#< NAH I ALREADY HAVE CUSTODY WE HANDLED THIS IN COURT I CAN GO AGAIN TRY ME!

[blue-hair-princess]

YOU WANTED A RING SO YOUR GOT IT AND YOUR STILL COMPLAINING!?

Hello I’m Baritone my fav movie is the titanic

my fav food is unseasoned chicken wings

My wife is Sapphy (even tho we divorce every other week)

My children are Ellen and Preme

[mdelpin]

Want to Make You Feel Beautiful

AO3 | FF.Net

This is the fourth and last entry for He Will Be Loved.

Look For the Boy with the Broken Smile

Tap on My Window Knock on my Door

It’s Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies

Summary: Natsu wakes up in the hospital confused and suddenly faced with an angry Gray.

❤️❤️❤️ I am dedicating this to @gaymirajane , she’s not only a force to be reckoned with but an amazing friend. Thank you for everything you do for me. ❤️❤️❤️

Gratsu Weekend 2019

Day 4: Hope

Disclaimer: All Fairy Tail Characters Belong To Hiro Mashima

Natsu was incredibly thirsty, that was the first thing that registered in his somewhat confused mind. He couldn't exactly feel anything, but he could also tell that he was hurt. Not just from the memory of what had happened, but from the way that his body was resisting any attempt at movement, letting him understand that if he did try to move, he might come to regret it.

The last thing he remembered was the brief feeling of happiness as Gray kissed him on the forehead right before his uncle came into the room. His brow furrowed in worry, knowing how rough his uncle could be. Was Gray okay?

He could hear beeping noises, and the unpleasant smell of disinfectant filled his nose. He opened his eyes slowly to see he was in a dimly lit room that was filled with machines. Blinking a few times to get his eyes going again he took in his surroundings. Wendy was fast asleep, her head cradled on Silver Fullbuster's chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her.

Natsu decided to try moving his lips to smile at Gray's father who was smiling at him from his place on the small sofa in his room. He needed to ask him about Gray, he figured Silver would not look that calm if Gray were injured, but Natsu needed to know because Gray was important to him, much more than he'd ever let on to anyone outside of Wendy.

"Gray?" He posed the question with a scratchy voice, the need to make sure that his crush was safe taking precedence over knowing what had happened. In retrospect, he should have asked for water first but he had priorities, and he'd already ascertained that Wendy was okay.

His innocent question had unexpected results.

“Don’t you Gray me, you inconsiderate bastard! Do you even know what you put me through?”

Natsu heard Gray's voice coming from his right side and turned his head slowly to see his very agitated friend glaring at him and from his experience gearing up for a rant.

“What are you--” Natsu valiantly tried to head him off.

“Shut up! I’m talking,” Gray scolded crankily, “Six years Natsu. That’s how long I’ve been forced to watch that son of a bitch beat you within an inch of your life. I fucking love you, you asshole. Do you have any idea how much it hurt me to see that?”

“And then, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, you almost fucking die on me and you had the nerve to lay there smiling at me like it’s no big deal?” Gray continued spouting his feelings to anyone who would listen, days of sleep deprivation and stress clearly being too much for him to handle.

“Did Gray just say he loves me?” Natsu looked over at Silver in disbelief, talking over Gray as he continued to rant, seemingly oblivious to the fact no one was listening to him.

Silver nodded, looking mildly surprised but not shocked, “He hasn’t slept since you’ve been in here, his brain will catch up eventually.”

And apparently it did because all of a sudden there was silence, and when Natsu looked back over Gray had covered his mouth with his hand, his entire face flushed a rather interesting shade of red that made Natsu feel as if he could get through anything. He got up from his chair and walked out of the room without saying another word leaving three pairs of eyes staring after him.

“Should I go after him?” Natsu asked Silver.

“Outside of the fact that you’re not allowed out of bed at the moment, he’ll be alright. Probably needs to absorb what he just did. You know he’s not great with feelings,” Silver looked back at the door a smirk tugging at his lips. Wendy had begun to stir in his arms no doubt awoken by Gray’s outburst.

“Is Natsu finally awake?” She asked groggily and sat up.

Silver got up from the sofa and pushed the Nurse call button on the wall. He informed the nurse that Natsu had awoken and headed out of the room. “I’ll leave you two to chat for a minute, and  I’ll go ahead and check on Gray,” he assured Natsu with a smile.

"You, don't try to get up," Silver narrowed his eyes at Natsu, and the turned to level his eyes at Wendy, "And you, don't hug him too hard."

Natsu tried to concentrate on whatever Wendy was trying to tell him, but all he could hear was Gray saying I fucking love you, you asshole over and over. A smile played on his lips, it wasn’t anything like how he’d hoped or expected to find out about Gray’s feelings for him but he sure as hell wasn’t complaining.

“Have you listened to a word I’ve said?” Wendy pouted crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Mhmm," Natsu answered, and when she rolled her eyes at him he finally remembered his thirst, "Can you get me some water?"

Wendy hmphed at him but did as he asked. He was sipping his water when the door opened, and a nurse and doctor came in. He could hear people arguing outside the room and knew he couldn't avoid reality for much longer.

o-o

Natsu woke up with a desperate need to throw up, he tried to sit up quickly to find something to do it in but that only made the sensation worse.

“Fuck,” He commented as his sudden movement introduced him to a myriad of aches big and small.

"Don't move, dumbass," Gray handed him a plastic container, and he accepted it gratefully, "The doctor said the anesthesia would make you feel sick when it wore off." He moved Natsu's hair away from his face as he vomited. When he was done, Gray took the container without comment and headed to the bathroom returning with a glass of water.

Natsu drank the water gratefully, taking small sips. He looked around the hospital room, “Where’s Wendy?”

“She’s at your house grabbing some of your stuff, the police had to go with her since her room is a crime scene,” Gray explained, “My dad’s with her.”

Natsu nodded and looked Gray over, he still looked tired, but he'd lost some of the edginess from before, "You look better."

“Yeah, Dad made me go to sleep while you were in surgery,” Gray scratched his head in embarrassment and grinned sheepishly, “I’m sorry I went off on you, I was pretty out of it.”

Natsu laughed weakly, "Nah, it's fine. I'm sure I deserved it. I don't really remember much of what happened, I kinda passed out." He felt strange, like something was missing and when he tried to figure out what that could be, he began to blush furiously.

“Natsu?”

Natsu sighed, “I know this is stupid but can you get on the bed with me?”

Gray peered at him, confusion written all over his face, but he shrugged, taking off his shoes and climbing on the narrow hospital bed, being careful of all the cables and bandages. “Is this better?”

Natsu nodded looking away from him as he explained, “It didn’t feel over yet.”

“What?”

“It never felt over until I got to you, no matter how bad it was, once I was with you, I knew I was safe,” Natsu stumbled over the words, embarrassed at how childish he sounded.

He felt Gray settle himself next to him and say, “It’s over Natsu, he’ll never lay a hand on either of you again.”

"Yeah, but what I was afraid of all this time is gonna happen anyway," Natsu said sadly, thinking of what the Social Services lady had told him, "We're wards of the state now, and we might get separated and then who knows what awful place they might put us in."

Natsu wanted to cry, he felt like such a failure. He'd put up with his uncle's bullshit for so long to keep Wendy with him and with less than two years to go, he'd failed miserably.

"What are you talking about?" Gray moved impossibly closer, and to Natsu's surprise his smell somehow helped ease his upset stomach, "You're not going anywhere, didn't anyone tell you?"

“Tell me what?”

"My dad's petitioned for temporary custody of both of you. The judge approved it last night," Gray thwapped Natsu gently on the head, "As soon as you're better you're going to be moving in with us. We'll have to go to court to get permanent custody, but my dad said his lawyer didn't think there would be any opposition."

Natsu thought over Gray’s words, it had been years since he’d been able to think of the future with anything but fear and dread. He dared to hope that maybe, just this once, things were finally going to go well for him and Wendy.

“Listen, about what I said yesterday I just want you to know it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way,  I won’t be weird about it or anything,” Gray mumbled, his voice getting lower as he continued talking.

Natsu finally turned his head to look at Gray and his heart positively melted at how sad Gray looked. “And you say I’m a dumbass," He snorted, wincing at the pain using those muscles caused him.

Gray gazed at him in confusion.

“Do you have any idea how far my house is from yours?” Natsu asked.

"Not really, I never thought about it, it felt long the other night but I was kind of panicked so, " Gray continued babbling, and Natsu didn't stop him, enjoying watching the expressions that flitted across his face as he talked.

“It’s just a little over three-quarters of a mile,” Natsu informed him, “Think about that for a moment, every time I was injured I chose to walk three-quarters of a mile to get to you. Why would I do that, cause I enjoyed your snoring?”

“I don’t snore,” Gray protested.

“How many people have you slept with?”

Gray’s face once again turned that lovely shade of red Natsu had glimpsed when Gray had inadvertently confessed his feelings. “N-none,” He managed to stutter out.

"You snore, deal with it," Natsu remarked matter-of-factly, selfishly pleased at the answer. He searched for Gray's hand and squeezed it tightly, "I've been in love with you for a long time, Gray. I chose to walk those three-quarters of a mile because you made everything better. You were the only happiness I ever claimed for myself.”

