rickybow

[rickybow]

for @midhights, continued from here.

“ for me? ” he grins, taking the immaculately wrapped package and staring at the envelope on top. HE’D NEVER BE ABLE TO WRAP ANYTHING THIS NICELY. he even almost feels guilty destroying something so pretty. so, ricky opens the envelope first. “ gina — thank you! ” the smile he had on his face grows even wider, if possible! he’ll scratch off PLAY THE LOTTO from later. nothing is going to interrupt this quality time.

“ i feel bad opening this. it’s so pretty. ” ricky hesitates, and then goes for it. he recognizes the orange instantly, and then all of a sudden gina’s skillful wrapping goes to waste. “ are you kidding? how did you know i wanted a matching scarf? ” he laughs, carefully wrapping it around his neck, completely ignoring that it is far too hot out to wear something like this. “ thank you, gi. ” ricky grins, leaning forward and kissing her — much more serious than the ones from earlier, and he’d be content to stay there all day had his girlfriend not made such a GORGEOUS SPREAD and had there not been a big musical they needed to participate in later. “ i don’t even know where to start. ” he takes her hand in his, turning to look at the food by them. “ how about that pain au chocolat? ”

[rickybow]

“ pizza it is. i can’t think of a better way to start off our week of dates. ” he can still hardly believe it all worked out like this. life had a FUNNY WAY of working out for them, and ricky was not going to question it. any of it. his hand drops to take hers, giving it a gentle squeeze as he leans in for one final kiss. he hums softly before pulling back, lips breaking out into a huge smile. “ gosh, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’RE HERE. let’s go. ”

he’s grateful for big red — his car is out in the airport parking lot, ready to sweep them away into a week free of distraction. they needed it, and desperately. ricky loved the drama department, ricky loved his family — but it was all so stressful. he wanted to spend time with the person who made him forget about it all, and he was determined to make it one of the best weeks ever. pizza was just the start — movies, games, walks, singing, anything. “ let me get that. ” he rushes forward, opening the door with a big smile. “ your chariot awaits. ”

wasn't it only a few months ago that she had boldly proclaimed to this very boy that love was lame? was it only a few months ago that her heart was hidden behind a concrete wall, tired of being hurt too much. back then she never believed in fate, only coincidences. but so much has changed. the walls are gone, her heart the fullest it's ever been. ricky bowen has made her believe in all sorts of silly things, like true love and soulmates, so maybe the idea of fate isn't so stupid after all.

because this, crossing paths in the same airport, can't simply be just a coincidence.

she eagerly returns every single kiss. one hand gently caressing his cheek, the smile on her lips unable to be contained. if gina was sad about no longer being able to visit her mom, then it was instantly forgotten. ❝ what - ❞ a laugh falls from parted lips, head tilting ever so slightly. ❝ i can't believe you're here. ❞ and immediately whisking her away on a date? her knees might have buckled if she wasn't already in his arms. suddenly, a day spent hanging around the airport doesn't seem like much of a waste. ❝ maybe we could have a whole week of dates. spring break is our oyster now, bowen. ❞ a whole week to themselves, with the drama club split up and unable to rehearse for the spring break - it's almost too good to be true. ❝ but i could go for some pizza right about now. ❞

[rickybow]

"You were wrong."

[rickybow]

RICKY & GINA + kisses in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series — Season 4

[rickybow]

SOFIA WYLIE & JOSHUA BASSETT in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THE MUSICAL THE SERIES 4.05

[rickybow]

so far? with their first i love yous tonight brought thoughts of the future — so many people met their future life partner in high school. what if he did too? what if it was her? what if the next best day of his life happened after she agreed to marry him? it was a long way away, he was certain, but he wondered if it was in the cards for them. one day, he’d find out. “ oh, i don’t know. as long as it’s not the same musical as north high, i’ll be happy. ” and as long as they’re in it together, he’ll be even more ecstatic.

ricky sighs and lays back, one arm under his head, the other ready to wrap around gina should she choose to join him. he still can’t believe it all went down like this — with nini, he felt like his feelings for her were a burden. with gina, they’re reciprocated, they’re wanted. he loves her, and she loves him too. he still doesn’t know how he got so lucky. “ wanna watch something? i think they put the new episode of survivor on yesterday. ”

what did she do to deserve him? all gina's dreams are coming true at once. she got the boy and the career - it feels like the end of a 2002 disney channel original movie in the best way. ❝ me too.   ❞ the words are barely spoken as she's pulled in. she'll never tire of this, of capturing his lips in as many kisses as she can. of not letting him go until she feels the need to catch her breath. ❝ new zealand was way too far away from you.   ❞ and, sure, it was one hell of a risky stunt to pull. quinn could have fired gina on the spot. worth it, though.

