"Hi, what can I get for you?" A smile plastered on my face as I steadily work through the third hour of my shift. I love working here, the smell of coffee beans and diabetes is my own form of cocaine. After breakfast yesterday I took Lucas grocery shopping. Quickly realizing that taking him anywhere that there are carts is a bad idea. Running and jumping on the buggies, consistently putting me in the basket to keep me off my feet. He's such a dope.

What I enjoyed the most was he didn't even notice the judgmental looks from others. His carefree attitude, and childlike nature was almost contagious. At first, yes it was judgement being passed on him. Judgement that no one has a right to pass, but even that quickly faded into amusement. Glaring eyes brightening, stiff posture slumping over into what I assume is the natural lazy posture of our generation. He even helped an old lady get something off the top shelf. What a gentleman.

The highlight of the grocery adventure? The flirtatious cashier who couldn't really take a hint. Lucas wouldn't give her the time of day, and denied her twice for her phone number. I was kind of sort of a lot happy the rest of the day, I mean the cashier was really pretty. He ended up having to go home, his uncle needed to work some 'information' out with him. His uncle was always a secretive man I guess I just never realized how much. Always in his study when we were younger and everyone got along, quick glances our direction with a small smile even during birthday parties. But at the time I didn't know any better, it was normal. I told him to not worry his pretty little mind about staying the night, honestly I was a little disappointed. I felt a sense of rejuvenation waking up next to him. I guess I was kind of desperate for that again.

Yes, desperate.

"Hey sweet cheeks." My head snaps to the right, surprising myself that I didn't get whip lash. A smile forms on my face as I head towards the register. "I was wondering could I get something off the menu?"

Shrugging, "I guess it just depends. What do you want?"

He leans over the counter I don't realize that I gasped, making him chuckle. "You." A quick peck to the cheek and he's back on his side. Where he belongs… unfortunately.

I try to control my nerves and excitement with the world's cheesiest pick-up line and roll my eyes. "I am way too expensive."

Raising an eyebrow, he sees a challenge. "Is that so?"

I nod my head and unknowingly bite my lip, "I'm a pretty nice catch." I blame my sudden boost of confidence on the fact that I've always been so straight forward with him. We've always been straightforward with one another, and I truly enjoy that about well… whatever it is we have going on.

"That I believe wholeheartedly." A look of, what I assume to be adoration is in his eyes. Looking away I try to hide the blush on my cheeks.

After clearing my throat, I punch a few buttons in the register and smirk at Lucas. "A cinnamon roll and a coffee. No cream, 2 sugars?"

Glistening emerald eyes narrow in on me. Tight lips form into a million dollar smile. "You know my coffee order?" Nodding my head I get to work on the order. How did I know that? I would like to think I'm an observant person. Then again, I don't know Josh's. I know Maya's. So that's not super weird or anything. At least I hope not. "How much do I owe you?"

Waving him off I gesture for him to sit at one of the barstools on the counter. "Consider it payment for going to get Auggie today. You still can, right?"

"Of course. And no payment for picking up Auggie is necessary Riles. Other people besides you do things out of the goodness of their hearts." A few weeks ago I'd come up with a sly remark of him not having a heart or selling it on the Black Market. Today, I know he didn't sell his heart on the black market. It's beating in his chest, it sung me to sleep last night. "You should probably tell your grandparents though if you haven't already."

"I have." That was an interesting conversation with my grandma and grandpa. They asked me 4 different times if Lucas was a boyfriend. When I reminded them that Lucas is Josh's friend, the one who jumped into the swimming pool naked when we were in the 2nd grade-their tune changed. The romantic interrogation ended only to brag about him. Though they haven't seen him in 3 years, that didn't change the fact he was so kind and friendly and smart.

He has a way with parents. I will give him that, to be honest I would give him a lot-Okay! STOP! I've never thought those things before. I'm turning into a sex maniac.

Okay, hardly. But that doesn't change the fact that my thoughts have been dirtier as of late. "Wonderful, wonderful. I still have the address you texted me. Do they remember me?"

Smiling to myself I slide him a cup of coffee and his cinnamon roll. "They remember a little boy streaking through their house."

Groaning he drops his head, "it was a triple dog dare." Murmuring under his breath he takes a bite of the cinnamon roll. "I'm sure it was them that remembered." Uh oh I'm found out.

Shrugging I grab a gray bin and move from behind the counter. "I don't like the accusatory tone Mr. Friar. And you certainly leave a lasting impression on everyone. That moment included."

