May 4, 2018
Parallels
seen from Singapore
seen from Netherlands
seen from China
seen from Türkiye
seen from Türkiye
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Netherlands
seen from Türkiye
seen from Netherlands
seen from China
seen from China
seen from South Korea
seen from Argentina
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Hong Kong SAR China
Parallels
Rucus appreciation post
I think every girl has wanted to this when being asked out by the guy that they like
Every relationship has its obstacles ❤️
Day 7: Rain and all the best things
4:44am
Riley: Oh man… I was SO much younger yesterday… ;)
Preview: See how Riley’s life is changed through a series of extremely fortunate events!
Side note: Am I about three weeks late… YES! But I felt it was important to finish! SO HERE SHE IS LADIES AND GENTS! The crown jewel of my Rucas week! It’s been so fun making these SO! Imma keep on keepin’ on! I have some other stories in the works, so stay with me! There should be a lot more fun to come! I love your feedback, y’all are amazing! Thank you!
Rileys POV
4:44pm
20 minutes ago Uncle Shawny came in and surprised Aunty Katy with a Christmas vacation to Disneyland! Now they’re off to figure out how to break the news to the kids! Naturally, I volunteered to take Aunty Katy’s shift because I love romance! I love Uncle Shawn and Aunty Katy and Mommy would have had my head if I didn’t offer! Maya’s going to be so excited she’s always wanted to go there and what makes it even better is her younger twin siblings, Chelsea and Shawn Jr.! They’re little enough to make it seem like she’s doing stuff just so they don’t cry. *wink* *wink*
“Alright, Ms. Riley!” Aunty Katy sings as she hugs me. “Thank you so much again! You’re such a sweetheart!”
“Of course!” I smile.
“Have fun you two!” Mom says as she hugs the cute Mr. and Mrs. Hunter.
“You’re the best! OH! And don’t forget! 5:30!”
“Honey!” Uncle Shawn interrupts. “It’s Topanga! She’s got the best memory out of all of us, now let's go Mrs. Hunter!"
She smiles and takes his hand. "I know!"
We wave goodbye to them as they skip out the door like two giddy children.
“I hope I find someone that makes me feel that way.” I sigh.
“Oh, sweetheart. You’ll find him when you least expect it.“ She sooths.
“You think so?”
She leans in and kisses the top of my head. “I know so.”
5:30pm
*Ding*
I look up as the door closes and let out a tiny gasp. Standing at the entrance of my mother’s bakery is the man of my dreams! From his perfectly symmetrical face and full head of golden locks to his Greek God body! This KID IS GORGEOUS! But makes him the prince of my heart? His clothes!
Just picture it for a moment! First, a wool Blend Double Breasted peacoat. Then he takes it off to reveal a perfectly tailored Hardy Amies, Glen Check, Brinsley, slim fit suit. Peeking out of his suit coat is a white, Royal Oxford, cotton shirt and a navy blue, Drake’s striped woven silk tie. Dangling effortlessly on his wrists are silver, Mother-of-pearl, cuff links and a steel case, blue dial, 300 M Chronometer from Omega’s Seamaster collection. You think there couldn’t possibly be anymore. That he’s blown your mind enough, but no. You look down and see he’s wearing crimson and navy blue, dressed, Goose Eye socks, with dark brown, George Cleverley Leather Oxfords!
WOW, MAMA!
He takes a seat in the window and I do my best to play it cool by stealing glances at him as I pretend to organize stuff around the register. He looks so anxious? I feel bad for the poor guy as I watch his leg bounce up and down then BAM! His hazel green eyes are penetrating my soul! I stop, drop, and sit on the floor! Abort mission! Our position has been compromised! I wait for what seems like forever until I find enough courage to peek over the counter. Big mistake! He greets me with a soft smile and I awkwardly smile back.
“Hi.” I squeak as I stand.
“Hey, is Katy or Topanga here?”
Is that a hint of a southern accent I hear?! OH HEAVENS GIVE ME STRENGTH!
“YES!“ I blurt out. “One moment, please!”
