[Fuyuhiko keeps his eyes forward as he leads her away from the beach. Like he's some kind of modern, furry Orpheus and Peko is his Eurydice. There's a city a little ways away (though it's probably just weird blobs for Peko), but he heads in the opposite direction. Wherever their destination is, it doesn't seem to be nearby.]

[Why couldn't he have been like a normal werewolf and gotten bigger at night. Then he could carry her to the castle. Which would not only be easier on her, but also make him look super manly and capable. A win-win for everyone.]

[But no, the best he can do is hold her hand. And his hold tightens slightly when she next speaks. He can't help but feel another pang of guilt at that admission. Nekomaru was right...she really would have been disappointed if he'd thrown away his life after she saved it. Why hadn't he cherished it from the start?]

I'm...glad too. [There's more he wants to say, more that he should say but, as usual, he can't bring himself to be so open with his feelings. Some day, though...some day he'll be able to do that. But right now, he has to focus on the fact that his answer really wasn't all that specific, now was it? He can, at least, clarify what he's glad about.] That you're alive, I mean. Not that I'm-- er. [Shit.] I mean, I'm glad I'm alive too but...not as much as I am about you.

[Definitely not looking back now, because he can feel the heat rising in his cheeks.]