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𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘

chapter twelve:
a forever type of thing !

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THE NEXT DAY, there was another intensive. Ricky had come over Athena's last night because he still felt weird about Miss Jenn and his dad's date, which she was fine with. They had baked some cookies and Athena tried to teach him some more piano, but she could still tell that he was unsettled. Watching his drama teacher date his dad while still trying to get over his parents' divorce . . . Athena couldn't even imagine how hard that was for him. She was doing her best to try and be there, but in usual Ricky Bowen fashion, he was becoming distant again because things were getting hard.

"Five questions to really know someone's character," Miss Jenn announced, walking to the front of the risers with her clipboard. Athena sat on the riser in front of Ricky, his arm slung over her shoulder and their fingers laced together. "Today, I want you all to go fully method. Stay in character for this entire exercise. I want each of you to come to the front of the room. I'll prompt you with a question and you'll answer in character." She looked to EJ. "Gaston, let's start with you."

Violetta patted his back to encourage him on. Ashlyn clapped for her cousin as EJ went to the front of the room.

"Question one — if you had to pick one book to live inside, what would it be and why?" Miss Jenn asked.

"Ooh, uh . . . like, a book of etiquette?" EJ answered. "You know, 'cause Gaston could really use some manners, always spitting and shooting stuff. Like, chill, Gaston."

"Love that. Okay. What would you ask your future self?"

"Oh, trick question, Gaston's dead," Ricky cut in.

Athena's eyebrows knit in confusion and looked up at him. He sent her a look that said what?. She merely shook her head and turned back to EJ, who still seemed to be in thought.

"I'd ask him if he could ever learn to love anyone after Belle," EJ admitted. "I mean, anything's possible, right?" His eyes then locked on Violetta. "But I have a feeling that the answer is yes."

"Intriguing," Miss Jenn commented. Everyone clapped for EJ as he went back to sit next to Violetta, who quickly kissed him on the cheek. "Mr. Beast, wanna give it a go?"

Athena squeezed Ricky's hand before letting go. Ricky hopped off of the risers and made his way to the front, sitting on the stack of mats.

"If you had to pick one book to live inside, which book would it be and why?" Miss Jenn repeated.

"Well, actually, as the Beast, it's canon that I can't read, so," Ricky replied.

Miss Jenn, unlike the others, didn't seem to find it funny. "Beast, I'd like you to take this seriously. Next question. What would you ask your future self?"

"Uh, I guess . . . if I ever miss the old days, when I was all alone in the castle."

"And why would you miss that?"

"Everything was the same every day," Ricky continued, but Athena frowned. It seemed a lot deeper than Beast's character at the moment. "Nothing changed. Uh, I mean, the forks didn't talk, teapots didn't sing."

Everyone chuckled, but Athena didn't. Something was bothering Ricky, and Athena had an idea it was Miss Jenn. Her eyes slightly widened. If Miss Jenn continued to prod Ricky like this, then . . . the ending would not be good.

"Okay, let's go deeper with this feeling," Miss Jenn instructed.

"Thing that's all I got," Ricky admitted.

"But when you say that nothing changed—"

"I'm really trying here. Can you get off my back?"

"Ricky—" Athena began softly.

"Can you watch your tone?" Miss Jenn scolded.

"Yeah." He looked down and whispered to himself. "Okay, mom."

Athena froze. She winced and closed her eyes for a second before exhaling. Yep, there it was. The not-good ending.

"Let's take a ten, everyone," Miss Jenn voiced. "But stay in character, please."

Ricky immediately stood up from the mats and walked out of the room. Athena watched after him for a second before getting up as well. She offered Miss Jenn an apologetic smile before rushing out of the bomb shelter.

She spotted Ricky's figure turn the corner. Athena sighed and picked up her pace as he turned the corner. It was kind of hard to keep up since his legs were longer than hers, but she managed to get closer.

"Ricky," Athena protested. "Ricky, hold on."

"Not right now, Athena," he responded.

"Yes, right now."

Ricky finally turned around, making Athena stop in her tracks in front of him. "No. I don't even know why you came after me, because I'm fine."

"No you're not," Athena countered.

"Yes I am."

"No, you're not," Athena repeated firmly. "You're doing that thing that when you don't know how to process your emotions, you push everyone away. I've been on that side way too many times to count. But I've also seen what happens when you bottle up all your emotions at once. You snap, and that's what you're doing right now."

Ricky pressed his palm to his forehead. "I really don't need a lecture right now."

"I'm not giving you one."

"Then just leave me alone."

Athena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Okay. If there's one thing that I've learned from being both your best friend and your girlfriend, it's that I should give you space when you need it. And if you need space right now, that's fine, but Ricky, what you said to Miss Jenn back there . . . it was kind of uncalled for."

Ricky rolled his eyes. "No lecture, huh? That sounded a lot like a lecture to me."

Athena blinked, clearly taken aback. "Ricky, I'm just trying to help."

"I don't need your help. You don't have to control every aspect of our relationship."

"When have I ever done that?"

"You're doing it right now."

Athena scoffed. "A relationship goes both ways. I'm there for you, and you're there for me. That's how it works."

