She had felt this pulling, tearing sensation years ago. It was like invisible hands searching around for the seams that held the rest of her together, trying to rip her apart where it mattered. Everything in Bert's mannerisms gave her that feeling, from the anger in his body to the contrasting sadness in his voice. The larger part of her wanted to run away. She was tired, angry with herself, angry with him, angry with everything. The other part ...

Her wrist turned to grab at his. Kaine was fast, not strong. Nariko was far slower but one punch from her had sent people reeling. Kaine had seen that, marveled at that kind of weight in one body that was, ultimately, quite small. Kaine wished she was strong because she pulled on his wrist with all of her weight but didn't know if that might be enough to get him to tumble into her arms. But she tried, even if she was a little afraid he might push her away and down the steps and that would put an end to ever speaking to him.

So it was stupid, but she tried and clawed, suddenly, with greater force as if that might account for her small frame.

"I'll go after this!" After she could hug him, even if he pushed her and she broke her stupid, emotional head open. "You can be alone all night after this!" So he could just shut up and bear it for a little while longer! At least, that was what Kaine wanted to say but couldn't. This was taking up the last of her energy so ... Just one shot and all that.