Disclaimer: I do not own Girl Meets World.

This chapter is gonna be longer than usual! Enjoy :)

Chapter 14: Midnight

The academy was quiet once again, with all the guests now gone. It was a lazy afternoon, with everyone waiting for the New Year's party that was to take place the day after.

Riley hummed as her hands hovered around a plant, chewing on a jellybean. A yellow glow radiated off of her hands, seeping into the stem, leaves and flower. It was the plant that Lucas had shown her during Christmas Week, the one that bloomed in the cold.

Someone had accidentally snapped it while trampling through the area. Unable to see it so broken, Riley took it back with her to heal it. The past few days had not been very successful, but she was trying.

"Humming may help," Ms Willows had told her when she asked for advice. "It calms whatever is being healed; people, animals, even plants."

So Riley was humming, focusing on the energy running through her fingers.

"Hey Riles, what do you think?"

Riley sighed as her concentration slipped away, and she looked up. Maya lifted her canvas from the easel to show Riley.

Streaks of white transitioned into hundreds of lines in shades of gold, red and blue, the brilliant colours exploding across the black background. Fireworks.

"That couldn't possibly be because of the New Year's Party tomorrow night, could it?"

"Why of course, darling! I'm dangerously unpredictable!" Maya exclaimed dramatically, waving her brush in the air. Riley laughed.

"As predictable as your are out on the field?"

Maya paused at the statement, her smile slowly fading. Riley frowned. "Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry–"

"No! No," Maya exclaimed assuredly. "It's just… I've been thinking about tourney. It's what I'm the best at, right?"

Riley tilted her head to the side, pondering the question. "Well, you are very good at it, if that's what you mean. You're a star on the field, Maya."

"But what about when we leave?" Maya asked. "There is no tourney out there, Riles. This ends when our lives here do."

"Maya, what's your point?" Riley asked quizzically.

"What if I'm not good enough for the outside?" Maya said anxiously. "What if, I have no skills that are going to help me survive when we get back there?"

"Maya, don't be ridiculous!" Riley exclaimed. "You're savvy, you're resourceful, you have good people skills."

"But none of that will matter if I have terrible grades," Maya retorted.

"Your grades are going to improve, Maya," Riley insisted. "I'll make sure of it. You still have three and a half years. And anyway, look around you! You have a talent, Maya."

Maya looked around, before her eyes landed on her painting. She glanced at Riley tentatively. "What do you think of the painting?"

Riley smiled softly. "It's beautiful, Peaches. As usual. You're getting better and better everyday."

Maya gazed at her painting, a soft smile on her face. "Yeah. Makes me think that I could be something, other than a tourney player who will have nothing left once we graduate from JASPA."

Riley shrugged. "You could be a conwoman. With your shapeshifting it would be the easiest thing in the world."

Maya stroked her chin with her fingers, smearing paint onto it by accident. "You're right…"

Riley tossed a jellybean at Maya. "You know I was kidding. You can be so much more than that. You are so much more than that."

"Well, we can't deny that I would be a fantastic conwoman though," Maya pointed out with a smirk. She got up from her chair, setting the canvas back against the easel. Placing her hands on her hips, she looked around the room.

"I have no idea where else I can put this." Every inch of the walls already had paintings hung up on them. Some canvases even had to take their places against her window or her desk. Walking into Maya's room was like walking into another world.

"You could give it to me," Riley chirped. "Or one of the rest. Maybe even to a teacher. Mrs Smithson if you wanna suck up to her."

"I am not a suck up, Riley," Maya said, strolling over and plopping down on the bed next to Riley. "That's your job."

"Hey!" Riley gasped, placing a hand on her chest in offense. "I am not a suck up. I'm just a good kid."

Maya laughed and slung her arm around Riley. "Yes, you are. And I'm a bad kid who never sucks up."

"Yeah well, you're my bad kid," Riley said fondly, leaning against Maya.

Maya was silent as her eyes swept her room. "Do you really think I could make it as an artist Riles?"

"I think you can make it as anything you want to be."

Maya smiled, nodding slowly at her paintings. "Maybe I do have a chance out there."

Riley turned to Maya. "You're going to change the world, Maya. And even if you don't, you'll always have a place with me."

Maya hummed with a warm smile, squeezing Riley. "I love our quiet afternoo-"

"Riley! Maya!"

Maya sighed. "Spoke too soon."

