[ credence returns this kiss, urging into it, leaning into his grasp, and then he exhales shaking. it's a reassurance he'd desperately needed and he reaches to grasp at graves' arm briefly before he nods while their foreheads touch. ] All right.

[ he steals another kiss, this one soft and chaste, before smiling just a little. ] I'll rest, then.

[ when he pauses this time it's thoughtful and he pulls away slightly, just looking at him before he speaks cautiously and nervously. ] Is it all right that... [ a hesitation. ] Is it all right to love you? I--it's okay if you don't, I just--if you don't want me to I can pretend or try to stop or-- [ it's clear he's flustered - the ache and worry are so very real. ]