Chapter 7
"Frankie" Tom sighed, trying to get ahold of the 5 year old, to sit down for breakfast. The little boy just giggled and ran around the other side of the couch.
Sam and Ashley watched, as they sat at the small bar style dinette, laughing a little between themselves. Meanwhile, Sasha has just walked out of her room after getting ready for the day. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking on, with an amused grin across her face. Once again, Tom moved left, and Frankie ran right...right into Sasha's arms as she stepped forward and snatched him up. He giggled and laughed, thoroughly enjoying this game of, catch me. "Come on. We need to have breakfast before your mom and dad get here" Sasha said firmly, but with a smile "or, they may not let you stay with us again" she said carrying him over to an empty stool, next to Sam, and sitting him down on it. "No more sleepovers, no more cookies, no more video games with Sam" she with a raised eyebrow.
This seemed to catch Frankie's attention "okay" he smiled. It was a mischievous little grin. One where he knew he had to listen, but didn't really want to. Sasha shook her head, ruffling the little boys hair "you are your fathers son" she sighed, adding milk to a bowl of cereal that had been brought up for them. All three kids were now silent, and eating. Ashley on her phone. Sam, browsing through comic books, and Frankie, temporarily occupied by actually being hungry...and Sam's comic books.
"Coffee?" She asked looking over to Tom, holding up a cup for him.
He exhaled, relieved everything was now under control. walking over and taking the cup from Sasha, he smiled. "Thank you" he whispered, taking a sip "and thank you" this time nodding towards Frankie, leaning back against a dresser.
Sasha smiled, setting herself next to him as they watched the scene in front of them. It was peaceful and content. Even if it would only last 5 minutes. She heard Tom let out a little laugh. "Something you'd like to share?" She asked, turning her head slightly.
Tom looked at her, a smirk across his lips as he looked to his coffee, then back over at his kids and Frankie "if I told you 18,19 years ago, we'd one day be sitting here...like this" he said gesturing his hands to include all 5 of them, in the room "what would you have said"
Sasha rolled her eyes a little. "I would have said you were out of your mind" she replied honestly. "I would have said, it's not possible. I probably would have run, as fast I could" she said a little sadly "but I would have been wrong" she admitted, the hint of a smile forming, as she took a sip of coffee, not daring to look at him.
"Doesn't matter" he said earnestly "we're here now" he whispered in her ear.
There was no response, no witty comeback. She simply turned her head, as their eyes met, holding his gaze for a few moments before looking down to his lips. They were so close, and she so badly wanted to kiss him. She gripped her coffee cup tighter, trying to focus on that. Even found herself counting her heart beat. Anything to take her mind off their kiss from last night. She may have been the stronger one last night, but didn't think she'd be able to do it again. She missed him too much. Wanted him too much. She flinched slightly, with the sound of a bowl, crashing to the ground. They both turned their gaze towards Frankie, who was looking down at ground, where milk and cereal were splashed all over. Tears already welling up in his eyes.
"I'll get it" Tom smiled, placing a quick kiss on her cheek. A little spilt milk was not going to ruin his morning. "It's okay buddy" he said grabbing a few napkins, to clean up the mess. And it was okay. His kids were here, safe, seemingly happy. Happier then he'd seen them in a long time. Sasha was here. Safe. He'd seen her smile more times in the last 24 hours, then he had in the last 24 months. Better yet, he had been the cause for some of those. That made him happier then he could have thought. "See" he smiled, placing a fresh bowl in front of Frankie "all cleaned up, nothing to worry about"
Sasha smiled, watching them as she finished her coffee and set the cup to the side. She loved this side of Tom. A year ago, she would have placed money on the fact he would have lectured a 5 year old about being careful, and mindful of his surroundings. The fact that he didn't seem bothered, by something so simple- it was a good sign. She looked down at her watch, then over to Ashley, "we can go, anytime you'd like"
"Great" she said getting up "I just need to brush my teeth"
Tom looked to Sasha, as Ashley left "where are you going?"
"She wants to get something to wear this evening. We were supposed to go in St. Louis, but I was busy. We'll be back in a few hours" she said walking over to him "do you need anything, while we're out?"