The girls barely registered the loud yell that came from down the corridor when Zay burst in, closely followed by Lucas. Both were breathless, with the biggest smiles on their faces.

"You know, it's not polite to burst into a girl's room like that," Maya said calmly, raising an eyebrow.

Lucas grinned. "No time for formality, Maya."

"Something way more important is happening," Zay said.

"Zay!"

All heads turned as Farkle burst into the room, looking flustered and panicked. "How could you do that?! How could you tell them?!"

"Tell them what?"

"That Smackle and I are together!"

"What?!" Riley and Maya shrieked in unison.

"Geez, could you guys keep it down?" Yindra called out as her head popped out her door.

"What's got everyone's knickers in a twist?" Sarah added, opening her door curiously.

Farkle stared at Riley and Maya, mouth hanging open. Lucas and Zay exchanged a grin, before bursting into laughter.

"You and Smackle are what?!" Maya exclaimed, grinning widely as she hopped to her feet and walked up to Farkle. He opened and closed his mouth, unable to find the words.

"We didn't tell them anything man," Zay choked out through his laughter, slapping at his knee.

"Farkle, you and Smackle are dating?" Riley gushed excitedly. "Where is she? Smackle!" Riley popped her head out into the hallway.

"Is it over?" Smackle's mortified voice rang out from her room.

"Well, it's about damn time!" Maya said. "When did you make it official?"

"Five minutes ago!" Farkle exclaimed, looking subdued. He glanced out at the rest of their classmates curiously peeking out from their rooms. "And now the whole class knows about it."

"Please, it was gonna happen," Yindra drawled.

"I would have announced it properly if those two idiots hadn't been spying on us," Farkle huffed, glaring at Zay and Lucas.

"Hey, we just came by because we wanted to ask if you wanted to go to the Village!" Lucas explained, sobering up.

"When you weren't in your room, we checked Smackle's. IT wasn't our fault you happened to be there," Zay said with a shrug.

"Yeah, and it also wasn't your fault that you decided to stand at the door and peep through like the lousy eavesdroppers you are."

"Man, I am not a lousy eavesdropper," Zay scoffed. "Enhanced hearing, remember?"

Riley had succeeded in dragging Smackle out of her room. She shoved her into Maya's room, and pushed the rest inside. She then turned to the rest of their classmates. "Alright, show's over! We'll update you later."

With that, she closed the door behind her. Turning with a grin, she eyed her friends. "Now, we can celebrate Farkle and Smackle's getting together in peace."

"Congrats guys!" Maya said with a grin, sitting on her bed. "We're glad it finally happened."

Smackle and Farkle exchanged a look. There was a tentative pause, before Farkle smiled. "Yeah. Me too."

He stretched out his hand, and Smackle glanced at it, before taking it with a soft smile.

"Aww, look at you two. You're adorable," Riley sighed happily, flopping down next to Maya.

"Been waiting for this to happen for ages," Zay remarked. "It feels like torture when you're waiting for two people to finally get out of their dumb little shells and just get together already."

Riley felt something in the air turning into a palpable tension. Her eyes flickered to Lucas. Briefly, their eyes met, before he looked away. "Yeah."

Riley glanced down at her hands, rubbing them together awkwardly.

Maya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Sometimes they just need to be pushed."

Riley held her breath, waiting for the moment to pass over.

"I'm glad you two didn't need so much pushing," Maya said, smiling up at Farkle and Smackle. "I'm happy for you both."

Riley felt herself relaxing again, and she smiled. "Me too."

"Well, now I know how I'm going to spend the next year," Farkle said, turning to Smackle with a fond smile. "Whoever you're with for New Year's is how you're going to spend the rest of the year."

"This has been very timely, then," Smackle grinned back at him.

As Riley watched the two, hand in hand, she couldn't stop the nagging feeling in the back of her head. Something inside her stirred, and she knew it would keep stirring restlessly until she did something about it.

Instinctively, her eyes lifted up to Lucas again. Again, he was looking at her.

This time, there was something different. She could no longer say that she wasn't blushing because it was just Lucas. She was very much feeling the familiar heat creeping onto her cheeks, and he wasn't 'just Lucas' anymore.

He had stopped being just Lucas to her a long time ago. And that realization was stronger than ever.

The two watched each other, not bothering to look away. Riley knew what he felt. She knew that he knew what she felt. Yet they were standing still, afraid to move.

