[ It's obvious that a lot is happening in her head as she sits silently, seemingly self-consciously, everything about her body language telling him to stay exactly where he is, and not say anything yet. He doesn't want to push before she's ready, or to talk over her and ruin her train of thoughts - whatever she has to say, it seems that it's important.

And then, she says it, and Baby is struck dumb, a little, because of all things... well, he did not expect this. Not from Kimberly, anyway, who appeared to him so self-possessed and confident and bold, and who might actually be a lot more afraid than she is letting it on. The veneer she puts on herself at all times is efficient, because until now, he did not realize that all of this was brewing, right under the surface.

Without much thought, Baby straightens up, leaving his mug on the counter as he comes closer, and gathers Kimberly into his arms, in a hug she can easily pull out of if she so wishes. It's more to show reassurance that he is, as a matter of fact, here to stay than anything else, but it feels important all the same. When he pulls away, he looks at her straight on. ]

I want you to know, and I fully mean it, that you and Isabelle are two completely, completely different people. And my liking her has nothing to do with you. It wasn't because she is better than you.

[ He takes a breath, wishing, once more, that he was better at all of this than he actually is. ]

And my liking her doesn't replace you, either. The two of you are not mutually exclusive. I thought I could - date several people at once, but I'm not. I'm not able to do that. But that doesn't change that I like you, and I'd like to be your friend, if you're okay with that.

[ This is a lot of talking, for Baby. So he stops, feeling a bit dumb again, wondering if he's said anything right. ]