"I love you."

Paige whispered these words in my ear before settling herself in my arms, getting comfortable. It had been a long day, and I was already half asleep, the sandman quickly closing in on me. But I was now jarred awake and completely attentive.

I looked down at my girlfriend. Paige had never actually said those words to me before, not in a serious manner or not having to do with sex. I'd told her I loved her, of course. That day behind The Dot, and maybe once or twice since. I didn't want Paige to feel like I was pressuring her to say she loved me by saying it to her all the time. I had hope that she really did love me, and would tell me when she was ready. She was still dealing with her own issues about being bisexual, so I didn't blame her for being a little hesitant. Like most other things in our relationship, I wouldn't rush her.

I didn't say anything for a minute. She must have thought I was more out of it than I really was, because I felt her jump slightly in my arms when I spoke. "Really?"

Paige turned a little so she could look at me properly. She smiled. "Really, dufus." She pressed a small kiss to my lips as I hugged her tighter, and I could feel her grin widen.

"I love you too, but then again, you already know that." I must have been smiling like an idiot by then. Paige chuckled and rested her head in the crook of my neck. I kissed her forehead and she sighed contentedly. I listened to her breathing as it evened out and within a few minutes fell asleep.

I stared up at the ceiling, now completely unable to sleep, much to my dismay. I was tired and wanted to drift off so I could dream of the beautiful woman sleeping soundly in my arms. Everything felt so serene, so perfect, for a moment I thought maybe I had already fallen asleep and this was in fact a dream, because I knew I didn't deserve a girl like Paige.

My heart felt like it was about to burst with happiness. I'd known hearing those words from her would make me happy, but I hadn't figured it would really mean this much to me. I think it was because out of all the people who'd ever told me they loved me (and believe me, it was a short list), Paige was the one I actually believed. She made me feel complete, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time.

This girl had my heart, I'm pretty sure always had it. Even when we hated each other, the emotion had been heated and passionate. Fate had drawn out a map for us, and that initial hatred was the best way we could have ever found each other. If any lesser emotion had attracted me to her, I doubt we would be where we were today.

I'd probably never admit it outloud, but in my heart, I knew Paige was my soulmate. And now, as we lay in this perfect little bubble where we were the only things that existed or mattered, with time and the world around us frozen, I was starting to believe maybe she felt the same as I. That maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't ever want to be with anyone else. Because for me, there would never be another Paige if she broke the heart I had so willingly given her. I could love someone else maybe, but not in the unabashed, uncontrollable way I loved Paige. Not even close.

And if she had to, I'd let her break my heart. Because as much as it would hurt, I'd still love her with all the little pieces, and know that at one time, she had loved me too. And no one, not even her, can take that away from me.

I continued to smile as the steady rhythm of her heart lulled me to sleep.