“You will never have to deal with life without me. I promise you. Nothing can tear us apart. Hell, we’ve survived this far, I know we’ll survive a long time. And, I will always take your side and have your back. Always.” Jason would never want that to change. He was in her corner no matter what, just as he knew she was in his corner all the time. They had seen so many people get torn apart by the outbreak – it was horrible to watch. So many relationships and friendships were destroyed, yet, here were these two – closer than ever. It did surprise him when she said just to do what the adults said. Jason would have bet the house on thinking that Alicia would have suggested they just ditch everything. Now, he was not a fan of that idea, he figured they should all stick together, but he was going to go with Alicia if she said that.<br/><br/>When Alicia went to their room, Jason did spend a few minutes talking with Madison one-on-one. Madison acknowledged that Jason probably knew Alicia better than she ever could. Jason tried to explain things to Madison, telling her why Alicia felt this way, providing examples to when Alicia felt this way before, and it seemed like things were finally starting to click for Madison. She thought she had been doing the right thing, just protecting her daughter, but she failed to see that Alicia could handle herself and was not just a child anymore.<br/><br/>For the first time, a conversation about the way she treated Alicia went well and ended with Jason quietly returning back to their room. He saw the look on her face and he was an expert at Alicia’s body language and facial expression. He could tell that something was off, of course. So, when she smiled at him, he returned the smile and sat down, deciding to face her as she leaned up against the wall. Immediately, his hands were reaching out to grab both of hers, pulling them into his lap, eyes locked with her as well. Jason could tell that Alicia was feeling horrible right now and that was why she didn’t seem like her eyes conveyed the same emotion that the smile did. Jason sighed quietly as he looked at her, just studying her for a moment, trying to figure out what to do next to try and cheer her up.<br/><br/>“Babe… I’m sorry about all this. I really am. I talked to your Mom. I think she might have heard me this time. She said she will do better, but I know words are just words right now. Hopefully we will see that change tomorrow when we get going again.” He continued to hold her hands, giving them a tight squeeze before pressing his lips to each of her palms. “I’m here for you, though. I love you so much and I know that your opinion matters, that what you think matters. I’ll always be there for you.” He whispered softly, leaning in, pressing a kiss onto her lips, leaning forward to hold her against his chest. He released her hands, sliding his arms behind her back to hug her tightly, now pulling her head against his chest. “Just tell me what you need right now and I will do it.”<br/><br/>He knew that there was nothing he could really do, but Jason just wanted his wife to know that he was there for her, that he would help her out however he could. If she just wanted to cuddle and try to get some rest, they would. If she wanted to get some sleep, they could. He did not mind. Jason continued to hold her, stroking her hair with one hand, the other stroking up and down her back. “I love you so much, Alicia.” Jason reminded her, wanting to know just how much he loved her.