“Were you ever going to tell me?”

"Honestly, no," Natsu hurried to explain when he saw how dejected Gray looked. "I was such a mess, and I thought you deserved better, someone that had something to offer you that was more than broken pieces."

“I’ve never cared about that, Natsu,” Gray insisted, ”When we first met, I was the broken one. You were the one who put me back together, remember?”

“You weren’t broken, just lost,” Natsu nuzzled his head against Gray’s, “Best decision I ever made.” Natsu smiled remembering their first meeting, “I love you, Gray.”

"I love you too," Gray laughed as he looked at their joined hands, "Holding hands feels very anti-climactic."

"Well yeah, but it kind of hurts to breathe and I just threw up so it'll have to do," Natsu groaned to make his point, "For now."

Natsu grinned impishly, "But I won't be in the hospital forever, and now I have incredible motivation to get better."

Gray snorted, and fake punched him on the shoulder.

Natsu laughed, he was happy, but he was also tired, and as he was falling asleep he snuggled up to Gray. He knew what was coming next wouldn't be easy, there were a lot of things he still had to deal with, but he couldn't help but feel excited for this new, unexpected turn his life had taken.

[troublemakerfiction]

27. Part 2

Trouble

“How is she doing?” I asked Millz about Imani while we talked on Facetime. She had rushed out of here about two hours ago and she was finally hitting me up to let me know what was up even though I was caught up on the shit already.

We were at my crib chillin’ just watching movies and shit, she had the boys with her when Imani called her crying. I didn’t know what the fuck was going on, all I know is Millz grabbed the boys and said she had to go check up on her cousin. Twenty minutes after she was gone I get a knock on my damn door and it’s Kason’s stupid ass with bags and shit with him.

“She’s doing alright, still sad but she aint crying. Tell Kason I’m going to fuck him up for fucking with my cousin’s feelings.” She ranted.

“I’m not telling him that shit because you aint doing shit but minding yours.”

“Yeah aight, what are you doing for the rest of the night? Staying in with your new roommate?”

“Are you trying to crack jokes?” I asked with a chuckle. “Mani putting him out aint funny,”

“Hell yes it is, that’s what his ass gets. When my cousin on her Meredith Grey shit, running a whole hospital while that bitch Heaven is going to be doing nothing like she is right now and he’s going to feel stupid as fuck.”

“Baby,” I couldn’t help but laugh at the serious expression on her face. “Yo, calm down. Relax you’re acting like you’re the one getting cheated on. Why are you so hype?”

“I’m not hype I’m just saying; anyway. Tomorrow we have a meeting with the contractors to see how they’re coming along with everything in the lounge.” Millz reminded me.

“What time?”

“4 o’clock and no you cannot miss it. Keep playing with me and these meetings Trouble. Come opening night and you see everything decked out in pink you’re going to be mad while I’m cracking up.”

“You don’t even like pink so I’m not worried about it. I’ll be there, I missed one meeting why are you acting like I missed a lot of them?”

“You missed an important one though, that’s why I had to make certain decisions without you.”

“Oh you mean like knocking down a whole wall and expanding shit to the roof?”

“Knocking down the wall added more space which means more tables. More tables, more people and that means more money. The rooftop works because we have a clear view of the Hudson and the skyline, who wouldn’t pay to eat up there? Especially when it’s all decked out and ready to go. It’s perfect for dates and I bet people would rent the space out to throw their own private parties. I’m thinking of the bigger picture,”

“Okay so tell me your bigger picture then. Where do you plan to be in the next five years?”

“I plan to double my net worth, actually no fuck that I want to quadruple that shit. I want both of my babies be on the honor roll playing some kind of sport, I don’t know which one the little niggas better pick something because they’re doing something. Oh and I want a house built from the ground up.”

“From the ground up?”

“Yeah, that way it’s guaranteed to be exactly what I want. I want a neoclassical mansion on a gated estate somewhere like New Vernon or Saddle River. I want a double staircase in the foyer, the circular driveway with the fountain in the front, at least eight bedrooms because I do want more kids. I want a private gym, a tennis court, basketball court, pool, game room, movie room all of that. I don’t want to have to leave my house for a damn thing.”

“You want some MTV cribs type shit.”

“I do, and I feel like that’s completely fine. I deserve and I’ll be able to maintain it.”

“Mhm, about these kids how many do you want?”

“I would like to have two more but if I only get one that’s fine as long as it’s a girl.”

“So I take it you would want to be married then.”

“Yeah I guess, I don’t know. Sometimes I think about it but it doesn’t last long.”

“Why not?”

“Why are you asking me about marriage? Is it that point in the relationship?” She asked with a smile on her face.

“I don’t know, I just wanna know where your head is at on that subject.”

I’m curious to know what Millz feel about marriage because we don’t ever talk about it. Usually females find a way to make that shit apart of the conversation at some point but she never brings it up. I would think she would want it because she grew up in a two parent house, no matter how fucked up her mother was she still had both parents.

“I mean, I guess I want to be married one day I’m just not pressed about it. If it happens great, if it doesn’t oh well. You want to get married?”

“Yeah one day, I gotta have somebody to grow old with. Besides this other shit is going to be done for me in a few years. I’m 31, shit getting old quick.”

“That’s good to hear,” she laughed until we heard Darnell calling her name.

“Millz!”

“Messiah hold on…what!” She turned her head the other way she shouted.

“We’re about to leave, bitch are you staying here alone or what?” Darnell came walking over and snatched the phone from her. “Oh you over here cup caking with Trouble’s ass and shit.”

“What’s up D?”

“Hey Trouble,” Darnell smiled and waved at me. “Can y’all finish this conversation so we can go be some fat bitches with our baby cousin please?”

“Alright I’m coming damn,” Millz took her phone back and looked at me. “We’re about to go to a buffet so I’ll call you later when I leave there.”

“You’re taking the boys with you?”

“No, Darnell dropped them off with Cameron.” She said with a roll of her eyes.

“You know you’re going to have to talk to that nigga at some point right? It’s not like he really filed for full custody,” I told her.

She hasn’t spoken to that nigga Prophet since he made that threat about taking the boys from her. Of course he was bullshitting and only said it to piss her off but she’s not trying to hear that shit. They don’t speak at all, she’s been using some of her family members as the middle man.

“I know but I’m still pissed about it so to avoid punching him in his face I’ll stay away from him. He sees his kids so that’s all I care about. We don’t have to speak.” She shrugged.

“Stubborn ass, go ahead and do you I’ll hit you up later aight. Be good aight,”

“When am I not good?”

“No when are you good is the better question. Later fat mama,” I said with a big smile on my face while she grilled me.

“You are so not funny, it’s cool.”

“MILLZ!” Darnell shouted for her again.

“I’M COMING! Damn, quit yelling my fuckin’ name, shit. I’ll talk to you later,” We ended the call and I went back downstairs to the living room where Kason was on his phone. When he threw his phone on the other couch I laughed at him.

“Still aint answering your calls huh?” I questioned while sitting across from him.

“Man this shit aint funny, she really making it a big deal.”

“Nah nigga you just don’t get why she’s mad.”

“It’s not like I’m fuckin’ the girl, I’m not cheating on Imani.”

“Not physically but you are cheating nigga, the fuck you need to be around for anyway? You were spending money on hotels and shit to spend time with your girl’s sister. Does that shit sound right to me?”

“We don’t shit but talk,”

“Aight I see you’re slow as fuck. Look at it from her point of view aight. You’re busy working or whatever and she’s at the hotel with another nigga. Fucking or not would you be cool with it and before you lie remember who you’re talking to. I know you, you’re ready to break a niggas neck for even looking at her.”

“What’s your point man?”

“My point is you fucked up, you did cheat. The sooner you can admit that and cut Heaven the fuck off for good the better. Fuck is up with you anyway?”

“I don’t know man, Imani is just never around anymore and when she is she’s either studying or asleep. I knew med school was going to have her busy but damn, it wasn’t even that bad when she was in college.”

“Medical school is a whole different ball game and Imani is trying to be a surgeon. That shit takes a lot of time but it’s worth it in the end. If you can’t handle her being in school how the fuck were you going to handle her working? You know surgeons work like 60 hours a week or some shit like that?”

“I know that, we talked about all of that.”

“So what did you say?”

“I said I was cool with it; when we talked about that shit I knew it would be a lot of time but actually being in it is different.”

“So you don’t think you can handle it?”

“That’s the thing I don’t know. I can’t really complain about it without sounding like a fuck nigga because she’s in school. I respect that, I actually love that she wants something like that but damn,”

“I think y’all need time apart. It’s been you two on the daily for years. Give her some space and in that time you need to figure out whether or not you can handle the life she’s building for herself.”

“I hear you, thanks man.”

“You know I got you; you can stay here as long as you need to but you already know my rules.”

“Clean my shit up and no bitches,”

“Exactly, you aint about to get me cursed out or block my pussy. Millz will kill me and you if she come to this bitch and see a random walking around.”

“Look at you, King of Jersey scared of his woman.” He joked.

“Nah nigga I respect my woman, which means I know better than to have another bitch in my space. You need to take notes and dead that shit with Heaven.”

“I know, I can’t back track like that.”

