Chapter Text
A heatwave was starting in Georgia and of course our central air was on the fritz and we had no ETA from the technician because apparently everyone’s air decided to die at the same time. The only relief during the day from the arid and muggy house was provided by the large oak tree on the front lawn. I glance down at my watch and realize that Norman should be home soon and then I hear the distinct rumble of his bike in the distance. I leave my cool hide away under the tree and go into the house to pour him an ice cold glass of lemonade knowing he’ll probably need it after a long day on set.
The loud growl of the bike becomes more pronounced and I know he’s out front. I greet him on the steps with the chilled beverage. He takes off his shades and places them on top of his head before accepting the drink gulping down its contents immediately; I snort my assumption had been right he smirks at me once he is finished “Thanks babe I needed that” he walks past me into the house.
“Tough day at work” I question gesturing to his dusty, blood spattered clothing which earns me another smirk “How could you tell” he asks trying to pull me in for a hug. “Oh no, no, no I’m all ready for this bonfire and you’re not getting me dirty” I say as I side step his advance.
Norman wiggles his eyebrows “I thought you loved it when I make you all dirty” I roll my eyes and retort “Pervert” grabbing his glass off of the counter to wash. He starts to undress peeling the leather vest away from his damp skin “You sure I can’t change your mind” he asks voice deepening; I let my eyes linger over his body feeling that familiar tingle in my core, but I decide to play it cool practicing some self-control and shake my head no with a smile. “Well at least give me a kiss woman before I go take a shower” he pouts playfully and I stick my tongue out at him letting him pull me into a tight embrace. The kiss he lays on me has my toes curling and me rethinking my previous no.
“Did I change your mind about going to the bonfire” he asks his eyes twinkling as they search mine. I whisper “Almost” as I tuck a piece of hair behind his ear smirking and we both start to laugh “Damn I was hoping I could convince you to stay in with me tonight” he replies unbuckling his pants.
My mouth dries at the impromptu striptease as I shake my head “That’s not fair especially considering it’s a farewell bonfire for Merritt”; Norman stands clad in only a pair of boxers “Yeah you’re right I just want as much alone time as possible with you before Mingus gets here in a few days” he finishes his sentence by stepping out of his boxers rendering me mute.
He wiggles his hips and my cheeks become inflamed as I realize I was staring at his semi erect cock for a bit too long. When my eyes meet his I note the cocky expression on his face and thank god that my skin is too dark to blush. “There’s always later” I reply and he smiles mischievously nodding in agreement “I’m gonna go take a shower but I’ll leave the door unlocked for you just in case you change your mind” as he turns to leave I take a dish towel and swat him on the ass making him yelp and me laugh in the process.
I decide against joining him knowing how hard it was to dry off in the humid air and gather up his dirty clothes and toss them in the washer. I pour myself another glass of lemonade and go back outside to sit under the tree. A half hour later I’m engrossed in a book on my phone and playing with my braids when Norman finally emerges from the house.
“Aayla are you ready” he calls from the porch; I shoot him a look of mock annoyance before retorting “I’ve been ready the question is are you” as I close out of the book app. “Smart ass let me lock up this house” I marvel at the fact that he always takes longer than I do to get ready to go out.
“Which vehicle are we taking” I ask as he steps off the porch he looks at my dress and immediately decides on the motorcycle. I curse myself for even giving him an option I should’ve known he’d pick the damn bike. Doing my best to tuck the sunflower sundress underneath of me I settle in behind him on the bike and wrap my arms around his waist. The bike roars to a start and we set off down the dusty dirt road with the lightening bugs illuminating our way.
I cling to him relishing in the feel and scent of his body as he guides the beast through the night. He smells masculine and woodsy I snuggle further into him slipping my fingers under his shirt to caress his skin. Norman places his hand over mine for a moment rubbing it before placing it back on the throttle; off in the distance the orange glow of the bonfire burns brightly as we approached the gates of the private party.
Security greets us letting us through so that we can park amongst the other guests; once we’re parked I get off and readjust my dress when I’m finished we link hands and walk towards the main festivities. The secluded park is filled with The Walking Dead cast, set crew, family, and other contributors to the show.
Norman and I go say hi to Merritt and he encloses her in a bear hug I chuckle as she stares at me all surprised. When he finally lets go of her we also hug “Sorry about Denise I really liked her character” I say as we part. “Thanks I’m going to miss you guys” she responds dabbing her eyes to which he replies “likewise”; Merritt not wanting to hog us the whole party trades her address and phone number with us and we make plans to keep in touch.
We make the rounds chatting with different people and it’s when I end up in a conversation with Danai, Sonequa, and Christian that I realize I’ve lost Norman in the midst of the mingling. He’ll randomly show up with a drink for me and then disappear again. After knocking back a few of his mixed drink concoctions my stomach growls angrily and I excuse myself from the group and make my way to the buffet table. With my plate filled to the brim I spot my love sitting with Andy and his wife Gael and make my way over to them.