Chapter 6: Girl Meets Requests
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or settings of Girl Meets World. I do, however, own the character of Remigius "Remy" Bellamy. I seek no profit from this act of fiction, merely recognition from the community of readers. Thanks to all who have followed and favorited this. It means a lot. This chapter will have the most musical references, but no complete songs. Now, I hope everyone enjoys the Winter Formal.
The air had grown cold as December set in. Like the last bite of a crisp apple reveals the meatless core, the brisk autumnal weather had given way to the bitter cold of winter frost. The branches of the trees in the parks were barren, the leaves having drifted away on the final gusts of fall, and snow loomed in the clouds that blanketed the sky.
[I had a dream so big and loud. I jumped so high I touched the clouds. Wo ho oh ho oh oh.]
The upbeat tune rang out from Riley Matthews cellphone, her alarm for that morning. To the bubbly young lady that particular alarm only meant one thing...it was the Saturday of the Thomas Jefferson High School Winter Formal. "This is gonna be the best day of my life." She beamed as she sat up in her bed and stretched.
It had been 3 weeks since Lucas had asked her to be his date, and one week since she, Maya, and Smackle went dress shopping at Demolition. It was an amazing girl's day as they helped each other pick out flattering dresses. She hadn't seen either of her best friends smile so much in a long while.
"Tonight can be such a huge turning point. Just like that subway ride 5 years ago, or that trip to Texas three years ago..." Her thoughts wandered to that moment when she held Lucas' face in her hands and kissed him for the first time, and to the time she tried to say they were brother and sister and nothing more.
It felt so long ago now, but in the same instant it felt just like yesterday, and she hoped that feeling never faded. It was such a strange sensation, recalling all the times they had been so close to being a couple, yet never truly crossing that line, and the times where she tried to keep them as far from that line as possible. Her heart jumped for a moment as she thought of just what tonight could end up meaning. What did she want it to mean?
She rose from the warmth and comfort of her bed and turned toward her closet, picking out her outfit for the day. "Good morning." Riley heard from behind her as Topanga stood in her door frame. She smiled back as she took in her mother's form. She always seemed so loving yet fierce, a lioness who was not to be trifled with...except when she was around Cory Matthews. When her parents were together, they would often laugh, and hug, and joke. A smile was always plastered across Topanga's lips when her and Cory Matthews were together. They were goofballs together. Remembering that was what made Riley ask her next question. "Mom...how did you know you were in love with Dad?"
Topanga looked confused by the random question. Catching a glimpse of the floor length, ivory dress that hung on the corner of the body mirror against the wall reminded her what that night was going to be. The question suddenly made complete sense.
"Well, that's actually tough to say. I mean, I suppose I knew I loved him because he could always make me laugh. Then again, it was also because he was the only person who I wanted to let see every side of me, even the ugly ones. I knew that I loved your father because I felt something for him that I didn't feel for anyone else, and he felt the same for me. I asked him to marry me at graduation, and for a while there we actually contemplated it. I suppose I knew that I was in love with your father when I realized that my feelings were so strong that I had to make moves too. Love is unique for everyone sweetie, but it is always a feeling you have that demands action. Love is patient, but it will also pick your moment for you." Topanga thought about the life and times that she and Cory shared as she walked over and hugged Riley.
Across town, in a similar bedroom, Maya Hart groaned as her own alarm went off.
[Take me with you, I start to miss you. Take me home I don't wanna be alone tonight!]
She reached for the phone and slid the "end" option for the alarm over. With a yawn and a stretch she hung her legs over the side of her bed and greeted the day. Her blonde curls were tangled, her pajamas twisted, and she had to rub the sleep from her eyes, but she smiled when she saw her dress hanging from the corner of her closet door. "That's right...it's dance night…" She yawned out as she stood up and leaned from side to side, cracking her back. "I wonder how this is all going to play out...Bayou's been very hush hush about our plans." She wasn't wrong, Remy had always answered any questions she asked with a simple 'wait and see, it won't disappoint, I promise.' His distance had lessened since the whole group met Maribeth, but the past few days the men had hung out in his room at the hospital planning out this night. Truth be told, the boys had all spent much more time together since they asked out their respective dates. Lucas and Farkle even had been kept silent, swearing their allegiance to Remy's grand scheme.
She slowly picked out her outfit for the day and headed for the shower. What is he planning? I hope he isn't going out of his way to try and impress me or anything. It's just a dance...isn't it? Her thoughts jumbled as she ran her hands through her hair and rustled the curls with shampoo and conditioner. It isn't anything more than us going to the dance together, right? Maybe some dinner before hand. It's not some earth changing thing. Monday will roll around and everything is gonna be the same as it's been for the past four months...but do I want it to? The hot water washed the suds down from her curls and she watched as they swirled around the drain, her eyes going wide at her own thoughts. What am I thinking? Of course I want it to stay the same. This isn't anything...just a dance.
