The most impossible shell to crack. The hardest walls to break through. The stiffest cracks in his stoic demeanor to squeeze through.

But all he needs is time. You can't be fast friends with the Lieutenant in a month, unless you're really goddamn special. It takes years for him to accept you as part of his life, his to protect and hold and have.

Lucky. You've done all that. And the feeling's evolved far beyond friendship. The slight change in intonation in how he speaks directly translates to his nurture and care.

"You hungry?" It's an I love you.

He's busy wrapping up your knuckles with bandages after a fight? It's an I love you.

"Yeah, me neither. Wanna grab a cuppa instead?" It's an I love you.