[ He finally tips his nose back into Olivine's hair, breathing deeply as his body instinctively wraps around the other. It's everything he wants, and for a moment that want is large enough to outweigh his restraint. ]

You have all that whether you agree to be my mate or not [ he admits quietly. ] You have from the day you found me. I -- you aren't selfish, Olivine. You deserve joy that is dependable and yours. That I'm sure of.

[ He kisses the other's hair, needing to steady himself. ]

If that's me right now, then I am honored. But if it ever isn't, you aren't beholden to this bond. [ Basch was, but he didn't care. Having even a few weeks of bliss like this was more than he ever expected for himself. His commitment was to Olivine's happiness, not his own. Whatever that may bring.

He doesn't notice the knot starting to ease, like it's letting up now that they've affirmed their pairing. ]