I had thought that things might be different between us, now that everything was out in the open but our friendship is deeper than that, and we rely on each other for more than just romance. Our relationship goes far deeper than any superficial attraction.

I wake up earlier than I have to, but with a big smile on my face. I dress in jeans and Sam's favourite shirt of mine, grabbing my wallet and my keys and quietly leave the flat. I walk to Starbucks, my feet following the well travelled path without any conscious thought.

It's practically deserted at this time of the morning, the initial rush of working folk over and I happily meander over to the food selection, choosing Sam's all-time favourite sandwich. I hand it to the barista and order Sam's coffee as well as an unhealthy chocolatey looking treat. It's in the shape of a heart and therefore, I can't help myself.

My name is called and I have a little moment of genius.

"Could I borrow your marker really quickly? I'd like to write a message." I ask, indicating to the cup and the girl nods hastily.

I carry you with me in every word, every thought, every heartbeat.

"Who's the lucky lady?" The barista asks cheekily, peering over my shoulder and I frown at the invasion of privacy.

"Lucky guy." I correct, smiling as her face drops in surprise.

"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"I have a special lad to get back to, sorry." I interrupt, saving her from her blubbering apology. I smile reassuringly as I grab my things and leave, thankful to have escaped that awkward escapade. I walk home quickly, juggling my things and letting myself in as I make my way up to Sam's room. I knock tentatively but Sam's voice follows almost immediately.

"Come in!" He calls, sounding tired but surprised.

I push the door open and smile at his haphazard position on his bed. His hair is wildly curling, falling into his eyes which are only half open at the moment anyway. I move over to his bed, sitting beside him as he scoots over to make room. I rest the coffee on his side table and brush his curls away with my good hand as his eyes flutter shut again.

I scoop up his hand, kissing it softly which has his eyes shooting open again. I smile against the back of his hand, watching his reaction as his eyes bug out of his head. I keep a hold of his hand, holding up the Starbucks bag up with the other.

He flops his head back against the pillows, a lazy smile crawling across his lips.

"What did I do to deserve you?" He mumbles, taking the bag from me but putting it down next to him instead of diving in.

"How did you sleep?" I ask.

"I slept well, although I wacked myself in the head with my cast this morning." He moans, rubbing the side of his head. I laugh at his expression.

"Good, do you have lectures today?" I ask, unsure as to whether his classes have been cancelled too. A lot of lecturers are on strike this week and the majority of my lectures have been postponed until next week.

"Yeah, this morning but my afternoon one's cancelled." He mumbles, peering inside the bag and grinning.

"Great." I say, plans already formulating in my mind.

"Eat and shower, you only have forty minutes." I remind him, squeezing his hand before leaving his room.

"Thanks, 'Lias!" He calls.

"Anything for you, my darling." I tease, walking downstairs to prepare breakfast for myself. Sam joins me a while later, his hair wet and half of his sandwich demolished. I look up from my book, watching as he decides that the chair opposite is much too far away and instead falls into my lap, sitting there contently as he finishes his breakfast.

I rub his back, holding his waist so he doesn't fall as my eyes flick back to the words in my book. I read for a bit longer, enjoying the peace of the moment before glancing at the clock and sighing. If we stay any longer, Sam will be late.

"Come on, we have to go." I murmur, nudging Sam and he exhales dramatically.

I hold the door open as he grabs his bag and I follow him out the door. We walk together comfortably although Sam appears thoughtful, something definitely on his mind. I walk him over to his Spanish building, the temptation to hold his hand nagging at me in the back of my mind.

"Aren't you going to be late?" He asks and I shake my head.

"My lectures have been cancelled this week." I say with a smile.

"Are you kidding? Eli, you didn't have to do this." He mumbles, shaking his head at me but smiling to himself shyly.

I pull open the door, holding it for him but he hesitates.

"I'll be here to pick you up, we can go for lunch if you'd like?" I suggest and his face lights up.

"Yeah, awesome." He says, beaming a smile so bright it rivals the sun.

I scoop up his good hand with my own, smiling as he blushes vibrantly.

"I'll see you later." I mumble, kissing his hand before letting it go. I leave the campus, knowing that I left Sam in a blushing, flustered state but I can't bring myself to feel too bad about it. I walk back to the flat and kill time, playing the piano and working on some extra credit work; just waiting until it's time to leave again.

