Why?
Because I am god. Because I can. Because I love you, Kureno.
Oh, my calm, smart, little rooster. You stand before me as I hold a light-winged butterfly on my fingers, and I can see that you understand, so much as you might be able to do so. I know that you, perhaps alone in the juunishi, will always stay near me, because you know that that is how it should be, and you don't know any better.
At least, you shouldn't know any better.
"What am I going to do with you, Kureno?"
"Whatever you wish, I should think," you reply, unmoving, accepting the punishment that you deserve, for leaving the Main House without my permission.
"I want you to never see her again, my little rooster. Can you do that for me?" And now your eyes widen, for you are surprised in your naïveté.
"What – Who do you mean?" Oh, but you are unsure, at present, as much as you try to hide it.
"I know about that filthy outsider you meet when you sneak out, Kureno. Did I not tell you? You and I both know that nothing good can come of this thing you are trying so desperately to build. The harlot might get…hurt. Just like Isuzu, and my darling Kisa. They both were just in the way when I became angry. I don't enjoy losing the people I love like that, as you well know."
"Of…course. But, what if I -" And I can keep my temper no longer. The butterfly – so beautiful, on first glance, but up close so very vile for it doesn't belong – is crushed in my fist. I stand up too quickly, earning myself a head-rush in my haste, and dash to stand directly in front of my, in the end, obtuse little rooster pet.
"If you insist on seeing her, then I might not favor you so, my Kureno." And I emphasize the possession of you, because, after all, you are mine. I can smell you, dirty from the smog and body odor that fills the streets. I nearly cringe, from the wholly repugnant stench of it, but that would be unkind to you, and might not fully encourage pleasantries. "Be careful, because you are perfect just the way you are. If you consort with that disgusting girl, you might change, and then I might not like the new…you."
I have seen how clumsy you have become, in recent weeks. I assume that is only when you are thinking of her? Never mind, for I'll soon have that sort of thing out of your system. You'll be my sedate, stupid rooster…forever.
"I…yes, of course." Was it really so much to ask, Kureno? To ensure there is no confusion over who belongs to whom, I reach up for your hair.
And I kiss you, hard, bruising your lips and mine. You're much too tall, Kureno. It makes me feel almost powerless.
"Akito…" I feel you breathe against my cheek afterward. I pull back and allow you to straighten, and you set your shoulders resignedly. "Why do you do that?"
Ultimately, I see that you don't truly know why I do what I do. You merely bend to my whim, as much of a noble cause as it is.
"Why?" I take your hand, my skin near to crawling from the filth on your skin, and laugh at my own devoted politeness.
"Because I am god. Because I can. Because…I love you, Kureno."
And I do.