Work Text:
AJ sits on the edge of the pier, feet swinging above the dark water. A cigarette rests in her hand, and its end glows a bright orange, a fiery star soon to burn out. She inhales, holds it for a second, and exhales. The smoke curls in the air, slowly rising. The sun has hidden away, and the sky is a dull gray. It’s a cold evening, time bordering between the last glimpses of light, fading into darkness.
Then the rain begins. It pours down lightly at first, a few sprinkles of cool drops. They scatter into the water, pinpricks causing ringlets of ripples in the surface. A pale moon watches from the sky. The pier creaks softly, it’s old, worn wood, rounded by the elements. Soon, the pier is shiny with rainwater, glistening like morning dew. The waters become a little rowdier, stirring and whirling below. They are depths of blue and black, but AJ is not afraid. She has spent many days, largely in her youth, diving into the deepest parts.
A wind tilts the heavy blanket of rain sideways. AJ’s clothes are now soaked through, but she doesn’t mind. She’s given up on the lighter, though she’s sure the cigarette’s scent lingers. The waves are violent now, tumbling and cracking over each other, leaving trails of frothy foam, before they’re swallowed up again.
Footsteps echo out behind her. AJ leans back on her arms, and tilts her head back. The wind rushes through her wet hair, and steals the warmth from her skin. Rain runs along her face. AJ doesn’t need to open her eyes to know who it is. Who else would hunt her down here?
Drift silently settles down next to her, and AJ can’t resist the urge to look at her. It’s always a pleasure to do so. She’s noticeably sitting farther from the edge, as if wanting to escape the sea, despite her eyes being held captive by it. AJ can see the waves and sky reflected in them.
She takes in the rest of Drift; her clothes are equally soaked, sticking to the curve of her waist and muscled arms, and quickly AJ glances at chest, too. Drops of rain collect on her skin, waiting on the edges of lips and the arch of cheekbones.
AJ notices she’s shaking. Drift's hands are trembling, and she knows it’s not the cold.
“Hey, Open Book,” she murmurs, and it’s softer, gentler, than usual. The rain almost swallows up the sound, but Drift would never let them steal words meant for her.
Drift turns to AJ, eyes waiting for something.
“Are you afraid, right now?” AJ asks, and her hands reach out for Drift’s. AJ’s hands are wet and cold, but firm. Drift squeezes softly.
Holding AJ’s gaze, Drift nods slowly. “The water,” is all she says, and something they both already know.
“Do you trust me, Drift?”
Of course she does.
Drift smiles, the small tilt of her lips causing the waiting drops to run. She licks her lips, tasting the rain.
“I would never let anything happen, you know,” AJ starts. This time, she takes both of Drift’s hands in her own. There’s a small scar on AJ’s thumb, and her hands are a bit smaller. Her fingers soothingly run back and forth over Drift’s palms, and she exhales a breath she didn’t know she was holding.
AJ leans forward, and one of her hands comes up to hold Drift’s neck, threading through loose, wet curls. Her breath is warm against Drift lips, and she faintly registers the scent of something ashy, before their mouths meet. It’s slow and gentle, something that has warmth stirring in her chest. AJ’s cold skin presses against her own, the slide of rain-covered skin smooth. They break apart, and Drift’s eyes are alight, a warm, blazing hazel.
Drift’s lips part, “I love you.”
Their lips meet again, and AJ guides her backwards, pressing her back against the drenched floor. AJ’s hands end up holding Drift’s besides her head on the floor, fingers intertwined. AJ leans forward, but for a brief moment, she presses her forehead to Drift’s just wanting to stare at those eyes. Then their lips meet again, a familiar path.
“Love you too, Drift.”
The rain has slowed, and the moon is brighter, casting a pale yellow glow over them. Drift lays beneath AJ, limbs intertwined. AJ can feel the rise and fall of her chest. Her ear is pressed against Drift’s chest, and she can hear the steady hum of her heart. They lay there while the wind skips along their moist skin, only making everything a bit colder.
“I could help you swim, Open Book,” AJ murmurs. She turns her head, resting her chin near Drift’s face. Her hands squeeze Drift’s lightly. There’s silence for a while, and AJ accepts it.
She doesn’t expect an answer, but a minute later, Drift responds.
“Okay.”
So AJ slowly rises from Drift’s arms, and scoots back over to the pier’s edge. Her eyes study the water, black and calm. AJ takes off her scarf, and smirks when Drift tracks the motion. She holds a breath, and dives swiftly into the water.
It’s freezing, and has AJ shivering slightly. Her feet skim across the floor, stirring up soft, sandy silt. Drift's slightly taller, so it should be safe. “It’s cold, but you can touch the bottom. C'mere, Open Book. I’ll catch you.”
Drift slowly moves to the pier’s edge. Her eyes look at AJ, but they don’t seem to see her; she’s focused on the water. Hesitantly, she sits down, legs a small breadth from the sea. She lowers herself to the water, arms trembling. AJ swims towards her, and Drift loses her balance. There’s a loud splash, and a sharp breath. AJ’s arms wrap tightly around her waist, and hold Drift close.
“You good, Open Book?”
There's a few moments of silence, until Drift seems to register AJ. Her eyes finally focus on her lover, and she nods, returning AJ’s hold. She’s still shaking. AJ’s brow furrows slightly, and she keeps her arms firm.
“We can head to the shallower part, if you’d like.” Drift shakes her head. They stay like that for a few minutes, refusing to let go of the other. Eventually, Drift’s grip loosens, and they take slow steps around the pier. AJ teaches Drift how to float on her back.
—
“Keep your hips a bit higher. There we go.” AJ smiles- Drift’s got it. They practice a few more times, until AJ pokes at Drift’s side. She turns immediately, almost sinking, letting out a laugh. She’s shaking, but for different reasons now. Her laughter is real, alongside her crinkling eyes and plump lips turning upwards. Drift splashes the water towards AJ, who startles and brings a larger wave back in retaliation.
AJ darts away, and knows Drift will chase. It gives her a small thrill. She hears the sound of splashing, and paddles faster. They’ve gone a bit deeper now, but it’s still safe.
“Running from a kiss now, AJ?” Drift calls, and AJ pauses.
“Didn’t know you were offering, Open Book.” Drift tilts her head, the same way she does every time, and AJ feels a soft peck against her lips. It’s followed by a splash, and they break apart briefly. AJ splashes back, and Drift’s hair falls in front of her eyes.
“Rude.”
“Oh, but we both know you love that,” she teases.
AJ brushes Drift’s hair away from her eyes, and the taller girl blinks rapidly. It’s kind of an endearing sight, Drift’s eyes wide and brightened by the moon, face and hair soaked with water. Her hands pause there, one thumb against Drift’s forehead, while the other cups the soft curve of her jaw. AJ wishes she could stay in this moment forever with Drift, beneath the moon.