No Matter What
Maya sat at her desk, her laptop open, finger strumming aimlessly against the keyboard. "Bored… I'm so bored… I've never been so bored…" She hummed to herself.
As if on cue, her computer dinged, alerting her to a new message.
'Good morning.'
Maya smiled. 'Good morning.'
'How's your morning going?'
'Oh ya know, just saving the world… or destroying it. You decide.'
'Hahaha, while I would like to say saving, I know you, Hart.'
':) So well.'
Maya smiled to herself, her day had just immediately gotten better.
'Got any plans this weekend?'
'Gonna be pretty chill. Clean the apartment. Yay.'
'Gross. What are you doing tonight?'
Maya paused. What was she doing tonight? 'Nothing. You?'
'Well… I was going to fix dinner, buttttt cooking for one is kind of a drag.'
'Hey, you know what? I think I know someone who eats dinner!'
'Oh do you?'
'I might.' Maya's grin hadn't left her face. There was something about talking to him that immediately put her in a good mood. Their banter was so natural and easy.
'Come over.' He finally requested.
'Oh… I don't know, Josh…'
'Come over.' He repeated. 'Please.'
Maya laughed to herself. 'Alright.'
She was making a habit out of this. It started out as nothing, they ran into each other over the summer, Josh having recently moved back into the city for work. They exchanged information, and suddenly, talking to each other every day was their norm. Then, one night Josh suggested they go get drinks. And they did. And it was nothing. And then they had drinks again, and it was nothing… until Josh grabbed Maya's hand, lacing his fingers with her. Volts of electricity shot through both of them as they connected.
Maya's feelings for Josh never waned over the years, she just moved them to the back burner, knowing they were living separate lives. But when the universe threw them back into each other's orbits, they both felt an undeniable pull toward the other. They began making plans after work more and more frequently, their bodies getting closer each time, hands moving to knees, to waists, to thighs. Maya's cheeks flushed just thinking about it.
As much fire they felt between one another, they managed to never cross that line. That line. Some invisible concept that neither stated, but both understood. This was new though, Maya had never been to Josh's apartment before. Their home lives essentially separate from what they were doing.
Maya was pulled from her thoughts as her phone rang. "Hello?"
"Hey you,"
Maya bit her lip at the sound of his voice. "Hey,"
"How's your day going?" He asked.
"Pretty good…"
"You want to get dinner tonight?" He asked.
"Ah… I actually have to work late tonight… I'm sorry."
"Awe, that's okay. Want me to bring you dinner?" He suggested, ever the gentleman.
"Nah," Maya shook her head. "I've got stuff here…" Her voice trailed off as her computer dinged, alerting her to a new message.
'I'm already counting down.'
Maya's cheeks flushed. So was she.
"Okay, well if you change your mind, let me know."
"Sure thing."
"Well… I'll let you get back to it. Don't stay too late, Maya."
Maya smiled, "I won't"
"Alright, I'll talk to you later."
"Bye, Lucas." She said.
Maya and Lucas ran into each other earlier this Spring, their chemistry palpable. He was the same Lucas from high school, a sweet southern boy stuck in the big city. And Maya was the very same Maya, giving him no breaks, keeping him on his toes every minute. There was something about being around each other they they couldn't deny.
After trying in high school, then again in college, Riley and Lucas found that they were, as Maya had discovered in high school, more like brother and sister; no time or distance was changing that. Maya never made a move on Lucas, though. Riley was still her best friend, and it seemed like a continually fresh wound Maya never wanted to bother. But late last year, Riley fell in love, and she fell hard. Charlie Gardner had called it, what felt like a hundred years ago. It was Farkle. It had always been Farkle. He was there for Riley every time her heart broke, he was there for every victory, every letdown. It had always been Farkle. And after Riley missed out on what she thought was her dream job, it was Farkle who was there to help pick her back up and keep her moving.
So when Lucas and Maya finally ran into each in the Spring, there was nothing stopping them from finally giving them a shot.
'Come over.' Josh sent later in the afternoon.
Maya laughed, 'I am coming over.'
'Come over now.'
Maya's heart was racing. She wanted nothing more than to go to Josh's house right then. 'I am still at work. And unlike some people, I have to stay until 5.'
Josh had a schedule Maya particularly envied. He was able to leave at 1 on Mondays and Fridays. How he managed that, she still wasn't sure. She internally chalked it up to his incomparable charm.
'Jealous?'
'You have no idea.'
'Come on. Just leave a little early. I want your help with dinner.'
'Josh.' Maya laughed while she was typing. 'You know I can't do that. My boss is an asshole.'
'Hmm… one moment.'
Maya stared at her computer confused. What? She thought. After not hearing back from Josh for a few minutes, she redirected her attention to the emails she had yet to address for the day.
"Ms. Hart,"
Maya looked up from her computer to see her boss's assistant standing in her doorway. "Hey, Justin." She smiled.
"You can go ahead and take the rest of the day off." He told her with a nod.
"Um…" Maya said, confusion written all over her face. "I still have - -"
Justin shrugged. "I don't know, I would just do it before he changes his mind."
"Okay..." Maya said confused.
Justin laughed. "Hey,I don't know. He just told me to come give you the rest of the day. Happy Friday?"
"Okay…" Maya said, still unsure of what was happening. She glanced back at her computer, and saw a new message waiting for her.
'Done.' Was all it read.
A huge smile spread across Maya's face and she shook her head in disbelief.
'What did you do?' She asked.
'Come. Over.'
Maya smiled at the screen. It was fun to mess with him a little. She didn't reply.
'8th and W 14th. Third floor.'
Maya laughed. 'Settle down, Boing. I'm on my way.'
Maya arrived at Josh's apartment just shy of 4pm. "Josh?" She asked buzzing what she hoped was his apartment.
"Maya! Come on up!" He sounded excited as he let her in.
Maya made her way up to the third floor and smiled when she saw Josh standing outside his door. "Hey you."
"Hey you," He repeated in one breath.
Maya could feel her pulse racing.
Josh wrapped his arm around Maya's waist, pulling her into him.
Maya inhaled a shaky breath at their contact. She looked up at him, their faces inches away from one another.
"I'm glad you're here," He smiled, gently cupping the side of her face.
Maya closed her eyes at his touch.
"Come on," Josh said pulling back, grabbing Maya's hand.
Maya practically groaned as Josh moved away from their embrace. This was going to be a long night, she thought. She inhaled deeply walking into his apartment. "It smells so good in here, what are you cooking?"
Josh smiled a bit of a crooked smile at her, "I've been working all day,"
"What is it?" Maya asked looking around the kitchen.
