Archive of Our Own ^beta

As much as Sam adored her family, they were very overbearing. Ever since she turned 18 they were constantly setting her up with their coworkers sons, making Sam have to decline all the date texts she would receive every few weeks.

After a lot of convincing for them to stop they eventually did for quite awhile. That was until she had Emily over for lunch and they overheard her talking about her boyfriend, and how happy he makes her. Which set them off again to try find a guy to make their daughter that happy.

As Sam was heading out the door to go over to the Washington's house, she haulted at the sound of her mother's voice, "No sleepovers tonight okay? And remember to bring your boyfriend tomorrow sweetie!"

"Sure mum!" She was worried she would ask that. Sam told them a couple months prior she started seeing someone so they would stop setting her up, and it worked perfectly! Except she didn't know what she was going to do now, maybe say he got sick? But she said that last time, she was hopeless.

She headed up the copious amount of steps to the Washington's household and knocked on the door, surprisingly it wasn't Beth to answer the door per usual

"Ah Sammy, what a pleasant surprise." He leaned against the door with his classic smirk.

"Josh I'm here every Friday." She rolled her eyes but the big grin she had spread across her face gave her annoyed act away instantly.

Josh snorted, "Oh really are you? Jeez I never noticed the only reason we have tofu in the fridge disappears every Friday." He moved out the way of the door and let her past.

Sam berated him, "You shouldn't knock it until you've tried it."

"Oh I have, I don't know how you eat it." Josh's face turned nauseated at the memory.

She giggled and spun on the spot as she stared back at him, "When did you try my tofu?"

He shook his head in shame, "One very lonely Thursday evening Sammy."

She scoffed, "Is that when you told me it expired but I saw a half eaten tub in the fridge?"

He blanked her and wandered into the open plan kitchen. He pulled out an unopened packet of tofu from their comically gigantic fridge, "Well that's all in the past now dear."

They both heard two set of footsteps clatter down the stairs. After the twins rounded the corner Beth spoke first, while Hannah ran to hug Sam. "Ew Josh stop trying to impress Sam with a piece of tofu, low bar bro."

Josh crossed his arms and puffed out his chest, "You know I have the money to dazzle our dear Sammy with better than tofu." Beth rolled her eyes and embraced Sam in her arms.

Sam reminded herself of the unfortunate conundrum back at home, "Hey guys, sorry I can't stay over tonight by the way." All three girls headed towards the couch and flopped down in their unspoken designated seats.

"Aw why?" Both twins say at once and they all share a laugh. Josh finished pouring himself a glass of apple juice and sat on Beth's side.

"Well basically you know how my parents have been trying to set me up with a guy for ages?" They both nod. "I told them I was seeing someone so they would stop. Now we're going up to my grandma's tomorrow, and my mum asked me to bring him again. I said he was sick last time so I can't say that and I don't know what to do."

Beth stayed silent and Hannah let out a quiet, "hmmm." in thought. Then they heard Josh speak up with a sly tone.

"I could go with you, be your boyfriend."

The twins could practically hear him smirking from behind Beth, but before she got a chance to tell him off Sam shot up.

"Oh would you actually? Thank god I had no idea what I was going to do tomorrow and my parents have been so worried recently why my boyfriend won't come to any family events. Plus I don't want to upset them because they were so happy when I told them I found someone-" As she was blabbering on she was blindsided to the rarity of Josh Washington visibly being flustered.

"Oh uh y-yeah sure." He knew his sisters noticed he was blushing he just prayed Sam didn't realise.

Not stopping the grin that appeared her face she continued, "We're driving there at 8am so be at my house for then, and please," She shot him a knowing look, "Don't be late."

He whined, "8 in the morning? I'll try Sammy but I can't promise anything."

"Well it's you that will have the bad reputation over the weekend then." She smirked, thinking that would probably convince him.

He knew he would have made sure not to be late anyway, however she did make a good point. "Alright, alright you make a valid argument, I will try my absolute hardest not to be late."

As Hannah and Beth gave each other more and more shocked expressions as the conversation progressed, Hannah's face softened and she grabbed onto Sam's arm to get her attention, "Don't you worry I will personally make sure he's not late."

"Thank you Han, I wish you luck soldier." She and Beth both salute her with a chuckle.

Beth stared at her like a crazy woman, "Yeah I'm not helping you with that, you're on your own, I'm staying in bed."

Hannah pouted and leaned her head on Beth's shoulder, "Awwww man what happened to 'Twins stick together?'"

Beth's expression turned puzzled, "Who said that?"

"Me, duh."

Dramatically Josh sighed at his sisters antics, "Okay ladies can we please watch the movie now."

After the movie was over Hannah got up and pulled Sam with her, "Let's go to my room, I want a girl chat." She shot a look at Josh and sprinted up the stairs with Beth in tow.

They flopped onto Hannahs silky soft duvet and Sam sighs in content for a second, sometimes she forgets how rich these people are.

Hannah rolled over onto her stomach with her feet in the air, "Sooooo," the girls turn their attention to her. "You and Josh huh?"

An overly loud gagging noise came from Beth's direction. Sam hit Hannah lightly, "It's just fake for my family Hannah." She rolled her eyes at her overly lovey talk again. However she couldn't help the smile that came to her face at the thought of having to act like a couple with Josh.

"Uh huh," She pointed at her upturned lips and knowingly looked to her sister, "I think someone's going to have a fun weekend with our big bro."

Beth's face turned to a scowl "Oh god yuck don't put that thought in my head. It's bad enough when he flirts with her using tofu that he didnt even buy."

Sam sighed, "He's just joking around Beth he does that with everyone."

As Hannah twirled her hair she pondered outloud, "Eh sometimes, but he doesn't get all flushed at the thought of dating just anyone."

Beth huffed and rested back against the headboard, "I hate to agree here but yeah I've not seen him get that nervous in a long while."

A feeling of dread suddenly hit Sam's stomach, "He knows he's allowed to back out right? I'm not forcing him, I could try make up something to my family."

Beth furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "What, do you not want him with you?"

She shook her head "No that's not what I meant I just don't want him to feel uncomfortable."

Hannah snorted and started to put her hair into a messy bun as she reassured her, "I don't think you could pay Josh any amount of money to not go with you tomorrow." Beth grumbled something that sounded like a disgruntled agreement and nodded at her sisters statement.

A worried expression came over Sam's face as she looked to Hannah for guidance, "Jokes aside I am a quite nervous about it."

"Well," Hannah smirked and let out a cheeky sounding giggle, "If everything goes to plan you could be our sister in law."

Sam found the sentiment sweet, but she didn't really want to admit she liked the idea for more reason than one.

They continue to laugh and chat until Sam feels a buzzing in her pocket, she sees its her mum ringing her and she clicks the answer button. "Hello?" The twins can hear a distant voice from the device. "Yeah sure, I'll head back home now."

"Wait Sam don't go." Hannah scowls at her as Beth crosses her arms and pretends to appear immensely angry.

As Sam stands from the bed and sticks her hands in the air, "I'm sorry guys, mum's orders." She leaves the room and they follow as they beg for her to stay. "I'll see you tomorrow Hannah, that is if you're dropping off Josh?"

"Hmmm okay... I guess." The answer seemed to satisfy her enough to stop grabbing onto her hood.

Sam pulled them both into a hug, "Sorry Beth I'll see you next week, I'll text you guys." and slipped her shoes on at the door.

Hannah huffed from behind her, "You better text me, I need to know the juicy details," She winked then her expression dropped, "Actually maybe not ALL the juicy details..."

"Oh god sis stop it before I throw up." Beth turned on her heel and bolted up the stairs to the nearest bathroom.

The death glare Sam shot at Hannah did not go unmissed, using her stern voice she replied, "Goodbye Hannah Washington, I will see you tomorrow."

She closes the door and she starts her journey down the many steps infront of the Washington's home, with thoughts of the upcoming days ahead.

Washington house, 07:30am

Hannah woke up to the sound of her favourite song, This charming man by the smiths. She's so glad Beth helped her change her alarm noise, her old one was driving her insane.

She sprung out of bed and picked out a basic outfit from her cupboard and quickly put it on.

When she headed down the hallway she made sure to have light footsteps to try and not wake up Beth. That girl really needed her 8 hours sleep, and she was not one to mess with that.

As she reached Josh's door and peeked her head in, surprisingly he was wide awake and dressed. "Jeez you're actually awake." She spotted the closed bag atop his bed, "and ready to go?"

A quiet scoff left his lips. "Yes Hannah I am capable of getting myself ready in the morning."

Hannah crossed her arms as she leaned against his doorframe, "You are late to almost every gathering we go to and you don't even have to put makeup on," She glared at him up and down, "Or pick a cute outfit."

Josh scoffed and picked up his bag, "I do pick cute outfits thank you very much."

"Whatever you tell yourself to sleep at night." She stepped back as she was about to head to the kitchen, "Well I'm glad you're not late to meeting your girlfriend's family." She giggled and watched his cheeks turn a light pink before leaving.

He followed her into the kitchen and stared into the clock on the next wall to avoid eye contact with his all too knowing sister, "I just offered to be helpful since you know... you can't fake being her boyfriend."

Hannah crossed her arms and stared at him with a raised eyebrow, "Oh sure and that's why you got all flustered at the thought of being her boyfriend."

Josh attempted to deflect the situation, "What? I did not, also we should probably get going soon."

Changing the subject, she knows Josh too well. "Alright sure, take this sandwich I made last night for you."

He stuck his bottom lip out and made puppy eyes at her, "Awww you made me a packed lunch, how thoughtful."

His jokey demeanour returned instantly, she is going to make fun of him so hard when he gets back. "Right come on then let's go, since you reallyyy don't want to be late to this." Josh stayed quiet after that.

Sam's house 07:58am

"SAMMMM!" She turned at the sound of Hannah's screaming voice.

"Hey Hannah." She returned the girl's wide smile and enveloped her arms around her. "You actually got him to come on time," She quickly lifted her watch, "And with two minutes to spare, super impressive." She patted her shoulder in a military fashion.

Hannah chuckled and took a step away from him. "Well actually he was up and ready to go when I came in to wake him up."

When Sam glanced to get the first proper look at Josh she realised how nervous his whole demeanour seemed, "Well thank you for that Josh, it'll make both of our lives a lot easier." She could feel Hannah burning holes through her head with how heavy she was staring. She was a tiny bit glad she wouldn't have to fend off her relentless comments the whole weekend.

"Sweetie are you ready to-" Her mum came to a sudden hault, "Wait is that him, Is that your boyfriend?" Sam thinks she tried to be discreet but she was practically shouting.

Sam mentally prayed and suddenly she realised how awkward this weekend might be, "Ah hi mum, uh yeah it is." She looked between her mum, random bushes and buildings behind her.

Her mum rushed forward, "Oh my god I'm so delighted to meet you, Sam always keeps you so secret," She spotted Hannah and winced, "Oh hey Hannah darling I'm so sorry, I don't think we have space in the car for you, I wasn't told you were coming." She shot a glare at Sam as if to ask what was happening.

Hannah simply grinned at her, "Oh no don't worry Mrs Giddings I'm just dropping my brother off."

Her mum turned her whole body fully to her this time, "Samantha."

Sam hadn't thought this part through, "Yes mum?"

"Are you dating your best friends brother?"

She smiled sheepishly and shrugged, "Umm maybe." She somehow completely forgot that her parents were definitely going to have something to say about her boyfriend being the Josh Washington.

Sam's mum turned her attention back to him, "Well Josh, If you're anything like your sisters then you're practically already family, you can just call me Jane."

Josh was clearly using his formal charming act, which Sam definitely agreed suited him, "That's very kind of you um, Jane, and thank you for inviting me." He offered his hand to her and she ignored it and hugged him instead.

"It's no problem dear, we've been dying to meet you," She checked her watch and sighed, "Well I'm super sorry to send you away Hannah sweetie, but how about you all come round when we come back?"

"That would be lovely Jane, just get Sam to text me when works best for you guys." She hugged the older lady, Sam and Josh, then waved as she skipped away.

"Sam take Josh's bag and find a space for it in the car please." She asked as she climbed in the front seat.

"Pass your bag over." Sam ordered however Josh picked up his own bag and attempted to place it into the trunk.

Sam almost rolled her eyes but resisted. "Are you really doing the whole chivalrous thing?"

"What ever do you mean Sammy, I'm always very chivalrous." She couldn't help but let out a laugh. Taking his bag and shoving it down the side of the boot, then going round and getting into the car.

Jane's mum's house: 13:57

They stepped out the car and stretched, exchanging basic conversion about being happy the drive is over as Sam's dad grabbed their luggage bags, "Everyone grab your bag and we can go head inside." He finished by slamming the hood lid closed and Jane rang the doorbell. They could hear kids squealing behind the door.

A woman about Sam's mums age answered the door with a cheesy grin, telling one of the excited kids to go back to the living room. She embraced Jane and said hello to everyone, letting them past into the house.

