A/N: Hey guys! This chapter is kinda important and so is very long xD Also sorry about any typos- I didn't have too much time to keep rechecking it and really wanted to upload. Hope u enjoy- also I haven't been replying to reviews because I've been busy, again- but I do apprecoate them so thanks so much! I think I might just give shoutouts starting next chapter xD

Chapter 10: Word of Another Mission.

Maya sat in one corner of her bedroom, lifting her hand towards the light that streamed through her window. An untouched sketch pad laid neatly on her lap.

To an untrained non artistic naked eye, it would appear the blonde was being a little weird. But Maya wasn't, she was measuring the light. She hadn't done that for a while, but inspiration always struck her at the most random of times. Hence why she was in a corner, measuring light, dressed in her silky pyjamas.

Since she'd been heading over to base these last few mornings, she felt that she needed to release some artistic juices naturally, rather than forcing them before she hit the pillow. So she'd set her alarm for six in the morning and now it was seven am.

She'd have to get work in a half hour. Sighing at the fact she hadn't managed to conjure up a new sketch, she decided to call it quits and actually get dressed.

The blonde girl bit back a smile when she heard her phone buzz and from the corner of her eye spotted 'Huck'

Maya checked her phone and read the message from none other than Lucas Friar.

From Huckleberry; 7:01am: Good morning blondie :) Got any plans for today, Pancake?

The blonde rolled her eyes and replied right back.

To Huckleberry; 7:01am: U gotta stop calling me pancake, but yeah, unlike you I do a thing called work ;p

Her phone lit up almost instantly.

From Huckleberry; 7:02am: If I didnt work, i wouldnt be up rn. What u gonna do about it, pancake? ;)

To Huckleberry; 7:02am: I'm gonna make u a dang pancake and shove it down ur cowboy throat to shut u up

From Huckleberry; 7:03am: I wouldn't mind that ;)

To Huckleberry; 7:03am: What'd u want Sundance?

From Huckleberry; 7:03am: Apart from u? Not much

To Huckleberry; 7:03am: That was a low stoop. Now ur just flat out throwing urself at me. It doesnt suit u, Friar

From Huckleberry; 7:04am: Too bad ;) Maybe we could hang today, I could come to urs after work

To Huckleberry; 7:04am: I'm only agreeing cuz i have nothing better to do. Now leave me alone- I gotta shower. I'll be free from 3

From Huckleberry; 7:04am: K, see you there Pancake, and no funny business!

To Huckleberry; 7:05am: Me? Never ;)

After that, Maya hopped in the shower and headed to the Matthews to get Riley.

Not a half hour later, Maya burst into the Matthews home, Riley had been staying there a lot lately. She was however slighlty suprised to see her mother there at this hour.

Some might call her entrance making a scene, but she'd done it so many times that it had became normal.

"S'up peeps?"

"Baby girl!" Katy greeted and got off of the couch, which was also occupied by Topanga, wrapping her arms tightly around her daughter.

"Yeah, hi mom." Maya smiled and squeezed her back.

"Riley's getting dressed, sweetie." Topanga told her from the couch.

"I'll just sit with you guys then." She smirked and plopped herself between her mom, and the person who was practically her other mom.

"Where's the other Matthews?" Maya asked.

"Auggie got up early to help Ava with a last minute assignment, so he's already at hers. And Cory got to school early because he has a meeting." Topanga informed with a grin.

The blonde nodded, "Right. So why are you here mom?"

Katy giggled, "Am I not allowed to spend time with the Matthews without you?"

Maya observed her mother's face. She was definitely hiding something, the younger woman could tell by the way her brown eyes were bright with mirth, "Uh, you do whatever you want mom."

Katy patted her daughter's head, "I will."

"So, hows the agent life again?" Topanga asked, clearly intrigued.

"Draining, definitely. Since the incident I guess we all really have a role to play now. I'm either hacking a new database or out with Riley and the boys to try and find some info."

The two mothers nodded, thoughtful looks on their faces.

"Say...how was your time with Lucas at the animal shelter, baby girl?"

