Thank you for your reviews! We're down to about five or so chapters, and I'm actually really pleased with how this one turned out. I'm so very excited for the next chapter though, as its going to hold one of my favorite scenes in the story. Also! Don't know if anyone who is reading this is a fan of Red Band Society, but there is a character on the show named Dash who is Cystic Fibrosis! Check the show out; it's a good one. Sadly, it is only going to have one season unless another station picks it up, so I'm trying to spread the word the best I can! Also, you should check out someone by the name of Claire Wineland, who is Cystic Fibrosis and is a fan of the show. She does videos on her youtube channel called "The Clairity Project" and some of them are really informative and really funny, too! Besides, she got to meet the cast and is going to guest star on the show, and I'm sort of really jealous that she got to meet the really hot actors... on that note, I'll shut up.

Please let me know what you think. Enjoy!

We arrived back in LA the next day, our cheeks still warm and our smiles hiding more than we'd like to admit. Rydel seemed to be the same way, but no one said anything. I knew we'd eventually probably spill details to each other, but right then I was content with my own little secret. I felt different—but in a good way. I knew giving myself to Riker would make me feel complete but I also felt fiery in a way that I never had before. It was like all my senses were awakened with new feeling and every time we touched now, I felt like we were one, not two separate beings.

A little cheesy, I know. But I finally knew what those chapters in all my romance novels meant, the feeling it gave to know someone loved you with all of their soul. Despite our giggling and touching as we came back to our families, there was an unspoken lust that grew now that we were apart. A part of me knew we would have to steal time together if we wanted to be where we were the day before again, but it didn't matter. Just touching him at all made me feel better, I knew what I had and I never wanted to let it go.

We spent the next day at an ice skating rink. We skipped school (shh, don't tell our parents) and headed there after dropping Rydel off. In my mind, it wouldn't hurt. If Riker missed one more day, what did it truly matter? Besides, I had a pretty decent record myself and my parents wouldn't even notice the message on the receiver stating that I'd skipped. Between that and Rydel's promise to keep the secret, we were golden.

"I've never ice skated in my life," I admitted to him, stealing a sideways glance as I drove to the building near a busy part of town. "Don't laugh at me."

"I'm going to now that you said it," he teased back, his fingers tracing up and down my thigh. I squirmed as we sat in traffic, giving him a look as we came to a stop that meant I was going to maul him with kisses when this was all said and done. Gotta love traffic in one of the busiest cities.

"Seriously," I laughed. "Is it hard?"

He shook his head, "Well, if you have balance it isn't hard." He eyed me. "You're quite balanced, you should be good." We both laughed as I pulled into the parking lot, killing the engine and fulfilling my promise to his teasing ways.

"Come on now," I said, unbuckling my belt. "It's time to watch me fall flat on my ass. Make sure you have a camera."

I think I wasn't too bad at the whole ice skating thing, but the way that Riker laughed at me the entire way home made me think otherwise. I shoved him as I drove, trying to keep my eyes on the road and not on his smiling, pleased face. He kept trying to hide his chuckles, but I heard them under his fingers. Finally, I huffed. "I told you I was going to suck at that."

"I thought you had more balance than that," he admitted.

"I have balance!" I defended, my voice loud over the music playing before us. I turned down the block in which we lived on, a bit sad that our skip day was almost over. We still had a few hours before anyone's parents were home, but it wasn't the same. We were working on borrowed time. "I have plenty of balance! I'm Remy the Awesome…est!"

"Remy the I-Suck-At-Ice-Skating and possibly life-est," he fired back.

"Oh its on!"

"On what?"

I dissolved into laughter as I parked the car. "I don't know. You're lucky you're cute or I'd be mad at you."

He gave me a teasing smile as he pressed his lips to my cheek. "Uh huh, sure."

"Don't tempt me, Riker."

