Our Youth

5. speaking my language

Danielle was always a bit of a fixer. She had a knack for solving problems, whether it was helping a friend through a tough time or, in this case, repairing a broken sink. So when Hanni mentioned offhandedly that her sink had been leaking, Danielle didn't hesitate to offer her help.

One Saturday afternoon, Danielle arrived at Hanni's apartment, toolbox in hand. Hanni greeted her at the door with a warm smile, looking both surprised and grateful. "You really didn't have to come all this way, Dani," she said, stepping aside to let her in.

Danielle shrugged, smiling back. "I wanted to. Besides, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't come to your rescue?"

Hanni chuckled and led her to the small kitchen. "Well, I appreciate it. I tried fixing it myself, but... let's just say plumbing isn't my strong suit."

As Danielle got to work, examining the pipes under the sink and tightening a few loose connections, Hanni watched her with admiration. There was something incredibly endearing about the way Danielle focused on the task, her brows furrowed in concentration.

While Danielle worked, they chatted about their week, their conversation flowing easily as it always did. It was in these moments—whether fixing a sink or just talking about their day—that Danielle felt more certain than ever that they were meant to be together. Everything about being with Hanni felt natural, like she had found the person she was always supposed to be with.

"You know," Danielle began as she tightened the last pipe, "I've been thinking about us a lot lately."

Hanni, who had been leaning against the counter, looked at her curiously. "Yeah? What about?"

Danielle finished her work and sat back on her heels, looking up at Hanni with a thoughtful expression. "I just... I knew from the start that we were something special. It felt right from the beginning, you know? Like we were always meant to be."

Hanni's face softened, her eyes shining with emotion. She reached out, pulling Danielle to her feet and wrapping her arms around her waist. "I feel the same way," she said quietly. "Everything with you just... clicks. Like I've found the person who understands me better than anyone else."

Danielle smiled, resting her head on Hanni's shoulder. "Exactly."

They stood like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside fading away. Eventually, Danielle pulled back slightly, looking up at Hanni with a mischievous grin. "So, since I fixed your sink, do I get a reward?"

Hanni laughed, her arms still around Danielle. "Of course, what would you like?"

"Hm," Danielle pretended to think, then leaned in closer. "How about a kiss?"

Hanni didn't need any more prompting. She gently cupped Danielle's face and kissed her, slow and tender, savoring the warmth and closeness between them. When they parted, Danielle sighed contentedly, resting her forehead against Hanni's.

"I love this," Danielle whispered. "Just being close to you. It feels like... like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

Hanni's heart swelled with affection. She had always known Danielle was special, but moments like this made her realize just how deeply she cared for her. Over time, she had also noticed something about Danielle—how much she responded to touch and affection, how it seemed to bring out the brightest smiles and the most relaxed sighs.

"Dani," Hanni said softly, stroking a thumb over Danielle's cheek, "do you know what your love language is?"

Danielle blinked, pulling back slightly to look at her. "Love language?"

"Yeah," Hanni nodded, smiling. "It's the way you feel most loved. There are five of them—words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch."

Danielle looked thoughtful for a moment. "I guess I never really thought about it. But if I had to choose, I think... touch and affection. Being close to you, like this, it makes me feel safe and loved."

Hanni's smile grew warmer, her heart fluttering at how perfectly this aligned with her own tendencies. She loved giving affection—holding hands, cuddling, gentle touches. It was how she expressed her love, and knowing that Danielle felt the most loved through touch made her heart soar.

"I'm really glad to hear that," Hanni said, pulling Danielle closer. "Because I love showing you how much I care this way."

Danielle's smile was soft, her eyes filled with affection. "I'm lucky to have you, Hanni. You make me feel... cherished."

Hanni leaned in, pressing another gentle kiss to Danielle's lips. "You are cherished, Dani. And I'm lucky to have you too."

As they stood there, holding each other close in the quiet of the kitchen, Danielle knew that she had found something truly special with Hanni. Someone who understood her, who made her feel loved in ways she hadn't even known she needed. And as for Hanni, she knew she would spend every day finding new ways to show Danielle just how much she meant to her—through touch, affection, and all the little things that made their love so beautifully unique.