Maya shifted uncomfortably atop the cushioned couch. Why was everyone so interested in her life when a new guy came along? Honestly, Lucas and her were just friends...that had kissed before...and...he pretty much confessed his feelings for her and she was kinda confused-

"Maya...?"

"Shush, my baby girl is daydreaming about him and his scrumptious muscles-"

"Scrumptious?"

"Oh come on, Topanga. He is kinda hunky. Pretty sure Maya knows that too-"

"I can hear you!" Maya exclaimed, slightly mortified, "In response to your question mom, Lucas and I had a very nice day at the shelter. I think I want a husky, and please. We're just friends."

"As of now." Topanga chimed which made Katy giggle.

"Well I do want some grandbabies and I ain't getting any younger." Katy sang.

"Mom!"

"Oh, I know. I told Riley the same thing and she blushed as red as a tomato-" Topanga added with a sly smirk.

"Riley!" Maya yelled, "We're gonna be late!"

The young blonde got to her feet just as Riley emerged into the room, pulling her brown locks into a pony tail.

"Oh thank goodness." Maya sprinted to her bestie and dragged her out of the apartment, barely allowing her any time to grab the apple she had previosuly reached for.

Maya loved both her moms, but they were a nightmare together.

"Uh, bye!" Riley bid the two farewell before Maya slammed the door shut.

Lucas was followed by Charlotte as soon as he got to the coffee machine not twenty minutes after he'd arrived to base. He refrained from sighing and hesitantly sent her a smile, "Hey Charlotte."

He did have to make an effort to actually acknowledge her now that he knew she was seeing Zay.

The red head smiled, "Hey Lucas."

Lucas watched as his small styrofoam cup beagn to fill with the dark caffeine liquid. He was surprised that Charlotte had only replied with a curt response, rather than a flirty line. Maybe Zay was having a positive influence on her. Lucas scartched his neck as he moved aside to add milk to his warm drink, "So...uh, how are you finding work?"

"Oh," she seemed equally surprised that he'd acknowledged her presence, "Uh, tiring for sure. But worth it, you know?"

The Texan nodded, maybe he had misjudged her, "I'm uh...sorry. Can we start over? I don't think I've been fair to you Charlotte."

"Oh, uhm sure. I guess I'm sorry for you know turning up late our first mission and then arguing with that MF girl. "

Lucas grinned as he picked up his coffee. He turned to the girl with bright green eyes and held out his hand, "Hi partner, I'm Lucas Friar."

Charlotte took his hand and shook it firmly, "Charlotte, Charlotte Lee."

Before a quick goodbye could take place between the two, the whole workforce was interrupted by Zay's stern voice through an intercom. It always amazed Lucas how Zay could just switch between his serious facade for work and his true personality.

"The following agents must meet me at my office, immediately. Agent Friar, Agent Lee, Agent Fox and Agent Smith...now, move it."

"Better go see what he wants." Lucas shrugged, sipping at his coffee.

Charlotte nodded, retrieving her black coffee which she'd added two sugars to. With that, the other two agents followed Lucas and Charlotte to Zay's office.

Zay sat ramrod straight in his chair and stared at the door. Today, he'd be giving his most skilled workers their first missions. Yet he didn't feel right. Guilt was just about tearing him apart and he'd been very close to almost calling Lucas and confessing his crime. But no, he had to stay strong. He hadn't activated the listening device yet but that didn't excuse the fact he'd thought about it and then carried it out. He was spying on one of his own spies!

"We're here." The sweet voice of Charlotte shook him from his musings.

"I uh, h-hi- hello everyone." Zay tried desperately not to stutter and remain strong for them. He quickly grabbed his coffee and downed the drink, hoping it would help with his twitchy behaviour.

"Uhm...ahem. I'm assigning you all your first m-mission back." He admitted and handed out their mission files, ignoring the concerned glance Lucas shared with Charlotte and the other agents, "Here."

"Oh! Hey Zay. Can we use those new listening devices?" Charlotte asked sweetly and went on to tell the others about what they were and how handy they were.

