tns oneshots

Jigsaw

Richelle liked jigsaw puzzles. She wasn't very good at them; in fact, she had yet to solve one. But that didn't mean she couldn't like them.

Currently, she was sitting in Shakes and Ladders trying to solve a 100 piece jigsaw puzzle. It was fruit because, like every other game in the shop, Shakes and Ladders had tried to use it as an advertisement. So far, she had two pieces connected and while she would have hoped to have solved more in the past hour, she was still very proud of what she had done.

Ozzy walked in to Shakes and Ladders to find Richelle (aka his favourite person in the world) sitting at a table by herself, solving a jigsaw puzzle. He knew she was annoyed about not getting front row centre earlier that day, and the events and fights that had resulted from it. He didn't know why she hadn't got it - it was her spot, she was the best dancer on the team and she deserved it. And yes, he was very biased when it came to Richelle. But he didn't know why no one else saw or appreciated her dancing.

He paid for two strawberry and banana smoothies, then sat down opposite Richelle.

"I got you a smoothie" he said, in way of greeting. "Thought you'd want it after today"

"Thanks, Ozzy" Richelle said without looking up from her jigsaw, although she carefully took the drink and set it to the side.

Silence followed as Richelle continued trying to piece together her jigsaw.

"I think you such have got front row centre" Ozzy blurted out after a minute.

"Thanks. But you're the only one who feels that way." Richelle finally looked up. She paused for a moment before continuing. "Honestly, after talking to Michelle and Emily, I don't even think I deserve Summer's spot.

Richelle's resigned tone prompted Ozzy to speech.

"Of course you deserve that spot Richelle. You're the best dancer on the team, plus you've been here longer than pretty much anyone else. You should have that spot, not Summer. Summer's a great dancer, but she has nothing on you. I don't know why Emily and Michelle didn't give you front row centre because you're amazing, and that spot was supposed to be yours."

Ozzy internally kicked himself, several times, as he finished his spiel. Yes, he was pretty much in love with Richelle, and yes, Richelle knew that. But he had been talking to Finn a lot since the whole Kenzie duet situation and Finn had given him some really good advice. Such as, tone down the endless proclamations of love, and start just being her friend. And he had already messed that up. On day one. Great.

An apology was on the tip of his tongue when Richelle said "Thanks Ozzy. That means a lot." They slipped into an awkward silence, punctuated only by his loud slurps of smoothie.

"Do you want to know a secret?" Richelle burst out.

"Sure?"

"I've actually never solved a jigsaw before"

"Like ever?" Ozzy asked in shock.

"Never" she admitted.

"Richelle has never solved a jigsaw?" Ozzy laughed.

"I don't even know why I'm doing this one" she groaned. "I like doing them, I just can't."

"I can help you" Ozzy offered.

"Really?"

"Richelle, do you know the guilt I'd feel if you died having never solved a jigsaw?" Ozzy laughed in mock horror.

"Ok. Thank you." she smiled

By Shakes and Ladders closing time, Richelle was no closer to solving her first jigsaw. Ozzy had spent a considerable part of the evening laughing at her hopelessness. He was unable to understand how anyone could be that bad at jigsaws. But she had still had a really fun time. And it was really nice he had been there for her, after she had had a bad day. Being put in the middle row sucked. But hanging out with Ozzy had made her day much better.

Richozzy bc someone asked for a oneshot with them 🥰

tns_egirl