Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Intro

Rikki Chadwick continued rummaging through her bedroom. She had grown up in small trailers, moving around the country every year or so with her dad. She thought packing her things wouldn't take long but she had been at it for hours now. She recounted only taking thirty minutes to load her belongings into her dad's truck when they moved to Gold Coast. She also reckoned it had been a while since they lived in a place for more than a year, much less nearly five.

Rikki remembered meeting Cleo Setori on that Zodiac shortly after she moved to Gold Coast. Cleo was so apologetic for not approaching Rikki at their school. Rikki might have been offended if she thought she would be there for as long as she was. She also didn't expect her life to change as much as it did that night. The two had picked up Emma Gilbert on the boat and the three turned to mermaids in a volcano under a full moon. For the past few years, the girls had worked together to adjust to their new lives.

Emma moved about a two years ago and their new friend Bella moved back to Ireland just after high school graduation. Now, Rikki had been in college for almost two years and was surviving. She had never been academically driven so surviving was all she could ask for. As long as she could afford more than a rusty, old trailer in her lifetime, she'd consider herself successful. She thought that was in part she had Cleo in her classes and the brunette mermaid was much better at school when she paid attention. Rikki spent several nights over at Cleo's working on their homework, talking about their mermaid lives and Cleo's love life the past few years. Rikki's love life had been non-existent since she was in high school. Cleo, however, managed to keep an overseas relationship afloat. How lucky, Rikki had thought.

It was Cleo who had mentioned the two girls should get an apartment together. Rikki couldn't think of a better roommate. She had been saving up for three years and the two had a place all set for them to move in to tomorrow. Now, Rikki was stuffing her clothes into boxes and trash bags while her bed sheets were drying outside. She wiped her brow as she wondered how she had managed to accumulate so many items.

Rikki grabbed a trash bag that was bursting at the seems to take out to her dad's truck when she tripped over a box on the floor. She huffed and stood to move the box. What it was doing in the middle of the floor was beyond her. As soon as she rotated it, she recognized it immediately. It was taped shut over and over as if she was holding a strong monster prisoner in this box. She had written 'DO NOT OPEN' several times on the front of the box. She remembered sitting by her bed crying into the box with a melted pint of ice cream on her bedside as she stuffed a few items inside. She tossed it in the back of her closet and only recently pulled it out with a few other boxes that were taped appropriately with some of her winter clothes when she and her dad lived in harsher climates. She must have overlooked this one and thought it belonged with those.

Rikki set the trash bag at the entrance of her bedroom and bent down to pick up this box. She stared at it, wondering if she had the willpower to not just open it but face it's contents. She set it down on her bed as she turned around to pick up the trash bag and toss it in the bed of her dad's truck.

The blonde mermaid knew what belonged in that box. She had grabbed a hammer out of her dad's toolbox and a pair of scissors from her cabinet thinking of destroying it's items. She also remembered pacing her room, squeezing her hand, thinking of setting them on fire with her powers. Instead, she decided to throw them in a box. Maybe one day she would cut them up, smash them or set them on fire. Maybe that day was today but she knew she wasn't over Zane Bennett the day she packed that box.

It was his Zodiac she met Cleo on. He was an annoying, rich boy in town. At least, that's all Rikki had tossed him up to be until they were locked out on a hotel balcony together when they were fifteen. He was kind, loving and misunderstood by everyone from his father to her friends. She fell for him, hard. She tried to convince herself she was only dating him because she was trying to keep him away from their mermaid secret but she often found herself genuinely loving spending time with him, laughing and getting caught up in his arms. No, she didn't like him. That's why they broke up at the end of that school year but that certainly didn't last long. All it took was him showing up on a dirt bike to sweep her off her feet. The next year they opened a juice bar together named after her and she wondered if she had found her soul mate so early in her life. That was until he started questioning her faithfulness and cheated on her himself. He never took the time to break up with the girl he was with before her, she should have expected this. She thought he had changed but no, he was just an annoying, rich boy.

Rikki took a deep breath as she re-entered her bedroom. It felt like the box was staring daggers at her. She shook her head and laughed, she knew what was in that box. She could face it. It had been nearly a three years since the last time she had seen Zane anyway. Rikki walked into her living room and pulled a box cutter out of a junk drawer. She must have put the entire roll of tape over this box as she didn't realize how difficult it was to cut into it. Finally, after what felt like an eternity and a good arm workout, the flaps were open. Rikki questioned if she could face it's contents but knew she didn't have much of a choice. She could already see the old logo of their cafe staring back at her.

Rikki placed the sharp object on her wardrobe and dove into the box. On top were a few old menus from Rikki's and her cheesy name plate Zane bought her, the last relics she owned from the failed place. She knew Zane had taken the neon sign they placed outside. She wondered if he still had it. Rikki shook her head again as she looked further into the box. Next was a small photo album she had put together shortly before they broke up. She had planned on giving it to him to try to convince him she still cared about him, and only him. He blew her off that night and she began questioning if he was the one being unfaithful. She sat on her bed and flipped through the photos. She smiled sadly as she thought how difficult it would be to convince some versions of herself they wouldn't live happily ever after.

Rikki tossed the album aside as she retrieved the final items in the box. A pink iPod stared back at her. He had given her the iPod when they started dating in secret. She had been giving him a hard time about being late for their date when he had presented her with the expensive gift. She had denied the gift at first. She would never receive a gift like that from anyone else in her life and it reminded her how different their lives were. He continued to press her until she accepted it. Some of the coloring was fading but Rikki flipped the small object over and read the inscription of 'shut up and take the gift' between the wires of the headphones. Rikki supposed she could use some music while she continued to pack her things. She pulled the iPod charger out of the box and connected it to a socket in her room.

Rikki pulled the last two items out of the box upon her return. One was a black suit jacket. He had first given it to her when they were stuck on a hotel balcony and it had started to rain. That fateful day was where the tides turned for them. She entered the hotel room upset that she was in his company, simply wanting free food. She left with a smile on her face, only disappointed they weren't able to complete their kiss. She had given the jacket back to him in the elevator but she stole it back when she was at his home, right before he left for the summer before their last year of high school. She didn't mention it but he had to have noticed it was gone.

The other was a red, lacy dress Zane had given to her early in their relationship. She said she wanted it when they were on a date at the mall but didn't expect him to buy it for her. He presented it to her when they were on the beach and she remembered how blown away she was at his kindness. Of course, he only bought the dress to get her to go to his dad's lunch but he had listened to her. It really was a beautiful dress.

It was also an expensive dress and she had only worn it once. She frowned at the dress slightly. It was a damn shame she had let it simply sit in her closet like an old shirt these past few years. She briefly wondered if it still fit. There was only one way to find out.

Rikki took the dress into her bathroom and changed into it. It zipped up perfectly. She also remembered being impressed with how accurate Zane had been at guessing her size. She could barely do that half of the time. She kept her back to the mirror as she put the dress on. The mirror in her bathroom was small so she would have to go back into her bedroom to view herself in her full sized mirror. Rikki took a deep breath as she exited the bathroom. Hopefully the reflection of herself in this dress wouldn't bring back all of those feelings she had for the raven-haired boy.

Rikki let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding as she looked in the mirror. The dress still looked perfect. She remembered it being a bit loose on her chest but now she filled it well. A bit too well, as if she might have explored a size up had she been shopping for this dress herself. Seeing as she didn't have that option, she was perfectly fine with the way the dress looked.

After she admired herself in the dress, Rikki stepped to the socket to see if her iPod was charged yet. The battery was still low when she checked but she didn't remember having many songs on the iPod. A low battery would be fine. Rikki unplugged the pink device and placed the earbuds in her ears. She didn't know what song she was going to start with until…

"I even made you up a playlist."

He had simply titled it Playlist #1. She loved all the songs he had put on said playlist. They were her favorites, meaningful to their relationship, even a guilty pleasure. It really was a great playlist and Rikki figured there were some songs on the playlist she had not heard in ages. She shuffled the playlist and was transported back to being a sixteen year old girl, sitting on the sand dune with an ear bud in one ear, the other in her boyfriend's while they listened to the playlist and reminisced over each song.

AN: Hi, guys! I hope you enjoyed this intro. I've seen a few stories referencing the iPod and playlist Zane give Rikki in Season 2, Episode 8: Wrong Side of the Tracks but never a full blown story about the playlist. I tried to pull songs I think Rikki would enjoy and also keeping them in date with that episode. I think this fic will be super fluffy and a little more mature than what I generally write. I'm also not to sure I'm going to have a schedule with this fic, just updating it as I go. I might post everyday, I might only post once a month, we'll see! I hope you guys end up enjoying this and as always, feel free to leave Kudos or a comment. What songs do you think were on the iPod?

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: My Friends Over You- New Found Glory

Since she had moved to Gold Coast, Rikki's life was constantly making drastic changes, she had a hard time keeping up. One day she was a normal girl playing a prank on an annoying, spoiled, rich boy. A few months later she was a mermaid who chased said boy out of a cafe, asking him to go out with her. Even a few weeks ago, the thought of dating Zane Bennett would have made her hurl. Now, she found herself smiling at him as he not only agreed to go out with her but also stop his mermaid hunt.

"What do we do now?" She had asked him, her hand placed in his as they walked away from the cafe. Her friends were inside and would likely wonder where she had run off to if they hadn't already. She had time to think up an excuse though. She doubted they would be happy or even believe her if she told them she was dating Zane.

"Whatever, I suppose." Zane told her with a shrug. "We could walk along the beach."

"Sure." Rikki told him with a smile. The beach was nearby and always a relaxing place to be. At least when she was out of the water.

They arrived in no time. The sun was starting to set and the beach goers were staring to leave as the weather got cooler. This was perfect, she had thought. She always felt most comfortable being alone.

"So what made you change your mind?" Zane asked her.

"About what?" Rikki asked in reply.

"About going out with me." Zane said. "I reckon I'm not repulsive to you anymore."

"Don't test your luck." Rikki warned.

Zane simply laughed in response. "Seriously though, what made you want to go out with me?"

Rikki let out a sigh. She couldn't tell him she only did it to stop his mermaid hunt. She'd have to find another reason.

"I suppose I've wanted to since we were trapped on that balcony." Rikki said. "But it's complicated, with my friends and all."

"Do they know?" Zane asked.

"No," Rikki replied. "I'll tell them…eventually. Once they're mature enough to handle it."

"That might take a while." Zane joked. Rikki gave him a glare.

"Will you please keep this a secret?" Rikki asked. "At least for now. I'm sure there will be a good time to tell them soon."

"All right." Zane said. "If that's what you want, I'll keep this secret."

"Really?" Rikki asked. Based on how he had rallied the teens at the JuiceNet around him to talk about the mermaid, she thought he might want to scream about their new relationship from the rooftops.

"Yeah," Zane said, simply. "I can keep a secret."

Rikki hoped he was right. Ultimately, if he let their relationship slip to someone or they were caught hanging out, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Him jeopardizing her mermaid identity would be a different story.

"Good to know." Rikki replied with a smile.

"So you were holding out on me because you were worried about what your friends thought?" Zane asked.

"Yep." Rikki replied, shortly.

"And that's all?"

"That's all." Rikki replied.

"Hm." He said. "All right."

"What do you mean, "all right"?" Rikki asked. He sounded like he didn't believe her. She wasn't sharing the complete truth, that was a fact. He couldn't know the complete truth yet though.

"It just seems like there's more to the story is all." Zane said. "But it's nice to know you'd pick me."

Rikki gave him a sour look. Did she like Zane? Yes, of course she did. Would she drop him in a heartbeat if her friends had a legit reason for her to do so? Absolutely. She was about to tell him as much when her phone started ringing.

"Hello?" Rikki said once she answered it.

"Rikki!" It was Cleo. "Where did you run off to?"

"Oh, you know…" Rikki started. "Just here and there."

"Well, we're trying to figure out this mermaid thing with Zane." Cleo said. "We can't let him find out and we could really use your help brain storming."

"All right." Rikki replied. "I'll see you in a bit.

"I have to go." Rikki told Zane as she hung up the phone.

"Is everything all right?" Zane asked.

"Yes!" Rikki exclaimed. "Well… no. I don't know yet but I'll catch you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Zane asked. "I wasn't expecting you to want to hang out again so soon."

"Of course." Rikki replied. "We should finish our walk along the shore."

"I reckon you're right." Zane said, pulling her in to him to give her a kiss goodbye. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

Rikki was still blushing at him and it was so embarrassing. If there was one thing Zane didn't need, it was an ego boost.

