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

33 - Falling Back to the Heights

Finally, the day came when Benny was allowed home. Usnavi came to the hospital one last time at 6pm to pick Nina and Benny up. Benny was ecstatic to be heading home. To finally spend a night in his own bed. He was unsure if Nina was planning on staying with him for the night or head to her parents. They somehow still didn't know about their relationship despite Nina being gone from 9am till 11pm every day for the last 3 days.

Nina couldn't wait to get Benny home. She signed the release papers and waited for the process to run through, quite literally on the edge of her seat. When he finally got released, he walked through the door to the waiting room, hobbling a bit as if his ribs were hurting him.

When Benny saw Nina sat waiting, he called her name. And opened his arms out to hug her. It hurt a little but all he wanted was to hold her properly, and not awkwardly on the bed.

Nina jumped up and ran into his open arms and held him gently, making sure to be careful of his ribs. She didn't want to harm him any further. Underneath her arms, she could feel the cold, stiff brace instead of his warm flesh.

"Gosh, I've really missed holding you like this Nina. I know we've only been together for a few days. But I've really missed it. It feels magical." He rubbed her warm back gently with his hands and leant his head her shoulder looking towards her face. He then closed his eyes just to take it all in.

"Mmhm," she said, a bit sad that she couldn't feel his warmth, as the brace was in the way.

Benny had come to learn that whenever she murmured or hummed it meant something was wrong or upsetting her. He lifted his head and tilted her face, with his hand so they were looking directly into each other's eyes. "What's wrong baby girl? I'm coming home, we can finally be out of this place. You can stay at mine tonight, if you want." He gently brushed his thumb over her cheek.

"I know, it's just that I can't feel your warmth. This brace traps it all. But you need it, and I'm willing to give up a bit of my comfort for you to get better."

"I'm sorry, I won't be too long until I can take it off. Only 4 days." He brushed her loose hair from her face and placed his hand on the back of her neck. "Here's a little warmth for you then sweetie." He then pulled her into a gentle kiss. He didn't mind being in public, but suddenly panicked unsure if Nina would be comfortable.

Relieved to feel his heat, she accepted the kiss, kissing back as emotionally as she could muster. After what felt like an eternity, she pulled back, suddenly embarrassed, but at the same time, relieved. Usnavi walked through the door into the waiting room, saying, "Alright, everything's sorted out. We can go!"

"Baby, don't feel embarrassed." He held her close again, one arm around her waist, his other hand on the back of her head. "There's no need. We've been so limited in the room with my movements. But that was worth the wait. I love you baby. Let's get going."

"Alright," she said softly. They led the way to the car while Usnavi trailed slightly behind. Nina and Benny got into the back seat and Usnavi into the front, as they did when they were all going to the hospital. Usnavi began to drive.

Benny put one arm around her waist pulled Nina closer to him, and rested her head on his shoulder. "Nina, are you going back to your parents or staying at mine tonight?"

"I'll stay with you, if that's alright with you."

"Perfect" he said kissing her temple and running his hand through her hair. "I seem to do this a lot. Don't I? Do say if it's annoying you though."

"Yeah, you do," she said, "But it doesn't bother me at all, I really like it when you hold my head and pass your fingers through my hair. And since you're constantly doing it, it never really hurts."