I do not own Girl Meets World or anything you may recognise

Riley's POV

3 months later

"Come on Aubs, I thought you liked mashed potatoes?" Her big blue eyes widen innocently as she spits out some more food out.

"You're so lucky your cute" I say playfully whilst ruffling her light brown hair. She gives a high pitched squeal, giggling lightly after. I lift her out of her highchair and place her on the carpet, glancing up as Lucas's comes bursting through the door, his eyes lit up with excitement.

"Hey Riley" He pulls me into a quick hug "Hi Aubs" he kisses her forehead before facing me with a hopeful smile on his face

"Good day at work?" I tease

"The usual, I treated a few dogs, and there was this puppy..."

A small honey coloured puppy comes running into the room, it's fur is a little mangled and it looks very fragile.

Lucas looks at me, his green eyes broadening guiltlessly "He needed a home, plus I couldn't turn him down..." he explains

"Lucas did you even think about the fact that we have a 6 month old? Just because you're a veterinarian doesn't mean that you can look after every stray" I cross my arms angrily and my eyes narrow slightly as he shoots me a goofy grin.

"Look at him Riles, you know I have a soft spot for puppies" he argues

"Actually, you have a soft spot for all animals, you tried to convince me to look after that kitten two weeks ago!"

"Hey, Mittens was adorable, I still can't believe you turned her down" he clutches his shirt, mocking a hurt expression.

"Whatever, we are still not..." I hear a soft bark coming from the weak puppy. I scan his tiny body, realising how malnourished he really is, I guess does need a loving family. My heart melts as my eyes meet the puppy's gaze, not even I can resist puppy dog eyes.

I feel my face soften "I guess if he's well behaved..."

"Thank you so much, I love you!" Lucas picks me up and spins me round wildly before pulling me into a tight hug. I can't help but laugh at his excitement "Did you hear that Aubs? We have a puppy!" Lucas yells, Aubrey squeals in delight as he spins her around and lightly throws her in the air a few times. I smile, shaking my head in amusement, sometimes it's like I have two kids instead of one.

"What are we gonna name him?" I ask

"Well, I was thinking Ranger" Lucas suggests

"Ranger" I muse "I love it"

Lucas's POV:

I think I might be in love.

It's the little things about Riley that I've really fallen for, like the way her eyes shine when she's talking about something she's passionate about, or how she bites her lip slightly when she's nervous, or the way she can light up a room just by being there. She's beautiful too, her chocolate brown orbs make you weak at the knees, and her dimples are the most adorable things you've ever seen.

Ok, I officially sound crazy. But I guess that's because I'm in love.

I'm in love with Riley Matthews.

"Lucas?"

"Oh, hi Riley" I mutter lowly, how can I face her now that I've realised my feelings?

"Do you wanna watch a movie since Aubrey and Ranger are asleep?" Riley asks

"Sure"

I hate Western films, I guess Riley just assumed I like them because I'm from Texas. Even so, the last thing I'm concentrating on is the movie. I casually drape my arm around Riley's shoulder, pulling her closer to me. She buries her head in the crook of my neck, smiling slightly. After the movie finishes she pulls away yawing softly. Her eyes widen, and a grin appears on her face.

"Lucas it's snowing!"

She runs to the window, watching the snowflakes slowly fall to the ground. I stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"They're beautiful" I whisper, although I was actually talking about her

She turns around and places her forehead against mine before our lips connect. I cup her cheek, deepening the kiss, I then push her gently against the wall grunting slightly as her lips find my neck. A spicy passionate feeling radiates over me, as our kisses grow more urgent. The passion begins to fade when Riley's grip loosens from my shirt. She pulls away, our breath coming out in short gasps. The intensity has washed away and the world is slowly coming back into focus.

"Woah" I breath out

Riley is silent for a moment, she shakes her head slowly before answering

"I'm sorry Lucas... but I can't"

"You can't what?" My heart sinks, the hope I had slowly dying.

She bites her lip softly, before looking up at me, unshed tears brimming her chocolate orbs.

"I'm so sorry Lucas. This is completely me, I'm just not ready to move on yet. I don't know what I'm feeling half of the time, and I don't want my mixed emotions to lead you on, you deserve better. I just need time to find myself again, I just feel as if the old me is slipping away more and more each day. I need to learn how to live in a world without my best friend before I can commit to anything. I hope you understand" She gives me a watery smile, and I smile back although my heart is tearing into two.

"Of course Riley. Goodnight" I lightly kiss her forehead before heading off to the guest room

"Wait!" she pulls my arm causing me to stop in my tracks "can you sleep with me tonight?" She briefly closes her eyes, her face turning slightly pale "I'm still having nightmares" she whispers.

Ever since Maya passed away Riley has been having nightmares, she wakes up screaming in middle of the night and only falls back asleep once I have calmed her down.

"Riley, you don't even need to ask. I hope you know I'll always be there for you, no matter what"

I down look at the brown haired beauty lying beside me, she's curled into my side sleeping peacefully. I think back to what she said earlier on "I don't want my mixed emotions to lead you on" What does this mean to her? Do friends sleep in the same bed every day like we do? I'm so confused about who she wants me to be to her, because I'm pretty sure we are not just friends. Although lately I feel as if we are starting to become friends with benefits, I want to be so much more for her, I just wish that she would realise how deeply I care about her. Why does love have to be so complicated? I think back to Maya's letter, I only want you to open it when you are confused about your relationship with Riley. I guess now's the time, I take out the letter from the side drawer and open it.

Dear Lucas

Sorry for the late update guys, I was super busy this weekend. What do you think Maya's letter says?

Until next time,

hintofmint x