#Jessie Raymond | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cloveroctobers · 2 years ago

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SPEND IT / holiday edition?

A/N: haven’t done one of these pieces in awhile and I should at least do one once a year? Maybe. Idk. My ask box is still on hiatus but I felt inspired to write for this time around—also I’m sick with a sinus infection and needed a break from binge-watching shows lol. Also based on the we’re not really strangers couple or relationship edition questions? + stream coco jones 🫶🏽 + NOW EDITED and I hope you enjoy this!

OJ HAYWOOD

Black Friday’s didn’t include much planning unless you dragged OJ out from the ranch to do so. He was always up at the crack of ass anyways…so you didn’t see what the issue was when it came to being in stores to catch a deal. Nonetheless it still irritated him, that man hated being around people too long and obviously preferred hanging with his horses.

However he’d tolerate it for a hour or two just to be with you.

You’ve been together for three years—long distance but been the best of friends since middle school. A lot had changed since you came back from Alaska, learning about this new found species? that took over Agua Dulce had your mind spinning, especially as a biologist.

You missed out on all of it and couldn’t be there during the lost of Otis Sr. due to the snow storms in Alaska, lack of flights and by the time you got back home…you were there for the aftermath. Which meant getting all the details and wondering if the lab you worked for had any further information. Of course they did. Most importantly, you wanted to be there for OJ but he seemed to brush it off, as if it was just another obstacle on the Haywood ranch.

He knew he could be vulnerable with you but it’s not something he wanted to do. It’s not something OJ simply did. You couldn’t recall a time OJ ever got emotional—even when his mother passed back as a child and to learn that it didn’t change as a adult was interesting.

What did change was the amount of eyes OJ had on him now. It was Emerald’s idea to have the four of you participate in this questionnaire that would be filmed, you know like those ones you see on YouTube? Emerald and Angel would be paired while you and OJ would be together. At first everyone assumed it was some interview to get further information on Jean Jacket but Emerald convinced you all that it wasn’t. It would be like gathering around for another round of “Friendsgiving,” she threw yesterday.

Except you would all get a check at the end of the session.

“As if you need more money,” OJ muttered on the drive to the studio.

Em smacked her lips, “why wouldn’t I? No, why wouldn’t all of us? We have to catch the bag especially with the way inflation is treating us. You’re welcome, negro!” She slapped the back of his headrest while OJ just hummed.

You were only participating because you knew OJ wouldn’t do it otherwise. You even took off work to be here and to be honest, it didn’t hurt to have extra money in your pocket for the upcoming holidays. However you got what OJ was hinting at since those pictures and interviews not long after the Jean jacket incident went viral. And Emerald Haywood was all about the business; if she was eating good, so was the rest of her people, period.

Which brought you to this very moment. You could tell OJ was ready to go home after the first round of questions. He didn’t understand why it had to take over a half hour to get the both of you ready and set up. Plus those bright lights were so hot that OJ had to toss his hat onto the table fifteen minutes into shooting.

It was your turn to start the first question to the second round, “What type of social situations make you feel the most awkward?” You read off the card, watching as OJ lolled his head around to look at you.

His large round eyes gave you a look as he sat up straight in the chair now. He drummed his fingers against the table pretending to think about it, “Situations exactly like this one.”

“You guys walked right into that.” You laughed, glancing at the camera and then a few of the camera crew.

A woman added, “Can you please elaborate?”

OJ sighed pressing his elbows into the table, “I don’t care to be in social situations like that. If you haven’t noticed I’m not a big talker and this is probably the most y’all got me to talk today. I can go a whole day without saying much and be fine with it. Put me in a bar and people start conversations with me there, awkward. I used to go to bars with my late father and he had no issue chatting with anyone there. Me? I’m ready to go after one drink. Send me to the store? I don’t browse, I go there for a reason, get what I need to and I’m going back home. I don’t need all eyes on me given what I’ve just been through and ‘specially right now. It’s uncomfortable and the only reason I didn’t get up after level one and leave is because of my honey that’s sitting right across from me.”

The room went silent as OJ voiced exactly what he was feeling. Those that didn’t know him would feel like this was a outburst but you knew better as his frame visibly relaxed after he said his peace. His eyes went back to yours as you placed the card to the pile and reached out for one of his hands. OJ’s ebony calloused but warm hand gave yours a nice squeeze as you dipped your head at him.

“You okay to continue baby? Or you wanna scram? I’m sure they have enough content from us to edit.” You asked while OJ gave out a brief turn of his lips.

OJ thanked you with his eyes, “Mm. I’ll ask a question to you before we do. Cool with you?”

“Sure.”

He tilted his head with a nod before holding a card up to his eyes to read, not caring what the crew thought at this point, “what would you change about the world?”

Taking a deep inhale, your mind scrambled with multiple options. The mistreatment of the environment would be the most simplest answer.

OJ always loved watching you as your brain tried to process everything you were thinking. It was almost as if he could see the light bulbs in your eyes as they scanned for a answer from your brilliant brain.

A smile erupted on your own lips as you said, “I’d change everything it’s done to you.”

OJ immediately pulled the back of your hand up to his lips. He didn’t need you to further explain like he knew the film crew was expecting, your words attached to the genuine light in your eyes was all he needed to make his heart swell. He’d wouldn’t tell you that but he showed you with a kiss to your skin.

JESSIE “JR” RAYMOND

What started out as a light hearted segment during what this production called, “round one,” quickly shifted as you sat across your boyfriend of a few months.

You didn’t want to hear anyone call you a bad sport (since you weren’t keen on this whole idea in the first place) so you showed up. It also put you at ease because you would be doing these questions with JR which you had no knowledge of thanks to Nate. You assumed it would be you versus which ever friend production pulled out a hat or whatever Nate told them.

It was Friendsgiving after all but you weren’t complaining! You considered JR your friend who you easily fell in love with but always fell back because it wasn’t the right timing. You only just got around to being friends your senior year of high school and you never thought you’d be friends with a whole ass jock. It wasn’t really your scene not after you’ve seen plenty do your friends dirty…yes that means you were bias but JR so happened to be different.

Which meant he had shameless girls falling over and after him. You vowed not to be one of them despite your own mother, aunties, and your own “Christian,” grandmother telling you to get JR on lock as soon as you could. Like? Why couldn’t you just be friends? He had such a good heart, you knew that but it took you going to college together the first two years to want that heart full-time.

