Win His Heart - Historical Lams

Seven - VII

All the soldiers were either heading to their tents to sleep or sitting around the fire to keep warm. Alex was in his and John's shared tent, writing away at the desk with a candle gifting light to the dark tent.

John took his time walking back, wanting to delay what he planned for tonight for as long as he could, though not forever. Eventually, he reached their tent and stepped through the flaps, immediately seeing Alex at the desk.

Alex looked over to the sound to see John, smiling at him, "There you are," he said, "I was waiting for you. What were you going to tell me earlier?" He put his quill down and faced John, giving him his full attention.

John swallowed nervously as he tried not to fidget. The words he wanted to say were lodged at the bottom of his throat, making it harder for him to speak, "I wanted to talk to you about something important," he mumbled.

Alex stood from his chair and slowly approached John with a chuckle, but even without the fidgeting, he could tell John was nervous, "What is it?" He asked. He wanted to comfort him, but it was difficult when he didn't know the subject.

John stayed still as Alex approached, standing awkwardly. He took a deep breath before speaking once more, trying to bring confidence out, "May we sit?" He asked quietly.

Alex began to get a little nervous at that question. What happened? "Of course," he said, nodding softly. He and John walked closely together over to the cot, sitting on the edge and facing each other. Alex decided just to wait for John to say whatever he needed to, or else he would ask what was wrong every two seconds.

John huffed and fidgeted with his hands, feeling the heat radiating off of Alex from them sitting so close. He knew Alex did this on purpose to be close to him, which was kind of cute and amusing.

He looked down at the ground, avoiding eye contact with his best friend and the man he loved, "Alex," he began quietly but wasn't able to finish as his heart quickened.

Alex took John's hand in his, "Don't be nervous," he said softly, scooting a little closer like he wasn't close enough. It was obvious that Alex liked being close to John, he felt warm and safe.

The blond felt his heart skip a beat when Alex touched him, he loved the feeling of warmth and comfort that came with it, and it caused his heart to beat even more. He squeezed Alex's hand back, "That's easier than done," he mumbled with a nervous smile.

"Just say it," Alex chuckled softly, "you speak your mind all the time, even if it's not the nicest thing..." he was used to seeing John impulsive and always saying what he wanted when he wanted. Alex admired it, though he did the same thing.

John rolled his eyes at that, knowing it was true, but this was different. He was confessing his love for the man in front of him, not telling a tory that King George was a tyrant.

He took a deep breath, just deciding to go with it and blurt it out before he changed his mind, "I love you," he said quickly.

Alex raised his eyebrows, wondering if he had heard him wrong. He loves me? He wondered. He wanted so badly to believe it, but how could he? John wanted to stay friends, he couldn't possibly love Alex. "What?" He asked.

John felt dread fill his stomach as Alex gave him that look like he misheard him or thought it was some joke. He repeated himself, this time being more clear and louder, hoping Alex would believe him. "I said I love you," he said softly.

Alex furrowed his eyebrows, not able to believe what John was saying. He was playing with his feelings, "Is this some joke?" He asked, knowing John only saw him as a friend. He tried to keep a smile, but it was fading into confusion and anger.