Fuck.

Now, he'd done it.

Any pleasant commentary on the subject of Ilona chasing the ducks was lost as Jo fled the room. He had hoped his slip and subsequent recovery would have been something they could have glossed over, but it seemed he'd added another crack to their already shaky relationship.

This is what came of starting to feel somewhat comfortable during their 'pretend family' outings.

While he should have called after her to stay, he did not. Instead, he sat wordlessly in his chair, his gaze fixed on his steepled fingers until he heard the sound of the backdoor opening.

Zach rose to his feet and paced somewhat, allowing Jo and himself a few moments to collect herself before he followed after her. He paused by the fire and tugged the kettle off the flames, not willing to leave it unattended, even if Ilona was asleep and not exactly fully into the crawling stage as of, yet. His next course of action was to wordlessly shoo Ivan into the room with Ilona. While he was a lazy thing, it was clear he had developed a fondness for the child, and he would alert them should anything occur.

We. Why had he said we?

With a sigh and very slow steps, he made his way to the door. Spilling out into the cool evening, he silently located Jo, allowing an awkward sort of pause to filter between the pair of them before he spoke.

"Forgive me. I shouldn't have--" He faltered a bit, his fingers flexing at his side and then relaxing. "Forgive me," he repeated.