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

Lucas had hung out with me at 'Topanga's' for another hour and a half. He'd help clean off tables, and deliver orders though I asked him not to. But he insisted and gave me those puppy dog eyes that were to die for. I don't understand what could have happened in the past few years to make him have a complete 180 turn on his attitude. Like, what happened for him to go from a pranker to one of my closest friends?

"I don't know peaches. Why don't you ask him?"

I put my phone on speaker and happily turned my car on. "Lucas is-He's a closed book. I mean he's pretty straightforward with a lot of things. But, he's hiding some stuff too. I don't want to make him feel uncomfortable especially since we're on really great terms right now."

"You could at least ask. What harm could that do? If he doesn't want to tell you, than no biggie. As long as you don't push it." Her tone almost held a warning to it. As if she was saying 'I know you Riley Matthews and you have a tendency to be nosey'. I feel like I've done really well in handling the secrets. I didn't ask who he was mysteriously meeting at the diner, I don't ask when his phone goes off and he gets really frustrated, and I didn't ask who that girl was in his room.

"I might but I won't push it. I enjoy not getting pranked around every corner. Have you talked to Smackle?"

"No actually I haven't. She said she would call me today since you were working but I got nothing."

"Oh no, you don't think that-"

"Shut your face! They're dating, I know it! It's been a long time coming. Let me call her and I'll call you right back."

Nodding as if she could see me we said our goodbyes as I was pulling into a parking spot. I'm sure Auggie and Lucas are having the time of their lives right now. Aug almost looks up to him as if he was his older brother. Which isn't a bad thing, at least he's using the present Lucas as a role model and not the old one. If I found out Aug was pranking someone relentlessly, I'd have his hide.

Wow, I sounded about 80 years old.

Groaning I turn the knob of my apartment and step inside. Heavenly aromas wrap around me and I can't help the contented sigh. Smells so good, what the hell is happening? Opening my eyes Auggie is in the kitchen… with Lucas. "Alright man, drizzle this sauce on the chicken and we'll just have to wait on Riley." I'm going to answer the one question that is on your mind right now. Yes, they are wearing aprons. And they both look positively adorable. "Oh wait, I need to get the cinnamon and butter. Riley loves cinnamon and butter on sweet potatoes."

"That's the only way to eat a sweet potato." Setting my keys in the bowl 2 sets of eyes turn to me. Auggie rushes over and gives me a hug, "Hey bubba how was your weekend?"

He shrugs, "I swam a lot."

Giggling I give him another hug, "I missed you. I hate to do this to you, but get the dirty clothes from your bag and put them in the hamper. I need to start a load of laundry."

A pair of arms wrapping around my waist catches my attention, "Everything is separated already."

Wow, why am I so turned on by this side of Lucas Friar? "Aug go wash up and we'll eat." As soon as he's down the hallway I spin around in his arms.

"So you pick up my brother, cook dinner and separate our laundry?" Silently he nods and pecks my forehead. Seriously this is like relationship goals… you know if we were in a relationship. "Why?"

"Because I love seeing that smile on your face." No hesitation, and from what I could tell he was one hundred percent honest.

"Are you flirting with me?"

A smirk appears on his face, the arrogant kind and I can't help but expect the worst. Regretting asking the question, I have no choice but to wait for his answer. "Finally catching on." Another kiss, but it wasn't on the cheek. It wasn't on my forehead, it was right beside my lips.

"LET'S EAT I'M STARVED!" That's something I'd laugh at, because I don't have to turn around to see the exasperated look of my brother. Lucas smiles and pulls me to the table, setting me down in my seat as he makes plates for everyone.

Me? I'm still dwindling on what he just said.

'Finally catching on'

'Finally catching on'

So, he's been flirting with me? That solves the 'finally' part of his statement. And I've been oblivious to it. Brushing off everything as just an overly flirtatious act, because Lucas was always flirtatious with everyone. I eat in silence while Auggie and Lucas chat up a storm about football. Taking a chance I make a passing glance towards him. His lips partially separating only to close around the metal prongs of the fork. Emerald eyes absorbed into what my brother is saying… the only thing I can think of is, 'what's wrong with him'.

There has to be something, right? I mean no one is this perfect. Good grades; funny, hot, protective and kind. Not to mention this chicken is amazing, I mean like really good. So that solves the whole 'can he cook' mystery. A wink in my direction has me staring intently at my sweet potato as if it's the most interesting thing I've ever seen. Oh look, more orange.

