Lucas arrived back at the Matthews home at 6pm as he had done since they got back from LA. He felt incredibly bad that his parents had practically thrown him away to the Matthews, so in an effort to repay him he got a job. His cousin or old family friend of some sort had been hiring at his pet store and since Lucas secretly wanted to be a vet, this job seemed suitable. The Matthews would only allow Lucas to give them $5 a week considering all the "help he'd been with Riley." So that gave Lucas some spare money for clothes, food and the occasional gift for Riley, Zay or any of his other new friends.
'Riley I'm home!' Lucas yelled out as he hung his coat up on the coat rack. He knew that Friday was date night for Cory and Topanga and that Auggie wouldn't pass up a chance to stay at Ava or Dewey's. So it must just be Lucas and Riley home.
'In my room.' She called back her voice cracking slightly in the middle of the sentence, Lucas knew what this meant, she hadn't gotten out of bed all day. He shuffled his way carefully back to Riley's room and knocked on the door before swinging it open and jumping onto her bed to hug her.
'Hello smiley Riley, what have you been up to today. Or let me guess, Gossip girl and the sims 3.' Lucas asked knowing full well that's exactly what she had been doing.
'It's like you ARE me.' Riley enthusiastically replied pausing the Gossip Girl episode and sitting up in her bed.
'So school for you in two days you know what that means??' Lucas asked raising his eyebrows. Riley did the same action and then said:
'Death?' Causing Lucas to laugh.
'No I meant-' He started but the opening of the door cut him off.
'MAYA.' Riley yelled hopping up and limping over to her.
'Oh if it isn't my little plant and her watering bottle. Oh how I've missed you my dear.' Maya joked giving Lucas knuckles while hugging Riley. Riley released Maya and sat back down on her bed Maya following her and plopping down right next to her.
'Ok I guess I'll sit on this chair then.' Lucas said mainly to himself before doing just that.
'Ooooo Gossip girl, what season are you up to? Don't you just love Chuck and Blair?' Maya asked and Lucas pulled his phone out knowing he wouldn't be very involved in this kind of conversation.
'Season 4 so no spoilers or you die!! Anyway how was Melbourne tell me all about it!' Riley squealed and Lucas had to prevent himself from flinching.
'OMG I can't believe I've never been there before, there are down sides of course but it's definitely the most liveable city in the world for a reason. I so want to move down there with Josh when I'm older. I mean I'm a city girl but because I grew up here in rural New York state I think New York would be too overwhelming for me to live, and way expensive.' Maya ranted and Riley sat across from her listening to her intently.
'So school in two days are you excited to get back on the horse I call hell?' Maya asked and Riley laughed. She glanced over at the pile of books laying across her desk and a little scrunching feeling peered into her chest. So many people would be at her school, and she had to annoy her friends with the hassle of helping her carry her things and relive the story to people of what happened. She knew how much trouble she already was and she had a feeling it was only going to get worse as school started.
'Yeah I'm excited, I mean I wish I could go back after my leg surgery but life's tough.' She smiled acting like nothing was wrong, because nothing was that wrong she needed to worry her friends. It was just silly nervousness.
'Well I'm sure every one will be happy to have their ray of sunshine back. I'm sure they'll be more than confused when she shows up with the guy people only knew about 2 months ago.' Lucas butted in finally finding an opening into the conversation.
'Lucas people knew who you were at our high school, you were the weird loner.' Maya responded earning a hit to the chest from Riley.
'Hey I said he was known I didn't say he was known for good things did I?' Maya replied trying to save herself. Lucas laughed at her statement. She wasn't wrong, He was the weird loner, and that's the way Lucas liked it for a long time, no friends, no expectations, no disappointment. Just him and occasionally Zay. Now he couldn't think of life any other way than to have the people he know has in it.
'Yeah Lucas I mean it can't get any worse. I mean I'm recovering from severe trauma and you're coming out of your shell and trying to be accepted. What else could POSSIBLY go wrong.' Riley joked hitting her bed. She watched as Maya's gaze slowly moved to the window and her smile dropped.
'Oh Riley I would've touched wood.' Maya spoke quietly and Riley quickly moved her head to the bay window.
Riley waited for the text bubble to pop back up on her phone screen and when it didn’t she sighed heavily, plugging her phone into the charger and placing it back on her nightstand. To be fair she knew Lucas had practice super early in the morning and needed his sleep. Still, she wished she had someone to talk to. She knew if she called Maya there was no going back to sleep for her, Zay would kill her if she disrupted his beauty sleep and genius one and two both went to bed at a reasonable hour so they were already far off into dream land.
She tossed and turned in her spot, pulling the covers up over her head hoping it’d swallow her whole. Every time she closed her eyes she would picture her audition, how she stumbled up on stage and stuttered her first two lines. There was no way she’d get the part she wanted. She’d be surprised if they let her be a tree at this point.
15 minutes and 5 self-deprecating thoughts later she hears a noise at the window. At first she brushed it off, not wanting to spook herself if it was just a branch or a bird. But then the noise happened again and this time it was much more distinct. She hesitated and then another noise. She was sure it was knocking. She glanced over at her phone seeing it was almost 15 minutes till midnight.
Riley gets out of bed wishing she hadn’t closed her curtains before tucking herself in. She grabs the closest thing to her which happens to be a stuffed animal Lucas won her at the carnival, ready to use it to fight for her life.
As she gets closer she hears the sound of her window slide up and immediately stops in her tracks, completely frozen as the intruder fumbles through. Once he’s in she begins to panic, using the only thing in her grasp to defend herself she begins to smack him with the plush toy, whacking him over the head several times.
