I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t say it right now. Yet somehow my nerves felt even more on edge once I did. I’ve said it to her a dozen times before, though she probably never heard me, why does it have to feel so different now?

“You love me?” She replied finally. She was staring at me, not in her usual curious way but with genuine shock. Had she really not known this whole time?

I took in a sharp breath and tried to swallow the sour taste in my mouth, “Of course I do. I always have.” Oh gosh what was coming out of my mouth, “Every adventure with you is fun despite being absolutely bonkers. I like helping you and being by your side. The way you view the world is just, and you get this look in your eyes that’s just so.. and um, and you, you know you’re my best friend.” The words just spilled like a damn burst open. I wanted to crawl into a hole to save myself from the red building in my face.

But she smiled, she even laughed a little, oh god is that bad?

“You’re pretty amazing too.” Her smile was beautiful. “I’m sorry that, it took me this long to notice how you feel.”

A wave of relief washed over me, enough to comfort her at least, “It’s okay,” I gently took her hand in mine, something so simple yet so electric, “You get so focused on things that make you curious. It’s one of the many things I love about you.”

Her smile only got wider, “Well prepared to be the center of my attention then. Because you’ve always fascinated me.”

I felt the red invade my face again. I think we’re going to be okay, if it’s with her, if it’s us.