Thankfully, Josh had gotten a fire started up in the fireplace, so it was looking like it’d be warming up in just a little bit. Still, Sam sat on the couch, her arms wrapped around herself, refusing to take off her coat until things got at least a little warmer.
The room had slowly been clearing out, with Josh suggesting odd jobs for everyone to do. Until it was just the two of them. They sat there in silence for a bit, Josh poking at the fire while Sam watched, until he turned his head and nodded at her.
“Come here... warm your hands.”
Sam hummed, walking over to where Josh was sitting, and taking a seat next to him. “Well, don’t mind if I do.” She said, holding out her hands, glancing over at him as he moved closer. “That was quite the move.” She commented after a moment, laughing a bit at the confused look Josh gave her.
“Oh, come on. You get everyone sent off to do this or that, and then you ask me to warm my hands by the fire. With you. This close. And you keep moving closer.” Sam rolled her eyes, turning to look at him. “You could do better than that.” She pushed, poking his chest while she spoke. Josh seemed to be thinking something over, and after a beat, Sam spoke again, “Well, are yo-mmph.”
Then, just like that, Josh was kissing her, and she was kissing him back. She moved closer to him on the little bench they were sitting on, his hand resting on her knee when the door slammed open, announcing the return of Chris and Ashley.
“Whoa--!” Sam jumped at the sound, falling off the bench, and onto the ground. “Jeez. You guys gave me a heart attack.” She mumbled, clutching her chest with one hand, and taking the extended hand from Josh with the other.
Au where the events of the game haven't taken place; homeschooled rich boy doesn't mind running errands for his pretty blonde friend.
There were definitely worse things he could be doing right now. There were a lot of things worse than going ten over on a highway nestled in the middle of a Washington wood. He could be at home, minus a license and listening to his pop drone on and on about him being lucky and he could be at school with his sisters instead of free for the day from finishing his morning home-lesson early.
Butterflies flitted across the overhead honeysuckle, the small flowers filling the dewy morning with a sweet perfume. Any birds attempting a song that morning were drowned out by the bike’s motor and the hearty crunch of the gravel littering the asphalt. The black surface ahead peaked into a tall hill, causing a gloved hand to guard the filled bike-bag behind him; he really didn’t feel like going back to the store with that big gray cloud in the distance.
Coffee scented the house as the downpour beat against the roof and the wind rattled the windows. The skillet on the stove was abandoned when a crash sent a cat running down the hall. With a sigh, the blonde girl went about closing the window again and securing its latch, and at the flash of lightning outside, shut the curtains around the cozy living room. Space heaters gave the room a sharp contrast from the cold gray beyond the windows. Calling down the hall, the girl returned to her cooking, hoping her food hadn’t burnt in her absence. “Hey, Grandma? How many of these do you want? I don’t know if I need more batter or not.”
“Just a couple, Sam, dear! What was that crash?” responded the frail woman entering the kitchen. Sam nodded in the direction of the living room, “A window latch came undone. Gave Anna a good scare,” she chuckled. The poor cat had always been skittish. Reaching into the cabinet for plates, her sweater sleeves moved down her arms, “Is your friend coming today?” the older woman inquired, seeing her granddaughter pulled out a trio of plates. A knowing smile reached her lips glimpsing the blush Sam sported. “He said he would pick up the groceries today,” the blonde answered, dishing out the food she’d finished. A throaty laugh met her ears, “Well that’s polite of him.”
The older woman poured herself a cup of coffee, “Oh dear.”
Sam looked over at her, “What?” following her gaze out the cloudy window, she wasn’t surprised when the dogs jumped up from the space heaters and starting barking at the front door.
Seeing the farmhouse was like a rock being taken out of his chest. The rain had started some twenty minutes back but now would qualify as torrential. He’d had to slow the bike and stuff his bike-bag into his jacket to keep the paper bags inside dry. Once up the drive, the kickstand couldn’t go down fast enough and that helmet was off. The sound of wet paws was followed by two huge dogs crashing into his legs. “Sammy!”
The dogs provided a panting escort to the roofed porch where the blonde was smiling devilishly at him. “Aw they’re so happy to see you, Joshie!” she teased. “Get inside; you’ll catch a cold out here.” Sam beckoned the dogs back in the house, using a towel to clean the mud off their paws. Josh left his boots outside the door, not wanting to track mud on the hardwood. Taking out the bag from his jacket he handed over the paper bags to Sam, “There’s your rabbit food, little bird.” Taking them with a small chuckle, she brought the bags to the kitchen counter. Glancing up from her paper, the older woman sent the boy a smile, “Good morning, Joshua. Safe drive? I do appreciate you picking up the groceries for us.”
