My hand feels warm, enclosed in Kazari's. I clutch at him, nearly desperately, betraying the emotional stoicism I'd already so (un)successfully kept. I worry if this is too good to be true. I've been burned.

"We get it," I parrot. "The name is good for a pet." I remember mine--not ashamedly. My Yummies used people, like their own desires did. I still don't think it's my fault, but my interference did not help. However, human nature is (my nature?) human nature, after all. And Greeeds will be Greeeds. The Yummies were pets to me and their 'parents' as well.

The bad feelings let up and I allow myself to smile again.