He pretended to think for a moment "an excuse, to get out of this evening"
Sasha smirked, placing her hand on his arm "you're the main event" she smiled, squeezing his arm "maybe next time you'll think about that before sinking two ships, all by yourself"
Tom laughed, shaking his head. He didn't respond. She had him on that. "What time are Danny and Kara picking up our guest?" He asked changing the subject.
"Kara said before noon". Walking over to Frankie, kissing the top of his head "you'll behave for Tom, until mom and dad pick you up?"
Frankie tilted his head all the way back, looking up at her "okay" he smiled.
"Thank you" Sasha smiled moving over to Sam "you'll keep an eye on these two for me?"
Sam laughed a little and nodded "I think I forgot my tie" he said a little sheepishly.
"You mean the one I laid out for you, and told you not to forget?" She asked raising her eyebrow.
"Mmmm, yeah" he said bitting his lip, wearing a guilty look.
"One tie, coming up" Sasha smiled, shaking her head as Ashley joined them. "We'll be back in a few hours" she said leaving with Ashley.
"I think you should wear this" Azima said holding up a dress that looked strikingly similar to the one from Panama.
Sasha shot her a look "for the tenth time I have one already" she sighed, as they waited for Ashley to come out of the change room.
"I know. It's boring. An old lady's dress" Azima mocked as Ashley emerged from the change room. "See" she said pointing to Ashley "even she can appreciate a dress that speaks"
Sasha rolled her eyes. Her selection for the evening was far from "old lady". It just wasn't as...revealing. "Ashley, you look beautiful in that" she said trying to change the direction "do you like it?"
Ashley stood in the mirror, smoothing out the fabric over her stomach and hips. "Yeah" she smiled, after careful consideration "yeah I think this is the one"
"Me too" Sasha smiled "If that's everything, I'll go pay"
Once Ashley had finished changing, she and Azima put the discarded dresses back on the hangers "why do you want Sasha to try on that dress?"
Azima smiled "I don't, I was just teasing her. She's so much like your father sometimes. Serious, and controlled. I just like to remind her, to have a little fun"
Ashley laughed a little, putting her runners back on "do you think that's why they broke up?"
"No" Azima scoffed "it's because they are both equally as stubborn. Neither likes to admit when they are wrong. And they didn't break up. Trust me. The only thing that is stronger then their level of stubbornness, is how much they love each other" she said in a way, that left no room for argument.
"Okay" Ashley smirked. She liked having Azima around. She was like the cool aunt...that didn't take any bullshit or mince words.
"Not sharing state secrets back here, are we?" Sasha asked, walking back in.
"Of course not" Azima smiled grabbing her purse "I was telling Ashley about your dress selection in Panama" she quipped, quickly walking out.
Sasha could see the look of intrigue on Ashley's face "another story, for another time" she said shaking her head.
Ashley bit her lip and smiled "okay" she said softly, as they walked out.
Sasha watched while Mike, a little uncharacteristically chatted freely with a reporter. Even had a smile on his face, perhaps leaning towards the woman, more then was customary. They seemed to finish their conversation, and Mike turned, catching the brazen look of amusement on her face. He raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment, shook his head and walked towards Sasha, leaning against the same bar that she was. "Never seen you so happy to talk to reporters" Sasha mused, while looking out across the room. Her right arm was propped against the bar, a glass of champagne in her left. Her body angled towards the crowd.
"Report-er" Mike corrected, with a smile, as a full glass of Champagne was placed in front of him "besides, it's part of my job, to...liaise" he shrugged taking a sip from his glass.
"Is that what you kids call it these days?" She said chuckling a little.
Mike laughed letting out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose "was I coming on, too strong?" He asked, sounding worried.
Sasha shrugged and smiled "doesn't matter, she seemed to be receptive"
"Really?" He asked almost shocked, turning his head to look around the crowd, trying to find her again, and slight disappointment when he couldn't.
Sasha simply nodded "don't worry, I'm sure she isn't far" she said taking a drink from her glass "just means there is one less, I have to watch throw themselves at Tom" she joked.
Mike laughed and nodded "I'm happy to help" he said scanning the room, finding his friend shaking hands, and having his picture taken "he seems to be doing a lot better" he said softly.
