Growing Tensions

Ria stretched out her legs then looked down the street in hopes of seeing Jaime. She sighed when she saw no sign of him. "Well, Nova, looks like it's just you and me…Again."

Shortly after becoming friends the trio took a trip to a local pet shelter. Ria ended up adopted female dog, mixed breed boarder collie and australian shepherd who was now looking up at her owner, wagged her tail. Nova was a six month old puppy when Ria, Jaime and Tye went to the pet shelter to find a companion for Ria. She started off shy but immediately took a liking to the three friends when Ria let the pup smell her hand.

Full of energy and very happen to have a home the pup was happy. To help curb Nova's work dog nature and stimulate her senses, Ria took to taking Nova on runs, a morning run and a night run and giving Nova jobs to do in the house, like picking up her toys or putting something in the trash for Ria. Ria picked up her dog's jogging leash and place it around her hips. She adjusted her sports bra, as it was digging into her skin, and spoke to Nova "Ready to go, girl?"

Nova bark and stood up. The duo took off on their jog. A little while later, Blue Beetle landed behind some bushes and turned back into Jaime. Jaime ran up to Ria's house just as Ria's grandma was coming out the door. "Oh, Jaime. I thought you were out with Ria."

"No, ma'am. I was running late," Jaime said.

"You seem to be running late and missing a lot's of dates here lately. Are you alright?" Mrs. Cook asked.

"We're not dating! I-I mean…Yes, ma'am. I'm fine. It's just…just, you know? Responsibilities and all," Jaime rubbed the back of his neck. "This woman is senile. A waste of time. Why are we talking to her?" "I assume Ria took off already?"

"Yes. A little while ago. You should be able to catch up with her," Mrs. Cook checked her watch. "Well, I have to get going or I'll be late for work."

"Thanks, Mrs. Cook," Jaime said as he stepped aside for the older woman to pass by him.

"Don't keep my grand baby out too late now, young man," Mrs. Cook winked at the now blushing boy. "I'm trusting you."

"Tell me we are not going to seek this girl out."

"Of course! I told her I'd go on runs with her," Jaime told scarab as he took off to find his female friend.

"Waste of time."

"Then consider it training for crime fighting," Jaime said as he continues to run.

"I do not believe you. You're biochemicals drastically change around this female. She is a distraction to you. Eliminate her!"

"If you ever try to hurt her, so help me I will personally burn you off my back!" Jaime stopped running and clenched his fists. A couple of people outside stopped and looked at the boy. He blushed and ran away from them.

"This relationship you seek with this girl will only harm you and her."

"The only relationship we have is friendship."

"You, Jaime Reyes, are blind to your own feelings."

"I'm not blind to anything!" Jaime slowed his running down to a rushed walk before stopping. He couldn't help but ponder what the scarab just said.

"Jaime?" Jaime turned to find Ria and Nova right behind him.

"R-Ria…I…uh," Jaime blushed and blinked several times at her jogging outfit of a sports bra and matching pants. "Your blood pressure is rising." "Shut…uh…Sorry I was late."

Ria cocked her head to the side. It was obvious she knew he was going to say something else. Before she could say anything they both heard a sharp whistle. "Hey, hot stuff! Looking good there!"

"Um…thanks?" Ria looked to a couple guys, a little older than them, walking up to them. The one that spoke put his arm around her shoulders. Jaime narrowed his eyebrows at the boy.

"Hows about you hang with us for a while?" The second boy said while trailing his eyes up and down her form.

"Uh, no thank you. I'm busy," Ria said as she removed the boy's arms from her shoulders. "I do not appreciate being touched. Please leave."

"Calm down, beautiful," The first boy said.

"Leave her alone," Jaime growled.

"This is none of your business, boy," The second boy walked over to Jaime and glared down at him as he was talker than Jaime.

"Hostile intent. Destroy them!" Scarab demanded and began to armor up Jaime's right arm.

"No!" Jaime shouted and shoved his hand in his pocket.

