"Girl Meets Home For The Holidays" 

It's Christmas! Sienna's favorite holiday. She loved everything about it. The decorations, the food, the weather, the lights, the presents, the songs. She loved it all. She loved spending time with her family and friends. But this year didn't go exactly as planned. The family who were going to visit Sienna and her parents couldn't travel because of snow and her parents got really busy over the holidays. So, she and her parents decided to do Christmas the week before.

Now that it's Christmas, she was planning to stay in her Christmas themed pjs and snuggle up on the couch watching Christmas movies with a cup of hot chocolate. But her plans were ruined when the family who lives in the apartment across from them invited her over to their little family get together. Sienna politely declined, not wanting to be a burden, but they weren't taking no for an answer, and said she was practically like family to them.

That's why she's dressed, standing at her neighbor's door with an apple pie she made. She remembered the last time she made one and shared it with the Matthews that they all loved it. She would've felt bad if she went to their place empty handed and felt like she needed to bring something. Since she's been told she's a good cook, she decided to make something.

Cory Matthews opens the door, his excited face falling and a pout forming on his lips at seeing Sienna. "You're not Shawn."

Sienna chuckles, amusement dancing in her eyes, shaking her head. "Good observation, Cory. Is there something wrong with me?"

"No, of course not." Cory smiles, letting her in. "I just thought you were Shawn. He was supposed to come over today."

"I thought he didn't exist?" Maya chimed in, grinning when Cory looked at her with a glare.

"He's real! You'll see, when he comes here." Cory pouted as he crossed his arms.

Sienna shakes her head, looking amused. "I'm sure he'll be here, Cory." She commented, walking into the apartment while he closed the front door.

"Sienna!" Topanga said excitedly, walking over to her with a wide smile. "So glad you could make it."

"Me too. I was just gonna watch Christmas movies, but I guess Christmas is better when you're with people you love." Sienna smiled back, handing the apple pie to her.

"Awe," Riley comments, sharing a smile with Maya. "She loves us."

Topanga takes the pie, eyeing the dish with an approving look. "This looks delicious., thank you for bringing it. You didn't have to bring anything, though. Just you being here is enough."

"Well, I thought since I was coming over and sharing your food, I'd bring something." Sienna replied with a shrug. Topanga sent her a soft smile before walking into the kitchen.

"Is that an apple pie?" Maya points at the pie the red-haired girl held and she grins. "Please tell me it is."

Sienna looks at her with an amused smile and nods. "Yep. Apple pie."

"Ooh, gimme." Maya made grabby hands toward the pie until Riley stopped her.

"You can have some later." Sienna chuckled, looking amused.

Maya pouts and looks at her with sad puppy eyes. "But pie."

"Pie will still be here later." Sienna reminded her, and the blonde girl sighed in defeat.

"Fine." Maya muttered, looking disappointed.

Sienna walks into the kitchen to where Topanga was at with her mother-in-law, Amy. "This looks amazing, Sienna." Amy, Cory's mother, commented while she looked at the pie with a smile.

Sienna smiles. "Thanks."

"Maybe you can give Topanga some pointers on cooking." Amy suggested.

Sienna raised her eyebrows, glancing at Topanga. Topanga forces a smile and nervously chuckles. Sienna chuckles a bit, sending the blonde-haired woman a sympathetic smile. She shakes her head. "I'm sure Topanga is doing just fine."

Topanga sends her a thankful smile and Sienna nodded, looking at the long-haired woman with a smile. She knew how hard Amy was with Topanga's cooking. She always did her best to reassure Topanga she was doing great with her cooking. "And it's great seeing you again." Amy continues, looking over at Sienna with a small smile. "How are your parents doing?"

"They're great. Just crazy busy." Sienna replies. Topanga and Amy sends her sympathetic looks. Sienna's eyes grow wide and she waves her arms around in front of her in a 'no' gesture. "Oh, no, don't feel bad! We already did our Christmas last week since they knew they would be busy this week."

Amy and Topanga nod. "Well, we're happy you're here with us today." Amy commented, looking over at Sienna with a kind smile.

Sienna smiles back at her, her heart warming. "Me too."

"And it's a good thing you were free to hang out with us." Riley chimed in, smiling brightly at her.

"Yeah, things wouldn't be the same without you. You always come by and at least say hi on the holidays." Maya continued.