"You have nothing in your life that I have to be there for you for," Ricky said. "You don't understand, Athena. Your parents are still together, you have a sister that's like a best friend, you get good grades. In fact, you're just perfect. So, right now, I don't need somebody like that trying to tell me everything's fine."

"You think I'm perfect?" Athena inquired incredulously. "No. Far from it."

"I don't want to be here having this conversation with you anymore."

Athena closed her eyes for a moment and began to speak her mind as gently as she could. "Ricky, you're upset. I know you are. But right now, you're not thinking straight. It happens every time something else changes in your life. You have to realize just because you're upset doesn't mean you can project your anger onto everyone else. Plus, you were the one who told your dad to put himself back out there. Just because he chose Miss Jenn doesn't mean you have to be rude to her like that. Sure, it's strange, and you're frustrated, but look around you. So many people are there for you if you ever need to talk." She took a step closer to him. "Including me. Especially me. So, please, just tell me everything that's on your mind and we can work this out."

Ricky just stared at her. "Are you done? Because I am."

Athena reached out to try and take his hand, but Ricky took a step backwards. "Ricky—"

"You want to know what's on my mind? Fine. The world is literally my enemy. Everything seems to be going wrong, and right now, I really don't need you to be my therapist."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm not trying to be. That's way above my pay grade, babe."

"For the last time, can you just leave me alone?" Ricky inquired loudly.

"Wow, God forbid I'm trying to be a good girlfriend and be there for you."

"I don't need you to be."

"Then go," Athena blurted out just as loud, trying to ignore the way her heart was shattering inside of her and the tears pricking at the back of her eyes. "Go skate away from all of your problems like you always do. But don't guarantee that I'll be sitting around waiting for you to come back."

"Fine by me," Ricky commented before turning around and walking back in the direction he was headed.

Athena stared at his retreating figure for a moment. She glanced over and caught her reflection in the window. Underneath the sunlight, the silver chain around her neck was glinting. She reached up and gently fingered the R charm. It felt like everything was breaking apart, and this time, she didn't know how to fix it.

"Athena?" Violetta's voice questioned. "Hey, we — what's wrong?"

"We fought," Athena answered simply. "He snapped at me. I tried to explain that I was just being there for him, but he was having none of it left."

"Are you okay?"

"If I say yes, will you believe me?"

"Not a chance."

Athena sighed as Violetta slung her arm across her shoulder, the two of them beginning to walk back to the bomb shelter. "I don't get it, Vi. He's never snapped at me like that ever. But he also said that I was perfect and basically insinuated that I had nothing to be sad over? I'm not sure, it just doesn't seem like him."

"Ricky hasn't seemed very Ricky-like lately," Violetta revealed as they approached the door. "Something just seems a little off. Because one moment he's dependent on you — which is fine, don't get me wrong, I know you're dependent on each other — but then the next he's just not there."

Athena shrugged as they walked back inside. She truly didn't know what was going on, not unless Ricky told her. But apparently all of their communication was thrown out of the window.

Violetta and Athena sat back on the risers next to EJ. EJ sent a worried glance to Athena — her face might've shown she was sad — but she gave him a reassuring smile. However, it was definitely fake. North High, Lily, Ricky . . . it was all a little much right now. Athena kind of just needed some time by herself in her room with her keyboard.

"It seems like we have a missing Beast," Miss Jenn commented. "Athena—"

"He left," Athena replied quickly. "I don't really wanna talk about it."

Miss Jenn seemed to understand the frown on Athena's lips. "Belle. You wanna come up here and do the five questions?"

"Wait," Ashlyn interrupted.

She stood up and took Athena's arm, instantly dragging her away from the risers. Athena's eyebrows knit in confusion as Ashlyn stopped them in a more secluded part of the bomb shelter.

"Can you do me a favor?" Ashlyn inquired.

Athena nodded. "Yeah, Ash. What is it?"

"I need you to sing Home instead of answering those questions, starting from the chorus." Athena opened her mouth, but Ashlyn was quick to stop her. "Don't ask. I just really need you to do this. Please."

"Okay," Athena replied softly. The two then walked back to the risers, but Athena stopped by Miss Jenn while Ashlyn sat down. "Um, Miss Jenn, could I actually explore Belle's character with a song she sings in the show?"

"Of course," Miss Jenn approved with a wide smile.

She squeezed Athena's shoulder encouragingly before giving her some space. Athena took a deep breath and clasped her hands in front of her before beginning the song.

"Is this home?" Athena sang. "Is this where I should learn to be happy?" Somebody began to play the guitar, and Athena walked around the room to explore a little more of their set. "Never dreamed that a home could be dark and cold." She grabbed a scarf off of the costume rack and wrapped it around herself while turning to face everyone again. "I was told every day in my childhood, even when we grow old, home will be where the heart is. Never were words so true. My heart's far, far away, home is, too. What I'd give to return to the life that I knew lately, but I know that I can't solve my problems going back."

She looked over from her place to see Ricky walking back into the bomb shelter, his skateboard in his hand. Their eyes locked.

"Is this home?" Athena continued. "Am I here for a day or forever?"

