Book of Love: Rini One Shots

Give Love on Christmas Day

Summary: It's the most wonderful time of the year, the sleigh bells are ringing, carolers are singing, yet Ricky isn't feeling jolly due to the painful absence of his mother this year. Lucky for him, he has a guardian angel looking out for him.

*Rini fluff/a little angst*

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East High has been exploding with Christmas cheer since the first of December, and it only got more intense with every passing day. Kids and faculty members were exchanging gifts in the hallways, eating gingerbread men during classes, and humming Mariah Carey under their breaths.

Today was the day before winter break. At the moment, the theater gang had been all talking about their Christmas plans at their lunch table. Ashlyn had been going on about the Caswell's tradition of having a pie baking competition, Carlos spoke of his uncle forcing everyone to go caroling, Seb had said something about deep frying turkeys in his front yard, and the others all pitched in their family's little traditions.

Everyone had gleeful smiles, were laughing amongst themselves, and making jokes. Well, almost everyone. On the end of the table, a silent and straight faced Ricky had been sitting as he listened to his friends speak.

He had been aimlessly playing with the ends of his sleeves. He had no intention on bringing up any family traditions and thought his silence wouldn't draw any form of attention to him. It seemed to be working on the rest of the friends, but not Nini.

Nini always picked up on his social cues. It was one of the many side effects of being friends with someone for over a decade. Ashlyn, completely oblivious to his gloominess, had turned her attention to him. "Ricky, what're you doing for Christmas? Have any traditions?"

Ricky hadn't even noticed someone had spoken or that everyone's eyes were on him. Nini had lightly nudged his arm to get his attention. He jumped at the contact and blushed a bit at being caught not listening.

"Oh I'm sorry Ash, what'd you say?"

"I asked what your Christmas plans were. Anything exciting?"

Nini watched his face become somber before quickly appearing cheerful. "Oh nothing too crazy. My parents and I will probably just do our usual dinner with the grandparents while listening to my dad's Christmas playlist. Pretty boring, but it is what it is."

The others all nod, accepting his answer without a second thought. They all bring their attention to EJ when he starts talking about his favorite Christmas traditions except for Nini. She did not believe a single word that came from his mouth because she actually knew his family didn't commonly visit his grandparents due to them living in Montreal.

He saw her looking at him in his side vision and raised a brow. "What's up?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"What?"

"Nothing."

He scans her up and down before deciding to let this weird conversation pass. He picks up his things and gets up from his seat. He looks down at her. "I'm gonna head out early. I forgot I had an assignment due by next period."

"Okay, see you in the car." 

He just nods before making his way to the exit. She watched him as he slowly disappeared from her line of sight. She knew in her soul that he was hiding something from her, which was unlike him. He was always open with her about heavy topics. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.

He had been pretty distant the rest of the day with the whole gang, which confirmed Nini's suspicion that something was up. He was never anti-social unless he was really upset. He had been quiet during the ride to her house; the only sound that could be heard was the radio playing in the background.