[ Aki really can't help the way he laughs, a low little chuckle that thrums through him, a gentle rumble of affection. It's impossible for him to resist the urge to draw Tsurumaru closer, to try and tug him to sit on his lap, even as he leans up to kiss him, to press little reminders of his affection against his jaw and neck. Aki wants to worship him, to show his love over and over again, to do whatever it takes to make sure that this man understands just how adored he is.

He doesn't have enough time, but he will try his best. He'll do whatever it takes.

Finally, his hand lifts to cup Tsurumaru's cheek again, to draw him close, so their foreheads can touch.

The words come out a little bolder than they might have a few months ago, when Aki was still adjusting to the notion of falling in love. ]

Ishmael-san thought that I had already proposed to you with the rings, since I was thinking about it.

[ Their noses brush, their eyes meet, and Aki hums softly. ]

I wouldn't mind it. Making it official, one day.

[ Maybe one day soon. He doesn't like the idea of leaving Tsurumaru as some kind of widow in the future, but he also can't deny that the idea of being bound to him for what little life he has left is a thrilling one, that makes his heart race and his stomach twist.

A real family. To be a real husband -

impossible dreams, once. ]