honeyndsage

[honeyndsage]

HoneyLit

Smoke x black oc

Chapter 1- A room for the summer

Celia Harland mother’s old house now runs as a boarding home with only two rooms left. She now cooks for the house, tends to the garden, keeps her head down, and barely speaks. Elijah rents a room during a hot, troubled summer while business is heavy in town. He quickly notices that she always leaves the porch light on for people to come, that she genuinely cares for her community. Celia notices how his tough exterior and the stories about him seem to peel away when he’s around her.

Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Tension, Smut later on

Nova’s notes- I’m really excited to start this story. I was the king of doing smoke x Annie but I also want to expand on my creativity when writing so I decided to make my own character. I did kind of rush this chapter just bc I’m going on vacation soon so I wanted to put something out. So lmk if you like it, or if you don’t lol.

June, 1932

It’s been 7 years since Smoke and Stack left.

Now they’re finally back in their hometown, Clarksdale, Mississippi

It was a blazing summer day as they drove down the dusty roads. The whole way back they’d been in silence, unless Stack sparked up meaningless conversation.

“How you think it’ll be when we get back?”, he said turning to Smoke as he drove.

Smoke kept his eyes in the road, blowing out the smoke form his cigar. “It’s gonna be the same.”

“Yeah I guess, but I bet there’ll be some new gayls there,” stack grinned and sucked his tooth.

“You don’t need a worry bout no girl, boy. We need a figure out where we gon stay.”

Smoke and Stack had robbed the Italians and Irish and fled Chicago. Hen they were up there they played both sides, pretending to be one person. So, now they had a plan to lay low for a while before using the money, this means they have to live separately.

Smoke never been away from his lil brother. Hell, they did everything together, stack even coordinated their outfits. Thye’d been through beating from their father together. Smoke always protected him, killed that man for Stack. They been through German Trenches together, scamming drug lords together. And, now they had to flee them separately for their own safety.

“Pull over here.” Smoke pointed to the bushes on the side of the road.

Stack followed orders , turned the engine off. They both hopped out the car, simultaneously slamming their doors shut.

Smoke walked deep into the bushes, stack following him. He stopped at a large tarp, pulling it off, unveiling a car identical to the one they were driving. The back filled with some of their other takings, Italian wine and Irish beer.

Before Stack could reach for one of the boxes, a snake coiled around itself and poked out. He quickly pulled his knife from his pocket, throwing it to Smoke. He grabbed it swiftly, stabbing the snake in its head, then tossing it onto the dirt.

Stack grinned, “Fucker almost got me.”

“Mhm.” Smoke hummed.

He reached for the boxed of beer, “Here , you take the beer, I’ll take the wine. We need to get rid of both as fast as we can.”

They transported the Irish beer into the back of the car that stack drove.

“I think that’s all, funny we’re selling them opposite of how we stole em.” Stack wiped his forehead and grinned.

“Alright, let’s get goin.” Smoke whipped his palms on his pants. he leaned closer to his brother, patting him on his back. “Be careful,” he whispered.

Stack nodded into his brother’s shoulder. “I will.”

With that, they both got in their cars and drive onto opposite sides of town.

Elijah was now on the quiet side of town, but as he drove down the dirt roads he could still feel eyes on him.

It seems like the whole delta knew about the smokestack twins, and it wasn’t long before they all knew that they were back.

He tried his best to keep his eyes straight forward, not paying mind to the whispers being said about him.

“Ain’t that one of them twins.”

“Since when he get back, and where his brother.”

“This one must be smoke, he look mean as ever.”

Smoke knew he wouldn’t find a place here, so he had to go even deeper into the quiet town.

Celia Harland lived just on the outskirts of town. She barely had any neighbors, except for the people that came in and out of the boarding house. Her mother passed not too long ago, and with no family left, she was the only one that could manage the house. But she doesn’t mind, it’s not like she had much going on in her life. No husband, a job that barely got her through, and next to zero friends, who she only saw every once in a while. One of the main upsides of her new job is that she can bake whenever she wants to. Most members of the boarding house are elderly so they don’t spend much time anywhere but their rooms.

Right now, Celia was working on a new recipe. She was making a cherry pie, but she wanted it to be less tart. So she’s been in the kitchen for about 2 hours trying out new things to add to the pie, and she was so close to perfecting it. “Cinnamon”, she mumbled to herself. She hummed while heading over to the pantry, quickly grabbing the cinnamon. She ground it up in a bowl and poured it all into the filling, dipping her finger in quickly and taking a lick. “Perfect”, she smiled.

She mindlessly put the filling into the crust and rolled the dough for the top of the pie. Just as she was finishing up she heard the doorbell ring. Her head quipped, “coming,” she shouted, rushing to put the pie in the oven.

She figured a tenant forgot their key, “ Hey, don’t forget there a spare-“. This was not a tenant of hers. In front of her stool a tall brooding man, his eyebrows scrunched in confusion, or anger, she couldn’t tell which one. He wore a blue hat, a darker blue suit that fit him well, his muscles stille visible through the fabric.

Celia jumped out of her though, “Hi, sorry I thought u were a guest.”, she smiled. He didn’t reply, just kept the same stare at her. A wave of stiffness flew over them, she don’t really know what to do. She caught her breath, “Are you a visitor or…”.

The man shook his head, he gazed over her frame quickly, then came back to her eyes. “I’m here for a room.” His voice was rough, heavy with a sense of demand, a quiet demand.

Celia didn’t know what to expect from the random man on her porch, but certainly not that voice. “Oh okay, well come in.” She spoke out faintly, steeping to the side. The man swiftly passed by, his shoulder just barely bumping into hers.

“So are you new to town, just looking for a place to stay for the night. Or do you plan on living here and renting?” Celia led him into the common room near a desk, she sat down, he kept still standing. “No, grew up here. I don’t know how long I’m stayin, is that a problem?” He boarded into her eyes, she didn’t know if that was a question or a threat.

Her eyes diverted from his as he towered over her, “Not at all,” she said just above a whisper. She shifted in her chair, finally standing back up. It felt almost submissive, the way she had to look up to this man as if she was the one wanting something from him. She flattened down her apron that was still on. “Yeah no problem, I can just set you up for a week to week plan, is that okay?” She grabbed her notepad and flipped through the pages. All the man did was nod.

“Alright then, It’ll be two dollars a week, and you can cancel or upgrade whenever.” Celia cleared her throat as she jot down the numbers on her notepad. She immediately heard ruffling and looked up. The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash, certainly more than the average person in the delta has seen. He flipped though the bill and pulled out a five, about to hand it to her. “Oh, Sir that’s too much.” She waved her hand.

The man quickly eyed her, the money still in his hands. She looked back at him, it was like a competition to see who would break first. She payed no attention to the money, acted like it wasn’t there. It wasn’t too long until it worked, or somewhat worked. The man groaned slightly and just set the bill onto the table. “Where do I sleep?”

His voice snapped her out the game she’d lost. “Oh of course, come this way.” She led him upstairs, down into the hallway. “Here you go, it’s not big but it’s something. It comes with your own shower and bathroom, and if you need anything I’m just across the hall.” She turned and pointed to her room. The man eyed the room, inspecting it. He nodded his head with a sense of approval.

Celia sighed, interrupting the silence. “Welcome, and thank you for choosing Harland boarding. I’m Celia by the way, I don’t think I said that earlier.” She smiled.

He adverted his gaze back to her, quickly giving his name. “Smoke.”

Her breath hitched. He couldn’t be the Smoke she had heard about since she was a kid.

“Moore.” He let out in another breath. Confirming her thoughts.

Just before she could reply, the sound of a timer made them both divert their attention.

“Oh my, the pie.”, she scrambled. “it was nice meeting you, agin thank you for choosing Harland.” She slightly bowed her head to him then made her way downstairs.

@heartgirllover @laywritesalilbit @yana3sworld @thefutureemmywinner @deexoxomuah

[honeyndsage]

HEAVU HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 10- All’s fair in love and fights

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, smut

Nova’s notes- Last chapter!! I tried my best on the smut 🫣. I really hope you guys enjoyed this story!!

It started out like nothing.

A warm invitation.

"You hungry?" he inquired when they finished sparring, wiping sweat from his jawline on the cuff of his shirt, his abs crinkling unforgivably.

Kaila was too proud to acknowledge she'd been watching. "A little," she growled, replacing her hoodie, her body still humming from their session, and not from the fight.

"Come on in," he said with a matter-of-fact nod, grabbing his keys. "I'll cook."

She gave him a raised eyebrow outside the gym. "You? Cooking?"

He grinned. "Don't let fame go to your head, I have skills." That condescending glint in his eye made her laugh and shake her head, but she didn't say no.

She should've.

But she didn't.

His flat was more than she expected, when she first came to his place she’d only gotten 3 steps in. It had warm lighting, fight posters on the walls, and tiny pieces of his life tucked away in corners. A couple of pictures of his mom. Trophies and belts. His gloves were draped over a hook next to the TV.

He tossed his keys onto the counter as if it didn't count, moving through the kitchen in comfortable familiarity.

"Make yourself at home," he said, already digging through the fridge for ingredients.

She did, but cautiously, settling onto the couch, watching him from across the room.

“You really cook?” she asked, her voice laced with doubt.

He gave her a sidelong glance, that smirk never leaving. “Don’t believe me, huh?”

She raised a brow, leaning back, stretching her legs out. “I believe you’re stubborn enough to try.” That made him chuckle, a low, warm sound that settled in her chest.

"You talk a lot for a woman who's going to be impressed," he teased, facing the stove once more.

She watched him move, fierce, calm, elbows rolled up to the elbows, muscles rippling with each gesture. And hated how distracting that was.

Or maybe not.

The smell hit fast, one spicy, rich, comforting.

She wasn't ready for that either.

Ten minutes went by, and he set a plate in front of her without uttering a word.

She gazed up at him, dumfounded. He simply raised a brow. "Go on."

Kaila chewed slowly.

And froze.

"Hell," she groaned around a clump. His smile broadened. "Told you."

"Okay, you win this round," she admitted, raising her hands. "I'll shut up."

"Nah, don't do that," Adonis sat down in front of her, his eyes focused and smiling. "I kinda like when you chatter."

That stung more than she expected.

She looked into his eyes, something electric sliding back into the gap between them.

Neither of them flinched.

The meal remained untouched on the table.

"You enjoy listening to me ramble?" she challenged, her voice dropping even lower, sensing her way.

Adonis did not flinch.

"I like a lot bout you," he replied, quiet, assured, not even trying to water it down.

Her breath caught—but she didn't move back. "You real bold in your own apartment," she growled, though there wasn't any fire in it, only that stubborn challenge between them once more.