A hum of acknowledgement reached her, “S’nothing, Mrs. Brown, I don’t mind. You staying warm these days?” The older woman nodded, “Quite, though I can’t say the same for you, young man.” Referencing his soaked jeans and damp t-shirt where water had gotten into his jacket. “Sam, dear, can you take him to Michael’s room and find him a change of clothes?” a smirk playing on her withered lips. “Sure. C’mon Joshie,” the blonde grabbed his sleeve and started the trek upstairs to her brother’s room. “Sammy can you call me anything else besides ‘Joshie’?”
“I can, I just don’t feel like it. Does it bother you, Joshie?”
“A little, yeah.” Following her into the vacant bedroom Sam quickly searched through her brother’s dresser for some dry clothes. “Whatcha gonna do if I keep calling you that? Hit me with another bike?” she laughed but he grimaced. Not the best way to first meet someone, hitting them with your motorcycle while they’re out jogging. Thankfully neither her nor her grandmother pressed charges, and the brace on her ankle had come off near two months ago. “Nah probably just get Chris to put his pet spider in your room.” The joke was met with a large t-shirt to the face.
“Hardy har,” she deadpanned, handing him a pair of jeans and walking out of the room.
Hearing heavy footfalls on the stairs Sam put down her coffee. “Let’s see ya. Everything fit?” She heard a smooth chuckle, seeing the tanned boy walk in with her dogs in tow, “They won’t leave me be. Yeah it all fits, thanks for the loan.”
“No prob, you want some breakfast?” she shot over a shoulder while refilling her coffee mug. Jade met spearmint and a moment of silence fell between them, before a small laugh broke it. “Sure birdie, I’d love breakfast.”
“What’s so funny?” she shot back while getting the plate from earlier. He shook his head, getting a mug from the other cabinet; it wasn’t his first time catching a meal at the farmhouse. “I just don’t think it’s normal to hit someone with a bike and then a few months down the line have them make you breakfast. What’cha got anyway?”
“My ‘rabbit food’,” Sam put the empty skillet in the sink to wash, “some blueberry and oatmeal waffles, and tofu omelets. You know where the syrup is Joshie,” she turned on the hot water from the faucet. “Sounds good,” passing Sam with the coffee mug, he grabbed the plate from the counter next to her, and put a kiss on the side of her head, “Thanks, little birdie.”
Mrs. Brown watched from the living room as her granddaughter’s blush covered her pale cheeks, “About time,” she mused.
Has anyone ever stopped to realize how hurt Sam must have felt when Josh showed her that video of his own death that he faked. (I have a head cannon that when Josh reveals himself she is still mad at him but can't help but be relieved that he's ok)
“Sam. Would I ever do anything to get you in trouble?” Josh stated in mock naivety, fluttering his eyelashes innocently.
“Yes!” hissed Sam in a whisper as she crouched down behind a desk, pulling Josh down by his tie so that he was kneeling beside her. “And keep your voice down.”
“Oh come now, give me more credit than that.”
She gave him a stern look. “I’ll give you credit when we get out of here.”
Josh made to speak, but Sam slapped her hand over his mouth before he could utter a word. There they were, crouching behind a cluttered work desk in the offices attached to a reception hall. Technically, they were supposed to be out in the wedding festivities; Sam’s older sister was just married to her high school sweetheart. Sounds of the live band and popping champagne corks wafted into the dimly lit office. For a while, Sam had played the perfect bridesmaid. She made sure everything ran smoothly, keeping feuding family members apart and making sure everyone got the right serving of food. But, as is wont for Josh and her, she ended up with her beautiful dress around her ankles, her expertly made hair mussed. Josh himself was wearing little other than a tie and his boxers.
Everything had been going well so far. Better than well, actually, a fact that was hallmarked by the soft moans and panting that they emitted as they got into some particularly heavy petting. That was, until Sam heard the sound of clicking heels rapidly approaching the office. She cursed herself for not remembering to lock the door.
Their eyes widened as the door opened and snapped shut again. The shuffling of feet got closer, until it stopped mere inches from their hiding place. Sam and Josh could see two pairs of shoes leaning against the creaking desk, one of them black dress shoes and the other golden stilettos.
They heard a female’s voice cut through the silence. “Are you sure there’s no one is in here?”
“I don’t see anyone.” Replied the male. Those voices were all too familiar to the crouching couple.
Is that…? Sam mouthed to Josh, her hand still clasped firmly over his mouth. Josh nodded in response. Sure enough, Ashley and Chris stood on the other side of the desk, separated only by its flimsy wooden surface. Gaping, Sam slid silently over to their voices as she strained to hear her friends. Was this it? Were they finally going to get it over with and kiss?