Sam's dad sighed and started, "Alright lets put our stuff away then go say hi to everyone." He moved his focus to Sam, "By the way because auntie grace is here and there's no other rooms so, Josh will sleep in your room too, but please be appropriate about this."

Sam saw Josh blushing and staring at a random painting in the corner of her eye, "Oh uh yeah right, we will, thanks dad."

Sam shuffled past Josh before informing him to follow her. They climbed up the flight of stairs and sauntered into one of the nearest rooms on the right. She kept the door open for him and placed her bag on the floor. "Are you going to be okay with sharing?"

Josh was gazing at another painting with red tinted ears, "Yeah I'll be okay."

She thought to bring the awkwardness down they should get involved with other people, "Let's go back downstairs, I haven't seen Kevin in weeks."

Josh lightly chuckled and went with her into the main sitting room with a couple younger kids playing with toys, "Sam!" One of them ran and wrapped themselves around her stomach.

"Hi Kev." She beamed down and hugged him back as best as she could even with the height difference.

After he unravelled himself from her, he hopped back onto the couch with another one of Sam's cousin's. "Who's he?"

Glancing between the kids and Josh, she smiled, "Ah Kev this is my boyfriend Josh, that's Kevin and the other one is Scott."

Scott's face turned to a grimace, "Oh ew."

Kevin takes a wobbly step onto the table, facing directly at Josh. Sam stayed wary if he were to fall but let him speak. "You better not hurt her or I'll uh... hurt you." And he waved a stern fist at him.

The nervousness on Josh's face disappeared quickly, "Don't you worry about that little man, I would never hurt a lady so lovely." He reached his hand out for a fist bump and Kevin returned it with a cautious look between the two. "What're you playing?"

"We were playing cars." Sam helped him off the table before one of their mother's walked in.

"Can I join? I love cars." He threw his charming smile to the child as Sam tried not to giggle. She knew he never got the hype about cars and could care less about them, still he sat on the floor and started playing. She doesn't think she's seen a cuter sight since the stray cat she saw last month, this weekend might be the end of her.

After playing cars for the kids and discussing school, only briefly so they didn't immediately get irritated, (she knew what Scott was like.) Sam thought it would be nice to let Josh do something he enjoyed, watching a film. They obviously let the kids decide, but Josh leaned in and whispered a small thank you into her ear and warmly smiled at her. It made her feel way more things than it should have.

"Kids dinners ready!" They heard someone shout from the next room.

"Okay mum!" Scott shouted back.

They swiftly collected the cars and put them back in their right box, then watched the two kids dash to the dining room, "Thank you for playing with them," She giggled and nudged into his shoulder, "Never knew how much you loved cars."

He snorted and his radiating smile never left his face, "They're sweet kids, I'll play along."

Her voice was still mocking, she wasn't done yet. "Aww Joshua Washington has a soft spot for kids?"

They stopped at the kitchen entrance and Josh gazed down at Sam as he leaned on the doorframe with his shoulder, "Maybe, they remind me of Hannah and Beth alitttle."

She laughed lightly but felt a flutter in her heart from the honest confession. "That's cute, I promise I won't tell them that's why you put up with having toy cars on your head for an hour."

"They wouldn't let me live it down." Was the last words said before they sat down at the long table, side by side.

Afterwards Josh got quizzed by her whole family and once they discovered he was the son of Bob Washington, the questioning increased 10 fold. However Sam changed the subject whenever it was more than a couple questions at a time, a persistent bunch her family are.

Once dinner was finished Josh immediately helped clean, even though she rarely saw him do it in his own home. She left him to mingle with her relatives while she washed dishes, he seemed content enough.

Still keeping an eye on him, the place was finally spotless and they returned back to the table, where her auntie had baked a giant apple pie; unaware this was Josh's favourite.

He scoffed his plate and she ended up giving him a gigantic second slice, which made Kevin think he could eat that much too.

Kevin tried to start a competition but it was quickly shut down by her auntie. Sam heard Josh whisper an apology and watched him hand a small piece of his pie to her cousin when his mother wasn't looking.

After a lot more chatting and the kids had been in bed awhile Sam noticed Josh being a lot more timid, "I'm getting a bit tired do you want to head to bed?"

"Yeah I'm quite tired too." They both said goodnight to everyone and left. Josh rubbed his eyes and mumbled a small, "Thank you." But they heard the door open and looked back to see Sam's dad coming up to them, "Could I borrow Josh for a second? you can head up to your room honey." Sam agreed and walked up the stairs but stopped right at the top and tried to listen to what was being said.

"No need to worry son I'm not going to beat you up, you look terrified." She could hear her dad chuckle, "I just wanted to talk to you briefly about Sam. She's my world and I just want to see her happy, I know hardships are always going to come in relationships but please don't break her heart, she clearly likes you a lot."

"I will try my best for her sir, I love her alot and I definitely don't want her hurt."

She heard a light smack which she presumed to be a hand on Josh's shoulder, "That's all I wanted to hear my boy, and also please be appropriate up there, but I trust that you will."

A nervous laugh left Josh, "Uh yeah we will Sir, goodnight sir."

Her dad let out a hearty chuckle, "You can call me Arthur you know."

"Okay uh goodnight Arthur, thanks again for the food."

She heard him coming up the steps so she got up and bolted into their bedroom and quickly sat on the bed before he came in. "What was that about?"

A smile couldnt be helped reaching his face at seeing her, "Ah nothing just giving me the good old shovel talk."

"Sorry about that... Do you actually want to head to sleep now or did you just want away?"

He sat down on the bed beside her and awkwardly laughed, "I don't mind, I think I fell asleep in the car anyway."

She giggled, "Yeah you did. My mum was trying to ask you stuff in the car but you were completely out of it. Maybe you woke up alittle too early."

He dramatically lied back onto the bed, "Will I have to be up early tomorrow?"

"Yes you will Josh."

He grumbled something inaudible, "What time is it?" She glanced at her watch.

"It's quarter past eleven, do you want to head to bed then?"

"Yeah probably." He sat up and grabbed his bag, taking his pajama bottoms out, "I'm guessing you don't want me to sleep shirtless?"

Sam's eyes widened and she glanced at the lack of shirt in his hand wondering if he even packed one, "I mean it's up to you I don't care." Oh but she did care and it was obvious on her face.

"Jeez Giddings already trying to see me shirtless, atleast take me on a date first." He smirked and leaned back onto his hands.

She grinned back, "Well you've already met my family."

Josh let out a hearty laugh, "Well you know I would, but your dad said not to so unfortunately you'll have to wait till we get back to mine Sammy."

She couldn't lock eyes with his any more so she looked away and mumbled, "Oh be quiet Josh."

The bathroom door closed behind him then she stood up and got her pajamas out her own bag. She realised she packed this bag before she knew Josh was coming so she only has a white tank top and squirrel shorts, thank god she remembered to shave her legs, you know just incase.

Josh came out in plaid long bottoms and a sleeveless shirt, she walked past him into the bathroom then started to change. She usually leaves her hair down to bed but she decided to leave it up, and brush out a couple knots.

After she was done she came out with her day clothes and left them on top of her bag to sort tomorrow. She sat down and heard a cackle from the other side of the bed. "Yes Josh?"

"Nothing, nothing." But the giggling persisted so she turned over.

"What is it Washington."

"Ofcourse Miss tofu wears animal shorts to bed."

"Miss tofu?"

"You know, because you're vegan."

She rolled her eyes, "I just like animals." Her eyes drifted to his exposed arms. he always usually wore thick jumpers, she didn't know he worked out.

He chuckled and narrowed his eyebrows at her, "Are you going to go to sleep or just ogle me all night." He walked towards the light switch.

She laughed and pulled the duvet over her body, "You wish I would."

"I don't need to wish when you already are."

Sam scoffed, "Just come to bed."

"Don't have to tell me twice." He swiftly turned the lights off and climbed under the duvet, "Goodnight Sammy."

"Goodnight Josh." Then she rolled over so she atleast had some chance at sleeping tonight.

Sam stirred awake, feeling the warm blanket surrounding her. Blinking her eyes open she tried to sit up but felt a force holding her back. She turned her head and saw Josh snuggled into her back and his arms wrapped around her middle.

Reaching for her phone she checked the time, It was half seven so only the kids were awake. She decided he could rest for longer so she unlocked her phone, checking her messages she had 9 notifications from Hannah and 1 from Beth.

Opening Hannah's messages first they were all begging for updates and asking if they had fallen in love yet. Sam denied it and checked Beth's message, it's only content being, 'pls don't fuck my brother.' she decided to mess with her, snapping a picture of their current position with the caption, 'Too late ;)'

She saw Beth read it and a message came in from Hannah, 'I KNEW IT!!!!' and her phone started ringing.

Josh grumbled and pulled her closer, she knew he was awake but he was clearly unaware she wasn't his pillow back at home.

Not sure of what she should do in this situation, she just replied back to Hannah, 'I was kidding Hannah.'

'Well then why is he cuddled into your back?'

'There wasn't a spare room so we had to share'

'Ooooohhh the one bed trope, classic' Her phone buzzed again before she could respond. 'Did you guys fuck though? Beth is real worried'

'No we did not, but tell Beth he's a real good cuddler ;)'

She heard a raspy giggle right in her ear, almost dropping her phone in shock she spun her head around, "Josh you gave me a fright!"

"What by how much of a good cuddler I am?"

"I said that to annoy Beth."

Leaning back into her neck he mumbled, "Sure you did honey." It always made Sam flustered whenever he called her pet names but right now she was so glad she was facing away from him.

After a few minutes of silence her alarm went off so she turned to him and shook his bare shoulder, "Time to get up Josh."

He stared up at her with pleading eyes, "5 more minutes?"

Sam caved at mix of his bedhead and puppy eyes, "You can have 5 more minutes but I need to have a shower."

She stood up and hears annoyed murmurs coming from the bed. She bent over to pick up her bag and hears a whistle come from Josh, "Can I join you in that shower?"

Wandering into the bathroom with clothes in hand, "Hardy har, good try Washington." And closed the door behind her.

Josh heard the water turn on and wanted to go back to sleep, but the light blinding him through the curtains were impossible to sleep with. He saw Sam's phone lying open on Hannah's messages and picked it up.

Sitting up in bed he scrolled up to the messages from yesterday when he was asleep in the car.

[Sam 08:47] (image attachment) He's already asleep

[Hannah 08:48] he needs his beauty sleep to look good for you this weekend (kissy face emoji)

[Sam 08:52] Be quiet Hannah

[Sam 08:53] I'm surprised he even offered to go I don't want to make him uncomfortable

[Hannah 08:54] you know he meant it as a joke right?

[Sam 08:55] Wait what???

[Hannah 08:55] he was doing his jokey flirty thing he does with you

[Sam 09:01] Oh my god he was I'm so dumb

[Hannah 09:02] sam if he didn't want to go he wouldn't be asleep in your car right now

[Sam 09:04] I guess but still that's so embarrassing

[Hannah 09:04] yeah for him, did you not see his bright red face and hear him literally stutter after you agreed?

[Sam 09:05] Did he?

[Hannah 09:05] yes girl

[Hannah 09:06] go get that man

[Sam 09:07] Dude he's your brother

[Hannah 09:08] and? You guys would be cute together

[Hannah 09:08] he barely ever talks like that with mine or Beth's other friends

[Hannah 09:10] plus we could be sisters in law (pleading eye emoji)

[Sam 09:14] I'll think about it han, I'll text you later we need to stop and grab breakfast. Need to wake sleeping beauty up too

[Hannah 09:15] goodluck with that, love you samsam

[Sam 09:16] Talk to you soon, love you too hanhan

[Sam 14:24] Your big bro is literally playing cars with my little cousins right now

[Hannah 14:43] get me a picture right now, I need it printed and framed on his bedroom door when he gets home

[Sam 14:48] Alright I'll pretend to go to the bathroom then take a pic, I was going to do that anyway to be fair

[Hannah 14:50] ofcourse, you need a picture of how well he'll treat your future kids ;)

[Sam 14:54] Do you want the picture or not

[Hannah 14:55] OK OK sorry samsam (heart emoji)

[Hannah 15:02] when are you going to get it??

[Sam 15:04] When he realises his hand is on my thigh and not the couch armrest

[Hannah 15:06] you think he doesn't already know? Oh sweet innocent Sam

[Hannah 15:07] he's just playing his role as your boyfriend ;)

[Sam 15:07] My fake boyfriend Hannah

[Hannah 15:08] for now

[Hannah 15:08] get me that picture after you're done getting felt up by my brother

[Sam 15:11] Shut up he almost saw that

[Hannah 15:11] ;)

[Sam 15:24] (image attachment)

[Hannah 15:27] OMG they look so cute I need to show Beth

[Sam 15:28] Yeah it's super adorable

[Hannah 15:32] did you just say our brother being good with your kid cousins was super adorable

[Sam 15:44] Hi beth

[Hannah 15:44] answer the question (angry face emoji)

[Sam 15:45] Sorry we're going to watch a movie, talk to you guys later (2 heart emojis)

Then the rest was the conversation he read over her shoulder, he knew he wouldn't be able to get away from this when he got home. Did he have his hand on her thigh? Well clearly since she knew about it, but he can't apologise since that would be weird out of the blue. But she did call him super adorable, he'll take that with much pride.

