#tsitp fluff

"Alright, no. It was." You lay beside him, tracing shapes in the bedspread. "You were in a coma - sure, a small one - but still. A coma. That's serious."

"Trouble." He grabbed your hand, stopping it from the very important shape-tracing business. Bringing it up to his mouth, he kissed the back gently. "I think you might be more worried than my mom."

"Oh, 100%." You giggled, chills running down your spine from his kiss. "You're my best friend, Steven." A lump formed in your throat, and you fought against the emotions bubbling up. "I couldn't do life without you, you know that."

"I'm just so important to you." He laughed, still holding your hand. "I get it."

"Yeah?" You raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah." He grinned, his thumb rubbing against the back of your hand. "If you got into an accident, I think I'd go crazy." You laughed, sniffing, wiping away the tears that fell. "Like, actually berserk. I'd probably go find the person that hit you and-"

"Alright." You covered his mouth with your free hand. "That's enough out of you."

He peeled your hand away from his mouth, both of your appendages captured. Captured was a strong word; with a small tug, you'd be free. But you didn't want to be free. You liked it when Steven held you. "I meant it."

"I know you did, Conklin." You looked down at his hold. "You've rendered me incapable of doing virtually anything."

"You want me to let go?" His voice was low, dangerous. He'd only used that tone twice before, both times when you swore he'd stared at your lips, that he'd held you closer than a best friend should. "Because I don't want to let you go."

"I don't want you to let go, either." You were going to combust.

"Good." He kissed the back of your hand, trailing kisses up your arm slowly, like he was purposely torturing you. The little voice in the back of your head screamed that this wasn't normal for best friends, but you didn't care. "Trouble, I realized something when I was in my very serious coma."

You rolled your eyes, but there was no bite behind it. How could there be when he was so delicate with you, treating you like you were glass? "Do tell."

"I don't want to be friends."

That was not what you were expecting. You shifted, trying to pull away. "Time to let me go."

"No." He shook his head. "I don't want to be friends-"

"Yes, I know." You felt like you were going to be sick. Tugging against his hold, your eyes welled yet again, fear the only thing keeping you alive. Love was a cruel mistress. One second you were sure you could never feel happier, the next you were contemplating how bad it would be if you died right there. "You've said."

"Just- just trust me, okay?"

"That's really hard when you're saying you don't want to be friends anymore." You whispered. "You say that, but you're kissing my arms, and you-"

"Trouble." He was really close. You hadn't realized just how close he was, but his breath danced with yours. "Let me finish."

"You have thirty seconds."

"I don't want to be your friend anymore because I-" He kissed the back of your hand slowly, intimately. "because I love you."

"I-"

"Still have about 15 seconds on the clock." He murmured against your skin. "Because I love you, more than a friend."

Oh. Forget about combusting - you were going to explode. "Steven-"

"I love you." He pulled you closer, if that was somehow possible. "And I think you love me too-"

You leaped forward, kissing him urgently, as if you didn't, he'd disappear. His eyes widened, releasing his hold on your hands to grab your waist, pulling you over so you were straddling his waist. You let out a gasp, shocked that he was so effortlessly strong. He'd just been in an accident, and he was manhandling you like it was nothing. "Steven, your ribs-"

"Shut up and let me kiss you." He grabbed your face, caressing your cheeks, his teeth clashing with yours.

Your face felt like it was on fire. "You still have to heal-"

"I'll push through the pain for you."

"Oh, how romantic."

He ignored you, chest heaving. "God, I've wanted to do this for so long."

"I bet I've wanted to longer."

He pulled your bottom lip between his teeth for a millisecond, but it was enough to send a shock into your very soul. "Nuh uh."

Your hands found their way to the nape of his neck, pulling on his hair ever so slightly. "Uh huh."

He groaned, his grip trailing up, fingers finding your skin underneath your shirt, squeezing so devilishly you didn't know if you could ever forget. His touch was intoxicating. "Nuh uh."

"Steven, I brought you both some-oh!"

You stilled, too scared to look behind you. You whispered, eyes wide. "Is your mother behind me?"

He nodded. "Yep."

You practically jumped off of him, falling off the bed before standing against the wall. "I should go-"

"No!" Steven yelled, causing both you and Laurel to jump. "I mean- Mom." He smiled, visibly annoyed. "Can you leave please?"

"Already gone." The door slammed behind her, silence falling over both of you.

"I really should be going-"

"No." He laughed, eyes dark. "You can't just hump and dump me."

"Steven!" You yelled. "You make it sound so surface level!"

