Falling - Benny and Nina - An Adapted In The Heights Roleplay (COMPLETE)

5 - Falling Together

Benny got up too, and as he held her hand it felt perfect, as they interlocked their fingers they fell together so smoothly it was as if it was meant to be. "I love you too, Nina" he responded once they started to walk. As they reached the gate of park Benny stopped in his tracks in a sudden panic.

Nina looked up to him in panic, sensing it in the aura radiating off of him. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice's tone heightening.

"Do we tell people about us? What will they say? And more importantly, your parents, your dad already isn't keen on me being your friend, let alone boyfriend, what do we do?" He rushed out all in one breath. He put his arms wound her waist while catching his breath "I love you Nina Rosario and I never want to leave you. But what if he doesn't approve of me. What would we do?" he took a deep breath "What would I do.. without you?" his voice cracking on those final 2 words.

She almost winced at the blow of reality. It was an absolute certainty that her father was going to disapprove. She shakily said, "We won't be able to hide it from my dad forever. He practically tries to watch my every move. I'd say that we should tell him, but I'm scared to. What will he think when he sees me around you?" Nina looked at him with hope, but also uncertainty. All of the 'what if's' flooded her mind with unwanted thoughts, most of them being of her dad lashing out at them. She said, "Maybe we should tell our close friends first. But keep it a secret from my parents until we're ready, or at least until they figure it out themselves first."

"Sounds good, I suggest we talk to Vanessa and Usnavi about college this afternoon and if it feels right afterwards, then we tell them about us but if it slips out anyway, let it happen. They are our best friends and we ought to tell them today, so rumors don't spread about us," Benny said.

"Okay. You're right, it's only right that we tell them. After all, they are our closest friends, and they deserve to know. But only if they swear to secrecy." She looked up at him, still surprised that they were girlfriend and boyfriend.

"Definitely, maybe keep it from Dani and Carla for a bit longer, who know what could happen if they find out before we're ready. And that would be the worst possible way for your parents to hear as well." He looked down into her sparkling eyes, smiling. Smiling greater than he had smiled in a very long time.

"Of course. I mean, Carla would be fine, but only if she wasn't such good friends with Daniella. That girl can spread gossip faster than the bubonic plague..." she said, and trailed off. She continued to look up at him, wonder in her eyes. Nina's eyes crinkled and she smiled, but not as widely as she had earlier.

Benny looked down at his watch, "We'd better get going, it's 2:45 and if we want to catch Vanessa and Usnavi at 3 then we'd better hurry." Knowing that once they were back in their block they wouldn't be able to, Benny leaned over and kissed Nina one last time, although this time was much more passionately than the first two.

Nina kissed back, and passionately, knowing as well that once back in the town itself they wouldn't be able to. She said, "I love you." and stared up at him with fervor in her eyes.

"I love you too" Benny said staring right back down at her, giving her another quick kiss. "Let's get going, shall we?" he said, as he put his arm around her waist and started to walk back towards the bodega.

Nina said, "Alright, let's go," and they walked along the road, arms around each other's backs and Nina's head resting on Benny's shoulder.

At least they were both still smiling.