Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Reader x John Laurens)

Chapter Fifteen

Oh, and we fell.

And I was on top of him.

How. Fricking. Awkward.

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going. I'm so sorry!" I fumbled over my words as I tried to get up.

"No, no, it's my fault. I'm so sorry Miss." said a familiar voice, who was helping me get up.

I stopped and looked at the guy I accidentally ran into, and fell onto. I was met with a face full of freckles, his hazel green eyes staring into mine.

"J-John?" I stuttered slowly, my eyes growing wide as a small smile grew across my face.

"Y/N!!!" He yelled excitedly, grabbing my hand and pulling me up with him. Once we were standing, he pulled me into a tight hug.

Of course, I gave him a tight hug back.

"When did you get back?! How long will you be staying?!?" I asked excitedly, pulling away from the hug.

John smiled at me, his hazel green eyes sparkling in the sun, "Well, technically I just got back into New York, but I don't know how long I'll be staying." He confessed, his hands holding onto mine. I glanced down at our hands, but quickly looked back up at him. He must've noticed, because he then pulled his hands away from mine, a light tint of pink crossing his cheeks.

I heard someone clear their throat behind me. I realized I totally forgot about Ashton. I turned around, seeing Ashton standing there, awkwardly. "Oh, Ashton! I'm so sorry. Let me introduce you to a good friend of mine, Private John Laurens." I said with a smile.

Ashton walked towards me and stood beside me, holding a hand out for John to shake. John reached out his hand and wrapped it around Ashton's, giving it a shake. "Ashton Chambers." He said with a small smile.

John gave Ashton a small smile as well, before saying, "John Laurens." John then turned to me and gave me one of his bigger smiles, "And actually, it's Lieutenant Colonel now."

My eyes widened, "Wait, really? That's amazing!" I beamed.

"So," John turned back to Ashton, "How do you know Y/N?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We met at the Schuyler's Mansion during the winter." Ashton said, a somewhat happy smile on his face.

John's face contorted into something unreadable, but he quickly changed it back to a smile, "So you're still living there, then?" He asked me. I gave him a nod.

"How long have you known Y/N?" Ashton asked, his blue eyes giving off a suspicious glint in the sun.

I actually had to think about that one. I guess I didn't really meet him until August of 1776. I was about to speak, but John beat me to it.

"August of 1776 is when we officially met, but I first saw her in July of the same year." John said proudly.

They continued to talk for a bit, but I kind of zoned out of the conversation. I was watching John quietly. I guess it was a bit creepy, but I tried to keep it as a glance than as a stare.

He still had the excitement in his face, and he didn't seem to change since the last time I saw him. He still had his curly hair tied in a ribbon, and his green-hazel eyes danced whenever he laughed.

John glanced at me, seeing as I was looking at him. He gave me a quizzical look, and I quickly looked away, embarrassed.

"Y/N, we should probably be getting back. It's going to be dark soon." I heard Ashton say. I looked up at the sky and, sure enough, the sun was beginning to sink in the sky. I nodded, "Yeah, we probably should."

I turned to John and smiled, "It was nice to see you again, John. I missed you a lot, and I'm really glad you didn't find a way to get yourself killed." And with that, I gave him a hug.

At first, he seemed kind of startled, but soon hugged me back. We stayed like that for a moment before I pulled away, smiling. "I'll see you around, John." And with that, I began to walk away, Ashton following close behind. I was startled when Ashton took his hand in mine, but I didn't pull it away.

John's POV

I watched as she walked away with this 'Ashton' character.

It's not like I'm jealous........okay, maybe just a little little bit jealous, but that's it.

At first, I liked him, don't get me wrong, but the way he looked at me when I shook his hand? Yeah, he definitely didn't like me.

Throughout the small conversation we had, he kept glancing at Y/N, and I guess that's when I started to get jealous.

But now that they're leaving, I can't help but watch them go. I almost ran after them when I saw Ashton grab Y/N's hand. I was silently begging her to pull away.

But she didn't.

It kind of hurt, seeing her with another guy. But at least she is happy.

I began to make my way towards Herc's tailor shop, my mind elsewhere as I pushed open his door. The little bell above the door chimes as I made my way to the counter.

Herc was there, as well as Alex and Laf. They were all talking, mostly about the war and the accomplishments we've made. I sat beside them, somewhat listening to their conversation. I was fiddling with a pin that I found on Herc's counter when Alex looked over at me.

"John, are you okay?" He asked, raising an eyebrow in a concerned way.

I gave him a small shrug and continued to fiddle with the pin.

Is this what it feels like to be heartbroken?

Because, if so, I hated it with a burning passion.

1614 words

Ope, look! Now there is a love triangle, but Y/N shows no interest in one of them! How exciting!!!!!

Also, it's like 2:30am, for me, so I should probably go to bed.

Goodnight y'all!!!