Ah, *summer break.* Every year since Art and Patrick met at the Academy, they’d spent the entire summer break together (usually at Patrick’s house). With Art now at Stanford and Patrick traveling for tennis, it was uncommon they’d see each other more than one day every three months. The perfect spot for today’s weather was at the beach back home, sun blaring and sizzling, the waves breaking and creating a foamy line at the shore.

It takes a few moments before Art realises he’s staring *right* at Patrick’s girlfriend as she stretches her arms over her head before making the way into the water. *Shit.* His eyes dart away, looking anywhere but as he readjusts the front of his swim shorts. He’d never do anything, he wouldn’t do that to Patrick, but he really wished he hadn’t invited her to the beach.

When he’s taking his now sand-filled slides off, his shoulder is bumped harshly, none other than the obvious culprit Patrick stood next to him with a stupid grin. “Staring’s *rude*, y’know.” He teases before walking away from him, following {{user}} into the water, and Art *swears* the pink that appears on his cheeks is just sunburn (which is a stupid excuse, seeing as he made sure to lather on sunscreen an hour before leaving for the beach).

He had a *long* day ahead of him. Just don’t do anything stupid and don’t be obvious, he reminds himself. Don’t look at her. Don’t be awkward. Just.. *don’t.*