Zay drowned out her excited words and played with the cuff of his sleeve. Of course he'd let them use them. But the real problem was that he was one down because he was spying on Lucas.

"They sound cool. Zay, can we? The head gear can be obvious anyway-"

"Yes!" He exclaimed. The four agents looked at him with wide eyes because of the outburst making the dark skinned man instantly regret it, "I mean...yeah, of course. You can come collect them the day of the mission. You're all excused."

"Zay?" This was Lucas now, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." He managed to get out and tried to hide his irritated tone. Zay sighed, "You're all excused."

The agents took the hint and left soundlessly.

Zay ran a hand over his face, he was really starting to hate his position in power.

"Ladies." Farkle greeted, although the catch phrase seemed worn down and tired.

Maya and Riley exchanged a quick look before muttering their replies.

"Farkle."

Maya observed her old friend. Bags hung low under his eyes, symbolysing the lack of sleep. A large cup of black coffee was also beside his arm. Numerous sheets of filed paper was stacked on his desk- clearly with little order. He was obviously a very stressed man- and his little 'tiff' with Riley was probably making him as emotionally drained as she was. And both Riley and Maya had noticed the extra agents skirting around the base.

Ryan and Jason stood just behind the girls, also wondering why James had told them to come to Farkle's office as soon as they had arrived at work. Maya hadn't even had the chance to log in to her computer or get her coffee.

"Before you attack me with questions, I would like to assign you your first official mission together. Jason and Riley, and Maya and Ryan." The brunette man nodded, James stood to attention in one corner of the room.

Maya turned to Riley who lightly gasped. Maya herself was surprised, they were only into their first week back.

"I assume you're up to it. If not, please say so now."

"We're with you to the end Farkle." Maya assured, placing her hand over his slightly twitching one. She smiled at her childhood friend who clearly needed a little reminder he wasn't alone.

Farkle smiled as his blue eyes met Maya's, "Thank you."

Riley, Jason and Ryan also nodded whilst James wore a thin smile.

Farkle then returned to his computer and began typing quickly.

"So..." this was Riley's voice now, "Are we going to acknowledge the elephant in the room?"

"Riles..." Maya warned, Farkle seemed to pay her no notice.

"Maya, wouldn't you like to know who exactly we're working for?" Riley asked, her expression carefully steeled. Maya sensed Jason and Ryan tense at her words.

The blonde bit her lip, "Yes, but is this the right time?"

"No time like the present." Riley replied evenly, "Farkle?"

Farkle stood up and headed to his printer, he used a card to begin printing off the mission files.

"Riley," the boss matched her tone, "I cannot classify that information right now. I suggest you focus on your next priorities for your mission."

"My focus is fine right now. What are you hiding?"

"Riles..." Maya warned once more.

"I'm hiding for your benifit. For all of you." Farkle reminded, handing the four the mission files.

Maya didn't like the ice within her best friend's tone. She was humiliating Farkle in front of the others, it'd be fair play if it was just the three of them.

"How is this beniftiing us?! All you're doing is causing suspicion within the force! Do you know what I've heard this week?! And do you know that I can't defend you without humiliating myself!? Don't you trust us?!" Riley suddenly got to her feet, her fists clenched and her face flushed in anger, her voice on the verge of cracking, "Don't you trust me!?"

Farkle spun around so quickly at that, the balls of his hands practically digging into his desk, "Of course I trust you!"

"Then tell us! Tell me!" Thr brunette pleaded.

"I don't understand why you're acting like this! If you trusted me-" Farkle tried to reason.

"Don't you dare make me the villain here!" Everyone winced at her words, but Maya honestly didn't know what to do.

"Look, if you can't support my descion then maybe you should just leave." Farkle was shaking when he said this, the ire in his voice actually scared both girls.

Riley visibly flinched, and then the next second she slammed out of the room.

The blonde got to her feet, taking both her mission file and Riley's, "I'm sorry Farkle but I should-"

The man nodded and returned to his seat, "I wish to be alone anyway."

