[ The words feel so good to hear, like an ointment on the wounds on his soul, cooling the burn.

But ... ]

You can't promise that. Not really. Thirteen ... she can take you away again whenever she wants.

[ It's sad. Frightened. Helpless.

But he presses their lips together briefly, a gentle, solemn kiss. ]

... but ... would you ... move in with me?

[ He doesn't want to force Natsume into it by any means. The last thing he wants to ever do is be controlling. ]

You don't have to ... I know it's a lot to ask ... but ...