Jess could not be further on the other end of the spectrum than her. He didn't want to argue, he certainly didn't want to see her cry; he wanted to discuss this like adults, like rational adults who loved each other, but they had never seemed to be able to do that before this, why had he hoped it would be any different?

His frustration ebbed as her tone deflated some. So she did hear him, that was a relief. She was only partially right. Taking a deep breath, he crossed the room toward her, not quite in her space, but closer so he could keep his own tone in check. "We got married be cause I love you. And yes, I did want that and I still do want some of those things but I told you I was willing to wait and I am, though a dog could come sooner," He managed a weak smile, an attempt to break the ice. It would be nice to come home and have somebody happy to see him. "I don't need you to greet me at the door every night because I know that's not you. I do," Jess sighed, reaching out to squeeze her arm gently. "But it would be nice if you came home for the dinner we arranged, instead of trying to beat the shit out of Sterling." He might have to have a word with Sterling about that himself.

"I wanted all of that, but I was willing to compromise because I want you more. However, that doesn't mean I'm not grieving that vision, just a little bit." She wasn't wrong when she'd said he was a little depressed. He knew it and he didn't know how to handle it. "Especially on nights like tonight, or when you're gone for months on end." It was hard when he was alone with his thoughts and a tall pour of scotch deep. "I just need you to prioritize home every once in a while, please."