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"What do you think would have happened if it hadn't worked?"
Across the bed, Irene stirred at Costis' anxious question. He kept his voice soft so as not to wake the sleeping Gen between them, thoroughly worked over and worn out. Irene laid an idle hand on her husband's shoulder.
"If what hadn't worked?" she asked, voice low and sleepy. Affection and guilt warred behind Costis' breastbone.
"Nevermind."
"Costis."
He sighed, ultimately unable to resist her. He turned his eyes to the ceiling in a silent plea.
"If I hadn't punched him. Gen. What if he'd misjudged and we'd passed eachother by?"
Irene was quiet for so long that Costis turned to look at her again. It was hard to see in the dim room, but her face looked thoughtful, and she was running the backs of her fingers down Gen's arm. Costis was struck by their beauty, the tableau they created nestled together under the blankets. He often felt like part of the scenery when they were together, especially like this, but honestly he found he didn't mind it.
"I can't imagine you not in his life," Irene said, finally. "In our lives."
She looked back up to catch Costis' gaze and hold it, dark eyes darker in the low light. Costis felt ensnared, heart beating rabbit-quick. He found the function somewhere in his body to prop himself up on one elbow, a blush creeping up his chest into his face.
"I worry I've made your lives harder," he confessed, tearing his eyes away from hers to look back at the sleeping Gen. He looked young, and relaxed, a rarity. "But... I also worry what would've happened to him if I hadn't fallen into his trap.
Irene made a soft noise and got his attention again by touching fingers to his cheek. She was looking at him so fondly it made Costis ache, and he selfishly accepted her kiss when she leaned carefully over to bestow it. Her mouth was soft and confident against his, and no matter how many times he was allowed to kiss her, it still felt a little like he was dreaming. She pulled away to press more kisses to both his cheeks, and further gifted him with a small smile.
"I'm sure he wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would I," she whispered, and lay back down, prompting him to do the same. One cold foot traversed under the blankets to hook around his ankle, and Costis couldnt help but smile. He curled closer this time, feeling a little more real.