Disclaimer: I do not own Cruel Summers. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
June 1995...
Mallory Higgins was a creep. She was a weirdo. What the hell was she doing here? She didn't belong here.
Which was something she thought pretty much every time she was by the side of Kate Wallis, but especially during moments like this, where she would find herself staring at the other girl, unable to look away. Which was bad enough when they were both conscious. When Kate would catch her, and Mallory would finally be forced to look away. But right now it was unforgivable. And so very wrong.
Hadn't Kate Wallis had enough of sexual predators for one lifetime? God, Mallory should run away, and never bother Kate again. Something she thought about doing so many times, but she always chickened out. Because she just couldn't help herself. Couldn't be anything but the embodiment of that song, Creep.
Couldn't help watching Kate Wallis while she slept. Often with Mallory's arms around her, like she could protect her, when Mallory couldn't even protect the other blonde from Mallory. God, this is so fucked up.
She should just tell her the truth. Then Kate would never want anything to do with her again, and at least Mallory wouldn't be taking advantage anymore. It was the right thing to do, and yet, not only did Mallory not do it, but she even found herself dreaming of telling Kate something else which was true.
As if THE Kate Wallis could ever feel the same way. That way.
And it was almost the anniversary of their friendship, and thus, the anniversary of Mallory's sin. A painful reminder of everything Kate had gone through, and how Mallory could have saved her, but didn't. And didn't even have the decency to admit it.
Oh God, this summer was going to be hell...
September 1995...
"What are you doing?" Kate frowned.
"Going scuba diving." Mallory said sarcastically, before looking over at the other girl and then sighing, "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting out your old sleeping bag, so I can sleep on the floor. Like your Mom thinks I've been doing this entire time, and not-"
"Sharing my bed." Kate said softly.
"Well, yeah..." Mallory mumbled awkwardly.
"But why?" Kate pushed.
"You know why." Mallory pointed out, and then when Kate gave her a look, she sighed, "That was before, you know?"
"What?" Kate smirked, "All the kissing?"
"Keep your voice down!" Mallory hissed, already freaking out, before Kate made it worse.
"What? Afraid you can't control yourself around me?" Kate teased, before pointing out, "You did a pretty good job when you slept in my bed before. Even if you did spend half the time watching me sleep."
Which rocked Mallory to her very core, the poor girl just staring at her 'friend' and then stammering, "You, you noticed that?"
"Did I notice all those times you tried to pull away fast enough to make it look like you weren't staring at me? Or the times you didn't even try? Yeah, I noticed." Kate said dryly, before quickly adding, "But I was doing the same to you, and you didn't notice. So..."
There was a long pause, then Mallory asked, "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Why didn't you?" Kate shot back.
"I thought you would hate me." Mallory said softly.
""I told you, I could never do that." Kate promised, before holding out her hand, and pleading, "Come here."
"Okay..." Mallory mumbled, dropping the sleeping bag and cautiously approaching.
As soon as she was in range, Kate took her hand in hers, and just gave Mallory this intense look of affection. One she'd seen before, but this was the other blonde not holding back. As was proven by the fact that Mallory was then pulled into a kiss. Oh God, Kate Wallis was kissing her! Again!
It was by no means the longest kiss they'd ever had, but it got Kate's message across loud and clear. And Mallory felt foolish for even trying to suggest they wouldn't sleep together, just because things had changed. And she was glad for it, as it was one of her favorite things ever. Especially now there wouldn't be any painful guilt or shame to it.
"Now stop being silly, and come to bed." Kate pleaded when the kiss was broken. Then when Mallory blushed Kate couldn't resist teasing, "That's not what I meant."
"I, i know. I just... I... I..." Mallory stammered for a few long seconds, before being silenced by another kiss.
"You're cute when you're flustered." Kate grinned,, before teasing the other girl further, "But, if you play your cards right..."
"Kissing's good. I, I'm good with kissing." Mallory squeaked, then realizing she was being too loud, so she continued in a whisper, "Or, you know, just cuddling. We could cuddle, if you want."
"Sounds good." Kate grinned, pulling her into the bed with her.
Of course Mallory would welcome... other stuff, but this was still very new. And what even was this? Were they just fooling around? Practicing? Dating? And if they were, what would that even mean for two girls in Texas? But this was no time for those questions. No, this was a time for cuddles, and in that moment, Mallory was very happy to get behind Kate Wallis, wrap her arms around her body, and hold her close.
In fact, she'd never been happier. And she was terrified of ruining that happiness. Not as much as before this summer started, but there was still a chance what she said next would ruin everything. But she just couldn't help herself, so after praying that Kate would take this as the joke it was intended to be, Mallory opened her big mouth again.
"So..." Mallory asked, after a few blissful minutes of just lying there, "You were really staring at me? And watching me sleep?"
"Yap." Kate replied without an ounce of shame.
"Wow..." Mallory grinned, "You're such a creep."
There was a brief pause, then Kate smiled, "I guess that makes two of us."