Much like her friends, Isadora was sleeping soundly in her bed when her musical alarm sounded off.
[When Rome's in ruins, we are the lions, free from the coliseums. In poison places we are antivenom.]
She reached over to her desk and slid the notifier off. "I really must stop beating my alarm to waking me up." she said to herself as she returned to drying her hair off. She had been up for at least 2 hours due to her neurosis about the dance that evening. She triple checked that her dress had no rips or runs and her shoes were sturdy. She had showered and applied a face mask to keep her complexion clean moments before the alarm went off. She was trying to make sure everything within her power was perfect.
I just want him to be happy. She thought as she looked at a picture of her and Farkle from their first day of Freshman year. It was a rare case that her smile was caught on film. Riley had been the photographer, snapping away photos with the camera that Shawn had given her during 7th grade. I can do this...right? I can do this.
As the girls awoke in their respective apartment bedrooms, on two air mattresses and a single size bed, three young men were all waking up after a long night of scheming in a hospital room. Remy's alarm sounded softly as he looked out the window toward the city, particularly out toward their school.
[All hail the underdogs. All hail the new kids. All hail the outlaws. Spielbergs and Kubricks. It's our time to make a move. Our time to make a match. It's our time to break the rules. Let's begin.]
"Really Remy? Renegades as your alarm? Not to mention you're awake before it?" Lucas questioned sleepily, chucking an overshirt at the young man who was staring out the window pensively. As if with a sixth sense, the musician reached his hand behind him and snatched the garment out of the air, turning back and smiling at Lucas before nodding. He was right, Remy had been awake for an hour already before the alarm sounded.
"Changed it just for today. Seems rather fitting." He answered, pulling the black, short sleeved button up over his shoulders and beginning to button it, covering the Ramones tank top he wore. "Not as fitting as how Farkle asked Isadora to the dance though" He sarcastically added, kicking the air mattress that the young genius was laying half awake on.
"You're just mad you didn't think of it yourself." He mumbled into the pillow his face was buried in before turning over and smacking Remy's leg with said pillow.
"Oh yeah, I'm so jealous of how you handled that, though I don't think telling Maya that she 'makes my dopamine levels all screwy' would have gone over as well as it did between you two scientists." Remy scoffed and looked at the three bags that hung from the curtain rod, smiling at his two friends and cracking his knuckles. "Alright boys,time to set this whole thing in motion." He said as pulled out his phone and dialed up a number. He held it up to his ear, listening to the ringing as he pointed to Lucas.
"Your Mom gonna have the corsages finished up Cowboy?" He said, receiving a nod in response as Lucas held up his phone, showing a picture of three floral bracelets lined up. "Excellent. Have you thought things over about the song you want to request Farkle?" Another nod in response as he pulled up a Spotify playlist on his phone and looked up the few songs he had narrowed it down to. Twenty minutes later, the grand scheme was finally in full motion.
"Alright, all set gentlemen. Your Mom is picking us up here to get ready at your house and get the corsages, Lucas. Then our ride will pick us up there to go get the girls at the Matthews' apartment. Then off to the dance." He declared, grinning from ear to ear as he stretched his back in a bend. He felt a hand on both shoulders as his friends stood at his sides and smiled as well.
"I have an idea of where I want this night to go...I just hope I can steer it that way." Lucas said, patting Remy on the back.
"I picked my song. Think you can learn it in less than 8 hours?" Farkle said, pointing to the title on his phone. Remy shook his head slowly, to which Farkle bowed his head in defeat, until Remy lifted his chin and looked him in the eyes.
"I don't need to learn it. I know it well. Good choice." He answered with a laugh. He knew most of the dance music would be done by a local DJ, some NYU student looking to make some extra cash. The song Farkle just pointed out was an acoustic slow song which, lyrically, had a lot of meaning behind it. Remy could only imagine where things were headed.
[Later that evening. 6:15 PM]
A white, stretch limousine pulled up in front of Matthews' apartment building. The three young men emerged from from the luxury vehicle, dressed in their best suits and ties.
First to step out of the car was Remy, his coat and pants both black as pitch while his shirt was the color of new fallen snow. His tie and pocket square were red, the only clue he was given from Maya as to her dress for the evening. His usually unstyled hair was slicked back in a fifties greaser style.
Lucas followed behind the musician, dressed in similar fashion with the exception that his shirt was crimson and his tie and pocket square were as white as Remy's shirt, his hair combed forward and up in the front as usual.
Last out was Farkle, his suit a stunning white coat and pants, a black shirt, and a purple pocket square and tie. His hair was similar to Remy's slick, but combed swooping to the left. The three young men each held a small box tied with ribbon that matched their ties, inside of which were corsages handmade by Mrs. Friar.
