Looking down at her, he let out a tired breath.
"Yes, but you're Alice."
Her head snapped up.
"Hmph! What's that supposed to mean?!"
He drew her closer, his palm settling over her hair.
"It means you're my amazing little sister."
The indignation on her face faltered. She tried to hold on to it while he brushed a strand away from her eyes, but being tucked against her big brother made the effort rather difficult.
"Well... obviously."
"Others won't be like you."
His voice softened further as he looked at the girl in his arms. He was so proud of her courage, so grateful every time she chose to stand beside him. He also wanted her safe with a desperation that made his earlier words feel painfully honest.
"Even with you, I worry."
Alice tightened her hold.
"Then I'll help look after them too."
Yunohana reached him from the other side, her hand resting against his chest. There were tears in her eyes when he turned toward her.
"Yuno..."
