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𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘

chapter five:
valentine's day !

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VALENTINE'S DAY — THE one day that Athena had managed to hate her entire life yet was excited for now. Maybe it was the fact that she had an actual Valentine . . . okay, maybe not. Neither her or Ricky had asked each other to be each other's Valentines. As far as Athena knew, they didn't have any plans. Knowing them, they would just figure it out as they went. That was just the way they rolled.

Last period before drama, Athena walked to her locker with Violetta, clad in a pink long-sleeved top and some jeans. Violetta was explaining her plans that she had later in the day with EJ for the holiday. She wasn't the kind of person to like the mushy part of loving someone (pointed out by how she acts with EJ), but Athena could tell by the way she was going on and on about their plans that Violetta was excited.

". . . and then after dinner we're going back to his house to bake cookies like we usually do," Violetta continued.

Athena laughed slightly as she began opening her locker, Violetta leaning on the ones next to it. "Sounds romantic, Vi."

"What about you?" Violetta asked. "You and lover boy got anything planned?"

She shrugged and took the bags out of her backpack she didn't need before grabbing the ones that she did. "Not sure. I got him a picture framed of us for his new apartment, but other than that, we don't really have anything set."

"Hm," Violetta hummed in response, turning around and heading in the direction of the bomb shelter.

Athena raised an eyebrow and followed after her. "Do you know something I don't?"

"Oh, nothing. Everyone just happens to tell me what they're planning to do on Valentine's Day. Including Ricky." She then noticed Athena's eyes widening. "And if you think I'm telling you, you are completely mistaken."

"Violetta," Athena groaned.

"It's worth the wait, trust me."

And, if there wasn't more perfect timing, the exact person they were talking about decided to show up in that very moment. Athena felt an arm wrap around her waist and somebody press a kiss to her cheek. She smiled as they did so and turned to see none other than Ricky staring down at her lovingly.

"Hey, Ric," she greeted. "I haven't seen you all day. Artemis took us to school at the very last minute, but then you weren't at lunch."

Ricky shrugged. "I was on Facetime with Nini working on something during lunch. Don't worry about it."

"Okay," Athena replied with a small laugh, although she was a little confused, as they stopped in front of the bomb shelter. "Hey, will I see you later on today? You know . . . Valentine's Day, and all."

"And that's my cue to leave," Violetta stated. She entered the bomb shelter. "Hey, loser."

"Hello to you too, V," EJ's voice faintly responded.

Athena chuckled quietly at their antics before looking back to Ricky. "So? I know it sounds cheesy and all, but . . . it's my first Valentine's Day where I'm actually dating someone and I would love nothing more than to spend it with you."

She decided not to mention to him what Violetta said about having something planned. If he really did, Athena wanted him to have his moment of presenting it to her.

Ricky pretended to think it over for a moment. "I guess I could clear up some room in my schedule. Swing by my apartment later?"

Athena had kind of been dreading that. Ricky had officially moved out of his house with Mike, and the girl who moved in next door was nice, but it didn't really compare to the neighborly bond Athena and Ricky had formed. She was scared that finally going to Ricky's new apartment would make everything all too real. But just like she told Ricky at the auditions, she had to get over her fear and live life full of oh wells instead of what ifs.

"Yeah," Athena finally answered, making Ricky's grin grow.

EJ then walked out into the hallway. "Bowen, 'Thena. Hey, uh, we're starting. Miss Jenn's asking for you both."

She nodded to him. "Thanks, EJ."

He went back inside. Athena squeezed Ricky's arm gently before leaving his side to go into the bomb shelter. However, Ricky took a hold of her wrist to stop her from leaving. She turned back to look at him questioningly.

"There's one more thing," Ricky admitted. He took a step closer to her, resting his hands on her waist. "Athena Blake, will you be my Valentine?"

Athena, her cheeks flushing red at the question, smiled up at him. "Ricky Bowen, I would be honored to be your Valentine."

Ricky leaned down and kissed her softly. Athena probably could've stayed there all day, but she remembered what EJ had said about Miss Jenn needing them. She pulled away after a moment and took one of Ricky's hands, bringing him into the bomb shelter.