He relaxed back, casual, his eyes still on hers.

"You stayed," he said flatly, his voice low and smooth. "Don't play like you don't feel it too."

That struck something deep.

Her throat tightened, but she didn't run.

She let the silence hang for a beat longer, the heat thick between them now.

Then, without actually thinking, she moved, rising to her feet slowly, walking towards him.

Defying him.

Defying herself.

Adonis did not move, but his eyes darkened, tracking her movements.

When she stood in front of him, close enough to sense the heat emanating from his skin, she tilted her head to the side, her voice low.

"You're not as hard to read as you think," she said, her voice gentle but edgier.

His lips curled, slow, deliberate.

"Neither are you."

And with that, the space between them snapped.

She didn't even realize who'd moved first, but before she could do anything, she was in his lap, his fingers locked at her waist, her breath caught as their faces hung mere inches from each other.

Neither of them bridged the distance.

Not yet.

But their breaths meshed, the air thick with tension, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Let me take you on a date.” Adonis whispered faintly, just enough for her to hear.

Kaila’s eyes widened. She didn’t respond immediately. Just thought for a minute.

Adonis maintained eye contact for every second she thought.

“Are you sure? We’re not moving too fast?”

She didn’t want Adonis to feel obligated to forgive her.

But, in his eyes she could tell he really meant what he was asking.

He grinned, grabbed her waist, “If I wasn’t sure I would’ve never went to the diner looking for you after your win.”

For the previous hour , Kaila had been scrambling around her apartment getting ready. She had never been so nervous before. She tried on three different dresses, it got ti the pint where she almost canceled on Adonis.

But she couldn’t let go of this opportunity, not this time.

So there they were.

Sitting across from each other at some lowkey Italian spot Adonis had picked, dim lighting, candles on the table, jazz playing softly in the background, and somehow, it felt tenser than anything they’d ever done.

Kaila shifted in her seat, eyeing the menu like it was a test she hadn’t studied for.

“You’re quiet,” Adonis said, watching her with a faint smirk.

She gave him a dry look. “So are you.”

He smiled softly, leaning back in his chair, that teasing glint flashing back into position. "You nervous?"

Kaila rolled her eyes, despite the knotting in her stomach. "Please. Why would I be nervous?"

"Like, don't know," he said carelessly, his eyes lingering on hers in that way that had a way of penetrating right through her. "Feels like we're both playing brand new tonight."

She hated that he wasn't lying.

It did feel brand new.

Too real.

They'd weathered sweat and adrenaline and heat, but this? Sitting across from him in a dress, heels on, hair done, no gloves or apologies between them?

It was intimate in an entirely different sense.

She exhaled, placing her menu aside, meeting his gaze level.

"Fine," she conceded, voice soft but honest. "Perhaps I am a little anxious."

Adonis's smirk eased, his eyes warming immediately.

"Alright," he said, leaning forward slightly, his voice dropping. "Because I've been wound up since I came to pick you up."

That made her laugh, gentle and gasping, her shoulders actually releasing as the tension shattered.

"Seriously?" she asked, eyes sparkling.

"Hell yeah," he said, grinning. "You think I'm scared to take punches, but sitting here trying to impress you? Whole different kinda fight."

She laughed, head shaking, but there was fondness in her eyes now.

"Wow," she teased once more, playful but kind. "Adonis Creed. Scared of me."

He leaned in closer, his voice low but commanding, their knees bumping under the table.

"Always scared of you," he whispered, but his eyes only held admiration.

Kaila's heart skipped, and this time she did not attempt to hide it.

She smiled, warm, and allowed herself to lean in as well. “Guess we’re both in trouble then,” she whispered.

He smiled back, his hand reaching for hers across the table, his thumb tracing slow circles along her knuckles.

“No trouble at all,” he said, calm and sure now, every trace of awkwardness gone.

Just them.

Exactly where they wanted to be.

The car was quiet as they pulled up in front of Kaila’s apartment building. The laughter they’d shared over dinner and pie still hung in the air like the softest echo, but the silence between them now was weighted, not uncomfortable, just full. Full of all the things they were scared to say these past weeks.

Adonis rocked back and forth in his seat and glanced over at her. The streetlamp cast its glow across the windshield, illuminating her cheekbones warmly and the angle of her lips. She smiled, but there was something uncertain in her eyes.

"Hey, you okay?" he whispered.

Kaila nodded hesitantly. "Yeah… I just had such a really great time."

His eyes were intense on hers. "Me too."

For an instant, she had believed he was going to lean over and kiss her again like he had in her place. He just looked down at his hands on the wheel, jaw tightening.

She inhaled. "You don't have to go right now, you know."

He gave her a look, catching her off guard. "You sure?"

She nodded, smoothing a curl behind her ear. "You can come up… if you'd like."

He didn't reply immediately, only looked at her , as though he were trying to read something behind the words. Then nodded slowly once.

"Yeah… I’d like that.”

Inside her apartment, it was quiet. Kaila turned on the small lamp in the living room, casting a warm amber glow across the space. Adonis stood just inside the doorway, watching her as she kicked off her shoes and padded toward the kitchen.

“You want some water or something?” she asked, opening the fridge.

He shook his head. “No, I’m good.”

When she turned around, he was already closer. The air shifted.

“Kaila,” he said lowly, voice thick.

Her eyes met his.

“You sure about this?” he asked, stepping in. His fingers grazed her jaw, barely touching.

“I’ve been sure,” she whispered.

That was all he needed.

His lips slid past hers in a relaxed, deliberate kiss, one flavored with patience fraying and tension at last unleashing. His palms caressed down her waist, pulling her towards him, and she melted into him, arms about his neck. He kissed her as though he'd been waiting for weeks. As though each delayed chance had been building towards this moment.

Clothing did not come off in a rush, not initially. It was gradual, from the kitchen to the living room, then her bed. It was motionless until their breathing, the soft slither of clothing, the soft hum of his voice when he called her name as if it were something he'd been waiting an eternity to call out.

As he finally sat her down, leaning over her with one hand on her cheek, he hesitated.

"You still sure?"

She nodded, never looking away from him. "I want you."

His mouth strikes her collarbone, then shoulder, tracing down as his hands familiarized themselves with each curve as if memorizing her. She was so gentle under him, catching her breath when he caressed her, and when she glanced up at him, open eyes, trusting, something shifted in his chest.

Not just release. Something else.

He wanted to devour her, and Kaila saw it in his eyes. She slowly leaned back on the bed, shoulder propping her up. Adonis hovered over her, staring deep into her eyes. He swiftly took his underwear off and his dick sprung out. Kaila audibly gasped, causing him to smirk. “Like what you see,” he breathed out while stroking himself. “Uh huh”, Kaila nodded mindlessly.

Adonis rolled his condom on while Kaila hurriedly took her panties off, chest rising up and down. He slowly guided himself into her warmth, scanning her face for a reaction. She scrunched her eyes closed. He stopped immediately, “you okay?”, he started to slip out. “No!”, Kaila grabbed his shoulder, “I want you…I need you. It’s just been a while.” She avoided eye contact in embarrassment. He grabbed her jaw, “Don’t be embarrassed baby, I’ll be gentle.”, he leaned down and kissed her again. She moaned into his mouth as he thrusted further into her.

Their bodies swayed as a unit, slow and deliberate at first, as though they were becoming intimate with each other with every touch, every gasp. Then it escalated, heat swirling about them like flame, kisses more frantic, fingers tied in hair and wrapped around skin. Her hands sprawled all over his body as he thrusted in and out of her. “Fuck…go harder.” Kaila moaned out. He listened to her command, slight lifting her off the bed. “I’m close baby.” He groaned out. She could only nod in response.

Adonis released a low growl off his tongue when she whispered his name once again, her voice shaking with desire.

"I have you," he whispered, his forehead touching hers. "You feel amazing, Kaila."

So much feeling hung between their skin and breathing, and when they gave themselves in, together, it wasn't just a physical thing.

It was everything.

Later, they lay in her sheets, his arm wrapped around her waist, her back against his chest. She was quiet, but not nervously. Her fingers traced slow circles on his forearm.

"You okay?" he whispered, lips brushing the back of her shoulder.

"Yeah," she breathed. "Better than okay."

He smiled against her skin. "Good."

A silence, a pause.

"You staying?" she asked, half-flirtatiously.

Adonis kissed her shoulder again. "Ain't going nowhere."

@thefutureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

HEVAY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 9- First cut heals slow

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes- I realized last chapter’s title fits this chapter more lol. Only one more chapter left, it’ll probably be out tmrw. I’ve been trying to space them out, but I’m wanted to start my other series by the end of this week since idk when i’ll be on vacation soon.

It’s been a week since she’s talked to Adonis. She knew he wouldn’t reach out soon but she ddin’t think it would take this long. She can’t blame him though, she betrayed his trust, lied to him.

But now wasnt the time to think about that. Kaila snapped out of her thoughts due to the screams and cheers of the crowd.

It was finally the night of her fight.

The roar of the crowd was deafening, a living beast surrounding Kaila as she stepped into the ring.

Her heart pounded, not from fear, but from fierce determination.

This was her moment.

No media distractions.

No whispered rumors.

Just her, the fight, and everything she’d worked for.

She couldn’t think about anything else right now except for winning.

The bell rang.

The fight was brutal, each punch a test of will, each round a battle against doubt and exhaustion.

But Kaila fought like a woman possessed.

She channeled every ounce of anger, every scrap of pain from her past, into precise, powerful strikes.

Round after round, she held her ground.

And when the final bell sounded, the arena erupted.

Kaila’s hand was raised in victory.

The media scrambled to catch her words as she took the microphone.

“This win isn’t just mine,” she said, voice strong and steady. “It’s for anyone who’s been counted out, misunderstood, or told they couldn’t.”

The crowd erupted on cheers.

For the first time all week, Kaila felt like she was needed. Like her presence meant something to people.

As much as she didn’t like the media and the way they twists things, she still remembers the warmth it used to give her.

Seeing comments of fans praising her wins and consoling her after her losses. Seeing that young girls looked up to her and made them feel strong.

These weren’t feelings she got often. So, she has learned to cherish them. And now she knows that just being herself is enough, that she didn’t need to be different, or tome herself down, or lie to the people she cares about.

After numerous questions , Kaila silently left the stadium with a pleased smile on her face. She wanted to sit in on her victory in silence, alone with her own thoughts.

Kaila walked through her favorite cafe she always went to after a win or interview. The minute she closed the double doors she heard cheers from other customers, “Good Job out here Marshall, you dinners on me tonight.” The elderly man nods toward Kaila. She smiled immediately, “Thanks but I’ll pay for my pwn dinner tonight Joe.”, she then walked down to the booth she always sat in.

