Glancing at his own hand, feeling as though it had overstayed it's welcome, Declan drew away, licking his lips and turning his gaze back to the window, watching the snow. He felt heat creeping up the back of his neck, though he didn't understand why. Aoba's words garnered a small smile though. Wistful, yet with a twist of hope.

"There will always be a home for you here, Aoba...but I don't imagine you'd want to return to all this when you're back with the people you love. Why come to a war-torn land when you have everything there? Family, a blessed future where you can be and do anything you wish. I will miss you. Sorely. But I'll always rest well knowing you're safe somewhere. Your happiness is so important to me." And why would Aoba be happy there with him?