“Riley…RILEY!” Lucas whisper yells, trying to keep his voice low so her parents wouldn’t hear. He stops her final hit with his arm, his eyes widen in shock but his mouth curled up into a smirk. “Are you trying to beat me to death with Sir Wiggleton?”
“Lucas?” She whisper yells back, reaching over to turn on her bedside lamp. “What’re you doing? I could’ve killed you!”
Lucas raises an eyebrow, “With a stuffed monkey?”
“You leave him out of this.” She crosses her arms, “Seriously though, I mean don’t get me wrong I’m happy to see you but you kind of scared me half to death.”
“I’m sorry.” He chews on his lip, moving closer to her. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well it worked.” She chuckles, whacking him in the arm once more with Sir Wiggleton.
Lucas instinctively pulls her into a hug which takes her by surprise. Not because he was being affectionate but because that was exactly what she needed to feel better. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer, gently rubbing her arm. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the warmth of his embrace, appreciative of the simple gesture. His touch made the room warmer somehow and his strong arms seemed very protective when wrapped around her small frame. The world around her melted away as she squeezed him back, not wanting the moment to end.
“I really needed this.” She huffs, nuzzling her face into the space between his neck and shoulder. “I’ve had the worst day.”
“I know.” Lucas stroked her long brown hair and gently pulled her face up to meet his. “Why do you think I came? The second you said you needed me I was out the door. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t sneak into my girlfriend’s bedroom window when she was feeling down?”
“You’re amazing you know that?” She couldn’t help but smile up at the handsome boy whose arms were still snug around her waist. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I ask myself that every day that I’m with you.” He smiles, planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
“Will you do me a favor?” She asks, interlocking their fingers together. Lucas nods his head enthusiastically. “Will you stay with me? Even if it’s just for a little while?”
“If you’re comfortable with that, absolutely.” He smiles, following her lead to the bed.
Riley gets in first, fluffing up their pillows as Lucas kicks off his shoes and peels off his sweater before climbing into bed with her, wrapping his arms around her torso, hugging her close. She instantly feels relaxed as he molds to the shape of her body. Lucas nuzzles into her shoulder, feeling the rise and fall of her chest, the rhythmic noise slowing his own breathing.
With their fingers intertwined the calmative effect is irresistible, bringing sleep before either of them can mumble a heart fluttering ‘goodnight’.
Lucas stumbled into the club following behind his best friend Zay. He didn't want to be there at all but Zay had forced him to go out for his birthday. The loud music of the club blared into Lucas' ears making his head throb and he practically dived towards the bar. He ordered himself a pale ale not really knowing what it was and banged his head on the table. He tried to drown the music out with literally anything else but to no avail. After a few moments he felt a few light taps on his back. He groaned a little knowing it was Zay and tilted his head not even bothering to put a smile on his face. He was very shocked when he saw not Zay but a tall Brunette girl sitting over on the seat next to him. She laughed at his shocked expression and held out her hand.
'I'm Riley.' She smiled, he took her hand and shook it slightly.
'Lucas, I'm here with my friend.' He retorted and Riley nodded.
'I know I saw you guys walk in, your friend is with mine right now. I can tell you don't want to be here and neither do I. Want to get a bottle of Rose and go?' She questioned trying not to stutter knowing this was something she didn't do often, but he didn't need to know that she thought.
'You know what, I'm definitely down for that.' He answered calmly.
Riley smiled and left for the other side of the bar to get a bottle of rose. Lucas went to the coatrack and got both of their coats smiling at Zay who was looking at him with a big smirk. Riley started walking to the entrance and put the thumbs up to Maya who was grinding on some guy at smiling widely at Riley.
Riley and Lucas slopped out of the bar standing close to one another.
'Where's your place?' Riley asked quietly. Lucas looked down at her and smiled.
'Two blocks up.' He smiled and Riley nodded.
'Well mines four so you win.' She joked and Lucas giggled a little looking down at the pavement.
They arrived at Lucas' apartment and trotted up the stairs before sitting down on the couch and wrapping their legs up with each others.
'So truth or dare Riley.' Lucas asked turning on the tv.
'Truth.' Riley simpered cracking open the drink and pouring it into two glasses.
'Favourite thing ever.'
'Wine and movies. Truth or dare?'
'Dare.'
'I dare you to kiss me.' Riley answered, Lucas barely hesitated locking his lips on hers. Fireworks shot through both their bodies as they both deepened the kiss slightly.
Riley pulled away smirking and rasping 'Dare.'
'I dare you to have your way with me, right here, right now.' Lucas replied. Riley was for once super confident and stripped his clothes off like it was absolutely nothing. Lucas put both of the cups on the coffee table and turned off the tv. Before helping Riley complete his dare.
Riley woke up at four am in Lucas' bed. She smiled over at him and moved over to grab her bra and underwear before trotting into his bathroom, she grabbed his tooth paste and used her finger to brush her teeth and then splashed her face with cold water. She then moved out to the living room and cleaned up all of last nights mess washing the cups and putting the rose in the fridge. Once she was done cleaning she went into his spare bedroom and saw a bunch of gym equipment, hoping he wouldn't mind she hopped onto the treadmill for her usual morning run. Once she was finished that it was almost 5:30 so she darted to the kitchen and grabbed two eggs and began to cook them. She knew it wasn't something people would usually use for a one night stand but she didn't want Lucas to be one of those normal one night stands, she really liked him and wanted to pursue it.
