Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gina :

"Do you know where you need to go, do you have everything you need?" Gina’s mother asks her. They were standing next to their Uber parked directly in front of a large brown stone building.
"Yes mom, I know where the directory is, do not worry about me ok? I'll be fine"
Her mom always did this. She would freak out for her and in turn that would be the trigger that would make her nervous. She thought that perhaps sometimes it would have been better if she had come alone. The pressure of a stage did not freak her out as much as her own mother's overreactions.
"Try and make friends this time, Gigi, I know how you can be. You get so focused that you forget to be social with others. This is a great opportunity to network. Try to open up here." Terri said as she grabbed Gina’s back pack from the trunk and handed it to her.
It's not that Gina did not have social skills, she simply did not use them. Her goal was to dance and act professionally some day and people tend to distract you from your goals. Her focus was simply to achieve her dream. She did not care to socialize much beyond the necessary courtesies.
"Did you pack my entire room mom? geez!" Gina saw her mom had packed two suitcases plus a teddy bear she had since she was 9. "Really mom? you brought Peter?! " Gina said, feeling a creeping rush of embarrassment.
She didn't know how they would carry all this stuff to her dorm. They'd need a moving van at the very least at this point. Two suitcases, two small boxes and her favorite pillow. A lot.
Gina and her mother were attempting to unload the rest of her stuff from the trunk, when she suddenly felt a presence standing behind them.
"Looks like you might need some help there."
Gina turned around and saw that there was a tall, curly headed boy....man...boy/man? Probably best described as a man with boyish charm standing in front of her. He had kind eyes and an easy to look at smile that was innocent, intriguing and sweet.
"Oh you're so sweet! A little help would be most welcome! You're so nice! What a nice and handsome young man that you are! " Gina's mom said enthusiastically.
Gina wanted to disappear. She wished the earth would swallow her whole right there and then. "Mom! Can you be normal?!”
Gina turned to the stranger and mumbled. “I'm so sorry, we're ok." She didn't dare make eye contact with the tall, curly headed figure standing in front of her.
"No, no I insist! Looks like you're well packed for a New York winter. If anything this means you'll fit in here perfectly." He winked at her and immediately introduced himself to her mom. "I'm Ricky, ma'am, nice to meet you!" He said while taking the second suitcase out of the trunk .

"Hello Ricky, I'm Terri and this is my daughter Gina, thank you for being such a gentleman! Gina, you should make friends with Ricky here."
Her mother was determined to make her switch schools before she had her first class.
"Oh it's my pleasure Miss…?"
After a brief pause Terri replied. "Terri Porter, but you can call me Terri "
Gina never wanted to run away more than she did now.
"Well pleasure is all mine, and welcome to the New York Performing Arts Academy, Gina Porter." Ricky said with a smile in the corner of his mouth. He was teasing her, yet she didn't feel teased in a bad way. He had a kindness about him that made him feel genuine.
They started making their way to her dormitory, she was trying to walk as quickly as possible which made her mother lag behind.
New York was always so alive, she tried distracting herself with campus and the surroundings around her. He finally broke the silence but not before he gave her a long stare from the corner of his eye.
"You're going like it here in the Theater District, Gina Porter. You're a dancer right?" He asked.
"Yeah, how did you know? Do I have the prototypical dancer look? " She said in quote mocking his question a bit as she found it that annoying. Does she fit some kind of dancer description?
"Not at all, but this building IS called the Dancers Dorm Theater " he said coolly.
Gina could not feel any more like an idiot. "Wow, I'm really dumb. Yes, I'm a dancer but I also want to act." She hoped this conversation would end immediately as it felt like they had walked for two and a half hours to her dorm.
"Acting and dancing, huh? A dual threat. I like it." Ricky had a way about saying things which made you feel important. Gina had just met this boy but she could tell he had everything figured out here. She could hope she could be this confident one day.
"Alright room 1202 is right there, sweetheart " Her mom yelled a few steps behind. "Thank you so much, Ricky, for being such a gentleman. We're so glad to have bumped into you, aren't we, Gigi?" Terri said.
Gina did not think her mom could outdo herself. She still managed it by calling her by her childhood nickname.
"Soooo glad, thank you, Ricky Bowen." Gina said with a smile to her mother while doing anything she could to avoid eye contact with Ricky, but she could tell he was smiling. She could feel his smile.
"Pleasure is all mine, Terri, it was nice meeting you both. See you around campus, Gigi!" Ricky said as he walked away, back through the main doorway of the building.
Gina knew this guy would be a pain in the ass for the rest of the school year.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“ Mom, are you sure you can't stay longer? “ Gina asked.
“No baby, I have to catch the next flight out and be back at work but I just had to come and at least see you off to college “ Her mother replied while checking her flight on her phone.
Terri gave her daughter a big hug and kiss on the forehead before cupping her face to say “ Be good, be yourself, and don’t do anything I wouldn't do “
Gina scoffed playfully at her mother “ Don't worry mom, I’ll be fine. Now go, you don’t want to miss your flight.

They had one last quick embrace, and her mother was gone.

Gina had spent the better part of the morning organizing her room. Her mom had taken all of 6 minutes in her new apartment before she left her to settle in. She loved her mother dearly, but she was so wrapped in her own head that she sometimes failed to notice when her daughter needed her the most. Arizona had been home for her but not for her mother, who was a business exec for a non profit project for the elderly. “
A lot of traveling meant a lot of nights alone with her brother. Once her brother left the house, it meant a lot of nights alone watching YouTube dance videos. That's actually where her love for dance came from. Gina was lost in thought while folding her shirts when someone walked in through the door.
"Oh, hi you must be my new roommate. I'm Kourtney!" She beamed as she walked in. Gina turns around to face the stranger who just walked in. In front of her stood a smiling black girl with voluminous curly hair.
"Hey, yeah..hi I'm Gina...Porter." She said awkwardly, not knowing why she was struggling to put coherent sentences together.
"Oh wow, looks like you have a lot of things! Hope you're settling in ok, do you need any more help?" Kourtney said as she pointed at one of the small boxes on the floor.
"No, I'm ok...my mom basically moved everything I owned here but I got most of it. Are you a freshman as well?"
Kourtney at this point wasted no time making herself comfortable on Gina's bed, sitting cross legged and playing with the charms on one of her bracelets. "No babe, I'm a Junior. My former roommate graduated last semester, hence the vacancy. Have you walked around campus yet?"
Gina felt a bit overwhelmed at how direct and bubbly Kourtney was. She was also beaming with confidence and assertiveness in everything she did and said. Ricky Bowen exuded this confidence as well… People here seem to have that in common. She might need to start adapting quicker than she thought. Not that she wasn't confident, but she had always been cautious when meeting new people. She might have to learn quickly that here everyone is like that.
"No not yet, I haven't even eaten anything yet. Would you mind coming to get something to eat? And when I say "would you mind coming, I mean would you mind showing me WHERE I can grab something to eat?" Gina gave a half hearted chuckle trying to show that she also could be funny and sassy and bubbly.
Kourtney jumped off the bed like she was shot out of a cannon. "YES! I'm going to show you all the best spots on campus, don't you worry!"
Gina had just enough time to grab her purse and put on shoes before they were out the door.
"Nothing like autumn in New York! You're going to love it here. Dancing or acting?” Kourtney asked as they crossed the street.
On the corner of 44th street was this diner called The Pit. The place had a 80's rock vintage NY look with dark tinted windows and a neon sign.
A sign at the door read: Karaoke Night every night 9pm-1am. Gina had never been to New York but if she could guess what it would have smelled like, she'd guess it would smell like this. Grease and lemon tinged with a hint of ...baked bread? Ok, maybe she didn't know what New York smelled like at all. "Both... I'm here primarily for dance but I also like to perform and act. Loved being in school productions in my high school " She said as she pushed open the heavy metal door.
"Oh, that’s great! I'm here for acting, but my goal is to one day produce and run my own show. Netflix, cable TV, you name it! Maybe even films." Kourtney said this while looking for an open booth. "By the way...this is a hangout spot mainly to eat and have afterparties where most of campus comes to munch after late night parties. Also there's karaoke here so tons of students come here to have fun and sing covers. Even Ashley Tisdale comes here from time to time!"
Kourtney let out an almost supernatural squeal to Gina's ears as she said that last part. Gina couldn't help but laugh. Kourtney was so funny and sweet. She was glad that roommate was not a stuck up snob.
Just as she was about to look at the menu, Kourtney let out a small squeak and looked in the direction of one of the stools at the corner of the bar. She starts to wave her hands and says "Ricky! Come over here!"
Gina's stomach sank immediately. It couldn't be.... how small is this friggin campus?!
She felt it again: someone standing behind her. She could feel him smiling without looking. Maybe he had forgotten who she was.
"Hi Ricky, why are you sitting alone over there? Sit with us! This is Gina, she's new and she's my new roommate." Kourtney said while gesturing to Gina across from her.
"Hey Kourt, yes I've already had the pleasure of meeting Gigi and her wonderful mom this morning."
She could feel him smirking through that entire sentence....that stupid charming smirk.
Kourtney looked lost for a second "Hello," Gina said forcefully. "Yeah Ricky Bowen here, helped me and my mom with my luggage this morning."
"You remember my last name Gigi?"
"You remember my nickname Bowen?"
They stared at each other this time neither breaking eye contact. Ricky maintained a half smile and licked his bottom lip. Gina tried her best not to pay attention to that. Barely. Tilting her head and squinting her eyes at him.
Kourtney looked at both Ricky and Gina with a raised eyebrow. "Well looks like you guys know each other QUITE well already!" She said curiously.
"I can't stay Kourt, but thanks for the invite, I have class in a few. Friday karaoke though. Tell Ash & Maddie to come this time!" Ricky said finally breaking the stare down with Gina but maintaining his cool tone.
"Absolutely babe, let's do it!" Kourtney said eagerly.
"Great, enjoy your meals...... Gigi." He nodded.
"Bowen," she nodded back.
As soon as Ricky walked out Kourtney shifted her entire body forward and looked directly at Gina. "You've been here 4.5 hours and you already have inside jokes with Ricky Bowen?! Probably the most popular boy on campus? How?!" Kourtney asked, completely dumbfounded. "It took 2 years to form a relationship with that boy. He doesn't just chit chat and joke with anybody."
Gina really didn't know what the deal was with Ricky Bowen, but if she was going to fit in here, it seems she was given a huge opportunity already to befriend the top student on campus. “Kourtney, why don't you tell me everything you know about Ricky Bowen?" Gina asked as she made herself comfortable in her booth.

Chapter Text

Ricky

"Jet, my brother in Christ your feet stink man. Do you not believe in buying new socks? per haps some baby powder ?! Like dude, I know exactly what I'm getting you for Christmas."
Ricky said as he took off his headphones watching his roommate Jet walk through the door of their apartment and kick his shoes to the side immediately as he always did. Ricky meanwhile was laying down on his bed with a notepad trying to put together lyrics to his latest attempt at a song.
He enjoyed the process of writing music and he always found inspiration in just about anything, but this semester, he wanted to bring something bold and new to school. Something different. He was coming up empty at the moment before Jet chimed in " You love me dude, just accept it. Stinky feet and all. How's the song writing coming? " He asked while sitting down on the floor with a box of nerds candy in hand.
"Shooting blanks ...wait! don't you say it man. Do not fucking saying it. " Ricky said as he stood up to walk to the kitchen.
" That's what she said! "Jet laughed while pointing at Ricky
" Fuck you Jet. I mean it this time! " Ricky shot back from the kitchen as he walked back with a glass of orange juice in hand.
These were daily exchanges from Jet and Ricky in the 2 years they had lived together. Jet at first seemed like the loner type. Did not say two words the first week of living together. It wasn't until Ricky had an episode of America's Got Talent playing on his laptop on the kitchen counter one day, that the two talked, bonded and started arguing over who was the better act. They had been best friends since.
Jet Park had aspirations of being a big time music producer, and even helped produced some of Ricky's music. It was the perfect partnership and both had laid back personalities that did not require much work. If one of them seemed to be having a bad day, the other would simply give them space and let them be. It was the perfect partnership. Ricky preferred it that way.

Ricky sat back down at the foot of his bed " Karaoke tonight, I just confirmed with Kourt so I assume you'll be there since you two are secretly a thing " He says with as he rolls his eyes while grabbing his notepad from the bed.
" I have no idea what you're talking about, but yeah I'll be there because Maddie told me this afternoon when we met up for lunch at The Pit. Ash is coming too and I think Kourt said that new girl is also coming....her new roommate." Jets said while laying on the floor, eyes closed.
"Oh" Ricky responded briefly before laying down on his stomach.

GINA.

The new girl. She definitely had caught Ricky's attention. He didn't know why but something about her intrigued him. "Gigi" as her mom called her. He enjoyed teasing her during their exchange at The Pit. She was beautiful for sure, but that wasn't it. If anything this would be a good opportunity to find out.
Jet quickly gets up from the floor and starts making his way back to his room " alright well I'm behind on homework so I'm gonna go do that now before it gets too late. I'm so behind already "
"How the hell are you behind on homework man? The semester just started a week ago? " Ricky replies back with a dumbfounded look on his face ...
"What can I say? I'm a busy man! " Jet shouted back as he closed the door to his room.

-----

It was almost 10:00pm and there was a nice chill in the air. Ricky liked this weather a lot. It reminded him of home in Salt Lake. He missed seeing the mountains and the beautiful backdrops of nature from his backyard. He had traded in mountains for sky scrapers and the blinding nightlife of New York City. He didn't hate it, but he did miss home. He missed his dad grilling ...and burning the burgers. He missed his parents argue over how cooked or how rare a burger should be. Most of all he missed his mom. A lot.

"Earth to Ricky, are we going in or are you just gonna stare at the door, dude? '' Jet asked. They were standing at the front door of The Pit but it seems Ricky had spaced out again.
" Uh? yeah. Yeah man sorry, I guess I'm just a little tired" Ricky replied scratching the back of his neck. Jet shakes his head and opens the door.
As they walk in, Jet quickly spots Kourtney and the girls sitting in the end booth of the bar right next to the Karaoke machine on the stage at the end of the venue. Friday night at the Pit meant plenty of students were there from NYPAA.
Ricky and Jet make their way to the booth where they are greeted by Kourtney on one side and Maddie, Jet's younger sister and her girlfriend Ashley.
Ashley and Maddie both wave hello and Kourtney gets up to give a very friendly hug to Jet. she then turns to Ricky and says " Why are you guys late? How is it that four gilrs got ready before you two!" she scolded them.
" Listen Kourt, blame Jet. It takes him 2 hours to get ready. 1 hour and forty five minutes are spent on just his hair" he says, pointing at Jet beside him and making a goofy face.
" Do you ever shut up, Bowen? " Jet rolls his eyes
" Only if you ask me nicely, Park " Ricky fires back letting out half a chuckle.
As they sit down, Ricky feels someone walk up next to him on the booth. He turns around only to find Gina crossed arm staring at him.
" You're in my seat, Rick" She says, raising one eyebrow.
" Rick? " He replies amused at the jest
"Rick, Ricardo, Richie....whichever you like. You're in my seat " Gina replies back with not so much as a smirk on her face. Ricky might have met his match here. Gina Porter did not seem to be intimidated by him. she certainly wasn't as shy as he though she was. She was feisty.
Ricky stands up and moves aside pointing at the spot on the booth he was sitting on " It's all yours Gigi. And its Richard...but you can call me Ricky " he says with a cheesy grin and a wink as she scoots by him to sit next to Jet. She squints her eyes and gives him a fake smile as she sits down before settling in her seat.

There was a small silence among the group. Awkwardness of sorts after watching Gina and Ricky banter like they've known each other for years. A waiter finally comes to take their order to break the silence. The girls all get iced tea while Jets orders a coke and Ricky asks for a diet Mountain Dew.
" Soooo " Ricky finally decides to break the awkward silence " Gina, how do you like NYPAA? I see Kourt is introducing you to the coolest kids in school, '' he says playfully while removing a strand of his curls from his face.
" Well Ricky, I actually met Maddox before Kourt introduced us because we have a class together and Ashlyn I met a couple days ago when they came over for a girls dinner. They are definitely very cool " Gina replied as she smiled across the table to where Ashlyn and Maddox were seated.

" Awwww " both girls said in unison .

" You're pretty cool yourself Gina, do not sell yourself short! " Ashlyn said with a full smile.

