Andrew Pope Cody x Surfer!Reader
´Aloha ! New postcard for my favorite person. I miss you so much out here, man. It sucks not being able to steal first place from under your nose, but i’m so proud of you for opening that bar. I can’t wait to come back and get free drinks.
- Lots of love, the love of your life.’
Deran was sitting on a leather stool, smirking, with a cigarette hanging on the corner of his mouth. He had not received a postcard from you in a while now. He slipped it in his back pocket, reminding himself to store it in his memory box, where many of your postcards were already stacked.
Craig put his hands on his brother’s shoulders, making the youngest jump.
« Man, what the fuck » he shrugged Craig off. « You scared me »
« Yeah, yeah…so…» Craig sat down next to Deran and rested his chin in his hand « Who’s that from ? »
Deran took a drag from his cigarette before putting it out, then said your name. Craig repeated it like it sounded familiar.
« Wait ? You mean the girl who kicked your ass in every competition ? You guys are friends now ? »
« Yeah i guess we are, and she didn’t beat me in every competitions, just some of them »
« You mean most of them » Craig emphasized, earning an eye roll from his younger brother. « Wait so she sends you postcards ? Does she have a crush on you or something ? »
Deran snickered and stood up to start working behind the bar.
« She was the first to know, actually »
« What ? Not me ? Her ?» The brown-haired man was genuinely shocked at this information. He remembered a young Deran bawling his eyes out every time he lost to you.
« Of course it wasn’t you, who do you think you are ? »
« An asshole would be a better answer »
Craig put a hand on his chest, feigning shock . « Is she coming back to San Diego anytime soon ? I remember she was pretty hot »
Baz walks into the bar, flashing his iconic smile at the brothers.
« Wait why does that name sound familiar to me ? » Baz sat down next to Craig, right in front of Deran.
« She wasn’t my nemesis. »
« I mean, I remember you bitching about her any chance you got when you were younger »
« Yeah, because I was a dumbass who didn’t know how to lose to a girl »
« Oh my god ! Y/n ! » It came back to Baz in a flash. « I remember ! Didn’t she move away ? »
« Yeah, but she keeps in touch with our dearest baby brother..I wish i could get a postcard too »
« A postcard ? » Baz said, laughing, almost mocking Deran.
« He receives postcards from a hot surfer »
« What ? no way. If i were her, i would’ve hated your ass »
« She was always coming up to talk to you after competitions, and you always ignored her. i always thought she had a crush on you »
« Oh my god, stop saying that. And where is Pope anyway ? We were supposed to meet here 30 minutes ago. »
« He picked Lena up from school and is dropping her off at Smurf’s »
« Aren’t you supposed to do that ? » Craig said, side-eyeing his older brother.
« Busy doing what ? Fucking Lucy ? »
« You know what ? Deran, get me a beer, we’ll start without Pope »
The bar was busy that night; laughter mixed with the steady beat of music from outside.
You approached the bar, moving through the crowd like you belonged here, like you had never left California. You spotted the blond hair you were looking for and you leaned onto the counter.
« Hi, hot stuff ! Is it possible to get a free beer ? » You shouted over the music.
Deran scoffed at first, ready to scold whoever dared to ask for something free in this economy, and especially in a brand-new bar, but when he turned around, he froze.
He did not expect to see you here.
He almost gasped your name before quickly circling around the bar and pulling you into a hug. It gelt like a breath of fresh air, seeing a familiar face he hadn’t seen in so long.
« What are you doing here ? »
« I told you i couldn’t wait to come back and get a free drink »
« Yeah, but i didn’t expect it to be so soon ! »
You guys talked all through the evening while he was serving other people. You even offered to help him but he refused, he was really uptight about following the rules which surprised you. You didn’t know everything about what his family did, but you did know that he always had been mixed up in some bad stuff when you were younger. When he dropped out of high school to work for his mom, you remembered going all the way up to his house to beat some senses into him, only to be chased by Smurf with a broom. After that, you never dared to cross paths with his family again.
You often saw his brothers growing up. They usually dropped him off at competitions when his mom was busy. You had to admit that they were all really attractive, but you would never admit that to him.
You explained that you were back for now, your contract with your former sponsor in Hawaii ended and you were now looking for a new sponsorship. So for the rest of the season, you would be staying in California with your family.
