A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the reviews! I can't tell you all enough on how much I miss the show! I'm just happy that people are still posting and reading, and I get to create my own version of the story.

Rescuing Hart was my start and success. I'm very sorry to the guest who wants more Joshaya and less angst. Bare with me, there is a lot of Joshaya coming, but Rescuing Hart was all about Joshaya. I did want to focus on Riarkle a little bit more. I have plans, and timeline. I also didn't want this fic to be too much lovey dovey and nothing else. I wanted family to play a big part in this story as well.

As for the angst, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

Summary: How does living with your best friends affect the way you see one another? Join the lives of the original trio and how they are to face the many challenges in meeting the real world.

Word Count: 7k+

Previously on S&S:

"You know, we don't get to say very often that these situations are avoided. Because normally we get a call that someone was raped and we have to track down the guy ourselves, but you saved your friend, defended yourself and we arrested him before he reached anyone else. Not often do we get to have a story like this. Good job, Minkus."

Farkle nodded unsure of what to say, but looking at Riley he sighed. Lucas wasn't there to be able to be the protector anymore. It was time someone else stood up to protect their friends, even if he got hurt in the process. So he let the words come to him before ending their conversation. "I'd do anything to protect my friends."

Chapter 11: Lot of Talk and Opryland?

1 Week Later . . .

Josh

It was the night of Christmas and Josh sat on the roof outside his old bedroom window drinking a beer. The night air was bitter cold, but this seemed to be the place where he could grab a few thoughts to himself. Or at least a phone call from his boss, who had a task for him.

There was a knock at the window, and hiding behind a blonde mane was a bright smile, awaiting to be kissed. He slid the window open and she climbed out to sit beside him. She too had a beer in her hand. He raised an eyebrow and she shrugged. "You'd be surprised at how little attention our parents give us, now that we are adults."

"That's true," he stated. "Even though your dad always gives me that look when we leave the room together."

She smirked. "He only does that to try and look intimidating. I think it's a father thing. Does it work?"

"Not really," he chuckled. "Only when I think about having my own daughter, it does. I would be the same way. But probably worse. I think Shawn will get the hang of it even more as Liv grows."

Maya nodded. "Plus he knows that I'm an adult now. He can't really say anything." She scooted closer to him, and he put his arm around her. She was cold.

"Do you want to go inside? We can talk in my old room."

She shook her head. "I'm okay." She looked up at the stars and took another sip of beer. "So what's going on? You seemed to leave the room pretty quickly earlier."

He bit his lip. "You don't start class again till the fourth right?" She responded with a nod, before he continued. "You want to spend New Years with me in Nashville?" Her facial expression read confused. "Renny offered me double time if I took the job. A couple meetings, and a show but he said that I could take you with me if you wanted to go. I told him that I'd let him know in the morning. I think it'd be fun though. But I understand with Riley and what's been going on with her, if you wanted to stay here—"

"No," she interrupted. "I love Riley. I do. She has been dealing with this 'no sleeping' thing, but she also has Farkle and we need time together. I miss you like crazy and I know that's weird because we do see each other often, but I miss alone time. I want to go. Nashville sounds like fun. Just you and me actually spending time together, and I don't have to worry about any projects or work." She smiled so cheeky, it reminded him of the smile she gave him that first Christmas in New York. "It's going to be so nice."

He leaned in slowly, and she mimicked his actions. Once their lips touched, it was cool and sweet. There was this fog that draped over him, and it seemed like all sense of direction was lost. All his mind could focus on was her, especially when she decided to move over to straddle his lap. He instantly forgot about his beer and held onto her tightly so she wouldn't fall. Their kiss wasn't heated, but she seemed to prefer this seat whenever they were alone. He certainly didn't mind.

"I agree. I could use some of that. I love our families, but these last four days have been overwhelming. I think I just miss being able to sit down and watch a movie without having to get into a conversation with my dad, Shawn or Cory who love to interrupt."

She nodded. "I know how that feels. That's why we always watched movies on Riley's computer in her room, just so we didn't get interrupted."

