[ the hand on his shoulder startles him — although, that's an understatement; considering what had happened to him after the events displayed on the shard, the last thing that tsurumaru wants are unnecessary human hands on him, whether they be on his sword or on his materialized body.

so he shoots a dirty, spiteful glare at hijikata, eyes narrowed in a way that hijikata has probably never seen before; but then again, seeing him like this — angry and offended — is rare in the first place. and when he speaks, his words grate against his throat, coming out in something that sounds like a snarl. ]

Why? Where will you go? There's nothing waiting for you in the present.

[ he'll reach up towards his shoulder then, grabbing hijikata's wrist tightly — but instead of trying to shove it aside, he tightens his grip around it. ]

Don't go.

Kondo Isami won't be there, Okita Souji won't be there.

You should stay here, with them.

I'm sure that they would want to see you again.