Josh pulled the oven door open, pulling out the cooking dish, the smell that was marinating the apartment flooding out from behind the closed door.
"Mmmm, roast," Maya smiled. "Wait, what did you need my help with?" She asked puzzled.
"Oh, nothing. I just really needed to see you." Josh said honestly. "Wine?" He asked holding up a glass.
"Of course," Maya nodded, pulling herself up onto the counter.
Josh poured her a glass.
Maya almost instantly relaxed with a single drink. "Oh, hey! Also, what did you tell my boss?" She asked puzzled.
"I said you had spent the entire weekend in the hospital with your grandmother who wasn't expected to make it through the afternoon."
"Josh!" Maya gasped swatting at him.
"Stop it. Of course I didn't say that." He smiled.
Maya tilted her head in confusion.
"It's Friday, three hours isn't going to kill them." Josh told her, still evasively.
Maya raised an eyebrow.
"God, you're beautiful," Josh exhaled, shaking his head slightly.
Maya looked down slightly and blushed.
Josh stepped closer to Maya, his hands immediately wrapping around her waist. "What was I ever thinking?" He whispered shaking his head.
Maya smiled to herself and took another drink of her wine. "Three years, Boing." She reminded him.
"None of that matters." He said without missing a beat.
"Oh, I know this." Maya nodded, a teasing smile on her lips.
"You're absolutely all I think about, Maya."
Maya couldn't help the flush that made its way up her cheeks. Josh's hands were rubbing her waist gently. She nodded slightly. She could see her chest moving deeply with every breath she was taking, her heartbeat increasing with every word Josh spoke.
Josh gently grabbed the glass out of Maya's hand and set it on the counter next to her.
"Hey," Maya frowned.
Josh's lips interrupted Maya's protest, his hands holding her face gently as his lips finally made contact with hers.
Maya completely gave in to Josh's kiss, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as their kiss deepened.
Josh pulled back slightly, "I'm not going to sleep with you, Maya," He told her.
Maya's brows pulled together in confusion. Then what are we doing? She questioned.
"Not yet." He finished and buried his hand into Maya's mess of blonde waves as he pulled her back in for another deep kiss.
Maya sighed into their kiss, willing to take what she could get at this point. Her heart soared, this was everything she had been waiting for, and she was not disappointed.
Years of pent up sexual tensions soared through both of their bodies as Josh lifted Maya off the counter carrying her back to his room.
Maya pulled back momentarily. "What are you doing?"
Josh looked at her confused.
"I thought you said…"
"Shut up, Maya," Josh laughed and gently laid her down on his bed.
Maya's heart was on hyper-drive. She could hardly think straight, and then Josh took his shirt off. She practically groaned finally seeing him shirtless.
Josh raised an eyebrow, "Yeah?"
Or she actually groaned.
"Come here," Josh whispered hovering over Maya continuing to kiss her with everything he had been holding back for years.
Maya began reaching for the hem of her shirt, keeping their lips connected.
Josh gently grabbed Maya's hands. "You don't have to, Maya," he told her.
Maya's eyes were dark as she looked up at him.
"Don't," Josh said shaking his head. "This is perfect," he said rubbing his hand across Maya's exposed neck and collarbone up to her cheeks. He immediately began kissing her again.
Maya stopped doing what she thought Josh wanted and instead stayed in the moment with him. The feeling of her hands on his back, of his lips on her neck, everything was perfect.
Before either of them noticed it, the sun had gone down. They had no concept of anything around them except for each other.
Dinner was all but forgotten.
"Stay with me tonight, Maya," Josh finally asked.
Maya looked up at the brunette, her eyes wide, her breathing heavy.
"Stay with me tonight," He repeated.
Maya swallowed hard, and for the first time that evening, Lucas crossed her mind.
"Come on," Josh tried to coax her as he ran his hands through her hair.
Her mind was telling her no, this was a bad idea, she was with Lucas. But her heart was telling her this was everything. This is where she belonged.
Maya woke up the following morning next to a still shirtless Josh. She smiled slightly to herself. He was facedown, his head turned to the side, and she couldn't take her eyes off him. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone alerting her to a new message. Maya quietly slipped out of the bed and walked across the room to her phone.
Lucas.
'Hey beautiful. I hope you didn't stay at work too late last night. I really want to see you today. I have to work tomorrow, I thought maybe we could go to Central Park or something?'
Maya chewed on her bottom lip reading the text message.
"What're you doing up already?" Josh asked groggily from the bed looking at Maya.
Maya's eyes snapped up from her phone and she smiled taking in Josh's bare chest once again. That's never going to get old. She thought.
"You know what?" Josh asked walking toward her.
"What?" Maya asked clicking her phone off and setting it back on the dresser behind her.
"My shirt…" He said eyeing Maya up and down. "Looks way better on you." He finished and began kissing her exposed collarbone.
Maya's eyes closed and her head instinctively fell back as Josh's lips made contact with her skin. She laced her hands through Josh's hair. "Mmm," she warned, feeling him begin to suck on her exposed skin.
Josh looked up at her with puppy dog eyes.
"I can't show up to work with a hickey, Josh." Maya laughed. "We're not seventeen." she said with a smile as she ran her hands through her hair.
Josh groaned, he knew she was right, but he couldn't keep his hands, or his lips, off of her. He placed his hands just below Maya's ears, his fingers around the back of her head playing in her hair, and his thumbs rubbing small circles on her jaw as he connected their lips once again.
"Hey listen," Maya said pulling back slightly.
"Mmmmaya," Josh groaned in protest.
"I've got stuff I have to do today…" She said working on convincing both of them she couldn't stay here all day.
"No you don't." Josh insisted, placing a kiss in between every word.
Maya smiled through Josh's ministrations. "Josh," She laughed.
"You said you had to clean your apartment." Josh reminded her.
Damn. I did. "Yeah, but Riley just text me…" Maya quickly covered.
Josh pulled back with a groan. "Of course she did," he said running his hand through his hair.
Maya tilted her head and pressed her lips together in a soft smile.
"Fine. Break my heart."
Maya threw her head back with a laugh. "I am not breaking your heart, Boing." She said and playfully slapped his bare chest.
Josh looked at Maya, her bed hair, the oversized t-shirt, the huge smile on her face, he couldn't take his eyes off her. "You're doing something to me…" He said shaking his head slowly.
Maya blushed and looked down, slightly embarrassed.
Josh nodded toward the bathroom, "Go on," he said.
Maya kissed Josh's cheek quickly and grabbed her clothes from yesterday, making her way to the bathroom.
