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Chapter Text

It was a cold night when the Wildcats gathered in Ashlyn’s living room for movies and a sleepover. They had all been so busy lately and had little time to hang out outside of rehearsal so Carlos and Ashlyn had demanded everyone clear their schedules and come over for a night of fun and relaxation. 

After devouring almost five pizzas, the group sprawled out. Carlos and Seb were cuddled into a loveseat while Nini and Kourtney took up half of the couch. Ricky, Big Red and Ashlyn were spread out on the floor with various pillows and blankets. EJ had taken a spot next to Kourtney on the end of the couch and Gina sat next to Nini on the other end. 

Their first movie, some romcom chosen by Carlos, was spent mostly gossiping and eating and by the end, a few of the Wildcats got up to stretch or use the bathroom. 

With Kourtney and Nini now rummaging around in the kitchen, EJ stole a glance at Gina who was listening to whatever Big Red was rambling on about. She smiled at the boy and when she laughed, EJ tore his gaze away from her. Gina was absolutely stunning and EJ had been caught too many times as of late staring at her. 

Once Gina’s conversation ended with Big Red, she pulled her knees to her chest and rested her cheek on them as she looked over at EJ. 

“Whatcha thinking about, Eej?” 

“Oh, uh, you know, very important things… as usual.” 

He grinned and Gina laughed. 

“Like what?” 

“Like what I could steal from Ashlyn’s secret snack cabinet.” 

Ashlyn shouted from the kitchen, “Touch it and you die!” 

EJ laughed and when he turned his gaze back to Gina, she was smiling fondly at him. 

He smiled back and she quickly looked away and cleared her throat, “I’m, uh, going to change into something more comfortable. It’s freezing down here.” 

She hopped up and hurried upstairs. 

EJ tried not to miss her, wandering into the kitchen to see if his cousin actually needed help with anything. 

Eventually, they all began to get settled for the second movie and EJ returned to find Kourtney and Nini had shifted to the end of the couch, leaving the other half wide open. Neither looked at him but he noticed devious smiles on their faces as they very obviously pretended to look at something on Nini’s phone. 

He sighed and sat on the other end, assuming Gina would want to be next to the girls. 

“Wait, where’s Gina?” Big Red asked from the floor. 

“I’m here!” 

Gina came rushing in and she plopped down in the empty seat on the couch, bringing the quilt from her bed with her. 

No one seemed to pay her much attention but EJ’s heart was pounding in his chest. 

She had changed into light grey sweatpants and fuzzy socks, accompanied by his royal blue Duke sweatshirt. Gina adjusted the blanket over her legs and smiled up at him as the second movie started. This time, it was a dramatic thriller and EJ struggled to pay attention. 

At first, Gina had angled her body towards Kourtney and Nini but when the two best friends cuddled up together, Gina shifted and turned so her bent knees were facing him. Worried about her having enough room, EJ tossed his arm over the back of the couch and stretched his long legs out to rest on a stack of spare pillows Ashlyn had gathered earlier. 

Although he was wearing sweatpants and a long sleeved t-shirt, EJ felt himself shiver (it was still winter in Salt Lake City, after all) and Gina was quick to gently cover his legs with part of her blanket.

He smiled down at her and whispered, “Thanks.” 

By the second half of the movie, EJ had finally gotten into the plot. It wasn’t until it was close to the end that he realized how close Gina was to him. Her still bent knees were brushing against his thigh and her shoulder was resting against his ribcage. His arm was still draped over the back of the couch and although his fingers started to get a little numb, he refused to move. 

Being this close felt good, it felt right… 

Wait, the movie is over. What happened? 

Once again, a few of the Wildcats got up to stretch but Gina didn’t. 

In fact, she fully relaxed into the back of the couch, her head landing on EJ’s shoulder. After taking a brief glance around and noticing no one was paying them any mind, EJ held his breath and brought his arm down, curling it around Gina’s neck so he could use both hands to respond to his water polo group chat. 

Gina seemed content to lay against him and watch whatever he was doing on his phone and EJ assumed she could feel his heart still pounding in his chest. 

The third movie was a classic animated film, intended to be the one everyone falls asleep to and Gina pulled the blanket up to tuck under her chin. EJ sat up slightly to adjust the cushion behind him and when he sat back, Gina came with him, resting even more against his chest. 

He kept his arm around her, laying his hand next to her hip and it was her turn to whisper, “Goodnight, Eej.” 

Chapter Text

Gina Porter did not need to be protected. She had been through enough in her young life (moving about a thousand times, losing leading roles, her mother’s crazy job…) that she definitely did not need someone to defend her or stick up for her. She was more than capable of doing it on her own. 

EJ understood this perfectly. He was stubborn and proud in his own way and he knew Gina was powerful and brave. 

When Gina’s estranged older brother came to town, however, EJ found himself not only feeling incredibly protective, but needing to act on those feelings, as well. 

“I have an older brother. I don’t really know him, though. He left home when I was only a kid and we never heard from him again. My mom calls him a free spirit or something like that.” 

Gina had revealed this to EJ and Ashlyn over a late night snack one night and both Caswells had mostly forgotten about it until Gina came downstairs one afternoon with a frown on her face. 

“What’s up, G?” 

Ashlyn was cleaning up her debate team flashcards while EJ made a snack but he paused at Ashlyn’s question. 

Gina took a seat across from Ashlyn at the kitchen island and slowly placed her phone down. 

“I just talked to my mom.” 

“Okay?” 

“Apparently my long lost brother has emerged from whatever hobbit hole he crawled into. He recently moved to Salt Lake.” 

Ashlyn glanced at EJ as she offered a smile, “That could be good, right? You could finally get to know him.” 

Gina began fidgeting with her necklace, “I don’t know. Maybe? It’s just weird… he’s a total stranger, you know?” 

EJ shuffled over and gently took Gina’s hand to stop her from tugging so hard on the thin metal. 

“Hey, there’s no pressure here. He was the one who left, right? It’s his job to fix this.” 

Gina smiled up at EJ gratefully as Ashlyn nodded, “Maybe hang out with him once and see what happens. EJ is right - this is on him.” 

After her conversation with the Caswells, Gina’s plan was to do exactly that… until she got a text from an unknown number identifying itself as her brother and asking to grab lunch sometime. 

Gina decided to follow EJ and Ashlyn’s advice and set up a lunch date with her brother. EJ and Ashlyn offered to drive her and once they arrived at Salt Lake Slices, Gina took a deep breath and climbed out of the car. EJ stepped out as well and glanced at the large window into the restaurant. 

“Ash and I are going shopping for my mom’s birthday so we’ll be close. Call us if anything happens, okay? We’ll be here in no time.” 

He sounded so sincere and Gina knew he was and she murmured, “Thanks, Eej.” She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him in for a tight hug and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. 

Gina removed herself from his arms and began walking towards the restaurant when she suddenly stopped and turned around. 

“Oh, and don’t get your mom anything with starfish or seahorses - last time I talked to her she told me she was totally over her beach obsession.” 

EJ chuckled, “Noted. Thanks.” 

Gina smiled brightly at him and turned to finally walk into the restaurant. 

It was hard to miss her brother, sitting at a table alone. 

They were almost identical. 

Lincoln Porter noticed her and stood, a smile on his face. 

“Hey, little sis.” 

Just under two hours later, Gina crawled into the back of EJ’s car and Ashlyn cried, “Tell me everything!” 

Gina caught EJ’s worried glance in the rearview mirror and she began unconsciously toying with her necklace. 

“It was… weird. He was telling me all about his job and apartment and where he’s been the past ten years but, I don’t know, it all felt fake for some reason.” 

Ashlyn frowned, “Did he at least explain when he has been officially MIA for this long?” 

“He says he disagreed with my mom on too many things. After my dad passed away, they fought so much that he had no choice but to leave. He says he lost contact because we moved so much he had no way of finding our phone number or address.” 

“That sounds like it could be true,” Ashlyn shrugged. 

“I guess, I don’t know. It’s just so weird.” 

“Give it time, girl. You never know.” 

For the rest of the ride home, EJ was oddly quiet but Gina was stuck in her own head, too. 

Over the next few weeks, Gina hung out with her brother a few more times, even spending time at his apartment. They were by no means the best of siblings but getting to know her brother was… cool? 

“Tell you mom I won’t be home for dinner, Ash. Lincoln wants to take me bowling.” 

Ashlyn shut her locker and hurried off to debate team practice with a nod and a thumbs up and Gina shut her own locker to turn to EJ who was waiting to drive her home. 

“Which bowling alley is he taking you to?” 

“I’m not sure.” 

“Is he driving you?”

“Yeah, he is picking me up at 4:30.” 

“Who is paying?” 

“It doesn’t matter. What is with the 20 questions? Are you okay?” 

EJ clenched his jaw and cleared his throat, “Uh, this is going to sound crazy…” 

Gina stepped closer to him and rested a comforting hand on his stomach, silently encouraging him to continue. 

“Ever since your brother came around, I feel like some of your spark is gone. Before and after you hang out with him, you’re anxious and a little distant. I can’t help but feel like something is wrong. Is he… does he treat you right? This is so stupid. I’m making it sound like he is your boyfriend or something.” 

Gina stayed quiet for a moment, too many emotions were swirling around in her head. She should have known EJ would notice something was up, he was always so perceptive of her. She was also flattered and a little giddy with how protective he was being.

She curled her fingers that were resting on his stomach in a fist, definitely wrinkling his rugby shirt but he didn’t seem to mind as he used her own sweater to tug her a little closer to him. 

“I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want you or Ashlyn to worry.” 

EJ’s shoulders tensed and he frowned even more. 

“After my second time hanging out with Lincoln, I wanted to stop. I told him I was busy and it was too weird and that I needed time but he, uh, he said I had to keep hanging out with him or else he would convince my mom that I should move in with him.” 

While EJ was ticked that Gina’s own brother was blackmailing her, he was confused. 

“Wouldn’t that be okay? You’d still live in Salt Lake.” 

Gina shook her head, “I would but… he is into some sketchy stuff. Whenever I’m at his place there are these people coming and going. I tried to ask who they were but he shut me down. He can get angry pretty fast.” 

“G, you have to tell your mom.” 

“I tried but she said I was being dramatic. I think she is so desperate to fix our family that she doesn’t want to hear it. At least, not right now.” 

She had tried to stay strong but tears filled her eyes anyway and EJ was quick to pull her into his arms and she hid her face in his neck. 

They were still at school, in the middle of the hallway, and although Gina wanted to stay hidden away in EJ’s strong arms, she knew they needed to head home and she had to pull herself together for a bowling night. 

She took a deep breath and stepped back from EJ. 

“We should go.” 

“G, I’m not going to let him use you like this.” 

“I don’t have a choice. Can we just go, please?” 

Gina quickly began gathering her things, leaving no room for EJ to argue and although they needed to talk more, EJ was definitely in favor of getting out of East High until tomorrow. 

When they got home, EJ tried to get Gina to stay put but she was adamant she had to go and EJ made her promise not to go to Lincoln’s apartment. 

“Call me if he won’t listen. I’ll pick you up.” 

Gina almost cancelled on Lincoln a hundred times and she was a beat away from actually doing it when she realized how anxious EJ was but she had to do this. 

“I’ll be fine. I have been so far, right?” 

EJ reluctantly nodded and sighed, “I should go. I have two papers to write. Text me when you get home, please?” 

Gina smiled lovingly at him and put on a brave face as she pushed herself onto her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. 

“I will and I’ll be alright, okay?” 

EJ’s hands rested on her hips as he nodded and Gina added, “I’ll miss you.” 

That got a smile out of EJ and he placed a slow kiss on her lips, “I’ll miss you too. Bye, G.” 

“Bye, Eej…” 

Gina reluctantly released him as he headed down the path to his car. 

She had, in fact, been alright but Lincoln’s demands for Gina’s attention continued to grow and EJ rarely got to see her anymore. 

“She keeps saying she’s fine and she’s got this but I feel like it’s destroying her, Ash.” 

“We could call her mom, tell her what’s really going on.” 

“No, she said she already talked to her mom and she wouldn’t listen.” 

Ashlyn sighed, “What the heck does he even want from her? What does he get out of this?” 

EJ shrugged, “I have no idea but I would definitely feel better if I could have a conversation with him.” 

His cousin sneered, “Me too - what a scumbag.” 

It was a dreary afternoon as EJ waited outside the school for Gina. She had promised they could spend the rest of the day together, alone, and he leaned against his car while watching the dark and stormy skies above him. 

When Gina finally emerged from the school, she was saying goodbye to Kourtney and Nini… and wearing a familiar blue Duke sweatshirt. 

EJ wasn’t surprised to see her wearing it. She had sent him a selfie earlier in the day with a pouty face and the cuffs of the sweatshirt curled into the fingers of the hand that her head was resting on.

  “Missing you…” had accompanied the photo and it was the new home screen on his phone. 

Gina looked beautiful, albeit a little tired, as she hurried across the parking lot and straight into his open arms. She tossed her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss as he held her close. 

“Hey there, Caswell.” 

“Hi, Porter.” 

“How was your day? You had a workout with the team, right?” 

EJ nodded, “I did. Coach had us doing cardio in the weightroom forever. How was your history test?” 

“I think I’ll get by with a B+ so I’d say it was a good day.” 

“Well, a B+ deserves a celebration. Where to, Miss Porter?” 

Gina laughed at whatever goofy accent EJ put on and gently tugged at his ear. 

“Anywhere with you will be just fine.” 

EJ gazed down at her for a moment before leaning down to kiss her again but just as their lips met a deep voice called out, “Gina!” 

Gina jumped a little and EJ instinctively pulled her closer as he looked over her shoulder. 

Lincoln Porter was headed their way and even though EJ didn’t know the man, he knows what pissed off looks like. 

He felt Gina grab the collar of his shirt and he looked down to find a warning look from her telling him to relax. She slowly turned as Lincoln met them and crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Lincoln, what are you doing here?” 

“I got your text cancelling our plans tonight. Whatever it was that caused you to cancel must’ve been important so I came to check on you.” 

“Yeah, well, I’m fine.” 

“I can tell. You know, I thought we understood how important our time together is.” 

“We do, Lincoln.” 

“Cancelling so you can makeout with some wannabe hotshot is your definition of important? Sounds like I should call Mom…” 

EJ could tell Gina was starting to panic and anger coursed through his body as he listened to the way Lincoln spoke to Gina. 

Gina, who didn’t need saving and was more than capable of handling problems on her own, but was currently shrinking in on herself and EJ had enough . 

“Okay…” He snapped and stepped in front of Gina to come face-to-face with Lincoln. 

“You do not get to show up at our school and talk to Gina like that. You don’t get to tell her who she does or does hang out with and you definitely don’t get to boss her around like some pawn in your little game. Gina does not want to hang out tonight or any other night, for that matter, so back off.” 

Lincoln scoffed, “I don’t take orders from a teenager. I’m taking my sister and I’m leaving.” 

“You’re not taking her anywhere. She can make her own decisions.” 

“And she is smart enough to know what the right decision is, right Gina?” 

Gina held onto EJ’s arm with both hands as she stepped forward a little, “Lincoln, please, just one night-” 

“Can easily result in a call to Mom and you and I will officially be roomies.” 

EJ felt Gina’s nails dig into his arm and he hated how she was hiding behind him. 

“Go ahead. Call her mom. Ms. Porter won’t allow it, not after she finds out what you’ve been doing.” 

Lincoln rolled his eyes, “You’re an idiot. You have no idea how much our dear mother loves that I am back, taking care of my little sister.” 

“You don’t care about her at all!” EJ snapped and he felt Gina grab onto the back of his shirt, ready to hold him back. 

“Oh, I care because I need Gina for this so-called “game” as you put it.” 

“What are you talking about?” 

EJ was already livid but that only grew as he listened to Lincoln’s explanation.

“When our dad passed, his life insurance money was put into two trusts for me and Gina. The only way I will get that money is if our mom approves it. She won’t release my money to me unless I start being a part of the family again.” 

“You’ve been using me and mom just so you can cash a check?!” Gina snapped and it was EJ’s turn to hold her back. 

Lincoln shrugged, “Don’t be so surprised. Dad had a lot of money invested. You’d do anything to get your hands on it too.” 

EJ growled, “You put Gina in danger!” 

“She was never in danger. My friends are not a threat.” 

Gina finally stepped out from behind EJ and got right in her brother’s face. 

“I’m done with you, Lincoln. I never want to see you again.” 

“You seem to be forgetting Mom’s undying love for her firstborn prodigal son.” 

Gina faltered for a moment until a voice called out, “Don’t be so sure of it.” 

All three heads turned to watch Ashlyn step out from behind EJ’s car, her phone in hand and proud smirk on her face. 

“I have your entire confession recorded right here. A few clicks and this will be headed straight for Mrs. Porter’s phone. Want to try that again?” 

Gina fought back tears as she realized what her sister had done and Ashlyn sent her a wink. 

Lincoln was equally surprised and EJ’s voice was low as he stared him down. 

“Leave, now. You’re done here.” 

Gina’s brother could only turn and sulk off, not without a glare at Gina and the Caswell cousins. 

Ashlyn put her phone away as she offered a sarcastic wave and Gina threw her arms around her sister and roommate with a squeal. 

“Ash, I could kiss you! Thank you so much!” 

“Anything for you, G. I was done with that idiot a long time ago. I’m sorry I pushed you to get involved.” 

“Don’t be. Honestly, I’m glad. I can show that video to my mom and we can be done with him for good.” 

Ashlyn glanced over at EJ and she winked at Gina, “I’m going to call my mom. She’s been worried.” She gently turned Gina towards EJ and shuffled off to the side, giving the young couple some room. 

Gina took a deep breath as she turned back to EJ. 

He was still angry, she could tell, but he smiled at her and Gina finally relaxed. She was free! 

She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him as he easily picked her up and spun her around. 

“I’m so sorry, EJ. This is all my fault.” 

“Hey, hey, this is no one’s fault but his. I don’t blame you.” 

“I should probably call my mom…” 

EJ nodded, “Do you want me to drop you off?” 

They were supposed to hang out but so much had just happened that EJ understood if Gina wanted to go home.

“Will you stay with me?” 

“Always.” 

With Lincoln Porter out of the way, they had plenty of time for each other. 

Chapter Text

East High’s Spring production of Beauty and the Beast was set to debut in less than a month and Gina Porter was feeling the pressure. Not only was she working with her co-choreographer Carlos on every single song but she had to teach two teenagers (one of whom whose best skill was skateboarding and the other who was known to trip over her own feet) how to waltz . 

The waltz, an infamous ballroom dance that was used in every romance novel and movie but was also critical to making sure the Drama Club’s show beat out North High for a very prestigious award. 

Gina had taught children how to cha-cha but teaching Ricky Bowen and Ashlyn Caswell how to waltz was proving to be quite a challenge. 

They were currently practicing in an empty classroom that Miss Jenn had decked out in mismatching mirrors to mimic a dance studio when Gina clasped her hands together to get Ashlyn and Ricky’s attention. 

“Okay, uh, why don’t we call it a day? Ricky, practice the step count and Ash, we can practice more at home if you want.” 

Ashlyn smiled at her but glared at Ricky as she grabbed her bag and hurried out. 

Ricky grabbed his own backpack as he grumbled, “I’m sorry, Gina. This is all my fault.” 

“No, don’t worry about it. It’s not all your fault.” 

It totally was. 

“You’re totally lying but thanks for trying. I’m going to practice tonight. I’ll get Big Red to help me.” 

“Just make sure you practice being the lead, okay? You’re playing a prince - you need to sweep your princess off her feet.” 

Ricky chuckled, “I’ll make sure Big Red knows he has to be the princess.” 

With that, the skater boy left and Gina glanced at herself in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The music was still playing and she brought her arms into position, effortlessly running through the step count with her invisible partner. 

There had to be a way to teach even the worst of dancers how to waltz. 

She paced for a while, trying to figure something out but grew frustrated pretty quickly and she groaned, sliding down the wall until she landed on her butt. The moves and the music always worked so well for her, her body just knew what to do and it felt right. She closed her eyes and leaned back to rest her head against the wall as she listened to the music playing from the small speaker Miss Jenn had bought specifically for dance rehearsals. 

The waltz was a notoriously difficult dance but Gina had learned it at a young age and she had watched some tutorials to freshen up. It wasn’t that hard but Ricky Bowen’s feet were made for a skateboard, not a classic and romantic dance. 

It didn’t help that Ashlyn and Ricky had absolutely zero chemistry, even in character. 

Miss Jenn was working with them on that but Gina only had a few weeks left to get them to a place where they could effortlessly glide across the dance floor for the show’s most iconic song. 

“Rough day?” 

Her eyes shot open when a deep voice interrupted her thought process. 

EJ Caswell was standing in the doorway, his shoulder pressed against the frame and he wore a teasing smile. 

“Ugh, you have no idea.” 

He fully entered the room and picked up a random basketball leftover from their production of High School Musical . 

“What impossibly hard dance were you teaching my fellow amateurs today?” 

Gina laughed lightly, “It isn’t that hard and you guys aren’t amateurs. Well, not all of you.” 

“Hey, I nailed my song in like two days.” 

“I’m not talking about you, Eej. I’ve been working with Ricky and Ash on the waltz scene for two weeks and they are still stepping on each other’s toes.” 

EJ dribbled the ball a few times and spun it around on his pointer finger as he laughed, “I’ve got to start being nosey. I would pay to watch some of your rehearsals with them.” 

“No, you don’t want to be anywhere near it. I just can’t figure it out. The moves are repetitive! Once you have the step count, you can’t mess it up.” 

“Let me guess, Ash is leading and Ricky’s hold is trash.” 

Gina’s eyebrows shot up, surprised, and EJ shrugged, “I’ve listened to you enough to know a few dance terms.” 

“Well, your listening skills are admirable, EJ Caswell. And you’re right - Ricky’s hold is horrific and Ash is leading but I can’t blame her. Ricky is horrible at it. He’s trying but that boy was not made to waltz.” 

EJ shrugged, “If anyone can teach Bowen how to dance, it’s you.” 

“I don’t know… I’m running out of ideas.” 

She watched as EJ bounced the ball a few more times before he suddenly smiled and hurried to the corner to put the ball down and take off his jacket. He moved to stand in front of her and held his hands out. 

“Come on.” 

Gina frowned but held her hands out anyway, “Where are we going?” 

He easily pulled her to her feet and led her to the middle of the floor. 

“Right here. Teach me to waltz.” 

“What?” 

“Teach me. Maybe you just need to be refreshed with someone new as your student.”

Gina was amazed (and a little flustered). EJ was not only offering to be taught an ancient boring dance but he was still holding her hands and she smiled. 

“Or… this is totally stupid and we can forget I ever said anything.” 

“No, no, it’s not stupid at all! You really want to learn?” 

The athlete grinned, “Yeah, I do.” 

“Okay. Uh, let me restart the music.” 

Gina started with showing EJ the basic footwork patterns, making sure he had a general understanding of it before she showed him the proper hold for a waltz. 

“Put your hand on my shoulder blade and take my hand with the other. It’s your job to hold our hands up, okay?” 

“Got it.” 

He had been following her instructions as she said them and Gina rested her other hand on his shoulder. 

“Okay, now we’re going to do the steps you’ve been working on and I’m going to do the reverse of them. If you step on my toes, I’ll make sure the next rehearsals for your scene are twice as hard.” 

EJ pretended to gulp and he released her hand to pull at his collar, “Well now I’m nervous.” 

Gina couldn’t help but laugh at the boy’s ridiculous antics and he took her hand and began slowly moving through the steps. Gina’s laugh faded to a smile and she watched him watching his feet, muttering to himself quietly. 

He messed up a few times but always corrected himself and Gina eventually stopped them. 

She gently nudged his chin and murmured, “Look at me, okay? Trust your feet.” 

EJ stared back at her for a moment, before smiling softly and nodding. 

“Okay, start again. 1, 2, 3…” 

Their steps were very slow, almost painfully slow but with his grey eyes staring back at her, Gina found them moving almost flawlessly. They were silent for the most part but Gina shared some quiet encouraging words once in a while. 

After a minute or two, they managed to get a little faster but they were interrupted by Carlos calling for Gina.
“G! I need your eyes on this scene!” 

They stopped and she cleared her throat, “I, uh, should go see what he needs.” 

EJ nodded, “Yeah, go. I’ll get the lights and stuff.” 

