As the title and description stated, this is a bonus chapter relating to the main fic I'm writing, "One Night". I wanted to create a separate space for this chapter, since it doesn't really fit naturally into the main fic. Originally, I was going to hold on to it until the main fic was finished, and tack it on at the end, but I thought the added context of what Jake was feeling might be nice to have as the fic continues. I'm not sure if/when I'll add any more bonus chapters (as this was written out of procrastination midway through ch 4, and wasn't a planned part of the fic) but if/when I do I'll be putting them here. Anyways, with all that said, I hope you enjoy the chapter.


Jake POV: Ch. 2 "One Night"

Jake stood alone in the vacant hallway. He was grateful for the quiet, it wouldn't stay this way for long, and he had a lot to think about. He wasn't sure how Sam would react to finding him here, and honestly, he wasn't sure how to respond if she asked why he was here. Why was he here anyway? His thoughts shifted as he thought back to a few weeks ago, back to that day in the library.

They had just finished packing up their things, and were about to leave for the night. Jake wasn't sure what his plan had been when he reached out to stop her from going. All he knew was that he hadn't been ready for their time together to end. When she turned around, he had lost all train of thought as he began studying her. She was absolutely enchanting, and every time he saw her it was like he was seeing her for the first time. The trance had been broken, he recalled, as he felt her soft lips move in to press against his own. His body responded immediately, answering her kiss, even as his thinking was muddled. Time was promptly forgotten as the kiss deepened, and they lost themselves in the moment, in each other. Jake didn't know how long they had been there in the back of the library, or how long they would have stayed if the lights hadn't flicked on and off, signally closing time. They broke apart at the sudden flashing, and out of fear of being discovered. In silent agreement, they'd quickly gathered their things and rushed out the door, not stopping until they stood outside Sam's dorm building. He had walked her to her dorm many times before, but this time had been different. This time, they both lingered outside the building, and Sam turned to look at him, her brown eyes curious and hopeful. Just watching her expression made Jake's stomach turn somersaults, but he thought his heart would literally pound out of his chest when she moved in close to him, holding his gaze. He knew what she was thinking, and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought of it too. He drew in a quick breath as he felt her hands slide up his chest and around his neck, and let her guide him down to meet her lips as she pushed up off her heels. Before things had really heated up between them, Sam broke away and moved her lips up close to his ear. He shivered at her breath against his skin, her voice was barely audible when she asked him if he wanted to come up to her room. That was how Jake found himself spending the night with Sam wrapped up in his arms those few weeks ago.

He hadn't been lying to Sam when he promised that things wouldn't change between them. None of what he was feeling now was because they had spent the night together. He'd felt something more than just friendship for her for a while now, and had been hoping their relationship would develop into something more as well. Their friendship would always come first for him, but he didn't see why they couldn't build off that and grow into something more. Jake thought she'd felt the same way, but ever since that night she acted like it never even happened. Did she regret what had happened between them? They still hung out like they always had, and for that Jake was extremely thankful. He didn't know what he would do without her keeping him on his toes. He was confused, and knew he would have to work up the courage to talk to her about it. Talking wasn't his strong suit, but he knew leaving things unsaid would only do harm in the long run.

Jake broke away from his thoughts, as students started spilling out of the classrooms and into the hall. He watched the door in front of him, and moved forward as he saw the girl he was waiting for. Her head was turned towards the inside of the classroom as she walked through the door. Was she glaring at someone? Jake wasn't able to get the words out before she slammed right into him.

"Hey Brat." He had a hard time keeping his amusement hidden as he steadied her. She was on edge, and the last thing they needed was to have an argument in a crowded hallway. Instead, he tried calming her down, "You okay?"

She was still on edge as she replied, "Yeah, why?"

He noticed her watching the others in the hallway, and guessed she was just embarrassed because she had run into him. He decided to try a small joke, "I saw you shooting daggers. You hit your target?"

Her eyes were fiery, and her face flushed red, as she looked at him, "Well I would hope I could hit a non-moving, inanimate object." It took everything he had to not laugh, and despite his best efforts he knew amusement had made its way onto his face.

Jake followed her down the hallway and out of the building. He smiled to himself as they walked across campus to their daily meeting spot. Every day he looked forward to meeting her at their bench, sharing snacks and taking playful jabs at each other.

Sam looked at him as she threw herself down on the bench, "Hey, why were you standing outside my class?"

He shrugged, not knowing what to say. Instead of answering her question, he opened up his backpack and asked his own question, "Salty or sweet?"

She sighed and slouched on the bench, "Sweet."

"You sure you're okay?" He studied her as he handed over the candy bar, something was definitely wrong.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I guess I'm just feeling the pressure. And I'm so tired." Sam looked near tears, "It feels like no matter how much I sleep it's never enough. I was literally falling asleep in class today, and it wasn't even one of my boring classes!"

"Hm," Jake stalled, opening his bag of chips. He felt bad for her, but he also knew what she was feeling was normal. Tons of seniors felt exactly like Sam did, and that was without the extra pressure that came with finishing a degree in two years. He continued his thought, "I mean, I guess some fatigue is to be expected. But you know what they say, you should try to enjoy it as best you can, you only graduate once."

Sam grinned, and he knew he was in for it, "First, since when did you start listening to such cheesy advice, let alone giving said advice? Second, you do realize you're talking to the genius that finished a four year degree in two, right? Who says I can't do it again?"

She was such a brat. He knew she was joking, and kept his tone light as he addressed her second question, "What I realize,"Genius", is that you've worked yourself nearly to death these past two years, and you deserve to celebrate it." Sam looked at him, and he was unable to hide the look in his eyes. He really did care about her.

"Mm", She seemed to accept what he said, but he could see the mischief dancing in her eyes, "I could hear the air quotes by the way, not cool." He couldn't hide his smile then, and let it consume his entire face. He offered her the rest of his chips, before finishing them when she refused, and got up to throw their trash away.

As Jake gathered his things, he felt, as he usually did, that he didn't want their time together to end so soon. He really wanted to ask her out. Quickly, he worked up his courage, and turned to her as he swung his backpack over his shoulder, "You wanna go somewhere tonight?" He didn't have anything planned, so he added, "I can text you details later."

"Sure." He hid his shock with a smile, as she smiled back at him. He had just begun to leave when he heard her call his name, and he jerked back around to face her, "Could Jen come too?"

He quickly blanked out his face, hiding most of his disappointment. The only thing he couldn't hide was a small frown, as he asked his own question, "Why?" He tried not to think of all the possible reasons she had for bringing Jen along when it was going to be just the two of them.

"Don't tell her I told you, but she's been having a tough time over this latest fight with Ryan. She says she's fine, and I know she will be, eventually, I just kinda wanna stick close to her right now. Besides, I'm sure she'll have fun." He had relaxed, knowing her wanting to bring Jen had nothing to do with him. Despite the fact that they didn't really get along, he did feel bad for Jen. Ryan was an idiot, even Jake had to admit she deserved better.

Jake looked up, and noticed Sam's soft smile. He couldn't look away from the bewitching woman that sat in front of him. After what felt like an eternity, he forced his gaze down to the ground, and answered her initial question, "Yeah, she can come." He hoped, as he turned to leave, that he would be able to work up the courage to ask her out again. For now though he wasn't worried. His feelings for her weren't changing any time soon.