The kiss had caught him by surprise. There was a slow blink, then another. His free hand came up, tenderly taking her chin, keeping Ishiyo's head tilted up. Long, delicate fingers gracing her skin, before he leaned in himself.

A second kiss, struggling to find the assuredness, but he pushed through with confidence, eyes closed.

As with their other moments...this too ended. As their lips parted, Ishiyo smiled. Twin streams of tears ran down her cheeks and her blue eyes held his. She could not find her voice, so all the Crane could do was squeeze his hand as if she could hold him forever.