SO I wrote this really rushed because I havent uploaded in forever. I'm so sosososo sorry. There is just a lot going on in my life right now, and I have to deal with so much. Seriously all this writing was and is the last thing on my mind. But i know some of you are waiting fro me to upload so i am. I hope you like it!
*Lucas Pov*
* Skip to thursday morning*
"Hart!" I called out to the small blonde whizzing past me her clothes stained with paint. I haven't seen her all day and this was my last chance to talk to her because I knew she had a spare after third on thursdays.
"Huckleberry! I got to go. I think i'm going to use my spare to take some pictures around Central Park today."
"Fun. That's um fun" I said speeding up to match her quick small strides.
"Yeah... Hee Haw get to the point. Why so anxious to see me?"
"Aren't I always?"
"Do I make you flustered?" She said with a flirtatious wink placing her hand on my forearm with a suggestive smile. This was the game Maya and I played and being a teenage boy this game was terrible. I hated it. She plays me like i'm putty in her hands but who wouldn't be. She was beautiful and insightful and amazing. But I could dish out just as well as she can. I would not give her the satisfaction of winning. I could rile her up just like she could get a rise out of me.
"Awh, babygirl you're the one who blushes and stutters around me." She snorts
"Oh please Friar, I don't blush."
"Yet." I whispered into her ear. She rolled her eyes stopping at her locker.
"I don't blush."
"I can make you blush" I told her confidently.
"Is that so?" I nodded,
"And how would you do that?" She leaned him up to be closer to my face. She was just up to my nose with her heels on. According to Farkle she was even shorter in middle school. I love it, she was completely adorable.
"The janitor's closet is down the hallway, How bout I show you instead of telling you?" I asked seriously, looking up and down her body. She chuckled biting her lip turning back to her locker.
"Not your best work, Friar."
"Trust me Maya, you won't be saying that after a couple hours with me -"
"Shut up" she interrupted with a punch and smile,
"Are you free this afternoon?"
"Yeah, why?"
"My future brother-in-law got me a couple tickets to the McKay art gallery opening tonight and I wondered if the Hart ladies would like to join me?'
"You want to take my mom and me to an art gallery?"she asked slowly, I nodded,
"Come on, it'll be fun!"
"Okay… i'll message my mom and see if she wants to join us."
"Make her join us, you know quality mother-daughter bonding time!"
"With you?" She said with a laugh. I grinned,
"Of course! I'm the definition of fun and quality mother-daughter bonding time."
"God, you're such a dork. Are you trying to win brownie points with the fake girlfriend's mom? Because my mom loves you."
"No! I'm just a nice guy, stop questioning my actions!"
"Yeah, Yeah nice guy, my ass. Do you want to come with me to take pictures?" I smiled
"Um sure. Can we stop by locker before we leave?"
"Of course. I've made you a rebel kid."
"How so?"
"You're skipping fourth!" I chuckled
"I've skipped before Maya."
"I know you were with me." She said with a wink
"So why going to Central Park for your stills?"
"I don't know, Central park is so done and tired. It's everyone's go to. I'm thinking of finding a new light to look at it in."
"I'm sure you will."
"You can be my muse!"
"Aren't I always?" She shook her head while laughing. We got our stuff and drove to Central Park. Maya was an excellent artist. She was able to capture the beauty in anything.
"Are you scared?" She asked, as she crouched to get a better angle to take a picture of a snail.
"Scared of what?"
"Going back home?"
"I am home"
"Okay huckleberry, going back to Texas."
"No I miss Texas.. it's just I'm not looking forward to see the people…"
"Oh please. I'm sure they all love you"
"Or are scared of me" she got up and looked at me with concern for a quick second before rolling her eyes and tugging at my arm and posing me against a tree to take a few shots.
"I seriously doubt they're scared of you" I heard the clicks of her camera. She didn't know me when I was , I didn't know me. I wasn't myself.
"You don't know that." She sighed, repositioning me.
"Lucas, You are not scary."
"Do you want me to tell you?" I asked in a few minutes
"Tell me what?"
"Why I got expelled." she bit her lip
"Do you want to tell me?"
"I think." she smiled
"Then I think I want to know" I smiled and nodded towards a bench. She followed sitting down next to me.
"Okay so when I was in 8th grade, I told you how quick I was to turn to anger. Zay was my best friend and at the time the only one who I felt had my back." She nodded placing her camera beside her on the bench.
