Some days Asa insists on drawing in Uta’s shop. She claims it inspires her. But ever since Uta started seeing [Name], Asa’s seemed to need inspiration on a daily basis.
“Hey there.” Asa gulps as Uta’s S/O approaches. “What are you drawing?”
Asa stares at the picture. “Art.”
“Can I see?” They giggle, then gasp. “Wait! Is that my face?”
“It’s supposed to be.” Asa is now bright red.
“Oh, do my eyes really look that sharp?” They laugh. “I love it. Asa, you’re so talented!”
“R-really?” Asa gulps.
They nod. “I hope I didn’t disrupt you.”
“Not at all.” Asa needs their approval. She needs it now.
They nod and skip back to Uta. “Uta, guess what Asa’s making!”
Asa cringes, but continues her art. Art, she knows, is all-demanding.
When Asa finishes, Uta’s S/O is upstairs, so only Uta is around. He approaches Asa casually.
“[Name], hmm?” Uta smirks.
Asa nods, unable to speak.
“Remember, they love me,” Uta says quietly. “And I love them.”
Asa’s eyes look ready to pop out of her skull. “I wouldn’t…I don’t feel that way…”
“You do,” Uta cuts in. “And it’s okay. It happens. Remember, no matter what, you’re still part of our family. [Name] really does care about you, too.”
“Really?” Asa claps her hands. Sure, it’s not the way she wants. But still – they think about her – they like her – they like her!
Uta peers over to inspect her drawing. “Huh. Actually, that’s really good.”
Mercy and Magic 