A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

13) Aloe Vera

I was never one for cold showers. Granted, I didn't want to burn either, but I always stick to the middle temperature. To be honest, I forgot why anybody would ever subject themselves to freezing water until now.

I did in fact need the sunblock.

It did not stop me from getting sunburnt. I wasn't purple or unable to move, but it was still unpleasant.

I think Aloe vera is worse though. It's like someone covered me in glue that they kept in their freezer, and I wasn't allowed to even try to take it off. There are way too many nights that were spent sitting on the kitchen counter while I was smothered in it. My mom’s soft hands seemed so sharp as I tried to protest only for her to promise she’d read me an extra book if I was good. When it got in my hair was where I would draw the line though, pulling away from her.

I didn't think about that part of being back here. Remembering that I used to be close to my parents. It wasn’t until middle school when everything really started to fall apart. I avoided their questions any way I could which meant avoiding them. I just so happened to be out of the house before every time they were going to make me see a shrink or sit me down for an important chat.

It's strange. To feel someone else's hands gently run over my skin. To sit on a stool so I was looking at her eyes as she rubbed the dreaded thing on me.

“You get to be a natural heater now. That's a bright side.”

“Yeah. For you.”

“You sleep in the longest clothes I've ever seen. It's definitely for you,”She shrugged.

“I’d like to be.”

“Until you get Aloe vera on them. You can't even handle it in your hair.”

“Wow. I couldn't tell by this headband thing keeping it out of my face.”

“If you keep up the attitude, I’ll take it away,”She threatened.

“I’m sure you will.”

“You’ll get all sweaty too. If you try long clothes. And I cannot sleep next to someone like that.”

“Even if you love them?”

“Especially if I love them,”She teased, starting to run it over my face, making me cringe. Unbothered, she kept making sure I wouldn't make up so miserable tomorrow.

“You can't make an exception this once?”

“Not for you.”

“Wow. I can't believe I have a girlfriend who doesn't even love me.”

“Now you're just lying,”She shook her head before looking at me. Despite the way it covered every exposed inch of me, she didn't pull away, holding my face in her palms.

“Any particular reason you insisted on being the one to do this?”

“I like touching you.”

My face warmed at her words, something I was more than aware she could feel. Something made worse by the small smile she gave me.

“I love you,”She whispered, her voice so full of softness and sincerity.

“I love you too.”

“Good to know.”

“Why?”

“Makes it easier to do this.”

With me still sitting on the wooden stool, by my aunt's kitchen, with the only light being the one she kept plugged in by the stove, she lightly brushed her lips against mine. Hers were soft, maybe the only thing besides her hands to be on me today that were. Melting into her, I kissed back as gently as I could. When I felt her smile against my mouth I couldn't help but think that maybe I don't exactly mind Aloe Vera.

☆ ☆ ⁠☆

“So it looks like you won't burn any worse today.”

“Thank God.”

“I mean I’m personally disappointed by it.”

“You're disappointed that I won't be on literal fire?”

“To be fair, it was an enjoyable experience to help your pale self after.”

Avoiding eye contact, I tried to keep a straight face anyway as I silently agreed that yes. Yes it was.

Sheep tend to be chaotic for no reason. It doesn't matter what’s happening around them. They're as loud as they are rambunctious.

They're cute though. And really, really soft if you take care of them correctly.

“Remember when that one guy showed up here and tried to tell us why it was wrong to shear the sheep?”She asked, patting one of their heads as she finished up.

“He was so insufferable, I couldn't forget him no matter how hard I tried. I really feel like it's not a hard concept to grasp. If you wouldn't want to walk around with a coat on, why would they?”

“And the fact that he was trying to lecture us in the summer too? And that he lived nowhere around here? It's like he just threw a dart and went wherever it landed to go be the worst person ever.”

“I wouldn't be surprised if that's what he did, since he was literally talking crazy.”

“How many more sheep y'all got?”my aunt asked, making me jump at how she was suddenly there. Y/N was unaffected, acting as though it was obvious she would appear.

“Around two dozen more,”She answered.

“Looks like y’all are moving along then. When you're done, do you wanna come in for lunch? I’ve got some sandwich meat to use up.”

“That’s definitely no problem,”I agreed.

“Great. I’m gonna finish up my work and get started then,”She smiled, wiping her hands on her jeans before heading back to what she was doing today. I don't think she told us what she was doing today. I mean I hope not. She’s always been so nice to me. In almost every memory, she’s the nicest, and I’d be a jerk to miss something like that. Or maybe I wouldn't be? It's normal to make mistakes, but at the same time, I don't want to make them constantly. I don't want to make one that would hurt hers, or mostly anyone’s, feelings either. Would that hurt her feelings though? Who’s feelings would that hurt?

“What’s got your head up in the clouds this time?”

Being reminded that things other than my overthinking mind exist, I looked over at her, just giving a shrug to say it wasn't important, before checking over the sheep to make sure I didn't miss a spot.

“You’ve always been someone interesting, you know? Even if nobody could see it,”She told me, her eyes downcast on one of hers as she finished off another coat.

“I don't think it really matters who sees. Not as long as the important people think that.”

Her eyes met mine, both of our gazes saying the same thing.

She has always been at the top of the list as someone important.