“Thanks,” Gina said, almost breathless even though they had barely been moving. 

He loosened his hold and she began to back away, their fingers staying tangled together until she was out of reach. 

Gina and EJ found time to practice their waltz the following day but hadn’t had time since. Over the next few days, there was no time scheduled for rehearsal of Ashlyn and Ricky’s waltz and Gina was kind of grateful. She had many other numbers to focus on and if she was being honest, she didn’t want to ruin the waltz again. Dancing with EJ had reminded her how much she loved it. 

In the middle of another day of rehearsals, Miss Jenn gathered everyone together. 

“Okay, Wildcats! Today has been really great. You are all truly getting into character and it’s wonderful. Tomorrow, we are going to focus on two big numbers: “Be Our Guest” and “Tale as Old as Time.” Gina, you will work with Ashlyn and Ricky while Carlos focuses on the cutlery dancers. For the rest of today, we’re going to work on the wolf scene.” 

As everyone got into positions or took seats to watch, EJ appeared next to Gina and he whispered, “I’ve been practicing.” 

She turned her head to look at him and teased, “We all have, Caswell.” 

“You know what I mean, Porter. The waltz? I’ve worn a hole in my bedroom carpet.” 

Gina’s stomach fluttered. EJ had been practicing? Just because? 

“Wow, Eej, I’m impressed.” 

“Can I show you?” 

He was obviously nervous and excited and he held his hand out. 

How was Gina supposed to say no to that? Besides, the thought of dancing with him was too enticing. 

She took his hand and EJ smiled, pulling her out of the room and leading her to the makeshift dance studio. 

He turned the lights on as Gina set up the music. 

“Alright, Caswell, let’s see what you got.” 

EJ dramatically bowed and held out his hand with a laugh. 

Gina tried not to blush and curtsied, taking his hand and stepping closer to get into position. 

Almost immediately, EJ began to dance and Gina was amazed. 

He was relaxed and confident as he moved and he never took his eyes off of her. 

The song Gina played was designed to gradually speed up and EJ was able to keep up until they were dancing to the regular beat of the song. He stumbled once or twice but he always managed to correct it. 

“EJ, you’re amazing!” Gina cried. “You’re almost a natural.” 

“Thanks, G. I give all credit to you… and the videos I watched on the internet.” 

The song was long, designed for rehearsals and Gina was grateful. 

Slowly, they moved out of the awkward rigid positions they had been in while EJ was learning and their shoulders relaxed. EJ’s hand had shifted from her shoulder blade to her waist and their bodies were much closer together. 

Eventually, Gina had to look away from EJ’s intense gaze and handsome face, so she focused on a loose thread on the collar of his shirt. 

When the song ended, they slowed to a stop but neither one of them moved away. 

In fact, EJ took the smallest step closer and his voice was soft when he spoke, “Gina, I…” 

Gina gently tugged at that loose thread as she watched EJ, waiting for him to gather his thoughts. 

“I really-” 

EJ’s phone rang loudly, and it made them both jump. He finally released her to grab it out of his back pocket and he sighed, “It’s Ashlyn… Hey, cuz. Hold on.” He put the phone on speaker and said, “You’re on speaker. She’s here with me.” 

“Hey, G. Rehearsal is still going but the stage crew needs some help lifting up the wooden trees for the background. Miss Jenn is asking for all available hands.” 

Gina glanced at EJ as she leaned closer to the phone, “We got it, Ash. We’ll be right there.” 

“Awesome, thanks!” 

Ashlyn hung up and EJ sighed, “Well, duty calls. If the paint on the trees is wet and I come home with another pair of stained jeans my mom will officially kill me.” 

“If it isn’t paint, it’s normally food. She should be used to it by now.” 

“Hey now, it can get pretty cramped at the cafeteria tables and a man’s gotta eat!” 

Gina rolled her eyes but smiled as she grabbed her phone and turned off the speaker. 

“A man can also learn how to eat with a fork instead of his hands but here we are.” 

EJ suddenly had a devious glint in his eye and Gina began backing towards the door. 

“Eej…” 

“Tell you what. If you beat me to the auditorium, I’ll consider using a fork at lunch tomorrow. If I win, you have to apologize for your cruel insults.” 

“Deal!” Gina shouted but she had already taken off running. 

“Hey! That’s cheating!” EJ called as he turned off the lights and rushed after her.

Their laughter filled the empty hallways and just as Gina saw the auditorium doors, she turned to see where EJ was but she was alone. 

“EJ?” 

Silence. 

Gina frowned but shrugged and made her way down the hall and stepped into the theater. As she turned the corner, she quite literally ran into EJ who was staring down at her with a victorious smile on his face. 

“You’re late.” 

“And you’re a cheater.” 

“No way. I just know the hallways better than you. Perks of being a senior.” 

Gina huffed and poked his chest, “Well I’m not apologizing because I know I’m right. Now come on, we have a set to build.” 

She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the stage. 

What they didn’t see was Kourtney entering the auditorium behind them with a smile on her face. 

She had seen them waltzing and their race in the hallway and now she watched as EJ pulled his arm from Gina’s grasp and tossed it over her shoulders as they walked. 

Very interesting, indeed. 

As Miss Jenn had said, the next day’s rehearsal was spent on two of the biggest numbers. Gina was stuck in the studio with Ricky and Ashlyn while the rest of the cast was focused on “Be Our Guest.” Because he wasn’t in the either number, EJ was acting as a standin for Ashlyn aka Belle and he had to admit he was doing a pretty good job (even if he only had to follow whatever Carlos aka Lumiere was guiding him to do. 

Once she felt they had it, Miss Jenn clapped her hands. 

“Okay, everyone! That was superb. I cannot wait to see it all in costume in a few weeks! Now, we still have some time and I would love for us to run through “Tale as Old as Time.” Kourtney, would you go get Ricky and Ashlyn?” 

Kourtney nodded and went to retrieve her friends and co-stars. 

“Hey, y’all. Miss Jenn wants to see your waltz.” 

Ricky grumbled, “Great, an audience.” 

Ashlyn laughed, “We’re going to have an even bigger one soon enough. Let’s go!” 

She pulled Ricky along and Kourtney waited for Gina to gather her binder and notes. 

“Any progress today?” 

Gina tugged on a blue Duke sweatshirt over her crop top as she explained, “For sure but they definitely aren’t where they should be.” 

“Give it time. With a teacher like you, they’ll be waltzing like pros soon enough.” 

“I sure hope so.” 

They began walking to the rehearsal room and Kourtney teased, “That sweatshirt looks comfortable. Where did you get it?” 

Gina tugged on the oversized sweater, “Uh, I’ve had it for a while. An old friend, if you will.” 

Kourtney scoffed, “Yeah right. You’re a style icon, G, you don’t wear anything that is that oversized or ratty.” 

“Oh, look. We’ve made it. You need to get on stage, girl!” 

Gina hurried Kourtney along and the shorter girl laughed. 

Everyone got into their positions and Gina took a seat on the bleachers to watch and hold her breath. 

Seb began playing the piano and Kourtney sang beautifully as Ricky and Ashlyn danced… and stumbled quite a few times. 

They slowed the tempo and it was a little better but not by much. Gina’s head fell into her hands as Miss Jenn stood up. 

“Okay, pause. Kourtney, your singing was perfect. Beast and Belle, your dancing… not so much. Look, this is a pivotal moment for your characters. You have both realized your feelings for each other and you are hopelessly in love! Where is that? The chemistry, the magic!” 

“We’re trying to find it,” Ashlyn explained. 

“Well try harder. And Ricky, you are a prince . You need to lead Belle through the dance.” 

“Right, right… I’ll try,” Ricky nodded anxiously. 

Miss Jenn glanced around the room and sighed, “Okay, let’s try something different. We need some inspiration… or a demonstration. Gina, Carlos, would you mind showing us all how majestic a proper waltz can be?” 

Kourtney spoke before anyone else could, “Actually, Miss Jenn, I think EJ should dance with Gina.” 

The whole cast looked at EJ who cleared his throat and shuffled nervously on his feet. 

Miss Jenn looked surprised, “EJ, do you waltz?” 

“Not really…” 

“He does! I saw him and Gina doing it yesterday! Miss Jenn, it was amazing.” Her gaze shifted to Gina and EJ. “It was so cool to watch you two. Please?” 

Gina glanced at EJ and he shrugged, “I’m in if you are.” 

When Gina nodded, their friends cheered. EJ met her at the bleachers and held his hand out to help her down. Gina didn’t need it but she felt a now familiar fluttering in her stomach at his chivalry. 

They faced each other in the open space of the room and Miss Jenn signaled Seb to start. 

As they got themselves into the right hold, Gina noticed how nervous EJ suddenly was and she took the smallest step closer to him. 

“Hey, look at me. Remember?” She whispered it so only he could hear and EJ met her gaze with a grateful smile. 

As Kourtney began to sing, they started dancing and at first it was a little weird. All of their friends were watching closely which wasn’t unusual but the waltz had become their thing, something special between them and it felt like they were being invaded. 

They danced perfectly, however, and EJ murmured, “Do you trust me?” 

Normally Gina would be suspicious - this was EJ Caswell! But it felt so good to be in his arms and he was staring at her with the same kindness and affection he always had when he looked at Gina so she nodded. 

“Always.” 

His hand on her back gently encouraged her to spin around and the hand holding hers was raised above them to guide her through it and back into his arms. 

It was (almost) perfectly on beat and right at the climax of the song and their friends went crazy. 

Gina was definitely blushing now and she laughed as EJ gave the crowd a cheeky wink. 

When the song came to an end, they were swarmed by the Wildcats and Miss Jenn cheered, “Beautiful! Incredible!” 

Once the students were done freaking out, Ashlyn nudged Gina with an adoring smile and Kourtney used the momentum to gently push the dancer into EJ who smiled down at her and lifted his arm to drape it over her shoulders. 

It could have been considered casual and friendly but Gina leaned into him and reached up to play with his fingers. 

Kourtney smiled. 

There was definitely something there that wasn’t there before.

Chapter Text

As Spring came to East High and Salt Lake City, the Wildcats were completely focused on their latest production: Beauty and the Beast . EJ was cast as Gaston and after a few run-throughs of “Gaston” during rehearsals one day, he noticed Gina was nowhere to be found. Normally, she sat front and center to watch the choreography and give tips and pointers but he hadn’t seen her in quite a while. 

Once focus shifted to the Beast’s transformation, EJ slipped out of the room and went searching for Gina. He checked a few hallways and the auditorium before ending up in the dressing rooms. He smiled and leaned against the doorframe when he finally found her, staring intently at her phone. 

“Hey, Babette, where’ve you been?” 

Gina looked up at his voice, tears in her eyes, and EJ rushed forward and gently grabbed her bicep. 

“G, hey, what’s wrong?” 

“I’m moving…” 

EJ felt his stomach drop. 

“What?” 

“My mom is being moved again to Vermont and she wants me to come with her. She thinks I’ve overstayed my welcome at Ashlyn’s place…” 

“You haven’t! You’ve barely been here.” 

“I know but my mom is stubborn and she feels guilty. There’s nothing I can do. I don’t want to leave!” 

EJ felt incredibly helpless as he wiped at some of the tears streaming down Gina’s cheeks and he pulled her into his arms, wrapping them around her shoulders. She buried her face into his neck and tangled her fingers into the back of his shirt as she cried. EJ kissed her head and held on tightly, unsure of how to fix this. 

He was still holding her a few minutes later when Ashlyn and Carlos came into the dressing room, looking for two of their stars. 

They immediately noticed something was wrong. 

“EJ, Gina, what’s going on?” 

“What happened?” 

They rushed over and Gina removed herself from EJ’s strong embrace to throw her arms around Ashlyn. 

Carlos looked to EJ who frowned and shook his head and Gina’s voice was shaky as she said, “I’m moving.” 

Ashlyn simply held onto her ‘sister’ and Carlos’s jaw dropped. 

“But, you’re staying with Ashlyn!” 

“My mom thinks I’ve overstayed… she’s being moved again.” 

Ashlyn cried, “You haven’t! My parents love you!” 

“Thanks, Ash, but my mom has made up her mind.” 

Carlos snapped, “No, this is not happening. I’m getting Miss Jenn.” 

He ran out and Ashlyn tried to help Gina fix her now messy eye makeup. Their other friends must have sensed something was going on and they entered the dressing room. Ashlyn filled them in as Gina turned back to EJ, seeking the comfort he provided but their friends swarmed them and asked a million questions. 

EJ sighed and sat on a nearby table, watching his friends. They had learned how hard it was when one of them left when Nini spent a few weeks at a different school and now the universe was trying to break up the best group of friends he ever had. 

His gaze landed on Gina, as it always did, and his chest began to ache. 

They had just started figuring out what was happening between them. He had asked her out on a real date and they were supposed to finally do it this weekend but what was the point if she was moving to the other side of the country? 

Ever so surely, Gina had become the most important person in his life and now that was going to be taken away. 

Miss Jenn arrived with Carlos and as their teacher/pseudo-mother learned of the news, she gave Gina a tight hug. 

“We’ll figure something out, sweetie. Don’t worry.” 

She then began an impassioned speech about change and control and love but EJ wasn’t paying attention. He was watching Gina as she removed herself from their friends and made her way over to him. 

Wordlessly, he held his arms out and Gina stepped in between his legs to wrap her arms around him and hook her hands over his shoulders. He tightened his own arms around her, trying to hide her from the rest of the world. 

When Miss Jenn finished her speech, it was with a promise to call Gina’s mother and she sent EJ a sad smile as she shuffled the group of Wildcats out of the room. 

Once they were alone, EJ gently nudged Gina and she stood upright. He took her hands and laced their fingers together. 

“We’re going to fix this. Don’t lose hope, okay?” 

“There’s nothing we can do, EJ. She’s my mother.” 

“And we’re your friends…” The word felt weird leaving his mouth. He and Gina haven’t been just friends for a while now… 

“This is your family and we’re not going to let you go.” 

Gina nodded and EJ released one of her hands to gently grasp her chin so she would look at him. 

“ I am not going to let you go.” 

He said it so earnestly, so powerfully and Gina surged forward, throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing him. 

“Thank you, EJ.” 

As it turns out, there was little the Wildcats could do for their feather duster. Miss Jenn had spoken to Gina’s mom but to no avail. Ashlyn had gotten her parents to speak to her as well but they were also unsuccessful. 

Gina only had 10 days since she got the call and she spent most of that time packing and making sure that Carlos and Miss Jenn had all of her notes and plans for the show. 

When the day arrived for Gina to leave, the entire Drama Club went with her to the airport. After saying goodbye to each and every Wildcat, she pulled EJ aside. 

Ashlyn watched as Gina wrapped her arms around EJ’s waist and tucked her face into his neck. EJ folded his arms over her shoulders and kissed her head. Ashlyn squeezed Big Red’s hand and smiled sadly at him. EJ and Gina had so much potential. It wasn’t fair for the universe to break them apart. 

They separated and Ashlyn gasped as she watched Gina pull a familiar blue Duke sweatshirt out of her backpack. 

EJ frowned as Gina handed it to him. 

“Here, I wanted to give this back to you.” 

“Keep it.” 

“But-” 

“Keep it, G. Please. Take it with you and hold onto it until you find some totally adorable Vermont boy who has an even better sweatshirt to give you.” 

Gina hugged the blue material to her chest, “That is not going to happen.” 

EJ managed a small smile and shrugged, “Even if it isn’t for me, keep it and wear it when you’re missing your East High family.” 

Gina carefully folded the sweatshirt and put it in her carry on bag. She took a step closer to him and rested her hand on his chest. 

“I’m going to miss everyone so much but… I’m going to miss you most, EJ Caswell.” 

EJ’s heart was simultaneously speeding up and breaking at the same time as he swallowed back tears. 

“We really could’ve been something, huh?” 

Gina smiled, “Maybe someday.” 

They gazed at each other, remembering every detail and they began leaning in, closer and closer...

Just as Gina had pushed herself up on her toes and her lips ever so barely brushed his, an announcement was made about a final call for boarding. 

“I have to go.” 

She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and quickly grabbed her things, throwing him one last look over her shoulder as she headed to the boarding gate. 

EJ felt like his world was collapsing as he turned back to his friends, all wearing sad smiles and wiping away tears. He accepted hugs from Seb and Kourtney and he tried to comfort them - they were losing Gina too. 

Ashlyn found his gaze and gave him a very pointed look. 

“You did not just let the love of your life walk away without a proper kiss,” she sassed and EJ felt a surge of energy in his body. 

His cousin was right. 

He turned and Gina had almost reached the line to board, with only a few people in it. 

He had time! 

EJ took off running, even jumping over a row of seats and he cried out, “Gina!” 

Was it a little too loud for a not very crowded airport? Yes but EJ didn’t care. 

Did Gina turn to look at him with a bewildered look that normally would make him laugh? Definitely. 

He ignored everyone around them and did not stop running until he was right in front of her, close enough to gently cradle her face and press his lips to hers in a heartstopping first kiss. 

Their friends erupted in cheers and Gina began to laugh, breaking their kiss but it only took a moment for her to stop and kiss him again. 

The boarding agent called out for Gina, asking if she was still going to board the plane and she reluctantly pulled away from EJ to turn and nod. 

“I have to go, for real this time.” 

EJ nodded, “I know. I’ll text you, okay?” 

Gina reached up and gently tugged on his ear as she murmured, “Okay.” 

She released him and EJ took a step back as Gina gathered her things once more and hurried over to the gate. Once her ticket was approved, she gave EJ one last glance and disappeared into the tunnel leading to the plane. 

EJ turned and his friends were right there, huge smiles on their faces. EJ laughed and threw his fists in the air, victorious, and the Wildcats swarmed him with hugs and cheers. 

Over the next few weeks, EJ kept his promise. He had texted Gina that day, discovering she had landed safely, and they never stopped. Texts, phone calls, video chats - they were always talking and while it was nice to keep her virtually in his life, EJ missed her. 

His friends noticed. They missed Gina too. 

Rehearsals for the Spring show continued but Gina’s spark and passion were missing. They continued to hang out at each other’s houses and the pizza shop but Gina’s laugh and sarcasm were noticeably absent. 

One afternoon, EJ ran into the auditorium offering apologies for being late. He slid into an open spot next to Ashlyn and tuned into whatever Miss Jenn and Carlos were discussing. 

“Where were you?” 

EJ glanced at his cousin, “We had a team workout that ran long.” 

Ashland was suspicious, however. Her cousin was on the water polo team and yes, they frequently had workouts and practices, but they were in their offseason and the odds of them having a workout in the middle of a school day were low. 

His hair was damp and he smelled clean, like he just got out of the shower so maybe Ashlyn was wrong. 

Regardless, EJ began showing up late more often. Water polo was typically the excuse but occasionally it was schoolwork related. He was also pulling away from his friends. He used to be outgoing and goofy but EJ was gradually becoming quiet and withdrawn. 

Ashlyn knew it was connected to Gina’s absence but she just didn’t know what to do about it. 

After rehearsal one day, Kourtney and Carlos approached her. 

“Ash, we’re worried about EJ.” 

“Me too.” 

Carlos glanced around, as if checking to see who was listening, and he leaned in closer to whisper, “We’re worried about Gina too.” 

Ashlyn frowned, “Have you talked to her? Is she okay?” 

“Carlos talked to Miss Jenn earlier and she spoke to Gina’s mom to check in.” 

“Apparently Gina is not adjusting well to Vermont.” 

“What do you mean by that?” Ashlyn felt herself begin to panic - this is her sister they were talking about! 

“She hasn’t made any friends and she’s struggling in class. Miss Jenn said that she hasn’t danced at all, even around the house!” 

Ashlyn sighed, “That’s awful. I’ve talked to her a few times but she sounded fine to me.” 

Carlos rolled his eyes, “She’s a performer, Ash! She doesn’t want you to worry.” 

“We need to do something. We’re still her friends, even if she is on the other side of the country.” 

Kourtney grabbed her arm, “Uh, can we also do something about your mopey cousin? He doesn’t seem like he is doing too hot, either.” 

Ashlyn nodded, “Honestly, we need to bring Gina back to East High. She belongs here.” 

Carlos smiled, “She belongs with EJ, too.” 

“Guys, I have an idea but it’s a little extreme.” 

Kourtney smirked, “Then I’m definitely down.” 

“Me too!” 

Ashlyn squared her shoulders, ready to go to battle for her family. 

A week later, Ashlyn, Kourtney and Carlos had put their plan into action but they kept most of it a secret. They only had two weeks until opening night and rehearsals were getting intense. When EJ walked in, late again, Ricky spoke up. 

“Uh, EJ, I think I speak for the group when I say that you’ve been late, like a lot.” 

Seb nodded, “It has been throwing us all off. We either have to run dances again or start over with scenes.” 

Miss Jenn moved to stand next to EJ and she squeezed his shoulder, “The group is worried about you, honey. You used to be so dedicated to our show and now it seems like you have a lot of other priorities.” 

EJ glanced around the room and scratched at the back of his neck. 

“Sorry, everyone. I do have a lot going on but that’s no excuse.” 

Ashlyn grabbed his hand and smiled up at her cousin, “We’re family, EJ. Talk to us.” 

EJ sighed and all but collapsed on the small set of bleachers. 

“I guess I’ve been trying to keep busy, too busy. If I have down time, I start to think about everything that’s changed and everything that will be changing. It kind of...hurts so I’ve been scheduling workouts and practices with the team. I’ve been tutoring too.” 

His explanation was vague but the Wildcats immediately chimed in with words of encouragement and offers to hang out to keep EJ busy. Ashlyn knew him better than that, however, and she knew the changes he was avoiding had to do with Gina. She glanced over at Kourtney and Carlos who both smiled knowingly at her. 

Their plan couldn’t come to fruition soon enough. 

That weekend, Carlos called an “emergency rehearsal” at his home. His text messages claimed there were some immediate alterations to some of the group dance numbers that just had to be made. He also promised a pool party afterwards - his very wealthy family had a heated pool and a hot tub. 

EJ arrived in his typical attire of jeans and a East High sweatshirt, his swimsuit and towel in a backpack slung over his shoulder. 

He smiled as his friends greeted him and they gathered in Carlos’s spacious living room to begin their rehearsal. 

“Okay, Wildcats! Opening night is 10 days away and we have quite a bit of work to do. We’re going to focus on the big numbers today, starting with the scene where Gaston and the townies storm the castle.” 

Kourtney raised her hand, “Uh, Mr. Choreographer, I don’t think Natalie is here.” 

Everyone glanced around the room and noticed that Natalie, Gina’s replacement for the role of Babette, was indeed missing. 

Carlos frowned, “Hmm, you’re right. Well, Babette plays a big part in this number. Is anyone willing to fill in for Natalie?” 

Almost everyone already had a role in the number so there was a moment of silence before a figure appeared in the doorway to the kitchen and a soft voice called out, “I can.” 

EJ’s heart stopped. 

The whole room gasped. 

Gina Porter stepped into the room, with a blush on her cheeks and a blue Duke sweatshirt on her shoulders. 

The Wildcats erupted in cheers and the whole cast rushed forward to greet their friend. 

EJ managed to stand, eyes fixated on the mass of teenagers surrounding Gina as she struggled to properly hug all of them. 

A thousand questions were being asked and EJ had quite a few of his own but he was unable to form words. Hell, he wasn’t able to move! 

Why weren’t his legs working? 

Gina caught his eye and it felt like time stopped. 

EJ managed a goofy smile. 

With help from Carlos, Gina was able to break free from her friends and she tugged at the sweatshirt as EJ gazed at her, nothing but love in his eyes. 

The Wildcats’ cheers quieted to whispers and they watched Gina come to a stop in front of the young man.

“Hey, G.” 

“Hi, Eej.” 

EJ responded with a relieved smile and he opened his arms. Gina immediately rushed forward, throwing her arms around his shoulders and holding on tight. EJ tucked her into his chest and just like at the airport when they saw Gina off, their friends cheered. 

He heard Gina laugh and when she pulled back, only slightly, she had happy tears in her eyes. EJ cupped her face and wiped at her cheeks. He pressed a kiss to her forehead but that wasn’t enough for Gina. She suddenly grabbed the collar of his sweatshirt and pulled him down for a kiss, a very real and very overdue kiss. 

EJ couldn’t help himself and the kiss grew heated quickly. Could you blame him? 

