Hey lovlies! I decided since i made you guys wait such a crazy amount of time for the last chap. I'd cram and start this chapter today.

This chapters slightly longer than the previous one, but i hope yall don't mind that. There's gonna be a couple of notes afterwards so read the notes at the end please :) You wont regret it.

For this chapter I decided to give Maya some angst free moments. She deserves some happiness, so there's going to be quite a few cute sisterly moments between Maya and Riley mostly throughout this chapter and out of courtesy to the reviews some fluff is in store ;)

Thank You So much for all the reviews I really appreciate all of your commentaries and they really do make my day, so I hope you guys enjoy!

Let me Know what you think.

~Gen


Chapter 6: I missed You

Maya's POV:

"Wakey Wakey!" Ava's sharp voice broke through the paper-thin walls of the Mathews apartment. Two feminine groans coming from inside of their guest bedroom and another much more distant from someone within the kitchen(most likely Tapanga). At reveal of my sudden company I turned to see Riley lying beside me almost falling to the floor looking like absolute death.

"When did you come in here?" I asked, groggily to my best friend.

"SHHH!" She said sharply. Wincing. "Too. Loud. Too. Early. Riely no talky" She grunted into her pillow nearly suffocated herself with the force she shoved her face into it. I began to chuckle at her antics before my own head began to throb something awful.

"Ugh!" I groaned, " Agreed"

"Shh" Riley mumbled as her hand mushed my face, "Shhh! Sleep, Peaches"

My eyes began to droop and a nice relaxed- or as relaxed as you can get with a massive hangover- wave came over me as I began to drift off.

"LOOKS LIKE THESE GIRLS CAN"T HOLD THEIR LIQUOR" Four eyes snapping open as Riley and I saw the other wince at the bang of the door against the wall and the high pitched voice of Auggie's more than slightly annoying girlfriend.

That's when magic happened and despite the migraine the laughs bubbled out of me like a highly under the influence jester.

In all the years that I have known Riley Matthews she has always been the most composed between us two. Hardly ever swearing and never rude. She was- to a T- very mature since a young age.

...But? My mind practically laughed. Hungover Riley was my absolute favorite Riley in the entire world. Filter and rudeness be damned!

The moment her head reared back to look at the small girl at the door she.Completely. Flipped.

"What!? Do you have a fucking microphone permanently switched "on" lodged inside of your trachea!?" She shouted. "Have some form of decency, Ava. Don't you have a home of your own? Take Auggie there! Do SOMETHING other than wake me the fuck up! Or so help me, I swear I'll go searching through your throat for that forsaken microphone. I swear I will! Right until I have something to give as my contribution to society" She heaved, absolutely livid. Topanga's voice once again being heard somewhere in the dining area, "I'd for sure appreciate it" Causing me to just lose it. Falling off the bed as I laughed and gasped out, "I love hungover Riley!"

"You, hush" She told me sharply falling back into the covers, this time actually attempting to smother herself with a pillow.

What a way to wake up.


After such a wonderful wake-up call. A frightened and very offended Ava stormed out of the apartment, along with a furious Auggie running after her. Topanga made Riley and I the most disgusting home remedy for a hangover I've ever been subjected to soon afterwards. I mean, come on. Raw eggs and Orange juice cocktail? Don't forget the sucking of a pickled plum. Riley looked even worse as she drank her mother's' peculiar cure. But neither of us could deny the effect it had not 25 minutes afterwards.

No longer agitated Riley nervously bit at her nails. Looking utterly guilty.

"Do you think I should apologize to Ava? I think I should apologize to Ava. I shouldn't have been so harsh" She rambled staring at the wood of the table. "Auggie's got to be so upset with me. I'm gonna apologize" I groaned.

"Riiileey" I whined. "Can't I at least shower first. I mean, It's not like you were lying about the mic or anything" I laughed.

"Maya, stop being evil." Corey's voice rang into the room. Placing a kiss on all three of our heads smirking and sending me a wink. They knew I was only joking no matter how freaking funny it had been initially, she was still just a kid, and a happy Auggie was an Auggie we all favored. Over the years I built up his pranking Technics and I feared what it would feel like to be at the receiving end of his shenanigans. I didn't doubt the extremes he would go to for Ava. Or the anger he probably felt towards his sister for upsetting her.

