Sameen kicked her ankles against the concrete wall, sipping her slushee. They'd just won the championships for the third year in a row and Sameen was feeling good. She and Root were sitting on the wall outside of the 7/11, giving Joss and Zoe some time alone in the hotel room to celebrate in their own way.

She glanced at Root, smiling around her straw as she took in the image of her girlfriend wearing her stolen letterman jacket. Root had convinced Sameen to buy the jacket and put the letters on. Sameen had complained at the time, but now she had to admit that the dark green and muted gold school colors suited Root.

Root crossed her legs, her body swaying as she adjusted herself on the hard concrete. Her eyebrows drew down in thought and she idly scratched at the side of her slushee. The soft scrape of her nails on the paper cup was loud in the quiet night.

"Tell me again," Root demanded, pulling a handful of gummy worms from the packet sitting between them. "Three legs?"

Sameen pulled the slushee straw out of her mouth, chuckling. "What has four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?"

"Four, two, three?" Root asked, shoving the gummy worms in her mouth. . "Are the numbers significant? Are they code?"

"First of all," Sameen said, putting her slushee down and pulling a leg up onto the wall, "if I help you, what's the point? Second of all, of course the numbers are important. That's the riddle."

Root rolled her eyes. "Ok, Crabby. You think you'd be nicer after just having won another trophy."

"Trophies are dumb."

"You're only saying that because you have a few now." Root swallowed her gummy worms and picked up her slushee. "You were very protective of that first one."

Sameen glared at Root as she took a large gulp of her drink. "When you only have one of something, you care about it more. Hence why I'm so protective of you."

"You like me," Root said, the side of her mouth quirking up in a smile. "You like me and no one else."

"I like Bear," Sameen corrected. "You, Bear, and…That's it."

Root laughed. "I see your family has been demoted again. What did they do this time?"

"Ugh," Sameen groaned, "Mrs. Reese took us to Sears yesterday for a family portrait. She waited until you, Zoe, and Joss were busy so we'd have no excuses."

"What!" Root yelled, her voice echoing across the empty parking lot. "Why didn't you tell me? Did you wear matching sweaters? Did you do make up? A dress? Do you have the pictures?"

"Root!" Sameen put her hands out, interrupting Root. Root had shifted onto her knees, her body stretched across the space between them. "Look at yourself right now and ask again why I didn't tell you."

Root blushed and backed up, sitting down again. "Sorry. But you do have a picture for me right?"

Sameen lifted her butt and pulled her wallet out of her back pocket. She dug out a small picture, holding it up. Root tried to grab it, but Sameen yanked her hand back. "Answer the riddle and I'll give it to you."

"Man!" Root grinned, reaching a hand out. "Baby, adult, old person with a cane. Come on. You think I don't know that one?"

Sameen blinked. "Why did you pretend not to know?"

"It took you a while to get the last one." Root made a grabbing motion with her outstretched hand. "I didn't want you to feel bad. Gimme!"

Sameen gave her the photo, scowling. She snatched her drink off the wall, glaring at Root. Root was dumbing herself down for Sameen. A breeze blew across them, making Sameen's shirt scratch against her stomach. Root pushed her hair behind her ear as she grinned at the picture.

"Lionel's hair!" Root giggled. She glanced at Sameen, her smiled faltering for a second at the angry look on Sameen's face. Root rolled her eyes. "You look fine! You should wear your hair down more. I'm going to make you wear it done for prom. We could curl it!"

"How much do you dumb yourself down?"

Root's grin faded completely. "Sameen…"

"I'm asking you," Sameen sighed, "because I don't want you to."

"I don't." Root dropped her hands onto the concrete between them, taking care not to drop the picture. "I mean, I don't talk about my programming stuff with you, but I don't fake ignorance." She rubbed her nose. "Sometimes you get frustrated at puzzles and I don't tell you the solution right away. That's it."

"Ok, but stop it." Sameen looked away, pretending to survey the area around them. "I'm not dating you just because you're pretty."

"Ok, Sameen," Root agreed, smiling softly. "I'll stop letting you win at video games now."

"Excuse me?" Sameen reached out and snatched the family photo from Root's hand. "I'm taking this back because you're a liar."

