RIHANNA & CHRIS BROWN DONT LIKE THE NO CONTACT CLAUSE!

Chris Brown is under court orders not to go within 50 yards of Rihanna, but both he and his ex want to get rid of the strict no-contact clause.

"They think it's unnecessary and ridiculous," says a mutual pal of the protection order handed down at Tuesday's criminal proceeding, during which Brown pled guilty to one count of felony assault in the February attack that left Rihanna battered and bruised. "After [the proceeding], Ri and Chris talked on the phone for almost an hour and really worked at becoming friends. They're solid now."

Solid, but still unable to speak to one another in public. At the very least, they'll be able to get a little closer to one another at this Sunday's BET Awards in L.A., which both stars are set to attend. The order of protection gives Brown a little leeway at music-industry events, stipulating that he cannot come within 10 yards of the Bajan beauty.

But as much as Rihanna and Chris may want to bury the hatchet, their friend is quick to dismiss a renewed romance. "That's 100% done," says the pal. "They aren't looking to hook back up again. They're both moving on and going their separate ways."

Brown is currently in the studio. The "No Air" crooner is working on his comeback album, which will reportedly feature duets with Mary J. Blige and Keri Hilson. We hear the disk will also include a song called "Not My Fault," about a female "singer" who got "caught up." We wonder who that could be.

Rihanna is also back to work on new music, but seems to be finding more time for play than her ex. While Brown focuses on his career and repairing his image, Rihanna has recently attended a handful of premieres like "Year One," enjoyed play dates with pals Aubrey (Drake) Graham, LeBron James and Kanye West, and gone clubbing at Jay-Z's 40/40.

In addition, CoverGirl seems to have made peace with Rihanna and is releasing a three-month-old ad campaign featuring the singer as its spokeswoman. Being back in the spotlight and more famous than ever? Now that's beautiful.