[His heart aches for Mayoi, and he gets up with some difficulty to go to his side, his own food barely touched. As he kneels painfully beside his new pet, he moves to take his hands.]

There's nothing bad or wrong or reprehensible about you, Mayoi-san. They're the ones who were wrong. They should have loved you, at the very least as much as anyone should love all of God's creatures.

[His heart aches in a way he didn't know was possible. Injustice has always upset Tatsumi, but this feels so very personal.]

I hope you'll come to trust me. I hope you'll let me show you all the kindness they wouldn't. I'll keep you safe here, and I'll let you sleep near me and eat with me. I'll give you company when you want it and privacy when you don't. Perhaps... someday we'll come to love each other. I'd like that, really. It's what you deserve.