[Albert blinks rapidly at Mitsuki's acceptance. His eyes look a bit less dull, and he almost looks hopeful for a moment before he schools the expression.

But then Mitsuki puts his hand out, and every last bit of resolve Albert had in him crumbles. He tries to be dignified as he puts his hand in Mitsuki's, letting this distressed, distracted man be his foundation once again. It's unfair, and he knows it. It's unfair for him to pin so much of his happiness on Mitsuki. He hopes someday he'll learn to grasp more of it on his own, so as not to burden him. But as he feels that familiar warmth and softness against his hand for the first time in a month, his shoulders tremble, then shake with a silent sob as he lowers his head and covers his eyes.

He refuses to cry openly, and he fights and fights it until his body stops shaking, until he can stop gripping Mitsuki's hand so tightly, as though he's afraid he'll disappear. His fingers and thumb dig into his temples as his tightly closed eyes force back the urge to cry.

When all that's left is the lump in his throat, he looks up at Mitsuki, eyes shining with gratitude, a soft but genuine smile on his face.]

Thank you. [For yet another chance that he doesn't deserve. Yet he'll never take it for granted.]

I love you. I've never stopped. I love you with everything I am, with every fiber of my being. If there are to be no secrets...

[His smile twists apologetically.]

I only ask that you allow me to put the maudlin things behind me. You don't need to hear things that hurt you, not anymore, never again. But I can tell you the greater things... my career, my actual work... my few precious comrades... Please. I'll tell you everything, Mitsuki. My sunshine.