"Yeah" Sasha smiled, also finding Tom, through the crowd, and is if he could feel her watching him, he looked up and over at her. They held each other's gaze for a few moments, before he winked at her and turned his attention back to the people in front of him. "I suppose I have you, to thank for that" she said inclining her head towards Mike "especially the last few days, from the sounds of it"
"Just trying to show him, it's not always war, and fighting to survive" Mike said honestly, a touch of sadness in his voice "I think we forget sometimes, how things were, before. Why we joined in the first place. I think he just needed to be reminded of that" he said softly, thinking about his own words for a moment "we all do. But I can't take all the credit. He's put a lot of work in. A lot of self reflection"
Sasha nodded thoughtfully. He was right, and she certainly wasn't exempt from that. "I'm glad he has you...I'm glad you have each other" she corrected.
"Me too" he smiled "because he makes an amazing house wife"
Sasha almost spit out the gulp of champagne she had just taken, managing to hold it in, but cough in protest. Mike laughed, as Tom finally managed to break free and join them.
"Why do I feel, I'm the cause of all the commotion over here?" He said dryly, stopping beside Sasha, gently placing his hand on her back.
Mike finished his glass of champagne and set it down on the bar "because you are" he smiled "if you'll excuse me, I have a story to chase" he said looking at Sasha, who tilted her head and glass in a *good luck* gesture, before he walked off.
"Do I want to know?"
"Probably not" she smiled, looking up at him, offering her half empty glass.
Tom looked at her, somewhere between relieved and appreciative. He carefully took the glass from her, finishing it off while keeping his eyes on Sasha. He hadn't seen her until she walked in just as the ceremony was about to start as she'd been called away to a last minute meeting. There hadn't been an opportunity since then to let her know how stunning she looked. Though he felt no amount of adjectives could acutely describe it. "You look beautiful" he said softly, discarding the glass, his complete focus and attention now on her.
Sasha blushed softly. Not one for compliments or grand romantic gestures. Still, hearing that from Tom, always caused her to stir. "Thank you" she said placing both hands on his shoulders, letting her fingers move up to the collar that now housed 5 golden stars on each side "how does it feel?"
He looked at her, a small smile on his face as he looked down "heavy" he said somewhat sarcastically, his eyes looking back towards Sasha, who let out a small chuckle. "I'm not sure yet" he said more sincerely "sometimes I wish I could go back to being a simple captain of a destroyer"
"I don't think you were ever a simple, captain" she replied earnestly.
Tom raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment "I suppose. All the same, part of it doesn't feel right"
"I know" she nodded. She did know. All to well. So many people had to die, for everyone in this room to be here, right now. "But, weather you think so or not, *you* deserve this. All of you do"
He turned his head momentarily, looking out across the room, before looking back at Sasha. This was a celebration, wasn't the time for his pity party. If he was being honest, even he was getting tired of that solo party. "I think that hardest thing to get my head around" he said as his lips turned into a playful smirk "is that I now hold the same rank as the name sake, of Danny's dog"
Sasha laughed, reaching up to kiss his cheek "I'd try not to advertise that little fact" though she was sure it wasn't uncommon knowledge. She lingered by his cheek, and Tom pulled his head back just enough to square his face with hers, as his hand that had been resting on her back, made its way to the other side, so his arm was now encompassing her.
"So" he smiled, moving his free hand to the back of her arm, carefully moving it up to her shoulder, running his fingers over the fabric of the shoulder straps to her dress "is this the infamous dress you wore for, el presidenté's birthday?"
Rolling her eyes in amusement, she shook her head "and if it was?"
Tom shrugged, he could see she had no intentions of either confirming or denying "then I don't know how he possibly could have declined your offer".
Sasha smiled pushing herself back just slightly. She needed more space, more air. These last 2 days, he'd had an almost intoxicating affect on her. "Then *i'd* say, you're a very smart man" she said smoothing out there fabric of his dress whites "but it may have had something to do with the c-4 I placed on his desk" she shrugged.
Tom bit his lip, shaking his head "something else I probably don't want to know?"
"Probably" she winked, satisfied with her work as she looked him over. God she loved him in dress whites.
"Seen the kids lately?" He asked changing the subject, loosening the arm that was around her back, but not removing it. Something safer. Neutral. A distraction from how badly he wanted to take her hand, leave, and hide away for the night.
She nodded her head to the right, slightly behind her "keeping Frankie entertained". Tom followed her head, looking past her shoulders seeing his two, and Frankie. He watched them for a few moments, the absent look on his features again. The same one from the night before "you're doing it again" Sasha said softly, looking up at him "same look as last night".