She wasn't sure what she was so afraid of. All she knew was that things would change, and she didn't want anything to change. But it was too late for that now. Things had already changed. It was too late to go back now.

Maya was right. They needed pushing.

"Good job, Riley," Mr Fabray said. "I'm sure Ms Willows has been of great help you. Although, I would appreciate it if you could focus on healing humans."

Riley beamed down at the winter flower, as she had called it. She had successfully healed it, and it was good as new and ready to return to its home. "Thank you, Mr Fabray. It was bothering me. Now I can focus again."

"That's good to hear," Mr Fabray said with a nod. He turned to Lucas, who was smiling at Riley and the flower. "And you, Mr Friar? How are you progressing?"

"I'm doing good, actually, sir," Lucas said. "I'm getting better at controlling higher temperatures. I think I can accomplish this goal by the end of the week."

"Excellent. You've been working on it for almost two months now. A good way to start the new year, Mr Friar," Mr Fabray said crisply, before walking away.

"You gonna return the flower later?" Lucas turned to Riley, smiling down at the plant sitting healthily in its pot.

"Yeah. You wanna come?"

"Wouldn't miss it for anything."

Maya came up to the two.

"Guys, I need to try something."

"Sure. What do you need to try? It's not dangerous is it?" Riley asked.

"Okay, so you know how I've been working on adopting people's powers, and I said that I was having a lot of trouble with it?" Maya said.

"Yeah?"

"I think I know why," Maya continued. "I think I can only adopt other people's powers when they're using them too."

Riley and Lucas exchanged a glance, and Riley frowned as she turned back to Maya. "Really? That's not very effective then, is it?"

"No, I guess not. But it does mean that I can make use of people's powers to help them or something. If Ranger Ricks needs help toasting four slices of bread instead of two, I'm here to help," Maya said cheekily. Lucas rolled his eyes.

"So what do you need us to do?" Riley questioned.

Maya looked between the two. "There are two options here. Either Ranger Rick cuts himself twice and then both of us can try to heal him, or Ranger Rick uses his powers and I use them too."

"Neither sounds like a very good idea," Riley said, scrunching up her nose. "You could both get hurt."

"Well, we have to take risks so let's not think so much. What will it be? Cut or toasty hands?"

"I go with the cutting," Lucas said. "My powers are hard to control. I don't know if you could handle it."

"You trying to imply something, Huckleberry?"

Lucas shook his head. "Nope. Just looking out for your safety, and everyone else's safety."

Maya rolled her eyes. "Typical Lucas. Cut it is then."

"Hey now," Riley cut in, "I don't want Lucas cutting himself to be some lab rat."

"Oh please, he's not going to rip through his organs. You've healed small cuts hundreds of times. He'll be fine," Maya waved her off flippantly, before taking her army knife from her pocket.

"You carry your knife with you?" Riley hissed.

"Shh, keep it down!" Maya snapped, glancing in Mr Fabray's direction. She stretched out her hand for Lucas'. He put his hand in her palm, and with a swift draw Maya had cut into his hand lightly.

He winced slightly, before giving her the other hand for her to do the same. "Alright, now do your thing before I bleed to death," Lucas joked, stretching his hands out to both girls.

"Ready Maya?" Riley gently held his hand, closing over the wound with one palm.

Maya morphed into another Riley, and followed her actions. "Let's do it."

"Wow, this just got really weird," Lucas remarked.

A yellow glow spread from Riley's hand, and she let the energy flow gently as she watched Maya.

Maya stared at her own hands in concentration, and to their delight the same yellow glow appeared. They continued for a few more minutes, before Riley released her hands. Immediately, the power stopped flowing for Maya, and she turned back into herself.

They examined the two wounds. Riley's had sealed up a bit more cleanly, but it was obvious that it had worked for Maya too.

"Wow, this is fantastic!" Maya exclaimed excitedly. "Now we can heal you at double time if you ever take another shield to the face for me Ranger Rick!"

Lucas chuckled, wiping his hands. "Not gonna happen."

"I've already said this before, Luke. You'll do it again if you have to," Riley said teasingly. Lucas snorted.

"Alright, I'm gonna go try this out with Farkle. For the first time ever I'll feel like a genius. Thanks for your help kiddos!" With that, Maya walked off lightly.

"There's no telling what she'll be able to do now," Lucas sighed. Riley giggled. "Don't feel threatened, Luke. It will just make her more mischievous than normal. Nothing unusual."

