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𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣

chapter eight:
violetta and ricky are basically
siblings !

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WHEN VIOLETTA IMAGINED her high school years, she thought that maybe she would be out at eleven o'clock on a school night at a party, or at her boyfriend's house (well, she didn't actually think she would get a boyfriend, but the universe had other plans), or trying to finish homework, or binge-watching a show, having no care in the world about how tired she would be the next day. However, she never thought she would be walking through Seb Matthew-Smith's barn with the theater group⁠ — except for Carlos. He was the only one not there.

Seb had so graciously leant them lanterns, which they had taken to navigate through the dark barn. He led the way through the barn with Gina, the two of them acting perfectly calm. Athena and Ricky were holding hands, occasionally laughing with each other because oh my God what had they gotten themselves into now. Ashlyn was latched onto Big Red's arm, looking nervous as the cows mooed and the sheep bleated. Kourtney kept checking her boots to see if they were getting dirty, which was pretty much inevitable because they were literally walking through dirt. Nini had to keep reassuring her that they could clean her boots later and make them as good as new.

Meanwhile, Violetta and EJ's hands were tightly interlocked, EJ holding up the lantern for them. She kept glancing up ay him a couple of times, smiling softly at the way his face was slightly illuminated by the lantern.

"Wanna come to mine after this?" EJ asked quietly to her.

"I wish," Violetta responded. "Promised mom and dad I would be back at midnight. This spontaneous outing was kind of pushing it. Oh, thanks for picking me up, by the way."

"V, I literally drive you everywhere."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, I mean, yeah. Boyfriend duties."

"What if I wanted to get driven around by you?" EJ countered.

"I don't have my license yet, genius. When I do, I'll let you know."

"Oh boy, can't wait."

They finally stopped by some bales of hay. Violetta turned her attention to the others, wondering exactly why they were here.

"Why do I hear sheep but don't see sheep?" Ashlyn questioned.

"Oh, that's Jimmy," Seb answered. "He has social anxiety."

Violetta nodded. She could relate to Jimmy.

"Well, I'm team Jimmy," Kourtney admitted. "I don't camp, I don't glamp, I don't even sleep without a silk pillow case."

Everyone laughed softly at that. Another sheep then bleated out of nowhere. EJ jumped from his place next to his girlfriend and let out a high-pitched laugh.

Violetta's laugh turned louder. "Oh, you are so not living that one down."

EJ glared at her, but there was no malice in it. "You know, sometimes I really wonder why I voluntarily decided to date you."

"It's because I'm irresistible, sweetie."

EJ continued to stare at her, and she merely narrowed her eyes at him slightly. His face flushed a light shade of pink, and Violetta could see it, even in the dark. He turned away from her. Violetta looked back to the group, a triumphant smirk on her face.

"Listen, I'm sure Seb and Gina have a good reason for bringing us to his barn so late on a school night," Ricky stated before looking at Athena. "Not that I mind the romantic setting."

Athena raised an eyebrow. "If you consider this romantic, we're breaking up."

"Never mind. It's not romantic anymore."

"Okay, so, we gathered you guys here tonight 'cause I've got this idea," Gina told them. "And because we only have forty-eight hours to pull it off, it's going to take all of us."

"The whole family," Seb added, a big smile on his face.

"Aw, you guys," Nini commented.

Oh. Right. After the snowstorm, Nini had apparently shown up on Athena's doorstep, saying that she couldn't go back to YAC. She had been at East High for good for about two weeks, and Violetta could see that her whole attitude changed. Nini seemed a lot happier and at peace. Her, Violetta, and Athena were also starting to hang out a lot more. It was nice.

"So, I talked to Gina, and we thought we could throw a big surprise party to celebrate the guy Carlos is," Seb explained.

"And a quinceañero he always wanted and never got," Gina voiced. "It's a birthday party, but seriously zhuzhed up. 'Cause Carlos is one of the good guys."

"Okay, somebody say something because maybe this is a terrible idea?" Seb pleaded, clearly nervous.

"No way, Seb," Athena responded. "This is an incredible idea. Let's do it."

Violetta nodded in agreement, a smile growing on her face. She would absolutely love to help set this whole thing up. Violetta then felt EJ press a kiss to her cheek, making her grin only widen. She leaned her head up and pressed a kiss to his jaw, considering that was the only thing she could reach from her height. Wow, they were gross ⁠— but she kind of liked it.

Ricky stuck his hand out. "For Carlos."

They all put their hands on top of Ricky's. "For Carlos!" They raised them up into the air. "Woo!"

Violetta felt her heart warm. This was really special, and she was glad to be celebrating Carlos with her favorite people ever.

The next day, Violetta's excitement had only decreased slightly. This was due to the fact that Violetta found herself, as a dancer, doing some ridiculous thing that she didn't want to do or didn't understand. In this case, she was pretending to be an animal while rolling around on the floor.

Okay, but seriously, Violetta really never understood how she found herself in situations. Last musical, she found herself being a disco ball, and this musical, she found herself acting like a wolf. How did she end up here?

Violetta shook those thoughts away as she stretched next to Kaden on the floor. Athena and Nini were on the bleachers on the other side of the room, doing homework. They were only there because the three of them would be going to Violetta's house once rehearsal was over.

"And on the third count of eight, the wolves will attack the beast," Carlos announced.

"Can't wait," Ricky replied, his arm around Athena.

"Ricky, stand center stage and look afraid. Dancers, please stand in for the wolves who are currently being potty-trained at the animal shelter."

