Notes:

Additional Cast:

Dulce Maria as Nina Andrews

Ansel Elgort as Matt Foster

Vanessa's POV

Back to campus. Isn't it great.

I exhale heavily and press the button to the second floor. At least today it's Sunday and I can stay at the dorms and enjoy some more hours of safety. I am going to deal with tomorrow when it comes. I get to our floor and greet the crowd in the hallway. It seems like everyone has just arrived, because there are suitcases almost everywhere, and they are all catching up, since they haven't seen each other since spring break. I try to be polite and speak as less as possible about my first spring break experience. There is only one person I am eager to see right now and talk to till I am left out of words.

I open the door to our room impatiently. I was never so happy to see it as messy as it is now. Suitcase open on the floor and piles of clothes all around. And there she is.

"Alice!" I scream her name unable to hold back the enthusiasm and the relief that take over me as I see my friend. I toss my suitcase on the floor and rush over her and embrace her tightly.

"Vanessa!" she screams and she hugs me tight as well.

"I am so happy to see you." I say almost whispering as I let her go. I promised myself I'll keep it together. Breathe Vanessa, breathe. I hook my arms around her one more time, staying like this for a while. "I am so happy to see you." I repeat.

"Wow! I haven't realized that you missed me so much. Besides, we were talking over the phone every day!" she smiles to me.

"I know. I haven't realized that either. It's kind of funny." I giggle briefly. "I am sorry, I must have been really annoying, calling you everyday, talking about the same thing non-stop. Did you have fun this past week?"

"Vanessa, if you were annoying, you know that I would have told you." she giggles. "FYI you weren't and I wish I could do more about it!" she caresses my arm. "It was really fun! I saw my high school friends and my dad even if it was for 2 days." she shrugs. "What about you?"

"Still, I have to-I mean I need to thank you. You are the only person that knows about... um, you know, about what happened and I just feel like I am trapped." I run my hands through my hair frustrated. "Anyway," I say letting out a heavy sigh, "I am glad you had fun! And it's a big deal that you managed to see your dad for two whole days! That's wonderful! I know it means a lot to you since he is always working. I... Well, I had fun too. I saw my mom and my dad. And Emma was home too so we spent time together as well. We even made a small trip with her youngest sister Lindsay. She is adorable, really!"

"That's great!" Alice exclaims and sits on her bed. "Have you considered telling Emma about the pool incident or something about the one who must not be named?" she asks me.

"Not a single word. She left today for Europe and I didn't want to trouble her with this." I sit on my bed opposite from her. "Well, to be honest, I don't think I could tell her. I am still too embarrassed about what happened."

"Don't be!" Alice says firmly. "It happened for a reason and that reason was to wake you up. Sometimes we need a strong alarm to bring us back from the dream world and help us realize some things." She takes a pillow in her lap.

"It sounds so easy when you say it. I am glad I have you as my friend, Alice." I tell her smiling. She always knows what to do and say when things get tough.

"Believe me it's not. I am talking from experience." She says calmly.

"That's sort of disheartening." I look at her frowning. "Oh my God, what will I do? I don't believe I can pull this off!" I slumb my back on the bed and facepalm.

"You will fight it and you won't let him take the upper hand! You will make the rules for yourself not him." She says in a commanding tone. "I am here for anything you need." She adds.

"I will make the rules, not him." I repeat as I sit up nodding my head. "I'll just have to make it clear that it doesn't mean anything. Right?"

"Exactly! You have to make clear you are not at his disposal and not at put whenever he gets lonely. You are not his toy!" She states.

"I am not at his disposal, I am not his toy..." I murmur her words. "Um, I think I should probably write it down, just in case I forget anything."

"That's my girl!" Alice approves giving me a thumbs up. "Do you feel any better?"

"Yeah, definitely. Being back home was good. It gave me the distance and the time I needed. But I guess I have to face the music now. And if I have you by my side, I almost have faith in myself that I can do this." I tell her beaming. "Thanks. Thanks so much, Alice. Maybe I can return the favor, whenever you will deal with situations like this one. Although, I don't think you would ever get yourself in such a mess."

"Actually, I have to tell you something. To be more specific I wanted to tell you about a lot of things that was going on with my life lately, but I haven't fully processed all the changes myself. Everything happened so fast." Alice picks her hair in a messy bun.

"Um, okay?" I look at her narrowing my eyebrows. "I hope everything is fine. You can tell me, I am kind of intrigued I must admit."

"Everything's better than fine! It's awesome, I have to say." A wide smile makes its appearance on her face.

"Great! That's great! So what has happened?"

"I have a boyfriend!" She beams.

"What? Really? That is so wonderful!" I clap my hands joyfully. "I had no idea! I am so happy for you! When did this happen?"

"On spring break! The first day."

"Really? On the first day? Wow! And you kept it secret until now?" I ask while looking at her impressed.

"Yes, because we wanted to process it and work this on our own first. It wouldn't be easy with a thousand eyes fixed on us in the house." She explains.

"Yes, it sounds logical that you... Um, wait." I raise my hand up, trying to process the new informations as well. "You said in the house? What does that mean?"

"Vanessa my boyfriend is... Joseph."

What?

My first reaction is to stay silent as I process the news.

"Your boyfriend... You said... Did you say Joseph?"

"Yes! I know it's shocking! It's still a shock to me too. I have already told Ren once, but I am not still used to say this out loud. I am dating Joseph." She states again.

"You and... You and Joseph? Wow! Now I am more than impressed and I..." I pause for some seconds. "I honestly had no idea that you two were... I mean, you first hated each other and then fortunately that stopped and you seemed like you were getting along and then you said you liked him but you were kind of drunk and I couldn't tell if you were serious and..." I pause again and shake my head.

"What did I say?" she looks surprised towards me.