I run to the back and into mom’s office. “Someone’s here for you!” I puff out. She looks to the clock and then walks with me to the front.
“Lucas!” She says as she hugs him. A twinge of Jealousy prikes my chest. Why have I never heard of this fine specimen?! Mom quickly pulls out something from her pocket and hands it to him, it’s a Bolo Tie. “This is for you!“
I peer over at him as he takes the gift with great reverence. A tiny grin dances at the corner of my mouth. He’s sentimental!
“Thank you, ma'am!” He gushes.
“Of course! And don’t forget! Just be yourself and everything will fall into place.”
“I’ll try!” He replies with a crooked smile.
“Well, you better get going or you’ll be late!” She shews.
“Thank you again! This means a lot!”
“No problem.”
she gives him one last look of encouragment before he races out the door. I gently lean my cheek against the palm of my hand and let out little sigh. He’s SOOOOO NICE! My eyes wonder down to his slacks. AND SOOOOO GOOD-LOOKING!
As he jogs up the stairs, my heart follows.
“Ooh I need to remember that for my next story!” I mumble.
“What story, honey?” I jump. I forgot mom was still here!
“Nothing!” I shout!
“Okay.” She says with a giggle.
“SO… who was that?” I ask nonchalantly.
“Lucas?“ She questions as she examines me, but like before, I play it cool.
“Mmmhmm.”
“He’s one our newest regulars.” She answers as she folds her arms.
“That’s cool.” I say, hoping she’ll elaborate.
“He moved here from Texas about a month ago.” She adds, trying to fight a smile. “Really great guy, good-looking too!”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed?”
“Okay.” She grins. “Is there anything else you wanna know about Lucas?”
“Pffff NO!” I say as I let out a nervous laugh, “I don’t care! I was just asking to be polite!”
Mom shakes her head at me and giggles as she goes back to her office. Dodged a bullet there! She has no clue! I’m getting better at masking my emotions! My phone buzzes and I jump again. I look down and roll my eyes. It’s Charlie. I swipe the red button then walk out to the floor to check on the customers.
8:22pm
“‘It was like a Summers day when the breeze picks up and causes the falling rain to scatter, creating a glow… a rainbow of sorts-’ ‘That.’ He interrupts. ‘that look right there. You love him.’ She looks up at the Saturn Sherpa and begins to cry. He’s right and there’s nothing she can do about it. Fin.” I stop typing and smile. This has got to be one of THE BEST fanfics I’ve written since, EVER!
“Out here in space.” I whisper. “I kiss your green face, but it feels like your light years away!”
“Riley.” Mom calls. She spooks me again! I quickly shut my laptop and give her my best innocent smile!
“Hey, mom!”
It’s been 6 years since that show’s finale episode aired, naturally you’d think I’d have moved on by now, but I haven’t. It’s a secret I will take to the grave! She plops down next to me on the loveseat and pulls me in for a big hug.
“Thank you for all your help today!” She beams.
“Anytime.” I say with a smile.
She squeezes me tight, then plants a kiss on top of my head. “I’ll lock up, so you can head home now.” She says as she stands up.
“I’ll wait for you.” I reply with a shrug.
She grins, then shakes her head. “No its fine. Your father is on his way! He’s taking me on a date!”
“Ooh.” I say playfully as I gather my things. “See you tomorrow then!”
“See you tomorrow! and good luck with your story. Can’t wait to see how Ashley chooses Blarg in this, what did Auggie call it?“ She snaps her fingers. “Fan Fiction!”
My head whips back around to find a smiley mommy. She winks at me as my brain melts. HOW?! She laughs at my expression and disappears into the back. My shoulders fall as a weak smile forms on my face. I’m so transparent!
8:34pm
It’s freezing tonight as I pull my beanie over my ears. My scarf is wrapped snugly around the bottom half of my face so only my eyes are exposed. I cross my arms to keep the warmth contained. I hear footsteps and close my eyes tight. Please don’t be Charlie. Please don’t be-
“Riley! Thank goodness I caught you!” Charlie calls as he races towards me. I roll my eyes.