Sienna feels her heart grow even warmer at their words. She feels like her heart's about to burst with all this love. She feels really happy being with the Matthews. The two girls were like sisters to her and she couldn't have been luckier to have met them and the whole Matthews family. She feels so welcome here. Like she actually belongs here. She's grateful to have met the Matthews.

"Well, I guess you're right." Sienna smiles. "And I'm glad you guys like having me here." She shakes her head. "I never want to be a burden to you guys." She added. She didn't like feeling like she was being a bother. That's why she was really hesitant in accepting the invite from her neighbors.

"You could never be a burden to us." Riley reassures her. Sienna smiles at her, looking relieved. "You're basically family." Riley reminded her. Sienna's smile grew even bigger. She had been told this so many times and it made her feel good to know she's always welcome here.

"Ah, look at all these kids. It wasn't that long ago I had kids around the house." Alan, Corey's dad, said, smiling at everyone.

His youngest son and Sienna's best friend, Josh, walks in and throws his keys to him. "Ah, yeah, it was just this morning, wasn't it, dad?" Sienna smiled at seeing her best friend walk in. She hadn't seen him in a few days because of the holidays and she missed him.

"Oh, yeah, yeah. You." Alan remembered, catching the keys that were thrown to him as Josh took his jacket off.

Sienna noticed when Josh walked in Maya hadn't taken her eyes off of him as she and Riley got ornaments out of a box. Maya points at Josh with a dreamy smile on her face. "Boing!"

Riley laughs. "That's my uncle, Maya."

"Sweet," Maya grins. "I would be your aunt."

Sienna chuckles a bit, finding it cute Maya has a crush on Josh. "He's a little too old for you, don't you think, Maya?"

"Age is just a number." Maya shrugs. Then she pauses, looking worried while she looks at Sienna. "You would be okay with it, right? I would want your blessing before I do anything 'cause like he's your best friend and all."

"You have my blessing, Maya." Sienna went along with it, not thinking Maya would do anything about it. She thought Maya just had a crush on her best friend and thought it was cute.

"Joshie!" Auggie, Riley's younger brother, exclaimed, grinning as he ran over to his uncle.

"Auggie! Come here!" Josh met Auggie in the living room, a grin on his face while he picked Auggie up and placed him on his shoulders.

"I love it up here!" Auggie declared happily.

Sienna smiles softly as she watched the interaction between the two. She thought it was sweet how Josh acted with his nephew. It warmed her hear to see this side of him.

When Josh notices his older brother, Cory, he smiles at him. "My brotha!"

"My brotha!" Cory returns the smile and fists bumps him. "How is it possible we're brothers?"

"Because...It's a surprise!" Josh exclaimed, looking at their dad with amusement.

Alan rolls his eyes, obviously annoyed with his younger son. "Stop doing that."

Josh chuckles and pats him on the shoulder. "Awe, dad, so proud of himself." He looks back at Cory and chuckles. "He gets into movies for like a quarter."

"Maybe I should dress up like a grandma and see if that will happen for me." Sienna wondered out loud. She wouldn't mind getting discounts at the movies.

"That's a great idea." Maya grins. She gestures to herself and Riley. "We'll join you." Riley nodded and she and Maya shared a grin and a fist bump with Sienna.

Upon hearing Sienna's voice, Josh turns to her and his eyes light up when he sees her. He puts Auggie down and makes his way over to her, pulling her in a hug. "Sisi! So glad you're here." He murmured, a soft smile appearing on his lips.

Sienna smiles softly and hugs him back. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." She said, her arms tightening around him. She missed his hugs. He gave the best hugs. Josh had to admit he missed her so much and was happy she was there. He didn't think the holidays would be the same without her. Eventually the two best friends reluctantly let go of each other.

"How've you been?" Josh asked, his eyes scanning her face, taking her in. He hadn't seen her in a few days, but to him it felt like months.

"Great, now that I'm here with you guys." Sienna answered honestly.

Josh smiles softly and nods. "I've missed you."

Sienna smiles back, her heart fluttering. "I missed you too." Her face turned red as she noticed he was still staring at her. He had a look of adoration in his eyes. Josh couldn't help but stare at her. He didn't care how long he was staring. She was beautiful and he couldn't look away.

