December 25, 2001. 1:30PM.

Topanga and Cory had gotten up early with Riley and the rest of the family to open up Christmas presents, take pictures, and talk for a while until the cooking for Christmas dinner began. Now was the time for Cory's talk with Shawn.

Cory and Shawn were sitting on the couch in the Matthews living room. Cory had Riley sitting up on his lap, with her back to his stomach. Riley was playing with the ruffles on the bottom of her red and green Christmas dress.

Alan, Eric, and Mr. Feeny had just stepped outside, so Cory took the opportunity to speak up about Shawn leaving. "So, Shawn, buddy..." Cory started off nervously.

Shawn smiled. He knew what was coming.

"You think we could talk for a minute about you leaving New York?"

"Sure, Cor. But I should warn you that I already have a job lined up."

"What? Really? That quick?"

"Well, I applied a couple weeks ago, after Riley was born. I got the call this morning." Shawn grinned.

Cory frowned. "On Christmas?! Who does that?!"

"Cory, it's gonna be okay. Trust me. I'm still gonna be your best friend. Nothing is going to change about that."

"Shawnie, I know our friendship will never change. I just don't want you to leave. You can find a job in New York. And you can still stay with us. Think about all you're gonna miss!"

Shawn nodded. He understood his best friend, but he also knew this was something he had to do, for himself and for his friends.

"I guess I can't change your mind."

"It truly is the best, Cor. And I promise to visit. I'll call. I'll always be here for you."

"You better not just be saying that!"

"Cory, how long have you known me?"

"Right," Cory sighed.

Shawn looked at Riley, who had now put the ruffles in her month. "Take care of your dad, Riley. Your mom is going to need all the help she can get." Shawn cracked a smile, glancing at Cory to see his reaction.

"Very funny, Shawnie," Cory said simply.

"Thank you, Cory." Shawn turned serious.

"For?"

"For always having my back. Even if it means me moving away."

"I never said you could go." Cory paused. "But I do want what's best for you. And I know you will succeed." He looked at Shawn. "What's the job?"

"Traveling," Shawn said. "It's entry-level with a magazine. Traveling and taking pictures."

"That's great, Shawnie. I'm so proud of you."

Cory was sincerely overjoyed. He may have been upset that his best friend was leaving, but he was happy for him. Cory looked down at Riley and kissed the top of her head.

"Ya know, I'm gonna need some updates on the youngster."

"Of course." Cory smiled.

Riley reached for Shawn almost immediately after that comment. Shawn took her from Cory.

"Riley, you have amazing parents. I hope that you grow up to realize they're wonderful people."

"She has a pretty cool Uncle Shawn, too."

"Listen, Cor. I'm gonna keep in touch. I'll visit. You've always been like a brother to me. That is never going to change."

Cory smiled. "I know."

Just as Alan, Mr. Feeny, and Eric walked in from outside, Amy, who was holding Josh, Topanga, Morgan, and Mrs. Feeny walked in from the kitchen. Topanga gave Cory a look, as to which Cory shook his head to resemble a silent "no".

"Okay, dinner is ready, everyone. Come eat," Amy said, smiling.

Everyone, aside from Cory, Topanga, and Shawn, made their way into the kitchen. Topanga's face showed a little sadness. "Shawn?"

"Yeah, Topanga?"

"I just want you to know that no matter what, there will always be a place for you in our home."

Shawn smiled. "Thank you, Topanga."

"Let's just spend these next few days hanging out, just spending time together. Sound good?"

"Sounds great, Topanga."

They all smiled. Topanga reached for Riley, but Shawn had pulled back a little.

"Do you mind if I feed Riley this time?"

"Not at all," Cory and Topanga said in unison, both smiling.

As they each walked into the kitchen, Cory noticed Shawn whispering something to Riley. He couldn't make out what Shawn said, but knew it was probably some sort of advice.

###############

Decemeber 31, 2001. 9:40PM.

As the new year kept slowly approaching, Shawn's departure became more apparent for Cory, as did the reason Shawn was leaving. They were growing up.