Kourtney clears her throat a bit " Gina babe, let me introduce you to another friend of mine. This is Jet Park " Kourtney shoves her shoulder gently in Jet's arm "
Ricky lets out a playful scoff and covers his mouth with his hand while looking at the menu pretending to read it. " Don't mind him, he just needs to drink more Mountain Dew " Jet says, padding Ricky in the back.
" I'm Jet, future music producer. Leo. Nice to meet you Gina " He says, giving her a lazy salute.
"Nice to meet you Jet, I'm Gina. Future dancer and actress. Hungry. " she mocks back with a lazy salute of her own.
Everyone lets out a laugh. Ricky watched as she looked back at Kourtney and giggled. He was now thoroughly impressed. This was a complete 180 from the quiet, observing girl he met on the first day on campus. He was more than intrigued now. He was curious. Nervous even. A feeling he had not felt in quite some time. He honestly hadn't felt much since....well let's not say her name. Why ruin a good night, right?
Meanwhile Jet looked like a puppy who just lost his chew toy. Ricky could not help but laugh. "So who's going to sing first?!" Kourtney asked everyone .

Chapter Text

Gina

" I say we let the ladies go first " Ricky answers as he points to the stage. 

" Oh what a gentleman " Kourney replies, giving a mini clap enthusiastically, clearly on board with the idea.   

" Whatever, he's just showing off " Jets scoff  . 

"You're just mad you didn't say it first Jetty " Ricky replies putting both his arms behind his head clearly enjoying teasing Jet to no end. 

" Do NOT call me that '' Jet points at Ricky clearly annoyed at the nickname. 

Meanwhile Gina giggled and observed the exchange. These two don't have a serious bone in their body. Ricky though always seemed to have the last word. She also noticed how he would steal glances at her from time to time, as if trying to read her mind. 

Gina honestly wasn't new to receiving attention from boys. This was not some new occurrence that suddenly was happening and had her discombobulated all of a sudden. However Ricky Bowen was all over the place. Half the time he teases her, half he just stares as if trying to decipher her thoughts.

Was this his way of flirting or is simply being himself? If he was flirting should she flirt back? What if he's not actually interested? These were constant questions looming in her head and she would only get more confused after every interaction.

What is your deal Ricky Bowen? 

Gina was having a hard time knowing and she was having an even harder time how she felt about the curly headed man child with the pretty eyes. 

Maddox breaks Gina's train of thought and suggests they do a song together to which she happily agrees. 

She's taken vocal lessons over the years and considered herself a fine singer. But now she is at NYPAA. Where the singers here aren't just fine. Performing for the first time on a stage, she didn't want to be the weakest link here and the nerves were kicking in now. 

Maddox gets up and makes her way around the booth and extends her arm trying to reach for Gina's hand. " Let's go show the boys how it's done Gina " she says with a grin. 

Ashlyn and Kourtney start hollering and cheering them on as they make their way up the stage. Jet was slow clapping as well. She notices that Ricky however stood up and was standing at the bar. 

He whispers something to the bartender and then focuses his gaze directly at Gina and Maddox on stage laying his elbow on the bar top. Always so smooth, Ricky Bowen . Smooth talker, smooth standing up. She was almost annoyed at it. He couldn't possibly be this composed all the time. 

" Alright what do you want to sing? I'm down to do any song except heavy metal rock. I have to save my voice to practice " Maddox asks as she grabs two mics from the DJ booth table.

" No totally, I get it. I could not possibly pull that off anyways " Gina says with a nervous giggle. 

" Let's do Shawn Mendes, who doesn't love Shawn Medes?! Maddox  says with a huge grin. 

She did not know too much about Maddox yet, but she could tell that she was very sweet, and showed her kindness from the moment they met.

Gina and Maddox proceeded to belt  - Lost in Japan - By Shawn Mendes and the second Maddox began jumping up and down on the chorus, Gina followed her lead. Maddox's energy on stage was infectious. 

She was not sure how she'd fit in NY, at this school and with these faces all around her, but one thing she knew for sure was that she loved being on stage.

As soon as the song ends, Maddox bows while holding Gina's hand and gives her a hug " You were great! " 

" Are you kidding me? You were amazing. Thanks for singing with me Maddox" Gina replies

" Maddie....call me Maddie. My mom calls me Maddox when she calls to ask about the credit card bill. So please, call me Maddie " She jest with a crooked smith on her face . 

" You were AMAZING, Maddie " Gina replies with a wink as both girls share a  laugh and walk off the stage. 

Kourney and Ashyn performed a duet of Whitney Houston's  I wanna Dance with Somebody and were absolutely incredible . As the night went on, other students went on stage and performed songs like they were performing for American Idol or The Voice. Gina could see there was serious talent at this school. She'd need to be super focused if she was to make a name for herself here. That meant no boys or distractions No matter how cute they were. 

No Ricky Bowen .

Even if she was interested, which she wasn't...or she didn't know if she was to be quite honest.... Ricky is way too busy to be wasting his time on a freshman. Why is she even thinking about this?

Ricky had disappeared for  about 5 minutes before he showed back up to the booth guitar in hand and handed Jet a USB drive. " Give this to Jimmy, I'm going to set up " 

" Going with an original? you have all year man, go sing some Justin Timberlake " Jets says taking the USB drive from his hand. 

" That just wouldn't be style now, would it? " He replies, licking his bottom lip.

Always licking his lips...

Gina almost rolled her eyes at him....almost. Instead she looks at her hands and plays with her nails like she's not paying attention.

The lights turn down with a lone light pointing at the stage

Kourtney Ashlyn and Maddie start cheering as Ricky gets on stage. Others start to clap and cheer as well as you can feel a sense of excitement and anticipation amongst the crowd. 

Jets returns to the booth and pulls out his phone and starts recording.

As Ricky grabs the strap of his guitar he sits on a stool set up in the middle of the stage and looks back at the table and makes direct eye contact with Gina. He flashes a small smile at her then speaks into the Mic.

Gina feels a rush of heat rise on her cheeks, and looks away after a moment. 

" If you're new here my name is Ricky Bowen, and this song is called About Love . Hope you guys like it. And for those who DO know me...Hi " he waves as he draws a laugh from the crowd.  

All while looking right at Gina the entire time. 

No matter what, she was determined not to give him a reaction. She gave the best stoic face expression she could muster as he started playing a melody on his guitar. 

More mixed signals from this boy and she was starting to run out of ideas on how to react. 

Ricky looks back the DJ and begins to play on his guitar 

 Nooo sleep

You stay silent with your back to me

Just like those nose bleeds

We keep running 'til we both come clean 

Round and 'round we go

fading out like smoke

Nothing here love worth saving

Think it's time we talk

Both know what you want

Right now we need to face it

chorus

This ain't love

Let's be honest

You and me don't know a thing about love 

And I don't want it

I made my peace

Don't make me think about love

About love, About love

The song was really good. The melody was catchy and the chorus was a bop.

Gina could see just how talented Ricky was, and the presence he had on stage. His voice was sweet and smooth and made you want to melt into every lyric. 

He's going to be famous one day, she thought as she watched the intensity in which he performed his song.

One thing she also noticed is how personal the lyrics were. They felt very intimate and every note had a not so subtle message. He definitely wrote this about someone close to him and there was a hint of pain still lingering as he sang. 

As Ricky played the last melody of his song, people began to cheer and clap. 

Jet was too busy recording the performance but he was still hollering and barking sounds?

Boys...

 Kourt and the girls were cheering and clapping as well.

Might as well clap too. It's not like it was a bad performance. I can clap. 

When Ricky returned to the table the group was deliberating what they were going to do next, when Ashlyn chimes in " That was great Ricky. First original performance of the semester. Already prepping for the Winter showcase? " 

" Thanks Ash, not really prepping. I'm trying something new this year. We'll see what happens. Also I know you'll be composing something amazing per usual " Ricky complimented back. 

Ricky still managed to keep a very humble demeanor around his friends and Gina could see that despite his talents, he was always complimentary of those around him.

"So " Jets cut in ." Me and Kourt are going to get ice cream, do you guys wanna come? " 

" We actually can't, I have class early and I know Maddie has vocal lessons " Ashlyn responds with a pout. 

" I'm actually going to call it a night and head to my dorm. But you guys go ahead " Gina replied as she looked at her phone. 

" Ok babe, I can walk you back with Jet " Kourtney gestures at her and Jet

"No, no I can walk back by myself. You guys go ahead and enjoy your ice cream. "

All of a sudden Ricky gets up from his seat . " I can walk you back. I'm actually going to respectfully pass on the ice cream as well. Come on " 

Oh ?

Gina quickly got up from her seat . " No, that's totally fine. I can walk myself, thanks " 

She could feel another wave of heat rising on her cheeks and her stomach tightened into a knot. 

Gina was doing the best she could to hide her blush but was not sure if she could do a solo walk and have a conversation with Ricky right now.

How am I supposed to act around him? 

"It's really no big deal. Besides, you shouldn't be walking alone in the city at night. " Ricky replied, giving her a soft smile. 

" Yeah I agree with Ricky, Gina. Let the man walk you back! " Kourtney chimed with a stern tone. 

No point fighting it now. 

Ricky was going to walk her back to her dorm and Gina felt her hands literally begin to sweat.

The group walked outside and said their goodbyes as each couple went their own way until it was just Ricky and Gina alone standing on the street. 

Feeling a lot colder now, after leaving the warmth of the building Gina begins to shiver a little. 

She's only wearing a top and a light sweater and a pair of jeans.

Not nearly warm enough for Autumn in New York. 

Ricky notices this as they start to walk . " Here, take my jacket. "

" No, I'm fine " Gina replies as she puts her head down and crosses her arms tight.

Ricky cocks his brow and presses his lips into a thin line, before he shakes his head gently and looks back at her.

" Is your first response always a NO ? Or is that just for me? Please....I insist. Take my jacket. " Ricky takes off his jacket and puts it on Gina's shoulders.

A thousand thoughts run through her mind at once. 

She nods slowly, biting down the corner of her bottom lip. 

Why does he have to be so nice?  

"Thanks" She replies and she slips her arms in the jean jacket. 

A small silence follows them as they start to make their way through the streets. Even at 1:00am NYC always fills the air with noise of cars and people around them. 

"So, what do you think of your first week in NYC? Getting acclimated ? " Ricky shoves both his hands in his pocket.

" Going great. Everything is great. People are great. Students are great. It's...great" Shes says as she inflates her cheeks with fake air nodding sarcastically. 

" People here are assholes, or pretentious dorks with money and half the faculty here hates their jobs or makes it their job to make you hate it here " Ricky replied with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. 

"you won't find a lot of real people here. They either want to be your friends to further their own popularity, or they want to be you friend , so they can turn around and talk shit behind your back" 

Gina was actually shocked at his response, but also she felt a sense of relief. 

He wasn't just some dude playing perfect all the time. He was honest about how he viewed others here. 

Here I thought I was the only one.

Ricky continued . " Don't get me wrong, there are good people here like Kourt, Jet, Maddie, Ash... Carlos, who you haven't met yet but he's the funniest person on the planet. And some great teachers too like Miss Jen and Mazarra ....but the majority are just in it for themselves or their agenda. "

A small pause follows and Ricky looks down almost surprised that he said what he said. 

Gina finally breaks her silence. " Wow...that might have been the most real you've been with me since we've met" 

"You saying I'm full of shit, Porter? "

I'm saying, you're too perfect " Gina replies and immediately realizes what she said out loud. 

Why the fuck did I say that? Is my brain not working at all tonight? 

Gina and Ricky both make eye contact. 

She quickly dips her head down and he lets out a soft laugh.

A chill runs down her back and tries her best to hide her embarrassment. 

 " You think I'm perfect ? " he laughs.

"I'm far from perfect Gi. Trust me. I question every move I make ALL the time. "

Gina is thrown aback by him calling her GI.

" What did you call me? "  She asks raising both eyebrows as she looks up at him

"Sorry, it just kind of came out....I won't call you that if you don't want" he replies as he scratches the back of his neck

" It's ok Ricky. Nobody's ever called me that, but I like it. Let's make a deal. I will allow you to call me Gi, if you stop calling me Gigi. Deal?" They had made it to her door now and were standing face to face. 

She took a second to admire his features and her gaze lingered for a second too long before she looked down to break eye contact. 

"That sounds like a deal to me, Gi. Here give me your phone" Ricky extends his as Gina unlocks her phone and hands it to him.

"Ok you, give me yours" Gina takes his phone and inserts her number. 

Ricky snaps a selfie sticking out his tongue sideways making a peace sign and Gina does a cute duck face with a wink.

" Silly pictures for the win! " Ricky replies excitedly as he gives her back her phone. 

Gina starts to take off Ricky's jacket to hand it to him when  he says " No, keep it. Looks good on you. Besides this way I have an excuse to see you another day " 

Half a smirk starts to build in the corner of his lips.

She blushes a little as a pounding in her chest takes control of her. 

Even in the cool breezy night, she felt heat in her cheeks as they turned pink so she decided banter might be her best ally right now.

" You don't need to scheme if you want to see me Bowen " Gina replied

" You're right. We're friends now. I'll text you later. Have a good night Gi. " 

Ricky shoved both hands in his pocket and started walking away, but not before giving her one last turnaround look.

We're friends now...

Gina was not sure what just happened, but as she stood there still and dazed by what had just occurred. After all that she still did not know about Ricky's intentions. 

He says they're friends but in the flirtiest of ways. His signals were still all over the place and she'd need more time to figure him out

 One thing was now certain though. She and Ricky Bowen were friends now. Friends that WILL be texting later. 

Chapter Text

Ricky 

Ricky was perched up his motorcycle on campus parking lot waiting for Jet to finish class. He had checked his phone 3 times to look at his messages. 

No messages...

It had taken Ricky 9 days to finally text Gina something. 

His text? sunglasses wearing emoji and a waving hand. 

Her response? None. Left on read actually. What did he expect, really? Well at that point he didn't expect much but left on read? 

No messages...from Gina. 

" Still looking at your phone for an imaginary text from Gina? '' Jet mocks as he walks towards him.

He loved Jet, he really. But he had this uncanny ability to call him on his shit and to decipher exactly what he was doing. 

It annoyed him to no end, but also appreciated his honesty. It's what made him his best friend. 

The ability to keep it real and not act like another fake person on campus just trying to be his buddy for their own popularity.

Ricky sighs " I was not looking for any imaginary texts, shut up"

" That's what you get for waiting almost 2 weeks to text her, idiot. With an Emoji! I mean, what did you expect? "

Ricky frowned, rubbing his hands on his face. " OK fair, but not even a response? That's harsh"

Jet shakes his head as he reaches for the spare helmet on Ricky's motorcycle. 

"Then do something about it. Don't just wait for the situation to magically fix it self so stop crying to me about it and go see her" 

Jet was right for once. Ok maybe more than once but he would never say that out loud. 

Ricky took 9 days to text her. He could not find the right words to say .

 The way that night ended...the butterflies he felt. He was actually nervous and could not put a perfect way to open the conversation.

 He did however turn those butterflies into a song. So while his songwriting was red hot, his texting skills were not.

" You're right for once. I'm going to go see her. Right now. " Ricky replied

"Do you know what you're going to say?" 

"Nope" 

Jet begins to laugh. " Oh this should be fun " 

Through the entire ride over, Ricky pondered how he'd open his conversation with Gina.

Would she be happy to see him? Mad? Indifferent? 

He could tell why this was bothering him so much. He hadn't known her very long and had only shared no more than a few interactions. 

So why couldn't he just talk to her like a normal functioning human? And why was it bothering him so much that she hadn't responded? 

He tried hard to get any thoughts of doubt out of his head as they rode through the heavy traffic streets. 

As Ricky and Jet arrive at the dancers' dorm theater building, he is still searching for the words he's going to say to Gina when he sees her. He was unsure about her reaction, but he wasn't going to get answers without doing anything about it.

He just hoped that him coming to see her unannounced would not come off too strong.

Ricky and Jet enter the building and he stops in his tracks, as if running into an invisible wall. " Are you sure she's in class right now? " He asks.

"I'm sure dude. I texted Maddie and they are both in class right now. My intel is good. " 

"Alright then, time to go make an ass out of myself" Ricky says, cracking his neck.

" Yeah, a little too late for that " Jet retorts back with both his thumbs up. 

"I hate you, Park " 

"No you don't Bowen" 

Ricky makes his way through the hallway and up the elevator to the second floor.

He exits and makes his way down a long corridor where there's a long glass window to his left with a view to a wide dance studio in view.

Ricky scans the room until he spots Gina on the far right corner of the large room.

 There she is.....talking to some guy. 

Ricky immediately felt an easy feeling in his stomach. An irritation of sorts he could not quite control.

Whatever this feeling was, he did not like it, yet he could not help but stare. Gina looked animated while talking to this dude.

He did not know who he was, nor did he care to know. He also didn't like how close they were standing next to each other.

Everything about this scenario made knots in his stomach. 

Ricky moves away from the glass window and leans back on the wall across the dance room door, trying to avoid getting caught staring too long.

He did not want to give off stalker vibes, just standing there watching her from the dance room window. 

She'll find it weird enough that he's there. 

Class wraps up just a few minutes later and students start to make their way out of the dance studio.