Once she had finished up breakfast it was 6am and she could hear Lucas stirring. She placed the breakfast on a carry tray that she found and walked into Lucas room. She placed the food beside his bed and started slowly kissing his neck. He moaned slightly but opened his eyes and smiled seeing none other than Riley there with him.
'Hey.' He rasped and Riley almost fell apart hearing his morning voice.
'Hey I made you breakfast.' She smiled and moved into bed with him.
'Wait how long have you been up.' He asked moving a strand of hair out of her face, He really liked this girl and thought he might want to do something about in the near future.
'I've been up since 4 am. I had to brush my teeth and stuff and then I, hope you don't mind, went for a run on your treadmill, cleaned up and made breakfast.' Lucas looked over at her awestruck at the ambitious girl. He dived over towards and kissed her before uttering "wonder woman" on her lips.
She pulled back and smiled a perfect candid smile and from that moment on Lucas knew he was going to do his best to keep her.
SIMILAR TO QUESTIONS OR UNTITLED AND IM NOT EVEN SORRY OKKKKK. It all happened so suddenly. One minute Riley was calm with her boyfriend and hers relationship, the next she felt like there was an enormous amount of pressure on her shoulders. It all started on a Thursday night when Maya tumbled into her room and confessed to her that not twenty minutes before she had lost her virginity. Once Riley had checked that she was under no influence, she wanted to and that she was safe she was happy for her friend. But after Maya's confession Riley got to thinking about how many other 16 year olds have had sex. She didn't sleep well that night thinking about the fact that Lucas was one year older. She couldn't stop thinking about how maybe she was holding him back from something. --------------------------- The next day Riley got to school incredibly exhausted. She slumped over to locker to get her books and couldn't help but hear a group of girls conversation from behind her. They were all talking about who they had 'gotten' with the night before or the weekend before. From her tired state Riley took a long time to realise what 'gotten' with had meant. She quickly grabbed her books and ran the bathroom to think about things. While she was running she felt someone hit her shoulder and she fell back slightly. She looked up to the perpetrator and saw none other than her boyfriend. He looked down her with slight amusement and laughed before holding her steady. 'Hey where you off to.' He asked looking down at his girlfriend who was fretting to escape from her grasp. 'Uhh period toilet that kinda thing.' She mumbled and Lucas let go not wanting her to be uncomfortable. She ran off to the toilet and quickly locked herself off in a stall. As she was thinking she heard the clattering of heels and the smell of perfume. She could see their heels stop in front of the mirror and she prepped herself for their conversation. '6 guys this week Charli. I'm very proud.' She heard a girl yell and Riley's stomach clenched, she couldn't even prep herself to get with one guy. 'Yeah but there's one guy that I still really want Liv.' Riley assumed this Charli girl said. 'Oh shut up about Lucas friar he loves Riley.' She sassed and Riley's heart clenched she needed to do something. She stood up and opened the store toilet and rushed out of the bathroom leaving the two girls shocked. She rushed past her dads classroom and saw the shocked faces as Riley was ditching a class, her fathers class. She could hear slight yelling but she keep walking until she reached where she wanted to go. ------------------- Riley climbed her fire escape a massive Victoria secret bag in hand. She quickly clambered into her closets And changed before walking out and sitting on her bed waiting. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw all the incredibly revealing lingerie. Through the clothes she saw an innocent young girl who wasn't ready, but she would make herself ready. She didn't want to give Lucas up so he could have sex with someone else. She was going to make her self ready for him. Right on que she heard a knock on her window. She peeked her head out through the curtains and saw Lucas head there. Trying to be as sexual as possible she moved the curtains out of the way and moved back to her spot on the bed. Lucas stammered in and fell back abruptly when he saw Riley like that on the bed. His Riley, as lying there practically naked on her bed. He couldn't say he didn't love it because he did but something clicked in his head. This wasn't his Riley, this was a young girl pressured by social standards. Riley was being manipulated to believe that her body was an object and that if a boy was ready, then she had to be ready to. If Lucas was being honest he didn't really think he was ready either. He sighed as he wiped his forehead and moved slowly over towards the bed. On the way he grabbed her robe and covered all her skin, she didn't want to be so exposed. 'Riley.' He sighed and Riley's eyebrows knitted together in confusion, did he not want her. 'Why don't you want me.' She whimpered moving away from him. His heart clenched at her tone and he moved to follow her towards the other side of the bed. 'Of course I want you. I want you in every way Riley, but not now, not like this. I know this about Maya and probably plenty of other girls. But Riley this is your body. It isn't mine, it isn't the medias or the worlds idea of what you should do with it. It's yours and yours only. You don't have to have sex with me just because you think you should. God forbid we break up you never have sex with a guy who tries to persuade you into having sex because we should. Riley I respect you and your body and I respect that you aren't ready. If I'm honest I'm not really ready. When we have sex we will have talked about it and we will know that it will be amazing, it will be special and safe and secure and it will be when you're ready and I'm ready. Not when one of us is.' He finished his rant by kissing her dainty hand. Riley instantly turned around and hugged him. 'Thankyou for that. I needed it, I'm not ready and I don't know when I will be. I'm not even on birth control for God sakes. I'm sorry for leaving and scaring you and everything.' She uttered her head hung low. 'Hey you never apologise for everything. I just wished we could have talked about it before you went out and bought lingerie.' He joked and Riley hit his arm jokingly. 'For the future, mr feminist.' 'For the future Mrs friar.'
