[ there is something about being touched this way by another living, breathing being that makes her feel connected. it was something she had lacked when her sentience was first born-- her loneliness then is a memory she can never let go of. ]

I cannot justify having expectations of you, Kirei. [ she may have them, but if she does, she considers them illogical. ] You yourself hardly know what you are capable of. Taking into account my own inexperience with relationships of this nature, expectations carry a great risk for disappointment.

I am unsure that I am emotionally prepared to face that.

[ not with someone so important. not so soon after the last one. ]