Disclaimer: I do not own Girl Meets World.

Chapter 13: Mistletoe

The rest of Christmas Week was eventful, to say in the least.

With Shawn and Katy together, Maya spent the entire week catching up with them and discussing plans for when she got out of the academy. Shawn and Katy were going to buy a new house, and promised to prepare a room for Maya when she returned.

Riley watched all of this with a smile. Usually the roles were reversed. Riley would spend all week catching up with her parents, and Maya would watch her since Katy usually only stayed for a night or two. She couldn't afford to miss a week of work.

That wasn't to say that Riley wasn't insanely happy for her best friend. Seeing Maya so happy after so long almost made up for the emptiness she felt without her parents.

But there were days where Riley felt out of place among the Hart (or Hunter) family, and she knew that Maya was always worried about her. Not to mention that she would constantly think about her own family when she was with them.

Farkle, Smackle and Zay all had parents to spend time with. Most of the students did. So for that week, Riley assured Maya that she was fine, and spent most of her time with Lucas.

It was during this time that Riley realised how Lucas must have felt for all those years, not having any family to greet. He didn't seem bothered by it though, only saying that he would feel bored with all of his friends going off to be with their parents. It wasn't as if he was ever close to his parents anyway.

Now the two had each other to keep each other company. Lucas showed Riley all the things he would do to keep himself occupied during Christmas Week.

Riley knew that Lucas had found lots of interesting things to do over the past few Christmas Weeks. He always shared them with the group anyway. She was still weirded out by the strange things he suggested doing, though.

For one, he dragged her to the library in search of the weirdest book they could find, in the deepest darkest unknown shelves. In previous years, he had found an entire comic series about a talking bunion, a book on how to make a girl fall for you with a sock, and a historical novel detailing the adventures of a toenail on the foot of a traveller in the late 1700s.

They ended up with a five-hundred-page book filled with strings of strange symbols and pictures. ("How is this strange, Lucas?" "These symbols look like vegetables. See, potato, carrot, eggplant.") And stomach pains from laughing too hard and trying to control it so that the librarian wouldn't kill them.

Then Lucas had dragged Riley out into the Outer Garden to see a plant that he discovered a while back, which only bloomed in winter. Riley sighed the whole way, complaining about the cold. It quickly faded when she saw the small flower tucked away behind a big oak. "Must've been the result of a kid with flora and fauna control or something," Lucas had told her. She found the flower to be beautiful, with its frail pale pink petals quivering in the cold wind.

"Isn't it great how it blooms in the cold? When times are hard, we should bloom like this flower, instead of shrivelling up," Riley had said in awe, an adoring smile on her face. Lucas rolled his eyes, though he had a fond smile on his face.

"It's a plant, not a fortune cookie message for loonies like you."

He got a faceful of snow for that. Which then led to a full out snowball fight, ending with them collapsing in a fit of laughter after Riley was toppled backwards by a snowball to the face.

That fun day led to a sledding trip on the next. Though it was cold, Riley could have spent all day out there with Lucas. As the two were sitting beneath the big oak, Lucas' sled sitting in the snow next to them, he turned to her, watching with amusement as she pulled her knees closer to her chest and shivered.

"I told you to bring a warmer coat."

"This is the warmest I have!"

"It's obvious that you rarely spend time out in the cold."

"Wow Luke, for someone who has known me literally since you first came into this school, you really don't know me at all do you?"

He laughed, shaking his head. His hands moved up to the buttons of his coat.

"Don't even think about it."

"Riley, you're shivering like crazy."

"My powers will handle any frostbite problems."

"I'm pretty sure mine are more suited for keeping us warm."

"I'm sure."

"I'd rather not use them."

"Lucas Friar, if you take off your coat I swear I will…"

Lucas laughed. "You'll what?"

Riley stumbled, at a loss of what exactly to threaten him with. "I'll… I'll never share my food with you again!"

Lucas grinned. "What a tragedy." He laughed again when Riley gave him a glare. "I'd be devastated if you stopped sharing your food with me though. Really."

Riley smiled, wondering what he meant by that.

"So, do you regret coming out here? Oh, for the love of God, just let me give you my coat Riles. You're beginning to look like a human popsicle."

Riley let out a breathy laugh, teeth still chattering. "No. I don't regret it. It was wonderful."

She glanced to the side, catching Lucas' smile. "Really?"

"Yeah. But since you're apparently ready to let yourself freeze before I do, let's head back inside."

Nonetheless, Riley pretty much got rid of her fear of the cold after that day.

Besides that, the two spent hours hanging around in either one of their rooms, looking through old photos, or watching movies, or just talking. Just being together. Lucas even looked through the pictures that Mr and Mrs Matthews had sent Riley together with her.

