STARLIGHT.

[clarasloanes]

parkercoles·:

the habit that came with clara, was halfway expected. he’d known from the moment she’d ran into him, that if he acted on whatever the hell butterflies were supposed to feel like, he’d be screwed. and as time went on, he’d done a good job at staying around that borderline. he’d still tease her, still tiptoe across the line he’d drawn in the sand for himself, but something just kept pulling him closer. he was drawn to her, like magnetic, since day one. it’s why the second anything happened with her, nothing could happen with anyone else. it’s what made ending everything else, so easy. it’s what made him realize that some people he thought were good for him, or could have been good for him, weren’t– and they never were. because he knew what it felt like to be manipulated, and he’d almost let it happen again, but he’d refused. not after being with clara, not after getting the smallest bit of hope of what something real felt like. “i like being your habit.” and when she mentioned she likes keeping him on his toes, he’ll nod in a smirk and  a halfway glance. “mhm, so i’ve been told.” muttered under his breath slightly, and throwing the truck in park. he didn’t really care where they were going— to be honest. he just wanted to be with her, be around her again, talk to her, kiss her. but leave it to clara, getting him to drive an hour out of the way, for some icecream. which meant, this place must have been pretty special to her, which made it matter to parker, too. “you mean i gotta’ spend a whole hour listening to your 90′s playlist all the way home? ouch.” it’s smirked, and he doesn’t mean it– he’d listen to anything she wanted, which really did, make you a sucker parker cole. however, she’s jumping out of the truck faster than he can turn it off, and he’s shutting the door, having to crank the window up by hand, and lock it just the same. turning on his heels, he meets her at a halfway point, in between the bed of his truck, and a sidewalk off the parking lot. he’ll lean his elbow on the tailgate, and smile down at her, just as dimpled and as happy as before. she always talked a lot, whether or not she liked to admit that. and the more she went on, the more he listened, in a quiet nod, and a suspicious kinda’ smirk. “wow, you tricked me into a date, clara sloane?” masked in feigning hurt, touching his chest, but there’s still a smile on his face as he met her gaze. “you gonna’ get me home by ten, ma’am?” he’s inching forward again, fingertips catching her on the hook of her belt loops, and pulling her into his chest with a beaming grin. there’s a small shift in movement, and he’s lightly pressing her back against the tailgate of his truck. the pad of his thumb skimmed the skin that rose with the hem of her shirt, and he’s leaning down to kiss her. the universe may have kept trying to steer him off, but he wouldn’t be scared away too easily. it wasn’t a warning, it was a challenge— testing him to see if he was brave enough to try again. because that’s what clara deserve, someone who would try– and keep trying. so when he pulls back, his nose is nuzzling against hers in softening shoulders, that was entirely unlike him with anyone else. his hand touches her chin, tipping her up by her smile. “that feels a little bit more than just friends to me, don’t you think?” it’s whispered in a smirk, and he had never planned anything with clara, which is consistent in the way he never planned to ask her to be his girlfriend— in the middle of a fucking parking lot, to the icecream parlor of their first date. but here he was, about to do just that. “feels like a boyfriend thing.” 

