Chapter Text
The string around his finger had long since faded after the month of the wedding. Not completely, no one's string fades forever, but it was just about gone. The string was now a faded, dirty red color hanging sadly onto his finger. Usnavi didn’t seem to care much honestly. Benny and Nina were happy, Vanessa was happy, everyone seemed fairly happy and this was all that currently mattered to him.
Honestly one of the most surprising things other than the entire cutting some strings and putting two together thing that had even happened this past month was Sonny explaining to Usnavi that he could see he and Pete’s string for at least a few seconds.
“Maybe its a thing that happens when you and your soulmate realize you belong together or somethin’.” He had said. This made Usnavi wonder if Benny and Nina were able to see their own for a few split seconds as they were getting married. What also confused Usnavi was Sonny and Pete? For one who could see strings he seriously didn’t pay enough attention to them. He never would've guessed Sonny and Pete of all pairs would be one. What about other people within the barrio? Did they have people around here who were their soulmates but didn’t really realize?
Then there was Vanessa. Oh man did he mess up with her string. Who was she to be with now? Would she be okay without having a soulmate? Would he himself be okay without a soulmate? Maybe...a snap of someone's fingers and Usnavi quickly shook his head of the thoughts and looked up. Speak of the devil-
“Hey earth to Usnavi. Hello? You alive in there?” Vanessa looked a bit concerned at the other, “You didn’t answer my question…”
“Question?” he tilted his head. ‘Usnavi you are such an idiot’
“I asked you how you’ve been? You seem super spaced lately. I worry bout’ you.”
‘Now you’ve gone and worried her Usnavi. Good damn job’ “I uhm...well I’ve just been thinking about the entire Benny and Nina thing you know? Never really payed any attention to any of that string stuff till Benny brought it up way back.” Usnavi awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of his head out of habbit. It was true though, he’d never been curious about this sorta stuff till Benny brought it up because he wanted to alter he and Nina’s strings. Now the subject of who is destined to be with who was on mind for at least half the day and most of the night.
“Well then maybe you should come over tonight. I thought about having a party of some sort, or maybe just a little friendly get together since I don’t get to see you guys much. It would be pretty cool you know?” She smiled a little, “Maybe help get that mind of yours off all the soulmate string stuff.”
Usnavi pondered the idea as he moved to start making the cup of coffee he normally gave Vanessa any time she came around. Before he could really say anything Sonny clapped his hands together, “Man that sounds awesome Vanessa! Are I and Pete aloud to come along too?”
“You and Pete? I mean I don’t see why not, you are my friends anyways right? Least you are, not so sure about Pete.” She took the coffee from Usnavi and smiled, “It’ll be a nice get together I think. Maybe Usnavi can finally show me how he makes his café con leche so well.” Vanessa smirked. “Honestly can’t find any as good as it is here.”
Sonny laughed, “Thats because ‘Navi’s is the best in all of New York! Isn’t that right Usnavi?”
“Well I wouldn’t mean the best of all New York. Maybe the best around the barrio but thats about it. There could be plenty of other places with better café than myself.” He liked the idea that his own coffee was only preserved for his small neighborhood among the people. Made it feel all the more like something that helped people get along and get to know each other through.
“Yeah now thats what you say.” Sonny nudged him playfully, “But I say its the best in New York. Beats any of the other stuff around here if you ask me personally.” He then looked to Vanessa, “Get together things tonight right? I’ll have to see if Pete’s free tonight.”
“If he is than hes more than welcome to come, like I said, you both are. Now I’ll see you two tonight. And I mean it, you better be there Usnavi.” She pulled the other somewhat over the counter and kissed his cheek, “Thats for the café. See you two later.” and with that she left the small store.
Usnavi watched her leave quietly, moving his hand to his cheek, “Sonny I think I figured something out…”
“Figured what out? Were we talking about something you couldn’t figure out earlier?”
“No I ..I think I figured out the string problem.”