Here is where everything finally comes into play. The plan is going into action (well trying to), and more feelings are being expressed (hopefully!) Enjoy chapter 8!

Shout-outs: Dreamer1992- Ikr! I literally have been working on that chapter idea for two days, writing down questions and everything. And who knows? Hopefully James and Sam will get the hint about each other. And that is a great name. Sounds like royalty! But James IS royalty anyway (to me (: ) And it will come tomorrow earlier! I'm trying to type faster since I have more time. Thankss :P

Elevating4BTR- Aw thanks so much for reviewing! I'm so glad you love it! And really? Wow, thanks! Never heard that before, so I'm flattered! :D And sure, I'll check it out (: Here's the next chapter!

ArianamaslowBTR25- Phew! I was trying to approach her an as innocent but fun girl who anyone could get along with. Plus the fact that she's really bubbly! And yeah, I'll add that after the new year :D And I think everyone is, hehe. This might mention a little secret part of the plan that was unexpected ;)

Chapter 8: Mistletoe

SAM'S POV:

After that whole "girl talk" with Krista, I basically isolated myself from the whole world. Two people knew about my love for James, well technically three if you counted Kendall. Even though I didn't tell him directly, Krista was just going to have to tell everything to him since she loved him so much. And I kind of told Logan first since he seemed the most trustworthy. But I was nervous about the increasing number of people in on the secret. Pretty soon, everyone would know about my love for James, including James himself. These last few days were just going downhill…

The emotional toll was a lot for me to handle. Just getting out of a two-year relationship and realizing you love your best friend in only one day could affect you in a different way. I tried to solve this problem by not talking to anyone that day, but it just made me worse. I couldn't go an hour without hearing James, let alone an entire day. By about 5 PM on Sunday, I knew I had to talk to James. Once I spoke to him and everything, he arranged to pick me up for the Christmas Eve party at the studio in two days. Until then, he would occasionally stop by to hang and such.

Those two days flew by for me. Trying to wrap James' present and get ready for Christmas, I was constantly rushing around. For the first time in three days, I actually stepped outside of my house to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I didn't need much, only a bag of Hershey kisses and a blank card to write in. James stopped by for about an hour each day, just to talk or watch a movie. It wasn't like our day on Saturday, but at least it was something.

Christmas Eve came rolling in sooner than expected. The time was already 6:19 PM, only 10 or so minutes left before James would come pick me up. I fixed the red sweater dress I was wearing, my white leggings reaching down to the fuzzy cream-colored boots I had on. My hair was curled and feathered back, the reindeer antlers headband poking out. My Pandora charm bracelet was around my right wrist, jingling each time I moved. Applying sparkly white eye shadow and black mascara to my brown eyes, I added some light red lip gloss to my lips before hearing to the loud doorbell.

I ran to the door, fixing my hair in the hallway mirror before opening it to reveal a very sexy James in front of me. He was wearing a deep red button-up shirt with a mistletoe tie hanging over. His black pants led all the way to his shiny black shoes, making him look clean and polished. A black suit jacket was grasped in his right hand and hanging over his shoulder. I wish I could have described his hair better, but the only word that came to mind was perfect. And sexy. And attractive. And hot. And amazing… Yep, just perfection. He smiled at me, looking down at my outfit choice. "You look amazing" James smiled, his eyes glowing in happiness.

I just looked down and smiled back, grabbing my white shawl from the coat rack and James' present. "Thank you" I replied, biting my lip slightly to stop my impulse of attacking him to the ground and kissing him all over. Why did he have to look so good? "Aren't you looking handsome as well!" I complimented, my eyebrows rising at him.

James shrugged his shoulders and half grinned. "Well, I try" he bragged, gesturing his arm out to mine. I closed my door and pushed my purse over my right shoulder, intertwining my left arm with his right. He led me to his pick-up, opening the passenger door first before moving to the driver's seat. James walked around, hopping into his seat and smirking before taking off for the studio.

There were only five other people at the studio, not including James and myself. It was the whole crew, Krista and Kendall coming together while Carlos chatted away with Riley, the new choreographer for BTR. She seemed nice and a perfect match for Carlos, even though I only met her once while out shopping on the 23rd. I ran into her and Krista shopping, already realizing they made a special connection as well. Logan was just adjusting the presents lined up in the break room, making sure everything was just right. The studio had white lights hanging everywhere, ornaments and decorations covering the walls. In the middle of the archway into the main hallway, there was as small piece of mistletoe hanging. Of course, cause every party needed one…

James and I walked out from the elevator, him taking my shawl as he went to the small closet to hang it up. Krista stared at our actions, hitting Kendall with her elbow while nodding her head. Kendall leaned from behind Krista's head and glanced over, his left eyebrow rising in speculation. Carlos and Riley still continued to gossip, flashing their eyes over to James and I in the middle of conversation. Logan seemed to be the only one that wasn't watching us, still way too focused on the presents that couldn't fit on the small table. He would grumble and fix them again, stomping a foot or throwing a hand out to express his anger.

