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As they began to walk, they fell into a companionable pace, Yuudai keeping to Kiran's elbow on the side where he wasn't carrying the crate. His proximity assured that no one would attempt to wedge between him and his friend while they walked, making conversation easier; it was apparent they were going to the same place, obviously. It had been some time since he'd simply taken a walk with someone, so it was nice.

"My family is..." He drew in a breath, puffed out his cheeks. Where to begin? He could talk for hours about his family, about their virtues and flaws. The easiest way to get to know them would be to meet them, of course, but given the fact that he had so many siblings... it would probably be beneficial for Kiran to at least have a crash course in them.

"Well, to begin with, there's my father. He's very quiet," he said, lips turning upward into a smile. "He spends most of his time in the kitchens. Actually, he taught me to cook. He's much softer than my mother, and very unassuming. He watches people more than he talks to him."

His father's face came to his mind, familiar lines set in the fondest place of his heart. Then his mother, slightly more stern around the mouth, but still pleasant and welcoming. "My mother was always the disciplinarian. If we did something wrong, she was the one who punished us, and father always backed her up. She's a bit... demanding, but she's friendly."

The more he spoke of his family, the lighter his tone became -- that was, until he got to his eldest sister. "Then there's Junko, my eldest sister. She's willful and headstrong, and seems to always be doing something outlandish simply for the reaction. Stubborn," he added, a bit of heat coming to his voice. "We don't really get along because she insists on testing the limit for everything."

His shoulders relaxed as he relented, "Still, she's a good person. Masami is next, elder than me by a year. She and I have always been close, and she's much more calm and demure than Junko. She's very actively involved in running the family business, especially since I've been gone. She's quiet, but not a pushover in the least. She'll likely make you feel the most welcome."

He tucked his arms into his sleeves, tipping his head back a bit as they walked. The sky was bright and clear, a beautiful backdrop to the fluffy white clouds. Everything was so.. peaceful.

"Natsuko is three years my junior, and recently married." His expression became a bit forbidding at this, but his voice remained steady. "She won't be at home, as she now lives with her husband. She's always been a bit flighty and silly, but she's happy now."

There was no mistaking the pride and affection on his face when he glanced to Kiran this time, his tone warming as he said, "And then Shizuka, the youngest. I.. dote on her, I admit. She's a sweet, darling little girl, very helpful and attentive. Mature for her age as well," he said, chest rising with pride. "She's a bit shy with new people, but I'm certain she'll like you."

The streets were unfolding in front of them, the scene changing from the docks to the more colorful, decorative layout of the city. Yuudai felt the most at home here, the most comfortable; one day, he would run his family's business, and so they already felt a bit like his streets. This was where he belonged, he knew.

"And then there's me." He lifted his shoulders, allowed them to fall. "All in all, we're fairly reasonable and friendly. I'm certain you'll feel right at home. We are a bit in the business of that," he added, seemingly amused by his own allusion to their occupation as innkeepers.

"My parents always wanted a big family," Yuudai explained, skirting around a puddle in the street. He tucked his arms back up against his waist, smiling a bit more. He did love his family, extremely, and talking about them was one of his favorite pastimes; there was simply so much there. Love, frustration, affection... the ups and downs of really caring about one another and being forced to deal with the unexpected things that life tossed their way. No matter what, his family would always be his family, and they were now at the ages where their family would be growing.

Idly, he wondered when Natsuko would have a child. He couldn't imagine that she and her husband would wait long, and though the thought made him a bit sad, he looked forward to having a young relative to dote on. It would be some time before he found a wife of his own and settled, after all, and so the privilege of helping to rear his nieces and nephews would have to be enough for a time.

"It was... interesting, growing up." It used to be bother him to be surrounded by women. He knew that many of his interests and hobbies had been heavily influenced by the sheer amount of women who surrounded him, and it was true that he was teased mercilessly as a child for his attention to beauty and more delicate hobbies. However, he had learned to ignore it for the most part, and he was confident and secure in who he was.

Thankfully. Otherwise, his life would be miserable.

"But as much as they aggravate me sometimes, I wouldn't trade my family for anything. I love them," he said, voice quiet and a little reverent. "And I would do anything for them. I think that's the sort of bond you can only have with family."

He glanced toward Kiran, suddenly a little embarrassed. Most people considered it strange that he was so attached and devoted to his family. In fact, save for Ran, he had never met someone who quite understood the value of family to the extent that Yuudai did.

"... What is yours like," he asked, slight color rising into his cheeks. Had he been talking too much? Perhaps. "I only know a little bit of your mother."

And what he knew wasn't exactly all that telling of her personality -- just that she was a terrible cook. That wasn't exactly a crime, but it did explain why Kiran had so much work to do with his own culinary pursuits.