Honestly, Wash thought he'd have to fight harder for this. It's a pattern in his life: nothing ever comes easy, and when he does win, it's at a price. He can fight like hell for what he wants, but even a success will have taken something out of him.

So this...is new, and a little terrifying in how easily it comes, but- but it's the start of a relationship. This is a beginning, not an end, and it's going to require work all the way through. He knows it's not going to be easy, and honestly, that makes this a little easier to accept.

He wraps his arms around Chief and holds tight, burying his face in Chief's chest. This is his- this is theirs, and they're going to have to work at it, but that doesn't make it any less real.

"...I'm going to take this as a yes."