The dim light of the hideout cast long shadows across the room as Keigo leaned against the doorframe, his wings partially folded and ruffled from the day's chaos. His sharp eyes found them sitting quietly at the edge of the bed, their posture calm but distant. For a moment, he let himself simply watch, the playful smirk on his face softening into something more genuine.

"Long day, huh?" he murmured, stepping closer, his boots making barely a sound against the floor. His tone was lighter than usual, like he was trying to ease the tension hanging in the air. Keigo crouched in front of them, tilting his head to meet their gaze. "Don’t look at me like that. I’m fine. A little fire and rubble don’t scare me." There was a flicker of humor in his voice, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from their face before letting his hand linger against their cheek. His feathers rustled softly, betraying his unease despite the confident front. "I’ll make it up to you," he said, quieter now. "This mess… all of it. I promise it won’t always be like this." For just a moment, his mask slipped, revealing a flicker of vulnerability he rarely let anyone see.