"I do," Bruce said with a nod, "But if I misspeak, forgive me. I don't have many opportunities to practice my spoken Japanese. Shall we go?"

The kids gathered up their coats and such and followed him in duckling-like procession, Ruka eventually tugging on his sleeve until he understood that she needed to be carried. She was a small but solid weight in his arms, making herself comfortable against his shoulder even though he had no idea how to hold her. The day was brisk and clear, some trees beginning to flower in that way that made his allergies tingle. All in all, it was nice.