“Fuck the back tracking, that’s Imani’s sister niggas. She’s automatically off limits so shut that shit down. I don’t care how long you’ve known her, I don’t give a damn about her feelings being hurt about their mother, fuck that shit.”

“How you just gon’ say fuck it like shit is that simple.”

“Nigga because it is, all of it became invalid the day y’all found out they were related. There’s nothing to discuss with shorty, leave that shit alone.”

“Alright I hear you.”

“I know you hear me but you better do it, nothing good is going to come from keeping that bitch around. I’m telling you that now, so listen to me and drop that bitch.”

“I got you Trouble,” He looked me in the eyes letting me know he was going to do it.

“Alright cool.” I got up grabbing my keys off my coffee table.

“Where are you about to go?”

“I’m about to head down to shop, chop it up with Vick about some shit. I’ll be back later. Don’t be in here just on some depressing shit nigga, go do something with yourself.”

I left my house and headed down to the tattoo shop. Vick and I had some things to discuss and it had to be done before Thanksgiving which is only a few weeks away.

When I got to the shop business was booming as usual. I went straight to the back office where Vick was sitting at his desk on the phone. Once he saw it was me he talked a little bit more then hung up.

“What’s up nigga?”

“Nothing man, you talk to Peterson?” I asked about the lawyer Millz got to work on her brother’s case.

“Yeah everything is all set up, he gets out in two weeks. You know she’s going to be pissed off at you for not telling her right?”

“She’ll get over it,” I shrugged. I wanted to surprise Millz by having her brother Dominic pop up on Thanksgiving. It turns out finding the witness to the so called murder he committed wasn’t too hard, making him disappear was even easier.

I paid Peterson good money to not say shit to Millz about it. She and his mother think he’s getting out some time next year. I had to tell Peterson to make sure Dominic didn’t tell anybody either. Millz is definitely going to be salty about me doing this and not telling her but she’ll be alright.

[yeomangamer]

After My Father’s Funeral Chapter 6

Summary: Funerals can be stressful, but so can weddings–especially with a family as effed up as theirs. Unfortunately for Leia, she has both to attend in one go. So much for repression. Modern AU

Pairings: Leia/Han, Mara/Luke, Jyn/Cassian, Leia&Han&Luke&Mara&Cassian&Jyn, Uncle Owen/Aunt Beru

Chapter summary: Mara and Luke had not been looking forwards to their party, and if Leia could've predicted the future, she wouldn't have either.

A/N: This chapter contains explicit/mature content under the cut, after the line break. Ya’ll been warned. Thanks to my friend @padmenaberrje​ for being my beta and a great friend. Please check out the Ao3 and FFN versions for full author’s notes

It was a week to the wedding. Everyone Leia had ever known from college and high school was at Mara and Luke's residence. She hadn't attended a ton of parties in college, but this was already bigger and wilder than she'd ever seen. But that wasn't difficult. The wildest party she'd been to was in law school: a guy passed out and people had drawn on his face, some girl had cheated at that party, breaking up a 5 year relationship. There had maybe been 20-25 people in total attendance.

Mara and Luke were not stripper people, and had opted to have a combined bachelor/ette party. Neither of them seemed too excited to potentially be embarrassed in front of their peers, but did it after so many people asked what they were doing. Leia was under the impression that because of their squeamishness, people were going to act that much raunchier. Guests had brought obscene posters and games on top of gag gifts. Leia was waiting for the stripper to come in uninvited, and decided she would leave at that point. 

Two of her three vacation weeks had passed her by, and she was dreading the last one. Had things gone according to plan-had Skywalker not ruined everything once again-her plane would have landed that morning. Maybe she would've been excited to be here instead of being in a funk after spending the day staring at the wall in Luke's old bedroom, browsing Twitter in between existential crises.

She was already a little tipsy and planning on at least getting mildly drunk. Jyn and Cassian were nowhere to be seen and Mara and Luke were opening the gag gifts in the living room. That left Leia on the stairs, not really in the living room, nor out. Most people left her alone, but Han Solo wasn't most people.

"This seat taken?" He asked as he sat down on the step below her. He was wearing a blue button-up plaid shirt with short sleeves over a white t-shirt and jeans. He looked good in a rugged sort of way. As he always did.

"Now it is," she said, looking up at him.

He took a look at her, assessing her current state. "You drunk, sweetheart?"

"Not yet." She smiled at him, a wide smile. Her usual inhibitions weren't working, but she didn't feel out of control...yet. "Say, what's with the nicknames, cowboy?"

He laughed. "Easier than remembering real names."

Her face fell. "You don't know my name?" She was more than a little hurt by his comment, joking or not.

"Of course I do. Lily was it? Or Lorelei." She got up to move, but was stopped by his hand on her wrist. "I'm joking, Leia. I know your name."

She sat back down. "Not funny."

"Man, don't tell me you're a mean drunk."

"Of course I'm a mean drunk. I get drunk and I mean it." He laughed pretty hard at that one.

They watched the party unfold, people laughed and drank. Music was playing and it was generally a great vibe.

"Did you help plan tonight?" she asked him, and he shook his head.

"Nah, this has to be the easiest best man gig in the history of weddings. Luke is so low maintenance, its almost infuriating." He settled onto the step. "I only had to write a speech and buy a vest."

"And show up." He pointed at her and nodded.

"I won't forget that, I promise you. Write a speech, buy a vest, and show up. Two down, one to go." They toasted to that and drank. The scene in front of them continued to unfold.

"How did you get into the racing scene?" Leia asked after Mara threw the edible underwear she'd received from a guest at their face.

Han chuckled at Mara and bit his lip in thought. "I'd picked up odd jobs in and after high school, a lot of mechanic work. I honestly can't remember not wanting to be a driver, but...it took a while before I finally got behind a wheel. And even when I did, it was rough. And it wasn't always legal. I lost a lot of races, a lot of money, and nearly hung up my career at the ripe age of 25."

Leia raised her eyebrows. "Really. What changed your mind?"

Han smirked. "Kessel Run. That win launched my career. All of a sudden I was turning away sponsorships 'stead of begging for them. I was able to get the Millenium Falcon, the first real racing car I'd ever owned. No longer had to borrow from Lando or some other racer, I had my own car. I had my own life." He was in his own world then, looking out at the party, but lost in his own memory. "Even if things crash and burn, literally or figuratively, I had that moment, you know? That moment of doing exactly what I wanted to do."

"That's inspiring." Leia nodded. "I'm afraid my own career isn't nearly as satisfying as that."

He laughed, and she smiled. "You'll get there, sweetheart. We've both still got a lotta livin' to do." They sat in silence for a moment, drinking. "So what made you want to be a lawyer?" He asked as Luke puffed up an inflatable penis.

Leia laughed at the scene in front of her. "Sorta like you, I think I always wanted to be a lawyer. But it wasn't until the Ruling that I understood exactly."

"The case you and you brother were in." Han clarified.

"Yeah, Luke told you about it, right?" Leia took another sip of her drink. Who'd've thought alcohol was the answer to not thinking about painful memories.

"I'd heard about it. It was all over the news when it happened. Luke's told me some details, but-"

Leia huffed, feeling in a very overshare-y mood. "Well, what do you know, what do you wanna know?"

Han seemed surprised she wanted to talk about it, but continued. "I know your father wanted custody, and you and Luke were reunited, but not much else."

She gathered her words carefully, even in her slightly drunk state. "We weren't just reunited, our entire world view was shattered." Leia took another drink. "We both knew that mom—our biological mother—died due to complications with childbirth, and that dad wasn't around."

"But neglected to tell you who he was?" Han was sitting a step lower, leaning next to her onto the step she was sitting.

She nodded. "What he was and about each other."

Han looked thoughtful. "Wait, you didn't even know about-? You thought you were an only child-"

"Until my 16th birthday, yeah. That's when they told us."

Han was shocked, and Leia couldn't blame him. No one seemed to want to remember that detail, that they had both been lied to by the people they trusted the most.

"Why didn't they tell you?"

"'It was simpler that way.'" Leia quoted her own father, Bail, on that one. "They claimed they were going to tell us when we turned 18, but…"

Han scoffed. "Was that what they told you to make you feel better?"

She nodded and fingered the sleeve of her jacket, neither of them spoke. "Imagine receiving news like that. If you absolutely have to, you would hope that your parents would sit you down nice and calmly, and tell you the whole story when you're ready to handle it. Definitely not when you receive a subpoena for your DNA."

Han's jaw dropped. "A subpoena? How did they let it get that far before telling you?"

"The record for Luke and mine's adoption was supposed to be sealed until we turned 18. I don't know how Skywalker found where we were, but the court needed to prove paternity in order to even consider opening the file. They—my parents and the Lars'—had argued that since there was no father listed on our birth certificates, there was no grounds to examine the file. The judge disagreed, he wanted to be thorough." Her eyes itched and she scratched them, her fingers coming up wet. She was crying. "We lived in the same town, Han. Opposite sides of a picket fence. I could've walked by him on the street, and I probably would've made fun of his clothing to my friends. My parents, I loved them so much. I could care less about paternity, the Organas were my parents. But they didn't tell me I had a brother, a twin! We shared a womb and they separated us. I love Luke so much, he's everything to me." She was on the verge of blubbering now, the tears streaming down her face.