"I'll see you then." Rikki replied. "And for the record, I would always pick my friends over you. Hey, just like the song."

"What song?" Zane asked.

"My Friends Over You?" Rikki said. "New Found Glory?"

"Hm. Never heard of them." Zane shrugged.

"Well, if we're going to date, you'll need to learn more about rock music." Rikki said somewhat sarcastically as she pecked him on his cheek. "I'll catch you tomorrow."

The next morning, Rikki was walking along the beach to meet up with Zane. She was still slightly irritated at her friends. They had taken several unfair jabs at Zane the night before. She found herself wanting to defend him but she knew that would be extremely uncharacteristic of her and her friends would know something was amiss. She hoped she could forget all about the brain storming session she did nothing to contribute. It didn't take long to see Zane from afar, sitting on a sand dune with ear buds in his ears. She walked up the dune to meet him, wondering what he was listening to. He must not have heard or seen her coming as she heard him quietly singing along to the chorus.

"There's no room left here on my back, it was damaged long ago. Though you swear that you are true I'd still pick my friends over you."

How rare it was to have someone listen to her so well. Maybe she would have to think long and hard if she ever did have to choose between her friends and Zane.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Misery Business- Paramore

Although Rikki was confident in herself and was certainly the rebel in her friend group, she didn't much enjoy confrontation. She would do it if need be, but it wasn't the highlight of her day as some might think. Especially those who saw her push Miriam to the floor of the cafe the other day.

She had been having a wonderful day with Zane at the mall that morning when she saw the locket in the window. That damn locket changed the fate of her day. It was linked to her mermaid identity, it was bound to do so. Rikki hardly had any money from her allowance, there was no way she could afford the 250 dollar item. She figured if she got her friends together, they could raise the money to get the locket. She didn't anticipate Miriam showing up with said locket around her neck. She assumed Zane had bought it for the blonde bimbo which made her blood boil even more. She was relieved to hear he didn't care about Miriam outside of that cafe.

When Rikki returned to the cafe later that day, she thought Zane might have been wrong. After all, Rikki did walk in on him kissing Miriam. Why would you kiss someone if you didn't have feelings for them? Her heart broke watching him kiss his ex-girlfriend. She really thought he had changed. Once he knew Rikki was there, he looked shell shocked too. He told her Miriam had manipulated him into kissing her. Rikki wanted to believe him, she really did. Words wouldn't be able to soundly convince her though and Zane seemed to know that. He stepped outside where Miriam was facing the water, flinging the locket carelessly in a circle. He seemed to be yelling at her. Rikki took that as a good sign. As soon as Rikki walked out onto the patio, Miriam gave her a glare and threw the locket into the sea. No matter, Rikki would simply retrieve it later. She held back a laugh, thinking of how surprised Miriam would be if Rikki walked into the cafe the next day wearing the locket.

Miriam pushed past Zane, keeping her eyes glued to Rikki. Rikki did the same until Miriam was inside the cafe. Zane pleaded with her and volunteered to go get the locket. He wouldn't need to, Rikki was already planning on coming back later that night. She did think he might wonder how she got it if she did wear the locket around him. Maybe it would be safer if Zane was the one to retrieve it.

It only took two dives before he came back up to the dock with the locket in one hand. Rikki reached out to take it, letting him drop it on the ground before she dried it off. Zane took his exit shortly after. Rikki was sure he would be disappointed he didn't receive a hug or a kiss as a reward for his chivalry. He certainly deserved it and she made note to give him such once he was good and dry.

The three girls walked back into the JuiceNet, the locket in Rikki's hand. The floors were wet so they would have to be careful of where they walked. Zane had his back turned to the girls as Nate gave him a towel to dry off. Rikki's eyes moved from Zane to Miriam, who was sitting in front of her with her mouth hanging open. Between the soaking wet Zane and the locket secure in Rikki's grasp, Miriam must have figured out what was going on. Rikki looked over to Zane as he removed the towel from the top of his head and rested it on his shoulders. She gave him a smile which he returned. It was a silent rule in their relationship if either saw their friends the moment was usually over. Rikki knew that would bother most but she loved having her space.

The three girls approached the bar and placed their orders. Rikki noticed a photo album Wilfred had recently put together of regular customers. Cleo had picked it up, searching for a picture of the three of them. Rikki hoped she could enjoy her juice in peace but she didn't think she would get that lucky.

"That locket's mine." Miriam said as she approached Rikki. The other girl was fuming. Zane had to have noticed Miriam approached Rikki and he left his mates' sides to make sure a cat fight wouldn't ensue.

"As I recall, you said you were parting with it." Rikki said. "Zane found it and gave it to me so it should be mine, right? I know these situations might be a tad complicated."

"I know you're broke but you can't go stealing things you want, Rikki." Miriam said.

"What have I stolen?" Rikki asked. "And don't say the locket, we just established that's mine, just in case you weren't keeping up."

"You stole my boyfriend!" She finally exclaimed, as if a three year old was just told they couldn't have any candy.

Rikki laughed. "I think Zane is well off enough to decide who he does and doesn't want to be with."

Miriam turned bright red. Zane had also turned red but his flush was not due to anger rather Rikki's flattering statement. Rikki figured between his father and Miriam, Zane didn't get much of a mind of his own. She was happy she could give him that freedom.

The song in the JuiceNet changed just then to one of Rikki's favorites. Paramore was one of her all time favorite bands. Even though this song was slightly over played, it was still one of Rikki's favorites and the timing of the situation happened to be perfect.

"Ironic this song is playing, isn't it?" Rikki told Miriam. Miriam let out a strained yell and pouted out of the cafe. Rikki shared a smile with Zane as he returned to his friends and she returned to hers. She glanced at him throughout the night and enjoyed watching him laugh and smile with his friends like he never had before. It was like she was watching his wildest dreams come true, not one of them involving Miriam.

As Rikki was listening to the song on the bed of her trailer, she couldn't help but be reminded that Haley Williams didn't like the song anymore. The lead singer thought it was in poor taste. Now, Rikki couldn't help but feel the same way.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: I Hate Everything About You-Three Days Grace

Rikki moved so often, she was hardly ever worried about her first day at a new school. Today was no exception. Yes, she was entering the middle of high school in the middle of the year. Some friendships probably existed for a lifetime while others were formed this year. Nevertheless, Rikki was going to have a difficult time breaking into a friend group. It didn't matter though, by the time she did, she would probably be moving to her next location anyway.

She did hate the first walk from the school office to her locker. She carried all of her class books to her locker at once. She reckoned she could have left a few behind and returned to go get them but why extend the day any more? She had two in her backpack that was clearly at the end of it's life and the rest she carried on her own.

Rikki had just rounded a corner when she felt a strap on her backpack snap and heard it rip open. She turned around to see her books, portable CD player and her small collection of CDs on the ground and her backpack nearly ripped to shreds. Just perfect.

She bent down to pick up her books when she saw someone's shoe collide with a book and watched a boy trip over it. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice when her backpack fell apart but everyone around her burst into laughter when the boy tripped. Everyone expect for that boy that is.

"You think you're funny, do you?" The boy said to her.

"No, it's rather inconvenient my backpack broke." Rikki replied. She might have apologized and made sure he was okay but now that he seemed to have an attitude, she was glad she didn't.

"I've never seen you before." He said. "You must be new. Just know people around here don't mess with me without paying."

"Oh, no. I'm so scared." Rikki said, sarcastically.

Thankfully that was the end of the conversation with that boy. Who the hell did he think he was? Rikki shook her head as she took a seat in the school's courtyard for her free period. She had dropped all of her books off at her locker and retrieved her portable CD player, headphones and her CDs. She found people generally didn't talk to her when she had her headphones on. She had just started listening to Three Days Grace's self titled album. She figured she would pick up where she left off.

She looked up once she had selected her song to see the boy who had tripped over her book walking oh so arrogantly with his friends. She watched him approach a girl by her locker who looked like she wanted nothing to do with him.

All the feelings that I get

But I still don't miss you yet

Rikki sighed as she shut off her CD player and removed her headphones. She'd have to resume the song later and she would have to do her best to avoid this boy for her time in Gold Coast.

Rikki was the one who convinced Emma to throw her annual sleepover, despite their new mermaid identities. Emma had called her mum to ask her to send out invitations shortly after Zane Bennett, the boy who had tripped over Rikki's books her first day of school, had served them all prune juice. Rikki didn't expect for the invite to be instantaneous. As they left the cafe, she briefly picked up on Zane and his girlfriend, Miriam, talking about how they didn't get an invite. Rikki knew this wouldn't end well.

The pair arrived uninvited with extra food. Emma's Mum was thrilled, the three girls, not so much. Especially not when all of their friends seemed to act like they had never seen a boy before and flocked Zane.

He was eventually thrown out of the party by Rikki herself. She wouldn't lie, she enjoyed throwing him out but he stayed on her mind for the rest of the evening. Maybe it was just because Emma had said to keep an eye out for him in case he tried to sneak back in. That wouldn't explain why he was still on her mind as she finally went to sleep at 3 AM. Zane was probably asleep too.

Rikki eventually gave up and grabbed her CD player. She curled back up in her sleeping bag and listened to the first song that came on.

Every time we lie awake

After every hit we take

All the feelings that I get

But I still don't miss you yet

She was wiping a table at the JuiceNet when the annoying bad boy and his blonde bimbo girlfriend walked in and took a seat at a booth. Rikki would do anything to not be the one to take their order. There was no way they wouldn't try to sabotage her. Emma had other ideas for her friend though.

Rikki wrote down their orders, a strawberry smoothie for the bimbo and a banana shake for the boy. She made each and brought them over to the table. This was going too well, what were they going to do next? Hopefully not throw the drinks at Rikki. Miriam flipped out claiming she was allergic to strawberries.

"Maybe it was momentary amnesia?" Rikki questioned. She was surprised when Zane laughed at her response. Miriam didn't seem to think it was that funny.

Rikki took the strawberry drink back and went to make what Miriam actually wanted. Or at least Rikki hoped this was what she wanted. Rikki wouldn't be running back and forth from their table all day. While she was making the new smoothie for Miriam, the song at the JuiceNet switched and Rikki found herself subconsciously looking right at Zane.

Only when I stop to think about it

I hate everything about you

Zane was a total idiot. Why would he follow her out to the balcony without holding the door? Why wouldn't he at least place his father's briefcase or some other item in the hotel room between the door and the wall to hold it open? Now, she was stuck out here with him.

Rikki thought this would be the longest day of her life but she found Zane was at worst, tolerable. Under that bad boy exterior was a person who just wanted to please those around him and a boy who was afraid of heights. They still needed to get off the balcony. They were high up but between the busy hotel and the popular, young restaurant across the street, Rikki wasn't surprised no one had noticed them yet. As the day continued, she found she didn't mind that they were still stuck. What the hell was happening?

Zane had gone back to the door to see if his dad had made it back from the seminar yet. Rikki took a seat against the glass barrier at the edge of the balcony when the restaurant changed songs.

I hate everything about you

Why do I love you?

Zane was walking back to her as it appeared his venture to the door was unsuccessful. He took a seat beside Rikki.

"Why are you smiling?" He asked with a smile on his face as well.

She hadn't realized she had been smiling. "I feel like this song is fitting, that's all."

Zane let out a laugh too. "Yeah, I reckon it is."

They bonded like surely no one ever had before on that balcony. She told him things she had trouble confiding in even her friends. He did the same and they both just listened to the other, offering advice when needed. When Rikki saw Zane in the lobby she couldn't think of any two people that were more different from each other. Now, she found they had more in common than she thought.

Thunder clapped as the song ended. Rikki bolted for the small covering to keep her mermaid identity a secret. Zane followed her and ducked under just as soon as the rain started pouring.

"Do you want this?" He offered her his jacket. She gratefully accepted and gave it back to him in the elevator where they had their first real kiss. She stole the jacket back and now looked at it, laying crumpled on her bed. It smelled like him and reminded her of the innocence the start of their relationship had.

She didn't dare tell him how often she listened to this song and thought of him on that balcony. She knew as soon as he said he made her a playlist though, this song would be on there.

Chapter Text

"Time to close up." Rikki heard Emma say. The blonde girl removed her head from Zane's chest to question her friend.

"I thought Wilfred said there was no curfew." Rikki questioned her friend.

"Wilfred might have said that but I'm not him." Emma replied. "It's nearing midnight."

"You're just upset because your date left." Rikki retorted.

"Byron's got practice in the morning so he can't-" Emma started before she stopped herself. "I don't need to explain myself or Byron. You don't have to go home, you just can't stay here."

