The sun was already setting when Geto and the others returned.
The younger members of his group carried small bags of food and supplies, their chatter filling the quiet air as they stepped back into the old temple they called home.
The two girls walked in last, laughing softly at some private joke before slipping off their shoes and heading inside.
Roy was already there, sitting cross legged on the floor with his back against the wall, a book resting half open on his knee.
His crimson hair spilled over his shoulders like a flowing curtain, the lamplight making it burn faintly against the dim wooden room.
He closed the book with a soft thump as Geto entered, his scarlet eyes rising to meet his guardian's calm, tired smile.
"How did it go?"
Roy asked, voice casual, as though he already knew the answer.
Geto loosened his scarf and shrugged, as if the encounter had been nothing more than a mundane errand.
"It went fine,"
He said, his tone light.
"We delivered our little message. Now, the pieces will move exactly where they need to."
Roy let out a small exhale, tilting his head as if trying to read the weight behind Geto's words. Then, with a crooked grin, he muttered.
"So it's finally about time I get some fresh air, huh?"
That earned him a quiet chuckle from Geto.
"Something like that."
From the kitchen, one of the girls peeked out.
"Fresh air? You make it sound like you're a prisoner, Roy."
"I kind of am,"
Roy shot back with a playful smirk.
"Been cooped up in here for four years. You'd think Geto sama was hiding me like some rare artifact."
The others laughed at that, but Geto only shook his head, moving past Roy and setting his bag down on the counter.
"Rare artifact? You're more trouble than treasure sometimes."
He teased, his voice carrying an unusual warmth.
Roy pushed himself up from the floor, stretching his long frame.
"Still,"
He said, more quietly this time,
"it's about time, isn't it?"
Geto glanced at him over his shoulder.
The room seemed to settle for a moment, the laughter of the girls fading into the background.
"Yes,"
Geto replied simply.
"Soon, you'll have your part to play. And when that time comes… make sure the air you breathe feels worth it."
Roy studied him for a heartbeat, then gave a small nod, the usual grin slipping back onto his face.
"Guess I'll make it count, then."
The night carried on with the sound of pans clattering in the kitchen, the smell of rice and simmering broth filling the home.
For anyone looking in, it would have seemed almost ordinary, a group sharing dinner, trading jokes, living quietly.