Xio raised a hand slowly toward Kirihito's head. His sleeve fluttered gently in the light breeze.
Kirihito instinctively ducked. Half-expecting pain—half-wanting touch.
But Xio only petted him.
Soft fingers combed through silky strands, scratching gently behind his ears.
Kirihito purred.
His lips parted into a grin—snake-like, bird-like, strange but sweet. He swayed his head from side to side, chasing the warmth of Xio's fingers. His hair spilled messily over his covered eyes, but he didn't care. The pleasure overruled everything.
"That's a really pretty nickname to get from you," Xio whispered. "You're a sweet snake."
Kirihito chirped in return.
Purring. Clicking. Chirping.
"Prrrrrr~ chippi chippi chippi... purr..."
Xio blinked, stunned. He had never seen a snake yokai mimic bird calls before. And for some reason... it made his heart feel strangely light. So unexpectedly sweet, so strange, so lovable. It felt like his heart was being scratched in the same spot his hand was scratching Kirihito's head.
He let out a quiet laugh, barely a breath.
"You're really something else," he murmured.
He continued petting him, voice soft as a lullaby.
"Kirihito."
Kirihito, lost in the dream-like lull of affection, purred a little lower—acknowledging Xio with a slow, swaying tilt of his head. Though blindfolded, the quiet glow in his eyes hinted he was listening through the haze.
Xio shifted his posture, tone playful and comforting.
"As I said... I'll give you everything you need here. You won't even feel bored. I have a pair of pet bunnies—soft and fluffy. You can play with them."
"Hmph hmm~" Kirihito hummed, nodding once, faint mischief flickering behind his calm. He was silently excited. Something inside him softened—Xio, knowingly or unknowingly, had touched a key that opened a quiet room in him. A forgotten one.
Maybe he hadn't been forgotten after all.
"And I'll come visit every day. Not just to bring food or gifts. I'll come to play with you too. Keep you company."
Kirihito's head perked. His ears almost twitched. His soul-eyes brightened behind the veil of bangs.
He nodded twice—faster this time.
The idea of daily visits...playing, talking, maybe even getting a new ribbon or shiny thing—it felt like everything he ever wanted.
He almost chirped again, but held it back, too stunned by how good it felt to be chosen.
Xio smiled. Then, softer:
"But... if I don't show up for a few days, don't panic. It might be due to some urgent work."
Kirihito's smile faltered.
A flicker of shadow crossed his face.
The thought of being alone again—locked away just because someone asked him to wait—was enough to chip away at his joy. Not because he was scared, but because beauty and touch and rhythm were his lifelines. Without them, the world turned dry and grey.
"Then I'll go outsi—"
Kirihito began quickly, trying to reassure himself.
"No."
Xio cut him off, firm but gentle.
His eyes sharp now—soft, but unmoving.
"You can't go outside. No matter what."
Kirihito pouted. His lip slightly stuck out in frustration. Then he tried again.
"Then I'll go to that Kyoren's—"
Xio's expression shifted instantly.
The mere sound of Kyoren's name made his pupils narrow a little—like a string had been pulled deep inside his chest. His entire posture tensed, almost imperceptibly. He didn't move. Didn't breathe for a moment. Just... froze.
"…Don't say that name."
His voice was low now. Quiet, but heavy.
Kirihito tilted his head, confused, sensing the sudden coldness but not understanding why.
"…But why—"
"Because you're mine now."
Xio's voice softened again, yet there was a layer of possessiveness hiding beneath.
He exhaled slowly, fingers resuming their slow movement through Kirihito's hair.
"I'll give you everything you want, Kirihito. But don't ask about him again. He doesn't deserve to even touch your name."