The Art of Love and War (Jack Griffo AU)

Scene 2: Last Week of Freedom

Hi. Late update and that is because of school, but Big O is on the side or top (depends on where you're reading this). I hope you enjoyed!

(x)

The summer sun beat down on my skin as I lay quietly on the beach towel, a novel covering my face as usual. It was now the last week of summer and I hadn't finished my summer reading list yet. 

"Em! You should come in the water with us!" Jack yelled from his spot in the waves with my twin neighbors, Indiana (Indy) and Ohio (who we call Big O). I brought my book away from my eyes and squinted at the three laughing and splashing each other. "No thank you, I wanna finish this!' I call back and use my book as a shield from the sun again. I let my eyes scan every word left to right mouthing the dialogue and smiling. I've always loved to read especially in the comfort of the warm sun. 

After I finished my chapter, I plugged in my headphones and decided a nap wouldn't hurt. Plus my pale skin was starting to bother me, I felt like I could blind others with just a look. Closing my eyes, I let Firestone by Kygo, Conrad fill my ears before drifting off into a light sleep.

(x)

I opened my eyes quickly when I felt myself move. I was met with the sight of tan skin and "buff" arms which meant one person. 

"Big O, let me down!" I groaned looking up at my black haired friend. "No can do Emily! Fun was calling and you didn't answer so I'm helping you out."

"That is one of the worst excuses to get me in the water I have ever heard," I rolled my eyes and stuck my bottom lip out, sensing the tide coming closer and closer. Once I felt Big O swing his arms back I closed my eyes bracing myself for the throw and of course it came.

The water swallowed me quickly and I swam towards the surface as fast as I could. Once I emerged I gasped and crossed my arms over my chest. "Holy shit it's cold!" Even with the sun beating down on us I swear the water had to be in the 40's. 

"Relax Em, it's not that bad. Plus I can always warm you up." A pair of arms wrapped around my torso and I shrugged them off knowing they were Jack's. "Yeah no thanks, I've got Indy for that job." I swam over towards the girl and she smiled, throwing her arm around my shoulder. "If you want her that badly Jack you're gonna have to fight!" Indy yelled and I laughed, elbowing her softly. 

"Bring it on Indy! Right here, right now!" My best friend challenged and I smiled watching the scene play out. He then noticed and sent me a quick wink. 

Loser.

(x)

After a quick swim and a mini volleyball game my friends and I decided it would be best if we headed back to our neighborhood. "Hey Indy and I will load up the car, you guys clean out the sand toys!" Big O shouted at Jack and I and I nodded, giving him a thumbs up back. We then trudged towards the shelter with the water bubblers to wash out the shovels and pails. (No it is not weird to play with sand toys at our age thank you.) "Hey Em." I looked towards Jack and I raised an eyebrow seeing him sitting in the sand. "Uh what are you doing?" I asked and he laughed before handing me a sand ring. "Will you go out with me?" I giggled and looked down shaking my head before making eye-contact. "Jack, you ask me every week to go out with you and you already know my answer." My best friend just shrugged and laughed, responding, "It's always worth a try sunshine."

(x)

We all decided to go to my house (I mean I have the best television so) and relax for a bit. I opened the front door and my three friends walked in like they owned the house. Big O headed towards the refrigerator, as usual, and grabbed us snacks while Jack and I set up the downstairs room. "So sunshine what do we still need to do to make this summer perfect?" I shrugged and adjusted the blanket hanging off the leather couch before turning towards the brown-eyed boy. "Doesn't matter to me. It's been amazing already."

"Well, how do you classify it as amazing?"

"Because I'm with my friends everyday and that is all I can ask for. Now shut up before this gets sappy." Jack let out a hearty laugh and fell on to the couch seeing everything already in its proper place. Big O and Indy then joined us on the couch and I turned on the television to our favorite show. 

(x)

After Big O and Indy left, Jack decided to sleep over. I was fluffing my pillow and already had my shorts and t-shirt on when he walked into the room. "Hey Emily?" I turned towards him and cocked my eyebrow at my full first name, but urged him to continue.  "What does a best friend mean to you?"

I sat down on my bed and intertwined my hands thinking carefully before answering the question.  "Um, probably just someone who's always there for you. Someone who you can talk to for hours about anything and everything and won't judge you." I paused for a moment making sure I included everything. "Yup that's about it. Why?"

"Just making sure." I squinted my eyes at him, my gut telling me something was wrong, but I pushed the feeling away. I then laid down and had my back facing my friend.

"Well, if you need anyone or anything I'm right here." I spoke out into the darkness and I heard a muffled voice, "Same." 

"Goodnight Jack."

"Goodnight sunshine."