20 minutes later, I had to punch Lucas to let me do the dishes. However, we're still arguing about it. Even as I place the last dish in the dishwasher. "You do realize that you wasted 10 minutes of precious oxygen to try and get me to change my mind on something that I had stated many times wasn't going to change?"

Chuckling he lifts himself off the counter he was resting on, "It was only fair for me to do the dishes. I cooked."

"Well if that's not the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Starting the dishwasher, I'm not surprised to feel his arm wrapped around me. "You cooked so someone else should do dishes. And you cooked too much, I know what I'm bringing for lunch tomorrow."

"Pack me some."

He whines, "We'll see. Depends on if I feel like sharing."

"Riley, are you and Lucas dating?"

Auggie really doesn't know when to not ask a question. Either way I'm frozen. I'm not breathing, or blinking. That's when I realize the position we're in. The reason why he asked me this question. One of his arms is draped around my shoulder, and that same arm pulled me so close that I'm resting my weight against him. Hands against his chest, and a smug Friar looking down on me.

How to get out of this situation. If I say no, he'll think I don't want that to be a possibility. And I obviously can't say yes. "Aug, go take a shower or something." Clearly frustrated that I didn't answer his question he frowns, "Actually you did your homework right?"

"Yeah. I'll go take a shower."

Note to self. Trying to wiggle myself out of Lucas Friar's grasp is pointless and a complete waste of precious energy. Don't even try. "Where are you going sweet cheeks?"

"Away from you."

"Hey, hold on. Calm down and quit your damn squirming." Silently I do as he asks and make eye contact with him. I won't let him see that my 10 year old brother successfully embarrassed me. I'll get him back later. Arching my brows, I urge for him to continue whatever it is he was wanting to say. "What's got you so antsy? You normally don't mind it when I hold you like this."

Glaring, I know he heard that question. I know he knows I'm embarrassed. Just. Ask. Get it out on the table. Just do it. Thanks Shia Labeouf for the inspiration, oh and I guess Nike too. "How long have you been flirting with me and I've been completely oblivious to it?"

Laughing to himself he only tightens his hold, "I'll tell you one day sweet cheeks. But for right now, I need you to answer a very important question."

"Uh huh, and what's that?" My playful words do nothing to hide the frustration hidden within them. Why can't he just give me a straight forward answer? He's a very straight forward man.

"Will you please…"Is he going to ask me on a date? He said he was flirting with me, it's a possibility. OMG! If he was flirting with me then that means I have a little hope. Right? My feelings could possibly be returned. Backtrack, did I just think 'OMG'? Someone punch me in the face. "Let me stay over tonight?"

Okay so maybe no date, but that's not so bad. "Yes you may."

"Fantastic my clothes are already in your room."

Jaw dropping, he has a tendency to be impulsive. As if he knows what I was going to say before he even asked me. "What if I had said no?"

"Then I'd sleep on the couch. But tonight, you'll have to refrain yourself from practically lying on top of me."

Glaring again, I stomp on his foot effectively releasing his grip on me. "You're a jerk."

"Good one sweet cheeks. Damn." Stalking off towards my room, I didn't even realize it was past 8 o'clock. We sat and talked at dinner for a good while. Only after Lucas told me with his eyes to loosen up. He knew I was processing his words, it's almost like he knows everything. I wonder why Maya hasn't called me.

Without hesitation I dial her up, I have to get the new details on the 'Robot Relationship'. "Hey Riles."

"Hey you never called me."

"Sorry, Smackle didn't answer at first and when she did she talked for an hour and then I had dinner with my mom. So no, I won't be over tonight."

Lucas jumps beside me on the bed and pulls my frame into his. My free hand fisting his cotton tee shirt, it was almost natural. "So how'd it go did Farkle take a giant leap for mankind?"

Giggling on the other side of the phone, it can't be bad news. "Yes and no. He basically said he didn't want anyone else to have her though. He asked her if she was seeing or talking to anyone else. When she said no, he told her to keep it that way. But in a nicer Farkley way."

Groan. "That's not fair. If he doesn't make it official soon than any other guy has every right to do so. He can't just call dibs. This isn't elementary school anymore."

The man beside me stiffens entirely. What's his deal? "I know peaches. I agree, you don't have to preach to the choir with someone who believes you. We need to smack some sense into him."