He could still hear the water running so he clicked off Hannah's contact and went onto Beth's, reading the messages and seeing the picture she sent. Oh god he was actually never going to be able to escape this.

He was slightly glad to see no guys he didn't know in her recents other than someone named 'Nathan, bio partner' but he figured he didn't really have to worry about that stuff in general since he was the one in her bed right now.

After going off messages entirely he went to gallery, but it was just filled with pictures of her and the twins, and a lot of her dog. He went onto camera and took a silly selfie, tounge attempting to reach his nose. Then took one winking, with one arm flexing his biceps.

The running water stopped so he quickly closed the phone and set it down in its original space, and pretended to be asleep again.

He heard quiet footsteps come towards him and felt a hand rub his head, "Come on sleepyhead, time to get up." He opened his eyes, seeing her hand was stretched out infront of him he took it and she pulled him out of bed.

With a wobble he managed to stand still and rubbed his eyes, "Morning Sammy."

She smiled and held his upper arm, "Goodmorning Josh."

He couldn't help a smirk spreading across his face, "Giving me my morning grope are we?"

"Well you already gave me my morning grope," She smirked, "Just repaying the favor, also please shower."

He lifted his hands defensively, "Come on I don't smell that bad." He unceremoniously sniffed his armpit and scrunched his nose up, "Well my apologies for not smelling like a giant rose bush at all times."

Sam gasped and held her heart, "Was that a compliment Joshua?"

"You know I can compliment better than that Samantha." She swiftly shoved him into the bathroom and closed the door behind him, yelling for him not to take forever; then taking a seat on the bed.

After 10 minutes the door opened and Josh sauntered out with only a white towel around his waist, "Where are your clothes?" She stared at his expression as he deadpanned her and walked towards his bag.

"Well because, somebody," He coughed loudly, " shoved me into the bathroom so I didn't get to grab my clothes before I went in." He finished grabbing his clothes and headed back to the bathroom, "Jeez and I thought you were ogling last night, there's practically drool hanging out your mouth Sammy."

She wiped her mouth on instinct but obviously nothing was there, it only made him giggle, "I think you're daydreaming Josh."

He shrugged "Seems pretty real to me Giddings." Then he shut the door.

She will never be able to get that thought out her head again. She contemplated texting hannah but then that's her admitting to thinking her brother was hot. which is definitely not what she wanted her to know, so she stayed silent with her thoughts.

Once he came out they went downstairs and ate breakfast with everyone. Josh was thankfully bombarded with many less questions than last night, Sam reckons he probably would have passed out mid sentence.

Her mum turns to Josh, "By the way sweetie when do you need to be home?"

Josh didn't want to directly say his parents wouldn't notice and trauma dump at the breakfast table so he kept it light, "Uh my parents don't really mind."

"Well we could stay here for dinner and you could sleep at our house since it is the holidays for you guys, or we could leave at 5 and you can be home for around 9pm."

Josh felt a small hand land on his leg, "Please stay longer, I don't wanna say bye." He stared into Kevin's pleading eyes and didn't have to think at all.

"We can stay for dinner if you guys are okay driving back late?"

Jane grabbed Sam's arm, "He's such a sweet one isn't he?" She laughed and quietly agreed, "We would stay longer but me and her father have work tomorrow, you can stay over while we're gone, that's okay with us." She had a warm smile, everything about this weekend was warm, she wished it was real.

After breakfast her auntie asked the table what everyone wants to do today. The kids screamed for the Arcade and the parents consulted.

There was a cafe next door to it so they could be nearby they asked if Sam and Josh were okay with taking them. it was indoors so the only rule was not to leave.

Scott and Kevin were ecstatic and in all honesty Sam and Josh were too, because he really didn't fancy doing a mountain hike or whatever got Sam into all her climbing activities.

"Yeah ofcourse we will, and don't worry I'll pay for all your food and the kids, its the least I can do. "

All the elders were saying that he shouldn't pay and he's only a kid but he reminded them that he is the Washington's son and he joked he has a lot more savings than his sisters because he rarely spends it.

Sam hadn't realised she was actually eyeing him up until he glanced at her and smiled his charming smile, she was so in for it.

Eventually after a lot of convincing from Josh, they allowed him to pay, "Also do you guys want to eat out tonight just to save the hassle of cooking?" Kevin started bouncing for joy, Scott made begging eyes. Some murmuring was done and they were hesitant, but Josh was persistent that he wanted to treat them.

They agreed and everyone fit into two cars, the same layout as before. It was a relatively short drive there so Josh was only sleepy when they arrived.

Everyone stepped out of the car and Kevin sprinted towards Josh, "I'm going to destroy you!"

Josh gave him a fist bump, "Not if I destroy you first little guy." Kevin sprinted into the arcade and Josh went to speak with her other relatives.

Sam came up to his side and they were thanking him for his generosity. She felt quite flattered at what she imagined he'd said. He handed her mother his card and she thanked him for about the eighth time.

They all entered the arcade with massive grins on their faces, Josh went to the ATM and used one of his other cards to retrieve some cash. He handed Josh and Scott fifty pounds each, then took out the same amount for him and Sam.

Handing her the money, they headed towards the mortal kombat machine.

He slipped a coin in and glanced at her, "You ready to get demolished?"

"As if." They both reached for the sticks as the intro music came on.

Josh's character did a jumping attack towards Sam's, tackling her and removing a big chunk of health. She got up and slashed her greatsword at him, narrowly missing, "Not too confident now Giddings?"

"You've only hit me once." He lunged at her and took another piece of health away.

He grinned, "Twice." She dodged one of his attacks and smirked at him. Then he immediately sprinted at her and used one of his special moves to knock her down; finishing her off with an airborne strike.

The screen flashed with 'PLAYER ONE WINS' Sam elbowed his side, "Do another one but this time stop distracting me."

A smile still lingered across his face, "Are my handsome looks just too much for you Sammy?" He loomed over her slightly, even though she was strong, he still had the height advantage.

"I've seen more handsome men and been able to stay focused, so no, it is not your dashing appearance." She took hold of the stick again, waiting for him to feed the cash hungry machine.

Instead he dramatically held a hand over his chest, "Sam you wound me, why do you hurt me in these ways?"

She lightly laughed, "Just put a coin in Josh."

"And only dating me for my money?!" She knew he wouldn't let this go, so she chose to join in.

"Wrong, I'm actually only dating you for your muscly arms." She licked her lips and pretended to stare down his covered up arms.

"I guess you'll like the picture I took then."

She shot him a look. "What picture?"

He winked and replied, "You'll see."

As she went to pull her phone out he snatched it, he decided to mess with her, "You probably shouldn't look at it in public."

Sam's mouth dropped, "Did you take a nude on my phone?!"

He giggled and retrieved a coin from his wallet, while placing her phone safe in his back pocket.

Inserting the pound he grabbed the stick, the music booming out the tiny speakers.

Attempting to do the same jumping move, Sam dodged and tackled him; his character taking a good battering before springing back up. "Look who's losing now." She should have learnt from her mistake, as he immediately attacked her character and took away half her health.

"Look who's talking, honey." He really was distracting her. He tried his super move again but she avoided most of the blow, now quite low health. She swung her heavy sword at him and hit him, however he managed to quickly slash her with his blade and he won a second time.

"Do best out of three." Sam stared determined into the screen expecting the music to begin blasting out machine, but it didn't. She turned to him unaware of her mistake, "What?" And he burst into fits of laughter so loud it attracted quite a few looks, "What? What is it?" She wasn't sure if he was laughing because he thought she was too bad to beat him, or if he found her asking for another round really that funny?

Holding his stomach as he started to even begin to cry, she was really thinking what she had said. Ah. It hit her and she couldn't help but join in with Josh's giggle fit.

After another few minutes of a mix of crying and laughing Josh used the games machine to pull himself up and he started taking calming deep breathing. "Yes Sammy we can go to three but I bet you I'll win." She shoved into his side as she finished off her giggling session.

Sam glanced behind him and saw a claw machine, she rushed towards it leaving behind a confused and breathless Josh. She inserted a pound and the claw shook.

She moved it to try and hook it around the squirrel plushie, it lifted it up briefly then bounced off another plushie.

Josh had caught up and watched her try again, with the same result. "Could I try?"

She stepped back, "Yeah go ahead." He fed the machine a coin and attempted to grab the same squirrel plushie, except this time grabbing its head instead of its body.

The toy was hoisted into the air and shakingly carried and dropped over the exit shoot. Josh picked it up and handed it to her with an almost smug grin, "Here you go my dear."

Sam took the plushie and rolled her eyes, but her tinted cheeks and upturned lips gave away her unimpressed act.

"Me and Beth always used to do competitions on these things, figured out if you grab the smaller area it grabs it better."

"Why didn't Hannah join in?"

He chuckled, "She always complained because she was really bad at it, she always just sat on the floor with a big stick of cotton candy."

Looking to the floor she imagined the scenario he described and she joined in with his laughter.

Sam realised she had lost sight of where Kevin and Scott were, "We should go find Kev and Scott."

They searched for them and after a very panicked half an hour they found them in the photobooth, "Oh thank god we found you guys, you scared us so bad." She was breathing pretty heavily from anxiety, Josh reached out and supported her from under her arm.

The kids ran past them as Sam shouted to them to stay by the Pac Man machine. He kept her up, "It's okay, we found them, deep breaths." Her breathing continued coming out short and sharp. Josh got her to look at him, "In..." He signaled to take a big breath in, "and out." He continued the process until she seemed slightly more at ease.

She wrapped her arms around him and mumbled a weak, "Thank you." Into his ear. He returned the hug and he heard her breathes become longer.

"You know one day you'll be a great mom Sam." He didn't know how he allowed those words to leave his brain and come out his mouth, but they did and he now needs to deal with the consequences.

Sam didn't respond, didn't move. She thought that was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her, but she couldn't say that. She leaned out of his embrace, as he started to apologise she cut him off, "That means a lot to me, Josh. Thank you."

The damp corners of her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Josh. He reached his hand out and cupped her face, wiping away the almost escaping tear, "It's no problem Sammy."

Deciding he'd probably had his hand on her face for a little too long now, he removed it and glanced to the photobooth. Peeking inside it to make sure the kids didn't leave anything in there.

"Can you give me a second before we go paying to take pictures." He glanced back and saw she was giggling and trying to dry her eyes without affecting her mascara. Jeez him being forced to listen to Hannah's makeup talks actually paid off.

"Oh yeah ofcourse, I was just making sure the little devils didn't leave their money behind." He warmly smiled at her and she could tell he was trying to cheer her up, and he really didn't even need to try.

After another few seconds of drying her eyes she signalled for him to step inside the booth, she sat beside him and they tried to figure out how to work it.

Soon realising Josh forgot to actually put money into it, he stepped out and paid as Sam quickly fixed her hair.

Even though Josh had seen her since she was a small kid, she still wanted to try look somewhat decent after crying infront of him.

He opened the curtains again and took a seat, this time the tapscreen infront of them coming to life.

They set the timer off and panicked on what pose to do. The 5 second count down flashed on the screen and they looked to each other confused; then they heard a click.

The next timer came up onto the screen. Sam leaned against Josh's head slightly and grinned, him meeting her in the middle and smiling too.

"Okay, okay next one." Sam was muttering more to herself than Josh, but he couldn't help but find himself mesmerised. How quickly she got a hold of her emotions truly impressed him.

The next camera snap went off and he realised he hadn't posed, but he had no time to worry about that since the next one had just started counting down.

"Do back to back!" Sam shouted as she turned and crossed her arms, Josh following her instructions.

Then the final snap came from the machine and the screen started to dim into its original form before they had paid.

Josh pulled back the curtain and picked up the slip of paper, swiftly taking a picture of them all using his phone. He heard feet coming up behind him, Glancing back he saw it was Kevin and Scott.

"How did you get the machine to work? We couldn't figure it out."

Josh smiled at the young boy, "You need to put the money in on the outside, we got a bit stuck figuring it out too." He looked between the kids and the booth. he inserted the cash and ushered the boys to follow him in.

He sat on Sam's left and grinned at her, as Scott and Kevin tumbled into the machine.

She turned to him, "We won't all be able to fit in the picture Josh."

He picked up Kevin and placed him on his right knee, "Yes we will."

Once Scott was hoisted up and placed on Sam's left knee, Josh set off the timer.

"Everyone lean in and smile for this one." They all followed Sam's request. Then the next timer came up onto the screen.