Cory, Topanga, Shawn, Eric, and Riley were back in New York. The other half of the Matthews family, and Mr. and Mrs. Feeny, said their goodbyes to Shawn back in Philadelphia.

"Well," Shawn started as he gathered his bags together, "My first assignment and meeting with the magazine is in San Francisco. I want to make sure to give myself plenty of time to get there."

Cory sighed. "You sure you don't want to stay and just leave early in the morning?"

"No, Cor. I'll be fine."

Cory nodded. He knew Shawn would be fine. He just wanted to prolong his stay. He was definitely going to miss having Shawn nearby.

"Shawn, please be careful. And call if you need us." Topanga hugged Shawn.

"Yeah, be safe. Watch out for all those creeps out there, man." Eric shook Shawn's hand, and then pulled him in for a hug, with a pat on the back.

Topanga, who was holding Riley, wiped some tears away with her free hand. Cory put his arm around Topanga and kissed the side of her head.

"Hey, would you guys mind if Riley and I had a little time together before I go?"

"Yes, of course." Topanga gave Riley to Shawn. Shawn smiled at Riley as she scrunched her face.

"We'll get these bags down in the car for you," Eric said.

Topanga grabbed a bag, while Eric and Cory grabbed the rest of Shawn's things, and left to go put them in the car.

Shawn mouthed 'thank you' to Cory, who nodded in response, before he walked out. Shawn started walking around slowly with Riley, bouncing her in his arms.

"Hey Riley," he started, "I just wanted to take a minute to tell you some things about your parents. I know there's a really good chance you won't remember, but I'm gonna give it a shot anyway." Shawn chuckled as Riley stared at him intensively. "Your parents are my best friends, and they've been there for me throughout my life. I've screwed up multiple times, and they've still been there. Every single time. I'm telling ya, kid, your parents are two of the most amazing people I know. So what I want to tell you, Riley, is that it doesn't matter how many times you screw up, your parents will always be there. They're going to help you. I know life's going to give you some situations, but that is a part of growing up. But we'll all be here for you, Riley. I'll be with you, because your parents are with you."

Shawn stopped when he heard the shuffle of footsteps from outside the Matthews apartment door. He quickly added, "Keep reminding them it's going to be okay."

Eric opened the door and he, Cory, and Topanga walked back in. Topanga had tear stained cheeks and tried fighting back more tears.

"Your car is all packed, Shawnie."

"Thank you. Thank you guys, for everything."

Topanga smiled through her tears and nodded. Cory took Riley from Shawn and gave him a side hug. Cory, Topanga, and Eric each took their turn saying their goodbyes to Shawn one last time before he exited the apartment to take on his new adventure.

###############

January 1, 2002. 3:00AM.

Cory was wide awake. All he could think about was Shawn. Maybe there was something he could have done to make him stay, something more he could have said. He shifted to his side. Topanga was sleeping, and to Cory, she looked so peaceful. Cory looked at his wife and thought about their life together and their future. He smiled, and for a moment, he felt everything was going to be okay.

Topanga's eyes suddenly fluttered open. Cory became worried. "Honey, I'm so sorry if I woke you."

"You didn't. What are you doing awake?"

"I can't sleep."

"Shawn?"

Cory nodded.

"He's going to be okay, Cory."

"I know. I just can't help but feel like it's my fault he left. I feel responsible."

"Cory, what are you talking about? You didn't do anything. Shawn is trying to build his future. He doesn't blame you, honey. For anything. It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself."

Cory sighed. "You're right."

"I know." She smiled in a teasing way. Cory smiled at this and kissed her gently. "I love you, Cory Matthews."

"I love you, Topanga Matthews."

###############

AN: Hey all! So this chapter just kind of wrote itself. I didn't invision this chapter at first, but I also don't want to delete it or not share with the world. So, here it is. I hope you've enjoyed it!

Thank you for all your reviews thus far. I really appreciate the feedback! Trying to incorporate more Riley moments with the BMW cast. Thank you for reading!