A/N: There's not nearly enough Riley/Abigail stories out there. And since I absolutely love National Treasure and the couple, I've decided to write numerous one-shots based on Riley and Abigail. Their relationship will eventually develop, but for the most part, it'll consist of friendship fluff.

I have decided to take up the 'Couples Challenge,' which, for the most part, consists of writing love stories. Of course, I chose Ri and Abi. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own National Treasure or its characters. If I did, Abigail and Riley would've long since been a couple.

Hugs

Sometimes she wondered whether she had made the correct decision. Other times, she wondered what would've happened if she had never met him. Benjamin Franklin Gates. He was always on Abigail's mind, but for the wrong reasons. He didn't pay attention to her as much as he used to; he was too engrossed in new world discoveries to show any affection anymore. He would always reside in his study, barely mentioning a word to her when she entered the cramped room with hopeful eyes, wondering if she could build up the courage to ask the man if they were doing anything special tonight. But of course, she was only living on false hope. Sometimes she would wistfully watch the sky from the window, like she was today, thinking over the time she and Ben spent together after their adventures. She always came to the same conclusion: he didn't. Sure, they had found the Templar's treasure together and they had both helped in clearing up the Gates' family name. But that had been it. Abigail knew that had been something different. You were in the moment, she told herself, not wanting to believe it. Maybe she had been in the moment. After all, it wasn't everyday you met a person who is trying steal the Declaration of Independence right before your very eyes.

"You're gonna murder your eyes if you sit there all day," a voice said, causing Abigail to jump in alarm from the white couch she sat on. She turned her head, searching for the person who she knew was the speaker. Riley.

"Oh," Abigail breathed, looking at the man with relief as her shoulders sagged, slightly. He was wearing those geeky glasses of his and his hair was untouched. "You scared me. What're you doing here?" She asked, the thoughts about Ben momentarily forgotten. "Shouldn't you be with Ben? He wanted your help with something, right?" Riley stared at her inquisitively, watching as the blonde stared blankly at him. She seemed uneasy, as she waited for his response. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun and her simple white dress seemed a little creased here and there, as if she didn't have a care in the world. But this was Abigail. She always cared.

"Well," Riley said, crossing his arms against his chest and leaning on the doorframe. "I just finished deciphering the code he wanted, but he wanted more insight on it from a...professional." He spoke the last word with a hint of disgust, as his face scrunched up with annoyance; he never did like being underestimated. Abigail stifled a laugh, as she modestly covered her mouth with a hand. She gave him a forced smile, before turning back toward the window, a somber expression returning to her features.

"What's troubling you?" Riley suddenly asked, concern evident in his tone. Abigail, surprised at this statement, turned back toward him.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Come on, Abs, you haven't been yourself lately." Riley said, with a small frown. "So, what's wrong? Did something happen between you and Ben-"

"No." Abigail said, almost immediately, sternly shaking her head. She stared at the ground for a few seconds, contemplating on whether or not to tell Riley. He, like any best friend, actually paid attention to her. Heck, the guy went to buy groceries for her on some occasions. Riley had even tagged along on the Templar mission way before she had. If anything, the guy deserved a bit of recognition. "I..." The blonde stammered, biting her lip while searching for the right words. "It's just that Ben...hasn't really been..."

"The best boyfriend?" Riley softly offered, shifting positions from where he stood.

"Yeah." Abigail sighed, letting her hands fall to her knees. "I just want...I just want him to listen to me. For once, could he just pay attention to me and ask me, 'Hey, Abi, how have you been?'" She said in a mock tone, frustration dripping from her speech. She gazed absentmindedly at the floor, her lips sewn into a tight frown as she restrained herself from saying too much. She felt slightly guilty for not telling Riley the whole story, but what would he say? He wasn't exactly the best advice giver.

"I think you should wait." Came Riley's timid reply across from Abi, who raised her brows in turn. "I know he's been really focused on his treasure hunting thing, but I'm sure it'll wear off. He wouldn't let a pretty woman hangin'." Riley shrugged, hoping Abigail would quit sulking in that lonely corner of the mansion. Thankfully, the blonde began to slowly inch off of the couch.

"Wow," she said, her voice returning back to its normal tone, as she stood up. "I never realized you were a decent advice giver." She teased, her dress undulating as she strode toward Riley. "Thank you." She said with a sincere smile. Once she had halted in front of him, she opened her arms and gave the man a swift hug of gratitude. But when Riley's arms never wrapped around her, she wondered if she had done something wrong. "No hug back?" Abigail asked, stepping back and breaking the half embrace.

"Actually," Riley said, taken aback. "I'm just surprised you're being nice to me." He grinned. Abigail couldn't help but smile as she punched Riley's shoulder lightly.

"Very funny, Mr. Poole."