A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

37) Long Overdue Cliches

"Ya'll got everything you'll need tonight?"she asked without looking up from her crossword.

"Yes ma'am."

"Money?"

"Check."

"Keys?"

"Yep."

"Decent gas?"

"All filled up."

She gave me a look at that one, but in the end, let it go. For now.

"Phone and charger?"

"Check and check."

"Bag for everything?"

"Always."

She nodded in approvement before turning back to her book, Brutus cuddled under her arm. Her eyes stayed in the same space, this knowing glint in them that had me convinced there was never any point in saying this was a friendly hang out.

"Is this okay?"

I turned to see her in a yellow sundress I had never seen before, a plain brown belt around her waist. Her usual brown boots that had been cleaned gave her just a little bit of height. A small necklace with a star charm hung around her neck. She had braided her hair to the side, letting it hang over her shoulder. Her eyeliner was just a little further out in a small wing with white glitter on her eyelids. Her lips were a noticeable pink, a coat of shimmering gloss making them shine. For reasons I didn't mind, she had just a little glitter on her collarbone. I could smell the sweet perfume, this appealing mix of cherries and flowers.

My good jeans and black shirt felt like an absolute joke. Even the white tennis shoes and brushed hair were absolutely put to shame.

"You look-wow,"I breathed out, hypnotized by the way she smoothed out her dress.

"It's not too much?"

"You look lovely, honey. You're goin' to want some shorts under that though,"she advised.

"Already taken care of."

"I-uh, let's go then. We don't want to be late,"I barely got out, holding my arm out. She accepted, her hand wrapped around me as she smiled in a way she had to know was irresistible.

"Also, it has pockets!"she exclaimed, shoving her hands inside the hidden fabric as she stared excitedly at my aunt.

"Well, ain't that nice? They never gave us those,"she grinned, giving her a small nod. I stood there, letting them bond over the seemingly simple fact that I've learned is actually very important.

When they were done with their moment, she turned back to me, rocking back and forth in her spot.

"Don't stay out too late,"she told us.

"We won't,"I promised, giving her a reassuring nod. When she went back to her book, I led her outside, trying to ignore my racing heart. When I opened the door for her, she let go to walk through before looking at me expectantly. When I followed, shutting it behind me, she wrapped her arms around me, engulfing me in a hug.

"You really are a gentleman,"she complimented, her head resting on my chest.

"That's what you deserve."

"You know what else I deserve?"

"You have to wait and see where I'm taking you. It's building suspense,"I excused, opening the car door and taking her hand. She gave me a smile that made my heart stop as she stepped in, still as beautiful as every other day.

"Well? You coming?"

I forced a nod as I shut the door. Trying to pay attention to my surroundings, I got into the driver's side, the one I'm legally allowed on. I feigned ignorance to the way she was eagerly tapping her foot, practically vibrating in her seat.