Sleep wasn't something you took for granted. Some nights, it came quick, after a day full of labor, you were so tired you fell asleep within minutes. Others, you weren't as lucky. While the rest were peacefully resting, you would just lay there. Sometimes you'd make an attempt to get up, maybe sit outside for a bit, but it was unsuccessful nine out of ten times due to a pair of pale arms subconsciously wrapping around your waist and pulling you to lay down again. Tonight was a bit different. When you'd sat up, Van had too.

"Why are you awake?" You asked, voice hoarse from not being used.

"I don't know, why are you?" That shut you up quickly. Now, the two of you are playing a game. One person closes their eyes and the other spells something out on their arm. Currently, it's your turn to guess. Eyes closed and arm in Van's hands, you feel her begin tracing. "I"... "<3"... "U". Wait. What?

"Uh... did you just...?" You hesitate, unsure if you felt that right. The two of you had never said it before.

"Yeah. I love you."