I believe you, of course, but what sort of partner and pair causes harm to his pair? [ He may not know very much about relationships, but it seems that a relationship in which one half causes harm to another is a strange sort of relationship indeed. But she has told him that it does not matter to her, nor does it trouble her, and he is doing his best to hold onto that. ] So with that in mind, if I must indulge my- my nature, I intend to cause you the least amount of harm possible.

[ She most likely knows that as well, but he feels the need to state it plainly for his benefit and hers. ]

And you can and should tell me to stop at any time. [ His gaze shifts to her arm, but he does not want to help himself unless she has given him permission to. ]