❝ best day of your life so far.   ❞ because she plans on them having so many best days. not that she wants to get too ahead of herself, with flashes of white dresses and new york apartments, but she knows ricky is her forever. first they just have to get through the rest of the year. she rests her head on his shoulder, curls having been let lose from the pulled up ponytail. her $15,000 dress abandoned in favour of a more comfortable t-shirt and pant combo. everything feels normal again. ❝ i wonder what the spring musical is going to be.   ❞

[rickybow]

coming back early was a difficult decision, leaving behind his mother and knowing that she wouldn’t be coming back to salt lake was painful. he’s grateful he had gina the whole time — the only person in the world who understood what he was going through. at least in the ever changing world he was experiencing, with nini returning from yac and shaking up the drama department, with his parents’ separation, with the craziness of the show and the menkies, she was there. he could depend on gina — and he hoped he’d be able to for a long, long time.

he got the idea to call her when his plane landed and he saw the back of her head after entering the gate — he was able to duck away and keep his voice low, but there came a point where he just couldn’t hide himself anymore. her reaction was everything he wanted. face buries into her neck, and it takes everything in him not to spin her around. “ i literally just got back. ” he grins, leaning forward to quickly kiss her once, twice, three times. it’s been a full week since he’d last seen her, a full week since he’d last kissed her. far, far too long, he thought. “ and i was gonna try to wait until i could see you at ashlynn’s, but then i saw the back of your head and here i am! ” he kisses her again, just for good measure, and then smiles. wide. “ sorry your flight didn’t work out — but now we can move our date to tonight instead of the end of next week. ”

❛ i couldn’t stop missing you if i tried. ❜ @rickybow

the call had been greeted with a smile. missing me that much, huh? words had fallen from her lips with a teasing laugh. but something was off. the background was different from their last few calls, dull and grey rather than the vibrant colour walls of his room at his mom's. His voice was clearer, almost like he wasn't talking through the phone at all. something causes the back of her neck to prickle, an instinct telling her to turn around right now. and there he is. laden with bags of his own, that goofy grin on his face.

❝ ricky?! ❞ his name is half a yell, half a squeal. her smile replaced with a grin as she strides towards him, covering the distance between them in barely a few seconds. and, just like that, she's in his arms. her own thrown around his shoulders, pulling him tighter as her feet briefly leave the floor. suddenly she doesn't mind so much that her fight was cancelled. that the last text from her mom was telling her to stay in salt lake for the rest of spring break. ❝ i thought you were still in chicago? ❞

[rickybow]

Maybe this time... (requested by anon)

[rickybow]

“ yes, now! what better time than the present? ” junior year ricky bowen would be trembling in his boots at the thought of asking gina to dinner in a way that was so casual — but in a not so shocking turn of events, the unresolved feelings he held for gina returned with a force, one that could rival the feelings he felt back in high school if he sat and thought about it for long enough. luckily, he’s moving and thinking too quickly for that to happen.

the place was called romano’s — probably the last name of the guy who started it, he assumed. it was delicious, the first place he ate at when he moved to the city with hope he’d find some small success in the discipline he came to love so much. kristoff? he’d take it. “ let me guess. juilliard? they’d have to be stupid not to take you. ”

head shakes the slightest bit, lips pressed in a somewhat sad smile. she remembers the drama club talking about (salt lake slices, she thinks it was called) but gina wasn't in town long enough to make the trip. hadn't been friends long enough with the rest of the kids to be invited. she wasted so much time trying to be the best, to be the lead - most of them probably don't even remember her.

