Something in his face changes.

A serenity she's not seen before transforms his features. The powerful, hard, cold daiyoukai is suddenly soft and gentle, and his eyes warm to liquid gold.

A chill runs down her spine when the tips of his claws oh-so-carefully brush down her palm.

He looks like he wants to say something but can't.

She understands. It's new for him as it's new for her, but it's new for them both in different ways.

And that's okay.

He's given her safety, protection, companionship, and pieces of him others have not seen.

She can give him understanding.