Then.

She saw Adonis.

Sitting in the same spot he was when she invited him for coffee.

“You did it,” he whispered, voice thick with pride.

Kaila smiled slightly, a heavy weight on her chest.

She sat down across from him, “couldn’t have done it without your help, so thank you.”

Adonis shook his head, “you would’ve won with or without me, you have a fire in you where you can’t take any losses. You’re always determined.”

Kaila avoided his gaze, she dint know whether that was backhanded or not. She didn’t want to find out either so she just nodded and whispered, “Yeah.”

A waitress came and took their orders quickly. Kaila got what she always got, a double stack burger, no onions, and curly fries. Adonis got the same thing as her.

Neither of them moved.

They just stood there in the quiet, too many things hanging between them, too much weight pressing on both their chests.

The street was still, but inside her, everything was moving too fast.

Kaila looked at him—really looked—and she didn’t see the fighter everyone else saw.

She saw the man who’d sat across from her in a quiet coffee shop, telling her about his mother.

The man who didn’t step in during that brutal interview because he wanted her to stand on her own.

The man who showed up tonight, even after everything.

Her voice broke the quiet, soft but unsteady. “Why’d you really come tonight, Adonis?”

He let out a slow breath, gaze steady, like he wasn’t going to hide behind anything tonight.

“Because I kept thinking about you,” he said, quiet but certain.

Her breath caught.

“Kept thinking about that night,” he added, his voice low. “How you looked at me like I was the only person in the room. How it felt like you saw me.”

Her throat tightened, eyes burning, but she didn’t look away.

“And then you lied,” he continued, his voice rough around the edges but not angry anymore, just tired. “And it messed me up because… I thought I finally found someone who understood.”

Silence.

It was the kind of truth that didn’t need to be loud to hit hard.

Kaila’s voice trembled, her pride cracking wide open. “I was scared.”

He didn’t say anything. He just let her speak.

She swallowed hard, looking down at her hands in her lap. “I lied because… telling you the truth felt worse than telling you nothing at all. You already see me as tough. In control. I didn’t want to be some girl with daddy issues who’s still figuring herself out.”

Her voice cracked on that last part, and she hated it, but she didn’t stop.

“I told myself I had a good reason,” she went on, her words rushing out now, shaky but honest. “But really, I was just scared of you looking at me different. Scared of feeling small again.”

Her hands were shaking slightly, but she kept her gaze steady as she looked back up at him.

“And you did,” she whispered. “The second you found out, you looked at me like I was nothing.”

Adonis’s expression shifted, just a flicker, but it was enough.

“I didn’t see you as nothing,” he said, his voice low, steady, the words thick with something heavier than anger. “I saw you as someone who broke my trust.”

She nodded slowly, accepting it.

“I get it,” she whispered.

He moved in just a little closer to the table in between them, the space between them tightening, but his voice stayed quiet.

“You think I didn’t know you were scared?” he asked, softer now. “I knew it. From the first night we talked. From the way you carry yourself like you got something to prove every damn second.”

Her chest tightened.

“But I saw through that…and you knew that.”

She swallowed hard, her voice barely a breath. “That’s what scared me.”

They sat there, both breathing hard, hearts thudding loud in the quiet night.

Finally, Adonis’s voice broke the silence, softer, lower, almost like a confession.

“I kept trying to hate you these last couple of days,”

Her breath caught.

“Tried to forget it,” he went on, eyes locked on hers, his tone rough but honest. “Tried to tell myself you were just like everybody else.”

Her heart was pounding now, her hands clenched at her sides.

“But I couldn’t stop thinking about you,” he admitted, the words slipping out with quiet weight. “Couldn’t stop missing you.”

Kaila’s walls finally gave way then, her voice shaking as she whispered, “I missed you too.”

The words sat between them, fragile but honest.

Neither of them rushed to explain, but the air shifted.

No more pride. No more walls.

Just two people, sitting in the wreckage, still choosing to stay.

Adonis’s voice broke the quiet, low and steady.

“I don’t know where this goes,” he said honestly. “I can’t promise it won’t be messy.”

She gave the faintest, shaky smile, small but real.

“Messy’s all I know,” she whispered.

A soft, breathless chuckle slipped from him, the tension easing just slightly.

And in that quiet moment, without touching, without kissing, without saying another word, they both knew something had changed.

They weren’t fixed.

But they weren’t broken beyond repair either.

They didn’t put a label on anything.

There were no promises.

But a few days later, Kaila’s phone lit up with a simple message from Adonis.

Adonis- You eat yet?

It wasn’t an apology or an invite for some deep conversation.

But it was something.

And somehow… it was exactly enough.

She stared at it for a second before replying.

Not yet.

Five minutes later, he was outside her apartment, leaning against his car like he had all the time in the world.

She slipped into the passenger seat without a word, clutching her jacket tighter around herself as the night air nipped at her skin.

For the rest of the day they quietly enjoyed each other company with the soft buzz of the city around them.

They fell into an easy routine.

Going out to diners.

Sparing together.

Adonis showing up for her interviews.

Kaila showing up for his matches.

They were rebuilding their connection.

It started feeling easy again before either of them could name it.

A few texts here and there. Quick calls. Little check-ins.

Nothing heavy.

But it kept happening.

Until one night, Adonis texted her out of nowhere.

Adonis- You still owe me a rematch in the ring.

She stared at the message, smirking to herself.

You sure you wanna lose again?

Adonis- You got lucky last time.

Keep telling yourself that, Creed.

She didn’t expect him to pull up at her gym an hour later.

But there he was, leaning against the ropes like he owned the place, gloves already in hand, that cocky smirk back on his face.

“Figured you’d try to dodge me,” he said as she walked in.

Kaila rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. “Please. I’ve been waiting to shut you up again.”

“Mm,” he hummed, stepping into the ring. “Talk big for someone who barely scraped by last time.”

She grabbed her wraps, sauntering toward him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Barely? You were gassed by round two.”

That made him laugh, a real, low laugh that sent something warm through her chest.

“Alright,” he said, tossing her a pair of gloves. “Let’s see what you got tonight, then.”

They circled each other in the ring, the playful heat sparking fast, light jabs, soft trash talk, that easy rhythm neither of them had to force.

But somewhere between the punches and the laughter, it shifted.

Adonis caught her with a soft jab,not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make her stumble back a step, breathless.

She looked up, about to snap back with another quip, but froze when she saw the way he was watching her.

Still smirking.

But there was something else there too.

Something slower. Heavier.

Their breathing slowed in sync, the air thick between them.

“You good?” he asked, voice lower now, more serious, but there was a spark behind it, like he already knew the answer.

Kaila’s heart thudded, but she lifted her chin, refusing to back down.

“I’m always good,” she said, steady, but her voice was softer than she meant it to be.

Adonis took a step forward, close enough for her to feel the heat rolling off him, but he didn’t touch her.

Didn’t have to.

The look in his eyes said everything.

“I know,” he murmured, his gaze locked on hers. “That’s kinda the problem.”

Her breath caught, but she didn’t move away.

They stayed there, inches apart, hearts pounding, that thin line between playful and something else entirely blurring fast.

But neither of them pushed it.

Not yet.

Instead, Adonis’s lips tugged into that cocky half-smile again, though there was something softer behind it now.

“Don’t think this means I’m going easy on you,” he said, stepping back just enough to break the spell.

Kaila let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “Please. You couldn’t go easy on me if you tried.”

His grin widened, his eyes still holding that lingering heat as they reset their stance.

“Guess we’ll see.”

And just like that, they fell back into the rhythm again, but everything felt different now.

Lighter.

Familiar.

But charged with something new.

Something neither of them was ready to name yet.

But neither of them was running from it either.

@futureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 8- What’s done is done

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes- I’m not that good at writing arguments lol. I want them to make up already 😩

It was supposed to be a quiet night.

The kind Kaila was starting to let herself enjoy.

Adonis was sprawled on the couch, he was locked in on the movie she played, while she sat cross-legged on the floor, stretching out her sore legs after training.

Her apartment smelled like cinnamon and laundry detergent, soft music playing from her speaker.

“You really got me watchin this.” He said in disbelief, he scooted a little closer to the edge of the couch.

“It look like u enjoying it, bout to fall of the couch.” Kaila shrugged and laughed a bit. Adonis rolled his eyes, “ Yeah whatever, I’m just tryna understand what he saying, he speaking in hyperboles and shit.”

“At least you know what a hyperbole is.” Kaila laughed. She then sat up and parted her lips. “…I feel like you have to just feel you don’t need to understand it you know. That was his way of confessing his love for her because they bonded over stuff like that, I think it’s cute.”

Adonis leaned back into the cushions, watching her with that same calm, patient gaze that always got under her skin, but tonight, it didn’t bother her.

“So what could I do for you that connects us? He said just above a whisper.

“Hmm I guess punch me.” Kaila wondered out loud , scrunching her nose.

Adonis laughed out loud, “you crazy girl,” he then leaned in slowly with a smile still on his face.

Just before their distance closed a knock came.

Three sharp knocks to be exact, cutting through the calm like a blade.

Kailas body tensed instantly. Her head whipped toward the door, face draining of color.

Adonis noticed the quick change of her expression. “What, you expecting someone?”

She shook her head, but her throat was tight. “No.”

Another knock. Louder this time.

Without thinking, Adonis stood up.

“I’ll get it-“

“No, I got it!” Panicked, she jumped up to her feet.

That stopped him cold.

Kaila bolted to the door before he could move. She slowly creaked the door open , peaking out to the other side.

And there he was.

A tall man with broad shoulders, salt-and-pepper stubble on his jaw, wearing a worn out jacket and carrying the kind of tired eyes you don’t forget.

Kaila looked over her shoulder to see Adonis with a curious expression on his face. She tried her best to give a smile, “hold on.”

“Hey, Kaila,” the man said, his voice gruff but familiar, too familiar.

“What the hell are you doing here.” She walked outside her apartment and left the door creaked.

The man stammered, “I know I ain’t got the right to just show up, but I-I needed to see you. Needed to see my daughter.”

“You don’t get the right to call me that, when have you ever been a dad to me.” Kaila replied in a stern voice, teeth gritting against each other.

On the other side, Adonis inched closer to the door. He wasn’t trying to be nosy, he just wanted to know who she was talking to.

That’s when he heard it.

The man calling her his daughter.

Kaila saying the word dad.

Adonis’s chest tightened , his mind racing.

He grabbed his jacket and walked through the front door.

All he could do was dryly chuckle, “Really Kaila, your dad?”