"You kinda mentioned that you liked Joseph on our girl night in but since you had been drinking I couldn't be sure and-you know what, I am just babbling per usual because I wasn't aware of what was going on with you and Joseph. Wow, you and Joseph! I mean, I don't know how this happened but I am happy for you, Alice!" I stand up and approach her for another hug. This was nonetheless unexpected news but I can see that she is really happy so I am happy for her too.

"Seriously, did I say that? I must have been really drunk, since I can't remember anything. I guess alcohol helps us reveal our true feelings. Anyway it doesn't matter since I was going to talk about it anyway. We decided to share it with our close friends after spring break." She shrugs. "To be honest with you, I have no idea when I started having feelings for him. Yeah, first he was a pain in the ass, but then he proved to me that he's not and somewhere along the way I fell for him. I think the two kisses before Christmas was the trigger, that made me realize I was head over heels for him. Well he's an amazing kisser, but it needs more than that to fall for someone." Alice seems so love struck and lost in her dreamy Joseph world.

"The kisses before what? Christmas? Seriously? It has started since then? Wow!" I widen my eyes in surprise. "As it seems I wasn't the only one hiding things from you all this time."

Alice gives me a guilty glance. "Believe me, I wanted to share with you, but I thought if I didn't talk about it I would get over it eventually. As you can see, this plan failed miserably."

"Yeah, I can see that." I whisper looking down at the floor. "I could never imagine that you and I were stuck in similar situations. But of course, Joseph is nothing like Nathan." I remark shrugging. This could never be my case. "Joseph is such a good guy! I know him since primary school. He is always smiling and he can make you laugh! And he is proven to be such a good friend. He has always been there for Sophie during all these years and especially this year. He has a good heart. I think that makes him boyfriend material!"

"I know! He's been there for me more times than I can count. He's a wonderful person and he has taken my breath away." Alice's face is glowing when she talks about him.

"Did I say I am happy for you?"

"There is no need to say it! I am so lucky to have you as a friend and to share my happiness with you." Aw, isn't this the sweetest thing to hear?

"I am luckier! Definitely luckier!" I smile widely at her. "Wait! One more thing! Was Joseph the wrong guy for whom you have decided not to join us on spring break?" Alice takes a guilty expression.

"Yeah! It was a messy as hell situation. I thought my feelings were one sided and that Joseph was going to take advantage of that, but he proved how wrong I was. Actually Joseph has managed to turn upside down everything I believed and knew. And you have come to understand how stubborn I can be." Alice cracks a smile. And as I said, I am happy. I am truly happy for her. But I can't help but compare her situation with mine and that makes me kinda sad.

"Thank God, you changed your mind after all! Seems to me, you just had the spring break of your dreams!" I remark as I stand up from my bed. "I think I should start unpacking. And you should start placing your clothes at the right place. Meaning in the closet."

Alice gets up lazily as well and despite her arguments we spent the rest of the evening unpacking and rewarding ourselves in the end by ordering our favorite pizza from downtown.

Alice's POV

I haven't understοοd why classes after holiday are even more boring than I remembered. Spring break is officially over and that means, I must get used to college morning schedule again. Fat chance! Not to mention, I didn't have time to see Joseph. I really miss him. It's been a week, since the last time and it looks like a century.

I get into my favourite coffee shop, where Vanessa is waiting for me in the depth with two coffees (actually coffee for me and a mix of syrups with a hint of caffeine for her). She's such a sweetheart and that's one more reason to love her.

"Hey Ness!" I hug her. "You really know how to spoil me." I take the hot coffee from her, anticipated to taste it.

"Hey roomie! I love spoiling you! Just the essential drink for you to continue your day!" She raises her cup up before taking a sip. "So, how did your class go?"

"I didn't fall asleep, so I consider that as a success." I say sarcastically.

"Yes, that is a huge success!" Vanessa giggles. "Does Nina have the same class? Did you see her? How is she?"

"Unfortunately not, otherwise the class would be really amusing and informative." I giggle, thinking all the dirt that Nina can tell me about the professor and the students. "How was your class? I hope you didn't have any unfortunate meetings."

"No, everything is under control." She says relaxed nodding her head. "I mean it's only Monday. I can't be that unlucky. Have you had any fortunate meetings?" She asks raising an eyebrow up playfully.

"I didn't have time to see Joseph." I groan. "He had class too and I hate it. I really miss him. I haven't seen him since spring break. We were talking and texting, but I need the physical contact as well. He has made me such a junkie." I laugh with myself. Honestly, I have never imagined me drooling like that for anyone. And here I am now, longing for a second alone with him.

"Oh, the physical contact. Have you guys..." Vanessa whispers after scanning the room making sure nobody pays attention to our conversation, "you know... get physical?"

"We haven't had sex yet, but we have done a bunch of other things." I remember our hot time on spring break. "To tell you the truth, I didn't want it to happen fast and sloppy or at an uncomfortable place. I know I am not the romantic type, but I kind of want it to be special, because I feel it that way." I confide in her. I know it's not my first time, but everything I feel with him looks so unique and new.

Vanessa eyes me carefully and then lets out a brief sigh. "Aw, Alice you are so in love, aren't you? That is so wonderful!" She remarks and I start giggling like a 16 year old.

"Oh I've got a text."I point out, hearing the message tone. "It's from Joseph!"I high pitch and I can't believe I am acting like that. An old version of me would eyeroll to that sight. "Do you mind if he comes for a while? He just finished his class and he's in need for coffee and me!" I laugh and Vanessa joins me.

"Aw, you guys are so cute! Of course, I don't mind!" She says with a smile.

I reply to Joseph and then I keep talking to Vanessa about a bunch of stuff, until we see the cafeteria's door opens. Joseph gets in with his laptop bag hanging from his shoulder and his light brown hair perfectly messy as always. His style is composed by his usual jeans and a T-shirt and his attitude is carefree and confident as always. As I am gawking at him, like a teenager watches her favourite pop star, I see that he's not alone. Nathan enters the coffee shop after him. Oh oh! Alert!

"Oh my God! I thought you said Joseph was coming! Not Nathan! Oh my God!" As expected Vanessa begins to panic.