"Hey, I have a great idea!" Josh yelled from his bedroom.
Maya poked her head out of the bathroom door, "Oh yeah?" She asked sliding her head through her shirt.
"Yeah."
Maya laughed as she grabbed her pants. "Okay…"
"Come back tonight." Josh suggested.
Maya looked down as she fastened her pants, "Yeah?" She asked.
"Come on," Josh pushed.
Maya smiled at him, Josh was back in bed, his shirt still thrown on the floor, his arms behind his him propping his head up, and a huge smile plastered on his face. God he was good. Maya thought to herself. "I'll see… maybe." She said as she pulled her disaster head of hair into a ponytail.
Josh groaned from the bed. "Maybe?!" He repeated with frustration.
Maya smiled and shrugged.
"Fine," Josh caved. "So just in case…" He said getting out of the bed and walking toward Maya once again.
Maya raised an eyebrow waiting for his next move.
Josh pulled Maya closer to him and kissed her like she had never been kissed before. When he finally pulled away, Maya was left practically gasping for air. "Until next time…" He said holding her gaze.
Maya exhaled a shaky breath. "Until next time," She smiled.
As Maya made her way home, she shot Lucas a text back.
'Hey Lucas. I'm free this afternoon, let's get some lunch - STARVING!'
By the time she got home Lucas had text her back.
'Sounds good. Meet you at your place.'
Maya took a deep breath. She decided to take a quick shower before she and Lucas went out. As she was getting out of the shower, she heard her buzzer going off; Lucas was already there. She wrapped a towel around her quickly and let him in. When she heard him come in through the front door she hollered from her bedroom, "Sorry, finishing getting ready!"
"Oh you're fine. No rush." Lucas said sitting down on the couch. "How was your night?" He asked.
"Oh…" Maya paused. "Uneventful."
"Well that's good, I guess."
"Mhmm. So you're working tomorrow?" Maya asked.
"Yeah, they needed a shift filled, so - -"
"Dr. Huckleberry to the rescue," Maya smiled as she came out of her bedroom.
Lucas laughed. "I guess so," he said and stood up. "You look beautiful," Lucas told Maya, wrapping his arms around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
Maya smiled sheepishly.
Lucas leaned down slightly and went in to kiss Maya.
Maya was almost taken aback by Lucas' actions. She had to remind herself that this was who she was dating; this was who she was supposed to be kissing.
"So, you hungry?" Lucas asked pulling back from their embrace.
"Starving!" Maya said with wide eyes.
"You didn't have anything at the office to eat last night did you?"
"Ah… yeah, no, you're right. I didn't…" Maya stumbled tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"I told you I would bring you something,"
"Eh," Maya said waving her hand. "I didn't want to put you out."
"You know I offered to bring you dinner."
Maya swayed her head slightly, "Yeah, yeah. Let's stop talking about food, and let's just get food." she suggested.
Lucas laughed, "Alright."
"Tacos?" Lucas and Maya both said at the same time.
"Reading my mind," Maya said with a smile.
As Lucas and Maya sat eating tacos, Maya couldn't help but let her mind drift to Josh. And with every new thought that came to her mind, she felt her stomach drop ten feet. What did he do to me? She thought to herself.
"Maya?" Lucas asked waving his hand in front of her face. "Ya there?"
"Hmm? What?" She said shaking her head, her eyes refocusing on Lucas. "Yeah, sorry. Long night…"
"I knew you'd stay at the office too long."
"Yeah." Maya nodded. "What can I say?" she said with a shrug.
"Well, we don't have to do anything today… we can just go back to your place and watch a movie or something?"
"Sure, that sounds great," Maya smiled.
Lucas nodded and continued eating his taco.
Maya felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She quickly pulled it and slid the screen unlocked.
'Still thinking about tonight?'
Maya smiled to herself. 'Yes, Josh. Kind of busy right now.'
'No you're not. Tell Riley you have plans.'
For a moment, Maya was confused; she wasn't with Riley. But then she remembered that was the cover she told Josh. 'We both know that's never going to be that simple.'
"Who you texting?" Lucas asked after watching Maya smile as she typed away on her phone.
"Oh…" Maya said looking up, sliding the phone back into her pocket. "Just Riley," She said shaking her head.
"Oh," Lucas sounded surprised. "How's she doing?"
Maya nodded, "Pretty good. Staying busy… but she wants to hang out later…" Maya quickly threw another story together, hoping to drop a large enough hint to Lucas that she needed to be free this evening.
"Oh," Lucas repeated, almost sounding equally as surprised at the first time. "Well, yeah, you guys should totally hang out. Girl time," He said with a smile.
Maya couldn't help but feel a little bit bad. Lucas was too nice. He would give up time with Maya so she could hang out with his ex-girlfriend. Her phone vibrated again in her pocket. Maya rolled her eyes slightly as she pulled it back out.
'Come onnnnnn.'
Maya looked up at Lucas, who was no longer watching her. She tried to hold back her smile as she text Josh back. 'Okay, maybe.'
'Maybe?! That was your answer four hours ago!'
"So," Maya said, grabbing Lucas' attention. "Movie?"
Lucas smiled at his girlfriend, "Yeah,"
Maya smiled back sweetly. She couldn't hurt him; she could never hurt Lucas. As much as she teased him and enjoyed ruffling his feathers, she never actually wanted to hurt him.
Lucas grabbed Maya's hand as they walked back to her apartment, lacing their fingers together.
What have I gotten myself in to? She thought.
"What do you want to watch?" Lucas asked holding up a handful of movies.
Maya waved her hand in the air, "Don't care. You pick." she said as she propped her feet up on the coffee table in front of the couch.
Lucas finally decided on a movie and as he sat down, he wrapped his arm around Maya, pulling her closer to him.
Maya felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. She somehow suddenly felt wrong for touching Lucas, for being in his arms. She didn't know what to do…
Lucas grabbed a pillow and laid it in his lap, inviting Maya to lay her head down, knowing how tired she was.
Maya didn't miss the cue and she followed suit, laying her head on the pillow, moving her legs to stretch down the length of the couch. She could feel Lucas running his fingers through her messy waves, and all she could think about was Josh.
Maya wasn't even sure what movie they had watched, she was so distracted throughout its entirety, that when Lucas began talking at the end, she was almost startled.
"You didn't fall asleep," Lucas said shaking his head.
"No…"
"I thought you were tired,"
"Yeah… I did too," Maya said sitting up. "Guess not tired enough."
"You still wanting to go out with Riley later?"
