[Haruka sighed, genuinely content as those fingers petted through his hair, the tips lightly dampened with sweat. He didn't want them to be apart from this moment, but...]

Tess... [He returned to that neck of his, and kissed it once more.] It's a cruel thing that you do to me... [He leaned forward, and gave the skin there a gentle nibble.]

For that, I hope that you will continue to be gentle... for now.

[The tengu closed his eyes, feeling burdened by the truth that weighed on him before. He still had a duty to fulfill. Kantarou was still suffering in the room next door, alone...]

[He picked his head up, and whispered in his hear.] I love you...

[Then he backed away and looked into his eyes, bringing a hand up to take his fingertips and tuck a few strands of that long, black hair behind one of Testament's ears.]

I want you to forgive me this time, for something else. I still need to help him... he's... my family.

[Closing his eyes, his expression became solemn and he reached over to place a hand over the bandage on his shoulder.]

We both share this pain.