe that she's even having a conversation like this. Letting her guard down like this, the way so much of her life has trained her not to. Speaking of things that she's ashamed of. But it's happening, that's what matters. She can't overcome her uneasiness but... this is easier than she expected. Anna is saying things that she's felt herself, the same fears and yearnings. She wants to understand Anna, too. She wants so much from her. ]

We really are alike, huh? [ Kainé shifts on the bed, closes her eyes for a moment before continuing. ] I— I've lost so many people. Getting close... that shit hurts. It scares me. Every time I lose somebody, I lose a part of me. [ Her voice is soft and low, still unable to escape the weight of grief. She looks over to Anna, sidelong.] But I think it's too late for that. I just keep getting drawn in anyway. It's like you said. You're already stuck with me. I just... I'm still scared.

[ And now she does look at Anna, and it's not with fury or bitterness. It's soft and kind. Like those little glimmers of affection she would have seen throughout their days. The weight of Anna's metallic hand is comforting over hers. ]

I don't— I can't put a name to all this shit yet, okay? I just... it's a lot, it terrifies the hell out of me, and we're both... bad at shit like this. But I wanna understand you. And I wanna stay with you.

[ So to make that point, Kainé closes the gap between them, and kisses her. ]