#file:

Rikki treats Brandon the way she does because she hates him so much she loves him, basically.

Every ounce of her being wants to despise him, but she can’t, because deep in the pits of her being she’s completely aware that he’s a genuine person that would have her back throughout practically everything. She’s aware that if she was in some sort of danger, he’d be there and for that she’s completely thankful.

22 - Then there’s tongue.

“Okay, go with it, okay? It was a dare, or something—”

18 - Underwater Kiss

She hated swimming in front of people.

Or, she hated being in her bathing suit in front of people.

Her insecurity had hardly ceased in spite of the years of leotard wearing in ballet. Wide hips. Thin waist. It was attractive— there was no doubt about that— and she was toned, but something about being in a bikini in front of others, when an exposed form placed her in such a vulnerable state, made her uneasy. 

But it was fine, right? It was hot outside. And Eli was her friend. She could handle that, right? 

Right. Ish.

Rikki dived in almost immediately with him following suit behind, and it was a lot more fun than she had anticipated. She was a fine swimmer— mostly due to relentless training she had received from Steve. And she could handle the occasional jabs into her side from Eli in order to evoke a giggle from her lips. 

And, then, they were both underwater, sitting at the bottom of the pool. Air bubbles floated past her forehead, and she grinned at him through the chlorine, leaning forward suddenly and pressing a kiss to his lips. It was— nice. She couldn’t deny that, despite the amount of time it didn’t take her to swim to the surface. 

When he followed, opening his mouth to speak, she immediately shook her head, an idle hand raising to indicate him to hush.

They’re real enough. Steve, and Brandon, and Anya, and Julie, and Eli, and Sam—