Protected

Friends

After Lucas went upstairs to help with Farkle, I stayed on the couch, wrapped up in the blanket, remembering the feeling of Lucas's breath in my hair and his muscular chest on my face. I smiled and closed my eyes.

Josh came down the stairs and sat next to me on the couch, so I opened my eyes again.

"Hey, Josh," I said, "How's Farkle doing?"

"Fine," he replied, "It's looking good, for him. He keeps talking about how he can't die, because he has to take over the world." He chuckled, and I laughed with him.

Josh wasn't wearing a shirt, and he was toned and muscular, just like Lucas. I could see blotchy purple bruises spread across his chest and stomach.

"Riley got you," I said, "Lucas told me."

He winced, "She looks like such a twig. But damn is she strong. She got me into two walls, a chair, and the foot of Farkle's bed before Lucas pried her off me."

I suppressed a smile. Josh didn't need any more blows to his ego.

"So... you and Lucas," he said.

I immediately smiled.

"What about us?" I asked.

He shrugged, "Lucas is a really... let's go with interesting... person. He's been alone for a while. Even when he had Isadora," Josh made a face, "He was always alone. We're all happy for you two. I really wish we could offer you more protection then just me and Zay. I hope that-"

I cut him off by throwing my arms around him in a hug. He looked shocked.

"What was that for?" He asked.

"You're amazing, Josh," I said, "Lucas couldn't have a better friend."

He smiled, surprised and dazed. I had the feeling that he didn't have a lot of experience with girls.

"Thanks, Josh. For keeping him sane until he found me. Or, until I found him."

Josh nodded, "That's what friends are for."

My jaw dropped, "Did you just call us friends?" I asked, shocked.

He looked sheepish, "Yeah. Is that okay?" 

"It's more than okay," I said, "You are the best friend ever. Next to a Riley," I added quickly.

"Can I go see Farkle?" I asked.

He nodded silently. I hopped up from the couch, and pecked him on the cheek. Not even a slightly romantic kiss. I made the mwah! sound you make when you kiss your brother.

"Thanks again, Josh," I said, bounding up the stairs.