'What!' Zay exclaimed standing up and running out of the shop. Lucas followed his figure as it ran down the street blinking at a fast pace, he rolled his eyes and moved back towards the group of people in front of him.
'So Tylah, can you work out a plan. I'll email you through all the details. I have book to give someone.' He rasped darting out of the place leaving everyone to dust. Tylah pulled out her laptop and started making a plan as everyone buzzed with excited whispers around them.
Lucas dashed down the street towards the hospital not really knowing what he was doing, all he knew was he just wanted to see her. He needed to see her. A flower shop caught his eye and he paused briefly seeing a barrel of tulips. The deep purple bounced off his eyes and he suddenly saw her, holding them, putting them in water and taking care of them.
He moved into the store and grabbed the small bouquet. He went over to the counter and paid for them before once again darting down the street.
Once Lucas reached the hospital he stood outside the double doors and took a deep breathe. He strolled in absentmindedly and navigated his way around the hospital until he was out side Rileys hospital room. He knocked slightly and walked in knowing that Riley didn't know who he was, he creaked open the door and saw Riley upright on her bed and Zay asleep on the chair beside her. He waved slightly at Riley and opened his mouth to explain himself but Riley had beaten him to it.
'Lucas Friar.' She exclaimed and Lucas couldn't help but jump backwards at her words. He quickly regained his composure and moved to the seat Zay wasn't on.
'Hey beautiful. Uhh how do you know me?' He asked a hint of excitement in his voice. He knew it was a fat chance but maybe she actually remembered.
'Zay showed me the book and told me.' Riley mumbled a little mad. Lucas instantly thought of the worst, Zay had told Riley about the Ellen show. Lucas pulled his hand to meet his forehead in frustration and looked back at the brunette girl in front of him.
'Look I'm sorry I kept it from you, it's just been a little hard if you know what I mean. With the only person I truly like talking to not remembering me, and if I told you today you'd just forget and I just-' he rambled looking down at his hands. Riley cut him off quickly and put her hand up to stop him.
'Lucas that's no reason to stop taking your medication. I mean your mental health could really fall if you don't take the stuff. And I know Zay told me that you've been fed up with helping me and working out what to do with me, but I don't want you to put your own health aside just so you can help me. I love your help, I do, and I want you to continue helping me, but I have so many people here helping me and from what I can see you don't have too many helping you. But I will help you. Even if I forget you everyday, I'm pretty sure I remember you in my sleep. Plus I don't need to really know someone to help someone. I hope I can help you.' She cried placing her hand in Lucas' as tears formed so slightly in his eyes, it was almost invisible but Riley could see it. She could see how hurt he truly was.
'Oh Lucas.' She simpered pulling his tall frame toward her bed. He welcomed her embrace and took her warm aura in, not ever wanting to lose the warmth and security.
'I just don't know what to do.' He cried into her shoulder. Riley rubbed circles on his back and shushed him slightly.
'Let it out.' She whispered into his ear, and he did. He let all of it out. All the pain, sorrow, loneliness, anxiety and betrayal of his life. Everything he had ever bottled up spilt out of him in that moment, and he couldn't bring himself to regret it.
------------------------------------
When Lucas arrived back at the Matthews house late that night he was more than a little surprised to see all of Riley's friends. He put his jacket on the coat rack and sat down on the only not occupied chair.
'So what's up.' He questioned a little confused.
'Well we have a plan to get Riley to la. We talked to everyone that we needed to and we've devised a whole plan. We leave in two days and Topanga has already worked with the hospital her leave. She will need to be in a wheelchair and she'll be able to go into business class with her parents and two friends. Which will be you and Maya. You'll arrive in la at about 9am and go straight to the studio. There she'll have hair makeup down and whatever else needs to be done. After the show you guys will check into a hotel in Hollywood where you'll have a small dinner. The room situation is three rooms. One for Maya and Riley, Cory and Topanga and one for you. The next morning you'll fly home and everything will be the way that it was.' Tylah quoted and then closed her portfolio and sat down. She got comfortable in the couch cushions and then Maya took her turn and stood up.