Not only was this for Ashlyn, but it also reminded Athena that Ricky and her promised to be each other's homes. A couple months ago, they also promised that no matter what happened between them, they would always be there for each other. Yet, Athena still couldn't help the hurt in her heart. Because he said forever, but he also said that he didn't care if she wasn't waiting for him. What kind of forever was that?

She kept her gaze on him as she sat down on a chair. "Shut away from the world until who knows when? Oh, but then, as my life has been altered once, it can change again." Athena forced herself to look away as she took off the scarf, placing it on top of the piano. "Nothing lasts, nothing holds all of me. My heart's far, far away. Home and free."

Athena turned back to the doorway, only to see that Ricky was now gone. Her heart sank and her bottom lip quivered. She vaguely saw Ashlyn and Gina share a tight hug before she focused her gaze down on the floor. Athena was sure that if she even glanced at Violetta she would begin to cry.

"Miss Jenn—" she began.

"You can go, Athena," Miss Jenn told her.

Athena didn't need to be told twice. She went over to the risers, grabbed her backpack, and quickly left the room. A tear escaped, but she quickly wiped it away. No. She would not cry. It was only a fight.

But, yet, she couldn't help but feel like things were shifting between her and Ricky once again. This fight could've very well marked their relationship for the worst, and Athena didn't like it very much.

--- ☆ • ♫ • ♪ • ♫ • ☆ ---

ATHENA SAT AT her keyboard, messing around with a couple of melodies and lyrics. Crumpled up pieces of paper were scattered around while one new piece and a pen stayed on her keyboard.

"And I'm always here if you need a talk, but maybe first you should take a walk," Athena mumbled to herself. She wrote it down before playing some chords on the keyboard. "'Cause I'm not gonna make you change, that's above my pay grade, babe."

The doorbell then rang. Athena glanced over at her shut door for a moment and sighed. Once again, Artemis was out of the house — when was she ever there anymore? — and her parents had decided to go out to dinner with each other, although it was kind of getting late, so Athena knew they would be coming home soon. Therefore, it was up to her to get the door.

She stood up from her keyboard and left her room. Athena padded down the steps and made her way to the front door. However, when she opened it, it was revealed to be Ricky on the front porch. He held his skateboard and his helmet in his hands.

"Ricky," she said. "May I help you?"

"You went home upset," Ricky noted, his gaze not quite on her. "And the reason you're upset is me. I'm not just going to let that go."

Athena sighed a little. She stepped out onto her front porch and closed the door behind her. They stood there facing each other.

"I didn't mean what I said," Ricky voiced. "You have your own struggles, too. It was completely out of pocket for me to believe that you have nothing to be sad about. It's just been . . . really rough, lately. Things are hard to talk about, but not with you, because you just really get me." He finally looked up at her. "You're my safe space."

"Then why?" Athena asked, her voice full of hurt. "How many times are you going to keep pushing me away?"

"Until it sticks," Ricky answered firmly. "I never meant to hurt you."

"I've been patient with you," Athena continued. "I always wait until you're ready to talk. But if you're just going to leave every time something gets hard—"

"No."

Athena blinked. "No?"

"No," Ricky confirmed. "Not anymore. That fight in the hallway?" He paused for a second to exhale. "Listen, you and I will fight sometimes. It's only natural. Healthy couples need to argue. And sure, we might go our own ways for a while, but no matter what, I know we'll always find our way back to each other. Because this, us? We've got a forever type of thing."

"I don't like arguing."

Ricky nodded. "I know. I don't either, and I'm sorry."

"We just . . . have to work on communication," Athena revealed, making Ricky nod in response. "I can't help you unless you talk to me. So, next time, please don't hesitate to. I'm always here, you know that." She held out her pinky to him. "A forever type of thing, right?"

Ricky interlocked his pinky with hers while laughing slightly. "I'm sorry for snapping at you."

Athena shrugged. "It's all right. You had to take it out on someone. I'm glad you felt safe enough to take it out on me."

Headlights then appeared in the driveway, and both of them glanced over to see it was Athena's parents. They waved to the two of them before opening the garage and pulling in.

"I have to go," Athena said quietly. "I, um, I'll see you tomorrow, Ricky."

She went to her door. Just as Athena twisted the doorknob and opened the door to go inside, Ricky managed to stop her again.

"I'd ask him if he and Belle were still together," Ricky suddenly announced.

Athena turned around, her eyebrows knit in confusion. "What?"

"The Beast. That's what I'd ask my future self."

She smiled softly at him. "Goodnight, Ricky."

Athena went inside her house and shut the door behind her. Things might've only been slightly mended, but they would work it out . . . right?

═ • ° • ✧ • ° • ═

the ANGST

no I did not use lines from riverdale and girl meets world no definitely not

yes ok I did but they FIT sue me

rathena fight 👀 how we feeling besties??? it's only the beginning HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

no but seriously every time I see ricky I'm like "you know what color we haven't tried yet? . . . therapy" bc my baby boy needs to go talk out his issues with SOMEONE

also I just posted a harry potter fic called london boy if you wanna check it out !!!!!