I know. [ there's an attempt at a smile, there, a kind of reassurance that he's not going to go out there right this second — but whether he's trying to convince junpei or himself that it's all fine for him to remain here, well.

but it's fine, it has to be fine, because junpei is his first priority, always — and this is no different. the entire world could be full of snakes, out there, and he still wouldn't run out on him, not when he's explicitly asked him to stay.

so he sighs again, and turns his head to drop a kiss on junpei's head. ]

You don't need to thank me, love. Nowhere else I'd rather be. [ a pause, and then, softly, ] You matter to me more than anyone or anything else, yeah? So if you want me to stay, I'll stay.