We walked into the house, dumping our things on the nearest counter, ready to raid the fridge. I knew Riker hadn't eaten in a while and was probably starving, so I took over in his own house and began to prepare us some sandwiches, while he prepared one of his calorie shakes. I wondered as I layered some veggies on his if this was truly that weird to anyone else. All the equipment and careful instructions and limitations. Was I truly that different than anyone he met before? Why did it bother anyone else so much? Riker was such a beautiful, sweet person I couldn't understand why anyone would even care that he might not be well. With anger, I slathered some mayo on the sandwich, closing it with another slice of bread.

"You okay there? I don't think that bread did anything to you."

I looked down at my hand, which was firmly holding onto the loaf. I bit my lip to keep from smiling and nodded my head. "Just thinking a bit. Here, yours is done."

"Thank you." He followed me with his eyes as he took a seat at the island, popping a few pills in his mouth before taking a sip of his drink. What was so weird about that? I thought about his coughing attacks and the vulnerable places we'd been in. Okay, so maybe our little getaway was a bit less than normal than most, but I still didn't get it.

I quickly made my sandwich and took a seat next to him. "I love you."

He looked at me with confusion, setting down his sandwich instead of taking a bite. "Is everything okay?"

I nodded my head, fearing that I'd worried him. "Yes, everything is fine. I just keep thinking about how you tell me I'm different and I don't see how anyone can think differently of you and how ridiculous it all is and I just sort of want to punch anyone who says differently and I really just don't get it because you're perfect to me, Riker and I'd do anything to spend the rest of my life with you—wow, I'm going to take a breath now." He was staring at me with humorous eyes when I opened mine back up and shook his head. "What?"

"And that's the reason I love you."

Our sweet moment was soon ruined by a slamming door and the sound of keys dropping to a table. Rydel walked into the kitchen, giving us wide smiles. "Thank me now!"

"Why are we thanking you?" I asked as she helped herself to a bite of her brother's sandwich.

"Rydel!"

She giggled as he swatted her, humming to herself while she began to prepare her own. She didn't offer an answer for a couple minutes, but finally turned around to face me and Riker. "I got us a weekend free in our very own hometown! You see, mom and dad never go out, Riker. I know you think it's ridiculous, but I've finally convinced them that I'm old enough to watch over you in case anything happens and told them they need a weekend to themselves! So, they booked a little vacation up north and they're going away! For an entire weekend! Just us…" she trailed off, giving her brother a smile. "And uh, Ellington. But don't worry! You won't see much of us, either."

Riker seemed shocked by his smiling sister's announcement, but slowly a smile of his own crept up his face. "How the hell did you manage that?"

"Mom was easier, believe me. I told her that I'd be here all weekend and that Remy would be around, too. Of course, that made dad a little apprehensive, but then it suddenly went away. Not sure why." I thought back to the night in the kitchen when Riker was having a bad attack and I was able to calm him, and smiled to myself. That was why. "But they're going! They'll be back Monday night, and they're leaving tomorrow! So, thank me now!"

Riker turned to face me and I couldn't help but kiss him. "This is awesome."

"You have no idea," he murmured. "My parents never leave us alone. They wouldn't even leave us with family when we were kids."

"So, this is a good thing. They trust us."

Rydel nodded, "Yes! So, what are we going to do? Any idea?"

"We'll see," Riker commented. "But first, I want to finish this damn sandwich!"

By the time the next day rolled around, Rydel had part of the weekend planned. While Ellington was on his way over, she did want to spend some of our time together. She pulled out some of their favorite movies, and I drove us to the store to pick up snacks and treats for a movie night. Since Ellington wouldn't arrive to the next day, I knew the night before would be one for us three together. I also had a plan in mind for Rydel. As much as she claimed we wouldn't see her when Ellington arrived, I knew she was also worried for her brother. Despite the obvious fact that he was fine, there was always a worry that something could go wrong and she didn't want it to happen on her watch. I knew I could handle it though and made plans for them at an expensive restaurant in town, and movie reservations for after. Leaving just me and Riker in the house. A tiny smile played on my face as the first movie of our night started. We were already alone, but tomorrow would be even better.