"Nova…Defense," Ria calmly ordered. Nova bared her teeth to the boys and started to growl.

"Whoa! Take it easy. We were just messing around," The first boy backed off with his hands up.

"Yeah. We're leaving," The second boy followed his friend. Ria kept her eyes on the two until they were far enough away before scratched Nova behind the ears.

"Good girl, Nova! You did very well," Nova ate it up as she was praised. When Ria stood up Jaime had his hoodie off and practically shoving it in her face.

"Here. Y-You shouldn't be walking around dressed like that," Jaime said as he kept his eyes averted from her.

"Why? I've dressed like this…"

"Just put it on!" Jaime snapped. "Who knows what those two would have done if Nova and I wasn't here!"

Ria blinked a couple times then looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry, chica. I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just…I didn't like the way they were treating you."

"No. You were right. I'm only inviting trouble dressing like this," Ria smiled at him. Jaime returned her smile and handed over his hoodie.

"I know I'm late, but can we continue with our run?" Jaime asked as Ria pulled on his hoodie. Nova jumped up on him and licked his face. He giggled. "Easy girl."

"I guess I'm out numbered. Alright, let's go," Jaime nodded at her and the three headed off.

…

Marie, a friend of Jaime and Ria, sat confused at the school lunch table. Her eyes kept darting back and forth between Jaime and Ria who were sitting beside each other but not as the best friends they use to be. "Are you two alright?"

"Fine," Ria replied with annoyance in her voice.

"Great," Jaime said at the same time.

"Ok…So has there been any news about Tye?" Marie asked.

"No. No word at all," Jaime said as he pokes his fork in his meatloaf.

"Look, I know you two are worried about him, but you shouldn't let that come between you," Marie offered with a light smile. "I miss the way you two use to be."

"So do I," Jaime and Ria mumbled at the same time at little louder than intended.

"See? You two should just kiss and make up already," Marie giggled. Before anyone could say anything else the warning bell rang. The students picked up their trays. After cleaning up their messes they headed out of the lunch room. Marie rolled her eyes and pushed Ria into Jaime.

"Marie!" Ria snapped as Jaime held onto her shoulders to keep her balanced.

"Sorry, Ria. I have no idea what's going on with you two but fix it now. You two are too close to let whatever's bothering you come between you. Make up! Now! Or my next 'attack' will land you both in a locked closet," Marie waved to them and ran off.

"Look, Ria," Jaime started as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm so…"

"Sorry! I know. You're always sorry," Ria snapped. She turned away from him and crossed her arms. "And you're always late or never show up at all. You won't even tell me where you go. What are you hiding from me? What is it? Are you seeing someone or something? Someone I would disapprove of? Like Amanda?"

"What?! No! I'm not seeing anyone. Especially not her," Jaime stepped in front of her and grabbed her shoulders.

"Then what is it? You've never kept anything from me before," Ria looked at him in the eyes pleading for him to tell her what was going on.

"Careful, Jaime Reyes. Revealing who we are and what we do could cause harm to the girl."

"Ria!" Ria's eyes widened as a dreadfully familiar voice called out to her. She narrowed her eyebrows and clenched her fists. "I've been looking all over for you."

"Ria?" Jaime asked looking between the girls then kept his eyes on this tall, thin, rich chocolate long haired girl, wearing a form fitting black dress decorated with a white belt and matching pearl earrings and necklace.

"Oooh. Who's the hottie?" The girl asked as she twisted a stained of hair then, flirting, reached out and touched Jaime's chest with her finger. "No way you have a boyfriend."

Ria let out a disapproving growl and pulled Jaime away from the girl who gave a slight frown. "What are you doing here, Lena?!"

"Lena?" Jaime asked as he looked at Ria's hands which had a death grip on his arm. That would explain why Ria just got so possessive. He patted her hand in reassurance then looked back at Lena.

"What a rude greeting. After we came all this way just to see you," Lena's voice and face faked a hurt tone but her eyes couldn't hide the malicious intent.