It was one of those days. It was in the afternoon, and Maya had gone to JASPA Village with Katy and Shawn. The academy was quiet, as most of the families decided to spend their time in the Village.

Riley was sprawled on her bed, her head at the foot of the bed. She was reading To Kill A Mockingbird.

Lucas leaned against the foot of her bed, using his laptop. He was working on an essay he was doing for extra credit. He always made use of Christmas Break to do it.

They were also playing some music. Riley perked up as the familiar voice of Owl City came on.

I saw a ghost on the stairs,
And sheets on the tables and chairs,
The silverware swam with the sharks in the sink,
Even so, I don't know, what to think.

"I've been longing for, daisies to push through the floor," Riley sang along, rolling her head side to side in rhythm. "And I wish that plant life would grow all around me,
So I won't feel dead anymore. So I won't feel dead anymore."

"Remind me why you like Owl City so much again?" Lucas asked, still focused on his essay.

"Because his songs are wonderful and magical and make me happy," Riley answered cheerily, dropping her book next to her and rolling onto her stomach. She propped her head on her hands, watching Lucas typing away.

"What's so appealing about Of Monsters And Men?" she asked him. He turned his head to smile up at her, before turning back to his essay.

"I just really like their music. I like the lyrics."

"I still can't believe you're not a total country music freak."

"Riley, we've been over this," Lucas chuckled. "I've been away from Texas for five years. And even back then, I wasn't a huge fan of it. I like it, sure, but I'm not obsessed with it. You can go ahead and join Maya with her Texas stereotyping."

"I'm just kidding!" Riley exclaimed, smiling and humming along to the music playing from her stereo. "Ooh, I love this part!"

Your spirit is sweet, so pull off your sheet,
And give me a ghost of a smile,
Show me your teeth, 'cause you're teddy beneath,
So just grin and bear it a while.
Just grin and bear it a while.

"Do you hear that pun? It's brilliant!" Riley exclaimed, before taking a deep breath.

"I'd rather waltz than just walk through the forest. The trees keep the tempo and they sway in time. Quartet of crickets chime in for the chorus. If I were to pluck on your heartstrings would you strum on mine?"

Lucas couldn't help his smile as she sang along happily. "Da da da, da da da, da da da, da da da…" He bobbed his head side to side, enjoying the music with her. Soon she was belting the lyrics out loudly, rolling around on the bed.

It was moments like these that Lucas really cherished. Being alone with a good friend, with her, enjoying simple things like music and each other's company.

The entire week had been filled with moments like these. Lucas couldn't remember a better Christmas Week.

"Alright, Riley Matthews. I have spent all week with my parents, and as much as I love them, this distance between you and me is going to kill me."

Riley smiled, eyes still closed as Maya burst into her room. She opened them and rolled over to look at Maya, who was standing at the foot of her bed, already dressed.

"We are going to spend all day preparing for tonight's party," Maya declared. "Just you, me, a trip to the Village and lots of dresses."

"You're just saying that because you haven't finished your Christmas shopping," Riley mused sleepily, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

Maya scoffed. "I actually do want to spend time with you, you know. You've been hanging with Ranger Rick all week! I want my best friend back."

Riley smiled. "I'd love to. It's going to be fantastic!"

Maya morphed into Lucas. "Unless of course, you'd rather hang out with me, the handsome, charming, sappy Ranger Rick, here to sweep you off of your feet and away from Maya!"

Even though it was her best friend, Riley couldn't help but feel tingles at the mere sight of him. She brushed it off. "Maya, I get it. You're all jealous. We can make up for it today, okay?"

Maya laughed, turning back to her normal self. "I'm just playing. Now come on, we have some shopping to do."

Riley always loved going to the Village. It was bustling with people running the shops and restaurants. Many of them didn't even have powers like most of the students and staff of JASPA. They were just ordinary folk, specially invited by the government to work there. If they ever decided to quit, their memories would simply be erased.

She sat across Maya by a window in their favourite café, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of her. Next to them were several bags full of gifts and clothes.

"Peaches, that dress is going to look absolutely wonderful on you later!" Riley gushed excitedly.

Maya grinned. "Thanks Riles. What are you going to wear? You didn't pick out a dress."

Riley shrugged. "I have one back at the dorm."

"That purple one we saw earlier was beautiful," Maya said, sipping at her own hot chocolate. "It would have looked great on you."

"It was a bit fancier than needed for a Christmas party," Riley said, cupping her hands around her mug. "More of a prom type of thing. It really was amazing though."

Maya smiled as Riley let out a wistful sigh. "No matter, you're gonna look great tonight anyway."

