[ . . . and higekiri just pauses at that before letting his own hand come up to hizamaru's hair, tangling in and keeping him in place as higekiri presses a kiss to his forehead]

Each reassurance you have for me - I would like you to extend them to yourself as well. We have gone through many names because of the tales we have been in... but I think that who you are now is someone that is worth being proud of.

[he knows that he's proud?? this is the closest he's getting to saying so apparently

but at the mention of tamamo, he just laughs]

I will let her know - but you needn't worry. She and I always get along very well. [he sounds very fond?] I believe our souls are old friends.