Sienna wore a brown spaghetti strap dress that's knee length, the color brown, and had a flower pattern on it. It was the dress Riley had picked it out for her to wear. She needed help on deciding what to wear so she asked Riley for help. She wore a gold heart necklace with it and some of her red hair was pulled back away from her face.

"Um, you look-you look-"

"Having trouble forming words Uncle Josh?" Riley asked him with a teasing smile on her face.

A light shade of pink appeared on Josh's face, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "You look gorgeous." He finally spoke, looking straight at Sienna. Sienna's cheeks turn red as she smiled at him. Her heart skipped a beat at his words and the fond look he gave her.

"Thank you." She murmurs, smiling shyly. "You look handsome." She returned the compliment.

He smiles shyly at her compliment, feeling warm all over. "Thanks." He clears his throat and looks away, his cheeks still red. He looks at his niece with a smile, pulling her in for a hug. "Riley." Riley smiles and hugs him back. After the hug, he's surprised by the sudden hug from Maya. "Maya."

"Uncle Josh." Maya grinned, hugging him tightly.

"Uh..." Josh starts, looking confused. "I'm not your uncle, Maya."

"Even better." Maya didn't let go of him until Riley pulled her away with a sheepish look. Josh looked back at Sienna with a soft smile and she returned the smile despite her face still red like his. Josh's gaze lingered on her before he forced himself to look away and walk over to the kitchen.

Riley grins at Sienna. "You'd be the best aunt ever."

Sienna laughs, shaking her head. "Riley, we're just best friends. Nothing more."

"Uh huh." Riley nods, not looking like she believed Sienna. "Best friends, who have heart eyes for each other."

"We don't have heart eyes." Sienna denied, rolling her eyes. She knew Josh didn't have heart eyes for her. He only looked at her that way because they're best friends. Right?

"Uh, yes, you do." Riley retorts. "It's clear you guys like each other." She said, crossing her arms.

"I mean, yeah, but only as best friends." Sienna replied.

Riley rolls her eyes, but she was smiling. She loved matchmaking. And it was obvious her Uncle Josh and her best friend, Sienna, liked each other. She just had to make them realize they liked each other. They were meant to be. Riley had known her uncle and her best friend have had feelings for each other for a long time. She's seen the way they look at each other and the way they act around each other. She's also seen the way they've interacted with each other. It's obvious they're in love with each other.

"Yeah, sure." Riley muttered, smiling.

Sienna raises an eyebrow, eyeing her curiously. "Why are you smiling?"

"Oh, no reason." Riley answered innocently.

Sienna looks at her suspiciously, but decides to shrug it off. "Okay." She murmured, walking into the kitchen with the girls following her. She sat on the bench at the table by the girls where a box of ornaments were and helped them take the ornaments out. Sienna looked towards the door when she heard footsteps and her lips curves upwards when she sees Shawn Hunter walk into the apartment. Shawn noticed her looking at him and he smiled, bringing his finger to his lips to keep her quiet. She chuckled and nodded, giving him a thumbs up.

Shawn then walks into the living room after closing the door behind him quietly and sat down on the couch. Cory hadn't noticed him walk in since he was eating off the charcuterie board Josh had brought from the kitchen to the living room. He, his dad, Cory and Auggie had been snacking on it.

"Gee, Cor. I thought you'd be more excited to see me." Shawn commented.

Cory gasps and turns to face him. "Yay!" Shawn laughed and they hugged each other while Auggie quickly leaned back onto the couch since he's sitting between them.

Cory points at Maya. "I told you he was real!" He exclaimed.

Maya and Riley share an amused smile. Sienna couldn't help but smile with amusement as well as she watches this interaction. Auggie then crawls out and stands up. He breaths heavily. "I'm okay, I'm alive."

Sienna chuckles, watching as he goes over to his mom. Topanga hugged him while Cory and Shawn let go of each other. "So, that's us, huh?" Maya asked Riley.

Riley nods. "So I've been told." Sienna sent her a sympathetic look, knowing that she didn't have the best relationship with Shawn. Shawn wasn't around a lot and Riley had thought Shawn didn't like her which isn't true. Shawn actually loves her. But Riley didn't know that.

Josh stands up, looking at Shawn while Shawn stands up. "Hey, Shawn. Am I cooler than you yet?" He asked with a smile.

"Not yet, but I'm getting nervous." Shawn answered, smiling a little and then he pulled Josh into a hug.

