"I'm not people," she told him, her voice steady and clear. "I've known you for twelve years, Bill. There isn't a single side of you that I am scared of or that I don't want to keep close. You're... you're the man of my dreams. And if you shout at me, I'll forgive you. If you make snide remarks, I'll kiss you and walk away. But don't push me away because you're worried I can't handle you at your worse. What sort of person would I be if I only wanted you here when you were at your best?"
Hestia leaned into his touch, her hand moving to rest over his. Her green eyes widened as he spoke and a smile spread across her face. Hestia looked as though she was experiencing every Christmas morning, every birthday, every happy moment in her life at once. Her smile lit up the entire room around them, bright and beaming. "You love me," she asked, her voice wavering. "Did you say you love me?"
Never in her wildest dreams had she thought this was possible. That Bill had ever seen her was enough of a surprise. Going to bed with him had been a small miracle. But love?
"I've been in love with you since the day I met you," she told him.