Scott started making dinosaur noises and held his hands out in a claw like fashion, everyone copying his pose. Sam and Josh giggled and gazed at each other, she felt a warmth in her cheeks so she quickly looked back to the timer. They heard the noise young kids make while they stick their tounges out, and made the same face.

The last timer came on and they waited for Josh's idea, but he just panicked, "Uhhh just do thumbs up!" Josh stuttered out and held his hands up, making sure not to be in the way of anyone's face. He heard Sam chuckle next to him, he looked to her after the photo was taken, "What's so funny?"

The two younger boys ran out to wait for the tickets to be printed, "Nothing don't worry about it." She then pulled back the curtain and stood with them.

Josh followed and Kevin picked up the slip of pictures. Everyone laughed and briefly discussed who's pose was better. Obviously the kids hated their poses, were they that old already? He thought to himself.

The photos were passed to Sam who carefully teared them down the dotted lines and handed everyone a picture each.

When Josh was handed his he noticed only him and Kevin had their thumbs up with very enthusiastic expressions. He shot a glare at Sam, "I hate you sometimes you know that Sammy."

She chuckled, "No you don't," She emphasised her mocking tone and smirked.

He heard Scott make a disgusted noise from behind them, "Why didn't you pose for the picture lil man? Not cool."

The smaller boy giggled, "Sam pulled my hands down and gave me a two pound coin."

Sam gasped, "I would never do such a thing!"

Scott's eyebrows furrowed, "But you just did!"

She started to walk away while waving her hand dismissively, "Didn't."

Chasing after her he yelled, "Did too!"

They continued to play the rest of the games as a group, or stuck quite close to Scott and Kevin. Eventually they cashed in their prizes from the tickets they collected, Josh giving his to Sam and her splitting both their tickets with the younger boys.

As they were leaving to go get sbsusu Josh looked to her, "I love the little rascals but I wanted you to get something, I know you really wanted that bracelet."

Sam hummed, "It was really pretty... but Kevin's smile when he was handed that giant truck was worth it." Even though Hannah and Beth spent the most time with her, Josh could still read her pretty well; he did study psychology after all. He knew she was going to ask for it but the moment Kevin spotted the massive vehicle behind the glass. He spotted her already calculating in her head if he'd have enough to buy it with her tickets combined. He gazed at her, she really would be an amazing mom.

They got to the cafe and Josh held the door for her, "You get them to the car, I'll meet you guys there."

She smiled, however eyebrows clearly displaying her confusion, "Okay then, see you in a minute."

He closed the glass door and started strolling through the parking lot. He glanced over his shoulder and she was still going the opposite direction. He quickly sprinted back into the arcade and rushed to the counter, "Hey again dude, how much would that bracelet cost me in cash?"

The cashier eyed him up and down, "I can't sell it to you in cash, sorry bud."

"Are you sure? I really need this it's for my, uh girlfriend's birthday."

"When's her birthday?"

"Today."

A slight smirk formed on his face, "What date is today?"

Josh sighed and stared at the man with pleading eyes.

He looked sufficiently unimpressed, "Can't even remember her birthday or get her a gift ahead of time. what's your excuse for running back in here anyway, you forgot your wallet?"

"No, but I'm definitely using that."

The man was definitely starting to get sick of him, "Look okay she's not actually my girlfriend, we're fake together for her family but I do like her and want to get her something."

He laughed, "You're not together? Could've fooled me."

"How about I give you 200?" The short man glanced around assumingly for any of his coworkers.

"Fine man, but how does someone so young got that much money for a fuckin arcade bracelet?"

Somewhat sighing, he responded, "I'm Bob Washington's son."

His dull eyes lit up, "Holy shit dude no way," the man started to ramble on and Josh started becoming very aware how long he was taking.

"I'm so sorry to cut you off man but I really do want to get her that bracelet."

His mouth formed an O shape, "Oh right, yeah I'll get you that right away. I was thinking you looked a bit like him but didn't expect you to be up so far north."

Josh could tell it cheered up his day quite a bit, "This sounds a bit egotistical but, do you want a picture?"

The man shyly nodded and placed the bracelet into a box then came round the desk. Pulling out his phone and snapping a quick selfie, "Here man, I hope she likes it." He passed him the box and the money took its replacement.

Josh saluted him as he left, "Thanks dude, I seriously owe you one!"

He sprinted to the car and climbed into the back seat, shoving the bracelet into his jacket pocket.

"Where were you?"

He had the perfect excuse for this, "Sorry I was finding my wallet."

"Ah I'm glad you found it, I couldn't text you because you still have my phone."

"Oh yeah..." He took the phone out his back pocket and passed it to her, "Sorry about that Sammy."

The car started and they were off to the restaurant they'd apparently discussed in the cafe. Josh didn't really care what the food was, he wasn't a particularly picky eater.

They got there and stepped out, Josh expected them to not pick a proper fancy place, however the food was brilliant. The Giddings had good taste.

Quickly they drove back to Sam's grandmother's house and collected their belongings, packing the car up didn't take Arthur too long.

They said goodbye and Kevin got slightly choked up, Josh promised he'd visit next time, he could feel Sam's eyes gazing at him as he hugged the young boy. Scott gave him a fist bump and he waved to the rest of them before getting into the car.

The car started and they took off once more, Sam didn't put her second earbud in until she thought Josh had dozed off. Which was only about 20 minutes.

Once they got back it was alittle past midnight, she shook him lightly, "Josh, Josh wake up."

He grumbled and leaned onto her hand that's placed on his shoulder.

After a couple more tries she knew there was no other choice.

She moved her hands close to his waist and at the same time started tickling him. He was squealing and squirming telling her to stop, after another 10 seconds she did.

His sleep ridden voice came out strong, "What did you do that for? I was trying to have a nice nap."

tilting her head she smiled at him, "We're back at my house, you can sleep in there."

Josh's barely open eyes shot open, "Well why didn't you say that before?"

Rolling her eyes at him, she stepped out the vehicle and grabbed their two bags. Josh following behind her.

Sluggishly he follows her up the stairs and stood in the middle of her room, "Do you want to change into one of my big shirts?" He nodded and Sam chucked one into his arms.

He turned around from where he thought she was standing and swiftly changed tops. The shirt was a bit small on him but he didn't care.

Spotting Sam standing still and stunned but he barely had any energy, so he winked and sat down on the couch in her room.

As he laid there he heard Sam messing about with something then leaving the room and returning.

"Josh?"

Opening one eye he noticed she's changed into her pajamas, "Yes?"

"Ah sorry I was checking if you were still awake, are you sure you want to sleep on the couch? I know how uncomfortable it is. I would say you could go on the one in the living room, but my parents will be up early and it would wake you up."

He waved her off, "I'll be fine Sammy, I've slept in worse places."

Sam chuckled "Like where? did you fall out your hammock into your fancy pool?"

Josh scoffed, "Unlike you I can actually stay in a hammock without falling out of it." He smirked at her but she flashed her eyebrows up as if to ask him to explain, he sighed, "I used to sleep on the floor next to Hannah's bed because she was scared there's something under it, which meant they would kill me first." He rolled his eyes but somewhat laughed foundly at the memory.

He heard her laugh too, "It wouldn't kill you, you could protect her with your big muscles." Her tone was sarcastic, but it still made his mouth perk up either side.

"Could you pass me a blanket over here, it'll get chilly on this horrible, horrible couch," He mocked.

"Come on I was just saying, we could share."

He couldn't help but blush at the shyness in her voice, which reminded him about the bracelet sitting in his coat pocket.

Sitting up, he headed towards his coat that's graciously been thrown on her floor.

Grabbing the box from the pocket and leaving the jacket to be discarded again, he sat on the edge of the bed.

Sam noticed his slight change in demeanour and took a seat next to him.

He wasn't too sure what to say as he passed the box, "I uh, got this for you."

Her smile was so visibly bright through the dim room, "Aww what brought this on?"

"You're just always putting others before yourself, I just wanted to get you something for a change."

Sam found the sentiment sweet enough she didnt need a present, but she was ecstatic to see what he'd gotten her.

Flashing her shamelessly big grin to him, She lifted up the lid and saw the piece of jewellery she had been eyeing up back at the arcade.

She gasped and picked it up from the box, "Oh my god!" She glanced from the bracelet to him, "How'd you buy this, You gave me your tickets?"

He laughed, "A magician never reveals his secrets."

"It's not magic, Josh." Her eyes continue to try and read his face for answers.

He glanced between the bracelet and her face, "I may have bribed him a little."

"Josh!"

"What? He was ecstatic to meet Mr Washington's son."

Sam's eyes narrowed, "Oh please tell me you didn't give the poor guy a fake autograph."

He could sense she was starting to feel bad about the gift already, "No Sam, I just payed him in cash." Her face seemed to relax, "He did ask for a selfie though." Shrugging and shyly smiling at the girl.

"You're allowed to pay in cash?" She paused, clearly confused, "I thought the whole point is you spend too much money on the actual arcade machines then overpay for the rewards."

"I just offered him the overpayed price, simple." He nervously glanced between the box and her face, trying to decipher her feelings.

She quietly sighed and slipped the bracelet back into the box, then placing it onto her night stand. "Are you sure you want me to have this?"

Sensing her unease he smiled warmly at her, "Yes Sammy, 100 percent, you really do deserve it."

Turning to face him she couldn't resist getting closer, Leaning onto his shoulder. "Thank you Josh, it means a lot."

Josh could feel his heart thumping in his chest. Hoping she couldn't hear it he wrapped his closest arm around her waist, and his head dropped down on top of her own.

They stay like that for awhile until Josh heard a quite snore from the head underneath him. He sat back up carefully and moves her unconscious body so she is lying more comfortably.

Turning back to his own couch he grabs a blanket from the end of Sam's bed, and covers himself as he settles into the uncomfortable piece of furniture.

For the rest of the night he continued to wake up constantly and toss and turn, barely getting to sleep for long.

He was staring at the ceiling, his eyes heavy but not enough to dift. Light was spilling through the curtains, then he heard a phone go off then Sam presumably sit up.

As he continued to listen with his eyes now closed, he heard his sisters voice on the phone. "We're outside, let us in girl!"

"Okay sure just give me a second."

He heard giggles from the device, "Yes please get your pants on and stop cuddling with my brother."

"Oh shut up Beth, I can just not let you in you know?"

"Alright just hurry up." Then the line cut.

Sam sighed and Josh decided he'd been quiet for too long, "You do wish we were cuddling right now, don't you Sammy?"

The grin on his face couldn't be withheld but once he opened his eyes he just saw a pillow being launched at his head.

He sat up but Sam was already leaving the room, "Hey what was that about?" Standing up he followed her down the stairs.

When he caught up to her she was holding the door open and his sisters were entering into the living room, ah shit.

The three of them burst out laughing at the site of his messed up state. His hair sticking up in all directions, holding a pillow and one of his shirt sleeves were pulled up.

Hannah was the one to make a comment first, "Well looks like you guys had a fun time." She winked and the laughing swiftly died down.

"Oh be quiet Hannah I slept on the couch I'll have you know." He fixed his sleeve but didn't bother with his hair.

Glaring at him up and down Beth then shot an accusatory look at Sam, "I truly doubt that."

Sam crossed her arms, "He did actually, even after I offered the bed." She knew she'd messed up by letting that slip because she could feel Hannah about to start talking again.

She practically pushed Josh to go upstairs so she could be prepared for the girls to jump her with questions.

Her hand was snatched and she was pulled onto the couch by Hannah, Beth sitting beside her. "Okay first question, are you guys actually dating now?"

Leaning back Sam sighed, "No, we're not Han."

With a serious look on her face Beth sat forward, "But did you guys fuck though?"

Sam's cheeks flushed a light pink as she spluttered out, "Ofcourse we didn't we were in my grandma's house."

Her expression didn't change at all, "Why were you cuddled up in bed then?"

"I don't know I just woke up like that, He's a cuddler in his sleep I guess." Sam shrugged.

Beth hummed, "Okay last question about that picture, did he have a shirt on because it reallyyyy looked like he didn't?"

"Oh yeah he was, it was just a sleeveless one." Sam gesturing to her arm as if Beth wasn't aware what a sleeveless shirt is.

Hannah rested her head on Sam's shoulder with a mischievous smile, "Well did you like what you saw?"

Sam decided it was time to finally joke back, she grinned, "So what if I did?"

Beth groaned and sat back her head into the couch as Hannah squealed, "Oh my god oh my god you totally want him."

She pet Hannah's head, "Just because I like someone's arms doesn't mean I automatically want to date them." Sam was struggling to not smile at the idea of dating him, she wanted to tell them but it was too big of a risk to outright tell them how she felt.

They heard Beth's voice from behind Hannah, "Ew so you're actually admitting to thinking he's fit now?"

"I just didn't know he worked out that's all." Sam threw her sickly sweet smile at Beth as she mumbled some disapproving words back.