"I thought that as well. He didn't mention Nathan on his text. Anyway, this is no time to panic. Your time to face him has come sooner than we had predicted, but you're not alone." I try to calm her down, but it's obviously not working. She's ready to pass out.

"Are you kidding me? I am not gonna do this now! I am not ready!" She gets up abruptly. "I am going to stay hidden in the bathroom until he's gone. Text me when it's safe to come out. Oh my God!" She quickly takes her bag and tries to cover her face until she reaches the bathroom in no time.

I sigh, but there's nothing I can do. If she can't do it, I can't pressure her. I must get rid of Nathan immediately, without sending Joseph away. I turn my head from Vanessa's direction towards Joseph and Nathan, who come to the table holding two cups of coffee.

"Hey guys!" I greet them, beaming.

"Hey beautiful." Joseph greets me as he leans to touch his lips on mine. His kiss caught me completely off guard. Here? In front of Nathan? I didn't see that coming. The shock doesn't last long and I react immediately to the kiss, since it's been too long from the last time I had tasted his fleshy lips. I can understand his need to taste me as well, since he deepens the kiss. When we part, I find myself inner complaining and demanding for more.

"What!?" Nathan looks at us frowning and confused.

Joseph has a smirk crossing all over his face, as Nathan's voice brings me back to reality.

"Sorry for the show, dude, but it's been a long time since the last time I've kissed my girl." Joseph says mischievously, making me freeze.

"Your what?" Nathan tries to hold his laughter. He looks at us once again intensely and then shakes his head. "You gotta be kidding me. Not you too. Really?"

"I am not!" Joseph says seriously, taking a seat next to me and I stretch my hand to blend it with his under the table. "Me too?" He eyes Nathan puzzled.

"You're serious about this? Is this the time of the season when all of you lovebirds get together?" He asks pointing his finger at both Joseph and me.

"I didn't know there was a season for that." I point out, raising an eyebrow to Nathan.

"Always there to make your presence known. With your clever little quips and all." He tells me raising an eyebrow as well and clearly faking a smile. "Anyway, I should have seen it coming since I was present multiple times when you were showing your affection to one another. Or should I say over-showing."

He obviously holds a grudge against me for the whole pool incident, but his attitude doesn't intimidate me. Not sorry for ruining your fun, mister.

"As you can see it's clearly something more than an affection, for making me reconsider all my beliefs." Joseph says to Nathan and then his eyes look at me and he smiles. I can't help it but smile back, since my resistance to it is zero.

"My words exactly!" Nathan remarks puzzled. "Are you alone, Alice?" He asks next.

"What's up with the sudden interest in my social life?" I squeeze tighter Joseph's hand underneath the table, in order to calm me. Joseph, having understood the aggressive vibes, rubs the top of my hand with his thumb.

"Well, as I can see there are two cups of coffee on the table." Nathan observes smirking and takes a seat across us. Why Nathan has to be so observant at the worst times?

"I was with a friend from class, but she left before you got here, smartass." Take that, Sherlock.

"Is that the case." He says in disbelief.

"If you don't like it, it's not my problem." I shrug taking a sip from my coffee. "So... To what I owe your pleasant presence?"

Joseph looks kind of confused, at both of us, as he's clueless about the whole situation.

"Consider it a bonus to the appearance of your loverboy or whatever. I see you two desperately need some time alone, so I am out. There's nothing for me here so yeah, I am out." He states shrugging and takes a careful look around. "Yeah, I am out. See you around, Nelson couple."

"See you tomorrow to watch the game at Checkpoint, Nathan. Get ready to lose 50$." Joseph announces as Nathan is about to leave. I feel kind of relieved, since he decided to leave by himself.

"Nelson, you owe me 50 backs!" I turn to Joseph with a victorious attitude. "Don't you think I forgot our little bet!" I point my finger at him. Joseph laughs and groans in the same time.

"I still can't believe I've lost that bet. I wonder what happened that made you able to resist to my charms and my tempting offers, so you couldn't leave Vanessa alone for a single second." He huffs and takes out 50 backs from his wallet, passing them to me. We kept exchanging dirty texts on plane, but I was solid as a rock and I didn't do him the favour for a sexy time at the narrow uncomfortable plane's toilets. At the mention of Vanessa's name, Nathan turns around staring at us intrigued.

"May I ask why you couldn't leave her alone?" Nathan asks trying to sound casual and I want to pinch Joseph at the same time for bringing Vanessa's name up. What should I say now?

"Well something bad might have happened, if you refused so easily without any regret, my undeniable offers." Joseph chimes in. "But obviously you don't have to tell us, about it. It's Vanessa's matter after all and it was your loss." Joseph smirks, making me eyeroll. Despite that, he managed to get me out of this difficult position, without knowing it.

"Why can't she tell us about it?" Nathan sits again at our table. "When was that anyway?"

"At the flight back home." Joseph informs him.

"Oh that. I noticed." Nathan eyerolls. "Alice just has to be by Vanessa's side 24/7. I hope that changes now that she has a boyfriend. You can find ways to keep her busy, Joss." He remarks with an obvious irony in his voice.

"I would love to keep her busy, but this is the price I have to pay for dating a woman like her." He smiles towards me, making my heart beats racing.

"Yeah, well my suggestion would be try harder." Nathan comments trying to maintain a playful tone. "Anyway, as I said there is nothing for me here so I gotta go." He supports his hands on the table and after giving us another fake smile he leaves. Finally!

"What was that?" Joseph asks curiously, having understood the whole tension between me and Nathan. "You have stopped my blood pressure in my hand, by the tight gasp. You were on the verge of tearing him down, but I want to remind you that he's the basketball star and he can't afford serious injuries."

"Seriously now? You're my boyfriend and instead of supporting me, you care about basketball season?"

"Guys don't joke about sports." He says half seriously half joking and I punch his arm, making him laugh. "So what happened?"