"Mmm, yes." Maya nodded. "Girl time," She repeated Lucas' phrase from earlier with a typical Maya-smile.
"Okay, well I'll get out of your hair; let you get ready. It's already getting kind of late."
Maya glanced down at her watch: 6:45. Kind of late? She thought.
"Ya know, for Riley, I mean," Lucas laughed a little.
Ah. Correct. Riley was never the night owl. "Oh, you know her so well," Maya grinned.
Lucas laughed, "That I do." He said as he stood up. "Well tell her I said hi,"
"Mhmm," Maya nodded, also standing up and stretching.
"Call me later?" Lucas asked gently grabbing Maya's face between his hands.
Maya smiled softly at him, and Lucas leaned down and kissed her softly.
"You girls have fun."
"Oh, we will."
After Lucas left, Maya pulled out her phone and sent a text to Josh. 'Still want some company?'
Almost immediately her phone went off, alerting her to a new message. 'I don't know, maybe.'
Maya's lips pulled into a crooked half-smile at Josh throwing her words back at her. She went to her bathroom and began brushing her teeth. She knew if she didn't respond right away, Josh would shoot her another text.
She was right. A few minutes later, Maya's phone lit up with another message.
'Under one condition.'
'And what's that?' Maya replied.
'You have to stay the night again.'
'Maya smiled to herself. No problem.' She thought.
'I have to see you in my t-shirt again. You have no idea what that did to me.' Josh finished.
Maya laughed. 'I think I can manage that.'
'Come on then!'
Maya made her way to Josh's, her heart pumping with adrenaline the whole way there. There was something exciting about being with Josh. She wasn't sure if it was the years of tension building that they were finally acting on, or that she was being sneaky about things, or that all of this with Josh was just new, and newness in a relationship always gave her butterflies. Whatever it was, Maya hoped it didn't fade. This was the happiest she remembered being in a really long time. Before she realized it, Maya was outside of Josh's apartment. "Boing," She said pressing the call button.
"Maya," Josh replied back.
Maya could practically hear the smile in his voice, and what that voice did to everything in her. She took a deep breath as Josh let her in.
"Too long," Josh said immediately as Maya walked into his apartment, grabbing her by the waist.
Maya laughed, "It's been like ten hours, Josh."
"Too long," He repeated and leaned down kissing Maya deeply.
The next few weeks followed the same pattern. Maya was delicately splitting her time between the two boys, spending her days with Lucas when she wasn't at work, and spending almost every night with Josh. She and Josh were like magnets, continually fighting to be around each other. He cooked her dinner, he had a glass of wine ready for her after work every day, he sat and watched her trashy TV shows with her, his arms always wrapped around her frame. It didn't matter what they were doing, everything felt more electric when they were with each other.
It was as if the exact opposite was happening for Maya when it came to Lucas. Where she used to enjoy her and Lucas' back and forth, it now felt strained. His touch that used to be comforting, nearly made her stomach ache. It wasn't him, he hadn't changed. Lucas was still the sweet, caring Lucas she had known since she was a teenager. But Maya felt their spark fading as the flame that was her and Josh only grew stronger.
Maya sat at her desk tapping her pen furiously on her desk. What do I do? She thought. I can't hurt Lucas. That is what she always circled back to. She could never hurt Lucas, and she knew he genuinely cared about her. He was base to her acid, always the one to calm situations and reign her back in. She was grateful to have someone like Lucas in her life. I don't want to be muted my whole life. She thought.
And then her mind immediately went to Josh.
And as if he knew she was thinking about him, her computer dinged with a new message.
'Hey you.'
Maya smiled to herself. 'Hey you.' She repeated.
'What are you doing this weekend?' Josh asked.
Maya thought about her weekend plans.
'Don't answer that. I have something planned.' Josh replied before Maya could.
'Josh…'
'Maya…' Josh played her game right back at her. 'But I need you the whole weekend. Not just at night.'
Maya bit her bottom lip, what was she going to tell Lucas?
'Come on, Maya, trust me.'
She exhaled in one puff of breath. 'Okay.' She replied. She would figure something out with Lucas.
'Perfect. I'll see you after work.'
Maya's pen was tapping on her desk again without her even noticing. She looked around her office trying to figure out how to handle things with Lucas.
Achoo! She sneezed, shaking her head with fury. Hmm… Maya thought. She quickly grabbed her phone and began texting Lucas.
'Hey Lucas, I think I've come down with a pretty gnarly cold. Been running a fever all day. I'm probably going to stay home all weekend.'
That should do it. She told herself.
Lucas immediately sent her a text back. 'Oh no. Need some company?'
Dammit. Maya cursed. She quickly covered herself. 'As sweet of you that is, I'm gross. I don't even want to be around me right now.'
'I understand. Well, let me know if you need anything. I am a doctor you know?'
Maya couldn't help but laugh. 'I am not an animal, Huckleberry.' Lucas was a doctor, a veterinarian specifically, and while he probably could take very good care of a sick Maya, she couldn't pass up an opportunity to rag him a little.
'Technically…' Lucas sent back. 'You are an animal.'
And this was what made it so difficult with Lucas. They got along really well. They cared about each other. But Maya knew that there was more to the long relationships, and she wasn't sure she and Lucas had whatever that was.
Maya finished her work day with relative ease, her mind drifting to what Josh had up his sleeve only every other minute. Excitement and nerves swirled together inside of her. When she finally got off work she shot Josh a quick message.
'Hey Boing, I'm going home to pack a bag real quick. Anything specific I'll need?'
'Boots. Not the ones with heels, tiny.'
Maya crinkled her nose at his comment, at both of his comments. Maya loved her heels, and she was tiny, that's why she wore them. 'Is that a necessity?'
'Trust me.' Josh replied
Maya sighed, internally giving in to his request.
"Took you long enough," Josh said opening his door with a huge smile on his face as Maya walked in.
Maya dropped her bag just inside the door. "Well someone told me about plans super last minute," She teased with a shrug.
Josh nodded, "Fair enough." He smiled and brought Maya closer to him. "I've missed you." He breathed.
Maya looked up and flipped her hair over her shoulder, "I know," She smiled.
"God, woman, what are you doing to me?" Josh asked, his dark eyes holding intently on to Maya's.
Maya's heart started racing, she willed herself to hold Josh's gaze, but his piercing eyes were too much for her, and she felt her cheeks flush and a smile creeping onto her face. Maya laughed subtly as she looked down.
"Come on," Josh said tossing his bag onto his shoulder and grabbing Maya's bag with one hand, clasping her hand in his other.
"Where are we going?" Maya asked, partially enjoying the surprise, partially needing to know what Josh was up to.