Nini cleared her throat and teased, “As much as I adore this movie moment, I have a ton of questions!” 

The Wildcats loudly agreed and Gina and EJ broke apart. She briefly rested her forehead against his chin before turning to her friends. She didn’t go far, however, taking EJ’s arm and pulling it over her shoulder so she could tangle their fingers together. 

“Um, hey guys,” she smiled sheepishly.  

Big Red cried, “What is going on?!” 

The group laughed and Gina winked at Ashlyn. 

“I’ll let my sister explain.” 

She leaned against EJ as Ashlyn smiled, “We started a few weeks ago…” 

Ashlyn explained how she, Kourtney and Carlos reached out to Gina’s mom. They begged her to send Gina back, and Ashlyn even had her parents call to explain that they loved having Gina around. They shared how much they all missed Gina and how much they needed her. They even brought up EJ and his love for the girl. 

It took a little while but once they eventually convinced Gina’s mom to send her back, they worked out the best way to surprise everyone. Gina had been absolutely ecstatic at the thought of coming back and had struggled not to say anything. 

“So, after all of that, we got her on the next flight and she got in this morning!” 

“Does this mean Gina can be in the show again?” Big Red asked. 

“Oh, no, I have no right to suddenly come back and ruin all of your hard work. I’ll be here for moral support.” 

Kourtney scoffed, “I’m sure the moment Natalie hears you’re back, she will be ecstatic to hand the feather duster back to you.” 

Nini nodded, “We need you, Gina.” 

Ricky called out, “Everyone in favor of Gina rejoining the cast, say ‘I’!” 

The responses were deafening and Gina laughed as EJ placed his hands on her hips and gently pushed her, right into the waiting arms of the Drama Club. 

Carlos was quick to announce that the rehearsal was all a ruse and a pool party was waiting. Everyone hurried outside to the gorgeous patio, pool and hot tub surrounded by lavish landscaping and Beauty and the Beast themed decorations. Some were quick to jump in (the early Spring air was still chilly and the hot water was very inviting) and others mingled about. 

Gina was standing with Ashlyn and Big Red a little while later, all recently changed into their swimsuits, when warm hands landed on her waist and EJ’s voice filled her ears. 

“Kourtney and Nini told me you can get your hair wet.” 

Well that was unexpected. 

“Um, yeah? Why are you ask- wait!” 

But it was too late. 

EJ had suddenly spun her around, bent down and tossed her over his shoulder. He took off running and leapt into the pool, bringing Gina with him. 

When they surfaced, the whole cast was laughing and screaming and Gina treaded water as she splashed him. EJ was laughing and Gina couldn’t keep a straight face. He flicked his wet hair out of his face and swam towards her.

“That was a welcome back gift from yours truly.” 

Gina huffed, “I would’ve been okay with literally anything if it was on land .”

“Guys! We want to play chicken. Come on!” 

Ricky was calling them over and EJ smiled as he tilted his head and turned his back towards her. Gina wrapped her arms around his shoulders and relaxed her legs to allow EJ to swim and pull her through the water until they got to the shallow end where their friends were gathered. 

When she stood, Gina shivered as her bare skin was exposed to the cool air and EJ immediately wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tugged her into his side. Gina couldn’t help it as she wrapped her own arms around his waist. He was so warm . 

“Okay, Big Red and I are a team. Then we got Nini and Kourtney and Seb and Carlos. Any other teams?”

A few of the stage crew students added teams and EJ nudged Gina. 

“You down?” 

“If you drop me even once, Caswell, I’m flying back to Vermont.” 

His face dramatically changed into a faux-serious expression, “You wouldn’t.” 

“I wouldn’t,” she promised immediately and EJ chuckled and shouted out to Ashlyn to add their names to a bracket. 

Gina knew that even though they were always teasing each other, EJ (and part of herself) needed that promise. 

As the matches began, Gina grabbed a spot against the side of the pool beside Ashlyn who was dangling her feet in and keeping track of everything on a clipboard that she found from who knows where. EJ was quick to take up the spot next to her and Gina could feel the competitive energy radiating off him as he cheered and reacted to each match. 

They were the last team to go after watching Carlos and Seb surprisingly destroy everyone. Seb had built up some core strength from working on the farm and Carlos was very good at distracting his opponent.

“You ready, Eej?” 

“Born ready.” 

He took her hand and led her to the center of the pool where Seb and Carlos were waiting and goading them. 

“You two really want to face us after the demolition you just witnessed?” 

EJ scoffed, “Please. There’s a reason Ash put us last. What’s that saying, G?” 

Gina smirked, “You save the best for last.” 

“They were the last to sign up, actually,” Ashlyn muttered from the side but the four teenagers staring each other down weren’t listening. 

Carlos and Seb began talking strategy as EJ disappeared under water. Gina tried not to panic as he stood and she was hoisted in the air on his shoulders and his arms wrapped around her shins. 

The only thing she could hold onto was his head and he chuckled, “Uh, Gina, a little help?” 

She looked down to find his dark hair in his eyes and she quickly pulled it back so he could see. 

Ricky’s  voice called out, “Are the players ready?” 

Gina looked over to find Carlos and Seb in the same position as her and EJ and all four nodded. 

“3...2...1, go!” 

EJ and Seb stepped closer to each other and Gina and Carlos grabbed onto each other. 

“Just because you’re back doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you, Porter.” 

“I don’t need easy, Rodriguez.” 

They were pushing and pulling each other while laughing and teasing and Gina heard all of her friends cheering her on to finally take down Carlos. 

“Come on, G! You got this!” EJ was cheering for her too, while he was trying to kick at Seb’s legs under the water. 

Suddenly, Gina remembered something she learned accidentally at rehearsal one day and she managed to grab both of Carlos’s arms in one hand and quickly used her free hand to poke the side of his stomach causing Carlos to yelp. 

She used the distraction to toss his arms aside and give him one big shove. 

Carlos screamed dramatically as he fell into the water and Gina threw her arms in the air, victoriously. 

The Wildcats cheered and EJ’s own arms shot into the air as he whooped and hollered. 

He opened his hands and Gina took them as EJ lowered himself underwater. Gina was able to slide off his shoulders and when he resurfaced he picked her up and spun her around. 

“Awesome job, G! You nailed it!” 

She laughed and he put her down just as the other competitors came rushing forward to congratulate them. 

It felt really good to be home. 

The evening quickly turned to night and EJ was sitting on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in the water. After a match of the Drama Club’s version of water polo, he needed a break. He glanced over at the shallow end where Gina was gossiping with Nini and Kourtney. She must have felt his gaze and looked over. He smiled and nodded towards the house. She returned the nod and he climbed out to find his towel and head inside. 

It was only a moment later that Gina stepped inside, wrapped in her own towel. She padded over to stand next to him and because she was Gina, she got straight to the point.

“You stopped calling.” 

“I… I couldn’t. I missed you too much.” 

“Ash told me you’ve been late to rehearsal - you even missed one. What’s that about?”

“I had to keep busy or else I would start thinking about you. I started working out with the team more and tutoring.” 

Gina smirked as she squeezed his bicep, “I thought you looked bigger.” 

EJ blushed but flexed a little under her fingers. 

“I heard you weren’t doing so well, either…” 

Gina released his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. 

“I tried to make friends but I didn’t want to - I have everyone here. I missed you all so much and it was so hard to care about homework or grades because I knew I’d be leaving when my mom got the next call, anyway. I love my life here. I didn’t want to start a new one there.” 

“Sounds like we need each other.” 

Gina lifted her hand to gaze up at him, “I’m not leaving again, EJ. I made my mom promise.” 

EJ’s voice was shaky as he took her hand, “Well, in that case, will you be my girlfriend? For real this time?” 

“That would be amazing, as long as you will be my boyfriend.” 

“Do you know how long I’ve waited for this?” 

She laughed, “We’ve both been waiting too long.” 

EJ reached up to brush his thumb over her cheekbone and his voice was low as he murmured, “Is that a yes?

Gina’s response was simple, “Yes.” 

His other arm wrapped around her and Gina felt like putty in his hands. He tilted her chin up and leaned down to press a slow kiss to her lips. 

Gina shivered, both from the feeling of EJ’s lips on hers and from her still wet swimsuit. 

EJ, ever a gentleman, released her lips and whispered, “I’ll get your clothes.” 

“Thanks.” 

With a kiss to her forehead, he was gone and Gina took a moment to compose herself. 

When he came back, he handed her her sweatpants and a sweatshirt. It wasn’t blue, however, but bright red. 

East High red, in fact. 

She took it and hugged it to her chest with a smile. It smelled like him. 

“I figured you’d ask for it anyway.” 

Gina smirked, “You were right. I’m going to change. Wait for me?” 

EJ smiled, “Always.”

Chapter Text

EJ quietly grumbled to himself as he sat in an oversized bean bag chair in the rehearsal room. On one side of the room, Nini and Ricky were in some heated argument (a typical occurrence as of late). On the other side, Ashlyn and Big Red were also fighting about something. Kourtney seemed pretty unhappy as she furiously tapped on her phone screen, likely texting Howie. 

What surprised him the most was Carlos and Seb, sending each other glares from opposite sides of the noisy space. 

Valentine’s Day was fast approaching but it seemed as if the Drama Club’s most iconic couples were not looking forward to the romantic holiday. 

He laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back, content to watch and stay out of the drama as much as he could. 

Eventually, Gina walked in with Miss Jenn after a choreography meeting and she glanced around the room, noticing the drama as well. She made her way over to him and fell onto the bean bag. She laid back, pressed against his side and rested her head on his collarbone. He removed one of his arms from behind his head and rested it over her shoulder as Miss Jenn began updating the group of teenagers about their upcoming rehearsal plans. 

“Do you sense the awkward tension with all of our friends too?” 

Gina nodded, “They’ll work it out - they always do.” 

Suddenly, Ashlyn stormed over and grabbed Gina’s arm. 

“Can we talk, please?” 

Gina scrambled to her feet and allowed her roomie to pull her out of the rehearsal room. EJ sighed, assuming they would be having ‘girl talk’ all afternoon and he looked over to find Big Red slumped against the small set of bleachers. 

He grunted and climbed to his feet, making his way over to the shorter boy. 

“Hey, Big Red. What’s up?” 

“Oh, uh, nothing.” 

“You sure? Look, she’s my cousin but you’re my friend. I want to be here for both of you.” 

Big Red’s head fell into his hands and he groaned, “It’s so stupid…” 

EJ listened to Big Red ramble on and deduced that his fight with Ashlyn was ultimately over something trivial and they would be able to work it out in no time. 

The Wildcats barely made it through rehearsal and that night, EJ had just gotten out of the shower and was searching for a shirt when Gina video called him. 

“Hey, you.” 

“Hey. How’s Ash doing?” 

“Ugh, she’s distraught but I think they will be able to work it out. She didn’t mean it, he took it out of context, all that good stuff.” 

EJ chuckled, “Yeah, that’s what it sounds like. I talked to Red after you and Ash left today. They’ll be fine.” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t see you after. Ash wanted to get home.” 

“Ah, no worries. I’m seeing you now.” 

Gina smiled, “Yes and I want to hear all about the college tour your dad has planned for you this weekend.” 

A few days later, not much had improved for the Drama Club couples and EJ was getting fed up. Their rehearsals were an absolute disaster because of it and he could tell Gina was equally frustrated. 

Miss Jenn had a tight smile on her face as she gathered them all together. 

“Okay! We seem to have lost our focus. We are not a united team right now.” 

Carlos grumbled, “I don’t mean to point fingers…” 

“No, Carlos, we are not pointing fingers. I am going to cancel the rest of rehearsal and I suggest you all take as long as you need to figure out how to fix whatever is happening here. Tomorrow, we are running through the entirety of Act I and I expect the absolute best from each and every one of you.” 

She eyed her Wildcats purposefully and strutted out in typical Miss Jenn fashion. 

Knowing that they had little to do with it all, Gina and EJ stood to the side as the group began murmuring and actually pointing fingers. She stood slightly in front of him and they whispered to each other while the group’s voices grew louder, Gina reached behind her to take his hand in hers. 

Carlos took charge, per usual, and cried out, “Guys! Listen up! The sooner we figure this out, the sooner we can get out of here. I don’t mean to do this but we’ve got to start somewhere. Ricky, you are so detached from the character that it feels like we’re watching paint dry.” 

“Me? Nini is the one overpowering everyone during the songs.” 

Kourtney snapped, “She has to carry us since our lead is dead weight.” 

The group erupted again and EJ muttered, “Should we step in?” 

Gina shook her head, “Absolutely not. I’m scared to go anywhere near that.” 

EJ laughed as this time, Ashlyn took control. 

“Wildcats! This isn’t helping anyone. I think we need to split up and work this out in smaller groups then come back together.” 

“Great idea, Ashlyn. Let’s pick teams!” 

Carlos was already beginning to point at folks when Nini stepped in, “Oh no, Carlos, I think we need to do this the old fashioned way: girls and boys. I’m in need of an 80s style romcom sleepover and that means no boys allowed.” 

A few people nodded in agreement and Big Red added, “I guess all the guys can come by my place. We can take over the basement.” 

Ashlyn glared at him, “And the girls are coming to my place.” 

Gina cleared her throat, “Are you sure we shouldn’t stick together? Miss Jenn really needs us to figure this out.” 

Carlos awkwardly tossed his arms over Ricky’s and Big Red’s shoulders, “Well the boys will in no time. I’m paying for the takeout.” 

Nini linked arms with Kourtney and Ashlyn, “Not as fast as the girls. Let’s go.” 

The group began to separate and Gina turned to face EJ with a pout. 

“Hey, none of that. Our friends need us," he teased.

“You’re actually happy about having to listen to our friends all night long without even being able to cuddle while we do it?” 

EJ sighed, “No, not at all but I figure the sooner this gets fixed, the sooner we can go back to normal and we might finally have time for me to take you out. It’s been too long.” 

“That new fancy Italian place in the city?” 

“How does some risotto sound?”  

Gina winked, “It sounds lovely.” 

She leaned in, silently asking for a kiss and EJ happily granted her wish until Carlos’s voice interrupted them, “EJ! Let’s go!” 

“Gina, come on!” Nini called out at the same time and the seemingly only happy couple shared a sweet smile as they went their separate ways. 

The rest of the afternoon and early evening were spent gossiping and talking and complaining amongst the two groups of Wildcats.

EJ was currently throwing an old soccer ball against the wall as he listened to Ricky, Carlos and Big Red. 

“I just don’t understand her anymore.” 

“It’s the same with Seb.” 

“She won’t even talk to me.” 

EJ took a deep breath and tried to remain attentive but after going in circles for so long, he was getting bored. 

Carlos suddenly stood, “Guys, it’s been hours and we are still nowhere near fixing any of our problems. Miss Jenn is relying on us.” 

A few silent moments passed and EJ startled and almost dropped the ball as Big Red called his name, “EJ!” 

“Yeah?” 

The boy hurried over to him and grabbed the ball from him. 

EJ frowned, “You could’ve just asked if you wanted me to stop tossing it, bro.” 

Big Red shook his head, “No, that’s not it. You are a senior and you are a certified ladies man. Tell us what to do.” 

“Uh, I’m not.” 

“Yes you are! Tell me how to fix this. Besides, you’re Ashlyn’s cousin.” 

EJ sighed and scratched at the back of his neck. 

“Okay, um… Well, we can start with your cologne.” 

“It’s called ‘Throb.’ Ricky gave it to me.” 

EJ glanced at Ricky before clapping Big Red on the shoulder, “That’s great but stop wearing the entire bottle at once. I think my cousin actually likes when you smell like the pizza shop.” 

Big Red sniffed his shirt and EJ smiled encouragingly at him. 

“And Ricky, dude, you got to back off. Nini is independent and super driven. She will talk when she is ready.” 

Carlos crossed his arms, silently challenging EJ to handle his situation. 

“Carlos, you’re crazy about Seb and he is crazy about you. Don’t let a small fight become something huge just to prove who can argue better.” 

EJ chuckled as Carlos sat back down, slightly shocked by EJ’s response. 

Ricky tossed a foam football at him and EJ caught it with one hand. 

“Damn, Caswell. Gina has turned you into a softie.” 

EJ frowned for a moment as he took in Ricky’s words. 

“You know, she’s made me better. I pay attention to everyone else a lot more and she’s made me realize that I am more than a lunkhead athlete.” 

Carlos cooed, “Aww, our sweet boy is in love.” 

Big Red groaned, “At least someone is.” 

Meanwhile, Gina was also getting bored. She had been attentive to her friends and their problems but after four hours of it, she was losing it. She pulled out her phone and found a few texts from EJ, who seemed to be going through the same thing. 

I’m dying over here 

Same - any luck? 

Nope. You? 

No… what are you doing? 

Missing you

Cute

Always, Porter 

Her phone went dead for a few minutes until the screen lit up again. 

Would it be totally creepy if I said I was in Ash’s backyard right now? 

You’re lying

Am not… Don’t leave me hanging! I’m freezing. 

Gina glanced around the room to assure she was not being watched and headed for the back door. She pulled on a blue Duke sweatshirt and stepped outside. EJ quickly pulled her aside and away from the window. She leaned against the wall and grabbed the lapels of his jacket to keep him close. 

“Did anyone see you?” 

“No. You?” 

“Nope. I can be stealthy when I want to be.” 

Gina smirked, “Is that so?” 

“Oh yeah. As captain of the water polo team, it’s actually a requirement.” 

Gina laughed but quickly covered her mouth and they waited for a moment to see if anyone heard. 

EJ whispered, “This is ridiculous. We’re a team. There has to be something we can do to get everyone back together.” 

“I know but my brain is fried. I love the girls but if I have to hear the same stories about why they are fighting with their boyfriends one more time I might scream.” 

“Same here. I know girls can talk but the boys just won’t stop talking .” 

“If Carlos and Ricky are there then you don’t stand a chance. So, what’s our escape plan?” 

EJ shrugged, “I don’t have one yet, but I do have a way to get your mind off everything.” 

Gina smiled, “Tell me about this plan.” 

“Well, I’m going to kiss you and… I’m not going to stop.” 

Blushing, Gina grabbed the back of his neck and stood on her toes to press their lips together. 

They didn’t stop, in fact, until Ashlyn came looking. 

“G? Are you out here?” 

They both jumped and Gina quickly pushed EJ towards the gate as they were fortunately hidden by a stack of lawn furniture. He almost stumbled over a fire pit but quickly regained his footing and disappeared around the corner. 

Gina bit her lip as she smiled and stepped out from her hiding spot. 

“I’m here, Ash.” 

“What are you doing out here?” 

“I, uh, just needed some fresh air.” 

“Well, come on! We’ve been going around in circles. We need your help.” 

Although she was exhausted, Gina hated how upset her best friend was and she hurried inside, wrapping her arm around Ashlyn’s shoulders to comfort her. 

They returned to the girls (and Seb) sprawled around the living room and Nini spoke up first. 

“Gina, we need your advice. You and EJ are perfect together. I mean, it’s so obvious.” 

“Carlos has never given me one of his sweatshirts and you got his before you were even dating!” 

Gina squeezed Ashlyn as she cleared her throat. 

“I, uh, don’t have any advice…” 

Kourtney groaned, “Come on, you have to have something! You’re so smitten around him and he definitely is with you!” 

“Okay, okay. Let’s see… Well, we always make sure to talk about anything that’s bothering us before it gets out of control and we make time just for us.” 

Something must have given her away because her roomie suddenly cried, “Oh my god! You were just with him, weren’t you?” 

Gina jumped at Ashlyn’s excited voice in her ear and she went into defensive mode. 

“No! I told you, I needed some air.” 

“Some air and some Caswell kisses,” Kourtney sassed. 

Gina glanced around at her friends who all wore knowing smirks and she knew she had been caught. 

“Ugh, fine! Yes, I was with him.” 

The girls all laughed and squealed and teased her and Gina plopped onto the couch. 

“Okay, we are going to try something new. Ash, tell us all why you love Big Red.” 

They took time to go around the whole group and Gina could tell it was working. The girls now wore soft smiles on their faces and she could feel some of the tension in the room disappear. 

“Your turn, G. Tell us why you love EJ.” 

“Oh, uh, I don’t know. There’s a lot of reasons I guess. He is super sweet and hilarious and he takes care of me. He has saved me, more than once.” 

When Gina called EJ late that night as she gathered some blankets from her room, she learned that the boys had put him through the same questioning and that he also felt like the boys were in a good spot. 

“It sounds like we’ve done all we can do. It’s up to them now.” 

“For the love of Miss Jenn, I hope they figure it out.” 

“Same. So, what did you say about me?” 

“Goodnight, Caswell. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“Night, Porter.” 

The last thing she heard was EJ’s laugh as she hung up the phone and Gina headed back downstairs with a smile on her face. 

Some magic must have happened during school the next day because by the time the group gathered in the rehearsal room, they were positively buzzing. Big Red and Ashlyn were giggling, Nini and Ricky were practicing one of their dances and Seb and Carlos were canoodling in the corner. 

Miss Jenn noticed and clapped her hands. 

“Well, based on the smiles and laughs, I am going to assume we have found a common ground and resolved our problems?” 

The Wildcats cheered and Miss Jenn immediately called for places onstage for Act I. 

Everything was flawless (well, as flawless as a first no-stop rehearsal can go) and by intermission, Miss Jenn almost had tears in her eyes. 

“Well done, Wildcats! This was your best rehearsal yet! Go, go home and take a break. See you back here tomorrow. Oh, I am so proud of all of you!” 

After rehearsal, the group celebrated with dinner at Salt Lake Slices and EJ later drove Gina home. As they pulled up to her (Ashlyn’s) house, EJ snapped his fingers. 

“Oh, I almost forgot. I have an early Valentine’s Day present for you.” 

“Really? It isn’t chocolate, is it?” Gina deadpanned.

EJ chuckled, “No, no, it is definitely not chocolate. He reached into the backseat and grabbed the blue Duke sweatshirt. 

Gina eyed him suspiciously, “I thought that already was mine.” 

“It is, but you had it for so long, I stole it back and I’ve been wearing it around. Ash promised me it smells gross - like my cologne, chlorine and just me in general.” 

Gina cooed, “Then it’s perfect. Thank you.” 

She took the sweatshirt from him and leaned in for a sweet kiss. 

They were interrupted, however, by Gina’s phone blowing up. 

“Ugh, sorry.” She unlocked it and sighed, “It’s Nini. Apparently Kourtney and Howie are done for good, which means until next week, and Ricky is trying to fix everything with songs. I’ve got to go.” 

EJ sighed, “Of course. The drama never ends for the ladies of East High.” 

Suddenly, his phone buzzed and he rolled his eyes, “It’s Ricky and Carlos.” 

Gina smirked, “It doesn’t end for the men, either. Call me later. I’ll give you my updates and you give me yours?” 

EJ smiled fondly, “Always.” 

Chapter Text

It was still dark outside when Gina stirred. She frowned for a second as she rubbed her eyes, unsure of her surroundings. When she finally managed to get her eyes to focus, she found herself in Ashlyn’s living room. 

Oh yeah, the sleepover. 

She sat up and glanced around at all of her friends still snoozing and pulled out her phone to check the time. 

5:34 AM

Ugh, gross. 

The body next to her shifted and Gina was startled for a moment. She turned and when her eyes found EJ, lightly snoring and looking absolutely adorable with slightly messy hair and a wrinkly t-shirt, she relaxed.

Everything started coming back to her and Gina felt a little giddy. She had actually fallen asleep cuddled up with EJ Caswell and she had to admit it felt really good. 

Suddenly, the urge to be wrapped up with him again was too strong to ignore. 

She laid back and pulled her quilt up to cover her shoulders (she made sure to pull it up so it covered most of EJ’s chest, too) and she shifted to rest mostly on her side and lean against his arm that had fallen to his side in the short time she was sitting up. 

As she got comfortable, she shivered and cuddled closer to him to rest her head on his shoulder and wrap her fingers around his bare forearm where his sleeve had ridden up. Just as she did, however, he groaned quietly and jostled her around a little as he lifted his arm and wrapped it around her, hand resting on her ribcage. 

Gina was unsure if he was awake or not as his muscles flexed and he tried to pull her closer. She smiled to herself as she scooted over and rested her cheek on his chest. Her arm rested naturally over his belly and she gripped the material of his t-shirt. 

EJ squeezed her and grumbled, “Your fingers are cold.” 