"I love you, you love me!" He yelled back, grinning. "Now get back over here. I wasn't done."

"Steven!" God, he was going to kill you. "You're horrible."

"And you're beautiful."

You glared at him, climbing back onto the bed, your thighs straddling him for the second time that day. "Shut up and kiss me, Conklin."

"Yes, ma'am."

taglist: @beebeechaos @eddiemunsons-lover @maryjaneeeee

"Miss me," he asks me with a joking tone and a smile.

"Always," I breathe out and answer him as he buckles up and puts the car in drive. He immediately reaches for my hand and laces our fingers together, pulling our clasped hands to his lips for a loving kiss. My cheeks get a flushed pink tint over this tiny gesture and he notices right away and smiles again.

"Love you," he says to me quietly.

"Love you more," I say leaning towards him and snuggling up as close to him as I can get in the car.

We're still holding hands and just enjoying being in each others company and drive around aimlessly for about an hour. When he finally takes a turn down my street my stomach drops a little. I don't want to leave him. I don't want to be apart from him for a single second, let alone minute or hour. I'm craving him in more of a way than I've ever craved being with another person in my entire life. The thought of being alone without him makes me want to weep. I love him so much it actually hurts. Almost as much as the thought of being without him. Instantly I realize that this doesn't need to end here tonight, not if we don't want it to. I gather my thoughts a moment and then clear my throat.

"Con...," I say as he pulls into my driveway. I unbuckle my seatbelt and turn my body towards him, his hand still in mine. He kisses my hand once again before letting go so he can put the car in park and turn off the engine.

"Y/n...," he mimicks me and puts his hand under my chin. He looks into my eyes and holds my gaze. I can't believe I'm staring into the eyes of the most gorgeous man in all of cousins. My boyfriend. My Conrad. Looking into his beautiful eyes and watching him, watch me makes my heart beat so fast, I feel like I can't breathe. He runs his hand through his hair and his bangs fall and frame his face. The way they gently swoops inward, drawing attention to his soft and loving eyes, makes me instantly smile. He smiles back and gives his head a shake, knowing how sexy I think he looks after he tossles his hair. I catch him glancing towards my mouth and then back up to my eyes and he sensuously licks his lips. My eyes go directly to his mouth and stare at those luscious lips of his. Red, full, pouty and begging to be kissed.

"Con...," I say again in a breathy and needy voice. He leans in and rests his forehead gently against mine, out lips dangerously close but not touching. I can feel his breath against my skin and we are both starting to breathe a little heavier even though nothing is really happening between us yet.

"Hmmm...," he manages to answer me. His eyes are closed and I close mine too, trying to control my nervousness and get ready to take this next step. I'm ready. More than ready and I know he is too. We have been waiting for so long. Waiting for the timing to be just right and this is it. It won't be either of our first times but in a sense it kind of will be. For me at least. I've never felt like this about anyone before. I've never been so in love, so over the top, head over heels, crazy for someone and I think it's going to make sex feel like a completely new and exciting experience with him. My boyfriend. My Conrad. I can't help but let a huge grin spread across my face at the thought. He must have been able to feel my smile because he pulls away gives me a slightly confused grin.

"Ok y/n, what's up? What are you thinking about that's got you smiling like that," he asks me.

"You," I state, knowingly.

"Me?," he says, dragging out the "e". "What about me...," he asks leaning in for a kiss.

His lips feel like heaven against mine. They're so smooth and so soft. They envelope my own and I can feel him sucking on my bottom lip, silently begging for me to open them. I revel in the way his lips feel against mine for another minute or so before I grant him access. As soon as I part my lips his tongue slowly melds with mine. He kisses me so passionately I feel like I could cum any moment with just his kiss. I can feel his love throughout my entire body and it's set me on fire. He is breathing life into me with every motion and every touch. I let out a throaty moan and I can feel him smirk into me. He pulls away and rests his head against mine again.

"What are you thinking about now," he asks me, brushing the hair off my cheek and pushing it behind my ear. His hand is cupping my face and his forehead is still pressed against mine and I let out a deep and happy sigh. I pull away and look right back into those beautiful eyes and smile.

"I want you," I say to him with every ounce of courage I can muster.

"I want you too, baby," Conrad says to me, putting his lips on my neck. I can feel him start to suck lightly and I almost get lost in it but force myself to focus.

"Come inside with me Con," I say. "Spend the night with me. Please."

The look on his face tells me he's trying not to get too excited yet as he asks me what I mean.

"Like SPEND the night, spend the night or just hang out? Either one is fine with me y/n, you know that. I'm just not sure what you're asking. No pressure."