'So basically we have a surprise for you. The neuropsychologist came in to look at Riley's brain and apparently her brain injury isn't as rare as they thought. It was just a weird side effect of a very common type of amnesia which made it hard to recognise at first glance. So anyway the amnesia is actually treatable. Riley could regain her memory, she may not remember the past few weeks but if we show her the scrapbook she'll remember again. How great is this Lucas.' Maya exclaimed. Lucas looked around at everyone's excited gaze and couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety rush through him. What if Riley didn't even like him. Feeling too anxious he stormed out of the
THERES A FUCKING HOT FRENCH EXCHANGE STUDENT AND HE LOOKS LIKE PEYTON. THAT IS ALL. ALSO I FROM AUSTRALIA AND WE DONT HAVE NFL WE LITERALLY ONLY HAVE AFL WHICH IS DIFFERENT SO HAVE A LOL. Lucas Friar adjusted his helmet as he looked at himself in the locker room mirrors. Tonight was the final against the Bradbury bears, or private school jerks as Lucas liked to call them. Taking one last sip of water Lucas waddled out to meet his other team mates. He immediately caught sight of Zay and ran over to him tapping him on the chest and Zay rolled his eyes and hit his arm were there was no padding. Lucas could see the quite large crowd that had gathered outside from the entrance of the locker room. He always found it kind of weird and surreal that so many people came to watch such 'barbaric' behaviour. Watching such sports has been around since Roman times and it was all a bit weird to Lucas when he thought in depth about it. He felt a hand hit the back of his head and he snapped back into reality looking down at Zay once again. Lucas offered an apologetic smile but Zay just scoffed and directed him to listen to their coach. 'Ok Lucas. You're our quarterback. Bring the patriots home man.' Coach yelled and all his Neanderthal friends started jumping, shouting and hitting each other. Zay saw Lucas uncomfortable and put his hand on his shoulder. 'You'll do great out there man. Plus Riley will be cheering you on and I swear she is magical at making people's dreams come true so that's a good sign.' Zay offered and Lucas let out a small smile at the mention of his girlfriend. 'Have you heard from Riley? I haven't heard from her since she left Greenwich and I mean that's a 2 hour drive and she should be here by now.' He questioned anxiety seeping through his voice. Zay tensed at his words but covered it up not wanting to scare his friend when he didn't know what was happening yet. 'Nah man I haven't yet. But don't stress maybe her phone just ran out of charge. It's nothing.' He pleaded and Lucas relaxed a little. It was probably just a misunderstanding. It didn't make the feeling in his gut go away though. 'Yeah yeah Zay you're probably right. I shouldn't stress. It's probably just a misunderstanding.' He wasn't sure if he was convincing him self or Zay more. The coach yelled and Zay and Lucas stormed off onto the field and got into there positions. While all basic formalities began Lucas took his chance to look around the stands to see if he could see Riley. After a quick skim he noticed Topanga, his parents, Maya, Cory and Farkle and an empty spot beside them. He tried to brush it off as her getting stuck in traffic or maybe having to clean up something at the house or at school but something deep inside of him was telling him, this was worse. The game began and Lucas welcomed the distraction. He despised the smell of dirt and overly well kept grass but add that to sweaty over weight man killers and it's a deadly combination Lucas had had enough of. Thank god this is my last game he thought and went to grab the ball. He passed to a teammate before he felt a strong force hit him and his head slammed against the grass. He groaned as his teammate Ray helped him up while his team was celebrating the touchdown they had just earned. He didn't think he had ever been more thankful for half time in his entire life. He limped slightly off the field hiding from the medics and his coach slightly. Taking a sip from a water bottle he went to look around for Riley again but saw that not only her seat was empty but so was Cory and Topanga's. Suspicious he pretended he was running off his injury and ran toward their stand. Farkle seemed slightly frightened as Lucas ran over, he didn't know what to tell the quarterback. He didn't know what he was allowed to tell the quarterback in all fairness. Lucas stopped and called out to Farkle who was only to rows back from the barrier. Ignoring the loving stares he got from his classmates he watched as Maya hid her slightly puffy eyes from Lucas. 'Ok guys where's Riley. I'm not mad considering I know there's a reasonable excuse but I would like to know where she is and why Maya is crying.' He demanded and everyone shivered a bit at his scary tone. 'Lucas' he heard the familiar gentle tone and turned to his mother who had a sad aura coming from her. 'Riley wishes she was here. She's just a little preoccupied. We will explain later. You have a game to win now. This is what she wanted.' She prattled and Lucas couldn't help but feel like he couldn't breathe when no one was telling him where Riley was. He stood there collecting his breathe and hoping that Riley was just planning a surprise after party for him and it wasn't anything bad. 'Friar.' Someone yelled from across the field and Lucas saw the demanding eyes of his coach and stormed over blinking back his tears. 'Alright ok first half. Friar great playing keep it up. Now I've already spoken to everyone I need to individually so everyone head out there. One-two-three hut.' The boys yelled as they put their hands in the circle and flung them out. Lucas ran to the field and tried as hard as he could to keep his head in the game. 2 touchdowns later Lucas found him self in a play that was next to Zay. They had a few extra minutes to spare considering there was a fight between teams and the umpires were trying to stop the situation. Zay trotted closer to Lucas and clapped him on the back. 'How are you doing with the whole Riley thing.' Zay sulked and Lucas tried to hide his furrowed eyebrows. It was times like these Lucas was thankful he had a gullible friend to trick. 'Yeah ok.' He muttered and he saw Zay sigh heavily before tears welled up in his eyes. 'Yeah car accidents are tough on everyon-' Zay started but Lucas was already faking an injury. 'Car accident- Zay why didn't you tell me I need to go to her.' He yelped as he held his arm in pain and saw the medics running towards him. 'I thought you knew.' Was the last thing Lucas heard a confused Zay say before he was being escorted off the field. the medic tried to sit him down but before they could Lucas pulled out of their grasp. 'Thanks but I know it's serious. I'll drive myself to the hospital.' He bellowed before dropping his helmet and sprinting out of the stadium. He heard a few gasps but nothing was on his mind except Riley. He had never been more thankful for no New York traffic than now as he sped along the streets towards the hospital. After a speedy 5 minute drive he pushed open the doors to the hospital and strided up to reception. 'Hi I'm here to see Riley Matthews. I'm her brother.' He mumbled and the nurse nodded. 'Yep Riley is down the hall take a left and then two doors down.' She directed and Lucas managed a thank you before he ran off down the halls. Pushing open the door he saw a bruised Riley with her arm in cast and a bandage on her forehead. She looked over at him and smiled sadly. 'Lucas you didn't have to be here. How did you even know. You have a football game.' She rambled and Lucas laughed while sitting down on the chair next to her bed. 'Riles you are 100X more important than football. If you're hurt I'm hurt.' 'How did you find out?' She questioned as his lips kissed her temple. 'Zay may have been persuaded a little.' Riley laughed before grabbing her ribs in pain. 'How you feeling.' 'I'll be fine in about a month. Other than this stupid broken arm. It was worth it to save the bunny though.' She joked before her phone pinged and she grabbed it. 'Well look luke you won. With Zay as fill in quarterback.' She beamed and Lucas was confused but delighted. 'Well although unexpected I love that. Yay Zay.' He yelled and Riley replied with a yay Zay. 'Now how about we watch cuddle bunnies.' Lucas offered before lying in her hospital bed with her. Riley put her head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around her. 'Anything for you' she mumbled before drifting Off to sleep.
