I Like You, Indigo

---Indigo---

Our dinner lasted late into the night because no one wanted to leave the company of good friends to go to bed. However, as our nearby campfires began to extinguish, people began excusing themselves to go sleep.

"Commander Lionel, sir, would you like us to help extinguish the fire?" A couple of young soldiers walked up to us. Only four of us remained sitting around the dying fire.

"Actually, I'm going to stay up a while longer to discuss some things with Indigo." Lionel gestured towards me. I blinked, slightly confused. "If you could bring me some more firewood, though, that would be much appreciated."

The two soldiers saluted and went to look for firewood. The remaining two captains looked at each other, stood up, and excused themselves. Now only Lionel and I were left, sitting side by side. The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

"So, uh, what did you want to discuss?" I talked first, trying to alleviate the awkward mood.

"Well..." Lionel poked at the campfire with a stick, avoiding my gaze. His cheeks seemed unnaturally flushed in the firelight. "This is a dangerous mission. Even though we try to make it seem like everything will be fine, it is still very perilous. It's inevitable that some of us won't make it back alive."

"Yes. You're right. This is a precarious mission, and a precarious war that we're fighting." I agreed. "You didn't have to get involved, but you did. Thank you for believing in our quest, and for choosing to stand on our side."

"That's not what I meant..." Lionel muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"I, um..." Lionel seemed to struggle for words. "You don't have to thank me for anything, because I chose this. Besides, I would never stand on the side of a monster who kills and tortures people for fun. Especially not one who killed my parents."

"I know," I said softly. "You're a good and just person, Lio."

"What I really wanted to say—well, I mean—" Lionel poked at the fire some more even the fire clearly did not need to be stoked. "In case something happens, I just want to tell you that—"

"Sir, your firewood." The two soldiers from before showed up again, each carrying an armful of firewood. I caught their curious glances between Lionel and me. A look of irritation flashed across Lionel's face.

"Oh, thank you. Uh, you can just set it down here." Lionel gestured to a spot near him, and the soldiers obeyed.

"Sir, do you need anything else? We can also get you—"one of them began, but the other cut him off before he could finish.

"We won't bother you and Miss Indigo any more," the second soldier said, sending a meaningful look towards the first. "But do call us if you need anything!" Then he dragged his confused friend away, whispering, "Did you not see that you're interrupting a very intimate conversation?!"

Crickets chirped. An owl hooted in the distance. Lionel glared at their retreating backs. I looked away from him, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. Good heavens, I can already hear the rumors that will be flying around by next morning. Lionel tossed more wood into the fire, keeping himself busy. The awkward atmosphere returned once more.

"So, um, what were you going to tell me?" I finally asked after a few minutes of thick silence. Lionel cleared his throat awkwardly.

"If I don't tell you this now, I might never get the chance again." Lionel finally turned to look at me, his brown eyes reflecting the glow of the fire like glittering pools. Like every time, I was captivated by his gaze and unable to look away. "I...I like you, Indigo."

My eyes widened. This was the first time a boy confessed his feelings to me. I blinked, my mind blank, unable to respond. Whatever I expected Lionel to tell me, this was definitely not what I expected. Lionel took my silence as rejection.

"I know you still have Aaron in your heart. I understand. After all, we've only met for a couple of months. But I can wait. Through our close interactions, I feel like I've known you forever. You're brave, and compassionate, and intelligent. Despite your own troubles, you make sure everyone else is taken care of. You are willing to put your life on the line for your friends. Not only can you plan out a battle, but you can also wield a sword and fight in the battle. You're the one I've been waiting for all my life. I'm not going to give you up without a fight, but I understand if you need some time. I will wait for you, Indy, no matter how long it takes. All I'm asking is for you to just consider my proposal." Lionel explained everything in one breath, watching my expression carefully for any reaction.

"I..." My mind was still blank, unable to catch up to this sudden confession. I blinked quickly, looking away from his hopeful eyes and gathering my thoughts in a hurry. "Lio, this...this is very sudden, I...I don't know how to respond."

"You don't need to give me a response right now." Lionel hurriedly stopped me. "I will be happy if you would just think about what I said."

I nodded. "You're a good person, Lio. I'll think about what you said. It's just...it's too sudden, I can't comprehend it all at once. And besides…you're the first person to tell me you like me."

"It is sudden," Lionel agreed, though surprise showed in his eyes at the last part of my response. "Before, I would've planned out a special gesture to confess. But now, I'm afraid that if I don't say it now, I will never get a chance to."

"Don't be silly. This mission is dangerous, but you will be okay. You'll come back alive." I chided him softly.

He chuckled lightly. "Oh, I certainly hope that is the case, Indy. Although. I'm more worried about you than myself, with the prophecy and all."

We stayed up late talking that night, first about the mission and then to happier topics. We both talked with our true feelings laid bare for the other to see, something I'm betting neither of us have done with others before. Lionel understood me better than anyone, even better than Rachel. I had the best discussions about random subjects, from mathematics to dogs to battle strategies, with him that night.

Eventually, I fell asleep by the fire, leaning against Lionel's shoulder. I haven't felt that safe beside someone in a long, long time.