"Joseph, unfortunately I can't tell you." I say and he frowns instantly. "Not because I don't want to, but because it's not my issue. It's about Vanessa, but I can't say more." Oh my God Vanessa! She's in the bathroom! I should text her to get out.

"I see... Just be there for her. Nathan can be quite persistent, but I don't blame him." He takes a sip from his coffee and I am done with the free-Vanessa text. I guess he must know something as well.

"You know what? I don't want to talk about it, because I have a feeling that we might have opposite opinions on the matter and since Nathan is your friend, I understand you're on his side. I haven't seen you since spring break, so I prefer spending my time with you by doing other things." I lean closer and I see Vanessa getting out of the bathroom. I can't let Joseph see her, because he will start asking me, about the lies I told to Nathan. I instantly grab him and collide my lips to his. Joseph responds to my lips, by parting his and letting access to our tongues to blend. Before I let myself get consumed by the kiss, I motion to Vanessa to leave without wasting any moment. As she runs she does a thumbs up to me, smiling and shaping a thank you with her lips.

Then I let myself to Joseph. God I missed him more than I had realized. His touch, his lips, his smell, everything.

Then Joseph's mouth starts crossing my neck with his tongue drawing irregular shapes on my skin. I want him so much. I need him NOW!

"Baby do you want to get out of here?" He whispers on my skin.

"My exact thoughts!" He grabs me by the hand instantly and we get out of the coffee shop without losing any second.

*****************************************

We are in Joseph's car, heading to his apartment. Our anticipation is huge and I can't wait to find myself alone with him. Joseph is going as fast as he can with his one hand on the wheel and the other caressing my leg.

"I assume Sophie has class." I make up with a conversation topic, to distract me from my tizz.

"Until really late." His voice promises many things, making a hint of heat spread between my thighs.

"Did you tell her?"

"Not yet."

"How come? I told Vanessa yesterday and she was thrilled. She actually stated that you have the assets that makes you boyfriend material." I quote Vanessa's words smiling.

"That's a first. I have been called many things, especially in the bed area, but never boyfriend material. I guess I should add it to my resume." He says smugly, Joseph style.

"I will be the judge of that!" I point a finger at him, beaming.

"Do you have any complaints?" He smirks.

"You're perfect, just so beyond annoying, I can't even believe my eyes!" I sigh and he laughs. "So why didn't you talk to Sophie?"

"Because I haven't seen her. As you know she spent spring break's second week here and since the time I've come back, she's been to Robin's 24/7. This is not the kind of news I want to share over phone. I want to tell her properly. Plus I gotta capture her face expression, when I tell her." He chuckles, thinking about it. "Sophie, I have a girlfriend. First photo. That girlfriend is Alice. Second photo. I can't miss that!" We both laugh.

"You're such a teaser. When I told Ren, he was gawking at the camera like a fish. It was hilarious. I've got a print screen." I show him a photo on my phone, which makes him laugh. "He's also asking for your user name in a couple of games, because his team is in search for good players. There is a tournament or something, but I will let you two gamers do the talking, since you speak the same language." I inform him, as Joseph parks his car.

Once we get into the apartment we don't lose any second. We dash into each other, in desperation to feel one another. It's spring break all over again. Only me and him. Joseph scoops me up, grabbing me by the hips, as my mouth explores his and he sits on the sofa, with me on top.

"Oh baby I missed you so much!" I pant on his mouth.

He pulls my hair and I moan, by the feeling of his lips, that burn slowly my neckline. My sex is fully aroused, creating the need to rub against his hard dick, to offer me as much pleasure as possible. Joseph's hands caress my whole body over my shirt and I feel like it's the time to get rid of it. Joseph beats me to it, by ripping it off with a movement and he tosses it away leaving me with my blue lace bra.

His eyes fill with lust and excitement, before he gets lost in my cleavage. Oh God! I missed that. I cross my fingers through his messy hair, moaning to every kiss he leaves on my sensitive area. Suddenly he releases me of my bra with a snap of his fingers and he licks his lip on the sight.

"Oh baby, I want you more and more everyday!" He says huskily, before his hand cups my left breast.

We lock our eyes, as long he massages my boob and I increase the rubbing speed. We both get lost in each other. This is not just sexual pleasure. It's more. I can see it everytime in his eyes. Then he leans to my other breast to suck my right nipple, while his hand pinches my left. My hands ruffle his hair, something that became a turn on for me. I close my eyes and let my other senses be on charge, so I can feel him completely.

But this is not enough. I want to taste his body as well. I find his T-shirt's edges and I remove it. His fit body is revealed in front of me and I dive to cherish it. I kiss his chest and I lick his abs. His moans motivate me to go on, wanting to pleasure him as much as I can. I find his belt and I untie it slowly, to make him anticipate. Joseph bites his lip in full arousal, waiting for what's to come. I take off the belt and I start unzipping his jeans, as I go for another kiss.

But then I hear some noises from across the room...

"I can't believe they cancelled last minute, they coul-" and then I hear the sound of keys meeting the floor.

"Oh my God,Sophie!" I scream and I cover my breasts with my hand, trying to find anything to cover them.

"Sophie, what are you doing here?" Joseph asks a frozen Sophie with widen eyes.

Sophie does not move... like at all.

"No." She says looking at both of us.

I finally find my bra on the floor and I wear it quickly. Where did Joseph throw my shirt?

"I thought you had class." Joseph gets up from the sofa, wearing his T-shirt.

"No." She says again shaking her head.

"I think she's having a stroke!" Joseph points out to me. I want to talk to her, but my half naked appearance won't be very helpful.

Sophie though still does not say anything. This is annoying. She just stands there with narrowed eyes, exchanging her glare between me and Joseph.

"Fuck Sophie! Don't stay there like a statue!" They exchange glances and I think they can even communicate without talking.

And just like that, she finally speaks!

She takes a deep breath, crosses her arms around her chest and moves closer to us. Her eyes fall on me.

"Alice, I would appreciate it if you left. I need to have a conversation with Joss." She says coldly and I nod.

