(That wasn't teasing. He'd been quite serious! ...But it was amusing how obvious their feelings had been.)

Surely Izuminokami would be offended if he rejected the offer now. Tonbokiri, at last, realizes how deep he's gotten himself and relents. Sliding himself slowly over the tatami mat, he comes to keel in front of the mirror and with both hands passes Izuminokami the comb.

"I put myself in your care."

The warmth in his face is not going to fade any time soon, but he still takes a deep breath to calm himself.