[Souji makes a soft little sound at the sight of more tears, distressed in spite of himself, because while he understands that they're not necessarily bad tears, that there is more than just hurt behind them... Well, he knows that even the good kind of tears can't come without pain, and for how long you have to endure that pain, for the tears to truly come as a relief.

He nods in response to the question, trying to pour encouragement and affection and truth into that smile.]

I was asked about my swords, and told- I was told that they loved me. It was- [He doesn't even know how to describe the feeling, so he quietly shakes his head, wonder making his breath tremble as he slowly exhales.] Of course I wanted to see you, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. I don't know of a single true warrior who doesn't love his swords, and to have the chance to actually meet you, talk to you, tell you that I do... it's an honor, you know.

[He moved his hand from Kashuu's back, but only so he could lace their fingers together instead, his heart aching just a bit with the sincerity of his words, his smile.] And now I realize that it wasn't the only thing I ought to tell you.