Chapter Text
September 16, 1862
It's been almost two months since we lost the battle. But I lost something even more dear to me. A true friend. Now, I have no one to march with through these cold, harsh days. Now I march alone. Every step makes me think how I get to still move forward, but HE never will. I think back to a conversation we once had.
"I can't wait to go home and see my girl," Jeff had said so confidently. Me, on the other hand, I wasn't confident at all. Jeff had asked if I had anyone back home.
"My sister and ma," I had said, grinning just thinking of them. I had left my dad out of the picture a while ago, when he had decided it'd be better to abandon us and run away like a coward rather than fight with his son in the war. I have no idea where he is now, and honestly, I couldn't care less.
"You alright, son? You seem a little...brood-ish."
"I'm fine," I said though I was visibly shaking. "Just...missing someone," I mutter quickly.
"If you say so," the older soldier had said.
I waited until he walked away to let out a deep sigh.
"He was right, you know," says Jeremy as he comes up to my side and puts his arm around my shoulders casually.
"I guess," I grant as I continue to march. Jeremy, unlike the older soldiers, got away without having a buzzed head, since he had only half of his head buzzed. He had a pretty interesting side part. He arched his slit eyebrow, staring into my soul before shrugging. He made me want to touch his scar so bad. He made me want to talk for hours about our home lives. I decided he'd be my "replacement" for Jeff to help me cope. He'd be my new "marching friend" til death do us part. Which I hoped wouldn't be soon. I actually enjoyed his company, but the way he ACTED around me, made me uncomfortable in ways I'd never experienced before.
"After we get out of this, I'll buy you a beer," I say, grinning at Jeremy. I don't know how, but while being with Jeremy, my confidence shot up.
"Really?" asked Jeremy, genuine confusion in his voice. Had he never had someone do that for him before?
"Yes, I promise." I hold out my hand, he takes it. We march the rest of the day, then, set up camp. I rest in my own tent, staring up at the ceiling, until, finally: I get some shut eye.