Sweet as Sugar

Mu raced through town and bought a small set of paints (He had to do a trick in exchange for a brush) before rushing back. Making it back to Melly's workshop, Mu began painting on the wall across from the door. He worked with a silent determination and before long a small crowd had formed to watch him work.

(...why does that last post make me nervous? XD)

Melly stayed in her studio for a little while longer, hoping to give Mu time to leave. She didn't know if she could handle running into him right now. Finally she decided to get up and go back outside. Maybe she could go visit Steven for a bit.

Mu was still painting. The wall across the studio looked more like a child had painted it, but it still conveyed its message. Stick trees with black and white trunks and multi-colored leaves. Two trees in the middle formed a crude heart and in the heart were two stick people holding hands. One stick person had white ears and a red and black striped tail and the other was wearing a black spotted yellow hat. Mu was busy painting the leaves.

Melly jumped when she noticed Mu right outside. She tried to back up quietly, only to trip on some trash and fall backward, landing hard on her rear.

Mu looked over his shoulder. "Are you alright Melly?" he asked in concern.

"Yeah," she answered somewhat timidly, before taking a good look at what he was painting, and then at the small crowd staring at her. Her cheeks turned pink. "U-Um..."

He set his paints down and stepped over to help her up. "Are you sure?" He asked seriously. "You didn't hurt yourself?"

"Y-Yeah," Melly answered. "I just...um..."

"What's wrong?" Mu asked, tilting his head.

"Um..." Melly mumbled, trying to find the words. "I...don't know..."

"Do you need to lay down?" Mu asked. "Are you sick?"

Melly shook her head quietly. She felt cornered.

"Do you want to go back inside?" Mu asked softly. "You look pale."

Melly nodded, still silent.

Mu helped her up and led her back inside. "Are you really okay?"

Melly went and sat down on one of the paint-splattered stools. "Yeah..."

Mu watched her sadly. "Can I get you anything?" He asked softly.

"Um...yeah, actually," Melly replied. "Could you get me a one of those chocolate-filled pasties from the bakery. You know, like the one you got earlier?"

"Of course!" Mu nodded as he rushed to go get it. One of the perks to being a performer was when you did street performances, people usually tossed some coin your way.

Melly wondered if she should try to leave while Mu was gone. She decided against it, knowing Mu was much faster than her. It would probably just upset him more. She stayed where she was, feeling more and more cornered.

Mu hurried back with her treat. "Here you go" He smiled softly when he returned. "Anything else? Or do you want me to let you alone for a bit?"

"Thank you," Melly replied, eating the pastry gratefully. "Um...I think I need to be alone for a bit. Sorry."

"Its okay" Mu smiled. "I'll just go finish my painting"

"Alright," Melly said with a small smile. "I'm sure it'll be great."

Mu blushed shyly. "Its not as good as what you can do" He replied before stepping out