"Yes, Mum." Zane replied as he lead Rikki past Emma. Rikki couldn't help but laugh at him.

It had been quite the eventful night for the three girls. They were worried about getting wet but Lewis seemed to have the answer to all of their prayers in a deodorant bottle. The solution made them water proof, thus preventing them from turning into mermaids upon contact with water. A part of Rikki thought it was too good to be true. She should have trusted that part as she realized she and her friends looked like they developed the worst rash. They ran out of the dance without being caught and swam to Mako Island where they could hopefully make a recovery. Miriam had been all over Zane when she left, Rikki was sure he would end up taking her home. She was happy to learn from Lewis that assumption false and she swam with Emma back to the dance where Zane and Byron were still waiting for the two girls. They slow danced for what felt like mere minutes but must have been at least an hour of it was really midnight.

"Did you have a good time?" Zane asked her as they took a seat at the JuiceNet patio.

"I did." Rikki replied. "At least all the times I was with you."

Zane blushed in response. "I'm glad. What happened earlier when the three of you ran off?"

"Oh, um…" Rikki started, trying to think of an excuse. "Cleo was mad at Lewis for not asking her and Emma and I were trying to calm her down."

"You couldn't answer a text?" Zane asked.

"She was really, really upset." Rikki defended. "Did you have a good time?"

"Well, aside from Miriam clinging to me, yeah it was great." Zane said. "I wish it didn't have to be over."

"You guys aren't leaving, are you?" Emma asked as she exited the main entrance of the JuiceNet.

"What, we can't hang out here?" Rikki asked.

"That's not it." Emma said as she placed a remote on the table the pair were sitting at. "The sound system works outside too, if you wanted to get in a few dances. I've got to head home."

"Thanks, Em." Rikki replied as Zane took the remote. Emma gave her fellow mermaid a nod as she disappeared into the night.

"Good thing we have this." Zane said.

"Do you have a song in mind?" Rikki asked as she stood to follow Zane, feeling the autumn leaves on the patio crunch under her feet.

"Yeah," Zane said. "I was going to request this song before you left."

The band's rare love song started playing and Rikki felt herself melt. Zane smiled at her as he pulled her into him and they swayed beneath the fall trees that were shedding their leaves.

"What made you choose this song, if I may ask?" Rikki asked him once the song was coming to a close.

"I heard it the other day and you were the first thing that popped into my mind." Zane replied with a shrug.

"Well, I love it." Rikki said as she leaned up to kiss him.

"I love you." He said once she backed away from the kiss.

Rikki took a sharp inhale once he spoke those words. She had seen the movies, she knew if she didn't say it back, the near perfect night was going to be soiled. Did she feel that way about him? Wasn't she just dating him to keep him away from the mermaid secret and now he was in love with her? She was beginning to feel guilty about keeping her mermaid identity from him and this was just the cherry on top.

"You don't have to say it back." Zane said as he felt her hesitation. "I just wanted to say it, is all."

"Really?" Rikki replied. "You don't mind?"

"No," Zane said. "I know you're much more reserved with your feelings than most and I don't want you to lie. Hopefully one day you'll feel the same way."

Rikki smiled as she put her head back on his chest. She felt him place his chin on top of her head. They fit perfectly together in more ways than one. Did she love him? Rikki wasn't sure. Like Zane had said, she didn't want to lie to him. She didn't feel comfortable telling him she loved him without him knowing of her mermaid secret. Tonight wasn't the night for her to say those words. She hoped she would be able to tell him such one day too.

"I'm a lot closer to saying those words back to you than you would think." Rikki said. She felt him smile above her.

Chapter Text

Zane was almost a full year older than Rikki so he received his driver's license first. Not that it mattered, Rikki was certain Emma's little brother would get a driver's license and a car before Rikki did. How could she or her father afford that? Rikki preferred walking or swimming to her destination anyway, owning a car would be somewhat pointless.

That's what she thought until she and Zane got back together. Rikki knew Cleo or Emma wouldn't approve of her not-so-new relationship. Rikki herself tried not to fall for him but that quickly became a losing battle. She stayed at the motocross tracks just to watch him race. She was awake for far too much of the night, staring at her ceiling thinking about him. She couldn't hold out for much longer. Still, she wasn't ready to face her friends yet. She needed more time so they couldn't go out in public. She was pleasantly surprised when he agreed to play her way.

That didn't mean she didn't want to go out to the movies or the mall with him. She found it difficult to see other young couples out and about without a care in the world. Anytime she found herself desperately wanting that, she imagined herself and Zane arm and arm, bumping into Cleo, Emma or even Lewis. No, she wasn't ready for that.

"I was thinking," Zane started one day as they laid on a sand dune, waves crashing in the background. "Maybe it's time we go on a date."

"What do you think we're doing now?" Rikki asked him.

"I mean a real date." Zane said. "At a restaurant or something."

"Ah, but that would violate one of our conditions, remember?" Rikki said with a bit of remorse.

"I know." Zane replied, sitting up from the sand. Rikki followed as not to get sand in her face. "But I imagine you didn't want to be seen in public because you didn't want your friends to find out about us, right?"

"Right." Rikki said, a confused look on her face.

"Well, correct me if I'm wrong but they seem to always be here." Zane said. "In Gold Coast."

"Right, we live here too." Rikki said.

"What if we weren't here?" Zane said. "I've been thinking, I could probably talk to my dad about taking the car for a day when he's not busy. We could go somewhere out if town, where no one knows us."

"I suppose that's not a terrible idea." Rikki replied. "Where were you thinking?"

"Brisbane's only about an hour away." Zane shrugged.

It only took two weeks until perfect timing struck. Harrison was out with another company president all day in a rental car. The water was a bit too cold for a swim so the girls were going to stay on land and Rikki knew she wouldn't have to come up with an excuse. She simply walked to Zane's home and hopped in the car with him. She was nervous leaving Gold Coast, they were technically in public. She wouldn't be surprised if she saw any of the girls or Lewis at a crosswalk.

"Are you all right?" Zane asked her with a knowing look on his face.

"Fine." Rikki replied. "Just a little nervous they'll see us is all."

"You'll be fine, Rikki." He told her at a red light. "Here, if you want you can chose a song to play."

Zane pulled his iPod out of his front pocket and handed it to her. Rikki smiled slightly as she took the expensive item. She would never own something like this in a million years. She shook her head before she got too lost in thought. Anytime money or lack there of crossed her mind, she'd always go to a dark place. She couldn't do that now.

Rikki shuffled through his songs, trying to find one she would like. His knowledge of rock music had certainly expanded since they started dating but he still had quite a bit of pop music on his iPod. She finally found a new song he had just downloaded that was a classic. She selected it and placed the iPod on the dashboard.

Paper bags and plastic hearts

All our belongings in shopping carts

It's goodbye, but we got one more night

Rikki started humming along to the song, feeling her worries start to melt away as they got closer to the outskirts of town. She looked over to Zane and saw he was staring at her.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Nothing." He replied. "This is a good song. I don't know it too well, but I like it."

"It's a classic." Rikki said. "Even Cleo knows this song."

Rikki listened to the song again and knew the chorus was coming up. It was so obvious and simple, Zane wouldn't have had to have heard the song very often to know this signature part of the song.

"You have to at least know this part." Rikki said. Zane nodded his head to the beat of the music as he must have known the chorus was coming too.

"Throw it away, forget yesterday, We'll make the great escape." He started belting out. He wasn't a great singer but Rikki wasn't either. She looked at him with wide eyes and a huge smile she couldn't wipe from her face.

"Come on, rock expert." Zane said once the chorus was over. "Am I the only one that's going to sing along?"

Rikki shook her head as the second verse came up. "Tonight will change our lives, It's so good to be by your side"

Zane didn't know the words to the verses but he tried to sing along nonetheless. Rikki did her best not to break into a fit of giggles as she sang along. Soon it was hard to hear the music over their laughter.

"Wait, you missed a turn." Rikki finally said toward the end of the song.

"Well, we'll figure it out." Zane said as he rewinded the song. "I could go for another listen, can't you?"

"Do you even know where we are?" Rikki asked. She remembered she forgot to tell her dad to make a turn on one of their moves and he had gotten so upset with her. Zane acting so care-free was different but welcome.

"I don't really care, Rikki." Zane replied. "So long as I'm with you, we'll figure it out."

They never made it to Brisbane. So much for their Great Escape.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: Ultimate- Lindsay Lohan

It was a dark and stormy Saturday. Rikki was thankful for the lazy day. Sure, she had amazing friends but she relished in her alone time as well. They would all be cooped up in their homes, likely trying to make excuses as to why they couldn't go out with their active families. Rikki, on the other hand was alone, as usual. She blared her newest CD from her bedroom and kicked back on her bed to read a magazine when her phone gave a small buzz. She smiled as she received the message.

Zane: The rain's not supposed to start for another few hours, there's time for you to come over.

Rikki: Yes, but when is it meant to stop once it starts? I doubt your Dad would want me spending the night.

Zane: I doubt he'd ever know if you did.

Rikki sighed. That was true. She had snuck into the Bennett house so many times. It was a large home, perhaps the worst to have a rebellious teen like Zane live in. It was hard to keep track of all the rule-breaking he could do. They had just gotten back together in the moon pool the day before, it was natural he would want to spend time with her. Although Rikki had planned for a lazy day in her trailer, a lazy day with her not-so-new boyfriend didn't sound bad either.

Zane: I could always come to your house. I can bring snacks.

That was not an option. Why would the person who lived in one of, if not, the nicest homes in Gold Coast want to come to this run down trailer park? Rikki knew this worry was silly, if he would dump her because of where she lived, this wouldn't be a relationship worth having. Still, a part of her wanted to hold out as long as she could. She had been friends with the girls for nearly a year now and they had never questioned her on it. Maybe she could keep Zane at bay.

Rikki: No, that's all right. You've convinced me, I'll be over soon.

Rikki turned her CD player off and grabbed a rain jacket. She didn't know if that would help her much if the rain started when she was walking to Zane's house but it would be better than nothing. She managed to shove her portable CD player and phone into her jacket pockets as she resumed the song that was playing. Rikki did her best to stay along the shore as much as possible. It added about five minutes to her trip but she would rather be able to jump in the water in case the rain started pouring than be stuck on a crowded sidewalk.

After a half hour walk, Rikki approached the large gates in front of Zane's home. She buzzed in and saw the gates open shortly after. Zane opened the front door when she was about midway through his yard. He laughed when he saw her.

"What would the rain jacket do if it did start raining?" He asked.

Rikki rolled her eyes. "It was better than nothing."

Rikki had half a mind to turn back home. He had inconvenienced her enough and now he was poking fun at her. She wasn't in the mood to deal with this. A huge gust of wind came in and nearly knocked Rikki off her feet. She felt a shiver down her spine as the cold air rushed through her jacket.

"So do you want to risk it in the cold rain or come inside?" Zane asked.

Rikki huffed as she walked in the door to escape the incoming rain. She took her jacket off and placed it on the coat rack as Zane closed the door behind her. It was much warmer inside, Rikki had adjusted to the outdoor temperature on her walk. It did feel much better inside.

Zane rounded the corner to give Rikki a quick kiss. She wasn't wanting to deal with his sarcasm much so she quickly wiped her smile off her face as he backed away.

"I'd go home now if it wasn't about to rain." Rikki said.

"Well, good thing I've trapped you here." Zane joked. "What do you want to do?"

Rikki wasn't sure how she wanted to spend her day. They couldn't do too much, their usual activities took place outside which was now off limits. She looked out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main room and saw rain starting to come down. She turned back to face Zane, taking the room in. She remembered how gaudy she thought the place looked when she first entered it for Harrison's luncheon. Now, she felt at home somehow. She remembered sneaking in a few times to spend the night with Zane, running down the staircase as he ran to catch her, tackling her to the couch and tickling her until she was crying from laughing.

"Rikki?" Zane asked. She had spaced out.

"Hm?" She replied.

"What do you want to do?" Zane asked again. "Maybe watch a movie?"

"Yeah," Rikki replied. "Yeah, that sounds great."

Rikki followed Zane to the entertainment center to look at his DVD collection. She didn't know what she was in the mood for but nothing sounded right to her.

"'The Notebook'?" Zane asked. Rikki did have a soft spot for romance movies but that wasn't tickling her fancy at the moment.

"'Friday the 13th'?" He suggested next. That was more on brand with what her friends might think she would watch but she secretly hated most horror films. They were too tacky.

"A 'Harry Potter' movie?" Rikki shook her head again. Although she loved the films and watching one on a rainy day sounded perfect, it wasn't the best film to watch with her boyfriend.

