The Sentinels [m]y love is a lifetaker

You always belonged with us. Her words were quiet and fierce, a truth she had carried in silence for years; a fantasy she had held to whenever her heart ached just a little too much at his absence. Marina pulled him closer, and for a moment — just for a moment, she felt almost like the woman she had been. Steadier, softer, not yet jaded by so many small tragedies.

She let out a slow breath and found she was no longer trembling. I want to try again, she whispered, forehead still pressed to his, confession and plea all at once. A family. A - life. With you, when you're ready. And if we lose it all again, then... we'll still have each other.

Marina drew away to meet his eyes, her own filled with tears. He finally understood. Too late, far too late — but it didn't matter now. He had made his choice. He'd chosen her.