Sam felt a hand on her shoulder furthest away from the twins and jumped, "Aw thanks for noticing." Josh winked as Hannah giggled and hit Sam's shoulder. "Nothing going on huh?"

Beth's voice piped up, "Too much PDA guys please, you were away for two days."

Sitting down beside Sam, Josh only laughed at his sisters and looked at the turned off television. "Can we watch something or are you going to keep quizzing us?"

Hannah groaned, "We can watch something later but I wanted to plan a party now that it's the holidays and you guys are back."

Josh hummed, "A party, what during the school break?" Hannah confirmed, "And you want me to be the planner?" They both nodded this time, "Yeah sure I can do that."

Hannah leaped forward and threw her arms around him, "Thank you thank you thank you!" He embraced her back then let her sit back down

Beth piped up, "We thought to go to the party expert."

"Good choice, are you not gonna give me a hug Beth? Jeez after all I do for you." He crossed his arms and looked away, attempting to seem hurt.

Beth sat up, "Okay here you go you big baby." She quickly hugged him then returned to her seat with a huff.

Josh still having his arms crossed glanced at Sam, "You're going to attend this party and you're also not giving me a hug, you people are ridiculous. Hannah's my favourite." Hannah giggled and he almost broke character to laugh at the others displeased faces.

As Sam was right beside him she held him for slightly longer than Beth, finding it difficult to let go, however she must.

Josh unwrapped his arms from her waist and grinned, "Right we can now commence party planning!" They headed back to the Washington's and spent the rest of the day together collecting random decorations from their attic and locking eachother in there; writing invitations, (over text not via pigeon like Josh suggested.) And making him go on an alcohol collection trip. They ended up ordering Chinese and watching a movie until they all fell asleep apart from Josh, and partially Sam.

As the credits rolled she heard Josh stand up and do a mix of a sigh and a laugh. However she was too close to sleep to be bothered to move, and the couch was incredibly comfortable.

After a few minutes she felt a hand go under her knees and arm, then get hoisted into the air. She grumbled and slightly cracked opened her eyes, spotting Josh and now a lack of twins on the couch.

"It's just me Sammy, go back to sleep." She doesn't know why she didn't say or do anything, but she listened to the voice and let her head fall against his chest once more.

She woke up in Hannah's bed and didn't question that anything was off. She sat up and went downstairs to get a drink, finding Josh already in there with a sleeveless top and shorts on.

"Got a lot of those shirts do you?" Sam could see him slightly jump but that's not what she was most focused on.

"Jesus Sam you fucking scared me," he turned on his heel and noticed her eyes were in fact not meeting his, "Oh quit eyeing me it's like way too early in the morning." He croaked as he rubbed his eyes with his fist.

"I'm just doing this to annoy you now, also yeah what are you doing up at this time?" Sam leaned against the counter as she sipped on her much needed water.

Josh deadpanned her, "Yeah you're, 'just doing it to annoy me' are you?" He purposefully looked between his own arm and Sam's wandering eyes, "But yes anyway I was rudely awoken by the alarm I set for last Tuesday and it replayed."

"Aw poor you having to get up at a normal time." She pouted her lips and giggled at his defeated expression.

"Well you guys slept through the movie I'm not surprised you woke up early." He crossed his arms and Sam couldn't help but glance.

"We didn't sleep through the whole thing I slept through like the credits."

"Yeah and I," He pointed to his chest, "Had to carry you guys to bed with these." He only flexed one arm as to remain nonchalant, as she's heard Mike say.

"Oh right," She suddenly remembered how she got from the living room to Hannah's bed, blushing a bit at the memory. As she was about to speak again they heard a set of footsteps gradually descending the staircase.

Josh's grin increased and his expression mischievous. He grabbed Sam's arm and yanked her into their pantry. Due to their overwelling wealth, ofcourse their pantry would he stocked to the brim. They stood crammed together, every breath they took practically inhaling eachother.

He remained staring at the closed door while she couldn't keep her eyes off him. the small amount of light sneaking through the crack in the door, glimmering against his emerald eyes had her glued staring.

Once they heard the mysterious person fumble around with kitchen drawers then exit the room, Josh signalled with his finger to stay quiet and follow him.

He creaked the door open and comically tipped toed round the corner, Sam following his lead.

infront of them was Beth, a decent couple steps above them. Josh sped up the pace slightly but made sure not to be detected.

He faced back to her and pointed to Beth's waist, then wiggled his fingers to indicate tickling. Sam nodded and caught up to the same step as Josh, she almost stumbled but he caught her and they remained unnoticed.

Beth stopped at the top of the staircase and glanced at Hannah's room, then he locked eyes with Sam and they both dived into tickling Beth's side.

She shrieked louder than she'd ever heard her, "AHHHHHHHHH WHAT THE FUCK?!" She swung her fists backwards and knocked Josh in the head, only narrowly missing Sam due to her quick reflexes and height.

She stopped tickling her to catch Josh from tumbling down the stairs, "Ah shit those taekwondo classes are really working for you Beth." He grumbled as Sam stood him up.

Beth appeared significantly less freaked out once she realised what was happening, she sighed, "Thanks, I need them to live in this house with you, asshole." Her face grew a tiny fond smile for her brother's antics, then she put a sassy tone on and crossed her arms. "But what are you doing with him Sam, pranking me with him now? Beyond gross."

"No he just-"

Beth cut her off, "Wait Josh why are you up so early, oh god please don't tell me you were-"

This time it was Sam that shut her up, "No no, nothing like that. He accidentally set an alarm and it woke him up."

Beth snorted and set her attention back on her brother, "How did you accidentally set an alarm dude?"

He raised his hands up in defense, "Hey I set it last week and I must have accidentally made it repeating one."

She rolled her eyes and laughed, "Idiot." Then sauntered away back to her room, ignoring the shouts from Josh.

Sam gazed up at him, "I mean you are a bit of an idiot, it shows in your notifications that you have an alarm set to go off in like 8 hours."

"I will not be accepting this rudeness, go to your room." He pointed to Hannah's room with a serious expression but jokey tone, "Go!"

She stared at him puzzled, but gradually took steps towards her room, "Okay weirdo I'm going." She headed inside and curled up into a silk pillow, falling asleep again soon after.

Eventually she was awoken by a stressed Hannah, letting her know that Beth is incredibly desperate to watch the next episode of the show they've been watching together. That If she doesn't come down she might watch it without her. Sam threw her legs out of bed and followed Hannah as she almost slipped down the stairs in excitement, Sam shuffling after her.

They hung around in the living room and ended up binging half a season, suddenly it became 7pm and they desperately needed to get the party set up.

The twins were running around trying to hang different things up while Sam and Josh are setting the drinks out in the kitchen. "Could you pass me the box of beers from up there?" She points with her eyes to the case of beers on top of the tallest cupboards in the kitchen. embarrassing just out of her reach.

Instead, Josh leans on the counter and attempts to make his presence larger, "Oh, why can't you get it yourself?"

Sam doesn't take the bait and grabs onto the top of the cupboard, pulling herself up. "Wow chill I'll get it for you." Josh has a worried tone and it makes her grin.

She feels a pair of hands wrap around her waist and tug her from the air onto a stable seat. Looking down she locks eyes with Josh, he's placed her on his shoulders, she's stranded.

His hands are holding onto her thighs keeping her up, and she can't help her heart thumping out her chest, "I could get them myself thank you Josh." Rolling her eyes she tried to ignore her thumping chest with banter. It was always the easiest tactic whenever they were around eachother.

Placing her hands on his head she heard him laugh, "I'm sure you could have, just didn't want you hurt."

"Well If I did get hurt, it all could have been avoided if you had just grabbed the beers in the first place." She wasn't actually angry, just nervous she can't leave the conversation at any time due to the current situation.

Josh scoffed, "Here I was trying to help you and all I'm getting is blamed. Maybe I just won't let you down huh, how would you like that?"

Keeping her hands on his head to stop him from looking up. As she could tell her cheeks were definitely turning pink now, "You would have to go and do other things eventually."

"Well you're right, however I could keep you up there until I next need the toilet, unless..." He felt a smack on top of his head and cackled.

"I don't particularly want to be apart of your next bathroom visit Josh, please put me down."

He continued to giggle, "Okay fine I won't, on the condition you stay up there without fight until I feel like letting you off."

Practically being able to hear the grin Josh had plastered on his face, Sam knew there was no getting out of this, "I don't really have a choice do I?"

Josh chuckled, "Not really darling."

It wasn't uncommon for Josh to call her nicknames. However he hadn't really said any since their romantic weekend together, and they've never had a bigger effect on her.

Instead of dwelling on the hot feeling throughout her body she reached out and grabbed the crate of beers. Josh following her lead and leaning down so she can place them on the table. He huffed seemingly proud, "See look how great of a team we are like this-"

Sam cut him off with an intentionally sassy tone, "You're not convincing me, I'm staying up here because you're making me Washington."

A fake weep came from Josh, "You're breaking my heart here Sammy," he glanced and locked eyes with her.

Looking down into his glistening green eyes while his hands were gripping her thighs. She was lost in them until his eyebrows flashed, distracting her. She glanced to the vast alcohol selection on the counter, "I mean it's not horrible here, there's just other places I'd rather be."

Leaning his head back down he laughed, "Like where, my bed?"

Sam scoffed, "Don't be so full of yourself, probably my own bed. Which by the way I know for a fact you snuggled in because," She leaned down into his hair and sniffed, "Yep smelt like you."

After glancing back up he winked, "That's probably why it's the place you'd rather be, smells like me."

She couldn't help but chuckle and roll her eyes, "You're insufferable Joshua."

No one usually called him by his full first name but he sort of liked it when they did. It felt like they were calling him sophisticated and important, "Oh full title now huh?"

Sam felt too full of adrenaline to think about what she was saying, "What do you like it when I call you that?"

He chuckled but looked away, attempting to hide his reddening cheeks, "So what if I do, Samantha?"

She covered his eyes with her hands and giggled, "Well as long as you keep me up here I can fight back you know."

He had a smug tone, "You do realise that means I'll just walk into stuff and hurt you aswell, right?"

She moved one of her hands and pinched his nose instead, "Okay fine, now you'll just sound like an idiot."

Feelings the vibrations of his voice through his nose she could tell he was trying to laugh. They heard Hannah from the next room calling for them, "Well come on then Josh."

Once again he sort of laugh but it came out spluttered. Sam having to duck down to avoid the doorframe as they walked into the living room.

First thing that they heard was Hannah burst out laughing then a snort from Beth, "Why is Sam on your head dude?"

Josh glanced between the two girls and attempted to laugh, "We work better this way," He leaned towards Beth and loudly whispered, "She needs the height advantage."

He felt a smack on the top of his head and his nose get pinched harder, "Hey, Hey, I was only kidding Sammy."

"Yeah yeah you better be," looking away from Josh and looking to Hannah, "What did you need us for Hannah?"

She made an O shape with her mouth, "Oh yeah, we just wanted to ask whether you think we should put the bunting or is that a bit lame?" She laughed awkwardly glancing for approval between her twin and the tower of Sam and Josh.

Beth chuckled, "I said I wasn't sure and we should ask the party expert." Staring Josh down with a knowing grin.

"Well ladies I personally think the bunting is a must, do you need the dream teams help?" He nodded his head towards Sam clarifying he meant the two of them.

Hannahs face lit up as she nodded and swiftly grabbed a line of it from a box on the couch.

Sticking her hands out Sam confirmed, "Alright pass me the other end."

Pointing at above the television Hannah looked at Sam, "Just above the tv, what do you think?"

She nods, "Yeah let's do that, giddy up Josh." Giggling she decided to let his nose go, for now.

"On it Sammy." He stood beside the tv and kept his tight grip on her thighs, if he hadn't been doing it for 5 minutes straight already, Sam would have been completely in her own world.

They watched Hannah climb up onto the couch armrest and Beth hold her legs still. "Okay this height?" Beth quickly jogs to the relative centre of the room, "Sam go alittle higher, yep okay that's good."

She heads back and helps Hannah down. Stepping back to admire their, admittedly easily done work. Josh smiled at Hannah's bright expression, Sam noticed his watching eyes and lightly rubbed his hair affectionately.

Josh looked up to make eye contact with Sam, he shot her a look as if to tell her to be quiet, which she just continued to grin at.

They put up another couple banners up but Josh warned Hannah in the nicest way possible to not overdo it. Finishing up the lighting and other small things it was getting close to time for everyone to arrive.

"Okay we have about 20 minutes let's just get changed now," Hannah glanced to Sam and saw she had the expression of a lost puppy, "You can just wear something I have." Hannah chuckled and started up the stairs, with Beth close behind.

Sam glanced back to Josh, "Are you going to dress up or even change at all?"

He held his hand over his heart, "Why ofcourse, I do clean up nice, just so you know." A smirk was present but she wasn't taking the bait.