"She's gonna be really great someday," Lucas said, smiling as Maya explained her situation to Farkle.

Riley gave him a sideways glance, smiling. "Yeah. She is."

He met her gaze. "You look like you're surprised that I could say such a thing."

"I am, actually. Pleasantly surprised."

"Yeah, me too."

"Then again, you always pleasantly surprise me, Lucas."

"Likewise."

They continued smiling at each other, before turning back to Maya, who was now shrieking with excitement at all the knowledge that was suddenly in her brain.

Riley grabbed her books from her locker, shoving them into her bag, before slamming the locker shut. She had just finished her last class for the day early, and Farkle and Zay would be ending theirs shortly. Maya, Lucas and Smackle had ended earlier, so they were already back at the dorms.

Riley leaned against her closed locker, before pulling her phone out to text Maya. Every student and staff members at JASPA had one. They were specialized, undetectable by anyone outside the campus. They worked like normal phones, though they restricted any social media accounts.

Waiting for Farkle and Zay. Meet u at my room?

One step ahead of u. Your bed is comfy af.

Riley rolled her eyes. Enjoy it while u can :P

She pocketed her phone, and immediately she caught sight of Charlie walking in her direction. She suppressed an inward sigh, trying to channel her friendliness to her face.

She liked Charlie. Really, she did. She wanted nothing more than to just be his friend, like they used to be when they were younger. But she would have to deal with it for now.

She decided to be the first one to speak this time. "Hey Charlie."

Charlie smiled. "Hey Riley. Who you waiting for?"

"Farkle and Zay," Riley said with a friendly smile as he leaned up against the lockers next to her. "You?"

"Jeffrey. They're in the same class, I believe."

"Yeah."

"So, the big party tonight huh?" Charlie said. "I can't believe we'll be entering a new year already. Three more years and we'll be leaving."

"You know, all these years I wanted nothing more than to go home and see my family again," Riley murmured. "But now that it's getting closer, I'm kinda scared."

"Of what?"

Riley chewed on her lip. "The world out there, I guess. I mean, I'm excited, but I'm growing more and more unsure of who I want to be when I get out there. I don't want to leave all of you, and go our separate ways. We've all known each other for so long. We grew up together. What if things aren't how we want them to be? What if it's all worse?"

There was a pause from Charlie. "We can't stop it, Riley. None of us will ever be prepared enough for what's out there. But I do know that we can't stay cooped up in this place forever. JASPA is great, but this isn't where our lives are going to start and end. There's more for us out there, Riley. I can feel it. And maybe it's going to be scary, but at least we'll be free."

"Not completely though," Riley added. "We'll always have to carry our secrets with us. But yeah, you're right. We'll be free."

"Yeah. Free."

They stood in a comfortable silence side by side, watching students from six to eighteen years of age passing through the corridor as the bell signaled the end of lessons.

Riley couldn't help her wistful smile as she watched a group of eight year olds bouncing down a corridor, chatting excitedly. It didn't seem to long ago that she had been in their place. So many years had passed since she came here.

"Sometimes I wonder if leaving would actually mean going home," Riley said. "It's been almost ten years since we arrived here."

"JASPA is basically our home." Riley turned her head to face Charlie as he spoke. He smiled. "I know what you mean. But all birds leave their nests eventually, Riley. They need to, in order to fly."

Riley nodded with understanding, and for the first time in a very long time, she smiled at him genuinely. "Thanks, Charlie."

"No problem. We all think about it. I think about a lot of things, actually. My family, my friends, my hopes." There was something in the way that he said those words that had Riley's heart sinking. He hadn't let go yet.

"Me too," she said, shifting uncomfortably.

"Hey Riles. Thanks for waiting." She felt a wave of relief as Farkle and Zay strolled out of the classroom with Jeffrey.

"It's no biggie," she said lightly. "Let's go. Maya's waiting for me."

She walked between Farkle and Zay, trying to ignore the way she could feel Charlie's gaze burning into her back.

Riley walked through the Great Hall with Maya, trying to locate her friends. "Some party, hey?"

"Yeah, I think this is the biggest one yet," Riley agreed. Unlike the Christmas parties, the New Year parties were held in the Great Hall, where the students assembled at the start of every week and during important school ceremonies. It had a tall ceiling with crystal chandeliers, and marble walls. The floor was dark, glossy wood. One long wall was lined with tall arched glass doors, which opened out onto a large balcony. It was perfect for a ball.