"Zay has a big mouth and his big mouth gets him into trouble. He was talking to one of my buddies at lunch and this kid pushes past him. So Zay tells him to watch it. You know what he does he turns around and starts making fun of Zay's sister and Zay did what any brother would do. He socked him in the jaw."
"I can't see Zay punching anyone" she said softly, I chuckled
"Zay's in football! You've never seen him in fight?"
"Never outside the uniform."
"Yeah, well it's like brother code. You don't talk shit about a guy's sister in front of him"
"Oh please."
"No i am serious! Remember when Farkle tried to beat Mark up because of the shit he was saying to you?"
"Oh yeah… but still. Zay's so zay." I chuckled
"He's not too bad actually, very quick and agile"
"I could take him"
"I highly doubt that"
"Go back to the story"
"Okay so in Texas Zay and I didn't have the same lunch. So all this happened in third period and the kid beat Zay up, left him with a fractured shoulder. Vanessa ran into my class to tell me. I saw red. I left and beat the kid up. I ended up knocking out three of his teeth, breaking his nose and 2 ribs and fracturing another. This wasn't the first time. My parents had had it, the school expelled me and my family let them. We moved to New York the next fall."
"Where you found us." I smiled and turned to face her
"Where I found you."
"That's not too bad. Why'd you never tell anyone before?"
"Because I'm ashamed. That's not who I am."
"But it is. That will always be a part of you." I looked at her and chuckled nervously
"You're not making me feel better."
"I'm telling you the truth. Lucas, I don't care that you beat someone up. Your past will always be a part of you but that doesn't mean it dictates your future. Okay so you beat a few people up that doesn't mean you're to end up to be some sort of deadbeat or in jail"
"How do you know that?" I asked playfully
"Because you're great." She answered honestly. I felt a small smile appear on my face. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"You really are. You're too good to end up anywhere but the top. You make me want to be a better person. You make me feel like i mean something, that i can do great things and end up somewhere. That i'm not just a another loser with a deadbeat dad who left her."
"If people knew, they would think of me differently."
"And would that be a terrible thing? You changed. You went through that and now you're better because of it. If anything people would admire it." I chuckled
"I'm sorry have you met Riley?"
"Okay. Maybe Riley would freak out but she'd still love you the same. Plus it's kinda hot. I can see it. Shirtless bloody friar. Now that's a nice change of scenery"
"Now who is dreaming of who?" She laughed and we sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes.
"Maya?"
"Yeah?"
"You've already done great things." She smiled my favorite smile and got up.
"yeah , like make you my bitch." I laughed
" you wish I was your bitch, cause you know I'm kinda great."
"Ha you're so funny Friar. Tell anyone I said that and i will deny it."
"I better drop you off now so we have time to change."
"Um sure, what time are you picking us up?"
"Five." I dropped Maya off, went home changed my outfit. I was wearing beige formal pants. I tucked my black shirt into my pants and wore a simple black belt and blazer.
*Katy's pov*
I looked in the mirror I was wearing a simple plum dress.
"Damnn mom! You look good" I turn around to find my daughter, her hair up in a bun wearing a simple red dress.
"I feel like I'm crashing your date." I told her with a chuckle. She rolled her eyes
"It's not a date. I would never go out on a date with huckleberry"
"Never say never Hun"
"Trust me it's never" she looks down at her phone
"He's here"
And with that we were off. The Texan boy greeted me and my daughter in his big fancy car. I let Maya sit in the front and watched their light banter. I couldn't understand why they were so opposed to dating each other. They were perfect for each other. I hate that my life has taught Maya that love isn't stable, that love doesn't last. It was plain as day that these two liked each other but something was stopping them and I'm 95 percent sure it's Maya. Okay for sure my love life hasn't been the greatest. My boyfriend got me pregnant in college, I had my wonderful kid, got married and then got left. But I found Shawn.. I think… Maybe kicking him out wasn't the best idea. Ugh I always thought I taught Maya how to love and the power of it, I guess she isn't a dreamer but I know this boy looks at her as if she was his saviour. I watch as she places her hand on his knee as she laughs, how her eyes are brighter when he's around. Ever since Lucas came into her life there was something that changed, like her spark was relit, like she felt safe again. That's why they were perfect for each other… He saved her from herself and she saved him from himself.