After they pulled away, Josh sat back down beside his dad and Shawn said hello to Topanga and they hugged.

Cory stands up as the two of them face each other. He stands by them, putting his hands on both of their shoulders and he grins at them. "You two. How great is this? My favorite person in the world...And my wife."

Sienna cringes at hearing that, shaking her head. "Shouldn't have said that." She muttered.

Topanga turns to her and the girls with an annoyed expression. "My whole life." She then walks back into the kitchen. "Sienna, you wanna help out?" She questioned, looking back at Sienna with a small smile.

Sienna smiles and stands up. "Yeah, I'd love to." She put an apron on and starts helping Topanga cook while conversing with her.

"Are you hungry?" She glanced over in the direction she heard someone talk and saw Amy talking to Shawn.

Shawn nods. "Yeah."

Amy pats his shoulder. "Good luck with that." She said, walking back to the kitchen.

"Hey, I notice Sienna's in the kitchen so that means the food is gonna be good no matter what." Shawn complimented with a smile after seeing the red-head in the kitchen.

Sienna grins. "Wow, a compliment from Shawn Hunter? I feel honored."

"You should." Shawn nods, sending her a small smile. "I don't give them out a lot."

Sienna watched him turn to the girls and greeted them, but then went over to talk to Cory. She frowned, wondering why he didn't talk more to Riley and Maya. Maybe he was nervous and didn't know what to say to them. Yeah, that had to be it. She hoped things would go smoothly between him and Riley and Maya

"Hey." Sienna turned her head and saw Josh standing beside her with a soft smile.

She smiles, her heart fluttering. "Hi." She whispered.

"Need any help?" He asked, nodding towards the kitchen.

"You know how to cook?" Sienna chuckles, raising an eyebrow at him. "I didn't think you knew how to cook. And thank you for the offer, but I think we're good in the kitchen." She added, smiling at him and he nodded as he returned the smile.

Josh shrugs. "Eh, kinda."

"Kinda?" Sienna repeated, laughing a little.

Josh shrugs again, grinning. "Well, I've been trying to learn. You're a great cook, maybe you can teach me sometime." He suggested, smiling softly.

"Of course." Sienna agreed, smiling at him. She didn't mind teaching him how to cook. It would be fun. She knew he wasn't good at cooking, but he was willing to try and that was sweet. "Anytime."

"Sweet." Josh murmurs. He looks over at Maya and Riley and sighs. "I think I should check on those two. Make sure they're not up to something."

"They're definitely up to something." Sienna laughed, watching him go back over to the girls. The soft smile remained on her face as she watched him interact with the girls. She thought it was sweet he wanted to learn how to cook and was willing to try. He was cute. She didn't mean anything else by it, she was just stating a fact. She shook her head, smiling to herself and went back to cooking.

****

It's been a few hours since Sienna has been at the Matthews. She has been able to hang out with Josh more which she loved. They haven't gotten to hang out much because of school. She currently stood behind the couch where Josh's dad sat, asleep and his upper half body was covered in Christmas lights and ornaments.

She had took off the apron and put it back where she got it earlier when Topanga said that she should spend some time with her best friend. Sienna looked to the left of the couch where Shawn and Cory are both asleep.

Sienna bites her lower lip nervously, shaking her head. "I still don't think this is a good idea."

"It's a great idea." Josh grinned, handing Auggie an ornament for him to hold.

"And I don't think it's smart making your nephew help you with this." Sienna added.

"Should we be doing this?" Auggie asked.

Josh looks at Sienna, narrowing his eyes at her. "Did you talk him out of this?"

"Nope." Sienna shakes her head, crossing her arms. She smirks. "He's just a smart kid."

Josh looks at Auggie with a stern expression. "Don't listen to whatever Sienna says." He chuckles a bit and covers his head when Sienna hits him with a throw pillow that was on the couch. He grabbed it from her in the middle of her hitting him and threw it back at her. Sienna dramatically gasped and sent him a playful glare while he just smirked at her.

Josh turns his attention back to Auggie and smiles. "We should absolutely be doing this."

Sienna sets the pillow she held back on the couch as Auggie questions, "What's the difference between a younger daddy and a older daddy?"

Sienna and Josh share a confused look, not really for sure what to say to that. "Younger daddy doesn't fall asleep in the middle of a party." Josh responded.

