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

79 - Falling Ideas

A/N - Strong Language and Slight Sexual References

He sat down, and laid Nina down so her head was in his lap. He played with her hair, running his fingers through her soft but tight curls.

"I feel like a doll," she said, giggling lightly.

Benny giggled with her, "I remember when we were little I'd go with you and Vanessa to Daniela's, because I had nothing better to do, and she'd do your hair. She'd always braid Vanessa's but could never do yours as it was so curly. I remember trying once and making a complete mess that it took Dani a good 30 minutes to untangle."

"I remember that day as clearly as," she paused, looking for the word, "yesterday, I guess."

He smiled and divided her hair up into three parts. He somehow vaguely successfully braided it. It didn't look as good as they used to on Vanessa, but her hair was dead straight, Nina's was about as curly as you can get before it comes a natural frizzy poof. "I should get a job at the salon braiding hair." Benny said somewhat seriously.

"I mean, if you can get my hair to look vaguely like a braid, you could go for it. I mean, there are a bunch of hairs out of place, but that's to be expected with my hair. It's not sleek. You could probably get one though," she said, thoughtfully.

"Let me take a picture so I can show Dani, not sure if she'd want me working there, but it would get me a few bucks, so I can open the place of my dreams. Well after food, housing and all that jazz."

"Mmhm."

Benny sat her up, holding onto the ends of her hair so the braid didn't fall out. He leant over to the table next to the couch and took out his phone. He took a photo then returned the phone to the table and laid Nina back down on his lap.

Nina sat up just after she was laid down again and shook her head, letting her fluffy mane go wild. "That's better," she said, then laid back down.

Benny laughed, "So you're a koala and a lioness I see."

She sat up again, looking up so that she had a pointed look. "Yes, I am." Instead of laying back down in his lap, she sat down next to him, leaning on his shoulder.

Benny still continued to run his fingers through her hair.

Nina closed her eyes, smiling.

Benny kissed her on the cheek, and then closed his eyes. They both leant against each other for support all the while Benny played with her hair. "Do you really think Dani would actually give me a job. I highly doubt it. I'd be better off working for Usnavi."

"She probably wouldn't, admittedly. But it's worth a shot."

"Being honest, don't think I could stand having Dani as my boss or working with all her gossip. No doubt all she will do is ask about our relationship and how I'm coping with you gone."

"That's true."

"I just want to open up my own place. Where I'm the boss."

"I know."

"I can work the hours I want to work, have the employees I want, and strive to be the best. That way I could also support you financially, and reduce the stress you have to go through at college."

"I know, boo. But that's all in the future. Dream, but keep your feet on the ground. Right here with me."

"Right here with you." Benny repeated. "With you mi amor." Benny opened his eyes and looked at her. "I just don't know what to do until I can work on my dreams. I know I need to keep my feet on the ground and not float off into my imagination of the future. But I can't let myself sink. All we have is each other, an amazing friend who is generous enough to let us live in his spare room and a collage fund. We have no money for food, or anything really. Usnavi is being generous with the room and not making me pay for any portion of the gas, electric or water bills, but I can't get him to provide food for us as well. We need to do that together, but how. How do I stop myself from sinking into the ground?"