“Thanks for coming in here with me. I don’t do well with crowds sometimes.” Ashley muttered softly, scooting nearer to him on the desk. Josh and Sam leaned nearer still in anticipation. They could practically feel the romantic tension emanating from the two.
“No problem. That’s what friends are for.”
And the award for biggest mood killer goes to Chris. Before she could stop herself, Sam sighed loudly and rolled her eyes at them.
“What was that?” asked Ashley, springing off of the desk with a jump.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit.
“I don’t know.”
I’m so sorry. Sam mouthed to Josh once more. He didn’t have time to ask why. Suddenly, Sam gave him a large push and sent him toppling out of his crouched position, in full view of his friends.
Chris stepped back in bemusement. “What the hell?”
Awkwardly, Josh stood up and straightened his tie, as if somehow that would make him look less weird. “Um. Hi.”
“What are you doing here?” He asked again.
“And why don’t you have any clothes on?” Ashley added, trying very hard not to make eye contact with Josh.
“Uh…” he stalled, looking around the room for anything that would help him explain this. “I’m drunk?”
“Jesus Christ, dude. You need to learn how to hold your liquor. Or at least how to keep your pants on.”
“Or maybe I just need some better friends.” He said, looking pointed at Sam behind the desk. It took everything she had not to burst into laughter right then and there.
“Let’s go get you some water,” began Ashley, “and also a shirt.”
AU where Josh didn’t fall asleep and so the prank never happened.
Slightly NSFW?
--
“Josh!” Sam giggled, pushing him away from her gently. “Shhh. You’re going to get us caught.”
He pull away reluctantly, but not before he left a few bite marks on her neck. “You of all people know I’m not good at being quiet.”
It was the dead of night at the Washington lodge. Everyone but Sam and Josh that was, who had spent the last ten minutes tangled up together in the guest bedroom. The air was chilly in the lodge, but Sam and Josh had gotten so warm that they couldn’t notice. Both of them were fairly tipsy as well, having passed the first half of the night with their friends drinking up a storm. But, because they hadn’t made their relationship known yet, they had to agree to meet up in the spare room at four am in order to avoid the prying, judgmental eyes of their friends. Within the first minute, Josh had Sam shoved up against the bedroom wall, his hands buried deep into the back pocket of her jeans.
“Well you’d better learn. Or we’ll have to stop.” She said firmly, but ran her hands under his shirt.
“Everyone’s asleep, Sam.”
“Yeah,” she added, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him seductively closer to her, “let’s keep it that way.”
It was rather dark in the room, but Sam could see Josh’s trademark mischievous look clearly. “Oh Sam.” He moaned loudly, giving her sly wink. “Oh my god, harder, harder.”
She gasped and withdrew her arms so she could give him a slap on the arm. “Shut up Josh.” She whispered furiously. Keeping him at arm’s length, Sam listened intensely for any sign of footsteps. After a minute of silence, she finally breathed a relieved sigh and let her arm fall.
“That wasn’t funny.”
Josh sauntered closer and pulled her flat against him. “No, it was hilarious.”
Sam rolled her eyes but smiled. “Let’s hope you’re better in bed than you are at telling jokes.” With that, she pushed him onto the guestroom bed and climbed on top of him. As they kissed, Sam began to unbutton Josh’s shirt. He gave a satisfied mmm and ran his hand slowly up her thigh.
Before they could do anything else, the door to the guestroom flew open to reveal Mike and Jess engaged in a passionate kiss. When they finally broke, they turned their attention to the bed, but were surprised to find that it was otherwise occupied.
“Shit.” Sam cursed, flying off Josh like shrapnel.
Jess smiled proudly and turned to Mike. “I knew it! I so told you they were fucking. You owe me twenty bucks, mister.”
“I think I can find a way to pay you back.” He said, taking her by the hand and leading her out of the room. Before he left, he turned back to the blushing couple seated next to each other in shame. “By the way, I’m giving you guys so much hell about this in the morning.”
This music video reminds me of Sam and Josh so much it’s killing me! Any shippers of that pairing, have fun watching this! Maybe it’ll inspire you with art or whatever, or make you cry they’re not canon!
Them meeting up as adults in their costumes and the way they reveal the dude standing there with her in the woods just-wjeoiwjewoihshl [collapses] I love it when music videos tell stories!
Prompt from Anonymous: “Prompt: for 30 day challenge, Sam and Josh argue about what to watch.”
(Send me more prompts for this if you guys have something you want to see.)
