Emma had held her breath while watching her daughter approach the man. The two people in the world who could usually bring him back from the brink of his anger were missing, in worlds that were more than a bit terrifying. But he surprised her, scooping Aislinn up and placing her in his lap. The baby smiled contentedly, as she usually did when she got what she wanted. Even more to Emma's surprise, her little girl nuzzled back into the Dark One's chest, her thumb automatically going towards her mouth. She had a feeling it was because the baby missed Graham as much as Emma did, perhaps more. At least Emma knew where he'd gone, what had happened to him. She might be concerned for his welfare, but she understood. The only thing she could say to Aislinn when she asked where daddy was was that he'd gone on a trip.
It wasn't enough. Her baby clearly craved a male presence and she'd found one who didn't scare her the way he did most. Emma couldn't help but wonder the reason for it. Maybe Aislinn was just that good at reading people. Or maybe it had everything to do with the fact that in so many ways, she'd already dealt with more levels of fear than a child her age ever should.
As he didn't seem to be pushing either of them away, Emma perched carefully in a nearby chair, ready to leave at the first sign of being asked to. "No," she said quietly, her eyes drifting towards the screen. "Thank you. For letting us come by." Though now, seeing the picture the pair made, she suspected he'd needed the company just as much as she had. Not that she'd admit it. They were there for Henry. Yeah. That was it.