JR cleared his throat, his eyes flicking up to meet yours underneath his eyelashes. You knew from the expression on his face that this was serious or it could be him putting on a dramatic effect. However usually a smile broke as he got the question out but that face did not change as he held the card.

“Will I find your ex on your instagram/facebook feed? Why or why not?” JR flicked the card onto the table as you laughed a little.

“What’s funny?”

“I’m only on Instagram and Twitter. I deleted my Facebook after some country ass great-uncles got creepy and their girlfriends got mouthy like we’re not related so…no.” You started while JR carefully took in your words.

You reached out to run a hand up JR’s clothed sleeve as you kept smiling, “y’all got my man stressed over this and for what? I don’t nearly have as many exes as Jessie…”

“Don’t deflect, baby. Stay on track, please.” JR encouraged while you rolled your eyes.

“For Twitter no. I don’t know if they follow me or not and I don’t want to take the time to find out,” you continued, “I know for sure I don’t follow them. I had one or two request on Instagram but i didn’t feel like it was necessary to allow that. Even before JR and I decided to be official. Those relationships didn’t end bad or anything like that but that’s the past and I don’t need to know what’s they’re doing in their daily lives. I wish them well though but I’m focused on my life and what I have going on.”

“Well alright,” JR was all grins then while you shook your head at him in disbelief.

Then the film crew had to stir the pot, “what about you JR? Would they find any of your exes on your feed?”

JR stopped smiling then which made you quirk up a brow before you glanced at your gel-x nails.

“Uh—it’s kinda similar to my baby’s Twitter but with Instagram. My page isn’t on private though and anyone can follow me and I do have more relationships than them. So yeah I have exes from high school that still follow me and I follow them. I haven’t unfollowed them because I’m now in a relationship.” JR was honest with his answer.

You now toyed with JR’s initial necklace that was now on your neck as he said this.

“Does this bother you?” One of the film crew asked.

Lifting your shoulders you replied, “this wasn’t my question for JR but…not really? I’m secure in our relationship, although it’s fresh but we’ve been friends for a couple of years now and I have faith in us. I feel like I know him well enough to not think negatively about what he maybe thinking about his past encounters. That’s a closed chapter. I’m the new one. Therefore, I’m not going to demand what he does on his account. Simple.”

“We solid.” JR confirmed, holding his hand out for dap.

You did your signature handshake, “real bad but we’re not gonna ignore the double standard here. That’s a private conversation for another day.”

JR dipped his head, now looking at you a bit sheepishly, “Agreed.”

Plucking up a card you read off your question to your boyfriend, “What could you have done better in your previous relationship(s)?”

Huffing to yourself you placed it down. You wondered if these questions were instigating anything between your friends too because it definitely seemed like they were trying to start something between you two. However the both of you knew how to handle yourselves quite well.

“Communication,” JR told with furrowed brows as he said this, “most definitely. I had that issue all throughout high school when it came to disagreements and was ready to call it quits with a swiftness. The childishness was so bad at fourteen.” He laughed to himself before saying, “I even struggled with that in my last relationship freshman year in college.”

You knew of this situation and empathized with it. It was not your relationship to pass judgment on but you were there when JR broke it off and seen how hurt he had been. It pained him even further when he learned the truth and how he felt like he wasn’t a good enough boyfriend. Ultimately to know what his ex had truly been through and how she would live with that for the rest of her life, bothered him.

He shut her out because of his assumption and lack of communication.

“How’s the communication going between you two?”

JR lifted his brows, searching your eyes for this answer. He didn’t want to say something when you may not feel the same.

Keeping your eyes on JR’s you spoke, “we take the time to. I actually think Jessie’s great at it, he really listens to understand and not listen to speak since you know how there’s people like that? Not my man.” You winked making JR slowly beam at you, “He also knows how to ask open ended questions when we really need to discuss something.”

“Yes, I learned a little something something in my behavioral course.” JR smiled, “they’re a different communicator though. It’s lots of non-verbal cues I have to pick up on to get a sense if talking is what is needed at the time. We kinda just know what works after being around each other for a bit.”

You mirror his smile.

“So it’s all peaches and cream?”

JR glanced at the crew, sensing what you were feeling as the conversation shifted this round. He wasn’t sure if it was to get content or was the purpose truly trying to get the both of you to get closer. To connect. However that phrase felt…shady as you would say. Y’all were being open with complete strangers so why was it feeling like no one in the room was rooting for you when they didn’t know you?

“Yeah,” JR refrained from turning his eyes into slits at the main person that was prying, “and if it isn’t? We’ll do our damn best to figure it out because that’s what a team does.”

He turned back to you, watching as you got up to sit down in his lap, arms slipping around his neck. You two shared a slow peck solidifying that as his hands rested on your waist.

“Team work makes the dream work.” You stated staring into his eyes briefly, before looking back at the crew as JR placed a kiss along your jaw.

“Yes ma’am, you’re my dream.”

You face JR again, knowing he meant that as you caressed his brows; staring down at his lips knowing he was awaiting another kiss.

“We’re being corny.” You mumbled, knowing you were still attached to a mic but it didn’t matter.

JR lightly gripped your jaw as he shrugged, “I know but we still cute though.”

Which earned him a laugh and another kiss.

LANDO JOHNSON

“What did the people who raised you teach you about love?”

Lando let out a low whistle as you read the question. You chuckled to yourself reaching for the glass of water to cater to your growing sore throat. Just imagine being sick around turkey day? What the hell were you supposed to enjoy without your throat hurting? Cranberry sauce?

“Oh, we getting deep huh sweetheart.” Lando rubbed his hands together, before glancing upwards at the lights in thought.

“Times two.” You held up a peace sign, making Lando laugh as he watched you.

Lando fell silent, pressing his elbows into his upper thighs as he thought about his parents marriage. “I’m a military brat, my father is a marine and plans on retiring as soon as I graduate and go pro. So we’re all supposed to accept change but my mother? She wasn’t like that. She hated change and was your typical Georgia peach. Georgia is all she’s ever known so when she met my dad she wasn’t willing to go over all the place, she liked traveling but not if that meant she had to spend it alone. Once she got pregnant with me that stopped, she had seen enough and my mom was always set in her ways.”

Placing your hand on top of Lando’s for comfort you listened to what you already knew.

“My parents are complete opposites. My dad can be tough, disciplined, active, and prideful. My mother was a artist, one of her paintings is actually in the library at our university. She was quiet but stubborn, kind-hearted, and goofy at times…” Lando described the two that raised him, “They taught me that love is patient and love is not a need or a want.”

