Issac was filled with nerves, the evening having begun with a truce, just for a night, between the British and the Colonist forces (a singular presence in the form of Issac) regarding the shed incident. Such an occasion was a moment of peace, of gentility. It was Sam and Jay that had decided to throw a small celebration for the ghosts, to make them feel a part of the family as it were.
The rest of the crowd sat around the fireplace, recanting stories of Christmases, Hanukkah's, Diwalis, Kwanzaa's, Yule's, Winigischuch's (Time of the Falling Snows) or just regular tuesday night pasts.
Issac stood gallanty behind Sam, listening to the stories. His eye strayed, however, to Nigel; who took his post behind Jay. A sign of favoritism amongst the livings.
Of course they had been at odds, with the murder incident and Nigel holding quite fair feelings regarding the events.
However, something was different about tonight. Perhaps it was the snow falling deftly out the window, the air carrying a cool manner. Perhaps it was the way Nigel stole glances from across the room, as if entreating Issac into a response.
Ever so quietly, Issac gently exscused himself from the conversation, and took a moment to move to the window. He stared outside, clasping his hands behind his back. The snow reflecting a soft glow from the moon's light: the trees swaying softly in the wind.
Even after 240 years, this sight remained the same. Issac always kept it in his fondest of memories.
"We are truced now, are we not?" Nigel had appeared beside him. Issac jolted in suprise, then chuckled at such a scare.
"Yes! That we are." He replied. Nigel smiled.
He never did that before.
The two stood beside one another for a moment, taking in the winter's night.
"I suppose I should return, Pete has yet to share his story." Nigel turned to go back to his post. Issac was quick to place his hand on Nigel's wrist.
"Wait-" He did not shout, nor was he in haste. This command for Nigel to stay resorted in a whisper, a plea.
Nigel looked back at him, his breath hitched.
"Yes?" He softly remarked.
"I-" Damn it all! Issac mentally beat himself.
"I must-" Why couldn't he very well come out and say it!
He took a breath, and now held Nigel's hand in his. Nigel was not one to protest. He had waited for this since 1813.
"I cannot say, how sorry I am for-" Issac stumbled. Nigel saw his frusteration at himself.
"Killing me?" Nigel laughed.
"Killing you, yes!" Relief washed over Issac.
"What I mean to say is that, I find myself wanting to be near you. Wanting to talk to you, to see you every day. I had put it aside as nearly a fancy of gentlemanly friendship, so that we might end our years of war with one another. But now, now I feel that-" Issac took a moment to collect himself.
"I feel that, perhaps what I believe I feel, as Sam as helped me to understand, is that I feel more than friendship. I believe myself to be entirely bewitched by you. In vain, due to our land dispute, I've struggled. You, Nigel, you've betwitched me, my senses, my reason, my judgement." Issac took a breath.
"I love you, Nigel. Most ardently. And I understand if you do not reciprocate, I will not push the matter further if-"
"Issac." Nigel ceased his ramblings. Nigel placed the other free hand atop Issac's.
"I believe I feel the same. In our time, this, what we feel, could not be. But now-" Nigel stepped closer.
"I believe we are free."
Issac smiled, then brought Nigel in close for an embrace. They pulled back from one another, looking another in the eye.
"Hey guys!" With a jolt, they turned to see the whole group, and Sam, staring and smiling at them.
"Look up!" Sam yelled.
"Oh Lord in Heaven." Issac said, flushed with embarrassment at the sight of mistletoe above them, Thorfinn somehow sneaking over during their conversation to hold it there.
"I will have you know this is most inappropriate! The shock and betrayal I feel will not go-" Sam cut off Nigel's response.
"Oh my god just shut up and kiss him!"
Nigel looked back to Issac.
"Well?" Nigel asked.
"Yes." Issac replied. Issac placed his hands on the side of Nigel's neck, and placed his lips atop his.
The crowd erupted in cheers, shouts, chants and a singular scream from Hetty.
The pair parted in laughter.
"When can we expect a wedding!" Sasappis was the first to predict it.
"Don't you dare!" Issac retorted back. Nigel tapped his shoulder.
"Happy Christmas, my dear."
"Happy Christmas." They shared a kiss once more.
All's fair in love and war.