Han sat up a step and wrapped an arm around her, handing her a napkin. She blew her nose. Damn, she'd thought this trauma had been long-since buried.

"He ruined my life, Han. First driving my mother away so she died alone, then being such a fuck up, that Luke and I had to be separated, then dragging us through the courts for what reason? The judge ruled against him, but allowed visitation. Luke even lived with him for like 6 months. Then, as if all this wasn't enough, he caused the death of my parents." She blew her nose again, and wiped her eyes on her sleeves. She tried to compose herself, failing miserably. The words kept pouring out of her. "And don't give me that 'He changed, he wrote a book.' It doesn't matter. If he hadn't been such a- such a fucking bastard, we could've been a family, we could've been happy."

Up until this point Han had been silent, only keeping his arm around her. Everyone had crowded around Luke and Mara with their backs to Leia and Han. No one had seen her break down but him. He pulled her into his chest for a tender embrace, he rubbed her back as she sobbed into his chest. After a minute or so, she was finally able to compose herself (as well as she could) and pulled away, reaching for the drink she'd sat down.

"I think you've had enough." Han took the cup from her, setting it down by the stairs.

She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and blew her nose on the almost disintegrated napkin. "Sorry to ruin your night with my problems, again." The shame was hitting her hard. This was why she didn't overshare. This is why she didn't go to parties and drink. This was why she never went back home.

"Do you always apologize after admitting your problems?" He took his arm out from around her.

"What else are you supposed to say after baring your soul to someone?" She'd felt she'd offended him somehow when he moved away from her. In that moment, she only wanted comfort.

Han stood up and she immediately felt the lack of his warmth next to her. She looked up, certain her makeup—which she had put on painstakingly in Luke's old bathroom—was a mess. "I'm not sure. Wanna take a ride?"

She blinked at him. "In the Falcon?"

He nodded. "I told you, I owe you. You're leaving in a week, right?" He stretched out his hand to her.

She nodded and took his hand. He pulled her up and they slipped out the front door.

You need more scoundrels in your life, he had said. Right before he'd kissed her. He had taken her for a drive along the backroads of Naboo county, almost driving an hour until they didn't see any sign of civilization. Leia felt as though they had landed on a different planet, there was so much wild around her. He had zipped and zoomed, before they finally settled within spitting distance of the the suburbs. That was when she told him he was a pretty good driver.

"For a scoundrel," she qualified. She'd sobered up some, but her stupor had turned to a more pleasant buzz. The drive had been more exciting than she had thought it would be.

He'd leaned over to her seat and stared directly into her eyes, that smirk of his as prominent as ever. Her skin had never felt hotter. "You need more scoundrels in your life." Then he'd kissed her, deeply, passionately.

His tongue slipped between her lips and she ran her hands through his hair. His hands pulled her jacket off, feeling the bare skin of her arms and shoulders, slipping around her waist to pull her as tight as the confines of the car would allow. At this point, she was seriously thinking about the logistics of the front seat, the back seat…the ground outside even, when they broke apart. His eyes looked as bright and wild as she felt, and she was wondering if he meant multiple contexts of this "ride." But he turned to start the car and sped off before she could think too hard about that.

His house was small, big enough for two people maybe, with a three-car garage. She could see the lights from the city in the distance, but not too close to be intrusive. She felt as though she were in a dream. He led her inside. She barely got a look at his home—which screamed "bachelor" to her—before he was leading her to his bedroom. He kicked Chewie off the bed, and put him outside.

She sat on his bed, looking over her shoulder at him, having already taken off her jacket. The door shut with a click and she felt the tension in the room change. This was happening. He sauntered over to her slowly, taking off his plaid shirt and letting it fall to the floor. He kneeled down in front of her, parting her legs to sit between them, nose to nose with her. His breath was hot on her face as he leaned in to kiss her cheek, her jaw, and finally her lips. Her heart pounded in her chest as she pulled on his t-shirt to pull it off. They parted to let the garment pass, and Han moved to her neck, kissing down and over her collar bone. She took in a small breath as she felt his fingers creep up her legs under her floral dress to pull down her panties. Up until then his touches had been chaste. He moved back up to kiss her mouth as he rubbed the outline of her labia and moved deeper with each stroke slowly. Too slowly.

"Force, Han, are you going to keep being a tease or are you going to-" She demanded, hornier than ever. But before she could finish he dipped his head down, in between her legs. She gasped and moaned as he licked and sucked his way around her clit before tongue-fucking her. She barely registered that she was pulling on his hair extremely hard as she approached her orgasm. He introduced his fingers back into the equation, leaving her a wet mess. "R- right there, y- oh!" She came without making much of a sound as she fell back onto the bed. She felt him wipe his mouth on the hem of her dress, his breathing heavy.

"How's that for teasing, sweetheart?" She could hear his indignant smirk in his voice.

She sat back up, pulling her dress over her head and dropping it next to him. "I swear to the force, Han. If you don't put your dick inside me, what was the point of all of this?"

He stood, undoing his belt, and letting his pants fall. "So much for being coy, princess." He moved forwards to kiss her, laying her back against the bed.

He seemed content to rub against her for a while, and Leia was not. She shoved at his shoulder and he broke apart, taking a big breath in.

"You wanna- (huff) stop?" he asked. "I can t-" She pushed him over and onto his back, throwing her leg over him and straddling his middle. He settled his hands on her hips. His eyes were wide as she placed open mouthed kisses onto his collar-bone. She discarded their remaining clothing, and he'd pulled out a condom. She rolled it over, and settled herself overtop of him. She was still very slick from his meal earlier, and she slid him inside with ease. They both took a breath, eyes locked onto each other.

"Satisfied?" he asked.

She made no reply, only rolled her hips, eliciting a moan from both of them. She did it again, and again, finding a rhythm. He held onto her hips like he was holding onto a lifeline, bucking up into her. She stopped moving her own hips, preferring his movements to her own. She threw her head back, moaning and palming her breasts.

"Force, Leia, fuck." He pushed her back onto her side and she moved onto her back. He wasted no time settling back on top and inside her, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He buried his face in her neck, suckling on her earlobe as he found his same rhythm again. She hissed and moaned as he found that spot inside her, hitting it again and again. His hips were stuttering now, but had more force behind them and she cried out each time his hips met her's.

"R- right- there- right!" She squeaked and felt the sensation wash over her once again. His movements stopped with a single, powerful thrust shortly after and he heaved one last cry into her hair.

Hours—days it felt like—later, Leia was lying awake in the darkness of his bedroom. His arm was slung across her bare stomach, and he was sleeping soundly. He snored, she'd discovered, but that wasn't what kept her awake.

This was wrong, so wrong. How hard had she worked to get herself out of Naboo? Only to end up back in. Force, she'd told him about her father. She'd cried on him about her father. How pathetic was she?

A scratching at the door finally made her get out of bed. She passed over his t-shirts for the jacket she'd worn at the party, pressing it to her chest so that the important parts were covered—at least from the front. She opened the door and let Chewie in, delighting in the serenity of Han's backyard illuminated by the waxing moon. It looked as though he hadn't mowed it since the start of summer. There were old pieces of junk sitting in the tall grass, but there were also terra-cotta pots making up a small garden.

She closed the door and sighed, looking back to the bed to see that Chewie had taken the spot she had previously occupied. She took this as her sign to leave, and started pulling together her outfit from the party. It wasn't easy hunting around in the dark, but she'd eventually recovered all but her bra. She faintly remembered being on top of him in nothing but her underwear, and he'd made some snarky comment about whether he should leave his socks on if she was going to wear her bra. In hindsight, it was definitely a line to get her to strip, but it had felt good in the moment to fling the garment across the room. Force, how much of what he'd said had been lines? "You need more scoundrels in your life", "don't go retreating into your shell when it took so much to get you out of it", "I have better things to do." Well, now, he would have time to do anything, except her.

She abandoned the bra as a lost cause, let him proclaim her as a conquest if he chose. She looked back over at him on the bed one last time and wondered if he'd mistake Chewie for her in a morning haze. Her phone buzzed as she walked out the door to her Uber. It was Jyn: "Where r u?"

She texted back: "Sorry, Han took me for a drive in the Falcon, I'm on my way home."

"Party is still happening (confetti emoji)."

She got into the backseat. "I drank too much (sick face emoji), I'm going to bed. See you later though."

"Text me when you get home."

She did.

[mollyshaj]

35.

Mariah

Walking out of the courtroom Tristan and I were all smiles, happy all of this bullshit was finally over. Today we were granted full custody of Damien, his mother couldn’t come near him unless she had Tristan’s permission. Her visitation was two Saturdays of every month and that was only if he wanted to go.

“We’re celebrating tonight.” Tristan told me as we walked down the hall.

We were about to make our way outside when Carmen outside yelling like a damn banshee. I wanted to turn around and cuss her ass out but I just left it alone. Plus Tristan damn near started dragging me when she started that shit. He already knew what it was and what was going to go down if she got anywhere near me and that can’t happen in a courthouse especially when I’m pregnant.

When we got in the car he looked at me while shaking his head. “Don’t shake your head at me like that. I didn’t do anything.”

“I’m not shaking my head at you, I was doing it because of that bitch. I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with her ass.”

