Thursday

Sam

It had been a week since the live stream, since the kiss, since the start of the best thing that ever happened to me.

Also since making Maude cum trice.

Even with that, I missed her. Whitney was great and all, and we were looking for another host, but I don't think anyone could replace Maude. Her chemistry was unbelievable, and I still sighed every time Whitney missed the obvious opportunity for a pun. I missed the countless pieces of Star Wars merchandise that would litter her desk, and spill onto mine. I missed the squeaky chair, and the awful Instagram videos.

I couldn't live my life without thinking about her. Every little thing reminded me of her.

The shoot for the day dragged on. I kept on messing up my lines, and while not being laughed at hysterically was great, I much preferred Maude's obnoxiously loud hysteria to the sad silence of disappointment.

I wasn't the only one who missed Maude. The Table Talks and other pre-recorded content was released twice this week, and I watched every single one with her in it; laughing along to all her jokes and cringing at her stupid puns. Most of the commenters, Smaude-Pro or not seemed to love our new hosts, but Maude left a giant gaping hole that no one else could fill.

"Hey Sam!" Whitney's cheery mood managed to break me out of my gloomy day dream.

"What's up, Whitney?" I didn't mean for it, but my voice sounded dry and rude. She didn't seem to notice and carried on.

"I thought we should do a drinking game at some point...maybe 2 Truths and A Lie or Coworkers Answer Riddles? We can always bring Filup in?"

Whilst that sounded fun, I remembered how the last two went; both with Maude. My body felt very heavy all of a sudden. My eyebrows furrowed and I sighed heavily. Maybe I took too long to answer - but my deep thought was again cut out.

"We don't have to do those games, or we don't have to do it at all if you don't feel like it?"

"No, no, I'd love to do one. Let me know the shoot date so I don't have to drive in that day."

My trance ended, and her face seemed washed over with relief.

She nodded and with a few parting words, I was once again in my own world. I wandered into the parking lot, slowly making my way to my car before I got in and closed the door. I hung my head in despair, only letting up my placing my hand over face.

I was sad. And even though it had only been a week, and I promised to see her regularly, I couldn't help but feel upset. Really, I could have done something about it. A simple text would do it; honestly, I don't think she'd ignore me. I hadn't even said hi to her since I'd left her apartment after filming Fanfiction Part 2. I unlocked my phone and opened up my messages.

'Hey!' Nope, too excited.

'Hi Maudie ;)' Too saucy.

'Hello.' Too informal.

Goddammit. This was gonna be harder than I thought.

Maude

I was sad. And bored. And lonely.

I missed Sam. I'd done work with other hosts, for different channels, free lancing here and there until my new job started, but I missed Sam's stupid smile. My new roommates were cool, I actually got along with them pretty well, but most of them were out or preferred to be in their own rooms.

Sam hadn't talked to me since Part 2. The video had gone pretty well, and we even had some fun after, reenacting one of the scenes once we'd finished the shoot - but with a much happier ending.

I wondered for a moment if I'd ever see him again. I mean, we were both scheduled to work together the next week for a DC Livestream, but I meant to really see him again. Romantically. I hadn't felt this way about someone in a very long time. I kept my mother updated on the situation, albeit missing a few details out.

"See, what y'gotta do is be forward and just tell the boy you want to be with him!" I would, mum, if he didn't make my knees weak and my voice funny every time I saw him.

It was stupid. He is my ex-coworker and we had sex. We were best friends, and we had sex. It shouldn't transpire into anything else. I shouldn't want anything to change. Nothing should change. I had seen him just last week. But my heart still somehow yearned for something, anything between us.

I kept petting Zelda. It was therapeutic, and while she tended to take my mind off things I couldn't help but only think about Sam. My phone buzzed on my bedside table and I leaned over to reach for it.

Sammy: 'Are you busy Friday?'

The home screen flashed as his message appeared. I entered a state of frenzy and panic as my fingers moved so quick I couldn't even see them. What was I supposed to say? What was the proper reply? Do I want to seem needy? I don't want to seem needy!

I hated texting. It's harder than it looks.