“Charlie, I-”
“I know!” He interrupts as he throws his hands up. “But just hear me out.”
I huff as I push pass him. “No, Charlie! I’ve-”
He reaches for and grips my arm, causing my head to jerks back in his direction. THE AUDACITY!
“Riley I-” He stops mid-sentence and looks passed me. My brow creases as I follow his gaze. It’s LUCAS!
“Is there a problem here?” He asks as he joins us.
“Not at all.” Charlie replies, still holding on to my wrist.
“Is this true, Riley?” He asks through a clinched jaw as he eyes Charlie’s hold.
“Yes, it is.” I say as I yank my arm away from him. “Charlie was just saying goodbye, weren’t you?”
“But, Riley-”
“Goodbye, Charlie.” I interject.
He takes a deep breath and steps back. “Goodbye, Riley.”
He gives me one last smile before turning to Lucas. “No funny, business, guy.”
“Never that.” Lucas retorts as he gives Charlie the same look. “I’m from the south, where they teach us how to treat ladies.”
They exchange another look and I roll my eyes. Men, so typical.
Charlie leaves and I let out a heavy sigh as I watch him evaporate into the night. He’s a great guy, heck he’s perfect! But something about us just never clicked.
I scrunch my face and turn my attention back to Lucas. Suddenly the tension in the air turns from annoyed to something I’ve never felt before? It’s unnerving! I shake my head to regain focus.
“So, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Riley Matthews.” I say as I extend my hand.
“Lucas Friar.” He chuckles.
“Nice to meet you!” I sing. “So… My mom says that you’ve become a regular- NOT THAT I ASKED OR ANYTHING! It’s just, you became the topic of conversation after you left BECAUSE I’ve never seen you before and my mom knew that- sorry I have a rambling problem.”
I quickly shift my gaze to my boots as my face heats up. WHAT AM I SAYING!
“Don’t worry.” He reassures me. “I do that too.”
“Good.” I sigh. He laughs again and I die! Why am I so awkward!
I peek up at him and the stress from earlier is still there. My smile fades.
“Well, I’m gonna head home now. But, thank you for helping me with Charlie! That was really nice of you.”
“Yeah, no problem.” He sighs.
I smile at him and as I do I feel my stomach churning. What is happening?! I’m about half way to the stairs when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and once again my stomach is in knots! He is WAY TOO PRETTY!
“Would you like me to walk with you? Ya know, just in case that creepy Charlie fella pops up on your way home.”
“I’d like that.” I reply with an approving nod.
When we reach the top of the stairs, dad’s standing there with a stunned expression on his face.
“Dad, this is-”
“LA LA LA LA LA!” He shouts as he bolts down the steps. Lucas and I look at each other and laugh.
“Sorry-”
“No explanation needed.” He says with a winks.
I let out a nervous giggle and quickly look to the sidewalk.
“SO!” I start. “Tell me about yourself, Lucas.”
“Well, I’m the second youngest of 5, born and raised in Texas, love all sports ESPECIALLY baseball, attended TCU, (Texas Christian University) on a baseball scholarship, just graduated this past May, ummmm. OH! My sister and best friend just got engaged and I just got drafted into the Mets, which is why I’m here in New York City. You’re turn!”
“Well, I’m the oldest of 2, born and raised right here in New York City, I suck at most sports,but I love watching um, my best friend is dating my Uncle, I’m in the last semester of my under grad at Columbia University, and my dream is to become an awe-inspiring novelist like Jane Austen or J.K. Rowling!”
“Hey!“ He chimes in. “I love Harry Potter!”
My eyes light up! “Really?”
“Mmhmm! Always felt a strong connection to Ron.”
“Same!” I awkwardly giggle. “EXCEPT with Hermione!”
The tension from earlier returns as we walk in silence. WHY DID I HAVE TO SAY HERMIONE AFTER HE SAID RON?!
“Do you have a story you’re working on?” He finally asks, much to my relief.
“I actually published my first YA novel this past year called, Girl Meets World.”