“ ah , don’t act like you aren’t perfectly happy to hear i’ve kidnapped you in the name of romance and not somethin’ more sinister , ” there’s a playfulness in her tone that matches his , and it came easily , the closer they got . the cleverness of parker had been something she’d always liked about him ; even as she got more comfortable around him , however , there were times when she’d found herself flustered . clara could talk a million miles a minute in that sweet southern louisiana lilt , but he had the ability to make her tongue tied like no one had before . it’s why it takes her a minute , as his fingers hook through faded denim and tugs her closer to hime , all the while backing her against the warm metal of his truck , for her to catch her breath . there’s a smile that shines golden with innocence on her lips , and it was a look that was only missing its halo to be complete as she brings a shoulder up in a shrug . you gonna get me home by ten , ma’am ? “ not a chance , ” she hummed , tilting her chin so it was easier to meet his gaze . his thumb grazes the exposed skin at her torso , and despite the texas heat , goosebumps prickle at her arms , “ tell you what , i’ve never been the take him home after the first date type , but i could be convinced to make an exception for you . ” the truth was , she fully intended on dragging this out as long as she could , whether that meant finding herself wandering back to his place or dragging him back to hers , and it wasn’t necessarily for obvious reasons she’d have insisted on while friends with benefits was in full force . before the rumor circulating made her question her feelings . before a broken down truck and a thunderstorm led to i think you like me too . no , she simply liked being around him . she liked the way he nuzzled into the crook of her neck as they laid in a twin xl not fit for two people . she liked the way he never minded listening to her talk , and he always had something to say back . . . no matter how late it’d gotten . waking up next to him the next morning , she’d thought , would be ideal after everything they’d dealt with over the past couple of weeks . she opens her mouth to speak again , but parker is leaning in and taking the breath from her very lungs , kissing her . really kissing her . her hands find a light grip on his shirt , and she’s leaning into him with the subtle lift onto her toes . parker cole was something she could so easily get lost in , and she was , even after he pulled away , as her eyes remained close and a dizzy smile worked at barely parted lips . he’ll touch underneath her chin , the only thing pulling her out of a small trance being the way he beckoned for her gaze without words . she’ll blink up at him and forget there’s an entire world still moving around them . this boy with his charming smile , taste for mischief , clever tongue , and sweet words . . . had her weak in the knees , and boy , was it trouble . “ yeah , ” her voice was just as quiet , still stifled by a kiss , “ yeah it does . we’ve never been all that good at the just friends thing though , have we ? ” he’s softened completely , and this parker is different than the one she’d known a year ago , but only because his teasing came with a kiss pressed against her cheek or a tug on her belt loop . and the way he touched her , the way he stayed close with a light nuzzle of his nose . . . it was intimate . “ a boyfriend thing , huh ? ” she’s sure her cheeks are burning red as a smile lights up in her eyes . her tone dips into a sing - song tease , even though it wasn’t much of a secret to poke fun at , “ you’re so into me , cole . ” her hands move over his shoulders , fingers lazily intertwining behind his head as she feigns a sigh . “ i don’t know , i mean . you’re horribly stubborn . you take up so much of what little bed you have . you insulted my 90s music , ” she’ll tilt her face up to catch his lips in another kiss . it lingered with the feeling of a grin that wasn’t going away any time soon . pulling away , her voice was soft . “ but i also like that you still don’t go easy on me . and i like your stupid tiny bed . . . and the idea of really having you to myself , ” she’s still close , catching his eyes from under curled lashes , “ there’s also the small fact that i like you a little more every day , so yeah . yeah , i suppose it does feel like a boyfriend thing . ” her hands slide down his arms , intertwining their fingers as she adds , “ i think it was kind of a boyfriend thing . just like i think you ought’a make a girlfriend out’a me . ” her smile melts into something more lighthearted , and she’s laughing as she adds , “ can’t believe you let me kidnap you for a date , then just completely stole my romantic thunder by bein’ so goddamn cute about this . ”

[clarasloanes]

parkercoles·:

