Then it will destroy him all over again, but at least this time he can believe she's safe and somewhere else, being free and herself. She doesn't need him to be happy, and her happiness is enough. Or, at least, something akin to it. And maybe he won't know he'll never see her again; he can just believe in the chance yet to be. Either way, it's not what he wants to be thinking about at the moment. But Laura's right; he does want to get back and not waste what little they have.

However, he doesn't want to waste this, either. He knows if he bolts in this moment, that it will undo all that's been said. Confessed. It'll only make things worse than they were when he walked through the door. Which is pretty fucking bad.

Sweeney takes a slow breath and slides off the couch. He doesn't rise, just shifts onto his knee so he can come to rest in front of her. His hand lifts, hoping to brush back an errant lock of hair while his thumb grazes her cheek, if she allows it. Either way, his gaze is fixed on her, and his voice is soft and sincere.

"I know I'm shit at this. I know I can't promise you anythin'. Only that I'm tryin'. I don't wanna do wrong by you." Not again.

"Please believe me." His hands lowers to take hers and gently guide it to press flat against his chest.

"Please believe this."