She made a humming sound back, "Uh huh well I'll believe it when I see it Washington." She grazed his arm as she left up the stairs.

Entering Hannah's room she spotted Beth sitting on her bed and she sat beside her.

"Had to say some final words to my brother did you?" Sam expected Beth to look disgusted but she was smirking?

She didn't quite know where she stood now, "Uh I was just mocking him."

"Mkay little lady, whatever you say." She stood up and walked over to Hannah's full length mirror, removing her beanie and brushing her hair.

Peaking behind her she saw Hannah doing her makeup at her vanity, "Hannah can I have a look through your wardrobe?"

As she was applying mascara she carefully replied with her mouth dangling open, "Mm hmm go wild girl."

Finding a white hoodie she puts it over her head and re-adjusts the bottom. "Can I borrow some highlighter?"

Hannah spun in her desk chair, "Yeah ofcou- is that what you're wearing?"

Sam suddenly felt a bit awkward, "Uh yeah, why?

She stood up and skimmed through her wardrobe, "Nope I'm not letting you loose in that, ah yep this will work." She pulled out a red halter top and passed it to her, "It'll go nice with your jeans." She points out the well matched color shades.

"Oh yeah that'll be cute," Beth comments as she fixes her hat back onto her head.

"And you wear this," chucking her a green lacey tank, "it's nothing too bad before you even start sis."

Putting on her own top which was an black off the shoulder number, she then finished with a swipe of lip stick. "Alright I'm done, can I do alittle makeup on you Sammmm?" Hannah used her pleading eyes and Sam gave in and sat in her chair.

After a few minute of different appliances on her face she felt her hair leave her all time classic ponytail. Opening her eyes she throw a questioning stare to ask Hannah why she had done that.

"Just for alittle bit it'll look so good with that top, plus I'm sure Josh will like it." Hannah's smile immediately shined at the chance to mock her best friend and brother, even when he wasn't around.

They saw Beth lightly smile, "To be fair I think he would, he hasn't seen you with your hair down since you were like 14."

She turned and glared at Beth, "Who said I would be doing it for Josh huh?"

The twins shared a knowing look between each other and blankly stared at Sam. "Whatever you tell yourself to sleep at night girl." Beth stepped out the room with a giggle.

Sam wasn't liking the sudden ganging up from both of her best friends. Before Beth was against her and Josh but now she's seemingly alright about it, "Right you don't have to tell me but is there any reason why Beth isn't so grossed out by this anymore?"

Hannah hummed as she dotted highlighter on Sam's face, "Well I mean we did talk about it, we thought it through and the pros totally outweigh the cons. The only con being obviously if you guys didn't work out," She placed her brush on the table and picked up a mascara bottle, "However he's easy enough to avoid in our house, and you can just choose not to come to family events. And a main plus side is that we know you two and trust that you'll be, you know, good to eachother."

Sam hummed as to not move her face and get jabbed in the eye, "So you guys would be okay with it?" She didn't mean to ask so forward but Hannah practically knew at this point.

Hannah couldn't help not cackling at Sam's almost confession, "So you DO think our brothers hot and you never told me!?"

She threw her a knowing glare, "Yeah because that would have stayed a secret if I'd said anything."

Hannah gasped, "I can keep a secret thank you!"

"Uh huh, just don't go running and telling Beth or Josh yet okay, I don't know if he's just flirting with me as a joke or not."

Hannah hummed in thought, "I'm pretty sure he does like you, I've never seen him be THAT flirty, and especially not with my other friends."

Sam wasn't too sure what to say back before Hannah continued, "Well we will see his reaction to your hair down," She giggled and twirled a piece of Sam's hair with her finger, "And talk about this tomorrow okay?"

"Yeah we'll talk tomorrow, but for now let's enjoy this awesome party you've set up Han." She held her shoulder affectionately and Hannah grinned back.

They headed out and went downstairs, the lighting was somewhat dim but still bright enough to clearly see eachother. Beth and Josh were sitting on the couch, Beth on her phone and Josh peaking over her shoulder.

Sam sat beside him and also looked to see Beth on a text conversation page with someone, "I'm assuming Emily and Jess are going to be fashionably late," She sighed slightly, knowing their antics, "Are Chris and Ashley almost here yet?"

Hannah nodded in thought, "Yeah did you make sure to tell them 9?"

After Hannah's very anxiously put question Beth snorted, "Yes i did Han, no need to stress it's not even 9 yet, give them time."

"Okay okay sorry," Hannah sits on the arm of the couch and unconsciously stares at the door.

After Josh telling her to just sit beside Sam, a few minutes later they heard the door bell ring. Hannah shot up and sprinted full pelt towards the door, quickly opening it as everyone followed behind her.

"Hey Chris come in!" She was beaming ear to ear as she invited her first guest of the night inside.

They were all smiling as Josh lifted his hand for a high five, "Cochise my man, up top!"

Chris giggled and returned their bro bump, the girls giving eachother a knowing look then bursting into fits of giggles.

The guys looked between them then at eachother, "What is it?" Chris questioned.

Quieting down their laughter Beth shook her hands in the air, "Nothing nothing boys, anyways, where is Ashley?" She questioned with a sneaky tone.

Chris stammered and stared at her, "H-How should I know?"

Josh snorted, "Because you guys are together like all the time?" Chris' quickly flushing face made him laugh even more.

He was incredibly annoyed Chris refused to make any kind of move, however mocking him like this and seeing his face go beet red almost makes up for it.

"That doesn't mean I know her every move, I don't have a tracker on her!" His weak attempt at diversion failed with everyone staring at him with a knowing look, luckily for him the doorbell rang once again.

Josh grinned and nudged into him as he passed, "Saved by the bell."

As Josh let Hannah open the door they could see it was Ashley who was second to arrive.

"Hi Ash come inside!" Hannah stepped aside to let her through the now quite crowded doorway.

Everyone said their brief hellos and Beth complimented her outfit. She had decided to go wild for her own standards, no longer having her beanie on and wearing a skirt, with a blue slightly lacey top.

Then they all glanced to who hadn't said a word yet, Chris Hartley.

Josh was trying his best not to bust out laughing and ruin this strangly romantic moment. He spotted Sam and she clearly found it as amusing as him, however she signaled to keep quiet and to atleast let the guy try.

You could practically hear Chris' inner monologue as he stumbled out his first sentence, "Uh yeah you do look, nice..."

They all almost groaned in sync but Ashley's cheeks started turning red, "Oh heh, thanks Chris." She sheepishly smiled back at him.

Josh thought he'd lost it, did that actually just work? Well either way he needed to move the situation now before it became horribly awkward, "Well now we've got atleast some party people, we could get drinks?"

Looking back at the lovebirds he wasn't sure If they'd heard him, but Ashley nodded and started to walk alongside Beth towards the kitchen.

Catching up to Chris he went in for a fist bump, "Good job Cochise, but honestly, how in gods name did 'you do look... nice' work, you're going to have to start giving me tips soon."

Clearly still a bit frazzled from the whole ordeal, Chris just rubbed his head and grumbled, "Is that seriously what I sounded like?"

He didn't want to lie to his closest friend, "Uhhh, maybe just a bit." He tried giving him a comforting goofy grin but he quickly realised that won't fly, "Well look dude she literally blushed and was like," He pretended to play with long hair that he didnt have, "Oh thank you Chrisssss, I literally dressed in this for you mwah mwah-"

His fake kissing noises got cut of as Chris shoved him, "No she was not she didn't say any of that."

Josh chuckled, "Yeah well I could see it in her eyes, she wanted YOU to notice, brochacho."

They heard an echoed voice from the kitchen, "Stop having your little boy chat and get in here!"

Chris laughed and seemed to be less embarrassed, "Yes Josh leave me alone and go get drunk."

Pleased with himself Josh chuckled and listened to his best friends orders, "Don't have to tell me twice."

Everyone grouped around the kitchen island stacked with the alcohol selection her and Josh had arranged earlier. They were all pouring some into the classic red party cups, Hannah wanted a real party and Josh provided.

They'd made their way back to the main room after awhile and were all seated, exchanging laughs and pleasant conversations. Matt and Mike soon showed up and were quickly passed some concoctions in cups.

Eventually the door went and the remaining 2 girls arrived, as guessed, 'fashionably late.' Once everyone was seated with their choice of drinks, they suggested to start the night off with would you rather. As basic as it can get, but Hannah seemed to like the idea. Josh nodded to himself as he looked between his friends, "Who wants to start?"

Jess grinned and loudly responded, "I will!" As everyone awaited her question she kept her eyes glued to Emily, "Would you rather, have a threesome with Matt being one of the dudes, or two random dudes."

They all waited in uncomfortably long silence. Most knew about Emily's and Jess' subtle fighting ever since Emily and Matt got together. Sam's surprised Emily hasn't had a swing at her yet, Sam wasn't one to take sides publicly but it was horribly obvious that Jess was just envious.

"Id rather the one with Matt and the other dude just watches." Emily blanked her failed attempt to set drama off with Matt. She could practically hear her fizzing but she diverted the situation with a snobby smirk. "Well Josh," Emily saw Jess in the corner of her eye shoot her a quick glare, "Would you rather kiss Jess, orrrrr Sam?" She knew Jess had called Josh cute in the past, she wasn't sure if it's since he's rich or because she actually thinks he's cute, but may aswell use it for ammo.

Josh felt an awkward stare from everyone, maybe he shouldn't have let would you rather happen. "Uh I'd rather kiss Sam." That wasn't weird right? He had to answer. that's how the game works, he still refused to look Sam in the eye though.

Sam saw Hannah staring at her then briefly made eye contact with her and smiled. But they couldn't be too obvious so she glanced back at Chris who was opposite her.

After a couple seconds of Josh ranting in his head Emily said, "It's your turn now Josh."

"Oh crap right," Staring everyone down he ofcourse, had to pick Ashley. "Ashley, would you rather," Chris was shooting daggers at him with his gaze so he had to tone down his question, "Give Chris a lap dance OR, receive one from him."

Everyone bust out laughing at the mental imagery, apart from Chris who didn't look particularly impressed. However even Ashley was giggling so he couldn't get mad at him.

"I'd rather get one fr-," She kept giggling and Chris nudged into her shoulder, very very lightly, "I'd rather recieve one from him." Still with a toothy grin on her face she picked the next player.

"Sam, would you rather... uh," Chris leaned into her ear and whispered something inaudible for the rest of the group, "Would you rather tell Josh your deepest, uh... sex, fantasy or he tells you his." Ashley's face was incredibly awkward and red but she was laughing at them, really? She couldn't even say the word sex, come on dude.

Sam took a long pause, "Uhhhh... probably him telling me his."

There was a couple intense stares, "Samantha you dirty dog! sure I'll tell you,  my biggest fantasy is-" Beth slapped a hand over his mouth.

Beth's expression filled with disgust, "We really don't need to know about that."

Josh huffed, "I'll tell Sammy in private then."

Sam rolled her eyes, "No you will not Josh. Anyway, Hannah would you rather have a 60 year old seduce you on a public train and he doesn't get the hint," a quick, "Classic!" Could be heard from Jess. "Or really obviously flirt with a 60 year old dude out with his family on a train."

Hannah groaned, "Why'd you actually give me a hard one and not Chris doing a lap dance." She giggled then quickly went into a serious thinking pose. You could tell she was really thinking it through, by all the disgusted varieties of faces she was making.

"Sorry Han, had to change up the game alittle!" She would have given her a different one if she'd asked, however she did not.

"I guess flirting with him with the family there because atleast you can like," She waved her hands around in a gesture that nobody, including her understood and laughed, "I don't know."

Hannah's laughing turned into a mischievous grin, "Mike would you rather have sex with a seriously old grandma, or kiss a handsome dude your age?"

Matt beside him started giggling and Emily looked intrigued to see his answer.

Mike grumbled "Oh shit come one Hannah... uhhhhhh, I'm gonna have to say grandma, love a milf." He sat back and looked at Matt, "Now would you rather, go out in public in a shirt that says 'kick me in the balls!', and people actually do it, or go out wearing a shirt that says 'I like to lick feet!' While walking around holding Emily's hand."

Matt and Emily hit Mike's same arm, "Dude you had that one ready," the guys laughed then Matt continued, "Probably the second one, because people actually kicking your balls is too much man."

Josh started, "Okay so what next classic party game shall we play, truth or dare, never have I ever, beer pong or maybe even 7 minutes in heaven," as subtly as he could winked at Sam while he said the last suggestion.

Everyone talking amongst themselves he heard Mike say he's down for anything, pretty much the whole group agreed apart from Emily and Matt on the last one. Even Chris and Ashley agreed with nervous smiles.

"Well let's do beer pong when our senses have worsened," He took a big swig of his drink to show what he meant. Almost a domino effect where a couple people drank aswell, clearly forgetting this is Josh hosted party where you get as drunk as possible.