he’s on the other side of the car, one hand draped over a steering wheel, and the other, touched on the top of her thigh in the middle. it’d been a hard few days, even harder during the night, when she wasn’t there— but at least she was speaking to him again. sooner or later, it’d come to light that the rumor was just nothing short of that– jealousy stirred, and not true. not when he’d ever felt this way about anyone before, not with the way he was drastically falling, with no parachute in sight. he thought it’d be a slow kinda’drift downwards, but it wasn’t. the moment she’d smiled at him, he’d been set on a course for either self destruction, or development. and she doesn’t try to change him, that’s the part that matters. she sees him, for everything that he is, and everything that he wasn’t– and parker spent too long, chasin’ people to be in his life for exactly that reason, to chase after a girl. but she’s got a way about her, that has him running, on his heels every moment, and she’s the first thing he’s been sure of in awhile. maybe you were a sucker, parker cole— but you weren’t stupid. the sloanes was the best thing that ever happened to you at this school, and you knew it. he’ll side glance over at her, and his mouth twisted upwards into an dimpled smirk, only when they came to stop at one of the signs. “mhm, you know, i’m startin’ to think you might have a history of kidnapping.” and she’s beaming, the sunlight peaking in through open windows and ruffling long hair– that he’d noticed— she started to wear down a little bit more often. his gaze drifted down to the curve of her mouth, and he isn’t subtle about it, hoping to get a rise out of her, or at the very least— a pink tint across the highs of her cheeks. that much hadn’t changed, even when everything else did. he stilled teased her relentlessly, and now he had the ability to back it up, too. brows threaded together, and he’ll tear his gaze back to the road with a smile. when they’re rounding the corner to a small town, his gaze is filtered out the window, the speed limit no faster than 25 through main, but shops lined the down the streets in boutiques, and quaint places for lunch. lips pursed, and he’ll squeeze her leg for reassurance that he’s listening, giving her another glance. “alright, the mystery is cute an’ all, but you gotta’ tell me if there’s somewhere specific you’re wanting to go, bonnie.” they’re at a stop light now, and he’s leaning closer, his nose nuzzling against hers, and his mouth parting with another smile, warm and hazy in such close proximity. “are we gonna’ rob another bank?” gaze tilted down to her mouth again, only this time, deviously close. hand still on her thigh, and the pad of his thumb made tiny distracted circles. he’s just about to kiss her, for what felt like too long waiting again— when the sound of a car horn, causes him to squint over his shoulder, and back to the light, which was green. “alright, alright, can’t you see i’m trying to kiss a girl here?” there’s a fake puff of air that sighs between them, coming out like a pfft, before his hand is back on the wheel, and he’s letting off the brake. “the universe-” he’ll nod up, and glance at her with a smirk. “that’s strike two.” 

“ hmm , nope , ” she’ll shake her head , long locks falling over her shoulder as a sloane kind’a smile crinkled the corners of her eyes , “ not really . does seem to be becoming a sort’a habit with you though , cole . just –– somethin’ about ya , i guess . ” there’s no subtlety in the way his gaze drops to her lips , and she has a love - hate relationship with the way it gets to her , and the way he knows exactly what he’s doing . “ alright , trouble , ” tongue in cheek , she leans back , no longer trying to hide the way her cheeks flush a shade of pink , “ eyes on the road . ” something about it feels correct . the fluttering in her stomach , the golden light of late afternoon , his hand resting naturally on her thigh . correct and terrifying . heart - stopping . hand - trembling . thought - consuming . big and scary and right because she didn’t mind a twin xl when it was his . she liked the warmth of brown eyes and the suggestion of a crooked smirk when it was his . he made her feel light in a way that she hadn’t known in a long time , not since the universe was thrown out of line the night the sloane family got smaller . a squinted gaze trailed along the sights as they slowly rolled by , teeth digging into her bottom lip as she thought about being on her dad’s shoulders as a kid , strolling behind her grandparents on a sunday afternoon just to stretch their legs . a pit stop along the way in a tiny town practically untouched by time . main street was lined by a florist’s , a barber shop , some kind’a bakery , what could’ve passed as a damn saloon , and a couple family - owned shops . there was a church on damn near every corner , and the park across the way had probably seen one - too - many renovations . people came from all over the state every third sunday for a flea market , but otherwise . . . it was quiet . with one stoplight that they were idling at when he spoke up again . “ glad you think the mystery’s cute ‘cause i do get a kick out’a keepin’ you on your toes , ” she smiled to herself , watching as a group of kids scurried across the street , only shifting when she felt him move closer . clara turned slightly , watching him as he leaned in closer with one elbow propped up on the seat behind her and her head leaning against it . “ i don’t know , clyde . suppose that depends on how lucky you’re feelin’ tonight , ” her chin tilts upwards , slightly , as he leaned in . closer and closer . . . she’d missed it more than she realized , the feeling of having him close by . but it wasn’t close enough , and before it could be an irritated driver was laying on the horn behind them . as parker glanced back , clara leaned past him , flipping a handle near the wheel to turn on his left blinker . “ lower your voice , cole , ” she settled back into her seat with a breath of laughter , teasing , “ someone might hear you and think we’re on a date or somethin’ . turn left . ” laughter settles into a smirk as she nods in the direction they’d be turning . “ rosie’s . we’re lookin’ for rosie’s . big , red neon sign that should be lightin’ up right . . . about . . . ” she looked at the clock on the dash , then up at the street ahead of them , straightening with a triumphant little smile as , sure enough , neon red illuminated a cursive sign , “ now . ” she looked over at him , beaming , “ there’s a lot on the right to park in . ” rosie’s was a staple . old fashioned ice cream . . . and it looked the part . 50′s style with bright pinks and blues and reds , a seating area outside under twinkling lights the only thing 21st century . even the music was vintage , circulating through the decades . sneakers practically hit the pavement the moment his truck was in park ; she’d never been great at sitting still . “ welcome to sterling , texas , parker cole . the most charming small town in the state , ” her shoulders lifted in a shrug as she rounded the back of his truck , “ or so i’ve been told . ” she lingered near the end of the bed , one hand on the edge of the tailgate , the other rested on her hip as she waited for him to move towards her . “ still think the mystery’s cute ? makin’ you drive for an hour for ice cream . kidnapping you for a date , ” she looked up at him under long lashes , head tilted with a smile reflecting a gentle fondness , “ because that is what this is . i’m fully takin’ you on a date right now . ”

