New Year's Eve.

Sam had always loved the New Year, as it was one of the few days he wasn't alone in his apartment; he was alone in a nightclub or bar instead. But this year he was staying in his apartment because he WASN'T alone. Plus, Kurt and Blaine were spending the night at Burt and Carole's so he and Rachel could do anything they pleased to celebrate the birth of a new year.

"Hey, Rach! You're on speaker; I'm driving home now."

"Oh, thank god. That's good. We have a small problem."

"Is it the baby? Are you okay?" Sam asked.

"No, the baby's fine. It's just that…"

"What?"

"…The kitchen is kind of…

"Kind of what?"

"…On fire."

…

Sam inspected the damage to the kitchen, having managed to get back quickly and use the extinguisher on the fire (Sam had forgot to mention he had one in his room). Some cupboards were ruined and the surface would have to be replaced but it could've been worse.

"Sam, I'm so, so sorry! I was cooking and then I got caught up watching the second Captain America and I didn't notice it for ages. It's all ruined! I'm such an idiot!" Rachel said.

"Rach, its fine. Don't worry about it."

"No, Sam, it's not fine. You let me stay here out of the kindness of your heart and I repay you by burning the place down."

"Rachel, it's just some surface damage, plus three cupboards of insanely overcooked food." Sam said calmly, trying to make Rachel understand he wasn't angry.

"I'll pay for it to get repaired."

"No you won't, it's okay. I should've told you where the extinguisher was."

"No, I should've got off my ass and tried to put it out not just call you instantly."

"You did the right thing, Rach. Besides, a tortoise could've put out that fire quicker than you in your state." Sam said. Rachel silently agreed she had been growing more uncomfortable in recent days as the pregnancy started to take its toll.

"Look, you sit down and get back to Captain America and I'll go and buy some replacement food and replacement stuff. I can fix it all myself." Sam stated.

"Well here, take this and-"

"Rach, put your purse away. It's all good."

"No, really. I did the damage and ruined your apartment."

"OUR apartment. Rach, you're safe and the baby's safe. That's all I care about." Sam said, hugging Rachel and comfortingly kissing the top of her head, sending a shiver down Rachel's spine. He winked as he walked out, making her partially blush (she was glad he wasn't there to see that). Rachel sat down and continued watching Chris Evans save the world, but there was another Mr Evans that was starting to get much more of her attention. She was starting to feel like things were slowly changing between them, but she wasn't quite sure in what way yet.

…

It was a good hour later when Sam returned. Rachel smiled at him as he walked in.

"Right, so we get the New Year out of the way and then I'll work on all that. You'll get to see my handyman look." Sam teased.

"Shut up, Samuel. I really am sorry."

"I know, don't worry about it. I got some alcohol as well, not that you'll be having any."

"No, I'll be the kind friend who brings you a glass of water as you spend the night with your head in the toilet." Rachel replied. Sam just stuck out his tongue. Rachel took a deep breath.

"So, I was thinking…do you wanna go out for a meal sometime, like, at a restaurant? After New Year, and not like a date or anything. Just something different." Rachel asked.

"…Yeah, that sounds awesome. Where were you thinking of going?" Sam asked.

"Dunno."

"Oh, good choice. I hear 'Dunno' do the best burgers in the world." Sam said. Rachel stuck out her tongue this time as Sam joined her on the couch as they watched some TV.

"You get a great view of everyone's fireworks around here too; close enough to pretend they're your own. Saves me a fortune." Sam smiled.

"Great, I love fireworks!" Rachel exclaimed.

"Me too."

"…I'm starting to get nervous now, about the baby. I mean, in a few hours it'll be the year I give birth. It's starting to get real now. Five months." Rachel said timidly. Sam took her hand.

"You'll be amazing." Sam smiled as Rachel rested her head on his shoulder.

"I've been thinking…I fancy getting a dog or something." Sam added.

"Really?"

"Yeah. What do you think? Shall we get a dog?"

"Sam, I'm moving out in five months. That's one hell of a commitment." Rachel said.

"Yeah, about that…I was thinking, if you wanted to stay here after the baby was born, I'd be more than happy." Sam said shyly. Rachel sat up.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I love having you here." Sam added. Rachel hugged him.

"That's so great! Thanks, Sam! Proper roommates! Oh, wow, what a way to end the year. Living with you has been my highlight, you know." Rachel said.

"Mine too."

"So, then…dog. Let's do it." Rachel said.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Oh Rach, what a year."

"Yep, here's to the next one. A baby, a pet, a house…I just need a boyfriend and I'll have the full set." Rachel smiled. Sam looked at her and they shared a glance for a moment. They soon redirected their attention back to the TV. All they could think about was how much they were looking forward to staying by each other's side for many more months to come. Things certainly were changing between them indeed.

TO BE CONTINUED…