"I think that's a marvelous idea. Either way, I don't like his comment of 'keep it that way'. Whether or not it was in a joking tone, he has no claim on her. He can't prevent other guys from being interested, because technically she's single."

"We need to tell that to Farkle."

"He knows, he's just too afraid to ask her. Which is ridiculous they've been spending all their time together. You know what, why can't Smackle ask? It's the 21st century after all."

Maya laughs at me on the other line, "You're right it is the 21st century. She definitely could, but that's kind of a blow to a man's ego. And why don't you take your own advice. Ask him out Riley, what's the worst he could say?"

"I'm hanging up the phone now." I spew through gritted teeth. This is the moment where I pray he didn't hear my prying best friend. "Love you peaches, bye." Clicking the end button, I don't give her a chance to say goodbye. She'd spill the beans within a few seconds and not know any better. Glancing at Lucas, he seems to be lost in thought. Occasionally nibbling at his bottom lip. His eyes making small movements from left to right. Whatever it is he's thinking about he's using both sides of his brain, the reserved and creative side. Though his reserved side is extremely small and hardly ever present. He knows no stranger. "You okay?'

That seems to snap him back to reality, "Never been better sweet cheeks."

"RILEY!"

"Ugh, I'll be right back. Oh and by the way my brother doesn't know you'll be staying over… let's keep it that way." I leave the room before he says anything else and barge into Auggie's. "What's up buttercup?"

He groans, hating when I call him that. "What time do I have to go to bed?"

"Normal time. 9:30." I state, "No negotiations. I'm not going to throw off your sleep schedule. So you have approximately 30 minutes to do whatever you want."

Nodding in understanding he sits on his bed, "I'm sorry about earlier." He all but whispers, "I guess I didn't think about embarrassing you. I'm trying to get him to ask you on a date."

I should be mad, but how can I be? If you saw the look on his face, you'd understand. "Well Aug, let's leave that whole date thing between Lucas and I. I know you like him, he's your new role model and you want him around on a more permanent basis but we're friends. Okay? As long as Lucas and I are friends than nothing will change. He will still be like a leech." Joking I give him a hug, his dark curls still slightly damp from the shower he just took.

"So you want to stay friends with him?" He asks in disbelief.

Shrugging, "I don't know Aug. We've gotten really close over the past month and a half." I'm not going to tell my little bro I have feelings for someone. Even if he adores Lucas, which he does that's just an awkward conversation. Now that I think about it, even my dad was slowly becoming more and more comfortable with his presence when Josh wasn't around. "I'd hate to lose that."

"Yeah but, he likes you Riley. It's so obvious. And clearly you like him too. You both are pretty smart, you know a lot about the other person but it's like you are both oblivious to the looks and signals you give one another. Does he know that you used to hate all of the affection you saw other couples getting?"

"I was bitter." I whisper under my breath.

"Mhm." He doesn't know about Charlie and I'm not going to tell him so I don't elaborate. "All I'm saying is you two mesh together, like peanut butter and jelly. You don't mind his arm all over you all the time." Not like I'd have a choice in the matter either way, but he's right.

Rolling my eyes, I kiss his head. "Good night Auggie. Let's just drop it."

"I'm serious Riley."

Opening the door I give him a hard glance, silently telling him to stop talking. "So am I."

He doesn't-I mean he could. He said he was flirting with me, but ugh this is so frustrating. I need a girl's night soon. Opening the door to my bedroom, Lucas hasn't moved from his spot. Still devilishly handsome in a simple jeans and tee shirt combo. Noticing my entrance he stands up and stalks towards me, a lion after his prey almost. He intertwines our hands, his breath fanning across my face. Emerald orbs blazing into my chocolate brown. He's nibbling at his lip again. What's he doing? "Riley Matthews, will you go on a date with me?"

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

A/N: Guys I really appreciate all the posts asking me to update I truly do. I know I said I would update as soon as I write another chapter and this is me keeping my word though I haven't finished the chapter. I don't want to disappoint anyone so please understand, I have a husband a toddler who's favorite word is 'no' and a job along with so many other things.

So when I say I will try to upload again know that I mean it when I say 'try'.

NOW TO THE GOOD STUFF! MUAHAHAHAHA! I'm leaving you on a cliffhanger because i'm cruel and this is punishment to those who messaged me and were frustrated I haven't updated yet. TAKE THAT! LOL.

Love you guys.