The beginning of the party was slow, people talking privately about anything and everything. Carlos and Riley were laughing hysterically, Riley flipping her hair over her shoulder whenever Carlos said a joke. She totally liked him, and he totally liked her, judging by the way he kept smiling at her. Krista and Kendall exchanged presents, Kendall giving Krista a promise ring while he received a dog tag necklace with their names engraved. When was he going to buy her an engagement ring? They were so cute together! Logan just finished organizing the presents according to person motioning us over to come join them.

As my present, I bought Krista an Alex & Ani bracelet, the charm reading friendship. I got a heart-shaped memory box with a lock built in it. "Just in case you wanted to save or put anything important in it…" she winked at me. The three other boys all chipped in to get me a one day trip to the local spa, featuring a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. For them, I bought Kendall special new guitar picks and music organizer, a new chemistry set for Logan, and a video camera for Carlos to record his spontaneous moments. Riley was kind enough to buy me a beautiful pink shirt that read Love me Love me on it, while I got her some big music note earrings. James also exchanged presents, but not with me.

I looked at him quickly with a confused look. "I want to give you your gift later… Just have to make sure everything's in order" he whispered next to my face, his cool breath traveling down my neck. My body twitched in response, aching to feel his touch on me in some way. Krista looked over in my reaction, giving me a thumbs up before walking back out to the lounging area.

We all shuffled out, finding a spot in the hallway to listen to the music. I pushed past Krista and Kendall cuddling against the corner, Krista giggling into Kendall's chest. Carlos and Riley were in the middle of the long hallway, Riley trying to teach clumsy Carlos a fast set of eight. Carlos had his camera open, filming Riley and the crazy moves he was making up himself. Logan was walking over to the orange couch with a fruity drink in his hand, reading the back of the chemistry box. I sighed; Logan was way too into science. Moving over to the archway, I leaned against the beam and shifted the present I had for James in my hand.

Staring at my warm boots, I heard my name being called over the music. "Sam!" James yelled, scrambling around other people to get to me. He was holding a small box in his hands, wrapped around with Merry Christmas wrapping paper. My snowflake wrapped box was more cubical, while his was slightly longer and flatter. "Time to exchange presents?" he questioned, handing over the box to me. I laughed and nodded my head. I started to un-wrap the paper when James stopped me with his hand. "No, I want you to open this later…" he told me, his eyes locking onto mine. They looked nervous, apprehensive, loving, and happy at the same time. Wait, loving? That wasn't right… It just wasn't possible.

Following his order, I held the present in my hands as I handed his over. I pointed my finger down on the taped card on top, motioning for him to read it first. James looked at me quickly before peeling off the card, opening it in one swift movement. I looked around briefly to see Krista tilting her head at us for Carlos, who turned around and stared. James took the card out of the envelope and flipped it open. It read:

James,

Thank you so much for helping me through this break-up. From the first phone call, you were right there by my side to get me through it all. You have no idea how means it means to me to have someone like you in my life. If I ever lost what we had, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. You are my best friend, and I care about you so much. Thanks for making my life easier :) You really are perfect, well to me you are. Just don't ever leave me. I couldn't live without you.

Love,

Samantha

As James read the note, I stood there twisting on the heels of my feet. He put the note down and looked at me with water in his eyes. "Thank you so much" he choked out, pulling in for a hug. "I'm always here for you, you know that."I wrapped my arms around his back and held there. He rubbed my back and sighed, like he was about to say something. I tapped his back and pulled away, smiling in return.

"I know. That's why I'm thanking you" I spoke in a softer tone. His eyes lit up slightly, moving the card to his left hand as I pushed the next present into his hands. "Oh yeah, here's your kisses. I know how you love them so much, so I decided to give you some. My kisses to you" He grinned and shook his head, laughing at my wording. I just smirked to keep my cheeks from blushing. "But open your real present! Come on, old man!" I joked, shoving his chest lightly back.

James stepped back with one foot, chuckling and putting his hands up. "Alright girl! Pushy much?" he teased, causing me to smack his arm lightly. "Wow, I see how it is. I guess I don't have to give you your gift…" I puffed out and poked the present, telling him to just open it. James took off the snowflake paper to reveal a Rolex watch box. He peeled off the tape and opened to lid, revealing the expensive silver Rolex with a personalized engraving underneath. He pulled the Styrofoam out, examining the Rolex in his hands. He flipped the clock around to read the engraving that wrote: "You're the best friend a girl like me could have. Love you ~Sam Christmas 2012" James' eye widened after reading the words. "Thank you again. I love the engraving you had made" he stated, putting the watch on his left wrist. Then, he opened his arms for me again. I stepped closer to him and embraced in another hug, James kissing the top of my forehead.