You shared memories with him, and told him about the people you met around the world and everything you’ve done. It felt bittersweet, you had grown up expecting to ride the waves alongside him, only to end up chasing that dream on your own. Still, you were glad to be back, glad to spend some time with him.
You knew that Deran and his family all worked together, but you didn’t expect them to literally work together all the time. At first, you thought it was sweet how close to his family he was, but day by day you realized it wasn’t really like that. You couldn’t quite explain why, but something felt off.
Being back in town somehow turned you into Lena’s babysitter whenever they were all busy.
At first, Andrew was against it. He didn’t know who you were and was mad at Baz for allowing a stranger into his house.
The only thing he remembered about you was that Deran hated you and that was enough for him to hold a grudge.
But little by little, he warmed up to you. Not completely, not in a way that people would notice, but he tolerated you.
One day, you took Lena out for a girl’s surfing session, you taught her as much as someone could for a beginner and you were impressed how quick she learned. You guys were about to leave and get her some ice cream when you saw Andrew walking toward you on the beach.
« Oh, Hi Andrew ! You guys finished your top-secret job ? » You asked with a cocky smile.
« Yeah, I came here to pick Lena up. » There was the ghost of a smile at the corner of his lips.
« No !! Please, uncle Pope we were about to get some ice cream ! »
« I can take you for ice cream »
« No i want to go with Y/N ! »
you raised your eyebrows at Lena, then slowly looked at Andrew. People in his family seemed to call him Pope but you never really understood why.
« You know what Lena ? » You crouched in front of the girl « How about we all go for ice cream, the three of us…? We can make your uncle pay for everything » You smirked as you looked back up at him.
« Oh yes ! » Lena giggled. « Uncle pope will you come with us ? »
The three of you started walking toward the ice cream shop by the beach. You held both your bag and Lena’s, along with her hand, your pride pushing you to appear strong in front of a man. Andrew didn’t say anything, he just continued walking beside Lena.
He always had that calm deamenor, barely showing any emotion.
You had been in San Diego for months now, just hanging out with your old friends, especially Deran. But being around him and the bar meant hanging around his family.
The day you saw Smurf again, you were shitting your pants, convinced she might pull a gun on you. Instead she just pulled you into a hug, leaving you really confused.
His brothers all seemed fine on the surface, but the more you spend time with them, the more they got annoying.
Craig with his dumb flirting tactics, snorting coke left and right. Baz being obnoxious, arrogant and a pretty bad father shaped by his own daddy issues.
The only one who seemed normal, aside from Deran, was Pope.
Well.. ‘Normal’ might be a stretch.
But he was nice, he didn’t really bother you or make you uncomfortable, he was just..there…
Always sitting straight, tense. His biceps tight under his shirts, curls falling perfectly over his forehead, freckles scattered across every inch of skin visible to the eye.
You found him really attractive, weirdly attractive, but still attractive.
And you, being who you were, often let your mind wander, imagining him pinning you down, losing control and fucking you rough until your passed out.
But you would never admit the kind of thought you had to anyone.
It’s something you would keep to yourself until the day you died, killed off by a shark.
« Y/N ! Can I get toppings on my ice cream? »
You were pulled out of your thoughts by Lena tugging on your cover-up, her big brown eyes sparkling with anticipation.
« Of course ! I’m sure your uncle has enough money for toppings, but you should ask him anyway..Just to be polite. »
Andrew glanced over, already searching for his wallet without hesitation « Yeah, sure. Get whatever you want Honey »
« Yay !! Thank you, uncle Pope ! Thank you, Y/N »
Andrew smiled fondly at his niece, and you couldn’t help but stare at him for a moment, your chest feeling a little too full.
You loved the way he was with her. Despite his rough intimidating exterior, you felt something real beneath it, that’s what you liked to believe anyway.
The rest of the day went smoothly, Andrew dropped you off at your place. You had to get ready because Deran invited you to a private party at the bar with his friends and family.
During the drive, you tried to keep the conversation going, throwing him questions, small jokes, anything. But Andrew wasn’t responsive at all. Most of the time, Lena answered for him, filling the silence with her cheerful chatter.
