[this time, kaiba doesn't bother to hold back. he has no bags to hold; he has no other eyes upon him. so he takes that hand and squeezes it tight.]

You did. You protected me. You saved me. Myself, my brother, my life. You did all of that.

[it wasn't often that he lost composure, at least outside his own anger. but his voice cracks. and he can't help but think about that blue-eyes, drawn all in crayon, that motivated him thus far. that drove him to escape the terrible place that was gozaburo's grasp. he made something of himself, because of her. and he became something much greater.

he lifts their joined hands and presses his forehead against them. he looks like he might cry, if he even could anymore.]

You never died. And you never failed, not once. It's why we have to go together.

[kisara was the last person who belonged in hell. and maybe on the back of a blue eyes, they could...]

I can't leave you behind ever again, Kisara. So don't say that to me.