With a press of a button, Remy told Mr. Matthews that they were there, to which he surprisingly responded that they all would be down in just a minute. This whole thing, the limo and corsages and pictures they'd be taking at the dance, was a secret to everyone except for the three young men who now anxiously stood on the street awaiting their dates.
First out of the doors were the parents. Cory and Topanga held hands and smiled at Lucas. Years ago, Cory might have cringe at the thought of this night, but Lucas had become such a normality in his own life let alone his daughter's that all he wanted for the night was a picture capturing Riley's happiness. Katy and Shawn both smiled at Remy, their jaws dropping shortly after when they realized the boys stood in front of a limo as their ride for the evening. Shawn chuckled and gave a thumbs up to the musician who, he assumed, was the mastermind behind it. In the short time since asking Katy permission to take Maya to this dance, Shawn and Remy had spoken on and off multiple times. He had gotten to know the young man, as he thought, fairly well and this certainly seemed to be his style.
Regrettably, Mr. Smackle was in a lengthy business meeting and unable to see his daughter off, having had her uncle even drive her to the Matthews' apartment. He hastily apologized to her before rushing out the door earlier that morning.
After the adults moved out of the way, the girls came into view.
First was Isadora, a violet dress clinging to her curves, a small window cut in the material at her collarbone. Her feet and ankles were wrapped in a pair of matching violet, two inch high heels, and a pair of black stockings. Her hair was braided in a single twist that was draped over her left shoulder, and she wore contacts rather than her usual glasses.
Farkle felt the rush of blood to his face, red filling his cheeks and heat radiating off of him. He swallowed hard and stammered as he walked up to her, handing her the small, indigo box that he had been holding. "W...wow...you look amazing Smackle. I mean, not that you don't usually look amazing but you look...wow...exceptional." He stuttered and stammered as she undid the ribbon on her box and gasped at the corsage inside.
"Thank you very much Farkle...for the compliment and the corsage. It is beautiful. You look very dapper yourself." She said as she took it out the arrangement, admiring it closer and then looking at him. The young man took hold and placed it on her wrist with a smile, walking back toward the limo with her.
Shortly after the scientist was the princess. Riley emerged from the doors with a small twirl. She wore a stunning, floor length ivory dress, the top half of the which was a corset style, cinched tight and grabbing her curves, while the bottom had a slit from the bottom to just below her knee to accentuate her naturally long legs. Not wanting to be too tall, she went with a modest pair of a flats. Her brunette locks were curled and flowing down her back.
Lucas smiled widely and walked up to her, handing her the white box he had been holding. "You look like a snow angel Riles. Magical even." He said as she took out the corsage and giggled. "Well thank you Lucas, you look very charming...and this is gorgeous." She said as he slid it over her wrist and ushered her the limo.
"Well, we have the scientist, the princess...just waiting on the rebel." Remy said, smiling as he waited patiently...his jaw dropping when he finally saw her walk through the doors.
Standing in a crimson dress that gripped her curves and flared out at the bottom, the neckline accenting her collarbone with her small locket hanging there, was Maya Penelope Hart. Her blonde curls were gentle draped over her shoulders, the ends as deep red as the dress that she wore. It was only temporary dye that Katy had helped her with earlier that day, but she felt it tied everything together.
"Worth the wait…" Remy whispered as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. He slowly walked forward and smiled at her. "You look...unforgettable." He said, handing her the red box.
"Thanks..." She mumbled as she undid her ribbon and took out the corsage. Lucas' mother had outdone herself, as Isadora's was made up of sweet pea and king lisianthus, Riley's had white dahlias and roses, and Maya's consisted of amaryllis and red roses. "Wow...this is amazing…" Maya said as she felt Remy slide it over her wrist softly. "And a limo? Seriously? You didn't have to…" She blushed as she felt him place his hand on the small of her back and lead her down toward the car. "I know we didn't have to." He said, lining everyone up for photos before opening the door to the ride. After what seemed like a million camera and phone clicks, hugs, and 'have funs' the teens moved toward the opened car door.
"We wanted to." Farkle said as he helped Smackle in before joining her, followed by Lucas and Riley, then Maya. Remy looked back at the adults and smiled before stepping into the long, ivory car as well, shutting the door behind him. He sat next to Maya and looked around at his friends. Everyone looked amazing, and their excitement about the luxurious interior of the limo was visible.
"Can...can I?" Riley asked, pointing up at the sunroof with a grin.
"Go ahead. Tonight is about making memories." He said, pushing a button to open it. She poked her head up through it and saw everything was clear, then put her arms up and hollered. "Woohoo! This is gonna be the best night eveeeeeeeer!"
The entire group began laughing as she sunk back down and sat next to Lucas. Yeah...it most certainly is. Lucas thought as he put his arm around her shoulders.
If everything goes right, if what is requested can get done, it'll be the most memorable day of my life. Farkle thought as he held Isadora's hand.
