[ If the words made Neve sad, they only made Kai even sadder because it really drove home the all alone image. It yanked at Kai's heart and also made him wonder why he became an exception to the rule. Why did Neve let him in? Did it make him different? He sure hoped so.

Pulling back just a little to look into Neve's face, he cupped his cheek, lightly moving his thumb back and forth. An attempt to comfort and maybe to touch. Not as daring as the nuzzling but still yet. ]

You're not alone now. We - can figure it out together what you like, if you want. You - shouldn't be alone when you're sad.

[ Just the thought made him frown. ]