« So..How is life ? Got a girlfriend ? » You asked casually, testing the waters, trying to figure out how to approach him, or how to flirt really.
« Uncle Pope doesn’t have a girlfriend ! »
« Really ? A boyfriend ? » You teased.
Lena burst out laughing, like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard.
You spent most of the afternoon trying to flirt subtly, resting your hand on his forearm when you laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, giving him soft glances. Nothing. His expression barely changed, his attention fixed almost entirely on Lena.
You admired that, you really did, but you wished you could get something out of him.
You hoped he would come tonight. You had already planned to wear your sluttiest, sexiest outfit. Maybe then. he’d look at you the way you looked at him.
« So….Any news ? » Deran asked later, sliding a beer across the counter toward you.
You replied, casually adjusting your neckline, subtly trying to make your boobs look better.
You scoffed lightly. It had been months now. At this point, you were almost sure your career was over. No calls, no offers, nothing. You had trophies, medals…But it was never enough. It was never enough for them
« Not really, let’s not talk about that tonight. »
Deran gave you a tight-lipped, sympathetic smile. Before you could say anything else, you felt weight drop onto your shoulders; Craig’s arm.
« Hey Craig » You replied, rolling your eyes but forcing a smile.
« This dress looks really good in you..Would look better on the floor, though » He winked.
You fake gagged right in his face and shoved his arm off you. Laughter erupted behind you, and when you turned, you saw Baz and Andrew watching.
« She got you man. » Baz said.
« Yeah, yeah, » Craig muttered, stealing your beer and sitting down beside you.
« Hey ! I was drinking that ! »
« Ask your boyfriend for another one »
« Deraaan, pleaaase » You pouted
Deran chuckled and handed you another drink. « There you go. »
You caught Andrew’s reaction; his eyebrows furrowed slightly. He clearly didn’t know you and Deran weren’t actually a thing.
« Andrew, you look good. Lavender really suits you, it makes your face pop »
He gave you a nod in acknowledgement, that was it.
You sighed internally. Flirting with him felt like talking to a wall, and you weren’t sure how long you could keep it up. It had been a while since you’d gotten any attention, real attention. And the frustration was starting to build, internally and physically.
Your eyes scanned the room, searching for a distraction, if Andrew wasn’t going give you what you wanted, someone else would..
You spent most of the night flirting with someone else. He wasn’t terrible, just…boring. And definitely not as attractive as Andrew.
Still, you could feel Andrew’s gaze on you more than once, burning into the back of your head.
By the end of the party, you found yourself back at the bar next to Deran.
« Okay bestie, you have to help me, » you groaned. « I thought i wanted to hook up with that guy, but he’s the worst. Worse than Craig. So pleaseeee..help me out»
Andrew’s voice cut him off.
You blinked, surprised. « What ? Are you sure ? I don’t want to bother you. »
Before you could argue, he was already walking toward the guy. You watched, curious, as they exchanged a few words. The guy’s expression shifted quickly; from confident to..defeated ?
« W-what ? » You stuttered.
« I said let’s go. i’m dropping you off, I handled it »
You turned back briefly. « Bye Deran. Love you »
The ride home was painfully quiet. Neither of you spoke. The tension in the car felt thick, almost suffocating.
When you arrived in front of you apartment, you hesitated before turning to him.
« Do you…want to come in ? I can get you a drink. Just to say thanks. »
Inside, you both sat on the couch, leaving an awkward space between you. You tried to make small talk, throwing out a few questions, comments..But all you got in return were quiet hums and short nods.
The silence felt louder than anything else and you were convinced he could hear all of your thoughts.
« You’re very quiet, you know. At first, I thought it was because you hated me- » He cut you off.
« Yeah, I figured that out when I saw you were like that with everyone. »
« Thanks for what you did with Stephen »
You turned to look at him, wondering if he was serious. When you realized he was, you laughed.
« The man you rejected for me silly ! »
« Oh. Yeah, you’re welcome. »
There was a brief pause before he spoke again.
« I didn’t know Deran was that open. »
« Huh ? What do you mean ? »
« You. Flirting with other men. »
« I mean…? He is protective of me, i guess , but i’m a big girl you know. »
« So you guys are in an open relationship ? »
« What ? What are you-» You stared at him then burst out laughing. « A-are you serious ?? You think me and Deran are dating ? » You held your stomach as you laughed.
