Late Summer/Early Autumn 1987 || let's go to the beach beach

[theunpressuredclub]

There's just a little bit of a chill in the air that's starting to touch the waters. That's what Rachel's using as a partial excuse for the long-sleeved nature of her swimsuit, at least. Andrew had accepted the statement with a smile that only just hinted at the worry behind it-- he was just glad she was coming out with them at all, at this point. She'd been cooped up and more than a little withdrawn from the for too long.

But she's easing out of the heartache, now. She's stopping short of making her way all the way to the shoreline because she's too busy taking in the beauty of the water.

"Oh, it's beautiful."

"Told you so," Andrew says with a rough kiss to her cheek, "C'mon. Let's go play."

Comments

[theunpressuredclub]

"Really good day," Andrew agrees, his head settling contentedly on his best friend's shoulder as he watches Rachel and Argine up ahead.

"'m glad we did this."

[ofthecubs]

"Have t' do it again." There's sheer determination in Edgar's voice, albeit underneath the softer contentment. "No buts. 's-- 's really good. For--"

And the forward jut of his chin is somewhat noncommittal. It could mean for the pair of girls before them generally. It could mean for the burgeoning Somethings that seemed a little easier in the air out here.

It does actually mean those things a little, of course, but more than that, he means it's good for Rachel.

[theunpressuredclub]

"It is good," Andrew agrees, with every sentiment it possibly could be. But more specifically, it really has been good for his cousin, "She looks--"

Happy, with her hair still more than a little soaked and another free laugh echoing back towards them. It's been so long since they've seen that spring in her step.

[ofthecubs]

"--yeah."

And, now that she's smiling again, they have to keep it that way. There's absolutely a briefly tight set of determination in Edgar's jaw about it.

"'sides, Argine spent the whole day on the beach."

[faithfulclublet]

"She did."

And some part of him is really disappointed in that. He doesn't look into it too deeply, for once. He's too busy feeling reassured by the determined set to Edgar's jaw.

He always hoped his cousin would find someone who cared about her being happy just as much as Andrew himself did.

"So we've got t'get them both out here again, clearly. Or-- do something else that's fun."

[ofthecubs]

"Just seems like this'll be the easier fight. They already know they had fun, right?"

Because all of them--Andrew included--sometimes needed to be convinced that they'd actually have fun doing a fun thing. Proof positive couldn't hurt.

And look what a good job not talking about Argine in a bathing suit. Rachel should be proud of the actual attempt at subtle.

[faithfulclublet]

"Very true."

It likely would be easier to convince now they'd done it. Maybe they could even convince Argine into a bathing suit.

Edgar doesn't mention it-- and Rachel would be proud of the subtlety-- but Andrew's mind still goes there anyways. Maybe if he's lucky his friend won't comment on the sudden flushing.

[ofthecubs]

Alas, he's used up all his subtle. Thankfully, the unsubtle is just a bright grin and a tight squeeze, with the slightest smack of a kiss against his best friend's cheek.

"Dork. We'll come back before summer's over, at least."

[faithfulclublet]

At least it's the sort of unsubtle Andrew can handle. He smiles just a hint ruefully back at his friend, rubbing at his cheek.

"Sounds like a plan."

[ofthecubs]

"Gotta do it quick, though, before the water gets too cold."

It's mostly subtle. Mostly.

And it's followed up by a squeeze and a quick letting go to jog ahead and throw his arms around the girls instead.

[faithfulclublet]

"Definitely."

Even though he'll keep blushing just a little bit when Edgar runs off to the girls. He'll let Rachel greet him with a bright smile before catching up himself.