Josh just looked at Maya and smiled coyly. He wasn't saying a word. As they made it to his truck, Josh tossed their bags into the back.
Maya climbed into the familiar vehicle, chewing on her bottom lip anxiously.
Josh jumped in the driver's side and looked over at the blonde with a smile across his face. "You ready?"
Maya's leg was bouncing beneath her as she looked at Josh. She gave him a single nod and with that Josh started up the truck.
Without thinking twice, Josh quickly grabbed Maya's hand, holding it in his as they made their way out of the city.
Maya's heart soared at the small gesture. Every time they touched, her entire body lit up from the inside out.
Josh and Maya talked the entire drive, Josh keeping Maya laughing practically the entire time, and Maya doing the same with Josh. They talked about work, about Riley, Maya's mom and Shawn, Josh's parents, about their wildest dreams, and never a second of it felt forced. Every once in awhile Josh would bring Maya's hand to his lips and place a gentle kiss as she spoke. Everything Maya was feeling Josh was too. There was no denying what was happening between the two of them.
Josh finally pulled into the parking lot of their destination, and Maya smiled as she realized where they were.
"The Mount Sun Lodge?" Maya asked with a smile on her face.
Josh smiled brightly back at her. "I figure it's been a while,"
Maya's eyebrows raised as she nodded. "Years." She confirmed.
"Come on," Josh said opening his car door.
Maya followed suit.
Josh grabbed the bags out of the back of his truck, again grabbing Maya's hand with his free hand and the two walked into the lodge together. Josh went to the front desk and handled the arrangements as Maya stood back, taking in the main floor where so many things changed for her and her friends.
"You ready?" Josh asked returning to Maya's side, wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Mhmm," Maya nodded with a smile.
"Hasn't changed much, has it?"
"Not at all." Maya said almost in awe.
"Come on," Josh whispered pulling Maya out of her thoughts, leading her to their room.
"Josh!" Maya breathed, her eyes wide as they walked into their room.
Josh smiled proudly. He wanted to make this weekend special for Maya. He had her all to herself for two whole days; no work, no Riley, no responsibilities. Just him and Maya, together.
"Is it terrible that I'm exhausted?" Maya asked falling backwards onto the large bed with a heavy sigh.
Josh laughed. "No. We can take it easy tonight." He said setting their bags down.
"Thank God," Maya breathed kicking her shoes off.
"You hungry?" Josh asked.
Maya propped herself up on her elbows bent behind her, "Always hungry." She told him.
Josh laughed, "Alright."
The two placed an order with the kitchen and after their thirty minute wait, Josh went down to go pick it up. Maya took that time as her opportunity to change into something much more comfortable.
When Josh got back with the food, he practically groaned seeing Maya sitting cross-legged on the bed, her hair flowing freely around her face, and one of his t-shirts hanging loosely off one shoulder.
Maya looked up from her sketchpad when she heard Josh enter the room and smiled at him, her eyes growing when she saw the food in his hands. Maya leaned up on her knees, "Tacos?" She asked with excitement.
"Tacos." Josh nodded. He sat the bags down, sorting through their mess of food.
"Why did we order so much food?" Maya asked flopping back against the pillows, her hand resting on her overly full stomach.
Josh laughed as he took another bite. "You're throwing in the towel already, Hart?"
"So. Full." She moaned.
Josh wiped his hands off, swallowing the last bite he had in his mouth. He looked down at Maya, her eyes still closed. "You're beautiful." Josh said with immense honesty.
Maya opened her eyes, a little embarrassed to find Josh looking directly into them. "You're not bad yourself, old man."
Josh couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright," he nodded.
"You know, Boing," Maya said sitting back up, repeating a phrase she used on Josh years ago at this very location.
Josh felt his heart speed up.
"This place," Maya started looking around their room. "This is where you threw me the most difficult curveball of my life back then,"
Josh was quick with his reply, "You were never in my room, Maya,"
Maya was even quicker, "That you know of."
Josh raised an eyebrow at her comment. "Well," he finally said. "Was it worth it?"
Maya tilted her head to the side looking up at Josh.
"Waiting for the long game?" He finished.
Maya inhaled sharply. "Is that where we're at?" She asked honestly.
Josh looked down, his head swaying from side to side slowly.
It was true, they hadn't made anything official. In fact, they never actually talked about what they were. Maya knew how she felt, and Josh knew how he felt, but they never discussed it with each other.
Maya's lips pressed together in a closed smile as she shook her head. "We don't have to, Josh," She told him, trying to ease the sudden awkwardness in the room.
Josh looked into Maya's eyes, "Maya," he started. "I don't want to ruin this." He said honestly.
"Me neither," Maya whispered.
They were both pulled from each other's gaze at the sound of Maya's phone going off, their heads turning in the direction of the obtrusive noise.
"How do you have service up here?" Josh asked puzzled.
Maya raised an eyebrow at Josh's question. "Josh… it's 2026. You have service everywhere…"
Josh pulled his phone out of his pocket, holding it in the air for Maya to see.
Maya's eyes grew and she grabbed his hand, bringing his phone closer to her. "Joshua Gabriel Matthews, you do not have a flip phone!" She exclaimed.
Josh laughed, "I do."
"How?!"
Josh shrugged, "I don't know, it's 2026, can't you basically get whatever kind of phone you want?"
"Yeah, but this… is ancient!" Maya said holding the phone in her hand examining it.
"Alright," Josh laughed at her astonishment. "Give it back,"
Maya looked up at Josh, her face suddenly serious. "Oh. No, I'm keeping this." She said with a nod.
"Maya…" Josh warned.
Maya laughed and flipped the phone open. "How do you even text on here?" She was having way too much fun with this.
"Mhmm, keep it up,"
"For the rest of my life!" Maya said with excitement.
"Okay," Josh said with a smile, finally having had enough. He reached for his phone, trying to grab it out of Maya's hands.
"No, no," Maya laughed as she pulled the phone away swiftly.
As Josh moved closer to Maya to get a better reach, she quickly rolled across the bed, kneeling at the far end away from Josh.
"Maya…"
"Boing…" Maya repeated in the same tone. She wasn't giving up that easily.
Josh lunged across the bed, not grabbing the phone, but successfully latching onto one of Maya's ankles.
"No!" She shrieked trying to wriggle free as Josh easily pulled her closer to him.
"I'm so much stronger than you, Hart." Josh said with a smile, looking down at her.
