Short but sweet chapter for this one, sorry for such long delays in between updates. Hoping to get some more out more regularly in the near future. Thanks for reading and sticking with this story!

'I don't deserve you.'

The words are out of her mouth before she's even realised she's said anything, breath barely above a whisper, her eyes staring into space before she's jolted back to the present when she realises that she hadn't just said those words in her head but they'd left her mouth as well.

Nicky's head turned sharply to look at Lorna when she heard the soft sound of her voice, her eyebrow raised as she lowered the book she had been reading to the bunk. "What was that?"

Lorna looked over at Nicky's questioning gaze, her eyes still wide in disbelief that she'd allowed the words to fall so foolishly out of her mouth. She thought for a moment about brushing it off, pretending she hadn't said anything, covering it up with a cough. But Nicky would see right through that. Nicky was one of the only people who she could never lie to and even when she attempted to she saw right through it, called her out on her bullshit. Thinking back on those four words she realised they needed to be said, for her own piece of mind if not for anything else. Nicky deserved to hear them and deserved to hear the reasons why.

She sat up a little straighter, back pressing against the stone wall at the opposite end of the bunk. She didn't know whether the same between them right now was going to make this easier or harder. She breathed in a slow steadying breath before turning her face to look at Nicky, her lips pressed into a tight line and her eyes furrowing before she just opened her mouth and repeated those same words. Only louder, firmer, this time. 'I don't deserve you.'

She could see a mix of emotions fluttering over Nicky's face before she opened her mouth again to speak before Nicky got a chance to say anything in response.

'I really don't.' She shook her head slowly, brunette wisps of hair flapping against her cheeks at the movement, a sad smile slowly forming on her lips.

'Y'do so much for me. You are so amazing. You have been ever since I arrived 'ere, ever since I first met ya'. I was so terrified but you put me at ease, made me feel safe 'nd protected 'nd cared for. Without ya', I would have fallen apart.' A humourless laugh left her mouth as she thought back to that first week.

'I guess I just needed to tell you that everything you do for me, it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. I know things can get pretty scary in here 'nd ya' always the one that's gotta be strong. Got to hold not just me but the whole family together. That takes a lot of strength and courage ya' know. So, thank you. For always bein' there for 'nd keepin' me safe 'nd everythin'.'

Nicky had been silent the whole time Lorna had been talking, eyes trained on the brunette, hands itching to reach out and just pull her into her arms but realising that this was important and she needed to let her finish before she made any movements.

Lorna shrugged her shoulders with a wry smile as she looked back over at Nicky with large brown eyes brimming with unshed emotion.

Nicky's eyes softened and her chest filled with warmth as their eyes re-connected. 'C'mere.' She rasped, holding her arms open and jerking her head to the side in a motion for Lorna to come towards her, into her arms, where she belonged.

Lorna sunk her teeth into her trembling lower lip, trying to fight back the emotion. Trying for once to not be such a cry baby. She scooted back down the bunk in Nicky's direction before she felt strong arms wrap around her torso and pull her into her chest, laying them down horizontally so Nicky could rest her head back on the pillow. If you could even call it that.

'Baby.' Nicky's voice came out as a raspy whisper, her hand smoothing down Lorna's short curls where her head was resting on her chest close to her heart. 'Ya' never have to thank me for shit like that.' A small smile curled at her lips as she looked down at the quiet girl was curled up against her side. She pressed a soft kiss to the crown of her head before leaning back again. 'I do it 'cause I love you.'

The words slipped out of her mouth like she was talking about the weather, easy and natural. Nicky blinked slowly, she hadn't meant to say that. Not out loud at the very least but she didn't regret saying it either, it was the truth after all so she just shrugged it off.

Lorna's head however shot up from Nicky's chest so fast that she was surprised she didn't get whiplash. Nicky snorted at the action, her eyes dancing with mirth and adoration as they locked on Lorna's deep brown ones once again.

Lorna's eyes darted across Nicky's face before finally settling on her eyes as if searching for something, her jaw still slightly dropped at the casual declaration before her shoulders relaxed as if she found what she was looking for.

A soft yet shy smile appeared on her lips as she reached up, one delicate hand moving to cup her cheek before she leaned in ever closer. 'I love ya' too.' She whispered, words ghosting over her lips because she was that close. Her eyes beamed brighter and her smile grew wider before she leaned in to fully close the gap and pressing her lips firmly against Nicky's, she let out a hum in contentment.