Hey, guys! Sorry it took so long for me to update, but school seems to get harder as the semester passes by. But, I'm back, and I hope you guys like the chapter!
Now, time for some shout outs!
Pampers Baby Dry: Well, thanks for the review, and I hope you liked this chapter!
bunny94: Sorry this wasn't asap, but I hope you like it.
VampCressFish: Aw, thanks! I really appreciate the compliment, and thanks for reviewing!
bookworm2011: Yeah, it's nice that they are actually getting on a little bit better. And, I'm happy you liked the Wicked reference, even if it was an insult on Riley's part, haha.
iheartinuyasha169: Awesome! You like the story! I hope you liked this chapter, even if it was delayed.
Nelle07: Haha, I laughed the whole time I was writing that part. But, one has to always enjoy those awkward moments. Thanks for reviewing!
Emma718: I think anyone would go through that if they were that close to Riley! Haha, thanks for reading, and sorry for the wait.
daisyduke80: Can anyone decide? Goodness, there's the first one where you actually get introduced to Riley, and then the second one where there's a lot more Riley! Choices! Haha, I'm a retard, but I'm glad you like the story so far!
tinkwings: Well, there are a few more laughs in this chapter. I always find humor makes everything better.
yuki san1: Yeah, it was a reference to Wicked. Why Riley knows this, I have no idea…But, I have the book too! It was very different from the musical, haha. Very different. Thanks for the review!
dial tone: I know, wasn't it sickeningly cute? I usually feel so awkward writing cute moments since I always laugh at them, but oh well. The irony! I'm glad you liked it.
Songorita: Ah! Sorry for the late update, but I'm glad you like the story.
Emma: Aw, thanks! I really appreciate it. Sorry if this wasn't a fast update…
mogi93: I'm happy you like the story! And, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Maryr: That's so cool! Well, I hope you're not too addicted…especially with my terrible update patterns…but, hey, if people can connect with my OC, then that is awesome! I hope you keep reading!
lanmwolf: Hey, that's cool. It took a long time for me to update, so I guess we're even, haha. Yeah, Riley has to be confused about this…it just seems like him, doesn't it? Plus, it's more fun this way. Thanks for the review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
emma: I don't know if I could handle Riley having a love interest! I might become overly jealous! I know…total hypocrisy since I'm writing a romance involving Riley, but oh well. And, sorry about the late update!!
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"Just do it Ben."
"This is harder than it looks, you know."
"Not harder than hacking into the Archives video mainframe-"
"This is different Riley."
The current predicament that faced Ben Gates was a new one to the treasure-protector. Well, he had been in the same situation before, but every time it felt like a part of him was leaving.
"Just mail the stupid box to the mean Declaration lady," Riley muttered, tired of standing by the main desk at the National Archives. It was almost noon, and his friend kept stalling from giving the stupid campaign button to the secretary to give to Dr. Chase.
"Wow, thanks Riley," Mary said sarcastically. She turned towards her brother again, ignoring the impatient computer nerd. "I'm sure that a person like Dr. Chase wouldn't be able to accept such a nice gift, and you'll get it back at the Gala tonight."
Ben knew he was being an immature child, but when it came to historic items of great patriotic value…it was hard to let go…
"But…it's my only one."
Mary was really surprised at how childish her older brother could be sometimes, but when comes to the moments where he has that boyish pout; she really had a hard time not having sympathy for him. However, since Dr. Chase getting the present was imperative for tonight, there was no choice but to ignore it.
"Ben, just leave the gift on the counter. There are people waiting behind us." She glanced apologetically at the annoyed people waiting in line behind them.
But, before the elder Gates could even do anything, the secretary reached her arm up and plucked the small, red box out of his hands, and put it behind the desk.
"Hey-"
"Sir," the secretary looked up…and Riley swore he saw her eyes turned red for a moment. "I'm sure Dr. Abigail Chase will appreciate the gift, now if you please…" she nodded towards the people behind them "…there are other people who come to the National Archives, too. Have a nice day."
Ben knew the moments when nothing needed to be said, and that was one of them. So, he nodded politely, and left with Riley and Mary…though…he was still upset over parting with his 1789 inaugural campaign button.
"Geez, Ben," Riley muttered, seeing how torn his friend was over that small object. The actual name always seemed to escape him…or it could be every time Ben or Mary started going through an outrageous history phase, he would innocently turn his attention elsewhere. "You want me to buy you a pint of Ben and Jerry's for your stress-eating?"
