Aris Jones X Reader One Shots

Early Mornings (Part 3)

I made it on time this time. To be fair, I usually do. That and I knew exactly where the jacket was, seeing as I had fallen asleep in it, admittedly holding it close to me.

He was already there in his sweatshirt and pants, though he had only socks for shoes. They were fuzzy though, so they were probably warm enough.

Without a word, I took my spot next to him. He stopped drawing in the icy sand with his stick and looked over at me. He had heavy bags under his eyes, though I’m sure I was no better.

“Hi,”I managed to say.

“Hey.”

We went silent, just looking at the other. I noticed his hair seemed neater than usual, almost as if he took extra time with it. His freckles seemed to stand out more as his skin was paler. It always is in winter, and it probably doesn't help that he works inside a makeshift clinic all day. The sun was never something he would be in long to begin with.

As I took him in, I realized just how much attention I pay to him. More than anybody else. I know practically everything there is to know about him. Like how he was never a good sleeper and used to hide in the forest in the Spring at night until he fell asleep under the trees. Like how winter was his favorite season and reminded him of the first home he could remember. Like how people’s comments always stuck with him, no matter how much he tried to pretend they didn't. Like how he would hum when he was figuring something out.

“Do you want to take a walk with me?”

I didn't even have to think as I nodded my head yes, standing up at the same time as him. He went back to silence as we walked by the shore, side by side.

“Your hair looks really nice today,”I spoke.

“You really think so?”

“Mhm. It's pretty that way.”

I pretended not to notice the blush on his face, no matter how obvious it was.

Without a word, he slipped his hand into mine, fixating on the ground as he did. Despite my heart racing again, I lightly squeezed as I locked our fingers together. He gently squeezed back, seeming to speak without saying a word.

Stopping in his tracks, he turned to face me. I managed to do the same, meeting his ever so soft gaze.

“I’m in love with you. I have been for years now. Ever since that night you sat with me in the forest. I would play it over and over in my head. It wouldn't leave me alone, no matter what happened. I thought about it all the time, and I could never figure out why until recently. I love you. I pay attention to everything you do, and I can't pretend I don't.”

His words were rushed, as though if he didn't say them quickly he would never speak at all. They were geniune and sweet. Exactly what I would expect a confession from him to be. They left me absolutely speechless. He left me speechless.

Since I couldn't speak, I pressed my lips against his. So gently and quickly that it almost couldn't be felt. As his face flushed, I knew he definitely did though.

Without a word, he grabbed my face in his hands before crashing his mouth against mine. My hands found their way around his shoulders, pulling him close to me as I kissed him with everything I had. I could feel every bit of passion and tension that had been haunting my mind. His lips were soft, addicting even.

As we ran out of air, we pulled away, almost as close as just a second ago. The only difference was our lips no longer touching. My arms stayed wrapped around him though as he did the exact same.

“So, um, hey,”He sputtered out.

“I love you too.”

“Really?”He asked hopefully, a wide smile across his face.

“Really. I’m in love with you.”

“That’s, uh yay, cool.”

I laughed a little at his adorably awkward nature. He smiled, admittedly a bit shyly.

“There's the bonfire tonight. If you want to go with me?”

“Yeah. I would,”I smiled.

“Like as a date,”He clarified.

“I understood that. I’d love to go out with you.”

His smile grew before he placed a soft a kiss on my forehead. Something that gave me just as much butterflies as the kiss we just shared, if not more.

I could get used to this. I’m pretty sure I already am.