Unnecessary
Author's Note: Originally published on October 25, 2009
He showed it in the way he gently carried her to bed when she drifted off on their burgundy settee, her face stuck in a book. In the way he wrapped his heavy cloak around her shoulders on chilly autumn nights. In the way he hungrily kissed her.
She saw it in the way he looked at her, devoted yet feral, that glint in his bright blue eyes always causing butterflies to flutter deep within her belly. In the way he would wake up early and make her favourite breakfast on lazy Sunday mornings, even though he treasured his sleep. In the way he cherished her.
She felt it in the way he held her tight on stormy evenings, their shared warmth staving off whispers of lingering regret and faded memories of heartbreak. In the way he rubbed her sore feet after a long day. In the way he touched her.
She showed it in the way she massaged his aching shoulders after strenuous days of making the world a safer place. In the way she always gave him an extra serving of pudding. In the way she snogged him breathless.
He saw it in the way she smiled at him, brilliant and mischievous, her soft upturned lips causing him to shiver with anticipation. In the way she would don orange and cheer with him amongst the raucous crowds, despite having little interest in the match. In the way she adored him.
He felt it in the way she reverently ran her fingers through his ginger hair, clutching him to her breast when fictitious images haunted his dreams. In the way she indulged him with her musical laughter after one of his silly remarks. In the way she caressed him.
They said it in the way their hands always sought each other out, clasping together to renew and strengthen their connection. In the way they would sit in comfortable silence, basking in the other's presence. In the way they gave themselves to each other completely.
They didn't always say those precious words aloud. They didn't need to.