As soon as the clock strikes 12:30 I'm up and out of the flat, a huge grin threatening my otherwise bulletproof reputation of being a grumpy, unapproachable giant. I couldn't care less.

I walk over to the Spanish block and lean against the wall opposite. I glance at my watch and, as the clock hits one, students begin to file out steadily. Alice's face catches my eye but it's forgotten as soon as it's recognised, as Sam's presence all but captivates my attention. He smiles widely, walking towards me. He stops only inches away from me and when he does I smile.

He holds out his hand and I take it gratefully, leading him away from watchful eyes towards the centre of town which hopefully won't be quite so busy.

"Thank you, Elias." Sam murmurs quietly and I shrug in response, taking his heavy bag from him. I shrug it over my own shoulder, cursing the ache in the back of my head which has returned. I'll live with it until we get home.

"Anytime, so how about lunch?" I ask and Sam nods eagerly, tugging me along now. I laugh but follow him willingly, my hand still encased in his.

"So, in Spanish I was trying to concentrate, as always because I'm a star student obviously..." I snort at that and Sam glares at me playfully, ignoring my interruption.

"But Alice would not stop. She's obsessed, I swear and it's all your fault, Elias! She wouldn't be so suspicious if you hadn't of given us away." He mutters and I scoff.

"There was nothing to give away at the time, it's her fault for jumping to such vulgar conclusions." I state smugly. Sam nods thoughtfully, squeezing my hand in his for a moment.

"It's none of her business anyway." I conclude and Sam agrees.

"I don't...know how you'll feel about this, but personally I don't want to hide this. You're showing actual affection for someone, a lot of it! I feel so lucky to be on the receiving end of it and I want to flaunt it. I don't want to hide how I feel about you for a second longer than I have to." Sam says determinedly. The way his eyes shine when he feels passionately about something is yet another thing to add to the list of things I adore about Sam.

"You're acting like I've never been affectionate to you in your lifetime." I mutter, rolling my eyes.

"Well, that was all platonic, this is different. Special. You have no idea how many people on campus want to be in my shoes right now." He explains, his voice turning sour as he finishes. I quirk an eyebrow, surprised at his insinuation.

"Really?" I ask, and Sam laughs humourlessly.

"No need to sound so interested." Sam grumbles and I laugh, winding my arm around him and drawing him closer.

"No need to sound so jealous." I whisper and he scoffs, attempting to push me away. He's silent, attempting to shake off my hand but I'm having none of it.

"You are the only one who has ever captured my attention, okay?" I assure softly, squeezing his hand in mine. He's quiet for a moment and when I glance down at him, he has the largest, adoring smile on his face.

"Ready for our first real lunch date?" I ask and he nods fervently, beaming the whole way and I wonder idly if this is the happiest I've ever seen him.

"Wait, how do you know about lunch dates?" He asks suddenly, looking stricken and I chuckle at his expression.

"Your drunken words are sober thoughts." I inform and he groans, hiding his face from me.

"That's so embarrassing, what else have I said that you've not told me?" He demands but I laugh, shaking my head.

"Those are my memories to treasure." I respond, pulling him into the sandwich shop. Sometimes I think sandwiches are all Sam ever eats.

"So, is this our first actual date?" Sam quizzes as we wait for our lunch. I shake my head, frowning.

"No, this isn't anywhere near special enough. This is just lunch." I inform. Sam shakes his head, rolling his eyes but the drama queen in him loves it. I hand him his sandwich, paying for our lunch as he heads outside.

We head to our favourite bench, which has been somewhat neglected recently and sit down, enjoying the early spring sunshine while it lasts.

"I read the message on the cup this morning." Sam says suddenly and I frown for a moment before I recall what he's talking about.

"And?" I ask, handing over the other half of my sandwich. Sam takes it happily, attempting to juggle both sandwiches with his cast-covered hand.

"I liked it." He says, smiling at his lap as he takes another bite of his sub. I smile at his response, leaning back into the bench as I revel in the feeling of making him happy.

"Can I expect more poetry on my coffee cups?" He asks offhandedly, attempting to sound disinterested.

"Yes." I mumble, just as neutral.

"How often?" He asks again, his curiosity getting the better of him. I smile inwardly, knowing that he'll probably roll his eyes at my answer.

"Frequently."