Sea

Although he didn't admit it openly, Kurogane prided himself in his keen observation skills.

Of course, these talents were developed naturally; they were bound to be, after living with Tomoyo for so long. Any man would need to keep on his toes around Tomoyo, even on ordinary days (that is, Kurogane was smart enough to realize when exactly it was her "time of the month", in which he chose to avoid her entirely). He developed them without much difficulty; after all, he relied on them greatly to protect his princess (though truthfully, her magic wasn't weak enough so that she need to rely on Kurogane… not that he was ready to admit it).

He saw lots of things, sometimes without people even noticing. Most people, when they observe others, do so obtrusively and openly, as if priding themselves in knowing things that others supposedly did it. But it came to Kurogane easily. One look and he could see everything, even behind the most intricate of masks.

The gaki believed that he hid his feelings pretty well for someone with such a stirring childhood and a grievous mission that tore at the heart. After all, he never really shed tears over the matter, nor has he stopped smiling for that girl's sake. Yet from the beginning, Kurogane saw. He knew.

He saw the tender brush of the gaki's hand with hers and the softness in his eyes when he looked at her. He could see the stoniness behind the boy's brown eyes and could see his despair. One look, that was all it took. And he knew.

Not as to say that being this observant was any fun. Quite the contrary; he often found it burdensome and oppressing. What man liked to see the entire world explained to him? Kurogane wished he floated in a sea of ignorance, where the waves would rock him and reassure him that yes, everything would be okay. Even if it were a lie.

Which is why when he met that guy, he felt like he was submerged. Looking in his eyes, Kurogane could see nothing. For the first time in a long while, he was blind, and he felt like he was swimming in the sea of ignorant blue. It felt peaceful and safe, yet daring and exciting at the same moment. Suddenly overpowered by this feeling of not knowing, he wanted more. Something about him, something about him was so startlingly familiar. He was suddenly reminded of Tomoyo and the sense of comfort that he felt around her. The calm.

So he puts up with the name-calling (Kurogane also prides himself on his good temper) just to be around him. He doesn't sense his despair or his anguish like Kurogane does with the gaki. Instead, he sees only a man, mysteriously smiling. Kurogane knows he's hiding, but for the moment, he doesn't mind not knowing.