Maya, James, Jason and Ryan all quickly scurried out of the room.

"Maya," Jason began, "the mission is in two days time. Will she-?"

"Don't worry. She'll be there." The blonde told him, touched on Riley's behalf on how concerned he was, "I'll make sure of it."

"Maya," James spoke up, his eyes most likely thinned to slits beneath his shades, "You can...take the rest of the day off. Go after her. I've never seen Riley so wound up before."

"Thanks James. But she gets like this when she believes something isn't right and it doesn't help that someone she cares about is involved."

James nodded as Maya turned to Ryan, "See you later, partner."

Ryan offered her the largest I-totally-love-you-grin, "See you later Maya."

Riley was seething- she couldn't recall ever being this angry. Farkle had told her to leave.

What did that mean?

Well, she knew what it meant, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She drew her knees to her chest and rested her head atop them.

"Hey."

Riley didn't bother looking up, she knew it was her blonde best friend.

Ever since the pair had worked here they'd designated a small spot just outside base which served as their bay window. It was a small floor balcony fixed at the back of the building. It was once old, and almost falling apart. But with Riley's handy work and Maya's artistic work- they'd created their own bay window balcony.

Well, it was just an ordinary balcony but Riley called it their bay window balcony instead.

The brunette heard Maya slide down the base's wall to sit beside her.

"Hey." Riley sighed.

"Riles...you're still doing this mission?"

The brunette scowled, "I dont want to...but I will."

Riley heard Maya shuffle beside her, "Farkle didn't mean that, you know."

"He did. He wanted me to leave. I pushed too far. I'm too much for people."

Maybe Riley wasn't as naive as she portrayed but she certainly knew that sometimes her boundless spirit was too much for people. She tried not to see it as a flaw as such, if anything it connected her to her best friend. Maya also struggled with her insecurities and self doubt. Unworthy people deemed those qualities too much in a girlfriend. It really just showed that the two girls cancelled each other out. But Riley had learnt to embrace it, it was just when the people she cared about most used it against her...well that hurt everytime.

Riley turned to Maya and saw the pained expression on her face, "You're never too much. Farkle is just under a lot of pressure and...well he needed help. Maybe we should just accept it."

"I don't want to. Maya, I don't feel stable, if everything was just great, surely Farkle would tell us."

"Well, they do say the unknown is what we fear most."

Riley nodded, "Yeah, well...there's nothing we can do about it. Anyways, don't you have somewhere to be?"

"If you need me, then I'll stay right here. We could go to yours and bake. But I wanna be back by three."

Riley felt her face light up at that, "Well...I did see this awesome red velvet cake recipe we could try."

"That's my sunshiney girl," Maya smiled and got her feet. She grabbed Riley's hands and pulled her to feet as well, "Let's go."

Lucas couldn't wait to get to Maya's after work. He'd forged a friendship with Charlotte, and not that they weren't on good terms, but gosh that girl could talk about herself for hours.

And then there was Zay. He'd been acting really weird around him. Specifically around him. Lucas had even visited his office in hopes of signing off for the day but his office was empty. And when he'd asked who'd seen him they all told him he'd taken the afternoon off. He was the boss! So that left Lucas to run things and give everyone an early leave just so he could meet Maya sooner.

Lucas arrived at Maya's apartment building and made his way to her floor. He found her bright blue door easily, it was decorated with doodles in a black marker pen. Maya probably didn't care, but if someone reported that, Lucas knew she could probably get into trouble for it. He shook his head and knocked anyway.

In short, this day had been hectic. And rather tiring. So now, all Lucas wanted to do was spend quality time with the girl of his dreams.

Following that train of thought, he wondered if she'd had a less chaotic day than he.

Now thinking about it, they didn't know much about each others work lives. Lucas wouldn't be the one to pry, but he wouldnt be the one to spill a secret if he was told something important.

Sure, it was normal for him to wonder about the MF and how they operated out of personal interest, but wasn't asking overstepping boundaries? Maybe he hadn't gained all of her trust yet. Then again, maybe it'd always been there. They had known each other since middle school- and Lucas would place his life in her hands in a heart beat if he had to.

