CONTENT WARNING: alcohol

You breathed blissfully as you stepped outside. The last day of school concluded and you could finally enjoy the summer before senior year. You pulled your cell phone out of your back pocket, ready to text Cove and ask if he wanted to head home. A shout from across the schoolyard pulled your attention away from the task. Your peppy classmate Genevieve ran towards you calling your name and waving her arms.

Genevieve: Y/N! So glad I caught you.

Y/N: Hey! What's up?

You weren't exactly close, but after a few shared classes you considered her a friend. She reached you and came to a stop with her hands on her hips. The mess of long blonde curls on her head bounced as she halted.

Genevieve: I hope you don't have plans tomorrow night, because we're having a massive bonfire at the beach and you totally have to come.

You chuckled heartily.

Y/N: You could have texted me that. No need to chase me down and tire yourself out.

She huffed and shifted her hips to the left, hands still planted firmly.

Genevieve: Nobody appreciates the personal touch of an in-person invite anymore.

Her tone was dramatic, but you knew she meant it good-naturedly.

Y/N: Anyway, I'd be happy to come. But, uh— can I invite a friend?

Genevieve snorted. Her hazel eyes glinted with mischief.

Genevieve: If by friend you mean Cove Holden, yes.

You felt your face burning. Your relationship with Cove started nine months ago, but it wasn't something you made public to the school. There wasn't any reason to hide it, but neither of you bothered to mention it to your classmates. You wondered if it was that obvious.

Y/N: Yeah, well... yeah. We'll be there.

She clapped her hands together enthusiastically, her face shining.

Genevieve: Perfect! I'll text you the deets. See you tomorrow night, Y/N!

Before you could reply, she was bouncing off again, onto her next victim. You glanced at your phone again and opened your text thread with Cove.

Cove 3:36 PM: hi

Cove 3:38 PM: i'm in my car

Cove 3:39 PM: come by when you're ready ❤️

You smiled at the little heart emoji and shot him a quick text to let him know you were on the way. You walked to the parking lot, contemplating how to mention the bonfire to Cove. You knew a huge party with classmates wasn't Cove's scene. But, he became a lot more open to socializing these past few years. You hoped the beach would be enough of an appeal to Cove.

The passenger car door popped open as you neared Cove's car. He stretched across the seat, pushing the door open with his long arm. He flashed you a smile and popped upright into his own seat. You slid into the seat and leaned into Cove for a quick kiss.

Y/N: Sorry for the delay. I was having an interesting conversation with someone.

Cove paused in the middle of pulling the seat belt over himself.  His face reflected concern.

Cove: What does that mean?

Y/N: Nothing bad, it was Genevieve.

He clicked the seat belt into place.

Cove: Is there more to this?

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat. The four minute walk to the parking lot wasn't enough time to develop a game plan.

Y/N: Tomorrow night. Bonfire at the beach. You and me. And the entire senior class.

You sputtered your stream of consciousness onto Cove ungracefully. Now that he had the full picture, you searched his face for a reaction. He looked taken aback.

Cove: That sounds fun.

Cove didn't sound confident. He offered you a weak smile.

Y/N: If you don't want to go it's okay...

Cove's tone changed. He spoke firmly and met your gaze.

Cove: I want to go. Do you want to go?

Y/N: Yeah. Genevieve is going to text me the location. Are you okay with driving us there?

Cove nodded and took your hand in his. He gave it a squeeze before letting it go to get situated for driving.

The short drive home was silent. You parted ways in front of your houses and winded down for the evening. Your moms gave you permission to go to the bonfire but warned you to stay safe and out of trouble. Cove's dad gave him a similar warning.

Genevieve texted you the name of the beach and the start time for the party. You forwarded the information to Cove. Together you decided to leave a little later to avoid being the first guests.

You went to sleep that night feeling uncertain. This would be the first party you attended without any adults around. Cove's reluctance also made you feel guilty. You didn't want him to feel uncomfortable for your sake.

Somehow after hours of tossing and turning, you drifted to sleep. You woke the next morning feeling sore and unrested. You spent the morning and afternoon lounging around the house and texting Cove.