You felt like Willow at the red table talk as you listened to your boyfriend tell you this. Whenever you had conversations like these, lando can have you thinking about a lot and you admired that. He had a way with words and knew how to challenge you by looking at things from all perspectives.

In the end, not all things are one sided.

“How so?” You commented as his eyes found yours.

Lando used his free hand to caress his chin as he explained, “my dad would be off on duty in other countries while we stayed here in Georgia. To anyone on the outside it appeared as if that was what worked for them but I knew there were times that they both grew tired of this. Yet they were patient with each other, learned that together. However they taught me the difference between need and want. Need can be based around fear, and a lot of people feel like they can’t live without someone so they need them. Fear is the opposite of love, you shouldn’t be fearful in a relationship. Wanting gives them the freedom to leave but you still love them. When my mother got diagnosed…my dad and I both learned more about the need and want aspect.”

“Wow,” you breathed feeling like the two of you were the only ones in the room—which was often.

“My parents could live without each other and love with distance. I think that was the universe preparing them for my mother’s future departure. It all makes sense to me. To some it won’t but I know love can take work and isn’t always what you expect.” Lando finalized.

“Shout-out to Mr. And Mrs. Johnson.” You clapped it up for the pair while Lando just shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

Lando reached for his own card to read to you, “they’re pretty cool but I’m cooler right sweetheart?” He winked before he awaited your answer.

“You aight.” You teased while Lando shook his head and looked directly into the camera.

“We don’t rock with liars.”

“Oh, shut up.” You lightly kicked his foot underneath the table.

Lando inhaled trying to get comfortable in this ugly bamboo chair, “okay, croaky. I mean love—this is your question.”

Balling up your fist at the man you laughed, almost going into a coughing fit before he slid your water closer to you. Raising the glass you mouthed at the camera, ‘it’s not COVID.’

“So…how’s your heart today? Really?”

It was almost as if Lando had this question memorized with the way it said it with such ease. He didn’t even have to break eye-contact to ask this and seemed pretty intuitive to your response. Lando didn’t mind having chats like this and thrived on discussions, if he had something to say you were gonna hear it no matter what tone.

From the moment he started going to therapy after enduring panic attacks, he was pretty open about talking things out. He had his mother to thank for that, she didn’t allow him to bottle things up whereas his father preferred to get his frustrations out at the gun range instead. Which Lando knew wasn’t the healthiest since the military had this agenda that you had to be this stone cold person…he just accepted that was something his father wouldn’t change.

Don’t get the man wrong, his father knew when it was time to ask for help; once Lando started having panic attacks but that didn’t mean he didn’t let his pride lead the way in the beginning. And the man tried as Lando got older because Mr. Johnson also found that he needed someone to talk to too and what better person to do that than with their own son?

So yes Orlando Johnson did not mind having these conversations with someone he was spending time with.

He watched you intently, like he always did when you spoke. Just as much as your eyes shined watching him talk, his own heart felt fluttery? Whenever he looked at you.

“…somedays it’s like woooo I’m at the top of the world or a rollercoaster and then sometimes its like the drop from a rollercoaster then I’m feeling like a ogre crawling out some quicksand you know?” Your eyes were wide as you rambled, which made Lando chuckle as he zoned back in on your reply, “that’s that seasonal depression hitting but as for today? I’m a nice…I don’t know 6.5/10.”

“I receive that,” Landon said, “what can I do if anything to help make it better?”

“You’re already doing it, handsome.” You held out your glass to clink against Lando’s.

DAMON SIMS

There you two were sitting across from each other in the room with bright lights and cold air.

Damon was leaning towards you, elbows pressed into the table, while you leaned into your fist as if you were in some deep studying session and Damon was on the field ready for whatever.

“Damon, What question are you trying to answer in your life right now?”

Damon lifted his hands as he chewed on the back of his lip and then said, “how to continue moving forward in a lot of my relationships right now and what the rest of the year is gonna look like?”

You nodded your head, not shocked about this answer but felt a little worried. Did those relationships also include you? You knew most of that answer was based on Damon’s relationship with his father, although you knew he was ready to move on with his biological mom and proceeded to give the same treatment he felt his biological dad gave him when he gave him up, you knew damon still wanted answers.

“I got a lot going on although the gorgeous smile may have a lot of y’all fooled,” Damon peeked at the camera flashing a grin that you lightly shook your head at, the man couldn’t help but to let that ego out every now and then, “but I’m still human. I got shit to figure out and I know I don’t have to have it all planned but I need further direction by the end of this year. I already got my New Year’s resolution planned.”

“Will we be experiencing a New Year’s Eve kiss in the city?” You quizzed.

Damon scratched at his nose, “in cold ass New York? I might see something like a rat on skates when we’re in the moment so I dunno about all that doll.”

“See how I’m disrespected?” You tossed the card at Damon who laughed, “like I don’t cater to my man. Like I don’t have many ways to keep him warm. Damon thinks I’m gonna pull a shitty move like rose did Leo DiCaprio when I told him I’m not her.”

Damon pushed out his lips but didn’t miss a heartbeat, “let me tell y’all what she did. She made dinner for us the other night and while we were eating, her mom calls her on FaceTime right? She tells her mom that she made us Mac and cheese, asked me how I liked it and I said it was cool. Before I could even say anything further she tells her mom there’s cream cheese and onions in it. Her mom has her own successful catering business. Her mom starts to go off on her but she proceeds to tell momma that I made it and it wasn’t her! Guess who got cussed out that night? Now y’all tell me if you think she wouldn’t do me like rose?”

“Is this true?” The camera crew asked you.

Looking away over your shoulder, you curled a strand of hair behind your ear mumbling, “I’m sorry mom.”

“I need a apology too. I got the brunt of it.” Damon tried to catch your eye but you just fanned him off, “we not about to make it to New York with this stank-ness.”

“Whatever, you love me.”

“Sometimes, bro.”

You battled your eyelashes while Damon just let out a low sigh.

“When was the last time someone made you feel special on your birthday?”

“Birthdays that I remember?” You questioned.

“…we not twenty-one yet.” Damon whispered, while you mockingly covered your mouth.

“They don’t know if I got what Harriet Tubman had.”

“What?” Damon laughed, “I can’t deal with you.”