“I’m with you on that one. Oh well, what you wanna do tonight since you wanna celebrate this shit.” I chuckled. Tristan is the only asshole that would celebrate some shit like this.

“I wanna barbecue; we’re going to do that. You had me buy that expensive ass grill and shit. We’re using that shit tonight.”

“Cool with me, I hope you don’t plan on telling Damien you’re having a damn cookout because he’s not with his mother anymore.”

“No, I mean I am happy I don’t have to deal with her like that but this is about a new beginning baby. We have custody of him; we’re married, got my little nigga on the way. We’re good, I’m trying to celebrate that shit.”

“Mhm yeah okay just two things.”

“What?”

“I need to go food shopping and I need to go by my store so I can do the deposit and everything tonight. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow and I don’t feel like waiting.”

“So you want me to drive you around to do it?’

“Nah I can handle it by myself. Just get us home so I can change clothes. What do you want at this damn barbecue of yours?”

“I’ll write you a list.” He smirked at me. I already knew that meant he was about to be a complete fat ass but it’s cool. He can have that, he’s just lucky I’m in a good mood.

When he got us to the house he got Jayce and Damien up so they could clean up. They weren’t doing anything but sleeping damn near all day since they were officially out for the summer. Shit if it was up to me both of them would have summer jobs.

While Tristan handled Chase I went and changed out of the uncomfortable ass pencil skirt and blouse I wore to court, into a t-shirt, a pair of leggings and sneakers. After brushing my hair up into a bun I grabbed my stuff and left the house so I could handle everything I needed to.

The first stop I made was at my store just to check on things. My store was definitely doing great business, so well I was thinking about opening up another store in a new location. Even though I had a lot of designer things in my store I made sure to have affordable clothes too. I’ve been through too much in my life and struggled too hard for me to turn my back on off brand clothing. I wanted to make sure any and everybody could shop here and it was making me a lot of money.

I got the money for the deposit then went to the bank before making my way to the grocery store. That’s when I called Tristan and told him to text me everything he wanted to eat and this nigga had a laundry list of things.

He wanted steaks, chicken, pork chops, ribs, shrimp, and some more stuff. The only reason I didn’t have a problem getting everything is because I want all of that stuff too. I was about to hit 12 weeks and this little boy has me eating everything in sight.

Ebony and Nicole swear I’m going to have another girl but I already know I have a boy. With Jayce and Chase I barely had any cravings, I really didn’t even feel pregnant until way after I found out. This time I’m hungry every five minutes, even when I’m not hungry I’m eating and all of the symptoms of pregnancy are on full blast this time.

Tristan is ecstatic about this pregnancy and that makes this whole situation better for me. We were about to have four kids in the house and from the way Tristan talks we won’t be done any time soon. This nigga actually wants to have three more after this one. Talking about seven is God’s lucky number. He’s lucky I don’t mind having all the babies he wants to. I actually love being a mother. We could go up to ten if he wanted to and I wouldn’t mind.

When I got home I went straight to the kitchen and cleaned then seasoned the meat so Tristan could start putting everything on the grill. After the meat was out of the way I got started on the sides.

“Ma,” Jayce came in the kitchen looking like she went on a shopping spree in my closet. “Can I use your charger?”

“Where is yours and why the hell do you have my clothes on? Stay out of my closet and you might as well change because I know for a fact Tristan is going to bitch about those shorts.”

“He bitches about everything I want.”

“Watch your mouth; we’re close but we’re not friends. Don’t curse when you’re talking to me. Go change into your own clothes and no little ass shorts either.”

“Can I invite somebody?”

“Who? Erica?”

“She’s coming but I was talking about Lucas, and his friend Derrick. I don’t want Erica feeling like a 3rd wheel.”

“Oh boy,” I shook my head. I personally didn’t have a problem with the boy, I think he’s a good but Tristan is a different story. He’s very protective over Jayce so seeing a boy here with her will not be easy for him to swallow. Then on top of that Kaylin and Rashad are going to be over here too and they’re no better.

“Are you sure you want him to come over? I don’t have a problem with it but you know how Tristan is.”

“Yes, and it’s not going to change anytime soon so why not get it out the way today. Besides, Lucas has been fully warned about him and his friends. Can he come please?”

“Fine Jayce, he can come. Don’t get mad when Tristan is damn near jumping down that boy’s throat. I already warned you.”

“I’m good mama trust me.” She came over and kissed my cheek. “What should I wear?”

“Something appropriate for a 15 year old that’s what. Stay out of my stuff while you’re doing that. Oh and let Erica know I don’t expect her to come over here with her ass all out either. If I don’t like what she has on I’m sending her ass straight home.”

“I know that and I already told her. She’s on her way right now but thank you ma.” She ran out of the kitchen with a huge smile on her face while I went to the backyard just to give this nigga some warning about them boys coming over here.

“Tristan, Jayce invited her friends over.” I went over to where he was working behind the grill.

“That’s fine with me, we got enough food. How many?”

“Three. It’s Erica and two boys.”

“Hold the fuck up,” he looked at me like I had two heads. “Boys? Who told her she could bring boys over here?”

“She asked if they could come and I told her they could.”

“Why would you do that? I’m trying to celebrate and have a good time tonight Mariah and now you about to have me out here watching some little nigga smiling all up in my daughter’s face.”

“She likes the boy, it’s not like they’re going on a date. They’re going to have their asses right up in this backyard where everybody can see them. Don’t sweat it, she’s the one who asked if they can come. She wants you to meet the boy, keep that in mind.”

“Yeah aight, that little nigga got one time to do or say some bullshit and I’m kicking his ass like I’m his daddy around this bitch.”

“Just chill out, keep your eye on her but give her some space too. She’s a smart girl alright, she knows what to do and what not to do.”

“I know that, you raised her right but I don’t know that little nigga and I’m not really feelin’ this idea but I’ll let it go.”

“Thank you, just relax yourself. She knows how to act and she knows what type of company to keep.” I kissed him on the lips then went back in the house.

Jayce was a brave one for even wanting her little friend to come over here because if I was in her position I would’ve been hiding him from Tristan’s mean ass…Then again hiding shit and sneaking around is how I got pregnant with her so young anyway.

Jayce

“Help me find something to wear.” I told my best friend Erica while we were in my room. I’ve been looking for the perfect outfit for what seems like forever but I kept coming up with nothing.

“What’s wrong with the shorts you have on? You look cute.”

“My mother told me to change, which I don’t mind doing because if I bring my ass down the steps with these shorts on and Lucas comes he’ll be right back out the door before niggas even eat.

“Yeah your parents don’t play. Well, it’s not that hot outside so you can just wear some jeans.”

“True, I’ll figure it out…You know he’s bringing Derrick right?”

“Yeah I know, that nigga text me telling me he was coming. He is so fine but he is so annoying.”

“I know what you mean. I just hope Lucas doesn’t clam up in front of my dad. Plus his friends are going to be here too and they’re just as bad.”

“And sexy, I’m sorry I know you hate when I say it but your pops is so damn fine. Oh my God…It should be a sin to be that damn fine.”

“That’s my daddy you’re over there lusting over. Eww.”

“Sorry,” she laughed. Erica is my girl. I met her as soon as we moved over here.

Our high school was majority white kids, it had to be about ten black kids in that school in total. The only girl that didn’t hate my ass was Erica, maybe it’s because she couldn’t really give a fuck about Lucas liking me. The rest of those broads were thirsty as hell for him so they turned into supreme haters when he started chasing me, the new girl.

“Yo you saw Naomi talking shit on twitter again? I swear to God I wanna punch that bitch in the throat so bad.”

“I don’t know what she said because she blocked me. It was about me again?”

“Yup, hating on the picture Lucas put up of y’all on the last day of school.”

“She acts like it’s my fault he doesn’t like her.” My biggest hater was this girl Naomi. Before I moved here Lucas was her boo, or so she says but he ended up dropping her ass like a bad habit after he met me. Now she pretty much hates me and talks shit every chance she gets.

“Haters are always going to be haters. It’s our jobs to embrace them and be proud of the fact that they hate. You think I give a fuck about Ashley’s boney ass liking Derrick? Nope. I don’t.”

“They can do whatever they want. As long as they don’t come at my neck stupid we’re fine.” I went through my closet until I figured out what I was going to wear. After I got dressed Erica and I went downstairs. Before I could go to the backyard Lucas was calling my phone telling me he and Derrick were outside so we headed out there to meet them.

“What’s up?” He hugged me before kissing me on the cheek causing me to blush.

Lucas was so damn fine it actually makes no sense. He was light skin, nice full lips, plus tall with a body like a basketball player. He kept his hair curly but he always made sure to get a good line up every other week. He was definitely a pretty boy but I liked it.

“Nothing, you ready to get grilled by my dad?”

“Not really but I gotta get ready I guess.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him around to the backyard where everybody already was.

Before heading over to where Tristan was standing by the grill talking to his friends I wanted to make him feel comfortable with people that wouldn’t jump down his throat.

“Ooh look at this one bringing a boy over here.” Nicole smiled at me. “Who is this Jayce?”

“My friend Lucas, and the other one is his friend Derrick. Lucas these are my mother’s friends, Nicole and that’s-“

“Ebony Martin, I follow you on instagram.” He smiled at her making her laugh.

“Thanks. How old are you and what grade are you in?”