❝ wait - now?! ❞ confused gaze turns to the rest of their cast, but they're paying the duo no attention. they probably wouldn't even notice if they slipped away, not when the actress playing elsa is holding all their attention. and anyway it wouldn't hurt for them to get to know each other again, they're going to be playing the romantic leads together whether they like it or not. gina still hasn't decided. so she hurries after him, the sun almost blinding her as she steps into the midday light ❝ this better be the best pizza i've ever had, bowen. ❞

[rickybow]

@midhights: don't let him scare you, sweetheart! kick his butt!

who would have thought a florist would be so intimidating? his phone sits on his table, hands are clasped in his lap. gina called the caterer. it was his turn — except he had a strong feeling the person who was beautifying their venue actually hated him. it wasn’t his fault he didn’t know flowers! he never imagined that calling them by a size descriptor and a color would be so offensive — but it was, apparently, and he was trying to hype himself up for their next encounter. it’s for your wedding, ricky bowen. there’s no porter - bowen wedding without flowers! “ what if i don’t even get the same guy next time? what if the person who picks up is somehow even more knowledgeable and protective over their flowers? i think i should write this down. ” he reaches for his phone, pulling up the notes app and starting to type. “ white roses, right? and . . . shoot. what were the other ones? ”

[rickybow]

indie  ricky  bowen,  by  blythe.  very,  very  low  activity.  sideblog  to  @wilsonjacket​​.  affiliated  with  @midhights​.  previously  found  at  @r1ckys, and @unrickys.

[rickybow]

RICKY & GINA | A Night to Remember (requested by anon)

[rickybow]

“ it’s okay. really. i get why you didn’t say anything — but for what it’s worth, i’m glad you get to stay. ” after her one, two, three kisses, ricky chases after her for a fourth, fifth, sixth. the thought of finishing out his senior year without gina scared him, frankly — finally, he felt happy. he felt safe. but he’d be a liar if he said he wasn’t thrilled she was staying. he loved her. she loved him. what was briefly a dreadful upcoming six months was now a future he couldn’t wait to experience. the last musical he’d do in high school, his first and only prom, his graduation, all with her.

the high from the press conference was starting to wear down, their friends home from the very high energy dinner they shared at denny’s while gina and ricky sat on her bed. gina was staying. her mom approved of him. their relationship was out in the open. they were in love. ricky bowen was the happiest person in the whole world. “ i think this might be the best day of my life. like actually. ”

what can only be described as her ricky giggle ( according to ash ) falls from gina's lips, head tilting back slightly to allow for the sound. her hand rests along his jaw, some fingers caressing his check while dark curls graze the rest. this, right here, is her favourite place. her home. ❝ it was completely perfect, ricky.   ❞ she's still blushing, she thinks. or maybe she is just glowing, as kourtney had said with a sly smile. ❝ mmhm, you might have mentioned it once or twice.   ❞ and she can't resist pressing her lips against his. once, twice, three times, before pulling away again. the smile on her lips barely dimming. ❝ i love you. i love you. i love you, too.   ❞ god, she feels ten times lighter being able to say it out loud. not waiting and wondering if he does feel the same. if the idea of going to new zealand, of being away from him, was hard to consider before - such a thing would be impossible now. ❝ i'm really sorry that you had to find out about the movie from my mom. i really wanted to tell you at intermission but i got pulled away for soundcheck and - i'm sorry. i didn't mean to keep it from you.   ❞

[rickybow]

continued from here, with @midhights.

awkward didn’t even begin to describe how ricky thought it might be — he’d just turned down the girl he’d tried to get back for most of the semester for the one who came up out of nowhere. who would have guessed he’d be kissing the girl from that day in the stairwell after finishing the musical he only joined because she gave him the final push to do so? he was happy it turned out that way. ecstatic.

“ something tells me we’ll be able to make it. ” what did people even do at opening night parties? eat snacks? sing? would it be a repeat of the thanksgiving party? “ and then, after that, i can drive you home. if you want. and then tomorrow . . . ” ricky laces his fingers with hers, a grin on his face. “ lunch. maybe pasta? we have time to decide. ”

[rickybow]

“ complete the set? i’d love that, actually. ” his favorite hat had become his favorite for another reason entirely, a reminder of the feelings they shared and had shared all along. he doesn’t know how he never saw it before — who thinks to check behind a tag? now he reads it every day. ricky tucks his head on top of gina’s, turning to kiss her forehead. “ i know. it makes me happy too. ecstatic, actually. thrilled! ”

god, what was he going to get her? maybe he’d try his hand at knitting her a hat. he can already foresee how it looks — a big, knotted mess that she’ll thank him for, even if it’s hideous. maybe a song? it was kind of their thing now. maybe a song and a hat? “ that reminds me — my dad wanted me to offer for you and your mom to come over? not christmas, necessarily, but just in general. i think he wants to get to know my girlfriend’s mom. ”

she had always wondered what he'd done with it. assumed it had ended up in a box somewhere, probably lost in the move. she thought she might never see him wear it. after all, it's not the usual gift. flowers, chocolate, teddy bears - aren't those the things you give someone you're kind of seeing? who you're hoping for more with? but they felt shallow. gina's always liked presents with meaning, with thought and care put into them. the kind of present she had never had friends long enough to receive.