"I don't stress eat," Ben said quickly, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets. This a trying moment for him, and his friend was making fun.
Mary almost had to snort at that. Oh, the memories she has of her older brother being upset and chowing down on all of the contents inside their fridge.
Riley saw the brunette's hand go straight to her mouth after Ben made that statement. His guess was that her thoughts were probably along the same lines as his at that moment. Ben obviously has a selective memory right now.
Riley and Mary's flashback:
"Alright, Ben," Mary began…maybe a tad bit over dramatic.
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and the three roommates decided that it was time they sat down and spent some quality company with each other. Riley Poole had just moved in a month ago, and so far, the three were always off their own separate ways working on finding the Charlotte. But, luckily it was raining like there was no tomorrow outside, so Mary brought up the idea of Trivial Pursuit. At first, the two men were unsure if that's how they wanted to spend their time, but when the brunette threw the idea of homemade pizza, they changed their minds rather quickly.
It was the last question, and this one would either make or break either Riley or Ben. Surprising, to Mary at least, Riley was very good at the board game. And, her brother did not find this revelation to be that great. He always won at this game.
The young woman finally read the Trivial Pursuit question card after her dramatic pause. "Who was the first leader of the Soviet Union's Communist Party born after the Russian Revolution?"
Ben smiled in triumph. 'That's easy.' He set his plate of pizza down. "I believe the correct answer is: The Bolsheviks."
"I'm sorry, that's incorrect." Mary looked up in shock. She never thought she would ever say that to her big brother…who basically was an all-knower of history. At least he got the political party right. The brunette looked to Riley, who at the moment, looked like he was going to break out the champagne. 'Does he know who it is?'
Oh, Riley knew who it was. But…he was definitely going to savor that moment. He looked at the extremely crestfallen Ben, maybe with a little deviousness in his eyes. "You get the answer wrong, Ben?" That sounded a bit too innocent for the older Gates' taste…
"Apparently, Riley." He hated it when his friend did this. He didn't have the chance to do it often so far, but, oh, he did NOT like it when he did.
The computer nerd gave a mock-sympathetic sigh. "Gee…that's too bad…"
'Men and their stupid arrogance.' Mary rolled her eyes at the two men who were acting like boys.
"I'm guessing you know what the answer is, then?"
"I don't know…I might get it wrong…like you-"
"Shut up and answer the stupid question, Riley." Mary wanted the game to end before the next century.
"Alright." Riley was annoyed that his thunder was interrupted, but, oh well. 'Time to sound smart.' "I believe that the right answer is Vladimir Lenin."
The brunette looked apologetically over at her brother, who had already finished his pizza. "Riley wins."
"What can I say?" Riley leaned back very content against the bottom of the couch. "I'm a genius."
Mary started to put the pieces of board game away, but not without thinking she needed to prick the nerd's ego with something sharp so it would deflate. Everything was in the box except for that last question card. 'Maybe Riley has it…'
She shuffled around on the floor to face the young man, but when she saw his face she expected to see a look of smugness, but instead she saw a look of disgust…
"Riley, what are you…?"
The computer nerd interrupted her, "You should probably tell your brother to at least save me one slice."
The young woman cocked an eyebrow, but she turned around nevertheless to see what Riley was so disgusted at. Unfortunately, she turned around just in time to see Ben eat a slice of pizza in two bites…and then he went for another one…
Riley had never seen anyone eat like that, even HE doesn't eat like that. 'If this is what happens when Ben loses…I'll just let him win from now on."
The nerd saw the woman in front of him, shake her head and sigh.
"He's being an emotional eater again."
There was a short silence between the two as they watched Ben eat the entire pizza within five minutes.
Riley broke the silence. "I didn't know grown men could be emotional eaters."
The brunette chuckled at how shocked the young man was. She got up and sat down by him, knowing that this was one of the times where it was okay for them to be in close contact without fighting.
The two continued on watching the grown man search for more food.
"Hey, Mary? Where's your pint?" Ben called out from the refrigerator.
"You are NOT eating my pint!"
End of Riley and Mary's flashback:
Mary couldn't help it. She snorted. Oh, the memories.
Ben shot her a look. "What's so funny?"
"Oh," she lightly punched her brother in the arm, and gave him an innocent look. "Nothing."
