Chapter Nineteen: Apple and Grass:

Tsuzuki found Anna sitting alone away from the festival. He had to be careful. Tsuzuki slowly walked over to his wife. He tried to think of something to say. Maybe ask if she was okay.

“I’m fine,” Anna said. Tsuzuki froze. She was staring at him.

“Usagi…” he said.

“Isn’t that why you’re here?” Anna asked. “To check on me? I’m fine.” He came over and sat down next to her.

“What happened?” he asked. His wife snorted.

“She’s bitch,” Anna said.

“What did she do?” Tsuzuki asked. She puffed her cheeks.

“She’s homophobic,” the woman muttered. Her husband frowned.

“Oh,” he said. “Who?”

“Nozomi.”

“Oh…” He handed her the candied apple.

“What’s this?” Anna asked.

“Apple,” Tsuzuki said. He held it in font of her face. Anna gently pushed it away.

“Stop,” she said. Her husband frowned.

“Usagi,” he whimpered. Anna sighed.

“Food won’t work,” she said. “What gives her the right to judge?” Anna drew her knees to her chest. Tsuzuki held up the candied apple.

“Come on,” he said. “It couldn’t hurt.” The shinigami started waving it around.

“Come on. Eat me! Eat me! Eat me!” Tsuzuki said in a high-pitched voice. Anna rolled her eyes and took the stick. She forced herself smile. Her husband perked up.

“But seriously, you were not there,” Anna said. “It was awful. She tried to pretend she did nothing wrong. But…” The woman growled through her teeth. Tsuzuki pulled her to his side. Anna looked up at him.

“Uh… What are you doing?” she asked.

“Shhh,” Tsuzuki whispered. “Shhh. Shhh.” His wife frowned. She opened her mouth.

“Shhh,” Tsuzuki said again. Anna gave up. She bit into her apple. This was good. They could hear the music in the distance.

“You can’t let her get to you like that,” he said.

“I know. It’s just…” Anna said. She growled again. Tsuzuki rubbed her shoulder. His wife sighed. She took another bite. Tsuzuki bit into his apple. Maybe he should buy another. He turned and kissed Anna on the cheek.

“What was that for?” she asked. Tsuzuki shrugged.

“Just felt like it,” he said.

“Heh,” Anna said. He kissed her on the cheek again. This time, she turned and kissed him on the lips. It was a sticky kiss. But at this point, they didn’t care. A little bit of their normal was welcome. Anna had to push off to pull away.

“Too much?” she asked. Tsuzuki shook his head.

“No, not at all,” he said. “Can we do it again?” Anna finally perked up.

“Maybe,” she said. “Let’s finish these apples first. I don’t want to get grass on them.” Tsuzuki looked over at his apple.

“Fair enough,” he said. He bit into his apple. Anna bit into hers. This was good. Maybe she’d have something sweeter with him. Anna cuddled up close to her husband. He pulled her in closer. They didn’t notice their phones ringing.