Better Together - (One Direction fanfic by Kaitlynn)

CHAPTER THIRTY

Josh slid his room key back in his pocket with one hand, still using both arms to support Jackie. He kicked the door open gently and carried her inside. Jackie sighed against his chest, "You're so comfy..."she felt him chuckle, " And you're really cute when you're sleepy," he smiled and touched her cheek gently before setting her down on a surprisingly soft queen size bed. Jackie sighed and regarded the room. Josh's slightly messy suitcase was open next to a chair piled with his many t-shirts. On the other side of the room there was an open door adjoining to what looked like Niall's room. A pile of snapbacks sat next to another bed and an even messier suitcase.  "This is...your bed?" Jackie asked lightly, though she knew the answer. "Yeah, don't worry about me," Josh rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, "I'll just take the uh, couch or something," he closed Niall's door and said a soft "Goodnight," before walking back toward the living room. "Wait..." Jackie struggled to sit up, "Come back."  He turned to look at her and was by her side a moment later, "Something wrong?" Jackie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down next to her, "The couch is for losers," she giggled and kissed his mouth this time, long and hard.  He pulled away, "I'm not a loser?" his eyes crinkling the way Jackie loved as he smiled down at her. She didn't reply, just pulled him closer, so close they shared the same pillow. "Stay with me," Jackie whispered sleepily as they lay down side by side, noses touching. She refrained from kissing him for now, studying him instead. The way his hair was messed up, but perfect. The way his eyes were sparkling. The way his cheeks were flushed and his lips slightly parted. The way--Josh grinned, "I love when you look at me like that," he kissed her nose, then her mouth lightly. They lay awake in silence for several minutes, drinking in the sight of one another. Jackie yawned and smiled drowsily, "Josh," he was rubbing her back in slow circles as she talked, "I'm not gonna let her take you away from me," she grabbed his hand and squeezed, "Ever," Jackie let her eyelids fall, "I love you," she whispered almost inaudibly. Josh watched as her breathing slowed and and her grip loosened before whispering, "You know I'll always love you back." They fell asleep together, legs tangled and Jackie's head on his chest, just as the sun started to rise.