It's a better response than shut up, which Nier has heard plenty of in his misadventuring at her side. Or rather, hers at his, he supposes. In spite of the nature of their exchange, Nier's smile is a softer one, exposing a part of the man that he thought he'd lost. The state of the world has had an opportunity to take its way with him, destroying the hope that he's clung to in the face of ever-growing adversity.

Without even the hint of a pause, his initial response is what comes first—the closest thing to a bark that Nier can express. She'll love it, he's sure, and honestly with his tenacity, maybe comparing him to a dog isn't completely wrong either. He makes a note to ask Yonah about it later and see what her very professional opinion is like.

Kainé asks what is probably the most pertinent question that one could ask him. Truthfully, it almost seems as if his daughter has somehow been untouched by the situations that they've all been through. Is that the power of youth? Is it simply his desire to perceive things that way? Nier has a lot of questions, but tries not to overthink it too much. All that should really matter is how they're here now. In the present moment. Very much in the flesh.

...Or so it would appear, anyway.

"She's tough," Nier replies with an undeniable fatherly pride. "Always has been." Has never had a chance to be anything less than, unfortunately. "Some days it doesn't even seem like things are any different than they were before we ever found Weiss. She asks about you all the time, though. You should really reconsider spending more time with us. You're always welcome, Kainé."

She won't want to hear it, but he has to say it anyway.