[Later, much later, he will thank her for this. For that calming notion. Now he dimly registers that this isn't normal. That her voice should not be this calm, but it is, she is, and when she holds him he leans into her and purrs. It feels like a natural noise to make as he catches her hand against his.]

I meant what I said.

I wanted us to be together. I just didn't expect it to be so...grr.

[He offers that familiar soft chuckle but he squeezes her fingers.]

Listen while we ride this out I'm going to make decisions, but I need you to ...I need you to be my conscience okay? Behind...something something is a strong woman and that's you. That's not me. I'm not my father. I'm not Coralee. I don't like feeling this...this out of control.

[He kisses her knuckles.]