Kaila’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. She looked like shed been sucker punched.

Silence.

Her lips pressed into t a thin, hard line, but she didn’t say anything. She couldn’t.

Adonis’ jaw clenched, and something in his eyes shifted, like a door slamming shut inside him. “Right”, he nodded. “I should get goin.”

“Adonis—“

He pushed by them and walked off.

“What was that about?” Her dad’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“You, it was about you!!” Kaila shouted.

“What did I do.” He shrugged.

Kaila rolled her eyes, “The same thing you always do. You disappear when things get hard and just reappear, never caring about who’s feeling get hurt, destroying relationships. Do you know how many times I had to deal with mom’s episodes because of you!!”

“I’m sorry baby, I just couldn’t deal with that.” The man shook his head, looking down.

“No, if you were really sorry you would’ve never left me to deal with her alone or you would’ve never started a new family like it was nothing.” A tear rolled down her eye.

Her father just stood there, staring down at the floor.

“Go, leave me alone.” Kaila then turned around and slammed the door on the man’s face.

Adonis walked the streets fast, jaw clenched, hands shouted deep in his pockets, but nothing could burn off the tightness in his chest.

He wasn’t even sure where he was headed, just knew he couldn’t stay there.

Couldn’t look at her.

Couldn’t hear her voice.

She lied.

The words kept haunting his head, taunting him with every step.

She sat there, all calm, letting his open up about his life, his mom, the weight of growing up without a father. And the whole time she’s been sitting on a lie.

A big one.

Her dad wasn’t dead. he was standing right there, breathing, talking.

And Kaila just… let him believe it.

His stomach twisted.

She let him feel like they were the same, let him think she was carrying the same scars.

And he fell for it, fell for her. Hard.

But none of it was real.

The moment Kaila woke up she was headed toward Adonis’ apartment. She felt horrible for not going after him or at least texting him last night. She wasn’t sure what to say.

Hell she didn’t know what she was going to say when she got to his place.

But she didn’t want Adonis to be mad at her, at least without knowing the whole story.

She spent so much of her life cutting people out , now she didn’t even know how good of a thing she had with Adonis.

She couldn’t be like her father, leaving or lying when things get tough.

Kaila took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Then she slowly knocked on the door.

She sat there for a while, but there was no answer.

“Ugh, what was I thinking.” Kaila sighed and turned around.

Just before she took another step, the door opened.

Adonis stood in the doorway shirtless, rubbing his eyes.

“What are you doing here?” He said with a straight face.

Kaila shrugged, “just wanted to say I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Cool, bye.” He started to close the door.

“Wait….just let me explain, please.” There was a look of desperation in her eyes.

Adonis sighed, he moved out of the doorway to let Kaila in.

“Kaila, you lied to me.”

Her breath caught.

“I know, I know I did. But please believe me when I say I was going to tell you.”

“You looked me in my face and lied”, he repeated, shaking his head slowly. His words came slow and sharp, cutting through the air. “All that shit you said about honesty…about how people twist stories…and you’re no different.”

“In that moment it was the truth…”

He finally looked at her, staring into her eyes. She couldn’t see that kindness in his eyes anymore.

“He left me and my mom after her diagnosis. He left me to take care of my sick mother all by myself. So yeah, he was dead to me.”

Adonis shook his head, “You could’ve told me,”

“I tried, I know I should’ve told you earlier but… I didn’t really know you at the time and I know that’s not and excuse but that’s the truth. But I don’t want to do that anymore, I can’t let him dictate my relationships anymore.”

“You don’t have to forgive me.”

“I don’t.”

Kaila fidgeted with her hands, basically pleading Adonis.

She stepped closer toward him slowly. “I know I lied but what we had was real..at least to me.”

Adonis swallowed, he didn’t know how to feel. She lied, but he still couldn’t get her out his head. He still wanted her.

“I-I can’t Kaila….at least not know. Just give me time to think.”

Kaila nodded quickly, “yeah, okay. Umm I guess I’ll leave then.”

Kaila left with guilt and uncertainty. She had no idea what was going through Adonis’ head.

But she knows that if she was in his position, she wouldn’t have forgave him.

@futureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

oh yeah people..... this is what FAME looks like...

[honeyndsage]

Coming Soon…..

Celia Harland mother’s old house now runs as a boarding home with only two rooms left. She now cooks for the house, tends to the garden, keeps her head down, and barely speaks. Elijah rents a room during a hot, troubled summer while business is heavy in town. He quickly notices that she always leaves the porch light on for people to come, that she genuinely cares for her community. Celia notices how his tough exterior and the stories about him seem to peel away when he’s around her.

Honeylit

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 7- Unspoken things

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes- This was kind of a filler chapter but I’m happy with the way it turned out. I’m not that good at drawing out conflict in stories so I’m really proud with the buildup of how next chapter will go. Hope you guys enjoy.

Kaila woke slowly to the sound of her alarm ringing. The sunlight creeped through her curtains, a warmth stretching across her sheets like it belonged there. Like he belonged there.

Adonis.

She didn’t need to turn over to know he was still next to her. She could feel the weight of him in the quiet. Not just his body, but, his presence, it was simultaneously heavy and calm. The air in the room felt different with him in it, softer.

They hadn’t gone all the way. Last night wasn’t about that, it was about the kiss. The kiss that cracked open something they had both been trying to keep out, her more than him. They didn’t talk much after, he just asked, softly, if he could stay. She, with her chest still pounding, just nodded.

“You awake?” His voice was low, groggy. It sounded different without his smooth charismatic polish, more human.

Kaila turned over slowly, facing him. He was laying on his side, one arm tucked under his head. “Yeah,” she yawned out.

He gave her a lazy smile. “You always look at people like that in the morning, or just me?”

She blinked. “Like what?”

“You’re lookin look you tryna figure out if you actually liked last night, or like it was a dream or something.”

Her lips parted, he wasn’t wrong though. It did feel unreal, like a dream. She spent so long telling herself she wasn’t allowed to want him like that. And now, here he was, lying in her bed.

Adonis stretched, the sheet slipping down his back. His arm draped across her waist like it had already decided its place. She felt the heat of it against her shirt and the shiver it sent through her body.

“Did..did you like last night?” He hesitated, more serous now. His arm slowly snaked off of her waist.

Kaila hesitated. “I think so.”

He was now sat all the way up. “You think so?”

“I’m just…processing,” she replied quickly. “I mean we were friends yesterday.”

He raised a brow. “You think we ain’t still friends?”

Now it was her turn to sit up, she frowned. “I don’t know what we are.”

The room was silent again, and Kaila could hear the city humming faintly outside her window.

“I don’t want to rush you into anything,” he said. “But I know what that kiss meant for me. And I ain’t gonna act like it was nothing, I’m not build like that.”

Her eyes met his. There it was, the certainty he always had when he looked at her. He was always so sure. But her mind was already spiraling through the things he didn’t know.

He didn’t know about her father.

He didn’t know that led him to believe something that wasn’t true.

He didn’t know that the “deep connection” he felt between them was based on a lie.

“I’m not used to people staying,” she said instead.

Adonis tilted his head and leaned in, “well, get used to me.” He softly pecked her on the lips.

The quiet confidence in his voice made her heart lurch. She should feel comforted, but all she felt was guilt.

He stood, stretching again and walking toward the kitchen in just his boxers. Kaila sat still, watching him move like he was familiar with the place, comfortable there. She couldn’t help but smile as he opened her fridge and frowned.

“You ain’t got nothing in here,” he said, laughing. “You tryna starve me out?”

She padded after him, “I want expecting company.”

He turned, looked at her for a beat longer than he should’ve, and smirked. “Yeah, well…get used to that, too.”

They made coffee together, well, she made it, and he hovered nearby, stealing glances and leaning into her space. Everything felt light, like the storm hadn’t started brewing yet. Like this could last.

But Kaila knew better.

As Adonis leaned against the counter, sipping from the mug she handed him, he glanced at her phone lighting up on the counter.

“You gonna get that?” He asked.

She picked it up quickly, seeing a missed call from her aunt.

Auntie D- Your dad has been calling again. Lmk if he tries to reach you.

Her stomach dropped at the sight of the message.

She locked her phone and turned it over, fast.

Adonis raised an eyebrow. “Everything good?”

“Yeah,” she said too quickly. “Just my aunt.”

He knew she was lying, but he didn’t press her, just nodded.

The week passed like a dream that Kaila never wanted to to wake up from.

Adonis started showing up more, sometimes at her place, the gym, and sometimes he was just…around. He dint announce himself or expect anything from her. he just was. Present. Steady. He’d bring her coconut water when she forgot to hydrate, text her motivational quotes that were too corny to admit they helped, and he’s sit on the floor of the fun during her cooldowns like he belonged there.

She also noticed that he was always touching her. Not in a possessive way. Just…casually. Constantly. A hand on her lower back. A thumb brushing her cheekbone. A chaste kiss to the corner of her mouth before she even had a chance to protest, not that she would. Everything he did made her want to curl into him, but also scream, because guilt has a way of making even the softest things feel sharp.

On Tuesday, they trained side by side in the gym. It wasn’t her usual spot, this was a private gym downtown where the air smelled like rubber and legacy. Adonis picked it, said it helped him focus more. Kaila was doing speed bag work while waiting on him to get their shakes. he walked in, hoodie on, headphones around his neck, carrying two protein shakes and that same calm that drove her feral.

“You’re dropping you left shoulder,” his voice echoed through the gym.

Kaila sighed, pausing. “How long you been watching me mess up?”

He smirked and handed her a bottle. “Long enough to know you’re in your head.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

He leaned against the wall and slipped his shake. “Okay, then what’s got you looking like you’re boxing ghosts instead of opponents?”

She tossed her gloves on the bench and sat down, sweat dripping down her back. he sat next to her. Close, but not too close.

“I just want to win,” she admitted, eyes on the floor. “Prove them wrong.”

He glanced at her sideways. “No matter what you do the media is never going to be satisfied, so just focus on your personal reasons for wanting to win.”

She shrugged, “ So what, I’m supposed to ignore them talking about me all the time?’

He nudged her knee. “No. Use it, but don’t let it consume you.”

They sat there for a while in silence, finishing their shakes. She wanted to tell him them, about her father. That she hadn’t been honest. That maybe she was still figuring out how much of herself she could give.

But she didn’t.

Thursday night, they were sitting on the rooftop of her apartment building , a blanket around them and a box of half eaten Thai food between them. The sky was dark and clear, and Adonis was unusually quiet, looking over the city like he was trying to memorize it.