“Alright, alright,” you sighed, “I’m a winter baby but i love the summer and celebrate half birthdays yet I can’t remember nobody’s else’s—don’t quote me on that. I’d have to say I felt the most special when I celebrated my last birthday with my friends back home since we only had months left together. They wrote me letters and it all played out as a monologue at the movie theater. I thought we were going to see the new scream but nope, it was our lives played out on the big screen.”

“Dope ass friends.” Damon commented, “can’t wait to hang with them in New York in January.”

Smiling you gripped Damon’s arm to snatch the card out of his hand up to your lips while leaning on the table. “IN NEW YOOoOoOORK!”

“Here she go,” Damon pinched his brows laughing as he turned to the camera cutting his fingers against his neck, “y’all might want to stop filming, this’ll take about ten minutes since she’ll try to transition to any other song that says New York or is by a New York artist.”

Keeping the card to your mouth you gripped the sleeve of Damon’s cardigan, “these lights will expire you—

“Inspire.” He attempted to correct you.

“In New yooooooork. New York. New yooooork!” You ignored him before tapping him, “it’s your turn to rap Jay’s part.”

“No.”

“Forget you then,” you sucked your teeth before licking your lips and attempting to pull some fuckboy light skin cringe mess, “Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais.” You started to rap what you remembered until Damon got up from his chair.

You tried your hardest to work your camera time, although you were sure this wouldn’t make the cut as Damon gripped onto your cheeks to get your attention.

And he did when he pressed his lips to yours.

“New years came early.” You breathed, smiling up at Damon who pulled you to your feet.

He tossed an arm across your shoulders before clearing his throat and began rocking you from side to side beginning to sing off-key himself, “One hand in the air for the big city…”

You wrapped both arms around Damon’s frame; grinning at both of your foolishness.

EMMETT CULLEN

“If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?” Emmett read the question off to you with a sigh.

He found this whole ordeal kinda lame until he persuaded the camera crew to provide shots, which wasn’t originally part of the plan. At this point in the game, he was taking shots after asking you questions just because. It wasn’t even a truth or drink segment but Emmett was charming and knew how to get his way.

“Ha!” Emmett laughed, golden eyes scanning over the card once more after downing his shot, “We don’t need to guess. I’ve got a sister who—

Slamming your hand on the table, you widened your eyes at your husband who sent you a dimpled grin. He held his hand out to calm you as he carried on.

“My sister Alice, what’s up if you’re watching! She’s a legit psychic and could tell us anything we need to know regarding my babe’s future.” Emmett admitted but knew the people were reluctant to believe that.

Especially since the room went quiet.

“Aw, don’t tell me you don’t believe me! I can call her up right now!”

“Emmett—

“It’s not that we don’t believe you. We get all sorts of people on this show for different things so maybe you can give us her contact info after?”

“Oh yeah,” Emmett smirked, “did you have vampires and witches too?”

“No we haven’t had any of those that I can recall.”

Emmett whipped his head around to yours, wiggling his brows while you scoffed at him. Of course he wouldn’t be on his best behavior, he wouldn’t be himself if he was.

“Put your library on shuffle. Explain the first song that comes up and why it best represents your relationship or in our case, marriage?” You moved on as Emmett couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.

He lifted his body with ease, yanking his phone out to open Apple Music. He was the Apple Music guy and you were a Spotify girl, it was a whole debate that you didn’t want to get into right now.

“Alright, here it is. Starting the countdown! In three…two…one…!” And he pressed play followed by the music.

Emmett tossed the phone on the table after turning up the volume that would most likely blow out his speakers. He then began mimicking the guitar and drums as the band began to sing.

I never believed in things that I couldn't see

I said if I can't feel it then how can it be

No, no magic could happen to me

And then I saw you

I couldn't believe it, you took my heart

I couldn't retrieve it, said to myself

What's it all about

Now I know there can be no doubt

You can do magic

You can have anything that you desire

Magic, and you know

You're the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well

When you cast your spell you will get your way

When you hypnotize with your eyes

A heart of stone can turn to clay

He paused it, “well, well, how ironic for this song to best describe our marriage, huh babe? For the too young out there or uncultured, this was released in 1982 by a band called America. It’s a feel good song and when I’m with my babe, my wife, that’s what it feels like all of the time. Good vibes. Some might even say magical.” He snorted to himself, tipping a imaginary (most likely witch) hat.

The insiders he was throwing right underneath these people’s noses was actually a little funny, stupid but funny regardless.

“She’s from a wicked place herself, Louisiana and this was actually the first song I remembered hearing when I met her at this restaurant you have to take a boat through murky water to get to. That was a sign we should be together from the music itself.” Emmett told, keeping his eyes on you before he grabbed another shot, “and I’m a big believer in the signs.”

“Not the love spells?”

“So you admit you did a love spell on me?” Emmett dipped his head as he stared over at you, a sly grin threatening to appear.

“Please, I don’t need to do much to get you falling at my feet.”

Emmett’s booming laughter was heard, “she’s not wrong,” he tilted his head then took the shot, “and I love putting in the work if that means I get to have you.” He winked.

LEAH CLEARWATER

“How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?” You blew out a breath as you could feel the heat radiating beneath your girlfriend’s dark brown eyes.

Leah chewed down on her bottom lip and you weren’t expecting her to answer this. However she wanted to be transparent and honest with you mainly, fuck the cameras.

“I love my mother,” Leah started, “she’s always been a good mother. I just always felt like there was a disconnect somewhere. I was always closer to my late father and Seth is closer to mom. It’s the usual weird dynamic, the son gravitates to the mother and the daughter with their father. We were no different.”

This you knew. It wasn’t something intentional but that was just the way it was and that did not necessarily mean that one parent loved the child any less or vice versa. You’ve seen Sue Clearwater plenty of times out of the five years you’ve been dating her daughter and she had the whole maternal vibe. She was sweet, constantly trying to get you to eat, nurturing, courageous and not to mention beautiful.

Leah sniffed, “like I said there’s this disconnect there long before my dad died but it seemed to increase afterwards? She’s currently in a relationship with this woman’s—that I don’t particularly care for father. He’s fine or whatever but it makes me feel gross that he literally helped produce someone who has caused one of my friends pain. He’s a reminder of that along with trying to take my dad’s place as if he wasn’t friends with him. It’s almost like he spit in my face being with my mom, that colonizer.”

