Nothing happened, we sat and talked. We sat, and smoked. We just sat. Your feelings towards me seemed to be put on hold as I gush over my husband, maybe you just didn't have feelings anymore, or maybe you were being respectful for my sake. You are mine, before anyone else, you are mine. I must guide, mold you, be kind to you, for you are my servant, a follower. I must do right by you. No matter what has happened in the past. I'll do what I can to be the best master for you. I have failed you in so many ways. I used you, I used your flesh, used your undying loyalty to discard you. I am a cruel woman, and that is something I wish not to be. It's too late to start over now. But I can begin to heal these wounds by change.

Later that morning you lay your head on my lap.

"So, are you going to call your husband?" you ask.

"Yes, later." I say.

"Is the child with you?"

"No, she's with her father." I answer, rubbing your scalp with my fingertips.

"He doesn't understand us." you say. "He will never understand."

"I don't think he minds that we are bound by blood, but our past, it's painful for him to know I still work with an ex lover." I explain.

"Well, he's bedding you now, so what's the big deal?"

"The deal is, I snapped when I shouldn't have." I say, "I let him think I am putting you before him." Maybe I am. Maybe if I was a smart woman, i'd lock you away again.

"I see, so he's jealous?"

"Yes."

I see a smug grin creep across your face. I groan.

"It'll be in your best interest to keep your grins to yourself, servant." I say sternly. Your grin vanishes. Moments of silence fall between us.

"Are you going to call him?" You ask.

Yes- No- I don't know." I spit quickly. You look at me confused.

"Well, he seems like an understanding man, Integra, I wouldn't waste it."

"I know, but I don't know what I can do, I think I really messed up this time." I sigh.

"Just call him, you'll feel better." You say softly.

"I suppose you're servant."

_

I call my husband. The phone rings and rings, and then a stern male voice comes through the phone.

"Hello Interga." Samuel's voice rang in my ear.

"You sound mad." I say.

"Yes, I am, I want some space." He says, I hear him shuffling about. "Just for a little bit." He tells me. "Just until I can accept my place in your eyes."

I almost growl. "What does that mean?"

"You know what I mean,"

"No, I don't." I speak in a firm tone. "Please explain."

"He's yours Integra, and I need to accept your not going to budge, he's there by your side, he was there before me, you love him. You told me so."

I didn't know what to say, he's right. I wouldn't let you go, no matter how many times I told myself I didn't love you anymore I did. I always will. But, I love him more, and that wasn't a lie.

"I love you more." Is all I could say. He sighs.

"I hope so."

A couple days have passed, and Samuel came home, Connie ran into my arms when she saw me. Telling me how much she missed me. I adored her face with kisses. Samuel and I went upstairs to talk. Boundaries were set. I told him I was not going to get rid of you. And he said he wanted more alone time with me in exchange, which wasn't a problem. I want to show him I could love him exclusively. Our sex life increased, Everything, aside from my workly duties, revolved around him and my daughter. Things are coming together. More so than they have been before. I feel complete. Two years, to years have passed. And everything, was perfect.

Samuel and I walk down the stone path, It's getting cold again, fall is coming. Sam and I lock arms as Connie walks before us. She spins around, smiling and giggling. Her little blue coat flowing behind her. Her hair up in a ponytail.
"Integra." Samuel whispers in my ear.

"Yes dear?" I ask.

"I'm going to the United states in January." He says.

"Is it about the bill?" I ask, curious and frowning.

"Yes, that bill. We've put it off for long enough, mainly for security concerns." He says, looking forward, at our daughter.

"Security concern?" I question, loudly. He shushes me, gesturing to Connie, I lower my voice. "What do you mean?" I ask.

"Well, it's a controversial bill. It's allowing a new metal to be used in the making of military weapons, strong enough to kill vampires, but gentle enough to let a human hold. Like what your pet uses."

I blink. "Are you insane?" I stop him, dead in his tracks. "Humans can't be trusted with that kind of power!"

He peers at me. "For someone who puts a lot of faith in humanity, you sure don't give humans they credit they deserve." He tells me.

"This will be perfect integra," he grabs my shoulders, looking into my eyes. "Humans can final defend themselves!" he smiles.

I am not sure why, but I feel that it is a bad idea. I look away, then back up into my husband's eyes. He still smiles at me, I smile weakly back. I did not want to argue. I did not want to ruin a perfectly day.

"Connie!" Samuel calls, Connie is now way in front of us. I turn my head to look at Connie, she's picking up leaves and sticks. She runs up to us, smiling.

"Daddy, Mommy, can we use this to make a fire tonight!?" She asks, excitedly. Samuel looks at me for confirmation.
"Sure." I say, she jumps happily. "Now, let's go put those in the fireplace." I smile. We go inside. Connie puts the leaves and sticks in the fireplace, and later on the evening, before bed, we all sit around the fireplace. Connie fell asleep, we carry to bed. Once Samuel and I laid her down to sleep, we go to our room. I take off my clothes, and he goes into the bathroom. I put on a nightgown.

Samuel comes to bed, laying next to me.

"So," I begin to speak, "I still don't think it's a good idea to pass the bill." I say, while Sam gets comfortable. He sighs.
"It is a good idea, Integra, we want humans to protect themselves."

"While, I don't disagree, I still feel like humans having that kind of power is dangerous."
Sam rolls his eyes, "Integra." He sighs. "Humans may be flawed, but what is more flawed to you, someone who gave up there humanity, or someone who fights for it?" he questions. I say nothing, he knew my answer,