[ first, let's set something straight. souza sits up enough to look at tenka properly again, mismatched eyes serious once more. ] Tenka-san, you're not my owner, but you're the closest thing I have to one at the moment. The things you tell me are in complete confidence unless you specifically request otherwise. [ he lifts his hand to gently tug a few stray strands of the human's hair, mouth quirking at last. ] .. And I certainly wouldn't say upsetting things to children, anyway. Humans grow and grow older too quickly as it is. They shouldn't have to become adults so soon.

[ he curls in close again, then, hands smoothing his apron and kimono down over his legs. it seems unfortunate that shirasu's brother would want to continue old rivalries. he hopes sousei can just avoid them. that seems safest.

speaking of safety.. ] I'll do my best, of course. But I think it would be best if you stayed away from him, too, Tenka-san. If he really wants to hurt you that badly, that is.

[ he's not sure yet what he'd do if something happened to tenka. he's not his owner, so technically it shouldn't matter, but-- he can't see himself just accepting it, either. and he doesn't want to hurt anyone. he wants to befriend shirasu and his brother, after all. ]