Charlie Swan and Sue Clearwater had been in a relationship for over eleven years now. It still bothered your girlfriend to this day simply because she did not want to sit down and have a conversation about it. Leah did not want to waste her breath but it was evident that Charlie wasn’t going anywhere. Especially since him and Sue moved out to Oklahoma years ago to start a new chapter in lives together.

“So I say we’re content. There’s just things we don’t want to see eye to eye on. I have no problem voicing my opinions to my mom, that’s my mom. And she understands how I feel and that it’s not going to change. We love from a distance but if I need her she’ll be here in a heartbeat and if she needs me, I’ll be around.” Leah informed with her signature lisp and a sting in her eyes.

You knew Leah didn’t want you comfort her. She didn’t like to be seen as weak and you told her showing emotion never meant that you were weak. Leah’s been through a lot of hurt, was bitter towards certain people with every reason but was still healing after all these years.

There was no timeline for that.

“Let’s change the subject already!” Leah rubbed at one of her eyes as she continued sitting slouched, “What roles do love and affection play in your life?”

“It plays a prominent role in my life. Family is very important to me, we’re all very close. Very affectionate. I lost both of my parents at eighteen and was thankful enough to have godparents that were willing to look after me. My parents were very loving and my godparents are the same. I carry that with everyone around me, including Leah. I love giving love as much as receiving it.” You answered making Leah scowl, who bit down on her nail as she shook her head at you.

“She’s the grumpy girlfriend but a big softie at heart that just simply wants to be loved.”

“Oh god,” Leah wanted to sink into the floor, “don’t talk about me like I’m not even here.”

“Okay, Leah. Do you feel loved by me?”

“Yeah of course I do. What kinda question is that?” Leah frowned.

“Good and I’m going to keep loving you in public and behind closed doors. We’ve been together five years, I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t know that.”

You exhaled, “We’re not focusing on the what if’s, we live in the now remember? So shut up and let’s make out.”

“Ew, not in front of these strangers.”

“Aw come on, live a little. You know you can’t resist all this.” You ran a hand down your body making Leah snort and look away in horror.

“…Later.” She whispered, peeking back at you, although the mic was still on.

You kissed your lips at Leah who flicked the card at you, knowing you wouldn’t be stopping the love any time soon and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*

Continue along with my fall anthology prompts here

157 notes · View notes

cloveroctobers · 1 year ago

Text

JESSIE RAYMOND JR. — summer prompts 🍋

A/N: I say this every time, the fandom for all american and definitely HC is basically a ghost town up here and I really don’t get it. I’m here to provide a little something and then dip out again. I also guess it’s time for me to get into summer prompts although it’s still spring y’all lol. Anyways my goal is to try and make these short (didn’t happen!) before summer actually starts and I’m outside ;) so the small group of you that are out there on this site? Hope you like!

PROMPTS: 1.) “I know it’s hot but Jesus, put some clothes on!” + 2.) going fishing but only catching branches and seaweed From these two lists here.

WARNINGS: mostly fluff + “you” reader are given a name + you don’t mesh with Keisha welll in this one + friends having fun with each other basically but not without getting on each other’s nerves a little bit ofc.

SN: I’m just assuming ages here: JR = 20, Damon = 18/19?, you/reader = 19, Simone = 18/19, Keisha = 19, Nate = 20, Thea = 19/20?, Cam = 19 + I feel like Quvenzhané Wallis and Nate are siblings in my head so I casted her as “Morgan” in this.

🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻

To start off the summer season, Thea invited all of you out to her grandmother’s lake house for a week. Initially the tennis player suggested coming out the week after finals back in May but that plan fell through since most of you got caught up in your own tasks.

Simone was supposed to head out to California, wanting to spend time with baby Shay and her parents but something…or someone delayed her trip so she ended up staying with Auntie Amara for a little longer and booked to go back in July. Both Damon and JR were supposed to work down at this youth center for the summer, starting their training on different weeks but the week Damon was supposed to start, was when part of the building collapsed and ultimately pushed the mayor to finally give in and do the repairs.

Thankfully no person or child was hurt but they’ve been fighting for the longest to get some updates on that 1970’s building and the mayor always fibbed saying, “it just isn’t in the budget.” Yet there was no issue constantly throwing money around to throw these events for townsfolk that didn’t deserve it.

Full tea and shade!

JR wanted to help out with the repairs—or at least the cleanup portion but ultimately the head of the center placed him and Damon at another center to volunteer instead. Sure that worked out in JR’s favor since he wasn’t really in it for the money (sure the pay was decent, to have something in your pocket was always a plus, don’t get that twisted!) but he ended up feeling ill for a couple of days resulting in him stepping away from a great opportunity. Damon on the other hand? Stuck around for a little while longer, getting to know the kids and workers along with what this center entailed. Although he wouldn’t be catching the bag any time soon, he figured he still had time to see what he can do with his summer.

Keisha and Cam were spending their first half of the summer together, with him alternating between three houses. Yes, three! Thankfully he had his girlfriend but it’s not like he wanted to be all up on her with her dad back in town—and in the house especially. After their rocky ride this past semester, Cam wanted to see what this summer would bring for them both so he stuck around. Which you didn’t necessarily vibe with but you kept your mouth shut (for now) for the sake of your cousin. You were a Georgia native so it was no question that if Cam wanted to stay in the city more, there was always a open room in your household. And of course over this last semester, Cam and JR got closer—despite the fact that he was dating his cousin! They were will still cool at the end of the day.

As for Nate? Last you heard she was spending lots of time with their baby sister who was just as much as a mess of their older sibling—if not more, according to their social media.

Now here all nine of you are, inside of one of Thea’s grandmother’s vacation homes hoping for a good time. It was only your second day out here in this pale two-story Victorian home, that you personally wouldn’t have guessed would be any of the Mays’ taste but it’s not like you were complaining at all. If there was ever a chance to get away after that hellish semester, you were taking it this summer!

You leaned in the doorway of the upstairs main bedroom, arms lightly folded while pressing one sock covered foot over the other as you chatted away with Thea and Nate.

“Since I really didn’t expect eight of you to show up, it’s my duty as thee host to see what you all like for breakfast.” Thea bounced on her toes, long hair pulled up and away from her heart-shaped face with a claw clip.

Nate sent you a playful side eye before replying, “I honestly expected another post mates order or chef to be doing the honors, Thea. I can’t say I’m not a little gagged to be hearing this this morning.”

Thea fanned her hand at her friend, “please, if you all thought I was going to be in the kitchen when the majority of you showed up late last night, except for you, Willa, you’re all crazier than I thought.”