Riley looked out at the gentle snow that fell upon the Village. She smiled as she saw several of her classmates walk past, chatting excitedly.

"So," Maya began, putting her mug down, "what else have you and Huckleberry been up to? Other than all that weird stuff and the snow trips, which I still don't believe by the way."

"Nothing much," Riley said lightly. "Spent lots of time in our rooms, just talking and doing stuff."

"Ooh, you two were alone in your rooms?" Maya teased. Riley rolled her eyes. "Let's not go there, Maya."

"I know you like him, Riles," Maya said, leaning back and sipping from her mug. "Don't try to deny it. You should tell him."

"I don't know if I like him, okay?" Riley sighed. She wasn't even going to try to deny it. Maya knew her better than anyone, and quite frankly she didn't feel like fighting it either. "I'm not sure of what I feel."

"Well, if you don't then I do," Maya said firmly. "I see the way you look at him. Even you're not dumb enough to just pass it off as friendly love. You should tell him."

Riley shook her head. "What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Maya laughed. "God, the both of you are ridiculous. You're like two dummies cut out from the same stupid block."

"Hey! That's not nice."

"He feels the same, Riles," Maya assured her. "I don't see why you two are taking so long."

"It shouldn't be rushed," Riley said simply.

Maya rolled her eyes. "Right, because taking years to get together is totally rushed."

"Lucas and I… We have a great thing going on," Riley said seriously. "He means a lot to me. I don't want a relationship to ruin that. What if it breaks what we have, and then when we graduate we'll just disappear from each other's lives?"

"Riles, you need to stop overthinking," Maya sighed exasperatedly. "Both of you do. You're practically made for each other, Riles. It's more than just a bond that can be easily broken and destroyed."

Riley pursed her lips, before placing her empty mug down. "Maybe."

She grabbed her bags, and stood up. "Now c'mon, we have a party to get ready for."

Riley was tingling with excitement as she sat on her bed, ready to go. Maya twirled around in front of her, a big smile on her face.

"Peaches, you look beautiful," Riley gushed, admiring how stunning Maya looked in the knee length blue dress she was wearing. It had capped sleeves made of lace, and Maya's hair was in a simple but beautiful relaxed fishtail braid.

"Thanks Riles," Maya smiled. Riley was in a V-neck coral dress made of chiffon, her hair let down with a headband braid. Both girls had kept their makeup relatively simple. "You look gorgeous. Ranger Rick is going to love it."

Riley tossed a pillow at her.

"Hey, watch it!" Maya gasped. "Don't wanna ruin the look."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Maya glanced at it, before turning to Riley with a knowing grin. "Ah, there's our favourite cowboy right now!"

Immediately after the knock, the door swung open to reveal Lucas standing at the doorway. Underneath his coat, he was in a simple dark button down, and khaki pants.

He blinked for a moment as his eyes landed on Riley.

"Hey Ranger Rick," Maya greeted, trying to stifle her laughter.

Lucas snapped out of it. "Hey guys. You ready?"

"Of course!" Riley chirped, getting to her feet. She resisted the urge to toss her purse at Maya. "Let's go."

As they all stepped out and Riley closed the door, Maya spoke. "Wow Ranger Rick, you don't look too bad! I actually expected a cowboy hat though."

"Ha, ha," Lucas deadpanned. "But I could say the same about both of you. You look great."

Riley smiled. "Thanks Luke."

It wasn't long before they were joined by Farkle, Smackle and Zay. "Let's get this Christmas fun started!" Zay exclaimed cheerfully.

Everyone loved the Christmas Eve Party. It was always full of food, fun, warmth and laughter. During the two days spanning Christmas Eve and Christmas, the students of JASPA always felt like normal kids. Like people who hadn't missed out on anything at all.

Three hours later, the gang sat in a corner of the dining hall, which had been redecorated for the party. A space had been cleared in the middle, and people were dancing and laughing, having a good time. The tables and benches had been moved to the side, and several sofas and armchairs had been moved in. Along one wall was a buffet of food, and in one corner stood a tall Christmas tree.

"Man, this cake is good," Zay groaned. "Christmas Week is the best."

"It really is," Riley agreed, looking around at all the happy parents, students and staff. She felt a twinge of sadness as her parents flashed through her mind, but she brushed it off.

She had spotted her uncle earlier, looking handsome as usual. She had passed him his present, wondering if it was the right time to ask about Maya. He was probably off somewhere with his own friends by now, but Riley saw the way that he stared when Maya had entered. It pleased her.

"Looks like our parents are having a great time talking," Farkle said to Smackle, watching the four adults engaged in conversation, probably about their gifted children.

"They must be talking about how brilliant I am," Smackle said, and Maya laughed.

