It really was just like him to charge right into it, but if he didn't step forward and man up now, when would he? Not even he knew.

But she spoke, and any well-built confidence was quickly shaken. She had some kind of disclaimer, something put forward that he had to- what- that he didn't already understand? She really did over think things. But she had a point- she wasn't gonna plant her roots or anything, but... h-he wasn't saying they were gonna run off right now to get married or something!

He sighed through his nose. It all made sense, but there was something he didn't like about what she was saying. He shook his head, folding his arms over his chest.

"Hey... ya don't think after all we've been through that I didn't know that already? You're the most devoted person I know, Naoto. Never seen anyone in their element like you were during the whole damn case."

But his eyes hardened as he turned them skyward. The air smelled smoky. It was gonna snow again tonight.

"...And I don't like princesses or 'proper' Japanese girls. Not about to start, neither. I like... I like smart, stubborn, mysterious, really cool girls who ain't too scared to stand up to people." But as he lowered his gaze, his hardened expression had broken. There was a ghost of a smile, something fond.

"I know one that tried ta make Christmas cake and asked what the hell a 'dab' is, what a 'dollop' is, and tried hiding pot stickers they made even when they weren't all that bad. I don't even remember how many I ate, but it was a ton, easy. But right now, she's comparing herself to other people, and that ain't cool. Hell, I even wore a weird outfit one time, ready for her to laugh at me, but she never did."

He turned, leaning back against the ledge. "I'd do it again, too. Not gonna lie, I lined it all up with silk and it was so freakin' soft..."