8 Years Later

Chapter 9

Usnavi walked into the club that Vanessa had invited him to.

He was looking around when Vanessa ran up to him. "I'm so happy you made it!"

Usnavi smiled. "Well I said I'd come so-"

"Let's go dance." Vanessa said dragging him to the dance floor

Vanessa immediately starting dancing. Usnavi stood there awkwardly.

"C'mon Usnavi." Vanessa laughed. "I invited you to dance not...do..that."

"I just...get embarrassed easily...with my dancing." Usnavi said

"Its just me." Vanessa said gently.

She placed his hands on her hips. "Follow my lead. Okay?"

Usnavi nodded a little and started dancing with her

An hour had passed of them dancing together and laughing

Oscar walked into the club. He scanned the room and seen them.

He seen Vanessa step closer to Usnavi until they were inches apart.

Oscar was immediately filled with rage.

He marched over to them. Vanessa stepped away from Usnavi.

"What the hell is this?!" He yelled

"We're just dancing!" Vanessa said

"You bitch!" Oscar yelled. "I told you to stay away from him!"

"Don't talk to her like that!" Usnavi yelled.

"Usnavi-" Vanessa said quietly. She was cut off by Oscar punching Usnavi in the face, causing Usnavi to fall to the ground.

"OSCAR!" Vanessa screamed

Everything went black.

~flashback~

8 years ago

Vanessa and Usnavi stumbled out of the club laughing.

"I had fun with you tonight." Vanessa smiled.

"Me too." Usnavi said. "I needed a break from the store anyway."

Vanessa looked at him for a moment then passionately kissed him, which he returned.

Vanessa woke up in an unfamiliar bed. She rolled over, she was taken back to see Usnavi sleeping soundly next to her.

She was also taken back to realize, neither of them were clothed.

Just before she was about to get up, something stopped her.

She couldn't bring herself to look away from his sleeping face.

The man that was known for never taking a break, putting other people's needs before his own.

Some would even call him a workaholic.

She had never seen him so peaceful. It was almost... fascinating.

Vanessa looked at the time. 4:23 am

She knew Usnavi would be awake soon. He got to the bodega at 5:00am and opened shorty after that.

And she did not want to be there when he woke up.

She put her clothes on then left as quickly and quietly as she could.

~end of flashback~

Vanessa was sitting on the edge of Usnavi's bed watching him sleep. He had a black eye.

Usnavi started to stir. He woke up with a groan. "God my head."

"How much did I drink?" He asked as pinched the bridge of his nose

"Hardly any." Vanessa said quietly.

Usnavi looked at her and his eyes widened, realizing they were in his bedroom together.  "Oh my God...did..did we-?"

Vanessa shook her head. "No. Don't worry." She said gently

Usnavi paused. "I don't really know what happened last night."

Vanessa went quiet. "...Oscar hit you."

"Oh..."

"Usnavi I am so sorry." She said

He shrugged. "Its not your fault." He said gently

Vanessa kissed his forehead, causing him to blush. "I should get going." She said standing up

"Thanks for dancing with me last night." She smiled.

Usnavi nodded. "It was my pleasure."