“I like your makeup,” says a ratty-looking girl.
Nico turns around. She could eat her, but, like, kids? Especially one this thin, who complimented her makeup? Nico thinks not.
“Thank you.”
The girl smiles, a bit shakily. “Do you have money please? I’m hungry.”
“Do you have a family?” Nico asks carefully.
“Ghouls ate them.” The girl wraps her arms around herself to ward off the December chill.
“Why didn’t you go to CCG, then?” Nico can’t believe she’s saying this.
“Daddy liked ghouls. He didn’t believe in killing them.” The girl pouts. “But now I’m very cold. I think everyone thinks I’m dead anyways.”
“You can…come home with me for tonight, at least,” Nico suggests. Nico, why? “I can give you food and a warm place to sleep. Besides, it’s Christmas Eve.”
“I know.” The girl looks sad. “I miss my parents.”
“Then come with me so you don’t freeze.” Nico extend her hand, and the girl takes it. Her fingers are like icicles.
Nico stops to buy cookies and milk for the girl and coffee for herself.
The girl gasps as soon s they enter Nico’s apartment. An elaborate tree too big for the room, stuffed with gaudy decorations, stands there. “I love it!”
“I’ll use the couch. You can have my bed,” Nico tells her. “Besides, Santa won’t care if an adult sees him.”
“Santa doesn’t know where I am,” says the child, greedily snatching the cookies.
“He has his ways.” Nico helps feed the chid, and even gives her soap to bathe herself. As the kid showers, Nico sends frantic text message after text message to her fellow clowns.
Adopted a human.
Get me presents.
Presents to give to her.
All of you.
You too, Donato. If you eat her, I’ll eat you.
Do I have to? Souta replies.
You’re the Bureau Director. Of all of us, you’re the richest, Uta says.
Get her fancy makeup. Nico sighs. Tomorrow will be a happy-ish day for this weird human if it’s the last thing she does.
Mercy and Magic 