"Miss Hart?" I shook myself away from my thoughts.
"Sorry sorry lost in thought! What are we talking about?" Maya shook her head with a smile while Lucas chuckled
"Nothing important, so anything new in your life ?" He asked politely. Of course it was politely, did he know how to be anything but polite?
"Katy," I corrected him
"And yes actually I was offered a new job" Maya turned around to look at me with surprise.
"What? Where?"
" at an office, as a secretary."
"You? a secretary?" She asked with disbelief
"I went to college for business, Maya"
"And she runs Topanga's. " Lucas added
" I don't know if I want it. I was never about the desk job,"
"So what are you about?"Maya asks
"Helping people, I love seeing happy people."
"Than why are you a waitress." I saw Lucas roll his eyes.
"Because you meet happy customers and new people everyday" he answered
"You know Katy, certain corporations do a lot for the community. Where were you offered the job?"
"Stagco"
"Yeah, they're an environmental company that makes sure protocol and stuff are followed I think… My dad works with them for certain projects. They're highly reputable"
"I'll talk to him about it but I don't know if I suitable for a desk job"
"You'll never know, you went to school to get a desk job" Maya pointed out
"I guess,"
*lucas POV*
Maya's mother decided to split at the art gallery, She said she likes to look at art by herself.
"You don't find these things boring?"
"Nope, I like trying to see what people have to say." Maya nodded, grabbing my hand, so she doesn't lose me in the crowd. I know it's a simple gesture and she would probably do it with any of her other friends but i can't help it. Her hand is perfect in mine.
"So your family is really taking the gang to Texas?"
"Yeah, I mean Zay's sister is one of the bridesmaids so he was going to go down anyway. And I mean I wanted you meet my family" I said with a wink, she rolled her eyes holding back a smile.
"And um I brought it up to my parents and they think it's a great idea. Farkle will stay with Zay and you can stay with me."
"That's the plan?"
"Yeah i mean Riley won't join us for a good three weeks, and Zay's family think it'll be fun if Zay brought a friend along."
"And when Riley does join us what happens?"
"She would most likely stay with us."
"Oh and what would happen when I don't know someone tells her we're dating."
"Shit i didn't think that far ahead."
"And what about Farkle?"
"What about him?"
"What are you going to tell him?"
"You mean what are we going to tell him" She groaned
"The shit i do for you"
"We can tell Farkle the truth. you're pretending to be my girlfriend."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"No, but I don't mind it"
"What do you mean?" What did I mean?
"I don't know, I just we aren't doing anything different,we're legit the same, just adding a label and hand-holding to the mix."
" I guess you're right"
"Does that mean we -" I was interrupted by Katy
"Hey kiddos should we get going? It's getting late"
" um yeah sure" Maya replied awkwardly
"I made dinner reservations at la Pomme"
"That's so sweet Lucas but you don't have to"
"I already have so we shouldn't waste it" maya rolled her eyes
"Mom just go with it, no point in trying to argue with him." I smirked down at the petite blonde
"She's right"
"Alright alright, but you two have school tomorrow so we make dinner quick."
"Yes, ma'am" We walked down the block to the restaurant.
"Hey um party of Friar." I told the lead us to our table and I sat down next to Maya. we chatted for a few minutes before Shawn arrived.
"Sorry I'm late. New York is not an easy place to drive in" I watched the two blonde ladies look at each other and then back at Shawn in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" Katy asked Shawn with confusion as he took a seat next to her.
"What does it look like i'm doing? I'm having dinner."
"No I um I see that. why are you here?"
"Once again Katy i'm here for dinner. I want food." I felt Maya's hand reach for mine. I looked down at her, she was biting her lip watching the scene unfold in front of her.
"I thought you were going to Florida."
"I was."
"Than why are you here?"
"God damn it Katy. I'm here for dinner."
"But your job."
"I choose you over my job"
"What if you lose your job?"
"I'm willing to take that gamble" I watched katy roll her eyes in irritation.
"Look Maya,Your mother means a lot to me." Maya nodded slowly
"And you mean a lot to me. I see myself in you and i've only known you for a year but i feel like you're my own kid." He continued looking at maya, and slowly standing up from his got down on one knee and i heard both the women at the table gasp I stood up taking my phone out to videotape reached into his pocket as he took at the ring's box.