“Pleased to be of service.” You courtesy, pulling at the ends of JR’s shirt that you sported, which earned a light shove from Nate who rolled their eyes.

Thea clasped her hands with a soft smile, “yeah that’ll be the chef’s job tonight to cater to all your growling bellies so you better enjoy the work I’m putting in for breakfast.”

“Oh, Yes, ma’am.” Nate snapped their fingers before tapping on their chin, “I’m feeling like a egg’s Benedict, preferably with turkey bacon, I don’t mess with pork baby. Or maybe a frittata. What about you, Willa? What are you feeling like this morning?”

You were just rubbing at your eyes, still tired, since you were one of the ones out of the group that didn’t enjoy early mornings, “uh…a iced mocha latte with light ice and almond milk?”

“Almond milk?” Nate scrunched up their nose along with Thea who let out a deep sigh in disappointment, “we do oat milk over here.”

“Yeah well my gut doesn’t care for it so…” you lifted your shoulders with a shrug while the two gasped—like it was the most horrible news they heard this morning.

A form of hands wrapped around your waist, catching you off guard at first before you felt the scratch of his facial hair against your skin as he pecked a kiss to your cheek. Instantly you melted into JR’s frame as he spoke up, eyeing the two you were socializing with out in the hallway.

“My baby don’t need the oats, she’s already thick as it is.”

Nate tilted her head to the side eyeing the brown skinned boy that was all cuddled up this morning, “well, good morning to you too, JR.”

“We love to see the love in the air.” Thea commented making JR smile with a wink, hugging you tighter to his body.

“So what would like for breakfast? and please save us the urge to vomit by saying Willa’s name. Considering…” Nate motioned at JR with their fingers.

A frown suddenly appeared on your face at Nate’s words, making you lean to the side, peeking downwards at JR, making you deeply inhale.

“I know it’s hot but Jesus, put some clothes on!” You whispered yelled at JR who held no shame in his game, simply dressed in some black boxer briefs.

Thea held her hand out, blocking her view of the twenty year old, as JR shifted from behind you and began to flex.

“I mean there weren’t any complaints last night.”

You slapped a hand to your forehead, lightly flinching as you did so.

Nate laughed.

“Please tell me you two didn’t do the deed in my grandmother’s bed?!” Thea hissed at the two.

She was started to regret ever giving you two the main bedroom in the house. There were only three bedrooms and it was a tight squeeze with all nine of you (you and JR in the main bedroom, Keisha, Cam, and Simone in the second bedroom which consisted two twin beds, Damon in the office which actually had a daybed stuffed in one of the corners, and downstairs: Thea slept in one of the large living chairs, while Nate and Morgan slept on the pull-out couch) but Thea was determined to make it work.

JR immediately shook his head, “aye, no. We’re not that disrespectful.”

“Yeah, what kind of couple do you think we are? Keisha and Cam?” You snarked, making Thea cover her giggle with her four fingertips.

Nate let out a low whistle at that, patting at their scalp, knowing exactly how you felt towards the relationship but Keisha was also their old high school best friend. It was too early to get into it right now but if another comment flew…

Thea hummed, “well whatever, this is me telling you two not to get into any funny business. This is not a hotel. I’m gonna go tend to a simple breakfast downstairs, hopefully a hour or a hour in a half should be enough time for you to gather yourselves.”

And with that, Thea spun on her heels, fluffy slippers slapping down the wooden hallway as she made her exit.

“Let’s not act like granny Mays doesn’t have a cleanup crew on standby the second we clear out this place.” Nate muttered to the two, making them snicker.

Thea called from the first floor, “Nate! Come, we have to discuss SummerhouseMV.”

“Oo, that’s my cue! See y’all in a bit!” Nate bid their farewells.

Turning back to Jr, who held a faint dimpled grin on his face, you stepped into the room, squeezing his jaw as you gave him a warning glance, “I thought I told you that this,” you trailed your hand down his torso, enjoying that he shuddered at your mere touch, “is for my eyes only.”

JR smirked as you locked your arms around his neck, “my fault but…you did steal my shirt.”

You hummed, trailing your nose against his, then flicking your eyes to meet his, “why don’t you take it back then, Hm?”

JR licked his bottom lip, one hand pulling you flesh against his hips while the other pushed the door shut behind you, “don’t mind if I do, baby.”

Awhile later everyone eventually made their way downstairs to the main floor, ready to dive into the quick breakfast Thea prepared for you all. The breakfast was full of laughter and chatter until it was time to clean up then get dressed. On the agenda today was just to go across the street and spend the day at the lake, after all it was their first or second day out here—depending on who you ask (some were planning to leave that Saturday or Sunday) but regardless there was nothing wrong with starting off with relaxation.

“If y’all don’t get your asses off the damn boat,” Cam complained, using the back of his hand to wipe the sheen from his forehead after making his way back to the front of the house.

He found no other than you and Thea posing in one boat while Nate’s little sister, sixteen year old, Morgan was snapping away the pics with Thea’s phone.

Morgan eyed Cam up and down, scoffed while giving him the talk to the hand motion, gave Thea back her phone, before taking her leave to head back inside of the house and away from whatever Cam was on.

“Relax Cam,” you fanned the back of your neck, although you managed to get your butterfly locs up and out the way, “let us thrive.”

“I’m the host, I can do what I want. If I want to pose in this crappy boat my granddaddy had shoved away in the basement, I can. If I want y’all to carry me, you will.” Thea flicked out her bamboo folding fan, proceeding to stretch out.

Shaking your head at Thea, you slipped your shades back down over your eyes, fingertips on the edges of the boat, ready to climb out before cousin cam’s blood pressure began to raise.

“Oh yeah? How about I turn this boat into a bowling ball and toss y’all asses into the street, then you’ll really be playing in traffic.” Cam jabbed his thumb behind himself, earning a laugh from a approaching Keisha who walked over, enjoying Cam going off on both Thea and yourself.

Tilting your head to the side you responded, “Be forreal, Cam. You’re not about to throw nobody anywhere, especially me. Its never that serious and It’s too hot to be going back and forth with you and your dragon ass breath.”

Cam huffed, almost stalking forward and making Thea sit up in worry while Damon intervened. “C’mon bro, they’re clearly just messing around. Chill, we’re all family here.”

“It’s too hot for that,” Cam shoved Damon’s hand away from his chest, “and I’m not feeling like playin’ around, when we have to do all the work in this hot ass air.”

