i have so many thoughts about this so my response is bit long 😭 one of the reasons kafblade’s dynamic is so interesting to me is bc touch is canonically an important part of their relationship regardless of whether you choose to interpret it as platonic or romantic. we know physical contact isn't necessary for kafka's whisper to work, there is no implication that prolonged direct touch enhances the efficiency of her persuasion and during their meeting, sam was holding him still, not kafka, so touch was not initially incorporated into her handling his mara. bc mara is associated with memories and strong negative emotions, the way to “decrease its potency” is to remove stressors (which kafka does by “cleansing” his memories) and create a comfortable environment so if kafka's touch wasn't comforting for him, she'd have no reason to incorporate it since it'd be unnecessary work on her part at best and distressing to blade at worst. at some point in their time together they developed a closeness where blade isn't only comfortable with her touch. he’s comforted through it and that's such an important distinction for two people with a tendency to physically and emotionally distance themselves from others, including each other. i have plenty of thoughts about their individual feelings and experiences regarding touch, its role in emotional intimacy and how these beliefs manifest as behaviors in their interpersonal relationships but for the sake of keeping this as short as possible i'll just say i agree that touch is an important and complicated thing in a relationship with two people with disorganized attachment who are both disconnected from their sense of personhood, especially when you consider touch as an act of vulnerability for both parties