"...no, but you were telling yourself something about his experience, not yours."

"It's easy to think that once you understand what someone's thinking you understand what they're experiencing, I mean."

"...still don't get it."

"Even though I'm pretty good at understanding people, the thing I'm good at understanding is - what they want, what they're thinking, what they're looking for, and therefore I can miss or deceive myself about things like baseline happiness, especially if someone's trying to be less legible to me."

"Hm. Okay."

"I was much happier in our relationship in Valinor when he was also happy with it."

"And then that was out of reach so you were - exploring what you had left?"

"Yep."

"I assume you are already aware that I would be damn hard to induce to put up with that kinda thing on any level and you could not walk it back if you tried."

"I promise I will never."

Kiss. Good.

Kiss. If there are things I can do to make you feel safer...

I don't feel frightened so much as cautious on principle. And - curious about you in general.

Nod. 

Apparently his principled caution and his curiosity are both satisfied enough for now.

But did the conversation leave him in a kissing mood.

Apparently.

Oh good! See he has this boyfriend who loves him very very much.

Oh good.

What are you planning to do? he asks Cor a few days later.

I'm staying. At least until and unless Elves being awful about things gets too grating.

All right. In that case I think I'll take a couple years' vacation. Take care.

Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything.

I certainly will. - maybe have Ranary check you for mind-control every occasionally? I don't think he would, but in your place I would have a plan for if he did.

...is there a good way for her to check that?