Aris Jones X Reader One Shots

Pale (AU)

Aris’s P.O.V

Talking to anyone about this was a terrible idea. Talking to Thomas was even worse.

It appears as though I like terrible ideas. I seem to enjoy making myself suffer.

“You should just talk to her. You don't have to tell her you like her,”He said, going slightly higher on his swing. Being just fine close to the ground, I simply let my feet dangle as I looked at him.

“I don't get to talk to her, Thomas. She’ll realize I like her.”

“Just be yourself. It’ll be fine.”

“No, Thomas. You don't understand. I am unable to just hide my feelings. About anything. Ever.”

“Sure you can.”

“I don't think you understand. I cannot feel anything. Anger or embarrassment or whatever this is-”
“Love-”
“Whatever this is. My face will completely give it away.”

“Just don't make weird faces.”

It's like talking to a brick wall. Except the brick wall doesn't stop moving and has a lot of energy and will either give the most life-changing or life-ruining advice you’ve ever heard.

“I am very white. Like one of those porcelain dolls that break when you touch it,”I reminded him.

“I’m white too.”

“Yes. But you're white like you enjoy the beach and can tolerate spice. I am white like I was banned from light since I was born.”

“I don't think Y/N cares how white anyone is. Probably not.”

“That’s not the problem. The issue is that being this pale means everything makes you blush. Everything. Including super strong emotions. She’ll know there's no way I just happen to look like a damn cherry in front of her.”

“Watch your language. There are children here.”

Rolling my eyes, I looked at the only other child here. Chuck, who seemed perfectly content spinning himself around on the merry-go-round until he was going to pass out. Again. That's what Gally’s there for though. He’s making sure he doesn't hit his head.

“I don't think he cares. Unless you're talking about yourself.”

“Why would you think that?”He asked, kicking off higher on his swing.

“It just felt right. Now can you please help me figure out what I’m going to do?”

“Avoid eye contact.”

“I already do. Besides, my ears turn red too.”

“Just get more sun.”

“I’ll burn until I can't even move.”

“Say you're having an allergic reaction.”

“To what? Her?”

“I’m out of ideas.”

“You could just tell her you like her. Then, you don't have to worry about turning red since you'll have an answer,”Sonya suggested. In unison, Thomas and I looked over at the girl on the other swing who had been way too quiet this entire park trip.

Glancing back at Thomas, we just looked at each other before deciding the answer.

“Nope.”
“Nah.”

“You two are idiots. You know that?”

“Why tell someone you like that when you could just die of shame?”

“You're with Teresa. Surely, you told her.”

“No. I just very smoothly-”
“Doubt it.”

“Kept talking to her until it was unofficial so it could then be official.”

“Boys are dumb,”She sighed, getting off her swing and walking over to Harriet who was sitting on top of the playground. The place she loves but definitely shouldn't be on.

“I have enough self awareness to know she's right but not enough to not be dumb about this.”

“It's fine. You’ll figure it out,”Thomas shrugged.

“I can't gradually talk to her without making it obvious though.”

“You could just die? And when you come back to life she’ll say she loves you all along.”

“How do I come back to life though? And how long would I have to be dead for that work? Probably too long for me to be able to come back to life.”

“If it is too late I’ll make sure you have the nicest casket ever.”

Sighing, I stared at the mix of unstable and sane people in front of me, all very weird in their own ways. I have no idea where I fall on this scale. Probably below Teresa but above Minho.

“Thanks, Thomas. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, buddy.”

It's good to know that if I die, I’ll have a nice funeral. Especially since I’m just a few more almost interactions away from dying of shame.