Glad You Could Make It - Ricky and Nini Oneshots

Called You Again

Called You Again

AN: I'm so mad about the S3 ending, and I wish Ricky and Nini got proper closure that wasn't in the form of a note. So, here's Ricky and Nini getting some sort of closure. This takes place after ALL the events of the S3 finale. Yes, including the Rina moment at the end.

"Hey, Ricky, it's Nina–Nini. Sorry, I know it's late in Salt Lake, but I just had to call you. Again." Nini spoke into her phone, sitting awkwardly on a hotel bed, both slightly disappointed and slightly relieved that the call had gone straight to voicemail.

"I know we don't really talk anymore," she continued, "and I honestly don't know why I keep on thinking that we're friends. Friends don't go months without speaking to each other." She played with a loose thread on her pants, "I'm sorry we fell out of touch. I guess it's my fault. I didn't really say goodbye. I heard from Big Red that you got my note, and I'm realizing now that I should've said goodbye." Nini stood up from the bed, still toying with the thread, "You just looked so comfortable on stage that night, and I guess it hurts to know that you were doing okay without me."

"You used to hate musicals," she laughed to herself, "so it's hard to believe that you played the lead, again, and I wasn't there this time to support you. Did you see me? I was kind of near the back, so I get it if you didn't know that I was there. I'm proud of you, Ricky. I am. And, even after all of the shit that was junior year, I'd do it again. I mean, you were my best friend. I loved spending time with you, even if we were fighting."

Nini continued to pace around the hotel room, the thread on her pants now ripped from the seam and being spun between her fingers. "I know that's silly to say. Even when it seemed like I hated you. I still loved you."

"I guess, um. The elephant in the room. Gina. I heard from Kourtney." Nini swallowed harshly, "I know that's something that's been brewing for a while. I mean, we all saw it coming. I– I mean, um, congratulations. I'm sure Gina's over the moon. The way she looked at you, and I guess, the way you looked at her. I don't ever remember you looking at me like that."

"But you know, they always say you never forget your first love. So, there's always that." Nini chuckled softly, trying desperately to cover the burning she felt in her chest. "I mean, if you ever really loved me. I love you–I mean, I loved you. Or well, it's not like I hate you now. But I don't know if I still love you, because you know, there's Gina, and we haven't talked in months. I guess it's indifference? But I guess you're still my friend. Even though we don't talk. So are we still friends? I don't know the textbook definition."

"I heard a rumor that they might be filming a High School Musical reunion at East High. That sounds fun. Maybe you'll get caught in the background or something. Start your launch into stardom. Just don't get caught making out with Gina against the lockers during free period!" Nini halted her pacing at her own words. "Shit, I... I don't know why I said that." She began to panic, "I just... that's something we used to do and I–sorry. Forget I said anything."

Silence.

"All I do is hurt you, I think. All I do is cause you pain. And I'm sorry. For everything I've ever done." Nini breathed out, but she didn't really know what she was saying. "I don't think I can keep doing this. It's not fair to you. You have Gina now. And you still have Big Red. You're better off on your own, without me. I should probably... go to bed. I know it's late where you are. If you made it this far, I guess I just want to say that I miss you. I hope you're happy."

Nini pulled her phone away from her ear, staring down at the screen. She pressed the end call button and tossed her phone on the bed. Sighing, she pulled back the sheets on the bed and got underneath the covers. She stared at the ceiling, willing herself to fall asleep so she didn't have to keep thinking about the voicemail she had just left.

Eventually, she was able to fall asleep, and tears stained her cheeks. She had to count backward from 1000 to avoid thinking about what Ricky might say to her voicemail.

Then, at 3 am, a slight buzzing, barely shaking the hotel bed. It was then cut off. Another buzz, an illuminated screen. A missed call. And a voicemail.

He called her again.

*****

And I should be the end of it

But I never know when to stop talking

So I make my bed and sleep in it alone

'Cause I never know when we're done talking

And I should be the end of it

But I never know when to stop talking (When to stop talking)

So I make my bed and sleep in it alone

'Cause I never know when we're done talking

You're better off on your own

*****

Let me know your thoughts! This is dedicated to @joshs_franklin because she and I have been crying over canon Rini a lot lately.