["It's too much", he says.]

[Everything is too much. He's still reeling from the revelation about his Master, reeling from every death that comes to their door. Mandricardo thinks he's exhausted his library of emotion every day of every week, and still, this place brings more. It feels like a flood he can't help but drown himself in, and drowning would be a fitting fate, he feels. Just to drown, and not have to worry anymore.]

[He's expecting for the rejection, as always, because what little confidence he has won't allow him some measure of happiness without putting himself down, first. So the touch that comes, the kiss that's placed gently below his eyes, makes him tremble with shock and surprise.]

Then what face do you want me to look at you, with? I won't look at you with disdain, or hatred, if that's what you think.

[His own hand moves, cherishing, between Sakyou's hands to trail a finger down the side of his face. Goodness. He's hopeless, isn't he? His finger moves to press against the bottom of Sakyou's chin, and he closes the distance then, eyes lidded, as he kisses him properly on the lips, a sweet, gentle kiss.]

[He murmurs as he draws back, his cheeks burning, a tear trickling down his face.]

I couldn't. [And a sigh of his own.] I never could. You're...too important to me, y'know?

[Even after Byleth, it's funny. Maybe Sakyou could stab him in the gut, here and now, and...]

[He'd still be happy, even as he dies. What a lovesick fool he is.]