"No!" Root laughed and gently tugged the picture from Sameen's tight grip. "Next time we play, I'll do my best and we'll have a proper competition."

"I'm doubting everything I've ever won now," Sameen sighed. "Are you actually bad at sports? Do I really know more Grey's Anatomy trivia than you? Is your name even 'Root?'"

"A couple spent their honeymoon camping in the woods," Root started, tucking the photo into the pocket of the jacket and winking at Sameen, "They took a bunch of photos and stayed in the woods for a week before going home. Three weeks after they returned, they noticed a dead body in the background of their photos. Why did it take them so long to notice?"

Sameen scowled, but she let Root change the subject. She sipped her drink as she thought about the answer. Root scratched her knee.

"This is the first year my mom isn't around to ruin Championships," Root said thoughtfully. She stared off into the darkness around them. "We have nothing to worry about."

Nodding, Sameen chewed on her straw. "Our biggest worry is walking in on Zoe and Joss while they're naked."

Root laughed and Sameen put her drink down. Their relationship had changed since they'd gotten back together. It was a good change. Sameen couldn't describe the difference, but Root talked to her about feelings now. Well, talked to her more. Root had never had a problem talking. Sameen knew it wasn't perfect, but it felt real. Root was hers and nothing could change that.

"Earth to Sameen," Root joked, tapping her knuckles on the side of Sameen's head. "You in there?"

Sameen jerked her head away. "Don't do that, weirdo."

"I was talking and you didn't hear me," Root replied. "Had to get your attention somehow."

"What did you say?" Sameen asked, pushing her hair out of her face.

Root smiled. "I asked if you really thought they were having sex."

Sameen shrugged. A mosquito flew near her and she swatted it away. "Probably. You know they don't always do it with John."

Root scrunched her nose, like thinking about John sexually grossed her out. "I don't want to think about that. It's interesting that Zoe and Joss do stuff together, though; I always thought they were just in it for John."

"It started that way, right?"

"Yeah," Root nodded. She dug around in the bag of gummy worms and pulled out a yellow-green one. "They were friends first."

Sameen dropped her head back to look at the stars. "Ah, young love."

Something slimy dropped onto her leg and she looked down; the green half of Root's worm was stuck to Sameen's thigh. She flicked it off and glared at Root.

"That's disgusting."

"Do you have an answer yet?"

Sameen sighed and put her slushee down. "Three weeks to see a dead body in a picture…Was it film? They had to get it developed?"

"You got it!" Root cheered.

Sameen rolled her eyes. "Don't sound so surprised."

"I'm not surprised," Root said. She leaned forward and puckered her lips for a kiss. Sameen obliged and pressed their lips together for a second. "There's your prize. Now give me another one."

"Another kiss?" Sameen asked, skeptical. "You haven't earned it."

Root laughed and threw another gummy worm at her. "Another riddle. Also, I deserve all the kisses."

"Hmm," Sameen snorted, "I'm not sure you deserve any."

Root watched her with hooded eyes. They'd been having sex regularly since they'd gotten back together and Sameen kept waiting for the excitement to wear off, but it hadn't yet Root was still finding new ways to flirt and new things to try.

The other day, in Harold's class, Root had passed Sameen notes for the whole 50 minutes. Each one had a pick-up line and they'd gotten worse as the hour crawled along. Sameen kept them all, though, putting them in an envelope and hiding the whole bag under her bed. She had an entire Root collection down there of polaroids, notes, and doodles; if Root ever found them, Sameen would never live it down.

"You don't think I deserve kisses?" Root asked, pouting. "Then what's the point?"

"Oh my god," Sameen sneered, "you're so needy."

Root sighed loudly and looked away. "Fine," she said, sounding dejected, "I'll just leave you alone, then."

Sameen watched Root slide off the wall and head across the parking lot. She waited for Root to turn around, but Root just kept walking away. When Root was almost to the street, Sameen hopped off the wall and jogged after her. Was Root actually mad at her? Sameen had been joking; surely Root knew that.

"Root," Sameen said, catching up to her, "wait up."

Root glanced over her shoulder and Sameen caught a glimpse of her grin. A second later, Root took off running, almost disappearing down the dark street. Sameen froze for a moment before chasing after her.