In contrast to the fancy setting of the room, most of the students were in more casual wear for the night. There were no parents around, so they rarely considered New Year's Eve an event requiring formal wear.

Riley was wearing her warmest jeans and knee-length boots, with added layers beneath. She wore a soft pink sweater, keeping her makeup light and her hair back kept back with a loose half ponytail.

Maya wore a similar outfit, her leather boots and navy jacket topped off with a black fedora. It was warm and cozy, and they had left their coats on the racks near the entrance.

They found their classmates gathered in a corner, occupying several comfortable sofas by one of the fireplaces.

"Ladies!" Zay greeted them cheerfully.

Riley and Maya exchanged an amused look. "…Zay!"

"Hey, that's my line!" Farkle gasped. Zay shrugged. "You have a lady now, Farkle. No need for your line anymore, so I'm taking care of it for you."

Smackle laughed as Farkle shook his head, his arm draped behind her shoulders.

"So, what's good?" Zay continued.

"We have food, friends and fire. Everything's good," Maya said with a grin, taking a seat next to Zay. Riley flopped down next to Lucas, giving him a quick smile. He smiled back, making room for her.

"I'm honestly kinda bored," Lucas admitted. "Nothing much has happened."

"The countdown will be in an hour and a half. Just be patient," Smackle said.

"Isn't there usually a dance?" Riley asked, looking around.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's your favourite, Ronald!"

"Well, there it is!" Maya said with a smile.

"As the new year approaches, we're gonna hit the night off with some good old music. So get onto the floor and have fun!"

As soon as Ronald Turnwall put the mic down, music started playing from the speakers.

I wanna feel your everything
I want it more than the same routine
We both know we've gone too far again

"Oh my god, I love this song!" Maya shrieked. "Let's go!" She grabbed Zay by the arm, yanking him to his feet and disappearing into the crowd of students now dancing in the middle of the room.

Riley laughed, and hopped to her feet to go after them, the rest close behind her. They squeezed through the students, finding Maya and Zay bouncing to the music.

I wanna hear your every breath
All your secrets laid to rest
We both know it never has to end

"I love We The Kings," Maya cheered, as the friends danced together. They laughed, dancing like they could be free forever.

'Cause we could make the same mistakes
Or we could turn and run away

"Sprinkler in three, two, one!" Farkle yelled, and him and Maya bust into the Sprinkler dance.

"You guys can't be serious," Lucas groaned.

Don't let go
I'll never let you be alone
Tonight we're gonna get high or fall together
Die young or live forever

"You got a better move, Huckleberry?" Maya challenged, laughing as she and Farkle did the sprinkler and Smackle joined in.

Don't let go
I'll love you 'til our hearts go cold
Tonight we're gonna get it high or fall together
Die young or live forever

"Not the goddamn Lawnmower!" Maya groaned. Riley burst into laughter as Lucas grinned at Maya, pumping his fist forward. "You asked for a better move, and you got it."

Young love don't mean a thing
With eyes wide we live our dreams
They don't know it's not the way it seems
We live fast until the crash
Leave here, we won't look back
They don't know, they think it's meant to last

Zay and Riley joined Lucas in on the Lawnmower, and the six were in a mess of a silly dance move battle. They shrieked with laughter, and Maya lost it when Riley did the Cabbage Patch.

'Cause we could make the same mistakes
Or we could turn and run away

"You know, these are the nights I live for!" Farkle exclaimed happily. They were surrounded by the other kids of JASPA, jumping to the beat of the song.

Don't let go
I'll never let you be alone
Tonight we're gonna get high or fall together
Die young or live forever

Riley looped an arm around Lucas' neck, and the other around Maya's. Maya grabbed Farkle, who held onto Smackle, and Lucas grabbed Zay. The six grinned, and Maya let out a loud laugh as they did the can-can.

Don't let go
I'll love you 'til our hearts go cold
Tonight we're gonna get high or fall together
Die young or live forever

"Promise me this will never change," Riley sighed happily, kicking her foot out.

"Never!" Zay promised.

"I could do this all day," Lucas said with a grin, turning his head towards Riley. She turned to face him with a bright smile. Farkle whooped as they kicked higher, and the students around them gave them funny looks.

But it didn't matter, because as long as they all had each other, Riley felt safer than any place in the entire world. Being here, with her best friends by her side, all of them living every moment, was all she could ever ask for.