Rikki noticed a purple and green spine in the collection that sounded perfect. A little bit of romance, a lot of comedy and a great plot. This one was perfect.

"How about this?" Rikki asked as she pulled the 'Freaky Friday' DVD from his collection.

"All right," Zane shrugged. "I'll get the snacks if you want to get the movie ready."

"Sure," Rikki replied. Zane kissed her before he dashed off to the kitchen.

Zane returned moments later with a bowl of popcorn, two sodas and a box of Rikki's favorite candy.

"It's like you knew I was coming." Rikki said as she took the candy.

Zane shrugged. "I figured you would eventually."

Rikki shook her head as they watched the movie. It had been a while since Rikki had seen the movie, she had forgotten how good it was. The music was particularly great. Zane made some remarks about how similar Rikki was to Anna and how terrible Jake's hair looked once they made it to the wedding scene.

"Well, yours isn't much better." Rikki replied as she took a handful of popcorn from the bowl.

"Rude." Zane replied as he threw his handful of popcorn playfully at Rikki. She gasped in response.

"I hope you're not starting a fight you can't finish." Rikki replied as she grabbed another handful and tossed it at him.

"Of course not." Zane said grabbing yet another handful. "I know I could always spray a little water on you and it would be game over."

"You wouldn't dare." Rikki said.

"If you don't play dirty, I won't." Zane replied.

The new-but-not-so-new couple began chasing each other around the large room as the movie came to an end. Yet again, Rikki thought the song was fantastic.

You're it

You're the ultimate

It's automatic, I'm sure of it

No lie

So don't even try

To tell me that you're not the guy

'Cause I've been waiting all my life

For someone just like you

But you're it

You're the ultimate you

Rikki let her guard down to listen to the song for just a moment. This proved to be a mistake in her battle with Zane as he grabbed her from around the waist and hoisted her off the ground. Rikki let out a scream as he carried her to the couch, flopping her down as if she were a sack of flour. She couldn't help from smiling at him as he smiled widely back at her before placing a kiss on her lips.

"I win." He told her with a wink.

"Yeah, yeah," Rikki brushed off. "I'll get you next time."

Chapter Text

"You don't think he knows our secret, do you?"

"No."

"Why would he change his mind and invite us?"

"I don't know."

"What if he's going to expose us to the whole school?"

"Cleo, zip it!"

Rikki groaned as she walked with Cleo from the JuiceNet to Zane's house. Cleo was always one to worry about nothing. They would pass Lewis's house soon and Rikki couldn't wait. She knew Cleo would turn her attention to Lewis as soon as she saw him. Rikki could sprint ahead of the pair and neither would notice. How Rikki had ended up dating Zane before Cleo and Lewis figured their shit out was beyond her.

Rikki knew why the four had received an invite to Zane's party. Not that her friends would believe her but she had been dating the party host for a few weeks now. They had done their best to keep their relationship secret, telling their friends they were busy with other things when they would go on dates. It really was a pleasantly surprising twist of events.

Rikki was hesitant to attend the party though. What if her friends found out they were dating? Luckily Emma decided to stay home but Cleo would be caught dead before she missed a party. Lewis would be caught dead before he was found without Cleo and Rikki genuinely wanted to go. She played her too-cool-for-school act when her friends asked her why she was going. Rikki was also hesitant because a party sounded like potential for water hazards. She wasn't ready for Zane to know her secret yet. Even if she was, she didn't want him to find out by accident.

"Cleo, Rikki!" They heard from behind them. Rikki exhaled as she saw Lewis running to them.

"Lewis!" Cleo exclaimed. Rikki was deadweight now. "You really didn't have to come, you know."

"It's all right, I had nothing better to do." Ironically the same thing Rikki had told Cleo and Emma when they asked why she was going to Zane's party. "Besides, someone's got to watch for water hazards. We can't let Zane find his mermaid. He's been so close."

Rikki subtly shook her head. Little did the love-blind pair know Rikki had nipped the mermaid hunt in the bud a few weeks back. That was the only reason she was dating Zane anyway. At least that's what she told herself.

The trio arrived at Zane's home only a few minutes later. Cleo led the way, knocking on the door first. Zane arrived a few moments later. He looked confused at first, as if he wondered why they were there. He then caught Rikki's eye, giving her a small smile she didn't miss.

"Oh, right." Zane said. "Come in."

"Forget you invited us, did you?" Lewis asked as he and Cleo passed the threshold.

"It's a big party." Zane shrugged. "Hard to keep track of everyone that's coming."

Rikki was still at the front door but she didn't see anyone inside Zane's house. Were they early? She hoped not. Sitting in a home with just Lewis, Cleo and Zane would be incredibly awkward.

"Where is everyone?" Lewis asked.

"They're outside." Zane said. "I forgot the cleaning company was coming so my Dad would know what I did if we stayed inside."

"Big party." Lewis repeated as he and Cleo walked down the corridor to the back of the home. Rikki peaked her head in the door to see a long corridor to the left of the door. As she leaned in, she noticed Zane was leaning back until the two had exited their view. Zane turned his head to Rikki before leaning in and giving her a kiss.

"I'm glad you could make it." Zane said.

"Of course." Rikki replied. "I'm glad you let me invite my friends."

"Anything to make you happy." Zane said. "Come on, I'll show you the backyard."

"All right." Rikki said as she walked into the home. It was a huge house, much different than the trailer she called home.

"Nice place." She said.

"Thanks." Zane replied. "It's our second home. We don't use it too much anymore but it's a great place."

Rikki bit her lip. This home was ten times nicer than anything she and her dad could hope to live in and this was their second home. They really lived different lives.

They reached the exit to the backyard. Rikki could see the ocean and the setting sun from the door. They walked out of the door onto a grand patio with the yard beneath. They walked out the door where Rikki realized they were a level above the ground level. They were hidden away just enough, they weren't causing any attention to the rest of the party. Rikki felt her breath catch in the throat as she realized everyone at the party was in a large pool. Yes, there were quite a few water hazards. Rikki spotted Cleo and Lewis in the far corner, looking petrified by the water.

"What do you think?" Zane asked.

"It's…nice." Rikki managed out and then gave him a reassuring smile. He didn't look convinced though.

"Is everything okay?" Zane asked.

"Yeah, everything's fine." Rikki continued with her smile. "I just… remembered I haven't eaten anything today."

"Oh, there's stuff in the refrigerator if you want it." Zane said pointing to the kitchen. "Make yourself at home."

"Thanks." Rikki replied with a bit of a sneer. She cursed herself for doing that. Now he was definitely going to know something was wrong. Maybe she would get lucky and he would leave her alone, just forget she exists until the next day at the earliest.

Rikki couldn't deny she was a bit hungry as she entered she kitchen. She had eaten but it was nearly dark outside and she hadn't eaten since lunch. She opened the kitchen door to scan over the belongings before she decided on a package of yogurt.

Rikki was nearly done with the package when she heard footsteps heading her way. She looked around the corner to see who it was. She was soon greeted by Zane who, despite throwing a pool party, was bone dry.

"Do you want to tell me what's wrong?" He asked her, not holding back.

"What do you mean?" Rikki asked. "Why would anything be wrong?"

"I saw the look you gave me." Zane said. Shit. "I know you're upset about something."

"I'm not." Rikki replied, in a tone that betrayed her. Zane gave her a knowing look before she continued.

"I-I'm sorry." Rikki said. "I guess I'm just nervous about the party is all. I was wondering what would happen if Cleo or Lewis found out about us or if Miriam was here or something."

"Who cares if any of that happens?" Zane asked.

"And I don't like pool parties." Rikki stated, taking her final spoonful of yogurt.

Zane looked at her for just a moment before he burst out laughing. Rikki looked at him with furrowed eyebrows and Zane did his best to collect himself.

"I… Why don't you like pool parties?" Zane asked. "What is it about pool parties that puts you in this bad of a mood?"

"It's dumb." Rikki stated because it really was. "I don't want to talk about it."

"All right." Zane chuckled. "Well, I'll make it my mission to make you enjoy pool parties."

"Good luck with that." Rikki said as she opened the refrigerator to grab another package of yogurt.

"What kind of parties do you like?" Zane asked, leaning against the island.

"The ones without any people there." Rikki answered. Zane chuckled again.

"Seriously?" Zane asked her.

"I don't know." Rikki said leaning across from him on the island as she ate her yogurt. Her hip stopped the refrigerator door from closing fully but she didn't much care. "The ones indoors, dry and… maybe some dancing."

The song the party-goers were playing changed as Rikki finished her sentence. Zane looked behind him as cheers erupted for the new song that started playing.

Let me know that I've done wrong

When I've known this all along

I go around a time or two

Just to waste my time with you

"We could dance to this song." Zane said. Rikki gave him an odd look. She wasn't to sure about that. It wasn't a song that would make her run to the dance floor.

"Come on." Zane said, grabbing her hands away from the island. She pushed off the refrigerator door, keeping it open but neither mentioned it. He began moving her arms in his and Rikki began opening up to him, moving her body to the beat of the song. It didn't take long for the pair to be jumping around the kitchen like maniacs, singing the perfectly played song to each other, or Zane trying his best.

Who has to know

The way she feels inside?

Those thoughts I can't deny

These sleeping thoughts won't lie

Once the last chorus started, they met in front of the open refrigerator before Zane caught Rikki in his arms and they gently swayed to the song. Rikki lifted her head from his chest as the song ended.

"Is that the type of dancing you like to do at parties?" Zane asked.

"Maybe a little more subtle." Rikki laughed. "But this is nice."

Zane hummed in agreement. Rikki couldn't even remember the song that came on next. What she did remember was hearing her name and immediately flying out of Zane's arms.

"Rikki?" Cleo echoed. "Where are you? Lewis and I are heading-"

Cleo stopped herself when the brunette mermaid noticed Rikki and Zane were standing in kitchen together.

"-Home." She finished. "What are you two doing in there?"

"Oh, I just needed some water." Rikki stated. "We can leave."

"But there was water by the-" Lewis started.

"That water had condensation on it." Rikki said as she shoved the pair out of the home. "Let's go."

Cleo and Lewis looked very confused but were not resistant to leaving Zane's house whatsoever.

"Oh, wait," Rikki said. "I forgot my phone. I'll catch up in a minute."

Rikki sprinted back to the kitchen. She hoped Zane would still be there and hadn't gone back to the party. As luck would have it, he was waiting by a tall window. She raced up to him and placed her lips on his, quickly.

"Thanks for the invite." Rikki said. "I had a really great time."

Zane simply smiled back at her as she dashed out the door. If this is how pool parties were going to be with him, she could get used to that.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: Animals- Nickelback

Autumn was Rikki's favorite season. Of course she loved summer more from a mermaid perspective, the ocean water was the perfect temperature but autumn took away the incredible heat the summers brought on land. This particular weekend was fairly chilly. Rikki stepped outside of her home and figured she could fair in a t-shirt before she left her home to make her way to the beach where she would meet her secret boyfriend. Or whatever the hell he was to her.

They had broken up a few months prior. He would be attending a new school that would take him out of Gold Coast. He had put her in perhaps the most terrifying situation she could remember being in, being in a relationship didn't make sense. Rikki quickly learned love and desire didn't give a shit about common sense. Her heart still longed for him and wanted to trust him. It was clear he still cared for her deeply as well. They only kept their relationship secret because Rikki wasn't ready for her friends to find out yet. She was pleased when Zane agreed to her terms.

Since they couldn't be seen in public, most of their dates were at odd hours on a secluded beach. They would spend hours walking along the shore and simply talking, taking breaks to kiss occasionally. Rikki blushed as she recalled how many of their kisses that were meant to be quick and subtle had turned into snogging sessions. The last time they had walked along the beach, Rikki recalled laying on the sand while Zane gently hovered over her, his lips practically glued to hers. Cleo and Emma had told her they discovered she and Zane were dating when they wrapped their arms around each other at a movie theater the first time around. She could only imagine what kind of reaction they would have to their sand snogging session.

The sun was setting as Rikki arrived at the beach. Of all the places she lived, Gold Coast was the most beautiful, in her opinion. Maybe her mermaid self was biased but something about the sparkling water against the orange sky took her breath away.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" She said when she heard footsteps behind her.

"Not as beautiful as you." The voice had said as Rikki felt an arm wrap around her waist. She rolled her eyes in response but leaned into him nevertheless.

"That's tacky." Rikki replied as she turned to face him.

"It's true." Zane said as he gave her a quick kiss. A part of Rikki knew they were going to share a much more intense kiss soon. She peaked behind him and saw a basket.