She'd forgotten how fast Root was. They ran for a few blocks, the unfamiliar Kingsville streets whizzing passed. The moonlight gleamed in Root's long hair and her footsteps were loud as they thumped against the road. Sameen couldn't help but smile, her heart racing as the warm air blew against her face.

"Where are we going?" Sameen yelled, but her words were lost in the wind.

Root turned off the road suddenly, hopping over the sidewalk and into a grassy area. Sameen's sneakers squeaked against the road as she quickly changed directions to follow Root. They were in a park. She knew why Root had brought them there when she saw the sand-floored playground ahead.

With a burst of speed, Sameen caught up to Root, wrapping her arms around her and pulling her to the ground. They crasheddown, landing with a thump and throwing sand into air. Sameen held on, her eyes shut tight against the falling sand. She turned her head to the side, trying to spit out the handful of Root's hair that had landed in her mouth.

"Sameen!" Root squealed, trying to wiggle away. "Let me go!"

"No," Sameen said through gritted teeth, "You're just going to take off again."

Root stopped struggling and dropped onto her back on top of Sameen. "I won't. I'll just stay here, I promise."

Sameen loosened her arms, not fully trusting Root to stay put; after a moment of calm, she relaxed into the ground. It was always nice to have Root's weight onto of her. She felt tethered to the ground, able to just breathe and be in the moment.

"Here it is," Sameen said, using her toes to kick off her shoes. "The stock market is crashing because of a virus. You and three friends are inside, trying to upload the antivirus and save the day. You're all in one room and you know that upstairs, a group of killers is coming. Downstairs, the computer you need. What do you do?"

Root helped Sameen get her shoes off and tossed them into the distance. There were no lights on the playground, only the streetlights several feet away. Breathing in the comforting smell of Root's shampoo, Sameen stared up at the stars. They needed some alone time soon, just the two of them.

They were alone now, but Sameen always had this tugging need for more time with Root. More time just being close, more time talking about anything, more time watching movies, reading books, staring into each other's eyes. It was hard to describe, even to herself, but Sameen needed more of Root. Even now, with Root lying on top of her, she needed to be closer.

"Who's with me?" Root asked. She turned over, sand crunching beneath her hands and knees. Her hair formed a curtain around their faces. "Who are my allies?"

Sameen stared up at Root's eyes, content with letting them replace the stars. "John…Fusco…and Harold."

Root frowned. One hand found its way under Sameen's shirt and slowly traced up and down her side. "Why aren't you there? Where are you in all this?"

Sameen shrugged, trying to ignore the feeling of Root's fingers on her skin. They were not going to have sex in a children's sand pit. "I don't know. I'm busy. What do you do?"

"I call you," Root replied immediately. She put her knees on either side of Sameen's hips, and sat back to shift her weight off her hands. "I call you and tell you to come to the stock market."

"What? No! Do you split up? Go everywhere together?" Sameen relented a little bit and set her hands on Root's hips, avoiding skin contact. "What's your strategy?"

Root put her other hand under Sameen's shirt and spread her fingers. The width of her cold hands covered Sameen's whole stomach. Smirking, Root leaned down, slowly breathing in their shared air.

"Is there a correct answer to this? Or is this an opinion thing?"

Sameen blinked, tearing her focus from Root's lips. "Just answer the damn question."

"Ok, um…We go together. Safety in numbers. The priority is the stocks, so we download the virus and then fight the bad guys."

"Really?" Sameen shrugged, the sand sticking to her bare shoulders. She'd worn a tank top for their 7/11 excursion, and she was still sweaty from the soccer game. "I would have guessed you split up."

Root hummed and leaned down, pressing their chests together, still not kissing Sameen. Her voiced made her chest vibrate against Sameen's. "Would you split up?"

"Who knows. I'd let you do whatever you want and then show up in time to save your ass."

"My hero," Root said, rolling her eyes. "Doubting me. I could do it myself."

"With Harold, John, and Fusco helping."

Root bit her lip and Sameen's focus narrowed to the way Root's teeth imprinted on the pink skin. Root's mouth opened again, her lip swelling slightly from the pressure and her tongue snuck out to wet it. Sameen's tongue moved by itself, licking her own lips. Her back arched and she slid her hands up Root's sides, sneaking under her shirt and tracing along the bottom of her bra.

