#diggrycedric

It’sa warm day and the two of you are just lounging in Matt’s backyard. There isn’tmuch motivation to do much else and that is perfectly fine with you. Being ableto just exist together proves to you that there is something worth fighting forand keeping around. You know you love him, but you haven’t said anything yet.Even though it’s been almost a year, it doesn’t feel quite right to say it outloud for some reason.

Mattbrings you over a glass of water and holds your gaze for a moment. It’s easy toget lost in his eyes sometimes. He smiles at you briefly as he sits down nextto you because he knows what’s going through your head right now. You look backto the book you’re reading with a small smile on your face.

Sometime has passed before Matt had grabs your hand and starts rubbing his thumb upand down your hand. You glance over at him, confused. He smiles hesitantly andlooks at you briefly, before looking away. Obviously, something was going on,but you know Matt needs to bring it up in his own time.

Aftersome time, Matt asks, “Babe, do you love me?”

“Ido,” you whisper. “I do love you, Matt.”

“Oh,”he says. “I think I love you, too. But I’m not really sure yet. I’ve never beenin a serious relationship like this before so I don’t really know what I’mdoing.”

“Well,you’re doing wonderfully so far, babe,” you reply. “And there’s no pressure,Matt. I don’t expect you to rush on saying anything to me because I know youcare for me.”

Hekisses your hand and thinks for a minute. “I feel bad not being sure yet, but Iknow I want to be with you for a long time.”

“Thisbetter not be a proposal, Matthew,” you say jokingly.

Helaughs and kisses you quickly. “God, could you imagine? Proposing before sayingI love you?”

“Thatwould be one hell of a story to tell,” you reply.

“AsI was saying,” Matthew says,laughing. “I know I want to be with you for a long time and I feel soincredibly safe being around you. So, that’s why I think I might love you. ButI might need you to show me.”

“Matt,that was lovely, but also if that was an innuendo…” you threaten.

“Ohgod, I promise that wasn’t supposed to be sexual,” Matt replies quickly. “I wasjust trying to be cute!”

Yousnicker. “Only you, Matt.”

Mattsighs and let’s go of your hand while rolling his eyes. “I can’t believe I putup with you.”

“It’sbecause you-” you start to say, before cutting yourself off. “Um, never mind.”

Mattraises an eyebrow as he says, “It’s because I what?”

“Iwas gonna say it’s because you love me but considering the conversation we hadliterally two seconds ago,” you reply.

Laughing,Matt playfully shoves you. “Well, you might not be wrong. Just haven’t figuredit out yet.”