Auggie points over his shoulder at his dad, who's asleep beside Shawn. "Yeah, you were wrong about that." Sienna commented, an amused smile appearing on her face.

"How could you possibly not like Riley?" Maya suddenly inquired, stepping over to the couch, waking up Shawn and Cory. Sienna was confused by the sudden question, but then she remembered Riley thinking Shawn didn't like her.

Shawn sits up, looking confused. "Maya." Riley spoke in a warning tone.

Shawn furrows his eyebrows, glancing at Riley. "What is she talking about?"

"Whenever you do come here, it's like you find some excuse to not talk to me and then you leave." Riley explained.

"I talk to you. I'm talking to you right now." Shawn pointed out.

"When's my birthday?" Riley asks him. "What's my favorite color?" She added, looking at him with her eyebrows raised.

"Riley, that stuff doesn't matter." Shawn shook his head as he shrugged.

Maya nods. "It does matter. Tell us what you know." She looked determined to find out the truth.

"Girls..." Cory smiles reassuringly at his daughter and her best friend. "Shawn knows Riley's birthday."

Riley narrows her eyes at him. "How do you know?" She questioned, not looking like she believed him.

"He knows." Cory assured him.

"Dinner everybody!" Topanga announced.

*****

After dinner, Topanga stares at everyone with disbelief at seeing they had finished all the food within five minutes. Sienna had to admit she was surprised they ate everything within five minutes too. "Five minutes?!" Topanga exclaims. ""That dinner took two days to cook. You animals ate it in five minutes!"

"I think that's a new record." Sienna grinned, turning to her right where Josh sat and they high five each other.

"What's for dessert, mom?" Riley questioned with a smile.

"Nothin'!" Topanga glares at her as she points at her. ""I want you to sit there for two days and think about that dinner you just devoured, and then maybe I'll give you a cupcake."

"Or we could eat the apple pie Sienna so generously made." Cory spoke, sitting back down and sets the apple pie on the table he picked up from the counter.

"Yeah," Auggie smiles excitedly. "Let's go with his idea!"

After everyone starts eating their slice of pie they got, Shawn looks to Topanga and says, "I thought the dinner was great, Topanga. Thank you, I don't get a lot of home cooked meals."

"You're welcome. Sienna helped a lot." Topanga smiled at Sienna, appreciating her help in the kitchen. Sienna smiled back, thanking her.

"You did most of the work though." Sienna spoke, not wanting to take all the credit.

Topanga chuckles. "True, but I appreciate your help." She replied, smiling at the red-head.

Cory then glances over at Shawn with a small smile. "How's the job going, Shawn?"

Maya looks at him with raised eyebrows. "Oh, you do something?"

Shawn chuckles. "Yeah. I write for a site called 'Hit The Road'. Go to a lot of different places and tell you if it's worth a weekend."

"I-I go on that site." Maya stuttered.

Shawn looks at her with a small smile. "Restless little spirit, huh?"

Maya shakes her head. "No, I just think about-"

"Other places?" Shawn interrupted her and then the two go back and forth.

"Sometimes." Maya nodded.

"Yeah..." Shawn voiced.

"Yeah. You take the pictures too." Maya realized.

"I do. How'd you guess that?" Shawn asked, looking a bit surprised.

"I draw pictures." Maya replied.

"Yeah?" Shawn raised his eyebrows at her, tilting his head to the side.

"Yeah." Maya responded, smiling a little.

Sienna smiled at their exchange. Maya was finally getting to know Shawn and they seemed to be connecting...Maybe. She hoped the two would get along. She liked the idea of them getting along. She was glad Maya was having a conversation with him.

"I'm gonna say 'yeah' last, okay?" Shawn asked her.

Maya nods, pressing her lips together in a firm line. "Very mature."

"Yeah..." Shawn said in a serious voice and then Maya mouthed 'yeah'. Sienna giggled a bit at the interaction, smiling. She then felt someone staring at her and looked over to see Josh was had been looking at her with a soft smile. Her face turned a bit red, her heart fluttering as she smiled shyly at him before ducking her head to hide her blush . She wondered what was going through his mind.

"Okay, that's it." Riley suddenly speaks up, gaining everyone's attention. She looks at Shawn with a determined expression. "When's my birthday, Uncle Shawn?"