"What's that?" She asked.

"I was helping my dad set up for a gala and didn't get a chance to eat dinner." Zane stated. "I hope you don't mind, I packed some for you too."

Rikki smiled. She hadn't eaten dinner either, usually preferring to pick something up on her way home. Her dad worked late hours and Rikki felt he forgot she existed half of the time anyway.

"That sounds perfect." Rikki replied. The pair took a seat in the sand after Zane had placed a blanket on the ground. It wasn't anything extravagant, just sandwiches and crips but Rikki was more than satisfied. If there was one thing she learned growing up poor, it was free things were the best things.

They finished their dinners quickly and then Zane suggested they walk along the beach to end the night. Rikki was more than happy to do so. They packed up their belongings in the basket and began their stroll. Rikki had her hand placed in one of Zane's as he held the basket in the other. He was walking closest to the ocean as he always did. He could afford to get his feet slightly wet.

They talked about anything from her mermaid life to his most recent bike race with Nate. She loved these talks they had. Part of her felt more comfortable telling Zane these things than her friends. Love did make people do crazy things.

A harsh breeze hit them when they were about twenty minutes into their walk. Rikki shivered in response, wishing she had at least brought a light jacket.

"Do you want this?" Zane had asked, referencing the flannel he wore over his t-shirt. Rikki was reminded of the boy who gave her his suit jacket in the rain about a year ago. She couldn't help from smiling as she nodded at him. She didn't have much of a choice, he had taken the flannel off anyway.

"Thanks." She said as she pulled the flannel closer to her body. In part, she was cold but she also enjoyed the scent of the item. It smelled so much like him.

Zane removed his hand from hers and placed it around her shoulders and she instantly felt ten degrees warmer.

"You'd think as a mermaid with pyrokinesis, I'd be able to heat myself." Rikki said.

"That would be a good trick." Zane replied as he gave a shiver.

"Now you're cold." Rikki said as she tried to move out of his arms and remove the flannel. "Here, take this back."

"No, I'm fine." Zane said fairly unconvincingly.

"Just because I didn't prepare for this weather does mean you should be cold." Rikki said.

"Or we could just go inside," Zane said as he pointed to something on the mainland.

Rikki followed his direction and saw he was pointing at a lifeguard stand. It was nearly dark, the beaches had been closed for a few hours. The inside of the stand looked empty from afar, there were no lights on inside.

"Are you crazy?" Rikki asked.

Zane chuckled. "Come on, we'll take a look and if there are people in there, we'll leave."

Zane dashed up to the stand before Rikki could say anything. She took a look around the beach to make sure no one was watching them. Once she knew they were in the clear, she followed him up to the stand that was not only empty, but unlocked.

Rikki followed Zane inside, realizing two things. One, it was much warmer inside without the wind and two, this stand hadn't been used in ages.

Rikki smiled as she closed the door behind her. It wouldn't do them any good if they were caught inside the stand. She walked closer to Zane and removed his flannel, putting it to his chest once she reached him.

"I won't need this anymore." Rikki said with a smile as she kissed him.

"If I had it my way, neither of us would need it." Zane told her. It made Rikki blush and smile. She knew was he was insinuating and oddly enough, she didn't find herself scared at the idea.

He smiled back at her as it was his turn to kiss her. The kiss was short but Rikki knew he was going to dive back in and she had a feeling they were going to end up wrapped around each other again.

Only a few moments later did she feel Zane push her back until she hit the wall. He had pinned her there so well she couldn't move if she wanted to. She felt him grab the back of her thighs and hoist her up around his waist. She felt something hard between her legs before smiling in the kiss. Again, Rikki didn't know what tonight held but she thought she would be much more nervous than she was. This all felt right and comfortable.

The kiss broke and Zane gave out a moan and continued to ravage her neck and right shoulder. Rikki sensed movement and looked to her left to see another couple who stopped in their tracks, likely upon hearing Zane's moan. They shrugged and continued on as neither Rikki or Zane made any further noise.

"Zane." Rikki whispered to him once they were out of earshot.

"Hm?" He answered as he removed his head from her. "Oh, I didn't mean to do anything you didn't-"

He was starting to loosen his grip on her thighs but she grabbed his hands as if to tell him not to let go.

"No, it's fine." Rikki replied. "I like what you're doing. It's just people are still walking by and they can hear us. We should keep it down."

"Not bloody likely." Zane replied, dropping Rikki to the ground. She was a bit upset and confused at first. She wasn't saying she didn't want to do anything, she just didn't want to be caught. If they were, the pair might end up in the police station.

"Perfect," Zane said as he crouched over something on the ground. Rikki saw he had found a wireless radio. She wondered if it would work until she heard the radio jockey's voice come out of it. Zane smiled and turned the radio up to an appropriate volume. Not too loud that it would draw attention but loud enough to drown out any noise they might make.

"Where were we?" Zane asked as he backed Rikki into the corner again.

Rikki was vaguely aware of the radio as she and Zane continued their snogging session that quickly turned to a strip session too. The jockey was interviewing someone a majority of their time in the shed. She was stripped down to her bra, that was doing little to protect her modesty and underwear when a song finally came on. It was the last song she would except to hear and she couldn't help from giggling.

"What is it?" Zane asked and he lifted himself from on top of her. He was stripped to only a pair of boxers and had the picnic blanket on his back.

"Nothing." Rikki replied. "Just an interesting song is all."

"Sorry, I can't pay attention to anything that isn't you at the moment." Zane said as he captured her lips in his once more.

Rikki didn't ever think she would lose her virginity to a Nickelback song in a lifeguard stand. Then again, she also didn't think she would hand her card over to Zane Bennett either.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Smells Like Teen Spirt- Nirvana

Rikki and Zane's attempt to leave the Gold Coast for a day was not a singular failed attempt. The idea wasn't a bad one by any means, they just had to make sure they didn't get lost again. Only a few weeks later, another perfect opportunity presented itself and the new couple took advantage of it.

Zane made the right turn he missed last and the two were on their way. His iPod was sitting on the dashboard while Rikki had her legs propped up, flipping through her collection of CDs she had brought, trying to find an album to listen to next.

"What about Blink-182, Emema of the State?" Rikki asked.

"Which one is that again?" Zane asked earning another eye roll from Rikki. He was immune to her attitude.

"'What's My Age Again?'" Rikki said. "'All The Small Things'?"

Zane shook his head as if to tell her he didn't know what he was talking about. Rikki let out a groan.

"It's the album cover with the nurse on it?" Rikki said. "The porn star?"

"Oh, yeah, you should play that one." Zane said with a smirk.

"Of course that's the hint that gets you to remember the album." Rikki said as she pulled it out of its slot in her collection. "I thought you were going to listen to more of my music."

"I am!" Zane defended. "I only made that promise a week ago, you can't expect me to know all your favorites yet."

Rikki shook her head. "Good thing I don't have to learn your favorites."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Zane asked.

Rikki shrugged in response. "All of your stuff is so mainstream. Not that there's anything wrong with it but I'm sure I know it all just by listening to the radio at the JuiceNet."

"Really?" Zane asked. "You think you know all of my favorite songs?"

"Yeah," Rikki replied.

"All right." Zane said. "Care to challenge that?"

"Sure." Rikki said with a laugh.

"Okay," Zane said. "My CD collection is in the backseat. Why don't you grab it and take a look?"

Rikki grabbed the binder from the backseat and began flipping through it. He burned a lot of songs onto CDs so she had to insert the disc into the CD player to find out what song would be playing. So far, Rikki was killing the challenge. Zane probably should have brought more than Katy Perry and Maroon 5's greatest hits.

Rikki was laughing when he peeled off the main road toward a petrol station. She had no clue what town they were in but there was a small and charming air about it.

"I'll be back, I just need to get some petrol." Zane said. "Why don't you really dig deep and try to find something you don't know?"

"I'll do my best." Rikki said as she replaced the Backstreet Boys album in the binder. "But that will be an even harder challenge."

Zane rolled his eyes at her before closing the door. Rikki continued flipping through the booklet. It seemed to get more basic as she went on. She got to the last page, determined to win the contest. That was until she came across a disc she couldn't remember seeing before. She furrowed her eyebrows as something about it seemed very familiar. She remembered seeing the text a million times over. The disc displayed the same pattern as a pool would on a warm, sunny day.

"Find one you finally don't know?" Zane asked once he hopped in the car.

Rikki took a moment to respond. She was so close to winning this game, she couldn't let him know now. "No, I know these."

Zane took the binder from her hand, keeping the spot she was on booked with his finger.

"Let's see." He started. "You know Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson and you definitely know Nirvana."

Rikki sunk in her seat as discreetly as possible at his assumption. Zane didn't miss her natural reaction though. She had seen their logo before but she couldn't recall a song she knew by them.

"You don't know Nirvana?" Zane asked with wide eyes.

"I can't remember anything by them, okay?" Rikki exclaimed. "You found one album I don't know, congratulations."

"Oh, no, Rikki," Zane said. "This isn't just another album. You, of all people, should know this album."

"How should I know this album?" Rikki asked as he took it out of its sleeve.

"You'll see." Zane said as he inserted the disc into the CD player and pulled out of the petrol station.

Rikki knew from the first few seconds why she should know this band. The sound was very familiar to her but the song she couldn't pinpoint. The look on her face had to give her away as Zane burst out into laughter once the chorus hit.

"Look out!" Rikki warned as they were fast approaching a red light. Zane slammed the brakes on just in time.

"Sorry." He said as they sat at the stop. "It's just hilarious. It's like listening to rock music and not knowing who Elvis is."

"It can't be that bad." Rikki shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest

"It is." Zane said. "Ask anyone who knows anything about pop punk and they'll tell you all about Nirvana."

Rikki tried not to think much about the Nirvana incident for the rest of the day. Zane didn't bring it up again either. The next morning, the thought slipped into Rikki's mind when she saw Lewis sitting on a dock and listening to his CD player, a binder with his discs by his side. She walked up to him and ripped his headphones off without so much as a 'hello'.

"Rikki!" He exclaimed. "What the hell?"

"Cut the crap, I have a very important question to ask you." She said, taking a seat beside him after she made sure the dock was dry.

"What is it?" Lewis asked, taking her very seriously.

"We listen to the same bands, right?" Rikki asked.

"Yes." Lewis replied. He answered as if he was asking a question too.

"So you'd say you're a pop punk fan?" Rikki asked.

"Yeah, I suppose." Lewis said. "How is this important?"

"Have you ever heard of a band called Nirvana?" Rikki asked, ignoring his question.

"Oh, yeah they're one of my favorites!" Lewis said as if he were a kid in a candy store. He reached behind him for his binder. "I have all their albums, see? Bleach, Nevermind, In Utero-"

"Ugh, forget it." Rikki exclaimed as she stood from the dock and stormed off. Lewis shook his head in confusion. He would never fully understand Rikki.

Chapter Text

Contrary to what her friends thought, Rikki vividly remembered her first kiss with Zane. She never told them though, they would have asked if she remembered it from her first full moon affair. She didn't remember that one but that wasn't their first kiss. She wouldn't dare let them know it had been at Emma's sleepover.

"Your parents are out, right, Em?" A girl with bright pink feathers in her hair questioned Emma who stood beside Cleo and Rikki in her family's kitchen. The girl and every other one at the party were flocking Zane as if he were the first boy they had ever seen.

"Yeah, why?" Emma asked, eyebrows furrowed. Rikki could tell the rule-follower that Emma was didn't like where this question was heading.

"We could play seven minutes in heaven." The girl suggested, turning her eyes back to Zane. His smile lit up wider than Rikki had seen to that point. It was all she could do to keep her lunch down.

"What fun is that?" Cleo chimed in.

"Speak for yourself." Zane said. "Who wants to go first, ladies?"

The girls started screaming and raising their hands as if a male pop star had just entered the party.

"Zane, this is out of hand." Emma said. "I'm going to have to throw you out if you keep this up."

"Throw out the life of the party?" Zane asked. "Good luck with the rest of the evening if you do."

"What am I supposed to do?" Emma asked the other two girls. "I don't want to get in trouble."

"All right, I think I know of a way to settle this." Zane said.

"Right, I should go first." Miriam chimed in. Zane looked at her as if a tuna had volunteered to kiss him.

"I think we should make this fair." Zane said as he reached for a piece of paper and a marker behind his girlfriend. Or whatever the hell Miriam was to him.

"All right, ladies," he started as he drew something on the paper. "I wrote a number between one and twenty on this paper. The first one to guess the number gets to go first."

