[ he doesn't need to tell her how much she means to him. it's there with how quickly he (literally) flies to her rescue. every time. it's there from her, too, in those quiet and little moments of subtle and overt care.

many a time she's seen yato's skill when it comes to the blade, but he's always so confident and so cool when he's fighting ayakashi. he's so focused and precise when he's going head-to-head with another god. not a movement wasted. his cry to let her go startles her with its intensity. how vicious he slices on a small cherry bat as she falls into his arms.

she blinks up at him. ]

Y, yeah. I'm okay. I-I'm okay, I promise. [ he saved her. she doesn't try to squirm out of his grip as he holds her. if anything, she curls up into a tighter ball against his chest, seeking his safety. her small head tucks and her ears lay flat.

the kick sends the bat flying and the rest seem to decide not to pick on the two anymore, fluttering away. the candycat would've been an easy meal... but not with a god protecting her. ]

They caught me off guard. Sorry, I... I didn't mean to worry you. [ comes hiyori's small voice. ]

... You're cold.