[ look, it's different... kondou's actually into his sword sword?? the cold steely sword??? but maybe some of that's rubbed off on hijikata... now he can live with existential guilt forever, or go take a refreshing, purifying nap at church's doorsteps.

of course, while tsurumaru thinks that this all came out of nowhere (thanks, ceres!), he's not bothered by it in any way; rather, he's more concerned about whether or not he'd reacted properly, because not only is he a sword, he's a sword that generally isn't very fond of learning how humans function.

but he's sure — that without a doubt, that curious feeling in his chest had made him want to lean forward and kiss him, even if he's never done it before.

if hijikata says so, tsurumaru pulls himself back, reaching up to shake a few more petals out of his hair with both hands. somehow, ume slept through all of that... and then he lets out an offended huff, because leave him alone!!!! he's doing his best!!! ]

Listen, I don't make a habit of going around and kissing people. If that wasn't good enough for you, you could just tell me.

[ ugh, tsuru's buttons are pushed... how the tables have tabled! his cheeks are still a bright pink, though, so is his outburst really as effective as he wants it to be?

anyway, he pauses; and during that pause, he's just going to place his fingertips against his own mouth again, before quietly adding, while glancing away: ]

Also, I, uh... kind of... really liked that...