"Plus, there is this Jack Daniels Music City Midnight Concert on New Years Eve that will be fun," he smiled.

She nodded. "When would we leave?"

"The 30th. I would have a meeting the afternoon after we land, and then the show on New Years Eve, but other than that, we'd get to spend the rest of the time doing whatever we want."

"I can't wait," she kissed his cheek. "Now, what do you think about snow angels?"

Riley

She came down the stairs, and into the kitchen of her grandparents. Her mom and grandma were drinking, what smelled awfully like apple cider and possibly hot chocolate? She decided to get her self some of the cider and sit at the table with them.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Grandma asked.

Riley looked at her sideways. This is all she had received this week being here. She was fine, other than the hard time sleeping, but she could deal. Riley was more worried about Farkle than her own health. "I'm feeling great, besides how awful I feel emotionally that Farkle got hurt because of me. I mean, Dillon is a creep, and I probably won't shake that feeling thinking that he's always watching me, but Farkle has wound now because I was too afraid to go to authorities in the first place. This all could have been avoided."

Topanga shook her head. "I already talked to Farkle. Dillon hadn't attempted anything dangerous, other than looking at you in class. Yes, you could have said something about that, but I know authorities. If only he had attempted something, then he would have been spoken to. Farkle will be okay, and he said he'd go through it over again, if it meant that you were okay. I know that your heart hurts because he got hurt physically, but so did you."

She was right, though she didn't want to exactly talk about what happened in the night of being trapped in that room. Riley could still feel him pushing her against the wall, her shoulder being bruised in the process of her trying to escape, and the cut she received on the back of her wrist and up her arm due to the metal bar she tried to grab in the process of catching herself while falling, but missing completely. She pulled her long sleeves down even further to hide the cuts.

She put the cider up to her mouth to take a sip and winced at the pain of her lips. Her lower lip had a cut due to his teeth biting too hard. She shuddered at the thought of remembering that. Every time she had pulled away, his hand grabbed her jaw line and pulled her face back to his. It was something she didn't want to think about.

"Have you talked to Farkle?" Her grandmother asked. She nodded. "And how is he doing?"

She shrugged. "He's okay, other than being scolded by his mother for leaving in the middle of a family dinner to go back to the city, but his dad understood."

"Jennifer . . ." Topanga sighed. "She was doing so well, and then . . . I'm not exactly sure what happened. I hope they get through this."

Riley nodded. "I'm afraid for Farkle's sake. They've been fighting so much, he's been driven over the edge. I don't know what could happen in the solution of divorce. The town house is in Jennifer's name. All I could think of is us losing the place if things go south with his mom."

"Don't worry sweetie," her grandmother smiled sadly. "If that time comes, we'll figure it all out. We always do." She took another sip of her drink. "Now where is Maya and Josh?"

Riley rubbed the warm mug in her hands. "They were talking out on the roof I think. I'd let them be. I kind of ruined their mini vacation too."

Topanga looked at Amy and smirked. Riley looked between the two adults and noticed they shared the same look. "What? Please don't leave me out of this conversation. I am an adult now."

"Taking it back to where it all started. I think Shawn and Katy would be interested to know what has been going on between those kids at the cabin that they own." Topanga cackled.

Her mother-in-law nodded. "Possibly, but then you might want to spare Shawn the details at least."

Riley narrowed her eyebrows and thought about what they were talking about. "Mom, grandma, you do know that that hasn't happened yet, right?"

Topanga looked at her daughter and almost laughed, but caught herself. "Are you serious?" She looked at Riley's grandmother and then back at her daughter. "You're not joking?"

The brunette shook her head. "Oh believe me, Maya is in love, and glowing with the newness of this relationship still, but they haven't done that yet. I'll know it. She would have told me. There's no way she would have been able to keep that a secret, even if it is my uncle. Even when that happens, she'll be different."

"Well, I'll say that I'm very impressed that they have that much self-control," Amy said. "Or at least my son."

Riley shrugged. "Well after what happened during his first time, I don't blame him for having this much self-control."

