Falling for Grayson : birdflash

Ch11: Lobster

As I was about to doze off in the warmth of the sun with my shirt over my face, Dick's voice breaks the gentle sound of the waves. "Wally... as much as I'd find it funny to see you red like a lobster, you're gonna have to put on some sunscreen."

"I didn't bring any, let me burn in peace," I mumbled.

I could hear Dick rummaging through his bag, supposedly retrieving the sunscreen he brought because he's so prepared. "The only burns you're gonna get are from my witty insults, KF." I felt the sand near my hips give way to Dick's knees. "Here, let me get your back."

With no help from the sun, my face turned bright red. I was glad I could hide my face with a t-shirt. Dick clicked open the bottle. I could feel him drawing something on my back with the sunscreen.

"Did you draw what I think you drew?" I asked, unimpressed.

"Noooo, it's an ice cream cone with two scoops..."

"Very funny. What are you, like 10 years old?"

"Yep."

Dick's hands spread the sunscreen across my shoulders and back. From all the climbing and training, his hands were rough, yet the sunscreen had softened his touch. His movements were slow and rhythmic as he rubbed the sunscreen over my back. Dick also covered my arms and legs even though I'd be able to reach them. Perhaps he thought I'd be hasty with putting the sunscreen on—which would be a very 'me' thing to do.

With all the running I do, my legs were perpetually sore, and so his attention to my legs with deep, massaging motions dissolved a significant degree of tightness to the point where my calves felt like jello. I was beginning to doze off, thinking about lying beside Dick in the sand, holding him close. Then Dick's next words jolted me awake.

"You're gonna have to do my back."

What?! No, no, no, no, no—I can't do that, not good, but also good—no NOT good. "Sure," I said, as neutrally as I could.

My mind was racing. I mean, just because I felt a stirring in my chest doesn't mean anything long-term. The feeling will bound to fade. At this age, everything's attractive. Besides, would he care if I was that way? What if I was? I couldn't be, I don't know anyone like that. No person's feelings to relate to. It'll pass.

I picked up the sunscreen and walked on my knees to where Dick was already lying face down. I decided to reciprocate with some art.

"What did you decide to make?"

"Oh, nothing... just a declaration of your undying love for me."

"I'm guessing it says, 'I heart Wally'?"

"Yep."

"Well I do heart Wally."

"You're too sweet."

"I know. Now erase it into oblivion."

I let out a small laugh. "Okay."

I rubbed the sunscreen on his back with disinterest and efficiency. I tried to think of other things, boring things, like races with snails, cakes with only one topping, a book with too many words I didn't understand—I mean what does 'alacrity' even mean? I did google it afterwards, it means a cheerful readiness or willingness. And let me tell you, unless the sunscreen was clearly an excuse for other things, I didn't feel like I should have alacrity right now.

Even if I wished to spend more time exploring the contours of his back, I wouldn't take advantage of the situation. It would be deceiving to Dick and felt like I'd be breaking his trust. Still, I couldn't help but feel somewhat excited. I tried not to think about it. I clicked the sunscreen bottle closed.

"You're gonna skip out on my legs?" The boy asked casually.

"Sorry, yeah I'll do them."

I shifted down beside his calves. His legs felt firm and shined in the sun like polished granite. Dick had trained his body to top physical condition and I couldn't help but admire his resolve. I rubbed in the sunscreen, massaging his legs the same way he did for me.

While his hands may have been rough from climbing, his legs were as smooth as glass leading from his ankles up to his blue swim shorts. I was starting to heat up. I needed to run into the ocean and hide. Instead, I closed the bottle, shifted slowly to my towel and lied on my stomach.

I liked having my feet off the towel and digging them into the sand. I feel like even when most people would be still, I needed to be moving. Well, not exactly need, it just happens. Dick finds it funny that when we're watching a movie I always have a Rubik's Cube in my hands—not that I'm actively solving it, I just like manipulating it.

As I began to doze, thinking about movies and boys named Dick Grayson, the digging slowly stopped.

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Author:

. . . *emphatic dot dot dot*

Also, be prepared. Wear sunscreen!! Also also, remember to vote ✩ on the chapters, thanks :) Next chapter will likely be next Wednesday

Q: Summer song recommendations?