Take a shot every time someone says “hot,” today.

“You’re welcome to stay here if you’re going to keep up with this attitude.” Thea carefully climbed out of the boat.

“With you freezing us like it’s the damn North Pole? I rather stay out here in devil’s island.”

“Whoa…don’t tell us you’re some sort of satanist?” Damon questioned, taking a step back while also making Cam’s eye twitch.

“I’m not finna do this with y’all.” Cam pointed, “Let me know when you’re ready because I thought we were supposed to be across the road forty minutes ago.”

He stalked off to sit on the front steps of the house by the bags, snacks, and other accessories everyone was planning to bring to the lake.

Thea glanced down at her manicure, still fanning herself with her other hand, “What’s up his butt?”

You immediately glanced at Keisha who glared at you and now Damon who stared at her.

“What’re you guys looking at me for?”

“I mean you would know…he was fine yesterday.” You answered with a shrug of your shoulders.

Keisha turned her eyes into slits, “Some people just get aggravated in the heat…and cam woke up with a crick in his neck. That’s all I know, so maybe don’t continue spreading your hater energy around.”

“Hater?” You raised your brows before looking around confused, “what’s that?”

“I’m looking right at her.” Keisha scowled, placing her hand on her hip.

Rolling your eyes you ignored her by saying, “anyways…”

Thea shook her head at you two while Damon sent her a grimace before she raised her arms up in the air as everyone else began to pile out of the house, “finally! I’m all for being fashionably late people but come on! I’m a little bit with cranky cam on this one…the sun is only getting hotter and I need a serious dip in the water! Let’s go!”

“Girl it’s only 1pm. We have the entire day ahead of us.” Simone responds, stomping down the stairs.

You were expecting the two to go back and forth but it seemed like Thea and Simone were on good terms for this trip so far. It was a love and hate thing with those two so you weren’t sure how long the love would last.

A brief breeze went by along with the humid atmosphere, making you take a small but thick swallow as it tickled your nose a bit. Exhaling you reached into your Jean shorts pocket, pulling out a tissue before you walked off to cater to your sinuses.

“Babe! You good?” JR called out to you from behind.

The post nasal drip was not as bad today but certainly still lingering around. After clearing your nose out you spun back around, your eyes meeting JR’s who stood some distance from you; now holding onto one end of the boat while Damon held onto the other.

Giving a thumbs up you nodded, “yeah, I’m fine. You?”

JR was in the bathroom for a minute this morning, playing it off as a bad decision to eat cookout so late due to his and Damon’s arrival last night. Something inside of you felt like that wasn’t a hundred since JR’s been sick a couple of weeks back way before he started at the center, so of course you wanted to make sure he was okay and not just a case of the bubble guts.

Just like he wanted to make sure the same with you. You had surgery to remove some nasal polyps almost two weeks ago and was stuck with some prescribed nasal sprays.

“Ain’t no thing.” JR shrugged his shoulders with a gleaming grin, appearing so handsome.

“Alright then,” you clasped your hands together turning your attention to the girls that gathered their own bags from the steps, “let’s roll!”

“Hey!” Thea cut in, jumping down onto the front lawn after locking the house, “that’s my line.”

Raising your hands as you walked by the glaring bronzed skin girl, you gave wide eyes to Simone who sucked her teeth at Thea’s antics.

Soon everyone began lugging their items down the stone steps towards the sidewalk, leaving You behind as you began digging your bag in search of hand sanitizer and your medicine. Bringing the spray into your left nostril, you sprayed more of it on that side since that side gave you more trouble due to the size of the growth that was inside.

“C’mon Lisa Zemo.” Cam called out to you, still standing on the lawn where he stood with Nate, carrying the second boat towards the other set of stairs.

Tossing the medicine back into the bag, you hauled it onto your shoulder and spun back around, giving a middle finger to the dark skinned boy, “I’ll let that one slide. Look at you Cam, getting your lick back. I’m proud.”

“I’m the best clap back king at this crib, please act like you know.” Cam tossed in over his shoulder.

Nate sent you a look, peering up from their phone as you stood beside them. Silently they handed their phone over for you to hold in your much bigger purse for them. Passing through the empty parking spot by the curb, you halted watching the street before you crossed the first section. The other street that had cars going west ended up being more hectic to cross, leaving the three standing there for a good two minutes before they all made it across to the greenery that awaited them.

“Uh uh, what are y’all about to do with that?” Keisha asked the boys who gathered up their equipment.

Damon grinned, “We’re going fishing so we can make dinner tomorrow. You’re welcome.”

Keisha pointed as she lounged on her elbows on a towel, “in this lake?”

“We can just go out to this upscale seafood place instead. That was supposed to be Wednesday’s plan for brunch but things can be rearranged.” Thea told the boys as she finished spraying her sunscreen.

“Y’all can just sit back and let us work. Don’t worry about it, we got it.” Damon reassured.

Simone scoffed, pushing up from her squatting position, “oh no. You don’t get to tell us what we as women should do, what if we want to fish?”

“Oh nah, I didn’t mean it like that—

Damon started.

“Um, I don’t really want to do that so I’m completely fine swimming and tanning so no thanks. Have at it, k? Bye.” Thea kept her cover-up on as she walked to the waterline.

Keisha laughed but stopped short as Simone turned her glare towards her. “Yeah I’m kinda with thea on this one. It’s not for me.”

Simone asked, “Have you ever tried?”

“No and I don’t plan to.” Keisha tossed herself back onto the towel.

Simone turned her attention to Nate’s little sister, seeing her laying on her side turned away from the group, “hey, Morgan.”

“Girl no.” Morgan stated, “I’m napping.”

“I can see you scrolling Twitter!”

“That’s that heat getting to your eyesight. What do they call it? A mirage? Yeah that’s probably what you’re experiencing, I’ll pray for you.” Morgan spoke with a yawn.

Which earned a look of disbelief on Simone’s face while everyone else laughed at the teen’s words.

Soon you, Nate, and Cam made your way to the group’s set up. The two places the boat next to the one Damon and JR carried just as Simone smiled at you.

“Willa! We’re going fishing!” Simone looped her arm with yours, just as you placed your things by Thea’s towel.

You debated, “sitting in the scorching Georgia sun hunting fish or go swimming? Hm I don’t know.”

Making a scale with your hands you dropped them, raising the swimming above your head while JR smirked at you.