As Ricky is leaning back on the wall scrolling through his phone he looks up as he spots Gina chatting with Maddie.

 She suddenly stops moving and freezes in place as she spots Ricky standing. She cocks her brow as her face falters for a moment looking back at him.

He felt a slight panic run through his chest, already dreading the decision to come see her without notice.

That does not look like someone who is happy to see him.

Be cool Ricky.....BE. COOL. 

Gina finally decides to slowly walk up to him. " Ricky....what are you doing here? " She asks with a clear look of confusion in her face.

Ricky fidgets while staring at the floor . " Oh, I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd come say hi" 

I was in the neighborhood? real fucking smooth.  

"In the neighborhood huh? and you just happened to know when my class was ending? Sure thing Bowen" Gina replied with a scoff, clearly looking irritated at this point.

She sees right through my bullshit.

Maddie, clearly seeing the tension that's filled the air, cuts in. "I have to go meet with Ash in a few, I'll let you guys catch up. " She gives Gina a serious  stare with an awkward grin, before she waves to Ricky and leaves quickly in the opposite direction.

Maddie is smart, she knows this situation is not ideal.

Gina sighs " I have to go Ricky, I'm supposed to go meet a friend for coffee"

"Oh yeah? That's too bad , I was about to ask you the same thing"  Ricky says flashing a small grin. 

All his attempts to lighten the mood are NOT working. 

Gina does not seem amused or pleased. If Ricky wanted an answer as to how she was feeling, then he's got his answer. 

It's actually worse than he thought. He might have fucked up big time. 

Gina ponders what he said momentarily, before she furrows her eyebrows and looks directly at him.

" I don't have time for games, Ricky. You ghost me for almost two weeks and then text me two emojis. I don't like games and I'm not gonna be just another girl here chasing you around "

Ouch

Ricky seems to be at a loss for words. He wasn't expecting her to be this brutally honest and he certainly was taken aback at how direct she was being.

In the end, he appreciated that she didn't just dance around the issue. 

Gina shakes her head when Ricky parts his lips but says nothing. 

She starts walking away towards the elevator, when Ricky finally snaps out his temporary silence and grabs her by the hand without thinking twice about it.

A slight jolt of electricity runs through his arm as they touch. 

Ricky can feel a buzz running though his head that makes him feel like he's suddenly concussed. 

He tries to shake the feeling off and regain his composure of sorts before he can finally open his mouth to talk.

" Look, I get it ok. I do. And I don't expect you to chase me around." Ricky says as Gina is now turned around staring at him with a frown expression.

 " I don't want you to chase me, It's ..... " he swallows and takes a small breath "it's why I'm here chasing you. "

The response manages to crack a small smile, and a softened look on her face.  

Ricky didn't realize that he was still holding on to her hand.

He did not mind it, and it seemed neither did she at that moment.

Gina turns her head away and looks up at the ceiling, as if debating with herself on what to say next. 

She finally turns back to him, and chews down on her cheek.

"I don't want you to chase me Ricky, I just don't want this fake, cool persona you walk around campus with. Just be yourself. " She replied softly.

Ricky finally lets go of her hand with a sigh.

" I know, I'm sorry. Let's start over. I think we can be good friends if you let me start again "

Friends? Why did I say Friends?  

Ricky wasn't sure why he said friends, but he knew he had to start somewhere and sometimes the best place to start was at the beginning.

Gina nodded " Sure, friends work Bowen. You can start by walking me to the elevator. " 

" Also Sorry, for grabbing your hand like that" 

"You just want to hold my hand Bowen" 

"You just want me to hold your hand, Porter"

Gina flashes half a smile and rolls her eyes as she starts to walk to the elevator as Ricky follows behind her.

"You sure you can't blow off your coffee hang, and spend time with your good friend Ricky Bowen? " Ricky says with a crooked grin across his face.

" Oh, good friends are we now? " She replies, eyebrows raised.

The elevator doors open and they make their way inside. Ricky can't shake the feeling of relief on being back in Gina's good graces.

He also can't shake the feeling of uneasiness knowing she has a coffee hang with someone else. Was it with the guy she was talking to in her class?

As the elevator starts to move, it suddenly stops and jolts causing Gina to fall forward on Ricky with their faces inches away from proximity of each other. 

Ricky widens his eyes as he catches her breath only inches away from him. 

His eyes land on her lips and then back on her gaze as they both look like they've frozen in place.

" I got you, Porter....I got you"

Chapter Text

Gina

Ricky Bowen's nose was mere inches away from hers. The curls on his head pressing gently on her forehead to the point where she could almost tell what kind of shampoo he uses (she couldn't).

His lips, slightly chapped yet close enough to taste, yet far away to cause a desire she could barely control. 

Every gasp of air and exhale he made washed over her, causing heat to rise though her cheeks making her blush undeniable to hide. An uncontrollable flutter vibrated through her chest all the way to her knees. 

Gina could not tell you how long this moment lasted but it felt like she had been leaning into Ricky for hours. 

She did not care. 

She didn't mind.

Gina has previously had close encounters with boys.

This wasn't some sort of new experience for her.

Robbie Parish....Her first crush in junior high. Their first kiss was awkward and clunky yet she felt oddly relieved to get it over with. A checklist of sorts she thought back then. Now she'd gotten that out of the way and her next experience she'd be more comfortable. 

She wasn't and her fling with Robbie lasted a week. 

Then there was Thomas Bellick in 10th grade who asked her out during PE.

She liked Thomas enough. He was respectful and sweet and had gorgeous green eyes, however there were no sparks there and they only got as far as one date and a friendly hug.

Her senior year was her most adventurous one. 

She was courted by baseball captain Derrick Klingsbury, and while Gina found him attractive, she found his personality dull.

Her crush however was Caleb Armstrong, who she shared AP biology with. He was smart, funny, charming and very sweet. 

When He asked to prom,  Gina thought that was the best day of her life.

The problem? Once again their kiss produced no sparks....no magic like you see in the movies, or read in books. 

It was at this point she decided her expectations were either too high, or boys her age simply weren't her cup of tea.

Or perhaps she watched too many movies and read too many novels. 

But then here comes Ricky Bowen....and mere physical effects this curly headed...wizard boy was causing her was something totally new and irrational.

Since day one, he had stirred all kinds of reactions and emotions from her and she could not say why or how, but he had her completely and utterly enchanted

Gine could not begin to tell you how she got to this point, but now here she was tripping figuratively and literally….over him.

His voice finally breaks her trance.

"Gi, are you ok?...do you need to sit down? " Ricky asks, giving her a soft look of concern in his eyes.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry... I lost my balance for a second" Gina mumbled through " I'm sorry... again, what's happening?" 

Ricky helps her regain her balance, gently grabbing her by the waist and standing her upright. " It's ok Gi, you have nothing to be sorry about. I think the Elevator is out "  

Gina tires her best to regain her composure, and she can feel literal heat coming from her ears - her cheeks red hot.

" Oh great, so we're stuck here?" Gina sighs

Is this really a bad thing?

"Looks like it...uh....shit...uh...fuck...uh...let me text Jet so he can contact maintenance "

There was a sudden shift in Ricky's face as he pulled out his phone to text Jet. He started getting pale and he was taking deeper and deeper breaths. 

His voice was suddenly shaky and timid.

His eyes started to widen, and his left foot was tapping on the ground rapidly.

The strong, calm and reassuring Ricky that saved her from landing face first into the elevator doors, was replaced by a nervous, jittery one, unable to control his sudden shaky hands. 

Gina places her hand on top of Ricky's as soon as he manages to put his phone away.

" Are you ok Ricky? " Gina asks with a growing  concerned look on her face. " You look a bit pale"

As she placed her hand on top of his she could feel how warm his hand was, and how intense it was trembling. His brows were furrowed and his lips were firmly pressed into a thin line.

"Yeah....no...I'm claustrophobic....like really claustrophobic and I'm kind of starting to really freak out. " he finally says as he pulls his hands to grab both his arms and starts to rock his body back and forth.

This was the first time Gina had seen Ricky Bowen....vulnerable. He was vulnerable and perhaps scared? 

All this time Ricky always felt like someone who was always in control of himself and his surroundings. Or at least acted like he was.

But whatever he was going through made him finally feel.... real to her.

Just another flawed human being. 

A beautiful flawed human being.

It's at this point that Gina realizes she has to do something to calm him down.

" Listen Ricky, it's going to be OK. Just take deep breaths ok? " She says, trying to get him to relax.

Gina starts to rub both his arms reassuringly trying to make him feel more secure of his surroundings.

It wasn't working. 

She takes a step closer trying to comfort him but it seems like it's not having any effect.

As she tries her best to keep him calm , Ricky's eyes start to well up and his face goes pale, his shaking starting to get visibly worse.

Panic starts to set into Gina's eyes, as she feels almost helpless. How can I help him calm down?

I need to help him relax.

She could not tell you why she did it or what propelled her to do what she did. 

Her gut simply told her to do it and she went with her instincts.

Gina cups Ricky's face slowly as she takes another step towards him, now face to face. 

"Do you trust me?" She says softly

Their eyes meet and the wind seems to be completely knocked out of her chest.

A small crease forms between his brows, as his eyes travel up and down her face.

" I trust you, Porter." he replied with a shaky, yet soft whisper .

Gina takes a hold of whatever courage she has left as she extends both her arm and slides underneath his. She runs the palm of hers through his shoulder blades and rests her head on his chest.

Ricky in turn, opens up his arms and hugs her back in return, interlocking his fingers behind her.

Gina felt as if the elevator was spinning now. The sudden rush of adrenaline surging through her as she melted into Ricky's embrace. 

She wasn't sure at this point who was the one that needed help more but his uncontrollable shaking snapped her back into reality quickly.

"Listen to me " she says "I want you to hug me, and take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale with me and match my rhythm, ok?" 

Ricky maintains his eyes close and presses his lips in a thin line nodding in agreement.

Gina continues to instruct him carefully trying to get him to fully focus on her.

"Close your eyes, …and inhale....one...two....exhale.....and inhale....one....two.....exhale " She instructs, keeping her gaze directly on him.

Gina notices after a few moments he becomes less tense and relaxes his shoulders.

Still he's got a full grip of him, as she matches him breath for breath. 

The warmth of being intertwined in his arms and every breath of air he exhales washing over her like waves crashing on a cliff, sending her into a daze and making knots in her stomach.

" Feeling better, Bowen?" Gina says, flashing a small pressed smile across her lips.

Without her realizing, she was rubbing his back gently while repeating the breathing exercise, but he did not seem to mind and neither did she.

"MUCH better, Porter " He replies, finally flashing some Ricky Bowen charm.

Gina could see him starting to relax, and regain his composure.

His shaking had subsided and color was rushing back into his cheeks.

As Ricky began to feel like himself, Gina wondered how much longer she should hold him for until he was totally ok? 

But as she pondered her next move she was met by Ricky's gaze staring directly at her

 As they held each other for a few silent seconds, Gina felt a tension in the air.

She wasn't sure if the elevator was moving or it was just her head spinning.

Why does this feel so good?

Ricky's breathing seemed to have steadied while he looked at her, as if trying to guess what she was thinking at that moment.

He runs his thumb gently on her chin biting down on the corner of his lip.

" Thank you Gi, ...you saved me there from a full panic attack...I ...I um...."

Spit it out.

" You're a good person...You um..." Ricky swallows nervously "You saved me from a total panic attack" 

A small smirk appeared at the corner of his lips. 

Gina lowers her gaze to his lips, she quickly lowers her head " What are friends for? right? "

FRIENDS?! Why did I say that?

Ricky lets go of her waist and takes a step back letting out a forced chuckle " Exactly. Friends do this kind stuff all the time. I'm so glad we're starting over as friends "

Gina steps back and leans on the elevator wall behind her forcing a chuckle.

"Right, starting over as friends...and friends do this for one another '' She exhales, eyes flickering .

Ricky's phone buzzes and its Jet replying that he contacted maintenance. 

Gina decides to sit down on the floor folding her knees to her chest, still trying to process what just happened.

What exactly did just happen? Was any of this real ? Her thoughts seemed to run in a blurry circle, making every rational thought foggy.

 Ricky sat next to her, still a little jittery but looking a lot more relaxed than before.

They look at each other, maintaining their gaze for a moment too long.

" Did Jet text you back saying how long till maintenance comes? " Gina asks, finally breaking the silence. 

"He did text me back but they didn't tell him a specific time, only that he had contacted them to let them know " He sighed

Ricky was still somewhat visibly uncomfortable despite now looking a lot more calm than before. 

Gina knew she had to keep his mind occupied somehow.

After a few moments of silence she blurts out " We should do something to pass the time "

Ricky tilts his head while giving her a curious side stare.

" Well what game do you have in mind Porter? "

" I presented the idea, Bowen. You think of a good game. Can't expect your hero to do and think of everything now can't we ?" Gina hummed tilting her back mocking his movements.

Ricky presses his lips in a thin line, before he retorts " Oh wow....you're never letting this go huh? This is a forever type deal "

"Oh absolutely, Mr Bowen. You should probably hang a poster of me on your wall"

" Well jokes on you Miss Porter, because that might actually improve my current wall décor "

Did he just say what I think he said?

Gina felt a rush of heat swoosh over her face, as if she had been left dazed and left gasping for air internally. 

She did her best to maintain a composed face but did not know if she was successful or not. 

Meanwhile Ricky adjusted his sitting position and sat up stiffly, almost as if he was a bit caught off guard by what he said. 

A small nervous smirk played on his lips . " Alright, so I have a game we can play, " He said, breaking the short silence. 

This might be the best/worst elevator ride ever?

" I'm going to say 3 things about myself, 2 of which will be true and one will be fake. "You have to guess which one is fake. This way we can see who's the biggest liar here and we get to know a little bit about each other in the process. Deal? " 

Gina was excited and terrified to play this game but she most certainly wasn't about to show the terrified part. " Deal, Mr Bowen, but you have to go first! " She answered enthusiastically 

Ricky flashed a half hearted smile, before nodding in agreement.

How they went from a potential hyperventilation attack to playing a quasi game of truth or lie she could not tell you, but here she was.

Stuck in an elevator with the curly headed enigma known as Ricky Bowen. 

"Deal, alright so here we go..... number 1.... I taught myself how to play guitar when I was 8. Number 2. I straightened my hair in junior high so I could look like Zac Efron... and number 3. I auditioned for The Voice but they never aired my footage " 

Ricky holds up 3 fingers and gives Gina an auspicious look as he waits for her to decipher which are real and which one is the lie. 

Gina tries to stare into Ricky's eyes and squints her eyes at him, trying to get a reaction out of him, hoping he gives her a sign of which is the lie and which is the truth. 

"Hey no cheating, Porter!"

"I'm not cheating, I'm simply trying to extract the answer from you Bowen. It's actually an interrogation tactic"

"Yeah, it's a tactic called cheating, but nice try Porter" Ricky replies with chuckle holding 3 fingers up on one hand

Finally for what seemed like an eternity, his signature smile had returned.

" I'm going to say that straightening your hair in junior high is a lie. There's now way you'd be crazy enough to ruin your signature curls. I can see the other two being real. " Gina replies, trying to hold back a giggle.

"You think I have signature curls? "

"That's all you got out of everything I said, Ricky Bowen ?"

"All I heard is you like my signature curls " Ricky replies with a ghostly smile forming on his lips.

" Oh god, you're so full of it " 

" My many adoring fans think otherwise, Porter "

"Yeah, the lack of air definitely affected your brain, Bowen"

Gina banters back and for a split second their eye contact lingers for a moment too long.

She finally turns her the opposite direction and scoffs. " Well? Did I get it right or not? "

" You got it wrong!.... I did straighten my hair out junior high" 

Gina covers her mouth and she lets out a hearty laugh. "What?! " 

 " Hey! I was only obsessed with Zac Efron in 17 again ! " 

Ricky's cheeks begin to turn pink before he clears his throat, and rubs the back of his neck.

Gina tilts her head and gives him an incredulous look " Right , right. Are there any videos or photos of this glorious occurrence? "

" Yes, but you'll have to pry them from my dead body, Gina" Ricky furrowed " Besides, if you're not trying to pay homage to the greatest performer of our generation, Zac Efron...are you even living? "

Gina starts turning red trying to contain her laughter  " of course not! I mean Zac is an icon, Mr Bowen. "

"Now you're speaking my language, Miss Porter "

Gina and Ricky both smile and a strange silence falls  between them. 

Once again the space between them felt tense, and the air felt as if it was charged with electricity.

Gina tilts her head down and stares at her hands placed on her lap, but she catches a glance from Ricky before he quickly looks away, as if realizing he was caught looking at her.  

What's going on in your head right now?