Amy narrowed her eyes at her granddaughter. "What do you know?"

"Enough. And I really think that talking to my grandmother about my uncles first time is really weird. But I know enough. They're smart, and they both love each other, so I wouldn't worry about it." Riley shook her head out of the weirdness of it all. "Is this what you guys talk about, when we're not in the room?"

"Love?" Topanga smiled. "Are they saying that?"

Katy entered through the doorway and joined them. "Oh yeah. They've been saying that for a few months already." She grabbed a cup of hot chocolate and sat with them. "Liv is now asleep finally. She's been fussy due to the weather. It's snowing like cats and dogs outside right now."

Amy looked at Riley, "Didn't you say that Josh and Maya were sitting on the roof?"

The side door in the kitchen opened to find two young adults standing in the doorway, powdered in white flakes, with smiles on their faces. "Well, the weather changed pretty quickly," the blonde stated.

"Roof?" Riley asked pointing up with a confused expression.

"Oh," Josh shrugged. "We climbed down the tree and decided to make snow angels. Is that hot chocolate?"

"And apple cider?" Maya asked moving towards her best friend.

"Go change before you sit down," Katy said. "You both must be freezing."

Maya grabbed Riley's hand and drug her to the room they were sleeping in. "So I'm going to Nashville with Josh for New Years. He has an art show on NYE that he helped put together. They weren't going to have him go, but Mr. R called and asked him personally and said that I could tag along too, if I wanted." She changed quickly into her comfy pajamas. "Is that okay?"

Riley smiled. "Of course it is. I'm so sorry that I ruined your mini vacation together. I hope you guys have fun in Nashville."

"Will you be okay? I know you'll be back in the city by that time. I just want to make sure that you'll be alright."

She nodded. "Yes. I'll be just fine. And Farkle will be there too. If anything happens, you'll know."

Maya walked over and gave her best friend a hug. Riley didn't know what came over her to do this, but she honestly didn't care. Riley wrapped her arms around and hugged back. This was her other half and no matter what happened with relationships, this would never change. "I love you, Riles."

"I love you too Peaches." She thought for a moment before opening the door. "Speaking of 'I love you's,' grandma nor my mom didn't know about you and Josh are already telling each other that."

Maya smiled a little. "Oh well this is going to be interesting."

They walked down stairs once again and found everyone in the living room. Auggie was fiddling with his new phone trying to FaceTime Ava since they were apart for the holidays. Cory and Shawn were flipping through the channels to see what movies were playing and grandpa was almost asleep in his chair. Riley smiled at how cute her grandfather was.

She took a seat on the ground next to her brother, and showed him an easier way to find the FaceTime through the texting app. Riles looked down at her own phone and found an old group chat. She sighed and typed out the words, "Merry Christmas" and pressed send.

At once she heard a ding from Maya's phone, who was sitting across the room, below Josh who was sitting on the couch. "Merry Christmas to you too Pumpkin," she smiled.

Riley giggled and shook her head, before she heard her text tone, seeing that the blonde had responded to their friends as well. Not long after Farkle joined in, giving emojis, which were clearly the opposite of how merry he really felt. Smackle texted them not long after followed by Zay and then Lucas.

It had been a long time since they all group chatted and it was nice. Riley didn't understand why she was becoming so emotional, but she could feel herself wanting to cry out how much she missed being back in high school, sitting in her fathers class, interrupting him any chance they got to discuss life and laugh. How Maya and Zay would throw shade back and forth, how Lucas would lean on to the locker to discuss something with her, and how everyday they all would find themselves at Topanga's in their usual spots doing homework and studying.

This was the first Christmas they were all separated and the realization just hit Riley like a pile of bricks. Change was here and she was missing the past. She glanced over at Maya, who was smiling, looking up at her boyfriend, holding his hand. That was Riley last year, with Lucas.

She missed him, but more of talking to him. He used to be her favorite person to talk to. Now who did she look forward to talking to all the time? Of course Maya was always on that list, but besides her?

