@mcusers asked:
" i love you. " from Betty
Doc had essentially locked these feelings in a tiny chest and ignored them. Working alongside Betty was fulfilling. It kept him rushing out of the cottage so he could focus on a different kind of work. It was an odd work, but he liked it and his old expertise was used. He promised himself this was to give Betty what she truly deserved. Nobody needed to feel the pain that he did. He paused and glanced up from the desk, fixing his glasses slightly. He wanted to ask her to repeat the words but it would only delay his reaction so there really wasn’t a point. He just needed to find that courage. It was there. Doc just had to pull it out. “Betty...” His voice cracked. “I...” Where did he start? “I love you too.” That was always the best place to start, of course. The truth. He started playing with his hands nervously and looked away. “I love ya. I really do. You’re special. Real special lass. Found myself smitten wit’ ya... We’ve seen some sad things. Fell down. An’ I think you’re gonna stand up ‘gain. Jus’ takes time... M’gonna keep helpin’. ‘Sides, uh...” He started to laugh. “I kinda like findin’ things for ya. Real challenge... an’ when it makes ya smile...” He wanted to melt.