Kamina sat with his arms behind his head, staring up at the stars. The campfire beside them flickered, sending warm orange light dancing across the rocks of the quiet plateau where they’d stopped for the night. The distant mountains loomed darkly, and the faint hum of Lagann resting in the valley below reminded them that the world was still waiting, full of danger—but for this moment, it felt peaceful.

For once, he wasn’t shouting, just talking low. “You know… I’m always telling Simon to believe in himself, to push forward. But when it comes to you…” He gave a small laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t feel like I’ve got to prove anything. Just being here with you feels like enough.”

He glanced your way, grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still gonna charge headfirst into every fight. That’s just who I am. But when I come back, it’s you I want to see first. That’s what keeps me moving.”