“Thats awesome! I’ll make sure to look for it in the airport on my next trip!”
“Oh, well it’s not that big, but it has generated a huge following on Tumblr. ;)”
“Oh, that’s neat!” He replies politely. YUP HE’S A WAY NICE GUY!
“Can you keep a secret?” He questions as he raises an eyebrow.
“I’m the best.” I joke.
“I didn’t think about become a professional baseball player until the offers started coming in my Junior year of University.”
“Really?” I gasp.
“Really!” He repeats as he fights a smile.
I’m taken aback! He seems like the classic, die-hard sports fan, jock head… I guess that’s why we shouldn’t judge, huh?
He chuckles at my reaction and I swoon. HOW DOES HE GET HIS LAUGHTER TO SOUND LIKE MUSIC?! I hear my dad’s voice enter my head, “Take a deep breath Matthews he’s lookin’ at ya funny, ya MAROON!”
“Well what did you want to be?” I ask with squinted eyes, trying to regain composure.
A soft giggle causes my chest to rumble as I watch his eyes dart back and forth. When he’s sure no one’s within earshot he leans in and whispers, “A veterinarian.”
“A veterinarian?” I coo as my eyes fill with wonder. HE LOVE’S ANIMALS TOO?!
“YUP! Even graduated with a degree in Biology.”
“Oh! Let me guess?” I tease. “All you did was play ball and focused on school, which was good because you graduated magna cum laude, but bad because now you’re horrible with women, RIGHT?!”
“summa cum laude.” He corrects with a cheeky grin. “But, yup! You pretty much nailed it on the head!”
… THAT’S IT! I’M DONE! END THE STORY NOW! THIS GUY CAN’T BE REAL! …But he is… For me anyways… ;) I clear my throat and slide my hands into my pockets.
“Wow” I whisper.
“Bet you weren’t expecting that, huh? Probably thought I was some dumb jock or something?”
“NO!” I snap. He gives me a look and I drop the act. “Okay, yes! But can you blame me! I mean look at ya!”
“Aw stop! You’re making me blush.” He chuckles as he rubs the back of his neck.
GOOD! That makes two of us!
“Well, what made you choose baseball then? I mean you were already well on your way to becoming a vet?” I inquire as I stop in front of my building.
“Simple.” He shrugs. “I feel in love with the sport.”
“Awww! That’s so-”
“Cheesy, I know!” He laughs.
“I was going to say endearing.” I correct with a playfully nudge to his shoulder.
He flashes a crooked smile and nudges me back. “Thank you, Riley.”
“Of course.” I reply as I point to the building next to us. “Well, this is me.”
“Already?” He whines.
“Yup! Sorry!” I giggle. “And don’t worry your secrets safe with me.”
“Oh, thank goodness!” He lets out an exaggerated sigh of relief and grips his chest. I roll my eyes for the thousandth time tonight! What a ham!
He takes my hand and I shiver, not because it’s cold, but because his touch is ELECTRIFYING!
“It was a pleasure meeting you.” He says as we shake hands.
“You too.” I wheeze. He gives me a soft smile then let’s go. My brows furrow as a weird feeling causes my stomach to churn. AGAIN!
“Hey!” I call after him.
He spins around and I feel my knees buckle. That was so graceful! I grasp the railing to stabilize myself.
“Wanna come up and get warm?” I ask in a rush. “AND NOT LIKE A, COME UP AND HAVE SEX WITH ME, WAY! But like a, ooh, it’s cold outside and a nice hot beverage and warm apartment will help relieve my chill… so I can go home… safer, way?”
WAY TO GO, MATTHEWS! Why don’t you just throw him your panties while you’re at it!
I shake my head. “Sorry! I-”
“I’d love to.” He interjects.
12:07am
“No way! I love Cuddle Bunnies and Red Planet Diaries too!” I Squeal.
“Out here in space!” He begins.
“I kiss your green face!” I add and then we sing together, “But it feels like your light years away! LA LA LA LA LA!”
We burst out into laughter as the door swings open.
