"I know," Marcus said plainly. Moira had been fairly open with what was on her mind, but this was the first time that she peeled away her doubt and let Marcus see the Moira that he knew. "I didn't expect this to be easy. I'm just happy you're here, and that I got to see you again." Marcus' nerves were on edge, and his deep breaths were the only thing from keeping his hands from shaking from the anxiety.

He hated what this whole ordeal had done to her, angry at the people that took him, and mournful about a future without Moira in it. He would not allow himself to break down. She needed a pillar of strength to support her, and Marcus would be that for her. Just like she had been for him when he needed it.

Marcus realized then that he too needed some time to process what had happened. This wasn't something that one should just jump back into. Suddenly, without warning or explanation, Marcus felt... fine. Like everything was going to be alright. Without realizing it, he had taken another step. She was within arm's reach, so Marcus went to grasp her hand. He gave her a smile. Sad, but honest. "Take as much time as you need, Moira. I'm not going anywhere. When we're ready, I'll be here."

To say life would be confusing for a while was a bit of an understatement.  Moving forward had meant moving on in just about every aspect of her life.  To see the man she fell in love with standing before her once more instead of the figment of her imagination brought up feelings she had thought were buried.  It was easier to push all that aside when she had been convinced he had left her.

There was the matter of Jason Marren to sort out.  Their flirtation had changed a working relationship into something much more personal and something she had thought she needed at the time.  There had seemed to be potential there, but it was still so new.  Eventually she would have to figure out how to tell both of the men about the other...which was a complicated mess she was quite sure her brain wouldn't be able to handle just yet.

He took her hand, bringing her back to the present moment.  Perhaps the only thing she could be sure of in all this was that despite her best efforts she had not stopped loving Marcus.  It was just a question now of whether or not it was enough take a step back from her 'fresh start.'  She had meant every word that she had said, and she knew she owed it to them both to try.

"Thank you," she said softly, managing a small smile of her own.  Looking up at him she knew it would be easy to linger, to find excuses to stay.  She needed to clear her head though, to find a way to process everything that had happened.  Giving his hand a gentle squeeze she said, "I should probably go...I...My parents are expecting me home for New Years dinner...They thought I'd be home immediately after my shift and after last year...they tend to worry."

That would be an interesting conversation.  She had yet to find herself a new flat, having moved into her parent's home after Marcus' disappearance.  She wasn't entirely sure how they would react to this news given the fact that they had been her support system during the last several months.

"Perhaps we could meet somewhere to talk more in a couple of days..." she offered.  "When our heads are a little clearer..."

Her words were comforting, and Marcus no longer felt like it was the end. Her hand was warm, and the gentle squeeze she gave was enough to make him smile. She still looked worried, but that was to be expected. It was a different sort of look though, not something directly connected to the evening's proceedings. It's not something for Marcus to worry about, so he let himself forget about it. She was a grown woman, Marcus didn't have to be her White Knight all the time.

"Of course, your dinner." Marcus knew of her tradition, and didn't want to impose. "I know that it might be hard, all things considered, but try to have fun tonight. Please?" Marcus gave her another smile, hoping to calm her nerves a bit. "Don't worry about me either. I'll be fine here for a while." Marcus laughed a little at the idea in his head. "Maybe Alex is looking for help here."

Moira left soon after, though their conversation lingered for some time after. There were still so many questions, that they both had for each other, but those would have to wait. Marcus sat back down on the cot, more confident than he had felt when he woke up. He still didn't feel quite right in his own skin, and his clothes felt different on him. Life went on without him, and he would have to find a way back in. "Hmm..." Marcus pondered out loud, actually thinking of the little joke he had said at the end of their conversation. "I wonder if Alex needs help here."