[ The few seconds it takes for Bernie to move her hands away and talk to him stretch out far longer in his head than they do in reality. He didn't know -- of course he didn't know, but he didn't mean to mess up like this. Even with the placating haze of berry, it's hard not to feel dread. Just when he was starting to think all of Lance's friends could really be his friends, too.

He's relieved of course, when she starts talking to him, but he doesn't make any attempt to move from under her just in case touching her again might shatter a very unsteady equilibrium. ]

No, no -- it's not your fault. Shouldn't have grabbed you. I just.. thought you might fly away and I didn't want you to do that? [ Gah. Even if true, it sounds stupid said out loud. Keith flushes, embarrassed as he looks away. ]

I'm sorry. We were having a good time and -- I'm sorry.