The three exited the building without much chatter, and started to descend the stairs towards the van.
Riley got to the vehicle first, and opened the door. "So, the big night's tonight huh?" He got into the back part where all of his equipment was already set up. He saw Mary open the door to the passenger's side. "I've got your backs, so no need to fear."
The young woman gave him a strange look. "Who said I was scared?" She closed the door back and stood on the side of the road tapping her foot while waiting for Riley's answer.
The bespectacled man laughed while messing with his laptop a little before they drove off. "I was actually reassuring myself." That made no sense.
Mary cocked her head to the side, still giving him a look, though, it was softened. "Why reassure yourself that you got our backs?"
"Since when have I ever made sense?" He asked closing his computer and putting it aside. He had no idea why they were having a conversation like this, but Ben was off buying food from a magazine stand, so they had time to kill.
The brunette walked up to the side of the van and leaned against it, smiling. "Well, you make more sense than some people." She turned her head and looked at him. "That's good isn't it?"
Riley lifted his eyebrows. "Are you trying to make me feel better?"
Mary scoffed. He would say that. "Yes, I am. I'm sorry; I'll never do it again."
"Why?" he asked. Not really thinking, since his attention was to the monitors around the interior of the van. "You're doing a good job."
The young woman was not expecting that to come out of his mouth. Sure, they were getting along a lot better the past few days, but that statement really meant a lot to her. She had been trying to be his friend ever since he showed up at the apartment, and it always ended up in disaster. But…now…he was actually trying, too.
Feeling very proud and happy at the same time, she turned towards her new friend and smiled, though the nerd's attention was more focused on the technology than her sappy girl moment. Oh, who cares. He's a guy.
"I will do it more often then," she said softly. She wasn't expecting her face to heat up, though. She blamed it on stress.
Riley definitely paid attention to that. The only problem was… that he was tongue tied. During the past few months, he had never heard Mary speak like that to him before…heck, no girl had ever said anything like that to him before.
So, he stuck with the only word that could possibly come out of his mouth.
"Ok."
And both were content.
"Mary?" A familiar voice interrupted the two, however. "Mary Gates?"
I know that voice…The brunette snapped out of her reverie and whipped her head back to the sidewalk. She then saw someone she definitely had not seen in a while.
Her blue eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, she let out the most girlish squeal ever made.
"RYAN! Oh my gosh!" She ran away from the van, leaving a very confused Riley sitting by himself. What in the world? He looked ahead, and basically saw Mary jump on a guy he had never seen before in his life. Who is that? He was dressed professionally, had blonde hair…yeah, he was your basic Abercrombie model. Those people made Riley sick.
So, why is she so happy to see him?
"I haven't seen you in forever!" she exclaimed, finally letting go of the man, who was very amused at her.
"I know," he said, still having a perfect smile plastered on his face. "How have you been? It's been what? Two years?"
The young man in the vehicle could hear them perfectly. He had no idea why he was listening in on their conversation, but this guy was new to him. He had never seen Mary with another man besides him and Ben, so that was just weird…and confusing. And, for some reason, the computer nerd found this 'Ryan' to be the most annoying guy on the planet.
Ben finally came back to the car with a large sandwich and some fries. He got in the driving seat, and was about to turn the car on, but noticed that his sister was missing. He looked at Riley and noticed him throwing a glare towards the building. Raising an eyebrow, he looked towards the same direction, and saw Mary talking lively with another man. Is that who I think it is?
"Is that Ryan Mowrer?" I haven't seen him in a while.
"I know, isn't he annoying?" Riley couldn't help himself, but those two were standing way too close to one another. He then saw Mary slap the guy playfully on the arm. Yeah, he wished he could hit him too…maybe in the face with his fist.
Ben cocked an eyebrow and looked back at the moody individual. What's his problem?
But, he might as well give his friend a little background information. "Well, even if he was annoying, I couldn't say it to his face. He's one of the richest men in the District of Columbia."
That did not help Riley's attitude. But, after a while, he realized that he was actually acting like he was jealous. He shook his head and shuffled around in the van, so he wasn't facing the 'happy couple.' What in the world was that about? Why should he care who Mary Gates hangs out with? Sure, the other day hanging out with her was fun, and she wasn't as annoying as he thought, but still…Let her do what she wants.
