York City was different than any place you'd been before, especially Oyster Bay. Farm country was peaceful and quiet while the city hustled and bustled in an almost overwhelming way. Still, as you rode into city next to Samuel Townsend, you couldn't help but smile a little. When you had returned from your schooling, your first thought was to seek out your dearest friend and give him a piece of your mind.

You had been shipped off to a special school for ladies to learn proper etiquette at the age of 15. After that, you managed to secure a position at the school for yourself. The one consistent in your life up until then had been Robert. At first, you'd written back and forth, at least a letter a week. But, as the years went on, the letters lessened and lessened until they stopped completely. You were angry at yourself and hurt with Robert.

Samuel pulled the cart to a stop across the road from a little place called "Rivington's". You let your eyes scan the outside when Samuel offered his hand to help you down. "Robert's done well for himself," you said softly, making Samuel smile. He had always adored you and loved how close you were with his son. He had hoped that one day, you and Robert would marry. But he certainly wasn't going to push that issue. He would let his son decide for himself.

"He has. But I am certain that he will be pleased to see you." You sighed a little. "I hope so. It has been so long. I've missed him terribly." You looped your arm through the one of Samuel's that wasn't holding his walking stick and let him lead you into the small coffee shop/tavern.

Once inside, several pairs of eyes turned your way. You weren't surprised, Women didn't often come into places like this unless they were employed there. Your own gaze avoided those of the strangers and eventually landed on the man you had been dying to see. "Robert, my boy!" Samuel called out, prompting his son to turn in your direction. He froze in place upon seeing you. Something the man you assumed was Mr. Rivington noticed instantly.

"Well, Mr. Townsend! Who is this charming young lady on your arm?" Samuel introduced you and you curtsied. Mr. Rivington gently brought your hand up to his lips, placing a feather light kiss to the back of it. From the corner of your eye, you could see Robert frowning. Mr. Rivington let go of your hand and turned to smile at Robert.

"And where have you been hiding her, Townsend? I see the two of you are acquainted." Robert's face turned red and he didn't reply. Much to your relief, Samuel took it upon himself to distract Mr. Rivington for a moment so you could greet Robert. You took a step closer to your oldest friend and attempted to smile. Robert did not return the gesture, instead choosing to stare at you. "Is it really you?" he asked after a moment of silence. "It is."

"You stopped writing," he said. The lack of true emotion in his voice hurt you. While Robert had never been an overly emotional person, he had never had trouble letting you knew exactly what he was feeling until now. "So did you. I waited for a year for a reply to my last letter. I knew you would leave your father's home eventually. Get m-married, what have you. But I never expected the two of us to grow so far apart. We were close. I-I loved you. Did you know that?"

Robert opened his mouth to reply, but you waved him off with a watery smile. "Nevermind. I won't embarrass you with an overly emotional outburst. You were never very good at handling them. I have missed you, Robert. Very much," you finished with a light laugh. Your eyes met Robert's and you saw a softness there that you hadn't seen in a long time.

"Would you care for a coffee?" he asked. It wasn't much, but to you, you knew it was Robert's way of offering a chance to sit and talk about everything. So, you accepted and the two of you sat down at an empty table. At first, you sat there in awkward silence, drinking your coffee. You could feel Robert's eyes on you the entire time.

"You know, it is impolite to stare," you quipped earning your first smile from the man. You returned it. You finally felt yourself relax and conversation began flowing between you as if you'd never been apart. In the span of a few minutes, you caught up on years of missed conversations. You got to know this new, more mature version of Robert. Deep down, you could still see your playful Robert. The one who set a chicken on you once because you won a game of draughts. The one who often snuck out of the house with you to watch the stars. The one you trusted more than anyone else in the world. Your best friend.

"Y/N," Samuel's voice broke you out of your talk with Robert, "I'm afraid it is time for us to leave. I just need a word alone with Robert for a moment." You smiled and nodded. "Of course. I will wait here and finish this wonderful coffee." Mr. Rivington slid up behind Samuel. "I shall keep the young lady company. If she doesn't mind, of course." Upon your agreement, Samuel and Robert disappeared, only to reappear a few minutes later.

"Well, Townsend. I can see why you've been hiding her. She is an absolute delight!" Rivington exclaimed. Robert let himself smile for once. While you could tell he wasn't overly fond of Rivington, Robert wasn't one to make too many waves. At least not noticeably. "I'll walk you out, shall I?" he offered to which you and Samuel both agreed. "I'll just be a moment, son. You two head out." You gave Samuel a light yet playful glare. You knew what he was doing, but also knew he wouldn't push too much.

Robert offered his arm to escort you from the coffee shop. After bidding Mr. Rivington goodbye, you laced your arm through Robert's and let him lead you outside. When you reached Samuel's cart, you let go of Robert's arm and turned to face him. "Robert, I-" you were cut off when Robert leaned in an placed a light kiss to your cheek.

When he pulled back, his face was red and his eyes were wide as if he couldn't believe he'd just done that. You giggled lightly before his eyes met yours once more. "Write to me?" he asked. You reached over and took his hand in yours. "Nothing could keep me from it. I love you, Robert." He didn't have a chance to reply as his father decided that was the perfect opportunity to join you once more. But, as you climbed up on the cart, you could have sworn you heard a soft, "I love you," pass through Robert's lips. That alone was enough to put a smile on your face all the way back to Oyster Bay.