“Riles! You’ll never believe what my dad did-” Maya freezes as she looks at Lucas and I on the couch. We both look horrified as we watch her grin grow wider than the Cheshire cat! Uncle Josh comes up behind her.
“Ya tell her?” He asks excitedly. She nudges him and points to us. He looks and lets out a soft chuckle.
“Way to go, buddy!” He cheers! Maya says nothing, but continues to smile as Josh takes her hand and guides her into our room. The door shuts and we both let out a heavy sigh! Seconds later it re-opens and Maya’s head pops out.
“Hey, Huckleberry, I’m proud of you.” She winks and then re-closes the door. Why did she call me Huckleberry? I shrug it off. Maya calls me a lot of different nicknames. I look to Lucas who still looks horrified. Poor guy.
“WELL, I better get going.” He whispers as he gets up. “It’s pretty late.”
“Yeah! Totally! Way late! You were probably warmed up like what, 2 hours ago?!” I slowly knock my head. OH, MY STUPID MOUTH!
We walk downstairs and stand on the stoop.
“I had a really fun time.” He says as he slips his hands into his pockets.
“Me too.” I beam. We gaze into one another’s eyes and I’m undone. Something inside me is changing and all I want to do his taste his sweet, sweet lips! My eyes wonder down to them as he leans in and-
“LUCAS!”
12:33am
Our attention shots to the source of the interruption. It’s a woman in the back of a really fancy, black, car. It stops and a slim figure slowly gets out, revealing a tall, blonde, BOMBSHELL! My heart shrinks and falls to the cold hard ground. I KNEW THIS WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
Her piercing baby blues catch my dark yucky ones and whence. WHY IS SHE SO BEAUTIFUL! I redirect my focus to her clothes, which is an even BIGGER MISTAKE!
She looks like she belongs on the cover of Vogue, with her tailored, maroon, Burberry Prorsum, virgin wool, top coat and her black, leather, Versace, stacked high heel, ankle boots! These people are WAY TOO ATTRACTIVE TO ACTUALLY EXIST! My sigh deepens as I glance over to Lucas who seems upset. That, that look right there… THEY’RE A COUPLE IN A LOVER’S SPAT! FIGURES! Beautiful people ALWAYS end up with other BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!
“What are you doing here?!” He demands.
She laughs as she makes her way up the steps. “A little birdy told me and I just had to come see for myself.”
She has the same southern twang as Lucas, which means… High school sweethearts OR WORSE! Childhood sweethearts!
“Hi!” She says as she extends her hand to me. “I’m Hannah Friar. Lucas’ twin sister.”
“Twin?!” I blurt out as we shake. I bite my lip to cover my relief.
“YUP!” She states proudly.
“Nice to meet you.” I reply with a weak smile.
She returns the gesture and does a VERY OBVIOUS once over on ME! I follow her gaze, trying to check for any weird stains that could have gotten on me through the day.
I KNEW I SHOULDN’T HAVE EATEN THAT JELLY DONUT EARLIER!
When she finishes, she turns to Lucas with two thumbs up. “Maya was right! She’s a babe! Totally right for you!”
A BABE?! I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended?! Either way my face is beet red! And did she just say Maya? As in my Maya?! She looks back to me and winks before skipping back down the steps. Lucas follows close behind her.
“I’m so proud of you, Huckleberry!” She says in a baby voice as she pinches his cheeks. Did she just call him Huckleberry?! Then that means- NO! He rolls his eyes and helps her into her car.
When it gets on to the road, she rolls down the window and vigorously waves as they drive by. I mindlessly wave back. WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED?!
My brain implodes with questions. How does she know Maya?! How does he know MAYA?! Why do they call him Huckleberry?! HOW DO THEY KNOW MAYA?!
I look to Lucas who’s still turned away from me and I sink to the ground. The stoop is cold, so I hug my knees to my chest and continue to watch Lucas stare at the sky. You got lots of splaining to do Huckleberry.
