"... Without those, he's just another bystander. So protect him, if you think that's important. But forcing the issue won't help." Whatever 'protection' means to Ciro. ... And it's not like he won't help. "Just say the word and I'll be there."

Chikusa isn't Kanon. No one could be. But there's still the lingering feeling of protectiveness, of closeness, of a life spent together.