Maya smiled up at him, and for a split second, Josh was lost in her beauty, and in that split second, Maya pushed herself away from underneath the youngest Matthews brother. She might be small, but Maya was quick. She jumped off the bed, standing between one side of the bed and the wall, Josh's phone grasped tightly in her hand.
"This is what you want to do?" Josh said with an amused look on his face.
Maya playfully stuck her tongue out at him.
"You realize you have two walls surrounding you?" Josh said calmly as he slowly walked around the side of the bed.
Maya turned her head, quickly checking her perimeters. Damn. He was right. She thought.
This time, when Josh reached for Maya, he grabbed her waist, pulling her close to him, his focus no longer on his phone in her hand. Their faces were inches away from each other, both breathing heavily, the palpable attraction between them overwhelming.
Josh's hands moved to Maya's face as he closed the remaining distance between them, their lips finally meeting.
Maya practically melted under his touch. She had all but forgotten about the phone as it slipped out of her hand making a THUD as it hit the floor. She instinctively wrapped her arms around Josh's back.
Josh moved his hands from Maya's face and secured them around her tiny frame as he lifted her onto the bed, kneeling above her.
Maya's heart was beating a million miles an hour. She couldn't catch her breath even if she wanted to. Every time Josh touched her, Maya seemed to lose all control, and she didn't hate it. Without thinking, Maya reached for the bottom of Josh's shirt, tugging it upward, wanting as few barriers between them as possible.
Josh immediately caught on and pulled his shirt over his head, only breaking their kissing momentarily as he slid the shirt completely off.
Maya's hands were drawn to Josh's bare chest, her fingers running up and down his torso, sinking closer to his waistband with every trip.
Josh didn't stop Maya as she began loosening the waistband of his sweatpants. He reached for the hem of Maya's shirt.
Maya pulled back realizing what Josh was doing. She was breathing heavily, her eyes trained on his as she pulled the baggy shirt over her head.
Josh couldn't restrain himself as he immediately went back in for an earth shattering kiss, his hands roaming Maya's bare skin for the first time.
Maya woke the next morning, her hair sprawled out across the pillow, only a sheet covering her slight frame. She glanced over at Josh, one hand thrown over his head, the other extended toward her. She smiled at the incredibly sweet sight in front of her. Last night was more than Maya ever imagined. Years of pent up desire for each other finally coming to a head in the most amazing, passionate, exemplification of their feelings for each other. Maya bit her lip not wanting to wake him up, he looked too peaceful, she didn't want to ruin it. Her stomach sank at that thought… that's what Josh said last night about the two of them, he didn't want to ruin it. 'What did he mean by ruin it? What could possibly ruin this?' She thought to herself. Maya's attention was quickly pulled to her cellphone as it began flashing that she had a new message. Crap. She cursed remembering she had completely forgotten to read her message from last night.
'Hey Maya, I hope you're doing okay. Let me know if you need anything.'
Okay, she was clear with that one, she could play it off as being asleep when he texted her.
'Good morning. Hope you're feeling better. Be sure to hydrate.'
Maya exhaled relieved. She quickly texted Lucas back, mostly just wanting to get back into bed with Josh as quickly as she could. 'Hey Lucas. Thanks for checking in. Just been sleeping a lot. I've got water right next to me. :)'
Maya quickly clicked her phone back off and crawled back onto the bed. She curled up next to Josh's bare chest, nuzzling her head against him gently, his body heat immediately warming her equally as bare self.
Josh stirred at the feeling of Maya moving closer to him, he woke briefly and wrapped his arm around her protectively as he pulled her even closer to him. "Mmm," He mumbled, a smile painted across his face.
Maya couldn't help but smile herself. This was perfect. It was everything she had ever wanted and more. Her eyes closed slowly and she easily drifted back to sleep, completely engulfed by Josh's protective arms.
Josh had the whole weekend planned for the two of them, but after Friday night, they hardly left their room, neither needing anything more than the other.
"I don't want this to end," Maya pouted Sunday morning, sitting cross legged on the bed.
Josh laughed, "Have a good time?"
Maya leaned forward on her knees, much like she did on the first night they arrived. "The best," She said placing her hands on Josh's shoulders pulling him in for a kiss.
"Mmm," Josh eventually groaned, clenching his jaw as he pulled away. His eyes were dark with desire as he stared at the beautiful woman in front of him. "As much as I want to, we have to be out of here in like ten minutes," He said glancing at his watch.
Maya exaggerated the frown on on her lips, batting her eyes throwing everything she had at him.
"Maya…" Josh shook his head.
"Fine," Maya sighed. She sat back on her ankles chewing on her bottom lip. She needed to change real quick before they left. A mischievous smile crept onto her lips and she pulled Josh's t-shirt over her head, revealing the nothing she had on underneath.
Josh caught sight of what Maya was doing out, and couldn't take his eyes off her.
Maya continued to pull on her bottom lip as she looked around the room for her bag. "Hmmm…" She said finally standing up having located her bag.
Josh's eyes looked up and down her perfect body, unable to look away as she made her way to her overnight bag.
Maya looked over her shoulder at the brunette standing behind her, smiling seeing him mesmerized by her every move. "Oh, I'm sorry… am I distracting you?" She asked knowingly.
Josh didn't say a word, instead he walked right over to Maya, picked her up and brought her back to the bed. "Real quick," His voice was deeper than usual.
Maya nodded, "Real quick," she repeated, a sense of victory washing over her, a feeling completely replaced by arousal as Josh gently pressed his weight against her as he began kissing her deeply. Without missing a beat, Maya's hands went straight to Josh's jeans, working blindly on the belt.
Josh was completely consumed with Maya, with the feeling of her hands on his pants, with her lips on his, with her body underneath him. He quickly aided Maya's hands knowing he could get this done faster. And in nearly one swift move Josh had his belt, button and zipper undone. He returned his hands to Maya's soft skin, needing to feel every inch of her, as if he hadn't spent the last 48 hours doing just that.
With one strong tug, Maya was able to get Josh's loose jeans and boxers down to his mid-thigh. That'll work She thought and moved her hands to his mess of brown locks, pulling his body even closer to her. She felt her breath being taken straight from her chest at the feeling of Josh making his first move. This was never going to get old. Maya smiled to herself.
Josh deepened their kiss, one hand holding onto Maya's face, his other continually exploring her perfect body. "Maya," he breathed.
Maya pulled Josh's head to her neck, gasping for breath, her chest rising and falling heavily. She was already feeling as if she were going numb, yet feeling every molecule in her body at the same time.
Josh didn't waste any time and quickly began trailing intense kisses down her neck, his hands finally setting on her chest.
Maya threw her head back, exposing even more of her skin to Josh's hungry lips.
