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"There is something between us and it is the most beautiful thing I have ever felt."
The words tumble past his lips and float towards me and I turn my head, following the trail of sound back to its source. I'm not sure what he means, and I tell him this.
He replies, "You make me feel…", but he trails off. He doesn't know how to explain.
I'm waiting patiently for him to gather his words. I don't mind; I'm occupied by the gentle tan and endless sky blue that always draws my eye to his. I could stare at him for hours, if given the time.
He tries again, "When I'm near you, it's like…" Again, he stops mid sentence. Annoyance flits across his lovely face and I blink, surprised to see his expression turn sour; if only for a second before determination furrows his brow and he blurts out, "Whenever I'm near you, everything is brighter. Plants have more colour and the sun shines so warmly, even on the coldest days, that sometimes I wonder if the warmth is coming from inside of me instead and is there because of you." Each syllable trips off his tongue, flavoured with sincerity. "You are the reason I can climb out of bed in the mornings, because I don't need to hide under my covers if I have you to look forward to."
He pauses for breath. It is clear to me that he has been thinking of how to say this for some time, turning phrases over and over, discarding those that didn't fit. But the certainty of his words is undermined by the tremor in his voice, and I know that soon his strong facade will melt; burned by emotion. Before I can reply, he continues, "You inspire me to be better, to try harder. But even if I fail I know you will be there to catch me, to comfort me and encourage me to try again. You make me kinder and gentler and so many other good things that the thought of what I would become without you terrifies me.
"Every minute I spend with you, I treasure and keep tucked away in a safe in my heart so the memories don't get stained by all of the shit in my life." His voice cracks but he soldiers on, in case his determination spoils and curdles into desperation. "Then I can unlock them at the end of a long day when everything feels like it's gone to shit and love them all over again and be reminded that there is good in this world, and that good is you.
"What I'm trying to say is- What I'm trying to say-" Abruptly, he stops and looks at me, chest heaving and eyes pained. I know what he wants to say, but can't.
As if he hasn't made it clear already.
I look into those cerulean eyes and smile softly. I see the tears pool and watch as one escapes and slips down his cheek. I don't even try to stop myself from leaning forward and tenderly catching it with my lips.
His cheek is smooth and warm and blotched red with emotion.
I lean back and cradle his jaw in my hand.
I whisper, "I love you too."