Page 381 of Mercy Written in Blood

"You hid it well."

"No. You ignored it selectively."

"Perhaps."

Renji returned to the bedside. He did not sit in the chair. He sat carefully on the edge of the mattress. Haruki shifted towards him. Pain moved across his face, but he did not retreat.

Renji lifted one hand and touched his cheek. No pretence of checking temperature. No medical justification. Haruki leaned into it.

"I do not know how to do this," Renji said.

"Neither do I."

"You have led a Family."

"That is not the same as being loved."

"No."

"You have been in love before."

"That is not the same as loving you."

Haruki's gaze lifted. Renji felt the truth of it settle without comparison. Not greater. Not replacement. Specific.

"I am difficult," Haruki said.

"Yes."

"You were supposed to disagree."

"I have rejected enough true statements tonight."

Haruki smiled. Renji touched the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

"I am controlling," he said.

"Yes."

"Emotionally evasive."

"Yes."

"Occasionally condescending."

"Often."

Renji narrowed his eyes. Haruki's smile deepened and immediately became a grimace.

"Do not make me laugh."

"You began it."

"You are physically incapable of accepting responsibility."

"That is untrue."

"You threatened to destroy the Accord."