Chapter Text
Rikki had said it, those dreaded words he never thought he’d hear her say. Those words had hit his heart like a thousand daggers and he knows he has to apologize, sincerely apologize, to fight for her, for this relationship.
Zane: It can’t be over.
Rikki: Unless you can prove to me that you’re really serious this time, it’s over. Bye Zane.
She starts to turn the doorknob and walk out of their office when she stops at the sound of his desperate and slightly cracked tone.
Zane: Rikki wait! Just let me explain.
Rikki: Ok, go ahead. Talk.
He gets up, crosses over to her and takes her hands tightly in his. He has never let his guard down or expressed his feelings so strongly, but he knows that he must do something or risk losing Rikki forever.
Zane: I’m really sorry. Truly sorry for everything that I’ve done. For my idiocy, my jealousy, my insecurity, my competitive ego, but above all else, I’m sorry for cheating on you and hurting you. I'll never do that again. I never should have sponsored Will or gone to that dive. I’m sorry I ever hired Sophie and let her into our lives. I’m sorry I almost caused Will to drown and I’m sorry for not believing you when you say he’s just a friend. It’s just I’m scared Rikki! Terrified actually! Terrified of losing you, losing us. I want to make things right. I want to be the man you need and deserve. I promise I’ll be more caring, loyal, loving, and attentive. I promise to make more time for you and for us. I’ll even apologize to Will. In fact, I’ll sincerely apologize to Will right now.
He reaches behind her and unlocks the door. Luckily, Will is inside the café to listen to Bella’s set when he hears Zane calling for him
Zane: Will, can you come in here please?
He wants to ignore Zane, but something in Zane’s tone prompts him to stand up and head to the office. Once inside, he crosses his arms, an unreadable expression on his face.
Will: What do you want Zane?
Rikki: Come on Will, Zane is sincerely apologizing here! The least you can do is hear him out.
Will: Fine. Go ahead.
Zane: I’m sorry for causing you to almost drown. I’m sorry for cheating with that stupid oxygen tank. That was wrong of me. Very wrong. And I’m sorry for not believing either of you when you have said to me time and time again that you two are just friends. I know that now. I just let jealousy and insecurity take over and I’m sorry. I want us to be friends. So what do you say?
He holds out his hand hoping that Will will take it
Will: Wow Zane, it’s take guts to admit when your wrong and I accept your apology. Friends.
He takes Zane’s hand and pulls him into a bro hug
Zane: You’re actually a really good diver. Think you could show me a thing or two? For fun this time. I promise to not be overly competitive anymore. I know now that I don’t have to prove anything anymore. I can just be myself.
Will: I’d like that Zane. I’d be happy to help. Just let me know when you want to go diving.
Zane: And don’t worry, No more almost drownings.
Will: I believe you. For fun this time. See you around Zane.
He leaves the office and goes back over to Bella. Meanwhile in the office, Zane has regripped Rikki’s hand tightly. She starts to say something, but he puts a finger to her lips
Zane: I’m not done yet. I would like you to come back to the café and be co-manager and co-owner. It is yours too after all.
Rikki: What about Sophie?
Zane: She’s not you. Besides, you’re a better manager than she ever could be.
Rikki: I’ll come back. Under two conditions.
Zane: Anything. Just name it.
Rikki: Fire Sophie.
Zane: Done. What’s the other condition?
Rikki: To prove your loyalty to me, I want matching tattoos with our names on them. Mine says Zane Forever and your says Rikki Forever.
Zane: I was thinking about doing that anyway. It’s our lunch break right about now. Let’s go.
They walk out of the office hand in hands with fingers interlaced.
Zane: Sophie?
Sophie: Hm?
Zane: You’re fired. Give Rikki whats rightfully hers. And stay away from us. We know what you did.
Sophie: But-
Zane: Either stay away from us and this café or I will file a restraining order. Your choice.
Angry and annoyed, Sophie unties her apron and hands it to Rikki who ties it around her waist. Sophie then walks out from behind the counter, out of the café towards her car and drives off. Rikki and Zane walk out of the café and they find a nearby tattoo shop. Still hand in hand, they lie down and 30 minutes later, they each have matching tattoos. Rikki has Zane Forever inside of a heart and Zane has Rikki Forever inside of a heart, both of their forearms so when they walk hand in hand, the tattoos match up perfectly. As they walk along the beach back to the café, they stop and turn towards each other and gaze into each others eyes.
Rikki: Yes.
Zane Yes what?
Rikki: Yes I will be your girlfriend again. We’ll talk things out this time and make time for just us.
Zane: In that case, I’ll make you dinner tonight at my place. My dad is away so we have the place to ourselves.
Rikki: Looking forward to it.
He smiles and leans in to give her a deep and passionate kiss, threading his fingers in her hair, his thumb brushing against her cheekbone. As much as he wants to have their kiss last forever, he has more than that planned after their candlelit dinner so he pulls away and they head back to the café and get back to work.