It's just a dance...Maya tried to reassure herself, sitting close to Remy but not quite touching like the others.
The ride to TJHS was one of smiles and laughter. As the stretch pulled up in front of the school, a lot of chatter could be heard by the riders, coming from the students waiting to get into the dance. A lot curious "who is it" and frustrated "why didn't you get a limo"s could be made out of the noise.
"Sir, we've arrived. I'll return for you all at ten this evening?" The chauffeur said opening the back door for the group inside. As they exited, ladies followed by their dates, Remy nodded at the gentleman. "We'll see you then." He replied, slipping a ten dollar bill into the young driver's lapel pocket.
"How exactly did you afford this anyway, Remy?" Riley asked as they walked into the dance, all having purchased their tickets weeks ago.
"Busking in Time Square can be quite profitable." He chuckled and looked out at the crowd in the auditorium that had been converted to a dance hall. Bodies were rocking, bumping, grinding, and swaying to the music that blared from a pair of tower speakers on the sides of a stage against the back wall. Behind a podium on said stage stood a tall, lanky young man with a pair of Beats over his head, one over his right ear as the other hung behind his head. The song was a remix of Uma Thurman by Fall Out Boy, the bass increased to accentuate the beat.
[She wants to dance like Uma Thurman, bury me till I confess. She wants to dance like Uma Thurman and I can't get her outta my head.]
"Sorry cowboy, but I need her." Maya said with a grin as she pulled Riley from Lucas's arm and began dancing with her in the middle of the floor. True to the song, they did the twist, everyone around joining in. Soon both girls ushered for Smackle to join them. The boys all laughed and slid up behind them, spinning their dates to face them as they filled Vincent Vega's role in the choreography.
The whole dance floor had transformed into a scene out of the Tarantino classic, the young DJ even playing along by spinning in You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry with the upbeat modern hit. When it finally ended and the next song began, Remy excused himself to grab some drinks, Maya going with him.
"That was...interesting." Remy said as he put his arm over her shoulders.
"It was fun! Ya know, it's a dance." Maya exclaimed. She blushed a bit as she felt the gentle embrace on her shoulders
The night continued as most would expect, pictures being taken and dances being had. The group found themselves swapping partners all night. Farkle danced with both Riley and Maya, shared an enthusiastic dance off to Hooked on a Feeling with Remy, and even had a square dance with Lucas. The girls all danced to Wannabe by Spice Girls with laughter. When slow dances came on, they rejoined their dates. After the typical songs like Cha Cha Slide, Low, 1-2 Step, and others, the DJ called for any requests. As soon as the words left his lips Farkle and Remy all lined up.
"Um...I know it's a little unorthodox, but do you think my friend could actually play my request?" Farkle said as he pointed back at Remy who held up a guitar with a smile. Where did he...? Farkle thought as he saw the instrument, only to have his thought and question answered.
"Sure. The guy who hired me asked me about that, so we stashed a guitar for him. Have fun. Gives me a drink break." The college student answered, laughing as he announced the change of pace.
"Gonna slow things down a little bit with an acoustic request played by your own local musician. Guys grab your girls and take to the floor."
Remy took the stage and sat down, a microphone positioned between his face and where his guitar sat in his lap. "Hey everyone. Thanks for your time. This one goes out from one scientist to another." He announced as he strummed the opening chords to The First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes.
This is the first day of my life
Swear I was born right in the doorway
I went out in the rain suddenly everything changed
They're spreading blankets on the beach
Farkle took Isadora's hand and lead her to the middle of the dance floor between the many slowly swaying couples. Riley and Lucas both smiled and began dancing on the side, looking at their friends.
Your's is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don't know where I am
I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go
Farkle swayed and smiled at Isadora. "We've known each other since before we could walk. We started as rivals, and then we both learned how to accept the other...and we watched one another learn who we are." He said softly in her ear as he pulled her into a tighter hold.
And so I thought I'd let you know
That these things take forever
I especially am slow
But I realize that I need you
And I wondered if I could come home
"When I was younger, I thought the universal question was would I end up with Riley or Maya. I was young...I didn't realize that I hadn't accounted for the possibility that I wouldn't end up with either, but with someone entirely different and wonderful in her own way. Neither the sunshine that is Riley or the midnight hour that is Maya...but instead a gorgeous twilight where the sky is painted in a thousand different divisions of the light spectrum." He mused as he spun her around slowly and pulled her back into the tight embrace. The next verse was spent in shocked silence by the young woman. Farkle hadn't noticed his hands shaking as he held her until he heard the last words of the song.
So if you want to be with me
With these things there's no telling
We just have to wait and see
But I'd rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time is different
I mean I really think you like me
"It's true...I do really think you like me...so, Isadora Smackle...do you want to be my...girlfriend?" Farkle said, nervously grinning until he felt lips pressed against his own. Not just any lips...Isadora's lips. The girl who, for years now, had fought her nature to become more comfortable with emotion and affection and touching just kissed him. It was a split second, but it was bliss. It was like a photon torpedo blowing up a space station of doubt. Then he heard her words.
