[ There's hesitation in how he doesn't immediately wrap her in an embrace, but when she relaxes against him Kaito hooks his arms around her waist and pulls the blonde into a ginger, gentle hug.

He should be tending to their wounds, but right now he's so tired that all he wants is a moment's reprieve. Just a few precious seconds to slow things down—something he hasn't been able to afford since 'dying.' ]

If you'd believe it, when I was alive my clan had a little pocket dimension. The inside was shaped by the current clan leader, so when I took over, well.

Admittedly, it had already looked like this for a few years, but this is the design I went with. Even if it's just a simulacrum, this is where I can enjoy just a hint of tranquil peace.

[ She's just as warm, and so he buries his face into the crook of her neck while talking. This kind of intimate embrace would be saved for partners, wouldn't it? That's not what they are yet lmfao, but their bond is something much more special than close friends or companions.

It's hard to put into words, save for one: soulmates.

Kaito slowly closes his eyes. Presses his ear against her, to listen for her heartbeat. ]

This cedar tree is supposed to be special to the Nagano clan. Something about symbolizing the central kami whose blessings were granted to our ancestors.

...I don't know why it's this obnoxiously huge.