« No !! Why would I flirt with you or any other men if we were ? »
« You flirted with me ? »
« Dude what ? Are you serious ? I didn’t know you were this dense. Open your eyes Andrew, I was trying to make you jealous by flirting with Stephen. »
« Yeah ! What the fuck did you think i was doing these past few months ? I was always in your face. Even Deran noticed, I know he did he just didn’t say shit so i wouldn’t embarrass myself. »
« Why would you be embarrassed ? »
« You are sooo nonchalant dude, it’s insane. Which is hot, but come on…Give me something ! Even Lena noticed ! She is always making fun of me or trying to set us up »
You didn’t know why you felt so comfortable talking to him about your feelings. Maybe he just had that effect on you, or it was the alcohol running through your veins.
« Oh, it’s fine. I didn’t really expect much. I was hopeful, sure, but I also know you’re emotionally unavailable, and it’s okay i guess. »
« I think I’m going to go. »
« Oh ! Okay…» Guilt hit you instantly. You thought opening up had scared him, a creeping sense of remorse crawling up your spine.
Andrew stood up, brushing himself off as if trying to shake the tension from his body. He walked toward the door, you followed. He stopped suddenly in front of it and looked at you for a second. You caught a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, but then he opened the door and left, leaving you standing there alone.
It had been weeks since that conversation with Andrew.
You still saw him almost every day, but something had shifted. Every time your eyes met, he looked away first. Every time you tried to talk to him, his answers were shorter than before, clipped, like he was carefully choosing how little he could say without being rude.
It stung more than you expected.
Deran had asked you more than once if something had happened between the two of you. When you finally told him everything, he just sighed, like he had sent it coming from a mile away.
« You probably scared him off, » He had said.
That’s what he told you, anyway.
Andrew stopped crashing your and Lena’s hangouts. And if he did show up, it was only for a few minutes, long enough to check that everything was fine before disappearing again. It hurt.
It felt like you had invaded his safe spaces, like your presence alone made him uncomfortable. And that had never been what you wanted. You didn’t know how to fix it, didn’t know how to go back to the way things were before; awkward, quiet, simple.
Back when he didn’t know how you felt.
But life didn’t really give you the choice to fix anything. The universe decided for you.
You were sitting at the Drop, when your phone rang.
It was just you, Deran and Craig. The place was quiet for once. You were all drinking, a joint being passed lazily between you while Craig and Deran argued over something stupid, voices overlapping in that familiar, chaotic way.
You excused yourself, wiping your slightly sweaty hands on your jeans as you stood up and answered.
« Hello ?…Yes, this is she…Wait-really?…OH MY GOD, THANK YOU SO MUCH!…Yes! Yes, of course-Okay perfect !…Okay!..Bye !! »
When you turned back, both men were staring at you, waiting.
« Okay don’t freak out » You said, holding your hands up, a grin stretching so wide it almost hurt.
« Why would we freak out ? » Craig asked, suspicious.
« I said don’t freak out ! »
« Just spill » Deran cut in, leaning forward slightly.
« I got a sponsorship… » You paused for effect, barely containing yourself. « From Red bull. »
For a second there was silence, quickly followed by chaos.
You jumped, and they jumped with you, both of them crashing into you in a messy group hug that nearly sent you all to the floor.
« Wait… » Deran pulled back first, the excitement fading just a little as reality settled in. « That means you’re leaving »
« Yeah… » You stepped closer and wrapped your arms around him tightly. « I know. I’m sorry. But I’ve been stuck in Oceanside for too long without anything happening. It was starting to get to me. »
He hugged you back just as tight.
« I’m so happy for you. Really, you deserve it. »
« I’ll send you free red bull for the bar » you added with a small laugh. « Save you some money »
« Oh, wow. » He said sarcastically « Don’t know what i’d do without you. »
«Damn » Craig cut in, ruining the moment as usual. « So you’re really leaving without hooking up with me? »
« Yeah, and thank God for that ! »
« Alright ! » He clapped his hands together. « Free beers on me »
You and Craig cheered instantly.