Rikki saw the piece of paper he placed on the counter. Although he had flipped the paper upside down, she could still see the number.

"Seventeen." Rikki answered before any of the other girls could.

"You don't want to play seven minutes in heaven with me." Zane told her as he turned to face her.

"I don't but…" Rikki started as she picked up his paper to reveal the number seventeen he had written. "It's your rules."

The other girls groaned and Zane looked as if he was trying to solve a very complicated math problem in his head.

"You don't want to play." Was all he could come up with.

"I've changed my mind." Rikki said with a shrug. She moved around the counter to pull Zane into the lien closet at Emma's house. Both girls thanked her to no end before she grabbed him.

"Rikki, what the hell?!" Zane exclaimed. "I could be in here with a girl who actually wants to kiss me, you know."

"I think you've ruined my friend's party enough." Rikki stated and she pulled out her phone and set a timer. She didn't want to be in here a second longer than she needed to but she didn't want the other girls in the party to think she was bluffing.

"'Ruined?'" Zane repeated. "Ha, good one. The only reason everyone else hasn't left is because I'm here."

"I didn't know Emma's friends had never seen a boy before." Rikki retorted. "Otherwise I never would have let you cross the threshold of this home."

"I'm sure they've seen boys before." Zane said.

"And they choose to flock you?" Rikki asked. "Pity for them."

"Oh, come on I'm a catch!" Zane said. "I'm funny, rich, handsome-"

Rikki cut him off as she started to pretend she needed to vomit. The closet was dark but she could feel Zane roll his eyes.

"This is pointless." Zane sighed.

"Yeah, sure." Rikki said. "Go ahead and run off because I'm not giving you positive attention. I bet your parents just worship you."

Zane froze in his tracks. "What did you say?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Rikki replied. "I bet daddy's never told you 'no' and mummy was always there to clean your wounds with cash."

"You don't know anything about me, Rikki." Zane told her now he had turned from the door back to her.

"Really?" Rikki scoffed, still not fully convinced. "What all did I get wrong? Did I forget the lawsuit your parents would file on the kid who's bike accidentally scraped yours?"

"My family doesn't give a shit about me, okay?!" Zane exclaimed. He exclaimed it so loud, Rikki was surprised she didn't hear footsteps coming their way after a few moments. She only heard the introduction to that Britney Spears song.

"Forget it, I'm leaving." Zane sighed as he grabbed the doorknob for the second time.

"My family doesn't give a shit about me either." Rikki said, quietly and solemnly. "I'm sorry."

Zane sighed as he looked down at Rikki. She looked like a homeless puppy that approached him in the rain. He couldn't resist her.

"It's okay." He said. "You didn't know. I'm sorry your family doesn't care about you either."

"I'm sure yours cares more about you then you think." Rikki said. "We're not even friends but I've seen your dad at your events and stuff at school."

"Yeah, do you know what he says to me after them?" Zane asked. "He asks why I couldn't have done better. He asks why my A+'s aren't A++'s. If I win a race, he asks why I wasn't a second faster. I bet you don't know what that's like."

Rikki waited a few moments before speaking. "I don't know what that's like."

She glanced down at her phone. Five more minutes. It was going to be the most awkward five minutes of her life. She didn't mean to bring that up. She was just making a comment is all.

"I'm sorry." She said again.

"Rikki," he started. "Just drop it. Once I get out of here, I want to have fun. I don't need to think about how shitty my life is."

"At least you have money." Rikki said quietly. If Zane heard her, he didn't give any signal he did. They just said in silence, the only noise being the iconic violin blaring below.

"What about your mum?" Rikki asked.

"She ditched my dad and I years ago." Zane scoffed.

"That makes two of us." Rikki said.

"Really?" Zane asked.

"Yep." Rikki said. "She and my dad were fighting late at night when she decided to leave. I begged her to stay, she was by best friend. I begged her to take me with her. It's been me and my dad ever since."

"Oh." Zane said. Rikki cursed herself for being on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Rikki said. "You didn't know."

"Do-do Cleo and Emma know?" Zane asked.

"No." Rikki sighed after a moment.

"Why tell me?" Zane asked.

"I don't know." Rikki shrugged. "I just brought it up on accident I suppose."

"Well, I won't tell anyone about your mum if you don't tell anyone about my dad." Zane told her, bumping his shoulder gently into hers.

Rikki smiled despite herself. Something about this version of Zane wasn't grossing her out at all. Something about him was, dare she say, charming her. She would have to let this go in… two minutes.

She felt a gentle hand on her cheek. It forced her to look up at him. She felt herself lean into him and him mirror her. What the hell was happening?

"You're eyes are very blue." He mumbled, his lips mere millimeters from hers.

"Yes." She whispered back before their lips closed the gap between them.

The thought of kissing Zane Bennett only moments ago would have made her vomit. She had only kissed one guy before and that had been on a dare. Kissing Zane was very different than kissing that other guy. His lips had been chapped and something about it made her want to hide and run away. Zane's lips were soft and inviting. He made her feel at home. He made her want to stay.

Rikki's phone went off before she knew it. The pair flung apart from each other, each out of breath and looking disheveled.

"What was that?" Zane asked. Rikki was unsure if he was talking about her phone or their kiss. She ignored him, pulled her phone out and shut it off.

"No one can know what just happened." Rikki told him.

"Right." Zane agreed. "Everything goes back to normal. I hate you, you hate me."

Before Rikki could make the suggestion that they should catch their breath and fix their overall appearance, the door flew open. To her horror all the girls from the party, including Emma, Cleo and Miriam stood on the other side. Rikki felt like she was seeing the light for the first time.

"Whoa, you guys actually made out." One girl said.

Rikki took only a moment to compose herself. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't deny their makeout session now. "Of course we did."

"I thought you didn't want to kiss him, Rikki." Another girl said.

Rikki shrugged again before walking out of the closet. "I changed my mind."

Rikki walked through the sea of girls. She didn't know most of them that well but they turned their attention back to Zane, begging him to pick another number.

"I don't want to play anymore." He said before he was met with groans.

Rikki continued through the crowd. She passed Miriam who looked like she wanted to kill the blonde mermaid. Rikki ducked her head and ignored the school's mean girl. She only lifted it when she saw Cleo and Emma's shoes in front of hers.

"You actually… kissed him?" Cleo asked. Rikki let a smile creep on her face.

"Don't be ridiculous." Rikki replied with a mischievous smile. "They only think I did. I just convinced him not to play anymore."

"How'd you do that?" Emma asked.

"It's a secret." Rikki replied. "Come on, do we want to keep whispering up here or have a party downstairs?"

Emma and Cleo agreed to go downstairs and Rikki and Zane agreed to never speak of the events that happened in the Gilbert's lien closet.

That was until the two former were sitting on a secluded sand dune almost a year later. They laid in their bathing suits, enjoying the sunshine after they had spent the morning doing much worse than their kiss in the lien closet.

"Do you remember what song was playing when we had our first kiss?" Zane asked her.

"I don't remember our first kiss." Rikki said.

"What?"

"I don't remember anything when I'm moonstruck, Zane. I've told you this." She said, flipping onto her stomach.

"You don't remember?" Zane asked. "Rikki, Mako Island wasn't our first kiss."

Suddenly, memories of a sleepover and cotton towels entered her mind. They had vowed to keep it a secret, she had forgotten that was their first kiss.

"Oh, right." Rikki said. "Emma's sleepover."

"Yeah," Zane said. "I know there was a song playing, I just couldn't remember what it was."

"Wasn't it that Britney Spears song?" Rikki said. "'Toxic', I think?"

"Right, yeah." Zane nodded.

"Why do you ask?" Rikki questioned. He didn't usually leave conversations that open-ended.

"No reason." He replied.

He gave her the iPod the very next day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: Lifestyles of the Rich & The Famous- Good Charlotte

"Emma's right. Developing Mako Island is wrong and greedy, not to mention stupid." Rikki started as she marched back into the luncheon, the dress she was previously wearing balled up in her hand. Harrison Bennett rolled his eyes at her and slapped his leg as if to say 'you again'. Zane stood from his seat, opposite his father, with a curious look on his face. Rikki was prepared to walk out of the large home without Zane on her arm but she hoped he would stay with her. She enjoyed her time with him but wouldn't stand for it if he wouldn't be able to fight for what's right.

Rikki made her speech, got the support from not only her friend but the investors and her boyfriend. The only way this day could get any better was if her friendship with Emma and Cleo was restored. Truth be told, she missed the two girls and would be willing to forget everything that was said the last time all three were in the moon pool if they were willing to do the same. She couldn't force that to happen so she simply smiled as she held her boyfriend's hand and allowed him to lead her into his home.

"Where to now?" Zane asked her once they entered his grand home. "I don't think my dad would fancy our company at the moment."

Zane nodded his head slightly to the backyard. Harrison appeared to be begging and fighting for the investors and their families to stay, he begged for them to ignore Rikki but it seemed whatever strategy he was using was useless. Everyone was gathering their things and saying their goodbyes.

"The beach?" Rikki suggested. That was their spot after all. Either that or the JuiceNet but Rikki didn't want to be in a crowd of people at the moment.

"Sure." Zane agreed. "Let me change out of this first. It was bad enough I had to wear this to the beach earlier."

Rikki recounted sitting by herself on a sand dune thinking about recent events with her mermaid friends when her boyfriend approached her with a dress she desired in a box. She later took in and questioned his fancier-than-normal attire.

"Are you coming?" Zane asked her from the bottom of the grand staircase.

Rikki was confused. "What?"

"I don't want to leave you out here with my dad." Zane said. "Come on."

"Oh." Rikki said, shaking her head and fending she didn't care. She sucked on her bottom lip. She did like Zane but she have never been alone with a boy in his bedroom before, let alone him being mostly undressed. Zane was right though, being stuck down here with Harrison would be far worse.

"Right." Rikki agreed, following Zane up the stairs and down a hallway she guessed was the length of her current home.

She shook the thought that would surely send her down a depressive spiral if she gave it any more thought. Zane finally turned into a door and Rikki walked into a room that was the size of her whole trailer. He had a desk facing the window with an oceanfront view, a sitting area with countless video game controllers, a stereo with endless CDs neatly organized on top of it, and what was surely a king sized bed. It was all she could do to keep her jaw from hitting the ground.

"I'll be right back." Zane said as he continued into the bathroom attached to his room. Rikki spotted his closet on the far wall in the bathroom. "Make yourself at home."

Rikki nodded as she walked aimlessly around his room. She didn't know much about video games so the controllers didn't interest her. She was drawn to the CD collection and what looked like a brand new stereo. There was even a spot for him to hook up his iPod. What different lives they led, indeed.

Truthfully, Rikki owned a similar number of CDs, although most of hers were used. Most of his albums were much more mainstream than hers. She expected as much but spotted two CDs she owned too. One she was sure he bought because of her but she didn't know about the other one.

"Are you ready?" Zane asked, stepping out of his attached bathroom in a more causal button down shirt.

"Yeah," Rikki said, only having been half listening. "When'd you get the Good Charlotte album?"

"Oh, when I got the New Found Glory album." Zane said, blushing slightly. "I wanted to learn more about the music you listen to so I asked the girl at the store for a similar album and she said that one. I reckon you listen to it then?"

"Yeah, it's a great one." Rikki said. "Do you mind if we listen to it?"

"Sure." Zane said. "I doubt my dad wants anything to do with us right now."

Rikki laughed as she pulled the CD from its case and placed it in the stereo. She could tell Zane had yet to listen to the album. Rikki, on the other hand, knew every word. It was an impressive feat considering she didn't own the album. She continued exploring his room and he let her, telling her about the medals and prizes he had won and prominently displayed in the room. He had just told her about another swimming medal when the third track started. She had zoned out somewhat as she listened to the song rather than Zane himself, thinking how ironic it was.

"Rikki," she heard her name and snapped her head to him. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, fine." Rikki waved him off. "I just got caught up in the song."

"Really?" Zane asked, grabbing the CD case and viewing the track listing. "'Lifestyles of the Rich & the Famous'?"

Rikki took a seat on the foot of the bed and looked at her hands, intertwining her fingers with those of the opposite hand and back. She was wondering when this would come up. She was wondering if she would ever have to admit her living situation to him. She wasn't ready. She heard him place the case on top of the stereo and walk up to her.

"What's wrong?" He had asked.

"Nothing." She lied. By the look on his face, she could tell he didn't believe her. "I think I've heard enough. You ready to go to the beach?"