Shawn exchanges a look with Cory and Cory then looks at Riley with a small smile. He nods. "He knows, Riley."

Riley looks at her dad with confusion. "You keep on saying that. Why won't he answer?" She looks back at Shawn with a frown. "What did I do?"

Shawn smiles, stands up and walks towards the door. He stops before he gets to the door and looks back at Riley and Maya with raised eyebrows. "You coming or what?"

****

While Riley and Maya had left with Shawn, Sienna found herself sitting on the balcony in the living room, looking out the window. She had helped put everything away after everyone ate. After that, she excused herself and walked outside, wanting some fresh air.

She had to admit, it was cold outside and she was wearing a black long sleeve shirt and her jeans. She rubbed her arms, trying to warm herself up. It wasn't snowing or raining, so that was a good thing. She enjoyed spending time with the Matthews, but she had to admit sometimes it could be a bit overwhelming. Being around a big family can be a bit overwhelming. It can be nice and fun, but also a bit much. She didn't come from a big family, so being around a big one was weird and could be a bit exhausting, but she did enjoy it.

Sienna tensed up when she suddenly felt a jacket placed around her shoulders. She looked up to see Josh and her tense posture relaxed. She smiled softly at him. "Thank you."

Josh shrugs, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "You looked cold." He stated, a soft smile appearing on his face.

"Yeah, I am." Sienna laughs a little, hugging the jacket close to her. She realized it was his jacket, but she didn't mind. His jacket was comfortable and it smelled like him. The jacket was big on her, but she didn't care. "Aren't you gonna get cold?" She noticed he was now only wearing one jacket he had under the coat he had let her wear.

Josh shrugs, leaning his side against the railing. "I'll live." He murmurs, his hands still in his pockets. "So, why are you out here?" He asked softly, concern evident in his voice.

"I just needed some fresh air." Sienna sighed, glancing over at him. She turned her body so she was now facing him and she was leaning against the railing as well. She looked up at him and met his brown eyes, a small smile appearing on her face.

Josh nods, understanding what she meant. "Yeah, sometimes it gets a bit chaotic in there with everyone. A breather is always good."

Sienna smiles gratefully. "Exactly. Don't get me wrong, I love being with everyone, but it can be a lot sometimes."

He chuckles. "Tell me about it. Growing up in a big family, you get used to the chaos, but it's nice to have a quiet moment too." He murmured, nodding in agreement.

"Mm." Sienna hums, smiling at him. "It is."

They then just stared at each other, smiling softly. They have been getting closer over the past year, but she was afraid that he didn't want anything more than friendship. She was afraid because she had recently realized she was falling in love with him. It was a scary thing. She never expected to fall for her best friend. At first it was just a silly crush and then she started having feelings for him. Feelings she hasn't felt in a while.

Sienna looks into his eyes, noticing how they were full of warmth and kindness as he looked at her. His smile was soft, gentle and it made her heart beat fast. She clears her throat, forcing herself to look away after realizing how long she had been staring at him. "So...Would your family mind if we snuck out of the party?" She suggested, smirking a bit. She just wanted to spend more time with him without his family in the same room.

"I doubt it." Josh laughs, raising an eyebrow. "Wanna sneak out?" He asked as he grinned at her.

Sienna grins, nodding her head. "Please." She laughed, grabbing his hand and they quietly went back inside and then out the door. The others had been busy, but some noticed they just didn't say anything about it. They didn't mind them leaving. She had grabbed her purse and her jacket before they left the apartment with Josh closing the door behind them. Sienna reluctantly gave his jacket to him to put her own on and purse her purse over her shoulder as she followed him out of the apartment building.

"Where are we going?" Sienna asked him, following beside him. She didn't really care where they were going, just as long as they were together.

Josh shrugs, sending her a playful smirk. "Anywhere." He murmured.

Sienna grins, her cheeks flushed as she nodded. She didn't know where he was going, but she decided to trust him. "Sounds good to me."

They both didn't say anything as they continued to walk side by side, their arms brushing against each other. They enjoyed the comfortable silence between them, a small smile playing on their faces. It was cold outside, but Sienna didn't mind. As long as she was with Josh, she was fine.