Sam

I stared at the phone screen, patiently awaiting a reply. I saw the notification that she had read it. I waited for the text bubble with the three little dancing dots to pop up before quickly exiting to the home screen. I didn't want to seem desperate.

Her message popped up a few seconds later, as I tapped the banner on the top of the phone to take me there.

'I have no plans :/' The message came back. Okay. What did I say now? I had a time limit of 45 seconds to think of a reply before it was awkward or weird.

'Do you wanna grab a bite to eat?' I texted back. The three dots danced and danced. They stopped dancing for a second and my heart popped out of my chest, before they reappeared and danced again.

'Sure, pick me up at 8?' I jumped out of my fucking bed and start fist pumping the air.

"Fucking A!" I shouted to myself while humming. I answered the text quickly.

'Sounds great.' I continued dancing.

I had a date with Maude. Or at least, I hoped so.

Friday flew by. Too many people commented about me 'exiting my emo phase' and too many more talked about me finally getting laid. A few even thought Whitney and I were finally 'getting along' - whatever that meant. But I knew why. I was excited to clock out and drive back home. I was happy to shower and change and look awesome. I was happy to be going out on a real life date with Maude Garrett.

Maude

Was this a date? I hoped it was a date. I held up two dresses in the mirror, comparing between them. Nerdy, or sexy, was the real question. I didn't care much about whether this was a date or not; I was going to look good for me. Plus, seeing Sam flustered is always an upside.

I eventually picked a long black dress and a pair of heels to match. With a slight wiggle of the hips I was suited and booted. Or dressed and heeled. I still had around twenty minutes until Sam turned up to the door so I sorted out little details in the time being. I fixed my hair, touched up my make up and made sure I was looking spotless. The nerves began to kick in now. He never actually mentioned where we were going, so I guess it was to be a (possibly un-) pleasant surprise. I was checking my teeth for a last time when I heard the knock.

I opened the door wide as I got a whiff of his cologne. It was the same scent he was wearing a few weeks ago; it turned me to putty. He was looking rather good himself - a white shirt, unbuttoned to just above his chest and sleeves rolled up, with a pair of black chinos and dress shoes. He was wearing his fancier glasses and a watch, and most importantly he was wearing an adorable smile. It was apparently infectious, because I couldn't help grin myself as I leaned in to hug him.

"Hey Maude." He said, not breaking the hug, instead just speaking over my shoulder.

"Hey Bunny." I said squeezing slightly tighter. His body didn't tense however, he just held me slightly closer.

"I've missed you too," He said rubbing circles on my back with his palm, "But I believe we have a meal to get to." He said pulling away slightly. I pouted at the break in contact, but I was hungry and let it slide.

"Where are we eating?" I asked him.

"Are you in the mood for Italian? Mike recommended a great place that's only a few blocks away."

"Sounds great, but it better not be Olive Garden." I said as we ascended the stairs. He laughed at my joke, but what was much more noticeable is that he managed to weave his fingers into my hand and hold it tightly.

I swore I could've almost heard him say,

"Cold, dead corpse..."

I may have to start shoving breadsticks into my purse.

"I wish I could say I got us some fairy tale horse and carriage ride, but unfortunately my car is all I have with me tonight." Sam jokingly said as we approached his ride and he unlocked it using the fob.

I stopped and looked at him with a flabbergasted expression.

"Well that changes everything!" I said, voice dripping with sarcasm and an equally comic face or horror to match.

"It's that or walk...or a piggyback ride." As tempting as it sounded, the temperature was in the high 20's tonight and the heat would have had me evaporating before we got there.

It was a short ride to the place, with Sam and I making nothing more than small talk. I missed our banter; it was astonishing how we could pick it up whenever we wanted. I never seemed to gel so well with someone else.

We pulled into a spot, a short walk away, and as we got out he linked his arm with mine. I was always uncomfortable with public displays of affection, but when I was with Sam I didn't care anymore.

He held the door open for me as we went inside. The place was pretty ancient, but not in a bad way - it felt traditional. Orange and red bricks of various colours made up the building and various paintings and wall papers lined the wall. The kitchen looked straight out onto the dining area and there was a large clay oven radiating heat, presumably for pizza. It was fun lit and smelt heavily of herbs and garlic.

