She met his eyes from her place at his knee, turning her face to rest her cheek against him with a sigh. Words usually saved her, but she only seemed to lose ground when she opened her mouth tonight. She wondered if she looked as lost as he did, she certainly agreed with the unsettling mix of things she saw in his eyes.

What more could she say to make him understand her? To believe her when she said the future she wanted was for them both? His question was a loaded one and she could feel the edge of the cliff inching closer. She'd run out of tactics and arguments and had little energy for hope, but she couldn't deny the little spark of something in her when he didn't shove her away. He hadn't told her to leave.

"Yes, I was sure I would be your choice. I am still sure I can be what you say you want and what I know I want." She kept her voice even, stating the truth as simply and honestly as she could. She needed him to hear what she said, not what he thought he would hear. She moved her hand deliberately, doing her best not to startle him when he looked as near to unraveling as she felt. Placing one hand on his thigh, she gave him the option of taking her hand, if he wished, but she wouldn't force it. His presence was a comfort to her, the scent of his many colognes, the rich tobacco scent, and the fabric of his clothing - so many pieces of him were her sanctuary. "I am sure, without a shadow of a doubt, that if I walk away from you, I will regret it for the rest of my life."

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