Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Reader x John Laurens)

A/N: Okay, this might be the last chapter I write in Y/N's POV (not for the whole book! It'll only be for a little bit 😂). I was originally going to write in John's POV, but I didn't know how to start it 😂. Anywho, enjoy!

Y/N's POV

August 1776, New York City, New York

Eliza and I were in town. She wore her signature blue dress, while I decided on a light teal dress.

I had my sunhat over my head, and my hand was at my side. I could feel the sunlight penetrating my skin, but I chose to ignore the pain with a small frown.

Eliza walked on my left, and she gave me a concerned look. "Are you alright?" She asked. She was holding my left hand, so she didn't see how red my right hand was.

I glanced over at her and gave her a forced smile, "Yes. Just a little overwhelmed by the heat, that's all." I lied. Hopefully she'll be satisfied by the answer.

She watched me for a little bit as we kept walking. She sighed, "Y/N, I know that face. You're lying. Tell me what's really wrong." She pressed, her dark eyes full of concern.

'If I were to tell you, then you wouldn't want me near you.' I thought silently. I looked back at her and sighed, "Alright. I get sunburned easily. That's why I always wear a hat, so my face doesn't get burned. My hands are another story...." I trailed off, lifting up my right hand to show her. It was a bright red, and I knew that it would hurt a lot tomorrow.

Eliza gasped, "Y/N! Why didn't you tell me? I would've let you wear my silk gloves." She then grabbed my right hand, but gentle enough to not make me wince.

"I guess I didn't want to be a burden? You have already given me so much, Eliza. I could never repay you, even if I could." I said to her, brushing her hand with my thumb.

"Well, whether you like it or not, I am going to get you some gloves." Eliza said matter of factly before adding, "You don't have to repay me, Y/N, and don't ever think that you have to." She said quietly, squeezing my left hand lightly. I was grateful she didn't squeeze my burnt hand.

We kept on walking down the street, my eyes scanning over the stores. Most of the stores were preparing for the upcoming war. My chest tightened a bit as my thoughts wandered towards the imminent war. How many brave men will we loose?

We soon stopped at a tailor's shop. I was somewhat confused about why we were here, until Eliza started to drag me inside. "You don't have to get me them now. I can wait." I complained as we walked through the door.

"No friend of mine is going to burn up. Not if I can help it." Eliza said with a playful huff.

There was a buff man working behind the counter. He lifted his head when the tiny bell above, and smiled at us.

As soon as he raised his head, I knew who he was. I smiled back at him kindly, remembering his outburst at the tavern.

"Hello ladies. How may I help you?" Hercules asked, standing up and coming over to us.

Eliza smiled at him, "My friend is looking for a pair of gloves." She said kindly. I nodded in agreement.

Hercules rubbed the back of his neck, deep in thought. "I might have a pair in the back. I'll go check." And with a smile, he turned and walked to the back, leaving Eliza and I to look around at the dresses in the shops.

Eliza was looking at a blue ball gown, and I was looking at a light green dress when the little bell above the door rang. I heard loud noises, but from what I could hear, there were two people that just came in.