Rikki finally admitted where she lived the day before. It had gone a million times better than she had expected. Although Zane wasn't opposed to her trailer, they both preferred to spend the next day at his place. Harrison would be at work while Terry had the day off and would be home all day. Terry was a very hands off parent, maybe too hands off. Rikki always appreciated her freedom but she doubted her father would approve of hers and Zane's recent activities.

She let herself in the massive home and bounded up the stairs. She saw him standing by his stereo, seemingly setting something up.

"Hey." She said as she walked in.

"Hey." Zane replied, turning his attention to her and giving her a kiss once they met. Rikki glanced behind her and noticed the pink iPod he had purchased for her was set up on the stereo.

"What's with the iPod?" Rikki asked.

"I was hoping you would take it when you leave here." Zane said.

Rikki sighed and shook her head. "Zane-"

"Before you decide anything," he cut her off. "I thought we could have a listen to that playlist. I think you'll like it."

Rikki looked at him with her arms crossed. She hated giving into the romantic urges she was feeling more and more often. She didn't want him or anyone else knowing she was a romantic at heart.

"Fine." Rikki sighed as she sat at the foot of the bed and waited for Zane to finish setting up the iPod. She smiled and secretly gushed to herself as she recalled going through his car's CD collection and discovering Nirvana, dancing around with him at the party he threw at his father's second home and the dripping wet boy sitting in the JuiceNet after retrieving the locket that now sat on her chest. He told her the stories she already knew while they listened. She certainly didn't mind, they were some of the best times of her life.

The Good Charlotte song played and Rikki could hardly remember any sort of moment they had with that song.

"Why this song?" Rikki asked.

"You played it after my dad's lunch where he tried to renovate Mako." Zane said.

"Right." Rikki said, remembering the instance now. "Still, why this song? It's not like you told me you loved me during it or lost my virginity to it."

"True." Zane said. "I guess that was the interaction that made me realize how sensitive you were to your… financial situation. A part of me knew you were lying when you had me drop you off at that nice home. I wanted to talk about it and tell you I didn't care where you lived but I didn't know how to bring it up. I thought the iPod would be a good way to do so."

Rikki reminded herself to breathe. She took a moment to find the right words. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just… my living situation used to be a guaranteed way to lose friends. In fact, I had my sixth birthday party at my house, it was all we could afford. I thought everyone had a great time but when I went back to school, everyone was teasing me for it. Thankfully, I switched schools like a month or so later so it didn't matter much. Still, anyone else I thought I could invite over after school or something turned their back on me. I worried you'd do the same, you've got a reputation to uphold anyway."

"Fuck that reputation." Zane said, placing a hand on Rikki's thigh. "And fuck those kids who made fun of you. You know, anyone who doesn't want to be your friend is missing out. I mean, you're smart, beautiful and funny, who could ask for more?"

Rikki had never been called any of those things by someone that wasn't her father before. She always thought those were just things a dad had to say to his daughter. Regardless if that was true or not, Zane certainly wasn't obligated to. He was making it hard not to completely fall for him, tell him everything and every last secret she had spent the last sixteen years guarding like a hawk. She soon realized she didn't have to tell him any story or fact for him to realize he had her trust and care, something very few people had earned from her. She only had to say three words.

"I love you." Rikki said. Zane removed his eyes from the floor and looked at her doe-eyed. It was as if he was questioning whether he had heard her correctly or not. The expression didn't last long as he smashed his lips into hers. She could feel him smiling into her and she hoped he felt her do the same. She couldn't think of another time she felt such happiness, such bliss. She didn't want this moment to end and worried it might when she felt him start to back away. As usual, he quickly put her worries at ease.

"I love you, too." He said with a wide smile she surely mirrored. They made out and did more than that throughout the day. Rikki didn't return home until the morning and was grounded by her father near the second she walked in the door. She was rarely ever grounded and hadn't been since she became a mermaid. She would have been pissed if she had been taken away from her mermaid swims in the past. Now, she knew she would have gone over to Zane's house and been grounded a million times over. They were in love after all.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: All Too Well- Taylor Swift

Present Day

Rikki waited with baited breath for the next song that would never come. The day had turned quite bittersweet since she opened the box. Yes, she was happy now but she was also happy then. She knew she was lucky to have such memories but she found herself wishing more than once that they had worked out. They should have worked out, they were a masterpiece and they tore it all up.

Suddenly, Rikki sat up from her bed. She had the perfect song to end this playlist. It would be sad to end it this way but it was the truth. The album had just come out but she hadn't even made the connection yet. How she hadn't, she didn't know. It was all too obvious.

Rikki rummaged through box after box to find this CD. She finally found it and stuck it in her computer, pulled her iPod charger off the wall and plugged it into her computer. She burned the song off the CD and added it to her iPod and then to the playlist.

I walked through the door with you

The air was cold

But something about it felt like home somehow

Rikki turned her CD player off and grabbed a rain jacket. She didn't know if that would help her much if the rain started when she was walking to Zane's house but it would be better than nothing. She managed to shove her portable CD player and phone into her jacket pockets as she resumed the song that was playing. Rikki did her best to stay along the shore as much as possible. It added about five minutes to her trip but she would rather be able to jump in the water in case the rain started pouring than be stuck on a crowded sidewalk.

After a half hour walk, Rikki approached the large gates in front of Zane's home. She buzzed in and saw the gates open shortly after. Zane opened the front door when she was about midway through his yard. He laughed when he saw her.

"What would the rain jacket do if it did start raining?" He asked.

Rikki rolled her eyes. "It was better than nothing."

Rikki had half a mind to turn back home. He had inconvenienced her enough and now he was poking fun at her. She wasn't in the mood to deal with this. A huge gust of wind came in and nearly knocked Rikki off her feet. She felt a shiver down her spine as the cold air rushed through her jacket.

"So do you want to risk it in the cold rain or come inside?" Zane asked.

Rikki huffed as she walked in the door to escape the incoming rain. She took her jacket off and placed it on the coat rack as Zane closed the door behind her. It was much warmer inside, Rikki had adjusted to the outdoor temperature on her walk. It did feel much better inside.

Zane rounded the corner to give Rikki a quick kiss. She wasn't wanting to deal with his sarcasm much so she quickly wiped her smile off her face as he backed away.

"I'd go home now if it wasn't about to rain." Rikki said.

"Well, good thing I've trapped you here." Zane joked. "What do you want to do?"

Rikki wasn't sure how she wanted to spend her day. They couldn't do too much, their usual activities took place outside which was now off limits. She looked out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main room and saw rain starting to come down. She turned back to face Zane, taking the room in. She remembered how gaudy she thought the place looked when she first entered it for Harrison's luncheon. Now, she felt at home somehow. She remembered sneaking in a few times to spend the night with Zane, running down the staircase as he ran to catch her, tackling her to the couch and tickling her until she was crying from laughing.

Oh, your sweet disposition

And my wide-eyed gaze

We're singing in the car, getting lost upstate

Rikki shuffled through his songs, trying to find one she would like. His knowledge of rock music had certainly expanded since they started dating but he still had quite a bit of pop music on his iPod. She finally found a new song he had just downloaded that was a classic. She selected it and placed the iPod on the dashboard.

Paper bags and plastic hearts

All our belongings in shopping carts

It's goodbye, but we got one more night

Rikki started humming along to the song, feeling her worries start to melt away as they got closer to the outskirts of town. She looked over to Zane and saw he was staring at her.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Nothing." He replied. "This is a good song. I don't know it too well, but I like it."

"It's a classic." Rikki said. "Even Cleo knows this song."

Rikki listened to the song again and knew the chorus was coming up. It was so obvious and simple, Zane wouldn't have had to have heard the song very often to know this signature part of the song.

"You have to at least know this part." Rikki said. Zane nodded his head to the beat of the music as he must have known the chorus was coming too.

"Throw it away, forget yesterday, We'll make the great escape." He started belting out. He wasn't a great singer but Rikki wasn't either. She looked at him with wide eyes and a huge smile she couldn't wipe from her face.

"Come on, rock expert." Zane said once the chorus was over. "Am I the only one that's going to sing along?"

Rikki shook her head as the second verse came up. "Tonight will change our lives, It's so good to be by your side"

Zane didn't know the words to the verses but he tried to sing along nonetheless. Rikki did her best not to break into a fit of giggles as she sang along. Soon it was hard to hear the music over their laughter.

"Wait, you missed a turn." Rikki finally said toward the end of the song.

"Well, we'll figure it out." Zane said as he rewinded the song. "I could go for another listen, can't you?"

"Do you even know where we are?" Rikki asked. She remembered she forgot to tell her dad to make a turn on one of their moves and he had gotten so upset with her. Zane acting so care-free was different but welcome.

"I don't really care, Rikki." Zane replied. "So long as I'm with you, we'll figure it out."

They never made it to Brisbane. So much for their Great Escape.

Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place

And I can picture it after all these days

"Do you have a song in mind?" Rikki asked as she stood to follow Zane, feeling the autumn leaves on the patio crunch under her feet.

"Yeah," Zane said. "I was going to request this song before you left."

The band's rare love song started playing and Rikki felt herself melt. Zane smiled at her as he pulled her into him and they swayed beneath the fall trees that were shedding their leaves.

"What made you choose this song, if I may ask?" Rikki asked him once the song was coming to a close.

"I heard it the other day and you were the first thing that popped into my mind." Zane replied with a shrug.

"Well, I love it." Rikki said as she leaned up to kiss him.

"I love you." He said once she backed away from the kiss.

Rikki took a sharp inhale once he spoke those words. She had seen the movies, she knew if she didn't say it back, the near perfect night was going to be soiled. Did she feel that way about him? Wasn't she just dating him to keep him away from the mermaid secret and now he was in love with her? She was beginning to feel guilty about keeping her mermaid identity from him and this was just the cherry on top.

"You don't have to say it back." Zane said as he felt her hesitation. "I just wanted to say it, is all."

"Really?" Rikki replied. "You don't mind?"

"No," Zane said. "I know you're much more reserved with your feelings than most and I don't want you to lie. Hopefully one day you'll feel the same way."

Rikki smiled as she put her head back on his chest. She felt him place his chin on top of her head. They fit perfectly together in more ways than one. Did she love him? Rikki wasn't sure. Like Zane had said, she didn't want to lie to him. She didn't feel comfortable telling him she loved him without him knowing of her mermaid secret. Tonight wasn't the night for her to say those words. She hoped she would be able to tell him such one day too.

"I'm a lot closer to saying those words back to you than you would think." Rikki said. She felt him smile above her.

'Cause there we are again on that little town street

You almost ran the red 'cause you were lookin' over at me

Wind in my hair, I was there

I remember it all too well

Rikki grabbed the binder from the backseat and began flipping through it. He burned a lot of songs onto CDs so she had to insert the disc into the CD player to find out what song would be playing. So far, Rikki was killing the challenge. Zane probably should have brought more than Katy Perry and Maroon 5's greatest hits.

Rikki was laughing when he peeled off the main road toward a petrol station. She had no clue what town they were in but there was a small and charming air about it.

"I'll be back, I just need to get some petrol." Zane said. "Why don't you really dig deep and try to find something you don't know?"

"I'll do my best." Rikki said as she replaced the Backstreet Boys album in the binder. "But that will be an even harder challenge."

Zane rolled his eyes at her before closing the door. Rikki continued flipping through the booklet. It seemed to get more basic as she went on. She got to the last page, determined to win the contest. That was until she came across a disc she couldn't remember seeing before. She furrowed her eyebrows as something about it seemed very familiar. She remembered seeing the text a million times over. The disc displayed the same pattern as a pool would on a warm, sunny day.

"Find one you finally don't know?" Zane asked once he hopped in the car.

Rikki took a moment to respond. She was so close to winning this game, she couldn't let him know now. "No, I know these."

Zane took the binder from her hand, keeping the spot she was on booked with his finger.

"Let's see." He started. "You know Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson and you definitely know Nirvana."

Rikki sunk in her seat as discreetly as possible at his assumption. Zane didn't miss her natural reaction though. She had seen their logo before but she couldn't recall a song she knew by them.

"You don't know Nirvana?" Zane asked with wide eyes.

"I can't remember anything by them, okay?" Rikki exclaimed. "You found one album I don't know, congratulations."

"Oh, no, Rikki," Zane said. "This isn't just another album. You, of all people, should know this album."

"How should I know this album?" Rikki asked as he took it out of its sleeve.

"You'll see." Zane said as he inserted the disc into the CD player and pulled out of the petrol station.

Rikki knew from the first few seconds why she should know this band. The sound was very familiar to her but the song she couldn't pinpoint. The look on her face had to give her away as Zane burst out into laughter because the chorus hit.