"Yes, Farkle Minkus. I would be overjoyed to be in a relationship with you." She answered softly. He smiled wide, looking up to Remy as he put the guitar away and ushered the DJ back to his podium.
"You're up spin doctor. My work here is done." He said, chuckling softly as the new couple was met with applauds. He laid a small slip of folded paper on the podium. "That's my request, if it's not too much trouble. No rush. Get the tempo up for a bit" he said, stepping off the stage and finding Maya.
"So the limo and the corsages and pictures, now Farkle asking out Smackle...what else have you boys been scheming?" She asked as he walked up to her.
"Night's still young, just wait and see." he replied, taking her hand.
"Um...hi." Riley said as she stepped up to the podium, finally getting to give her request. The DJ simply chuckled as he opened a few files and found the song asked for.
"Hope ya'll still got your partners by your side, we're keepin' slowed down one more time. This one is for all the cowboys out there." The DJ said as he started the song.
"Dance with me." Riley declared as she walked back up to Lucas and pulled him to where Farkle and Smackle had been during their song.
I never had no one that I could count on
I've been let down so many times
I was tired of hurtin', so tired of searchin'
'Til you walked into my life
"Ri-" Lucas uttered, cut off by a finger on his lips.
"I have something to say Lucas." she interjected as they slowly swayed. For a moment, it was like seventh grade all over again at Tick Tock Shake Your Body Time, except that Farkle had Isadora in his arms, cozied up and slowly swaying in the wings rather than having a brisk tango across the floor with Maya.
"We've known each other since seventh grade. We have been a lot of things: friends, crushes, a couple for a split second, brother and sister, and then best friends. We've all agreed upon and been best friends since freshman year. You were there for me when I won at my first dance competition, I watched you cry when Zay went back to Texas. You comforted me when I broke my wrist. I jumped for joy with you when you hit the game winning grand slam that took our team to state. We've seen each other's ups and downs. Some of the best times in my life have been with you by my side Lucas Friar…"
It was a feelin'
I'd never known
And for the first time
I didn't feel alone
"Rile-" he tried to speak but found that same small, manicured finger pressed against his lips.
"I'm not done. Halloween night, you told me you'd be afraid of losing me. I told you to never worry about that...and I meant it. I'm never going to be lost to you. There could never be anyone who makes me feel the way I feel when we're together. I tried...no one could fit the bill. You're my best friend...but...Lucas…"
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh, we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Every time I look at you
I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend.
"Riley I-" stopped yet again, the same dainty digit pressed against his lips.
"Lucas, I love you. Not the way a sister loves a brother, or even the way two great friends love each other. I want us to be in each other's lives forever. I love you, and I know how now. I feel like it's so...silly...that we waited this long. I made you wait, we walked the same path, but one of us was always ahead or behind, too far forward or stepping back...but now I'm standing in front of you, we finally caught one another, and I am standing in front of you...asking...will you be my boyfriend?"
"Riley, I was trying to tell you...I love you too, and I am tired of beating around the bush and playing this game. The one thing to make this night perfect would be to kiss my girlfriend good night. I was going to ask if you would be just that, the missing piece to make it perfect. You beat me to asking, so…" he kissed her and spun her around. "Yes. I'll be your boyfriend."
Another round of applause, more thunderous than the last, echoed through the auditorium. After a few upbeat requests, an almost choregraphed routine to Uptown Funk, and a few holiday favorites, the MC looked down at the podium remembered the folded piece of paper with the musicians request on it. He pulled the small slip and unfolded it, reading what he wrote down.
"This is my last request of the night, and I think it's a pretty solid note to end them on. I want to thank you all for the privilege of being your MC tonight,to say happy holidays to you all, and I hope you enjoyed your Winter Formal. This last one goes out from Music Man to The Heartbreaker." The young man declared as the tune slowly began to hum out of the tower speakers.
"Our turn, chérie." Remy said, smiling as he extended his hand outward to Maya. She gently place her fingers in his palm as he lead her to where both of their favorite couples had just cemented their officiality. Wait is he going to...Maya thought as they stood in traditional slow dance position. She noticed no one else was dancing...the music was still just a slow guitar strum...then the vocals hit and Maya began to shake.
I don't want this moment...to ever end.
Where everything's nothing
Without you
I wait here forever
Just to...to see you smile
Because it's true
I am nothing without you
He held her waist tightly as her fingers were wrapped behind his neck. "I know everyone else has these years of experiences together to talk about. A million and one reasons they want to and should be together. Hell, Farkle probably has an equation that explains exactly why Isadora is the ideal woman for him. I don't have any of that Maya. I walked into your life a quarter of a year ago with a leather guitar case and a promise of change...I never realized that promise was more about you than it was me." His golden eyes looked directly into her blue ones, coupling with his words to send her heart throbbing and head spinning, her soul was fire.