The mid-November air cooled Maya's flushed cheeks as she and Josh made their way out to Josh's truck, their hands laced together, neither wanting be apart from the other.
"You stayin with me tonight?" Josh asked as he pulled out of the now even more infamous Mount Sun Lodge.
Maya looked up at the chiseled jaw she was so familiar with. "As much as I want to…"
"Work in the morning?" Josh finished, glancing over at Maya.
She nodded.
Josh gently grabbed her hand, pulling it up to his lips. "Your apartment it is, then." He said without another word.
"Okay," Maya laughed finally pulling away from Josh's mesmerizing lips as they sat outside her apartment building. "Okay," She repeated taking a breath. "I'll talk to you tomorrow?" She said tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Josh corrected.
Maya blushed slightly. She was glad to know that the weekend they had hadn't changed anything between them. She nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow,"
Josh leaned in for one more kiss, cupping the side of Maya's face with one hand.
Maya smiled into their final kiss for the evening. Everything was perfect. Maya never wanted anything to change. She had more than made up her mind over the last 48 hours; she had to tell Lucas.
Josh finally pulled away from the kiss, his eyes holding onto Maya's. "Thank you for an amazing weekend, Maya."
Maya felt her cheeks reddening again and she looked down slightly.
"Hey," Josh said gently lifting her chin. "I mean it." Honesty was dripping from every word Josh spoke and Maya felt it throughout her entire body.
"Thank you." Maya added as she leaned forward, placing a simple kiss on Josh's cheek before exiting his truck.
Josh waited for Maya to get inside her building before driving off. He had made up his mind over the last 48 hours; now was someday. Josh was ready to finish the long game with Maya. While he made the ten minute drive back to his apartment, he decided he was going to make it official at their annual Matthews Thanksgiving dinner. There was no question about what he was thankful for this year; it was Maya, it was always going to be Maya. What better time to tell her?
Maya sat in her apartment, her eyes locked on her phone, not sure what or how to tell Lucas what she had decided. It was a week and a half before Thanksgiving. How could she… how was she going to…? She shut her phone off, deciding ten days was enough time to come up with something, she didn't need to do it tonight.
As Thanksgiving neared closer, Maya continually dropping excuses to Lucas as to why she couldn't see him, when in reality she was spending every waking minute she wasn't at work with Josh. She couldn't remember feeling this happy, this complete. Every time Josh wrapped his arm around her, laced his fingers with her, placed a kiss on the side of her head as he held her close, Maya felt her whole world pulsing inside of her. Josh made nothing else exist when they were together, and while she was nervous things would change after their weekend together, they only seemed to get better.
It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when Maya realized she still hadn't completely broken things off with Lucas. Though they hadn't seen much of each other in the past two weeks, she still felt the need to make things official.
'Hey Lucas. Sorry I've been so busy lately -end of the year coming up and all. I just wanted to let you know, my family does Thanksgiving with the Matthews family every year, so… I figure it's probably just best if you spend the day with your family and I spend it with mine…' It wasn't exactly definitive, but Maya didn't know what else to do. She didn't want to hurt Lucas, and it wouldn't have made sense for him to sit at the table with Maya this year when just the year before last he was there with Riley. She stopped over-thinking it and sent the text.
Thanksgiving rolled around and Maya hadn't hear a word from Lucas since she sent her text Tuesday. Maybe he figured it out. She tried to convince herself. Please don't hate me. She put out into the universe, her face falling slightly.
Maya's stomach was in knots all morning as she got ready, knowing Josh would be at dinner later that day. It was, after all, his family. Even though she had just seen him two nights ago, the butterflies in her stomach were similar to the ones you felt the first day going back to school having not seen your crush all summer. And, she oddly hadn't heard from Josh all day -which was rare.
Maya finished getting herself ready, grabbing a typical Maya-leather jacket to throw over her outfit as she made her way to the front door. She glanced at her reflection one last time, smiled satisfied and headed to her car to make the drive to Cory and Topanga's.
Maya walked up to the familiar building that she practically grew up in what felt like a different lifetime ago. She hit the call button up to the Matthews' apartment, waiting for the familiar voice to come over the intercom and let her in.
"Shawn!?"
Maya smiled; there it was. "Every time, Matthews." She said shaking her head. "Iiiiiiit's Maya."
"Did you bring Shawn with you?!"
"No. Just me." She laughed. "Let me in, it's cold out here!"
"Fine, you're allowed too." Cory said, clearly sounding upset his best friend had yet to arrive, and buzzed Maya in.
"Peaches!" Riley cheered opening the door for Maya.
"Honey!" Maya matched her excitement, wrapping her still long and lanky friend in a tight hug.
"I've missed you so much!"
Maya squeezed Riley's little body tighter, "I've missed you." Maya assured her.
"You guys just saw each other like a week ago?" The familiar voice said from the kitchen, pulling both girls' attention that direction.
Riley had a confused look on her face. "No we didn't. What are you talking about?"
Maya's face fell and she could feel all the color rushing to her extremities; her body was telling her to run. Oh no. She thought. She should have planned better and either not picked a relative of Josh's as her alibi, or at least filled her best friend in.
Riley looked at Maya, confusion written all over her face as Josh held Maya's gaze. "What?"
Maya shook it off, linking her arm with Riley's, "Boys," she said with a slight eye roll, walking Riley and herself away from Josh's direct line of vision. "Bay window?" Maya asked, her eyebrows raised. "Old time's sake?"
"Absolutely." Riley said definitively.
Josh watch the two girls retreat toward the back of the house, knowing exactly where they were heading.
Riley wrapped her arms around Maya's neck as they sat down in their all-too familiar spot. "I've missed you,"
"Ah, Riles, I've missed you too. I'm sorry I've been so busy…"
"You have been busy!" Riley said pulling back, glancing at her best friend. "What have you been up to?"
Maya took a deep breath, she was ready to explain everything to Riley.
"Ladies!"
Both girls turned their heads quickly to the window their friends used to crawl through. As if no time had passed, there was Farkle, his head poking through the window, quickly followed by his long legs and torso.
"Farkle!" Maya laughed, jumping up to hug one of her oldest friends.
"Hey Maya," Farkle smiled hugging her back. "How've you been?"
"Good. Really good. How've you been?" Maya asked wiggling her eyebrows between her two friends.
Farkle wrapped his arm around Riley, placing an endearing kiss against her temple. "Amazing." He said with a smile. The way Farkle looked at Riley was the way every girl ever wanted to be looked at by a man. He loved her from the bottom of his feet to the top of the universe, and you could see it all in his eyes just when he looked at Riley. Maya couldn't help but smile at her friends. They both finally seemed completely content and happy.
