"I miss this." Machi said in a melancholy tone as you had now settled to lay on the bed in her room. You were staring at the ceiling like it was the most beautiful artwork in existence, even though it was completely black. She was cuddling up to you when her arms tightened their hold around you.

"Why you say?" You murmured, a bit confused as you looked up at the ceiling.

"I miss us, when it was only us and no one else." She paused. "I didn't have to worry as much. And there weren't any stupid men." It was true that you had occasionally missed the relaxation of practically living alone. You had been with Machi for so long now, and even she wasn't usually around more than a few hours a week. When you had first come to the hideout, it was overwhelming to be around so many strangers. The only thing that had softened the blow was the presence of a certain male who had captured your heart. With him, it was easy to feel at ease. Even now, you missed him. "How was the date?" Machi's voice interrupted your thoughts

"Amazing. So nice. Did art." You yawned and turned over. You had wanted to sleep in your own room, but Machi had begged for a sleepover. And after a day without her, you figured it was the least you could do. After all, she hadn't burst in on your date and that was much appreciated.

"Are you in love with Feitan?" She poked your rib, making you twitch.

"Don't know. Probably. Bit early." You thought back to the date and how seeing Feitan's mushy soap ball compared to your intricately carved sculpture had cracked you up so hard that you bonked your head on the faucet. Feitan was so concerned, but neither of you could stop laughing long enough to ascertain if you had any injury. The day had ended when after toweling off, he asked if you wanted to be walked back to the hideout.

"He definitely loves you. I hate it."

"I know." The hidden meaning behind Feitan's question came back to your mind. If you had turned him down, you would certainly be in a different bed with a different person. And that didn't seem so bad.

"Let's run away." She suddenly blurted, making your thoughts stop.

"What?" You asked in shock and Machi turned to look at you.

"Let's go back to how it was. You're not part of the troupe, we can go." She corrected her offer and you suddenly burst out in giggles. Awkward giggles, but giggles nonetheless. You felt Machi becoming hot next to you with anger.

When you could breathe, you looked at her. "No. Never. I happy here. You need find own happiness." 

"That is my happiness. YOU are my happiness." Her voice wavered.

"No, Machi. You no even learn my language." You rubbed her hair. "You comfortable. Comfortable not same as happy."

"It's good enough for me." Her voice had a bit of poison in it.

"But no me."