Work Text:
Sat on the grass, the breeze cool and light, Sara’s hair danced across her face. Her stomach was full from copious amounts of sugary snacks now littered on a picnic rug, and each laugh that echoed down the hill that her best friend was rolling down made it ache even more. She didn’t mind though; the sight of her friend's grin underneath a mop of auburn hair made it worth it.
His tumble down the hill came to a stop at the bottom, where he paused and clambered back up, panting and smiling in the most endearing fashion. Blades of grass were stuck to his blazer, the knees of his pants were grass-stained, and his hair was even messier than usual. Sara caught a glimpse of yellow in his fist that he quickly hid behind his back, clearing his throat.
"A dandelion for you, Sara", he offered, fighting back a giggle as he knelt down to display the flower.
Sara smirked and raised her eyebrows, "You know dandelions are weeds, right, Joe?"
Feigning shock, he gasped, but the pair burst out into a fit of giggles as Sara took the flower and tucked it behind her ear. She longed to stay in this moment forever; the pure joy of spending time with her friend, all her worries null just for a while. Loving smile on her face, Sara gazed at Joe, who was still fighting laughter. How lucky she was to have such a wonderful friend, one so full of optimism and happiness, fiercely loyal and so incredibly caring. She leant backwards into the grass, staring up at the clouds. They were abundant today, and a little more grey than white. She hoped it wouldn’t rain.
A thud sounded next to her, followed by a content sigh.
"Joe?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you"
He let out a breathy laugh, "What for?"
"For being such a good friend!"
She could almost feel him smiling next to her as her face warmed up - why is something that she so strongly believed so embarrassing to say aloud! Hearing a rustle as he tapped her shoulder, Sara rolled onto her side, now face-to-face with Joe.
"This is weird to say, to you, cause you're a girl, and I'm kind-of-dating Ryoko, but I don't mean it like that, like I don't like you - I mean I like you! Obviously, just not like that but-" He exhaled and locked his eyes with hers, trademark grin plastered on his face.
"I love ya"
Sara fought the urge to roll her eyes, "All that stammering for that?" He smiled sheepishly at her, adoration welling in his eyes. "I love you too, you dork". She gave a gentle shove that sent them both into another bout of laughter that is short lived.
"Is that rain?" He asked, as she noticed the cool pricks of water bouncing onto her skin.
As disgruntled as they’d be when they returned home in a sopping wet uniform, for now they both laughed and smiled and giggled as they frantically cleaned up the impromptu picnic and began the walk home.