Not a Casual Love

"You know it's too much!" he growled as he stalked a few steps away from her in the parking lot.

She watched him, shoulders slightly hunched, his movements jerky and quick and she knew he was angry but she did not give a fuck. This drama filled poor excuse for a friendship was done and she was not one to hide how she felt. It was like lying. She did not lie.
He whirled around and a year ago she would have flinched at the anger flushing his face but not now.
Her chin rose a notch and her gaze stared him down. She was done and she would have her say.

He stepped forward and angrily spat out, "You and I have gone too fast with all of this. I get quiet with you because it is all overwhelming."

She began to go tell him to fuck off but then she saw it in his eyes, not anger, but fear. He was lashing out due to the fear he had inside of himself. Her heart twisted a little and then she knew what she needed to do.
She met his step and soon with a step of her own she was inches from him, staring up into those wonderful dark eyes that even in this moment, flashing with a mixture of angry fear still melted her core.
He went silent, a wary expression on his face but the anger in his eyes shifted to one of desire.
This is what always happened to them when they were close. Fire.

"I don't love casually. When I love it's fierce. It's my soul ripped wide open and raw. It's my whole heart on display. It's all I have and everything I know, handed over to you, like a gift. Unwrap it gently." she said softly as her fingertips touched his cheek.

She watched the emotions fly through his eyes until the one she wanted remained. His own love for her.
He placed his hand over hers while it rested on his cheek. She knew this was hard for him but it was for her as well and this could not only be about his fear, she had her own worries.
it was time to work this out.

"I love you/" he said softly. "I...I....damn...so hard..." his eyes flitted away from hers. Nervousness washed over him and she felt it sting her own body with its intensity.

"I love you too and I know we have many hurdles. A lot of water under the bridge but together we can get through this and have something amazing." her voice was gentle. She knew he was scared to go down the path again, to end up in the same place he had been and face that pain of loss.
She understood the road ahead would be tough, unorthodox but it would be worth it. She would make sure it was worth it.
Open. Loving and Free.