So, for the show, Miss Jenn had gotten some actual puppies to play the wolves during the show from the animal shelter. It was kind cute. To be honest, Violetta was really just looking forward to playing with the puppies when they came.

Ricky came over to them after kissing Athena's cheek. Violetta rolled over on the floor next to Ricky's shoes. Around her, her dancer friends had started to act like wolves, making noises and all that. Violetta just kind of laid there on the ground, occasionally moving. She didn't even try to hide the bored expression on her face. Literally, what was she doing?

"I need more energy, Vi," Athena called from the risers.

"Athena, wipe that smile off of your face," Violetta stated, her gaze still on the ceiling.

"You're not even looking at me right now."

"Yeah, but I know you well enough to know that you'll never let me forget this."

"Oh, absolutely not. See? What are best friends for?"

Violetta rolled her eyes. She guessed she could pretend. Violetta rolled over on her stomach and scratched at Ricky's leg gently. He stared down at her, and Violetta tried not to laugh as she rolled over and landed on her knees next to Kaden. Kaden suddenly got a mischievous glint in his eyes and lunged forwards, tackling her to the ground gently. Violetta looked at him, and the two struggled not to burst into laughter.

"Attack!" Carlos shouted.

Violetta jumped out at Ricky, along with the others. Ricky responded by roaring, just like the Beast would do.

Miss Jenn clapped once at him. "Yes! Get 'em."

Ricky continued to roar, each one getting progressively louder. Violetta really just wanted to laugh loudly right then and there. Acting like a wolf while Ricky roared at them? This was honestly so ridiculous.

"Deep roar, Ricky," Miss Jenn ordered.

He roared again, much deeper this time. Violetta scrambled away from him, acting timid. The others followed her lead.

"Thank you, yes!" Miss Jenn yelled.

Finally, it was over. Violetta rolled onto her back, her hands resting on her stomach as she allowed some giggles to pass through her lips. It felt good to laugh after holding it in for so long. She heard Athena snort in amusement and quickly clear her throats from the risers. That honestly made her laugh a little harder. It was never good when the two of them were laughing at the same time. They would never stop.

"No, nothing's funny," Athena said as casually as she could. "Nope. Not at all."

Miss Jenn let out a sigh. "I will never understand you two."

"Don't try," Ricky replied. "It'll only get you more hopefully confused."

Violetta then sat up and flipped a couple of curls over her shoulder. "Sorry you're not on the same wavelength as your girlfriend and I, lover boy."

"Will you stop calling me lover boy?" Ricky complained.

"No, I will not, but thank you for asking."

"And do you really think that Athena and I aren't on the same wavelength? Vi, we're Ricky and Athena."

"And we're Violetta and Athena," Violetta argued, scoffing slightly. "You will never be on our level."

Ricky lifted up his foot and nudged her arm with his shoe. "We'll see about that."

"Okay," Miss Jenn interrupted loudly, stopping their bickering. "That was good, guys. Go take five."

Athena then stood up from the risers and joined Violetta on the floor. Violetta instantly put her head on her best friend's shoulders. Athena let out a sigh of content and put her arm around Violetta, pulling her in close.

"Are we really that confusing?" Athena inquired.

"Nah," Violetta responded. "Other people just don't see our connected-ness. Now, come on. I have to get some water before acting like a wolf again."

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VIOLETTA STOOD IN the barn on Saturday, the day of Carlos' quinceañero. She was in charge of helping set up the barn with the others. Back at her house, she had gotten changed into a sparkly dark green dress, some white Converse with dark green laces, and a small V necklace that Athena had gotten for her a while ago. Her makeup was subtle and half of her hair was tied up neatly, her curls cascading down her back.

Although, she wouldn't be in that outfit for long. Gina had recruited her, Kaden, Steph, Rico, and another dancer that Violetta didn't know too well. She had choreographed a whole number for them, inspired by a home video Carlos had made in the seventh grade. They learned it quite quickly, which was good. It was really heartwarming to see Gina and Carlos get so close after their differences.

She was currently helping Miss Jenn set up the candy table. Violetta placed down a jar of lollipops neatly, backing up slightly to see how it stood. She shook her head and adjusted it a little more.

Miss Jenn suddenly gasped. "Michael Bowen. I didn't expect to see you here."

Violetta blinked and looked up. "Uh . . . hey, Mike."

"Hi, Vi," Mike responded casually, but Violetta still stared at him curiously, because she had no idea why he was here. "Hey, anyone Ricky loves, I love. Carlos, that is. Uh, Ricky loves that kid."

"Of course," Miss Jenn stated.

Violetta's eyes flickered in between Mike and Miss Jenn for a second. This was really weird.

"I'm gonna go," Violetta offered, nodding and pointing in a vague direction. "Yeah."

She walked away, leaving the two alone, her eyes slightly widening. Violetta didn't really know what was going on between the two of them. It all just seemed so strange.

Suddenly, she felt two arms wrap around her waist and she was pulled backwards slightly. Violetta let out a small shriek at the sudden movements, but soon relaxed into it, because she knew that grip. Just to confirm, she looked down. Yep. Pink suit sleeves. That was EJ.

Violetta reached up and placed her hands on his arms, turning her head slightly in effort to look at him. "Hey, you."

EJ leaned down and pressed a kiss onto her bare shoulder, sending shivers up her spine. "You look beautiful."

"You already said that when you picked me up."

"And you look so gorgeous that I just have to say it again." EJ squeezed her waist a little tighter before letting go, Violetta almost sighing at the loss of contact. "You wanna come make a video for Carlos?"

Violetta smiled. "Lead the way, baby."

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sorry for the short chapter homies I'm trying my best out here