Gina laughed lightly, “Then it’s a good thing you’re so warm.” 

She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled and brought his other arm over to grip her bicep. Gina had never felt more content. She nuzzled into his chest and released a deep sigh. He pressed a kiss to her head and squeezed her once more. 

Sleep came easily with EJ holding her tight. 

The sound of steady icy rain filled the quiet house when Ashlyn woke and stretched in the morning. She took a look around and smiled adoringly at all of her friends. She grabbed her phone to check the time and noticed a weather alert about an ice storm coming through Salt Lake. She noted that for later and began taking hilarious photos of Ricky with his mouth hanging wide open, Kourtney cuddling with Nini’s legs and Seb holding his stuffed cow to his chest. 

Ice storm or not, no Wildcats were going to be leaving anytime soon. 

When she turned to see what embarrassing position her cousin could be caught in, she gasped. 

What an adorable sight she found! 

EJ’s back was pressed against the arm of the couch and one of his long legs was stretched along the couch, awkwardly tangled with Kourtney’s own legs. Tied up with Nini’s legs were Gina’s. She was laying between EJ’s hip and the back of the couch, her head tucked under his chin. One of EJ’s hands rested on her back and she was gripping the sleeve of his shirt with the hand on the arm that was laying across his chest. 

Ashlyn was too busy internally screaming that she didn’t notice Carlos wake up until she heard a phone click and she looked over to find him grinning. He turned his phone to her to show her the photo he just snapped of Gina and EJ. She took one of her own and accidentally bumped Big Red. 

Her fellow redhead wasn’t quite as excited as he noticed the couch cuddling but he smiled sweetly at it and rested his head on her shoulder, obviously still sleepy. 

Carlos had promptly awoken Seb and quietly freaked out with the blonde boy which woke Ricky who was laying nearby. When he sat up to see what everyone was staring at, his forehead made contact with Nini’s elbow and he couldn’t help but groan. 

It wasn’t loud but it sounded like thunder in the hushed morning atmosphere.

Kourtney and Nini were the next to wake up, due to Rickey’s forehead and his painful groan. 

Carlos quickly jumped up to try and keep the girls from moving too much and he whispered, “Look!” and pointed to the other end of the couch. 

The girls were excited and grabbed their phones to take pictures and Seb whispered, “Oh, good idea!” 

He grabbed his own phone and scrambled to his feet trying to get a better angle but his foot got caught in a blanket and he landed on Ricky who cried out in pain. 

That caused Gina and EJ to startle awake while a few of the Wildcats burst into laughter. 

“Sorry, Ricky!” 

“Seb?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Get off of me!” 

More laughter rang out and Carlos quickly helped his boyfriend climb off of Ricky. 

Gina pushed herself up a little to see what was going on and she realized her position just as EJ did and they both sat up fully. EJ cleared his throat as he pulled his leg under the other and Gina tucked some of her hair behind her ear as she blushed. 

She caught Ashlyn’s eye and her roommate was smirking. Her gaze traveled to Nini and Kourtney who were giggling like schoolgirls while watching her and she landed on Carlos who held his phone out for her to see a photo of her and EJ. 

Before she could respond, Ashlyn screamed as she tried to avoid being smacked by pillows as Big Red and Ricky began attacking each other. 

Kourtney suddenly nudged her and she heard Ashlyn talking to EJ as Kourtney cooed, “EJ and GP sitting in a tree…” 

“Kissing and cuddling, cute as can be,” Nini added cheekily. 

Gina blushed again, still not awake enough to jibe back. She gently shoved her friends but froze when she heard EJ’s morning voice. 

It was deep , like really deep and a little scratchy and oh my gosh… 

She grabbed her phone to try and distract herself but as she scrolled through her notifications, she noticed a weather statement about an ice storm and individual texts from each of her friends sending her the photos they took of her and EJ. 

“Guys…” she whined and Carlos, Nini and Kourtney played innocent while Seb laughed. 

EJ, whose body was still facing her, was looking at his phone too and he looked up at her with feign annoyance. 

She rolled her eyes with a light laugh and Ashlyn stood. 

“Okay, I’m going to get breakfast started and I would be happy to gush over the photos that I assume are all of our new wallpapers in the kitchen.” 

Carlos, Seb, Nini and Kourtney went rushing into the other room but Ricky and Big Red stayed put. 

Ashlyn winked at Gina as she started towards the kitchen and called over her shoulder, “Whoever takes out the trash gets to pick the toppings for the waffles.” 

Ricky and Big Red were suddenly racing to the kitchen, almost taking Ashlyn out in the process, and Gina and EJ were left alone. 

The moment they made eye contact, they erupted in giggles and quiet laughs and Gina struggled to hide a snort. 

EJ leaned closer to her and whispered, “Our friends are insane .” 

Gina leaned in too, “But I think we love them?”

She said it as a question which made EJ laugh and he murmured, “Yeah we do.” 

He gazed at her after he spoke, so intently and adoringly, and Gina had to look away. She chose to stand and stretch a little before holding her hand out for him. 

“Come on, Caswell. Let’s help Ash with breakfast.” 

EJ took it and rose to his feet. He stretched his arms above his head, almost touching the ceiling and when he brought them back down, he gently grasped both of her hands and began walking backwards as she followed. 

“Best sleep of my life, Porter.” 

Gina almost stumbled at that but of course they reached the kitchen (the walk wasn’t that far) and of course he released her to help Kourtney reach the waffle mix and Gina tugged the sleeves of the blue Duke sweatshirt she was wearing over her fingers and covered her cheeks with her hands. 

They were burning red, she was sure of it, and she happily stepped into Ashlyn’s open arms to get a hold of herself. 

“I don’t know what’s happening, Ash.” 

“Don’t worry, G. The rest of us do.” 

Gina glanced across the room and watched EJ laugh at Rickey’s dramatic retelling of Seb falling on him. 

She might be a little confused about why it was so easy to cuddle up and fall asleep with EJ Caswell but she knew exactly where she wanted to be at the next sleepover. 

As the teenagers managed to get breakfast going, Ashlyn’s parents popped down. While her mother greeted Ashlyn, Gina and EJ with a good morning kiss on their cheeks, her father spoke up. 

“Look, kids, there is an ice storm over Salt Lake right now. It’s supposed to let up this afternoon and it should warm up but until then, I don’t feel comfortable with any of you driving. Make sure to talk to your parents.” 

Ashlyn’s mom wrapped her arms around Nini and Kourtney and smiled, “We can set up the fire pit out back and make some burgers and hot dogs later for lunch. How does that sound?” 

EJ batted his eyelashes at his aunt, “Can you make your famous mac n cheese too?” 

“Anything for you, sweetie… but you’re helping your uncle with the driveway later.” 

She winked at EJ and began helping Ashlyn with the bacon and ensuring Seb did not get any shells in the eggs he cracked open. 

After Gina set the table and helped Mr. Caswell set up a folding table to accommodate everyone, she was left without a task and sat at the kitchen island sorting some M&Ms by color for the waffles. Carlos was currently playing some music and everyone was singing along. Gina smiled to herself - she truly felt like she found a home. 

A warm hand landed on her back and EJ appeared at her side, leaning his hip against the countertop. 

EJ was definitely a big part of that ‘home’ feeling. 

“Whatcha thinking about, G?” 

“How excited I am for mac n cheese later.” She grinned up at him and EJ rolled his eyes. 

“Look, once you try my aunt’s you’ll understand.” 

“Oh, I understand. EJ Caswell is a kiss up.” 

“No, I’m smart: play the part of the perfect nephew, which I am anyways, and you basically get to choose the menu at any meal.” 

“I see. You know, after Mrs. Caswell found out my favorite dessert is chocolate cupcakes, they started appearing after dinner at least once a week. I never had to ask so I guess the part of the perfect squatter beats the perfect nephew.” 

EJ chuckled and gently kicked her leg, “Yeah and I bet you don’t have to help with the driveway later, either.” 

Gina held her hands up defensively, “Hey, any idea of gender equality is gone the moment snow or ice falls. I don’t make the rules.” 

As they chatted, EJ had shifted even closer to her so Gina could feel the heat from his body and she couldn’t resist leaning over to rest against him. EJ wrapped his arm around her waist and they both yawned. 

Kourtney came over on Gina’s other side and wrapped her around her too. 

“Seems like you two could use a morning nap.” 

Ricky called from the other end of the island, “I’m all for that idea.” 

After the group devoured a breakfast feast, they did in fact take a morning nap followed by another movie. Gina and EJ managed to snag their old spots on the couch even though Nini and Kourtney were much closer than the night prior because Ricky insisted he deserved a spot on the couch after his various ‘injuries’ from earlier. 

There was no hesitation this time. As soon as EJ sat down, he was tossing his arm over Gina’s shoulders and pulling her close. Gina found a familiar spot on his chest and laid her arm over his stomach. 

The morning nap and movie were followed by the lunch Ashlyn’s mom promised, including mac n cheese, and the ice storm did eventually let up. Mr. Caswell, EJ and anyone who drove a car tugged on their shoes and coats and headed outside to begin chipping away at the thin layer of ice that covered everything. 

Gina, Ashlyn, Carlos and Kourtney sat on the front porch in solidarity and gossiped while also taking videos and pictures of their friends slipping on the ice and struggling to get their car doors open. 

By the end of the day, everyone made it to their own homes safely and Gina wasn’t the only one who had a new phone wallpaper. 

When EJ had finished clearing the driveway, he ran up to the porch and stopped right in front of Gina. His cheeks and nose were rosy from the cold and his hair, which was normally styled up, was laying against his forehead under the cuff of the knitted hat he wore. The wintery sky in the background only highlighted his grey eyes and he smiled down at Gina as she snapped a photo. 

Her friends could take as many photos as they wanted. This one was only for Gina.

Chapter Text

Ashlyn has known EJ Caswell for her entire 16 years of life (they were cousins, of course) and she could probably count on one hand how many times she had seen him truly smile in the past few years. It wasn’t that he was unhappy, per se, but as he got older and became captain of multiple sports teams and starred in a few theater productions, his focus was on success - in and out of the classroom. He was also just naturally a pretty stoic guy who was content to stand in the corner and watch any mayhem or goofiness rather than get involved. 

A stern father who often misunderstood EJ and a semi-absent mother who worked a lot certainly didn’t help. 

Don’t get her wrong - Ashlyn and EJ were close and they often hung out outside of school and rehearsals and he was known to chuckle or grin then but that was in the privacy of one of their own homes and with someone he knew well. 

At school? 

EJ was the one leaning against the lockers while his friends gathered around him, laughing and teasing, while EJ watched with a nonchalant expression. He could have been considered a definite “ladies man” if he ever acted on the flirtations from the girls at school but EJ hadn’t been on a date in almost a year. 

“There’s no point,” he would always argue. 

He was the one sitting on the end of the risers at rehearsals, long legs stretched out in front of him as he watched his castmates have the time of their lives dancing and singing while he arched an eyebrow and nodded in approval. 

On the court or in the pool, he was focused and competitive and if his team won (which was often), he celebrated with fist pumps and claps on the back. The expression on his face was as if he was already planning for the next game. 

Because of this, he was often mistaken for an intimidating or rude jock type but Ashlyn, the Drama Club and his teammates knew otherwise. 

EJ Caswell was easily the nicest person in the world and he would do anything for his friends. He took care of others and was protective and authentic. 

Ashlyn thought she had a pretty good understanding of her cousin and best friend… until Gina Porter moved to town. 

The new girl in Drama Club was an amazing dancer, incredible singer, hilarious and absolutely beautiful. She was also brave and passionate and determined. 

This combination created the perfect storm of a girl who was able to see through the hard exterior of EJ Caswell and Ashlyn had the privilege of watching her bring out a different side of him, one that very few had the opportunity to see. 

It all started a few weeks into rehearsals for the Fall show, Beauty and the Beast , at East High. Gina had quickly proven herself as the best dancer around and was granted the role of co-choreographer with Carlos. On the first day they were breaking down one of EJ’s biggest scenes, Gina was taking the lead of guiding the actors through it as Carlos and Miss Jenn sat to the side and watched. 

Ashlyn did not have to be around for this but she wanted to support her cousin (who was her ride home) and Gina (who was quickly becoming a friend) so she sat on the risers to watch. 

EJ was cast as Gaston, an obvious choice, and he was standing with the chorus members as Gina explained the vision for this scene. He was watching her with his typically stoic face but Ashlyn held her breath when she watched his jaw tick and he crossed his arms. 

“Okay, any questions?” 

Gina paused to see if anyone did and EJ cleared his throat. 

“So the guys are supposed to lift me up during the bridge?” 

“Yup,” Gina nodded. 

“That doesn’t make much sense.” 

Ashlyn sighed and waited to see where he could possibly be going with this. 

“Excuse me?” Gina didn’t sound offended but she was definitely confused. 

“Well I’m supposed to be the biggest and strongest man in town. Won’t lifting me up after they’ve already done the same with LaFou equalize us? I feel like I should be the one lifting someone up.” 

Gina crossed her arms, mirroring EJ’s stance, and she popped her hip out. 

“Gaston doesn’t think about anyone but himself. Why would he want to lift someone up?” 

Ashlyn smiled, amused by Gina’s sass, and some of the chorus dancers snickered. 

EJ watched Gina for a moment before nodding once. 

“Fair point, Porter.” 

Gina relaxed her pose, “Thanks, Caswell . Let’s run it through once, okay? Then, if it works, we can find a way for you to end up lifting LaFou, accidentally of course, to stay in character.” 

The second part was said with a teasing tone and Ashlyn’s jaw dropped slightly when she watched the corner of EJ’s mouth tick upwards.  

It was gone in a moment, however, as Miss Jenn called for places and EJ quickly got into character as Gina watched with an excited smile. 

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The entire cast gathered at Salt Lake Slices for dinner after a particularly long day of rehearsal. They were crammed into one booth and Ashlyn was sitting between Big Red and Ricky, across from EJ, Gina and Nini. Kourtney, Carlos and Seb had pulled up chairs on the end and they were causing quite a raucous but the restaurant was fairly empty on a Wednesday and Big Red’s parents owned the place so they were free to have a good time. 

Currently, Ricky was animatedly telling a story about some epic skateboarding incident. 

“And I landed an Ollie after a double Pop Shove to land on my board and slide right to a stop in front of the hottest girl at the skatepark.” 

EJ’s deep voice interrupted the impressed remarks from the group of friends, “You fell on your ass in front of your crush, dude. The video went viral at our middle school.” 

The table laughed (not EJ, of course) and Ashlyn watched as Gina turned slightly towards EJ to ask to see the video. EJ grabbed his phone and searched for a moment before pulling it up. He handed his phone to Gina and tossed his arm over the back of the booth, leaning slightly against the wall he was pressed against. Gina leaned back towards Nini so a few people could watch it before scooting back towards EJ and forcing him to watch it too. 

EJ tried to grab his phone back, insisting he has seen it a hundred times but Gina snatched the phone away dramatically and stared him down. 

“You are going to watch this 34 second video, EJ Caswell. It isn’t going to kill you. So, sit down.” 

EJ’s eyebrows furrowed, “I am…” 

“Good. Stay sitting and watch.” 

Gina held the phone in front of him and laughed when Ricky did, in fact, bust his ass and her laughter was contagious, even to EJ who chuckled quietly. It lasted only a few seconds and Ashlyn watched him finally wrangle his phone from Gina’s hands. 

For the rest of the night, whenever Ashlyn glanced over at her cousin, he and Gina were immersed in quiet conversations. His arm never moved from the back of the booth and Ashlyn decided to keep that point to herself. 

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

Over the next few weeks, Gina really made her mark with different members of the Drama Club and was quickly becoming a prominent member of their team. Ashlyn would even go as far as to call her one of her best friends after their multiple sleepovers and study sessions. She noticed something odd about Gina, too. 

At rehearsals or anytime the Drama Club gathered, Gina’s preferred person to sit with or stand next to was EJ (aside from Ashlyn herself, of course). The two of them were always sitting shoulder to shoulder as they watched their friends perform or Gina would stand slightly in front of EJ as they listened to Miss Jenn run through things. They were always whispering or Gina was making faces at EJ to react to the crazy things that happened with their friends. 

Did Ashlyn ever spot a small smile on EJ’s face when he received one of Gina’s goofy expressions? Definitely. 

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

On a Friday night after rehearsal, the group decided to go to EJ’s game and support him. Water polo season had ended and he was now in the midst of basketball. They took up a small part of the student section and did their best to be immersed in the game. As drama kids, most of them had no idea what was going on but they cheered when EJ had the ball and joined in when the rest of the crowd reacted. 

Ashlyn glanced at the clock on the scoreboard and realized there were only a few seconds left and East High was tied with their rival team. 

Gina grabbed her arm as they heard the announcer’s voice call the final play, “Brady snaps the ball to Johnson who takes it downtown. Only 8 seconds left… Johnson hooks the ball to Caswell, he dribbles twice, the ball is up… It’s good! East High wins!”

The gym erupted in cheers as EJ’s team stormed the court. It was one of the first games of the season but it was a competitive game and any time East High got to beat North High, it was a good day. 

The student section began flooding the court and Gina held onto Ashlyn’s hand so they didn’t get separated in the crowd. Ashlyn wasn’t exactly the tallest person so she struggled to see over the heads in front of her. 

Gina suddenly tugged her arm as she cried out, “I see EJ!” 

Ashlyn allowed the taller girl to pull her through the sea of red and white and she felt Gina release her hand. She managed to follow Gina and step out from behind another student just in time to watch Gina throw her arms around EJ’s neck in a tight hug. 

EJ was obviously surprised as he hesitantly wrapped an arm around her and his other hand rested on her waist for a moment, as if he was debating whether or not to use that arm too. He ultimately decided against it but Gina didn’t seem to mind as she pulled back to place her hands on his shoulders and shake him, screaming her congratulations. 

With a shy smile, EJ grabbed her hands and gently removed them so she could bounce excitedly on her feet. His smile remained as Ashlyn hurried over to hug him but when his teammate clapped him on the back, it was gone. 

Ashlyn could tell he was still happy though, and when Gina grabbed his arm and demanded his presence at Salt Lake Slices for a celebration, he nodded and promised he would be there. He was quickly pulled away, needing to meet with his team and take a shower but he gave Gina one more glance and began weaving his way through the crowd. 

It was only then that she noticed he had been holding Gina’s hand the entire time and the other girl was totally blushing. 

That was new. 

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

A week later, something else was new as everyone was hanging out at lunch one day. EJ had been a little late so his typical spot on either side of Gina was filled and he grabbed a seat next to Ashlyn. 

“What’s up, cuz?” 

“Oh, nothing. Coach just wanted to talk about some of the younger players. Anything fun happen in my absence?” 

“Seb somehow packed a raw egg instead of a hard boiled one and Nini demoed a new song but other than that, the usual shenanigans.” 

EJ nodded and began eating. 

A few minutes later, Ricky came over and Ashlyn watched him approach Gina.  

Most of the table wasn’t paying attention but Ashlyn made sure to tune in. 

“I’m just going to say it before I lose the confidence I’ve spent all morning building.” 

Gina chuckled nervously, “Um, okay?” 

“Would you maybe want to hang out sometime? Just the two of us?” 

Ashlyn almost choked on her carrot stick. She noticed a few of her friends were now paying attention and EJ was absolutely frozen beside her. 

“Oh, uh, Ricky I’m flattered but…” 

“Ah, yeah, you don’t need to finish that sentence. I get it. See you at rehearsal?” 

“Of course. See you there.” Gina’s voice and smile were sweet as she responded and Ashlyn sent her an encouraging smile of her own before turning to look at her cousin. 

His face was serious, which wasn’t surprising, but it was a different serious. EJ looked hurt? Angry? He was staring at his food so intently and she had no idea if he was even breathing.  

“Eej?” She murmured. 

It snapped him out of whatever daze he was in and he quickly packed his food up. 

“I, uh, I’ve got to go.” 

Ashlyn knew better than to stop him and watched him grab his backpack and hurry out of the cafeteria. When she turned back to the table, she noticed Gina staring after him, too. 

That afternoon, time was given for everyone to memorize lines and Ashlyn watched EJ claim a quiet corner for himself. Gina sat next to her and sat silently for a few minutes. 

Eventually, Ashlyn nudged her, “What’s up, G?” 

“It’s EJ. He’s been avoiding me.” 

Ashlyn had a hunch about why that was but she settled for a shrug, “He can be a little moody. He’s got a lot going on.” 

“Yeah but he’s never ignored me before.” 

“EJ isn’t very good at talking about stuff. He gets all stuck in his head. I’ve had to basically lock him in my house before to get him to open up.” 

Gina laughed lightly and glanced over at EJ again. 

Ashlyn decided to switch tactics and nudged Gina again. 

“You know, a lot of people are scared to approach EJ, especially when he is like this...” 

She had a slight challenge in her tone and it seemed to work. 

Gina muttered, “Scared of EJ? Definitely not.” She was suddenly rising to her feet and marching over to him. 

Ashlyn watched Gina struggle to get him to even look at her before she smacked his chest with her script lightly and the athlete looked at her, flabbergasted. 

Gina spoke for a moment and eventually Ashlyn watched EJ’s shoulders relax and he responded. She couldn’t hear but whatever he was saying was obviously good enough for Gina because she smiled and reached out to tug on one of the strings on EJ’s blue Duke sweatshirt. 

Ashlyn smiled at two of her favorite people and looked down at her script to try and get her own personal rehearsal in. 

She was distracted, however, when she heard Gina gasp and she looked over to watch Gina smack EJ with her script again and scoff, “I am the best feather duster Utah has ever seen, thank you!” 

She strutted off and EJ watched her go with the softest smile Ashlyn had ever seen on his face. 

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

Things really felt like they were changing as Thanksgiving rolled around. Ashlyn and EJ were getting ready to spend the day with their family, eating and talking and playing games. EJ was a little less stoic on holidays as he couldn’t help but laugh at his baby cousins and hilarious grandparents. Ashlyn loved seeing this side of him, carefree and happy. 

The two of them were helping EJ’s mom set the table when Ashlyn’s phone rang. She looked at the screen and gasped, “Eej, it’s Gina.” 

She answered as EJ came over and leaned over her shoulder so both of their faces were on the screen. 

“Hey, G!” 

“Hey, Caswells.” 

“How’s Louisiana?” EJ asked.

Gina’s smile dimmed as she showed her surroundings. 

“It was alright. The Salt Lake airport is nice, though.” 

“Why are you in an airport? Why are you in Salt Lake?” Ashlyn asked, glancing at EJ. 

“Uh, my mom got called out - some disaster in the midwest. She made sure to get me on a plane before she left, though, so I didn’t get stuck there. I just landed like half an hour ago.” 

“Why didn’t you tell us?’ EJ’s voice was concerned. 

Gina sighed, “I didn’t want to bother you guys on a holiday!” 

Ashlyn rolled her eyes, “You’re an idiot!” 

“Whoa, I was calling to wish two of my favorite people a happy Thanksgiving, not to be harassed!” 

EJ rolled his eyes, “Get used to it, Porter. I’m coming to get you and you’re coming here.” 

“What? No, I’m calling an Uber and I am not invading your family’s party.” 

Ashlyn shoved EJ towards the door as she cried, “If you call an Uber, I’m going to fight you. And you’re not invading. We have plenty of food, see?” 

She showed Gina the spread on the table and Gina groaned, “That food looks so good!” 

“EJ just left. We’ll see you soon, okay?” 

“Thank you, Ash. Seriously.” 

“You’re my girl, G. Text me once you’re with EJ, okay?” 

“Okay!” 

When EJ arrived with Gina, they walked into the house and were greeted by various Caswells. Gina’s outgoing personality was on full display as she introduced herself but Ashlyn noticed how close she stood to EJ who rested his hand on her lower back. Gina sat between the Caswell cousins at dinner and shared stories of her brief trip to Louisiana. 

At some point, most of the family had gathered in the living room and EJ and Gina were standing off to the side, much as they did during rehearsals. EJ’s hands were shoved in his pockets as he spoke to an uncle that approached. What was different from rehearsal, however, was the way Gina was standing slightly behind EJ and how she grasped his forearm with both hands. 

When the focus shifted to games, Gina sat next to EJ on the couch as some of the family circled up around them. They were so close their knees and shoulders brushed and Ashlyn watched Gina grab his leg whenever something good happened. 