Tom scoffed a little. She always caught, everything. "Do you regret it. Not having kids?"
Sasha raised her eyebrows. Not what she was expecting. She had to stop and think about it. "Now...no" she said shaking her head. "There was a time though, early in the pandemic, when I didn't know, but assumed my family was dead...yeah regret seeped In. But I think that was more despair. Playing the *ill never* game" she sighed. "Now though. No. It was never a priority for me, and I'm okay with that" she said honestly.
He nodded, satisfied with her answer "just something i always wondered"
"And you're just asking me now?"
Tom shrugged, a little ashamed "therapist".
Sasha blinked, looking up at him. She couldn't deny, he was giving everything he had, to move forward. Could only imagine the conversations, that lead to that particular subject. A rather sore spot, in their history. "I know I've said this a few times Tom, but I really am proud of you" she said placing her hand on his cheek.
It was later in the evening, Sasha was sitting at a table with Kara, Danny, Wolfe, Azima, and Miller. Frankie was sound asleep in Danny's arms. Sam walked up to Sasha, slouching against her as he rested his arm on her shoulder "do you think we can go, now?" He asked, politely as possible. He seemed to echo the thoughts of everyone at the table, because they all chuckled, including Sasha. "Sounds like a great idea" she smiled. "Do you know where your dad is?"
"No" he replied simply.
"Do you know where your sister is?"
"No" he replied again.
Sasha bit her lip, shaking her head. This kid could drive her nuts and make her laugh at the same time. "Okay" she said standing up "you go find your sister, I'll find your dad, and we'll meet by the front". Sasha said goodnight to everyone at the table, then left to find Tom. As she suspected, he was out on a patio, with Mike and Russ. It seemed as though Mike had convinced them both to join him in having a cigar. "Digging into your secret stash, so soon?" She asked walking up to all three of them.
Mike looked like a deer in the headlights. "How could you possibly know about that" he said, almost annoyed.
"I didn't" she shrugged, stopping next to Tom "I suspected, when I saw the Cuban General board the Mitchner, with a small brown box, and leave without it. You just confirmed it for me" she said smartly then looked to Tom "Sam's ready to go. He's looking for Ashley"
Both Tom and Russ did their best to suppress their laughs, taking inhales to hide their wide grins, while Mike mumbled something about spooks on ships.
Twenty minutes later, Tom, Sasha, Ashley and Sam filed into the limo provided for them. Tom was originally going to decline, but both kids seemed excited about the idea, so he went with it.
"The next event better be a blue jeans, beer and wings, kind of attire" Sasha sighed, kicking off her heels, as soon as she sat down.
"At least you don't have to wear dress whites all night" Tom smirked, undoing the top few buttons of his uniform.
"Trade?" She asked, a little sarcastically, earning a pointed look from Tom.
"Hey Sasha" Sam said curiously "you were there with dad, and Danny and Kara, and everyone else right. In the war?"
"Mmhmm" she nodded, a little unsure of where this was going "I was"
"Then why didn't you get a medal?"
She sighed softly looking between Sam and Ashley, then to Tom, who looked like he was about to give Sam an explanation, she reached over and squeezed his leg gently. "Can you guys keep a secret?" She asked both kids. When they nodded, she reached for her clutch and pulled out a small box, opening it up, to reveal the same medal, most of the officers received. "It's the meeting I was called in for" she clarified to Tom.
He smiled, taking the box from her hands, looking at the object inside as if he'd never seen one before. Even though he currently had the exact same one, on his chest. "You deserve it" he said happily "more then anyone will ever know" he sighed, handing the box back to her.
Sasha tilted her head, passing the box over to Sam and Ashley. "I'll leave the speeches and photo op's to you" she smirked "I know how much you love them"
Tom rolled his eyes, while both kids looked at the medal. "So why does it have to be a secret?" Sam asked.
Before Sasha could answer, Ashley smacked her brothers arm "because her work is secret" she scolded, as if he was oblivious.
"Because" Sasha said cutting in, before Tom could scold either one of them "there are many different people, that handle many different roles" she said softly "and it's not secret, it's just...different. Besides, any anonymity I had, was lost the second I stepped out with your father" she said trying to lighten the mood, though the comment rang true. She hadn't lied about her identity for any mission, in the last three years. None of her team had. Though their work, may have been on the covert side from time to time, it was more about staying low, not making an entrance. Sitting back, watching, waiting, stepping up when needed.
