"I could've sworn you liked me best."

Octavius heard the western drawl from over his left shoulder, whilst still paying attention to the men in front of him.

The soldiers - his soldiers - were gathered neatly in their ranks, waiting for orders from their fearless leader.

Suddenly working out why Jedediah would say something like that, the Roman general let out a small gasp, moving his hand to cover his mouth.

"I forgot!" He cried in a whisper, turning to face the blond. "I apologise Jed, I lost track of time. Let me just dismiss the men and then we can go."

The side of the cowboy's mouth crooked up into an affectionate smile, as he watched his friend speak in Latin to the other Romans.

"Why are you staring?"

Jedediah hadn't even noticed the older man had finished, and a blush covered his cheeks in embarrassment of getting caught staring.

"No reason."

The half smile was still firmly on his face.

The Roman just shook his head fondly, and led the way to the ledge of the diorama, ready to spend his evening with the blond man that was his best friend.