Mike chuckled, "Yeah lets do that later, I think we're all down to play 7 minutes in heaven, it's easiest since we don't need to think of things to give eachother, Matt's not great with that." He wrapped his arm round his shoulder and got met with a punch.

"I'm okay to watch if me and Matt will just sit out?" Emily almost phrased it as a question, Matt's really having a postive affect on her.

"Okay then, I'll grab a bottle." Josh stood up and exits the room.

"Should we play never have I ever in the mean time so everyone can be present for truth or dare?" Sam was talking to everyone but it ended up being mostly heard by the twins and Emily.

"Yeah that's a good idea," Emily smiled at her, it's nice to see her so happy. Josh swiftly returned with the bottle and placed it in the centre, now reclaiming his spot on the floor.

"Okay," Majority of people stopped their chats and listened in, "Basic rules, once it hits 7 minutes we will tell you to get out, we won't barge in. Next is that obviously if it lands on certain people we will respin, and no phones in the room, alright?"

There was series of yes's and yeps throughout the room then Beth asked, "So who's going first?"

Hannah sat up, "I think Ashley should go first this time," She glanced between her and Chris beside her.

Ashley clearly did not expect to get called out first, "O-okay," she leaned forward and gave the bottle a sort of weak spin, it almost landed on Chris but it landed on herself.

A couple laughs was shared, "Great start Ash," Josh said with a cheesy grin.

Ashley again leaned forward and spun it, this time trying for slightly less powerful spin to get Chris.

As it was spinning it almost just stopped at Beth but it got Chris, ( it nearly got Chris, however everyone gaslit him and sent them on their way.)

"Beth can you set a timer?" Sam asked. As she set a timer on her phone Sam continued, "By the way Josh we agreed to play Never have I ever while people are in the cupboard."

Josh breathed a sigh of relief, "Ah right I was thinking what we could do in the mean time."

"Mike you start this time," Emily grinned and snuggled into Matt's side. Everyone picking up their drinks in preparation.

Mike hummed in thought, "Hmmm never have I ever, been arrested." Josh and Jess tentatively took a drink from their cups.

Emily's interest was peeked, "Wait wait wait Josh? For what?" Jess look offended that no one asked her, "We know what you did Jess don't give me that look." That made her shut up.

"Err just drunk driving after a party, I was trying to get home." Josh slightly cringed at the memory, "Thankfully not on my record though as the dude happened to be a fan of my Dad's work, gave him a fake autograph and got off scot-free!"

Matt looked stunned, "The Washington privilege is really that strong?"

Josh shrugged, "Only works on some people."

"I wonder if he tried to sell that autograph." Beth pondered with a giggle.

Sam joined in with the laughter, "Also why did he believe you would keep your own dad's autograph in your car?"

"I really don't know." His eyes softened the moment he locked eyes with Sam, she tried to ignore it but she still felt her heart flutter for a moment.

Beth stopped laughing and stared right at Josh, "Okayyyy, never have I ever paid a girl to go on a date with me."

Josh gasped, "HEY I WAS FOURTEEN!" Everyone roared with laughter.

"Drink then Josh!" Emily managed out through giggles.

As Josh swallowed his mouthful of beer he glared at Beth, "Game on Beth, never have I ever accidentally followed my teachers Instagram while stalking them because I thought they were hot."

Shouts of "Who?!" Were coming from some, others just lost in laughter. As Beth sipped from her glass with a grumpy face, Jess drank. "Woah woah did you guys see that?

Everyones eyes shot to where Beth was staring, "Jess?!" Hannah smirked, "Well I could expect that to be fair."

Jess giggled back, "You're no better than me Hannah, never have I ever did one of those online quiz things on a crush I've had."

Hannah drank with a huff, "And you haven't?"

Jess pondered for a second, "Oh wait no you're right I have." She knocked back the rest of her cup and went to get more.

The timer rung and Beth stood up and went over to the cupboard, "Alright guys wrap it up!" She knocked on the door aswell before returning to her seat.

A few moments later they exited with flushed faces and red tinted ears. "So-" Emily started before Chris cut her off.

"Shut up Em." Everyone watched as they sat back in their old spot, beside eachother. Josh was just glad they didn't somehow fall out.

"You go now Josh." Chris was smirking at him and he supposed he had to after being the one to suggest the game.

"Okay Cochise, I'm gonna spin to get you." He winked and Chris' face changed to a grimace.

"Please do not." However he couldn't help but laugh at the determined look on Josh's face.

He flicked his wrist and didn't break eye contact with Chris, Ashley beside him nudging him and Jess chanting for it to land on Chris.

The bottle swiftly went past his original target, slowing down at stopping at Emily.

Josh leaned forward to spin again, "No spinning again for Chris, Josh. I'm not playing so it automatically goes to the next person," Sam could feel everyone's eyes laying on her.

Just before Josh was about to protest Sam stood up and looked to him expectantly to do the same.

She mostly did it to deflect everyone's attention away from Hannah's absolutely ecstatic facial expression, maybe she shouldn't have told her before her getting drunk.

Josh did as he was eye balled to do, and followed Sam into the cupboard. Behind them hearing a mix of call outs from people, making their voices unrecognisable.

Sam closed over the door and it shut with a click. The air was dense and it filled her throat. Unable to conjure up anything to say she remained silent and let the tension settle in.

Considering how rich they are their supply closets were surprisingly normally sized, which was very unfortunate for Sam in the moment.

Following the awkward fiddling of her fingers, which he was prevented from seeing due to the dim lighting. Josh piped up, "Sooooooo," She finally stared up at him and noticed his fixated gaze, "Wanna kiss then?" He was grinning, eyes unwavering which made her think he was messing around.

She crossed her arms and rested back slightly against the wall, "Hardy har Washington, I think I'll pass."

He followed her movement, towering over her, "Oh I'm not joking," His stare still observing her every movement.

She sighed, "Yeah and neither am I, I'm not having my first kiss during 7 minutes in-" She realised her grave mistake by Josh's face lighting up.

"Holy shit you've never had your first kiss? I had mine at like 15?!" Josh was cackling in disbelief, "No way am I believing that!"

After smacking his arm she replied, "Oh shut up ofcourse YOU had your first kiss that young."

His grin remained wide, "That's not even young you just didn't live!"

"Yeah yeah, well I've been fine so far," She attempted to shimmy back further but she was now fully backed against the wall.

Josh hummed in agreement, "Yeah well maybe it's good you could have your first with someone that has more expertise." She could make out a wink coming from his smug face.

"Well not during a drinking game I'm not, so no funny ideas."

She could smell the alcohol on his breath as he got marginally closer, he was definitely going to have a hang over tomorrow, "Maybe after then?"

Her brain felt fuzzy and her usual Josh overload was timesed by 10, "We'll see."
She stuck her finger out and brushed it down his chest then let it fall back into place.

Copying her, he placed his own finger underneath her ear and dragged it down the length of her jaw. Stopping at her chin.

Sam snorted and rolled her eyes, "Still not going to kiss you in a cupboard Josh."

He pouted and removed his hand, still unmoving however, "Aww man I thought that'd work, then again it didn't work on Chris either."

She responded with a cackle, "Awww damnit," at the mention of Chris she outloudly pondered,  "I wonder what they did in here that made them so red looking."

Finally glancing away from Sam he looked around the room as if it would tell him in extreme detail what happened minutes prior, "Well I hope he got something, atleast a hand hold. Especially after that AWESOME compliment from Cochise earlier."

Sam couldn't contain her laughter, "Oh my god, not the," She paused to get into character, imitating him brilliantly even down to his posture, "you do look... nice."

They were both in stitches, "AND SHE LIKED IT!" Josh stammered out.

As they continued to wail with laughter and struggle more comments out, they eventually heard knocks on the door. "STOP GIGGLING AND GET OUT ALREADY!" They immediately became silent, and locked eyes, then bust out laughing again.

Eventually Josh turned the door knob and walked out into the significantly brighter room. Glancing back to look at Sam's hazel eyes in better lighting, they sparkled a greenish yellow color and he hoped one day they're the first thing he wakes up to.

Beth turned to them, "What got you guys cackling like maniacs?"

Sam stiffled back a laugh as Josh responded, "Nothing sis." They sat back down, however this time closer than before.

"I'm super hungry do you have anything?" Mike looked to him desolately, but he couldn't laugh as he realised that was the one thing he forgot.

"Shit I meant to order in Pizzas but they don't deliver past midnight."

Matt stared at him like he was stupid, "Can't you just say you're Josh Washington and they'll come immediately?"

He didn't like using his fathers name as a weapon of power, but he didn't really want to say that, "Nah they know us they don't really care, I can just drive and pick them up myself it's fine."

Emily giggled almost patronisingly, "No you will not! I'm not letting you get another drunk driving charge."

Hannah sat forward, "Hey how about you take our old bikes?"

Beth piped in, "Just actually wear the helmet though please."

"Oh god I'd love to see Josh ride a bike piss drunk," Chris was laughing at the mental image he'd given himself.

As much as he really did not fancy going on a bike journey at quarter to twelve, he must. "Alright thanks Han I'll do that."

Sam watched him meander into the kitchen and return out with keys and a menu, "Alright does anyone know what they want off the bat?"

Chris, Emily and Jess said they just wanted margaritas, Matt and Beth asked for pepperoni, Mike asked for the menu and everyone laughed. As he was choosing Ashley requested pineapple on pizza and screams of terror were let out. From everyone apart from Chris who already knew thats how she liked it. Mike wanted the ultimate mighty meat and he passed the menu to Hannah, who picked chicken feast. Once he received back the menu he passed it to Sam who held it like it was contraband, "Don't worry Sammy it has your vegan shenanigans." She smiled as she took it from him.

She flipped over the piece of paper to find the dietary requirements section, "could I just get the vegan vegetable supreme?"

"No problem." He wandered into the kitchen and placed the menu on the counter. He pulled out his phone and ordered the listed pizzas for his friends and one for himself, then hit click and collect and grabbed his wallet.

As he returned to tell everyone about his departure Hannah yelled stopping him, "Wait Sam's going with you I don't want you getting hurt and being alone!"

Sam's gaze shot to Hannah who had an innocently, 'concerned for her brother' look on her face. So she did know how to act sometimes.

He laughed lightly, "That's probably a good idea, I am feeling a tiny bit dizzy."

Sam pushed herself up and followed Josh out the door, telling everyone they'll be back soon.

Josh had a cheesy grin plastered on his face, so Sam asked, "What is it Josh?"

He couldn't keep in his quiet giggle, "The bike might be too big for you that's all," Staring at her to react expectantly, she took the bait.

"Hey the twins are only like 2 inches taller than me, tops!" She waved around her hand about an inch higher than her head.

Josh only laughed in response before clicking a button on his keys and watching the garage door arise and tuck itself away. "Jeez I forgot how rich you guys are sometimes."

They wandered over to the bikes that are being hung on the wall. Sam made a conscious effort to try and not stare at the absolute beauty of a car, that clearly belonged to his dad.

She tore her eyes away and stared at Josh's back as he removed the smallest appearing bike and wheeled it infront of her, "Alright here you go honey."

The smile that rose to her face was impossible to stop as she took the handle from him, "Oh why thank you."

Josh lifted the other bicycle and placed it against the wall, swiftly collected a pannier from a nearby shelf, then attached it to his bike so he can actually collect the pizzas. Finally he tapped on each of his pockets to check he has his essentials. "Okay I think we can head now." Josh nodded at her to leave but she stayed put and squinted her eyes at him.

"Josh, Hannah told us to wear helmets, come on don't be a wimp."

Josh gasped and held a hand over his heart, "Me, A wimp? As if. But fine if YOU, want a helmet, they're in that box." He motioned behind him at the same shelf he collected his bag from.

She rolled her eyes and strolled over to the location of the tub, "Yes you are a wimp, refusing to wear a helmet and endangering yourself, is a TOTAL wimp move." She placed her own helmet on and clicked it closed.

Glancing back at Josh he had his head turned away from her, and was ranting about how he did infact look much cooler without a helmet. Sam took this as a prime opportunity and snuck up behind him. In one swift motion, she thumped a helmet on top of his head, and buckled the bottom of it. "HEY!" He reached out to stop her but she was too fast, she bolted past on her bike and down their driveway.

He stumbled onto his bike and followed her, attempting to match her lighting speeds. "SAMMYYYYY!" He clicked the gears higher as he wailed.

Sam was only a few metres infront of him, her hair flew in the wind as they shot down the empty roads, dipping between squealing and giggling.

After a few minutes Josh finally overtook Sam, who quickly regained her front place within seconds. They were head to head, Sam mostly concentrating on the road but Josh was half lost in the determined grin across Sam's face.

Without looking at him Sam retorted, "FOCUS ON THE ROAD WASHINGTON IM USED TO DEALING WITH INJURED ANIMALS, AND NOT YOUR KIND!"