"Katy,I am madly, truly, and passionately in love with you. I believe that if we're lucky enough to have found each other in the first place, we're worth betting on for life. Will you take that gamble with me?" He then turned his head to look at maya
"Will you let me your dad?" Katy looked at maya who was now standing next to me. She had a small smile on her face giving her mom a small nod.
"Yes." katy said softly
"Yes" she repeated with more assurance. He chuckled placing the ring on her ring finger and leaning up to give her a kiss.
"Do you wanna get dinner somewhere else?" Maya whispered to me.
"Do you?" I whispered back, she nods
"Okay then. This place was too flashy for me anyways" she smiled up at me
"Hey guys!" The newly engaged couple turned to look at us
"Lucas and I are going to hit the road."
"Yeah, seems like this dinner would be good to be a private thing"
"Plus I want a messy burger" Maya added with a chuckle. She walked around the table and placed a kiss on their cheeks and walked back to me
"Have a goodnight guys, I'll drop her off after dinner"
"Alright, thank again man." I gave shawn a handshake and Katy a quick hug . With that Maya and I were back on the street.
"Did that just happen?" I chuckled
"Yes,yes it did"
"And you knew?"
"Yeah, he um called me yesterday, asking me to help."
"And you helped?"
"Yeah, I mean I was more than honored to be asked to help."
"That means a lot"
"For me too" I said with a smile,
"So Huckleberry, I wasn't kidding about the burger. Mami needs to get some food in her"
"We can find a diner and Mami?"
"Yeah, I love it! It makes me feel hot." I rolled my eyes
"And papi is the best."
"Absolutely not, that's a deal breaker"
"Why? What the fuck? That's sexy"
"You're basically calling the guy you would have sex with your dad."
"Daddy issues" she said with a wink
"I'm not even going to dignify that with a response" she laughed
"But you just did" we found a small diner near the end of of the street
"Wow it's crowded"
"Yeah considering it's a thursday night. Is there even any place to sit?"
We looked around the crowded area.
"How about with them?" Maya said pointing to an older couple"
*Maya POV*
"Um okay, if you want." We walked up to the old couple sitting in the booth.I loved old people, they told great stories and gave great advice. My grandma died a couple years ago and i guess i really really really miss her.
"Hello folks, do you mind if we join you?" Lucas asked his texan drawl getting deeper as if to charm the old couple. He knew it would work, it always did. Him with his stupid dimples and stupid accent.
"Of course kids" the man said
"I'm Angela and this is Jack" the kind-looking old woman introduced. I slid in sitting next to her as Lucas sat in front of me.
"I'm Maya and this is Lucas" I told them
"So what are two well dressed teens doing at a grease bucket like this."
"We um, her mom and boyfriend just got engaged and we wanted to give them space" he told them as a waitress walks up to us.
"Hey Ang, JacK. how are you today!"
"Good good" jack answered
"So what can i get the newcomers?"
"I'll get a BLT with fries" Lucas told her with a smile
"Hmm i don't know, i just want a messy burger. Surprise me!"
"Can we also get two strawberry milkshakes ?" Lucas asks her
"Of course!" The waitress told him, before turning around and walking back to the kitchen.
"How old are you two?" Angela asked us
"Sixteen"
"Seventeen" we said at the same time
"Remember when we were sixteen" Jack asked his wife with a chuckle
"How could I forget? Young love, the best kind." I smiled
"You've been together since you were sixteen?" I asked
"We've been together since we were twelve" Jack answered
"That's amazing" Lucas said, I nodded
"Well love is amazing, One thing you should never stop looking for, and once you find never let it go" Jack told us
"How do you know if it's worth not letting go?" I asked
"You don't. You fight for it and if it's meant to be it'll last. You'll find a way and if it's not you lost one battle and continue to fight the war." Angela said as the waitress placed our food on the table.
"What if you can't fight? What if you did and you ruin it's not worth it" Lucas said
"Why is anything worth fighting for? Love isn't about the perfect person for you, it's about the person who makes you feel the most." Jack told him I looked at Lucas. I watched him sigh and lean back in his seat. He bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair before his gaze met mine. I looked back down at my plate. She got me a sloppy joe. I took a bite.
" Yumm" I moaned. The three at the table chuckled.
