As they both moved through the faint darkness of the forest, the only light being dappled moonlight filtering through the leaves, it was rather tranquil in a manner of speaking. Calm and cool, the temperature just right for that time of the year. Not that it really changed all that much with the seasons, as the Land of Fire was a warmer place throughout the months. A soft breeze tugged at Kuronotsurugi's hair, and from the corner of his eyes he saw Hikari trailing behind him, not too far, but enough space was between them so they could move freely if need be. For a second it seemed that she had almost fallen, her landing on a branch not quite steady, but she managed to catch herself before she could fall to the forest floor below them. Inwardly he sighs, thankful that she had, or else it probably had made a racket, and that racket might lure in unwanted visitors. Though, truthfully, it was they who were the intruding guests.<br/><br/>After that initial slip, Kuro slightly lowers the speed in which they were moving. It wasn't all that big of a deal, they were in no hurry to get back to Konoha. In fact, he wouldn't mind if they spent the entire night traveling, the night winds cooling them, with nothing but the stars and the moon keeping them company. Yes. That would indeed be perfection, at least in Kuronotsurugi's eyes. Silence enveloped them, just as it had when they'd first headed out on the mission, and all that was heard were the sounds of the night, and their own faint footsteps, barely a whisper in the shadows. Though after a few more minutes pass by, Hikari speaks up, voicing something that was echoing within the depths of the shadowy confinements of Kuronotsurugi's own mind.<br/><br/>When she first spoke up, saying his name, he didn't think much of it. "Hmm?" He was too distracted on the enjoyment of the night that at first he'd missed the initial question, but then after a moment, a split second if you will, it reaches him. He noticed the tone of her voice, and the unsure way she spoke, making him glance back at her, a little longer than usual, noticing that she was not looking at him, before looking forward once again. He kept moving, silent, his thoughts racing. Was it truly what he wanted? Really? If he were completely one hundred percent honest with himself, the answer would have been an unclear one. His hardened, unfeeling self would have said yes...but now, even after this short time had passed, he found himself doubting that, though he would never admit it out loud. So...what did he want? Was it what SHE wanted? To be able to see each other again?<br/><br/>For the longest time he stayed quiet, lost in his thoughts, trying to figure out what the answer would or should be. He couldn't decide. A part of him wanted for them to go their separate ways, to never see each other again, to forget that this mission ever happened or that he'd ever met this girl...and yet, a small sliver, almost none existent yet still there...wanted to indeed keep in contact with her. Someone who was like himself in so many ways, and yet she was different too. Unlike others, her personality was tolerable...he could imagine himself opening up to her even more if he tried. She understood him, if only a little bit, and that was enough. But...was it okay? To accept her in to his life? To let down his barrier, and let her see him as he was? Truly? It seemed to be a terrible risk...but what was life without risk? Nothing but dull monotony.<br/><br/>After a while longer, he suddenly slows and then comes to a stop on a thin branch, which bent slightly under his weight. He stared straight ahead, a look of concentration on his face, his eyes serious, but showing no other emotion. "I...don't know." He replies, the words heavy on his tongue, which felt dry for some reason. He turns to look at her, and for the first time the expression on his face as he spoke showed something, something more. He was lost, and it seemed like he was struggling with an internal battle. His brows press together worriedly upon his forehead, his eyes narrowing slightly, and the corner of his lips tug downward in a soft frown. "I don't really know. Is it...what you want?" He takes a deep breath, and softly shakes his head. This was really uncomfortable, and extremely confusing... "If you want to...well...see me again. Come find me at the Uchiha compound." He looks away slightly, scratching his cheek with the tip of his forefinger in a rather nervous way. "Then I'll give you my answer...I will have it then...as to whether or not we will see each other..."<br/><br/>For a moment he stays like that, before turning around, his fist clenching and un-clenching lightly. It was the best answer he could give her for now. If she came, well, he had better find out what he wanted to say. Then, without another word, he moves, jumping to another branch, so that they continue on their way back to Konoha, his mind buzzing with thought. Just what the heck was going on with him? Why was this happening? What was so different about this girl? He shouldn't be thinking things like this, and yet he was. It made no sense...and yet he couldn't deny that it was happening. For now, he would deal with it in silence...once he got back to the village then he would have more time to sort things out.