For the Camping Trip challenge on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.

Tags: Stacey/Sam

Stacey and the First Date

When Sam had suggested a visit to the Connecticut Science Center as an idea for their first proper date, Stacey had been secretly impressed. Most of the boys she'd dated in the past had settled for a walk in a local park or an order of fries in a food court. In contrast, a date at the museum felt sophisticated—adult, even. Especially since he picks her up (in his own car!) and drives them there.

Sam finally gets the courage to take her hand in the Butterfly Encounter. And although she's held hands with boys before, it's enough to make her blush.

"Stacey!"

Out of nowhere, little Charlotte Johanssen launches herself at Stacey's legs.

"Charlotte!" Stacey immediately drops to her knees and envelopes the young girl in her arms. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm with Kristy."

Stacey's heart drops. She scrambles to her feet and frantically looks around. She doesn't have to look for long. Babysitter extraordinaire, Kristy, isn't far away. And before Stacey has the chance to grab Sam's hand and make a run for it, Kristy's already calling her name.

"Stacey?" Kristy's smile quickly turns into a frown when she spots her brother. "Sam? What are you two doing here? Oh god. Are you two on a date?"

"Kristy…" Stacey trails off. She doesn't want to apologise. She doesn't even feel like she should apologise. But Kristy's eyes are narrowed and her tone is dripping with disgust. Stacey doesn't know why, but she feels guilty. And so, she settles on a meek, "We didn't know you would be here."

"Clearly."

"Chill out," Sam says curtly. "It's just a date, Kristy. It's none of your business."

His arm curls itself around her waist. It's a move that, in any other circumstances, would make her heart skip a beat. But under Kristy's watchful eye, it only makes her flinch.

"I can explain." The words slip out easily—desperately, even. Stacy looks down, trying not to meet Sam's gaze. She's not sure she can handle the judgement of two Thomases today. "After you're done babysitting, okay? I'll text you."

The reminder of Charlotte, still staring up at the two girls, wide-eyed, makes Kristy roll back shoulders and force a smile.

"It's fine. It's none of my business, right?" Kristy places her shoulders on Charlotte's shoulders. "Say goodbye, Charlotte. Stacey and Sam have to go now."

Charlotte, totally unaware of the tension in the air, is all smiles as she chirps her goodbyes. After a quick hug, Stacey is tugged away by Sam. Neither of them say a single word to Kristy. Eventually, Stacey finds the courage to look across at Sam. But where expects to find disappointment or anger, she only sees exasperation.

"You don't have to explain anything to her," he mutters. "It's really not her business."

"It's not," Stacey agrees. A sense of relief floods over her as she realises that he's not annoyed at her. He's annoyed at Kristy. "But I'll talk to her anyway. You know what she's like."

"Nosey?"

"Sam!" Stacey chides him, but there's no bite to her tone. "She just likes to be in charge. Likes to know what's going on."

"Yeah. Nosey."

She playfully pushes her shoulder against his. "Maybe she just cares about you. Maybe she's worried I'll break your heart."

"Maybe she's worried I'll break yours!"

After a moment of silence, the two begin to laugh. After a moment, Sam reaches around her and places a hand on her hip. He pulls her towards him and places a tentative kiss on her cheek. There's a sweetness to it that Stacey has never experienced before. And this time, with no beady eyes watching them, her heart flutters.