I smiled sweetly at him and batted my eyes a few times. "Oh, sorry! Let me be more clear." I quickly got onto my knees and climbed onto his lap so I could straddle him. He pushed the seat back and I plopped high to to his lap, clinging to his body. I ran my hands through his hair and draped my arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him with everything I had in me. His body beneath me started to twitch a little and I could start to feel him getting hard. I lightly grinded over his cock, teasing him until I could start to feel him grinding up in his seat too. I stopped kissing him and let out bodies mash against each other a minute loving the feeling of us almost together. He let out a low and haggard moan and the sound made me instantly wet.

"Fuck me, Con," I whisper. "Take me inside, rip my clothes off and make me scream your name."

He lets out an elated "fuuuuckkkkk" and looks me up and down. "You sure?," he asks me, seriously.

"I've never been more sure of anything," I answer him, matching his serious tone. I start to climb back over to the passenger seat and he helps me swing back over to my side of the car. I start to pick up my purse off the floor and my phone and next think I know, he's out the door and sprinting over to my side. He takes all my stuff in one hand and reaches for me with the other, helping me out if the car.

"Love you," I say to him as he leads me to my door.

"Love you more," he says squeezing my hand, leading us through the door way.

ever since i was born, my family has gone to spend the summer at the house of my mother’s best friend, susannah, in cousins beach. it has since become my favorite place in the entire world and throughout the other seasons of the year, i am left yearning for the summertime and craving the company of conrad fisher.

this summer is no different. we load into the car early in the morning so we can arrive in cousins at a decent time. my phone buzzes, notifying me of a text.

jeremiah 🙏

can’t wait to see y’all! are you on the way yet?

my sister, belly, replied before i even had the chance to fully read the message.

bells💕

can’t wait to see you either!

yep, we left about an hour ago.

steven👺

yo, this summer is gonna be so lit!

conrad <3

dude, who says lit anymore?

-> steven does, because he’s stuck in 2018 :/

steven whipped around in the front seat as belly snickered beside me. 

“i am not stuck in 2018!” he said, sounding deeply offended. i threw my hands up.

“whatever you say,” i said. the sass king rolled his eyes and turned back around. my phone buzzed again, but this time it was a private message from conrad.

conrad <3

i’m assuming he got angry at you for saying that

i giggled at how well he knows our dynamic.

-> you know it

i’m excited to see you.

the text, which was seemingly normal, caused my heart to do a flip. why did that happen, you might ask? well, if you find the answer, let me know too because i’m clueless. 

last summer, conrad and i spent a lot of time alone and… i won’t say we grew closer because we were already basically bonded at the hip, but it was like we had a deeper connection with each other. i started noticing the little things about him, like how his eyes sparkle when he laughs, or how he taps his fingers against his elbows when he’s angry, or how his voice sounds after he cries. there was always a painful ache whenever we had to leave cousins at the end of the summer, but last year it was a thousand times worse.  

you might be thinking “duh, you’re in love with him,” but that’s not the case. you see, conrad is my best friend in the whole wide world, so i can’t be in love with him. no way.

after hesitating for way too long, i replied to his text.

-> I’m excited to see you too :)

after a long, aggravating (solely because of steven), cramped, car ride, we finally arrived. for some reason, my heart pounded in my chest as i opened the car door and exited the vehicle. jeremiah ran out of the house with susannah following right behind him.

“what’s up?!” jeremiah exclaimed as he embraced my mom. susannah beamed and welcomed me into her arms with a loving hug.

“oh my goodness, how are you?” she asked, but didn’t give me time to answer. “oh, it is so good to see you! look at how gorgeous you are! jeremiah, look at how beautiful she is!” 

you remember how i said conrad is my best friend? well, that was a lie. jeremiah would kill me if he ever heard those words leave my mouth. i locked eyes with the tall, blue-eyed boy, and smiled brightly. 

“well, look at you!” he laughed, running over to me and picking me up into a spinning hug. 

“hey, what are you, 7’2 now?” i asked, giggling as he let me back down to earth.

“close, actually 7’3,” he said, poking my arm. i pushed his shoulder playfully. 

that’s when i saw him. he was lurking in the doorway, looking as beautiful as ever. wait, i’m allowed to say he’s beautiful, right? right. he’s my friend. i can say my friend is beautiful.

“gonna go say hi to your boyfriend?” jeremiah whispered in my ear. i elbowed him in the gut, causing him to grunt.

“hey,” conrad said, running his hand through his perfect-... his brown hair.

