I know, Vasquez. I'm more than aware of where you were and what that life means for you.

[ she's never lived it, but she'd seen flashes of how he'd survived, how he stayed alive.

it's not a pleasant existence, not one she would wish on him or...really, anyone else, but she knows he can't stay in this comfortable life with her. ]

I have a house. You've helped make it a home again, and I don't want to see it empty as it'll inevitably be without you here.

[ she takes a slow breath, her fingers knotting together again, nerves that she tries to quiet. ]

I don't say this lightly.