“I heard from Willa’s grandpappy that she used to catch all the fish with him back in the day.” The man started before saying, “Makes sense since she’s quite the catch herself.”

Cam gagged, “and you my brother, are quite corny.”

Which earned snickers from the rest.

“Leave my man alone.” You swatted at Cam who walked by to place his own towel between Keisha and a “sleeping” Morgan.

Simone poked you, “Sooo what do you say?”

“I say we should leave Ariel’s family where they belong.” You poked the doe-eyed beauty back.

Keisha commented, “I mean can you even go swimming? Considering the whole nostril issues you’re having? Fishing might be your best bet.”

Simone secretly thought about this but also knew how it came across.

“I don’t need your fake concern, thanks.” You snapped at Keisha who remained stretched out and in peace.

“Hey, I’m just saying! We don’t need any special ER trips on this vacation, it’s supposed to be fun. It’s summer after all and we don’t need anybody ruining it.”

“Then why don’t you shut the hell up?”

Oh yeah, that Watkins energy was flaming right about now.

“Aye, c’mon now. That’s not what we’re here for.” JR tried to ease the tension while Simone sighed at you two.

She wished the both of you could just be cordial—like her and Layla!

“Fine,” you forced a smile on your lips, “anything to get away from this funkiness.”

Simone shushed you on your way by as you stood on the side of the boat, watching the two brother’s as damon tended to one of the rods and JR checked on the live bait.

“Hand me a hook, Simone.” You directed the girl who stood on the opposite side of the boat.

Damon quickly spoke up as he noticed JR eyeing him, “Uh, I’ll take care of that since I already started on this one and not because y’all aren’t capable.”

Simone humphed as she crossed her arms at the bucket hat wearing eighteen year old.

“Cam, Nate? What y’all doing?” JR looked over at the two.

Nate turned on their mini portable fan from beside Morgan as they looked out at the lake. “That fishing mess is not for me. I’ll be right here tending to my bundles and maybe I’ll take a dip in the lake later, to see which white boy is flirting with miss. thea.”

“Bundles?” Cam asked not caring one bit who thea chose to flirt with, “I know you did not bring your hair out here.”

“And what about it, Cameron?” Nate turned to the braided boy, shaking the hair out as if they were fanning themselves with it.

Cameron blew air out his lips, “imma mind my business. I’ll be in the water, y’all.” He pressed a kiss to Keisha’s temple before he hopped up, chucked up the deuces and jogged away to the water.

“Guess that’s our answer, let’s go ladies.” Damon lifted the boat along with JR, who led the way.

Simone was on competing mode, which Damon found humorous on their side of the boat—while also riling her up just a tad. As the four of you got comfortable on the boat, which happened to be a great distance from where all the water sports activities were occurring up ahead, you found yourself seated right beside your boyfriend, thighs touching as JR was on DJ duty.

His portable Bluetooth sat in the middle of the boat while he tended to his phone that was on shuffle, currently playing some old Drake.

On the edges of the boat sat the rods, floating on waiting for something to catch the bait. The sun was beaming down, darkening each of their pretty hues but the water and being by each other was all the company they needed.

“Hey,” you whispered to JR who was quick to meet your eyes.

Your eyes told him you were okay but a nudge of your head, silently made him aware what you were going to do.

Pulling your left eye graphic t-shirt over your head, you yanked the hot pink dolphin shorts off and jumped over the side of the boat.

“The hell?! Did she just fall?!” Simone quickly looked over her shoulder, breaking out of her banter with Damon, now on full alert for her friend.

JR glanced over to see you re-emerge, brushing the water from your face as a blissful smile split onto your face.

JR responded as he pulled his own shirt off, leaving himself in his initial necklace and trunks, “Nope. Just livin’ life.”

Before he jumped into the water as well.

He latched onto you as you swam along, all smiles as the music played on, staring into each others eyes and happy to be in the arms of the one you love.

Another splash sounded from behind you, revealing Simone who floated on her back with a smile of her own, “I was wrong. The water is the much better choice. My bad guys.”

“You’re forgiven.” You teased the girl.

JR called out to Damon as you wrapped your legs around his waist, “C’mon bro, you’re the only one left, get in here!”

“What about the fish?”

“Man, forget all that!”

Damon sighed as he tossed his hat to the side along with his shirt, “y’all owe us dinner tomorrow.”

“Damon! Damon! Damon!” The three of you splashed, waiting for the boy to take a dive.

Once he hit the water, he snuck up behind the three, full of laughter as he caught them off guard.

Being in the water for what felt like hours with your boyfriend and good company provided just the freeing fresh start of summer that you needed.

“Hey, we lost sight of you guys.” Keisha greeted you guys, hair slightly damp as she tossed grapes into her mouth.

Thea smiled at the four who made their way over, “must have caught a lot to be out there for so long.”

“Let’s see it!”

“Oh, y’all aren’t ready.” Simone sassed, a glint in her eye as she looked back at you who let out a small laugh.

Damon lifted up one bucket while Jr held the other, “Might be our biggest catch yet.”

“Stop with the suspense and show us!” Nate yelled, now standing.

“Alright, y’all asked for it.” JR shrugged with a smile as he followed Damon to stand in front of the group.

The two brother’s both dipped their heads before they lifted their buckets and tipped it over, emptying its contents.

“What the hell is this?” Cam sucked his teeth.

Morgan peeked up from her phone, “I know they lying.”

In front of them sat pounds of seaweed mixed with some branches.

“You guys were out there all this time and didn’t catch a damn thing? What a waste of time.” Keisha clicked her tongue, “I’m glad I didn’t go.”

Although the rest of the group didn’t exactly get it, stamping it as nothing but to past the time, Simone, Damon, you, and Jr understood what that bonding moment meant as you all shared a brief group hug.

Thea did the honors of snapping a picture with her Polaroid just before you all let go.

Lounging beside Jr, you felt the air starting to calm down but that didn’t stop you from putting some more drops up your nose. As you lay your head on JR’s shoulder, the both of you stared up into the periwinkle sky with specs of pink cotton candy forming in the middle.

His warm hand slipped up to intertwine with yours as he croaked out, “did you have a good day?”

“It’s always a good day with you,” you stared down at your conjoined hands, “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I love you, baby.”

You smiled, angling yourself to place a kiss along JR’s jaw, “I love you too, Jessie.”

And his smile matched yours, sparking hope that there’ll be more summers like these.

彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍

Continue along with my summer anthology prompts here.

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