“hi,” i replied. we looked at each other for a moment before he opened his arms to embrace me into a very awkward hug. we pulled away and he said hello to everyone else. 

“alright, who’s ready for some food?” susannah asked.

at the dinner table, i sat sandwiched in between conrad and jeremiah as our families caught each other up on the past 9 months.

“so, belly, y/n, any special guys that have your attention back home?” susannah asked. i felt conrad’s gaze shift over to me, but i did not look up from my plate of food.

“i don't really exist to the guys back home,” belly said.

“well look what they’re missing out on,” susannah said. “y/n? anyone for you?”

“um, no. no one that i can think of,” i said.

“what about ethan?” steven asked. i furrowed my eyebrows at him.

“ooh, who’s ethan?” jeremiah asked beside me. 

“he was this guy that i was talking to but he ditched me for someone else." the whole room was silent and i could feel pity floating in the air. i heard jeremiah take a deep breath next to me before patting his thighs.

“who wants some dessert?” he asked, standing up. i silently thanked him for changing the subject.

“ooh, yes, i made some strawberry cheesecake,” susannah said, following her youngest son into the kitchen. 

“you guys want some?” my mom asked us. belly shook her head. 

“i’m alright, i’m gonna finish unpacking,” she said, standing up. steven copied her actions.

“me too,” he said. my mom then looked at conrad and i. 

“wanna share a slice?” he asked me. i nodded.

“yeah, we’ll share,” i repeated to my mom. she gave us a quick jerk of her head before striding into the kitchen. “i haven’t had cheesecake in forever,” i said, leaning back in my chair.

“maybe you should come to visit more often, you know she makes them like every week,” he said with a laugh. i giggled.

“maybe i should.”

we sat in silence for a few seconds, listening to the laughter and commotion in the kitchen.

“i didn’t know you were talking to someone,” he said, all of the sudden.

“yeah. i would have told you, but i didn’t know if it would go anywhere… and it didn’t, so..” i said. he nodded slowly, his bottom lip caught between his teeth.

“that sucks,” he said. i laughed at his bluntness. 

“yeah, just a bit,” i said. awkward silence.

“i’m sorry that happened, you deserve better than that,” he said. i had been avoiding his eyes for most of this conversation, but looking into them now, i could tell he was being sincere. now, i, of course, do not do well in serious situations, so i ruffle his hair.

“awe, thanks connie,” i said. he scoffed, a smile on his face as susannah, my mom, and jeremiah brought 4 plates of cheesecake over. my mom set one in front of conrad and i.

“beck and i are gonna go eat in the living room,” she said. i nodded.

“thanks mom. and thank you for the cheesecake, other mom,” i said. susannah laughed. 

“of course.”

conrad, jeremiah and i ate our slices, then i decided that i wanted to go swimming.

“you know you’re supposed to wait for 30 minutes after you eat to go swimming or else you’ll get cramps,” jeremiah said.

“that’s a myth, i’m going,” i said as i marched up the stairs. 

"fine, but don't come crying to me when your stomach hurts!"

after changing into my bathing suit, i grabbed my towel and went downstairs, heading straight for the pool. i opened the sliding door and stepped outside, closing it behind me. i started my playlist on my phone and set it, along with my towel, on the edge of the pool before jumping in, the cool water causing goosebumps to erupt on my skin.

i had been swimming alone for about 5 minutes when i heard the sliding door open again. i looked over to see conrad stepping outside.

“hey,” i said.

“hey,” he replied. “mind if i join you?” he asked. 

“not at all.”

he pulled his tank top off and i had to pull my eyes away from his body as he entered the pool.

“hey, i was thinking we could go to the gas station tomorrow and stock up on drinks and junk food for our movie marathon,” i said.

“oh yeah?” he asked, his eyebrows raised slightly and a faint smile playing at his lips. “what kind of movies?”

“marvel, duh. we already established this last year after our harry potter binge watch,” i said. 

when you first meet conrad, you might think he’s this hot-shot that’s too cool for anything, but he’s actually 100% a nerd, and that’s just another thing to love about him.

“chronological order?” he asked.

“of course,” i stated. “there’s no other way to do it.”

“won’t it take like 24 straight hours to watch them all?” he asked, laughing.

“i don’t know, let me look,” i said, swimming over to where my phone was. ‘daft pretty boys’ by bad suns began playing as i looked it up. “holy shit, it’s 99 hours,” i said, looking back at him in awe. he began laughing. 

“i was WAY off,” he said. 

“just a bit,” i laughed. “do you still want to?” i asked.

“watch marvel?” he asked. i nodded. “yeah, of course.”

