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

62 - Falling Where It All Began

He walked towards Castle Gardens but took a long back route hoping Nina wouldn't recognize quite so early where they were heading. As they walked Benny let go of Nina's hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, wrapping her arm around his waist for her. He held onto her left hand with his, holding it in place.

Quietly, Nina asked, "Are we going to the tree?" She knew that he probably didn't want her to know yet, but he made it decently obvious.

He glanced at her "Maybe, maybe not. You'll have to wait and see." So, the location was not much of a surprise anymore he just hoped Usnavi had done an amazing job in setting everything up.

"Fine," she said, sighing.

As they neared Castle Gardens he said to her, "I need you to wear this until we get there." He pulled a blindfold out of the basket. "I'll be holding onto you the whole time and I'll tell you if there is a step you need to climb up. So, don't panic, I've got you."

"Okay," she replied shakily as she tied it around her head. Nina took his hand and grabbed it tightly.

Benny wrapped her arm around him and his around her. He knew that Nina was scared to walk blindfolded and he wanted to be extra close to her to help her feel safe and comfortable. They walked around randomly for a while to try and confuse her sense of direction. He paused outside Castle Gardens. "We're nearly here, everything okay under their my little koala?" He said rubbing his nose again hers.

"Kinda," she said, her voice still quaking a bit. It was scary, being guided without view of anything.

"Well, it's only a few more steps." Benny looked out at the tree and his jaw dropped open. Usnavi had worked miracles. He led Nina over and told her to wait one minute. He took all the food out the basket and laid it out on the red and white checkered picnic blanket. There were red and white heart shaped balloons tied to the tree. In the center of the rug was a tray with a variety of mini treats in the shapes of a heart with 'B & N' written on the inside.

It was perfect. Beyond perfect.

Nina stood idly in the spot Benny left her in, waiting for him to come back.

Benny stepped back to Nina. "You ready baby girl."

She hummed, "Mmhm," even though she wasn't sure if she was ready or not.

Benny stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "This time 1 week ago my life changed forever and for the better. Because this time 1 week ago, we were right here, sharing our first kiss." He untied the blindfold but held it in place. "I will love you for forever and always and nothing can ever change that. Nina Rosario, you are the light of my life and the love of my life. I'm so glad you accepted to come on this crazy date with me today and I hope you like this surprise I've planned for you." He took the blindfold off her and stood to the side to see her reaction.

As he pulled the blindfold off, she opened her eyes. When she looked at it, her eyes widened. Her breath quickened, but her mouth didn't move at all. She was wordless. Why would he do this for her?

"I hope you like it Nina." Benny stood back, nervous.

Nina tried to slow down her breaths but only ended up stopping breathing. Every breath she tried to take ended up in her windpipe blocking the air. She fell to the ground, albeit gracefully. Her head snapped around to Benny, looking at him with panic in her eyes.

Benny panicked but immediately took his place on the floor besides her. He knelt down and lifted her up, so her head was laid on his legs. "I'm so sorry baby." He said in a panicked voice. He brushed his hand through her hair. Tears formed in his eyes. This was not meant to happen. We wanted everything to go perfectly for Nina on their first proper date, on their one-week anniversary. But it hadn't. He felt bad for Usnavi, he'd put so much work into setting it all up. He continued to stare down at Nina. Hoping he could fix whatever what happened to Nina.