Ricky clears his throat before he speaks up, finally breaking the silence " Alright Gi, your turn. Hit me "

"SO...number 1. I auditioned for a Disney Channel show.... Number 2. I was captain of the Volleyball team... Number 3...." Gina hesitates before saying ... " I've never had a serious boyfriend " 

As Gina finished saying the 3rd option, instant regret plagued her mind. She had never open up like this. There was never a consistent person or friend that she had confided in to really open up to.

Friends were drama and chaos, which she did not need or care for. She figured those things would come later after she reached her goals. 

So why on earth she would say something so personal to a boy she hadn't interacted or knew for longer than a few weeks was beyond her understanding.  

Ricky's eyes widened while he held a shocked reaction on his face. 

He seems to gather his thoughts for a second before his lips part "Yeah there's no way number 3 is real. You're bad at this Porter. I'm going to go with number 2 is not true."

"Wrong" 

"Wrong?"

"Very wrong, Bowen." Gina fidgets with her fingers, refusing to make eye contact . 

He sits up on the floor and turns around, now facing Gina directly. Gina finally looks up at him chewing on her bottom lip. 

" I did make captain for Volleyball senior year...don't act so shocked that I can play sports Bowen.... I was also one of the tallest girls, so it wasn't hard."

Gina sits up straight before tilting her head.

"I auditioned for that Disney show called Shake it Up  when I was young, but we all know who got those roles ." She sighs, chewing on her top lip. 

Gina felt like Ricky's gaze was burning a hole directly on face, as he stared at her with a perplexed look on his face and was listening to her talk with intense curiosity.

She takes a small internal breath.

Too late to back out saying this now, right?

" I, however, have never had a serious boyfriend. I've been on a few dates and have had a few crushes....but no boyfriends''

She can feel her heart pounding as each beat feels like it could resonate off the elevator walls.

Ricky swallows and stares at her for a second ...  eyes flickering to nobody in particular before he cocks his brow. 

"That's so hard to believe...no that's crazy. I'm shocked, " He replied is disbelief.

 " Why is that so hard to believe? " Gina asks, as she wonders why the information she just gave him is so unbelievable to him. 

She turns from her sitting position, and sits facing him directly.

Well , he begins, scratching his cheek clearly taken aback by her reaction." Because you're one of the most beautiful girls I've ever met, I think ... .anyone ... would be absolutely out of their minds not to pursue you...." Ricky took a small breath before finishing ..."  or ...maybe you just haven't found anyone worthy but the people in your town must be idiots, or.... your population has 12 people in it....I know I would..."

Would?

Gina could feel it again. 

The heat wave. 

The tingling in her hands and palpitations in her chest were getting harder to contain and his big brown eyes felt like staring directly into the sun.

She had not noticed but Ricky was now slowly leaning towards her. 

Gina could feel herself gravitate towards him as well, as if they were two magnets pulling each other in. 

Her breathing became deep and eyes fluttered, gaze fixated on Ricky's lips..

Everything was now a blur running in slow motion for Gina, and she was suddenly not in control of her body limbs.

Right as they were about to get within inches of each other..... the elevator begins to move. 

Ricky jumps up quickly almost as if he was spooked by a ghost. 

He extends his hand to Gina to help her get up. 

The vibe between was suddenly completely different....awkward and stale.

Gina suddenly felt a pain at the pit of her stomach, and she was searching for answers. 

What's happening right now? 

Ricky's demeanor had changed instantly. 

As if the elevator moving had given him a completely different personality. 

He maintains his distance, refusing to make eye contact with Gina. 

Why is he acting so strange? What changed?

Ricky nervously turns towards the elevator giving her his back.

" So, you know we're going to have to do something about this never having a boyfriend thing Porter. Get you out there...ya know? update that dating profile asap" 

Dating profile ?

Everything he was saying stung. Each word was like a small needle poking her in the chest.

The mixture of signals this boy gave her was driving her insane, and she needed to get out of the elevator. She needed to run far away from this stupid moving box and forget every thought that ran through her brain.

She needed air and distance. She needed to get away from Ricky Bowen.

As the elevator doors finally open, Gina and Ricky step out and stand awkwardly in front of each other .

A tense silence fills the air between them making the atmosphere heavy around them.

Gina finally breaks the silence as she glances towards Ricky ...- But he keeps his gaze low to avoid eye contact. 

" Oh..yeah? Is that what you're going to do for me? Set me up? " Gina asks with an almost confused tone, pressing both her lips together. 

"Of course Gi, what are friends for? " he replies 

Friends ... 

Chapter Text

Ricky :

She's never had a boyfriend. That's insane... and the pressure that comes with that. The expectations...No way am I the right person to be Gina's first anything. I'm too screwed up and she's so....innocent, so sweet...and I'm just...me. Too much baggage, too unstable for her....we're better off as friends. We have to just be friends and I have to live with it. This is for the best. This is what's best for both...is it?

It is....I think.

These were the thoughts that Ricky had been wrestling with all week since the elevator incident as Jet likes to call it. He had replayed it one thousand times over in his head. Each moment just burns a hole in his brain. Their hug....how she felt, her scent...it was intoxicating....she smelled like vanilla,... jasmines and orange blossoms. 

Her kind smile and her words telling him he's going to be OK, just playing on a loop over and over again.

Ricky had never felt such an attraction to someone this quickly. 

Especially without warning and this sudden. 

After every interaction they shared it only made him feel more out of his element.

Gina made him feel vulnerable unlike anyone has before. It had been tough for him to maintain his composed demeanor...or his act of always being composed. 

Being in front of her was becoming increasingly harder as well.

Ever since last year, he swore he wouldn't let anyone ever again hurt him like Nini did. That he should focus on himself, his music and he would not be put in a vulnerable position.

But in front of Gina he felt naked. 

All his front and walls just crumbled and that freaked him out.

It freaked him out a lot. 

He felt every insecurity.. .he felt weak.

He couldn't.....he wouldn't allow himself to feel this way. 

So Ricky made the decision to not allow himself to be put in that position. 

Even more important now ? He would not let Gina become collateral damage over his fucked up past. She was too good for him and he knew it. 

The moment Ricky found out she never had a serious relationship he knew she deserved so much more than what he had to offer.

Someone who isn't so broken. 

This valiant and mature decision of course did not stop him from replaying the events in the elevator. 

But the one thing that had helped his situation was his writing. 

He had written 36 pages and 4 songs in less than a week and he could not seem to stop. 

That alone helped Ricky keep his mind on his music and away from his phone...almost.

He managed to text Gina the following day. 

An actual sentence this time. Shocking

 -"Hey, thanks again for helping through my panic attack."

-" ...... What are heroes for :) "

Ricky was sitting at the foot of his bed with his guitar in hand, completely lost in though when a pillow flew across the room, hitting him directly square in the face.

" What the actual fuck was that for! " Ricky yells out.

Jet starts to laugh as he walks to the kitchen. "Dude you're like a zombie. "

he continued . "Almost 2:00pm and we have to get to the studio if you want to get these songs on an actual track "

He grabs a beer from the fridge and drops his bag on the floor, shoving his free hand inside his pocket. " I know you're all inspired and what not, but I'd like to get this done as efficiently as possible. I actually have plans to go out tonight and not sit here and watch you mope about a girl that may or may not like you. "

Ricky cocked a brow " You're going out tonight? ....also I'm not moping....also, again .....shut up Park." he sighed 

"Right" Jet mocked with air quotes

" I'm not! "

".....no yeah, sure" 

Ricky furrowed his brow before getting off the floor . " You're adopted" 

"Don't care, I'm loved Bowen!" 

Both boys banter back and forth before leaving their dorm. They make the 15 minute drive on Ricky's bike to the studio on 45th street. 

Ricky and Jets spent the next 3 hours recording songs he had written that week . 

Thanks Gina. 

They go back and forth on tones and backdrops etc. before they finally wrap up for the night.

"Alright I think we got it " Jet says and he starts to turn off the equipment 

Ricky walks out of the booth and starts to put away his guitar. " You think any of these are good enough for the Winter Showcase? " 

Jet eye’d him raising an eyebrow " Ricky any of these are good enough for the showcase. You really should send Gina a thank you card. This is some of your best work " He replies, shaking his head. 

" First of all, stop bringing up Gina. '' Ricky replies, rolling his eyes. " And second of all, you still haven't told me where you're going out tonight, and WHY wasn't I invited."

Jets started to motion towards the exit "Can we talk while we walk? I still have to go home and get ready" 

As they make their way out outside the building Jet reaches for his helmet and says " I didn't invite you because Gina is going to be there and, based on how you've been moping around all week, I wasn' sure you would want to come"

Ricky shuts his eyes off and presses his lips in a straight line, before he responds. " For the last time, I have not been moping. And who said I can't be around Gina? " He replied "I can be around Gina because we're friends. And friends can totally be in same room together "

--------------------------

It was almost 10:00 pm and the boys were finishing getting ready for theri night out . Ricky was still wondering how he would react seeing Gina again after how awkward he made their goodbye at the elevator.

Better yet would he be able to handle seeing Gina again, without letting his urge to tell her how really felt win over him? 

The most confusing part of it all is he didn't quite know how he felt about her. It felt more than just a simple crush but there were traces of guilt as well. That part stumped him the most.

Was it because he still had unresolved feelings over his ex?  Was it because of the million mixed signals he had given her in the elevator? 

Ricky wasn't sure what the guilt meant and why it stirred within like it did. It tugged at his chest at every opportunity he had being around the curly headed smokeshow known as Gina Porter.

My god is she gorgeous. 

He was convinced Gina was completely unaware of just how beautiful she really was which made her that much more attractive. 

How he was going to make it through the night was a complete mystery but if they could be in the same room for a night without any weird, tense or awkward moments then he would be alright around her. 

A test of sorts and he needed to pass. Badly. 

For tonight's occasion they were going to The Red Eye, an upscale nightclub that they had never been to before, but supposedly it was very nice, so Converse and jeans and a t-shirt wasn't going to cut it. 

So he went with a V neck white tee a black blazer, black pants and white shoes.

Ricky gave himself one last look at the bathroom mirror before he stepped out ready to head out.

Here goes nothing.

As he steps out Jet is sitting on the couch, when his phone buzzes and looks up at Ricky with a slight frown on his lips.

Ricky shifts his stance, giving Jet a confused stare.

"What happened? Something wrong? "

"Just got a text from Maddie" Jet replies, rubbing the bottom part of his neck. "Looks like Kourtney and Gina pregamed of sorts before leaving for the club and now they're buzzed ...is the word my sister used....but sounds like it's more drunk than buzzed. "

Drunk?!

Ricky did not know how to feel about that. He didn't take Gina for someone that likes to get borderline drunk, then again he had not known her long enough to know that. 

The thought of a tipsy Gina Porter made him nervous. The night was getting unpredictable and he hadn't made it inside the club yet. 

Jets clears his throat as he gets off the couch. " That's not all though " 

Ricky widens his eyes, rubbing the side of his face anxiously. What else could there be ?

"Looks like Gina is there with some guy from her dance class. "

"Some guy? -Who?" 

"Dude named Kaden? Maddie knows him as well but that's about all the information I got." Jet pats Ricky on the shoulder sympathetically clearly feeling bad telling Ricky this information. "You ok? I'm sure it's nothing. "

Yeah, maybe it was nothing. Maybe it's something. Didn't he suggest to herself out there? Ricky felt like he was punched directly in the gut and was having trouble catching his breath.

"It doesn't matter dude. We're just friends and I made the decision to keep it that way so, you know what? Good for her... go Gina " 

"Whatever you say Richard, but in my experience both parties should be allowed to make that decision. "

"Yeah, you're right. Looks like she's doing just that tonight. " He replied with a stoic expression on his face.

Jet simply shook his head as the boys headed out. 

They caught a cab ride and were at the club entrance within 20 or minutes. The ride was quiet as Jet was glued to his phone while Ricky took the New York city lights and busy streets.

With every block they passed, he could feel his chest tighten and his hands getting clammy. This is what he wanted,.... this is how he wanted things to be. No way did he have any right to feel any type of way now. 

It's for the best...this is all for the best. 

As the boys exit the cab, Ricky takes one last deep breath  before they walk towards the entrance

The entrance to the club was a non-distinct door with a flickering sign above it: The Red Eye. 

The outside was a three story brick building painted red. Fitting.

Jets fist bumps one of the bouncers and within 30 seconds they were walking in.

Once inside, they made their way through a narrow corridor with black walls and red lamps.

As they make their way past a second set of doors, they're greeted by the loud sounds of music being blasted by the 20 or so speakers hanging from the ceiling and an endless amount of red and green laser lights. 

Walking past the main bar area, beyond the wood and red leather furniture , the area opened up to a semi-large dance floor. 

The dance floor was crowded with mostly drunk people, fueled by the sexual tension caused by liquor and many bodies in close proximity. At the very back of the club there was a small stage where bands could perform though now it was occupied by a DJ whose pulsing beats dictated the heartbeats of people dancing in front of him. 

In the far right corner next to the stage was the VIP area.  

Jet points over in that direction within seconds he's ambushed by Kourtney jumping on Jet enthusiastically, followed by a waving Maddie behind her.

" Jet!....I'm so glad you're here!...and Ricky! I'm also glad you're here! " She happily slurred as she held onto Jet's neck " 

Kourtney was clearly inebriated but not sloppy drunk either. 

"Hi guys!" Maddie greets the boys pressing her lips into half a smile. " I'm glad you guys are here. You are now in charge of the girls, I'm going to go meet up with Ash for dinner. They're both pretty tipsy so keep making them drink water! '' she yelled trying to cut through the loud music.

Ricky looks around scanning the room. "Where is Gina ?" he asks

Maddie cups his face by the chin and directs his gaze to where Gina Porter was seated in the VIP couches....giggling and chatting with what I can only presume is Kaden.

Heat rose to Ricky's cheeks and a trace of jealousy ? overtook him. He felt his entire body tense up. 

Maddie said her goodbyes to Kourtney and Jet, and then took one last look at Ricky and narrowed her eyes as she moved her lips saying "watch her" .

He understood what she said and nodded in agreement. 

" Kourt wants to dance bro, you good? " Jet asked, grabbing his shoulder.

Ricky didn't know what he was going to do or say but he wanted to be by her side. 

He needed to be by her side. 

" I'm good " Ricky yelled through the loud music beats over his head. 

He started making his way through the crowd, the fog and the lights, all he could think about was how awkward he made things last time they saw each other. He was not sure how she would greet him. Did she even know he was coming?  

All the thoughts went blank when he finally laid eyes on her fully for the first time. 

She had on a sparkly white mini dress, with high cut on the sides revealing her thighs and a strapless back. She was stunning...so stunning Ricky was worried he'd forget his own name. 

I'm.. Ricky, right?  

His hands were mush, his brow was sweaty and he was pretty sure he was on the verge of another panic attack. 

The reaction she gave him however was completely unexpected when she saw him by the velvet ropes entrance of the VIP area.

"Ricky! you came! " Gina squealed in delight as she jumped off the couch. " It's ok, he's with me " She says to the bouncer by the entrance.

As Gina came towards him, he felt frozen in place. He was tense and hands clammy, suddenly the noise dissipated and he could not hear absolutely nothing going on around him. 

As soon as she walks around the red leather sofa on the other side, Gina lunges towards him, wrapping her arms around him, tightly engulfing him with her embrace. 

She felt warm, her soft skin causing jolts of electricity bouncing off his chest while being completely lost in her scent bursting of citrus red berries and jasmines.

I won't survive tonight.

Gina leans back and wraps her arms around his neck. Her eyes scans his face, before she leans forward whispering in his ear.

" You clean up nice, Bowen" 

"You saying I dress poorly, Porter ? " 

Gina looks at him as she gives him a pondering look before chewing on the corner of her bottom lip. "I'm saying its nice that you have more than one look " 

"You mean that or is that the liquor talking? "

"You think I'm drunk , Bowen ?

Ricky snaps his head slightly to look at the beautiful dark haired bombshell pressed against him.

"I think you're intoxicated some, but I don't know I can't tell for sure "

" Oh is that so ? " She replies, a small giggle escaping her lips.

It's at this point where Gina decided to take over the conversation and all his bodily movements. His mouth went dry as the club's walls spun around him.

" Only one way to find out Richard, but first you're going to dance with me, because I love this song " She replies as she grabs him by the blazer to pull him in close.

Ricky's lips parted as he cocked his brow. I don't dance Gi, and what about your date?"

"He’s just a friend and It's not a request, Bowen. " As she whispers into his ear, sending heat rushing to his cheeks.

“If you whisper in my ear one more time like that, I’ll follow you anywhere.” He replied .

“Oh, will you, now?” Her brown eyes danced with amusement. “Well, then. How can I decline such an offer?” Gina leaned forward to exhale delicately in his ear, so close he could feel the warmth of her body on his skin.

“Well, then,” he said. “It seems I’m yours. Now that you have me, where are you going to lead me?” Ricky replied tilting his head slightly as his eyes traveled from eyes to her lips and back again.

