The air was buzzing with excitement as Ricky walked through the halls of East High,everyone around him on cloud nine after one more successful opening night.They had managed to put on a good show despite every difficulty and he felt pretty proud of himself.He made his way into the dressing room and couldn't help but remember the last time he was in this room on opening night,wishing things were like this again.He wished things wouldn't have to change,he wished he could have Nini by his side this time as well.She had always been his rock,the one thing that kept him grounded even in his darkest times.And even though she was there hyping him up tonight,he knew it wasn't the same,it wasn't as it used to be.He shook away his thoughts and took a seat on one of the chairs,pulling out the card he meant to give Nini.He racked his brain,unable to figure out what the right words were.How could he sum up their entire journey in a few words? But eventually he settled for a short and heartfelt message.A smile of satisfaction overtook his face as he finished,ending the note with a simple Love,Ricky.
'Hey,there you are.'' he was interrupted by Nini's voice causing him to lift his head and look at her through the mirror.'Oh.'He grabbed the card and quickly turned around approaching her.
'I was just going to text you.'he continued.'Gotta catch up with Big Red before he heads to Slices.'
'Oh,I just wanted to give you this.'she said and handed him his card.'Finally signed my name.'
'Here's mine.' he said, her chuckling.
'Should we just read them now?'she asked with a giddy smile,which didn't fail to make his heart skip a beat.
'Why not?' he said with a grin,Nini returning it.
He cleared his throat.
Dear Ricky,
Dear Nini.
'Oh come on!''
'Did we seriously write the same thing?' she laughed softly causing him to laugh as well.
He huffed and shook his head..'I know it's been a long journey.'
'You said long semester.'
'Okay.'he said rolling his eyes good naturedly.
'But I'm so glad to be where we are.'he said more seriously.
'But I wouldn't trade it for anything.Here's to second acts.'
'And new beginnings.'he finished his face momentarily falling at her words.
Both closed their cards and looked at each other.'It's pretty crazy.' Nini said.
'I guess we are literally on the same page.'
'Just for a moment.'she let out a breath,a wave of sadness overcoming Ricky at the mention of the song he never got to play to her.
She looked at him once more,tear prickling at her eyes and began to leave the room.But Ricky's voice interrupted her,making her to turn around,her heart beating out of her chest at his words.
'I still love you,you know?'he blurted out,after briefly contemplating if he should say it or not.
'I know.'she said and got closer to him.'And I love you too.But you know this isn't the right time for us.'slowly caressing his cheek.
'I know.'he exhaled.'But I-I needed it to say it,at least one last time.I'm sorry if this is selfish or-' he got interrupted.
'It isn't.I needed to hear it one more time before we go our separate ways,for now at least.Needed to hear that this wasn't over yet.'
she finally admitted to him and almost herself.She loved him still and she thought that she probably wouldn't ever stop.But for now,they didn't work no matter how much love was there.
'I don't think it'll ever be over,Neens.'
Both looked sadly at each other before she spoke up again.
'Look.'she started her hand leaving his cheek and landing on his chest.'I am going to do my own thing with music and whatever else is in store for me and you are going to do yours,okay?But Ricky.'she said a bit teary eyed.'If two people are meant to be together eventually they'll find their way back.'
He took a deep breath.'Do you really believe that?For us?'he asked,tears prickling at his eyes.
'I do.'
'So do I.We're Ricky and Nini after all.'he said,a soft look on his face.He hesitated before he spoke again.'Can I hug you?'she quickly nodded and he immediately wrapped his arms around her.He buried his face at the crook of her neck,letting her warmth invade his body and inhaling her sweet vanilla scent as she kept him close to her,not wanting to let go.Eventually they pulled away,their faces a bit closer than before,and both couldn't help but take a quick look at each other's lips.Without thinking Nini got on her tip toes and connected their lips.They met in a slow and gentle kiss,their lips moving in sync like always as they savoured the moment.She pulled away too quickly for his liking,knowing this would be their last kiss for a long time,their foreheads connected.Eventually she pulled away,him doing the same.'Um,I should probably.'she let out a breath and chuckled awkwardly ,pointing towards the door.
'Yeah.'he nodded.
'Probably all of them are at Slices.Don't want to keep them waiting.'she said and began to make her way out of the room.'Aren't you coming?'she asked.
'I'll catch up.Gotta get this make up off.'he said pointing to his face.
She nodded sending him one last smile,as she felt a wave of nostalgia within her,at the familiar words.
This might not be the right time for them but they truly loved each other.If they were meant to be then they would end up together and both had total faith they would.And that was enough for now.
hi y'all! this is my first one shot and it's how i wanted this scene to go because they didn't do them justice loll anyways hope u enjoy!! <3
