For as far back as you can remember, you had been acutely aware of the feelings you harbored for your close friend and companion. There were a million different little moments that probably spurned the realization, but it was as simple as an instinct. As a feeling in your gut. It was only a matter of how he felt, which is exactly why you were keeping it in. You had to keep it in.

The sweater he has on today certainly isn't helping. "Hey there," he greets, taking a beat to look up from the wood he is chopping. "Where have you been, hm?"