The older Gates really wanted to know why his friend acted like he cared so much, so he continued on talking. It wasn't everyday that Riley Poole acted jealous because of his sister. Though…they aren't fighting as much anymore. In fact, he remembered the other day when they both got back from the subway station and the store. They were actually acting like normal acquaintances.
"Ryan asked her out on a few times a couple of years ago, but I guess it never worked out." He turned back towards the steering wheel, though he kept his eye on the rear view mirror.
The computer nerd frowned. "She never mentioned him."
Ben laughed. "Well, you guys weren't exactly the best of friends."
Stupid Ben and his common sense. Yeah, that was the truth. Mary and he never got along until just a few days ago. Speaking of which, why do we get along now? Nothing's changed. No one has said anything. He was brought out of his thoughts by a loud laugh. Ryan threw his head back, obviously laughing at something the young woman before him said.
"What an idiot," he muttered, getting his laptop and opening it. After Ryan the Barrel of Laughs opened his trap, he really didn't care how childish he was being.
Ben could not believe his best friend was acting that way. This was very new to him. What if? He thought to himself, smiling lightly as Riley gave evil looks to Mary and Ryan. He couldn't help himself when he blurted out his next statement.
"Are you jealous, Riley?"
The said person froze up. His face immediately turned bright red. He quickly shook out of his trance, and glared at Ben. I am not jealous. What is Ben on?
"I'm not jealous." The young man bit out, maybe too harshly towards his friend. "I just think she could do better."
Ben gave him a skeptical look. "You think she could do better than the richest bachelor in this region?"
The computer nerd crossed his arms, ignoring the rising heat in his face. "That's not what I meant."
"Well," Ben knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but if (and Riley probably was) he was jealous; this meant a very interesting future, "What's wrong with him then? He's rich, a nice guy, he has a sense of humor, and Mary did tell me that she liked him when she went out with him."
The elder Gates noticed that his friend was now basically punching on the keys of his laptop. "Does it look like I care, Ben?"
Um…yeah. But, this time, Ben kept this opinion to himself. "Obviously not." The two men sat in silence until a laughing Mary opened the door and plopped herself into the passenger's seat.
Great, now she's happy. Riley pretended that he didn't notice her get in the van. His mind was messed up enough anyway.
"Sorry if I kept you," she apologized as she buckled her seat belt.
Ben with a mouthful of his sandwich managed to get out, " 's no problem."
She laughed at her brother. "You really need to get that emotional eating under control Benjamin."
The older man glared at his little sister. "It's not emotional eating!" As he yelled this, however, food sprayed all over Mary's face.
"Ugh, gross!" She hit Ben in the arm while wiping the crumbs off her face. While she was doing this she remembered that she had something important that she had to tell the two men in the van. "Oh! How could I almost forget?!"
Riley rolled his eyes, but he was listening.
"I'm going to be able to go into the Gala tonight!" she exclaimed. When she noticed the confused looks on the two men, she sighed and explained further. "Ryan was invited for his HUGE donation, and he didn't have anyone to go with. But, he ran into me today, so he asked me to go with him!" I can finally do something productive tonight instead of just waiting in a van.
Ben almost spit out his sandwich. "That's great!" He could most likely do it without inside assistance, but with Mary there, it did make him feel more assured.
The sound of Riley snapping his laptop shut made the brunette jump. "You can't do that," he said, obviously ticked off.
Mary raised her eyebrows. "Why not? Ben now has two people watching his back from different locations." Sounds like a good idea to me.
"You can't be the other person if you are distracted by your date." He knew he was being mean, but if he didn't vent the feeling inside of his chest would make him explode. Why would she agree to go out with that idiot?
Ben thought it was a good time to start the vehicle when he saw his sister's eyes narrow.
"Oh yeah," she said sardonically. "Because you know that tonight's plan means absolutely nothing to me when it comes to men!"
The young man raised his hands. "You were the one who said 'yes' to Mr. Abercrombie."
"What in the world does that mean?" A couple of minutes ago, the guy was acting like a normal person, now he's acting like she did the worst thing in the world!
Riley busied himself with the wiring around him. "You know what it means," he muttered, still trying to get rid of the pressure going on in his chest. What the heck is wrong with me?
"You little-"
"Considering that tonight is happening in a few hours, I think it would be best if no talking occurred at all." Ben decided it was a good time to interrupt. Riley was jealous, and now he was taking it out on the girl. And acting like a moron. Having Mary on the inside tonight was definitely a plus, but if Riley didn't get straightened out, things were going to go downhill.
