"Alex…" Claire began helplessly as he continued to hug her. "Do you know what that means?"
"Yes. You said before that love is intense affection. I feel that. The things you were saying before are all things I want for you too. I want you to be safe and happy and accomplish your dreams. And I would prefer if I could do those things along with you," Alex said straightforwardly.
Huh. He actually did understand it. How crazy.
Two months ago he hadn't even been aware of the word and now he was able to feel the emotion for himself. Claire was incredibly proud of him and also a bit overwhelmed. It had been such a long time since anyone else told her they loved her.
She felt her resolve strengthen. This would work because it had to. So they could live their lives and enjoy some time being each other's best friends without having to worry about being attacked. To be able to do the things they had talked about doing together freely.