When Deran came back, though, you could tell something was on his mind. He handed you your drink, hesitating for a second.
« Are you gonna tell Pope ? »
« Why would I do that ? » You frowned slightly.
« Yeah why would she ? » Craig added, looking between you both. Then something clicked.
« Oh my—Wait. » He pointed at you. « You wanna fuck Pope ! So that’s why you always rejected me ! »
« Ohhh yeah, Craig. That’s totally the only reason. »
« She doesn’t just wanna fuck him, she likes him. »
« Dude shut up » You smacked his arm.
« What ? Pope ? » Craig scoffed « Who would have a crush on him ? » You also slapped his arm.
« Well…me, duh » You took a sip of your beer, then sighed. « But I’m not going to talk to him about it. I’ve got a month left, and he clearly doesn’t want anything to do with me, I’ll just leave quietly. »
« That man is always uncomfortable, one conversation is not going to kill him »
« Yeah…Maybe. We’ll see. If the moment comes »
« We both know you’re never gonna tell him »
You smirked. « You know me so well Babe. »
Weeks passed. You stopped trying so hard with Andrew. Every attempt ended the same way anyway; with him shutting it down before it could begin. At some point, you just…Let it go.
Or at least, you pretended to.
The day of your departure came faster than you expected.
And you still hadn’t talked to him.
You knew Deran had told him, you found out when Craig accidentally mentioned it. But even then, Andrew hadn’t come to you. Hadn’t said anything.
And honestly ? A little pathetic, but that was their family, wasn’t it ?
At the airport, everything felt too real.
You took your time saying goodbye, hugging everyone a little longer than usual, especially Deran.
« Send me a post card » He said, smiling.
« Obviously. First thing i do when i land. »
Craig pulled you into a hug next, messing with your hair.
« Nice knowing you sexy. Shame you’re leaving so soon »
« I’ll be back before you even notice i am gone, don’t worry bro »
You laughed, stepping back, then you saw him. Andrew stood a little further away, like he always did now. Close enough to be there, far enough to not be involved. Lena clung to your leg, crying, and you rested a hand in her shoulder, trying to soothe her.
For a second neither of you moved. Then you smiled, careful.
He smiled back. And nodded. That was it.
« Bye Andrew. » You said softly. « I loved spending time with you…And Lena. »
Your voice almost caught at the end, but you pushed through it. You crouched down, hugging Lena tightly, promising her postcards, souvenirs, everything you could think of.
Then you stood up, and left, without looking back. Because you knew if you did, if you saw him standing there. Watching. You wouldn’t get in that plane.
A month later, Andrew still thought about you. More than he wanted to admit. More than he should.
Regret had a way of settling deep in his chest, heavy, constant. He replayed that night over and over, the things you said, the way you looked at this, the way he had just…Shut down.
He could have said something. Should have.
But he knew himself, knew the mess he carried, the things he couldn’t fix.
He didn’t want to drag you into that, not into his family, not into something that could hurt you the way it had hurt others.
« Uncle Pope ! » Lena’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts as she ran into the living room. « Y/N sent us a box ! »
He was on his feet before he even realized it.
He took the box from her little hands carefully, setting it down on the table like it was something fragile. Important. His fingers hesitated for a second over the tape before he finally opened it.
Inside were little things, trinkets, souvenirs.
One for Lena. One for him.
He froze. Slowly, he picked his up. He hadn’t expected that. Not after the way he had treated you. Not after ignoring you for weeks. He read it once, then again. A small smile pulled at his lips before he could stop it.
I hope you’re doing well.
Portugal is incredible, I think you’d like it. Or at least I’d like to believe you would.
I wasn’t sure if I should write to you. Part of me thought you probably wouldn’t want to hear from me after everything. But i couldn’t quite bring myself not to.
So here I am. Trying one more time.
I still think about you more than i probably should. Whatever we could’ve been if you pulled that stick out your ass.
Maybe it’s too late, maybe not. I guess that’s up to you now.
I left my number below. No pressure, really. But if you ever feel like talking, i’d like that.
Without thinking, he reached for his phone, his thumb hovered over the screen for a second, just long enough for doubt to creep in…Then he started typing.
Maybe you leaving wasn’t the end.
Maybe it was the only way either of you could finally move forward, together.
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