*sighs happily* Truly, truly beautifully written. I knew how it was going to end and you still had tears prickling at my eyes the first time I read it. It flowed seamlessly and yet at the same time there were distinct parts for me, emotionally, and I loved all of them. You're just smiling at the fluff in the first part, at Severus' attitude toward Harry and his thoughts. And the line about the nagging wife was hilarious. Then, god, the sheer heartbreaking agony when Severus goes through his grief... It was so visceral and real, and I adored it (especially since I knew it would end all right! *grin*). The relief when Harry comes home, and then the completely realistic anger and panic when he tells him he has to quit and Harry won't agree to start with... And I love the lines about Severus' knowing he wouldn't have survived without Harry, couldn't if it happened again... And when he pleads with Harry and Harry knows he has to quit. And I adore that you end it with humor, to bring it full-circle and show that they're going to be all right. Just...all-around, a wonderful story. One of my favorites of your one-shots, I think. Really, truly well-done.