“Into temptation.” She took Ricky's hand in hers, long fingers stroking his palm. “But first, dancing!”

“You may have me at a disadvantage—”

“Oh, I certainly hope so.”

“—but I’m afraid I’m not much of a dancer,” he finished.

“I have every confidence you’re a quick learner.” With a sly wink over her shoulder, Gina led him onto the dance floor, where dozens of people already turned and flowed, in twos and threes and fours, to the languid beat of the music. She pressed herself lightly to him, one hand light on the back of his neck. The music folded around them, as gentle as a summer’s rain. 

Gina twirled free of his arms, her dress flaring for a moment from her hips, then spun back to him, pressing her chest upon his, with their lips only inches apart.

Ricky's breath caught at the nearness of her, the subtle scent of her skin. He was so close to losing his mind every time she pressed against him. A feeling of excitement and guilt ran through him.

“Am I distracting you?” She asked, a mischievous seductive smile played on her lips.

"I don’t usually do this.”

Her hand crept fractionally up the back of his neck, sending shivers down his arms. “Do what?” she purred.

“Dance flirtatiously .” He replied, trying to act as if the proximity of their faces so close together wasn't killing him.

“Dance flirtatiously?” Something mischievous sparkled in her eyes. “Is that what we're doing?”

“I certainly hope so, or else I’m going to feel very silly.”

Gina's eyes searched his face. “I think that you're lying. You definitely enjoy dancing flirtatiously.”

“That might be true,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean I'm good at it "

"So,....I rarely do this either.” She replies as she gives Ricky her back and grinds down on him and back up as her hand runs up the back of his neck before turning around to face him again.

She was teasing him and he knew it. Worst of all he was completely powerless to do anything about it. 

“Do what?”  He asked 

“Dance flirtatiously  "

Oh?

" Want to hear another confession? " she continued

" What's that? " He asked.

Gina moved in closer, until her lips almost grazed his ear. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you since we started dancing.”

Ricky could not believe what he just heard.

She wants to kiss me ?!

He could feel his cheeks turning red hot, and his back stiffened. Was this really her talking or was it the alcohol talking? He could not think straight but that guilt crept up again. All of this felt so wrong yet so right all at once. 

"Is that what you really want? " He replied as his lips pressed together.

" Tell me what you want " She stepped back. 

Ricky spun her beneath his arm, then caught her again. She laughed. 

"Well, what exactly are you offering Porter? "

“No.” Gina shook her head. “I see what you’re doing, and it isn't going to work Bowen."

"What am I doing ?" He spun her beneath his arm once more. She stepped in close, smirking. 

"I already told you what I'm thinking. No way are you answering my question with another question."

“You’re trouble.” He replies

"You're dangerous. Gina retorts, flashing a rueful smile.

"That's so, Porter? "

“Maybe I like living dangerously, Bowen.” She replied as she pressed her cheek against his blowing gently into his ear.

Ricky felt as if he was somehow dreaming.

The music rose around them. 

Ricky spun Gina out, fingers laced lightly with hers. 

He traced her body with his eyes, his expressions appraising.

“Yes?” she said when she was back in his arms. “Do you like what you see?” She said to him a seductive sly smile playing on her face. 

Gina is absolutely enjoying torturing him.

“I do.” Ricky replies as if he is gasping for air. 

"I still want an answer Bowen. What do you want ?" Her fingertips caressed the back of his neck.

“I feel that, in the proper spirit of this evening, I should perhaps ask you something.”

Gina's eyes glowed. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear what you say next.”

There was so much Ricky wanted to ask her, there and then. He wanted to take her away from the club and go somewhere they could talk.

He wanted to ask her on a proper date where he could wine and dine her and show her off. He wanted to ask her why him? ....so many things floated in his brain but yet that one feeling that kept showing up was guilt.

Guilty because he'd been so hot and cold with her. 

Guilt that this might not be really her and as much he enjoyed this sassy, sexy side of Gina, he did not want to feel like he was taking advantage of her in any way. She wasn't fully herself.

Ricky stops dancing and grabs her hand as he pulls her from the dance floor leading her towards the back end wall of the club.

As they reach the wall she grabs him by his shirt pulling him towards the wall pinning her against it.

Ricky's body is pressed tightly on Gina , making every heartbeat feel like just another thump from the club music.  His breathing had become heavy as her lips grazed his.

 He could almost taste her lip gloss.

The dark corner of the club plus smokiness made by the fog machine mixed with red and green neon lights provided a haze which made it feel like it was just him and her alone as the music beat bounced off and vibrated off the club's walls.

Every urge and desire to kiss her right then and there was tugging at him. 

However the guilt that had lingered on him all day once again resurfaced. 

He wanted this so badly....but something about it felt wrong. His gut was telling him something and his heart was saying something else.

There was only one option to his conundrum, and neither of them were going to like it. 

"You wanted to ask me something, Bowen? " She says, breaking his train of thought.

Ricky swallows hard . " Yeah, I wanted to ask, ... Gina I was going to ask you if ...if uh...if it's ok if we don't do this tonight...not like this. You're not yourself and I really value you as a friend to fuck that up. "

As the words left his mouth, Gina's expression became stoic, almost unreadable. 

The mood had changed instantly and the air around them was heavy with fog and tension mixed in.

" Friendship huh? ...you value our friendship? "

" Yes...I do and I- " he replied, but Gina interrupted him before he could finish.

"If that's what you want Bowen, and if that is how you feel, then that is exactly how it's going to be."

Gina pressed her hands across his chest, pushing him off. 

She leans off the wall and walks past him before turning around to face him directly. 

"You know what? I'm a big girl, Ricky. I don't need you looking out for me, or acting like I'm some stupid drunk damsel in distress. " she continued ... "I don't need alcohol to tell you where I stand with you, or how I feel or what I want. "

Her bright glowing gaze had now changed to one filled with confusion and disappointment.

"I don't need you to take care of me or try to be a moral compass, I just need you to be honest. I need someone who knows what he wants...and you clearly don't. "

Ricky felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. Gina's words cut through him in a way he had not experienced in a long time. Last summer was rough but somehow this felt worse.

"Gina, I'm just trying to do the right thing here. You don't want this ..trust me...I don't -"

"You don't know me long enough for me to trust you and you sure as hell don't get to tell me what I want, Bowen. "

Gina starts walking away as Ricky starts to yell through the music " Gina, where are you going, let me at least take you home? "

She does not look back as she replies "I have other friends Ricky, we're good " 

Just like that Gina disappears into the crowd and the feeling of guilt has now been overcome by that of sadness.

Chapter Text

Gina :

Values. Our. Friendship . How could I be THIS stupid. Did I misread the signs? No! he flirted back ! I know he did, I wasn't even that drunk. Was I? I might never drink again....

... ..He values our friendship ...I'm such an idiot. I spent my entire teenage life avoiding boy drama only to....omg Kaden! I just left him there. All for that stupid Ricky Bowen and his stupid face and his stupid mop of curls and his stupid beautiful eyes....his really stupid beautiful eyes....screw you stupid beautiful Ricky Bowen...

" Earth to Gina! " - Maddie spoke up, snapping Gina out of her trance .

"I'm sorry Maddie, my head is still sort of spinning and last night's events are still buzzing in my brain. Never let me drink again. "

Yesterday was really a blur of events for Gina. From being convinced to go out ( and get dressed ) by Kourtney, to the moment they pregame. A total blur.

Kaden had texted earlier asking what her plans were and to be honest, she thought that perhaps she was so wrapped up in deciphering Ricky, that she had not given Kaden a proper chance to get to know him better. Of course, Mr Bowen made an appearance and the rest -well - the rest she'd like to forget it happened. But she couldn't.

How could she? How could she possibly forget how it felt to be in Ricky's arms or the jolt of electricity she felt when their hands touched, or the vibrations she felt when they..-.

" Gina, are you ok ? " Maddie once again interrupted her thoughts as she cocked her brow.

"I am ! I- " Her lips parted but she could not get her thoughts into words. 

"-I just feel like last night was a blur, and I left Kaden there. I just feel horrible and really stupid about everything. "

Maddie sits next to her and gently rubs her back sympathetically . " Gina, you did nothing wrong. Ricky is complicated and had a rough year last semester. I'm not excusing him for giving you mixed signals, I'm simply saying this isn't your fault. "

"...I know but -"

"No buts! You are not the problem here. Ricky needs to figure his shit out. Also Kaden didn't take you home? how'd you get back? " 

Gina chewed on cheek  as she sighed . " I took a cab "

" I'm going to kill Ricky and Jet !"

A giggle escaped her lips as she shook her head.

"To be fair, I left pretty abruptly. " Gina responded, fidgeting with her fingers.

Maddie pressed her lips into a thin line before she responded . " To be fair, boys are fucking idiots, Gi " 

For a second she forgot all about Ricky and last night's blunder and as both girls burst into laughter .

Gina felt really thankful that Maddie was there to bring her comfort. 

She had woken up to several texts, and then knocks from Maddie checking on her in the morning and while she was slightly annoyed to be awoken in the middle of her sleep, she was glad the persistent blonde was there to offer her support. 

They had talked and shared moments walking to and in class, but today felt like a real bonding moment between them. 

She hadn't made many friends over the years, and did not really mind not having any. 

Maddie felt like the first real friend she's ever had, and she was really glad that someone other than her mom was looking out for her. 

For a brief moment, silence filled the room between both girls as they checked their respective phones, before Gina finally spoke .

"Mads, what actually happened last year that screwed up Ricky so badly? "

Maddie put her phone down as she furrowed her brow for a second, pressing her lips into a small frown as she pondered for a second as if deliberating if she should say anything or not .

She looks up and gives Gina a tentative look as her lips finally parted. 

"Look, it's not really my place to say. " She exhales and continues. " But I'll tell you this because I think it's only fair that you know what you're dealing with. Ricky was in a very public relationship last year with Nina Salazar-Roberts and it didn't end well. "

" - Nina ? the singer? "

"That's the one." She went to school here and her and Ricky were pretty serious, until she blew up on YouTube and Instagram, got really popular and got a record deal. "

" Kourt had said he had a public relationship last year, but she never said it was her. "

Maddie sighs " It was her, she left school and went touring all over the country which led to their break up. " 

All this information was starting to make sense now. 

She could understand why he'd be hesitant to put himself out there again, but did he think that she was going to hurt him too? Is this the reason why he seems to be holding back? 

Whatever the reasons were, it was not enough to excuse him. How could he think she would ever hurt him without giving her an actual chance?

So many things were making sense, while even more questions popped into Gina's head with all this new information. 

It was a lot to process.

"Look Gina, I shouldn't be telling you all this, but I also don't want to see you lose your shit over things you know nothing about. '' Maddie pauses momentarily . "But you should know what you're getting yourself into. If Ricky is serious about being your friend, then you should talk to him. A real conversation for once. " 

A real conversation is easier said than done. 

Maddie was right, she needed to know where she stood with Ricky once and for all. She needed to have a real conversation and set things right.

Not in an elevator or a nightclub. 

It was time she took the initiative and stopped hoping something would happen. It'll be the only way she can move past all this. 

She impulsively picks up her phone laying next to her as Maddie looks on curiously.

Gina : Hey...can we talk?

Gina : My place. 20 mins?

Ricky : Hey, yeah sure I was actually meaning to talk to you..

Gina : Good. I'll see you here.

Ricky : Ok.

"I'm taking your advice, I just texted Ricky. He's coming over in twenty minutes. "

Maddie gives Gina a look of disbelief . " Wow I wasn't expecting that to be so sudden but I support it. " 

She smiled slightly at her as she glanced at her phone one last time to make sure she had just done what she did. 

" Thanks Mads. For everything. " She sighed before looking at her phone again. " Hey by the way have you heard from Kourt? I saw a text from her last night telling me she was staying with your brother but I never texted her back. "

" Yeah she's sleeping it off at Jet's place. It's a good thing those two are just friends ! "

Both share a small laugh and a hug as Maddie heads towards the door.

"Text me if you need anything, ok? " 

"I will."  

Gina rushed to the bathroom to freshen herself up before Ricky could arrive. What was she going to say? She wasn't quite sure, but a straight answer for once would be swell. 

15 or so minutes go by as she takes a quick shower and puts on a sweatshirt and sweatpants.

As she was finishing brushing her teeth,  her phone buzzed. 

Ricky : I'm your front door

Gina : Coming

As Gina walks towards her front door she can feel the nervous jitters in her stomach.

As she opened the door there he was, and suddenly her resolve seemed to weaken by him just standing there. 

"You could of just knocked, Bowen "

"Yeah, I- " Ricky shoves both hands in his pocket, rocking his heels. 

"-I don't know why I did that? " 

His face looked tired, and he had bags under his eyes. Looked almost as if he hadn't slept at all. 

"Come in, you don't have to stay by the door Ricky "

He nods his head slowly and makes his way inside, and stands by the living room area. 

The air was filled with awkward tension around them and a brief silence followed as if both were looking for the right words to say. 

Finally Ricky cleared his throat to break the silence.

 "Look Gi, I know what I did last night was kind of messed up. I fucked up by allowing the situation to escalate, and I know for a fact that I've been all over the place with you. " He sighed as he rocked his heels one more time before continuing . "I went through a lot of shit last year, and I'm just not in the right space of mind to offer anything more than a friendship. I actually care about you. "

Gina felt sincerity in his voice.

"I don't need you to look out for me Ricky, I just need you to let me make my own decisions. I know you mean well, but it actually makes things more confusing. I can't keep chasing you around, so if this what you really want then I just want to be clear about that "

Of course she didn't want this but it beats the alternative of not being able to be around him at all.

"Also stop trying to be this protector of mines. I'm a big girl Bowen '' as she crossed her arms and her lips curved into a small frown.

A small smirk forms at the corner of Ricky's lips.

"Don't hate me Gi, I was only trying to do the right thing " 

"I don’t hate you, Bowen. I just strongly dislike you.”

"I want you to feel safe when you're around me and I want your- " he pauses for a brief moment..."I don't want you to feel like I'm somehow taking advantage of you. " He replied with a strained voice.

"I get that Ricky. I'm thankful that you were looking out for me…But I can take care of myself. " She sighed

"-I get that...I do. I'm sorry Gi...I just need time to sort things out and you don't deserve to be collateral damage because of me-. "

Gina took a long hard look at him, searching his eyes for some sort of clue as to what he actually meant by that. 

She understood his motives for the other night, but he was not absolved for participating. While her disappointment lingered at the thought of only being friends, she was glad he was being honest with her.

"I'm gonna be sorry about this, but I forgive you Ricky Bowen...don't make me regret it. " 

"Hug it out?"

"Really?"

"Hey now, hugging is the best form of communication that lets the other person know that they matter "

"...You're so corny, Bowen. " She rolled her eyes as she hugged the tall curly headed man child. His arms wrapped around me pulling me into his chest. His breath brushed my neck, sending shivers down my back as he swayed us from left to right

"and yet here you are...hugging me" 

They hugged momentarily before they broke apart and despite having set boundaries on their new reformed friendship she could help but feel disappointment at being let go from his embrace. The twists and knots in her stomach by simply being in his proximity were gnawing at her. 

"I got you something "  He said looking down at her .

Oh? 

He started searching the inside pocket of his leather jacket until he pulled out two small bead bracelets. 

One had red pink and purple beads with a small pink ballerina charm and the other had black purple and blue beads with a small silver guitar charm.

"What's this ? She asked curiously, staring down at the two bracelets in his hands .

The boy glanced at her briefly before holding up the bracelets . 

"Well, I spent all morning actually thinking of a way to apologize and thought what better than to do that then with a gift? " 

"A gift? You spent all morning looking for a gift? "

"Well, yes. I really did have the intention of talking to you today, you just beat me to it. So I got us these bracelets. You know to commemorate our friendship" 

Gina was taken aback by the gesture and let out a small awkward laugh. 

Every time she thought she had Ricky figured out he managed to do something completely unexpected.

It was going to make being friends with him all that much harder.

"So friendship bracelets? You are so corny Bowen '' She jest even though she was actually screaming on the inside. 

"Maybe, but you're going to wear it anyway, Porter. "

What Gina hadn't noticed was that the beads had letters on that said Porter BFF and the other said Bowen BFF.

"Ok so mine is obviously the guitar but it says Porter BFF and the ballerina is yours which says Bowen BFF." 

Gina could feel heat rising in her cheeks by the second. She was trying her hardest not to smile but she wasn't sure that it was possible to hide even if she wore a mask.

As he slid on the bracelet on her wrist, she felt as though she held her breath for what seemed like 10 minutes before she could exhale. 

His gaze met hers and lingered for a second too long before they both looked away. 

I'm so screwed. 

Chapter Text

Rockefeller part 1. 

Jet : 

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

Ding! 