Her feelings for Lucas, Maya and Josh, the scary world outside of JASPA; she let her worries go in the moment. Whatever the new year brought, she would be okay.

They gradually stopped kicking as the song came to an end, and all the students cheered.

"I'm gonna go get a drink," Riley said. "I'll be right back." She slipped off, heading for the buffet table.

As she reached the punch, she caught sight of a familiar face. "Hey Charlie."

Charlie looked up, and his face lit up significantly. "Hey Riley. Here to get a drink?"

"Yeah. The punch is good," Riley said, trying to keep her tone light as she poured herself a cup.

There was a pause from Charlie. She glanced up at him, and he seemed to be contemplating something. "Riley, I need to say something."

Riley felt a sinking feeling in her chest, praying that it wasn't what she thought it was.

"The truth is, I still like you. A lot." Unfortunately, she was right. "And I know that you said we should just be friends, but I can't help myself. I was wondering if we could try again."

Riley took a deep breath, mulling over her answer. She briefly considered just saying yes, because she couldn't bear to hurt his feelings, but she decided that she had to end this properly.

"Charlie, look..." She steadied herself, trying not to take note of the hopeful look on his face. "I know that you still have feelings for me, but I just don't feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, Charlie, you're a wonderful, wonderful guy. Any girl would be lucky to have you. And none of this is your fault; please don't think it is. I just don't feel the same way about you."

Charlie's face faded into disappointment, and he remained quiet. Riley fought the discomfort. "You deserve better than me, Charlie. You deserve someone who can love you with their whole heart, someone who returns your feelings and can make you happier than I can. You deserve that. And you won't find it with me."

Charlie nodded slowly, smiling sadly. "I understand. It can't be helped."

Riley sighed. "I'm really sorry, Charlie."

He chuckled softly. "Don't be. You have nothing to be sorry for. We can still be friends, right?"

Riley smiled, feeling the huge weight being lifted off of her chest. "Of course. Thank you for understanding, Charlie."

"Thank you for being so kind about it. I'll catch you later, Riley. Enjoy your night."

Riley pulled him into a hug, catching him off guard. As she pulled away, she smile softly at his stunned face. "You too, Charlie. Let the new year be a new start for you."

He smiled back, and they exchanged one more silent look before going their separate ways. Riley returned to her friends, feeling more relaxed than she had felt in a while.

An hour later, all of them were panting and thoroughly exhausted from another round of dancing.

"I'm gonna take a breather," Farkle gasped as the song came to an end, and he stumbled back towards the couch. Smackle followed after him.

"Alright! After all that excitement, it's time to tone the night down," Ronald said with a grin. "So get on the floor, and relax!"

The gentle strumming of a guitar filled the air, and the mood mellowed down. Riley looked around, and noted that boys and girls were pairing together, swaying to the music.

It was almost comical, seeing as how everyone was in casual sweaters and boots instead of dresses and suits.

Sat at the lights while they change, on the dashboard I'm shaking
I thought of you, and the boy with his head on the table
Everything is new, everything is new

She turned to return to her seat, deciding to sit this one out, but came face to face with Lucas. They blinked at each other for a bit, before Zay's voice caught their attention.

"Would you like to dance, my lady?" he said, dramatically offering his hand to Maya. She rolled her eyes. "What if I said no?"

"Why, I would be deeply offended my lady. I have no romantic intensions, I assure you. I simply have no one else to dance with."

"You could go dance with Lucas. You're so in love with him."

"I do believe that would be a bit odd."

Maya laughed. "Whatever. Just stop talking like that." With that, she took Zay's hand, and the two cracked jokes about each other's dancing as they moved around in circles.

And I know my digging
And I know my singing too

Riley turned back to Lucas, and they stared quietly until Lucas broke into a smile. "Wanna dance?"

Riley felt her heart fluttering wildly, and she glanced down at his hand, before slowly taking it with a shy smile. "Sure. Why not?"

Well I knew the girl, before she was glazed
Fried in time to the heat of your gaze
She used to speak for herself
But now she speaks for the name

Everything is new, everything is new

Lucas smiled widely, and his other hand went to her back. Riley fumbled around for a bit, unsure of where to put her other arm, before settling on his shoulder, laying her arm on top of his.

She laughed. "Sorry, I don't slow dance a lot."

He laughed back. "We used to slow dance for fun when were younger."

"Yes, but that was different. We just held both hands and swung them back and forth."

