[ It would be so easy to just let Sylvain kiss him into submission. Those words are so sweet, maybe too sweet to really hear, and he calms enough to run his fingers against the other's hair.

But whatever this is, it hasn't dislodged, and whether its cynicism at what's to come or respecting Sylvain too much to lie, he feels like he shouldn't let it go yet. ]

When we're together I trust that entirely. And I like and trust Olivine -- I honestly enjoyed myself. But it reminded me you have other partners, and that means there's always going to be the need for choice. And I understand I can't necessarily give what they give or can't be your top priority. I just...I wasn't ready to think about that day coming, not when being with you is so good, and I know that's selfish, especially when this has always been the arrangement. I don't want or need you to be anything but what you are, I just...

[ He swallows hard, aware his eyes are glossy. He hadn't meant to say that much, hadn't even been aware of some of it, and now that he's stopped all he can do is stare pleadingly at Sylvain, the terror of losing him so painfully clear. Which, he knows, acting like this is not helping. ]