Ryuu's residence was modest but well-kept, a sanctuary away from the chaos. He laid Tsukina on a soft bed, meticulously cleaning and bandaging her injuries. His hands moved with a tenderness that surprised him. He found himself watching over her, captivated by the peaceful expression on her face despite her injuries.

When Tsukina awoke, she sat up immediately, her eyes wide with confusion. She looked around the unfamiliar room, noting the bandages and wraps covering her arms and legs. Panic set in, and she attempted to get out of bed, only to collapse to the floor as soon as she put pressure on her leg. "Ow..." she whimpered, trying to lift herself up, but her body was too weak. A wave of intense pain surged through her, bringing tears to her eyes.

Ryuu, who had momentarily left the room to prepare some soup, heard her cry and rushed back. He found her on the floor, struggling. Quickly setting the bowl of soup on the nightstand, he knelt beside her, gently helping her back onto the bed. His touch was reassuring, and he wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace. "You're awake," he whispered, relief evident in his voice.

Tsukina felt the warmth and security of Ryuu's embrace. She allowed herself to relax, leaning against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was calming, and for a moment, she felt safe despite the pain. Ryuu held her close, his emotions in turmoil. He was relieved she was awake, but something else was growing inside him—a deep, protective affection for her. As Tsukina drifted back to sleep, Ryuu couldn't help but watch her, his feelings intensifying. She looked so vulnerable, yet there was a strength in her that drew him in. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering longer than necessary. His heart ached with an unfamiliar longing, and he realized he was slowly falling in love with her.

Ryuu quietly contacted Rose as the girl rests on him. "She's awake… well she went back to sleep" he said softly. "Inform her sister Angel that she's safe." He paused, his thoughts racing. "We need to move forward with our plan against Serenity, but... Tsukina comes first. Her safety is my priority."

Over the next few days, Ryuu devoted himself to Tsukina's care. He prepared nourishing meals, changed her bandages, and stayed by her side, offering comfort and companionship. They talked in the quiet moments, sharing stories and learning about each other's lives. Ryuu found himself drawn to her resilience and kindness, while Tsukina grew to trust him, finding solace in his presence.

Their bond deepened with each passing day. Ryuu's initial sense of duty transformed into genuine affection. He was falling in love, and it both terrified and exhilarated him. He knew their world was fraught with danger, but with Tsukina by his side, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would face whatever came next.

After a few weeks of recovery for both sisters, Ryuu and Tsukina had grown closer, spending more time together and enjoying each other's company. Their days were filled with light-hearted conversations and quiet moments, laughter echoing in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of Ryuu's home. Tsukina's scars were healing, and with each passing day, she regained more of her strength. The bond between them blossomed like the spring flowers that began to peek through the remnants of winter.

One night, as Ryuu carefully re-bandaged Tsukina's scars, he couldn't help but notice the peacock feathers scattered delicately along her arms and shoulders. He had seen them before, but tonight, something compelled him to ask. With a gentle touch, he sat beside her, rubbing his thumb over the softness of the feathers on her forearm.

"You know, these are odd yet beautiful," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "How come you never talk about them?"

Tsukina's gaze fell to the ground, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I don't want people to think I'm a freak or a beast," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryuu's heart ached at her words. He knew the pain of feeling different, of hiding parts of oneself out of fear. "We all are freaks in one way or another," he said, moving his hair aside to reveal his right eye—a striking, pearly white that gleamed in the dim light. "I'm not sure why this eye is white, but it makes me a freak too. It lets me see things I'm not supposed to see—things hidden from normal eyes. I can see through things to spot certain items or people. So even if your feathers make you feel like a freak, try to find the good in them."

With a gentle tug, he pulled on a loose feather, and as it disconnected from her skin, it transformed instantly—softness turning to sharpness, resembling a blade, hard as metal. He held it up, the light catching its iridescent sheen. "See what I mean?" he added, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Tsukina's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat as she examined the feather in his hand. "I had no idea they could do that," she murmured, a mixture of awe and uncertainty in her voice.

Ryuu smiled gently, his heart swelling with a protective affection for her. "Your feathers are special, just like you. They’re not something to hide but rather something to embrace. They give you a unique strength, something that sets you apart in a world where everyone is trying to fit in."

Tsukina felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had spent so much time hiding her feathers, ashamed of being different. But here was Ryuu, encouraging her to see them as a part of her, a testament to her uniqueness. For the first time, she felt a flicker of pride in her differences rather than shame.

"Thank you," she said softly, looking up into his eyes. There was a sincerity in his gaze that made her heart race. "I guess I've been too focused on how others might see me instead of accepting myself."

Ryuu nodded, his thumb continuing to caress the soft feathers, their connection deepening with each passing moment. "We all have our struggles, Tsukina. But together, we can face whatever comes our way. You don’t have to hide with me."

A sense of comfort enveloped them, and as they shared a moment of silence, the bond between them grew stronger. Tsukina found herself leaning into him, feeling safe and cherished. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the remnants of their past struggles, she realized that perhaps being different was not something to fear but something to celebrate.

With newfound courage, she whispered, "Maybe I will embrace my feathers more."