"Ricky, I can only assume that whoever is sending a million texts, is someone that rhymes with Tina. You know, your friend . " Jet mutters as he tilts his head looking over at Ricky laying on his back on the couch .

"First of all, it's bad manners to assume. " He frowned "Second of all, your point? "

Richard Bowen, if you could only get your head out of your ass just this once, Jet thought to himself. 

"My point is your friendship is bullshit, Bowen. You guys have been texting non stop for the better part of a month now. When are you going to stop being a jackass and just ask her out? "

"Wait, can we-" Ricky sits up pressing his lips into a thin line before he continues. 

"-I've told you why Jet. I just can't, ok? It's better this way. And we have NOT been texting nonstop. "

Right as Ricky finishes talking his phone dings as if on cue. 

Ding!

Jet chuckles as he and Ricky both stare at each other and then both look at his phone laying on the couch and then back at each other.

Instincts told him Ricky would lunge for the phone before he could get to it, so he decided his best option was to lunge at his legs first. 

As he dives for Ricky's ankles, he falls forward on the couch. 

His chance is now there to reach for the phone but as he grabs hold, Ricky jumps on his back and reaches over the top grabbing hold of the phone as well. 

"Dude, if you don't let go of my phone, I'm going to take a chunk of your precious hair and make mittens! " Ricky mutters as he struggles to grab control of the phone from him. 

"Oh yeah?, well if it's not Gina why can't I see! " 

"Invasion of privacy much?! " 

"Delusional much?!" 

For the better part of 3 years Ricky had been his best friend and confidant. He would tell him everything and anything. From lyrics he could not finish on a song, to issues with his dad. Childhood dreams and memories and the tragedy he endured years ago at home. 

They would share it all. 

But Ricky for some very strange reason was very guarded when it came to his love life. His disastrous break up and how he dealt with heartbreak?

Never mentioned a word. 

He just suppresses all these emotions and it still baffles him. If he pushed the subject he would just shut down on him so now we just don't even talk about it, but deep down inside he wished Ricky would finally open up. 

As the two boys rolled around the floor trying to get control of Ricky's phone, Kourtney  walked out of Jet's room as they stopped and looked towards the confused girl standing over them.

"I don't know what you two morons are doing, but it's way too early. "

Ricky takes advantage of his momentary distraction to finally grab the phone and yank it away from his grasp. 

"Well tell your idiot boyfriend to keep his hands to himself. "

"First of all- " As he was going to finish his sentence, Kourtney interjected. 

"Um, he is not my boyfriend. We are simply hanging out. " She sighed.

He nods. "-What she said."

"Yeah who's delusional now. " Ricky snorted

Well he's not wrong there, but things were going so well with Kourt, that not putting labels on their relationship had actually worked perfectly fine. 

If it's not broken, why fix it? 

Jet finally sat back down on the couch as he snapped his head back at Ricky.  "Yeah, the difference is we don't try to hide it dumbass."

Ricky gave a light groan as he started putting on his shoes and looking for his bag. 

Meanwhile Kourtney made her way to the couch and sat next to him.

"By the way Ricky, me and Jet are going to Rockefeller tonight and I've spoken to Gina and she will be coming as well. Do you want to come? " She asked.

"Why am I always the last to know about these plans? And you said Gina is going? She hadn't mentioned anything "

"Well I'm telling you now. " she crossed her arms raising a brow. " Besides this was a last minute plan of mine and I'm confirming it now. So you're coming right? "

 He couldn't help but laugh at that last part.

"What are you kidding? Gina's going, of course he's going. " Jet chuckled. 

Ricky reaches for his guitar as he sighs.

"Here's something people probably ask you all the time, Jet. To shut up . "He responded sarcastically.

 Kourtney let out a giggle before covering her mouth. 

"Yeah Kourt count me in, I got to get to class, just text me details. " 

She nods. "Sounds good, babes. " 

As Ricky makes for the door he sticks out his middle finger at Jet without making eye contact. 

"I love you too, buddy! " He yells out.

Once sure Ricky is gone he  turns to Kourtney. " Alright so run me through this plan again? " 

"Huh?" Kourtney was perplexed as she looked at him. " There is no plan Jet, we're simply going to push them in the right direction."

Now he didn't understand. "So there is no plan, we're just simply inviting them to a group hang out and then we're not going to show up? " 

"Correct.” 

"I see, and that will accomplish what exactly? "

She paused for a second tapping her index finger on her bottom lip. "Not really sure, but it can't possibly hurt and besides, they both want this. They just don't know it yet." 

A small smirk played on her lips. " Which reminds me...." 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ricky :

Ding!

Gina : So Rockefeller Center...did you know about this plan? 

                                                        Ricky : I had no idea until Kourt and Jet told me               

                                                        today.

Gina : Are you going? 

"Richard, you better put that phone away before Miss Jen beats you with your own guitar."

"She won't have to do that Carlos if you can just keep your big mouth shut? "

"My mouth is exquisite and perfectly sized, so please stop projecting. " 

Carlos is so extra sometimes. Well most times.

                                                        Ricky : Yeah, I'll be there. But I can't skate at all

Gina : Lucky for you Bowen, I can.

                                                       Ricky : You're going to teach me how to ice skate

                                                       Porter?                                                                 

Gina : Sure, or maybe I'll just record you falling on your ass, Bowen :)

He couldn't help but chuckle at Gina's last text. 

Unfortunately for him, Miss Jen heard that and was looking right at him as he looked back up.

"Most normal people silence their phones Rick" Carlos muttered under his breath

Miss Jen turned around to direct all her attention towards him. "Mr. Bowen, I assume that must be a text from Universal records or Republic. Otherwise if you don't put away your cell phone I will dress you in a hot pink tutu and leotard and make you sing "I'm a little teapot” in front of the entire student body."

Miss Jen could be either the sweetest and nicest person you've ever come across, or an absolute nightmare that can bring fear into any human alive. He preferred not to test her either way. 

Clearing his throat. " Sorry Miss Jen, won't happen again. "

She gives Ricky a perky smile with a sly wink . "Good, now class as I was saying. The Mid Winter Showcase is a month away. This is fifty percent of your grade. I need a set list and performance numbers on my desk by next Friday."

The Mid Winter showcase was one of the schools biggest events of the year. You'd get producers and Broadway casting agents and record label execs scouting their next big talent. It also meant showcasing your talents to over 4 million of the school's YouTube and Instagram followers. 

He had worked so hard to be in this position but somehow all of that seemed to matter a little bit less this year. 

Music wise he had found his muse in Gina. Just thinking of her inspired him to write so much. 

But it was bittersweet knowing he could just write how he felt in a song, and not act on any of it.

It was a price he was willing to pay. 

He couldn't put her through his mess.

Trying to figure out if he was even over Nini yet was hard enough.  

Gina's first boyfriend should be someone who doesn't have his baggage. She deserves that and so much more. 

As he was lost in thought, Carlos clears his throat. "So, word on the street is you're smitten with someone Richard. Anyone I know? "

"Who said I was smitten? "

"Ah, so there is someone. "

Who has he been talking to? 

"That's not what I said Carlos"

"You didn't deny either. " He said with an auspicious look on his face.

He got him there. 

Carlos was like a network of gossip. He knew of just about every rumor circulating on campus. 

It was actually quite impressive to be honest. 

He could always count on him knowing the latest school news and hearsay. It was a lot more annoying when that hearsay was about him.

Annoying as fuck actually. 

"Carlos don't you have something to go choreograph or another student to go snoop on? "

"Choreography is on point and snooping on you is way more fun. "

"I highly doubt that "

Carlos clicks his tongue as he shakes his head. "That's your first mistake Richard. You should never doubt me. " 

He was never going to win this banter. 

His eyes darted towards the exit as he gathered his things trying to avoid continuing this conversation.

Before he could turn around to leave he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. 

"Hey handsome, where's the fire? " 

As he turns around it's one of his classmates, Val.

Before he could respond Carlos interjected from behind her. " Oh honey, no. " 

He shook his head as the confused blonde looked at him side eyed. 

"Um, anyways" She scoffed. "So do you have your number ready for the showcase? "

"Hey Val, yeah I think I have a number picked out. You? "

"I haven't decided yet but I might do my dance number with a partner, I don't know we'll see. "

He liked Val. She was talented, smart and attractive. No one would deny that she wasn't beautiful. 

But there was something about her that didn't seem genuine. 

Like she tried way too hard to be perfect all the time. 

Not that he wasn't enjoying talking to her while being hawked by an onlooking Carlos like he was being studied in a lab cage but he really needed to get out of that classroom. 

As he walked towards the door She and Carlos followed. "That's great Val, I'm sure you're going to kill it. " 

"You know Ricky, I'd totally be down to do a duet with you sometime "

I rather not. 

Once again before he had the chance to even respond, Carlos chimed in.  "Val babes, I say this because I kind of care like when a contestant I like on Dancing with the Stars gets a low score on the tango, but Ricky's saving his duets for a certain hot freshman on the block. I wouldn't waste my time. " 

A devious ghostly smile formed as he popped his lips. 

Wait so he does know who it is? What game is he playing at?

He didn't know why Carlos had made it his mission to get completely under his skin today but he was succeeding. 

Val seemed surprised, snapping her head back while curiously looking back and forth between Ricky and Carlos. 

"Oh really, a freshman? Well, who's the lucky gal? " She asked with a drip of squeaky sarcasm .

Finally having made it to the door, he wasn't about to keep feeding Carlos any more wood to his fire.

"Don't listen to Carlos, he's clearly delusional and mad and still can't accept that Jess and Rory don't end up together in Gilmore Girls. I'll catch you guys later!"

As he started making his way down the hallway zig zagging through the other students he could hear Carlos scream back. " They were meant to be Richard, Logan sucks! " 

With Carlos running gossip about him and Gina, he was going to have to give her a heads up before she gets blindsided by it. 

Probably best if he told her in person though ...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gina : 

New York is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and rich cultural offerings. It is often described as a melting pot of cultures, with a dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and a fast-paced lifestyle.

But to her it was a concrete jungle with unique smells and sounds unlike anything she's ever experienced. 

It was also her dream since she was 8 to be living in NYC in the winter.

A night like tonight was actually like something out of a book.  

Being a girl from a place where there wasn't much of a winter climate this was also a big change. Tonight the air was especially cold and crisp.

Something she was still struggling to get used to. The thermostat battles with Kourtney had become fierce over what the temperature should be in their dorm. 

She was 5 minutes away when her phone buzzed.

Kourtney : Hey, eta?

                                                                                                          Gina : 5 minutes away. Where are you? 

Kourtney : I'm almost there.

I'm with Jet, meet us at Skate House.

                                                                                                         Gina : Ok.

Kourt was definitely acting strange. 

First she said she would get ready at Jet's place, and now she was being so short with her responses and lack of details. Odd really. 

She tried not to pay too much attention to it as she finally arrived at the Rockefeller Center.

It was even more beautiful than she could have ever imagined. 

The Rink at Rockefeller Center was located in the center of Rockefeller Plaza, surrounded by the iconic Art Deco buildings of Rockefeller Center. The rink itself, looking as iconic as ever, sat there below street level and surrounded by elevated walkways.

Surrounding the rink, there was a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, holiday décor, and a stunning backdrop of the surrounding buildings. The surrounding area was bustling with skaters and spectators, creating a lively and energetic ambiance.

At one end of the rink, there was a heated chalet-style building known as the Skate House. Music played over speakers, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

As she made her way through the crowds she saw the chalet-style building known as the Skate House.

When she was by the entrance of the building she saw a familiar face.

It wasn't Kourtney. 

"Hey, you" 

"Hi Ricky." She responded.

Her stomach knotted and twisted at the sight of the curly headed boy in front of her. 

Act normal Gina.

Due to their conflicting schedules, there wasn't a lot of time for her and Ricky to actually see each other much during the week. She also made sure she kept herself busy on weekends hanging out with Maddie and Ashlyn as a way to occupy her time as much as possible.

But her and Ricky did text a lot. A lot.  

Their conversations were never nothing serious but somehow never felt forced or awkward. That alone kept her urges at bay from wanting to see his face all the time. 

But now she could not avoid his face, his big brown eyes or that smirk that always played at the corner of his lips. 

Their gaze lingered for a moment too long while a small silence fell between them momentarily. 

After a moment Ricky clears his throat as he looks down and shoves both his hands into his pockets. 

"So, you look really pretty"

"Thanks, you look really pretty as well, Bowen." She jested.

"Oh thanks, I have been exfoliating more recently, Porter. "

A small smirk forming at the corner of his lips. 

While she was getting ready, she carefully thought of what exactly the look she wanted to go for tonight. She wanted a look that said I'm now a New York girl. Cute but didn't feel like she was trying too hard. 

She had stood in front of her mirror carefully deliberating her look and outfit. 

Hair out? No, her hair would suffer and her curls would be everywhere if she decided to do that, it would be frizzy and dry and she needed to protect it, Dutch braids would do. 

Earrings or no earrings? Earrings would definitely make her brown eyes pop, her small white freshwater pearls would do the job.

For her lips, a brown lip gloss  would match her long black sleeved turtle neck and her brown leather high waisted skirt. Her black tights and cable knit knee high socks would supply her the warmth her legs needed. 

She decided to go with her brown faux leather square toe boots. More height. Why not? She took a  final look in her full length body mirror and from  her pinky toes and to the pits of her stomach she felt the butterflies work her way to create a natural rosy blushed cheeks.  Putting her tan pea coat on and black gloves she hurried out the door to meet the friend she couldn’t stop thinking about.

Friends. Multiple. That's what she meant. Of course. 

Still, a compliment from Ricky made her feel like all that effort and time was well worth it. 

Now as for Jet and Kourtney they were nowhere to be found. 

She pulled out her phone as a way to cut through the awkward silence that had once again fallen between them.

But just as she did that her phones buzzed while Ricky's phone had also dinged. 

Kourtney : Hey babes, won't make it. 

Jet isn't feeling well.

Raincheck. Have fun!

"Well Kourt just texted, she said they aren't coming. Jet isn't feeling well"

Ricky checked his phone and then furrowed his brow looking back at her. 

"That's funny Jet just texted me saying he couldn’t make it because Kourtney isn't feeling well. "

They both looked at each other for a brief moment before they realized what was actually happening. 

This was a set up.

Better yet, this was a date.  

Chapter Text

Gina : 

She finally understood why Kourtney was being so cryptic and so strange. 

This was a set up. 

Which reminded her of her last conversation they had about Ricky 3 days ago. 

--

"So let me get this straight. After all that you told me happened in the elevator and at the club." Kourtney paused momentarily gathering the rest of her thoughts. "The constant texting and getting you a-"

She was clearly mocking the situation as she signaled quotations with her hands. 

"-friendship bracelet, and all that because he only wants to be friends ?!"

When you really look at the situation as a whole and describe it like Kourtney just did, it was totally silly.

Why was this so hard? 

Why was he so hell bent on only being friends? 

Why could they not figure this out? 

"I'm not saying it makes any sense Kourt. I'm just telling you what has happened in the last 4 months." Gina sighed.

Both girls had snuggled up in Gina's bed sitting side by side.

"Look Gigi, I'm also Ricky's friend and I love him dearly. " She paused briefly, putting one hand over her own. "He went through a hard break up last year and dealt with stuff at home that he is better suited to say, but it sounds like he's in his own head about his feelings for you and you're kind of just letting him dictate the terms. "

She paused for a moment taking in everything Kourtney had just said. 

It did make a lot of sense. 

This entire time Ricky had been the one to dictate the terms of their so-called friendship and deep down inside she knew she might have been part of the problem by simply allowing Ricky to do this.

"Look Kourtney I put myself out there multiple times and was literally rejected. I can't wait in limbo while he figures his shit out." She responded and pressed her lips into a thin line. 

"All I'm saying Gina, is I think you two just need to just have some real alone time. In person and just talk and be around each other. Only texting and keeping a distance won't clear anything up for either of you."

That part was also true. 

While they did text everyday about random things like his first time performing his own song in public or her adoration for Ramen noodles, they really hadn't had any physical contact or any actual deep conversations. 

Fast forward to a very chilly night at Rockefeller Center and here she was having her very first alone time with Ricky in some time all thanks to Kourtney.

She was having a hard time deciding if she should be mad at her or thanking her when Ricky interrupts her ongoing thoughts. 

"Alright so I say we make the best of tonight. I'm not a very good ice skater but I'm down to make an ass of myself out there just for you, Porter. " 

A sly smile displayed on his face. 

"I'd say you do a good job of making an ass out of yourself without any ice skating involved, Bowen. "

A small laugh broke out between them. 

"Ouch." He responded with a chuckle. "But deserved. "

As they made their way to the skate rental booth, a small shiver ran up and down her body and it wasn't cold. 

She felt a sudden tinge of nerves creep up. A whole night alone with Ricky was going to test their so-called friendship. 

Gina was going to have to find a way to keep herself collected and composed. 