There was a knock on the door before it opened to find a tall lanky guy standing there with a couple presents in his hand.

"Farkle!" Riley's mom perked up. "Merry Christmas."

He smiled. "Merry Christmas to you all. I'm sorry that I'm here so late, but I couldn't get away from dinner that easily tonight. I have a couple gifts that I wanted to give."

"That's okay, sweetheart." Amy walked over to give him a hug.

Riley moved over to sit by Maya and Farkle to a seat criss cross in front of them. "Maya, this is for you. Riley actually gave me this idea a while ago. You have always brought creativity to our friendship, I thought it was time for me to create something for you."

Maya smiled and tore the wrapping paper apart to see a beautiful frame. Inside was a page of the International Art Magazine. Her eyes widened and Riley glanced over to see what it said. "But this was a couple weeks ago and the first photo . . . this was featured last year in the NYU Art Show. The one that . . ."

"The one you couldn't make because of the accident," he said.

She motioned towards the frame. "How? How did you?"

"Smackle and I went. They caught me taking a photos and videos of it. I told them I was related to the girl who created this piece. I told them about the accident, and how you were stuck at home recovering. I just wanted you to see it. All of those people marveling at your art work. You did fantastic. A woman from the International Art Magazine over heard me and security arguing and wanted to speak to me. I told her your story. I gave her my info. I didn't know what she was going to do with it. I thought maybe your name would have been featured, but I didn't know they'd follow your work for almost a year. I got an email, and she asked me a few more questions about you. I wanted you to be recognized, and I know that you pick up this magazine. I hope that you're not mad."

Maya pursed her lips together, before a huge smile erupted from her face, she and leaned over to give him a hug. "Thank you, Freckle. You really outdid yourself with this one."

"Oh come on, every year I get you some art supplies, I had to do something different eventually. It just so happened to come at the perfect time." He smiled. "You're welcome." His eyes moved over to Riley's and he held out a small package.

It was quite smaller than Maya's but she had absolutely no idea what he was going to get her. She unwrapped to find a beautiful notebook that looked like she had already attacked it with her own doodles, because she found a purple cat, a planet that looked like Pluto, and few words that had come from her own head, but not all at the same time.

"Theres more to this," he mentioned and Riley could see something wrapped around the book and taped to the bottom corner.

She took off what looked like a necklace. It was a golden pineapple. Very simple, and very beautiful. Riley always had something to wear that resembled her friendship in Maya, and though they all three have matching leather bands, she wanted something that resembled something of just him.

"Thank you, Farkle. It's beautiful," She smiled and took his hand and put the necklace in it, while she turned around. He put the necklace around her neck while she lifted up her hair so he could hook it. "And so is this book. How did you?"

"Back in high school, you'd doodle on my notebook while studying sometimes. One of my friends personalizes notebooks. I had an idea and he went with it."

Their gaze at each other lingered for a moment. There was so much she wanted to thank him for this year. He really had stepped up and she couldn't be more grateful for him. Then she remembered. "Oh, I have something for you." She stood up and grabbed his arm for him to follow.

They made their way up the stairs and Riley stepped into the room she and Maya were sleeping in. Farkle stopped at the entrance of the door and she looked up at him with her eyes narrowed, confused. "You okay?"

He nodded nonchalantly, actually walking into the room. "Yeah, I mean, I'm good. It's just you're grandparents, I don't know what they think of me now, with my family and all, plus with the incident of Thanksgiving on news, I just felt weird coming here for the first time."

Riley sighed lightly, careful to how fast she breathed out. She grabbed the small box out of her bag and handed it him. "Farkle, they love you. What ever is going on between your parents, you have nothing to do with that," he didn't look too up beat for the holiday. She put the box between them. "This is for you."

He unwrapped the gift and his face froze. His eyes met hers and he seemed to be in disbelief of the gift in his hands. "Where did you find this?" His thumb swiped over the top of the watch mesmerized at the beauty of it.