Athena ruffled Seb's hair in greeting on the way to the risers. The boy playfully glared at her and fixed his hair as Athena laughed. Her and Ricky then made it over to the risers where Ashlyn and EJ were sitting.

"You two ready to waltz?" Ashlyn questioned as the two of them sat down.

Ricky shook his head. "Not at all."

"It's just one extra step," Athena reassured him. "You'll do great. And if we need practice, then we need practice."

Carlos clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Okay, people. The title song of Beauty and the Beast is the centerpiece of our show. Written at the height of Ashman and Menken's powers, and it's their most romantic ballad since Suddenly, Seymour. As a reminder, Belle," Carlos gestured to Athena, "is finally falling for the Beast, and it's not just because of Stockholm syndrome, y'all. Love is love."

"Ricky and Athena, it's time to review the waltz," Gina instructed. She pointed to Kourtney and Seb. "Let's take it way under tempo."

Athena got up from the risers. Her and Ricky walked out into the clear area of the bomb shelter. Seb began to play the opening melody of the song slowly. Athena clasped her right hand with Ricky's left one while the two of them placed their other hands on each other's waists. Ricky was staring down at the floor, but Athena squeezed his hand to get his attention. He looked up at her and met her eyes.

"Just like we're dancing back in my kitchen," Athena told him quietly. "You got this."

He nodded. And as Kourtney began to sing the song (which sounded a little sad with the slower tempo), Athena and Ricky started to waltz. Ricky was counting the steps underneath his breath, but as time went on, the two found the rhythm within each other. Taking three steps became easier — although Ricky did manage to trip over his feet a couple times.

"Kourtney, honey," Miss Jenn interrupted, making Athena and Ricky stop dancing, Seb stop playing the piano, and Kourtney stop singing. "I know we aren't up to show tempo, but sing out, and make sure to really look at Belle and the Beast during the song. Remember, what Mrs. Potts is observing is a miracle. Belle is the most beautiful girl in the land, and the Beast is, I'm sorry Ricky, beastly."

Ricky leaned his head down to Athena's. "Shouldn't be hard for you."

Athena elbowed him in the ribs, but she couldn't help the way a smile spread across her face and how her cheeks were burning. "Shut up."

"Maybe close your eyes and imagine the full scene in makeup and wardrobe," Miss Jenn continued. "Ready?"

Athena nodded. She turned back to Ricky and they got back into their dancing positions. However, once they began to start again, the bell rang.

"Okay, thank you everyone, good job," Miss Jenn voiced. "We'll nail this number in time for the Menkies. The Beast's castle wasn't built in a day. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day."

Athena walked back over to the risers and grabbed her backpack before looking to Ricky. "Hey, you were amazing. I told you that you would be fine."

"Waltzing is hard," Ricky complained.

"Oh, hold up," Athena insisted as Ricky began to walk towards the door. "Vi's coming home with me. She wants to borrow my red dress for her date tonight. Speaking of which, do I have to wear anything special to this event you have planned?"

"You can wear what you're wearing now," Ricky replied, taking her hand again and lacing their fingers together. "But honestly, you look good in anything."

Her eyes narrowed at him. "You're being extra compliment-y today. I mean, I'm not complaining."

Violetta then joined the two of them. "I'm ready to go if you are."

The three of them exited the bomb shelter. However, just as they went to head to the entrance of school to leave, Big Red frantically ran up to them. He had the biggest grin on his face but also seemed to be extremely nervous.

"I need to show you all something," Big Red breathed out.

"What is it?" Ricky asked.

Big Red didn't answer. Instead, he just turned right back around and began speed-walking. Athena, Ricky, and Violetta all shared a confused glance with each other before ultimately deciding to follow after him. Big Red navigated them through the hallways before they ended up at a set of lockers.

"Okay, here we are," Big Red announced, stopping at the very last locker.

"It's Ashlyn's locker," Ricky noted. "This is what you wanted to show us?"

"Look, uh, I know Ashlyn is super down to Earth, but I gotta be honest. When I found out she got a part in the show where she could showcase her singing skills to the max, something happened inside of me, and then, I had to use the restroom."

"I really did not need to know that," Violetta stated. "Like, at all. Did you really have to say that out loud?"

