It's in the little things, he thinks.

They've been through life and death together.

They've bathed in despair.

And emerged victorious.

But it's the secret, tentative smiles they send each other's way that make his heart flutter, and his skin warm up and shiver at the same time.

It's in the way they brush against each other when they walk, even though the hallways are large enough for several people to walk abreast.

It is how their hands linger against each other while passing something, pulling away only reluctantly.

The others notice. While some smirk, the rest merely shake their heads wearily.

It's in the way they stand just a little closer to each other than necessary.

Or how their legs brush against each other when they sit at a table.

How, by unspoken consent, they always sit next to each other.

It's in the way her heart ached.

And his broke.

When she betrayed him.

Back at Hope's Peak, during the second last Class Trial.

In how their hearts healed when she jumped after him.

Not knowing if she would be able to save him, or if she'd lose her life in the attempt.

It's in the hope he gave her.

That they would get out.

And that she'd never give that hope up.

They'd get out of the mess.

Together.

It's in the uncharacteristic uncertainty in her voice when she asks him to call her "chan".

And to use her first name.

And in his small, knowing smile when he embraces her.

It's in the shy, clumsy first kiss they share under the stars.

It's in the ring he slips on her finger.

It's in the eternal vows they exchange before the altar.

They've walked through life and death together.

But it's in the little things their love is evident, he thinks.

That they'll always be together.

Because that way, no challenge is too hard to overcome.

His hand encloses around hers, their rings glinting.

And he'll never let her go.

a really quick fic i wrote for kirigiri's birthday. some feedback? seriously, even a word can make my day.