[Feeling that happiness and warmth, with no reservation, with no fear, makes Albert's own heart twist. How many times had he wondered if he'd ever feel the joy Mitsuki can have in him coming across their connection again? How many times in the past month had he convinced himself that only feeling duller happiness, held back, controlled, safe was better?

He's wrong. This is worth everything. This is the only thing he wants to feel right now. That bright, vibrant life is the only thing that matters in his world in this moment.

With gentle hands, he curves his fingers along Mitsuki's cheeks, looking at him and witnessing tears that he caused. After a few moments, he swipes what falls away with his thumbs, as gently as his bloodstained hands can manage.]

Do you understand how dearly I love you? That an eternity with you wouldn't even begin to be enough? So help me, I would kneel before God and man to beg for the strength and kindness and prudence to be the man you deserve.