Through it all
I made my mistakes
I stumble and fall
But I mean these words
"Who I was in Shreveport isn't half the man I am now. You did that. I used to be able to just walk away from anyone or anything. No attachments meant never getting hurt when someone...everyone...walked away. I never held on to people. Letting go was easy, hell it was a survival tactic. But you...nothing in the world could make me let go of you." His words were shaky as he lifted her off the ground and held her above his chest, spinning her around before putting her down once more and smiling.
I want you to know with everything I won't let this go
These words are my heart and soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know
'Cause I'd bleed my heart out to show
That I won't let go
Her heart was racing, but he had one statement that stuck out to her. We don't have years of experiences. We barely have any time together. A part of our history is him keeping a huge secret from me...and he hasn't said anything about becoming anything more than what we are now...whatever that is. I just wish I could put into words what we are… she thought as he lifted her.
He did that a lot, metaphorically. In the time they had been together, he had never said anything ill willed toward her. No matter how many times she poked fun at him, called him Bayou Boy or joked about gator meat and crawfish and voodoo, he was always the first person to compliment her art or congratulate her if she did something right.
Thoughts read unspoken
Forever and now
The pieces of memories fall to the ground
I know what I did have so,
I won't let this go
'Cause it's true, I am nothing without you
All the streets where I walked alone
With nowhere to go have come to an end
"I have no right to try and do what Farkle and Lucas did tonight, so I won't...but Maya I-" he was cut off by feeling her press up against him firmly, her chin in his sternum as she looked up into his eyes.
"Don't talk. I don't need anymore words. I don't want anymore. I want this." She said, squeezing him in her hold. "Just...don't let go." she whispered before laying her head against his chest, both swaying through the end of the song. His hands were on the small of her back, her fingernails tracing random lines around his back and she could feel his hold grown tighter as if to say 'never' in response to her request. She heard the song and his heartbeat...and she smiled.
[10:15 PM]
In the back of the limousine the group all laughed and smiled once again, everyone thanking Remy for the unforgettable evening. His planning made this more than just a dance. Farkle wouldn't have asked Isadora out if Remy hadn't had his back. Lucas had planned to ask Riley, but only because he and Remy had talked about it for hours. Maya...well, she probably wouldn't have had a date if it wasn't for the boy from the bayou.
Remy was silent, looking between everyone's smiles and hearing their laughter. He noticed that Maya sat close to him, but they weren't touching. He reached out and took her hand in his, tangling his fingers between her's.
"You have nothing to thank me for guys. Life is not measured in hours or minutes, but in moments. I wanted tonight to be a mark of measure, a moment unforgettable. I'm glad that it was just that. I spent my whole life up till now just being a shadow. A ghost amongst the living. Shreveport was my haunting ground, my lonely patch of earth. I was always just background music to everyone else's movie. When I came to New York, I thought it would just be the same thing different city...then I met all of you. You gave me a chance to finally be more than just a soundtrack...you let me co-star in this crazy movie we all call Life. Tonight is the least I could do for the people who finally let me live, who finally gave me light instead of keeping me in the shadows. You may have thanked me, but it should be the other way around." His smile was genuine and warm, and his grip on Maya's hand was tight but caring. Everyone was touched by the sentiment of his speech. As they pulled up to the first stop on the ride home, Farkle shifted toward the door.
"I'm gonna walk her up to the door, see you all in a few minutes!" He hollered back as he walked up the driveway of the Smackle home.
"Farkle...I had a lovely time tonight. This is far from the norm for me, what with the crowds and touching and the like. I couldn't have gotten through it without you...but what you said out there...are you sure?" Isadora said, turning her foot nervously to and fro.
"I've never been more sure of something in my life. I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't." He smiled and held her hand. "Now, you can go inside and think of just what it all means like I know you are going to, but it isn't going to change anything. You're officially my girlfriend."
"I...I suppose I am…" She replied with a smile all her own and a swift peck on the cheek. "Good night...hunk." She whispered in his ear as she turned back and opened the door, walking inside.
A blush came over him, as it always did when she called him that, as he walked back to the limousine. I'm a hunk...I'm her hunk. Cool…
The short ride to the Minkus household was spent in relative, though pleasant, silence. Remy got out of the limo to walk his friend to the door. "Back in a minute ya'll."
"Listen, Remy...I don't know if I'll ever be able to really show you how much I appreciate what you did tonight...hell, what you've done over the past month. Talking with me, reassuring me of my decision, playing the song...I don't think I could have done this without you. Lucas and I have always called each other best friends, but I don't even think he could have helped me the way you did. So...thank you. Don't say I don't need to because I don't believe it." He said, shaking the musician's hand firmly and pulling him into a one armed hug.