Kaila sifted closer, her knees brushing his. She’d planned what she wanted to say. Rehearsed it in her head. Something honest, but not too much. Something that wouldn’t make him look at her like she was someone else.

“Can I tell you something?” She asked softly.

He looked over at her. “Course.”

She opened her mouth. The words were right there, dancing on the tip of her tongue.

“When I told you about my dad… that wasn’t—“

The sound of the rooftop door diverted their attention. “Yo! Y’all can’t be up here, it’s past hours.” A voice called from behind them.

“Oh my bad man, we’ll be out just give us five minutes yeah?”

The man nodded and closed the door heading back downstairs.

Adonis turned back to her slowly. “What were you saying?”

She shook her head, forcing a weak smile. “Nothing. Just…nervous.”

He studied her. “About the fight?”

“Yeah. That.”

She hated the way her voice sounded, small, dishonest. But them moment was gone, and she couldn’t bring herself to claw it back.

Adonis leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You got this. I know you do.”

And the way he said it, so full of faith, only made her want to crawl under the weight of what she and not told him.

“Know lets get outta here before I get you kicked out your apartment.” He stood and laughed.

She let out a small laugh along with him.

But in the back of her head she’d kept thinking: I’ll tell him tomorrow.

Only tomorrow had different plans in store for her.

@futureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

Me, waiting for my favorite writers to update fanfics when I could be writing and updating my own:

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 6- Under Pressure

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes- Bruh I was in the zone and I was so close to finishing this whole thing in 30 minutes, then my laptop died 😒. So this chapter is till pretty long but it’s not as good as it was before because tumblr didn’t save my stuff.

Two days.

That’s how long it had been since Adonis almost kissed her.

Since she felt his breath brush against hers lips, his hand grazing her jaw like he wanted to memorize her every feature. Since she pulled away from him, told him no, not because she didn’t want to , but because she did. Too much.

The next morning he texted her

Creed- Sorry if i crossed the line, I know you said you need time.

Kaila- It’s alright , no pressure

Now, she was sitting in front of a room of reporters at her press conference. The lights were hot against her skin and cameras flashed nonstop. Her opponent was sat two chairs away, smirking like she already won the fight. Kaila could feel her eyes on her, sharp and heavy.

“Kaila,” one of the reporters called out, his voice cutting through the noise. “How do you feel to critics saying you’re biting off more than you can chew with Ruiz?”

She shifted slowly to the mic, steady but cold. “They’ll see how much i can chew in the ring.”

Her response earned a few surprised laughs, bust most of the room was too locked in on the tension between her and Ruiz. Ruiz’s lips curled into a taunting grin. “Talk is cheap mami. We’ll see of your hands work as well as your mouth.”

Kaila’s jaw clenched.

She glanced toward the crowd, ready to snap back- But then, she saw him.

Adonis.

He was standing along the wall hood pulled low but his stare locked on her like she was the only person there. When he saw she finally noticed hi,, he have her a small smirk.

Kaila adverted her gaze and took a deep breath. She sat back slightly , angling the mic away from her lips as she held Ruiz’s gaze and said with calm venom, “Good thing I’m fluent in both.”

That sent the room into a frenzy.

Reporters shouted over each other for more, flashing bulbs blinding them both. But Kaila didn’t flinch.

She felt proud of herself, that she kept her composure and didn’t need to say anything else.

Because he was there.

The conference ended in chaos, but Kaila barely heard it. As soon as she exited she headed toward the back ally way, her heart started racing for a different reason. She didn't expect him to be waiting there. But there he was, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable look that always made her feel too seen.

"You looked steady up there," he said, voice low and rough like he was still half in fight mode himself. She exhaled a laugh under her breath. "Didn't really have a choice." Adonis's gaze drifted over her face, lingering. "Still. You held your ground."

Their eyes met, heat simmering between them, unspoken but thick.

Neither moved.

Then, se pushed off the wall and walked toward him, slow, deliberate steps like she had all the time in the world. “Well I was abou-

“I gotta head-,” they both started at the same time. He cleared his throat, “You go first.”

Kaila stilled, now nervous that all the attention was set on what she had to say. “ I was about to get lunch with my agent if you wanted to come.” She put her hands in her pocket.

Adonis sighed, “I wish, but I was about to head out, just came for support. I actually have an interview in a bit, you know the only hot shot with eyes on them,” he tried to joke.

Kaila just nodded, looking everywhere but his eyes. She hoped he couldn’t see the rejection on her face. “Oh alright , I guess I’ll see you some other time then.”

Now Adonis finally let up from the wall behind him, “But I might be able to hang later, help you train?”

“Uhh yeah, just let me know. I’ll see you later.” Kaila replied quickly as she started walking into the building.

Adonis stood there for a minute, “yeah..later,” he whispered to himself. He felt bad for turning her down. Over the last couple of days he’s felt like an idiot. She said she just wanted to be friends then he goes and tries to kiss her. He was embarrassed. He didn’t call since then, text, or even show up when he usually did at the gym. Since she didn’t say anything either he thought that’s what she wanted. But now , she actually wanted to be around him and he said no. Of course he actually had something on his calendar today.

“Wassup unc”, Adonis dapped up Rocky. “Hey kid, where you been? Mr. Heavyweight is too good to see his trainer now huh?” Rocky joked as he patted his pack.

“Nah, nothing like that. Just been caught up in the media.” Adonis replied as he sat in the passenger seat of Rocky’s car. He reached for the radio and Rocky quickly slapped his hand away. “What I tell you about that, don’t touch a man’s radio.” He pointed his finger at Adonis like he was a toddler. Adonis sucked his teeth. “But I heard about that, you got a girlfriend now right? What’s her name, Kyra?” He looked over to Adonis, watching him stifle a laugh. “Her name is Kaila, and she’s just a friend.”

“Well it didn’t look friendly in those pictures I saw. I know you, and if she’s not your girlfriend now , you’re trying to get her to be one.” Rocky laughed. “Whatever unc, you need to stay off TMZ.” He looked out the window of the car.

Lights flashed as soon as Adonis entered the room. Voices shouted questions before he and Rocky could fully sit down. “Creed, how have you settled in as the heavyweight champion of the world?” A reported asked calmly. “I feel pretty normal now, but still grateful. I’m just not wearing my belt all day how I was the first three days.” He smiled and the room laughed with him.

“Adonis, what’s next for you? Are you still fighting or moving onto training, many are curious after pictures of you in the gym with Kaila Marshall have his surface.” He knew they would find a way to bring Kaila into this, so he kept his composure. “Right now I just want to bask in my victory, but I’m not done fighting. And what you saw was me just helping a friend out, Kaila has her own fight coming up is all.” He shrugged.

Questions went on for about 15 more minutes. Some there to bait him , which he obviously didn’t fall for.

“Creed over her, Many are saying you disgraced the Creed name by having your father’s rival be your trainer these past years. Do you feel any sense of embarrassment or shame when you win these fights with your father’s rival in you corner.” A reporter shouted. The room went quiet, it seemed like this was a question everyone wanted the answer to. Adonis took a beat and let out a breath before answering. He looked over to Rocky then directly into the cameras, “The only way I could disgrace the name is by not doing what I know is right for my in any moment of my life. You all knew Rocky as my father’s enemy, but what you didn’t know what that they reconciled in my father’s last years. Rocky has been nothing but kind and supportive to me and I always thank him for that, no matter the circumstances.”

After that his head was foggy, he answered questions still but he didn’t really know what he was saying.

As soon as the conference ended he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Hey, you still at the gym.

Kaila- No, I’m home now.

His fingers lingered over the phone for a beat, he then asked his second question.

Can I come over.

Kaila’s eyes went wide. She was on her couch watching tv, already in her oversized shirt and no pants pajamas. She stared hard at the message before answering.

Sure.

She was hoping that he couldn’t sense her nervousness somehow.

Adonis- Cool I’ll be there in 10 min.

She immediately shot up off the couch. She ran around her small apartment, tossing laundry into the basket, put all her dishes into the dishwasher , wiped down the kitchen counter, fluffed pillows that didn’t need fluffing, lighting a candle like that’d somehow make her seem more grown, more collected than she felt.

She passes the mirror, seeing herself still in the overused shirt with a bonnet on. “Shit, I gotta change.” She quickly ran to her bedroom and rummaged through her closet. She put on a two piece set,( a pink cami with matching booty shorts) and then she wrapped her curls up in a head wrap scarf. Just as she was spraying her perfume, she heard two knocks.

She walked over to the door, opening it quickly. “How’d you get up here without the code?” She asked. “Oh, some lady came in the same time as me, she let me up.” he pointed behind him.

She took a chance to look him up and down, he was wearing a fitted black top, gold chain, and some low hanging jeans, just enough to see a sliver of his v line. “I’ve never seen you wear pink before.” He pulled her out her thoughts. She shrugged and moved to the side to let him in, “just my pajamas”.

She watched as he kicked off his sneakers and walked toward the couch like he’d been here a thousand times before, “you good?”. He dropped onto it with a low sigh, leaned forward with elbows on his knees, rubbing a hand over his face. “Yeah. Just… long ass interview.”

She didn’t press at first. Just sat next to him on the couch, legs folded beneath her.

For a few minutes, it was quiet. The only sound was the faint hum of her fan and the beeps from her dishwasher. Kaila glanced over at him, he looked heavy. Not just tired. Burdened.

“You wanna talk about it?” she asked gently.

He hesitated. “Had an interview earlier. You know, the usual boxing shit. Same recycled questions. I expected the questions about you, But this dude, he pressed me about my dad.

“Oh,” she said, unsure what else to offer.

“It’s just, every time I try to move past stuff, they drag it back up. Like I’m not allowed to evolve or just have people in my life without it turning into a headline.”

She studied him for a second. His shoulders were tense, brow furrowed like he was trying not to feel anything. She hated that for him.

“What can I do?” she asked, voice soft. “To make you feel better?”

He looked over at her then, like he hadn’t expected that. Like the idea of someone trying to soothe him was unfamiliar. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just didn’t wanna be alone tonight.”

Something tugged in her chest. She stood up. “I’m making you tea.”

He blinked. “Tea?”

“Yeah,” she said, already moving to the kitchen. “Don’t laugh. I’ll get you some chamomile, it calms nerves.”

A small smile finally cracked across his face. “You dead serious right now?” “Deadass,” she called back.

While the water boiled, she leaned against the counter, glancing over at him. He hadn’t turned on the TV. Wasn’t on his phone. He just sat there, staring ahead like he was still trying to quiet something inside.

He got up and headed toward the kitchen when he saw that the tea was ready. She handed him a cat shaped mug. He took it from her hands, fingers brushing hers. He saw the mug and let out a chuckle, “Thanks,” he said, meeting her eyes.

