Yue wouldn't have to back away. The way he'd startled and the surprise on his face was enough to make Yuuhi withdraw his hand as though he'd accidentally burned the man next to him, rather than simply touched him. It was a reaction he was familiar with, unfortunately.

Yue's cold and upset words did little else to help. Once again, he'd only succeeded in making things worse. Last time he'd made Ururu cry, and now Yue seemed more irritated than ever. Yuuhi still kept up his smile, but it was empty, and hardly reached his cool blue eyes. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.

At least he'd confirmed one thing. Yue was just as he'd suspected. A creation of magic, some sort of familiar. He wondered then, not for the first time, if Chii felt the same way when he wasn't there. He did understand. More than Yue realized. "Then perhaps," he started, almost afraid to say more, but afraid to just leave things as they were too. "...your goal should be to return to your charge. I'm sure Sakura, and the others you mentioned are waiting for you."