Henry's eyes linger on Riley, roaming over his face as if he's trying to memorize every flicker of expression that crosses it. "You know," he says quietly, a small, almost incredulous smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "I've never had someone scolding me for the stupid things I do."
A chuckle escapes him, unguarded and warm. "If it's my dad, he would be cursing at me, shouting until every nerve inside me is raw. Other people wouldn't even dare to speak to me like that. But you..." he pauses, his gaze softening with something that makes Riley's breath hitch, "...I know you're mad right now, but I can't help it, I just feel…amused. And I love you even more for it."
The word love leaves Henry's mouth so naturally that he doesn't even seem to realize he's said it.
It hangs in the air between them, quiet but powerful, sinking into Riley like a weight. Since they started spending time together, neither of them has ever dared to mention love, not even in passing.
