A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

46) Involuntary Tharis

Through the forest we go. Her with the cooler she physically slapped my hand from (ow) and me with absolutely nothing but a mini first aid kit in my pocket. Did she laugh at me for it? I wouldn't expect anything different. Will I ever not drag bandages and painkillers with me? Maybe when she's taller than me again.

The birds were chirping in the trees that small rodents were scurrying through. It was a blessing to hear, one that not enough people appreciate. The music of grass crunching under your feet and lizards quickly managing to avoid you has always been my favorite kind.

"It really is a miracle that we had enough icing for these,"she said without looking at me.

"Yeah. Good thing we bought enough supplies,"I nodded. That's the only thing she means of course. I would never do anything to put the sweets in jeopardy for my own gain.

For some reason, she rolled her eyes before nudging my side. Wrapping my arm around her shoulder (the nearest to the cooler I would get), I stayed as close as needed. This was the kind of wish come true that's once in a lifetime. Partly, because there really is no excuse if I mess this up, and it would be absolutely unforgivable if I did.

"You're mine forever whether you like it or not,"she warned. She didn't mean it though. She loves me the way I love her. If one day she woke up and found someone better, if she realized she couldn't do this anymore, if this wasn't actually what she wanted, I would let her go. Even though I would never be able to love another person like this, even though I would live my life without another date or morning kiss or new last name, I could never hold her back from being happy. Even if, unfortunately, that meant being happy without me. But with everything I have, I hope that will never, ever be the case.

"Nothing in this world sounds more perfect,"I promised. As if to prove it, I pressed my lips to the top of her head. She smiled when I did as her free arm wrapped around me, ensuring I was trapped beside her. While that wasn't necessary, there was no way I could ever mind.

"I'm still telling Thomas you ate all his food."

"I don't know what you're talking about,"I shrugged. She gave me a look I definitely didn't deserve before shaking her head at me. The nerve to do that and still constantly accuse me of having an attitude is truly astounding.

"You're ridiculous,"she insisted. Still, she stopped to wrap her both arms around my neck as she leaned against me. Hugging back was practically an instinct. My hands rested on her hips on their own, lightly squeezing. Running her fingers through my hair, she smiled up at me as I tried to remember how to think.

"Pretty boy,"she hummed. When I opened my mouth to respond, she brushed her lips against mine. I followed her lead, lightly kissing back to feel her soft mouth. She smiled against me for a moment as she tenderly grabbed my face. Before I could get carried away in her, she pulled away.

"We have work to do,"she said simply, an innocent grin on her face. Choosing not to point out her cruelty of not letting me stay in this moment forever, I planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Fine. I guess that's okay."

☆ ☆ ⁠☆

I heard the house before I saw it. It sounded like, and probably was, scolding and maybe a minor bit of hitting.

Sure enough, Teresa was smacking him with a pack of Uno cards on the front deck while he complained about having been following the rules. Because I've known Thomas for at least a week, I know that's far from true. I haven't forgotten about the time he stole half my Monopoly money. To be honest, I don't think I've completely forgiven him for that betrayal.

"Is this a bad time?"she asked, looking between them.

"Why would it be a bad time?"she asked while he was rubbing his injured arm.