“good.”

we swam for a few minutes of comfortable silence before one of us decided to speak again. 

“hey, c’mere, you got something in your hair,” conrad said, looking at the top of my head. i froze.

“is it a bug?” i asked. he furrowed his eyebrows.

“i don’t know, come here,” he said. 

“oh my god, oh my god, get it out,” i said, freaking out and attempting to make my way over to him.

“well, come here,” he said, laughing. i grabbed his shoulders and he held my arm, reaching up to grab whatever the fuck was in my hair. he pulled it away and held it in front of me, and i could feel the panicked expression leave my face. “it’s a leaf,” he laughed. “you were freaking out for nothing.” i splashed some water at him and his jaw dropped. “oh, really?” i shrieked as he sent a shit ton of water my way, attempting to protect my eyes and splash him at the same time. “holy shit!” he laughed.

i made an attempt to run, which wasn't very smart, considering we are in water, and he caught me. his arms were looped around my waist and he lifted me up, spinning me around and pinning me against the side of the pool. he then began tickling me, causing a wheezy laughter to fall from my lips.

“sto- stop! conrad! i’m gonna kick you,” i laughed, trying to catch his hands. i finally managed to grab his wrists and push them away from me. “you’re a fucking asshole,” i said, out of breath from laughing so much. 

“you're the one that fucking started it,” he laughed. one last giggle escaped my lips before i realized what a compromising position i was in. conrad was dangerously close to me and i was still pinned against the side of the pool. 

i looked up into his eyes and my heart pounded in my chest as he stared down at me. i couldn’t stop myself from glancing at his lips and my grip on his wrists loosened. my mind was screaming at him to back away, but all my heart wanted was for him to be even closer. he raised his right hand, cupping my face and using his thumb to pull my lower lip down. in this moment, all common sense fled my brain and i wrapped my arms around his neck, closing the gap between us as quickly as possible. i pressed my lips against his and he reacted quickly, moving his lips in sync with mine as he grabbed the undersides of my thighs and lifted me up. i parted my lips, allowing him to slip his tongue into my mouth and he took that opportunity very quickly. his tongue pushed against mine and i let out a pathetic whimper into his mouth as i felt his hands grab my ass and pull me closer to him, if that was even possible. 

this isn’t right. this shouldn’t be happening. but, the taste of him on my tongue is so good, i never want this to end. our tongues continued dancing around with each other until i finally had the strength to push him away.

“i’m sorry,” i said, keeping my hand steady on his chest.

“what? what’s wrong?” he asked.

“we shouldn’t be doing this,” i said.

“why not?” 

“because we’re just friends,” i said. his jaw slightly dropped.

“you know that’s not true,” he said, his voice low. i nibbled on my bottom lip, knowing i shouldn’t miss the feeling of him kissing me, but missing it anyways.

“i have to go,” i said, almost in a whisper. 

“wait, y/n-” he was trying to reach for me, but i had already hauled myself out of the pool. i grabbed my phone and towel, wrapping it around me before running inside.

i closed the sliding door behind me and bolted up the stairs to my room, closing the door behind me. a few seconds later, i heard quick footsteps approaching, but i didn’t move a muscle. a knock sounded out on the door but i didn’t open it.

“y/n. please, open the door,” i heard him plead. “i just want to talk.” when i didn’t answer, he sighed. “if we’re just friends, how come you’re avoiding this conversation?” he waited a few more seconds before i heard his footsteps leaving.

for the rest of the night, i had to repeat to myself, ‘we’re just friends,’ but a nagging thought kept returning to my head. why am i avoiding the conversation if we are just friends?

i woke up the next morning to someone knocking on my door. i rubbed my eyes and sat up, yawning.

“come in,” i said, my voice sounding raspy. susannah walked into my room with a bright smile on her face.

“good morning,” she sang out.

“good morning,” i replied with a smile on my face.

“so, if you didn’t already have any plans for the day, i was thinking that you, belly, your mom and i could have a girls day out. get some shopping in, get our nails done, all that good stuff.”

i thought about the plans i had made with conrad to get junk food and watch marvel movies… and then i remembered our kiss.

“yes!” i said, a little too eagerly. “yes, that sounds great.”

“alright, well, get dressed and we’ll leave in about… 45 minutes?” she said. i nodded. she smiled and stood up, exiting the room and closing the door on her way out. 

i groaned and let my face fall into my hands. i can’t believe i fucking kissed him. i can’t believe i fucking liked it. this is gonna ruin our friendship. 

with a heavy heart, i dragged myself out of bed and forced my feet to walk over to the closet.