I squeezed him tighter for a second before letting go. "You're welcome" I smiled, taking off my headband and putting it on the side table near the archway. James placed the wrapping paper and box down, picking up my gift instead.

He handed them over to me, awkwardly half-smirking. "I feel like an ass because I didn't get you a card…" he admitted, breathing out heavily.

I sulked for a second, crossing my arms in disappointment. "I can NOT believe you didn't get me a card. That's the best part! You should be ashamed, James David Maslow." James looked surprised at first by my comment but then relaxed into a smile when I used his full name. He knew I was joking, letting his breath release as I grabbed his present. Undoing the paper, it showed long, skinny black velvet box. My heart began to pound, wondering what it was. Lifting up the top, I saw a little baggie with a Pandora charm in it first. It was a mistletoe charm, perfectly matching the holiday season. I unzipped the bag and took it out, sliding it onto my bracelet and admiring it. "Aw, thank you James. It fits so well" I said, holding my wrist out.

James grinned at me, looking at the sparkling bracelet. "You're welcome, but that's not all of it… Look at what else is in there" he continued, motioning his eyes down to the box. Peering inside, I saw a beautiful silver locket to read "Samantha" on the front. Grasping it in my two fingers, I lifted it out completely to cup it in my hands. It was breath-taking, leaving me speechless in front of James. "So, do you like it?" James asked nervously, scared because of my reaction.

I shook my head and sniffled. "I love it" I told him, my glistening eyes drifting up to his. He smiled warmly, turning my hands over to I could read the back. The back read "To my favorite girl ~James 2012" I let a tear fall down my cheek, only to be wiped away by James. He gulped, wondering why I was crying. "It's just so- so beautiful" I stammered, turning the locket to the side. "It's perfect, James…" My fingers ran in between the locket, noticing a little place for a key to unlock it. I looked in the box, noticing there was no key. "Um James, why is there a lock and no key?" I questioned, sounding confused.

James tried to calm down from shaking, digging in his pocket for a second. He pulled out a small silver key, holding it in his two right fingers. "Well, it's like a two-piece set" he started to explain, swallowing his growing nerves. "You have the locket and I have the key. The key unlocks the inside. The only way to find out what's inside is if we are together…" He stopped for a second, taking another breath in. "I mean, if we are both together like we are now. But you can't open it now!" James added in, answering my silent question. My eyebrows crinkled together, wondering why I couldn't open it now. What was in there? He put the key back in his pocket quickly. "Do you want me to put in on for you?" James spoke, making the situation easier.

"Yes, please" I replied, turning around so the back of my neck was facing James. Very carefully, he grabbed the two sides of the locket and held them in front of my neck. He lowered it around it, adding instant warmth to my body. It was like James was close to my heart now. A part of him always there. I would never take this off. He took the chain and brought it to the back of my neck, brushing my hair out of the way over my shoulder. His fingertips grazed the middle of my neck as he clasped the holder together. I took in a quick breath, knowing I had to control my body. Turning around, I looked down at the locket and held it in my hand. My eyes were continuing to fill with water, happy at how my best friend gave me a special locket to symbolize our friendship. "Thank you, so so much" I cried, smearing away the tears from under my eyes. "Wow, I'm crying. Haha" I joked, gathering my emotions together quickly.

I felt James' hand on my shoulder, making me tilt up to look at him again. He looked so happy, his eyes glowing at my reaction. "You're welcome. I wanted to show you what this meant to me" James whispered, pushing my hair back again. Out of impulse, I stepped forward and hugged him again today, my arms wrapping around his strong arms to his back. He wiggled his arms out to hold me as well, rubbing my head as I nuzzled into his chest. He was so wonderful, giving me a present that meant so much. He probably didn't ever realize the significance, but it showed that he cared to. And that's all I wanted to see for now.

Our hug was interrupted by a cough coming from Krista, causing us the break apart enough to look at her. She was hugging Kendall from the side, pointing her finger up above the archway. That devious smile crawled up her face again, causing me to glance up. Hanging right above us was a small piece of mistletoe, dangling slightly with a piece of tape. "Well look at that…" Krista pointed out, her tone sounding sarcastic. "Looks like a piece of mistletoe just happens to be hanging there… You know what that means." Kendall raised his eyebrows, gesturing to the two of us. Carlos and Riley turned around, Carlos still holding his camera. Logan put down the box that was blocking his view and stared.

