Because that changes things.
It doesn’t erase the fear.
But it reframes it.
Still—
“You don’t get to make that call alone,” I say.
His brows pull together slightly.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean,” I say, forcing the words out clearly, “if you’re part of this—if you’re part ofus—then your life isn’t just yours to gamble with anymore.”
Silence.
Heavy.
Important.
He studies me like he’s trying to understand something that’s just out of reach.
Then—
“Us,” he repeats.
I don’t look away.
“Yes.”
Something shifts in his expression.
Something deep.
“You mean that?” he asks.
I let out a breath.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I do.”
The word hangs there.
Solid.
Real.
No qualifiers.
No hesitation.
Just—
Yes.
He steps closer.
Careful.
