Sean doesn't feel any different having said it, having heard her say it, but it still feels unspeakably good, if overwhelming. The last time he fell in love, he was a teenager, and this is so completely different, it's astounding. Even this far into things, it all seems so new with Meredith that he doesn't know how to handle it all. And alright, promises made can only go so far, he knows all too well that life can get in the way of even the best laid plans, but right now, he honestly doesn't care. She's not leaving him of her own volition anytime soon, maybe never, and that's enough. Because she loves him. Whoever the hell he is, she loves him.

"Ach, I cannae be the one ta cry again," he says, eyes shut tight as he bows his head at the sudden pricking of tears, smiling in spite of himself. He never thought love was supposed to feel this heavy, but now he suspects it was always destined to be, given their pasts. He wouldn't want it any other way.