Chapter Text
It's embarrassing for Belly to admit, but sometimes she listens to her favorite romantic songs and thinks of Conrad. "Dandelions" by Ruth B is playing softly in her ear as Steven drives the family to Cousins. She knows it's corny, but she can't help it.
Even without the music, her mind will always wander to the way Conrad's eyes shine when he laughs, the way the muscles on his back move when he tosses a football around with Steven and Jeremiah, or the way she catches him looking at her sometimes.
Belly is lost in thought when the car stops at the gas station. "Belly!" Steven says for the third time, annoyed.
"You going with Mom inside or what?"
"Yeah, yeah. Chill, Steven" Belly hops out of the car and heads inside with her mom.
"Why don't you pick up some snacks" Laurel tells her daughter. Belly grabs some chips, a few other snacks, and heads to the counter. Belly gets to the counter and sees the guy at the counter: "Jumper," his name tag reads.
"Hey, are you new around here?" Jumper asks. He clearly eyes Belly as he smirks and waits for her response.
"No, not really. I come here every summer." Belly knows that she's "attractive" now. Whatever that really means. But she felt confident, more herself. That's what really matters. Jumper finishes checking out her items.
"Ah, cool. You should come to the bonfire party tonight. You can be my plus one." He's confident that Belly wants him.
"Maybe." Belly replies as Laurel comes up and pays for everything.
~
The family of three finally arrive to the beach house. "Belly!" Jeremiah yells as he runs up and hugs Belly, spinning her around. "You look gorgeous, Bells"
"Hey, hey. Don't flirt with my sister in front of me" Steven slaps Jere on the arm. Laurel is beginning to unload the car.
"No flirting here, just facts." Jeremiah laughs.
"Whatever, man" Steven goes to help his mom.
"Seriously, Belly, you look great. Conrad won't be able to resist you." He smirks
"Shut up, Jere" Belly laughs and shoves him playfully.
"No, I'm serious. I-" The youngest Fisher sees his older brother walking towards them. "Shit. Here he comes, here he comes. Good luck." He frantically whispers as he walks away.
Damn. Everytime Conrad sees her, somehow she looks even more beautiful. Is that possible? She looks so... Grown? Mature? He doesn't know; it doesn't matter. What he does know is that he wants her.
"Look at you without glasses, Isabelle" He smiles.
"Yeah, there's this amazing thing called contact lenses. Don't know if you've ever heard of them."
"You're such a smartass." Conrad laughs. It's amazing how all his anxiety can just float away when he hears her voice. "Just for that, I think it's time I called for a belly flop." Belly's smile drops.
"Conrad Fisher, I swear to god-" Conrad's yell to Steven and Jere interrupts her.
"Belly flop!"
~
A little while later, Belly is sitting in her room when Jere comes in.
"How'd it go with Conrad?" The blonde asks, leaning against her door frame. Belly blushes.
"Sometimes, I regret telling you I had a crush on him." Jeremiah laughs.
"Come on, it was only fair. I told you I was bi."
"I know. I'm glad you trusted me. Hey, have you told anyone yet."Jeremiah sighs and runs his hand through his blond curls. He sits on the bed next to Belly.
"No, not even Conrad."
"You know he'll be supportive, right?" Belly tries to comfort one of her best friends.
"I know, but it's hard."
"How about this: I help you come out to Conrad, and you be my wing man with him." Belly grins. Jeremiah laughs, feeling his stress desipate.
"You know what, Bells? It's a deal" They jokingly shake hands.
~
Belly puts on her bathing suit and grabs a towel for a late night swim. After swimming for a bit, she sees Conrad sitting on the edge of the pool, smoking a joint.
"I thought pot killed brain cells." Belly asks as she floats in the pool. Conrad takes another drag and exhales.
"Yeah, it does. It's one hell of a stress reliever though." Belly swims closer to him.
"Well, I think you should quit." Conrad smirks. He can't help but glance at her chest for a moment, thinking about things he probably shouldn't.
"What will you give me if I do?" His voice is low but steady. Belly practically melts but somehow keeps her composure. She swims closer to him, now right next to where he's sitting on the edge.
"Well," Belly smirks. "I'd certainly do anything to convince you. Any suggestions?" She lifts her self out of the pool and is now right next to him. Conrad stares at her for a moment. He can see the shape of her figure through her wet swim suit.
"Mmm... I might have a few, Isabelle." He places his hand on her thigh. He looks at Belly to make sure that she's comfortable, and she's just looking back at him with desire in her eyes.
"Hey, Conrad, are we going to this party or what?" Steven yells as he walks outside with Jeremiah. Belly and Conrad break apart before Steven sees them. Jeremiah notices though.
"Sorry, Bells." Jere mouths to Belly, without the other guys noticing.
"Oh, I should get ready, actually." Belly says as she grabs her towel to dry off.
"What? No. You're not going." Her brother says sternly.
"Why not?" Belly's annoyed by her brother's questioning. Why can't he mind his business?
"Because I'm not babysitting you all night."
"Come on, Steven, she can come." Conrad says.
"Yeah, it's not that big of a deal." Jere agrees. Steven sighs and throw up his hands. Is he a little overprotective? Probably. But he cares.
Conrad smiles as he watches his girl, what will soon be his girl, rush inside excitedly to get ready. He has no doubt that somehow she'll return even more beautiful.