[ Smart move on Melon's part. Chougi was absolutely going to interrupt before the paw on his knee distracted him. Instead he pets Melon, listening and wishing he wasn't.

Maybe he can at least explain himself, even if Hakusan is never able to really understand it. ]

It doesn't...have anything to do with being a katana or a tsurugi or human or not human. It's because you're kind, no matter how hard the government tried to turn you into something that runs on pure logic. And you're patient and...warm. And I-- fuck--

[ And he'd been doing so well, too. Chougi tries to take a deep breath to stave off the coughing, but it doesn't work. The fit lasts a very long time this time, and some of the hydrangea flowers are tinged with flecks of bright red. Chougi covers the ones he can by reflex. He doesn't want Hakusan to see them. ]

I knew...you were a dowry sword...and I thought... [ He has to catch his breath. ] I thought you probably hated fighting...the injuries that came with it. I wanted to be stronger. So...so that even if you can heal me, you'd never have to and...and I don't think I'm making sense. Sorry, Hime.