A/N: A Rilaya shipper writing Lucaya… what? These are strange times, my friends. But truthfully, I have always been a fan of Lucaya; their dynamic fascinates me and I wanted to explore that. Don't fear though, fellow Rilaya shippers! The girls are my OTP and I have plans to write for them again in the future. But for now, enjoy this little dive into insanity of mine. :p

This is a future-set, post-canon fic.

WARNING: Death/murder is a very heavy and main plot of this story. Adult themes (sex, drugs, drinking, violence, etc) will play a role in this tale as well. When warranted, I'll provide appropriate warnings in chapters that deal with the aforementioned.

Disclaimer: I won nothing that you can recognize.

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loss

lôs,läs/

noun

1. the fact or process of losing something or someone.

1. Loss

It's an unusual weather day in early October; going between sunny to rainy within minutes. The church is stuffy with uncomfortable pews and an odor Maya can't quite name. She's just trying to hold it together. If she can get through the next forty-five minutes, she'll have it made. She refused to give a eulogy, so Shawn wrote one on her behalf. No one could really blame her either.

Lucas sat in the back, not sure of how welcomed he'd be. He watched Maya as she sat on the outside of the front pew. Not only feeling the loss himself, but deeply sympathizing with Maya. When the service was over and the mourners were moving over to the cemetery across the street, he caught her eye.

"We need to talk. Maybe after the burial?" She spoke softly as the two locked eyes.

With a nod and small smile, "Anything you need."

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There was limited seating under the tent, so Lucas stood off to the side, out of respect. He had a clear view of Cory, Topanga, Auggie, and Maya in the front row. They were all so numb. This was, sadly, a reality they had prepared for. Something bad was coming, she had warned them, but what was left in its wake was far more crushing than her untimely demise.

After the casket was lowered into the ground, the minister had Maya come up first. She tossed a single white rose into the grave and followed it with a handful of dirt. She turned to go back to her seat, but didn't stop. She sprinted up the aisle and out the back of the tent with murmurs following.

Lucas saw this and watched her continue until she was out of view. Shawn stood and attempted to go after her, but Lucas stopped him with a kind pat on the shoulder. "I got her," the young man said with a sympathetic grin.

Maya sat on a bench near the mausoleum. Her stilettos kicked off to the side and stockings rolled up into a ball next to them. She watched a stray cat nap on the edge of an angel sculpture adorned fountain across from her. Lucas approached her and he sat quietly; he knew she'd talk when she was ready.

"We just buried my fiance," The blonde's face twisted in an unfamiliar expression. "The love of my life is now worm food," Her voice cracked and she turned to him.

"We're going to find out what really happened to her, Maya. I promise." Lucas placed a gentle hand on her knee.

Tears began streaking her cheeks, "Right, and I need your help."

"Anything."

"I think Riley was murdered… and they tried to cover it up." Maya drew in a shaky breath.

"Marcum?" He mentioned the company Riley previously worked for.

Maya nodded sorrowfully, "It all adds up and makes no sense at the same time. I honestly believe they know more than they're telling.

Lucas sighed heavily, "Whatever you need, I'm here. Just say the word."

"Their headquarters are in California. I'm leaving tomorrow morning," She paused to pick up her discarded heels and hosiery. "You coming with?" Hope shone brightly through her baby blue eyes.

Without an ounce of hesitation, Lucas nodded and said, "Of course."

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