Finally, the evening was upon you. The outfit you chose was simple - a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. You accessorized with an anklet, a staple of most of your outfits. Your moms met you downstairs to reiterate the importance of sticking with Cove and being responsible. You dutifully nodded along until they allowed you to leave.

Cove was leaning against the passenger side of his car when you left your house. The tank top he wore exposed his toned arms. He waved at you as you skipped across the street. You landed with a hop in front of him and looked up expectantly. He planted a sweet kiss on your lips.

Cove: We have a 30 minute drive ahead of us, let's get going.

Cove opened the passenger door and shut it behind you. He set his phone on the mount in his car so he could follow the GPS directions to the beach.

Y/N: Wouldn't it be funny if we end up being the first ones to arrive anyway?

Cove: We're showing up an hour late, I sure hope we're not early.

Y/N: That would be a bad reflection on our classmates' time management skills.

Cove chuckled and turned on the radio. He lowered the volume to comfortable background noise. You settled in and enjoyed the ride. The time passed quickly as you joked and told stories with Cove.

The sun was threatening to set as the car pulled into the beach parking lot. You could already see the massive bonfire and crowds of people from the lot. You glanced at Cove, who looked equally surprised. You didn't expect so many people to attend.

You exited the car with Cove and walked across to the sand. Blankets, pillows, and beanbags were strewn across the shore. Two tents stood covering food and refreshment tables. Five log benches surrounded the bonfire. Music boomed from the tents, but the strumming of a nearby acoustic guitar caught your ears.  

You recognized some schoolmates who waved at you and Cove. There were also some people who you assumed came from another local school. Cove's pinky instinctively reached for yours. You coiled yours around his and offered him a comforting smile.

Y/N: How are you feeling, big guy?

Cove: I'm—

Before he could finish his sentence, a shriek pierced the air.

Genevieve: Y/N! Cooooove!

The sea of blonde hair ran towards you, stumbling over the sand. The red solo cup in her hand sloshed liquid with each leap. She groaned and looked into her cup when she came to a stop.

Genevieve: I spilled most of it. Totally your fault, Y/N.

You laughed at her antics.

Y/N: Again, no one told you to come running over here.

Cove: Hey, Genevieve.

Cove seemed relieved to see a familiar face, even though he didn't know her as well as you did.

Genevieve: I came to say hello to my distinguished guests! And to let you know we have food and drinks over there.

She gestured towards the tents.

Genevieve: Regular drinks, and you know... drinks.

She winked slowly with an open mouth.

Y/N: And what are you drinking, Genie?

Cove: Nothing now, she spilled it all.

Genevieve cackled like that was the best joke she heard all night. Cove blushed at her boisterous reaction.

Genevieve: This is beer. But you have to pour the beer into a plastic cup because open glass bottles aren't allowed on the beach.

Y/N: How did a bunch of high schoolers get their hands on beer?

Genevieve huddled closer and spoke in a hushed whisper.

Genevieve: There are like, a bunch of college kids here. My brother's friends mostly.

Bewildered, you looked between Genevieve and Cove. He seemed unbothered by this revelation. You couldn't help but worry about how much trouble you would be in if your moms found out about this. Simply existing near beer as a 17 year old was neither responsible nor "staying out of trouble." Cove noticed your frantic concern.

Cove: We don't have to drink the beer. I'm not planning on it.

Genevieve: Oh yeah totally, there are other drinks. Don't think I'm pressuring you! Just wanted you to know it's there.

You brushed off their concern with a wave of your hand. You felt childish for your initial reaction. There was no way your moms would ever find out. This was your debut as an adult party-goer.

Y/N: Hey, I don't want to get in trouble with my moms. I'm all right. It's only beer.

Cove seemed unconvinced, but he didn't push further. His hand absentmindedly rested on the back of your neck. Genevieve sipped at her empty cup and looked to the side with her eyebrows raised dramatically. She lowered the cup and whistled.

Genevieve: Well, I'm going back to mingling. Have fun lovebirds!

Her final words were distant as she was already running back into the crowd. Cove froze in place.

Cove: What did she say?