Josh usually wouldn't stare so obviously, the alcohol had definitely hit his system, well thats what he's blaming it on anyway, "WAIT IF I CRASH THIS YOU'LL TAKE CARE OF ME? SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME EARLIER GIDDINGS!" He checked to see if she was looking, before very narrowly swerving last second around a corner and almost going flying over a curb. Sam had stopped to make sure he didn't hurt himself, however he kept cycling.

Once she had caught up to him and was riding beside him she punched his arm, "DON'T DO THAT AGAIN YOU JERK!"

Josh was filled to the brim with adrenaline and was mostly just glad he didn't hurt himself, then again he thinks he probably wouldn't have felt it at this rate. "WHATTTT? WERE YOU WORRIED ABOUT ME!?"

"YES YOU IDIOT YOU ALMOST WENT FACE FIRST INTO THE CURB!" Sam stared at him as if he was supposed to acknowledge his dumb behaviour, she should know by now he doesn't do that.

His face furrowed, "WELL I WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE SINCE YOU FORCED ME INTO THIS IDIOTIC HELMET!" He made a point to pull at the buckle strap and Sam knew he wasn't going to let that go for the rest of the night.

Another sharp turn was coming up, "TURN NICE AND SLOWLY PLEASE JOSH!" Sam shot him a warning through her eyes before focusing on actually making the turn herself.

"I WILL, I WILL, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING!" He made a point to shoot past her. Afterwards he stared back with a gigantic grin and cocked a snook at her.

Sam caught up to him, in retaliation she stuck her tounge out. Behind her he spotted a familiar signpost, "THE PIZZA PLACE IS ONLY A COUPLE MINUTES AWAY, RACE YOU!"

For once he fully teared his attention away from her, then she heard him bump his gear up higher.

Following his lead she turned her gear to six, "OH YOU'RE SO ON!" She wasn't sure he even heard her, in spite of that she attempted to match his pace as he had cheated himself a head start.

They flew through the dusk streets, Sam mentally cursing Hannah for making her wear her hair down for this endeavour. As her hair was currently beating against her back from the wind force, she was just thankful it stayed out of her field of view. Josh had a slight lead still, though Sam was slowly creeping up.

At the end of road they could just scout one remaining lit building on the street of stores. She noticed Josh's legs somehow increasing in speed, reminding her to do the same.

He was still an infinitesimal reach away from her. Her eyes felt glued to his entire embodiment, she dreamt a mental image of the cheesy grin he would pull once he was the winner. Then him wrapping his arm around her shoulder and telling her better luck next time. Her informing him that he only actually won due to her stopping halfway through to check on him. And finally him giggling and retorting some dumb quip.

She decided in that moment that she would let him win. The jokes that he will make surrounding his victory will be endless, yet maybe she could request a rematch.

Sam snapped out of her head and noticed how much closer to the takeaway they had gotten. She stopped peddling and let the bike continue zooming down the road using the previous momentum.

As they'd reached the car park of the miniature shopping centre, Sam had a significantly easier time breaking the bike as Josh had kept cycling.

Sam circled around the gas pumps to let out the rest of the power before haulting in an empty car parking space. She glanced to see Josh had infact went over the curb and the bike was laying on the ground, wheels still spinning.

She bolted over and mentally noted he atleast somehow mostly landed on his back, "Holy shit are you okay?"

He grumbled and sluggishly rolled over, "I won though."

Resting her hand on his shoulder she sighed, "You sure did, idiot."

Using his hands he shoved himself away from the rough pavement and sat up on his knees, he stared up at her with dazed eyes and a slanted grin, "So are you going to help me now that I'm injured?"

He winced as he stroked his back under his shirt with his hand. she snorted at his still flirtatious attempt even in the current condition, "Yeah I will but I don't have anything on me, wait until we get back to yours."

He pushed himself up with a groan and returned back to their usually height difference, him eyeing her up and down, "I can wait, loserrrr"

They returned back to the mansion, (Josh insists it is a house, he's wrong.) As they came in holding so many pizzas it was almost blocking their entire view they heard cheers and squeals.

Sam and Josh placed the towers of boxes on the carpet between the roughly made circle of guests. Everyone lunged to try and find their order and the pair gazed at eachother with triumphant grins.

Sam was first to glance away, her stomach was growling. There were a couple people left collecting their pizza when she kneeled down to find hers, "Yours is this one," Ashley answered as she pushed one of the boxes towards her.

Sam picked it up and warmly smiled, "Oh thanks Ash." She sat backwards cross legged and dug into her food.

After grabbing his own box Josh sat beside her on the floor, once they'd eaten a few slices Mike suggested to watch a movie. Everyone agreed and they headed to the famous Washington movie theatre.

When Josh leaned against the ludicrously comfortable chair he still grunted in pain, reminding Sam about her necessary nursing duties. Once the movie begun she stood up and motioned Josh to follow her.

Beth and Hannah glared at them and Sam had to quietly explain Josh flew off his bike. Beth snorted and Sam reassured the two of them he was fine.

As she carefully closed the door she huffed out a sigh of relief. "Soooo you called me out here for a kiss or what?

She laughed and rolled her eyes playfully, "No idiot for your back." She sauntered towards the stairs, still maintaining eye contact with Josh.

He pouted, "Awwww you remembered, I thought I'd have to actually tell Beth and get her to fix me up." He let out a chuckle as he followed her directions, in his house.

A wry smile spread across Sam's face, "Well about that, I sort of already told them," She watched Josh's face shrivel up and she held her hands up in defense, "Only because they were not letting me leave with you alone, I swear."

"Ofcourse it was," Josh grumbled, "I just don't want Hannah to berate me about it when I have a hangover tomorrow." He stared at her weakly as though he was trying to communicate through his emotional eyes. As if she could control his own sister's, almost asking her to be around to stop them.

She lead him into his bedroom and told him to sit down, he complied and she left to find their first aid kit. He carefully sprawled out on his bed as he waited for her to return. The image of her gazing at him with so much concern burned into the forefront of his mind.

He could make out the familiar quiet creak of his door opening, he pushed himself to sit back up and spotted who he had hoped for.

Sam took a seat beside him and stared at him expectantly. Josh swivelled on the spot and removed his shirt carefully, breathing out a nervous breath he didn't realise he was holding in.

He heard Sam behind him wince at the sight and felt her warm hand hold his unscuffed shoulder affectionately, "This looks really sore, you should probably get someone to take a look at this tomorrow."

Josh hadn't seen it himself but it didn't feel that horrible, "I trust your nursing skills, what's the diagnosis doc?"

Usually Josh would have cackled after any of his jokes. Unlike him, his voice sounded more genuine, vulnerable. She had definitely seen him this drunk before, but not with no one else in the room, apart from for a mere seconds.

Sam gritted her teeth, unsure of the damage done, "Uh I'm just going to dress it and we'll deal with it tomorrow, okay?"

Josh for a change only nodded and said no more. She wasn't too sure what to do with that so she picked up the damp cloth she'd previously grabbed and began cleaning the large wound.

A few low groans were let out by Josh as she slowly made her way down him. Sam kept her touch light, attempting to hurt him the least amount possible.

Josh's head was pounding and he couldn't focus on anything. His attention was limited to the soft touches as her hand tentatively held on the undamaged part of his back. Her warm grasp left and she huffed out a small sigh of relieve, "Nearly there, then we can bandage it."

Even with his foggy filled brain he managed out an "Okay." Followed by a short breathy laugh. He couldn't help but find her instructional tone to be relaxing, she's going to be an amazing vet once she receives her degree he thought.

A hum was heard from Sam, she reached out to hold his upper arm, "Alright all done, need to wrap you up now. Could you stand up for me?" He grumbled as he planted his hands on the edge of the mattress, then lifted himself off the bed.

Releasing his arm Sam swiftly unravelled the bandage, eyeing up his torso on how to apply it properly. Josh caught her eye and smirked sloppily, "Quite unprofessional behaviour Mrs Giddings."

Sam rolled her eyes but let a snort escape her, "My apologies Mr Washington," In character she sighed and put on a sassy change of voice, "Just couldn't help myself."

Not allowing Josh to come back with anything more. She scooted behind him and placed the beginning of the roll on his lower back, keeping it in place with her palm against his cold skin.

Using her other hand she got it around and hovering over his belly button, then requested he passed it round to her. She took it from his hand and layered it over the original piece. After repeating this a few times she no longer had to hold down the beginning piece, giving her more freedom to work with.

She tapped his wrist with her free hand, "Lift your arms please." He complied without a response so she started with the next row of bandage. She slowly shuffled around his body, checking the material was higher than the last piece.

Josh gazed down upon her focused and determined look, eyes unwavering. Even if he did have anything else to focus on, he knew he would instantly refuse to look away for even a precious second.

He watched her go out of his view from behind him and reappear like whack a mole. He started giggling at the mental picture of Sam replacing the mole, next her eyes shot up to meet his with a quizzical expression, "What?" He kept laughing and Sam's eyebrows furrowing only made him cackle more. "What is it? Earth to Josh!" His head was thrown back and he was beginning to shed tears.

After a straight minute of Josh wailing laughing and Sam nudging his shoulder and hollering he managed out, "You look like a m-mole!" He continued to giggle while maintaining eye contact with Sam. He quickly noticed her smile faded and her eyebrows knitting. He attempted to undo what he'd just done, "I mean like a cute mole, you know with the little noses-" He poked Sam's nose as he got cut off by himself hiccuping. She gazed up at him with her arms crossed lazily, however her eyes filled with compassion.

His mouth remained parted has he took in every ounce of the scene infront of him. He spotted a hair stuck between her lips and swooped it behind her ear, his eyes not moving away to her lips. His mouth barely moved as he mumbled, "I wanna kiss you so bad right now." It didn't register to Josh he'd let that leave his love struck brain. That was until Sam flushed beetroot red and uncrossed her arms, then leaned forward slightly. Making sure he was the one to initiate just incase he was still messing with her.

Josh's breath was stuck in his throat, the only thing he could hear was his own heart pounding throughout his body. He delicately brushed his fingertips over her cheek, slipping a finger under her jaw to pull her in. He tentatively leaned in and shut his eyes, he felt his hand on her cheek getting closer and then their lips met. She carefully placed a hand on his waist, the other on his shoulder that was unharmed.

Josh took the lead and stepped closer, tangling his other hand in her hair. After a few seconds Sam pulled away and breathed in loudly, clearly taken aback. Josh's smile spread across his face, "So how would you rate your first kiss?" He wasn't sure If it was how drunk he was finally hitting him as his stomach felt overrun by butterflies.

Sam shook her head, biting her lip to hide her grin. "I don't know... I'd give it a six."

Josh gasped held his hand over his chest, "A SIX?"

She raised her hands up in defense but couldn't wipe the smirk or the blush off her face, "Like a solid six."

Catching onto her sarcasm he laughed, "I'll show you a six," He leaned in while sticking his tongue out as he closed his eyes, and pretended to go in for a kiss.

He could hear Sam giggling and felt her hands pushing against his chest, "Ewwww Josh get off."

He retracted his tounge and opened his eyes, meeting Sam's shining hazel ones. Josh stared down at her lips and snaked his hands around her waist, luring her closer. Josh breathed out hot air against her skin, before pressing their lips together in a kiss that left no room for doubt.

When they broke apart, neither moved far.

“That was at least an eight,” Sam murmured.

Josh laughed under his breath. “Still not a ten?”

“Keep trying,” she whispered, eyes shining.

And he did.

After a few minutes Josh pulled her to sit beside him. She picked up the the discarded bandage and finished wrapping him up with breaks for gentle kisses. When they split apart for air, Sam couldn't help the yawn that came with it.

Josh giggled, "Am I really that boring Sammy?"

Her voice was smaller as she stiffled out a laugh, "No alot just happened in the span of 5 minutes."

Nodding in understanding Josh slid down from his sitting position against his headboard, and opened his arms to her.

She slumped into his affection and hummed in content, "Okay maybe I wasn't lying when I called you a really good cuddler to Beth."

Josh muffled a laugh against Sam's apple scented hair, "I knew it."

“Don’t get cocky,” she mumbled into his chest. “I said really good, not world class.”

“Whatever you say,” he said smirking. "I’ll keep practising.”

They sank into a comfortable quiet. Sam’s breathing slowed, deep with sleep. But the adrenaline in Josh made him wide awake, fingertips tracing absent minded shapes against her back.

“You know,” he said after a pause, “When you invited me to your 17th and you got properly drunk for the first time, oh it was hilarious. You were practically red whenever I spoke to you, it was so cute-" Josh continued on his rant reminiscing on vivid memories he had, until he heard a soft snore from the head resting on his chest.

He closed his eyes and soaked up her warmth, his fingers gently playing with the bracelet he gave to her. For a while, he just listened to the soft sound of her breathing, the muffled music still playing downstairs and the distant laughter of their friends. And eventually, with her name still echoing in his mind, Josh let himself fall asleep to the rhythm of her heart.