All day and well into the night, it was as if Gina and EJ were physically incapable of being separated: EJ stuck an arm out to protect her from rowdy cousins wrestling or Gina touched EJ’s shoulder when she leaned in to whisper something. 

That night, Ashlyn was helping her mom put some dishes away with Gina, when she caught Gina glancing across the room at EJ who was sweeping the floor. He was looking back at her and beaming . 

At this point, it was no longer a surprise to see EJ doing that when Gina Porter was around. 

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

“Say it again! Gaston!” 

EJ, Big Red and the chorus members sang loudly as they finished their song at the first rehearsal back since Thanksgiving break. The music ended and the entire Drama Club burst into applause and cheers. Miss Jenn immediately provided praise. 

“...and EJ. Victorious!” 

The group cheered again and dispersed to set up the room for the next song. Ashlyn watched as Gina hurried over to EJ and hugged him before rambling on about his performance. They were standing much closer than they needed to be and when she poked his chin, definitely mocking his lack of a cleft, EJ lightly pushed her hand away with a goofy smile. He tossed his arm around her neck and guided her across the room as Gina laughed at something he said. 

Kourtney appeared beside Ashlyn. 

“Who would’ve thought that the new girl would be the one to show us that EJ Caswell can actually smile. I think I saw him giggle earlier!” 

Ashlyn laughed, “I’ve been telling you all forever!” 

“And we wanted to believe you but there was never any proof.” 

They looked over at said boy as he practiced his Gaston flexing while Gina laughed uncontrollably, a snort or two slipping out. 

Of course, EJ was laughing too. 

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

“So, how long until your cousin breaks down and finally asks my co-choreographer out?” 

Ashlyn glanced up from her sheet music to find Carlos taking a seat on the bench below hers. 

“I’m certain I don’t know what you mean.” 

Carlos tsked, “You certainly do. They are basically dating already without the title. Seb and I have been together for almost six months and we don’t even do PDA like that.” 

He pointed towards the costume racks where Gina was helping EJ pull on his puffy Gaston costume. Once his head and arms were through, she immediately reached up to fix his hair and he plucked a feather from her shirt, leftover from when she tried on her own costume. Both of their touches last longer than necessary and when he suddenly wrapped Gina in a bulky hug padded by his costume, Gina’s laugh could be heard across the room. 

Ashlyn shrugged, “I’m not one to meddle so I’m letting them take their time. However, if they don’t figure it out by prom, I will have no choice but to step in.” 

Carlos sighed, “Young love - so innocent and naive. I’m happy for him, though. He deserves someone who doesn’t know rough and tough EJ who only focuses on sports and school. I remember when he used to be this goofy guy in middle school then something changed and he was this brooding hottie who no one could reach.” 

“I blame puberty and his parents' ever looming pressure to get a DI scholarship.” 

They watched Gina shake her feather duster prop in EJ’s face and he quickly snatched it from her and crossed his arms, a scowl on his face. Gina was undeterred, however, as she quickly mirrored EJ’s pose and created her own overdramatic scowl. EJ tried to avoid eye contact but he only lasted a few seconds before he glanced at her and burst into a laugh. He gently poked her stomach with the handle of the feather duster and began removing his costume with Gina’s help. 

“Well, I’m just glad she came into his life. I know it’s early, but I’m calling soulmates on those two.” 

Ashlyn smiled genuinely, “Honestly, me too.” 

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

In EJ’s limited spare time, he enjoyed working on cars - especially an old truck he had bought with his own money. It didn’t run and was covered in rust but EJ loved it more than most things. Whenever Ashlyn stopped by his house, she often found him in the garage working on the old clunker covered in grease and grime. 

On a random Wednesday evening, Ashlyn stopped by to drop off some kitchen gadgets her mother had borrowed and after placing them in the kitchen and speaking briefly with her aunt, Ashlyn asked about EJ. 

“Oh, he is in the garage, of course. He swears he can get the engine going by the end of the week but I’m not so sure.” 

Ashlyn chuckled, “Maybe when pigs fly.” 

“Gina is here too. I think that’s the fifth time this month. She really is lovely.” 

“Yeah, she’s the best. Anyone who wants to hang out with EJ is either crazy or an angel and she is definitely the second one.”

Her aunt laughed and sent Ashlyn to the garage with a snack for the teenagers. When Ashlyn got to the door, she noticed it was cracked and poked her head in. 

The hood of the truck was propped open and EJ was leaning over the engine. He was wearing a ratty old t-shirt and gym shorts as he toyed with some dusty old part. His hands and arms were covered in black dirt. 

She couldn’t see Gina for a moment until the girl appeared from the other side of the truck and handed EJ a tool. She rested against the front of the truck and watched him as she spoke quietly. 

Ashlyn heard EJ grumble something in return and they were quiet for a moment. She was about to make her presence known when EJ suddenly put his tools down and reached for an old rag to wipe his hands. 

Gina shuffled closer and placed her hand on his bicep. 

EJ spoke again and Gina smiled softly at him. She reached up to wipe at what was probably some grease on his face and Ashlyn gasped softly as she watched him rest his head in her hand for a moment. He began to reach for a hug but Gina jumped back and cried out. 

“Absolutely not, Caswell!” 

“Come on, just one hug?” 

“Not until you take at least three showers.” 

EJ had been inching closer to her and when he lunged, Gina squealed and took off running. She didn’t have far to go in a garage but she made it all the way around the truck before EJ caught her and spun her around. 

They were both laughing and once he put her down, Gina turned to face him and gently shoved him. EJ grabbed her arms and pulled her close. Gina wound her arms around EJ’s shoulders and his hands moved to rest on her waist. Their goofy moment turned intimate pretty quickly and they gazed at each other with soft smiles. Ashlyn thought they were actually going to kiss when EJ suddenly cleared his throat and stepped back. 

“Sorry about your sweater. Do you want a new shirt?” 

Gina looked a little flushed as she glanced down at her sweater which now had a few stains on it and she shook her head. 

“I’m okay.” 

Ashlyn chose that moment to enter and Gina was quick to greet her and tug her over to sit so they could gossip about the latest breakup at school. They sat on the old couch EJ had moved in the garage a few weeks ago (whether he did it for Gina or not, Ashlyn will never know) and chatted well into the night. EJ joined in occasionally but Ashlyn found he preferred focusing on the truck or watching Gina as she spoke. 

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

A few weeks before winter break, their show premiered and aside from the looks EJ and Gina shared when they watched each other perform, they were positively adorable when their first act finale ended and Gina came rushing into the rehearsal room, right into EJ’s arms as he picked her up and spun her around. 

“You dusted that stage, G!” 

He placed Gina back on her feet and she swatted at him with her feather duster, “Stop it… Say that again!” 

Ashlyn was about to interrupt so she and Gina could congratulate each other but she stopped when she watched EJ’s smile disappear and he cleared his throat. She grabbed onto Kourtney who was heading over as well and quietly told her to watch. 

“Uh, I know it’s not the best timing but I was wondering if you might want to go out… with me? Just me?” 

Ashlyn had to bite her lip to keep from screaming. She couldn’t see Gina’s face but she watched the girl nod and a relieved smile take over EJ’s face. Gina hugged him before turning and she rushed over to Ashlyn and Kourtney. 

“EJ asked me out!” she squealed and Ashlyn grabbed her best friend’s hands as she asked, “What did you say?” 

“Of course I said yes!” 

Ashlyn and Kourtney joined in on the squealing and when Ashlyn looked over at her cousin, he had his typical stoic expression as he spoke to one of their chorus members who clapped him on the back. 

He wasn’t smiling but Ashlyn watched him glance over at Gina and lightly pump his fist. 

EJ was equally as excited for this date. 

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

After their first date (they got risotto), Gina and EJ were officially inseparable. They became official not long after that and Ashlyn enjoyed every second of watching her cousin and best friend fall in love. 

Their pictures on Instagram always featured a smiling or laughing Gina with EJ and his nonchalant expression. Whenever EJ greeted her at her locker, Gina pressed a kiss to his cheek and he carried her history textbook (the only one she allowed him to carry) through the halls as she excitedly chatted about whatever had happened earlier in the day. 

EJ was still the same guy he was before in public but when he was around Gina and Ashlyn at home, Ashlyn saw more and more of the old EJ, the one who was able to relax and genuinely have a good time.

One afternoon, Ashlyn and Gina were doing homework while waiting for EJ to get home from practice. Ashlyn noticed a text from her cousin, saying he was on his way with pizza for dinner and she assumed Gina got a similar message so she kept quiet. Gina was super focused on her work and had headphones in and Ashlyn didn’t want to interrupt her. 

When she finally heard the door open she glanced over at EJ who nodded at her and put his bags and the pizza down. He walked into the living room and glanced at Gina before turning to his cousin and motioning for her to be quiet. Ashlyn nodded. 

EJ carefully walked around to the end of the couch where Gina was sitting and he removed one of her headphones. 

His deep voice made her jump, “Excuse me, have you seen a Duke sweatshirt anywhere?” 

“EJ! You scared the crap out of me!” She pulled her headphones out as EJ laughed and Gina jumped to her feet, scowling. 

Ashlyn pulled her own feet to her chest and chuckled as Gina and EJ chased each other around the living room. They were laughing and shouting and Ashlyn had to join in when EJ almost tripped over a pillow and Gina stuck her tongue out at him. She pulled out her phone to film some of the craziness and Ashlyn was able to capture it all: Gina wearing EJ’s blue Duke sweatshirt and EJ wearing the brightest grin she had ever seen.

Chapter Text

Carlos absolutely adored the mall - shops, boutiques and a food court all in one building. What’s not to love? Besides, some kind of drama or gossip always occurred while he was there and Carlos found it all to be rather fascinating. 

His favorite way to spend time at the mall was with his boyfriend and best friends. The Wildcats frequented the Salt Lake City mall whenever they weren't in rehearsals, just like they did on this Saturday afternoon in late autumn. 

They typically stuck together in one big group and shuffled their way through as many stores as possible before either Ricky or EJ complained of being hungry and they made their way to the food court. 

While in an upscale department store, Carlos was sorting through various cashmere sweaters when he glanced over the rack and noticed Gina talking to a young employee. He was leaning against a shelf and smirking, obviously attempting to flirt with Gina. 

Carlos stifled a laugh at the thought. Gina Porter did not do dates, especially with strangers who mixed red and green outside of the Christmas season. 

Gina shook her head and took a step back but the boy followed and Carlos wasn’t worried - Gina could handle herself. 

He did almost lose control, however, when he watched EJ approach from behind Gina and wrap his arm around her shoulders. Carlos couldn’t hear what EJ said but it was only moments later that the boy huffed and walked off. EJ didn’t remove his arm though, and the two leaned into each other to share some whispers and giggles at something that felt very much like an inside joke. Gina’s laugh turned into a snort and she slapped her hand over her mouth, tucking herself into EJ’s chest as he laughed even harder. 

Carlos internally squealed . 

While walking from store to store, Carlos kept track of how many times he saw EJ and Gina’s hands brush together because they were walking so close to each other. They did realize that there was plenty of space to walk in a mall, right? 

When the Wildcats stopped in their favorite store, a few of them ended up in the dressing rooms to try on the newest clothes. 

Carlos opened the flimsy dressing room door and struck a pose, showing off his latest creation. While Seb and Kourtney applauded, Carlos’s attention was drawn to the stall across from him. EJ had just opened the door and was anxiously tugging at the sleeves of a patterned button down shirt. Gina was quick to stand in front of him and adjust the collar. She smoothed out the fabric on his shoulders and stepped back to look at him. 

Carlos wanted to interrupt and tell EJ he needed a bigger size but Gina moved into the tiny stall and sorted through the hangers to pull out the same shirt in what Carlos could only assume was a different size. She handed it to EJ who smiled down at her as their fingers touched. Gina blushed and tucked some loose curls behind her ear before shoving him lightly and stepping outside. EJ winked at her and shut the door and Carlos smirked when Gina turned and he could fully assess just how flustered the girl was because of EJ Caswell. 

Yes, the mall was very interesting. 

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

Big Red never complained about the busy nights at Salt Lake Slices. Not only did it mean his family’s business was doing well but he thrived under the pressure. Pumping out pizzas and sending out deliveries felt good. 

That didn’t mean he hated the slower nights, though. Being able to take a break and talk to his coworkers was fun too. 

On this particular night, the Drama Club had pushed a few tables together in the middle of the dining room and were devouring a few pizzas made by Big Red himself. It was overall pretty slow and he was able to find time to come and sit with his friends. He took a seat next to Ashlyn and joined in the discussion on the big history test coming up. 

At some point, EJ arrived and placed a platter of fresh baked cookies from his mom on the table. He grabbed a chair and slid it over, taking a seat right next to Gina. She placed her hand on his shoulder as he smiled at her and greeted their friends. 

Big Red stood, “I better go make another pizza for EJ alone. Be right back!” 

The group laughed at Big Red and teased EJ for his bottomless stomach. 

“Hit me with that extra pepperoni, dude!” EJ called after him and Big Red chuckled as he stepped into the kitchen. 

He had just slid the newly made pizza in the oven when Kourtney joined him. 

“So, how many pizzas do we think EJ and Ricky will eat combined tonight?” 

“Honestly, not as much as you think. I feel like whenever EJ is with Gina, he spends more time watching her than eating.” 

Kourtney smirked, “You’d think they would figure this out by now. I mean, have they heard of personal space? They can pull the ‘best friend’ card all they want but even Nini and I don’t sit that close.” 

She pointed out into the dining room and Big Red shook his head at how attached Gina and EJ were as he rested his arm on the back of Gina’s chair while she angled her body towards him and animatedly told him a story. 

“Maybe they just need some of our new specialty pizza to fall in love.” 

Big Red pulled the pie out of the oven and showed it off with a cheeky grin. Kourtney chuckled, “I think they are already in love but EJ will love your pizza anyways. Come on.” 

The pizza was placed on the table in front of EJ as the group’s conversations shifted to whatever North High recently posted on social media. EJ removed his arm from Gina’s chair and leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table and dig into his own personal pizza. 

He slapped away Ricky’s wandering hand as Kourtney nudged Big Red. It was only a few moments after EJ had moved that Gina seemed to almost subconsciously slide closer to him. She was basically on the edge of her set as her body leaned towards him. If Big Red had to guess, he would bet their legs were pressed together under the table. 

The Wildcats were still hanging around when the last of the customers left and Salt Lake Slices was closing. Big Red had been playing some music in the kitchen with his coworkers as they cleaned but Ricky had requested he turn it up. 

Being a group of theater kids meant the music kept getting louder and they turned the dining room into a performance space/dance floor. When a familiar pop song came on, Big Red rushed out to join his friends in singing one of the group’s favorites. He watched Carlos and Seb leading the way as they stood on chairs and Nini and Ashlyn using napkin holders as microphones. 

Just as Kourtney wrapped an arm around his shoulders as she danced, he watched EJ grab Gina’s hand and spin her around. Gina was radiant as she laughed and spun EJ around too who turned back to her with a silly expression and over dramatic hair flip. 

Immediately they were both reaching out for the other as the song continued and Big Red could only shake his head with a fond smile. 

Even while they were dancing , Gina and EJ just couldn’t be apart. 

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

As a songwriter, Nini considered herself a very observant and empathetic person. She had to be - pulling inspiration from anywhere she could find it and understanding the emotions of others allowed her to create beautiful combinations of words and notes for her songs. 

Because of this, Nini noticed a lot of things about her fellow Wildcats. For example, Seb came off as a little oblivious and a bundle of joy but Nini noticed how hard he worked at everything he did. She noticed Kourtney’s everlasting confidence waning just a bit when she had to present in English class. Nini even noticed how much adoration was in Mr. Mazzara’s eyes when he listened to Miss Jenn speak.

Lately, she had been paying extra close attention to Gina, specifically how the Caswell cousins had become Gina Porter’s comfort persons. 

At first, it was Ashlyn. It made total sense since they were roommates which led to being best friends. Ashlyn even called them sisters which Nini adored. 

Gina sought Ashlyn out for advice, a makeup check or someone to walk with to lunch. They sat by each other in rehearsals and Gina went to Ashlyn first when she had a new idea for some choreography. Whenever some kind of drama happened with Gina’s mom or brother, she went looking for Ashlyn and it was obvious the redhead was more than happy to provide that comfort. 

Lately, Gina’s focus had shifted but it took Nini a little longer than usual to realize it… 

It started on a Tuesday morning in Chemistry class. Nini shared it with Gina and they had finagled their way into being lab partners. Normally, Gina was talkative and attentive and helped Nini with the experiments and equations. Today, however, she was quiet and Nini had to get her attention multiple times. 

“Hey, Gina, you okay?” 

Her voice almost startled the other girl and Gina cleared her throat, “Uh, oh, yeah… I’m just a little tired.” 

“Long night of studying?” 

Gina shrugged, “I just couldn’t sleep.” 

Their teacher stopped by to check on their work and Nini decided to leave it at that. Everyone has a rough night once in a while. 

Gina’s energy didn’t improve by lunch. Nini was munching on a salad her moms made her when she watched Ashlyn take a seat next to Gina and speak quietly to her. She sat facing Gina who nodded in response and turned away from the table as she all but collapsed against Ashlyn. The redhead wrapped her arms around Gina and placed a kiss on her head. 

Nini assumed Gina was just exhausted from her lack of sleep and let Ashlyn handle it. Besides, Kourtney was going through her own crisis with her costume designs and Nini quickly jumped in to help her. 

In her afternoon class with Gina and Carlos, Nini joined the rest of the students in shock when Gina Porter got an answer wrong when the teacher called on her. Gina Porter was always spot on in the classroom, especially in Language class. 

She tried to send Gina an encouraging smile her way but Gina kept her eyes on her textbook for the rest of class. 

By rehearsal that afternoon, Nini was starting to really worry about Gina. She was curled in on herself, tugging at the sleeves of a blue Duke sweatshirt that Nini had definitely seen EJ wear before. Ashlyn was currently in the scene they were running so Gina sat alone. A few of their friends had tried to sit and talk with her but they kept being pulled away for fittings or scenes. 

Once she helped Seb slip into his oversized costume, Nini gently approached Gina and sat beside her on the risers. 

“Hey.” 

“Hi.” 

Gina’s voice was shaky but she managed a small smile. 

“Gina, are you really okay?” 

She glanced at Nini before her gaze fell to her hands and she shook her head slightly. 

Nini wrapped her arm around Gina’s shoulders and murmured, “What’s going on? You can talk to me.” 

It took a moment but Gina eventually sighed, “I don’t know… I wasn’t lying when I said I couldn’t sleep last night but I haven’t been able to sleep the past few nights. I’m so tired… and I got a bad grade on my math test which never happens and my brother flaked on a virtual family dinner. All of that topped with me tweaking my ankle in gym class… It's been a lot.” 

“Oh, G, it sounds like you need a serious break.” 

“Yeah, one that I definitely don’t have time for.” 

They were interrupted by Ricky knocking over one of the plywood trees just as a few people called out when EJ rushed into the rehearsal room. 

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” 

“EJ!” Seb cried. 

“Where have you been? It’s been days!” Kourtney added. 

Nini watched EJ toss his bag down and immediately help setting the tree back up. Her brow furrowed as she realized it had been a few days since she had seen EJ at school or rehearsal. 

“Yeah, that’s my bad. I was home sick with a cold for a few days and then I had an away game yesterday so I couldn’t make it.” 

Nini glanced over at Gina and found her staring at EJ as he greeted a few of the drama kids and spoke to Miss Jenn. As they began blocking for the next scene, Nini watched Ashlyn approach her cousin and whisper something to him. His gaze immediately found Gina and he nodded. 

Miss Jenn came to sit next to Nini and Ashlyn followed her. 

“Hey, Miss Jenn.” 

“Yes, Ashlyn?” 

Nini knew Ashlyn was trying to be quiet but she could still hear her. 

“Can we avoid any of Gina’s scenes today? She isn’t feeling 100%.” 

Miss Jenn nodded, “Of course. We’re going to focus on Ricky and Big Red’s scene for the rest of the afternoon anyways.” 

Ashlyn smiled gratefully at her teacher and made her way over to Seb and Carlos. 

Nini’s attention was drawn to EJ as he came to a stop in front of her and Gina. 

“Hey, guys. How’s it going?” 

Gina didn’t respond and Nini got the sense she was interrupting something.
“Good. I’m actually going to help Kourtney but I’m glad you’re feeling better, EJ.” 

“Me too. Thanks.” 

Nini squeezed Gina’s shoulders and headed over to her best friend. She grabbed some fabric and pretended to fool with it but she kept Gina and EJ in her line of sight. 

EJ held out his hands which Gina took and she stood, allowing EJ to pull her over to the side, out of the way. EJ twisted his hands to lace their fingers together and they stood so close to each other. He had a frown on his face, one that Nini interpreted as concerned and she watched Gina talk, most likely explaining everything that she had just shared with Nini. 

It wasn’t long before EJ let go of Gina’s hands to wrap his arms around her shoulders and pull her into a hug. Gina curled her arms around his waist and her face disappeared in EJ’s neck. When they finally released each other, EJ brushed his thumbs over Gina’s cheeks and a teasing smile appeared on his face. Gina actually laughed at whatever he said and Nini’s eyebrows rose. 

Maybe Gina had had a rough few days but aside from a long nap, it seemed like all she really needed to feel better was EJ. 

Throughout the rest of rehearsal, Nini’s theory was proven correct over and over. 

When Gina and EJ had made their way back to the risers, he sat a row above Gina who sat in between his bent knees. EJ was constantly leaning forward to talk quietly to Gina who would tilt her head back to smile up at him or respond. At some point, Gina must have said something to goad EJ because he suddenly wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her to his chest. Gina squealed and cried out until EJ finally released her and they both laughed. 

Not too long after, Gina was falling asleep against EJ’s shoulder and Carlos had to wake her with a triggering step count. 

By the end of rehearsal, the entire cast was standing in a circle and Gina was tucked into EJ’s side. She still looked tired and her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes but she was content and relaxed and Nini hummed. 

Yup, she was spot on. 

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

One of the things Ashlyn loved (and often hated) about Salt Lake was its immense amounts of snow every winter. It was beautiful when it fell from the sky and covered everything in a soft blanket of white. Everything seemed to come to a stop when it snowed and Ashlyn loved to sit and watch. 

Except when she had to go to school because the snow didn’t start until after second period…

“So, how long until they dismiss us early?” 

Ashlyn looked up from her locker at Carlos and Seb as they approached. 

“I don’t know. My phone says it isn’t supposed to pick up until later so we might be stuck here all day.” 

Seb sighed, “I wouldn’t mind. We are supposed to rehearse one of my songs this afternoon.” 

Ashlyn frowned, “Seb, Miss Jenn cancelled rehearsal an hour ago…” 

Carlos smiled affectionately as he wrapped his arm around his boyfriend comfortingly. 

As Ashlyn finished switching out her books, she heard Carlos hum, “Well, would you look at that?” 

She turned her head to follow Carlos’s gaze and found another group of Drama Club kids: EJ, Ricky, Gina, Kourtney and some of the dancers were gathered at the large windows in the hallway to watch the snow. At first, Ashlyn was confused about what had caught Carlos’s attention but as she watched the group, she noticed something peculiar. 

While most of the group was chatting and gazing out the window, Gina and EJ were in their own little world. EJ was standing directly behind Gina as she held her phone up for EJ to see her screen. They were so close that Gina’s back was brushing against EJ’s chest as he leaned over her shoulder to look at her phone. He said something that caused Gina to laugh and turn her head to look up at EJ and respond. It caused EJ to chuckle in return and Ashlyn furrowed her brow. 

Over the past month or so, she had seen them doing that quite often - personal space was something that didn’t really matter to EJ or Gina. 

Maybe it wasn’t that peculiar, after all. 

By lunchtime, the snow had actually started to pick up and Ashlyn sat with all of her friends. She could feel the unspoken excitement that only came with the possibility of school closing. 

EJ was nowhere to be found but she figured he had a team meeting or something with the AV Club. 

As they ate and shared notes from various classes, Ashlyn glanced out the window and frowned. The snow was really starting to accumulate and the thought of having to get home safely in it was stressing her out. 

Just as she noticed EJ entering the cafeteria, the speakers crackled and the sound of their principal’s voice boomed through the large room. 