“we’re home!” susannah yelled once we got home from being out the whole day. no replies. she sighed and rolled her eyes. “we brought food,” she called out. footsteps came pounding down the stairs and i laughed when steven and jeremiah appeared.

“food?” steven asked. i rolled my eyes when he took the bag of food from belly and went into the kitchen. everyone followed behind him, eager to stuff their faces.

“jeremiah,” i said.

“hm?”

“where’s conrad?” i asked, unconsciously missing his presence.

“i’m not sure. he just said he was going out,” he replied. i nodded and followed the flock of hungry people to the kitchen.

later that night after everyone was asleep, i found myself in the kitchen. i opened the fridge, in search of a bottle of water, but all i got was the fright of my life when i closed the door and saw conrad standing in the dark.

“holy fuck! what are you doing? you scared the shit out of me!” i said. a slight smile played at his lips but he covered his mouth.

“i’m sorry,” he said, obviously trying not to laugh. i found myself having the same struggle. a laugh escaped and i shook my head.

“you’re a dumbass,” i smiled at him.

“i was just trying to get a water,” he laughed.

“well, me too, but instead i got a heart attack,” i said, lifting myself onto the island. a few seconds of silence passed before he spoke.

“can we talk?” he asked.

“we’re talking right now,” i said, even though i know that’s not what he meant.

“you know what i mean,” he said. i pursed my lips.

“what do you want to say?” i asked.

“well, first off, thanks for ditching me today,” he said, leaning against the counter opposite me. “i went to the gas station and got all of your favorites,” he said, motioning to the bag sitting on the island next to me. i suddenly felt the urge to cry.

“i’m sorry,” i said, looking down at my hands. the fact that he still went and got all of my favorite snacks even though i was avoiding him… god, why does he have to be so perfect?

“look at me,” he said. i obeyed immediately, looking into his green eyes. “why’d you run away last night?” he asked. i hesitated. 

“i didn’t know what i was doing. we’re just friends,” i lied.

“y/n, friends don’t kiss like that,” he said, walking over to me and placing his hands on the counter on either side of me. my heart began pounding again as the scent of his familiar cologne enveloped me. “tell me the truth.”

“i was scared,” i said. his eyebrows furrowed.

“of me? did i do something wrong?” he asked. i shook my head no. “what were you scared of?” he asked, his voice soft. i looked back down at my hands. i’m not gonna be able to say this to his face.

“of admitting that i’m in love with you,” i said, just loud enough for him to hear. his breath audibly hitched. everything was silent and still for the next few seconds. with his left hand, he grabbed my chin and forced me to look up at him.

“you’re in love with me?” he asked. i nodded slowly.

“yes,” i said. he pursed his lips.

“why were you scared of telling me?” he asked. i took a deep, shaky breath.

“because i knew that it would become real once i admitted it to you and myself. i don’t want to ruin our friendship,” i said.

before i knew what was happening, we were kissing again. this time, it was slow and loving. lip locking that felt like it was making up for years of secret pining and yearning. once he pulled away, he pursed his lips.

“can i tell you something?” he asked, his left hand now holding the back of my neck and his right resting on the side of my thigh. i nodded.

“you’re not going to ruin our friendship. i’m in love with you.”

i didn’t think one sentence could cause such relief and content until i heard those words leave his mouth.

“you promise?” i asked. he held his right pinkie up. i linked mine with his and he kissed his hand. i mimicked his actions before wrapping my arms around him and laying my head against his chest. he rested his chin on my head and rubbed my back, letting me sink into the warmth and comfort of his body.

After getting picked up by Belly and Jere, and getting ice cream, we sped to the Fisher house.

We parked and entered the house, trying to tiptoe so we can surprise the rest in the kitchen.

“So what’s for lunch?” I said out loud as we rounded the corner.

Susannah, Laurel, and the other two boys quickly turned their heads to Taylor and I’s big smile. The mom’s stopped their cooking and pulled us into a hug.

Steven and Conrad paused their game and fast-walked towards us. Steven pulling me into a side hug, not really caring since we are in the same friend group at school.

“Connie!” I squealed once Steven let go of me.

A small smile appeared on his face as I opened my arms, inviting him for a hug.

He hugged my waist and pulled me off the floor, spinning us a little.

Susannah in the back was saying some banter about us almost knocking down some things.

He put me down with a chuckle.

“Go help the girls with their bags!” Laurel patted Jere and Conrad’s shoulders.

“Oh! Taylor and y/n, you two can either sleep in the guest room or with Bells.” Susannah spoke with a twirl of her kitchen towel.

