Joshaya One Shots

Joshaya Meets Destiny

First meeting.

"Hi, I'm Maya." 6 year old Maya says, smiling up at 9 year old Josh.

"I'm Josh." He says, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Uncle Josh, can you take us to the park? I want to show Maya the park." Little Riley asks her uncle. He's more than happy to agree.

The 3 of them ask their parents for permission. Cory makes sure his little brother knows not to take his eyes off the girls and he agrees.

"They're safe with me Cor. They'll always be safe with me." He assures his brother before they all run out the door.

A block and a half later they reach the park. Riley runs straight for the swings and Maya heads to the monkey bars. Josh hangs back and observes the girls.

Riley is so obliviously happy. Maya is intently focused on perfecting her backflip. There are other kids around, but Josh drowns out the others to focus on them.

A little boy walks up to Riley and pushes her off the swing. Before Josh has time to react, Maya is flying across the playground. She lunges and takes him to the ground without a second thought. Josh rushed over and pulls her off.

"That's my best friend! If you want to mess with her, you have to tango with me first!" tiny Maya yells at the now crying boy.

Josh sets her down when the little boy runs off and she rushes to Riley's side.

"Are you okay Riley?" She wonders, taking her best friends hand and helping her up.

"I'll always be okay as long as I have you peaches." Riley tells her while capturing her in a hug.

Josh can't help but notice how much they love each other. He makes a mental note to ask about it someday.

Uncle BOING/Christmas

"Boing!" Maya calls out, her voice ringing out into the already hectic space of the Matthews family apartment.

"That's my uncle, Maya" Riley tells her disapprovingly.

"Sweet! I would be your aunt!" Maya concludes, much to Riley's chargin.

When Josh makes his way over, he pretends like he didnt hear the conversation between the two best friends. Riley pulls him into a hug, greeting him with her regular cheery tone. When she releases him, another set of arm wrap around him and he's a little surprised.

"Uncle Josh!" Maya exclaims, holding him tight.

"I'm not your uncle Maya." He tells her as Riley removes her best friend from his body.

"Even better." She grins at him.

"It's been a while." He tells her, his hand nervously moving to the back of his neck.

"Sure has." She agrees, never missing a beat.

"Boy, you grew up gorgeous" he says with a nervous smile before walking away.

Collage acceptance

"WHERE WILL YOU BE!!" Maya screams as she flings herself into Josh's back.

He tries to shake her off to no avail while his family watches is horror. Auggie points out that she should hold onto her dignity but Riley let's him know it's too late for that.

"Get off me you little ferret!" Josh exclaims, but Maya just hold on tighter.

Josh tells her that it's his future and she shamelessly let's him know it effects her too. Maya tears open the envelope and begins to read.