THE MORE TIME that passed, a realization had occurred to Keanu. He doesn't really see Ren around anymore, even when they sit at the same lunch table. Her presence in his life had weakened for the first time, and he wasn't sure if he liked it.

Keanu wasn't sure what was up with Ren, but he'd figured he should ask.

He was happy, jovial, overjoyed and every other synonym for happiness you could think of. So, why wasn't Ren happy either?

And for the more time he lost with her, River gained. It seemed in a sense, both his best friends were slipping out of his grasp and he couldn't comprehend why.

"Hey babe, what's up?" Jennifer's voiced, breaking Keanu out of his thoughts. He almost forgot, for a single moment, that he was home alone with his girlfriend.

"Nothing, just thinking." He answered, smiling at his girlfriend. The two of them were on his bed.

"Oh yeah? How about less thinking, and more kissing, Mr. Reeves?" Jennifer purred at him with a smirk, and he couldn't help but to return the smile back at her.

You know, before he ever realized he liked Jennifer, Ren would be up here in his room. But instead of having intense makeout sessions, she actually talked to him. Ren's comics were be scattered around his floor, and it was a welcoming sight. Keanu would lay down next to her, reading them with her.

Ren was such a nerd and geek, always freaking about new comic issues, especially Wonder Woman and The Flash. Even when they were out of school, she wouldn't stop rambling about history–her favorite subject.

For a moment, Ren's comic books seemed more welcoming than the clothes scattered on the floor. But the thought was soon forgotten, especially when Jennifer's lips met his.

"Let's go, loser." River announced, walking into Ren's comic-filled room. Honestly, she was the ultimate dork, but it seemed to be one of River's favorite things about her.

Ren was still wrapped in a dozen of blankets, her brown hair wild, and she whined.

"Noo, Riv." She mumbled, shifting her laying position, eyes still closed.

"You're like a sad pregnant woman, which isn't great at all. Come on, let's go. I'll treat you." River said, poking the girl, who groaned before opening her eyes.

"You're annoying, you know that, right?" Ren commented grumpily, sitting up and stretching her arms.

"But you love me." River added with a grin, but inside, he was really desperate to her answer.

"I do love you. You're the best–better than Keanu. At least you don't break my heart." Ren replied, standing up, and heading towards her closet.

She was dressed in sleeping shorts and a striped tank top. To him, it didn't really matter how much makeup she applied, or what she wore–she's perfect.

After choosing an outfit, she headed towards the bathroom connected to her room, "Ill be out in fifteen minutes."

"Okay." He mumbled out as the girl closed the door. He looked around her room while he waited.

Her walls were covered in posters of Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman. What wasn't superhero related was band posters, particularly Guns N' Roses. They weren't exactly River's type, but he'd listen to them if Ren wanted to.

Her shelves were covered in collectible items. Her was well kept and organized, but on her desk was all her picture frames. Most of the pictures were of her and Keanu, whether it be when they were kids or now.

River was in some frames too, but it was usually group pictures. The thought left a sting in his heart.

"I'm done! So, where are we going?" Ren asked, exiting out of the bathroom. She wore light makeup, and her outfit was simple–blue jeans and a white tank top.

She sat down next to him, slipping her black converses as she waited for him to answer. River noticed she had a very odd way of tying her shoes, but it was the little things that made him love her.

"Your favorite place!" He hinted, hoping that Ren would quickly catch on to the idea.

"But I'm already at my favorite place–my bed!" Ren pointed out, and River resisted the urge to groan.

"No, your second favorite place!" River urged on, no matter how intelligent Ren was, she still had her ditzy moments.

"Alan's comics?" Ren guessed, an excited grin growing on her face.

She hadn't been there in awhile, in fact, the last time she went with Keanu.

Keanu. The thought of him immediately ripped the sheer moment of happiness away from her, and River noticed.

"I know it's been real tough on you. I just really want you to have a great time, even if it's with me and not him." River spoke softly, it hurt him as much as it her hurt.

Ren is hurting because of Keanu, and well, River is hurting simply because Ren doesn't return his feelings.

But then again, he never truly built the courage to tell her. He already knew the outcome, but with Keanu out of the picture, perhaps it'll change.

"I'll still have a great time, Riv. Sure, you're not Keanu, but that doesn't matter. I want to do this with you, not him." Ren reassured with a small smile.

'Sure, you aren't Keanu, but maybe I'll learn to love you the same.'

Luckily, the comic shop wasn't too far from Ren's home. The walk was welcoming, the sun was brighter than ever, and the trees on decorating the sidewalks was a alluring shade of green.

It wasn't too cold or hot, it was just perfect like Ren. The more moments River had with her, the more he grew to appreciate, because who knows when Keanu will sweep in and steal his thunder?

In fact, River wasn't a huge comic book geek like his muse was, but that only caused her to be more excited. Ren felt so exhilarated, she started spitting out words in a rapid pace about her favorite comic book characters.

Before he knew it, the two were already inside the clean and organize shop. Book shelfs were covered in various comic issues, ranging from Marvel to DC comics to smaller publishing companies. On other shelfs held displays of figurines and action figures, which seemed cool.

Ren was practically dragging him towards the DC comics section, "I have SO much to show you. I need a new partner in crime, since my old one decided girlfriends were cooler than comics."

River laughed, except it was a bit awkward, knowing the girl felt a bit bitter and spiteful towards her best friend.

"Okay, so this The New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman and George Perez! On the cover, these are my favorites–Robin, Kid Flash, and Wonder Girl! Soon, Starfire, Changeling, Cyborg, and Raven are introduced! I like Raven too, especially with her complex family history. Her dad, Trigon, is a demon." Ren rambled, seeming relaxed and jovial, a difference compared to her melancholy usual self.

River embraced in happiness, glad he was making her happy, even if the titanic amount of information overwhelmed him.

---

"I really want to get a new record, especially a new Bowie one." Jennifer exclaimed.

Both her and Keanu were composed and cleaned up from earlier activities, but Jennifer had to wear his scarf.

'How cliche, is what Ren would had thought.' Keanu thought to himself, his mind fluttering back to his absent best friend.

"Yeah, I've been wanting a new Van Halen record too anyways." Keanu respond, a bit distracted, but if Jennifer noticed, she didn't comment on it.

Ryan's Records was a few stores down from Alan's comics, which meant he'd have to pass it. Keanu has been itching to get a new comic, but Jennifer really isn't into comics. The only person he could go and geek out with was Ren.

Step by step, the couple is so close to passing the store, but someone catches Keanu from the corner of his eye.

It was Ren, browsing around the store, but she wasn't alone. Oh no, she had River with her, holding hands.

Keanu felt a bit betrayed because both Ren AND River were his best friends. He'd die for the, so why didn't they tell him about their relationship?

Author's note:
Here's the first chapter! I hoped you enjoyed it. I apologize for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors! Please leave comments and a vote! It's definitely appreciated.