"I'm kidding! I'm Kidding!" I defended, trying to lighten the mood. "How about we shower and wash off all the alcohol smell from our skin then head to Ava's so you can apologize? Then We'll go shopping and get all dolled up before Lucas's Promotion thing on Thursday?" I asked looking at Riley.

"Yeah. Yeah sure. Sounds like a plan" She didn't look any more relieved than moments before. Too guilty to think clearly.

"Okay good. You go first" I suggested. Hoping it would calm her nerves.

Nodding, she stood and walked to her room, I'd imagine to get her essentials. She was far too good for her own good. And it worried me. She worries herself far too much and it's more than unnerving. Maybe I'm just too protective of her. Or maybe I was becoming paranoid. But something was telling me there was more than just her guilt towards Ava that was bothering her. I just needed to find out what


At Ava's:

"Just calm down, Riles. They'll forgive you. Just say sorry and explain that you had one hell of a headache and that mic just blew you ov-" I crackled as she slapped my arm.

"Maya, stop it!"

"Okay, okay I'm done. I'm done. I promised" Holding in a laugh.

She raised her hand to knock when I let out a rather large snort. I slapped a hand against my mouth, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I swear, I'm done!" I smiled as a compromise. Both of us knowing I couldn't settle for anything less. Her hand rose again knocking firmly this time before Auggie answered the door. His face instantly turning cold.

"What do you want, Riley?"

"I just want to say sorry, Aug. Honest!"

A silence fell over the hall and the threshold as Auggie contemplated on letting us in. After about 30 seconds I got impatient.

"Yeah! Sure! We would love to come in. Wouldn't we Riley?" I say sarcastically.

"Maya" she hissed as I pushed Auggie aside making my way into Ava's empty loft. Finding her on her couch actually looking... sad.I have to admit I did feel bad as soon as I saw the dry tear streaks painting her cheeks.

"Oh, Ava" Riley said softly moving closer into the living room. "I'm so sorry, honey. I should have never said such horrible things to you. You're not to loud. You're perfect-"

"Don't lie to me, Riley. I know that I'm loud, okay?" she interrupted. "I just am. There's nothing I can do to change that. It's how I am. You don't have to like it. Or me for that matter, but there was no reason for you to be so demeaning."

"I know, I'm so very sorry, Ava. I swear I do like your loudness. And I love you. You've been part of the family since you were five years old. How could I not. I was just really really hungover and i'll do anything to make it up to you" She promised.

Auggie and I stood off to side, shamelessly watching the conversation unravel sharing looks every now and then.

"Anything?" She asked, raising a single blonde eyebrow.

Auggie and I sharing a final look before my day went to shit.

Around two hours later:

"How did this even happen,Riley!?" I whisper yelled in the dressing room, "How did you talk me into this!?" I was literally pulling my hair out pacing back and forth as Ava skipped around the store looking for another outfit. Riley and I hiding in the dressing rooms needing a freaking minute!

"This was the only way she would forgive me, Maya." Riley tried.

"Riley! She's arguing with a seven year old!" Pulling back the curtain slightly, I pointed harshly towards the spastic 14 year old holding some sort of spat with a child by the Graphic T section. I have no idea how I was dragged into this. Not that I didn't like Ava. I did. She was entertaining to be around but there was just so much I could take.

"It's just- She was so upset, Maya. And I did say 'anything'" I ran another hand through my tangled mess of curls.

"And besides she's going to Lucas's Promotion thing too. She might as well have tagged along with us to do all this stuff. And I wasn't gonna let you out of this. I've missed you and we are getting our nails done and getting hot dresses together, 'cause you live in California, I never get to see you and I miss my best friend" She confessed in a 'I mean business' tone. My annoyance disappearing gradually as she spoke, "I missed my sister"

"Oh!" I groaned, "You just had to use the sister card" She smiled as if saying, "Duh".

"Fine" I sighed, "let's go pay for these dresses" Walking out of the dressing rooms, arms linked together.