“17, I’ll be a senior next year.”

“Alright, are you going to college?”

“Damn Ebony, why are you interviewing the boy?” My mother asked. “He’s already going to go through hell with Tristan.”

“You know what you’re right. I’m going to fall back but Jayce baby, you might want to go handle that. Your step daddy over there looking like he’s ready to kill somebody.”

I looked over at Tristan and he was glaring in our direction. If looks could kill Lucas would be six feet under already. “Alright come on.” I started to pull him over there but he put his hand up and went over by himself with Derrick right behind him.

“Ooh shit, little nigga got some balls. That’s a good sign, good job Jayce.” Nicole winked at me.

I watched Lucas and Tristan talk and Tristan looked pretty much bored and unimpressed the whole time. I for sure thought we were doomed until he held his hand out for Lucas to shake. When they shook hands Tristan smiled. “Is that nigga smiling?” I heard Ebony ask.

Confused I walked over to see what happened because Tristan went from looking like he was ready to murder this boy, to smiling. I know he’s crazy but I need an explanation. “So, what’s going on over here?”

“I like these little niggas. They got their shit together, he knows what he wants to do and he’s going for it. I respect it and I respect y’all little situation or whatever but we got some rules.”

“Rules?”

“Yes Rules Jay. First off, you’re not allowed at his house until your mother and I meet his parents. He can come over here but if you’re up in your room the door will be open at all times. No cuffin’ in this bitch, and as long as you keep your head in the books, keep your grades up and don’t fuck up on curfew or whatever else we’re good.”

“Thank you.” I gave Tristan a hug then pulled Lucas and Derrick away. We got our food then sat down around the pool. “So what did you tell him?”

“He asked me what was going on with school and stuff.”

“That’s why he likes you.” Lucas was a straight A student, captain of the basketball team plus he’s already pretty much a scholarship to go anywhere he wants to go. The boy has a bright future in front of him as long as he does what he needs to do. “That’s all he asked you?”

“Nah he asked if we were fuckin’.” Lucas laughed like it was funny. I couldn’t do anything but shake my head, I wish I could say I was shocked but I wasn’t. Tristan has no filter and doesn’t bite his tongue for anybody.

“He got the answer he wanted if you’re still here. That man is too much.”

“Yeah but he cares about you, so just deal with it.”

“I know he threatened you.”

“Yeah, and if I don’t want my head blown off I need to do right by you.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t even worry about it, that’s how fathers operate. So what’s up? Your mom likes me, I got pops seal of approval. You have no more excuses.”

“Talking about the whole girlfriend thing?”

“Yeah,”

“You know what I feel about that.”

“What? Are you scared of Naomi or something?”

“Hell no, I just don’t like drama. As soon as she finds out about us being together for real, she’s going to be running her mouth.”

“It’s the summer time, I’m not encouraging you to fight here. I would rather you didn’t but it aint shit stopping you from beating her ass if she tries you is all I’m saying. Fuck her, she’s salty I don’t want her.”

“You were fucking with her though.”

“Yeah because she was throwing that pussy at me, but that bitch is foul. She fucked Derrick and a couple of other niggas from my team.”

“That’s some hoe shit honestly.”

“Exactly, plus she just wants me because she thinks I’m making it to the NBA. I know you’re not impressed by that shit.”

“I have no reason to be, I mean congratulations if it happens but whatever.”

“That’s why I like you. You don’t care about the extra stuff. Shit, you played me for three months straight.”

“Man,” I laughed. “You were annoying when I first got to that school. You grew on me though.”

“So what’s up? I got a girl or not?

“Yes you have a girl.” He leaned in like he was going to kiss me but I turned my face so he only got my cheek. “Don’t kiss me out here, he doesn’t like you that much.”

“My bad. I got you later though.”

The rest of the day went without a hitch. Tristan wasn’t all down my back like I thought he would be. I guess Lucas talking to him right off the bat really impressed him.

After everybody left I helped my mother and Tristan clean up and put everything away. Before I could go to my room so I could block everybody out for the rest of the night I went to the kitchen so I could bring snacks upstairs with me.

When I got in the kitchen Tristan was sitting at the table eating a big ass plate of ribs like he wasn’t eating meat all day.

“Keep eating like that you’re going to get fat.” I told him.

“Nah I work it off.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you came down here, I wanted to talk to you.”

“About what?”

“Your little boyfriend.”

“I thought you liked him.”

“I do but I love you so I need to make sure your head is in the right space. I’m going to assume and pray that you’re still a virgin.”

“Yes I’m a virgin,” I laughed at him. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“This is your first time with a boyfriend, and I want to make sure you know certain things.”

“Tristan my mama already had the sex talk with me. I think we’re good.”

“Your mother is not a man so she can’t tell you everything. Jayce niggas will tell you any and everything you wanna hear if it means getting what they want aight. You’re a beautiful girl so you’re going to have boys chasing behind you like crazy and I don’t want you out here getting played left and right.”

“Alright so what’s your advice for me?”

“My advice to you is to always put your self-respect first. If you don’t want to do something, say no. Don’t let these knuckle head boys talk you into doing some shit you know is not right. I’ll put it like this…Don’t be out here busting it open for every little nigga smiling in your direction. Don’t fall for that I love you and if you really loved me bullshit.”

“Anything else?” I laughed again.

“You’re laughing but I’m dead serious.”

“I know you’re serious and I appreciate you telling me this because I know you care. I know all of this already. I didn’t see my mother every single day for a couple of years but we talked every day. We still talk about everything, all the time. There isn’t really much she doesn’t know about me and the same goes for you. I see how you are with my mom, and even though I do think you have a slight temper problem.” I chuckled before continuing, “You’re a good man and you make her super happy. She’s walking around here with a smile on her face just about every day. Y’all are like real like relationship goals.”

“Relationship goals? What type of shit is that?”

“Something some of us young people say,” I teased him. “You wouldn’t know anything about that of course but I’m just saying.”

“Well I just want what’s best for you. You already know that though.”

“Yeah I know.” I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator, grabbed some oreo’s from the pantry then started to make my way out the kitchen.

“Good night Jayce, damn you and your mother rude as shit.”

“My bad,” I laughed. “Good night Tristan.”

[mollyshaj]

30.

Three Years Later - June 17, 2016

Mariah

Walking in my house I shook my head when I saw Damien sitting in the living room playing that video game like he always does. I swear to God you cannot get that little nigga off that thing. It’s cool though, he’s out the way when he plays that. He needs to play it in his room though, I don’t know why he gotta be in the damn living room all the time.

“Damien, is your father here?” I asked him after stepping in front of the TV. He sucked his teeth but pressed pause on his game. “Lose the attitude I’m just asking a question.”

“I know, he was in the kitchen the last time I checked. He probably went upstairs though.”

“Alright thanks,” I mushed his head playfully then went upstairs. Before I could walk down to the bedroom I shared with Tristan I stopped and opened the door to Jayce’s bedroom then walked in. “What are you doing?” I questioned when I saw her typing away on her laptop.

“Finishing my book report. This is my last assignment for this class then we’re done.” She answered. “You’re home early,” She turned and looked at me and I couldn’t help but smile at her. Jayce is so damn beautiful and she’s growing prettier every day. Shit, I feel a great sense of pride just looking at her sometimes.

“I know I let Rachel close the store down tonight. I didn’t want to be there longer than necessary.” My store Material Girl, opened two years ago and business has been booming since we opened. The only problem with my store was it kept me busy. Running the store dealing with my kids and Tristan’s big headed ass always had me on the go. I never really got the chance to just sit back and relax.

“Okay, well I have a question. It’s really a question for you and Tristan but I think it’s easier to ask you first.”

“Oh lord, what is it?” If she’s scared or hesitant to ask Tristan anything that means she either wants to go somewhere or it’s about a boy.

“You know that boy Lucas, the one that goes to my school?”

“Yeah, what about him?”

“Well he asked me out so can I go?”

“I personally don’t mind you going but Tristan isn’t going to see it that way.” To say Tristan was over protective over Jayce would be an understatement.  He really goes psychotic over her; she doesn’t even like him coming to the school because his grown ass doesn’t know how to act.

“That’s why I want you to talk to him. He only asked me to go to the party the school throws. That’s completely chaperoned and no I don’t need one of y’all to be there.”

“I’ll talk to him; I’m not making any promises though.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

“Alright did y’all eat?”

“I did earlier when I first came in from school. Tristan said you were cooking.”

“He got me fucked up, get dressed and tell Damien to get dressed to we’re going out.” I walked out of her bedroom and walked down to mine.

Tristan was lying across the bed with our daughter Chase lying on his back watching ESPN. I swear to God this nigga was determined to turn her into a tom boy. “Hey baby,” Tristan said when I walked in the room.

“Hey,” I went over to the bed and kissed him on the lips before picking Chase up and kissing her cheek. “You might wanna get up bruh; we’re going out to eat. I’m not cooking.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to that’s why, come on get your big ass up. I’m going to get her ready, you handle whatever you need to handle.” I walked out of the bedroom and went right next door to Chase’s room and put her in her crib. “You ready to look pretty baby girl?”

