The Book of Wonder: Rini One Shots

Is This Love?

Summary: In which, Ricky is still coping with trauma from his former relationship and accepting he deserves to be loved.

*Rini Fluff/hurt and comfort*

This takes place in the "love drought" universe two years after they get together! Enjoy!

TW: There is a minor physical abuse scene, but only in the beginning.

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"Ricky."

Ricky turns around to face her, getting lost in those piercing eyes again.

"Yes, love?"

"I told you to stop calling me. It's corny."

"Sorry, I forget."

"Well, start remembering."

Ricky blushed from embarrassment. He never seems to get these things right. "Sorry."

"Stop apologizing. It gets annoying."

"Then, what do I say?"

"You can just nod or something. I don't know; I don't care. As long as it's not sorry because I get sick of that."

Ricky nods, too afraid of saying the wrong thing.

She rolls her eyes. "Anyway, I wanted you to get the bread from the pantry. It's for dinner."

Ricky gulped and felt his palms become sweaty. She seems to register his anxiousness and looks at him quizzically. "What's the hold up?"

He bites his lips nervously. "Um, I may have eaten the last two pieces for lunch today."

She goes silent as she stares him down as if she's deciding his punishment.

"I'm sor—"

"I swear to god if you apologize right now, I might throw this fucking pan at your face."

Ricky had that annoying urge to cry, but he forced it to go away since that'd make her angrier.

"I'll go buy some more."

She laughs humorlessly before swiping some of the dishes from the dish rack to the ground. He backs away out of fear that he'd be the next object she'd strike.

"Great, now I have to fucking wait on your ass to come back home just so I can enjoy my sandwich. I'm hungry now, and you so selfishly ate the last slices without having the kindness to call me! You're so fucking inconsiderate; why the hell did I decide to date you?!"

"I'm—"

She smacks his face before he can even finish his statement. He was startled despite knowing that'd happen.

She begins to simmer down as she looks at his frightened eyes. She sighs and rubs her hand down her face. "See...look what you made me do. Now I'm the monster."

Ricky was too scared to reply, so he remained silent until she began speaking.

She starts crying, covering her eyes with her hand. "I hate when you make me feel this way."

Ricky hesitantly approached her. "I didn't mean to."

"You never mean to, but you have to take accountability for your actions."

Rick nods sullenly. "You're right..."

She takes a few steps closer to him before wrapping her arms around his neck. She smiles up at him, and he couldn't help but notice the tears had basically evaporated from her face.