"Well, I'll just leave it at you're welcome then Farkle. Get some rest, tomorrow is another day. Start of a new chapter, right? More theories to prove." He held the embrace for a moment before letting him go to open the door. He chuckled as he walked back to the ride. The scientists...together they may just be able to find the perfect solution, the philosopher's stone of life...the meaning of true happiness.
After Farkle's drop off came Riley's. Lucas did as Farkle had, sliding over and opening the door to escort his lady to her door. The walk was short, but they held hands the entire way. They stood in front of the door to the apartment as Riley turned to look into the cowboy's green eyes, shining in the lights of the hallway like two emeralds in a jeweler's case.
"Lucas...tonight was so special. I'm sorry if I seemed out of line being the one to ask but I just had a gut feeling and it felt like it was ti-" her speech was cut off by a kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut as the cowboy held her in his arms and pressed his lips firmly against her's. The warmth of the embrace was a contrast to the bitter cold outside. Their tongues wrestled for a minute before he broke away and smiled.
"Sorry if I seemed out line, but I just felt like it was time to do that." He chuckled as he held her close. "We've been going round and round with this since seventh grade. Maya stepped back from her feelings, then you found out and you stepped back from your's, then there was the point that I pushed you both away because it was like my feelings didn't matter, then I came back, then we all just decided friendship was the way to go between...well...all of us. But I never stopped feeling for you, and it began to show. Then it began to show on your side, and it never resurfaced with Maya and we just kept building up and building up...then Halloween happened. I knew from that night on that I was going to ask you out, but I wanted it to be special. I wanted it to be this...explosive moment after all the build up. I love you Riley Matthews, and now I can say it as your boyfriend instead of just this...unofficial thing." He kissed her again. "I guess you could say we finally got formal...at the Winter Formal." His pun was met with smack on the arm.
"You're such a dork...but now you're my dork. Good night, cowboy." She said, kissing him on the cheek and whispering softly in his ear. "I love you too."
The ride to Lucas's house was spent with Maya threatening the cowboy if he hurt her best friend, Remy chuckling at the creative yet halfhearted threats, and Lucas tipping his imaginary hat and saying 'ma'am" numerous times. Once they pulled up to the small apartment building the cowboy called home, Remy opened the door and ushered him out. "I'll be back in literally three minutes, kay Rebel?" He said as he closed the door slowly, seeing her give the thumb across the throat sign to Lucas one last time with a laugh.
"So, you tried to do it. You were all ready to cowboy up...then the princess outdid ya. Guess some times waiting has unexpected side effects." He said, chuckling as Lucas gently socked him in the bicep.
"Yeah yeah yeah...regardless, the end result was what I had hoped for, and I wouldn't have picked tonight if it wasn't for our talks this last month. I appreciate it man. I just...why didn't you ask Maya out? If no one else is gonna ask it, and since we're not in front of her, I'll bite the bullet and confront the elephant in the room." He looked him in the eyes as his hand rested behind him on the door handle.
"Remember how we talked about WWII in Mr. Matthews and we discussed picking your moment? Tonight was the time for you and Farkle's moments...it's wasn't mine. You and Farkle both have years of experiences. Countless moments that you could have picked, but you didn't because something wasn't ideal. Something still kept you, America, out of the war. Tonight was finally ideal conditions. Tonight, something happened that told you 'now. Definitely now.' Tonight was one of those times for Maya and I where it wasn't ideal. I don't know if a right time will ever actually show itself, but if I see it, then I'll pick my moment. We all had our objectives we set tonight. I'll just leave it at this...we all achieved what we set out to." He answered, putting a hand on the Lucas' shoulder before turning to leave. "Have a good night cowboy. Tomorrow is a new day. Whole new adventure to have."
The princess and the cowboy...ridin' off into the sunset, where maybe they'll find happily ever after.
The second to last ride of the night was spent in silence as Maya just rested her head on Remy's shoulder and her hand in his. When they pulled up to the apartment, he rubbed her shoulder with his free hand, proceeding to open the door and help her out. They walked slowly to the door of the apartment, Maya feeling the cold bite of the frosty metal handle in one palm and sudden lack of pressure and warmth in her other. Remy had let go unexpectedly. He stood completely still behind her, looking straight ahead as she turned back to him.
"What's wrong there Bayou? You look like you just saw a monster gato-" her speech was halted in the most unexpected way as she felt lips pressed close to her's. They were soft and warm, like a fleece throw fresh out of the dryer. They were sweet, like cranberries from the punch he had at the dance yet crisp from the peppermint gum he had been chewing on the ride over. To Maya Hart, she and Remy's first kiss tasted like winter, but felt like summer. Heat radiated down her entire being, then back up...yet she was frozen in place. She saw a pair of golden orbs before her lids fluttered shut, and smelt the lingering hints of pine from his cologne.