Sam and Ashley seemed to be amused by her answer, both chuckling as Ashley handed the box back to her, and Sasha returned it to her clutch.
"Seems the shoe is on the other foot now" Tom mused. "I'm not great for your career".
Sasha turned her head, "no, you're not" she said matter of factly, before raising her hand to his cheek "but very much worth it" she smiled.
"I couldn't agree more" he smiled, placing his hand over hers, kissing the inside of her wrist. He was of course, referring to their younger years, when his fast tracked career would have been derailed instantly, for the simple reason he loved her.
Both Sam and Ashley, groaned with disapproval "couldn't wait until we're not, *right* here" Ashley sighed.
Tom smirked, tangling his fingers with Sasha's, dropping their hands to his lap "I suppose that wouldn't be too much to ask" he said winking at Sasha, turning to look at Ashley "I could of course make sure I was there for your first day of school next week. Full uniform, maybe get mike and Russ to join me?"
Ashley look horrified, rolling her eyes, while Sam giggled and Sasha gently elbowed Tom, in the ribs. "I think Azima and Wolfe are getting a little stir crazy" Sasha added "I could see if they wanted to gear up, make an appearance"
"Okay okay" Ashley protested "I get it. There are far worse things"
Tom smiled, happy his daughter understood. The limo came to a stop outside their hotel and all 4 exited, Tom still holding firm to Sasha's hand as they walked in. "You know" Ashley said as they walked through the lobby "tonight was fun" she said thoughtfully "I'm glad we came".
"Me too" Tom smiled, wrapping his free arm around his daughters shoulders, suddenly coming to a stop. "I have an idea". He altered course from the elevators, instead walking towards the restaurant.
"It says closed" Sasha said matter of factly.
"And that's why I'm not in intelligence" Tom teased, pushing the door open, nodding his head for all three to file in ahead of them. Sasha raised her eyebrows, but guided both kids in, following suit.
"So now that you've added unlawful entry to all our resumes, whats next?" She asked, looking around the kitchen they were now standing in.
"Theft under 5000" Tom smiled, opening a large freezer, grabbing a small tub of ice cream "and it's neither, if you already asked for permission" he said grabbing 4 spoons.
"This is cool dad" Sam smiled, hopping up on the counter. "Kinda like when we were sailing back from Greece"
Tom smiled, thinking back. They had been a few days from making port in Norfolk, and he wanted to spend the last few moments he could, with them. Being honest with himself, one of the reasons he loved being at sea was the simplicity of it all. No distractions, just a job, a mission, a purpose. With his kids on the ship, sailing home, it had afforded them a few quiet moments.
flashback*
"Sam stop running, you're going to..." just as the words were about to escape toms mouth, Sam caught his foot going through a door hatch, and went flying. His knee caught the metal grate on the floor, but he was spared any serious damage thanks to Sasha, who was coincidently coming around the corner. She had managed to catch him in time for his head hit against the metal of the ship. "Hurt yourself" Tom sighed, trying to catch up. A bum leg, and P-ways did not go hand in hand.
"Wow, I must have missed the abandon ship call" Sasha said softly, looking over Sam. She steadied him against the wall, making sure he could stand before releasing her grip. "Looks like a cut on your knee" she said kneeling down to take a closer look "but nothing we need to call in a medi-vac for" winking, as she looked up at him.
Sam smiled a little then noticed all the papers on the floor "I'm sorry" he said reaching down to help pick them up.
"Better the papers then you" she said giving him a look. "Your dad is right. Dangerous place to be running" she said softly, standing up as Tom reached them, Ashley quietly following behind.
"Thank you" he sighed, running his hand through his hair. She noticed right away that Sam looked down and away. Undoubtedly preparing for a lecture, that Sasha was all to familiar with.
"Right place, right time" she shrugged "but I am curious about what the rush is?" she said trying to avert Tom's attention. He didn't get a chance to answer.