Inspired by Love Happens. Lucas put his hands to the knot of his tie and knotted, he moved it upward and shook it a little tightening it further. He glided over to his mirror and put comb to his hair brushing it to the side. He quickly grabbed his apple and pulled out his briefcase, he looked over his files and made sure everything was there before placing his apple in there. Locking the case he moved over to the door and walked out . He was half way to the elevator when he saw a young women with brown locks crouched behind a cart, the cart was filled with pink and and red coloured flowers and Lucas felt himself gravitating towards them. He was about to reach down to smell one but became confused when he saw the young girl writing on the wall. He laughed lightly striking the young girls attention. She stared wide eyed at the man before darting upwards and grabbing the end of the cart, she darted off before Lucas could even fit in a word. Lucas noticed her pen on the floor and moved to pick it up, He saw pink writing falling out the side of the painting and pushed the painting slightly revealing the word poppysmic. Lucas quickly noted the word down on his hand and darted downstairs to his business meeting. --------------------------------- Lucas groaned stepping out of the room and power walking to the exit of the hotel to look up the word. As he neared the entrance he saw brunette hair falling down someones back, He could see an arrangement of flowers in front of the girl and smiled knowing who it was. He slowly mobed over to her and stood in front of her, when she didn't seem to notice Lucas started speaking, after no reply Lucas automatically got the feeling she was deaf and walked away out of shame. Just as Lucas had left Riley pulled out her earphone feeling like someone was watching her. Lucas briskly walked out of the building and saw a mint truck parked out the front. Riley's Garden was printed on the side and he could only assume that was where the young girl walked. He made a major mental note to go there and meandered along the side walk, a book shop caught his eye. Lucas walked in and found a dictionary at the front of the store. he flicked through the book and after a minute or two found the word, Poppysmic, the sound of someone's lips being smacked together. Lucas creased his eyebrows in confusion and walked out of the bookstore. He walked marched back up a couple of blocks back to the hotel and began his search. He moved up to the tenth floor and saw a few paintings scattered around the place, scarcely he darted towards the paintings and moved them to the side looking for more hidden words. He jumped up on couches and moved side tables trying to find one word, one god damn word. Just as he was almost complete he Saw her, she was humming to herself picking flowers from her cart. He could see a pink pen in her ear and instantly knew who it was. Lucas couldn't help but run over to her and want to ask her a million questions, as he was halfway through he decided to stop. He halted instantly and moved to the side behind a pillar just watched her. Lucas knew it was very creepy but he just had to see what she was doing. After picking a few flowers from the cart she turned around and checked the coast was clear. When she saw nobody she moved the cart and crouched down moving the painting slightly, Lucas watched her scribble a few letters before placing the painting in front of it again and scurrying away. When she was out of sight Lucas bounced over to the painting and moved it. He was instantly met with the words "phosphenes" in pink writing. He scribbled it onto his hand and ran to the elevator starting on his way to the book store. -------------------- Lucas dashed into the bookstore again and opened up the dictionary. He flicked the pages over to P and ran his finger along the page looking for the word. Phosphenes, phenomenon where you see light but light isn't actually entering your eye, example the lights you see when you claps your eyes. Lucas nodded his head and decided on his plan, he needed this girl in his life. He put the dictionary back and moved over towards the front desk. 'Hey do you know where Riley's garden is.' He asked and the lady looked at him for two seconds before nodding and handing him a pamphlet. He quickly thanked her and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen before calling over a cab. He hopped in the cab and started scribbling things down on the paper, hoping his plan would work. ----------- Riley sauntered out of her shop Maya following close behind her. She grabbed a daisy from the front entrance and then shut the door tightly locking it. Maya slouched over whistling loudly to get the attention of a cab. 'Well I'm going clubbing. Wanna come ?' Maya droned and Riley pretended to ponder it but shook her head. 'No thanks. I can basically hear Netflix calling my name.' She sombered, Maya while hopping in the cab. As she was waving Maya off she saw her frantically point to the left. Baffled Riley slowly turned to face none other than the soaking wet man she had been thinking about all week. It was only then that Riley realised it was pouring rain and she couldn't help but take the glorious sound in. She looked at the man confused and he pulled something out of his pocket. Lucas Unscrunched the piece of paper and revealed the word to Riley. "Logophile" was staring straight back at her and Riley couldn't help but laugh knowing exactly what it meant. 'Riley, I know you don't know me but I'm Lucas. I've been quietly watching you the passed day or two and I just can't let you go without at least asking you on a date. So how about it ?' He begged trying not to sound to desperate. Riley smiled at the ground for a moment before passing Lucas the daisy. 'I would love to.'
From the moment she entered high school all everyone ever talked about was sex. Riley could clearly remember the first time she ever heard it be so casually discussed. She was sitting in the girl’s locker room, lacing up her gym shoes when two other 9th graders walk in. They were not so subtly discussing what they did over the weekend and the smaller of the two, a red head she recognized from her English class, was ecstatic that she had finally “lost hers.”
Once the two girls are out of sight she looks over to Maya and raises her eyebrows, “what did she lose?”