"Yeah, and you kept stepping on my toes."

Lucas winced, before glaring at Riley. She gave him a playful grin, removing her foot from his. "That was not appreciated, Ms Matthews."

"Simply reminiscing the old times, Mr Friar."

Lucas gave a breathy chuckle, smiling at her as the two swayed back and forth to the gentle music.

Well I know my digging
And I know my singing too

Riley looked over Lucas' shoulder, frowning slightly as she glimpsed her uncle dancing with some leggy redhead in his year. His gaze, however, was focused on someone else. Riley didn't need to turn to know it was directed at her best friend.

"Hey, you okay?"

Riley's eyes snapped back up to Lucas. She gave him a smile, shaking her head. "Nothing," she said softly. "Just Josh over there."

Lucas gave her a sympathetic smile. "You shouldn't spend all your time worrying about them, Riles."

"I can't help it. I worry about other people all the time."

Lucas chuckled softly. "Yeah, I know."

As they danced round and round, Riley was scared to move. The moment was too precious to let go of. A year ago, she would have simply enjoyed his company. But things were moving down a path that was new and unpredictable, and Riley was carefully planning out every step.

"Relax, Riles. You're more tensed up than Maya before a game."

Riley didn't realize she had been holding her breath. She exhaled slowly, looking up at him with a smile. Even in his simple sweater and jeans, he looked captivating.

His green eyes were soft but strong, watching her with a fondness she was lovingly familiar with.

The fruit in the window, it never decays
It was built to last, it was bought to stay
By a barefoot girl, from a different age

Everything is new, everything is new

And as they swayed around, looking at nothing but each other, everything around them seemed to blur, and Riley found herself wrapped up in his warmth and the scent of fresh pines.

She wished that she had the courage to tell him. They both knew it was there. But she didn't want to change anything.

Well I know my digging
And I know my singing too

Riley barely noticed when the song ended, unable to take her gaze away from Lucas' eyes. She never wanted this to go away.

"Hey, lovebirds? Song's over. C'mon, the countdown will be starting soon."

As Maya snapped her fingers, Lucas and Riley snapped out of their trance, turning to see her raising her eyebrow expectantly.

Riley blushed at Maya's remark, slowly sliding her arms away from Lucas. Lucas coughed, putting a relaxed smile on his face. "Yeah. Let's go get the rest of them."

Maya briefly looked between the two, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Alright, let's go."

Maya turned on her heel, squeezing through the mass of students.

Riley turned to Lucas. "C'mon." She followed after Maya before she could stare any longer.

Soon, all of them were standing on the balcony outside in their coats, staring up at the night sky. The fireworks were down at the first floor, ready to take off into the sky. Riley wasn't sure how they weren't detected by satellites, resulting in their exposure, every year. But it worked, so she didn't question it. Probably some arrangement with the government.

"Ahh, this is so exciting!" Riley said excitedly, bouncing around. "A new year, guys! Welcome to our new lives!"

"Riles, things are gonna be exactly same as they were this year," Maya laughed. She paused as Riley gave her a subdued look. "Alright, whatever."

Riley grinned, before going back to being excited.

"The stars are really amazing tonight," Smackle remarked, gazing up at the sky dusted with twinkles specks. They all looked up, quietly admiring the vastness of the sky, and the mountains and forests that lay before them, and the world beyond.

In the distance, JASPA Village twinkled with dim lamps, quietly deserted and void of staff. The gardens below were silent as well, with the exception of a few patrol guards making their rounds. Over the balcony down below, Mr Fabray and Mr Brunwell were preparing the fireworks with several guards.

Riley gasped softly as a trail of light streaked across the sky, before vanishing into the darkness once more. "Make a wish!"

They silently closed their eyes, making their wishes for the new year up ahead.

Riley wished for more happiness, courage to face whatever was going to come her way, and hopefully some solutions to their ongoing problems. She wished for all her friends to be happy, Maya in particular, and for all of them to have another fantastic year at JASPA.

Riley wished for a lot of things.

"Okay folks, head on out if you wanna see the fireworks!"

They were suddenly surrounded by the excited students of JASPA, all pressing up to get as close to the balcony as they could. Riley glanced around. Farkle, Smackle and Zay had melted into the crowd. Riley shrugged. They would be fine.

She looked behind. There were several kids from Charlie class struggling to see the sky behind her. She smiled softly, before stepping aside and ushering them forward. They beamed up at her gratefully, gripping onto the balcony and talking excitedly.