She nodded. But something in the air had shifted.

Maybe it was how quiet it was. Or the fact that he was in her space now, in this intimate way that made her pulse jump a little every time his eyes lingered. She sat back on the counter, watching him sip.

“You’re not usually like this,” she said quietly.

He looked up.

“Quiet,” she clarified. “Guard’s up.”

He gave a tired shrug. “I just… I didn’t want to be Adonis Creed tonight.”

She didn’t know what came over her then. Maybe it was the vulnerability in his voice, or the warmth curling in her chest from seeing him in her space like this, softer, more human. So she stepped forward, slowly.

And then, without really thinking, she reached for the mug in his hands and set it aside.

He looked at her, confused. “Kaila—?”

Their noses were now barely touching. She could feel his breath on hers. “I thought you said just friends?” He looked at her lips, then her eyes. “I know what I said.” She gently put her hands on his face, feeling his stubble grow in.

And then she kissed him.

It was soft at first. Testing. Her hands barely brushed his jaw, and his lips didn’t move right away, surprised. But then something in him cracked open.

He pulled her flush against him, one hand finding the small of her back, the other slipping into the curls that were left out of her headwrap. His lips were warm, eager now, like he’d been waiting for permission and finally got it. She melted into him, her hands pressed flat against his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heart pick up like hers.

They stumbled back, bumping gently into the counter. Her breath hitched as his mouth moved down to the curve of her jaw before returning to hers, deeper this time, more urgent. He whispered in her ear, “been wanting this since I first saw you.” She let out a moan, her head falling back in pleasure. His gaze adverted to her neck, he then started kissing up and down her neck, like he was hungry for her. She bright him back up to her, kissing him again, not wanting to stop. She then guided her hands over his shirt, feeling his muscles through it.

Adonis grabbed a handful of her ass and picked her up, setting her down on the counter. She let out a squeal as he moved between her legs, guiding them around his waist. Her hands guided under his shirt, quickly pulling it off of him. She wanted to feel his warmth and never let go. He kissed her again, slower this time, like he was memorizing the shape of her mouth. Kaila could barely think. Her fingers were still tangled in the fabric of his shirt, heart beating so fast it felt like it might leap out of her chest.

His hand slid from her back to her waist, then just barely under the hem of her t-shirt, warm against her skin, grounding and electric all at once. She gasped softly into his mouth, and that tiny sound seemed to make something shift. He stilled. Adonis pulled back, just a few inches, but it felt like miles. His hands dropped from her sides like they were hot.

“Kaila,” he murmured, voice hoarse. She blinked up at him, dazed. “What?”

He exhaled hard and stepped back a little more, dragging a hand down his face like he needed to physically reset. “We should slow down.”

The space between them suddenly felt cold. Her skin still tingled where he’d touched her, but now there was air, and questions, and a quiet that buzzed loud in her ears.

“Did I…did I do something wrong?” she asked, hugging her arms around herself. His eyes softened immediately. “No. God, no. You didn’t.” He stepped forward, but not close enough to touch her again. “I just… we’re friends, right?”

She nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

And this” He gestured vaguely toward the space between them, still humming with heat. “That kiss… It wasn’t just nothing. That’s exactly why I need to chill.”

She looked at him, something unspoken hanging in her eyes. “So it was something.”

He nodded. “Yeah. And I don’t wanna mess this up by doing too much too fast, just ‘cause I had a bad day. You deserve better than being some distraction.”

Her breath caught.

He meant it.

Kaila looked down, a little shy now, but smiling despite herself. “You’re a good guy, Creed.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Don’t let that get out. Kinda ruins the whole ‘intense fighter’ image.”

She laughed and nudged him playfully. “Wanna stay and finish your tea? For real this time?”

He leaned back against the counter beside her, brushing her pinky with his. “Only if you promise not to kiss me again.” She smirked, teasing. “I promise nothing.”

And just like that, the heat between them settled into something calmer. Something tender.

But neither of them could stop smiling.

Because now, the air between them wasn’t filled with what-ifs anymore.

It was just a matter of when.

@thefutureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

I’m gonna try and finish this series before august comes bc I’m going to vacay then uni starts right after 😩. So hopefully I’ll still be on here once uni starts lol.

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 5- Sugar & Scar Tissue

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

The coffee shop was quiet, one of those tucked- away spots where the windows stayed fogged from the cold outside, soft jazz humming under the murmur of conversations. The city just beyond the glass, but in here, it felt like another world.

Kaila led the way to a corner booth, sliding into the seat without looking to see if Adonis was following.

But of course, he was. Always trailing her like a stubborn shadow.

She ordered something sweet, a cinnamon latte with extra whipped cream.

Adonis gave her a smirk, eyes amused. “Didn’t peg you for the whipped cream type.”

She didn’t blink. “Don’t mistake me for a cliche, Creed. I like what i like.” She shrugged.

that earned a small chuckle from him as he looked at his simple order, black coffee, no sugar.

They sat for a while in a calm, comfortable quiet, their drinks steaming between them.

Kaila stirred her latte absentmindedly, her eyes down, watching to swirl of foam and cinnamon.

“I meant what i said earlier,” she said , her voice softer now, stripped of her usual bite. “Thanks for not stepping in during the interview.”

Adonis didn’t hesitate. “Wasn’t easy.”

Her brows lifted slightly, surprised. “Why?”

he leaned back, exhaled, his gaze steady on her. “Because sitting there, watching you take those hits from the media, it felt too familiar. It was like watching myself back in the day through a different lens. The only difference is I actually deserved the twisted headlines, you don’t.”

Something tightened in her chest.

She took a slow sip, her voice quieter than before. “I’ve been dealing with that on my own for a long time. Im used to it.”

Adonis didn’t call her bluff or press her to open up more, but there was something in her eyes, something that didn’t make him fully believe her.

“You shouldn’t have to get used to it,” he said simply.

She let out a short humorless laugh, looking back up at him. “Life doesn’t really care about what we should get used to, I think you know that Creed.”

A beat of silence passed, their words lingering between them.

His voice came quieter, rougher. “You know… I’ve been there too.”

She glanced at him, surprised at his tone.

“When my father’s wife found me at the group home it felt like a new leaf was turning. I was still so angry though , at him, my mom, my siblings who didn’t even pay me any mind. But she saw something in me , I wanted her to keep seeing that. After watching her fight her own battles I spent most my life thinking it was on me to carry that weight for her.”

His words landed with a thud in her chest.

She didn’t speak right away. Just stared at the cup between her hands.

“You don’t seem like the type who carries anything,” she muttered, there wasn’t any bite behind her words though.

He gave her a small smile, a knowing smile. “You’d be surprised.”

The honesty in his eyes made it hard for her to look away. It was so easy for him to open up to her. She wanted to do the same , but she was so scared.

He pulled her out of thought. “That’s why i keep showing up, I’m not trying to save you or anything. But I see you and I think we’d get along well.”

She let out a breath, almost a whisper. “Can I be honest?” She whispered.

“Please”, Adonis let out quickly, almost like a plead.

“This all scares me…..I- I want to open up but it’s hard for me. We may have similar experiences and be in the same situation, but I’m not you creed.” Kaila straitened her back as she looked at him.

Adonis kept the eye contact. “I know you’re not me, I don’t want you to be.” he sighed. “And if you can’t open up now that’s fine , I’ll be here waiting.”

Kaila rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re annoyingly good at that.”

Adonis creased his brows, “At what?”

“Understanding me.” She said back in a whisper.

Silence fell between then again, but not for long.

Adonis scanned her face, looking for signs of what she’s feeling. He watched as she bit her lip and fidgeted her fingers on her mug. Her eyes closed and she exhaled, opening her eyes to him still staring at her.

“I think I can open up to friendship, that’s all i have room for now.” Kaila shrugged.

Adonis nodded his head, “Then friendship it is.”

Time passed, but neither of them talked about the coffee shop.

They didn’t have to.

Something shifted that night, quiet but certain.

It started small.

Late night gym sessions between the two became a pattern. Kaila would show up around ten, only to find Adonis also there. At first they only acknowledged each other, talked for a bit before getting back to work. But as Kaila’s fight came closer, so decided to branch out for help.

“You’re left hooks slipping,” he muttered as they sparred.

She fired back, “So is your defense.” She jabbed him on his side.

“Alright well I’m not the one with the fight coming up in 3 weeks.” He stepped back smiling.

“ Oh I’m sorry I forgot , my apologies ‘Mr. Heavyweight champion’.” She mocked him.

They’re sparring went on like this, only a couple nights out the week. No cameras. No eyes. Just two fighters, pushing each other without mercy but with something softer underneath.

Their trainers noticed, but media noticed quicker. Photos of them surfaced, leaving gyms together, catching meals at a local diner.

Then the headlines rolled in: “Creeds New Protégé or Something More?” “Kaila Spends Training Time Out For Coffee Instead Of In The Ring.”

Kaila hated it, but she couldn’t let it get to her if she wanted to maintain the ‘friendship’ she built with Adonis.

One night , after a brutal training session that left them both drenched in sweat and breathless, Kaila sat on the edge of the ring, unwrapping her hands. Adonis flopped down beside her, his chest rising and falling heavy. Kaila noticed it, the sweat dripping down his built biceps, the casual grunts he lets out on between breaths. He was so close to her that the slightest move would make their shoulders touch. The air was thick with exhaustion and something else neither of them wanted to name.

“i used to hate nights like this,” Kaila admitted quietly, directing her attention toward the empty space in the gym.

“Why?” Adonis’ voice was rough, but soft around the edges.

“I’m usually so amped up before fights but when I have late night training everything gets to me. I have so much ridding on my career, I guess I just get in my head,” she looked him up and down, …..”Now, I don’t mind it as much.”

She didn’t say because of you

Adonis lingered on her profile with an understanding in his eyes. She quickly caught the way he was looking at her, like she was the only thing in the world worth seeing.

The silence between them became thick and fuzzy, like they were in a haze.

Kaila’s heart stuttered.

She looked away quickly, standing up and grabbing her bag. “I should go,” her voice a little too sharp.

But before she could step away , he caught her wrist, in a gentle gesture, but form energy to make her stop. he looked up at her with his big brown eyes. “Kaila”, her name was low and steady on his lips.

She froze, pulse racing under his fingers.

He stood too, closing the space between them, but not touching, he was just close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off of him. “I know you said friends, but tell me you feel it too,” his words were soft, eyes dark and sure.

She swallowed hard, her throat tightening.

She wanted to deny it, wanted to shove him away and hide behind her walla again, but her body betrayed her. She didn’t move or speak. His hand slid from her wrist to her jaw, he was slow and deliberate, his thumb brushing lightly along her cheekbone.