“I’m guessing her virginity.” Maya answers with a nonchalant shrug.
Nothing else was said about it. No further explanations or clarifications. Still, Riley had a hard time believing girls in her grade were already having sex. She was still getting over the fact that her boobs had come in and suddenly she was thrown into this new world where her classmates were having sex and drinking alcohol and she couldn’t help but wonder if her own circle of friends were worrying about the same things too. Better yet, if they were engaging in those activities and just keeping her out of the loop.
That night she couldn’t stop thinking about the overheard conversation from the locker room. So while her mother was stirring the pot of whatever stu she was making, Riley got up the courage to finally ask the question that had been burning a hole in her mind.
“Mom?” She hesitates, staring down at her homework. “Can I ask you something…personal?”
“Sure honey.” Topanga replies, not really giving it much thought. “Feel free to ask me anything you want.”
There’s a bit of silence between them until Riley decides its best to just get it over with. Rip it off like a band aid. “When did you lose your virginity?”
Of course her timing couldn’t be more off because the second she asked her question, Topanga was in the middle of tasting her concoction on the stove. Riley’s abruptness caused her to do a spit take and soon her mother’s wide eyes were staring at her with horror.
“Why?” Topanga narrows her eyes. “Are you…sexually active?”
Riley cringed at the word. She hated that term more than anything. She crinkles her nose up, “No. Of course not.”
“Then why so curious all of a sudden?”
“Well as it turns out…high school girls are a lot more experienced than I thought they’d be.” She admits.
“Everybody’s different.” Topanga smiles, still seeing the innocence in her daughter. “Your father and I waited until our wedding night but not everyone does that. Some people are comfortable and confident in their bodies at a younger age and decide they’re ready when the moment presents itself.”
“You guys really waited until you got married?” Riley was surprised, considering all the stories her uncle Shawn told her about how her parents were all “goo-goo eyed” over each other. “Wasn’t it...hard?”
“Only if you’re with the wrong person.” Topanga walks over and takes Riley’s hand in hers. “Look honey, you and only you will know if and when you’re ready. No one can make that decision for you. And if ever you’re with someone who tries to pressure you into changing your mind or even worse…doesn’t understand that no means no…then you’re with the wrong person – and you get out of there as fast as you can. Do you understand me?”
“Yeah, I do.” Riley smiles, feeling a lot better about the situation than she did before. “Thanks mom.”
--
The next couple of years of high school introduced a whole new chapter in her life. At the beginning of summer before junior year, she and Lucas broke off their year long relationship. With his sports and after school job and her clubs and internship they hardly ever got to spend time together and eventually they decided to just call it quits but ultimately stayed relatively good friends.
But now she was 17 and newly single and of course her best friend Maya couldn’t be more thrilled about it. She finally got to introduce her to the exciting world of casual dating. No commitment, no long term relationships, just having fun with whoever you want, whenever you want. It initially sounded horrible, but Riley eventually comes around to it, giving in to the peer pressure and the relentless begging from her bestie. Though, she soon learned that casually dating wasn’t her thing.
Instead, she lived vicariously through her friends who weren’t strangers to this exciting new world. She was there for Maya when she lost her virginity. The blonde climbed through her bay window that same night, giving Riley a play by play of what happened and how terrified she was the whole time. She was there when Zay admitted to losing it pretty early on and she unfortunately had to witness Lucas jumping from girl to girl all of junior year, not allowing herself to think about what he could possibly be doing with them.
And when she least expected it, she met a boy.
He was cute and tall with dark hair, pale skin but vibrant blue eyes. His name was Declan and he played the drums in her uncle josh’s band. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t slightly intimated by him. He was a lot cooler than the guys she was used to. He was three years older, definitely more experienced but he was sweet to her and at the time she thought that was all that mattered.
Because he was a sophomore in college, he had his own dorm room and much to Riley’s dismay that seemed to be his favorite place to hang out. She’d start out sat on his desk chair but somehow she always ended up on his bed, half undressed with him on top of her. Usually when things got that heavy she’d make up an excuse about having to leave and she’d bolt out of there. The weird part was he never seemed mad about it whenever they saw each other again.
As she joined her group of friends at Topanga’s Café one day after school, she felt this undying desire to do something she had yet to do with any of her friends. Discuss her sex life. She was starting to feel trapped and unsure of what she had with Declan and as she looked around at the 5 of them she knew they were the right someone’s to turn to.
“Can I get your guy’s opinion on something?” She asks the second she walks in. The only seat open was the one next to Lucas so she plops herself down, giving him a small smile before giving the rest of the group her attention. “It’s about Declan.”
“Oh my god.” Zay chirps up, clapping his hands together. “It finally happened, Cotton Candy Face has joined the club.”
“What club? ACTUALLY, don’t answer that.” She stops herself once she remembers Lucas is sitting right there next to her. “Seriously though guys I’m kind of confused.”
“What happened?” Maya asks.
“Well, we always seem to be at his dorm room and lately things have been getting kind of…serious.”
“Serious?” Lucas raises an eyebrow, now completely facing her.
“You know, like – hot and heavy?”
The blond boy turns away from her, staring down at his hands as she continues.
“I always stop him before we go too far and by stop I mean run away, like I actually legitimately run away from him.” She admits and from the corner of her eye she swore she could see Lucas smirking.
“What exactly are you confused about?” Farkle chimes in, a look of confusion on his face.
“He never seems mad about it.” She continues, “Like he never brings it up and he never seems mad whenever we see each other again. I mean, wouldn’t you say something if your girlfriend ran away every time you tried to get with her?” She asks, directing her question to Zay.