A man with a black button up and suspenders waltzed over to us. He had dark features, with black hair and brown eyes, and stood a couple of inches shorter than me.

"Welcome to Little Sicily!" A thick Italian accent painted his words. It could have been fake, but it seemed relatively genuine and fit the man's personality. His hand gestures were already up in the air, as if inviting us into his home.

"Table for two?" Sam nodded. "Right this way."

We were seated at a rustic table, slightly reclined away from the rest of the restaurant. The chairs were low but comfortable, and it was quiet enough to savour a moment but just loud enough so no prying eyes could enjoy it with you. Two large Roman candles provided the light and an aroma to the table. I could only hope the food could match my date - I mean, the atmosphere.

"My name is Marco. I will be your waiter today, and my brother over there," Popping his head the side, to gesture to a man of similar facial features and height, but wildly striking blonde hair and a much skinnier frame, "Rodolfo, will be helping you out also. I will give you a moment to get settled." He leisurely strolled off behind the counter.

As I sat down I stared across from Sam. He put his phone on silent and placed it face down on the table. Mine was safely tucked in my purse, away from where I could check it every 5 minutes. He clasped his hands in front of me and stared deeply into my eyes.

"I've missed you, ya know."

Sam

I couldn't help the words that escaped my mouth. I'd already told her that tonight, but I couldn't think of anyone else. She must've seen the defeat in my face, but instead of ridiculing me, she just whispered back,

"I've missed you too. A lot."

We both snapped out slightly of our trances. "How's the, uh, free lance work going?"

"It's okay. It's not stable though, kind of miss my day job."

"Your day job misses you. The commenters won't shut up."

"Especially not the Smaude sub-Reddit."

"Oh, sheesh, they never shut up."

"I don't mind it that much, no one has tried to physically force us into sex at gunpoint, so as long as it stays harmless, let them do them."

I opened my mouth to reply something witty. At least, in my head it was witty, but the thought was cut out by Rodolfo bringing over a bread basket, olive oil and vinegar, and Marco following him quickly behind with two glasses of water.

Marco again left, but Rodolfo lingered. "You remind me just of my wife." His English was slightly more broken, but he seemed genuine enough. He spoke to Maude, but didn't necessarily ignore me - I think he knew the lady controlled the tip. "What I'd do to go back the first dates. The passion, the fire, the romance." He spoke wistfully. Neither of us seemed to want to correct him - I mean, those things were technically here, just hidden under the table. He pursed his lips in a smile as if he was remembering a fond memory. "And wine!" He laughed, with Maude and I joining in with a slight chuckle (mine around 60 d.B quieter than hers). "Speaking of wine," he addressed us both this time, "A glass of house?"

"A red for the lady, and none for me, I am driving." I gestured between us.

"Of course."

She frowned at me.

"You know I don't like lady."

"Yeah, but you like wine, so suck it up." Her face blushed and she sheepishly lowered her head, taking a sip from her glass of water. The crystal clear water reflected off her irises as I couldn't help but admire her eyes. They stuck out tremendously against her black dress, and they watched me carefully, as if analysing my every move. Her lips twitched when she smiled and small dimples created craters in her cheeks. I tried not to stare for too long, but her face grabbed me and I couldn't help but hold my gaze. I proceeded to grab two menus from the stand, handing one to Maude and scanning the other quickly myself. I made my decision in about half a second, while she seemed to take much more care in her decision as she seemed concentrated on the list while we chatted back and forth about each other's lives.

Marco walked over, and gently placed a large glass of wine (like really large, if Maude wasn't Aussie I'd be worrying) and asked our menu choices.

"I'll have the pasta-con-pomodoro-e-basilico please." She didn't break a sweat as Marco eagerly jotted it down on a small flip book. "And you, Sir?"

I could feel my heartbeat in my chest, pounding against my ears. The restaurant was silent.

"I'll have a Margherita-"

The tricky part was over. Now to just complete a goddamn sentence.

"Pit-za pa-lease."