"I got a large fries because i know for a fact that you say you don't want any but will end up eating it all" Lucas told me, I smiled
"Thanks huckleberry" i leaned over stealing the fries from his plate
"So how long have you been together?" Angela asked with a knowing smile on her face.
"Oh we um we aren't" Lucas answered
"And why is that?" JAck asked him
"Um well, i'm her best friend's ex-boyfriend" he said with a small smile that didn't seem to reach his eyes. Her best friend's ex-boyfriend. Is that the only reason we weren't together? Best friends ex boyfriend. That's what he was, that's what he will always be. God this pretending to be his girlfriend thing is messing with my brain.. I don't like him. I never will. He doesn't like me. He never will.
"Well if that's all you were, why are you two together here. Doesn't really seem like you're just her best friends ex-boyfriend" Angela said with a sweet giggle.
"We're friends"
"Always have been" Lucas added
" And we're good at it"
"Very good" he agreed
"So are you both with anyone?" We shook our heads
" I've been told that i am emotionally unavailable"
"And I'm not looking for anything right now"
"Not looking or can't have?" Jack asked with a smirk. He looked at me and then back at Jack and bit his lip
"Um a little bit of both" and with that the topic was changed. We spent the next hour listening to war stories, and exciting trips. They taught us about love, and gave small advices on life.
"We should go," Lucas told me
"Yeah you're probably right. It was nice meeting you two" i told them as i got up
"If you ever miss us, show up here. We basically live here." I laughed and gave angela a small hug
"Will do."
"And remember what I told you son" Jack said as he shaked his hand
"I won't forget. Thank you both. Have a good night."
We went out to the sweet spring weather. The night was already out, shining bright illuminating the sky with stars.
"Shawn and your mom are still at dinner."
"Damn, it's already 10:30"
"Time flies"
"What did Jack tell you?"
"Oh nothing important, he was just asking me to consider something as you went to bathroom."
"What'd you consider."
"You'll find out one day"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, I don't want to talk about it." Why was he acting weird of all of a sudden
"Okay then… Riley was telling me how you don't want to be vet anymore."
"Yeah, i don't. I want to make a difference."
"And you will."
"You think so?"
"Well if you don't, who will?"
"Good point" his phone started to ring
"Hey Farkle!... UM no i'm just dropping Maya off at home… I had dinner with her…. I'll call my brother and see if I can come over after i drop her off… yeah man… You sure?... Okay okay i'll show up in a bit. Bye" I raised an eyebrow at him
"He needs to talk about something, and he wouldn't tell me what it was about. I'm guessing it's about Riley or Smackle."
"Hm that makes sense. I still can't believe that happened"
"I know poor guy" We walked for a bit got into his car and listened to the music all the way to my house. We both got out of the car and I took a seat on the front steps and looked up at him. He sat down next to me and I looked at the floor.
"Thank you."
"I didn't do anything"
"Thank you for being here."
"Always."
"Don't make promises you can't keep"
"What if I intend on keeping it."
"Then i'd want to believe you."
"Then you should. I'd like that very much."
"But I can't"
"Yet, i will make you believe Maya." i looked up to face him. His eyes were bright and full of promise.
"Riley and Farkle have been trying for years."
"And you believe them. Whether you admit it or not you have faith in Riley and Farkle. You have faith in art and music. You have faith in your mom, shawn,cory topanga auggie even Josh. You're allowed to have faith in people and things without being scared."
"You're going to stay?"
"For as long as you'll let me." I bite my lip and scrunched my nose up
"I think I like I having you around" he smiled and leaned in
"Not as much as I like being around." I looked away with a smile. I feel like we did this a lot. One of us would lean in, close enough and take pause. Welcoming the other to close the distance, it never happened but it was always so close. Way too close. I don't think I would stop him if he did kiss me and that's what scares me the most about him. I wouldn't say no. Through all our banter i think we were serious sometimes.
"Oh I just remembered! I got you something!" He said jumping up from his spot
"Did you now?"
"Yeah, okay so when my sister was 14 she lost her charm bracelet and she was so upset. She told me something about carrying all her best memories around with her. So there was a pandora shop next to the jewelry shop where shawn and I went in to to get the engagement ring! So I thought I would go in and get you a charm because tonight was a memorable day."
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"I saw a puppy charm that reminded me of Riley so I got her that, and then I remembered you didn't have a charm bracelet so I got you a bracelet with a few charms!" He dug into the pocket of his crisp blazer and pulled out a black satin box, the word Pandora gracefully printed on top. He handed me the box with a small smile. It was pretty. A beautiful silver with four charms.