As the next hour went by I found myself actually enjoying Ava's company. I had said the girl was funny. She was just too much sometimes. But so was I. Who the hell was I to judge. So she was loud. I was emotionally crippled. Didn't mean we were bad people. Especially if either of us were able to make Riley Matthews laugh the way she was surrounded by pretentious snobs at the local salon.

All in all. I was having a great time. And so thankful for it too. After the last few days with Josh and all the lingering pain left after all those years, spending a day with Riley and Ava felt… good… Healthy. It wasn't the same as when I was at Cali. Ignoring any thought I would have of him. Burying him into the back of my mind. Here now with my girls, I felt more than distracted. I felt like I was home.

Oops, I did it again

I played with your heart, got lost in the game

Oh baby, baby

Oops, you think I'm in love

That I'm sent from above

I'm not that innocent

"Ooo, It's Auggie. I'll be back, guys" Ava scurried off outside, holding her phone carefully as to not ruin her nails. Smiling as bright as the sun, as soon as she saw his a name flash onto her screen.

"You know. She's really not that bad." Riley said softly.

"Yeah, I know" I replied

"I worry about her though. Have you ever notice her parents are like never there", She said suddenly.

"Yeah. You ever think that's why she's so loud? If I lived in such a big empty place I'd probably be unsure how volume cues worked too. I mean, she's always alone when she comes over even when she was little"

"Hmmm" I could see, that although this conversation held meaning, the truth behind it was to distract me from the big picture. The taboo name. The he-who-shall-not-be-mentioned. And while guilt ate at my insides for it, I couldn't help but be grateful.

"I'm back!"

"Ya sure are" I joked, before she stuck her tongue out at me.

We laughed and it was so easy. I was breathing so easy. And I loved the taste of the oxygen reaching my lungs. I hadn't lived this simply in a very long time and I couldn't be happier.

I guess my day didn't go to shit after all.


"Hey girls" Auggie said moments before Ava threw herself into his arms, sharing a quick kiss before diving headfirst into a tale of everything they had done.(Even though 3 phone calls transpired between the two in the 5 hour extravaganza)

Riley laughed as I quietly looked away heading for the kitchen.

"Umm, Maya?" I looked up to Corey raising a brow, asking "what?"

"Err-"

"I believe he's attempting to tell you that i'm here" his voice came in. Clear as a bell. My heart clenching and the padlock clicking around it. Here goes.

"Hello, Josh" I said coolly. I was determined to be mature. I could feel the tension between Corey and his younger brother the moment I looked between because our relationship was a bit on the rough side didn't mean that I had a right to tear any portion of this family apart. Regardless of how it made me feel. I had decided last night. Albeit in my drunken haze and vomit induced mindset, that I was going to make an effort to be civil. I loved this family far too much to cause a rift.

A rift I could already see beginning to develop between Josh and both Corey and Riley. I was not going to let it get any worse.

"Hey, Gorgeous" He breathed. And I was reminded of all those times, years ago when that very tone would have diluted my mind to believe that he could somehow feel something deeper for me and I hated the race my heart did at the onslaught of memories banging against it's cage. Desperate to be broken free.

He moved closer towards me. The entire room coming into a dead silence. He held flowers in his hand and I tilted my head to the side. Are those for me?

"Uhh, I remembered that you once said you like orchids so I thought I'd bring some… for- yo-you" He stuttered. I internally damned him for making it sound so freaking cute. I reached a hand to grab the bouquet.

"Flowers remind me of death" His mouth opening and closing for several beats, before I let out a quick laugh.

"I'm joking,Josh." He breathed a sigh of relief, smiling.

I walked closer to him. Ignoring the rush of my heart. Praying that he couldn't hear it. Close enough now that only he could hear me speak as everyone around made fake small talk around us.

"This doesn't mean I forgive you, Josh. First, 'cause flowers? Really? Their beautiful but cliché." I said trying to lighten the mood, "Second, things between us will never just be...okay or fine or… But what it will be is civilized for our family. They're mine too and i'm not causing a break between you and any of them. So no more 'Hey, Gorgeous'. Okay?" I said lightly. Stepping back to find a vase.