"Oh, hey, speaking of…" Farkle said sliding away from the open window.
Without missing a beat, another set of knees appeared in the window, about to make their way into the room.
Riley and Maya looked at the next person coming in, confusion written all over their faces.
"Maya," Lucas said with a smile.
Maya's face completely fell again. Lucas?! She screamed inside her head.
"Riley," Lucas smiled politely at her as well. He made his way over toward Maya, placing a kiss on her cheek.
Maya felt sick. How did this happen? What was she going to do? Lucas didn't know about her and Josh. Josh didn't know about her and Lucas. And here they were, all three of them, under the same roof. She swallowed hard. Okay, maybe he will leave before we go have dinner. Maybe Josh doesn't have to know.
"Alright, kiddies," Josh said pushing Riley's door open, walking into his niece's bedroom.
Maya shut her eyes, "Unbelievable!" She huffed under her breath.
"Well hey, Lucas, Farkle," Josh said, surprise completely evident in his voice as he walked over to the guys, shaking both of their hands. "It's been a while."
"Sure has. How've you been?" Farkle asked.
Josh's eyes were trained on Maya, who had yet to open hers back up as she sat stiff with Lucas' arm around her waist. "Pretty good," Josh said, turning his attention back to Farkle. "So, dinner's almost ready," He said motioning with his thumb behind him. "You guys staying?" He asked pointing at the two new additions to the room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were expecting me," Farkle said with a nod.
"Yeah... I'm just dropping in." Lucas added.
Josh nodded, "Okay… Hey Maya, I think Cory needed to ask you something? Something about what have you done with his best friend?"
Maya's brows furrowed and she stood up and walked out of the bedroom.
Josh was a few steps behind her, pulling Riley's door closed behind him. "Hey," he whispered grabbing Maya's hand quickly pulling her into Cory and Topanga's bedroom.
Maya's eyes were wide, she'd never actually been in Cory and Topanga's room.
Josh closed the door behind Maya, and placed his hands on either side of her, leaning in, kissing her deeply.
Maya was taken aback by his actions, especially after having just seen her sitting with Lucas' arm around her moments ago.
"What're you doing?" Josh asked after pulling back.
"Me?!" Maya asked wide-eyed.
"With Lucas, Maya."
Maya couldn't read Josh's reaction. He didn't sound mad… she didn't know what he sounded. Maya shook her head, "I… we…" she couldn't put the words together.
"It's been him, not Riley?"
Maya looked down, confirming Josh's accusation.
Josh's nostrils flared and his jaw clenched. "Okay," He nodded.
"Josh, it's - -"
Josh interrupted Maya with yet another passionate kiss.
Maya felt her knees going weak beneath her.
"Hey," Josh whispered lifting Maya's chin. "There's not a cowboy in this world that could take you away from me."
Maya felt herself let go of the breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"No matter what." He said shaking his head slowly. Josh stepped back and reached for the doorknob.
"Josh," Maya said getting his attention. She shrugged, "I just haven't known how to end it…"
Josh paused, listening to what Maya was saying. He nodded, and turned the doorknob, opening back out into the hallway.
"Josh…?" Cory said with a confused face seeing his brother in his bedroom doorway.
Maya felt her face turn bright red. Unbelievable! She cursed in her head wanting to disappear.
Josh extended his hand backward, reaching for Maya's, she didn't miss a beat and immediately grasped Josh's hand tightly.
"Cory," Josh said confidently with a nod as he slipped passed his brother, sliding a highly embarrassed Maya right along with him.
Cory stood frozen in the hallway. "What…?" He whispered looking around.
Josh led Maya to the living room where everyone was waiting.
"Shawn?" Maya asked confused seeing the recently greying man sitting in the living room.
"Maya?" Shawn repeated with the same level of confusion. His eyes almost immediately noticed Josh's hand wrapped around Maya's. "Josh…?" Shaw asked with a little more defensiveness in his voice as he stood up, slipping right into protective-father mode.
Maya looked up at Josh. "I thought you said he wasn't here?" She whispered.
"Okay, so we both suck at making up stories," Josh shrugged.
"What is happening in my house?!" Cory announced walking down the steps to the kitchen, Lucas and Farkle in tow.
"Mr. Matthews, you knew I was coming," Farkle said confused.
"Not now, Farkle!" Lucas said holding up his hand.
Lucas quickly noticed Josh and Maya's hands laced together. "Maya…?"
"Oh my God!" Maya's eyes were wide, yet again. This day was already too much and it had just begun. She felt Josh tighten his hand around hers and almost immediately felt a little more at ease.
"Maya," Lucas repeated stepping closer to the blonde.
"Lucas…" Shawn said in a warning tone.
"What is going on?!" Cory exclaimed again throwing his hands in the air.
"Dinner!" Topanga and Amy both said at the same time, nearly oblivious to what was happening around them, their attention completely focused on the huge meal they had prepared.
"No!" Cory said, wanting to sort everything out now.
Josh led Maya to the table, completely ignoring everyone but his mother and Topanga.
Maya was not protesting either, she followed Josh with ease, sitting close to him around the familiar table.
"Cory," Topanga said getting his attention mid-freakout. "Right now, we're eating."
Maya held back her laughter, it wasn't a Matthews gathering without Cory having a complete freakout. This was her family, and even in the midst of the craziness, Maya was grateful to be a part of it.
Everyone gathered around the kitchen table, extra chairs and extra bodies squeezing closely together.
Alan settled everyone and began the annual tradition of saying what he was grateful for, followed by Amy, and working their way around the table.
When it was Josh's turn, he squeezed Maya's hand before he began. "Um, I've never been great at these, I'm blessed to be a part of such an amazing family, but… what I realized a few weeks ago, at a very special place, with a very special person, is that I'm so thankful for you, Maya." Josh said turning her direction. "We promised each other someday when we were younger, and I never thought that someday could be this perfect, that I would get this lucky. And, I want you to know, that I'm so thankful for you, that you waited, that you played the long game. I'm here, I'm yours, no matter what." It was as if no one else was in the room but Josh and Maya, their eyes were holding on to the other's with complete vulnerability and strength from the other all at the same time.
Maya wasn't going anywhere. This was it for her, Josh was it for her. No matter what.
Alright, I hope I did Max's aesthetic pic and prompt justice. This was a blast to write and a nice break from Maya Meets World.
I hope you all enjoyed! Let me know what you thought!
Be kind. Do good.
xoxo Manders