He lifted his head to look at him. “The monocle I gave you represents everything I’m giving you. The trust I’m putting into you … to give it back … it felt as if it meant nothing.”
He shifted and buried his face again. “I over reacted I know.”
There was silence for several seconds as Hakuba thought about that, struck by the simple significance. Suddenly, it all made sense. He looked down at him, all conflicted and bruised thoughts on the subject ebbing away. It might have been the wine, it might have been the honeyglow, but there was a feeling of resolution resonating in him that made everything just so comfortable.
He moved a hand to Kaito’s cheek, slipping it under to his chin to guide him to look up, giving an affectionate smile. “It’s all right. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. Thank you.” Then he moved to kiss him, warm and full on the lips, no longer held back by his usual inhibitions.