“Attention students. Due to inclement weather, East High will be closing for the day. All students riding a bus must report to the bus entrance by 12:30. Students who are driving are expected to leave the school property immediately. Parents have been notified. Get home safely.”

The cafeteria erupted in cheers and everyone jumped up to gather their things and get the heck out of there. 

Ashlyn high-fived Kourtney and shared an elated squeal with Nini. As she gathered her things, she looked for her cousin to ask for a ride home in his truck equipped with four-wheel drive as opposed to the bus which had no-wheel drive. 

What she found was a serious lack of personal space between EJ and Gina as she grabbed the front of his blue Duke sweatshirt in both hands as he pumped his fists and on either side of her. They were both shouting and laughing at their goofy friends celebrating around them. One of EJ’s arms wrapped around Gina’s waist as he reached out to fist bump on of his teammates. Ashlyn smiled and rolled her eyes, shuffling over to grab Gina’s arm and pull them apart. 

“Come on! We’ve got sweatpants and three seasons of ‘Gossip Girl’ left to watch!” 

“Hey! You can’t start the next season without me!” EJ called after them and the girls laughed. 

Being semi codependent on each other meant some of the Wildcats ended up at Ashlyn's too. Nini, Kourtney and Carlos lived within walking distance and came over after changing out of their school clothes. 

They spent the afternoon sprawled around Ashlyn’s living room and when EJ and Gina spent the entire time snuggled up on the floor with some blankets and pillows, Ashlyn said nothing. 

Personal space? Who needs it? 

Chapter Text

On a chilly Thanksgiving morning, Gina Porter tugged a blue Duke sweatshirt over her head and relaxed into the back of the couch in her temporary living room. She sighed and checked her phone once more, frowning at the lack of notifications. EJ’s texts had stopped a few hours ago and Gina was trying not to be needy but she was so excited to hear about his trip and she was feeling lonely even though Ashlyn was sitting on the other end of the couch, captivated by the book in her lap. 

This was her first Thanksgiving without her mom but she was looking forward to spending it with the Caswells who went all out for most things, holidays included. A ton of people were coming over later and Gina had spent the past few days helping Ashlyn’s family prepare by cleaning and shopping and cooking anything that could be made ahead of time. 

While it helped distract her, Gina still missed her boyfriend. It had hardly been a full week since he left with his parents for the West Coast and he had called and texted whenever he could but Gina still longed for him. 

EJ Caswell was sweet, goofy, talented and very handsome. How could she not miss him? 

Later that afternoon, Gina found herself stirring a pot of something warm and delicious as Ashlyn’s mother began placing huge pieces of turkey on a platter. She had changed into a pair of light wash ripped jeans and heeled booties but kept the Duke sweatshirt on. It was oversized on her but she made it look like it was part of her outfit because it smelled like EJ and was easily the softest material she had ever worn and Gina couldn’t bring herself to take it off. 

As the house filled with Ashlyn’s relatives and neighbors, Gina was polite and friendly as she greeted familiar faces and was introduced to new ones. While the table was set and toasts were being made, a tiny baby was placed in her arms and Ashlyn constantly checked in on her. Yes, she missed her mother on Thanksgiving and yes, she desperately wanted to be with EJ but being surrounded by her adopted family and best friend was hard to beat. 

She had taken her seat to eat when Ashlyn nudged her. 

“My family loves you. They have never met someone who has lived in at least 15 states and speaks three languages.” 

Gina chuckled, “I’m not that interesting.” 

“Stop selling yourself short. Oh, can you pass the potatoes, please?” 

Just as Gina handed off the steaming bowl of mashed potatoes, she heard some gasps and a commotion from the other end of the table. Gina and Ashlyn glanced over and Gina felt her heart stop when EJ and his parents walked into the dining room with huge smiles on their faces. 

Many people got up to say hello and greetings were shouted from all ends of the table. Gina, however, could not take her eyes off of EJ. He had slight scruff on his face and he was wearing a red and grey flannel shirt over a plain t-shirt that was stretched over his strong chest. As he and his parents were handed plates and chairs were pulled up for them at the other end of the room, EJ finally made eye contact with her and he winked. 

That wink caused butterflies to erupt in her stomach and Gina blushed furiously. 

She listened as EJ and Ashlyn’s grandmother demanded an explanation. 

“I thought you three were spending the holiday with Mary’s family in California!” 

Their grandpa added, “And visiting some universities out there. How were the athletic programs?” 

Other conversations had started up around her and Gina had to strain to hear EJ. 

“We finished up the visits. Berkeley doesn’t have a DI team so we canceled that tour.” 

His father, Cash, added, “And we were going to spend the day with Mary’s family but half of them got some stomach bug and we made the last minute decision to fly home to spend it with you all.” 

While a million questions flew at them, most of them were about EJ’s athletic prospects and he answered them humbly. Once the conversations began shifting again, he had a moment to eat and he found Gina’s gaze again. He jammed a huge piece of stuffing in his mouth and almost choked, making a ridiculous face in the process and Gina tried to stifle a laugh. 

As dinner wrapped up, chaos ensued once more and EJ nodded towards the back porch. Gina glanced around and headed that way unnoticed but she watched EJ get stopped by one of his cousins. Gina kept going, however, and stepped out onto the cozy but chilly screened-in porch. She wrapped her arms around herself and stepped up the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the colored leaves in the wind. 

The last place she lived was hot all year round and seasons were nonexistent so watching the leaves change and feeling the temperature drop was amazing. 

“It’s a good thing California is warm. I couldn’t find a sweatshirt to bring with me.” 

Gina smiled but did not turn around as she murmured, “It was needed here. Utah is much colder in November.” 

She felt the warmth of EJ’s body behind her and he gently tugged on the back of said blue sweatshirt. 

“It looks better here, anyways.” 

Gina finally turned and threw her arms around EJ’s neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up with a soft grunt. 

“I miss you, G.” 

“I missed you too, Eej.” 

She dug her nose into his neck and breathed in, having missed his masculine and clean scent. He placed her back on the ground and she softly scratched at the scruff on his face. 

“This is new.” 

“I forgot my razor. You like it?” 

He smirked as he tilted his jaw up and Gina smiled, “I do - very manly.” 

EJ puffed out his chest and Gina poked him in the belly, easily deflating him and laughed until EJ grabbed her face and brought her in for a loving kiss. Gina’s hands landed on his chest and she fisted the lapels of his flannel. They swayed together for a while, stealing kisses and sharing sweet whispers before Ashlyn opened the door and interrupted them. 

“Come on, lovebirds. We’re about to start the games. Uncle Chris brought actual prizes this year!” 

Gina definitely did not want to be separated from EJ after their week apart and apparently neither did he as he placed a kiss on her forehead and grabbed her hand, leading her back into the house. He kept her close as they weaved through various family members and he let her sit on the last available seat on the couch. EJ stood nearby as he greeted an aunt but as the games started, he sat on the arm next to Gina before taking the seat next to her when a cousin got up. 

As competitive people, they were very much into the games until one began that was designed for the kids and they relaxed. EJ stretched his arm over the back of the couch and scooted closer to her, to make room for another cousin. Gina happily rested against his side and laid her hands on his thigh. 

“So, what did those California schools have to say?” 

EJ sighed, “Well, Stanford has personal tutors for each player to maintain their grades. USC hasn’t won a championship in 30 years and Cal U… wants to offer me a full ride.” 

Gina sat back from him so she could see his face as she gasped, “Are you serious?” 

“Yeah, but I don’t know… none of them felt right.” 

“Well, California is not exactly known for its hockey team.” 

“True. I guess we’ll see what Minnesota and Michigan have to say for themselves.” 

Gina stayed silent as she rested against him again. California or Michigan… they were both so far away. 

EJ seemed to notice that she wanted to stop talking about colleges and he nudged her knee with his. 

“So, how can I make this the best Thanksgiving you ever had?” 

“Well, I did hope to wake up and watch the parade on TV, snuggled up with blankets and hot chocolate but that already passed so… I’ll settle for a piece of pumpkin pie.” 

She smiled up at him and EJ laughed, “That’s only fair. Save my seat.” 

That night, after the family had left and the house was somewhat cleaned up, Gina came back downstairs in pajama shorts and the Duke sweatshirt. She was planning on getting a glass of water and heading up to bed but she stopped in the living room when she found Ashlyn and EJ, also in their pajamas with big smiles on their faces. 

“Um, what’s going on? When you two are alone, only bad things can happen.” 

A timer went off in the kitchen and Ashlyn squeaked, “Oh! The milk!” 

She ran into the kitchen and Gina eyed EJ suspiciously. 

“I was very late to your first Utah Thanksgiving, so I am trying to make up for it. The parade is queued up on the TV and Ash is making her best hot chocolate. I’ve brought down all the blankets I could find and…” 

As EJ spoke, Gina had slowly made her way over to him and she cut off his rambling with a kiss. She cradled his face in her hands as she gazed up at him. 

“Today, I’m thankful for a lot of things but I am most grateful for you, EJ Caswell.” 

Ashlyn had returned and scoffed, “Gee, thanks, G. It’s not like I brought you into my home, became your best friend and watched you dance for hours on end…” 

This time, Gina cut Ashlyn off by tackling her to the couch and the two girls erupted in a fit of giggles. 

Eventually, they settled and Ashlyn’s parents even joined them. EJ was resting against the arm of the couch, his long legs barely fitting across the cushions. Gina had wiggled in between Ej’s body and the back of the couch and was laying fully on his chest. Ashlyn had covered them with a quilt and Gina had snuck her fingers under the hem of EJ’s t-shirt and she scratched lightly at his warm skin. EJ was doing the same, his own larger hand resting underneath her (his) sweatshirt and brushing against the smooth skin on her back. 

They fell asleep on the couch and when Gina woke in the morning, wrapped up in EJ and smelling bacon and waffles from the kitchen, she knew she had found a home .

Chapter Text

Before another day of school began, Ashlyn was walking through the halls, looking for her cousin. When she finally found EJ, she headed his way but paused when he suddenly slammed his locker shut and she noticed a vein popping out of his neck. 

Uh oh. 

EJ was pissed. 

“Hey, cuz. You okay?” 

“Fine.” 

“No you’re not. What’s going on?” 

EJ groaned and slumped against the locker. 

“I got waitlisted at Duke.” 

“Oh, EJ…” 

“It’s fine. It’s not a complete rejection but that’s been my dream even though they don’t have a DI water polo team.” 

Ashlyn leaned against the lockers too and sighed, “I’m sorry, Eej.” 

“It’s whatever…” 

“It’s not ‘whatever,’ EJ. You can’t give up. They could call any day and change their mind.” 

“Maybe.” 

“Did you tell Gina?” 

“No.” 

The bell rang for class and Ashlyn nudged him, “You should tell her. She’s your girl, literally and figuratively.” 

She took off down the hall and EJ watched his cousin with a sad smile before heading to class. He managed to stay distracted through class and during lunch (thanks to Gina’s excited retelling of a movie she watched the night prior and the soft kisses she placed on his cheek) but by the end of the day, his frustration returned. 

He was already dreading telling his parents and Gina and the thought of applying to even more schools was overwhelming and he had coaches calling every day just as the season was about to start… 

All of that came tumbling out when he turned the corner at the end of the day to find Gina frowning at some soccer boy who was standing a little too close. 

He stepped within hearing distance, knowing that Gina could handle herself but wanting to be there if she needed him. 

“Uh, thanks but I’m not interested.” 

“Are you sure? Maybe I could have a chance to change your mind?” 

“No, I have a boyfriend who I like a lot so I’m good.” 

The boy reached out to take her bag and offered to carry it but Gina held it to her chest. 

“I can carry my own bag, thanks.” 

The boy chuckled and tried to grab her arm but Gina slapped his hand away. 

“Please don’t touch me.” 

She tried to step around the boy and walk away but he actually grabbed her arm this time and Gina had to yank it free. 

EJ lost it.  

“Hey!” 

His deep voice echoed in the hallway and he ran over, grabbed the shorter boy roughly by his collar and spun him around. EJ’s fist connected painfully with the boy’s nose and he crumpled to the ground. A few people screamed and gasped and EJ heard Gina’s panicked voice but he was seeing red . 

The boy clambered to his feet and he swung back at EJ but he easily dodged it. EJ went to swing again but someone caught his arm and dragged him back. Big Red pushed the soccer boy away and EJ heard Ricky’s voice behind him. 

“Bro, calm down!” 

EJ shrugged Ricky off and Gina surged forward. 

“EJ!” 

He let Gina inspect his hand as he glared at the soccer boy who was slowly retreating down the hallway but was staring back at him like he was insane. 

Big Red grabbed EJ’s and Gina’s backpacks and Ricky shooed them down the hallway. 

“Come on, before any teachers see.” 

Gina was holding tightly to his arm and EJ tried to relax as they finally stepped outside into the cold winter air. He heard Ricky and Big Red talking and Gina was trying to get his attention but it felt like everything was spinning out of control. 

As they made their way to their cars, Nini and Kourtney came running over. 

“Oh my gosh, we heard about the fight!” 

EJ grumbled, “It wasn’t a fight.” 

Ricky sighed, “EJ landed a solid right hook but that was the extent of it.” 

Kourtney scoffed, “Please. That boy is half EJ’s size. I bet he was left crying like a baby.” 

Gina looked up at EJ and noticed how tense he was - a deep frown on his face and his entire body was rigid. She watched her friends grow loud and excited about it all and when Carlos and Seb arrived, also screaming about the ‘fight’ she snapped. 

“I heard it was only a few punches. That’s nothing. EJ could easily take on the whole wrestling team.” 

“Guys!” 

The crowd grew quiet and Gina tried to smile. 

“While I’m sure EJ appreciates the concern and the fanfare, Nini and Seb have a calculus test tomorrow, Kourtney and Big Red are late for work and Ricky and Carlos have special rehearsals with Miss Jenn tonight. AKA, we all really should be going, right?” 

Nini got the hint and began pulling her friends away, “Gina’s right, everyone. Let’s go.” 

Carlos waved, “Make sure to ice that fist, EJ.” 

Once their friends were gone, Gina took a deep breath and moved to face EJ. 

“Hey there, Caswell.” 

She smiled softly at him and EJ relaxed a little as he returned the smile. 

“There he is - my super talented and super handsome boyfriend who has never thrown a punch, much less broken someone’s nose.” 

EJ chuckled nervously and inspected his bruised fist. 

“Ah, yeah, that was stupid. I’m sorry…” 

“Hey, hey, there is no need to apologize. I’ve never had someone defend me before. It was kind of hot.” 

She tugged at his ear and winked and EJ wrapped a strong arm around her to pull her flush against his body. 

“Oh yeah? You know, Carlos is right. That was nothing.” 

Gina laughed and EJ leaned down to place a slow kiss on her lips. He used his free hand to cup the back of her neck and just as she threw both arms around his shoulders to pull him closer, a car drove by and honked at them. 

EJ flipped off his teammates as Gina laughed again and hugged him. 

“Are you okay, Eej?” 

“I should be asking you that. Did he hurt you?” 

“No, no, I’m fine. He’s an idiot and I’m definitely going to let him know if I see him tomorrow.” 

EJ nodded and Gina noticed the storm still brewing behind his eyes. She knew they should talk but for now, Gina settled for wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling into his neck. EJ tucked her into his chest and rested his head on hers, releasing a deep sigh. 

She had, in fact, been a little shaken up by the incident and now she was worried about EJ but being wrapped in his bulky muscles was comforting and safe. She could tell EJ was drawing comfort from the embrace too, as his shoulders dropped and he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. 

“Do you want to get out of here?” 

He nodded. 

“My place or yours?” 

EJ was quick to respond, “Yours, definitely.” 

“Okay. Come on, handsome.” 

Later, they were lounging on a couch on the screened-in porch at Ashlyn’s house. It was super cozy with large windows, oversized cushions and a fireplace.  

EJ had spilled chocolate milk on his shirt when they got home so it was currently in the washer. As a result, he was now shirtless and sprawled out on his back with a pillow under his head. 

Gina was laying on top of him, resting her chin on her hands as she watched him looking at his phone that he was holding above her as he responded to a group text with his team. She brushed her fingers over a scar on his chest and through the very faint and very light chest hair he was so proud of growing. 

“Coach cancelled 6 AM practice tomorrow. What a blessing - I’m exhausted.” 

He tossed his phone aside and wrapped his arms around her head and shoulders, effectively pinning her to his chest. She laughed, trying to pry herself free as he began obnoxiously snoring. Eventually, he started laughing too and released her. Gina didn’t go far, however, she only grabbed a pillow to rest her arms on and she ran her fingers through his hair. 

“Feel like talking?” 

He nodded and rested his hands on her exposed lower back. 

“I, uh, I didn’t get into Duke.” 

“Oh, EJ, I’m so sorry.” 

“That, on top of the constant calls from coaches and the thought of telling my parents and the upcoming season… It’s a lot.” 

“Your parents are going to be proud of you, no matter where you go. Duke is their legacy. You have to make your own.” 

EJ seemed hesitant to agree and Gina pulled him up to be sitting across from each other, knees brushing and fingers tangled together. She tugged off his blue Duke sweatshirt she had been wearing all day and tossed it aside. Left in only a thin t-shirt, she took his hands in hers again.  

“Can I tell you something?” 

“Always.” 

“When I talked to you after you had your visit with Duke, I could tell you were excited and that it felt good but when you called me after you toured at Texas and Michigan and Notre Dame , Eej, you were on fire! You saw potential there, you saw a future. After Duke, you saw what you had seen your whole life but it wasn’t your future.” 

EJ was amazed, as always, after listening to Gina. She was right. 

“Gina…” 

“It’s okay to be sad about this and to be pissed off but don’t let it stop you from accomplishing your dreams. You have the entire collegiate water polo world at your feet.” 

“And I have you.” 

The intensity of his gaze caught Gina off guard and she blushed. 

“Yeah, you have me.” 

They leaned into each other, meeting in a sweet kiss that turned heated quickly and EJ pulled Gina into his lap. She straddled him and held his head, lightly tugging on his ears as he slid his hands up and down her back. Just as they landed on her ass, she pulled back and kissed his nose. 

“Ash could be home any moment.” 

“My loving cousin, of course.” 

Gina laughed and kissed him again. 

“So, does the stress of everything going on explain why you beat someone up today?” 

“That definitely didn’t help… but watching him put his hands on you… I would’ve beat him up either way. He deserved it.” 

Gina suddenly pressed her body closer to his and she hummed, “And he never stood a chance. I’m yours, handsome.” 

“And I’m yours.” 

Chapter Text

“Remind me to hire you to throw me a birthday party!”

EJ remembers saying it at Carlos’s quinceanera after Gina had performed. She had managed to organize their friends and decorate an entire barn to transform it into an amazing venue. Carlos still talks about that party over a year later and EJ stands by what he said… 

...except he can’t ask Gina to throw herself a birthday party. 

“Ash, I’m serious! How am I supposed to do anything that even gets close to something Gina Porter plans?” 

Ashlyn rolled her eyes as she watched her cousin pace back and forth in her bedroom. 

“You do realize that this Gina Porter you speak of is your best friend who adores you meaning you could show up with nothing and she would call me later talking about how you’re the best and that she loves you.” 

She dodged a pillow that EJ threw at her and he groaned, “Come on, cuz! I’m serious. She told me she’s never had a birthday party because she was always moving.” 

“Okay, so throw a birthday party.” 

“I have no idea how to do that.” 

“Then it’s a good thing that you have me and Kourtney and Carlos who are more than capable of throwing a party.” 

EJ clasped his hands in front of him and almost bowed to Ashlyn. 

“I would be eternally grateful, Ash.” 

“Grateful for what?” 

Both Caswells jumped at the sound of Gina’s voice as she appeared in the doorway. 

“Uh, Ash is going to, uh, help me with my homework.” 

Ashlyn gave him an ‘are you serious’ look as Gina stepped into the room and gently rested her hand on EJ’s back for a moment before continuing on her way to sit on Ashlyn’s bed. She gave him a soft teasing smile as she spoke. 

“I thought you were in the top 10 of your class.” 

EJ shrugged, “Yeah, you know… it takes a village as they say.” 

Gina glanced between the cousins suspiciously before Ashlyn spoke up, “So, G, how was your dance class?” 

That got Gina talking and she forgot about how weird the Caswells had been acting only moments prior. While she rambled on to Ashlyn about the dance class she was teaching for little kids, EJ managed to send a text to all Wildcats sans Gina. 

Slices tomorrow at 4 - it’s party time! 

--------------------------------- 

Little did EJ know, getting the entire Drama Club to meet at Salt Lake Slices without Gina was a lot harder than he expected. 

He was waiting by his locker after the last bell of the day for Ashlyn so he could drive her there when Gina appeared with a wide smile on her face. 

“Hey there, Eej. Got any plans after school? Carlos and Seb are already doing something and I think Nini has her first songwriting club meeting so I was thinking you and I could watch all the Twilight movies. They just got added to Netflix!” 

EJ tugged at his collar as he glanced around for Ashlyn to make an escape. 

“Uh, that sounds awesome, G, but I actually have plans already.” 

“Oh, yeah?” 

Gina didn’t look upset but she was definitely curious. 

“Yeah. I’m meeting some of the water polo guys for a study session.” 

“Your season ended last month…” 

“Yeah, well, Coach wants to make sure we keep up the grades, you know?” 

If Gina was suspicious, she didn’t show it as she shrugged and reached out to tug on his backpack strap. 

“Ugh, fine. Have fun studying. I’m going to find Ash and see if she wants to walk home.” 

Just as she started walking down the hallway EJ cried out, “No! Uh, I think she has Debate Club tonight.” 

Gina’s eyebrows were furrowed as she smirked at him, “You okay, Eej? You’re looking a little antsy.” 

“I’m fine! I, uh, got to go.” 

He pushed off his locker and hurried in the opposite direction, praying he would run into Ashlyn before Gina did. 

EJ found his cousin talking to Big Red and he rushed over, “If anyone asks, you have Debate Club tonight.” 

“Uh, hello to you too, EJ.” 

“Gina is trying to find someone to hang out with tonight and I managed to avoid her but she is looking for you next. We got to go! I’ll drive you both to Slices.” 

He anxiously pulled them towards the exit and Big Red murmured to Ashlyn, “He does realize that you normally have Debate on Wednesdays, right? It wouldn’t be a lie.” 

Ashlyn whispered, “Give him a break, Biggie. He’s in love with his best friend. He isn’t thinking straight.” 

Once the Wildcats gathered at Slices, Kourtney brought over some pitchers of soda and leaned against the side of the booth. 

“Okay, EJ, what kind of party are we planning?” 

Seb raised his hand, “Wait, where’s Gina?” 

EJ chuckled, “She’s not here on purpose, Seb. Her birthday is coming up and she has never been in one place long enough for anyone to throw her a party so…” 

Nini gasped, “We’re throwing Gina a birthday party?!” 

The Wildcats murmured excitedly and EJ held out his hands as he tried to get their attention back. 

“Guys, guys! Look, I want this to be a surprise, okay? Are we all capable of keeping this a secret from Gina?” 

Everyone nodded and Ricky even held out a pinky finger but EJ ignored him because he was focused on Seb’s nervous face. 

“Seb…” 

“I’ll try my best but I could barely keep Carlos’s party a secret and we planned that in less than a week! Gina’s birthday isn’t for another two weeks!” 

Their friends groaned as Carlos wrapped his arm around Seb’s shoulders. 

“He’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it. Now, what’s the theme?” 

Kourtney clapped her hands, “Oh, and who is on the guest list?”

“Uh, what are we thinking for food?” 

EJ frowned, “I, um, I don’t know…” 

Ashlyn smiled sympathetically at her cousin and pulled him down to sit next to her. She pulled out a notebook and nudged him. 

“Let’s start with the easy things - when do you want to throw this party?” 

EJ’s shoulders finally relaxed as he pulled out his phone to check dates. 

--------------------------------- 

The following day at school, EJ was practically bouncing off the walls. The party planning meeting had gone so well and he could see it all coming together in his mind. 

Gina was going to love it! 

Speaking of… 

“Hey, Caswell.” 

Gina looped her arm through his as she walked with him through the crowded hallways. 

“Hey, how was your night?” 

“Good. I watched the first two Twilight movies alone, thank you very much. How was your study session?” 

“Study session? What are you talking about?” 

Gina frowned up at him, “Uh, your study session with the water polo team?” 

