The smile reaches deeper in his eyes this time, relieved as well, to hear her speak so confidently. The future is what you make of it. And even though that might mean separations; even hard ones-- he believes in her. She's determined; and maybe it won't be perfect, maybe it won't be what they hope for. But she'll be fine.

And hey. Maybe, maybe, maybe Esteban can hold onto the hope that they might meet again someday. He can't put a lot of faith into it-- knows how dangerous it is. But maybe he can start believing in people just a bit more. (It's a difficult thought; one he's not so sure he can pull off-- but Esteban loves people, loves them carelessly, loves them recklessly, and if this keeps him going, well... Maybe he can afford to hope. At least-- at least for some time.)

"An' I'll be on your side. Whichever way this goes, I'll be on your side." He can't really well offer more now, unsure what is coming next, but he wants her to know that much. He's already implied it, though maybe not so clearly, so even though he wishes he knew the signs for it, he relents and lets her read, not only his lips, but his expression as well. His determination.

If he is near her-- if he is able to help--

Esteban will be there, if she ever needs him.