Kurama tensed, surprised, then relaxed, returning the embrace under a wave of regret and sadness.

If I had waited, was the horrible thought, if I had only waited a little while...

He allowed the embrace a while longer before pulling away slightly, still within touching distance, his hands lingering on Kuronue's arms. "Much has changed," he said, avoiding Kuronue's eyes. "How... has any time passed for you?"