Page 52 of Tank

Tank's hand comes up to cup my cheek, tilting my face towards his. His dark eyes bore into mine, fierce and tender all at once. "Sophie, you fought like hell to get here. You're the strongest damn woman I know, and I'm so fucking proud of you."

I swallow hard past the lump in my throat, my fingers curling into his cut. "I couldn't have done it without you, Tank. You saved me in every way a person can be saved."

His thumb brushes over my cheekbone, wiping away the tears I didn't even realize were falling. "We saved each other, little one. You've given me a reason to keep fighting, to be a better man. I want to build a life with you, Sophie. I want forever with you."

My heart stutters in my chest at his words, hope and love swelling within me until I feel like I might burst from the force of it. "I want that too, Tank. More than anything."

He leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that feels like a vow. "Then let's make it happen, little one. You and me, always."

Dr. Novak's office is a calm oasis, all soothing colors and soft lighting. I settle into the plush armchair across from her, my hands twisting nervously in my lap.

"Sophie, it's so good to see you," she greets me warmly, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners. "How have you been?"

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. "I'm... I'm good, actually. Really good. The nightmares are still there, but they're not as frequent. And I have so much support now, with Tank and the Iron Reapers."

Dr. Novak nods, jotting down a note on her pad. "That's wonderful to hear, Sophie. Having a strong support system is crucial in the healing process. Tell me more about how they've been there for you."

I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips as I think of my fierce, loving family. "They've been amazing, Dr. Novak. They set up a study space for me so I can start taking online classes, and they're always there to listen when I need to talk. I feel... I feel like I belong with them, like I'm part of something bigger than myself."

"That sense of belonging is so important, Sophie. It's a testament to your strength and resilience that you've been able to forge those bonds, despite everything you've been through."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I know I still have a long way to go. The shadows of my past... they're always going to be there, in some way. But I'm determined to keep moving forward, to build a life that's mine. I want to help other survivors, to use my experiences to make a difference."

Dr. Novak smiles at me, pride shining in her eyes. "Sophie, I have no doubt that you will achieve incredible things. Yourdetermination and compassion are truly inspiring. Remember, healing is not a linear process. There will be ups and downs, but you have the strength within you to weather any storm. And you have an amazing team in your corner, every step of the way."

I leave her office feeling lighter, my steps surer. The road ahead may be long and winding, but for the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to walk it. With Tank and the Iron Reapers by my side, I know I can face anything.

Watch out, world. Dr. Sophie Lange is on her way.

The garage is dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of grease and gasoline. I find Tank hunched over his motorcycle, his hands moving with practiced precision as he tinkers with the engine. But there's a tension in his shoulders, a rigidity that I've come to recognize as a sign of his inner turmoil.

I approach him softly, my hand reaching out to rest on his back. "Hey, big guy. What's on your mind?"

He straightens, wiping his hands on a rag before turning to face me. His dark eyes are haunted, a stark contrast to the warmth I usually find there. "Just... old ghosts, little one. Shit from my army days that I thought I'd left behind."

I nod, understanding all too well the weight of unresolved trauma. "You know, talking to someone... it's helped me a lot. Maybe it could help you too."

Tank sighs, running a hand over his closely cropped hair. "I don't know, Soph. Spilling my guts to some stranger... it's not really my style."

"I get that. But sometimes, we need a little help to carry the load. You've been there for me, every step of the way. Let me be there for you too."

He pulls me into his arms, his chin resting on top of my head. "I'll think about it, little one. I promise."

The community center is bustling with activity, but as I step into the room where the support group meets, a hush falls over the space. I take a seat in the circle, my heart hammering in my chest as I look around at the faces of the other survivors.

There's a flicker of recognition in some of their eyes, a shared understanding of the horrors we've endured. I draw strength from their presence, from the knowledge that I'm not alone in this fight.

When it's my turn to speak, the words pour out of me in a torrent. "I never thought I'd be able to trust anyone again, after what I went through. But the Iron Reapers... they've shown me that there are still good people in this world. People who will stand by you, no matter what."

Heads nod in agreement, and a woman across from me speaks up. "It's so important to have that support system. To know that you're not alone, that there are people who understand what you've been through."

I feel a lump form in my throat, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "I used to think that I was broken beyond repair. That I'd never be able to move past what happened to me. But being here, with all of you... it gives me hope. Hope that healing is possible, that we can reclaim our lives and our futures."

The room erupts in applause, and I feel a wave of emotion wash over me. These women, these survivors... they are my sisters in arms. Together, we will rise from the ashes of our past and build something beautiful from the ruins.

As the meeting draws to a close, I linger, exchanging hugs and phone numbers with the other women. A sense of belongingsettles deep in my bones, a warmth that chases away the chill of my past.

I step out into the sunlight, my head held high. Tank is waiting for me, leaning against his bike with a proud smile on his face. "How'd it go, little one?"

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