"It's beautiful Lucas. I can't accept this. " it was gorgeous but probably expensive. He shrugged shaking his head
"You have to keep it, it's of no use to me."
"It's so expensive"
"It's not, don't worry" he took his place next to me on the step again.
"Do you want to know what the charms mean?" He asked softly, I nodded my eyes still glued to the box inhibiting my bracket.
"Well, the pallet is supposed to represent your talent and hope. The red bubble is supposed to represent passion, the sapphire stone because it's your birthstone, and the ring because of the chance of you completing your family. "
I turned to find him already looking at me intently, a half smile in place his green eyes shining with something that I couldn't place. This time I leaned in and he followed. He was going to close the gap and i wasn't going to stop him. I felt his hand move to tangle with my hair. I grabbed his blazer pulling his upper body closer. I felt his hot breath, not on my neck or by my ear but directly above my lips. His lips brushing up against mine but not enough contact to be a kiss. I knew what he was doing, he was giving me the choice. He was giving me the power to break the barrier we put up known as "just friends"and i was going to do it. I wanted to do it. I wanted him. I wanted a Chance.
"Are we interrupting something?" I whipped to face the voice to find Shawn and my mom looking back at us with amused expressions and smirks. Lucas drops his hand and gets up awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. The two adults in front of us chuckle at our uncomfortableness.
"No, no i was just leaving"
"Take your time sweetie. Goodnight" my mom says as she walk past us and through the apartment doors making her way to the lobby.
"Thank you for all your help son,goodnight" Shawn said patting his back and following my mom inside. I groaned internally. I know i'm going to hear it the minute i get inside.
"So.." i said awkwardly. I knew the moment we just had would be forgotten and never spoken of chuckled dropping his arms and looking down at me before the corners of his pulls up into a smirk.
"I just made you blush." I laughed. This was just another thing we did. Everytime we get close to breaking the barrier we put up we joke and act as if nothing happened. That's just what our relationship was. Two friends, that flirted way too much, full of unsaid things, heavy promises, and almost kisses. Almost. That's all we were. Almost. I stood up and he took his keys out of his pocket.
"Goodnight maya, sleep well."
"Goodnight Lucas." I smile brightened
"You called me Lucas." I walked up the stairs then turned to face him.
"I always knew your name. After all i like you very much." He smiled a bit sadly, and nodded before turning to walk to his car.
*Lucas POV*
I drove to Farkle's house feeling weird. I almost kissed maya and to my understanding she wasn't opposing. Maya doesn't like guys like me. She likes the mysterious types. She likes the carefree reckless types. And i'm not that type. I shouldn't even think about her in that way. She's my ex's best friend. She would never go out with me anyway. Sometimes, it seems like she would. Ugh I hate Maya for making me doubt things like this. Why couldn't life be simple. I should be happy with riley. The clumsy one with the shy smiles and a perfect life. Not the warm-hearted one with rough edges trying to put her broken pieces back together. I should be with Riley. I should need RIley. I should want Riley. But I don't. I want Maya. hell, she was ripped at every edge… But she was a masterpiece. NOthing less than great.
"Hey man, thanks for coming"
"Np problem you okay?'
"Yeah,yeah. UM how was your date with maya?"
"It wasn't a date"
"You just casually went out to dinner like that"
"Nono we went to an art gallery before having dinner with Shawn and Katy" He raised his eyebrows but didn't continue that line of questioning.
"So um i need your help."
"Yeah, I figured. What help do you need from me?"
" I need to figure out if I like riley in way more than just friends" I wasn't sure where he was going with this.
"And what do I do?"
"I need you tell her you don't like her like that."
"What?"
"I can't figure out if I like her if you're still in the picture." I nodded. That made sense.
"Okay I can do that."
"But do you want to?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you still like riley?"
"I don't. I don't want to be anything other than friends."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, farkle. I'm positive."
"I feel like i'm asking you to do something big" I chuckled. He looked worried.
"Farkle, buddy, You're allowed to feel what you need to feel.I'm your best friend. If you like Riley then you like riley. That wouldn't change anything between us."
"Thank you Lucas." I smiled and gave him a hug.
