A Summer Fling (Aris x Reader AU)

51) Better Waters

It's obvious the lake is our destination. We're both in bathing suits, I've seen this path, and she told me. I just can't figure out why she's practically vibrating with excitement. She's up to something, though that's pretty typical.

As I was leaning my head on her back, closing my eyes as I got a bit too comfortable, she came to a sudden stop. My arms unconsciously tightened around her as I lurched forward, the lack of warning leaving me stunned.

"A heads up would have been nice,"I promised, unwrapping myself from her. Hopping down from the vehicle I had grown a bit too comfortable with, I adjusted my feet before holding out my hand.

She glanced at me as she held one of the handles she actually needed. Before I could awkwardly put my arm down while internally scolding myself for the dumb cliche move, she took it with her other, letting me help her off.

She looks so sweet under the moonlight. Her hair was down to avoid the disaster of a hair tie getting stuck but still pushed out of her face. Her expression was calm, purely content in a way I envied. Her eyes shimmered with spirit, something so fitting since she reminded me what it felt like to live. I could continue to have great times with Rachel and learn to let go in college and find my freedom away from them. I could do a thousand different things, see a million different lands, and none of them would compare to my time with her.

"I figured you'd see the body of water and know I would stop,"she dismissed, leaving her bike near the edge of the forest. When she held out her hand while walking, I slipped the bag off my back, handing it over.

"Well, I didn't see the body of water,"I mumbled, walking beside her.

"I did. You're just not on my level,"she sighed, unzipping it. Grabbing one of our phones on top, she turned on the flashlight, slowly scanning the area.

"I think we actually beat them here,"she stated vaguely, turning on her phone flashlight. Sure enough, every inch she moved was another inch of emptiness.

"Thomas and Teresa?"I clarified.

"Yeah. I guess they just don't have my kind of speed."

"Hey! We do so!"

I jumped back at the complaint that came out of nowhere, staring into the direction it came from. My heart was being dramatic about a voice I already recognized, though I appreciated the survival instinct. The combination of moonlight and panicked flashlight made it clear who was already here, sitting by the freezing water. I just can't wait to become a human popsicle. This isn't a good way to get frostbite at all.

"About time."

"Well, we would have been first if someone didn't have to be dragged along,"she teased, looking me up and down.

"I wasn't expecting this to be a race,"I defended.

"Should have thought ahead,"she teased, walking down to the dock, slipping her shirt off while she did. I couldn't help but think that walking while blind was an idea that could end in absolute disaster and a busted nose so I just did the same to my hoodie in my spot before following her.

"There was nothing to think ahead on,"I reasoned, crossing my arms over my chest.

"There was actually. It's called 'maybe I should leave when I'm told instead of playing twenty questions',"she deadpanned, waving her hand at each word.

"You're so mean to me."

"Maybe. But I'm gonna help you not wuss out,"she reminded me, folding her shirt and leaving it by a tree. I threw my shoes over there before nodding in agreement. She grabbed my hand before I could even turn around, making the other two quickly scrambled to their feet. Before I could even hold my breath, she dragged me into hell. I know I said I'd follow her there and back, but I really wish she didn't test that.