Around two in the morning, the party had winded down. The crowds in the living room had shrunk, and become less rowdy. Somebody had turned the music down, and you didn't have to shout to be heard anymore.

Josh had just told a story of the time he'd gone on a trip with his family to Australia, and a snake had fallen out of a tree onto his mother's head. Everyone was laughing as Josh described how his mother had freaked out and flung the snake from her head onto the ground.

"But once the snake was off her, she actually thought it was really funny," Josh explained, grinning.

"Dude, what is up with your mom?" Pete laughed. "If a snake fell on my head, I would be shitting myself."

"Good story, Josh," Hayley giggled. Hayley was really a giggler. Anything she thought was funny could send her into a giggling fit.

"Thanks," Josh said, crumpling up his finished sprite can and setting it on the counter.

I yawned, and Josh grinned at me. "You yawn like a kitten."

"I do not!" I protested indignantly.

"He does," Hayley giggled again. "Has as long as I've known him."

I crossed my arms, pretending to be upset, but really, I was happy. I felt comfortable here, with Josh. This was kind of weird for me, because I normally felt awkward around strangers.

Frank was leaning against Gee's shoulder, as he had been for the past half hour, seemingly asleep. Gee sighed and kissed Frank's nose. "I hate to say this, but we should be going. I've got to get this princess home."

"Same here," Pete agreed, nudging Patrick's arm. "Patty Cakes needs his beauty sleep." Patrick rolled his eyes, but smiled.

"I guess I should get home, too," I said, hopping off the counter.

"Did you take your truck?" Hayley asked. I shook my head in response. Her apartment was only a few blocks away, and when I had walked here several hours ago, it had been barely dark out. However, now it was 2AM, and I was pretty reluctant to walk home at that hour.

"Do you need a ride?" Josh offered.

I wanted to accept, but at the same time I didn't want to bother him or give him any extra stops. "Nah, I'll be okay."

"Are you kidding? Dude, it's two in the shitting morning. I'm not letting you walk home by yourself. You could get mugged!"

I shrugged, smiling. "If it's not too much trouble..."

"It's no trouble at all," Josh promised.

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Artist unknown, credit to artist