Hundreds of Stories: In The Heights One-Shots

Home for the Holidays

Sonny comes home from his first year of college for winter break. He sees Pete again for the first time in months. Romantic tension and awkwardness ensue. Set a few years after the musical, obviously.

This is my entry for Alexa_Hamilton's holiday writing contest.

Sonny slowly pushed open the door of the Rosarios' apartment and stepped inside, taking off the scarf that was wrapped loosely around his neck. He sighed with relief. It was wonderful to be back in the old barrio again.

Finally, home for winter break...

But before he could move any further, his cousin appeared of nowhere and swept him up into a bone-crushing hug, laughing gleefully. "Sonny! I've missed you, man!"

"Usnavi–it's only been–four months–" Sonny managed to choke out. He gasped for air. "Yo! I need to breathe!"

"Sorry," Usnavi said, loosening his grip. "But four months is a long time! Y'know, it just wasn't the same around here without you. And...hey, you have glasses now! When did that happen?"

"Oh, I got them back in October, actually–"

From across the room, Nina's eyes landed on him, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Look who's back!" She hurried over to give him a hug as well. "Congratulations on surviving the hell known as college finals, kid. I'm proud of you."

Sonny chuckled. "Well, yeah, but you're like...the college veteran."

His knees nearly buckled underneath him as Benny came up behind him and gave him a firm clap on the back, grinning broadly. "'Sup, squirt. Nice glasses, by the way."

Vanessa found him next. She grinned, reaching up with one hand to ruffle his hair. "Hey, dork. Long time, no see. Welcome home."

It was at that moment that Carla walked in, lugging several holiday decorations along with her. "Hey, everyone! Happy Holidays!" Then she gasped, dropping the tangled mass of Christmas lights that she had been holding. "Sonny!"

Daniela entered as well, trailing behind her overexcited girlfriend. "Carla, what's–oh, Sonny! Hola, mijo! Es muy bueno verte!"

Soon he found himself trapped in a warm double embrace, unable to escape. Daniela planted a loving kiss on his cheek, ignoring his protests.

"Ach–Daniela! Carla!"

They pulled back, smiling. But Daniela still held him at arm's length, examining him, with a proud sparkle in her eye.

"Just look at you, all grown up and attending college! Ah, I remember when you were still pequeño. Feels like it was only yesterday."

Sonny laughed in spite of himself, feeling happier than he had in months. He was home for the holidays, and the people he loved were all here. He had said hello to almost everyone at that point. Everyone but–

At that moment, another young man stepped through the doorway.

Pete...

He looked just as Sonny remembered him. Shaved head, ratty street clothes, carrying his old boombox, backpack slung over one shoulder.