Her breath caught as she let out a quiet gasp, her whole body was humming with electricity.

Adonis leaned in, his lips hovered over hers, they were just a breath apart, but he didn’t kiss her. Not yet.

Instead, he rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, hearts pounding loud in the quiet room. “Tell me to stop,” He let out in a breathy whisper.

She couldn’t, she didn’t.

But she didn’t want to close the gap either.

She backed away, “ I can’t do this…not yet.”

Adonis’ hand immediately dropped from her face, his restraint stunning her as much as the moment itself.

He stepped back and nodded, clearing his throat, “I’ll wait,” he said it simply, no hurt behind the words.

She stared at him as he got up and began walking away, the weight of everything unsaid still thick in the air.

@thefutureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 4- Silent rounds

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes- I just finished creed 2 for the first time. I’ve seen 1 and 3, but never 2 lol. Relating to that I’m trying to get his character more accurate. I still want him to be soft and someone that grounds Kaila, but obviously he’s just as stubborn as her in the movies. I think this is my longest chapter yet ,not sure, I don’t go over them lol.

How dare he.

Adonis creed, thinking he can just insert himself agin, speak over her like he knew what was best for her.

He didn’t get it. And what pissed her off the most was that deep down, there was apart of her that wanted him to. There’s a part of her that really wanted something between them to work, even a friendship maybe?

She drove home in complete silence letting thoughts race through her head, one overlapping the other. Why can’t he just leave me alone? Was i too hard on him?… No , he just doesn’t understand. But i know he wants to understand.

She sat in her bathroom facing the window, “Why you gotta let him get to you like that?” She exhaled and ran her hands over her face. but her hands were still trembling, not from fear, but from the weight of everything unspoken between them.

Meanwhile, back at the event, down the hall, Adonis stood in the now-empty interview space, jaw tight, hands fisted at his side.

She walked away. Didn’t even let him explain.

“Man, what the hell is wrong with you,” he muttered to himself, dragging a hand down his face.

He didn’t mean to overstep. he just hated seeing her cornered, seeing that man twist her words, hated how familiar it all felt.

he keeps flashing back to the first night they met, the way her eyes softened just slightly when she talked about her mon. The pain behind her yes when she mentioned her dad’s death, he knew that feeling all too well.

she wasn’t angry that he interrupted her or that he embarrassed her, she was angry because he understood her too well.

Later that night, Kaila sat on the floor of her apartment with her trained. her legs were stretched out as she stared at the untouched takeout before her.

“You gonna tell me what’s got you all bent up?” Maya’s asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kaila’s jaw tightened. “Nothing.”

“Girl, please. This the first time i saw you turn down some orange chciken, so what’s going on?”

Kaila sighed and dropped the fork with a clatter. “It’s Adonis,” she admitted with a whisper.

Maya chuckled, “well obviously.”

Kaila picked at her napkin, her voice getting lower. “I hate how he makes me feel. I just met him you know , I don’t even know him , but when he’s around…” She shook her head. “It’s like he sees right through me. And it scares the hell out of me Maya.” She sighed.

Maya softened, leaning back. “Maybe that’s not a bad thing.”

Kaila met her eyes, guarded. “ I can’t afford to let anyone in right now. Not him, not anybody.”

Maya nodded, “You know all this time I’ve known you and trained you, this is the first time I’ve heard you talk about a guy. Hell, it’s the first time I’ve heard you talk about anything so passionately. So….maybe he’s not just anybody. You can let him in just a tiny bit, by that i mean set boundaries if you feel it’s necessary. But don’t lie to yourself about what you’re feeling, take that risk.” Maybe set her hand on Kaila’s and smiled at her.

The next morning

Kaila’s phone buzzed again.

Another call from her agent. She let it ring out.

immediately after, a ding on her phone.

Maybe: Adonis Creed- I get why you’re mad.

Maybe: Adonis Creed- I shouldn’t have spoken for you.

Maybe: Adonis Creed- But i wont apologize for giving a damn.

Her head throbbed as she sat on the bench in her gym, staring at the punching bag across the room. She hadn’t sleepy much since last night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his face, the mix of frustration and something deeper as she yelled at him.

Her phone rang again. She groaned and finally answered.

“What… and why did you give creed my number?” She snapped.

“Because, you’re scheduled for an interview tomorrow. ESPN wants a segment with you and him together. You guys did amazing last night, this’ll kill the headlines.”

Kaila’s stomach dropped. “Absolutely not.”

“They’re already running the promos Kaila. If you back out it’s gonna look bad.”

“I don’t care how it looks I-“

“You should care,” her manger cut in, sharp now. “You’re good, but not untouchable. This’ll work in your favor, if you let it.”

Kaila’s jaw clenched. She hung up without a reply, heart pounding hard in her chest.

“Fuck!” She punched the punching bag in front of her.

The next day arrived too fast.

The ESPN set was all bright lights and cameras, sterile and cold.

Kaila sat stiffly in her chair, arms crossed, gaze cold. She wore a black tracksuit, her curls were pulled back tight, face unreadable.

She watched as Adonis arrived, he was calm, collected, looked every bit the champion he was. He greeted the crew with ease, then he took his seat beside her.

“Hey” he whispered slighting turning toward her. Her mouth opened slightly, but nothing came out.

Before she could say anything back, the reporter took away both of their attention. “Quite the headlines you two have been making lately.” He grinned.

Kaila looked straight ahead, said nothing and kept her face neutral. But deep inside, her nerves were all over the place.

Adonis said nothing, he simply glanced at her, waiting.

She realized then, he wasn’t going to speak for her this time.

The interviewer kept pushing. “Lots of rumors out there about your…relationship. Want to clear the air?

Kaila’s voice was steady, cool. “There’s no relationship to speak about. We’re two fighters that know each other. That’s it.”

The interviewer smirked. “Funny, doesn’t look like ‘just fighters’ in those phots.”

Kaila’s eyes sharpened. “What it looks like doesn’t matter. Im not here to play into headlines.”

Her words hung heavy in the air.

Still, Adonis stayed quiet, watching her closely but respectfully.

“Alright , well Adonis is there anything you ant to add in.” The interviewer moved the mic to him. He leaned in slightly. “I don’t need to repeat what Kaila said for you to understand it.”

The interviewer was obviously thrown, he shifted gears. “Kaila, you’ve been labeled as ‘too aggressive’ by some. What do you say to critics who call you difficult?”

Kaila didn’t blink. “I say those critics can’t handle a woman with opinions. I don’t fight to be liked. I fight because I’m good at it.”

Her answer shut the room down.

Adonis’ lips twitched, just barely, but his eyes glimmered with quiet approval.

Kaila noticed. She hated that she noticed.

The interview wrapped up shortly after. Kaila made her way outside, moving quickly.

Adonis followed.

He caught up to her just as she reached the street, his voice low. “You handled that.”

She spun quickly, eyes flashing. “What, surprised?”

He shook his head, calm. “Nah. Proud.”

There was an unexpected softness in his voice, it disarmed her.

She searched his face, wary but curious. “Why’d you stay quiet?”

“You deserve to speak for yourself.” He said simply.

She studied him, the sincerity in his eyes was impossible to ignore.

She stepped one foot closer, “Thank you.”

He nodded, hands in pocket, giving her space.

The air between them shifted, less sharp, more cautious.

She hesitated, exhaled deeply.

“Umm, Coffee,” she said, voice soft. She looked up at him with soft eyes. “There’s a spot around the corner. I owe myself something sweet after all that.”

His brow slightly shifted, amused but intrigued. “What, this you asking me to come?”

She rolled her eyes, but a ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t make it weird , Creed. It’s just coffee.”

Hhe chucked , deep and warm, the sound wrapping around her like smoke.

“Lead the way, Marshall.”

@thefutureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 3- Sparring Words

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s notes - I’m really satisfied with the personality of Kaila , especially since she’s so different from me so it’s nice to branch out. Idk how long I want this series to be , any suggestions?

It’s been three days since the articles and news came out about Kaila’s and Adonis’ “relationship”, its also been 3 days since she spoke to Adonis. She’s hoping since he hasn’t tried to reach out or anything that he finally realized he got too into his head. Honestly, how did he think she was going to reach to what he said, they barely know each other and there’s no way she could peak a man like Adonis’ interest. Kaila knew she wasn’t ugly to say, she just wasn’t the most feminine you know especially with training with mostly guys as a child it’s hard for her to show that side. So she wonders what was it that Adonis saw in her that made him say what he said with so much confidence.

Amidst the ongoing rumors, her agent had convinced her to go this youth boxing tournament, said it would better her image. It was supposed to be simple, shake hands, hand out trophies, do a quick interview with ESPN, then finally leave. But the night would be everything but simple for Kaila Marshall.

Kaila wore some simple jeans with a black zip-up, small gold hoops, and her hair curls were out. She never really knew what to wear to these types of events, she didn’t need to wear a dress but she also didn’t want to show up in gym shorts. She looked composed enough, but her jaw was tight the moment she stepped in the gym and saw him.

She didn’t know he was going to be here , but she should’ve figured. He was wearing a fitted black tee with a leather jacket and jeans. She saw his gold chain glimmer while he was playing with a kid, throwing mock jabs at his ribs, he looked relaxed. Of course he did, she, on the other hand, hadn’t been able to relax since that moment outside her gym.

Kaila, I’m not asking you to be soft, I’m just asking if you feel it to.

She tried not to roll her eyes at the memory, it wasn’t the right time for this. It wasn’t the right anything. But she still found that her heart was ready to jump out of her chest when his eyes landed on hers from across the court. He just gave her a small nod, nothing too much.

She gave him nothing back and turned around as if he wasn’t there. Throughout the night she tried her best to avoid him. If she was thirsty and he was near the refreshment table , she waited till he was gone. She walked a circle around the whole building just to avoid walking past him on the way to the restroom. No matter how good she was an avoiding him , she still felt like her every move was being watched.

The tournament was over and now it was finally time for her interview that she’s been stressing about.

“Marshall, fans want to know of there is any truth ti the recent rumors about you and creed? You two were spotted looking pretty cozy after last week’s event , then again the morning after y’all were seen being intimate by your car I believe.”

She blinked twice, face unreadable. “Are we here to talk about kids or my personal business, either way this isn’t the place to talk about anyone being intimate.”

The reporter chuckled nervously. “ Well public sees two attractive pro boxers spending time together , they’re bound to get curious.”

“Yes and this is also being aired on ESPN is it not? They should be curious about how I won the last three fights in a row and what I’m doing to prepare for my next one,” Kaila stated sharply. “But I guess that isn’t intimate enough for headlines huh?”

