It was official: Lynne and Todd, the Odd were getting married. When Mike and Ricky got the invitations, they were in shock – especially due to the fact that the ceremony would be held in Salt Lake City.
Honestly, Lynne getting married was the last thing Ricky needed. Nini even found him a therapist so he could better deal with his anxiety and his abandonment issues.
Since Nini can't keep her mouth shut, she accidentally told the drama club that he had been having a hard time – and everyone threw him a 'get well soon' party once again in Seb's barn - their new hang out spot, since they always threw parties there now, to which Ricky broke down and cried in EJ's arms. It definitely wasn't supposed to happen, but Ricky got all emotional and EJ happened to be the closest person within a ten foot radius.
"Oh, my God! I'm so sorry, man – you were the first person I saw."
"Nah, it's okay — just, warn me when you jump into my arms next time, or else we both will be drenched in root beer."
Apart from his mother issues, his life was pretty good. He finally befriended EJ and got relatively close to him; he even learned how to drive a tractor – courtesy of Seb. Despite all of this, the mention of his mother's name is enough to make him have a shut down.
When the day of the wedding came, Ricky thought that it's better if he didn't tell any of his friends, or else they'd be worried and he'd feel like a burden to them.
Seeing his mom kissing another man made him sick to the stomach. During the party, Ricky quickly excused himself into the bathroom. His throat closed and he found it hard to breathe. He opened his phone and accidentally called someone....
"Hey, Bowen — what's up?" EJ said as he picked the phone.
"EJ? Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bother you–"
"Are you okay?" he asked with worry dripping down his voice.
Ricky sighed. "No. My mother's getting married with stupid Todd and I just had a panic attack on the bathroom floor – and I called you accidentally, I'm sorry."
"Don't be! Just– send me the address and I'll be there," EJ said.
"What? No, EJ, you don't have to–"
"I don't — but I am."
Ricky sighed in defeat. "Okay, I'll send you the address," he said, practically feeling EJ's signature proud smirk.
"Okay — I'll be there soon," EJ said as he hung up.
When he felt like he was going to die, he suddenly heard someone barge into the bathroom — then rushed footsteps going toward him.
"Bowen!" he exclaimed and kneeled down in front of him.
"Y-you came," Ricky said in a shaky voice.
"Of course I came — you're my friend," he said. "Now, I need you to take deep breaths," EJ continued as he tried to get Ricky to breathe normally.
Ricky felt like he was being pulled underwater, but EJ was the closest lifeboat.
In, and out. In, and out.
In, and out. In, and out.
EJ's voice was like a mantra that he tried his best to follow.
In, and out. In, and out.
In, and out. In, and out.
Soon enough, his breath returned back to normal.
"Let's get out of here for a while," EJ suggested as Ricky quietly nodded.
"So – feeling better?" EJ asked as both walked out of the building.
"I mean– I'm still a chaotic mess, but I'll be better," Ricky forced a laugh as EJ put his arm around his shoulder
"What's that for?"
"Well, you look like you need it," EJ replied simply.
"Well — I don't."
"Feel free to get away anytime you want," EJ teased as Ricky chuckled and wrapped himself around EJ.
Ricky and EJ were now on a bench near the building that the wedding was going on. EJ had his arm wrapped around Ricky's shoulder and the curly-haired was resting his head on his shoulder. The blue sky was starting to get replaced by the oranges and reds of the sunset, the clouds were changing color and the birds were flying. The wind was smooth, as if it didn't want to ruin the moment.
"Just – thank you for being here," Ricky broke the silence.
"Anytime, Bowen," EJ replied as he held his hand and interlocked their fingers together.
"This is – nice. I mean, n-not in a weird way — but in a 'post-emotional breakdown' way, and now I'm ranting-" Ricky said as EJ squeezed his hand as a comforting gesture. "Sorry."
EJ snorted. "Don't apologize — you're cute when you rant," he said without thinking.
"You're flirting with me, Caswell?" Ricky chuckled.
"No, no — it wasn't my intention to make it look like I'm flirting with you, I mean, please don't think I'm calling you ugly – and now I'm ranting, oh lord, your ranting is contagious," EJ nervously ranted as Ricky put an arm around him and played with his hair. EJ flinched a little from the sudden touch, but leaned in.
"Thank you for being here with me," Ricky broke the silence.
"You're welcome, Bowen."
I love you, Ricky. I love you. Even though you won't reciprocate it, you mean a lot to me, and I love you. If you gave me the chance, I'd love you every single day, for a thousand years.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ*:･ﾟ
AUTHOR'S NOTE
hi besties!! I hope y'all are enjoying the one-shots so far! I want your help to take this book to #1 - RJ! share this with people who also ship caswen and don't forget to vote in all the chapters! it means a lot to me to know that you are supporting what I do