"Deadweight," Root said, her voice raspy. "The boys are almost useless."

"Mmm," Sameen offered, no longer focused on the conversation. "Useless."

She lifted her head, but Root pulled away. They moved together, Sameen's body chasing Root's, until they were sitting up. Root put her hands on Sameen's shoulders, keeping her away. Sameen's brow furrowed as her eyes wandered over Root's face.

"What are you doing?" Sameen asked, her fingers digging into Root's sides. She strained against Root's arms. "Kiss me."

Root pulled her arms away, crossing them in front of her chest. Desperately trying to get close, Sameen pressed herself to Root, pulling her crossed arms down. Sweat dripped down her back.

Root hummed, a smile spreading across her face. "I thought I didn't deserve kisses."

"I was joking," Sameen said, pulling Root tight against her and pushing a hand into Root's hair. "I obviously want to kiss you."

"'Obviously?' There is never anything obvious about you, Sameen." Root moved her head forward, nudging her mouth against Sameen's. She pulled away before Sameen could kiss her, grinning at Sameen's whimper. "Well, nothing emotional anyway."

"Ok," Sameen said, making up her mind, "I'm not having sex in the sand, but there's a pavilion over there with some tables that I think will do nicely."

Root slid off Sameen and jumped to her feet. Backing up slowly, she held her arms out.

"Well?" she asked, her hair shining in the moonlight, "you coming? Or do you need a little help?"

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Root raced down the hallway, Sameen hot on her tail. They'd finally made it back to the hotel and she was ready for a shower. She reached into her pocket to pull out the keycard, but Sameen grabbed her arm, twisting it around and shoving Root into the wall.

Sameen pressed their bodies together, rising on her toes to nip Root's already sore lip. "What is it with you tonight, huh? Running everywhere?"

"I've got places to be, Sameen," Root answered, shrugging casually. Sameen pressed closer and she gasped as the movement tugged her shoulder painfully. "Things to do."

"We'd better stop," Sameen sighed "I'm not having sex with Joss and Zoe in the next bed."

Root hummed softly, pulling her arm out of Sameen's grasp and moving to the door. "You keep saying things like that and then we end up naked on a picnic table."

Sameen grinned as Root unlocked the door. "And running from the cops. Who do you think was more shocked, us or them?"

"Definitely them," Root laughed as she walked into the room. "Hello, naked."

Zoe and Joss were cuddled together on the floor in front of the tv. They'd pulled the comforter off their beds and wrapped it around themselves, but it hung open in the front and Root could see everything. She shook her head and picked her way around them. Dropping onto the bed, she winked at Sameen.

"Wow," Sameen commented, stepping out of her sneakers, "are you watching Toy Story? I mean, whatever gets you going, I guess."

Joss threw a handful of popcorn at her. "You two are the ones having sex outdoors. I see that hickey and those sandy socks."

Root pulled off her jacket as they continued bickering with each other. They'd all gotten so close over the past three years; it was hard to imagine what next year was going to be like. Maybe she and Sameen would make some new friends.

Root laughed out loud; there was no way Sameen could tolerate another friend. In fact, she would probably be glad for the quiet. They could always bring Lionel along on some of their adventures, so he didn't get lonely. Root laughed again. Lionel was still annoyed at her for the La Llorona prank; he thought she was crazy, and he'd been keeping his distance.

"What you laugh about over there?" Zoe asked her, the blanket sliding down her shoulders as she turned around. "Share with the class?"

Root shrugged. "I was thinking about how Sameen and I would have to make new friends."

Zoe chuckled. "Unlikely."

"That's why I was laughing."

Sameen glared at her from across the room. "I can make friends. I made friends with you three, didn't I?"

"No, Shaw," Joss answered before Root could, "Root made friends with you and then she made friends with us for you."

"Well, it's a two way street." Sameen stomped across the room and threw herself onto the bed next to Root. "I let her become my friend. It was a gift. You're all welcome."

Joss rolled her eyes and wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. "Wow. I actually think Shaw is going to miss us next year."

"You wish, Carter."