"It's my birthday in a couple days" Sam pipped up. "But we won't be on the ship, so bacon said he made me a cake, because we didn't know where we'd be, or where he'd be, and he wanted to make it for me, so he said he left it in the galley, and that's where we are going"
Sasha raised her eyebrows, carefully nodding to all the information as it was presented "I suppose I can understand the hurry" smiling softly, earning a grin from Sam "I won't hold you up" she said looking to Tom, stepping to the side "enjoy the cake, and happy birthday"
"Thanks" Sam smiled, carrying on in the direction of the galley, at a slower pace.
"Ash, go with your brother" Tom said also stepping to the side, to let his daughter pass. "I'll be right behind you". Ashley mumbled something about being alone on the boat, as she walked by. When Tom cleared his throat, she stepped forward a little quicker and stopped mumbling. Back talk. Another thing Sasha knew, Tom hated.
"You sure you're not second guessing Mikes offer, to put you guys on the plane?" Sasha smiled once both kids were out of earshot. Tom slowly started following behind them, and Sasha instinctively followed him, even though it was the opposite direction from which she was heading.
Tom smirked a little but avoided the question "I'm surprised you didn't go back, on it"
Sasha bit the inside of her cheek, as she followed Tom, at his pace "wasn't packed in time". A deflection, of sorts. She had two pairs of pants a couple shirts and a few undergarments. Packing would have taken 30 seconds. She stayed because she was scared. Scared if she flew home, she'd never see him again.
Tom smiled a little, as they reached the galley. Sam and Ashley were already inside, impatiently waiting. "For what it's worth, I'm glad" he said turning to face her. He knew she was deflecting, for the same reasons he'd just avoided her question "join us?" He said tilting his head towards the galley.
Sasha fidgeted with the papers in her hands, a small smile on her lips "love to" she whispered, squeezing his shoulder as she walked past him, into the galley"
end flashback*
"One of my favourite moments on the, James" Sasha mused, eating a spoonful of ice cream.
"Really?" Tom asked thoughtfully, gently leaning his arm against hers as he reached for a spoonful.
"Hmmm" she swallowed, "that cake was amazing"
Tom dropped his spoon, as his kids laughed and nodded in agreement "and I thought you were going to say something sweet and loving"
"I know" she smiled, carefully putting her spoon down as well, slipping her arm through Tom's, gripping his bicep with her hand. "are we ready to go upstairs?". Sam seemed to be coming down from the excitement of desert, and Ashley had been hiding yawns ever since they got in the limo.
"I think that's a yes" Tom mumbled, as both kids cleaned up their mess. Once everything was put back as it had been found, the foursome made their way upstairs, with both kids happily making their way to bed. Sasha had dropped her shoes by the door- hadn't even bothered to put them on when they pulled up out front.
"So" she said softly "tonight wasn't so bad, was it"
Tom sighed, happy to finally take his jacket off, carefully dropping it over a chair "I suppose not" he said warmly, making his way over to her "would you like a drink?"
Sasha turned her head to look at the bottle, then looked back to Tom "no".
"A night-cap?" He asked again, stopping in front of her, lifting one hand, trailing his finger up her arm starting at her wrist.
Once again- "no"
This time, Tom smiled. *good*he thought. She wasn't looking for a distraction, or boundary. "Are you sure you don't want to tell me, if this is *the* dress, or not?" . He had a boyish grin on his face, as his fingers gently pushed the fabric on her shoulder, to the side.
"I don't know" Sasha mused, pretending to think about it. It was difficult to concentrate on anything, except his hands on her skin. "the unknown seems to be yielding benefits" she whispered, as Tom leaned in placing a kiss on the newly exposed skin of her shoulder.
His lips smiled against her skin, before raising his head. One hand cradled her neck, his thumb brushing just under her jaw, while the other slipped around her back. He didn't say anything, just simply admired her beauty.
Sasha blushed softly, bringing her hands to rest on his chest, Pulling gently at the fabric of his undershirt. She couldn't resist any longer. Pushing herself up onto her toes, her lips reached his, kissing him deeply, as her arms snaked around his neck.
Tom immediately returned the kiss, holding her secure, against his body. Finally breaking for air, he let his forehead rest against hers, catching his breath. He took a few breaths, before reaching behind his neck to secure one of her hands in his. His other arm dropped from her body, and he took a step backwards, squeezing her hand gently.
Sasha tilted her head, smiling gently. No words were needed. She squeezed his hand, and when he started walking backwards towards the bedroom, she eagerly followed.