Y/N: I didn't hear anything! Let's check out the refreshments.

Cove's face lit up at that idea. He lowered his hand to rest on your lower back and bravely walked with you to the tents. The table under the first tent held bowls of chips, fruit trays, s'mores materials, and a stack of pizza boxes. The second table held endless solo cups and liters of soda, with two red coolers tucked underneath.

Cove: What should we get? This is so exciting.

You grabbed two paper plates and handed one to Cove with a wink.

Y/N: A little bit of everything, of course.

Both plates filled with all the junk food your hearts could desire and your stomachs could fit. You paused in front of the drinks table.

Y/N: If you hold both of our plates I can get drinks for us.

Cove nodded and shifted his own plate to one hand while holding out the other to accept yours. You balanced it carefully on his palm.

Cove: I'll have orange soda, please.

You filled a red solo cup with orange soda and set it to the side. You eyed the cooler under the table. The idea of trying beer was tempting. You bounced indecisively and tapped your fingers on the table.

Cove: Not in the mood for soda?

You shook your head vigorously.

Y/N: I'm gonna do it.

You crouched in front of the cooler and pried open the lid. Buried under the pounds of ice was a variety of beer brands. You recognized a few from commercials and your moms' parties. You reached for one that looked familiar.

Cove: Oh, beer. You don't have to. You seemed uncertain about it earlier.

Y/N: Just one. I really want to try it. Maybe it's amazing? Maybe I'll hate it? Don't try to convince me not to, Holden.

Cove sighed, but smiled wistfully.

Cove: I know better than to try to steer you away from something you're set on. I'll keep an eye on you. I don't think one beer will kill you.

You beamed, excited to have his support. Your attention returned to the beer bottle in your hand.

Y/N: Right, I'm supposed to use my teeth to pry off the cap, right?

Cove: Oh my God, do NOT!

You laughed loudly.

Y/N: I'm kidding! I need a bottle open—

Before you could finish the word, one of the older looking guys dangled a bottle opener in your face. He towered above you from behind. You whipped around to meet his grinning face. He stumbled over his slurred speech.

Guy: I'm Bottle— Bottle Opener Hero Man to the rescue! *hic*

Y/N: Thanks! Uh, actually...

You held your bottle out to Bottle Opener Hero Man.

Y/N: Can you do it? I've never used one before.

You heard Cove's stifled laughter beside you. The drunken guest opened your bottle without a word and returned it to your hand. He slinked away, waving his arms and humming to the music. Alone again, your eyes shot up to Cove.

Y/N: What's so funny?

Cove: It's a bottle opener, I'm sure you could have figured out how to use it.

A mischievous grin planted itself on his face. You pouted and turned back to the table to pour the beer into a cup.

Cove: Aww, don't make that face.

You kept up the ruse and faced Cove with your best puppy dog eyes. He chuckled weakly but you could tell his heart was melting.

Y/N: You have to kiss me, to make it up to me.

A sea of red washed over Cove's cheeks. Still holding the plates, he moved his arms to either side and planted a quick kiss on your pursed lips.

Cove: Better?

Y/N: For now! I want to go sit by the bonfire.

Cove: Lead the way.

You weaved through interspersed crowds of people towards the bonfire. The roaring fire crackled pleasantly. The guitar playing guest occupied one of the other log benches. He strummed nonchalantly.

Cove cozied up next to you on the log bench. His thigh brushed against yours as he sat down. You exchanged his orange soda for your food plate. His face was already stuffed with food before you could take another breath.

Y/N: I think I'm going to try the beer first.

Cove gulped and looked at you with raised eyebrows. He watched with bated breath as you brought the cup to your lips. The cold liquid met your lips and you swallowed hesitantly. The taste was unlike anything you had ever tried, but it wasn't bad.

Cove: Well?

You took another sip before answering.

Y/N: It's no lemonade, but I guess I don't hate it.

Cove: Hm, you're not really selling it.

You took a bigger swig this time, allowing yourself to savor the flavor. Cove returned to his own meal. You exchanged words between bites and sips.

Cove: I'm ready for s'mores if you are.

