“Why don’t you just leave? I – I hate women.” Mutsuki clenches his hands. He squeezes his eyes shut, wishing he were anywhere but here.
“No, you don’t, you blockhead. Stop trying to make me hate you!” Saiko stomps her foot.
She pries Mutsuki’s eyelid open. “Hey there, Mucchy.”
Mutsuki sniffles. “I’m grotesque.”
“Hey, I’m the one who gets constantly told she’s overweight.”
“At least you’re pretty! And you’re nice on the inside.” Mutsuki curls in a ball. “I’m neither.”
“I think you’re handsome. I think you’re nice inside, too.” Saiko strokes Mutsuki’s hair. “I love you, Mucchan, and I’m not leaving you.”
“But why?” spits Mutsuki.
“Because I love you.” Saiko wraps her arms around Mutsuki. “Shh. Rest. It’s okay. I’ll be here when you’re awake.”
Mutsuki shakes his head. “What if I go nuts and try to hurt you?”
“Then I’ll stop you. I’m not afraid of you, Mutsuki. And I won’t be.” Saiko kisses his forehead. He lays his tired head on her chest and drifts to sleep.
Mercy and Magic 