Ancient memories became arrows, piercing Dan Katō's psychological defenses.
-"Are you testing me?"
-"Speak."
Yes, Big Brother Leaf Dragon had never been that gentle a person.
If he had kept speaking and acting so gently, Dan could never have believed him. Only behavior like this could convince him-
There was no doubt that the person before him was not something in disguise, nor some technique meant to deceive. The person before him was Leaf Dragon. At the very least, this body belonged to Big Brother Leaf Dragon.
Dan Katō listened meekly. Gradually coming back to his senses, he drew half a breath, then shakily exhaled, an involuntary haze of tears clouding his eyes.
His lungs hurt as though they were bursting from lack of oxygen, and all his bodily discomfort rose as if from underwater, catching up with his drifting soul.
"Big Brother... Leaf Dragon..."
He began to tremble, his body pitching forward as though his strength had failed him. He collapsed into Leaf Dragon's arms, utterly unguarded, a picture of complete trust.
He rested his forehead against Leaf Dragon's chest, his head slightly bowed. His sky-colored hair slowly slipped down, brushing his neck and exposing that vulnerable spot.
His powerless hands barely clung to the front of Leaf Dragon's clothes. His rapid breathing and uncontrollable coughing made his call sound almost tearful.
"Yes, I'm here."
Leaf Dragon lowered his voice and answered softly.
At those words, Dan Katō trembled even harder. His fingers tightened on Leaf Dragon's clothes, and the blood that had stained his hands when he touched his wounds smeared the fabric red.
Hidden behind his body and hair, Dan Katō's eyes widened. His tear glands secreted tears, and hot drops fell onto the icy floor. Yet his eyes were utterly hollow, without even a trace of