"No problem, I have a quick meeting tomorrow morning, I'll pick you up a bit later than usual for school."
"Alright! Thanks again Lucas. See you tomorrow."
*the next day*
"She has a nice ass" I overheard Daniel say to Billy who nodded.
"Who?" I asked joining my football friends.
"Your girl." Billy answered with a chuckle, I rolled my eyes
"I'm single Billy." I looked around and saw near the end of the field Maya, Riley and Sarah were conversing.
"Are you and Hart fucking?" Daniel asked me seriously
"Maya? And Me? No completely platonic."
"Do you want to fuck her?" Billy starts laughing at Daniel questions
"Yeah, who wouldn't. Look at her."I answered honestly
"So why haven't you?" Billy asked
"Probably because I had a thing with her best friend."
"That was forever ago." Billy said. I shrugged.
"I respect her to much for just a fling."
"So you like her?" Billy asked. I shook my head no. He looked unconvinced.
"I'll give you twenty bucks if you go and slap her ass right now" Daniel offered
"He won't do it. Maya would kill him." Billy countered. He had a point, she probably would but it could be pretty funny.
"Nah, I'll do it." I took my towel off my shoulders and wrung it tightly as I walked up to the group. Maya and Riley's backs were facing me. I took the towel and whipped it down so it would slap her. THWAP it was louder than i expected it to be, and i'm guessing it hurt. Her hands flew to her ass before turning to face me.
"OW WHAT THE HELL FRIAR?" I chuckled
"Oh man, I'm sorry it was an accident." She rolled her eyes, before looking me up and down. She made a motion telling me to come closer. I bent down leaning in to her.
"That hurt" she whispers, i pout
"I'm sorry. Do you want me to kiss it better?" i ask her. She raises an eyebrow and smiles
"Careful Friar, i might take you up on that offer."
"I'd be happy to oblige ma'am"She giggles, before leaning away and putting her arm around Riley.
"Where's ZAy?"Riley asks
"Still in the shower." I tell her
"Okay, um how bout you and Maya go pick up farkle and i'll wait for zay and we can all meet up at lunch?" I looked at her weird , but i'm guessing she wanted to talk to him
"Um okay, see later Riles. Bye sarah!"
"Yeah bye girls!" Maya said as she walked away with me. Shit I forgot to tell Riley. Tonight, i'll tell her tonight.
*Zay Pov*
"Hey Riles! Where's The rest of the gang?" I said walking out of the change room.
"I told them to go to the bakery, I was going to wait for you"
"And is there any reason you decided to wait for me?"
"Um yeah, you are the only one acting normal now a days"
"Me? Normal?"
"Well as normal as zay can be?" I chuckled
"What's on your mind riles?"
"Nothing. Why do think something's on my mind?"
"You called me normal. And plus you're playing with your friendship ring."
"You'd tell me the truth right? We're best friends and best friends tell each other everything right?"
"Yeah.. I guess. RIley where are you going with this?"If she starts talking about Lucas or Maya you need to change subject. Because i can't snake my brother. God damn it why does Lucas have to be such an idiot.
"Okay good because. I don't know i feel like lately everyone's been hiding something. I think there's something going on between Farkle and Smackle that he's not telling us." I sighed with relief
"Riley, maybe Farkle's just dealing with his own thing right now. When he's ready to talk i'm sure he will."
"You're right. I'm just worried. He means a lot to me."
"I know, he means a lot to all of us." she nods slowly. We continue to walk slowly to my car.
"Lucas and I are over aren't we?" i coughed. I was not armed to answer this question.
"I'm not Lucas riley I don't know."
"But you can tell can't you. He's not interested."
"Are you?" she thought about it for a moment
"Yes. I feel the same way about him from the start."
"Why?"
"I don't know. He makes me happy?"
"You don't sound to sure"
"I just. I don't know how i would take it if i heard him tell me we're completely over"
"Sometimes, that's all you need to hear."
"Did that make it better for when you and vanessa broke up?" I chuckled dryly
"No riley, you and lucas didn't have what vanessa and i had. Sometimes Riley relationships just get you ready for the next person. Move on from him because even if he doesn't tell you it's over, he doesn't love you the way he thinks he does. Use what you had with him to make the what you have with right guy magical."
"I guess not seeing you guys for the summer might be a good thing"
"yeah , i guess. Riley sometimes the person you need is right in front of you" And he was…