"I have loved you from the first moment we met. For me, it was instantaneous. And I've not hid it, I've not denied it. How could I? I can feel it pouring from my veins. My love for you fills my entire being. Every expression you make, every minute movement. Everything you do, or say, only makes me fall more in love with you. I might not shout it from the rooftops, but I don't need to. I know that I love you. And now that you know that I love you. That is enough for me. You might not feel the same about me, and that is perfectly alright. You loving me is not a requirement for me loving you." His quiet, but passionate speech took her by surprise. For years, he has been in her orbit, quietly being a steady presence in her life.
Everything he did was just.. steady. It was everything she needed without knowing it. And that surprised her as well. She never thought she would need someone like him. For years, she imagined a love that was loud. Someone who did proclaim their love from the rooftops, who have her things that she didn't really need in public in front of loads of people. Something that she would read in a novel, or see in a movie. This entire time, six years, everything she needed was there by her side all along. Even when she'd been dating others. Oh, how that must've broken his heart every time. How could he still love her, after all the times she'd hurt him, even if it was unknowingly.
"But why? In all the years we've known each other, I've never really been single. Yet you're still here. Why?" She asked with a devastated look on her face.
'I know, but you must understand. I've never been someone who enjoys being in the spotlight. I'm more than content being in the background. That being said, I only ever want you to be happy. If that is not with me, then so be it. Being a part of your life, even as a friend, is enough for me. I have enjoyed being your friend, enjoyed learning about you as a person." He says, his eyes never leaving hers. They are a calm, stay shade of green. The most beautiful shade of green, she realized. They were as steady as he was, never changing, not even in sunlight. They were always full of affection and warmth when looking at her. She'd always loved that about him, even before she'd realized the depth of her affection.
"I love you. I always have, I've just not realized how much so until now. You are the most wonderful, caging l caring person I've ever met, and you presence alone is a balm for my soul. I honestly do not know who I'd be without you in my life. I am so sorry for hurting you the way I have, even if I didn't realize I was hurting you. I never want to do that."
Her admission took him by surprise. Looking into her eyes, a beautiful shade of gray, he could tell she meant it in the same way he did. A smile began to form on his face, truly ecstatic. He swept her up into his arms, making her laugh in surprise before wrapping her arms around his neck. He spun them around in a circle, expressing his joy in one of the only ways he knew how to in the moment.
"Will you go on a date with me?"
"Absolutely. I'll pay."
"Deal." And they sealed it with a kiss, knowing in their hearts that they will have plenty of time did more dates and kisses in the future.
