For once it was just the two of them.
Much had needed to go hunting for food so Robin had told John to go with him. At John's exasperated look he had decided to go too since they irritated each other and he wanted to do some hand-to-hand combat practise. So there were two of them left in the camp.
Djaq was just out of sight, tidying and organising her medical area, which doubled as her sleeping space and he was working on an idea he'd had. He had finished chopping and was on to the more complicated, yet more interesting, business of whittling. It was so quiet. They got so little time together, perhaps now was the time to say it…
"Djaq?"
"Yes?"
"I, er… well never mind."
She popped her head round the partition, then walked over to sit next to him.
"What is it Will? Do you need me?"
He gulped a little at that last question. His mind screamed the answer he longed to be able to vocalise but instead he shook his head dumbly.
She put a gentle hand on his shoulder, then stood and moved back to her supplies. He bit his lip to hold back a sigh- one she would be able to hear.
He went back to his carving, attacking the wood savagely.
Minutes later he swore under his breath as he cut off a section he needed, then more loudly as the same swipe cut into his hand. Djaq heard the curse and knew that, as he didn't swear often, there would be a good reason. Sure enough, as she came towards him she saw the blood, a stark crimson against his pale skin. She moved forward and, despite the pain, he watched with appreciation and a small hint of lust.
She took his hand, examined the wound and went back to her belongings to find a bandage and a clean cloth.
She heated some water on the fire and cleaned away the blood, then bandaged it tightly.
She stood and was going back to her area when he blurted,
"I lied."
She spun around to look at him.
"What?"
He sighed.
"You asked me if I needed you and I lied."
"You said no."
"Yeah, and it was a lie."
"Why did you lie?"
"Cos I didn't dare to tell the truth."
"Didn't dare?"
"I didn't know how you'd react when I said…"
"When you said what, Will?"
His answer was so quiet it was almost a whisper.
"When I said that I love you."
I am considering writing more. If you think I should, or even if you think not, then please tell me. Read & review!