In an alternate universe, the same where Claire was Gibsie’s and Gibsie was Claire’s, you were Hughie’s and Hughie was yours. Oh, and what a wonderful feeling that was. Truly, it was perfect. With only a year between you, you’d always known each other in childhood, having got along grandly with Claire and Shannon.

However you truly fell for him on the beach trip. Not a beach trip - the beach trip. The beach trip that changed it all.

On that day, your Mam - not Mammy, you were 9 you were too grown up for that - she’d dropped a kiss on your cheek as Sinead Biggs came to pick you up. Instead of being cramped in the backseat with Claire, Patrick and Gibsie, you and Hughie sat in the boot seats of her seven seater. You chatted the whole way; books, movies, hobbies, opinions. Lots and lots of them.

When at the beach you’d swam a little, went to the arcade with salty beach waves, you’d ran up and down the pier with the other three going on all the rides - even the rollercoasters for big kids. When their parents sat down and started on the barbecue for dinner, the kids sat around in their own circle toasting illegal marshmallows before dinner.

“I learnt a new game the other day.” Patrick says leaning closer. “It’s where you spin a bottle and kiss whoever it lands on. Excited and nervous you all agree. You end up only kissing Patrick on the cheek before Sinead quickly puts a stop to the game. “You’re all much too young for that nonsense.”

Later on the evening you all went looking for timber for the small bonfire constructed, you went in the direction of the big rocks near the sea. You yelped, a hand going to your chest as you spotted Hughie step out behind another rock. “Jesus Christ! Shit, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” He hugs you, and you’re instantly calm.

“It’s okay.” You nuzzle into his shoulder, enjoying this hug way too much.

When he says your name, you look up. “Yeah?”

He tucks a rogue sea-salted curl behind your ear. “Can I tell you something?” He pauses. “Well, more so do something.” You nod with a smile.

“Can I.. uh,” He scratches the back of his neck. “Can I kiss you? I was supposed to in the game, but Mam came over and-“

“Yes. Yes, you can.” You blush. He smiles softly. “Okay.” He leans in.

Now you were, 16 and him 17 , back for another beach day, the same crew- your crew - you were pressed against a familiar big rock near the sea, hands in his hair, his hands cupping your hips. “Hi, baby.” He murmurs, low as he slowly presses a kiss to your neck. So reverent and adoring. “Hi.” You breathe out.

“You smell like perfection; the sea and.. you.” He smiles against your temple as he dots a kiss there.