IN THE HEIGHTS

2

(A/N-I do too many period fics, but they're my speciality, sorry not sorry, Vanessa and Usnavi aren't dating at this point)

The bodega had everything she needed in a situation like this, except Usnavi was there.. she was in the worst situation, and in order to fix it, she had to pass Usnavi... it could be worse, it could be Sonny.

She was in a relatively short skirt and she knew that in no time, there would be a stain. Vanessa pulled herself along the isle and picked up a few boxes of tampons and a box of painkillers. She bit her lip and put them on the counter, not meeting Usnavi's eye.

He looked at her and then down at the items. In his head, he put the pieces together.

"You.. uh.. you need anything else? I can throw some chocolate in on the house if you want?" He said, smiling at her, trying to cheer her up.

She looked up at him and blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear. She shook her head. "Thank you.. but I'll be alright."

They both nodded and looked at each other.

"That's 3 dollars 50" he said quietly. Vanessa frowned. The painkillers alone had been 3 dollars... Usnavi saw her frown and smiled.

"The least I could do.. discounted prices to help a friend out." She blushed again and handed him the money.

"Thank you.." she muttered quietly. She smiled slightly and hurried out, heading home to sort herself out. Once she was done, she packed a small bag and went back down to the barrio.

Usnavi knew she'd be embarrassed and would try to avoid him, they knew each other well enough, so he kept an eye out for her. He didn't plan on talking to her, he didn't want her to feel bad, but he did want to see her walk past and to check she was okay.

Vanessa walked past half an hour later, she went straight into the salon. Usnavi was sure she was fine but he felt the need to check. He called Sonny from the other room.

"I'll be gone 5 minutes, just tend to any customers that might come in, gracias"

He walked into the salon slowly and looked around.

"Ay, hola Usnavi, have you come for that haircut finally?" Carla asked, stood behind the counter. He chuckled nervously and shook his head.

"No.. I was just.." he looked over to Vanessa who was just coming out of the small office. "..coming to say hi" he smiled at her, silently asking if she was okay. Daniela smiled.

"Oh, just ask her out already" she laughed, looking between the pair who were now flushing pink. Vanessa smiled slightly and walked over to him, pulling him aside.

"Look.. I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine" she said quietly. He nodded.

"I know.. I just wanted to make sure. And going on from what Dani said.. care to go with me to the club tonight?"

They smiled.