Page 216 of Mercy Written in Blood

"You've told me that."

"I have not."

"You should have."

Renji almost laughed. This time, the sensation did not frighten him. It passed quietly between them. Haruki saw it. His expression softened.

Renji set the umbrella against the railing. His hands felt too empty without it.

"I told you because I wanted you to know me," he said.

There. Simple. Unprotected.

Haruki became very still. Renji continued before caution returned.

"I invited you into my home because I wanted you there."

"Renji—"

"I bought the slippers because you were uncomfortable."

Haruki's mouth opened. Renji raised one hand.

"If you interrupt now, I may never continue."

Haruki closed it. The obedience was so immediate that Renji would have found it amusing under other circumstances.

"I kept pretending the feeling was unfamiliar," Renji said. "It is not."

Haruki's gaze did not leave his face.

"What is it?"

The question was quiet. No pressure. No triumph. Renji had expected the truth to become more difficult once spoken aloud. Instead, each admission made the next simpler.

"I think about you when you are not present."

Haruki's expression warmed.

"That sounds serious."

"You agreed not to interrupt."

"I failed."

"You frequently do."

"I'm sorry."

He was not. Renji could see that. It made continuing easier.

"I know when you enter a room even if I do not see you." Haruki's smile faded into something more vulnerable. "I listen for your messages. I dislike when you place yourself in danger. I dislike it more than reason permits."

"That may simply mean you possess reason."

"Haruki."

"Sorry."