[ True to his word, honest almost to a fault in most cases, Aki tilts his head all the way back and counts properly, his hair hanging around his shoulders. He hits ten, twenty-one, thirty... And then he gives it just a little bit more time before he lets himself turn around and slip back into their room, not sure what he should be expecting from Tsurumaru's adventures.

He's not expecting the kneeling, the grace, the softness of it. It feels like - something he doesn't want to name, and he has to bite his tongue. It's as if he's some kind of sweet husband come to bed, and Tsurumaru is waiting to receive all his kisses and all his sweetness.

Strangely, it makes him blush.

It's impossible to resist the urge to walk over and cup Tsurumaru's face when he rises, thumb pressing into his lower lip, and he breathes out softly, his own expression filled with warmth and adoration. ]

I've never wanted you to change, Tsuru. I like you just the way that you are.

[ Kneeling, leaning in, Aki brushes their mouths together before he nudges their noses together, their foreheads, gentle and so, so loving. ]

All the days I have left are yours, if you'll have them.