It clicked in EJ’s head and he started to panic, “Oh, right! Right, uh, it was good. We got a lot done. Look, I have to get to homeroom, okay? I’ll see you at lunch.” 

He took Gina’s hand in his and squeezed lightly before taking off down the hallway. Too bad he had at least 10 minutes until homeroom and Gina picked up on that pretty quickly. 

By lunch, enough had happened throughout the morning that Gina had plenty to talk about other than EJ’s slip up earlier. She sat next to him, recounting the drama that had occurred in her Calculus class and EJ could only smile at her. Gina was beautiful and he loved listening to her, especially when she was being overdramatic about the tiny scuffle between two cheerleaders. 

When she grabbed his arm and almost squealed about a new dance routine she had thought of for the kids after school, EJ felt a familiar fluttering in his stomach. He felt terrible for keeping secrets from his best friend but when she looked at him like that , he knew it would be worth it. 

--------------------------------- 

Unfortunately, EJ was kicking himself at the beginning of the next week. It was going to be worth it but lying to Gina about things was proving to be difficult. She was smart and she knew EJ very well. When he said he had off-season practice, she recalled the fact that he never had them before. When he used the study sessions excuse, she asked about what tests or projects he was working on. He could only pull the reliable “AV Club meeting” so many times a week.

The worst of it all was when he realized Gina was spending a lot of time alone. Ashlyn was already swamped and EJ had agreed to take on most of the party planning. The Caswell cousins were Gina’s best friends so with both of them being occupied, Gina often ended up with some of the other Wildcats... 

But Carlos and Seb were keeping their distance (to protect the surprise element), Big Red and Kourtney were always working since they didn’t have rehearsals anymore and Nini and Ricky were “figuring things out.” When she didn’t have dance class, Gina always assured EJ she was fine sitting at home with her knitting and movies, just as she did on Monday afternoon. 

“I’ll be fine, Eej. Just make sure you call me after your practice, okay? I’m sure I’ll have stories of our favorite three-year-olds.” 

EJ chuckled and watched her for a moment. She was smiling but it wasn’t quite meeting her eyes. 

He reached out to brush some curls from her face and he murmured, “You okay, G?” 

She took the smallest step closer to him as she nodded, “Yeah. I just miss you. I feel like we haven’t hung out all week and I know you were spending time with your mom’s side this weekend…” 

“Don’t forget your ‘girls only’ sleepover on Saturday.” 

Gina laughed quietly and rolled her eyes. 

“That too. I just miss my best friend.” 

Even though he sometimes hated being Gina’s ‘best friend’ and not something more, EJ couldn’t deny he missed her too and he reached out to pull her into a hug. 

“I miss you too, G.” 

A few of their fellow Wildcats came over rambling about Miss Jenn’s upcoming announcement for a summer theater camp but EJ and Gina mostly ignored them, sharing a knowing smile and whispers about their friends’ antics as they always did. 

--------------------------------- 

With the party coming on Saturday night, EJ had so much to do. It was now Thursday and he had to go with Kourtney to buy the decorations, help Big Red bake a cake, approve Nini and Ashlyn’s new song and handle another huge part of the celebration that none of the Wildcats knew about… 

On top of all that, he actually did have a big test on Friday and Ashlyn had told him that Gina had had a not-so-great phone call with her brother the night before. He wanted to be there for her but there just wasn’t enough time during the day. 

EJ was on his way to meet Nini and Ashlyn in the auditorium to hear their progress on their song for Gina when he quite literally ran into her. 

“Whoa, Gina, sorry.” 

“EJ? Where are you running off to?” 

“Nowhere.” 

Gina crossed her arms and gave him an unimpressed look. 

EJ tried to maintain an innocent smile but it only lasted a few seconds under her stare. 

“Ugh, fine, I have to go meet a friend about… a thing.” EJ mentally cursed himself but he was running out of excuses. 

Gina scoffed, “Really? That’s the best you can do?” 

“Look, I really can’t tell you what I’m doing. I’ve got to go.” 

He tried to step around her but Gina grabbed his arm, “EJ, wait. I know you’ve been busy and I get that but being sketchy? Lying to me? I’m not cool with that. What’s going on with you?” 

EJ almost cracked under her gaze. Gina looked hurt and she was a little angry. He couldn’t blame her but they were so close to pulling this off… 

He sighed, “Look, G, there’s just… a lot going on. I promise everything will go back to normal soon. You just have to trust me, okay?” 

Gina frowned but EJ could hear acceptance in her tone as she pouted, “Fine.”

EJ smiled and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before jogging down the hallway. It was going to be worth it. 

--------------------------------- 

By Saturday evening, EJ had barely spoken to Gina at all and he hardly had a moment to dwell on it. He was currently at Nini’s house rushing around to get everything set up when his phone rang. 

“Ash, what’s up?” 

“Just checking in to see if our timeline is still on track.” 

“Uh, yeah. Everything is good. Make sure to text Kourtney the signal when you leave.” 

“I’ve got you, Eej. Just remember to breathe, okay? This is going to be great.” 

As soon as he hung up with his cousin, EJ helped blow up a few more balloons before Carlos rushed over and handed him his car keys. 

“You have to go! We’ve got everything here.” 

EJ checked the time and hissed, “Crap. Okay, I’m leaving. Call me if you need anything!” 

He rushed out the door and Seb moved to stand by Carlos. 

“Are we sure he is okay to drive?” 

“Trust me, honey. We are better off with him out of the house. A man in love should never be the one in charge of decorating.” 

Meanwhile, Gina was curled up in her bed reading a book when Ashlyn walked in and plopped down beside her. 

“Hey there, birthday roomie.” 

“Hey. What’s going on?” 

“I was thinking, why don’t we go out to celebrate your big day? I know we have a big brunch tomorrow but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate tonight too.” 

Gina smiled sadly, “I don’t know, Ash. I’m not really in the mood to celebrate. I’m kind of bumming out.” 

Ashlyn swatted at her leg, “Well that’s the perfect reason to get out of the house. I think Nini invited a few of the Wildcats over for a game night. Come on!” 

“Ash, please. I don’t want to go anywhere tonight. I just want to lay in bed and wait for my mom to call.” 

“You can wait for your mom at Nini’s house. Come on! Put on some jeans and a sweater and let’s go.” 

Ashlyn grabbed Gina’s arm and began pulling her out of bed. 

“EJ hasn’t called or texted.” 

That caused Ashlyn to pause. Gina’s voice was quiet and she almost sounded betrayed . 

“Gina…” 

“I always feel weird expecting things on my birthday but I thought EJ, of all people, would have called or something.” 

Ashlyn smiled softly and squeezed Gina’s arm. 

“Look, I know for a fact that he was super busy today. I bet before the night is over you will hear EJ wish you a happy birthday. Let’s get out of the house, okay? You deserve to be with your friends.” 

Gina sighed and very slowly crawled out of bed. After a lot of grumbling and whining,  Ashlyn managed to get Gina dressed and out the door. They arrived at Nini’s house and made the short walk up the path to the front door. Gina crossed her arms over her chest to keep warm and tried to keep up with how fast Ashlyn was walking. 

“Slow down, Ash. I’m sure the gang will still be there if we walk at a normal pace.” 

“You got long legs, G. Stop whining.” 

They made it to the door and Ashlyn’s smile was almost blinding. 

“Ash, you’re acting weird. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m just excited.” 

She knocked on the door and Gina shivered as they waited. No one answered and Ashlyn shrugged. 

“Maybe they are in Nini’s room.” Ashlyn opened the door and Gina followed, stepping into a dark living room. 

Suddenly, the lights turned on and an entire crowd of Wildcats shouted, “Surprise! Happy birthday!”  

Gina stumbled back, latching onto Ashlyn’s arm to steady herself. She took in the decorations and the smiling faces and the cheering and Gina felt tears in her eyes.

Ashlyn wrapped her arm around Gina’s shoulders and chuckled, “Happy birthday, G!” 

A sea of Wildcats and classmates swarmed her and Gina struggled to hug them all and thank them for the surprise. 

“You guys did this for me?” 

“Of course!” 

“You’re our girl, Gina Porter.” 

Seb and Carlos exclaimed while placing a sash over her shoulder and a crown on her head. 

“EJ was the one who planned this, actually,” Nini explained. 

Gina felt her heart stop. 

“EJ did this?” 

“Yeah! We’ve been planning for weeks,” Ricky chuckled. 

As her friends went on about their ideas and execution, Gina glanced around the room and noticed EJ was missing. 

She grabbed Nini’s arm and frowned, “Where is EJ?” 

“Oh, uh, he’s on his way. Come on, we’ve got some more surprises!” 

Gina was shuffled into the kitchen to find a spread of her favorite foods. She received hugs from all four Caswell parents and a gift from Miss Jenn herself. 

It was all so wonderful but Gina couldn’t help herself as she occasionally looked at her phone or the door, hoping EJ would arrive or call her. 

This was easily the best birthday she ever had but all she really needed was to hear her best friend wish her a happy birthday. 

As everyone finished eating, Gina’s wish was finally granted when EJ walked through the back door and waved at his friends as they all greeted him. Gina couldn’t take her eyes off him in a blue Duke sweatshirt and light wash jeans. He found her gaze and his smile was enormous. 

“Sorry I’m late, everyone, but I had to pick up my gift for the birthday girl.” 

The kitchen was filled with teasing ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ and Gina stood as EJ walked back to the door and pulled it open. 

She heard him murmur something and she could not believe her eyes when her mother, Terri, walked through the door. 

“Mom?” 

“Happy birthday, baby.” 

Gina took off running and she sobbed as she hugged her mother for the first time in months. 

Everyone clapped and cheered as Gina held onto her mother and she cried, “What are you doing here?!” 

“Well, I got a very convincing phone call from EJ and I was able to get some time off to see my baby girl on her birthday.” 

Gina wiped at her tears and her mother kissed her forehead.

“Why don’t you introduce me to your friends, honey?” 

Gina felt a rush of excitement at the thought of her mother finally meeting her friends and she dragged her around the kitchen so she could meet the Wildcats. 

“That’s Kourtney and Nini...and you’ve already met EJ.” 

Gina ended her tour next to where EJ was leaning against the counter and her mother smiled, “Yes, we had nice conversations on the way here from the airport.” 

EJ smiled at Terri before his eyes landed on Gina and his smile grew. Gina smiled back and Terri smirked, “I, uh, am going to talk to Ashlyn’s parents. Excuse me.” 

She stepped away and Gina sighed, “EJ Caswell, you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. I will never be able to thank you for this.” 

“Hey, what are best friends for if not to throw you the best birthday party ever?” 

Gina was overwhelmed with many emotions, including her love for her best friend and she surged forward to wrap her arms around his neck. His arms immediately looped around her waist and he picked her up like he had done a thousand times before. 

When he placed her back down, he continued to hold her close and Gina twisted one of the strings of his hoodie around her fingers. 

“Happy birthday, Gina Porter. You deserve the world and this is the closest a group of misfit Wildcats could get.” 

Gina felt a blush creep up her neck and across her cheeks and she smiled, “This group of misfits has become the best family I’ve ever had… but did you know you’re my favorite?” 

EJ removed one of his hands from her lower back and pressed his finger to his lips. 

“Shh! Don’t let Ash, Carlos or Nini hear you!” he loudly whispered and Gina laughed at his goofiness. 

He laughed too and Gina found herself watching him, in awe of the sweet boy before her. As his laughter calmed to a heart-stopping smile, Gina couldn’t resist leaning in closer to him… 

Wait, was EJ leaning in too? 

Wait, what? 

“Gina!” 

They jumped apart as Kourtney and Big Red called Gina over so they could light some candles and sing to her. 

It wasn’t until much later in the night, when most folks aside from the Drama Club had already left, that Gina was able to find EJ and pull him into the living room for a moment alone. 

“So this is why you’ve been avoiding me for weeks? Why we haven’t had an E and G night in forever?” 

EJ plopped onto the couch as Gina sat next to him and he sighed, “Yeah, I’m sorry about all that but there was so much to do and we wanted to make this perfect for you.” 

“It was, Eej. Everything about tonight was perfect but you know I would have been perfectly okay with anything as long as it involved you and our friends, right?” 

Ashlyn popped her head in and smirked, “Told you!” 

EJ threw the nearest empty soda can at her and Ashlyn winked, “Okay, okay, I can take a hint,” and she disappeared into the kitchen. 

Gina laughed lightly and turned back to EJ who shrugged. 

“I know you would have been fine with anything but I just wanted to show you how much you mean to everyone… and to me.” 

His intense gaze caused Gina’s heart to thud loudly in her chest and she felt a similar feeling from before start to surround them. Just as she felt herself being pulled in again, EJ jumped up. 

“Oh! I almost forgot about your present.” 

“You already threw me a massive party!” 

“I wasn’t going to not get you a present, G. You know me better than that.” 

He grabbed a gift bag that had been hiding in the corner and placed it on her lap. 

Gina eyed him as he sat back down and bounced his leg nervously. Deciding not to torture him, Gina pulled out some tissue paper and the first item. 

“A Bluetooth speaker?” 

“To replace the janky one you have at the dance studio. Maybe it will help drown out some of the whining from the kids.” 

Gina chuckled as she placed the speaker down and grabbed the next items. 

“Oh my gosh! More yarn and new needles?” 

EJ cleared his throat, “You said you were running out and the lady at the store said those needles were the right size for that yarn.” 

“It’s perfect, Eej. Thank you.” 

“There’s one more thing.” 

Gina reached into the bag and pulled out some folded sheets of paper.

“A pattern?” 

“If it’s what you really want, I guess you can finally make us those matching hats you’ve been talking about. No bribe necessary,” EJ grumbled but Gina knew he meant it. 

She smiled as she placed her gifts on the coffee table and reached out to take EJ’s hand in hers. 

“This was the best birthday I’ve ever had and it’s all thanks to you, Eej. Even without the party and the gifts and the surprises, just knowing that I have you is enough.” 

EJ smiled softly at her and his cheeks turned pink. That feeling returned that she had been noticing all night: an irresistible pull to be near him, to kiss him, and this time she wasn’t going to let it pass without seeing what might happen. 

Gina shifted slightly to face him more and ever so slowly began leaning in closer. EJ did too and the thought of kissing him wasn’t appalling at all. In fact, Gina really wanted to kiss him. 

When did that happen? 

He was still leaning in and Gina could smell his cologne and she decided she didn’t care when she started feeling differently about her best friend. 

Her plans were ruined, however, when EJ suddenly pulled away and all but leaped to his feet. 

“I, uh, I think I’m going to see if I can help clean up…” 

“Eej…” 

“You know, to be a good guest…” 

Gina stood and grabbed his arm. 

“EJ, wait.”

She encouraged him to face her and Gina could tell he was conflicted too. 

“There is one more thing that I need to make this the most perfect birthday ever.” 

“Anything,” EJ murmured. 

Gina didn’t verbally respond, rather, she reached up to press her palm against his cheek and she released a breath to try and calm the butterflies in her stomach. She stepped closer and something in EJ’s eyes confirmed that he wanted it to happen and Gina tilted her chin up to press her lips to his in a quick kiss. 

She pulled back to check and make sure that was okay but before she really could, EJ was wrapping his arms around her and pulling her even closer as he kissed her again for real this time. 

The butterflies in her stomach intensified in the best way and Gina found herself smiling against EJ’s lips as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and savored the moment: her first kiss (ever) but her first kiss with EJ Caswell. 

When they finally broke apart, EJ had a slightly mesmerized look on his face and he smiled. 

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” 

“Me too,” Gina whispered, afraid to speak too loudly and ruin the moment. 

Her admission seemed to erase any remaining anxiety EJ had and his smile grew as he leaned down to kiss her again but just as their lips brushed, they heard someone clear their throat and both teenagers turned to look at the doorway to the kitchen where Terri and Ashlyn’s parents were all standing with fake frowns on their faces. 

“Oh no. All three of my parents…” Gina muttered and EJ laughed. 

“I should head out, anyway. It’s getting late. Call me when you’re set free?” 

Gina laughed and nodded, “I will.” 

She could tell EJ thought about kissing her cheek but he glanced at the parents and settled for a wink before he said a somewhat awkward goodbye to Terri and his aunt and uncle and headed out. 

Gina watched him with a fond smile and once the door was closed behind him, she remembered that her three ‘parents’ were still standing there and she turned to them with a sheepish smile. 

“He is not allowed to sleep over anywhere other than that couch. All three of us already agree on that one,” Terri started. 

“And he will not get in the way of homework,” Ashlyn’s father added. 

“ And we will discuss this in the morning since we all saw this coming,” Ashlyn’s mother said with a smirk as all three parents came into the living room to wish Gina one final happy birthday and a goodnight. 

Ashlyn chose that moment to return from the kitchen and she wrapped her arm around Gina and began leading her towards the stairs. 

“Come on, roomie. The air mattress is all set up in my room and we have a lot to talk about.” 

“I’m not talking about your cousin to you, Ash.” 

“That is quite alright. We aren’t talking about my cousin, anyways. We are talking about my bestie and roommate. Let’s go birthday girl.” 

Gina laughed at the redhead and sighed, wholly content with the way the day played out. 

“It was the best birthday ever, Ash.” 

Chapter Text

North High smelled better, EJ realized. Or, maybe it just smelled different than East High but either way, the floors were quite literally sparkling and EJ was amazed at the rows and rows of trophy cases lining the walls. 

He and the rest of the Drama Club were gathered by the front doors of the school, waiting for the rest of the gang after their failed dance-off with North High’s own theater kids. EJ didn’t consider himself a dancer but even he felt like they were the better team up there. 

“This place really is crazy, huh? I peeked in the dance studio and it was gorgeous.” 

It was Gina and a smile immediately appeared on his face as the girl shuffled over to him. 

“I knew they had money because they always show up with the newest uniforms but this is, like, unbelievable.” 

“I’m with Kourtney on this one - this place is stressing me out.” 

EJ glanced around the group of disgruntled Wildcats and frowned, “Speaking of, where is Kourtney? I offered to drive her home with the whole Nini and Ricky thing going on.” 

“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen her out here yet.” 

It was pretty obvious that Nini was too involved in her spat with Ricky to be thinking about her best friend’s whereabouts and EJ sighed, “I’m going to go find her in case she got lost.” 

Gina nodded and EJ walked past her to head further into the school but he only made it a few steps before he turned and pointed at her. 

“Uh, wait here for us? I can drop you off, too. I’m assuming Ashlyn will want to ride with Big Red because of their thing.” 

“Sure. Don’t get lost yourself,” Gina teased and EJ smiled before turning and jogging down the halls. He headed back in the direction of the auditorium and ran into Carlos and Seb. 

“Have you seen Kourtney?” 

“Yeah, she ran into Howie so we’re giving her some space,” Carlos explained. 

“Howie?” EJ frowned. 

“Yeah - he goes here!” Seb cried. 

“We have to get going, though. Seb needs to get back to the farm and I have a huge history paper due.” 

Carlos grabbed Seb’s arm and pulled him down the hall but EJ headed in the opposite direction. When he turned the corner, he was shocked to find Howie standing there with Kourtney, Beast mask in his hand and an anxious look on his face. 

EJ stood slightly back as Howie held out his hand.  

“Let me explain.” 

“Don’t bother,” Kourtney snapped and turned to walk away but Howie gently grabbed her arm, obviously desperate to explain. 

EJ immediately stepped forward ready to help but Kourtney didn’t need it. 

“Nope. You don’t get to touch me. Let go.” 

Howie instantly released her arm and Kourtney turned once again and held her head high as she strutted down the hall. 

EJ threw Howie a disgusted look and held his arm out for Kourtney to slide under. She wrapped her arm around his waist in a friendly embrace and EJ knew better than to talk as he silently led Kourtney back to where their friends were waiting. 

Their arrival got everyone’s attention which sent Nini into best friend mode when she noticed the hurt look on Kourtney’s face. She was pulled into Nini’s arms and EJ moved to stand by Gina who leaned closer to him to whisper. 

“What happened?” 

“Howie is a liar. He is North High’s Beast,” EJ whispered back and Gina’s eyes were wide in shock as she glanced up at him. He nodded and tossed his arm over her and Ashlyn’s shoulders and cleared his throat.

“Okay, everyone, I think we’ve had enough of this place for a lifetime. Let’s go.” 

Ashlyn began walking to catch up to Big Red but EJ felt Gina wrap her arm around his waist, the second time in only a couple of hours that they found themselves in this position. Pretending to be Gina’s boyfriend to ward off that North High loser felt crazy easy but EJ didn’t want to dwell on it. 

After all, they were back to normal now as co-anchors and… friends. 

A few days later, EJ, Gina and Ashlyn were huddled in a booth at Salt Lake Slices to grab some dinner since all of the Caswell parents went out for “an adult only night.” 

EJ didn’t mind - things were weird with him and his dad right now and he could eat pizza every night. Besides, Ashlyn had made him sit on the same side as Gina so there was room for Big Red to come and sit if he ever got a free moment while they were there. 

As their pizza got dropped off and Big Red accepted a kiss on his cheek from Ashlyn, EJ felt Gina’s knee brush against his and he ignored the fluttering in his stomach. He began putting a slice on each of their plates as Ashlyn sighed. 

“So, I texted Nini earlier and she said that Kourtney had literally no idea that Howie went to North High and she definitely didn’t know he is the star of their show. She’s bumming hard, which obviously makes sense.” 

Gina shook her head, “I just don’t understand how it never came up. They work together and he never once thought to tell her? I’m sure she told him about her show. It could’ve been a cute bonding moment for them.” 

EJ shrugged, “I’m not justifying what he did but maybe the competition had something to do with it.” 

Ashlyn huffed, “I don’t care what the reason is because it doesn’t matter. He hurt our invincible Kourtney Greene and that is unforgivable.” 

All three of them glanced over at the kitchen where Kourtney was answering the phone. She seemed fine on the outside but they all knew it was a front. 

Later, EJ was on his fourth slice of pizza when Gina suddenly grabbed his arm and he glanced at her but she was looking at the door. EJ followed her gaze and watched Howie enter the restaurant and weave his way through the tables to get to the kitchen. 

Kourtney didn’t even look at him and EJ shoved his last bite of pizza in his mouth and wiped his hands. 

“What the heck is he doing here?” Ashlyn hissed and Gina chuckled. 

“Ash, he works here.” 

“Yeah, well…” 

EJ was focused on the kitchen as the girls talked and he watched Kourtney ignore Howie and grab a pitcher of water and walk out into the dining area to get away from him. She filled a few glasses but soon Howie followed and she made a beeline for their table. 

“Kourtney, please,” Howie all but begged as she reached their table and placed the pitcher down. 

“Howie - not now.” 

“But when? You won’t listen to me!” 

Kourtney turned to him and EJ felt Gina grab his arm again. 

“That’s because you don’t deserve to be heard.” 

“Yes I do - I have good reasons for why I didn’t tell you anything…” 

All at once, Howie took a step forward, Kourtney took a step back and EJ stood up. 

He didn’t have a plan but he just felt like he had to do something and he whispered, “You got this, Kourt.” 

“Howie, I do not want to talk. I need space and time. Besides, we’re at work so this is highly unprofessional. If and when I’m ready, I will let you know.” 

She grabbed the pitcher and hurried off to the kitchen. Howie watched her and just as he took a step, EJ stopped him. 

“Dude, back off.” 

Howie scoffed lightly at him and EJ tried to keep his voice steady. 

“I’m serious. If you want to get her back, you should listen to her. And if you keep bugging her, you’ll have a lot of angry Wildcats coming after you. We know where you work and where you go to school, so…” 

EJ’s message must have been heard because Howie’s shoulders dropped and he slowly headed back to the kitchen without another word. 

Before EJ sat down, he caught a grateful smile from Kourtney and he smiled back. 

Once he slid back into the booth, Ashlyn cried, “EJ! That was amazing. I’m going to tell Big Red. Oh my gosh!” 

She climbed out of the booth and Gina murmured, “That was really sweet, EJ.” 

He turned his head to look at her and her smile was sweet and there was something in her eyes that EJ hadn’t noticed until the past few weeks… 

“Thanks, uh, I didn’t really do anything.” 

Gina grabbed his hand that was resting on the table as she spoke, “You did though, trust me. She can take care of herself but even girls like Kourtney appreciate backup once in a while.” 

EJ shifted a little to face Gina more and brushed his thumb over her hand. 

“Does that include girls like you?” 