Zoe reached out to Root, waving her hand. "Come sit with us. Let that bitch pretend she's a loner."

Laughing, Root stood and crossed the room to take Zoe's hand. "I'm actually going to take a shower. I'm all gross from the outdoors."

"I'm sure you are," Joss snorted into a fist full of popcorn. "Go on and shower and then watch the rest of these with us."

Root nodded and dropped Zoe's hand, squatting down next to the bed to dig through her duffel bag. She was beginning to regret agreeing share one bag with Sameen; Sameen had just shoved everything in and now it was impossible to find anything. After some digging, she pulled out their toiletry bag and her dog shirt.

A quick glance at Sameen showed no signs of movement, so Root headed for the bathroom She pulled the door shut behind her and flicked on the light; the switch also activated the air system and a loud hum filled the room. She sighed and dropped her toiletry bag on the counter. Reaching into the shower, she turned the water on so it could heat up. At least she was showering alone and didn't have to listen to anything.

She unbuttoned her shorts and started to undress. Sameen probably was going to miss the girls and John after they left, although she'd never admit it. With them gone, she didn't have anyone to talk about sports with. Root listened, of course, and Lionel watched every Mets game, but they weren't in the same league with John.

Root reached behind her to unhook her bra and thought about their last sleepover with Joss and Zoe. They'd chosen the treehouse to spend the night. It was always a safer bet than Sameen's room because John still refused to step inside after almost catching Root and Sameen having sex.

Zoe had made a comment about the team needing a new goalie and Sameen shot back that they'd find a better one than Zoe. It had led to a shouting match and they'd set up a goal in the backyard so Zoe could prove her skills.

Root smiled to herself in the mirror. Next year she'd be sure to find an athletic friend for Sameen.

She ran her eyes over her body, taking stock of various bruises and scrapes, and sighed. Her breasts hadn't gotten any bigger over the last two years, but all of her exercising with Sameen had given the rest of her body some definition. She'd never have a six-pack, probably, but at least she wasn't as gangly as she had been.

She met her reflection's eyes. Her chubby cheeks had gone away at some point. Now, sharp cheekbones framed her face. Maybe she really would be pretty when she grew up.

"Didn't we promise to stop being self-deprecating?" Root asked herself, turning away from the mirror. "Old habits die hard, I guess."

Pulling open the shower curtain, she stuck a hand under the water to make sure it was warm. It was just shy of burning, the perfect temperature, so she pulled her soaps out of her bag and stepped into the shower. The warm water felt good against her skin as she set her things down on the small ledge set against the wall.

She was looking forward to the summer. Their apartment had a large bathtub and shower and Root couldn't wait to try it out. She sighed and put her head into the stream of water. As excited as she was about the summer, and living with Sameen, she was also nervous.

Without school, or friends, or any adventure, what would they talk about? They'd been fine on the roadtrip last year, but that was before Root's mom and her "break up" with Sameen and their new relationship.

She reached down for her shampoo, squeezing it into her hand, and working it into her hair.

The hot water helped calm her down a little bit and as her fingers massaged her head, she took a deep breath. It would be fine. She and Sameen had been friends for years. They could probably be locked in a cage for months and still have things to talk about.

Tilting her head back into the water, she closed her eyes and let the soap run out of her hair. Root worried more now than she had last summer. Her experience with depression, or whatever she'd been going through last fall, had shown her how temporary things were. She could lose Sameen, lose her grades, lose just about anything.

Root opened her eyes to see Sameen staring at her and jumped. Her feet slipped and Sameen reached into the shower to grab her and help her stay upright. Steadying herself, Root pushed her hair out of her face and glared at Sameen.

'Sorry,' Sameen signed, looking sheepish. 'I didn't know how else to get your attention.'

"It's fine," Root replied, shrugging.

Sameen nodded and pulled her shirt over her head. She dropped it to the floor and started signing again. 'Can you hear? Should I sign?"

"Sign please," Root replied.

'OK. One second.'

Sameen pulled off her socks and tossed them across the room. Root picked up her conditioner as Sameen undressed, stepping out of the way as Sameen joined her in the shower.