“No, I would however, take the hint.” He answers.
“What do you mean?”
“He’s not mad because he likes the challenge, Riles.” Maya adds, “And you honey, you’re as hard to get as they come.”
“He thinks I’m playing hard to get?”
“How could he not?” Zay continues, “You’re beautiful but you have this innocence to you, you’re like a sweet little adorable mouse and he’s the cat.”
“And right now he’s having a hell of a time playing the game.” Isadora says offhandedly.
She lets their words sink in. She had to know if they were right. She had to know what the deal was, what he thought he was getting out of this with her. She had to know if he really liked her or if he just really liked the chase. “I have to go. I’ll see you guys later.” She stands up and walks outside.
To her surprise, Lucas follows her out, hot on her trails. “Riley?” He gently grabs her arm, causing her to turn around to look at him. “Do you have a second? I wanted to talk to you about something?”
“Can it wait?” She asks, right now she couldn’t concentrate on anything except the awful feeling in her stomach. “I promise I’ll call you later?”
“O-okay.” He nods and just like that she’s out of his grip and flying up the stairs.
When he turns back around he sees Zay leaning up against the wall outside of the café. “You tell her?”
Lucas sighs, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Not yet but I will.”
--
Riley’s feet don’t stop. She hails a cab, runs through campus and maneuvers her way around the dorms, until she’s in front of his room. And then and only then do they stop moving. She lightly taps on the door, waiting patiently as she listens to fumbling around and then within seconds the door swings open and a shirtless Declan appears, a wide grin on his face. “Babe.” He pulls her in for a hug, “What a nice surprise.”
Unable to put together a cohesive sentence she blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.
“I am not a mouse!”
Declan chuckles slightly, furrowing his brows together as he leans back on his bed. “Thank god for that.”
“I’m serious, Dec.” She pulls up the chair in front of him, holding his gaze as she speaks. “I’m not a mouse. I’m not a game and I’m certainly not some virgin conquest.”
“I never said you were.” He offers, sitting up straight so their faces were only inches apart. As Riley continues to talk he slides his hands down her arms, kissing trails down her neck.
“Declan no.” She breathes, trying to pry his hands off of her. “Declan, stop…I said no!” She finally snaps, shoving him away as hard as she can. “I am not going to sleep with you!”
“For fucks sake.” He huffs, “What the hell is the big deal? It’s just sex, Riley. Grow up.”
It was then she remembered exactly what her mother told her almost two years ago. ‘And if ever you’re with someone who tries to pressure you into changing your mind or even worse…doesn’t understand that no means no…then you’re with the wrong person – and you get out of there as fast as you can.’
So she did.
Without as much as a word, she stands up and walks out of there with her dignity intact and her head held high.
--
It takes Lucas awhile to work up his nerve again after Riley seemed like she couldn’t be less interested. But eventually, after beating himself up about it, he finds her. She’s lying on her bed, flat on her back staring up at the ceiling while a song he didn’t recognize plays through her speakers.
Luckily for him, the bay window was already wide open, letting in the warm summer breeze. He peeks his head in, swallowing hard before making himself known. “Riley?”
The sound of her name catches her attention and she swiftly sits up, seeing that it’s Lucas on the other side of her window. “You can come in.” She waits for him to get all the way inside before she continues, “Is everything okay?”
“Honestly? No.” He answers, feeling the pressure getting to him. “I haven’t been okay for a while now.”
“What happened?” She asks, worry masking her face.
“You. You happened.” When he sees her face fall he quickly walks over, wanting to clarify. “It’s not how it sounds. Or maybe it is. I don’t know. All I do know is that I’ve been kind of miserable since we broke up.”
“You have?”
“At the time it made sense but not even a week later I was kicking myself for letting you go. The only reason I didn’t say anything is because I thought you were happy. You seemed happy and I didn’t want to disrupt that. I even dated around to try to get my mind off of you and me but it never worked. None of them made me feel even a fraction of the way I felt when I was with you. I’m at my happiest when I’m with you and I don’t know if you feel the same way or if --.”
He’s stops talking the second Riley pulls his face close to hers, kissing him softly on the lips. “You were rambling.” She whispers once their lips part.
“I know.” He can feel the heat set across his cheeks.
“I like it.” She giggles softly, still holding his face in her hands. “And I do feel the same way.”
Lucas wraps his arms around her, pulling her tightly against his chest and breathing her in. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I missed you too.” She smiles, planting another kiss on his lips. For a second she goes quiet, eyebrows furrowed together once he pulls away. “But…if we’re going to be together again, for real this time, there is something we should probably discuss beforehand.”
“Oh?” He sits up straight, noticing her serious tone.
She takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the worst. “I’m not ready to have sex and I don’t know when I’ll be ready…it might not be for a long time.”
His deadpan face slowly transitions into a soft smile, one she didn’t see with Declan, one that made her heart grow a thousand times. “That’s fine by me.”
“Really?” She asks, completely in shock. “You’re not mad that I don’t want to have sex right now?”
“Riley.” He chuckles, taking her hands in his, “I want you in every sense of the word but I would never ever pressure you to do something you’re not ready for. I’d never want to jeopardize what we have. ”
She smiles her biggest smile and leans in as he places his hands gently on either sides of her face, and kisses her once more.
“What if I want to wait until I’m married?” She questions, just as the kiss ends.
Lucas smirks, caressing her cheek with his thumb, “Then we’ll wait until we’re married.”