"Please, I'm the genius here," Farkle retorted.

They were interrupted as Brendon Pond made his way through the crowd, dangling a piece of mistletoe from a stick. Some people shrieked and scrambled away laughing, as he teasingly swung it about. Some of the parents played along as he hovered it over their heads, and everyone was laughing.

"Well, time to hightail out of here unless we wanna end up kissing each other," Lucas joked. His eyes flickered to Riley, but he missed the moment when her eyes flickered to him.

The friend got up, making their way through the crowd and away from Brendon Pond.

Soon, Mrs Smithson announced the opening of presents, and people opened gifts all around the room.

Riley gasped at Maya's present. "Maya! When did you get this?"

Maya grinned as Riley adoringly ran her hand over the beautiful purple dress they had seen earlier. "I got Farkle to pick it up for me real quick. Do you like it?"

Riley grinned widely, nodding her head. Maya chuckled. "Of course you do."

"I could be playing in the winter snow, but Imma be under the mistletoe," came Brendon's singing voice, grinning widely as he dangled the mistletoe around. There were some cheers as two 11th grade students kissed.

"I'm gonna go find my parents," Maya told Riley. "I'll be right back."

"Sure thing," Riley said warmly, putting the dress away. Maya slipped away into the crowd.

"Merry Christmas, Riles."

Riley turned around at his voice, and couldn't help the smile on her face. Lucas stood in front of her, grinning widely with a small flat box in his hands.

"Wait, I wanna give you mine first," Riley quickly said, passing her box to him. He raised an eyebrow, placing his gift for her down and unwrapping hers.

His mouth fell open. "No way. You got me new mini speakers?!"

"I'm glad you like them," Riley said with a laugh. "Now you can play your weird Of Monsters And Men music as loud as you like, in better quality."

"First off, it's not weird." Riley laughed again as Lucas quirked an eyebrow at her. "Second of all, thank you."

Riley felt her heart flutter again as he pulled her into a hug, letting herself get lost in his pine scent. "You're welcome, Luke."

He pulled away, and passed her his gift. "Now it's your turn."

Riley unwrapped her gift. It was a CD. She furrowed her eyebrows. It was labeled 'Riley's Playlist'. "What's this?"

"I compiled all your favourite songs," Lucas said. Riley beamed. "Really?!"

"Yup. All of them."

"How do you even know all my favourite songs?"

"Riley, we spent the past week – and maybe the last five years – together. I know your favourite songs."

"Thank you so much," she sighed happily, squeezing him in a hug. "It must have taken a lot of time to compile."

"Hey, now we can play your favourite songs with my new speakers," Lucas said, and they both laughed.

As Riley pulled away, she smiled up at him. They stared at each other for a moment.

"Thank you, Luke."

"For what?"

Riley shrugged. "I thought I would be really lonely this Christmas Week. You didn't let that happen. I had a lot of fun with you this week. Even more than usual."

Lucas smiled warmly. "What are friends for, right?"

There was a brief pause as they just smiled at each other, soaking in the warmth of the moment.

"Lucas!"

Zay's excited voice reached their ears, and they turned curiously. Zay rushed up to them, a wide grin on his face. "Look!"

They looked over Zay's shoulder. Lucas' mouth dropped open, and Riley beamed with surprise.

Farkle and Smackle were standing together. Kissing.

Brendon grinned behind them, dangling the mistletoe over their heads.

"Hahaa, I knew it was gonna happen eventually!" Zay exclaimed triumphantly.

Riley and Lucas grinned. "Some Christmas Week, huh?" Lucas said with amusement.

"Yeah," Riley agreed, turning to him. "It was."

Riley thought back to what Maya had said earlier. She remembered the incident in the library, how she had almost told him how she felt about him. She wished that short bout of courage would come back, but somehow she knew that it wasn't the time.

For now she could just enjoy his company as it was, just like she had for the past week, and just like she had since she met him. It didn't matter what they were yet. For now, they were just Riley and Lucas. And she was totally fine with that.

"Merry Christmas, Lucas."

His eyes sparkled as he looked at her, the corners of his mouth turning up. "Merry Christmas, Riley."

HELLOOOO I AM BACK! Hurray, I uploaded this shortly after my update. I really am sorry for taking so long. I've been insanely busy, and I had a really bad writer's block. I hope that this chapter is okay for you guys! I will try to update soon, because the next few chapters get pretty exciting.

Also, the song by Owl City in this chapter is called Plant Life. Whenever I hear the song, I think of Riley because the lyrics are so quirky and cute. In all honesty I'm not sure if Lucas would really enjoy Of Monsters And Men (I know I do huehue) but ah well.

Till the next update :)

–malenburke