...He said it to me too. Well, I told him I already loved him as family no matter what, and he said he loved me too. I was surprised to hear him say it, but... mm, well, I'm... used to reading it into the actions of people who won't use the word, I guess.

[fusses a little, shifting closer]

Why wouldn't you believe it without hearing it? You can see it when he shows he cares, right?