"Kouryuu," Koumyou says gently, his concern writ on his face, "Genjo. I know you've lived a long time without me, now, but I'm still your-- I still think of you as my son."

He's not sure he ever put it so bluntly in words, before. Couldn't, really, in Kinzan temple.

"I don't know if you do -- if you can -- trust me. But I wish you still did, if not. You can tell me anything, I won't say a word to anyone about anything private like this."

He picks up his tea, and clears his tight throat.

"I noticed how you were on the way here, with me holding your hand. I want to at least know how to not make you miserable, now that you're grown."