"Does she know about her date yet?" Riker asked me the next morning when I entered his house.

I shook my head. "No. But you told Ellington, right?"

"Yes. I texted him last night. He's very pleased."

"She won't be able to tell him no," I explained with a smile. "If she knew we planned it, she'd come up with some excuse. But he's fine with taking the blame. He says it makes him more romantic."

The beautiful boy next to me laughed. "Good job, Rem. Can't wait for… tonight."

I rolled my eyes a bit, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks. "Well, it's early still. What do you want to do?"

He shrugged, falling back onto the couch. "I don't know. Rydel's in the shower. I think she's been in there for like five hours now. I don't know why she's convinced she has to look like a model when he's head over heels for her regardless."

"It's a girl thing."

"If you say so."

I sat down next to him on the couch, placing my hand over his chest while I pressed a quick kiss on his cheek. He looked a little pale, but that was nothing new. "You all up to date?"

"Yes," he answered, flipping on the TV. "All good."

"Ellington is almost here!" A shriek from upstairs sent us both jumping as Rydel plowed down her steps, running into the living room in a pink skirt and a darker top. Her hair was curled at the tips and her make up looked on par. All in all, she looked gorgeous and I told her so. Her blush told me she was just as excited as she looked.

"I can't believe he's almost here. He says he has a surprise. I wonder what it could be?!"

"Who knows?" Riker teased, elbowing me. I resisted the urge to smack him.

"I'm sure whatever it is, you're going to love it."

She squeaked when she heard a car door close and an alarm lock, staring at the door with wide eyes. I rolled mine and got up, following her the short distance just as someone knocked. She took shelter behind me, and I couldn't help but laugh. I knew at one point I was like that with Riker, even if for a short period of time, so I couldn't blame her. Besides, it was nice to see love like that. Young or not, we loved passionately and no one could deny us that. Finally, I opened the door to Ellington, looking quite suave in his jeans and freshly pressed shirt and light coat. He winked at me as he pressed a kiss on her lips. I watched her knees, seeing them go weak. Oh yeah, been there, done that.

"Nice to see you again, Ellington," I announced, closing the door behind us. "You look quite nice."

"Well, we have an exciting day ahead of us."

"We do?"

I hid my smile at Rydel's question. He shared a knowing look with Riker as Rydel went into the kitchen for drinks. For the next half hour or so, we all caught up. Then, her boyfriend cleaned his throat and announced they had places to be. Rydel looked like a cartoon character with her wide, love filled eyes and animated voice. By the time they were at the door, she was stumbling over words and thanking us for allowing her to hang out with them. I closed the door with a chuckle, leaning on it when I heard the car door close. "Well, that took long enough."

Riker gave me a teasing look from the couch. "You're telling me."

"So…" I trailed off, eyeing him.

He rolled his eyes. "Upstairs?"

"Anywhere would be good," I laughed. "But yeah, upstairs is probably the best."

He followed me up the stairway, leading me by hand into his room where he quickly discarded his top and worked his way over to me to do the same to mine. I knew he was just as eager as I was, but I wanted to remember every moment, too. I took in his body, thin but also somehow marvelous, feeling his tight muscles as I worked my way down to his jeans. They were fitted perfectly, hugging him right above his v line. I couldn't take my eyes off his body, and my hands hungrily played with the clasp at his jeans.

"Having an issue?"

I nodded with a grumble, finally with his help opening them. With a swift move, I pulled them down to his ankles, pleased to see his blue boxers staring back at me. He pulled on the hem of my sweatpants, yanking them with ease to the same position. I used my foot to toss them near the wall, pulling him with me to the bed, where I collapsed first. He leaned on top of me, pressing kisses on my jawline and then working his way down. Shivers replaced my heated skin as he got lower and I was reminded just how damn good it felt. Still new to the entire thing, I was hot and aching within seconds. But we'd forgotten something, I noticed. I searched with my eyes for a condom, knowing despite that he couldn't get me pregnant, I still didn't want to take any chance. He chuckled as if he knew, pulling one out of his stand beside him.