"After Thanksgiving, me and my grandpa went to the pawn shop to see if we could get any money out of that old radio for his truck. I saw this in the glass case. The guy swore that it wasn't going to work again, that it would probably be only for show forever. I didn't want to believe it. So I bought it and took it to one of the guys in the engineering department at the school and they fixed it up for me," she smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

He looked impressed, and she thought she smiled even bigger. What is going on with me? She thought. The watch was beautiful. Leather strap, gold lug and bezel, navy blue dial, almost black dotted with silver that looked like stars. The markers were in universal time, and outlining the dial, was the months of the year. Of course it had your normal "hands" but the center of the watch was the sun of the solar system, and scattered around the watch was the rest of the planets, including Pluto. "So the planets actually move?"

She nodded. "The placement of the planets on your watch right now are the exact placement in the sky."

"God, this is . . . wow." He took it out of the box and tried to put it on his wrist, but was so excited to put it on, he couldn't seem to do it himself. Riley lightly grabbed his wrist as she put the watch on him. He watched her as she tightened it and marveled at how it looked. "Thank you. It's beautiful, Riles. How much did you pay for this?"

She looked up at the ceiling. "I'm not gonna say."

"What? No. Tell me." His eyes were wide. "Please?"

She shook her head. "Farkle, it's a gift. Why would I want to tell you the price? Every year we all get each other something meaningful to the other person and we shouldn't have to tell each other how much it cost. You don't have to worry about that."

"Can can you explain the meaning?"

Her hand was still linked to his wrist. She brought it closer to her face to see the beauty of the object. "You don't get to see much of anything involving Pluto these days. But we hear about it the most. It's always been a symbol of hope in our friendship. I still have hope for that little planet and I have hope that things are going to work out for you Farkle. Life has a way of working itself out, even in the toughest situations."

"You're looking out for me?" He asked.

She nodded, "Always." Though she had to admit that he was looking out for her more so in the last couple of weeks.

He towered over her now. She had been noticing more things about Farkle lately, and wasn't sure as to why she was just now noticing them. He pulled her into a hug. "I have a feeling this next year is going to be your year Riles. No matter what happens, I'm looking out for you too."

Their names were being called from downstairs, which interrupted the feeling in her stomach. His eyes continued to search her face, and she let out a breath she didn't know was holding. "I know you are." She nervously glanced away and moved towards the door. "Merry Christmas, Farkle."

They made their way back down the stairs and entered the living room. Riley stopped at the back entrance corner and Farkle ran into her, literally. He grabbed her waist catching her before she fell. Everyone was looking at them curiously. Riley looked around. "Everyone alright?"

Her mother nodded. "Of course. You two?"

She glanced up at Farkle and he nodded, still standing close to her. He lifted his arm. "I got a cool watch." He moved around his best friend and took a seat on the floor in front of the couch. Riley joined a few seconds later.

Conversation continued, mostly talking about the next semester of school, and Josh's new work opportunity. It seemed to be all that Amy could talk about.

"I said no," Josh said.

Amy and Maya both looked at him in shock. While the blonde said nothing, his mother lit like fire. "You turned down a promotion? How could you turn down a promotion like that?"

Josh leaned forward. "Mom, I have my reasons. I don't think I'm ready for that just yet. Can we please just move on?"

Maya studied him. Riley could tell that she was upset, and slightly confused.

"Joshua," Amy said, "I know that it is your life, and you do well. I just think that this was a stupid mistake." She sat back and laced her fingers together.

Riley knew little about Josh's promotion, and how it could very much help his future. She didn't understand why he would pass up an opportunity like that. She watched him as he looked at Maya, whose eyes stared at her hands, lost in her own thoughts.

They all sat around watching The Christmas Story, a family tradition around the Holidays. Riley's eyes began to droop towards the end of the movie. She looked up to see Josh yawning too. Maya was awake, but even she was dozing off.

Once the movie was over with the genius stood up. "I should get back. I only told them I came to bring the girls their gifts. I'm not sure how my mom is going to react knowing I stayed for this long." Farkle moved towards the door.

Before he could make his way out the door, Amy stopped him by lightly grabbing his arm. She brought him in for a hug. "We love you Farkle. Drive safe in the weather. Hope to see you again before you leave for the city."

