A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

12) Just a Hug

I’ve stayed up late before. Obviously. I’ve been practically nocturnal for a while now. From sneaking out to take pictures to reading ‘just one more chapter’ to staring at the ceiling wondering why I am the way I am, I barely seem to power down at all.

And I still found myself sleeping in, my eyes refusing to open. The sun shining directly on me did absolutely nothing as I pulled the blankets over my head.

“Come on. There's work to do today,”She announced, forcing the sheets off my body. Letting out an audible sign, I sat up, rubbing my eyes before looking at her, who was fully dressed of course.

“No,”I said simply, not planning on getting up despite how chilly I already was.

“I can't believe I thought I’d never have to drag you out of bed again.”

“You didn't drag me-okay then,”I was cut off as she grabbed me, throwing me over her shoulder like she used to. I was taller now, but that did nothing to change the fact that she was significantly stronger. To be fair, I’ve spent my years staying for roll call in gym class and then immediately sneaking out. She works on a farm daily and rides her bike way too fast. There's a pretty decent imbalance there.

Giving up instantly, I let her carry me to the kitchen, where she then decided it was safe as she set me down.

“Ain’t that a familiar sight?”my aunt grinned. Reluctantly nodding, I sat in front of my plate, with her sitting across instead of beside me for once. “Messy bedhead and all,”She teased, ruffling my hair before heading to her room for something.

“I was nice enough to let you sleep in, you know?”

“Yeah. And nice enough to drag me out of it,”I reminded her, taking a bite of my eggs. Something that was interrupted as she lightly kicked my shin. Giving her the look, I did the same. Returning the playfully narrowed eyes and barely there smile, a silent agreement was given for a competition that very well could end in bruised ankles.

“Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“She started it,”I tattled, pointing at her.

“Did not,”She lied.

“Did too.”

“Nu uh.”

“And y’all still had the nerve to wonder why your parents wanted you two to have a break from each other. You always were up to something.”

“To be fair, we were up to something when they weren't watching us,”She pointed out.

“I’m aware. You had them stressed.”

“They lived,”I shrugged.

“No clue how after all those heart attacks you gave ‘em. Now eat up. You’re really gonna need it today.”

☆ ☆ ⁠☆

“Come on, weakling.”

“I am not weak. It's heavy,”I protested.

“Yeah. For you.”

“I’m going to hit you with this.”

“That's only if you can move it two more feet.”

Rolling my eyes, I followed her to the pig pen. I’m not their biggest supporter, but I can't help but defend them when someone says something wrong about them. They’re very intelligent creatures, at least on the same level as dogs, an animal so widely adored. Talk about pretty privilege.

“Hey piggies. We’ve got your food,”She affectionately called, grabbing the bag from my arms and cutting it open at the top.

“You mean I have their food,”I corrected as she dumped it into their trough. Personally, I hate that name for it. It’s too extra for a long metal pan the animals eat and drink from. I get that it'd be obnoxious to say that, but there weren't any other options available? Were they on a word budget or something?