musebox.

[ She says nothing at his affirmation that his life is full. Well, nothing out loud. Her hands have slid to the sides of his neck, giving him an affectionate press of her fingertips along his nape. Both of their lives are fuller than they ever anticipated. And she knows the possibility of losing even a fraction of it, after all the tears, the exhaustion—it's paralyzing.

But, she also knows the hardest thing they both have contended with is what's brought them to this conversation. In her mind, the very real fear she'd experienced is secondary to having been able to watch their son grow. To see him slowly shed his fears, to finally live again, after everything that had been done to him; it's made her immensely proud. Filled her with a happiness she never thought she'd get to have, after they learned she couldn't have children.

So, she's willing to fight whatever comes down the line. No one could touch her family without her permission. That extended to anyone her family has decided on fighting for. ]

I know you worry. [ Sofia brushes a stray curl from his brow, eyes serious and still gentle. ] But, you know where I should be is here, making sure you don't run yourself into the ground.

[ Because they both know he'd basically done that last time, external factors aside. Not that she faulted him for working hard. Still, the fact remained that he'd needed the grounding, the support, that he was unlikely to get anywhere else. ]

I love you, our son loves you, and you should know by know that neither of us will be easily intimidated or bullied.