Our daughter Chase Amari Myers was born on September 20, 2013. She was a week late and took me through 15 hours of labor before she popped her little ass out of my body. As if birthing her wasn’t bad enough, she’s spoiled as hell. Tristan literally gives her whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. He doesn’t know the word no unless he’s talking to Damien and Jayce and even then he still doesn’t say it as much as he needs to.

Chase wasn’t the only thing that was new for us, we just moved into this big beautiful house twenty minutes away from Ebony and Kaylin last year. Granted it’s not as big as theirs, we have five bedrooms four bathrooms but I didn’t need that much space anyway. Jayce and Damien were both mad about having to switch schools but they eventually got over it.

I was going through Chase’s clothes when my phone started vibrating in my pocket so I pulled it out and looked at it. When I saw it was Ebony I answered. “What’s up Eb?”

“Not a damn thing, I’m bored as shit. What are you doing?”

“About to get Chase dressed, we’re about to go out to eat. You wanna come with us? Y’all can meet us at that Italian restaurant we always go to.”

“That’s cool with me, we’ll see you there. Thirty minutes good?”

“Yeah that’s fine. You spoke to Nicole?”

“Not since last night, you know she and Rashad are off on one of their littler voyages. The plus of not having kids I tell you.” I shook my head chuckling because she was right.

Nicole and Rashad are always taking a trip somewhere. They just went to LA in April, now they’re out in the Virgin Islands. I hate them so much sometimes, lucky bastards.

“You got that right; it’s cool though because I want to go to Paris for my honeymoon. I already told Tristan he better not try and get cheap with me, I’ll slap his ass.” I told Ebony and she laughed.

“The last thing that nigga is cheap, wait the way he proposed to you was kind of cheap. Actually it’s not kind of the shit was cheap.” She joked.

“He’s lucky I’m not an ungrateful ass bitch.” Tristan proposed to me on New Year’s Day and as much as I thought he would try and go all out to surprise me his ass got pissy drunk at Kaylin’s party and when we got home he pulled the ring out and asked me. I laughed at his ass but said yes. When he woke up he didn’t even remember asking me. That man is dumb as hell sometimes.

“You love him that’s why you’re not ungrateful but fuck that I been meaning to tell you something. Tell me why I ran into that nigga Rio the other day when I was taking Jayden to get his haircut.”

“Are you serious? I thought his crazy ass was in jail.”

“He was but he’s out now. Girl the nigga was screaming my name and shit. I just grabbed Jayden’s hand and left.”

“I told you to stop taking his ass all the way to JC to get a haircut. You should take him to the same place Kaylin goes.”

“I never had problems taking that drive though, plus he knows Dave and I know he’s not going to bullshit with my baby’s head. I don’t know, running into that nigga really freaked me out.”

“Did you tell Kaylin?”

“Hell no, you know how he is. Let him find out the nigga that was beating my ass is out of jail he’s going to lose his damn mind.”

“Well what are you going to do? Hide it?”

“I don’t know, I just saw him one time. Hopefully I won’t run into him again. Fuck him though, we’ll see you at the restaurant.”

“Alright.” I ended the call then shook my head.

Ebony was really playing with fire trying to keep running into Rio a damn secret. Rio, or Mario as the law knows him is a complete nut and he’s Ebony’s ex. She met him maybe two years after Quan first left. They weren’t together for six months before he started putting his hands on her. It got so bad that she ended up in the hospital with three broken ribs, a broken wrist and a fractured leg behind that nigga breaking in her house after he heard she was supposedly giving her number out to other niggas.

Luckily she wasn’t that damn dumb and got his ass put in jail but obviously he wasn’t locked down too long if she ran into him. I don’t understand why she’s hiding it from Kaylin, he got rid of Quan’s ass he can get rid of Rio but that’s on her. I’m going to mind my damn business.

After getting Chase dressed and ready I took her down to Jayce’s room so she could watch her while I got myself together. Once I was dressed and ready we all left and headed down to the restaurant.

We sat there for about ten minutes when Ebony finally came walking in with Kaylin and Jayden. “Hey y’all,” I got up and gave all three of them a hug. They said what’s up to everybody then sat in their seats.

“Where’s baby girl at Kay?” I asked him about Angelic. She was the sweetest little girl ever but she was hyper as hell at the same time.

“With her mother, she’s with us next weekend.” Once everybody ordered their food, Jayden and Damien were sitting next to each other talking basketball or whatever else and Jayce was on her phone doing something with Chase.

“You see that picture Nicole put on Instagram?” Ebony asked me.

“Nah, let me see.” She pulled her phone out and scrolled around for a minute before finally handed me the phone since she was right next to me. I looked at the picture and started laughing.

xbrownbeautyx

xbrownbeautyx: how is he with you if we ain’t even in the country? Bitch don’t flatter yourself my nigga don’t want you, you won’t be getting my life. Get the fuck over it.

“Oh Lord,” I shook my head. “She doesn’t throw shade she just chops your ass in the throat.”

“Kay told Rashad he better do something about that bitch.” Ebony shook her head.

“I don’t understand why she’s so pressed. They never even fucked before. These bitches be out here losing their mind for no reason.”

“For real, I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that bullshit. Y’all have some damn patience. How is everything going with his mama?”

“Court in a few weeks, we already know we’re going to win and keep full custody.” Two years ago Tristan and I ended up getting temporary custody of Damien because his mother is a complete idiot. She met some nigga and started dating him, I guess she thought it would make Tristan jealous but it didn’t. This bitch wasn’t even with him four months before she moved him in that house.

Come to find out not only was he a fuckin’ alcoholic he was a dip head. Dip is basically cigarettes and or blunts dipped in chemicals, mostly embalming fluid. Being where I’m from I’ve seen a lot of dip heads and that shit is not only fucked up its makes them crazy and violent.

Tristan and I knew nothing about her moving him in the house until one night Damien calls Tristan crying talking about that nigga was beating the shit out of his mother. I sent Chase and Jayce next door with Mc. Cicely, an old woman I was living next to while we rode over to this girl’s house.

When we got there we could hear her ass screaming from outside. Tristan busted in the house and ran to the living room and Carmen was standing there beat the fuck up, face all black and blue yelling and screaming while this nigga was beating on Damien. I’ve never seen Tristan explode like he did that night.

He pushed the man off Damien and dragged his ass outside the house and proceeded to beat him the fuck up. Usually I would rush to stop him from doing something stupid but I had to let him get them licks in because it was necessary at this point. I don’t know who, but somebody ended up calling the cops. Just as the police was pulling up Tristan picked that nigga and slammed in on the front of somebody’s car so bad the whole damn windshield shattered.

They arrested him while I stayed back and tried to figure out something with Damien and Carmen. When the ambulance came around to look at their bruises they ended up transporting everybody to the hospital. Tristan called my phone and basically told me to stay and figure out what was going on with his son, he just wanted me to call Kaylin or Rashad to come bail him out. I called both of them niggas and they went and got him.

While in the hospital I learned that not only did Damien have bruises on him from that nigga putting his hands on him that night. He had bruises that looked a few days old and the only way that was happening was if Carmen had been letting that nigga beat her son. Sure Tristan disciplines him but he doesn’t beat him like that. Damien didn’t want to talk in front of the doctors but once he was left alone with me he told me everything.

That man Carmen was with was beating on both of them the whole time he was staying there and was telling Damien if he told Tristan he was going to kill Carmen so he kept his mouth shut. The only reason he called Tristan that night was because this time the psycho pulled out a gun.

The next day when Tristan was released we were still at the hospital because they wanted to keep Damien overnight. I went and picked up Jayce and Chase and took them to Ebony’s. When we all got back to the hospital and I told Tristan everything his son told me it literally took Kaylin, Rashad and about three security guards to get him away from Carmen because he was trying to kill that bitch. If we weren’t in the hospital I probably would’ve let him.

Tristan took Damien home with us and filed for full custody the next day. He didn’t try to get her locked up he just wanted his son with us and he’s been with us ever since. Now we were going to our final court date in a couple of weeks to find out if we won. The lawyer basically guaranteed us custody but we still had to go.

To say Carmen is salty as fuck about her son being us full time would be an understatement. If she didn’t hate me before she definitely did now. Damien refuses to talk to her, he doesn’t want anything to do with her at this point and she thinks I’m the reason. As if I have mind control over her son and told him to hate her ass. The bitch is always popping shit on social media and now one of her cousins that used to talk to Rashad back in the day is starting shit with Nicole.

The bitch is playing on her phone, stalking her social media accounts being annoying and lying on her pussy. Claiming Rashad if fucking her and shit and we all know that’s a lie. I don’t even get why the bitch so pressed. Nicole and Rashad have been together for years at this point and everybody knows it so why the bitch is acting like she doesn’t know that and faking like she hurt is beyond me. I personally feel like Carmen is putting her up to it. She can’t get to me because it would be bad for her case so she wants to annoy my friend. The bitch just doesn’t know Nicole is with the shit, she’ll drag both of those bitches.

Shit was just over dramatic with Nicole and I right now as far as relationships are concerned. Luckily Ebony didn’t have crazy ex problems, she and Brandi were actually getting along. They didn’t hang out with each other or anything but they don’t have any issues or anything. They actually speak and have conversations when they see each other. My bestie is growing up for real because five years ago, Ebony would’ve still been mean to the girl.