We nodded and all moved in sync to upstairs.

“Oh y/n!” Susannah said out loud, I stayed back in the kitchen while the rest went up.

“Yes?” I gave her a nervous smile.

She gave me a big tight hug which was a surprise to me.

“He hasn’t smiled this much in months. Thank you.” she whispered in my ear.

“Oh I didn’t know but anything for you Susannah.” I squeezed her tighter before she tapped me to go upstairs.

Connie was waiting on the stairs, making sure to give us privacy.

“What was that about?” he asked as we walked up the steep steps.

“Oh just her saying how i’m becoming a woman and she’s proud of me.” I giggled.

“Seems like my mom.” he chuckled as we reached the rooms.

Taylor told Jere to put her bags in Belly’s room and told me I can stay in the guest room since they have a lot of catching up to do.

Connie followed me into the guest room with my bags, setting them down on the wooden floor before plopping onto the bed.

I laid down next to him, our eyes staring up at the white wooden ceiling.

I sniffed around and the smell led me to Connie’s hoodie.

“Have you been smoking and drinking?” I questioned him, sitting up slightly, leaning on my elbow.

He froze, not saying anything. He knew that I was disappointed in him. He knows what Taylor and I go through back at home.

My door swings open revealing Jere. “We’re gonna swim in the pool!”

I sat up from the bed, smiling at Jere. “I’ll be there, don’t wait up for me!”

He closed the door leaving Conrad still laying on my bed and me searching through my bag for my bathing suit.

It was quiet, you can hear the multiple conversations throughout the house, and the sounds of everyones steps.

I let out a sigh, walking my way to Connie with my bathing suit in hand.

“Please, please! Promise me that this is just for the summer.” I looked down at his face smushed into my pillow.

“Yes, fine.” he mumbled.

“Okay thank you.” I left a peck on the top of his head. “Now go get ready for the pool.”

I rushed down to the pool with Conrad following behind, seeing that Jeremiah, Belly, Steven, and Taylor is already in.

I jumped into the pool, making sure to splash them all while Connie just sat on the side.

Small playful complaints came from those in the pool.

“So who wants to play chicken?” I yelled.

“Y/n’s my partner!” Jeremiah said as he swam up to me, his hand on my waist.

“Connie wanna join?” I asked but he shook his head no.

Belly and Taylor rolled their eyes knowing that Conrad is annoyed with his little brother.

“Taylor you can go on Steven for now and then I’ll go on the loser’s after.” Belly said, trying to include everyone.

Jeremiah and Steven sunk down into the water as Taylor and I went onto the shoulders.

When they both stood up, Belly started counting us down.

The two boys circled around as Taylor and I started to push each other with our arms, trying to knock the other down.

With a final push and Belly commentating, Taylor fell backwards off of Stevens shoulders.

Jere took me off his shoulders and we cheered.

“We’re such a good team!” he said with his arm around my waist and his curly hair dripping.

I looked up at his blue eyes and just cheered more, splashing water at him.

“My turn against the winners!” Belly said as she high fived Taylor.

Conrad took his feet out of the water and quickly walked back inside the house.

“Connie!” I yelled trying to get his attention but failing.

“Just forget about it, he’s been acting like that for months.” Jeremiah said with a pat of my shoulder.

I just nodded, but it still clouded my thoughts.

-

A couple days later was Belly and I’s birthday. We woke up bright and early to get ready together, while everyone was either sleeping or getting ready for the day.

Once we got ready for our 18th and 16th, we headed downstairs into the kitchen.

“Happy Birthday Y/N and Belly!” Susannah and Laurel said with big smiles on their face and coming up to give us motherly kisses all over our faces.

More ‘Happy Birthday’s’ were said from the boys and we replied with our ‘Thank you’s’.

The moms told us to sit together at the dining table as they brought over Belly’s Mickey shaped pancakes and my heart shaped waffles.

Belly and I had a staring contest to see who would take the syrup first and luckily Conrad distracted her so I can go ahead and snatch it. Laughs were coming from all around, it was already an amazing birthday.

After we ate, the moms told us to go to the living room so we can open ours presents.

Belly and I sat on the couch while everyone else sat on the floor or the chairs.

Conrad loudly cleared his throat, getting a weird stare from his mom which made all of us kids giggle a little.

“Happy Birthday y/n” he gave me a signet ring with Cousins boarders engraved on it.

“Connie! Are you proposing to her?” Susannah said out loud trying to make him blush.

Laurel chimed in about how she always saw us as a couple.

“Connie! I think we’re too young to get married!” I joked, trying to make him blush more.