Once his thoughts appeared to be getting too deep he looked to the door to realise it hadn't been opened in the last few minutes. The tanned man checked his watch, it was only half three. She said she'd be free by three. Lucas took out his phone and was about to reread his texts to make sure he wasn't going crazy when a voice grabbed his attention.

It was her voice, "Huckleberry!"

Lucas looked to his left with a large grin, only to be slightly surprised by her appearance.

There his blonde beauty was, covered in a white powder- most likely flour, with a red-ish brown ink stain on her stomach. He also noticed the cake tin she was holding. She looked adorable, as always, but Lucas especially loved the way her eyes wrinkled in amusement once she saw his face, and how her blue eyes seemed bright and were most likely shining because she was happy.

That's all he'd ever wanted for her to be happy, because she deserved it.

Yet instead of spilling his guts, he chose a soft smirk, "You know when I called you a pancake I didn't expect you to take it personally."

"Ha ha." She deadpanned but the twinkle didn't leave her eyes. She pulled her keys out of her jean pocket and opened her door to let him in, "Sorry about the mess."

Maya's apartment was a little bigger than his, yet her kitchen was a lot smaller in comparison. Her floor was a beach laminate, with the walls being teal and cream. A large mirror was hung on the wall you'd first see upon enter. She had a large corner sofa, a wall TV and a few bean bags with a tiny round coffee table.

What impressed Lucas the most was how this room screamed her name. Canvases, of her own creation he'd guess, decorated the walls along with other quirky ornaments that fit her wonderful edgy personality.

She was right about the mess though, a few clothes littered her sofa, cans of paint were stashed in one corner next to an easel and beneath that space was a large mat so she wouldn't spill the paint.

The room smelt like paint, not over bearingly so, and flowers- obviously from the small garden she had going on at her windowsill.

"Nice place." He commented and sat down, "Where should I put my jacket?"

"Oh, you can just leave it on the couch if you dont mind." Lucas watched as she set down the cake tin, "Uhm, I'm just gonna go change. I was baking with Riley and she managed to knock over like three bags of flour and it went everywhere and then I helped her clean and the food coloring went everywhere so I had to clean again-"

"I get it," Lucas chuckled and placed his favorite winter coat on Maya's couch, making himself at home. To say it was technically spring, it was still a little chilly. He grabbed a remote and flicked on the TV with a small grin.

The blonde woman soon reemerged and plonked her weight beside him, the cake tin and a knife in hand. She opened the tin with a proud smile and showed him half of a beautiful looking (and smelling) red velvet cake.

"Awh!" Lucas teased and took the tin, "You made half a cake just for me?"

Maya shook her head and snatched the tin back, "Don't flatter yourself. Riles had a bad day so we baked and we always take half of whatever we make, so the half cake is for me."

Lucas decided to pull out his puppy dog eyes and let his gaze melt into Maya's. He watched as she shuffled and blushed.

"Well, I suppose cake is for sharing." She rolled her eyes but hopped up never the less to cut him a slice.

Hours later found the two curled up on the couch watching some action movie that neither were really paying attention to. Zay knew this because he could hear the movie. He could not however hear anything about their agent lives. It was rather sickening to listen to Lucaya teasing each other relentlessly, Lucas using cheesy pick up lines and Maya using her sarcastic wit like old times for hours.

Zay rubbed his forehead with a sigh, maybe this whole thing was pointless after all. It was karma's way of saying 'Zay! Being deiceving?! Ha. Can't let this work out.'

The man thought that maybe it was a good thing- he wouldn't have to spy on his friend because there was nothing to spy on.

With that thought in mind he was about to close down his laptop and maybe watch a good movie himself before he heard her question.

"So..." Maya's voice was quiet, Zay could tell she was most likely bored of the movie. Lucas was probably into it, "How was work today?"

Zay sat back down on his own couch, his head hovering above his laptop screen.

"Work? Like agent life? You don't mind talking about it?"