"Of course, Riley is going to ride back with me, so I'll see you before we head back," he gave a soft smile. "I love you guys too. Goodnight everyone."

And he left for the night.

Amy turned around, grabbing the dessert plates and coffee mugs. Maya bent over to help her. Josh stood up from his spot on the couch and stretched. "I'm going to bed." He turned to his girlfriend who was holding some mugs. "Goodnight." He leaned in to give her a kiss. "I love you."

She smiled sleepily. "I love you too." She brushed her thumb against his cheek, close to the corner of his mouth. "I'll see you in the morning."

Riley and Amy smiled sweetly at Maya as Josh walked up the stairs. "You and Riley can head up to bed. You both have been up since early this morning. Don't worry about the mugs. I'm just going to put them in the dishwasher."

Maya yawned in response, taking the mugs to set them on the counter for Amy. Before giving her a hug and going to sleep. Riley did the same, and met Maya in the room they were sleeping in.

"You sure you're gonna be okay with just you and Farkle for New Years?" Maya asked her best friend.

Riley sighed, mostly out of tiredness. "Yes. We'll be fine. I'll be fine." She meant it genuinely. She climbed into bed and Maya followed. "Are you ready to it just be you and Josh away from the city?"

"Oh yeah, I'm ready."

Maya

She smiled as her and her boyfriend made their way onto the aircraft. The blonde got comfy in her seat and Josh held her had for reassurance, just as he did as they departed for Hawaii during Spring Break almost 10 months ago.

Finally a whole weekend with Josh out of town, so no family distractions or interferences. Though, she could have done without her mom and dad giving her the whole protection speech if anything along the lines of "funny business" happened between the two this weekend. Maya knew what to expect "if" that were to happen, but she wasn't expecting anything, because there would be pressure there, and when there's pressure, there's tension, and . . . she just knows that it's better to go with the flow and not have expectations.

That didn't mean that she didn't shave her legs, bring attractive looking undergarments, and the lotion he absolutely loved the smell of, because she knew that they would be sharing a room where he would see her, sleep next to her where he could smell her, and hold her petite un-prickly figure. She was prepared for that at least.

"So, My Love, what is the game plan for the weekend?" She asked him.

He took out his phone form his back pocket and brought up the schedule his boss sent him. "Renny said that he's going to pick us up from the airport and take us to dinner, and then we go to our hotel and sleep. I have a meeting in the morning after breakfast and then you and I have the day to hang out possibly go to the festival for a couple hours, and then we have an art show that starts at 6 PM and that will go till about 9, then we can head over to the music festival once again."

Maya nodded. "Okay," she beamed brightly at him. She thought about asking him about his decision for the job offer, but this probably wasn't the time or place.

He gave her this admiring look as he smiled back her. "I'm so happy that you could come with me this time."

"I'm glad too."

The plane took off, and the ride was not even two hours. Maya thought they had taken another car ride back to Philly. They exited the plane and found their way down to baggage claim. Josh had already called Mr. Renny to let him know they had officially landed, and sure enough, Mr. Renaldo and his wife were waiting for the young couple in a car that was being driven by another driver.

It wasn't the first time Maya had ridden in a car like this. Farkle had his parents driver drive them to several events, but this was a random person, so she felt almost like an important person riding around.

"So Maya," Mr. R smiled, "It's so nice to finally meet you. Josh talks about you all the time."

She took glance over a there boyfriend who turned red. "Good." She said, which earned a chuckled from him. "I mean I talk about him all the time too, I'm pretty sure his niece is sick of hearing about him."

The older couple laughed. "Oh, they might all seem annoyed, but really they're very happy for you," Mrs. Lopez smiled. "So shall we eat? I've gained quite the appetite riding around the city all afternoon."

"Yes. What would you like to eat you two?"