I blushed, not being able to keep the blood from rushing up to my face. I bet Krista set this up purposely, planning this so I could tell James my feelings. Well, it wasn't happening. Sure I wouldn't mind a kiss, but I just wasn't ready to tell him those three words. Before I could speak up and say something about this situation, James spoke. "There's a lot of mistletoe this year, huh?" He awkwardly joked, holding his tie out in front of me. "My tie, your charm, and this" he pointed to the piece hanging above. "Should we?" he asked, looking at me. His face seemed like he was unsure, but his eyes were saying a whole other message. It was like he wanted to, his eyes expressing how he wanted to continue.

I blinked a few times and bit my lip. "Well, it is Christmas tradition I guess. But it's up to you. I don't really mind…" I glanced down, not looking at James so he couldn't see the desperation in my eyes. I wanted to feel his pink lips on mine so bad. I clenched my fists to stop my instinct of just grabbing him for a long, passionate kiss.

Krista smacked her hands against her thighs and groaned. "Just do it!" she called, sounding irritated and pushy. "Can't break that tradition!"

I just looked at James, who shrugged his shoulder and smiled. I looked into his hazel eyes again, seeing that same feeling reflected within. Did he want to as well? Was he begging for this as much as me? Once our eyes connected, it was like I couldn't see anyone else. The only thing I saw was him getting closer, tilting his head slightly towards me. Our bodies were moving near each other again, nothing to stop us this time. In only a few seconds, our lips touched, my longing for him gone briefly. His lips were the perfect combination of sweet and salty, making me never want to stop. They were a little cold too from the water he was drinking earlier. He wrapped his hands around me waist and pulled me closer to him, never letting go of the kiss. It was soft and gentle, lasting long enough for me to enjoy the feeling of his lips. That memory would be forever engraved in my head.

James seemed to be getting into it to. Even though it wasn't a long kiss, the passion there was indescribable. I could feel his leaning into me more slightly, making my body tremble with happiness. This was perfect for me, but James had to stop. If he continued for any longer, I would get the wrong impression that he loved me back. I pulled away first, looking at James and smiling. Pants were coming from my mouth, while James licked his bottom lip. "Of course, strawberry lip gloss. You really like them, huh?" he joked, smiling brightly at me as others clapped around us.

Kendall started to whistle as Krista laughed and clapped as well. Logan was shocked, clapping and looking as Krista in approval. Krista was muttering something about how that wasn't so hard, and Kendall just kept chuckling. Riley had a smile forming on her face, whispering in Carlos' ear as he played with his camera. All this attention made me grab my cheeks and blush again. James just kept staring at me, chewing his lip like he was holding something back. "Strawberries are my favorite…" I stuttered out, trying to sound casual. After gaining my composure for a minute, I was able to give James a decent comment. "Hey, I didn't know this was going to happen! If I did, do you think I would have worn that?"

James chuckled and crossed his arms. "No, you would have worn chocolate or something. Wow, I don't even need the Hershey kisses anymore since I got one from you. Maybe I'll save the other ones just in case though…"

I giggled and covered my mouth for a second to lick my lips. James wasn't going to slip away that fast from me. "Good, you should. Because you're not getting anymore kisses from me!" I teased, turning my body slightly away from him.

A small sneer came from his mouth as he fixed his tie for a second. "We'll see about that…" he replied with a wink before walking off for a drink. I was speechless, was he seriously joking? His tone sounded like it, but that wink changed the interpretation quickly. I leaned against the archway again, just taking in and fully processing that I kissed my James Maslow. My best friend, but more importantly, my love. No matter what I had to do, I knew right at that very moment that I need to get James. I need to tell him my love and make him mine. And that would take a lot…

OMINISCENT POV:

After Samantha and James kissed, in what seemed like a romantic way, they briefly flirted and joked with each other. He winked at her and mentioned something about her lip gloss before walking away. Sam just stared dramatically while leaning against the archway. Both seemed in a daze after that planned kiss by the crew. While the two secret lovers were busy exchanging presents and kissing under the mistletoe, they did not notice once that Carlos' video camera was pointed at that the entire time. It caught each gesture and action performed by each of them, from Samantha's lip bite to James' fingers crossing. This was going to be perfect proof to show that they indeed did love one another. Now the only thing Carlos needed to do was show everyone what he recorded.

As soon as Sam walked away for a drink to, Carlos called everyone together to tell them .Krista smiled and jumped up and down. Part 1 of the plan was complete, and Carlos' footage would only make it easier for them to express their love. Now the only other part that was left was the "Never Have I Ever" game on New Years' Eve. Those questions were going to be good…

Part 1 in action! Hehe, didn't see that part, huh? I mean the title probably gave some away, but what about the end? Next chapter coming tomorrow with the anticipated game "Never Have I Ever"! Prepare for laughs, surprising things, and more confessions revealed! Review, favorite, and follow my loves!