[ His heart was about to burst out of his chest as he felt it speed up, yet with every kiss Hijikata felt the skin warm up and it only excited him more along with Tsurumaru's responses, he wanted to hear that more; he wanted to hear those whines and cries that only Hijikata will ever hear— he wanted to kiss him all over, feel that warmth against his own skin and never let go so that they could melt together. He felt it too, though, his own cheeks beginning to warm up, flushing with a light pink.

So when Tsurumaru gently cups his cheeks, it was almost embarrassing- the fact that the other could feel how much he warmed up in the last few moments. Hijikata has to take a moment to gather a few breaths to calm himself and take a grasp of the situation before putting a smirk on his features. ] Haah... I got too carried away, didn't I? [ Well, he's only human.

However, he's actually genuinely surprised at how Tsurumaru addresses him. It isn't a nickname but it felt comforting almost; familiar too. Hijikata responds with a few blinks, and that smirk fades into a gentle smile. ]

You're right. That's not bad either... But you're seriously like a child. Say it again.

[ Should he really listen to Tsurumaru's pleads earlier, is what he begins to wonder. There's a twinge in his heart, an uncertainty he began to feel: "You are mine. My dog. Don't leave my side. Don't go." is what he desperately wishes to say. His grip tightens around the white fabric, like a desperate lock to make sure Tsurumaru can't move away. He's silent, and he finally sighs. ]

Hey... Let's stay like this for a little bit longer. Just don't leave, alright?