This has occurred to Essek already, of course. But he smiles as Percival comes to that conclusion too, and leans up to kiss him again, warm and fond, before he answers.

"That is true. But I am used to a longer duration between my heats. It used to happen only once every eighteen months, roughly." Fairly typical for an elf without a partner, especially one who would voluntarily go decades without any sexual encounters at all. "You are the reason the cycle has sped up. If we are not successful this time, we should have another opportunity in six months or so."

Still less frequent than a human, but more than Essek has experienced before in his life. Bonding with an alpha really has changed everything--and yet again, he can't regret it. He loves this man more than anything, and he makes him want to engage with this aspect of himself he'd ignored for so long. Previously he'd never thought one way or another about being an omega beyond finding certain biological realities inconvenient, but now he finds himself indulging in and enjoying those very same realities. It's exciting.

"If we are successful...then yes, it will be quite some time." Long enough for the pregnancy, and for his body to rest sufficiently after. "As much as I have found this experience uniquely gratifying, I would not mind waiting to repeat it for that reason."