****

Sienna and Josh ended up going to a diner nearby to get some hot cocoa. Sienna reassured Josh he didn't need to pay for her, but he didn't listen and bought their drinks anyway. After getting their drinks, they chose a booth to sit across from each other. The diner wasn't that busy, so they didn't have to worry about not having a booth to sit. The diner they were at had a warm and cozy atmosphere to it, so they were content with staying here.

"Thank you for paying." Sienna murmured, bringing her cup up to her lips and taking a sip of her hot chocolate. She closed her eyes, enjoying the taste.

Josh shrugs, taking a sip of his own drink. "It's no problem." He mumbled, setting the cup down as he smiled at her.

Sienna's heart skips a beat at the sight of his smile, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "No, really." She says sincerely. "I appreciate it. You didn't have to."

"I know, but I wanted to." Josh insisted, a soft smile appearing on his lips. She smiled back at him and they easily fell into a conversation. They both loved it how they could talk about anything and everything and not feel awkward about it. She never felt pressured to make small talk with him. She felt like she could just be herself around him and he felt the same way.

"So," Josh leans back against his seat, looking at her. "We're gonna be graduating soon." He stated.

"I know." Sienna nods, letting out a sigh. "I can't believe we're going to graduate soon. I feel like we just started." She chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.

Josh laughs, nodding his head. "Same here." He agrees, looking at her with a smile. "Time sure goes by fast. Have you though about what you want to do after high school?"

"Well, I know I want to audition for New York University, I don't wanna go far from home." Sienna responds, a soft smile appearing on her lips. "I love NYU, I just hope I'll get in. I've already got some stuff prepared to audition with. It's just...I'm not really sure I'll get in. I applied to some other colleges just to be safe, but NYU is my top choice." She told him, shrugging her shoulders.

Josh nods his head, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. He looks at her, an encouraging smile on his lips. "Hey, don't doubt yourself. I'm sure you'll get in. I believe in you." He assured her, causing her to smile.

"Thank you, Josh." Sienna said sincerely, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. She then decides to change the subject and asks, "What about you? What are you going to do after graduation?"

"Going to NYU for sure. We planned on going to the same college, remember? Then we share an apartment together." Josh responds, a hopeful expression on his face. "Unless you changed your mind." He added, a nervous tone in his voice.

"Of course not." Sienna reassures him, a smile on her face. "We made this plan when we were in middle school and I'm not backing out. It's a promise." She held her pinky out to him.

Josh smiles, relieved. He then wraps his pinky finger around hers, their pinkies locking. "Promise." He murmured, staring at her with a fond look in his eyes.

Sienna's heart flutters at the look on his face, her stomach doing somersaults. She quickly pulls her hand away from his, clearing her throat. She picks up her cup and takes a sip, avoiding eye contact with him. Her face was now burning.

Josh clears his throat as well, his eyes darting away. He scratches the back of his neck, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "So," He clears his throat again. "I'm sorry if my family overwhelmed you." He apologized, giving her a sheepish smile.

Sienna laughs, shaking her head. "You have nothing to apologize for. I'm used to it by now. It's not the first time I've been to your house, you know. Your family is wonderful, don't get me wrong. It's just...A lot, sometimes." She admits, her eyes softening. "But it's okay. I still had fun. Your family is pretty great."

Josh laughs, a warm feeling in his chest. "They are. So are you, by the way."

Sienna smiles, her heart skipping a beat. "Thanks. So are you." She replied, a grin appearing on her lips.

Josh returns the grin and they continue talking about anything and everything. They didn't even realize they've been at the diner for almost two hours. After they finish their drinks, they decide to head back home.

They're both walking side by side, their arms occasionally brushing against each other. They were both walking quietly, enjoying the comfortable silence between them. They look at the Christmas lights and decorations in town, smiling at the sight. The street was decorated with Christmas lights and it looked beautiful. They both stopped and took a moment to admire the view.

"Beautiful." Sienna breathed out, smiling at the sight.

Josh turns his head to look at her, a soft expression on his face. "Yeah." He murmurs, his gaze never leaving her. "Beautiful." He agreed, nodding his head.

Sienna felt her heart flutter at the sound of his voice, her stomach doing somersaults. When she hears his response, she thinks he means something else, but when she looks over at him and meets his gaze, her heart starts pounding. She realizes he wasn't looking at the decorations. He was looking at her. Her face turned more red and her eyes darted away from him.

"We should...Head back home." Sienna stutters, clearing her throat. "We've been gone for a while." She pointed out, her voice soft.