1:04am
He hasn’t moved for almost 20 minutes and as much as I want to say something to him, but I don’t. Something about the way he’s standing there seems like he’s collection his thoughts, so I let him be. He’ll move eventually. I hug myseld HARD. IT’S FREEZING OUT HERE!
“Riley?” He whispers. I pop up.
“Yes?!”
He takes in a deep breath and slowly turns around. Poor guy looks defeated!
“You alright?” I ask through chattering teeth. He races up the steps.
“I’m so sorry!” He says as speedily takes off his coat and wraps it around me. “I thought you went inside?!”
“And run the risk of you leaving before I could grill you?! No way.” I reply, still chattering away. He smiles as he rapidly rubs my arms.
“Well, I guess I owe you a good explain then, huh?” He cautiously looks at me and I give him a “no duh.” Look back. “Alright.” He chuckles.
“So, my sister, Hannah, is a grad student at NYU, which is how she knows Maya. One night she talked me into going to this little bakery called Topanga’s with her because Maya said they had awesome pastries-”
“And that’s how you meet Aunty Katy and my Mommy?!” I interrupt.
“No.” He smiles. “That’s when I saw you.”
“What?” I squeak.
“Yup. That night was warmer than usual, which I was told was extremely rare for this time of year. I wanted to enjoy it, so I stayed outside while my sister went in and that’s when I saw you through the window. You were completely enthralled with your laptop, typing like a mad woman! I’d never seen anything more beautiful.” He winks and I tuck my chin further into his coat as he continues.
“Hannah came back out and noticed how infatuated I was with you, so she tried to get me to go in and say hi. I said no because I was afraid I’d do or say something stupid, but she insisted and that’s when Maya and Josh came down the stairs. She saw them and instead of introducing us she explained my dilemma. To make matters worse they knew you! I was so embarrassed that I kind of shut down. Hannah saw this and being the sneaky sister she is, made a deal with me. They’d give me a month to say something to you on my own and if nothing was done they’d step in.“
“I agreed and the next Friday I came back more determined, but when I got there you were nowhere to be found and THAT’S how I meet your Aunty Katy and Mommy! Since then I’ve meet your dad, brother, Farkle, and Smackle who’ve all given me advice about you.”
“Really?” I gasp.
“Mmhmm.” He says as pops the collar on his coat.
“So was the whole thing with Uncle Shawn and Aunty Katy staged?!”
“No!” He states with wide eyes. “That was real! I was planning on talking to you NEXT Friday.” He laughs.
“But the Bolo Tie?!”
“Hannah and Zay’s engagement dinner was tonight and they asked me to give a speech, but I suck at public speaking! Your mom and Katy have been helping me practice. The Bolo Tie was a gift to help me through it because I’d left my lucky one back in Texas.”
“Wow.” I sigh. Everything from earlier was making A LOT more sense now! I smile as I look to him again. He looks so nervous! He REALLY does like me… and I REALLY do like him. AND NOT JUST BECAUSE HE’S BEAUTIFUL! That was a bonus! No, I like him because we… click…
I hold his gaze as I slide my arms into his coat and wrap them around his neck. My heart is beating so fast, I swear the old ladies down the street can hear it, but I don’t care! This is happing! I let the tension build as I hover in front of his lips and then
*EXPLOSIONS*
*“Starving” by Hailee Steinfeld*
4:44am
(Lucas’ apartment)
Oh man… I was SO much younger yesterday… ;)
Symbolon
So, I wrote a one-shot that was originally meant for day 7 of Rucas fan fic week. That one shot quickly became a vignette to Amaranthine (set in between the last chapter and the epilogue). I’m not posting it here because it has a strong “M” rating, and I don’t want people to read it who aren’t interested in those types of stories.
Please, please, please...if you read it, review it or send me an ask (you can do anon on both) or something to let me know if you liked it. I NEVER ask for feedback from fics (I feel like if you want to say something about what I’ve written, you will), but I’m begging asking this time because I am incredibly anxious about posting this and unsure if I should EVER attempt something like this again. So, please...if you read it...let me know what you think.
Symbolon: greek word meaning ‘other half’