Y/N: Marshmallow me.

Cove retrieved a pair of skewers from a nearby bag and impaled marshmallows on each one. Cove turned his over the flames until it was pleasantly toasted. Your marshmallow came out unevenly toasted. You both assembled the marshmallows into s'mores using the crackers and chocolate. Cove presented his s'more to you.

Cove: Trade?

Y/N: My marshmallow came out like shit. And my s'more is, well...

You held up the misaligned snack.

Cove: I don't care. I want yours.

You shrugged and traded s'mores with Cove. He took a big bite and hummed happily.

Cove: Tastes like love.

Your heart fluttered. Cove's perfectly toasted marshmallow and carefully assembled s'more meant so much more to you now. You bit into it and relished the refinement.

Y/N: Yeah, I think I taste love in yours, too.

Cove: Good. I put it there deliberately.

Cove grinned and finished the s'more in one more bite. He sighed in satisfaction. You finished your own while sipping intermittently on the beer. You were halfway through when the dizziness hit. It was subtle, and not unpleasant. You decided to down the rest of your drink quickly. Cove noticed and blinked confoundedly.

Cove: Careful, I don't want you to get sick. It's your first time drinking.

You exhaled with a dramatic "Ahh!" Cove took your empty plate and cup and combined them with his own. He stood up and hesitated.

Cove: I'm going to recycle these. Do not go anywhere.

You nodded enthusiastically while he walked away. After a moment, your mind wandered. The sound of the guitar pulled you in. You stood up and peeked your head above the fire to spy on the guitarist on the other side. The dizzy feeling hit stronger while vertical. You wobbled carefully to the guitarist. He watched as you crouched down in front of him in the sand. His fingers didn't stop strumming.

Y/N: Do you take requests?

Guitar Man: If I know it, I'll play it.

You scrambled up to whisper in his ear. He thought for a second then positioned his fingers accordingly.

Y/N: Could you wait for a tall green-haired guy to come over before you start? He should be here soon...

Just then, you heard Cove calling your name. You leapt up from the sand and bounded towards Cove. He looked startled, but relieved that you didn't wander away.

Cove: Hey there, little sand bunny.

The notes of the guitar danced toward you and Cove. You grabbed his hands and pulled him outside the bonfire ring. The tune became familiar as the guitarist settled into the song. You held Cove's hand and moved the other to your waist.

Y/N: Ever slow danced to an acoustic guitar?

Cove: No, but ah— is this?

You smiled up at Cove sweetly as you swayed along. The setting sun behind Cove sparkled above the ocean. The sky darkened, the only thing lighting your dance was the roaring bonfire.

Y/N: It is. I requested it for you.

Cove's lip wobbled and his eyes watered. He pulled you closer and nuzzled his face into your hair. Your bodies moved with the music like you were floating in water. Cove's soft voice quietly sung along.

Cove: We'll run away together...

Y/N: We'll spend some time forever...

You finished the third line in unison.

Cove and Y/N: We'll never feel bad anymore.

Your entire body felt light, but your head was spinning. You tightened your grip on Cove's hand and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Your tongues danced together for a moment.

Cove: Beer-flavored kiss.

Cove's face glowed in the firelight. You could feel the heat radiating from your own, likely a side effect of the alcohol. You felt imbued with energy. You thought for a moment. The only thing that could cool you down was water.

Y/N: I'm going into the ocean.

Before Cove could protest, you kicked off your sandals and hightailed for the shore. The cool wind prickled the numb skin on your face. Your blood pumped and exacerbated your intoxication. You could faintly hear Cove calling your name as your feet splashed into the shoreline.

You waded in slowly, fighting the waves and your own lack of balance. The water was at your knees. You stopped and stared into the vast, dark ocean. Your stomach lurched, but your heart was set.

You almost took another step when you felt warm hands around your waist. Suddenly, your body rose out of the water. Cove scooped you into his arms. One arm supported your back while the other hooked under your knees. You tried to read his expression through the darkness. His wavy eyebrows furrowed.

Cove: What on earth were you thinking, Y/N?