Maya glanced at Josh curiously. She never expected them to ask them what they wanted to eat. Maya honestly didn't know what she was hungry for, and she was more of a go with the flow kind of person. She didn't like to be the decider of decisions unless it was with a group of people who she was close with. "Well, we're not exactly familiar with the city. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Well, why don't we head over to the hotel to Old Hickory? I'm pretty sure Ben is working tonight, and that way we could get you two checked in." Mr. Lopez stated.

Josh and Maya knew that they were staying at a hotel on behalf of the company, but they didn't realize that they would be staying at the nicest hotel in Nashville. The Gaylord Opryland Resort was way out of their price range, but Mr. Lopez had a room ready for them.

"So, my wife and I had a room reserved for us, when planning the show back in August. But, her parents live here in the city and wanted us to stay with them for the holidays, so that where we are staying. You both are going to take the room, if you both are comfortable with that?"

Maya could feel her face heat up in the thought that this would be the first time someone other than Riley and Farkle would know that her and Josh would be sharing the same bed. Not that anything had happened yet between them, but the thought still made her blush. She looked over at her boyfriend and noticed his face wasn't any different for hers. "Yes, that's okay," she stated with a soft voice. His hand reached over to grab her own.

The rest of the car ride consisted of the art show meeting and what they would be discussing the next morning. Maya had not realized that Josh's friend Dave, who he normally traveled with was supposed to be on this project, but due to a family emergency in Utah, where he is from, he had to change his plans. Not that Josh was a last resort, but Josh orchestrated the last big show in Chicago. This was put together by Dave, but Josh knew all the details being close with the guy. Anybody else wouldn't be able to do this.

After arriving at the hotel and getting checked in, and marveling at the beauty and wondering how it was possible to fit what looked like a village and spring into the middle of the building, they finally sat down for dinner.

"So Maya, I know these boys have a meeting tomorrow morning. I was wondering if you would like to run around the city with me? I have some errands to run, but I thought instead of being cooped up in the hotel, though I could imagine you'd find something to do here, but instead of being by yourself, I thought I'd offer you some company." Mrs. Lopez asked sweetly.

The blonde couldn't say no. She had nothing else to do and was kind of wondering what was going to happen when Josh was at the meeting the next morning, so this definitely gave her an excuse to not be bored. "I would love to. Thank you so much Mrs. Lopez."

"Oh, call me Jo. Mrs. Lopez just sounds too formal for me."

Mr. Lopez chuckled. "My wife might live in New York with me, but her heart is still close to home. Always been a family woman."

Maya liked that. She didn't have the soul of someone of high class in New York, even if her husband was different. Ever her look didn't resemble a New Yorker. She seemed like someone who would bring in a stranger, clean them up, get them a home cooked meal, and more for the road. Very homey, like Amy Matthews.

Though the menu price items weren't the best prices in the world, Maya and Josh were going to attempt to pay for their meal, but the Lopez's refused to let them. So Josh and Maya left the tip.

Since concierge had already brought their bags up to the room, Josh and Maya didn't have to worry about lugging those around. They bid farewell to the Lopez's for the evening and decided to take a stroll around the hotel's atrium, before going up to their room.

The Christmas decorations were still up and glowing as beautiful as ever. They could even hear holiday music playing throughout the place, along with the sound of water falling in the background. It was late, but the bakery and ice cream shop was still bustling with guests.

After a nice cup of hot coco, since it was too late for caffeine, they made their way up to the room. As they entered, Maya was receiving a call from her mom. Josh let her be, and made his way to the bathroom to take a shower.

Maya ducked out onto the balcony over looking the atrium. "Hey mom."

"Hey, how was the flight? I was just wanting to check in before I went to bed," her mom said in a low voice, which only meant that her dad was already asleep or the baby was.

"It was really quick, but we are here, and filled with dinner and just ready to sleep. I was up early for my shift and now all I can think about is how fast I'm going to fall asleep." Maya giggled. They continued their conversation for about five more minutes, with her mom finally giving her the talk about the real reason as to why she called. It was the inevitable conversation that Maya was dreading about having with her mother, but knew that if there weren't some discussions about it now, it would be a much bigger conversation later.