"Look out!" Rikki warned as they were fast approaching a red light. Zane slammed the brakes on just in time.

"Sorry." He said as they sat at the stop. "It's just hilarious. It's like listening to rock music and not knowing who Elvis is."

"It can't be that bad." Rikki shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest

"It is." Zane said. "Ask anyone who knows anything about pop punk and they'll tell you all about Nirvana."

Photo album on the counter

Your cheeks were turning red

The three girls approached the bar and placed their orders. Rikki noticed a photo album Wilfred had recently put together of regular customers. Cleo had picked it up, searching for a picture of the three of them. Rikki hoped she could enjoy her juice in peace but she didn't think she would get that lucky.

"That locket's mine." Miriam said as she approached Rikki. The other girl was fuming. Zane had to have noticed Miriam approached Rikki and he left his mates' sides to make sure a cat fight wouldn't ensue.

"As I recall, you said you were parting with it." Rikki said. "Zane found it and gave it to me so it should be mine, right? I know these situations might be a tad complicated."

"I know you're broke but you can't go stealing things you want, Rikki." Miriam said.

"What have I stolen?" Rikki asked. "And don't say the locket, we just established that's mine, just in case you weren't keeping up."

"You stole my boyfriend!" She finally exclaimed, as if a three year old was just told they couldn't have any candy.

Rikki laughed. "I think Zane is well off enough to decide who he does and doesn't want to be with."

Miriam turned bright red. Zane had also turned red but his flush was not due to anger rather Rikki's flattering statement. Rikki figured between his father and Miriam, Zane didn't get much of a mind of his own. She was happy she could give him that freedom.

You told me 'bout your past thinking your future was me

Rikki laughed as she pulled the CD from its case and placed it in the stereo. She could tell Zane had yet to listen to the album. Rikki, on the other hand, knew every word. It was an impressive feat considering she didn't own the album. She continued exploring his room and he let her, telling her about the medals and prizes he had won and prominently displayed in the room. He had just told her about another swimming medal when the third track started. She had zoned out somewhat as she listened to the song rather than Zane himself, thinking how ironic it was.

"Rikki," she heard her name and snapped her head to him. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, fine." Rikki waved him off. "I just got caught up in the song."

"Really?" Zane asked, grabbing the CD case and viewing the track listing. "'Lifestyles of the Rich & the Famous'?"

Rikki took a seat on the foot of the bed and looked at her hands, intertwining her fingers with those of the opposite hand and back. She was wondering when this would come up. She was wondering if she would ever have to admit her living situation to him. She wasn't ready. She heard him place the case on top of the stereo and walk up to her.

"What's wrong?" He had asked.

"Nothing." She lied. By the look on his face, she could tell he didn't believe her. "I think I've heard enough. You ready to go to the beach?"

'Cause there we are again in the middle of the night

We're dancing 'round the kitchen in the refrigerator light

Down the stairs, I was there

I remember it all too well

"What kind of parties do you like?" Zane asked, leaning against the island.

"The ones without any people there." Rikki answered. Zane chuckled again.

"Seriously?" Zane asked her.

"I don't know." Rikki said leaning across from him on the island as she ate her yogurt. Her hip stopped the refrigerator door from closing fully but she didn't much care. "The ones indoors, dry and… maybe some dancing."

The song the party-goers were playing changed as Rikki finished her sentence. Zane looked behind him as cheers erupted for the new song that started playing.

Let me know that I've done wrong

When I've known this all along

I go around a time or two

Just to waste my time with you

"We could dance to this song." Zane said. Rikki gave him an odd look. She wasn't to sure about that. It wasn't a song that would make her run to the dance floor.

"Come on." Zane said, grabbing her hands away from the island. She pushed off the refrigerator door, keeping it open but neither mentioned it. He began moving her arms in his and Rikki began opening up to him, moving her body to the beat of the song. It didn't take long for the pair to be jumping around the kitchen like maniacs, singing the perfectly played song to each other, or Zane trying his best.

Who has to know

The way she feels inside?

Those thoughts I can't deny

These sleeping thoughts won't lie

Once the last chorus started, they met in front of the open refrigerator before Zane caught Rikki in his arms and they gently swayed to the song. Rikki lifted her head from his chest as the song ended.

"Is that the type of dancing you like to do at parties?" Zane asked.

"Maybe a little more subtle." Rikki laughed. "But this is nice."

Zane hummed in agreement. Rikki couldn't even remember the song that came on next. What she did remember was hearing her name and immediately flying out of Zane's arms.

"Rikki?" Cleo echoed. "Where are you? Lewis and I are heading-"

Cleo stopped herself when the brunette mermaid noticed Rikki and Zane were standing in kitchen together.

"-Home." She finished. "What are you two doing in there?"

"Oh, I just needed some water." Rikki stated. "We can leave."

"But there was water by the-" Lewis started.

"That water had condensation on it." Rikki said as she shoved the pair out of the home. "Let's go."

I'd like to be my old self again

But I'm still trying to find it

"Your parents are out, right, Em?" A girl with bright pink feathers in her hair questioned Emma who stood beside Cleo and Rikki in her family's kitchen. The girl and every other one at the party were flocking Zane as if he were the first boy they had ever seen.

"Yeah, why?" Emma asked, eyebrows furrowed. Rikki could tell the rule-follower that Emma was didn't like where this question was heading.

"We could play seven minutes in heaven." The girl suggested, turning her eyes back to Zane. His smile lit up wider than Rikki had seen to that point. It was all she could do to keep her lunch down.

"What fun is that?" Cleo chimed in.

"Speak for yourself." Zane said. "Who wants to go first, ladies?"

The girls started screaming and raising their hands as if a male pop star had just entered the party.

"Zane, this is out of hand." Emma said. "I'm going to have to throw you out if you keep this up."

"Throw out the life of the party?" Zane asked. "Good luck with the rest of the evening if you do."

"What am I supposed to do?" Emma asked the other two girls. "I don't want to get in trouble."

"All right, I think I know of a way to settle this." Zane said.

"Right, I should go first." Miriam chimed in. Zane looked at her as if a tuna had volunteered to kiss him.

"I think we should make this fair." Zane said as he reached for a piece of paper and a marker behind his girlfriend. Or whatever the hell Miriam was to him.

"All right, ladies," he started as he drew something on the paper. "I wrote a number between one and twenty on this paper. The first one to guess the number gets to go first."

Rikki saw the piece of paper he placed on the counter. Although he had flipped the paper upside down, she could still see the number.

"Seventeen." Rikki answered before any of the other girls could.

"You don't want to play seven minutes in heaven with me." Zane told her as he turned to face her.

"I don't but…" Rikki started as she picked up his paper to reveal the number seventeen he had written. "It's your rules."

The other girls groaned and Zane looked as if he was trying to solve a very complicated math problem in his head.

"You don't want to play." Was all he could come up with.

"I've changed my mind." Rikki said with a shrug. She moved around the counter to pull Zane into the lien closet at Emma's house. Both girls thanked her to no end before she grabbed him.

After plaid shirt days and nights when you made me your own

A harsh breeze hit them when they were about twenty minutes into their walk. Rikki shivered in response, wishing she had at least brought a light jacket.

"Do you want this?" Zane had asked, referencing the flannel he wore over his t-shirt. Rikki was reminded of the boy who gave her his suit jacket in the rain about a year ago. She couldn't help from smiling as she nodded at him. She didn't have much of a choice, he had taken the flannel off anyway.

"Thanks." She said as she pulled the flannel closer to her body. In part, she was cold but she also enjoyed the scent of the item. It smelled so much like him.

Zane removed his hand from hers and placed it around her shoulders and she instantly felt ten degrees warmer.

"You'd think as a mermaid with pyrokinesis, I'd be able to heat myself." Rikki said.

"That would be a good trick." Zane replied as he gave a shiver.

"Now you're cold." Rikki said as she tried to move out of his arms and remove the flannel. "Here, take this back."

"No, I'm fine." Zane said fairly unconvincingly.

"Just because I didn't prepare for this weather does mean you should be cold." Rikki said.

"Or we could just go inside," Zane said as he pointed to something on the mainland.

Rikki followed his direction and saw he was pointing at a lifeguard stand. It was nearly dark, the beaches had been closed for a few hours. The inside of the stand looked empty from afar, there were no lights on inside.

"Are you crazy?" Rikki asked.

Zane chuckled. "Come on, we'll take a look and if there are people in there, we'll leave."

Zane dashed up to the stand before Rikki could say anything. She took a look around the beach to make sure no one was watching them. Once she knew they were in the clear, she followed him up to the stand that was not only empty, but unlocked.

Rikki followed Zane inside, realizing two things. One, it was much warmer inside without the wind and two, this stand hadn't been used in ages.

Rikki smiled as she closed the door behind her. It wouldn't do them any good if they were caught inside the stand. She walked closer to Zane and removed his flannel, putting it to his chest once she reached him.

"I won't need this anymore." Rikki said with a smile as she kissed him.

"If I had it my way, neither of us would need it." Zane told her. It made Rikki blush and smile. She knew was he was insinuating and oddly enough, she didn't find herself scared at the idea.

He smiled back at her as it was his turn to kiss her. The kiss was short but Rikki knew he was going to dive back in and she had a feeling they were going to end up wrapped around each other again.

Only a few moments later did she feel Zane push her back until she hit the wall. He had pinned her there so well she couldn't move if she wanted to. She felt him grab the back of her thighs and hoist her up around his waist. She felt something hard between her legs before smiling in the kiss. Again, Rikki didn't know what tonight held but she thought she would be much more nervous than she was. This all felt right and comfortable.

The kiss broke and Zane gave out a moan and continued to ravage her neck and right shoulder. Rikki sensed movement and looked to her left to see another couple who stopped in their tracks, likely upon hearing Zane's moan. They shrugged and continued on as neither Rikki or Zane made any further noise.

"Zane." Rikki whispered to him once they were out of earshot.

"Hm?" He answered as he removed his head from her. "Oh, I didn't mean to do anything you didn't-"

He was starting to loosen his grip on her thighs but she grabbed his hands as if to tell him not to let go.

"No, it's fine." Rikki replied. "I like what you're doing. It's just people are still walking by and they can hear us. We should keep it down."

"Not bloody likely." Zane replied, dropping Rikki to the ground. She was a bit upset and confused at first. She wasn't saying she didn't want to do anything, she just didn't want to be caught. If they were, the pair might end up in the police station.

"Perfect," Zane said as he crouched over something on the ground. Rikki saw he had found a wireless radio. She wondered if it would work until she heard the radio jockey's voice come out of it. Zane smiled and turned the radio up to an appropriate volume. Not too loud that it was draw attention but loud enough to drown out any noise they might make.

But you keep my old scarf from that very first week

'Cause it reminds you of innocence

And it smells like me

"Why are you smiling?" He asked with a smile on his face as well.

She hadn't realized she had been smiling. "I feel like this song is fitting, that's all."

Zane let out a laugh too. "Yeah, I reckon it is."

They bonded like surely no one ever had before on that balcony. She told him things she had trouble confiding in even her friends. He did the same and they both just listened to the other, offering advice when needed. When Rikki saw Zane in the lobby she couldn't think of any two people that were more different from each other. Now, she found they had more in common than she thought.

Thunder clapped as the song ended. Rikki bolted for the small covering to keep her mermaid identity a secret. Zane followed her and ducked under just as soon as the rain started pouring.

"Do you want this?" He offered her his jacket. She gratefully accepted and gave it back to him in the elevator where they had their first real kiss. She stole the jacket back and now looked at it, laying crumpled on her bed. It smelled like him and reminded her of the innocence the start of their relationship had.

'Cause there we are again when I loved you so

Back before you lost the one real thing you've ever known

It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well

The next morning, Rikki was walking along the beach to meet up with Zane. She was still slightly irritated at her friends. They had taken several unfair jabs at Zane the night before. She found herself wanting to defend him but she knew that was be extremely uncharacteristic of her and her friends would know something was amiss. She hoped she could forget all about the brain storming session she did nothing to contribute. It didn't take long to see Zane from afar, sitting on a sand dune with ear buds in his ears. She walked up the dune to meet him, wondering what he was listening to. He must not have heard or seen her coming as she heard him quietly singing along to the chorus.

"There's no room left here on my back, it was damaged long ago. Though you swear that you are true I'd still pick my friends over you."

How rare it was for someone to listen to her so well. Maybe she would have to think long and hard if she ever did have to choose between her friends and Zane.

Wind in my hair, you were there, you remember it all

Down the stairs, you were there, you remember it all

It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well