[ Ah, so there it is. Yenh pauses her hands, clamping his nipples with her fingers as she licks her lips and begins to formulate her response. ]

It's not... about reciprocity. [ She feels a whelling of emotions that she has labored to keep guarded and checked, and the ache of a deep hurt plays out across her face. It was frustrating to find herself put to the task of dealing with the feeling again and again and again. It was exhausting in ways that combat could never be. ]

[ Her eyes return their focus onto him. ] It is true that I don't... feel anything so deep and significant. Yet, ultimately, I do still care for your wellbeing.

I wish you to see me as a friend. A protector. If you can "love" me that way, then I'll gladly accept your attentions.