He meant to tease her but it came out more sincerely than he meant and Gina’s face was a little surprised but it transformed into a shy smile which EJ returned. 

Ashlyn’s return interrupted their little moment. 

“Big Red had to run out for a delivery so I’ll tell him later. By the way, did we place bets yet on when we think our parents are going to return? I’m saying 11:15.” 

Just like that, the conversation shifted effortlessly away from Kourtney and her current drama. Silently, EJ and Gina both decided they didn’t want to let go of the other’s hand, however, and when Ashlyn had taken her seat EJ slid their hands under the table, laced their fingers together and rested them on his thigh. 

Yes, the conversation had shifted but EJ’s stomach was still fluttering.

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

A few days later, Gina couldn’t believe what she was hearing as she walked with Ashlyn down the hall after a Drama Club meeting. 

“And you’re everything!” Gina almost cried as Ashlyn turned to face her as they reached the redhead’s locker. 

Yes, North High’s latest social media post about their upcoming show was amazing and Lily, the evil blonde girl who tried to infiltrate East High’s own Drama Club, was incredible in the video. She was starring in their show, in the same role as Ashlyn and Gina hated how much it caused Ashlyn to doubt herself. 

“Aw, G, thank you. I know you mean that. I just wish I could get the little voice inside my head to agree.” 

“Don’t worry, Ash. I’ll tell you over and over again until you have no choice but to kick me out because I am that annoying.” 

Ashlyn laughed as she opened her locker and Gina smiled at the sound. Her best friend (and roommate) had been so stressed since the video was posted but Gina knew her well enough to know she was going to be okay. 

Eventually… 

“Oh, by the way, did you want to go shopping this afternoon?” 

“Uh, sure. For what?” 

“Um, for your date! With EJ? Did you forget about your own love life because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.” 

Gina tried not to blush and she groaned, “I didn’t forget. I just… am panicking.” 

“Why? Did he say or do something stupid because I will beat his ass.” 

“No, no, nothing like that. I just… I really like him and I don’t want anything to go wrong.” 

Ashlyn shut her locker and hooked her arm through Gina’s. 

“Well, lucky for you, I am a love expert and we are going to start with the perfect outfit for the perfect date.” 

Gina laughed and allowed Ashlyn to pull her down the hallway. If she could get Ashlyn to relax, surely she could get herself to calm down. It was only a day or two after the incident at Slices that EJ had asked Gina out and after a moment of disbelief, she said yes and she had felt like she was simultaneously floating and falling all that same time. This was all normal. 

Right? 

A few days later, Gina and the rest of the Drama Club were leaving the school after a long afternoon of rehearsals. She was walking next to EJ and their hands and arms kept brushing together. She really wanted to reach out and hold his hand but they hadn’t been on their date yet. Was that allowed? 

As they reached the parking lot, they came to a stop when they found the entire North High Drama Club standing by their cars, smirks on their faces. 

Gina grabbed EJ’s wrist (close enough) and whispered, “What the hell are they doing here?” 

“I have no idea,” EJ grumbled. 

They slowly approached their rivals and Carlos hurried to the front of the group. 

“What are you doing here? This is our turf.” 

Lily popped her hip out and placed her hand on her hip. 

“Well, after our win from the dance-off was declared null due to a technicality, we decided we could settle this another way.” 

Ricky scoffed, “We all got in trouble after the first time. I don’t think any of us want to be suspended from rehearsals for another week.” 

“This time, there will be no breaking and entering or stealing necessary. One of the restaurants in town is hosting karaoke tonight. We propose that our casts go head-to-head, part-to-part and let a group of unbiased Salt Lake natives decide the winner.” 

Kourtney rolled her eyes, “Don’t mind me as I quote Ricky from the last time: ‘Uh, no, that’s weird’.” 

Lily rolled her eyes as Nini shuffled over to stand at Kourtney’s side, “Besides, a karaoke night won’t prove anything. All that matters are the Menke Awards.” 

“Then let me quote myself from last time: ‘Classic East High.’ You all really are scared of a challenge. There is no way for any of us to get in trouble and yet you’re still afraid of losing. I will share my theory, however. I think you know you’re going to lose because your Lumiere isn’t French, your sets are cardboard and your Belle just can’t cut it.” 

Gina heard her friends gasp and she saw red. She glanced at Ashlyn whose face was even paler than usual and her shoulders had dropped. There was no way Gina was going to let Lily get away with that and she stormed to the front of the group, a glare aimed at Lily. 

“Okay, that’s enough. You don’t get to show up at our school and make demands and nobody out-Belles our Belle. Don’t come back here until we have won the competition and you are finally put in your place.” 

She heard murmurs behind her and she watched some of the North High students take a small step back. Gina knew she could be intimidating and she tried not to smile. 

Good. She wanted them to be scared. 

Gina felt someone move to stand behind her and glanced over her shoulder to find EJ, watching North High with a frown. 

Carlos spoke up, “You heard Gina. Get out of here before we send our photo evidence of you on East High property to Miss Jenn.” 

Lily was staring at Gina, sending daggers her way but Gina refused to back down, even as North High began shuffling away. Lily must have sensed it was a losing battle and with one more scoff and a wink in Ricky’s direction, she also turned and left. 

Gina finally relaxed her shoulders and she turned, sharing a sweet smile with EJ but her attention immediately turned to Ashlyn. With a gentle hand on his chest, Gina moved from EJ to the other Caswell. Big Red had his arm wrapped around Ashlyn’s shoulders and he was talking quietly to her but Gina could tell Ashlyn wasn’t really listening. 

“Ash?” 

“What if she is right?” 

“No. She’s literally insane, Ashlyn. Nothing she says has any weight behind it.” 

“But if I can’t measure up we’ll lose…” 

“This isn’t all on you, Ash! We are a team. It’s on all of us.” 

Nini, Kourtney, and Carlos all chimed in, agreeing with Gina and Ashlyn managed a small smile. 

Fortunately, Ricky diverted the attention away from Ashlyn, something Gina knew she appreciated and eventually the group dispersed to head their separate ways. 

Gina watched Ashlyn say goodbye to Big Red and felt someone take her hand. 

“She’ll be okay. Once she is in costume and on stage, she will forget all about this and be the superstar we know she is,” EJ murmured and Gina was speechless. 

Not only was EJ absolutely right, but he was still holding her hand and Gina felt giddy. As EJ’s cousin made her way over, he released her hand to hop into the driver’s seat and start the car. They held hands for all of fifteen seconds but it was enough to send Gina’s nerves into overdrive. 

Later that week, Gina poked her head into Ashlyn’s bedroom one afternoon. She was still worried about the redhead even if she seemed fine overall. 

“Ash?” 

“Hey, G. What’s up?” 

“I just wanted to check in on you. This week was a little crazy.”   

Ashlyn sighed and she hugged one of the colorful pillows on her bed to her chest. 

“It was and I’m still freaking out about competing against Lily but I do feel better about everything. I owe most of that to you, you know? You’ve been over-the-top supportive and I’ve never had someone stand up for me like you did the other day.” 

Gina moved to sit on the bed and she placed her hand on Ashlyn’s knee. 

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Ash. I will always stand up for you. Besides, I know you’d do the same for me. I’ve seen you get angry.” 

Ashlyn chuckled and squeezed Gina’s hand. 

“You got that right. Now, let’s get you ready for your date with EJ.” 

Gina tried to settle the sudden uproar of nerves in her stomach. 

Facing Lily and the North High Drama Club was nothing. A date with EJ Caswell? Now that was terrifying. 

In the best way, of course! 

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

Things haven’t been great between Ricky and Nini. In fact, Gina would go as far as to say that there weren’t really any “things” left at all. Ever since Nini left for (and then returned from) boarding school, Ricky has been positively obsessed with her and their relationship, and not in a good way. 

They have broken up and gotten back together so many times, Gina stopped keeping track. She knew enough to know that Nini wanted to start a music career while Ricky wanted them to go back to the way they were before… whatever that means. 

At rehearsal one afternoon, Gina sat on a pile of gym mats with her legs tucked under her as she reviewed her script but she kept getting distracted by the tense whispering happening between Ricky and Nini. 

Just as she was about to say something, EJ hopped onto the mats next to her and he smiled, causing Gina to all but melt into a puddle. Their relationship was new and a little unsure but Gina couldn’t deny how much she liked him. 

“Hey, G, what’s the frown for?” 

He leaned back on his palms, one of them landing slightly behind her and Gina leaned into his body as she shrugged, “I’m just worried about Ricky and Nini… again.” 

She said the last part with a sigh and EJ huffed, “They’re really fighting again?” 

“I’m really trying here. I thought you were doing the same!” 

Ricky’s voice had risen considerably and almost everyone’s attention was drawn to him. 

“I am trying but you aren’t listening!” 

EJ shifted closer to Gina and he murmured, “How long until they’re back together this time?” 

Gina turned her head to look at EJ with a small smile, “I give it until lunch tomorrow.” 

He chuckled softly and Gina felt her heart stop for a moment. 

Their attention was drawn back to the feuding couple as Ricky suddenly stormed out and Nini looked close to tears. Gina considered going over and checking on the girl but Kourtney beat her to it. She tried not to worry because this has been happening all the time but that almost made Gina worry more… 

Over the next two weeks, Ricky and Nini’s fights only grew in number and volume. Gina lost count of the number of times she had to hide against EJ’s shoulder to avoid losing it. Everyone had tried to have their own conversation with Nini and/or Ricky to try and convince them that their relationship wasn’t healthy but they were so stupidly in love that they couldn’t seem to see past their obvious issues. 

Gina had thought about talking to Nini but someone always beat her to it until one night when she was finally presented with an opportunity. 

The Wildcats had gathered at Salt Lake Slices for a party to celebrate the end of their finals. Winter break had just begun and they had a full two weeks to not think about school or clubs or practice. More than just the Drama Club was present and it had turned into a sizable gathering. 

Music was playing, pizza was everywhere and Kourtney and Big Red had decorated the dining room to be holiday themed. 

No, really, all of the major holidays were represented on the walls. 

“We didn’t have enough of any one holiday, so we put them all up!” Big Red had explained with a big smile and Gina had to admit in a weird way, it worked. 

All of the tables and chairs were pushed to the sides and while some teenagers were sitting and chatting, most of them were dancing or mingling. 

Gina had just discussed the relief of passing her history final with some of her classmates when she dismissed herself to find her boyfriend. He had driven her and Ashlyn here and he looked very handsome in his royal blue Duke sweatshirt and light-wash jeans. 

Even though he was one of the tallest boys at school, she couldn’t find him in the small crowd but she did find Ricky following Nini to a quieter spot in the restaurant. Gina really wanted to mind her own business but Nini was obviously distraught and Kourtney was too busy taking care of the party to notice her best friend in need. 

Gina made her way over just in time to hear Ricky all but shout, “I was trying to do the right thing!” His voice surprised even Gina and she hurried to Nini’s side. 

“So was I, Ricky.” 

“Well you didn’t try hard enough, I guess.” 

Gina couldn’t help but glare at Ricky. 

“I can’t do this,” Nini muttered through her tears and she stormed off. 

Gina watched her for a moment before turning back to Ricky with the same glare and crossing her arms. 

“What the hell, Gina?!” 

Ricky’s voice was raised and that ticked Gina off. She was done playing the calm mediator role. 

“Bowen, you’re an idiot!” 

“It’s none of your business.” 

“Yes, it is. Nini is my friend and watching you hurt her over and over ticks me off.” 

Ricky just shook his head. 

“Look, Ricky, you and Nini could have something awesome but you have to listen to her and what she wants. If that means not being together, then you need to respect that.” 

“Just stay out of it, Gina. I can handle it.” 

Ricky sulked off and Gina rolled her eyes and hurried to find Nini.

Boys . 

Gina headed for the bathrooms first but she ran into EJ as he came out of the men’s room. 

“Hey, Porter.” He reached out and took her hands in his but his smile disappeared when he noticed the look on her face. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, I’m fine but Nini isn’t.” 

EJ squinted, “Ricky?” 

“Ricky,” Gina nodded. 

“Can I do anything to help?” 

“Thanks, but this is kind of a girl thing.” 

EJ sighed but smiled softly, “Fine. I get it. Do your thing.” 

Gina pushed herself up and pressed a kiss to his lips. 

“Save a dance for me?” 

“Always.” 

EJ squeezed her hands and headed back to the party while Gina pushed open the door and stepped into the bathroom. She immediately heard the sound of someone crying. 

“Nini?” 

All she got in return were some sniffles and Gina pushed open a stall door to find Nini leaning against the stall, tears and makeup streaming down her cheeks. 

“Oh, Nini…” 

She pulled Nini into a hug and let her cry while Gina tried not to let her dislike for Ricky Bowen grow. 

“I’m done… this time… for good,” Nini managed to get out and Gina sighed, not quite believing her. 

“No offense, but you’ve said that before.” 

Nini pulled away from Gina and stepped around her to gather some paper towels and begin wiping at her face. 

“I know, I know, but I mean it. I can’t be with someone who is holding me back, who hates who I’ve become.” 

“You deserve better, Nini. You deserve someone who wants you to win Grammys and take over the pop charts.” 

Nini sighed, “Consider yourself lucky, Gina. You found a really great guy in EJ. I think you two might be soulmate material.” 

A smile spread across Gina’s face. She knew she struck gold with EJ. He was incredible and just the thought of him caused butterflies to erupt in her stomach. 

But this was about Nini. 

“It doesn’t matter who or what I have, Nini. We’re talking about you and you don’t need Ricky. You are insanely talented, beautiful, and smart and you don’t need anyone but the people who really want the best for you. Ricky may think that he does but in reality, I’m not so sure…” 

Nini sighed and wiped at the last of the tears on her cheeks. 

“You’re right, Gina. Thank you. I needed to hear that.” 

“You’re a really solid person, Nini. Don’t forget that, okay?” 

“If I win a Grammy someday, I’ll be sure to mention your name.” 

Gina laughed, “I better have tickets to the show. Come on, everyone is waiting.” She grabbed Nini’s hands and pulled her to her feet. Nini stepped forward and wrapped Gina in a hug which the taller girl happily returned. 

They rejoined the party with smiles on their faces and EJ caught Gina’s eye. He smiled and Gina felt Nini nudge her side. 

“I, uh, am going to talk to Kourt. I’ll see you later, G. Thanks again.” 

Gina nodded and turned back to find EJ heading her way. 

“So, I take it you and Nini had some productive girl time?” 

“Yeah, I think she has finally realized the amount of time she spent crying over a boy is ridiculous,” Gina smirked as she wrapped her arms around EJ’s shoulders and began swaying back and forth to the music. EJ’s own arms snaked around her waist and he chuckled. 

“Boys are stupid, that’s for sure.” 

“Well, I’m glad that out of all the stupid boys around, I got you.” 

“Me too, Gina Porter, me too.” 

EJ took her hand, lifted her arm up and spun Gina around. When she was back in his arms, she couldn’t help but smile at him. 

She really was lucky. 

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

“EJ!” 

At the sound of his name, EJ turned and he smiled when he realized it was Gina rushing over to him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in for a sweet kiss. She grabbed his shoulders and hummed into the kiss but suddenly pulled away. 

“Not that I don’t love this but I actually need your help. Big Red is stuck in a locker.” 

EJ frowned, “Again?” 

Gina sighed, “Yes, again and you were the only one who could get it open last time.” 

“You would think that’s a sign they should put new locks on these things. Let’s go.” 

They hurried through the hallways, laughing and teasing until they reached Big Red’s locker where Ricky was struggling to pull it open. 

“Dude! Did you change your combo? It literally won’t work!” 

A muffled voice came from the inside and EJ chuckled, “Move over, Bowen. This is a job for a senior.” 

He slid his fingers into the vent at the top and gripped the lock with the other hand. With one hard yank, the door flew open and Big Red tumbled out. 

“Whoa! EJ, thanks.” 

EJ clapped Big Red on the back, “Dude, you need to stop getting yourself into these situations.”  

“Easier said than done,” Big Red muttered. 

“Was it Mason?” Ricky asked. 

Big Red only shrugged and Gina furrowed her brow. 

“Who’s Mason?” 

Ricky sighed, “Mason Woods. He has been picking on Big Red for a while.” 

“What?” 

“Wait, who even is this guy and why does he think he can shove you in lockers?” 

Gina shuffled over to EJ as he spoke and wrapped her fingers around his bicep. He glanced down at her but they were both frowning. 

“He’s some football player. Just because he is three times my size and half my IQ, he thinks he can push me around.” 

“You have to speak up for yourself, Big Red. He can’t get away with this.” 

“It’s not that easy, EJ. I mean it when I say he is three times my size!” 

The bell rang to signal the start of the next class and Ricky tossed his arm over Big Red’s shoulders, “Look, I’ll walk you to class this time around but we’re going to work on your comebacks and your speed.” 

The boys headed down the hallway and EJ sighed as he and Gina turned in the opposite direction. 

“I don’t get it. Isn’t bullying, like, out of style?” 

“You would think so but apparently East High still has a couple of idiots walking around.” 

“Well that I could’ve told you before Big Red got shoved into a locker,” EJ noted.

Gina’s hand slid down his arm to his hand and she laced their fingers together. 

“The craziest part about it all is this isn’t the first time he has been stuck in a locker but it is the first time someone else got him stuck.” 

Their conversation shifted to Big Red’s antics and Ashlyn’s undying love for them until they arrived at EJ’s class. Gina sent him off with a soft kiss and a teasing smile and EJ overall forgot about what was going on with Big Red as soon as his Physics teacher began rambling on. 

A few days later, the Drama Club was gathered around a table in the cafeteria during their free period. Miss Jenn had not called one of her typical midday meetings so the group found themselves hanging out and catching up on homework. 

Gina had been a little late because she was getting some help from one of her teachers and EJ had stood to greet her. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and wrapped his arm around her shoulders as she quietly groaned about the amount of homework she had that night. 

Their attention drifted to Kourtney flipping open her sketchbook and showing off her thoughts for their costumes. It felt so natural as Gina turned her body towards the table and leaned back against EJ’s chest. His arm draped over her shoulder and Gina held his hand in both of hers by her stomach. 

“Those are amazing Kourt!” 

“Beautiful!” 

“We are going to look fly on that stage.” 

“Does anyone say fly anymore?” 

EJ laughed quietly at his friends and Gina tilted her head back to glance at him with her own happy smile. His gaze shifted back to the table when he noticed Natalie Bagley approaching. She placed her hand on Big Red’s shoulder and the boy visibly jumped. 

EJ’s smile dropped. 

“Whoa, sorry, Big Red.” 

“Oh, no, uh, it’s okay. What’s up, Natalie?” 

EJ tuned out of their conversation and he glanced at Ricky who also looked concerned. Big Red was always a little bit anxious and he typically had a ton of energy but this was a different kind of jumpy. 

Now, EJ couldn’t stop thinking about it. 

On the ride home from school, EJ asked Ashlyn about it but she seemed unaware of her boyfriend’s struggles with Mason, the gigantic football player. EJ could feel Gina watching him and he knew that she knew he was up to something but she didn’t bring it up. 

At rehearsals the next day, EJ and Big Red weren’t really needed for the scenes Miss Jenn was focused on and EJ asked Big Red to follow him out into the hallway. 

“What’s up, EJ?” 

“I talked to some of my friends on the football team and they said that this Mason guy is overall harmless, at least physically, I mean. Don’t worry - I didn’t say your name or anything but what that means is you don’t have to worry about getting clobbered. You just need to work on your responses and we can get him to leave you alone.” 

Big Red was visibly reluctant, “Look, it’s not a big deal, okay? I’ve gotten really good at avoiding him.” 

“And that’s great but you won’t be able to avoid him forever.” 

“I appreciate the effort, dude, but I don’t think you of all people understand what it’s actually like to be picked on… no offense.” 

“Trust me, Red, before puberty hit I was definitely bullied. I was shorter than every girl in my class.” 

“Yeah, well, middle school is different from high school. Everyone has hit puberty now and that means I’m dead meat.” 

“No, you aren’t. Come on, let’s practice. I’ll pretend to be Mason and you verbally fight back.” 

“I don’t know…” 

“Let’s just try it. It’s kind of like our improv workshops.” 

Big Red sighed, “Fine but we aren’t telling anyone about this, especially Ash.” 

“Deal. Alright, I’m Mason now… Yo, dork-face, give me your lunch money.” 

EJ lowered his voice and puffed out his chest but instead of looking intimidated, Big Red laughed. 

“Uh, no one asks for lunch money because no one carries lunch money anymore.” 

“Dude, it doesn’t matter what I’m asking for! How would you respond?” 

“Okay, um, no. It’s my lunch money.” 

“Not anymore - hand it over or I’ll smash your face in.” 

“No…” 

EJ sighed, “Big Red, that’s awful.” 

“I’m sorry! I’m a lover not a fighter!” 

“Okay, okay… let’s try something different.” 

EJ put his hands on his hips and tilted his nose up, putting on a weird accent as he spoke. 

“Your family’s pizza is disgusting. I’m giving it a one-star review and your girlfriend smells like dead fish.” 

Big Red’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. For a second it looked like there were tears in his eyes and EJ panicked. 

“No, no, Big Red, I was just pretending! It was fake!” 

The shorter boy took a deep breath and nodded, “You’re right, you’re right. Okay, sorry. Let’s try again.” 

“Um, why don’t we just search for comebacks on the internet and write them on an index card?” 

Big Red relaxed, “Love that plan.” 

EJ laughed and gently shoved Big Red before leading them back into the rehearsal room. 

For the rest of the week and over the weekend, EJ checked in with Big Red a few times but he assured EJ that he hadn’t run into Mason. 

Maybe Mason had grown bored with picking on Big Red? 

EJ was proven wrong on Tuesday as the bell to signal the start of the lunch period rang. He was heading to his locker to exchange his books when he noticed Big Red pressing himself against the lockers to try and get as far away from Mason as possible. 

Dang, he really was huge… 

But EJ was taller and he stormed over when he watched Big Red fumble with the index card in his pocket. 

“Hey, back off!” EJ called out and got the attention of Mason and Big Red. 

“Who are you?” Mason scoffed. 

“I’m his friend and I’m not going to let you harass him anymore,” EJ said as he reached Big Red’s side and stood slightly in front of him. 

“I’m not harassing anyone. Ginger and I are buddies.” 

EJ rolled his eyes, “Yeah, that’s a load of crap. Back off, okay? He’s got plenty of ‘buddies’ and he doesn’t need you.” 

“Whatever, man. Neither of you is worth my time.” 

Mason hulked off and EJ turned to Big Red with a grin, “See? He’s not violent.” 

Big Red’s jaw was hanging open, “It was really that easy?” 

“Yeah, I guess so.” 

“I could’ve taken him, you know? I was two seconds away from getting my flashcard out.” 

EJ chuckled, “I know but I figured I could spare you those two seconds.” 

“Thanks, EJ. Seriously.” 

“It’s no biggie. By the way, I think you should tell Ashlyn about this. You’ve never kept things from her before… except maybe your secret projects that end up making her cry anyway.” 

Big Red smiled, “Yeah, I will this afternoon. I just didn’t want her to worry.” 

“Well, now neither she nor you have to worry about anything.” 

“Thank you, EJ, seriously. You’re a really good guy.” 

Suddenly, EJ felt a hand on his shoulder and a sweet kiss was placed on his cheek. 

“I tell him that all the time,” Gina boasted and Big Red chuckled, “Yeah, well, it’s true. I’ll see you guys later.” 

Big Red headed down the hallway and EJ lifted his arm for Gina to slide under. 

“Hey, babe.” 

“Hey, yourself. What was that all about?” 

EJ glanced at Big Red’s retreating form and he shrugged, “Nothing. Big Red just needed some help and your tall strapping boyfriend was able to provide a little assistance.” 

Gina rolled her eyes but smiled brightly as she grabbed the lapels of his varsity jacket and began pulling him towards the cafeteria. 

“Well come on, boyfriend , I’m hungry and Ashlyn’s mom packed us all some of her famous brownies.” 

At rehearsal that afternoon, EJ noticed Big Red seemed much lighter and happier as he tapped across the stage and offered his best vocals yet. In the past, EJ may have looked for praise or approval from everyone but now, he was content to watch his friend finally relax. 

Besides, there was something in Gina’s eye, a knowing look that told EJ she knew what he did and she was proud of him. That was more than enough.