[ Protea goes quiet for a long, long moment. It's strange – Chuuya isn't her Master and in many ways, they couldn't be less alike. But hearing Chuuya say that makes her stomach feel full and warm in the same way Master's words do sometimes, as if the grumbling in her tummy can be satisfied with just that.

She manages a smile. ]

I think... it'd be better if we were both still with the others. But if we have to be stuck here, then I'm glad we're together, Chuuya-san.