"Well I know plenty about the animal clinic and TJ and you've been to my gallery. So why not?"

Zay furrowed his eyebrows, was TJ one of Lucas' dogs? Had he taken her to his clinic? How much time exaclty had they been spending together?

"Oh...well, honestly, since our hostage things have been real tough on the boss. He's been doing everything for us, but I think things are getting to him, you know? He left earlier today and...well I don't know, Maya. The JL are a real threat. But you know that right?"

"Of course. Things are real hard for me and Riles too, and our boss. In fact, Riley even blew up on him today- like she totally screamed at him. She was basically excused home and as the best friend so was I. I was baking with her this afternoon, to cheer her up, you know. I just wish there was more I could do."

Zay bit his lip in thought, now things were getting interesting. Of course, he didn't like Lucas sharing the IEB info but he guessed it was nessecary for it to work both ways.

"I understand. But I did strangely enough befriend Charlotte."

Now this statement confused Zay.

"Charlotte?" Zay didn't miss the way Maya spat her name. How did she know about Charlotte? Did Lucas tell her this too? How much did she know?

Oh, Lucas was so lucky it was Maya. Zay was more likely to trust an old friend over any MF agent- but he didn't like this. No, there would definitely be a mega rant tomorrow.

"Yeah, she's...well I think I misjudged her since you know...the incident."

Zay was very slowly getting more angry at this. Lucas was hiding something. Little secrets, little white lies. He couldn't have that within his force.

"Oh." Maya said, "Well it happens I guess. Just like one of our first agents. Farkle totally misjudged-"

Zay paused mid thought. Had she just mentioned Farkle? Whilst talking about the MF?

"What's Farkle got to do with-?"

"Uh, nothing. Slip of the tongue, he's doing great by the way."

"Oh...what does he work as?"

"Oh you know...he uh, uh...math teacher, yeah!"

Before Lucas could get another word in, Zay heard Maya race off, "Gotta pee!"

Zay slumped back on his couch and closed the laptop. He saw right through Maya stumbling over her own words. Farkle was somehow invlolved in the MF.

Zay tapped his chin, reacalling Maya's words 'One of our first agents...Farkle totally misjudged...'

Farkle misjuding an agent would only be a bad thing for Maya if she was fond of the agent and Farkle had some type of power-

And then it clicked. Zay closed his laptop and let his jaw hang. He knew Farkle had always wanted to rule the world, but how on Earth could that same guy be the boss of the MF?

Whilst Maya peed Lucas forwned. Why had she brought up Farkle all of a sudden?

He chose not to ponder on the thought and instead focus on the movie, until her phone buzzed. His gaze flickered to the now bright screen.

Hating his curiosity for doing so, he leaned over and read the message. It was from Riley, 'Lol. I only just got ur messgae. And yh, maybe if Farkle wasn't the boss I would've already left the force.'

Lucas' green eyes widened. Farkle was the head of the MF? It all made sense now. How Maya had tripped over her words. How she'd described the boss as caring towards both herself and Riley?

Woah...would he tell Zay?

No, Lucas had snooped and shouldn't have found out this way. He couldn't tell Zay without him flipping, he was already weary of the MF enough.

Lucas settled back into the couch as Maya reappeared, "Hey. Listen, I don't wanna talk any more...today has been a long day for us both."

Lucas nodded and avoided her gaze. The blonde wasted no time in settling back into her previous postion, her head on his lap while the rest of her weight was sprawled over the couch.

"You don't have to rush home anytime soon, Huckleberry." Maya whispered, obviously exhausted and just seeking comfort.

Lucas bit his lip and ran a hand through her blonde locks, playing with it teasingly in hopes to make her feel more relaxed.

"Then I won't." He promised.

And really, he should've been happy that Maya was half asleep in his lap but the sudden guilt that had creeped into him outshined any joy he should be feeling right now.

Farkle was the head of the MF; and Lucas wasn't supposed to find out this way.

In fact, he wasn't supposed to find out at all.

Uh-oh. What do you think of the storyline right now? ;)