"W-We?" Ria's anger was replaced with shock and a little fear, her hands began to tremble.

"Yes. We," The teens looked up to a man dressed in a button up shirt and jeans. His blonde hair was slicked back and his face held a disapproving glare as he looked Jaime over before turning his attention to his true target. "We've come to take you home."

"What?!" Both Ria and Jaime shouted.

"I am home!" Ria added.

"Home with us, little sister," Lena said with a smirk.

"I'm not your sister!"

"Well, technically, stepsister."

"What?!" Ria looked at her dad's left hand. He was indeed wearing a ring, but it wasn't one she's seen before.

"Ria, I remarried. We want you to stop with this foolishness and come home to be a family again," Her dad said with his hand extended to her. "This man hostility is raising. Eliminate him!"

"My family abandoned me years ago! I will never be apart of this charade you call a…"

SMACK!

Ria dad raised his hand and smacked her then grabbed her arm in attempt to drag her away. "That is enough! I will not tolerate your childish tantrums! You're coming home! Now!"

"Eliminate him! Now!"

"No!" Jaime shouted to both the scarab and Ria's dad as he placed himself between the man and his friend. "Leave her alone!"

"Why do you resist?!"

"Back off, kid. This doesn't concern you," Ria's dad, Mr. Cook, warned.

"She's my best friend! It absolutely concerns me!" Jaime replied.

"What's going on here?!" Mr. Berry, a science teacher rushed over.

"He hit her!" Jaime quickly said before anyone else could speak.

"Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave the school grounds," Mr. Berry said to the man.

"That girl belongs to me. She ran away from home. I am here to take her back." Mr. Berry and Ria's dad locked into words Jaime grabbed Ria's hands and they made a quick escape without anyone seeing them. They ended up in an empty classroom. Jaime stood quietly, refusing to let her hand go, as she cried. He gave her a few minutes before stepped closer to her.

"Ria?"

"I don't…I can't go back."

"I know. He won't take you. I won't let him," Jaime reached up and wiped away her tears. "It's alright, chica. No more tears now."

Ria looked up at him. He tightened his hold on her hand. "Ria, I will never allow him to take you away. He'll have to get past me first. I guarantee it won't be easy for him either. This is where you belong and where you will stay."

Ria was on the verge of more tears as she leaned into him and put her arms around his waist. He embraced her until she was ready to face the rest of the day. Jaime was the first to step out of the class room and checked the halls. "Don't worry, Ria. I'm positive Mr. Berry kicked him out of the school."

Ria nodded then stepped out of the room herself to follow Jaime to their next class. For the rest of the day she couldn't focus on anything her teachers said. Anytime she walked into a room, students began to cast glances at her then whispered behind their hands. And who knows what kind of rumors Amanda and her groups have already spread. Still, Ria couldn't bring herself to care about rumors. Her dad was the real problem now.

Once the last bell of the day rang, Jaime went to check the school parking lot. Just as expected, Ria's dad was there and waiting for her. "What now? He's not going to give up. Even if we do escape him he'll just go to Grandma's house."

"You're not going home. You're coming with me," Jaime said as he walked back over to her. "He doesn't know where I live."

"That won't do any good. Lena will just ask Amanda where you live. If she doesn't know surely someone else does."

"Doesn't matter. We can pretend to not be home. He most likely won't break into my house. You'll be safer there. Come on, chica. Let's go," Ria didn't object as Jaime took her hand and led her to a back door of the school. He used the school crowd to hide her from her dad and took a different route to his house, avoiding main roads, so they wouldn't accidentally be seen. As they were rushing along thunder clapped ahead and rain immediately poured down on them a few blocks from his house. "Great."

"I think it fits to this crappy day," Ria said as the two teens bolted through the front door.

"It'll be alright, Ria," Jaime gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She nodded but he knew she wasn't so sure. She shivered and brushed her free hand on her arm. "Come on. You should get out of those wet clothes."

Ria follow Jaime up to his room where he handed her a shirt and shorts with a drawl string. While she left to use the bathroom he quickly changed his own soaked clothes.