[clarasloanes]

@parkercoles​

she hadn’t told him where they were headed , only that it was about an hour’s drive south of dillon . . . and that it’d be worth it . music played softly through a scratchy stereo and there was just enough light left in the sky for clara to pretend to read the anatomy textbook that sat open on her lap . studying was a bit more difficult with parker around , a perfect , welcomed distraction . they’d taken back roads instead of the interstate , and halfway through the drive she’d managed to slide over to the center of the front seat , just to be closer to him . “ take a left next chance you get , ” she glanced up , squinting at the beginnings of a sunset as everything around them was drenched in gold , “ then at the second stop sign , you’ll take a right . it’ll be on the left , and you’ll know it when you see it . ” there’s a crooked smile settled on her lips as a brown - eyed gaze shifts to the driver’s side , and she hadn’t felt her chest tighten like this in a long , long time . it made her cheeks warm and her head foggy , causing her to act before she really thought about the consequences . . . or the meaning behind her actions . her chin lifted slightly , before she’s leaning over before she can stop herself , chin coming to rest on his shoulder as she blinked up at him under curled lashes . maybe it was the way his hair was always slightly out of place , or the dimpled accent of a smirk , or the sunlight reflecting warmth in brown eyes that stole glances in her direction ever so often . or maybe it’s the fact that she almost kissed him –– really kissed him –– in the familiarity of her bedroom to the sound of a thunderstorm . or maybe it’s the fact that they hadn’t had the chance to talk about it , not really , not with classes and football and jack sloane getting in the way . . . in actuality , it’s because clara sloane liked parker cole . really , really liked him in a way that she wasn’t prepared for , and maybe , she was perfectly okay with that . he’ll slow at a stop sign , left blinker clicking away , and she takes that opportunity to lean in , kissing his cheek near the corner of his mouth with no ulterior motive , not hidden agenda . . . just ‘cause . just as quick she’s sat back up , accepting defeat with a snap of her book shut . “ knew about this place long before we moved to dillon . my grandpa found it on a drive from UT back to baton rouge , ” her nose wrinkles as she leans back in her spot pulling one foot up onto the seat and hugging her knee to her chest , “ every time we go visit , we add an hour to our drive just to pick some of this up , put it in a cooler , and take him a supply to last a few months . ” her eyes dance along familiar sights of a small farm town with a population of no more than a thousand . “ i kind’a use it as an escape when things get real rough . like the barn only . . . sweeter , i guess , ” her head tilted , careful contemplation on her features as she added , “ not that things are rough right now . just . . . thought you might appreciate a little time away from dillon . ”