I would normally protest being me and all, but I think it's better to let them talk alone.

"But your car is at campus. Let me..."

"I will take a cab. Don't worry." I look at Joseph and he gives me a confirmation glance, huffing.

"I'll call you later." He says.

"Ok! I need to find my shirt first." I take another look around to find it tossed on the floor too. I pick it up, but it's ruined. He literally tore it apart. I can't wear it anymore.

"Unfortunately I can't leave, because you, Joseph and your uncontrollable hormones destroyed my shirt." I show to him the evidence, while Sophie has turned her back. Probably to give me space to get dressed. Joseph laughs at the sight of my ruined piece of cloth. I have only worn it twice.

"Don't worry. I will give you one of my T-shirts." I follow him to his room, where he gives me a green one.

"Can you handle that?" I ask a bit worried, wearing his T-shirt and let his smell consume me.

"Yeah! Sophie will be fine, after she recovers from the first shock." He smiles and he pecks my lips, before he escorts me to the exit. Sophie is still waiting a few feet away from the door, and I am about to leave when she clears her throat and makes up stop.

"Alice, I will be expecting you tomorrow at 11.00 at Ms. Mary's diner. Your punctuality is required." She states looking serious and all.

Don't tell me she's going to do the talk? Greaaaat! That must be it!

"Tomorrow at 11! Fully dressed!" I try to make a joke, but obviously only Joseph laughed and then I head towards to the dorms.

Joseph's POV

I stand there looking at Sophie, who doesn't move or speak. I wonder what's crossing her mind right now. I guess she's pissed, because I didn't tell her about me and Alice right away. Not to mention she just ruined my chance to finally have sex with Alice.

"Are you pissed more with the fact that I didn't tell you about me and Alice or because I was just about to have sex on the couch?" I try to make the atmosphere lighter.

"How long?" She asks raising her eyebrow.

"Since spring break."

"So you mean to tell me that my best friend, who was the first to find out about me being gay, has been with Alice for days?" She continues with the same tone.

"I wanted to tell you, but we decided with Alice not to tell anyone during spring break. I was about to tell you after it, but we didn't meet the second week of spring break and that was something I didn't want to tell you over the phone." I explain to her. It may sound strange, but we didn't see each other back home. I went with Chris for a small road trip, while Sophie went with Robin camping.

"Glad to know you consider your friend of 12 years 'anyone'. And you had plenty opportunities to tell me. So don't play this card." She says again but her posture is not hostile. I think she looks more sad than angry.

"You know I don't consider you as anyone. We just needed some time to process this whole thing." I huff. "Also I didn't see you since college started. You're always at Robin or have class and it's not something you say during 2 minutes breakfast. Sophie, can pass me the jam please? Oh by the way, I have a relationship with Alice."

My words doesn't seem to persuade her. Maybe I should've told her earlier, but due to the pact I made with Alice and our schedule conflict, I didn't have the chance. Besides that I wanted to see her funny expression, I wanted to have a serious and sincere conversation with her. Like when she told me she was gay. I didn't care when Nathan saw me kissing Alice, because we have not the same relationship as me and Sophie. All I cared was Alice at the moment.

"I came home last night, and yes Joss, if it's your best friend you tell them like that. I told you I was gay over a stupid romcom. You could have told me at least you liked her like that? I could have helped you, I don't know... anything... It's a very important thing and I expected you to include me like I included you. Do Matt and Grant know?" She looks hurt.

"Of course not! You were the one I wanted to talk about it first! I was willing to tell you tonight, but you beat me to it." I go closer to her, giving her a sweet look.

"I get to be sad and a bit mad you know." She scoffs. "And Alice? Out of all people, it had to be a mutual friend? What if something happens? You have to be serious about it, Joss. We are all friends." She sits on the couch mentioning for me to join her.

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life. Alice is not just a girl to have fun with. She means a lot." Her face is softer now.

"You better, 'cause it will make things weird, and I hate weird. I can't believe I caught you... with Alice! You suck." She pouts like a child.

"You better get used to it, because she will be the only woman who's going to walk around this apartment from now on. I left my old life back." I announce to her.

"You better, you should be thankful I haven't vetoed you bringing people over. Alice gets a free pass as a girlfriend, but don't get used to it!" She shakes her head and gets up. "I swear to God, our group is hanging on a thin thread, next thing we know Nathan likes Vanessa or something! People seriously need to stop complicating friendships. Anyway, I have to go get ready, I am heading over to Ro's."

"Fine, but I was thinking of cooking something tonight. To make amends for all my sins." I know she can't say no to this.

"Hmm... wash the dishes later and you have yourself a deal. I can see Robin afterwards." She grins cheekily.

"Deal! There's also desert in the fridge." I smile, since she's no longer mad.

She nods and then she goes straight to the bathroom, as I am heading to the kitchen to cook her favourite dish.

Sophie's POV

Here are 3 things i never saw coming till less than 12 hours ago.

I did not believe in my innocent mind that I would go home to find a naked girl and Joss.

I never thought that said, naked girl would end up to be Alice Reynolds.

I never thought I would come home to 'taken' Joseph Nelson. The guy that swore he will be single for life and made fun of me. Well karma is a bitch. Now I get to make fun of him.

But let's be serious here. I am not one to slut shame, and Joss' love life had never shocked me before, knowing he likes to live his life to its fullest, but last night it did.

For starters, the fact that he didn't trust me with this hurt me. He had been thinking about Alice and relationships for some time now, but he didn't confide in me and ok, Ι might be dismissive when he brags about brainless girls, but I trusted him with my secret. He knew before my own parents did, and he might not be "girl" talking about his feelings, but still, it was something that would give me joy to help him with. He helped me with Robin and got to experience my first crus, live, while I got to find out about his first important crush/relationship, post-mortem.

It mattered to me to be that person with him, it hurt but he made up to me so, I am ok now. If only I hadn't seen them naked.Τhat was scarring.