Goddammit. Maude was rolling in her chair, dying from laughter, clutching her stomach and giggling so loudly it left a sharp sounding noise in my ear.

I got only sympathy from Marco. Maybe he thought I was foreign as well. He ignored my 'mishap' and went away, back to the kitchen.

We continued to discuss, about anything and everything, as Maude made her way through her wine and I made my way through Maude.

Our food came a short while later.

I'm not sure if I was starving or if the food really was amazing, but I'm almost certain I could've heard Maude orgasming into her pasta. And I'd know what that sounded like. I was so engrossed in her conversation (she was gushing about the new Nintendo games - she's so cute when she's excited) and my pizza I didn't notice Rodolfo sneaking up to our table, so I was certainly got a shock when he started singing.

The song was in Italian, but it was obvious it was a opera song about love or romance, and Maude and I stopped eating to listen to his great performance. I slipped my hand underneath the table to take hers in mine, interlocking fingers as we both stared in awe. He was very good, if anything slightly loud, but when he finished I was gobsmacked. The entire place began to applaud as Maude and I broke contact to join in the clapping.

"That was amazing." I said to him.

"That's okay, it's the same song a waiter sang to my wife on our first date." He winked at me and slinked away, behind the kitchen doors.

I resented it slightly; Maude had broke her trail of thought, but now she was hot and flustered which was always a good sign. The red flushes her face and she began stuttering back through our discussion, gaining momentum again.

The conversation flowed freely, and even after the meal we elected to get two coffees and split a desert. Marco came and checked on us every once in a while, and for the last time, I asked him for the bill. It came to a little over 48 bucks. Maude reached into her bag to grab her purse but I stopped her. "What kind of date would I be if I made you pay a penny?" She bit her lip and blushed deeply, breaking eye contact with me slightly.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet. I was not a rich man, but I understood the necessity of dates and tipping poorly paid waiters. Plus, Rodolfo probably got me married, or at the very least laid, so they deserved a little extra. I pulled a one hundred dollar bill from my wallet and placed it on the plate with my bill, filling out the necessary information. Marco's jaw almost dropped when he saw I was tipping over 100%, but I told him to keep the good service up and to thank his brother. Maude seemed similarly impressed, as she cuddled up to me on the walk back to the car. Her head lay on my shoulders and her hand on my chest.

Maude

Sam blew me away tonight. I couldn't believe it. Apart from his hilarious slip up, he was a perfect gentleman, while still maintaining his Sammyness. I felt light headed and happy; not just from the wine. I clasped his hand with mine and couldn't help a massive grin spread across my face. It was around half 10, and I was listening to him speak about the Nerd News in the car. When he got passionate, he was adorable.

He continued talking until half way up the stairs. "I had a really great time. Thank you everything." He said to me.

"I didn't do anything! I should be thanking you." I protested.

"You just being here, is everything." He spoke quietly, looking at the floor and avoiding my gaze. We reached the door and we made eye contact once again. I unlocked it and opened it slightly.

"Was this a first date?" I asked him cautiously, making sure.

"I hope so." We both leaned in gently as I gave him a peck, and we both pulled away at the same time. Every time we kissed, I got a buzz and felt adrenaline run through me, but it seemed to be more and more natural.

"Come on," I said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him inside.

Surprisingly, he didn't instantly try and fuck me. He stuck on my Star Wars DVDs and cuddled with me. The clothes came slowly off, until we were both in our underwear and spooning. I was warm and cozy, and I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend evening.

Soon enough we were ignoring the films however, but they went on through Episode 4, to 1, to 7. Neither of us were watching other than for background noise as eventually, conversation faded into comfortable silence, and then into sleep.

But he did smash somewhere half way between a New Hope.

I went to bed cuddling a handsome Sammy Bashor. I'd never been happier.

Sam

Success. I woke up cuddling a sleepy Maude Garrett.

I'd never been happier.

Well, I know I said this would be the last chapter, but I got carried away. I planned to do 5-6 shorts (500-1000 words each, but this was 3000 alone) so I think I may write a few more. I hope you enjoy the further writing.