This new house was a symbol for both of them.

When Malcolm turned back to take a final look at that dark and barren apartment all he saw was his old life. Those stark white walls encapsulated what his life had been like before Clara came into his life. Two years ago he would have been able to move all of his belongings with just his car. Now, their lives together were so full and vibrant, he was worried that they wouldn't be able to fit everything in the moving truck. Clara had filled both his life and that hollow apartment.

So instead of feeling the gnawing sensation deep in his stomach that he was expecting, Malcolm felt relief and warmth radiating through his entire being. The relief that came with Clara's assistance in carrying the weight of his every day. Weight that had been resting on his shoulder and in his mind for so long that he hadn't realised the toll it was taking.

But the warmth… the warmth wasn't just filling up all the empty spaces from his past. The warmth was emanating off of Clara and through his entire universe. Every time she smiled, Malcolm felt like he was enveloped in the first warm day after a harsh winter. Her every move fit him in a way that he hadn't been sure would ever be possible in his lifetime.

"That one can just go up in one of the spare rooms," Clara pointed a hand towards the stairs and smiled tiredly as she directed the movers around the house with old boxes and new. "The one on the far left, across from the master bedroom."

She looked at him then; saw him watching her as he leaned against the doorframe. She had sweat clinging to her forehead from lifting and unpacking boxes. Her shirt had a smudge of black from something or other near the collar.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Malcolm asked, his smile widened when she blushed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You do love bossing people around, love." he approached her and bent to kiss her cheek. Before moving away he moved slightly to whisper in her ear. "I enjoy watching you do it too."

"Malcolm!" she gave his shoulder a little shove, but not enough to move him away. "Why don't you go make yourself useful? There's a ton of unpacking to do! The new furniture is being delivered soon and I don't want boxes in the way."

"Whatever you say, darling."

And he meant it.