“No seriously though I love it!” I stood up to tackle him into a hug.

Everyone said their aw’s and that’s so cute.

Later in the day, we prepared for a small karaoke get-together. Belly invited her deb friends and Cam. The moms decided that we would be alright by ourselves so they went to the Fat Pelican, having a few drinks for themselves.

All of us teens were crowding the living room as the light were all off with some cool disco lights that Susannah and Laurel borrowed from the Country Club.

There was some pizza and some drinks which obviously we added some alcohol to make the night more fun.

“Look at the sunset Connie!” I pointed out the window in the kitchen, running up to it so I can take a picture of Cousins.

“Are you looking Co—“ I turned around and he was taking a pic of me with a big smile on his face. “You didn’t want to tell me to strike a pose?”

“You don’t need to pose.” he put down his phone and looked out into the sunset with me.

“Y/N!” I heard a hell of bloody murder.

“Oh my god! Belly! What?” I yelled back, stomping into the living room with my funny theatrics that her and I do.

“C’mon birthday twin!” she held out the microphone out to me. I looked at Conrad as he found an empty seat and smiled at me through the brim of his red solo cup.

Belly and I sang to Styles by Taylor Swift but soon after when I was sitting on the couch talking to Cam about marine animals, Jere took the microphone and raised the volume.

“You can dance! You can jive!” he sang into the microphone, pointing his finger at me.

The girls began to clap in sync, telling me to go up with Jere.

“See that girl, watch that scene! Digging the dancing queen!” everyone sang together as Jere twirled me around and serenaded me.

Him and I danced to the music, enjoying the presence of everyone.

“You come to look for a king!” Jere twirled me around to where my back was against his chest and his arms crossed over my collar bones. “Anybody could be that guy!”

I made eye contact with Conrad who I can tell tried to keep a positive attitude.

I didn’t want to seem selfish for not wanting to babysit him on my birthday but it’s my 18th. I shook it off and danced with Jeremiah until the song ended.

He got claps from everyone and bowed like he was in on Broadway.

Conrad swiftly left the living room and tried to sneak his way outside to the pool.

“Where are you going?” I asked him right as he took a step outside.

He looked back, his hands in his hoodie pockets. “Gonna take a walk on the beach.”

“Can I come with?”

He rocks his body on the balls of his feet. “Yeah.” he whispered.

The two of us walked down to the shore in silence, listening to the waves crash.

“So… what’s been going on with you?” I broke the silence.

“Oh um, just the usual.” he nodded. I can tell that he wanted to walk in silence and be alone.

“So... no more college football I heard.” I bit at my bottom lip, not knowing how he would react.

“Um, well yeah. It was all my dad.” 

I nodded my head in silence.

“Your mom told me that you haven't been yourself.” he groaned. 

Connie was never like this, he was never one to keep to himself. He would always lecture Belly and I on not smoking, and other shit that he does now.

I stopped in our tracks, throwing my hands over my head. “I just feel like ever since I arrived you’ve been so happy then mad, i’m just confused.”

He sighed. He rolls his eyes and spins his body in annoyance.

“Talk to me Conrad.” I crossed my arms.

“You’re confused y/n?” he spoke quietly, I can only hear mumbles over the waves crashing.

“What?”

“I asked, are you confused y/n?” he spoke louder, I flinched at how loud he was.

“Yes! I’m confused! One minute you’re smiling and cuddling with me, then the next thing I know you don't even want to be in proximity of me!” I crossed me arms, trying to make a point but all he does is roll his eyes.

“You’re the one who’s confused? I can’t figure out if you want me or my brother.” he was fuming.

We both stood there in silence, my mind was thinking about all the ways that Connie could’ve thought that I wanted Jere more than him.

“Connie.” I took a step towards him but his eyes were staying on the sand at our feet. “Why would you even think of that?”

“The pool. Karaoke. I don't know?” he was quiet, his mind clouded. His hands coming up to rub at his face.

“Conrad Fisher. I love it when you tell me to sleep in your bed because mine is too far of a walk, when it’s across the hall.”

He looks up, not moving his head. His face softens.

“I love it when I run up to you and you spin me. I love the dance lessons we have.”

He chuckles at the memory of the multiple times he’s had to teach me the same moves.

“I love the ring that you got me, I literally put it on my left ring finger.” I lifted up my hand, showing him that I made a promise to myself and to him.

He softly lands his forehead onto mine, playing with the ring that he gave me.

“I love you Conrad.” My hands cupping his jaw, thumbs rubbing circles on his soft skin.

-

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