Deepwood Weald Realized I can't not be with you

The last of the tension fades from him as Midar embraces him, though it is short-lived. His chest tightens immediately at the words, body going rigid again of its own accord. Briefly, he imagines what might happen if he says no, or tells Midar he needs more time to think: his lover will retreat again, it will be another fight, and he is far too exhausted for that right now. I — He swallows hard, faltering for a moment as he tries to force the words out. I'll be your mate. It comes out quiet and choked, but hopefully muffled enough that Midar won't notice anything amiss. This isn't how he'd imagined their relationship progressing — but he loves Midar, and that's enough, isn't it?