--
“No way.” Sam crossed her arms stubbornly and shook her head. Unwavering, she clasped the remote control in her left hand.
“Oh come on. It’s a good show!” Josh swiped for the remote again, but Sam jerked it out of his reach and held it far away from him.
She wrinkled her nose as she thought about her viewing options. “There is no way I’m watching American Horror Story again. It’s so disturbing and graphic.”
“That’s the point!” Insisted Josh. Still, Sam held her position, even going so far as to stick her tongue out at him tauntingly. “Please?”
“You would have to pay me a large sum of money.”
“Yeah, but that would make you the weirdest prostitute ever.” He replied, taking his eyes off of the remote to meet hers. If he could distract her long enough, she may bring her hand back into reach again. That’s when he’ll send out the strike.
Scooting closer to her ever so slightly, he smirked. “It can’t be any worse than when you made me watch Animal Planet.”
“That’s not fair! Animal Planet doesn’t have gruesome death scenes.” She retorted as she lowered her outstretched arm a little.
“You’ve never seen a pack of lions tear apart a zebra on there.”
Sam tolled her eyes and opened her mouth to say something in reply, but Josh left forward and seized the remote control before she could utter a word. Jumping forward, she made to snatch it back from him. But, by that time, he was already on the other side of the couch.
“Too little, too late.” Josh teased, waving it just out of her reach.
“That’s what you think.” She mumbled, a wicked grin on her face. Josh didn’t even have time to wonder what she was planning before she lunged at him, pinning him down on the end of the couch. Needless to say, Josh was surprised. This made it easy for Sam to pluck the remote from his immobile hand.
“So much for pacifism!” Josh sputtered, more amused than angry.
Sam could have gotten up, now that she was successful in seizing control of the channels. Yet she still stayed, poised over him in a weird show of dominance. They locked eyes, and Sam became acutely aware that they were extremely close to each other. As the seconds passed with her still holding him down, the once playful air shifted considerably.
“I’m sure there’s some way we can compromise.” She murmured, her eyes flicking down to his lips for a brief second to convey her intentions.
Sam stood in front of her open door, tennis shoes laced tight and water bottle in hand, and stared at the torrential rain that was spilling out from the heavy gray clouds. Fat droplets fell lazily onto her front lawn, splashing against the hot pavement and creating a bit of steam. It would be mystifying if Sam wasn’t so annoyed.
“What?” Josh asked, coming up from behind and looking across her shoulder at the rainfall. “Oh. Guess this means our nature hike is off, huh?”
She groaned and set her bottle on the floor. “Not unless you feel like swimming through the trails.” Taking one last forlorn look at the monsoon outside of her door, she snapped the it shut and sunk into her big plushy couch.
“Well, that’s okay.” Josh shrugged off his jacket and placed it carefully over one of the chairs.
Shaking her head, Sam sighed. “But it was going to be so relaxing and nice.”
“Hey, we can just go tomorrow. It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not.” She insisted. “It’s just- I know you’ve been having a hard time lately with… you know. I wanted to do something to cheer you up.”
“Sam…” Josh trailed off. She was right; lately, he’d been sort of distant with her as he tried unsuccessfully to come to terms with his sister’s deaths. Increasingly often, Josh could feel himself getting irrationally angry or inconsolably depressed seemingly randomly triggered. It wasn’t like he was mad or upset with anyone in particular. But the emotions that bubbled in his chest warned that they would force their way out regardless, threatening to spill over onto Sam. So he backed off. She was the last person that Josh wanted to upset with his issues. Yet, here she was, stressing over him.
“I’m sorry Josh. I wanted this to be fun.”
A wave of guilt washed over him as he looked at her defeated posture. She had been trying so hard to reach out to him, and he was being such an ass. Well not anymore.
“We can still have fun.” Josh said reassuringly as he met her on the couch with an encouraging smile.
Confused by the sudden change in demeanor, she straightened out of her beaten slouch. “What did you have in mind?”
“I say we find a terrible movie on TV and make popcorn. I could make tea, and we could open up the windows a little to let the sound of the rain come in?” Honestly, Josh loved rain. There was a calming way about it, a certain serenity that came with the scent and sound of it. When he was little, he and his sisters used to frolic around in it until they were breathless and soaked through. In some way, he needed a rainy day more than he needed a nature hike.
Sam grinned, pleased by his shift in attitude. “Yeah. That sounds great.”
He gave her an affirmative squeeze on the arm before lifting himself up from the couch. “I’m gonna go make the snacks then. Find something truly awful to watch. Nothing that would get more than a 50% rating on rotten tomatoes.”
