She shook her head, warmed by his wide smile in spite of herself. Was this the same Kisuke she'd seen before? Or a different one who'd been drawn to the Sphere?

It didn't matter. Either way, she was glad to see him again.

She tilted her head at his question. So she was familiar to him this time; the realization loosened a knot in her chest that she hadn't even realized she was carrying.

"I wouldn't find it odd at all," she said, coming to her feet. "But it's not something I care to answer out in the open." With a flick of one small ear, she starting walking, betting his curious nature would prompt him to follow her.