Secondly, did it really have to be Alice? I was just starting to like her! And now this messes up the balance. What if she hurts Joss and we all have to stop hanging out with her? Vanessa will take her side, Robin too and I along with Nathan will be team Joss. ι really hope this will be a success story. If she hurts Joss, she will have to deal with me, Dan and Aunt Laureen.

And lastly, I am about to experience a love induced Joss. Οut of all people. I don't know what to comment on that, but it will definitely be entertaining.

He was very happy last night and we talked about it and I could see how sparkly his eyes were when talking about Alice, who has 5 minutes to be here before I consider her late.

The solem reason I invited her here is to intimidate her. I mean I will try, like Sam 2.0, although I know it might not be successful 'cause I am now less scary and less bitch looking, being in love and all.

And here, she just entered the diner smiling and really chippy. Ok Sophie, do not smile back, you have to be Samantha.

"Hello Sophie! Nice to see you under normal circumstances." Alice greets me not loosing her smile.

"Good morning." I say simply and point at the chair for her to sit across from me. And she does.

"I suppose you want to talk about what you witnessed yesterday." She bites her lip. "Sorry for that by the way... Joseph didn't expect you that early."

I don't reply to her but I wave at the waiter to come take her order, being Godfahter and all.. being intimidating rocks. Once the waiter is here I look at Alice. "What will you have?" I ask staring at her.

"Pancakes for sure! Joseph said ms. Mary bakes the best in the whole town." She answers looking hungrily at the menu. "You?"

"Glad to know you talk about food and not entirely about sex." I say, patting myself for the comment because Sam was snarky too... I think I got this. Alice gives me a glare and closes the menu. She blends her fingers on it, before she starts talking.

"Do you really believe the reason that me and Joseph are together is because of the sex?"

"Alice, if I thought of you like that, you wouldn't even be here." I say backtracking. I don't think the Imitation game is working. I wave the waiter off and continue. "You are here because you are more than sex to Joss." Maybe throwing a smile is not a bad idea. How did Sam pull this off?

"Good to know that we are on the same page." She says firmly, but she gives me a small smile at the end. "So are we going to order? I am starving."

"Oh yeah.. yeah.. wait." I say waving at the waiter again. He comes glaring at us and we just order pretty quickly because he is pretty impolite. When he is gone, I look at Alice again. Ok, round two.

"Ok, I was supposed to be Sam 2.0 and be snarky and intimidating, but I am changing approach." I tell her.

"You'd better do. I know you want to do the talk, but you being intimidating and all wasn't going to work on me."

"That is why I am going for the sentimental approach like Robin would do." I state and take a deep breath. "Alice, when I was 6, a kid in the playground pushed me and I fell. Joss came next to me in seconds, helped me up and dusted the sand off my clothes. Once done, he told me that he will always protect me and that no harm would come my way as long as he was around. He has been protecting me ever since, and I didn't have the opportunity to pay him back. Now is my turn to be protecting.. s o Alice, even though I know you are a good person, I really have to ask for you to not hurt my best friend." I say looking her in the eyes, 'cause Robin says the eyes don't lie.

"Sophie, I know what Joseph means to you and I understand your attitude, because I would do the same thing for Ren.I know that my relationship with him didn't start the normal way, but now everything's different. I found out along the way what a great and giving person he really is. I fell for him, not because he's good looking or popular, but because of the traits he doesn't show to everyone. That's what makes him special. That's one of the main reasons that I am with him." Alice eyes sparkle now that she talks about Joss, without taking a single breath.

I am impressed.

"That was the answer I was hoping for." I smile a bit. "Between you and me, I haven't seen him like that before. This means a lot, considering Joss." Ain't that true. "I have his best interest in heart, I don't want him to get hurt, I just want him happy." I shrug letting her talk.

"Believe me I have too. I know this is something new to him, but believe me, it is to me as well."

She gets extra points. I think we are handling this very well, my first 'talk' is successful, not like Sam's but I manage to get my message through. I think Alice is the girl that a guy like Joss needs, and I am glad she is serious about it like Joss. Setting the initial shock aside, I think they can work. I really hope they do, 'cause it will be good for Joss to have someone to care for him like that. He deserves the best, only the best.

"Joss deserves the best." I comment grinning.

"I know. I feel so lucky to have him in my life." Alice remarks with dreamy eyes.

Aww.. not the dreamy eyes... they both have them, damn it. I saw this sight last night, I do not like reruns. Thank God, the waiter is here carrying pancakes and a fruit salad.

"Finally the food! Did it come from Texas?" Alice comments sarcastically on the food delay.

"Let's hope it is as good as Joss said. I hate food being late." I remark starting eating.

"I don't think he would recommend it if it wasn't good. Also Vanessa told me she loved it here." Alice catches her hair in a ponytail, before she starts eating.

************************************

As she puts her wallet in her bag, she turns at me grinning.

"I almost forgot. Can you give Joseph his T-shirt back?" She says holding the article of cloth in her hands and instantly memories of last night invade my mind... eww... I just ate! Damn it!

"Um... yeah I guess." I take it from her but I don't put it in my bag right away. "I hope you will respect the roommate rules I have put and keep your clothes to yourself or at least Joss's room... the clothes and... other stuff... I get nightmares easily. I hate reruns." Alice laughs at my comment.

"If I have any clothes left." Alice points at the T-shirt.

"Ok... I will not comment on that.. it is disturbing. Anyway... um... well, I have to go now, so I guess we will see each other soon... fully clothed." I remark again to make the meaning come through as we reach the door.

"Message received!" Alice gives me a thumbs up. "See you Sophie! Also call me whenever you have time for a run!" She shapes a telephone with her fingers.

"Will do, we can take Robin and Joss this time." I shrug walking to the left while she turns to her right.

"It sounds fun!" She smiles. "I have to go now, because I have class and I am late as always. It was nice talking to you. Don't worry, your friend is in good hands." She winks and goes to her car.

