A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

3) Fate

It wasn't rough for the first day. I just met all the animals, some for the first time, which was simple enough. Y/N made sure to introduce me, telling me all their names and if they had a story behind it.

We didn't talk about the move anymore though. I don't think the words would come out if I tried so that's good.

She filled me in on other basic things. Like how she's staying here because it's what she does every summer and how we're heading down to the old spot tomorrow. Not sure how yet, but I will find out soon enough.

She still seems a little mad at me though. Or maybe cold. She just left for the guest room right after dinner. She just put her dishes in the dishwasher and called it a night.

I don't know if I’m supposed to go see her or give her space. So, like I usually do, I settled for the safer option. Sitting on the couch by my aunt and messing with my camera for a bit. Just adjusting the film settings and stuff. Nothing major or life-changing but there didn't seem to be much else to do.

“You could always go talk to her, you know?”Aunt Susan suggested, not looking up from her crossword.

“I don't think that’s a good idea right now,”I said simply, letting the camera dangle around my neck.

“It could be?”She pushes.

“I just don't think it is,”I countered, leaning back in my seat and staring harder at the art on the wall.

“Honey, that girl missed you. I had to hear about ya’ so much it was like you never even left.”

“I don't want to be pushy. I mean I just got here,”I reasoned.

“I had to carry her to bed when you were coming ‘cause she fell asleep at the table waiting up for you. Do you know what time you got here?”

“Around midnight?”I guessed.

“Three in the morning. She managed to get to two. Had to make cookies just to keep herself awake.”

“Until two?”I asked, admittedly a little skeptical.

“Yes. I know I’m not your mama and it's been a while since I’ve seen you, but you always had this thing where you just assume what someone needed was space. Even when that's the exact opposite of what they want.”

“She seemed pretty eager to leave after dinner?”I pointed out.

“There's still plenty of space in that room for two people. Why don't you go find out why?”

Sitting back, I held in a sigh as I played with the sleeves of my shirt. Even now, it makes me nervous. Being around her after so long, it scares me a little. I’m not crazy for that, right? It's reasonable to be a little afraid.

“Just go talk to her, honey. I’m sure she's like that,”She pushed.

Looking at my feet, I stared at my bag for a moment before just bringing the entire thing. Tossing it over my shoulder, I walked past my aunt who had an almost knowing smile and turned back into the hallway from earlier, where I was greeted with that familiar guest door.

I should knock now, or I’ll never be able to. For some reason.

Very lightly, almost as though I didn't want her to hear, I tapped my knuckles on the wood.

“Come in,”She called.

Taking a breath, I slowly opened the door and walked in. As I did I saw Y/N sitting on the the bed, crouched over a sketchpad. She has some pencils in her hair and more charcoal on her skin. It almost seems to stain her, like she can never get rid of the artist touch, even if she wanted to.