She didn't move for a minute, everything sinking in. Before the moment could escape, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her own lips firmly against his, using her leverage to pull herself closer, press herself firmer, savor everything longer, not wanting to give the misconception that she didn't want this. On the contrary, In that moment it was as if she understood what the universe being born must have been like. Everything in the cosmos, the very whole of existence exploding from a pinhead...that was what this kiss felt like. Her thoughts from that morning came back to her. This isn't anything...this is everything. This wasn't just a dance. Damn it...stuffs about to change isn't it? Damn it damn it damn it...
Remy couldn't explain what made him choose to kiss her. It was the smallest of things, a fraction of a second, a swish of her hair or a click of her heels or the way he saw her hand grasp the handle...but something in it all made the voice in his head say 'moment picked. And...now.' As he heard her usual ribbing comments about bayou and gators begin, it simply intensified.
Oh yeah, now. Definitely now.
In the blink of an eye, he bridged the gap between them, his lips pressing firmly against her's. He felt the heat of her breath just before, like a summer breeze warming the flesh. He tasted the mixture of the cranberry punch and her apple lip balm, he smelt the sweet aroma of her honeysuckle body spray she had put on just before getting in the limo for the ride home, he heard the gasp as she exhaled, and in the moments before his lids shut and gave in to his other senses he saw her baby blues go from shock, to confusion, to excitement, then flutter shut themselves.
He felt her pull him closer. He felt her fingers on the back of his neck and he couldn't help but think of how his most common habit in nervousness was to rub exactly where her palm rested in that moment. Just then, amidst the silence and the sweetness, the seeming revery of it all, it was as if everything was nothing. The moon was a spotlight, the stars audience members, and the ten feet they occupied in front of the door was the grandest stage of them all. This was the chorus of the song that had been playing all night...and the words finally made sense. He knew what he wanted to say, what in a way he felt he very much needed to say...but he did not want this moment to end. He was afraid to break the silence, to relinquish the sweetness. He did not wish to leave the revery...but despite all wishes they did.
When air became a necessity, the two broke the sweet embrace. The moment was fleeting...and then it was gone. For a beat, there was silence. Another beat, and the silence grew. Golden eyes opened to meet baby blue. When a third came, it was Maya who broke the muted wonder
"Remy...that was…" she stopped as the words escaped her. Say something...anything! Amazing? Lovely? Earth shaking? Just say something! She fought in her mind. Just as she began to utter something, she heard his voice. It was soft, in that low tone between normal speaking and hushed whispers.
"Maya...just now...all the songs finally made sense." He said, kissing her forehead for a second. "Good night, mon cherí." he said as he ran down the stairs and into the limo.
Her eyes were wide at both his statement and sudden departure. At her feet, Maya saw a piece of soft, red fabric. His pocket square. "Remy wait! You forgot…" she tried to yell after him, giving up as she heard the the car pull away and down the street. With a sigh she picked up it up, feeling a surprising amount of weight for a glorified handkerchief. Wrapped up in the crimson cloth was a small, beaded necklace with a guitar pick attached to it. His necklace, the same one he wore the day they met.
"You didn't forget anything...did you Music Man?" she questioned aloud as she put the satin square into her clutch and wore the necklace, unlocking the door and sliding into the apartment.
At the Smackle household, Mr. Smackle looked at his daughter's beaming expression and asked how her evening was, apologizing for not being there when they left.
In the Matthews' apartment, Cory and Topanga hugged Riley as she walked in and asked her if she had a good time.
When Maya walked into the apartment, Katy and Shawn were waiting on the couch watching an episode of Law and Order. They both smiled at her as she slid in and asked how everything had been that night.
Isadora nodded before speaking as if to affirm her own words. "It was...exceptional."
Riley kissed them both on the cheek and replied. "Magical."
Maya looked between the two of them and for a moment, just a wrinkle in time, she saw herself and Remy. She smiled as she ran her thumb over the locket she was given on her fourteenth birthday, and the pick she had just acquired a minute earlier. She could still taste the cranberry mint combination on her lips. "Unforgettable." was all she said as she flopped between them on the couch.
End of Ch.6 Author's Note: Holy cow that was a long one. There is a reason to it though. For one, it was a huge chapter of development that engaged every single lead character except for the adults. The other reason, sadly, is that I will be taking an extended hiatus from this fic (roughly one month) as I begin to work on the formative chapters of a steampunk novel. Ch. 7 will be out by roughly mid December, with Ch. 8 to follow closely after. To give you all a glimmer of hope, I have concepts of this story fleshed out to Ch. 10. For your loyalty, I'll give you the titles of Chapters 7, Girl Meets Holidays, 8 Girl Meets Open Mic, and 9 Girl Meets This Feeling. See ya'll in December!