"Maybe we can try friends!" He said promptly, hands wrapping around my wrist softly. "M-Maybe just friends...please, Maya" I felt my eyes clenched tightly as I breathed. And he gradually let go of my wrist.

"Friends" I tried the taste on my lips, " I.. I can… I can try that." I said finally. He smiled big. Moving closer. "Can friends hug?"

"I-I don't know, Josh"

"Come on Maya. Just one hug. I know it's been… rough" He struggled to find a word, " But I have missed you. It's just a hug." I paused for several minutes. His eyes hopeful.

"Just one" A whispered raising my pointer finger in front of our faces as emphases.

Before I knew what was happening I felt a warm tantalizing limb wrap around my waist pushing my head against his chest with his other. The deep breath of his cologne I took was uncontrollable. He was just so warm. And it felt so good.

"I missed you, Maya" Josh murmured against my ear. Snapping me out of it as I pulled back. Forcing a smile and walking back towards the kitchen.

Vase, just think about finding a vase, Maya.

I breathed heavily as I filled one with water. Calming my nerves. Ignoring the tingle of being so close and the sudden desperate desire to run away.

You did the right thing, Maya. You did the right thing. It became my mantra. You did the right thing. I kept saying it till it started to sound real.

"Hey, M? You good?" Lucas asked. I hadn't realized when he'd gotten here, but figured it was long enough to witness my 'chat' with Josh.

"Yeah" I smiled.

"I'm here, if anything" He said, kissing my hairline.

"Thanks, Huckleberry" I laughed- Genuinely this time.

"Sure thing, Short-stack"


Sometime later the evening turned into somewhat of a party of sorts. Farkle and Smackle making an appearance with an announcement of an upcoming doctor's appointment to see if Smackle was indeed "Gravid". Everyone aside from Smackle, Auggie and Ava enjoying a bear around the T.V, talking and just enjoying being with each other. Lucas sat between Riley and I, a protective arm slung behind us both. I found it funny how he thought I didn't notice it or the dirty looks that he shot in Josh's direction. But I kept my comments and thoughts to myself, knowing Lucas wasn't a fan of taking sides and i wouldn't make him feel guilty for doing just that. Lucas's eyes weren't the only ones causing me concern. I could feel Josh's eyes stare at me from his corner of the room as the evening wore on but I didn't allow him to know I was aware either. That is before I finally had enough.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked him while everyone was engaged in one of Corey's crazy 'Young Topanga' stories.

I honestly didn't expect his reply, "I'll tell you later, M".

Eyes wide I stared right back. Not knowing what to even think, let alone what to say. And before I could even formulate something intelligible for human ears aside from 'ummm',the door slammed open and a deep voice caused everyone to look in that direction. "What? You guys started without me?" (A/N: Anyone recognize which episode this quote is from? See bottom afterwards for additional notes for it)

"Zay!" I shrieked surprised. Standing abruptly. Before I knew what was happening he went through with greeting everyone then making his way towards me. His arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me impossibly close. "There's my girl." He laughed.

"Hey baby!",he smiled widely, " I missed you". His lips finding mine as proof. Lips moving with mine in a familiar rhythm.

Moments later, allowing me to breath I whispered back,breathless. Eyes soon meeting Josh's hazel ones from across the room.

"...I missed you too,sweetie"


Hey Lovlies!

I hope you liked this chapter. I was trying for a different form of writing let me know in the comments your opinion on the change and ANYTHING else. ;)

If im able to get up to 12 new reviews before 12 tomorrow night promises of MayaXJosh fluff will be in the very near future. Yay!

Also, if you're interested, I thought it would be fun to do an exclusive one-shot of your choosing in dedication to the first person who PM's me and tells me what episode the quote Zay says is from.

Quote: "What? You guys started without me?"

Hint: Zay himself says it. Also, its from season 2.

If you think it may be fun, definitely try it.

Lastly, let me know what you guys think Riley's secret is.

Okay, thanks guys! Its Genesis at 3:30 morning signing off! lol

Love you all! :D

~Geni