Lucas and Maya followed suit, and the three moved further back until they found a comfortable spot in the middle of the crowd.

"Did I have to give up my spot for those stinking kids?" Maya sighed. Riley shoved her. "Be nice, Maya. Start the new year right."

Maya gave her a stink eye, before looping her arm with hers. They waited with everyone else.

"Hey Maya, what did you wish for?"

Maya pursed her lips in thought. "Not much. To get by with my grades, for more adventures and fun times, happiness for my mom and Shawn."

"What about me?" Riley exclaimed. Maya laughed. "I wished for you to have more sunshine in your endless supply of sunshine."

Riley grinned, but it wavered slightly. "And what about Josh?"

Maya tensed up, looking down at the ground. "What about him?"

"I…" Riley trailed off, unable to find a way to express it. "Nevermind."

Maya looked at her with a sad smile. "I won't start the new year being sad about it, Riles. I'm just going to have to accept that my year will not be spent with him."

Riley felt a pang of sadness as Maya turned away, looking back to the sky as they began the countdown.

She felt someone's gaze on her, and turned to her right to see Lucas watching her. He exchanged a silent, hopeful look. Riley shrugged, smiling sadly. Lucas nodded with understanding.

He leaned down closer to her ear, talking softly among the loud chatter around them. "It's alright. They'll come to their senses somehow."

Riley chewed on her lip. "Let's hope you're right."

Lucas smiled, before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. Her free arm went around his torso comfortably.

"Hey Huckleberry, I don't appreciate having to share my best friend," Maya said pointedly, still linking arms with Riley as she gave him a look.

Lucas rolled his eyes. "Let's not start the new year with nicknames, shall we?"

"No matter what you do, the nicknames aren't going to stop, so quit trying."

"It was worth a shot."

Riley giggled, pulling her two friends closer to her.

Ten. Nine.

Riley yelled loudly along with everyone else, enjoying the warmth of people surrounding her as they all looked up to the night sky together.

Eight.

She turned to her left, grinning at Maya. She looked around for the rest of her friends, but she couldn't find them in the crowd.

At that moment, she looked over Maya's head to see her uncle, standing two feet away.

Seven.

Riley's smile slipped off of her face. She stared at her uncle, and then down at Maya. As the opportunity screamed out at her, her heart began to race, and suddenly the cries around her were muffled out.

"Whoever you're with for New Year's is how you're going to spend the rest of the year."

Riley looked between Josh and Maya. The leggy redhead was in their way, but as she stepped away, Riley knew what she had to do.

Six.

She removed her arms from Maya's arm and Lucas' torso.

Five.

With one shove, she sent Maya flying across the space between her and Josh. There were gasps in unison as Maya fell into Josh.

Four.

Riley watched, her heart pounding as Josh caught Maya, holding her tightly. They stared at each other in shock, eyes gleaming in the darkness of the night.

Satisfied, Riley spun around, and slammed straight into Lucas.

Three.

Riley found herself unable to breathe as his eyes shone in the dark. He stared down at her in equal shock, his gaze intense.

Two.

And then, the past five years came rushing back to her all at once. Every memory, every thought, every emotion. They surged through her with a force enough to knock her off her feet, and the courage she had been struggling to grasp onto filled her heart.

Her hand swiftly made its way to the back of his neck, and she pulled him down to her.

One.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

His hands had wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

There was an unexplainable rush that she felt as his lips were pressed against hers, a warmth that went deeper into her soul than any fire, and a spark greater than all the fireworks in the sky.

As the sky above them burst into flashes of bright coloured light, Riley felt herself go numb. People around them were jumping and cheering with excitement, but for them, time stood still. All she could feel was him.

And all she knew, was that things were going to be very different this year.

HELLO THEY FINALLY KISSED WOOHOO I gave you guys an extra long chapter because who knows when I'll be updating next. I really wanted to get this chapter out, with all the drama on the GMW Writers Q&A spreading hate all through the fandom. No matter what you ship, always respect others, and just follow the story as it goes along. We never know what will happen, so just keep believing in your ship :) Rucas got a lot of hate over the weekend, so this is for you my fellow Rucas shippers! Don't feel discouraged. Our babies have great things in store for them.

The most important thing to note is that Riley and Maya come before everything else. If any ship gets in the way of that, it's not worth it. And I hope everyone realises that.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Till next time! :)

–malenburke