Kasumi was a bit confused and concerned as his friend shut herself in her room. He had gathered by now that something had happened to her, and it was all he could do to not ask her directly, but his respect and love for his friend prevented him from bothering her. He only hoped that she would talk to him soon.  That day, he’d been lounging around with his wings out-- he had always been comfier that way-- and reading a book. As soon as he received her text, he dropped what he was doing and went to the living room, sitting next to her, though a bit on the edge of the couch so he didn’t sit on the wings folded behind him.  At first, he listened with curiosity. Of course not all humans were accepting of supernaturals-- many in his earlier years in Japan were so terrified of them that they either worshiped them and their power or tried to exterminate them. Yet he’d gotten used to the safety of Tabula Rasa, and forgotten that not everyone in the world was like that.  Yet he was happy to hear that Kiki lived in happiness in her early life. He had a content smile on his face as she talked about her caregivers and her wand. That smile quickly faded as she went on, talking about the town’s fierce hatred and the bullies. Then his neutral expression turned to a frown at the mention of the professor, eyes that were usually bright darkened. He knew what hatred and torture felt like, but he had never imagined that such a bright and bubbly girl had been put through such a terrible thing.  And then his face turned to one of dismay. A fire? Her family and home completely destroyed? His stomach churned as he realized he’d once again failed to protect someone he cared about-- but he pushed that feeling down, trying to reassure himself that there was nothing he could have done, since he didn’t know. Still, a feeling of guilt pressed at the back of his mind. As his dear friend started sobbing, he wasn’t sure what to do. She’s been so hurt lately-- did she even want a hug? The angel decided to test the waters by spreading one of his wings around her back, like a feather-covered arm around her. Hopefully this action wouldn’t be triggering to her. She liked his wings, didn’t she?  All he wanted to do was pull her in for a hug and tell her that it was safe here, he would keep her safe, and Stan would come running if he sensed her in danger, and she had so many friends here that truly cared for her... yet no words came. He just sat next to her, biting his lip and hanging his head, wishing he could go back in time to stop this from happening. He’d wanted to meet her grandmother, and back yummy things... but now this, and so much more, could never be. Finally, he spoke, yet his words were soft, his voice on the verge of cracking as well.  “Kiki... I’m so sorry. I’m here for you, whatever you need... I-... I’ll do my best to protect you from them. Thank you... for telling me.”   Yet the angel, strangely enough, did not feel just sadness, but also an aching burning rage, slowly rising in the pit of his stomach. It was an emotion he hadn’t felt this strongly for a couple of centuries.Â
She can’t help but smile through her tears, as she felt the angels wing wrap around her. Reaching up a shaky hand she gently ran her fingers along the soft feathers. Her sobs slowly dying down into soft gasps and sniffles. Reaching up and using her sleeve to wipe away at her tear blurred vision, she turned to look at the angel. She could see in his eyes that he cared about what had happened, not that it surprised her. The angel was a good friend and a kind soul she had no doubts that he would care. Leaning up against him as he spoke a small giggle escaped her lips. “You...really are like a guardian angel...” she rests her head on his shoulder and lets her eyes close for a moment. “I came here thinking....I’d put everything behind me....but it seems....that isn’t the case.” A soft sigh escapes her lips. “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner Kasumi...thank you for being patient.”