Alice's POV

I step in the amphitheatre as quietly as I can, since I am late for class as always.

"Thank you for honouring us with your presence, ms. Reynolds." Mr. Boron, also known as one of the most irritating -getting on my nerves- professor of French, scolds me without hesitation.

"I am sorry. I am still working on my punctuality." I flash him a sarcastic smile.

"Work harder." He says bluntly and points to me to take a seat somewhere.

I huff, but I won't let him tick me off. I would like to answer back at him, but he isn't worth it.

"You're quite the heavy sleeper." Nina teases me, as I sit next to her.

"Actually this time sleep wasn't the reason for my delay." My answer makes Nina give me an interrogation look. "I was having breakfast with..." her eyes flashes in anticipation waiting for the answer. "Sophie." She didn't expect that.

"That's the last person I would expect. What did Miss Congeniality want?" Her sarcasm on full mode.

"She wanted to talk about something... actually someone." That catches her attention for good, making her narrow her eyes.

"Ms. Andrews, ms. Reynolds fermez la bouche s'il vous plait." Mr. Boron demands us to shut it in french. Better pay attention, since he's not known for his generosity on grading. I am sure Nina is going to explode until the end of class, since Mr. Boron does not take a break. She doesn't stop glaring at him intensely, like she can kill him with the power of her mind, until the end of class.

"Spill the beans, ms. Alice." Nina demands, after the end of the lecture. We are walking at the hallway, while other students pass by us. It's a busy hour.

"Let's go somewhere more comfortable and with less people to talk." I propose and she starts making room to pass by faster. This girl is unbelievable.

We get out of the building, where she finds a free table at the campus' grounds. Our campus has a lot of places like that, with random wooden picnic tables scattered all over, for students to eat, enjoy the sun on sunny days. The sun hasn't been brighter than today.

"Speak." She points a finger at me. I laugh at her gesture. How can I say I am with Joseph, without being a spectacle, by Nina's reactions? I think that's inevitable. But I remember Vanessa telling me that I admitted I liked Joseph at our girls night on spring break, but considering Nina hasn't mentioned anything means she was wasted like me and doesn't remember anything too. Thus spectacle it is.

"Sophie wanted to talk about Joseph..." Nina's eyes widen. "Because she kind of walked on me and Joseph... while we were making out."

"WHAT????" Several heads turn toward us with confused expressions. "You and Joseph? Making out? When? Where? Since when you and Joseph? How? Why you didn't tell me anything?" Her questions come like a storm, one after another. Obviously every person here listened to us.

"It started on spring break."

"Spring break?" She exclaims once again. "How didn't I see this? That's why you were MIA most of the times... And Joseph. Oh my God! Having lots of sex with Matt, lowered the efficiency of my radars." She's being so dramatic, but that's Nina. "Are you in a relationship now?"

"Yes! That's why I went out with Sophie. She did the best friend speech. Hurt him and I will hunt you down etc."

"Like she has any chance against you." She sniggers and I join her.

"She really cares for him and I appreciate that. She's a good friend."

"Thank God she's a friend and bonus she's a lesbian friend. You won't have to worry about the female best friend issue. However, she's a bit of Ice Queen, but let's not get greedy." She gives me a sly smile. "Anyway, I've always rooted for you guys and I've always wanted you to be a couple. You look so good together." Nina claps her hands, happily.

"You think so?" I ask a bit smugly and a bit curious.

"Of course. I couldn't imagine Joseph with any other girl, than you. Are you happy?"

"A lot." A wide smile crosses my face.

"Awww that's a lovestruck smile. I am happy that you're happy." I know she is. "Oh my God! We can double date now. How amazing is that?" Nina claps her hands, writing her own scenarios in her head.

"Let's not rush. Ok? This is still new to us, so it would be better..." Her phone interrupts me.

"Mattie!" She exclaims happily. "I am with Alice, enjoying the sun and doing some girl talk." She eyes me mischievously. "Are you with Joseph by any chance? Great! Come and meet us. The weather is great and there is no better way to enjoy it than with you guys." Her smile reaches her ears and she gives our whereabouts. "We will wait for you. Love you!" Nina hangs up. By looking at her, I know she feels very proud of herself.

"You have 20 minutes to make a quick recap until our boyfriends come here. I will expect a full report on Saturday night at my room with ice cream." She declares, because she knows that there is no way for me to make it out of it.

After my quick recap, which was accompanied by Nina's commentary, the boys arrive. Both wear jeans and T-shirts. Joseph's blue one brings out his beautiful eyes, while Matt prefered a green one.

"Hello ladies." Joseph greets us, giving us one of his best smiles and then winks at me.

"Hey guys!" Nina greets them back, as Matt sits next to her and gives her a kiss as hello, while Joseph sits next to me.

"Hello beautiful." Joseph turns his head to look only at me, as my favourite smile appears on his face.

"Hello handsome." I stick to his pattern, beaming as well. We lean and our lips touch.

"Wish I had confetti or glitter to throw at them!" Nina pouts.

"Don't ever try to do that. Especially with glitter." Joseph warns her, making me and Matt chuckle.

"It was about time you two. Better late than ever." Matt puts his hand around Nina to bring her closer to him.

"What? You knew?" Nina takes a small distance, looking at him with wide eyes, quite disturbed.

Matt looks as guilty as it gets. Don't ever become an actor, my sweet Matt. So innocent.

"Joseph just told me, but I knew that something was up for a while." He gulps, as me and Joseph watch them with amusement.

"For a while??? And I hadn't understood a thing?" She points at herself and then at Matt. "And you hadn't told me anything?" Her drama is hilariously over the top.

"Sorry honey. It was not my thing to share." His comment makes Nina pout, but she finally gives in, by going closer to him to cuddle.

"Nina, do you remember anything from our girls' night on spring break?" I ask curious, in case I assemble the pieces of my memory puzzled of that funny night.

