[ Joshua laughs at that gentle kiss to his palm, a soft, warm sound that bubbles from his lips and puffs over Dion's from proximity alone. ]

I would, indeed. For I cannot bear to stand by and watch someone speak cruelly about the man that I love. Not even himself.

[ There is... a dusting of pink that blooms over his cheeks as he says it. Even during Dion's confession, neither of them had said that word about the other. It is a risk, but it is one that Joshua will gladly take.

Dion shifts, and Joshua doesn't pull away. For all the times he has hugged Dion, why would he now? Rather than stay where he is, he shifts a little himself, hands dropping as his arms loop around, palms splaying across Dion's shoulder blades as he returns the embrace even more firmly than it is given.

He takes a deep breath, and tries the words on again. ]

I love you, Dion. And I will ensure that you know how much you are loved, if you will have it.