"Go ahead, Em," Len said, giving her a gentle squeeze, "I can't tell you what to do. I can, however, support what you decide to do. You're old enough to think for yourself."<br/><br/>He gave her an encouraging smile as he placed a hand on her cheek. The sadness he felt was well hidden so she wouldn't worry. He knew her inner voice had chimed in due to her actions. It bothered him that she'd fought him with everything she had yet still couldn't fight that damn voice. He shook his head with a sigh.<br/><br/>"Oh, If that was your inner voice, kindly tell it I'd be more than happy to prove it wrong."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'You sure you can prove that mighty claim, Lover boy?'</span><br/><br/>'Oh, fuck you, you fucking narcissist.'<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'Oh, come on. Don't be like that to yourself. At least I'm honest with myself.'</span><br/><br/>'At least I'm not afraid to admit that I have a damn heart.'<br/><br/>He could swear he heard crickets in his head. Sitting up, he crossed his arms in thought. He was worried about the conversation that was coming up. His instincts were saying to tell Emma but he didn't want her to jump to conclusions. He didn't know how to approach this.<br/><br/>"Emma, I have a room next to yours," He said, redirecting to something that could be beneficial to both of them, "One room to the left. If you need me anytime I'm not here with you, wait there. I'll be in there most of the time."