Sameen stood under the stream of water, soaking her hair. 'I can't stand those two sometimes,' she signed, looking annoyed. 'The first Toy Story isn't even finished and they're already tearing up. I swear to God, if you cry, I'm leaving.'

Root laughed as Sameen turned around, letting the water hit her face and running her fingers through her hair.

"You wouldn't leave. You're all talk."

Sameen stepped out of the water and she and Root switched places. When they were facing each other again, Sameen rolled her eyes.

'Let's just say, I'm looking forward to this summer,' she signed, smirking. 'You, Me, and Bear, eating pizza and watching The X-Files. No school, no friends. Just us.'

Root closed her eyes and tilted her head under the hot water. Sameen was looking forward to all the things Root was worried about. Maybe Sameen wasn't nervous about spending the time alone. After all, she was the one who had kept them together. She wanted them to have a future.

Root straightened her head up to look at Sameen. "Me too."

'You know,' Sameen signed, stepping towards Root, 'I won't have sex with you in the next bed, but I didn't say anything about the shower.'

Root laughed and pushed Sameen back. "No way, Crazy. No sex when I can't hear."

Sameen mouth opened and Root guessed she was sighing or growling. As wild and dangerous as Sameen claimed to be, she was pretty predictable.

'Fine,' Sameen pouted, 'but Zoe and Joss are riding back with John tomorrow, and you and I are having sex in the clubhouse A.S.A.P.'

"Deal."

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The credits rolled on Toy Story 3 and Sameen glared at the other girls from her place on the bed; she'd retreated from the floor halfway through when they'd all started blubbering. Root turned around from her place on the floor, tears running down her face, to look at Sameen.

"You'd never give me up because you're going to college, right?"

"Oh my god," Sameen rolled her eyes, "One, you're not a stuffed animal, and two, of course not, idiot."

Root nodded and turned back around to look at the other two girls. "You guys know I love you, right?"

Zoe nodded and wiped her face. "God, I haven't cried in so long. This movie just gets me. Andy gave up all his toys to be an adult! I haven't even started packing yet!"

"I'm never getting to sleep now," Joss added, tossing the empty bag of popcorn aside. "I'm too sad."

Sameen groaned and dropped her head back onto her pillow. "Is there anything I can do to make you guys stop crying? It's been hours. Some of us played really hard today and are tired."

"Some of us have full volume feelings, Sameen," Root shot back, laughing. "I don't think you can help us right now. The future is looming."

"Actually…" Joss started, her face slowly twisting into a smile. "I'd love to give you a makeover."

"A makeover?" Sameen parroted, sitting up. "Like make-up?"

Joss rolled her eyes. "That's generally how the work, yes."

Sameen instantly regretted offering to help. This wasn't her area of expertise and she'd honestly expected them to ask for slushees or chocolate. If a makeover would make them stop crying though…

"Fine," she bit out, "you can make me over."

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Root blinked open her eyes, not sure what woke her. She tried to sit up, but something was pinning her down. Following the arm around her waist, she found Zoe attached to the other end. She and Joss were cuddled up to Root, their bodies pressed together to fit into one bed.

A spill of light caught her attention and she looked at the door to their room. Mrs. Reese was in the doorway watching them. Root rubbed her eyes and smiled tiredly.

'Have fun?' Mrs. Reese signed across the room to her. 'Everything ok in here?'

Root nodded and raised her hands to sign back. 'We watched movies and did Sameen's make up.'

Mrs. Reese looked to the other bed and Root followed her gaze. Sameen was alone in her bed, her heavily made up face pulled down into a frown. Mrs. Reese turned back to Root, giggling quietly.

'Sounds like a good time. I was just checking in.'

'We're good. Thank you.'

Mrs. Reese smiled one more time and stepped out of the room, closing the door as quietly as possible. Carefully moving Zoe's arm, Root slipped out of bed and silently tip-toed across the room.

"Sameen," she whispered, pushing the sheets down, "are you awake?"

Sameen grunted and held her arms out, still asleep. Root grinned and climbed into bed, scooting close to Sameen's warm body. Immediately, Sameen's arms wrapped around her, her head tucking under Root's chin and their legs tangling together.

"I love you," Sameen mumbled almost incoherently. "Sleep time."

Root held Sameen close, sighing happily. "Good night. I love you, too."