His stern voice struck your heart. You wrapped both arms around his neck and nuzzled your face into his warmth. His heartbeat throbbed. Your voice was weak.

Y/N: I'm only 17, I don't know anything.

Cove sighed deeply and kissed the top of your head. As he waded onto the shore, you heard someone else calling your name. You looked up and noticed Genevieve stumbling towards you.

Genevieve: Y/N, you dumbass!

Cove stopped in front of her, still holding you tightly. You stuck out your tongue at Genevieve, who returned the gesture.

Cove: I'm going to take Y/N home.

Y/N: Hey! You can't decide that.

Genevieve: Wait, wait. Are you—

She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. Her golden curls bounced wildly.

Genevieve: Drunk??

Y/N: You're one to talk!

Cove exhaled loudly.

Cove: You're both drunk. Only difference is Y/N had one beer.

You couldn't argue that point, but you wanted to anyway.

Y/N: It was my first time and it was super big and I drank it fast and...

Cove: I know, baby.

Cove caught his words and blushed, but he composed himself. He figured Genevieve wouldn't remember this conversation. 

Cove: Thanks for inviting us, Genevieve. It was a nice party.

Genevieve: I hope you had a blast! We're totally going to hang more this summer, count on it!

Cove simply nodded as he carried you past Genevieve. He steered through hoards of drunk people. The bounce of his gait felt like waves rocking your body. The sound of crackling filled your ears. You were at the bonfire again.

Cove: I'm going to put you down, gotta get your sandals.

You acknowledged Cove with a groan and allowed him to place you on your feet. You grabbed his arm for balance while you slipped your shaky feet into your sandals.

Y/N: Piggy back ride?

Cove smiled and crouched, awaiting your boarding. You leapt onto his back and settled in comfortably. His hands touched the bare skin of your thighs and sent shivers across your body. He straightened his back and proceeded towards the parking lot. You stared dreamily into the scorching bonfire. Couples crowded around it, roasting marshmallows and laughing.

The guitar player nodded you a farewell while strumming. You waved enthusiastically and almost lost your balance on Cove. He hoisted you upward and giggled.

Cove: Easy there, we'll be in my car soon.

Cove was right. The short walk to his car felt like nothing to you. He gently lowered you and opened the passenger door. You clambered inside and smiled at him through the window as he shut the door. You pressed your nose into the glass and dragged it downward. Cove snickered at your funny face before retreating. He sat in the driver's seat and turned to face the back. He reached around for a bit before extracting a fluffy beach towel and handing it to you.

Cove: In case you're cold, or wet.

You accepted the towel and wrapped it around your legs. Cove's eyes followed your every move. You scrutinized his face, finding it difficult to read his mood. He clenched his jaw and leaned towards you. His hand brushed against your face and cupped it gently. His thumb stroked your cheek as he spoke.

Cove: Why do I feel guilty for not trying to stop you from drinking? I would have felt just as guilty if I did stop you.

His eyes stared into yours desperately. Your cheeks burned.

Cove: I think this is what loving someone is. I want to protect you, but I also want you to be happy.

Your mind was spinning and your body felt struck by vertigo. Cove's thumb stopped moving and he leaned closer. His lips gently pressed into yours. He pulled away and held your head with both hands.

Cove: How are you feeling? You haven't said anything for a while.

Your voice croaked.

Y/N: Everything is spinning and I can't tell if it's because of the beer or you.

Cove kissed your forehead and released your face.

Y/N: Thanks for taking care of me. And for saving me from diving into the ocean.

Cove: It's what I do. I'm Ocean Hero Man.

You laughed tearfully, for a lot longer than the joke warranted. Your perception felt warped. You wiped your watery eyes.

Y/N: I think I'm losing my mind, Cove.

Cove: That's my favorite part of you, please don't lose it.

You buried your face in your hands, unable to contain your emotions.

Cove: Buckle up, I'm going to get you home.

With both of you strapped in, Cove pulled out of the parking lot. You rested your head on the window and focused on the glistening stars in the sky. You felt grounded by Cove's love. The gentle rumble of the car lulled you. You sang quietly to yourself. We'll never feel bad anymore...