"I'm not the kind of guy that dates cool girls like her," Big Red insisted, making Athena frown. "I don't wanna blow it with her on Valentine's Day. I mean, the whole day is about the color red." He pointed to his hair. "I should have this on lock."

Athena tilted her head at him. "What do you have in mind, then?"

"I came up with an idea to do a little singing telegram for her," Big Red explained, holding up a small red bag. "And it starts with me popping out of this bad boy."

"You're breaking in," Ricky voiced as Big Red began to open Ashlyn's locker.

"We traded locker combos as an act of trust. Her idea."

Ricky looked down at Athena while Big Red got inside the locker. "Why didn't we do that?"

Athena raised an eyebrow. "I'm not letting you inside my locker. You'd probably put your skateboard in there."

Violetta shut the locker door once Big Red was fully inside. Athena let out a deep breath and stared at the door for a moment. She got it, Big Red was just trying to impress Ashlyn and it was totally adorable, but hiding inside of a locker?

"Okay, ready?" Big Red questioned.

Ricky looked around at the hallway. "For what?"

"To give me notes. I'm gonna run it."

"Oh, right now?" Athena inquired. "Like, right now right now?"

"What other time is there, A?" Big Red asked.

She shrugged. "Fair point."

Big Red then tried to get out of the locker, but the door wouldn't budge. "Uh, guys, I — I think it locked."

Violetta raised her hands in surrender. "I did not know it was going to do that. You can't blame me."

Ricky sighed. "I'm going to get help, stay put." He squeezed Athena's hand before letting go and kissed the top of her head. "Be right back."

He ran off down the hallway. Athena crossed her arms and leaned her shoulder against the lockers next to Ashlyn's. Well, this certainly was one way to spend Valentine's Day.

"You really got yourself stuck in a locker," Violetta commented. "Again."

"It's only the second time," Big Red protested.

"Two times too many."

"You know what, Vi—"

"Athena?" Ashlyn's voice inquired, making her freeze and share a wide-eyed look with Violetta. "Violetta? What are you doing?"

Athena turned slowly, placing the biggest smile on her face as she absolutely could as she dropped her arms back to her side to see Ashlyn and Gina standing there. "Oh hey, Ashlyn. Hey, G. Funny, uh . . . funny seeing you here."

Ashlyn blinked. "This is my locker."

"Oh, is it?" Violetta asked, glancing at the locker. "I, um, could've sworn it was mine."

Ashlyn sent them a weird look and approached her locker. Athena and Violetta backed away as Ashlyn put in her combo and hit the door before opening it. However, once she did, Ashlyn screamed. Athena jumped in surprise and grabbed Violetta's arm as Big Red fell out of the locker, spilling heart-shaped confetti everywhere.

"What is happening?" Ashlyn questioned loudly.

"Sorry, I'm sorry," Big Red apologized.

"Um, was this the surprise? Because, surprise."

"Yeah, no, uh, it kinda got ruined. My fault. Just, uh, come by the, uh, pizza place later, okay? Trust me, it's gonna be amazing."

Big Red then ran off in the same direction that Ricky did. Athena watched with a hand over her mouth to try and suppress her laughs. Ashlyn looked back at them, obviously very shocked and confused.

"He's trying his best," Violetta said.

Ashlyn took a step towards her locker and sniffed it. "All my stuff smells like Throb."

Athena glared in the direction that both the boys ran off in. "I'm going to kill Ricky. He started all of this. Him and his stupid Throb."

"Killing him on Valentine's Day seems a little harsh," Gina stated with a small laugh.

"Good, it'll help get my point across." She smiled at her and Ashlyn. "Have a good Valentine's Day, you two. If you would excuse me, I have to go yell at my idiot boyfriend and his friend about how Throb is not as good as they think it is."

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if you don't think athena's love language is words of affirmation and ricky's is physical touch then I think you should rethink that

y'all got any ricky and athena headcanons? I would love to hear them <333

I'll start:
when ricky couldn't pronounce his a's when he was little he was actually the one to come up with the nickname 'thena (although the a at the end was still a little rocky for him, he actually learned how to say his a's because he was so determined to get her name right) but as they got older and everyone started calling her that he came up with the nickname attie so he could have a special nickname for her 🥰