The reporter kept a straight face and quickly shot back with, “Some say you’ve been… very defensive lately. Any thoughts on how you’re being perceived by the public?”

Before Kaila could begin to open her mouth, another voice came in from behind her. “Maybe if y’all stop twisting every strong woman into a stereotype there would be no miscommunication.”

She recognized his warmth quickly even if he had a snarky tone. Adonis.

He stepped into frame right beside you, calm but firm, his presence pulling everyone’s attention like gravity. Including yours.

“She gives one honest answer to an unprofessional question and suddenly she’s defensive? Nah man, y’all never call me aggressive when I say something cocky. That double standard shit is tired.” He looked straight into the camera , not being able to see your reaction.

The reporter cleared his throat. “Creed, is this you conforming there’s something going on between you and Marshall?”

You quickly opened your mouth, “Wha-, “I’m conforming that she deserves to speak without being dissected by y’all. Period.” He said while looking at Kaila then he turned to the camera again.

Silence.

The reporter continued. “Right, well-

“Interview over,” Kaila cut in, her voice was sharp enough to cut air. She turned on her heel and quickly walked away, fists clenched at her sides, heat crawling up her neck. This feeling wasn’t from embarrassment, but anger.

Kaila waited at Adonis’ truck. Not to thank him, but to say what needed to be said. When he finally approached, strutting through calmly, she spoke before he could even look her way.

“Don’t ever do some shit like that again.” She pointed at him. He stopped short, brows lifting. “What?”

She rolled her eyes. “Jump in like I’m a girl that needs saving,” She snapped at him. “You think you did something noble like you’re my hero or something, you think I should be groveling at my knees thanking you? No, you just made me look like i can stand up for myself!”

“I wasn’t trying to speak for you , Kaila, i just wanted to back you up-“

“I didn’t ask for backup Adonis , I’m a grown ass woman!” She was furious , face was nearly red and she couldn’t even notice the pleading look on Adonis’ face. “You think you’re the only one who gets underestimated ? I live in that space permanently. Every fight, every interview, every tweet, every guy like you who thinks they understand me. And i still stand up for myself, I’m more than capable.”

Adonis stayed quiet, jaw flexing.

“I don’t need a man stepping in like I’m fragile. Especially you. Not after everything.” Her breathing slowed.

Adonis kept eye contact with her, he moved two swift steps closer. His voice was low, calm. “You’re not fragile. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever seen. but being strong doesn’t mean you have to fight every battle alone.”

Her eyes blazed wider. “And you don’t get to make that decision if i do or not. I choose to, Because every time i let someone in , they either speak over me or, or walk away when things get hard.”

There was a pause. A shift in the air.

“Is that what you think I’d do? He asked. “I don’t know you,” she backed up from him. “And clearly, you don’t know me either.”

And with that, she walked away from his truck, got in her car, and drove off, for the second time.

This time Adonis didn’t move. He just stood there, hands in pockets, staring at the space she left behind. He’s finally realizing this isn’t a fight he could win with charm , or patience.

Not with her. Not yet.

@thefutureemmywinner

[honeyndsage]

yall think stack ever dressed smoke up and had to tell him “now before you start hating ask yourself aint we clean though”

[honeyndsage]

I do plan on writing some sinners stories most likely it being smoke x reader. I just want it to be really good bc the ones I have been reading are amazing, idk if I can measure up lol

[honeyndsage]

Pros of re-reading your own fic

a good time;

Has exactly the tropes you like and the characterization you want to read;

Gratification: yes you did finish a thing and yes you did do good;

just a very fun time all around.

Cons of re-reading your own fic:

Is that another TYpO

[honeyndsage]

HEAVY HANDS, HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter 2- lights, cameras, more headlines

Summary- Kaila Marshall has made it a long way from her hard upbringings in Queens, NY to her uprising boxing career. She is proud to say she did it all on her own. Her last winning match has brought quite a stir lately when her opponent dismisses her victory. Leading the media to portray her as an “angry, typical black woman.” Being the newly crowned heavyweight champion, Adonis Creed is again facing backlash and rumors questioning his loyalty and legacy after being trained by his father’s rival. When their worlds collide both parties feel a deep and unexpected connection they’ve never felt before leading to complications and maybe even confessions…

Slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, sexual tension, maybe smut

Nova’s Notes- first chapter was pretty short bc I got tired quickly but I’ll try and make this one longer. I can’t believe people are actually enjoying this I got 20 likes 😝

They stared at each other while his hand stayed on her thigh for a beat too long. It was like she’s trying to decide whether they will burn together or just burn each other. Finally she straightened up out of the trance that was his brown eyes and cleared her throat, Adonis removed his hand swiftly.

“So you good with kids?” She spoke up, nodding to the kids in the ring shadowboxing each other. He chuckles, “better than I am with adults.”

“What does that mean?” Kaila’s nose scrunched up in confusion. He slightly sighed, “ well you know my father died before I was even born and then my mom shortly after so I’ve never had a permanent adult figure in my life , just social works and that. And I definitely didn’t get along with them when I was a kid” a smile appeared on his face slightly showing his dimples. “What about you though, how’s your family life?”

Kaila admired Adonis’ ability to openly talk about his family and even make jokes about his upbringing, especially to someone he just met.

“Umm well my mom is in a sort of permanent rehab facility, she’s suffered from depression and bp for as long as I can remember, also she’s an alcoholic so yeah. And my father…” Kaila took a pause in her sentence….”he’s dead, been gone since I was 3”

Adonis sat in silence noticing how her already faint smile faded from her face. “I’m so-

“There’s no need for that, really. You know as much as I love to say I did it all myself, I have a pretty great aunt that practically raised me and she’s been there for every steps of the way leading to this , even this step where I’m being portrayed as an angry black woman.” Kaila shrugged her shoulders with a little smile.

Adonis nods, “ yeah well you learn quickly that these people are never satisfied. Even if you said that you felt you were lucky to win against her they would’ve still twisted your words. It’s like they want this fire in the ring but once you get out you’re supposed to be the most calm and understanding person in the world. “

“Yeah you’re right, I just hate how there’s no space for a woman like me unless I’m soft and pretty. Like me clawing my way here isn’t enough” Kaila shrugs with her head down. Time was still for a second as she saw Adonis’ hand come into view. He lifted her chin up slightly and met her eyes. “You can do both, you don’t have to explain your rage to anybody in order to feel excepted, if they don’t understand that’s on them. So be rough or be soft it doesn’t matter, and you already have the pretty part down packed.” He smirked softly.

Kaila was once again lost in his soft brown eyes, they easily let her know that what he was saying was truthful and from the heart. Her attention was diverted by him licking his lips, but before he even had a chance to lean in she slowly backed away and whispered a small “thank you”.

They ended up sitting on the ring steps after the crowd thinned out , knees grazing against each other , and passing a water bottle back and forth like this was the norm.

By 10am the next morning , TMZ already has an article published: “Boxing’s new it couple? Adonis Creed and Kaila Marshall spotted in intimate moment after charity event.”

And plastered on the front page was a picture of Adonis holding her chin up and her looking helplessly into his eyes. The other pictures were just them laughing and sitting close, nothing crazy. But none of that mattered because the narrative had already been built from the first picture alone.

Kaila slammed her gym locker harder than she intended to. The clash of the metal echoed through the room like a warning. All day she kept thinking about how she could let something like this happen. She knew about Adonis, he wasn’t a player or anything and didn’t date around a lot, but every girl wants him. Everyone knows that he’s charming and not known for letting the women that fawn over him think he doesn’t wasn’t them either. In all of the places she’d thought her career would take her, it was never in a love scandal, if that’s what you can even call it, on TMZ and especially not with Adonis Creed.

She barely made it through the morning warm-up before a trainer casually mentioned the photos to her. She told her they were plastered all over Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and even People’s magazine. But she already knew all of that, part of the reason she is training so late is because she spent 30 minutes switching between platforms seeing what the media had to say.

“Y’all was all leaned in, eyes locked like y’all was having the most important conversation in the world.” Her training partner grinned cheekily. Kaila didn’t smile back, she just stood there with a straight face. She wasn’t here all the way away from her aunt for this.

So you can see why it came to her surprise when she found him leaning against her car as she walked out the gym. He was wearing a black hoodie with grey sweats, hands in pockets like he hadn’t told her his whole life story less than 12 hours ago.

“Seriously, this guy” She muttered to herself. She unlocked her car which made Adonis jump a little. “ You following me now? Adonis looked up, “yeah I guess, you left last night before I could get your number.” She kept walking, going to the passenger side to put her bag away. “Yea, that was on purpose.” He chuckled, “damn so it’s just fuck what happened last night?

Kaila sighed, “What happened last night was a conversation, that’s it. One that especially shouldn’t have happened if it was going to be such a big thing on fucking TMZ” she emphasized the last words of her statement.

Adonis swiftly moved closer to her, hand still in pockets. Kaila was now slightly leaned back into her car. “You think I care about TMZ Kaila…. Look I know you don’t open up to people easily.” She feels clouded by his cologne, it’s warm and earthy and makes her feel safe oddly. “ I don’t either, but last night I felt like you saw me , and I hope I saw you too even if it was in the slightest bit. I don’t meet many people who get it, who get me.”

Kaila raised a brow. “you think because we trauma bonded for one night that this is gonna become some fairytale shit?” She laughed a little.

“I didn’t say that”

“you didn’t have to.” She slighted pushed past him and climbed into her car, slamming her door shut just as he leaned down. She rolled the window down halfway, lips pressed tight. “Kaila I’m not trying to play you, I know it’s messy right now for the both of us. But I’m not gonna ignore something real just because I got eyes on me. I go after what I want.”

“You don’t want this, you can ignore it for a night and in a day you’ll forget about whatever real connection we had, trust me it’s be easier for you. Yeah you have yes on you, but you’re not a black woman with an opinion and a mouth being on headlines every time you breathe. you don’t have to prove you’re real and soft. I do.” She shot back almost immediately.

He didn’t flinch at the inflection of her voice, “ I’m not asking you to be soft , I’m just asking if you feel this too.” “Feel what , Creed?” She asked. “I don’t know you, and you don’t know me.”

Despite her strong tone, he smiled. “ but I want to.” And as much as she wanted it to not be true, his eyes told her that he wasn’t lying. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “let me breathe,” voice lower. “Let me figure out if this is even safe, and maybe by then you’ll have time to think if this is what t you really want.”

“It is” Adonis nodded immediately. Without saying anything else, Kaila started her engine and drove off.

@thefutureemmywinner