Her mind kept racing back to her conversation with Kourtney a few days ago. Why was this so complicated? 

They had gotten their skates and made their way down to the rink. The ambience of the Rockefeller  was nothing like she had experience before. 

One thing she also did notice? Lots of couples. 

A frickin lot.

This was all a little too romantic for a friendly hang out. 

Keep your shit together Gina.

"Full disclosure I really fucking suck at ice skating so I'll need you to keep your judging and laughing at a minimum. " Ricky blurted as he stood on the ice for the first time trying to stand up right and wobbling about. 

"Oh... hmm yeah I don't think I can do that, hold on I need this on video." she jested. 

"Don't you dare, Porter"

"I'm sorry you're going to need to come closer, I can't hear you! " She responded as she started to slowly skate backwards while recording Ricky on her phone.

Suddenly she was thankful her mom made her take skating classes when she was little.

Ricky struggled to keep up taking a few steps forward but wobbling side to side, unable to stay upright.

"Ok Porter when I said let's enjoy the night this is NOT what I meant !" 

"Oh you're such a baby, come here."

"Can you put your phone down?!"

Gina shook her head putting one hand over her mouth trying to contain her giggles. "I'll stop  as soon as you can get to where I am."

He made an attempt to lunge forward as if to glide towards her, but the result was Ricky flopping forward and falling on his stomach.

She let out a loud laugh.

He is a terrible ice skater. 

Ricky laid motionless for a few seconds without so much as a yelp. 

Gina slowly skated towards him wondering why he hadn't moved.

Did I kill Ricky Bowen?

"Are you ok Ricky? "

No response.

"Ricky?"

As she skated closer and bent down to make sure he wasn't seriously hurt, Ricky suddenly turned around and sprung up grabbing her arms and pulling them towards him causing her to topple over landing on top of him. 

"That is for making me fall !" He yells out while wrapping his arms around her, and reaching for her phone. 

"I didn't make you do anything, It's not my fault you're uncoordinated! "

For a few seconds they wrestled on the ice as other skaters looked on semi curiously. 

The wrestling turned into a tickle fight and hard giggles and then the giggles slowly stopped as their eyes met and their stares lingered momentarily as if the world around them suddenly stopped.

It was only for a few seconds, but they felt like an eternity. 

A jolt of tension sparked the moment and suddenly she wasn't event nervous. She didn't feel that knot at the pit of her stomach that was accustomed to close encounters with Ricky. 

This time there was a sense of calmness and an urge to study every single inch of his face as their lips were now inches apart.

Their breaths create a light fog only broken by their gaze upon each other. 

Her fingers slowly started tracing his cheeks and around the curve of his lips.

As if he had suddenly been awoken from a trance, Ricky shook his head and started trying to get up from under her.

There it is again. 

Ricky Bowen rejected me.

Gina suddenly felt everything around her go quiet.

As if an explosion happened around her and was dazed from the aftermath.

She got up quickly and tried her best to play it off but she could feel her eyes start to water.

Gina had to get out of there and compose herself.

She could not allow Ricky to get to her again.

The feeling of anger and frustration built up inside her. 

Why is he so damn complicated?

“What are you so scared of Ricky? "  She asked with a trace of frustration in her voice.

Ricky kept his gaze down as if frozen in place. 

He suddenly snapped his head up and made direct eye contact as if trying to say something without actually saying it.

 His lips parted slowly as he took a small breath. " You're the most beautifully scary thing I've ever met Porter, and every time I look at you I don't know if I should grab you and kiss you until our lungs are out of breath or run for the hills."

"You say you want to be friends but clearly have feelings for me. You say you're not ready but send me every ready signal any girl can handle. You claim to want to do right by me but all you do is tell me that it's for the best"

Gina took a deep breath as she pressed her lips into a thin line.

"you need to grow up Ricky and start speaking how you feel because you have this fucked up version of trying to protect me but all you're doing is hurting us both."

She felt all her frustration boil over. 

Kourtney was right. It's time she dictates the terms.

"You're going to miss out on so much if you don't start telling people how you feel and I'm not talking about me. I have to use the bathroom. " 

There was so much hope for how this night could have gone. Should have gone.

But once again she is left with more questions than answers. Maybe this so-called friendship had run its course. 

Before she could skate away Ricky grabbed her by the hand.

"Do you remember that night at the club, when I said not like this? "

She looked at his hand holding hers and looked up to meet his gaze confused by the question.

"Yeah?" 

He abruptly but gently pulled her towards him pressing against her chest with his.

He leaned within inches of her lips and whispered. " I meant like this" 

She felt his hand gently touch her cheek, his fingers tracing a line down her jawline. Her heart raced as his lips met hers, soft and gentle at first, then with a growing intensity.

As their lips met, a tingling sensation ran through her body. She felt his hands gently cup her face as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers with a gentle urgency. 

In that moment, nothing else mattered - no worries or fears, no past or future. There was only the heat of the moment and the electricity between them.

The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity, their lips parting only for brief moments to catch their breath.

As they finally broke the kiss, they looked into each other's eyes. 

His eyes scanned her face slowly as if taking in what had just happened.

"So yeah. That's what I meant. "

Chapter Text

Rockefeller part 3.

The group :

" Jet, where the hell did you get binoculars ?" Kourtney asked as she tilted her head sideways. 

Maddie scoffed and answered quickly as she perched herself next to her brother. "He got them for Christmas a few years back from my dad. Apparently they think they are both part time FBI agents and have all these gadgets"

"First of all, you need to be prepared for anything. Like an apocalypse or Russia take over and second of all its survival equipment not gadgets."

"It's giving stalker vibes ! " 

" You're giving annoying vibes! "

Suddenly Carlos interjected at the squabbling siblings. " Can you both kindly shut the hell up so I can focus on what's going down on the ice? "

Kourtney seemed even more irritated at the interjection and she gave Carlos a side eyed look. 

"Why the fuck is Carlos even here!? " She asked.

" You talk to your mother with that mouth? " Carlos replied back with a devilish grin.

Maddie seemed to take immediate responsibility for Carlos's presence as she raised her hand slowly. " I Kind of take the blame for that. I posted something on my priv on Xwitter and completely forgot I had him in there."

" Way to go Maddox ." Jet mocked as he looked on with his binoculars.

" Shut the fuck up Jet, you were posting selfies in full camo on Instagram like you're going to war you lame idiot. " 

Kourtney looked on as the siblings continued to bicker before finally speaking up to break up their argument. 

" That doesn't answer my question. Why are you here Carlos and how the hell did you find us? " 

Carlos seemed particularly pleased holding his response as the rest eagerly and curiously waited for his explanation. 

"You guys are so very silly. " He replied as he looked at his nails . " I have you all on snap so it's actually quite easy to find you by tracking your location. " 

He finally took a look back at Kourtney and then back to Jet and Maddox extending his retort even more. 

" Lastly, I'm here for love! Also for tea. I have a reputation for upkeep at campus and I just need to know more about the hot freshman capturing the heart of the school's heartthrob. "

A collective groan came from the group as they shook their heads and rolled their eyes. 

"In other words, you're here for gossip and not to support your friend. "

"Don't be so small minded Maddie, I can do both. " He scoffed. "Besides my natural talents, I also need to have my persona out there to finally overtake those Kardashian bitches as top mogul / artist one day. "

"Stop tracking me on Snapchat Carlos or I'm going to use my natural talents to kick you in the dick. " Maddie snapped back.

Her demeanor now stern enough to make Carlos gasp and taken aback by the response.

As Kourtney Maddie and Carlos chatted briefly going back and forth Jet kept his binoculars on Gina and Ricky down below. 

The group had managed to get a top view of the skating rink right above the water fountain.

"Guys! Everyone shut up! Something is happening. " 

Kourtney and Maddie both leaned forward squinting their eyes trying to get a better view. 

"I can barely see anything." Maddie replied as she leaned forward a bit more, almost hanging from the railings. "

"You guys are such amateurs. We literally have mini computers in our pockets with camera zoom. "

"We haven't taken our paparazzi training yet Carlos, sorry! Kourtney replied with sarcasm dripping on every word. 

The group quickly all followed Carlo's lead and pulled out their phones as they watched Ricky Bowen finally make his move on Gina. 

As Ricky pulled Gina towards and leaned a soft kiss that slowly yet rapidly developed into a full make out session, the group collectively held their breath as if watching everything unfold in slow motion. 

"Finally! " Kourtney yelped in excitement as Maddie giggled and Jet fist pumped into the air as if to signal victory in their quest to push Ricky and Gina together after months of will they won't they.

They all thought they'd be great together but both seem to always get in their own way of actually making it happen. 

It's now actually happening. 

"That's my boy right there. Finally paid attention to me, his teacher. " Jet gloated as he leaned back folding his arms. 

"You didn't teach him shit, I made the first move on you, goofball. " Kourtney countered, crossing her arms in disapproval of what he just said.  

A pair of squeals could be heard coming from Carlos and Maddie as they both covered their mouths.

"Come on guys, our job here is done. Let's give these love birds some privacy. " Maddie retorted as they all got up and started making their way to the street. 

"Um, hold on. I need another picture or two for insta aaaaannnd, Boom. " 

"Carlos, you're really going to out them like that not even 5 minutes in to who knows what their relationship even is right now? "

"Yes I am Kourtney. I meant what I said earlier. Besides, it's not like people won't find out sooner or later. "

Both Kourtney and Maddie seemed clearly irritated at Carlos while Jet only shook his head as he frowned at him. 

As the group started to walk, Carlos stopped walking while looking at his phone. 

A loud gasp could be heard coming from him as his eyes widened and jaw unclenched in a state of shock over whatever he was seeing on his phone. 

"What's wrong Carlos? " Kourtney asked with an incredulous look on her face? 

His shocked face slowly transitioned into a conspicuous look and a hint of mischief in his face.

He momentarily looked at Kourtney and then back at Jet and Maddie before responding. " I fucking love it here. " 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ricky : 

For months now Ricky wondered. 

No. 

He had daydreams and fantasized to the point of lunacy what it would feel like to hold Gina in his arms. To kiss her as he was doing now.

To kiss her so deeply and passionately like his lungs were on fire.

To have their lips blende and mesh as he tried to savor every part of her mouth.

To have her pressed against his chest and have her scent intoxicate him into madness. 

He also wondered why he tortured himself for so long avoiding something he wanted so badly, even contemplating if he was a masochist and simply enjoyed self-inflicted agony. 

To his undeniable surprise, this very moment he was so close to doing in the elevator and at  the nightclub that night easily surpassed any expectation or curiosity he ever had about kissing Gina Porter. 

It wasn't even close. It blew it out of the water!

Ricky's hands pulled on Gina's coat by the waist as he held on tight to keep her from gliding away from on her skates. He managed to free one hand to slowly cup her cheek and use his index finger to caress the back of her ear.

He could taste their shared breath, with their bodies pressed together. 

Gina's lips were soft, almost silken like. On a rather cold and crisp night, being in her embrace felt like being in a damn meadow on a summer night as heat rose through his cheeks. 

A feeling of bliss and tension sprinkled with his stomach doing pirouettes. But warmth consumed him as he leaned deeper into their kiss.

Ricky finally but slowly pulled back to grasp for air as Gina kept her eyes closed momentarily.

Her breath creates a light fog between them. 

As she finally opened her eyes and locked gazes with him. " Yeah, so this is what I meant." He replied, inhaling deeply, catching his breath.

This is what he meant. He didn't want a kiss because he was vulnerable coming off a panic attack in an elevator.

He didn't want to kiss her in a night club while she was intoxicated and not 100 percent herself. 

Ricky wanted the moment to be right. For his head to be in the right place and for the circumstances to be valid. 

More than anything, he wanted it to be special. Despite trying to avoid getting too close to Gina, if there was ever going to be a kiss, the moment needed to be right. The moment was right.

In the back of his head he was already thinking that he perhaps should thank his friends for setting this up.

I already know Jet is going to be bragging about me needing his help to get a girl. 

Gina let out a small giggle. "So that is what you meant? oh I get it now."

He leans in sneaking another peck as she smiles into it. " Took you long enough. "

"What can I say, Porter. I'm a fucking idiot. "

His reply causes them both to start laughing. "You hungry? "

Gina wrapped her arms around his neck as she played with the curls on the back of his head. "We literally just got here like 10 minutes ago and you already want to bail so you can stuff your face, Bowen? "

"Turns out that you like stuffing my face, Porter."

"-I "

She rolled her eyes, biting the inside of her cheek. "You're an idiot. But yes I'm starving. "

A small smirk played at the corner of his lips. 

As they made their way to the rental booth to return their skates, Ricky had already planned for this part of the evening in advance. 

Gina had mentioned during their many random text conversations about her love for Ramen noodles. She'd go to this place with her mom called Jinya Ramen bar.

She was obsessed with it. Not only for their delicious noodles, but also for it being a place she could call her spot with her mother.

Now granted he had done his homework on this Ramen restaurant in the city but he anticipated suggesting it to Kourtney and Jet as well since they were supposed to be there.

The idea was supposed to be organically suggested to the group. But now he's simply going to take her there alone on this on the go type date. Hopefully she doesn't find this too cringe. 

"Ok so where are we going ? " She asked as she stood beside him rubbing her hands together. 

"I know a spot not too far from here ."

"A spot huh? What is it? "

"Just trust me, Porter. " 

Gina paused for a moment as she tapped her middle finger on her chin pretending to ponder if she should trust him. "Ok I'll trust you this time but only because you're an adequate kisser. "

A playful smile escaped her lips.

Ricky pressed his lips into a thin line before responded. "You are so extra sometimes. "

Gina clicked her tongue in retort. "You like me this way."

He did. He liked her a lot actually. 

It was actually kind of scary how much he did like her. Now that they had finally shared their first kiss.

What a first kiss. Incredible kiss.

His mind started racing and going over each moment briefly. He needed to get his shit together quickly.

"Ok let me get us an Uber, it's like a 5 min ride from here."

"That's it? No Bowen, we're walking and stop being lazy. "

Gina extended her hand out.

He quickly reached and grabbed it, interlocking their fingers as they started walking towards the restaurant. 

After a few moments of silence, Ricky needed to sort of break this shy awkward quiet that fell between them. But before he got the chance, Gina spoke up first. 

"So why did it take you so long to make a move? "

Ricky was taken aback by the sudden and direct question she posed. In truth he really didn't know why. He was obviously scared to hurt her. His last relationship really fucked with his head and a small part of him thought she was way out of his league. 

"Truthfully? I don't know."

She stayed quiet tilting her head towards him curiously with an eyebrow raised.

"I really don't. I think part of me thought you might be too good to be true. "

"That's bullshit Ricky."

Again, he was taken aback how direct and bold she was being. 

"Maybe for you this feel like a cop out answer, but if I'm being honest I was coming a bad relationship that really fucked me up. I'm not perfect and maybe my answer won't really satisfy you but I'm working on it."

Gina did not reply as she kept her gaze low to the ground and continued to walk with her hands intertwined with his.

"-look " He continued. "I think when you fail as miserably as I did in my last relationship it can be scary when you find someone new that just captivates you in every way possible like you have with me. I don't want to repeat past mistakes and I was... no I am scared to make them again."

A moment of tense silence filled the air between them as they continued to walk down the busy NY streets.

As they continued to stroll towards their destination Gina finally broke their silence. A small sigh escaped her lips.

"I understand what you're telling, but you put me through some shitty moments Ricky. I can accept and understand anything you throw at me but you have to communicate."

She was right. Ricky was so determined to protect her from his bullshit that I instead exposed her and myself in the process. 

Gina just gets me. 

Somehow despite all he put her through, she was still willing to give him a chance to redeem himself. He felt as though he did not deserve this opportunity and definitely did not deserve her.

The way she made him feel safe and secured and understood every time he talked to her was one of the many reasons he felt so drawn to Gina Porter. 

Ricky felt understood in ways nobody had ever made him feel before. She also checked him when he needed to be checked and that was very refreshing.

"You're right." He replied softly. 

"I'm always right, Bowen" She replied as she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

The feeling of having lips on his face sent a jolt of excitement to his head. 

"You're beautiful, you know that? " 

Ricky could see Gina blush instantly as he felt a slight tug on his hand holding hers.

Their eyes met and both slowly leaned in for a kiss. 

This kiss was firm yet gentle. 

Every inch of his lips tingle with desire for more.

I could kiss this girl nonstop everyday and never have enough.

As they pulled apart he cups her chin with a reassuring look as she scrunches her nose in a playful shy demeanor. 

"You're ok too by the way"

"Gee, thanks for that ego boost" He replied as they both share a small chuckle.

After falling into a small comfortable silence the rest of their walk they finally arrive at the Ramen noodle restaurant on 49th st.

Ichiran Ramen

In typical New York fashion the restaurant had a very modest look from the outside. Two red canopy style roofs connected to a brick building that look like apartments. 