head falls back in a laugh, ends of her hair brushing her shoulder. ❝   oh, am i now? you know how to make a girl feel special, bowen.   ❞ still, she laces her fingers through his, leaning her cheek forward ever so slightly to receive his kiss. it meant the world to her that he kept the hat. her heart soaring at the very thought of him actually wearing it. ❝   maybe i'll complete the set for christmas.   ❞ christmas in salt lake. she leans her head against his shoulder, still keeping his hand in hers. ❝   it's the first time i'm staying in one place for the second year in a row. it feels a bit surreal.   ❞

[rickybow]

@midhights : ㅤㅤ i'm glad to hear you say it.

it had been a day since his big stunt — interrupting gina's press conference. singing that song. saying he loved her first. his last, final, desperate hope to let her know how he felt. IT WORKED. and, to his joy, she was staying. all that turmoil was worth it — someone was finally staying, and it was the LOVE OF HIS LIFE. “ i wanted to tell you sooner. so much sooner — but things got in the way, and this way was kind of perfect. ” he leans towards her, a big grin on his lips. “ and now, i'll never stop. i love you. i love you. did i mention that i love you? ”

[rickybow]

PROMPTS FROM ELLA ENCHANTED *  assorted dialogue from the 2004 film, adjust as necessary

i gotta work on that.

quiet, please. i can't concentrate here.

isn't it wonderful?

i have a no return policy.

why don't you go back to where you came from?

what a stupid name.

nobody wants you here.

i always knew something was wrong with me.

can't you take the spell back?

you must never tell anyone else.

i don't want anyone using it against you.

what's inside you is stronger than any spell.

take this. then i'll always be with you.

your father would like to speak to you.

it was either get married or sell the house.

is this the right address?

the house looks delightful.

my clothes need more room than this.

please don't touch it. it was my mother's.

admit you're stupid and don't know what you're talking about.

hold your tongue.

your coronation is next week.

i've kept my promise, haven't i?

i don't need your chivalry, thanks.

you're the first maiden i've met who hasn't swooned at the sight of me.

i want peace in the kingdom as much as anyone.

so you have a new plan once you take the crown?

that's what i thought. you're all just the same.

perhaps that's why i find your obvious disdain for me so refreshing.

i'll try and be more considerate next time i'm saving you.

next time? what makes you think we'll see each other again?

stop flirting with him.

i need you to do me a little favor.

a felon in my own family. i could die from embarrassment.

you are forbiden ever to see her again.

thank goodness you're all right.

i should have told you about this years ago.

i think it's only fair to warn you that i'm practiced in the ancient art of... origami.

don't let him scare you, sweetheart! kick his butt!

i am going to need so much therapy after this.

that's very sweet, but i'm on a tight schedule.

i'm on a tight schedule. were i not... i would love to have dinner with you.

great. i knew it. a talking book.

i think i may have found you another chance at your future husband.

elves aren't that short, you know.

the rustling always comes before the screaming and the running.

it never hurts to be on your guard.

i led a rally on your behalf the other day. maybe you heard about it.

we just did this. didn't we just do this?

who's to say it wouldn't have worked if you hadn't come barging in?

you're bleeding.

you'd better let me help you with that.

it makes it so much easier rescuing you if i don't have to commute.

your girlfriend doesn't mind being left alone?

that's not really my area of expertise.

you have the power to make a difference in the world and you don't even care.

they're not so bad. i thought they'd be all so big and scary.

i thought that maybe this would be a good time to possibly have a heart to heart.

do you know where the bathroom is?

i had no idea things were so bad.

you have to stay for the night.

i wish you would stay.

i hope you don't mind me saying this, but you're much prettier than i would have expected.

your father would have been proud.

i think he would have really liked you.

kiss me.

that wasn't an order, you know.

i trust your journey was pleasant?

might i trouble you for a moment?

you will tell no one of this plan.

i will do anything you ask.

please tell me you never wanna see me again.

we're together now. and when we're together, it's like magic.

will you marry me?

you tried to kill me.

i can't believe i'm saving you after you tried to kill me.

i should have disposed of you when i had the chance.