Josh snaps out of his daze and nods, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "Right." He mumbles, a sheepish look on his face. He rubs the back of his neck. "Let's go." He said, walking with her to the apartment.

The walk was a short one, but it felt like forever. They both kept stealing glances at each other and every time they would catch the other one, they would blush as they looked away. Their hands would brush against each other and they would tense up, but they would never pull away. They enjoyed the warmth of the other's touch. They didn't say anything the whole way there, but they didn't have to. The silence was comfortable.

When they finally arrive at the apartment, they're surprised to see that the girls and Shawn got back to the apartment. "Where have you guys been?" Topanga asked with confusion, a small smile on her face.

"We snuck out and got some hot cocoa." Sienna said sheepishly, a sheepish look on her face.

Maya looks at them suspiciously, her eyes narrowed. "Yeah, but you guys have been gone for a couple of hours." She pointed out.

"Well, yeah." Josh shrugs, a soft smile on his face. "We just talked." He explained, a hint of shyness in his voice.

"Sure." Maya hummed in response, raising her eyebrows.

"We need to talk to you." Riley grinned, grabbing Sienna's arm which caused her to look confused, but she let Riley drag her down the hall to her room with Maya following her.

Sienna was confused, but didn't question it. She allowed Riley to lead her and Maya to her bedroom. When they got there, the three girls sat down at the bay window. "You like my Uncle Josh." Riley blurted out, causing Sienna to turn a dark shade of red and sputter incoherent words.

"What? No! I-I don't. I mean, I like him of course, but just platonically...He's my best friend and I don't-" Sienna was cut off by Riley's giggle and Maya's amused expression.

"We know you like him. You don't have to lie." Maya laughed, nudging Sienna's shoulder with her own. "Come on, we've known you for a while. We can tell."

"It's kind of obvious." Riley agreed, nodding her head. "Besides, I saw the way he was looking at you." She added.

"Riley!" Sienna hissed, her face heating up.

"What? It's true!" Riley defends herself, smiling widely at her. "And, I have a feeling he likes you too." She murmured.

"I agree." Maya said, a grin on her face.

"He does not." Sienna shakes her head, feeling her face grow warm. "And Maya, I thought you had a crush on him."

"I do, but it's just a crush." Maya reassures her. "You guys would make a great couple. Seriously, I've never seen him smile so much or act like a love struck puppy before." She teased, causing Sienna's face to turn a dark shade of red.

"Shut up." Sienna grumbled, covering her face with her hands.

"Don't worry, we won't tell anyone." Riley reassures her, grinning at her. "Right, Maya?"

"Right." Maya nodded, grinning at Sienna.

After talking with the girls for awhile longer, they went back to join the others to help put ornaments on the tree. When Shawn spoke up, he gained Sienna's attention. "So, listen, I have an assignment next weekend up in Columbia County, upstate New York. It's beautiful up there." Shawn said to Cory.

Cory smiles at him. "We're gonna miss you, Shawn."

Shawn shrugs. "Well, maybe not. 'Cause I was thinking..." He looks at Riley with a hopeful expression. "Maybe you might wanna come?"

Auggie walks over to him, looking at him curiously. "All of us?"

Shawn smiles and pulls him in for a side hug. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He looks over at Sienna with a smile. "And you're also welcomed to come with us."

Sienna went to open her mouth to politely decline, but she closes her mouth when Riley points at her and looks at her with a stern expression. "Don't even bother saying no 'cause you're going with us no matter what. You're family."

Sienna smiles, her smile widening when she saw the others nodding in agreement with Riley. The fact they all thought of her as family warmed her heart. "Alright, then."

Riley then says she doesn't go anywhere without her best friend. Topanga nods. "Yeah, that's not a bad way to grow up." Sienna and Josh looked at each other with a smile after hearing that. They both agreed with Topanga. Going through life with your best friend is pretty great.

Riley continues, saying maybe Shawn would like to invite Maya. "Oh, you mean her?" Shawn points to Maya, who chuckles. "What do you say, kid? You wanna come?'

"Yeah." Maya smiles. She then points at Josh. "You're invited too."

Josh's gaze went to Sienna, who sent him a soft smile. He returns the smile as he nods. "Cool." 

A/Ni already am loving sienna & josh tbh. they're so cute