Yuuto did not bother to wrestle the corners of his mouth into a frown at his companion's words. The angle of their bodies would hide the fond smile this seemingly limitless positivity inspired. He knew that the sensitive boy was not feeling as bright as he pretended. How could he, considering the circumstances? But like his older sister Ryotaro would smilingly roll with the judders over time's tracks. Should he tumble or bump into furniture that expression would waver little. That was what true strength was: feeling weak or lost yet pushing on to do what was needed despite this. The Nogami's were made of exceptionally durable material. It was this constant luminosity that had attracted the older Sakurai to Airi. Indeed, to her family. They were few in number but enormous of spirit. Like a constellation comprised of small yet brilliant stars clustered together against the world's black expanse. Perhaps Yuuto would never become the soft-handed man they had known. Yet he loved his once-future kin with everything he had and more besides. Compassionate as his heart beat, it was for this family that he had fought and lost all. Time's sanctity would have meant little to him had it not been where the Nogami's were.
It was not far to the kitchen with such pace. It seemed sometimes as if Yuuto's rare force of will could strong-arm the mechanics of the TARDIS into order. Hallways changed less for him than most people (and occasionally moved to hasten his journey if she was feeling amicable). There was little need for conversation during their trek. Which suited the elder man just fine since he didn't trust himself not to betray the unacceptably mushy feelings sloshing around his ribs. Automatically Yuuto shielded Ryotaro safely behind him and paused on the threshold to scan for threats. None were apparent in the empty room. Once he had deemed the space safe he transferred his hold from wrist to shoulders and guided Ryotaro to a chair at one of the mismatched dining tables. Yuuto himself leaned against the table edge. Though he had adjusted to slightly calmer temperament in the TARDIS his body had ratcheted its alert level higher now that his friend was present. Not that he would admit how protective he felt--- least of all to Ryotaro.
Deneb's tall form materialized in a burst of green light. "Okay!" The cheerful Imagin exclaimed, clapping his tubular fingers together. "What would you like to eat, Nogami? Something healthy! Or maybe something sweet to calm you? Ah, I know just the thing, just the thing! Excuse me please." With an excited bow he bustled over to the cupboards and began rummaging. Happy baritone humming echoed out. Yuuto huffed out a breath both amused and exasperated. Deneb had a peculiar way of shamelessly expressing feelings his contract holder never dared show. "He's been like that ever since we got here. Not being able to cook for people was hard on him, I think."