Figuring it Out (A Rickian Story)

The Ring

Ricky's POV

I'm half asleep reflecting on the state of my life, which is kind of depressing. It's been five months since Sam died, three months since Kian and I were together and two months since he nearly committed suicide. I still think of Kian more than any other person and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I mean he's my best friend and I think I am over him romantically but what about the rest of my life?

Poor Cooper, we're so confused about each other. We've been going out about once a week. About a month ago he got up the nerve to actually hold my hand and kiss me, which was really nice. On our next date, I kissed him back, so I guess we're a couple, sort of. I mean we've talked about it but we don't want to get too serious. In a month, Cooper is going to get an intern type assignment at a church and it could be just about anywhere in the U.S. and he'll be gone for six months. So we've avoided making a commitment. The other night I actually considered inviting him to spend the night but somehow it seemed to weird to have him stay here. I know I am being ridiculous. I mean Lia and Andrea stay over sometimes and Troye was here for two weeks last month. I mean if Kian can have Andrea spend the night and I'm ok, which I am, why couldn't Cooper stay? We wouldn't even have to do anything to physical, just be together.

Overall the O2L relationships are going well. JC and Lia are going strong and planning another trip to Hawaii. Kian and Andrea seem stronger than ever and I'm really happy for them. I'm not sure Trevor is having much more luck with Megan than I am having with Cooper but he seems happy to be dating her. And then there is Tronnor. Those two just need to get engaged or move in together. When Troye is around, Connor is endlessly happy and energetic. When Troye is away, he turns into this lovesick puppy and we end up watching sad romantic movies on the couch. Maybe everyone will end up with someone except me. At least I have my music. My EP is almost done and I have this great collab started with Trev. I start dreaming up song lyrics when I am interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Yeah" is all I can muster in my still half asleep state. Kian opens my door and bounds in like a new puppy and jumps right on my bed. Never mind that I am wearing nothing but a pair of boxers and a light sheet. He's wearing a striped tank and red shorts.

"Today's the day Ricky!" He practically yells as he lies right down beside me.

"Today's the day for what? As far as I know it's Wednesday and a day for another hour of sleep for me." I respond, not really sharing in Kian's enthusiasm.

"It's the day I buy Andrea a ring! I decided that I'm ready, we're ready." He responds. I sit up in a state of shock.

"A ring Kian? You mean like an engagement ring? I mean I knew Andrea and you were serious but isn't this a little quick? We've never even talked about it before." I ask.

"Yes Ricky, a big, fancy engagement ring. I think we're ready to take this step. And, I want you to come help me buy it." Kian has the biggest smile on his face and opens his arms wide and I recognize that, despite my lack of clothes, this is a big huggable moment and I wrap my arms around him to show my support. He refuses to let go. "So you're coming along right?"

"Sure, I guess," I respond, "But I'm not sure I will be much help. What do I know about engagement rings? Maybe you should ask Jenn to go along or Connor. I bet he's looked at rings before."

"Connor is still jet lagged from coming back from Australia last night and if he's gone ring shopping it's for a guy, not really the same thing. Do you really think he's looked at rings for Troye?" Kian responds.

"Hey if you can do it, why couldn't he? How about Jenn?" I ask.

"Two weeks ago I listened through a long conversation between Jenn and Andrea on the perfect engagement ring, so I think I know what to get. They probably meant for me to hear the conversation." He answers. "So are you coming with me?"