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"Who does he think he is?" Mary asked herself as she started changing, obviously very angry with a certain computer nerd. "One moment, he's my friend…then he's treating me like his enemy!" She stomped over to her closet and pulled the door open, letting it hit the wall.
The young woman thought it was a good idea to accept Ryan's invitation. It gave her the chance to keep and eye on her brother without waiting inside the van, watching helplessly. The brunette scoffed. "Like Riley even cares." He probably just wanted to let his technology do all the work! "Selfish jerk."
She took a quick glance at the clock and noticed she only had an hour. She groaned at the lack of time. There wasn't anytime for her to take a shower.
"Everything's just going my way," she told herself, laughing sarcastically as she scanned her closet for something suitable to wear. It wasn't like she went to a Gala every night. In fact, the only nice dress she had was from her senior prom…which was almost a decade ago…
Mary almost laughed at the thought of wearing that old thing, but she decided to try it on anyway.
"I have to find it first," she said, amused at the state of her closet. Mummies have probably seen better accommodations.
After basically taking everything out of her closet, the young woman found the dress. It was a sapphire blue, satin gown with a ruched waist and a side draping creating an asymmetrical skirt. Not bad for the nineties…
"Okay," she sighed. "Got the dress."
As she was putting the gown on, Mary had so many thoughts running through her head, and individual reading her mind probably would think she would unconscious.
Who needs Riley. If he's going to be a jerk, then he can just forget speaking to me ever again!
Okay, maybe that's a little too extreme…he can be a great guy…sometimes…
"Argh!" she yelled at herself. "Why does he make me so crazy?!"
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Mary had just put her hair in a loose bun when there was a soft knock on her door.
"Who is it?" If it was Riley, she didn't know if she could restrain herself from beating him to a pulp.
"It's Ben."
The young woman had to admit that was disappointed. Riley needed to be punched in the face.
"Come in." Her brother entered the room.
Once Ben saw his sister, he smiled. Ah, yes, the lovely sibling moments…
"Didn't you wear that dress to prom?" he asked, amused.
The brunette smirked as she put in some earrings. "No, this is the dress you wore to prom."
"Ouch," he laughed. But, his smile faded. "Are you ready for tonight?"
"Considering I only have to stay in the Gala area for the most part, I'd say I'm good."
"I figured you would be okay." But there was still the issue of a certain individual.
Mary nodded, knowing what Ben really had on his mind. "Look, I don't know what's wrong with Riley, but I can promise you that him having a problem with me for whatever reason is not going to bother me at all."
"So, I guess you slamming every single door in the apartment was your way of showing it didn't bother you," Ben replied skeptically, eyeing a dent made in Mary's wall.
The young woman sighed in defeat. "Okay, it bothers me a little bit." She groaned and put her head in her hands. "What did I do? One minute I'm trying to make him feel better about tonight and then he pulls a 180 degree turn on me!"
The elder Gates looked at his sister sympathetically. He knew Riley was jealous, but should he tell her? He knew he should, but that would only make her even more confused, and it would distract her from the coming night. He hated himself for it, but it was for the best. I'll tell her when this is all over. "I don't know what's wrong with him. But, since when has Riley ever made any sense?"
Remembering a certain conversation from earlier, she had to smile just a little. "He makes more sense than some people," she mumbled under her breath.
Ben didn't hear that bit while he looked at the clock. It was time to go.
He sighed as he got up. "Time to get this show on the road. Riley's already in the van, and he told me to give you your ear piece." He offered the small device to his sister which she took as he got up. He took one more look at her as he was about to exit the apartment.
"I think Mr. Poole will feel very bad for being the way he was once he sees you." Ben opened the door.
Mary laughed mockingly. "Yeah, in a decade-old dress plus blue converse for shoes." She searched forever for some decent shoes, but the brunette couldn't find any, so she stuck with the only thing that could possibly go with the dress.
"I'm going to edit out the converse part," her brother laughed. "But, even though tonight is really a heist, you look good for it."
Aw, shucks Ben. She could always count her brother to say the right thing. But, time was passing, and they needed a lot of it. "Well, you guys better get going. Ryan's going to be here any minute."
And, with that, the plan started to roll in motion.
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Muahaha! Jealousy! You've got to love it.