"I just want you both to be smart," he mom stated. "Things happen, I know, but I want you both to be ready for it. And I know that you are or have probably asked him about why he said no to the job offer, but don't pry. This is your weekend to enjoy yourselves. Don't spend time on the disapproval of his decision. Now, we love you both. I know you're tired. You sound like your fixing to fall asleep on the phone with me so I'll let you go."

"I don't know what's going to happen, but I don't have expectations. We're just enjoying time together before my next semester of school. And we love you too Mom. Tell dad I love him, and Liv. I'll text you tomorrow. Goodnight." She hung up the phone and went back inside.

Josh, who was already out of the shower and in sweat pants looked at her curiously. "Everything alright?"

She nodded. "Yeah, just checking up on us. Also giving me 'the talk.' Again." Her mom was right. She needed to enjoy this time with him, instead of argue. Maya did not wan't to act like his mother.

"Can't ever seem to get away without it being brought up, huh?"

She shook her head. "No, but I understand. She's my mom. Always wanting to make sure that I'm okay." She moved across the room and to the bathroom. "I'll be out in a few."

Maya got ready for bed as she normally did. This wasn't the first time they shared a room or a bed together. But why did this feel different? Maybe because they weren't home, but in a really nice hotel, on a mini vacation. Without family. She shrugged it off and did a quick rinse through, without washing her hair. She took off the very little makeup she had on and washed her face, brushed teeth, then her hair before putting it up in a ponytail.

This all took about ten minutes. She could feel the wave of sleep that was fixing to come over her. She walked out of the bathroom dressed in her comfy night clothes which made her look five years younger, and she sat on the bed.

Josh was setting his alarm on his phone for the next morning, and looked over at his girl friend. She crossed her legs and put her elbows on her knees. He moved closer to her, but turned away from her, and fell back to where his head fell in her lap. His dazzling blue eyes looked up at her and she smiled sleepily. She combed her fingers through his hair that was finally cut shorter. Messaging his scalp for a few moments, she could tell that he was dozing. "You're not gonna talk to me. You're falling asleep." She laughed.

He smiled followed by a chuckle. "I can't help it. You're fingers are like magic. Nobody would be able to to not relax when being given head messages." He read her facial expressions. "I love you Maya Hunter, but you over think too much."

"It's 1 AM. Almost the time we're aloud to over think about things as human beings." She sighed. "I know, and I know that you and I are figuring it out, but I can't help that I think about it. I stay with you quite a bit, and though we haven't had sex, I guess I'm just curious to know when and how its going to take place."

Josh sat up and laid down on his side getting underneath the covers, but facing her. She did the same. Taking her hand, he did something very sweet and kissed the top of it. "I don't know when or how it's going to happen and it's definitely okay to be curious and wonder, because let's face it, we've been wondering about this since we first slept beside each other on prom night. We've done other things, and yeah they've been at the spur of a moment, but I know one thing is for sure. I don't want it to be planned. I want it to happen when it does. And I want you to be ready. I don't want you to feel rushed with anything, because I love you. And I don't need sex to know that you're the one for me. I will wait for you."

Maya moved closer to him and pull him over her to give him a kiss. She loved kissing him. It gave her butterflies every time no matter how many times they had done this. Their lips moved in harmony for a few minutes and she savored how minty he tasted. Pulling away, but still keeping his face close, he brushed their noses together in an Eskimo kiss. "I love you too Josh." And with that she yawned right in his face followed by a laugh due to his dismay.

He smiled and pulled away to turn off the lamp on his side of the bed. "Goodnight." He said as her eyes closed and she was pulled under a gracious sleep.

A/N: Okay so next chapter is going to be posted very soon, I'm almost done with that! Leave a review if you want. Next will be part two to this New Years fic. I apologize for the long gaps through updates. I do not plan to abandon this story, nor do I have an idea of where I'm going to finish with it. I have another fic in the works. More like a two-shot of Zayadora. I'm still working on that. I also have another fic on tumblr that I've been writing.

Big things are happening! Including the progression of my original story! Much love to this fandom!