“You know she’s going to be coming for you once the custody is official right?” Ebony asked knocking me out of my thoughts. I shrugged my shoulder before taking a sip of my drink.

“I really don’t give a flying fiery fuck; she can come at me and get her ass whooped if she wants to. I’ve been waiting to drop that whore for years.”

“She needs her ass whooped for real.”

“I know and she’ll get it. I’ll see that bitch around. Just wait.”

Nicole

“I’m not ready to leave man.” I told Rashad as we were packing our clothes. We’ve been in the St. Thomas for the past week and I was not ready to go back home.

“Me either but we gotta get back to the real world. Besides you keep going back and forth with bitches on the Gram anyway.”

“I’m not going back and forth I’m just setting the bitch straight. Posting pictures of you like you’re around her when we aint even in the country. The only reason I did it was because I know her raggedy ass friends and that thirsty ass cousin of hers be watching my damn page.”

“Just ignore her; you know I’m not fucking that bitch. You know I never fucked that bitch so fuck what they’re talking about.”

“I can’t make any promises about that. You know I don’t like lying so therefor I’m just going to say I’ll mind my business as long as the bitch stays in her lane.”

“Do you Nicole; just don’t bring that messy shit home.”

“I got you on that.” After we were done packing we left the hotel we were staying at then went straight to the airport where we had to wait about an hour before even boarding the plane.

Once we were seated in first class I looked at Rashad. “What’s the next destination?”

“I don’t know, I was going to leave that up to you. I don’t mind going to Paris again. That was a good time.”

“Yeah, but I want to go somewhere we’ve never been before. That’s the hard part.” Rashad and I take advantage of the fact that we have no kids. We were together, I love him and he loves me but we weren’t settled down like Ebony and Mariah were. There weren’t any kids running around our place and we didn’t have anything stopping us from doing whatever we wanted.

They had the houses in the suburbs and shit while Rashad and I still lived in the city. We did move out of his one bedroom condo and into a two story, four bedroom, three bathroom penthouse apartment. Hell, the only reason I wanted the extra room was because I knew our friends were going to have us on babysitting duties which neither one of us had a problem with.

“What about Rome?”

“That’s a good one, I like that idea.”

“Alright then, Rome it is. We’re going to set that shit up for August.”

“Cool. You think they had everything straight at the hotel while I was gone?”

“I didn’t get any calls but you never know. You just gotta see when you go in.” I was running The Carter Hotel in New York for Rashad, that’s how I made my money.

When I first started working there I was just looking over the employees and helping him organize everything but after a year he basically promoted me to the manager of the entire of hotel. Of course it’s some employees that had an issue with my being there but I really couldn’t give a fuck. The only reason they don’t like my ass is because Rashad and I are together plus I don’t play games at all. I run a tight ship which is why it’s making as much money as it does.

After the four hour flight back to New York I called an Uber to get us back to our place. When we got up to our apartment I went straight to the bedroom to lie down. The only thing I hate about traveling is missing my bed. Nothing felt better than being in my own shit.

“Baby, you hungry?” Rashad asked me when he came in the room.

“Yeah, you wanna order something?”

“Nah, I gotta go check on some shit so I’ll just bring you something back. I’ll only be gone for like an hour.”

“Alright, text me when you’re done doing whatever you’re going to I’ll tell you what I want then so you won’t forget and bring back some bullshit.” I smirked at him. Rashad’s memory is fucked up sometimes. He forgets the simplest shit and instead of asking about it he just takes a guess.

“I’m not going to forget but do that.” He came over and kissed me on the lips then walked out. “Love you ma!” He shouted from down the hall.

“Love you too!”

A smile came on my face while I got up to take a quick shower. Once I was good and clean I threw on one of Rashad’s old football jerseys and a pair of his boxers before sitting on my bed and calling Ebony. I didn’t really get to talk to them much while I was gone and I needed a good laugh.

“Are you finally back bitch?” Ebony asked when she answered her phone. I didn’t get a hi or anything the bitch went straight to questioning me.

“Well damn, hello to you too.”

“My bad,” She laughed. “What’s good Nic. Are you back?”

“Yeah we just got back home actually. Rashad went to go do something and get us some food so now I’m just sitting here. What are you doing?”

“I just got in the house from a photo shoot.”

“Ooh shit, what magazine this time?”

“Not for a magazine, this hair company. I forgot the name of it but their hair is the shit. Got this shit flowing all down my back. You know they send me free shit just to promote it.”

“Yeah and they pay your ass lovely. Who said you can’t make money off Instagram?”

“Dummies, shit I make stacks just for taking a picture of some damn jewelry and posting the shit.”

“What happened with that offer you got?”

“I’m not doing no damn Love & Hip Hop. I almost pissed myself when Viv told me they contacted her about me. The fuck I look like going on that shit and making a complete fool of myself.”

“Yeah they will have your ass doing some pure divine bullshit. Take it as a compliment, that means your name is out here bitch.”

“Oh please, that’s a bad thing as much as it’s a good thing. The great part is I’m making my money. The fucked up part is people think they know my life or think they know me. Calling me a damn IG model, no bitch I’m a professional model signed to an agency who just so happens to milk the shit out of that dumb ass app.” Ebony said in a serious tone.

The one thing that pisses Ebony off is trying to down play her and what she’s done. She’s been grinding hard as hell for the last few years and working her ass off. She’s graced the covers of numerous magazines and she was bent over fucking a rapper, shaking or showing her ass to do it. She did more than just post pictures with that nasty ass Flat Tummy Tea. Call her an IG model if you want to, you might get slapped.

“People are going to hate Ebony don’t let that shit get to you. You know you work your ass off fuck everybody else. Shit, you think I care about those bitches at that hotel hating on me? Talking about I don’t do my job, I’m just there because I’m fuckin’ Rashad. I had to curse one of those bitches out and fire her ass before we left.”

“What happened?” Ebony laughed again. For whatever reason this bitch thinks me going off is funny.

“First of all the bitch was already on thin ice because she’s a fuckin’ idiot and she’s always later or calling out. So because she barely comes to work her check is bullshit and she came at me about it talking about I’m jealous of her and that’s why I docked her pay and that I wouldn’t be shit if I wasn’t fuckin’ Rashad.”

“Oh hell nah, what did you say?”

“I went clean off on that hooker. I looked at her and was like I don’t know who the fuck you take me for but you really got life fucked up. I said Rashad is my man so the fuck what, that has nothing to do with how I do my job which I do quite well thank you very much bitch. Now you check looks like shit because you barely bring your dumb ass to work. The fuck you think you automatically obligated to money because your name is on the pay roll? No bitch the hours have to worked and you don’t do that so you can take that shitty ass paycheck and get the fuck out because you’re fired any way. Then I walked back to my office.”

“Wow Nic, you probably hurt the bitch feelings and everything.”

“I don’t care either, bitches really be having life fucked up. I’m about to be 30 years old I don’t have to be dealing with these dummies. I’m running out of patience my nigga.”

“Oh do not bring up age please, I’m 28.”

“So? You say that like you’re old.”

“I know but come on man my baby is 11 years old he’s almost a teenager. Angelic is 3 going on 30, that little girl is a mess.”

“You think you got it bad, Mariah is in the house with two teenagers and a toddler. I’m pretty sure Tristan is going to fuck around and get her pregnant again just wait.” I laughed.

“He probably will, when are you and Rashad going to pop one out?”

“When I have a ring on my finger and say I do, I got him until then I’m good.” It wasn’t my desire to be a baby mama. I’m good.

“I feel you; I told Kay the same thing. You know he’s asking me about a baby and shit. I told his ass I got you after we all have the same last name. If I marry him Jayden’s last name is getting changed to King just like mine.”

“Good, that’s his father they need the same last name.”

“Yeah well his father is irking my nerves with this baby shit, if we’re not arguing about that we’re arguing about some other shit.”

“Y’all are out of that honeymoon phase and real life is setting in. You’ll be fine, y’all love each other.”

“I know but damn shit is just rough right now.”

“Rough how Eb?”

“It just is, we argue all the time. Sure we have good days and when we’re good, we’re good. When shit is bad, it’s bad. If we argue I don’t even sleep in the damn room with him. I’m talking about me going to bed in the damn guest room for five nights straight in the past week Nicole.”

“The fuck happened?”

“I don’t even know but I’m over this shit man, and then I ran into Rio the other day and now he’s stalking my fuckin’ pages. I block his ass and he pops up again, this nigga is on this crazy bullshit.”

“When the fuck did he even get out?”

“I don’t know but he’s out and he’s on my ass. This nigga is really buggin’ I’m scared to go to my bookings because this bitch boy might pop up.”

“You told Kaylin?”

“Hell no if I tell him he’s not going to let me out of his sight and I don’t have time to be following his ass around when I have my own shit to handle.”

“You need to tell him, the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I’ll be fine Nicole, and don’t go running your mouth to Rashad.”

“I’m not but you still need to say something. I’ll keep quiet for now but as soon as I get the feeling something is going on I’m snitching.”

“Yeah alright I hear you, I gotta go cook for these kids. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Alright, later.” I ended the call the put my phone down. Ebony is as stubborn as they come. Let Kay find out this nigga been damn near stalking her and she’s keeping it quiet. She thinks they’re into it now he’s really going to have a fit.