"Always prepared," I murmured.

He nodded, going back to his actions. I took the small square out of his hand, unwrapping it. And with that, all my thoughts went beyond anything recognizable.

Sometime later, we were sprawled out on his bed, both naked under his covers, breathing in the heat-filled air. It was still warm from earlier and I was beyond content with our afternoon together. Riker, peacefully napping beside me reminded me just how lucky I was. I couldn't believe we were together, in his own house, where we were. There were no parents to interrupt us, Rydel was out for the next few hours. We could do this all night if we wanted. His sleeping form told me otherwise; the action had just about exhausted him. I couldn't help but chuckle at that.

I finally got up, throwing on my t-shirt and found my discarded other clothes, slipping them back on. I opened a window and let the sunlight into the room, knowing that when he did wake, he'd be hungry. In good spirits, I exited the room and entered the kitchen, finding that there were several menus and cash left out, telling us to order whatever we pleased. I probably should've waited for him to wake, but instead I ordered a pizza. Who said no to pizza?

I also went about and made some fresh lemonade, stirring it as I thought about before. I shifted on my feet to relieve the sensation it gave me, shaking my head. Round two would have to wait, I reminded myself.

The pizza arrived shortly and I placed it on the table, and made my way to the stairs. My heart jumped as I neared his room, hearing his familiar cough fill the hallway. I wondered if he'd wake himself up from it. It went on as I used the bathroom, getting louder to my surprise and sounding as if it were not to stop anytime soon. I tried to keep my cool, knowing from experience that this was not an uncommon thing. The coughing always sounded worse than it was. I quickly hurried back to his room though, seeing him hunched over the side of the bed, wheezing into his hands, before going back into another coughing attack. I hurried to his side, resting my hand on his back. He looked up at me with bleary, sleep filled eyes.

He didn't offer me anything as he continued his attack and I began to notice it'd been going on for a solid few minutes at that point. I bit down on my lip, not too sure if I should say something. If he were worried, he'd say something, right? Besides, Rydel had done his therapy before I got there that morning, according to him, so it shouldn't have been an issue.

"Do you need anything?"

He couldn't get a word in edgewise.

I finally had enough. He was giving me a panic attack enough, but when I saw blood in his hands, my heart almost jumped into my throat.

"Riker?!"

He looked at me this time and from his eyes I knew something wasn't right.

"I lied… earlier," he spat through coughs. "Rydel didn't do my therapy. She was so excited… I know… It was a bad… idea… I … didn't…" He couldn't finish his sentence.

"What do you want me to do?"

This was the second time I felt helpless.

He got up and picked up a few tissues, using them to shield himself from me. His coughing went on for what felt like hours and while he continued to suffer, he begged me not to call an ambulance or Rydel. "Riker," I pleaded. "You're scaring me. I can't help you. I need to do something."

He was on the floor at that point, his knees up to his chest. As if someone heard my pleas, the coughing finally subsided. I looked at the clock, noticing it'd been a half an hour and sat down beside him. He leaned on me almost immediately, apologizing as he closed his eyes. I wouldn't let him go to sleep though and shook his shoulder. I finally got him to look at me, giving him a look that made him pay attention. "I love you, you know that, right?"

He nodded.

"I'm not doing this again, Riker. I know why you did what you did, but I'm not doing this again. I know it wouldn't have helped in the midst of it, but if you want me around, I want you to show me how your therapy works. I know you say it's not something for me, but I'm in way too deep to see you in pain like that and I refuse to see it again. Please don't make me. Please show me how this works. Please."

He didn't answer me at first, studying me with his exhausted eyes, but finally nodded wearily. "Okay."