"Just scattered moments. I remember all the dirty details we shared at first, but the end is a blur. I don't even remember going to bed." She muses over it as she speaks, as Joseph and Matt eye us with more interest at the mention of dirty details. "Damn it! I am sure I forgot the good parts."

"I am sure of it, since I mentioned I liked Joseph during the drinking game." I remark and Nina is jaw dropped from the revelation.

"That's some interesting news." Joseph mentions smugly.

"Seriously??? I remember all the cities that Emma had a one night and not this? I am unacceptable!" Nina lives her own drama big time, as Matt tries to hold back his chuckle. He has to be used to it and find it hilarious now.

"It was not a big deal. You were going to find about it anyway. I didn't even remember it, until Vanessa mentioned it." I shrug.

"Oh darn it! I remember scattered words. Emma had a thing for a beast or something and you talking about liking blue eyes, but it was so general. Those eyes were Joseph's!" She exclaims the last sentence, pointing towards him. Joseph's cocky smile grows wider.

"So Nina can you remember anything else? Does she mention something exquisite as well? It looks like we missed a very enlightening night, my friend Matt." I eyeroll to Joseph's saying.

"I'd prefer that to Grant's strip show on the bar." Matt remarks, making a disgusted image. "I will never recover from that." His comment makes us laugh, but Nina breaks the laugh early trying to remember.

"Fuck fuck fuck!" She high pitches. "Everything is blank and I can't connect the dots." She exasperates and she's so amusing to watch.

"Anyway, enough with that." She puts an end by herself to her own drama. Did I mention she's unbelievable? "We should arrange our double date."

Me and Joseph freeze in our very spot! She just can't hold herself.

"So what's your favourite place to go for a date? Maybe where you had your first one... Me and Mattie went to this Mexican restaurant downtown, but perhaps you feel more comfortable at the place you had yours." Nina babbles non-stop and as hard as I am trying to stop her, she leaves me no space to talk. "Alice you haven't told me... Where did you go for your first date?" She flutters her eyelashes.

Me and Joseph exchange glances, not knowing what to say.

"We haven't been technically on a date." I mutter.

"What? Not a single one?" Nina high pitches and everyone is looking at us again.

"Technically no... We were just hanging out... as friends." My eyes move between Nina and Joseph.

"Shame on you, Joseph!" Nina says in a theatrical way, making Matt chuckle. "What the hell have you been doing?"

"Why am I the one who's being attacked? If you want to know I insisted many times that we're on a date, but she declined every single one of them. Not to mention she hasn't ever let me pay. My man pride has been damaged irretrievably." Joseph acts like a Shakespearean actor. I can't hold it, but eyeroll. I am dating the Queen of drama queens.

"Your pride is immune. You will be fine." I pat him on the back.

"Some things never change." Matt eyes us, beaming.

"Anyway, this is unacceptable. You, Joseph William Nelson, will take Alice Reynolds out for a date." Nina points to Joseph.

"Really you have a middle name and it's William? Are you an heir to a throne or something?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. I have no idea, that Joseph has a middle name. Now that I am thinking about it there are many details like that, I don't know about Joseph.

"I wouldn't be surprised if I was." He winks at me. "How do you know my middle name?" He turns to Nina.

"It's not a country's top confidential." She answers naturally.

"If your middle name is William, what your brother's will be?" I muse, since I am still surprised by Joseph's middle name.

"It's Alexander." Nina answers at once, leaving Joseph jaw dropped. "We're getting off subject people!" She claps her hands, like a teacher would do to make her students focus.

"Baby, you can't just make people go out on dates." Matt, the voice of reason chimes in. He's the only one who has an affect on Nina, making her back off a bit.

"But I can't let them be. Look at them... They are like stray puppies."

"Helloooo. Still here." Me and Joseph say together.

Nina pouts, without knowing what to do. She just can't let it go, but she doesn't want to go against Matt.

"I am in the mood for an ice coffee. Let's go get some, sweetheart. You love ice coffee." Matt winks at Nina, giving her a bright smile.

"You sure know how to spoil me." She takes his hand and they stand up. Matt asks as if we want anything and after our negative answers he leaves with Nina, finally giving us some privacy. God bless you, Matt!

"Nina can be quite persistent." I turn completely to Joseph, by putting my one leg at the other side of the wooden board seat.

"Thank God Matt was here to our rescue." Joseph smiles.

"But you know that she will keep coming. She won't stop about the date thing."

"So let's go on one." He proposes.

"You sure have a style there." I laugh.

"It was spontaneous, but let me try again. Alice, do you want to go on a proper date with me?" He says as seriously as he can.

"Yes!" I answer, smiling and we lean to exchange a sweet kiss. "What do you mean by proper?" I ask, when we part, curiously.

"I am glad you asked, because I have conditions. First, I will pay and I don't accept any objections." He says firmly, pointing a finger at me.

"Deal!" We shake hands like it's a business partnership.

"Second, you will wear the sexiest dress you've got and the sexiest lingerie." It's impossible not to laugh at that. "Don't laugh! This is serious! Generally be your beautiful and hot self. Not a lot of effort there, since you are beautiful and hot 24/7." I can't help it, but smile widely at that. My heart is racing and I want to jump on him and kiss him, but I don't want to interrupt his flow of speech. It's adorable. "Be ready tomorrow at 8. Leave the rest to me."

"Have I told you that I love it when you're in charge?" I put my hands around his neck. The only thing he does is smirk and press his lips against mine.

After a while Nina and Matt return and we enjoy the sun for a while. Joseph also asks me about my breakfast with Sophie and he seems really intrigued to a duel between me and her. However he's really pleased that his girlfriend and his best friend come along and that's the most important thing. Thankfully Sophie is not going to pressure us for a double date anytime soon. Anyway tomorrow I am having my first official date with Joseph and I couldn't be happier. Oh my God! I should find the perfect dress and make my hair and... Arghh! This guy has ruined me for sure!

A/N: Hoped you liked the chapter! Which part was your favorite one? Comment, vote and tell us all things! Thank you for reading. xx