Chapter 54: What could have happened.

It's been a long time since you've come over to my house. You're not here for anything much, just to play some games and eat some dinner. Nothing too serious. But still, it's a lot. 

It's been a while since we've talked in person, too. I really missed your smile, your laugh. They way you look into my eyes when you talk. I love they way you smile a little when you hear something I say under my breath and you think it's cute. 

You've been really busy, unreachable. Being away from you for so long, unable to talk to you, to be near you, has made me want you even more. I don't know if I love you, but I know for sure how special you are to me. I don't want you to be anyone else's. 

You sit beside me on the couch. The large cushions sink in with the weight of our bodies, enveloping us in a suede microfiber hug. I sit beside you, only close enough for our knees to touch, and our elbows. But even with that small amount of contact, I feel your warmth. I feel your presence, something I'd been without for a long time. 

We play a few games. You win the first few, and I win one. I'm falling in love with the way you get competitive, nudging me when you think I have the upper hand for a minute, or yelling when you win. I love the excitement in your eyes. I want to see all of your happy expressions. I want to be the root of all those expressions. 

We pause for a minute. I'm tired, and I lean back on the sofa for a minute to rest my eyes. I feel your hand move to cover mine. Your hand is smooth, but larger than mine, enclosing it in warmth. I keep my eyes closed, but feel you lean over until your face is close to mine. 

You whisper my name. I open my eyes and see your face, your eyes resting softly on mine. Your lips are slightly chapped, pressed together determinedly. Your cheeks flush softly, in contrast with the red of your ears, something I've noticed about you since you were young. 

I smile. I love the way you look in this moment. You tell me you love me, and that you have loved me for the past seven years. I tell you that I know. I lift my hand and cup your cheek, pulling your face closer to mine. Your breath is hot, your breathing already unstable. I know you've dreamed of this moment for a long time, and I'm sorry I hadn't done this before. 

As your lips land on mine, I move my hand to your neck, then into your hair. Your mouth is soft on mine, kissing me chastely, savoring the taste of my lips. Your hands cup my face, holding me close to you. I love you in this moment, with all apprehensions slipping away. And you love me, just as you always have, and always will.