"This tactic is illogical. It only delays the inevitable. She must face her demons to rid herself of them."

"Are you encouraging her now? I thought you believe she was trivial," Jaime said as he grabbed his cell phone. "Hello, Mrs. Cook? She's fine. Yes. He did come by the school. I see. That's a good idea. I'll tell her. Goodbye."

Jaime sighed as he hung up. Ria walked into the room, now dressed in his clothes and her hair was now out of its ponytail. "Was that Grandma?"

"Yea," Ria sat down beside him on the bed.

"What now?"

"Your dad's there. She's going to do her best to persuade him to let you stay. Until then, you'll stay with me."

"What about Nova?"

"She's in the yard. Turns out she doesn't like your dad or Lena," Jaime couldn't help but chuckle. Ria giggled as well. "She's a very good dog."

"Very good," The room fell silent for a while but for the thunder outside. "What now?"

"How about a snack? Mom and dad won't be home for a while and my sister is staying at a friend's house so she won't be here all weekend."

"Food sounds great," The two left the room to raid the fridge and cabinets. They had the house to themselves for a couple hours before his parents got home. After dinner the two went to Jaime's room to do their homework. During which, Ria fell asleep. Jaime didn't have the heart to wake her or move her to his sister's room where his mom said she could stay. Knowing his parents wouldn't check on either of them, he kept her in his room. Staying up a little longer before going to bed himself beside her.

…

"Ria! Ria, wait!"

"Hm," Ria did her best to ignore the young man calling out to her. She was beyond angry with him.

"Ria! Please?!" Jaime grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him.

"Why? You're just going to tell me you're sorry and you'll never do it again only to do it again," Ria glared at him.

"I really am sorry."

"Then why won't you tell me what's going on?!"

"I-I can't," Ria jerked away from him and continued to walk off. Jaime ran ahead of her and blocked her way.

"Ria, you know me well enough now. You know if I could tell you I would," Ria's resolver was slowly fading away. He did have a point. He's right. But if he's right why am I still so angry at him?

"Fine. I'll give you one more chance, Jaime Reyes!" Ria shook her finger at him. "You better not miss my birthday."

"I won't," Jaime hugged her. She sighed and hugged him back. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas in mind as circumstances far beyond anyone's control would keep Jaime from Ria's birthday and making the rift between them grow.

Jaime showed up at Ria's house days after her birthday. Only he was meet by an angry Marie who yelled at him and slammed the door in his face. After that he decided to back off for a while and get his mind straight. He wanted to tell her about everything. The scarab, Bart and his prophecy from the future, being kidnapped by The Reach. But how could he? She would be put into so much danger if she knew his secret. No matter what he decided it seemed he was going to end up hurting her.

A few weeks after her birthday, Ria was sitting in the public library. She knew she had to forget him. Their friendship was over. She could no longer trust him to be there for her. Something she thought would never happened. Especially not after he protected her from her dad. Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! It's over. Let it go. You have a paper to write.

Ria pulled herself out of her thoughts and turned her attention back to her books. "Library's close, dear. I can check those out for you."

"Great," Ria hissed at herself. She just wasted the past three hours. She didn't want to check out these books because it was just a short paper. She gathered up her stuff and walked over to the desk where the librarian check them out for her.

She shoved them in her bag with aggravation before leaving the building. Stupid Jaime. Ria's mind once again wondered to her lost friend. So much so that she didn't noticed where she was walking and stepped out in front of a speeding car. She raised her eyes to the screeching tires. She raised up her arm, as if it would do something to protect her, and closed her eyes.

Jaime sighed as he flew home after another mission. He really screw things up with Ria this time. And he wasn't sure if even revealing the truth to her would fix things. It would probably make them worse now. He dropped his eyes down over his hometown when screeching tires reached his ears. He gasped when he saw Ria standing in the path of a speeding car. "Ria!"

Author's Notes: Ha Ha! Cliffhanger! Oh yes I did! Sorry for missed typos.