Chapter Text
“Hey! What are you doing man?!”
Usnavi yelled at the graffiti artist who regularly puked his art on the walls of the bodega. At the sound of Usnavi’s irritated voice, he quickly packed his things and ran.
Usnavi decided it wasn’t worth the chase and slumped in front of the bodegas doors. “Pequeño mierda..” he grumbled as he scrambled for his keys in his front pocket.
as he unlocked the door and stepped inside, he was greeted by the familiar buzzing sound of the AC generator and the pleasant smell of fresh food. He made his way to one of the shelves and started organising the products.
after around 20 minutes he’d organised the entire shop, now he just had to wait till sonny Arrive-
“usnavi!”
Speak of the devil
he turned around to face his primo “can’t say I’m surprised that your late again little man” he grinned as he ruffled Donny’s hair.
Sonny grumbled as he smacked Usnavi’s hand away and fixed his hair. “I thought I told you to stop doing that” he complained. “And I thought I told you to show up on time” the older retaliated.
Sonny gave him an eye roll “yeah yeah” he spat.
Usnavi went behind the counter while sonny flipped the ‘closed’ sign to ‘open’ and went to go stand by the window on his phone.
a couple minutes later abuela claudia made her way into the bodega with a gentle smile on her face. “buenos días, niños” she happily spoke as she made her way to the counter.
Usnavi replied with a smile of his own “morning, abuela.” It always Usnavis day when he say abuela. To be fair, she was an inspiration to him (and he would happily admit it)
he handed her over a lottery ticket “let’s hope it’s a lucky one” he laughed. Abuela laughed back “paciencia y fe!” She exclaimed, kissing the ticket. Usnavi chuckled as they exchanged goodbyes and went on with their days.
unfortunately, it was rare to even come close to winning the lotto. But nobody ever gave up hope that by some miracle one day would be their lucky day. Because if you won the lottery, you were closer to reaching your Sueñito.
the sound of the door went again, and this time he straightened up.
vanessa
Now, it was no secret that Usnavi loved Vanessa. Everybody could see it, even Vanessa knew it. Well, sort of.
Vanessa always had a feeling, but never wanted to get her hopes up, the same could be said for mr. Vega.
The Latina made her way to the fridge to get her usual coke, Usnavi not so sneakily glancing at her every chance. Sonny nudged his shoulder and gave him a look that said ‘boy, you’re helpless’
Usnavi scoffed at him, his eye making their way back to Vanessa, who was no longer at the fridge, but right in front of him.
he immediately straightened up, lightly blushing (he prayed it wasn’t noticeable)
vanessa played the coke down and scavenged around her bag for her purse, pretending not to notice usnavid not so subtle gaze.
”is that all?” he said, taking the coke and scanning it while getting her change.
she playfully smirked “have I ever gotten anything else?” She asked rhetorically. Usnavi nervously grinned and scratched the back of his head “right, just checking”
Vanessa fondly shook her head, her hand making its way for the coke bottle. Unfortunately, Usnavi was about to hand it to her, making their hands overlap.
they looked at each other before Usnavi quickly removed his hand and mumbled apologies while hastily giving Vanessa her change.
vanessa stood for a few moments before lightly smiling. “I’ll see you later, usnavi”
”yeah, yeah I’ll see you later” the Dominican awkwardly spoke.
Vanessa made her way to the door, but paused and looked back, gave Usnavi a wink and walked out of the bodega, the door closing behind her.
Sonny cackled at his cousins red face, shaking his shoulder “man, your a hopeless romantic. Y’know that?”
The man quickly recovered and shoved his cousin “yeah yeah laugh at me all ya want”
Sonny still quietly chuckled as they went back to helping customers and making coffees.