The restaurant had a very laid back vibe with a large glass window in the front where you could see inside.

Ricky stopped in front of the window as he turned towards the front wooden door next to it.

"Here we are. Ramen right? " 

Gina's jaw parted as she let out a small gasp. Her eyes widened with excitement.

"No way." She replied joyfully. "You remembered my love for ramen noodles?"

Ricky let out a small laugh before he responded. " How could I forget? You only talked about it for like an hour. You even started telling me the recipes you saw on YouTube!"

She dropped his hand and wrapped her arms around him.

He tensed up immediately as his chest started pounding loudly.

Before he knew it they were just hugging each other quite intimately in front of a random ramen noodles restaurant. 

Luckily for him, this is New York and nobody gives a shit here because two people hugging randomly in the streets is the least weird thing they'll see tonight. 

She finally parted from his arms and part of him just wanted the moment to keep going.

Feeling almost sad that she let him go.

"Thank you Ricky. For being a good listener" She then quickly cupped his face and gently planted a soft kiss on his bottom lip.

He quickly kissed her upper lip in return. "No, thank you. For not giving up on me."

The moment felt surreal for Ricky Bowen.

Part of him was worried he'd wake up from the best dream he's ever had.

Part of him was mad at himself for not allowing himself to be with Gina sooner.

Once they made their way inside the restaurant, they spent the better part of two hours talking and eating all different kinds of dishes.

Gina was determined to make Ricky try everything she could see on the menu that appealed to her. Which was a lot. 

From their classic Tonkotsu to their veggie ramen. It was all extremely good.

As they dabbed in various food selections, they talked about more personal parts of her life. Like Gina's brother Jaime who was a music producer in LA. Her childhood and her mom.

The passing of her father when she was 5. Losing a parent was something he could relate to but for whatever reason did not share back in return.

It felt like trying to this moment away from her. 

Ricky wanted to attentively listen to everything she had to say. To learn every aspect of her life and truly understand her. Most of all he wanted to hold her in his arms once more. Every inch of his body called to her now. Mesmerized at everything she said and did.

The ride back to campus was filled with a comfortable silence between them as they rode a cab.

Gina's head rested on his shoulder as she held his arms intertwined with his right arm.

Once they arrived at her building he offered to walk her to her door.

As they arrived tension filled the air. Both fidgeted with their keys as if trying to think of what to say next.

Or perhaps not say the wrong thing to maintain the night as perfect as possible.

Ricky felt sudden nerves gnawing at him. Tonight though was not like any other night. He was done hesitating around Gina. A sense of urgency overtook him with a desire to have her in his arms again.

He needed to taste her lips again.

Ricky pulled her close, gently backing her against the front door. Her beautiful brown eyes darted towards his lips as if without words urging him on for a kiss.

At last their lips met again. The kiss started small, gentle. Then a kiss followed on her forehead and then her neck.

A small moan left her lips as her arms tightened around his neck.

He was trying his best to steady his trembling hands as they traveled from her hips, to her ribs where he managed to stilled themselves as he drew her into him, heat radiating from their cheeks. 

Ricky felt as if someone had turned off the lights around him and it was just them alone in a room. As if they were floating in space with nothing but darkness around them. His desires urged him past the point of self control as he leaned in to kiss her once more deeply and passionately and gently biting her lower lip before they broke for air.

"Wow" he finally said with a descending tone.

His eyes remained close as they gently brushed their foreheads together. 

She was shaking but he didn't know if that was good or bad.

"Ricky promise me something"

"What's that?"

A small pause followed before she spoke again. "Promise me that you won't go back to being distant again tomorrow. Promise that when I leave you here and walk through that door, that tonight wasn't just a one off. Promise me you're not going back to shutting me out."

Her words had a tinge of sadness to them. Like she wasn't sure everything Ricky had done and said was the real deal.

How could he blame her?  The way they had gotten to this point was unorthodox to say the least. 

"Gina Porter, I promise you that tonight is not a one off. I'm not going anywhere"

He whispered back as they held each other.

As they bid their goodbyes he watched her go inside and at that very moment he couldn't help but to fist pump into the air like he had just won the lottery.

Walking back to his dorm felt as if his feet were simply doing the walking for him while he replayed every moment of the night over and over in his head.

Maybe I did win the lottery?

He hadn't checked his phone the entire night but he probably owed Jet and Kourtney a thank you card or something.

Reaching his dormitory building Ricky was already planning in his head when he would try to see Gina again. 

He started searching for his key card to enter the building as he felt a slight tap on his shoulder from behind. In a matter of seconds the cloud Ricky was riding on completely vanished and suddenly crashed down to a thundering thud.

He slightly squinted just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

"Hey Ricky -..."

"-....Nini? "

Chapter Text

Gina:

2 hours earlier....

" Wow, you know I was a little skeptical of ramen noodles as your top food choice but every one has been delicious. 2 points. "
There were certain ways Ricky could compliment you in the most Ricky Bowen ways ever and it still felt like something completely different each time.
Gina wasn't sure sometimes how he always managed to come off so comfortable and nonchalant with every word rolling off his tongue as she struggled to maintain focus.
Wasn't always sure how to hide the sudden rush of adrenaline or nervousness when something he'd say caught her off guard.
And let's be honest, that happened way too often for her liking.
How her chest tightens and sometimes forget how to breathe. The light headedness and the tingling shooting up and down her arms. How she almost stares for a second too long making her completely self conscious of her every action and reaction.
For a night that had felt almost dream-like, now more than ever it was hitting her what had actually transpired tonight.
All of his expressions and mannerisms really came into focus. The small crease that formed on the side of his mouth when he smiled. The soft tone of his voice when they were within 2 feet of each other. That one strand of curls that partially covers his right eye.
There were too many things being processed at once in Gina's head, so her only solution was to rant about her life and answer all his questions to prevent her from losing her mind and screaming at the top of her lungs in exasperation.
5 months of mixed signals, disappointment, close calls more mixed signals and flat out confusion would make any girl lose her shit.
"2 points? You have some sort of points system for me I wasn't aware of, Bowen?"
Ricky paused for a moment before locking eyes with her from across the table. " I do, actually."
He delicately grabs for her hand while cupping her chin with the other. "And right now you've earned enough points for a kiss."
He reaches over the table and gently plants a kiss on her lips, as heat emanates from her cheeks.
"Just one kiss?"
"For now, but the night is not over yet. " He responded as he gave her another quick peck before sitting back down in his chair.
Gina could feel her mouth dry and her cheeks blush at the response.
Still, there was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach that had nothing to do with what Ricky said.
It's what he wasn't saying that pulled strings in the back of her head. Like he was holding back a part of his story, part of his past. Maybe it was too soon.
Maybe he wasn't ready to fully let her in but she was not about to pry. With time I'm sure she'd fully let her in. Right?
Right.
I hope.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Tell me. Every. Freaking. Detail."
Those were the first words Kourtney uttered as soon as she entered the door. She rushed over to her quickly grabbing both her hands and dragging her to the floor where they sat down.
"Well hello to you too, Kourt, I'm good by the way! Oh and thanks for bailing!"
"-Girl please, you're not mad-." She quickly interrupted.
Truthfully thinking back on the entire events of the evening, how could she be upset? The night became the most unexpected wonderful experience she's had the entire semester.
And based on the look on her face and the smile she could not shake off, it was quite evident that it was pretty noticeable.
"Are you kidding me?!" She squealed in response, "I'm on cloud nine right now."
Kourtney let out a low audible chuckle while shaking her head.
"I knew you two just needed a push in the right direction. I need details. Like right now. "
As Gina found herself recanting the sequence of events of her evening, it almost felt like a vivid dream at times. Like maybe she wasn't entirely sure it happened.
So many times things seemed to be getting to be clear between her and Ricky and over and over again she found herself disappointed that it perhaps had not hit her entirely that they kissed and held hands and kissed some more.
Part of her wished she played harder to get. Some retribution on the curly headed man boy that had tugged at her emotions so easily. More pride? More resistance to the Bowen charm?
But in the end she folded like a lawn chair on a sunny afternoon, clearly not an ounce of resistance to the temptation he presented and all she can do now is hope he doesn't think she's some sort of easy, gullible naive girl that could be swayed with a few sweet words and a kiss.
His kisses though...
While Gina recanted her evening to Kourtney step by step with as many blurry details as she could muster, Kourtney's eyes traveled back and forth to her phone screen as she received a bunch of notifications.
Her roommates face seemingly and slowly going from attentive excitement to a worrisome look, which did not go unnoticed.
"Ok, is something wrong, because your facial expressions after you saw your phone are freaking me out." She asked.
Kourtney seemed to pause momentarily with a familiar furrowed brow and exhaling briefly before responding in a much lower tone than she had expected at all this new information. "so, are you and Ricky like an item now?"
"I'm not really sure? We didn't really talk about labels to be honest. Everything still feels really fresh so it didn't really cross my mind. "
In truth the question of what they were exactly now had not crossed her mind at all. Putting a label on their situation had not come up during their walk home, but all that mattered at the moment was that actual things had finally happened between them.
Kourtney's face seemed to have turned now to full on concern, which really perplexed her.
"Kourt, what's the matter?
"-Gina babes, have you checked your phone at all ?-"
"My phone? No I haven't. Why what's up?"
Her phone was usually always on silent and most of her notifications from socials were usually muted. Something she got accustomed to doing around her mother to avoid her asking way too many questions.
"You might want to check Carlos's school gossip page on Instagram. " Kourtney responded before pressing her lips into a thin line and putting her hand on her knee.
A sudden feeling of dread washed over her and an all too familiar knot in the pit of her stomach made her queasy. What was so damning ? She wasn't sure if she even wanted to open the app but the intrigue and curiosity were too much not to.
As she opened up her phone app she saw several posts of Nina Salazar-Roberts spotted in New York.
But it was the last post that made her blood run cold.
The Caption read :
Spotted: NSR aka Nini and Ricky Bowen reunited back on NYAA campus! Has our new Hollywood starlet come to rekindle her romance with the school heart throb?! Stay tune... C
With a picture of Ricky and Nini sitting pretty close together on a bench. Their backs turned to the camera with both seemingly having a very intimate conversation.
A Million thoughts began racing through Gina's head as she spiraled through a million more scenarios and possibilities on why they'd be there together, so….so together. One unfamiliar emotion that did creep up was an unexpected feeling of anger. Was she not allowed to enjoy 1 hour of happiness before running into drama at this school? Specifically, was she not allowed to enjoy something with Ricky before something else complicated the situation?
Why was she back? Why were they talking? Why was she so close?
Gina did not consider herself to be one of those jealous, possessive types of girls. Truth be told she's never really been put in that position and nobody from her past ever inspired those kind of feelings.
In better words she was never put in the position to be jealous of anyone. This was all new territory.
"Earth to Gina. Are you ok? You haven't said anything in like 2 minutes with a blank expression on your face." Kourtney finally interrupted her thoughts.
"Uh yeah." She responded by trying to gather herself. "Look, I honestly don't know much about them or what happened except from things I've heard on campus. What's their deal? "
"I can't really say because honestly nobody actually knows except Ricky and Nini themselves, but what I can tell you is that they have a lot of history."
Those were words Gina did not want to hear. The insecurities she was suddenly feeling were honestly scarier than the things Kourtney was actually telling her.
Kourtney scooted closer, grabbing Gina's hands in reassurance. "I love Ricky, but his past is complicated. At the end of the day you have to protect your heart. Always."
Gina pressed her lips together and gave back a small smile in return. " I know." She responded.
"There's nothing really I can do but trust Ricky and wait for him to talk to me honestly."
She tried to convince Kourtney that she would wait and trust Ricky but she really was trying even harder to convince herself. She needed to trust Ricky, and trust that what they had developed over these last few months was real.
Easier said than done though.
Protect your heart, Gina.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kourtney and Gina spent the rest of the night chit chatting and watching Bridgerton trying to distract herself from everything that had been going on.
Now it was 11:22am and she was waking up to the smell of coffee in Maddox’s hand and half smirk staring back at her as she stretched in her bed.
"It's almost noon and you didn't respond to my texts so I took matters into my own hands." She said as she handed Gina a cup of coffee and sipped her own cup in the other.
"Maddie? how did you get in?"
"Kourt let me in, she just left and updated me on the situation."
"We didn't fall asleep until like 5:00 am don't judge me, ok? "
They did stay up late talking and watching TV but it was just a way to get Ricky off her brain. Seems her friends did not get the memo.
Maddie sat at the foot of the bed taking another sip of her coffee before nodding her head a couple times. "Well? have you heard from him?"
She grabbed her phone from under her pillow where she usually kept it when she got too lazy to plug it to the charger.
"Lets see, 3 texts from you, one text from my mom, and zero texts from Ricky Bowen." She responded as she carefully took a sip from her coffee while trying to sit up on the bed.
Maddie sat and bloated her cheeks a bit before taking another sip. "Well it's early so, I wouldn't really worry too much. "
Gina let out a sigh as she started rubbing her eyes. "Look it is what it is, I'm not going to wait around for Ricky and I'm certainly not going to sit here and mope all day. So I'd appreciate it if everyone just stops treating me like I have a terminal illness and just acts normal. "
It's not that she didn't appreciate the concerns of her school friends, but them asking if she was ok every 10 minutes gave her pitty vibes. She needed to keep moving forward and let the chips fall, where they may.
But not even 10 seconds after telling Maddie this, Ashlyn walks in with a sympathetic look on her face and asks. "Hey Gina, how are you. I heard what happened are you ok? "
As Maddie made hand motions to cut off whatever she was about to say but to no avail.
This is going to be a long day as she let out a grunt and rolled her eyes.
"Yeah sweetie, we're not really talking about icky with an R right now." Maddie responded while trying to ignore the fact that Gina was staring directly at her with a disapproving gaze.
"Oh, well in that case, how are you Gina? You look wonderful in those pajamas!"
The response generated a small giggle from both Gina and Maddox.
In that she realized that while her situation with Ricky was hazy with more questions than answers, she had actually managed to make really good friends at NYPAA. Something she was actually worried she'd fail to do when she arrived.
Felt good that there were people to lean on when things seemed in disarray.
Gina got out of bed with coffee in hand and gave Maddie and Ashlyn a small hug.
"You guys are so sweet, and thank you for checking up on me. But I WILL be ok. Ricky knows where I stand. He's known for a while now actually so I'm just going to let things play out, keep on living my life and keep trying to accomplish my goals here. No more Ricky talk, ok?"
"No more Ricky talk." Maddox echoed as they all shared a group hug. "
This was the type of sisterhood she never really had back home. Kourtney too. They had all embraced her and made her feel safe. She was definitely thankful to have them.
As they embraced each other in the middle of the dorm Maddox suddenly lifted her head and widened her eyes staring behind her.
"Uh I think it's going to be a little hard to not talk about icky with an R"
As she turned around to see what Maddox was staring at, it was none other than Ricky Bowen.
White Converse, blue jeans, denim jacket and curly head all there. Standing by the door and staring directly at her.
"Your door was opened, Porter. You should really lock that. "
"Oh yeah, are you now campus security Bowen?"
Their eyes locked on each other now, and suddenly it felt as if there was nobody else in the room.
Ricky slowly took a few steps towards her, keeping his gaze directly on hers, displaying his signature smirk. His big brown eyes just undressing every piece of armor she so defiantly tried to build up until this very moment arrived.
"Yeah, well you can never have enough campus security around here, you know?" He responded.
Despite his meeting with Nini last night, he did not seem different. Their banter was still as flirtatious and infectious as always.
Gina finally took a few steps forward, imitating his same movements.
"What are you doing here, Ricky?"
He took a few more steps forward, but not breaking eye contact for a second. Gina followed and before they knew it they were face to face, with each of them stealing glances of each other's lips before locking eyes once more.
"I'm here to tell you fuck everything and everyone. I don't care what anyone says." Ricky takes a momentary pause before he continues.
"What I mean is, that I don't care about anyone else, or what anyone else says. I did the mistake of waiting way too long to act on how I felt about you and I'm not letting anything or anyone stop me from doing that now. I want to give us a shot. A real one. I'm all in Gina. I'm all in on you and I'm all in on us. "
If there was ever a moment of comfort Ricky could have provided to quell her doubts he came through in the most opportune time. In a span of 5 seconds Gina felt fear, joy, elation, and trepidation all at once as a rush of emotions surged to her face and tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried her best to contain them.
"You're all in, huh?" she finally responded while trying to corral a small giggle escaping her mouth.
He cupped her chin, wiping away a tear with his thumb before gently leaning in, giving her a slow tender kiss before slowly pulling back to meet her gaze.
"I'm all in, Gi."
Gina leans forward quickly and plants another quick peck on his lips.
"That's good. 2 points."
"Just 2 points?" He retorts back, lifting an eyebrow.
"For now, but the day is not over yet."