A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

38) The Past Comes Back

She was out the second the door closed, leaning against her hand. Her legs were under her as she was buried in my jacket, the hood on. A few stray hairs fell from it and around her face. The red blanket had come in handy, keeping her warm.

“You’re my pretty girl. You know that, right?”I whispered. Her breathing remained even, a slow rise and fall of her shoulders.

Stepping out, I slowly shut my door, keeping it steady until it clicked into place. When it was, I made my way to her side. Pressing my hand against the metal, I cautiously opened it.

She was bathed in the moonlight, illuminating her even more. She looked majestic, the purest of angels sent from above. Everything about her was perfect, from that paint stained hands to the way she always knew just what to say.

Reaching for her, I found her knees. Sliding my hands under them, I gently pulled her out, holding her to my chest. She mumbled something I couldn't make out as she nuzzled into me, her head buried in my shirt.

“I love you too,”I whispered, beginning my walk to the house. As I did, I saw my aunt on the steps, the glow of a cigarette between her lips. We locked eyes for a moment, the admittance of exposed secrets crossing between us. Then, she moved over, letting me take her up the steps.

I cringed when the door creaked as it opened, looking down at her. When I saw she was still asleep, I dared to walk inside. Besides the nightlight in the kitchen and the moonlight from the windows, the house was dark. Still, that was more than enough to get to our room without bumping into anything.

Lifting his head from the couch, Brutus looked at the scene before losing interest, laying against the armrest. He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes, clearly bothered by the inconvenience.

The door was still open, one less obstacle to get through. The bed was already made up, the sheets fluffy made and ready to pass out in.

With one hand, I pulled the sheets out just enough. Laying her down, I watched her sink into the mattress as she moved on her side. Her eyes remained closed, her breathing still even.

Pulling the blanket over her, I ensured she would be warm throughout the night. Pushing her hair back, I kissed her forehead. Her skin was still warm despite the temperature outside, the hours of running around and being upside down practically glued to her.

“I love you,”I whispered in her ear, gently rubbing her shoulder. When she was still asleep, I turned around, creeping out of the room.

The living room was the same as before, with Brutus still fast asleep. Passing by, I patted his head. His eyes opened lazily for barely a second.

Technically, I’m here to see my aunt. There really isn't another way to put it. Whether it was to get rid of me or toughen me up, the location remains the same. It's also a more ethical sounding reason, something you could casually tell anyone without fear of judgement.

Opening the door, I stepped outside into the cold. She didn't even look behind her as I shut it, the creak absolutely noticeable. The cigarette still hung from her lips, a dim glow in the darkness. Standing there, I watched her for a minute, thinking about it all. I didn't know the last time I saw her for so long would be that. It had seemed so normal, like every other time. I had stayed the night alone with her after being there for the day. She helped me onto a horse and gave me that approving smile when I didn't go anywhere. She let me take over her television that night and stay up late watching movies beside her. When I woke up, the smell of pancakes wafted through the house and I had a blanket over me.

That was so long ago, and all this time, I hadn't reached out. I couldn't.

And still, she kept my photographs, even the bad ones.