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msklassickilla · 1 month ago

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Prada You Chapter 12

Summary:

In the summer of 1998, sparks fly between Nyeya and Jey.

Nyeya is an 18-year-old around the way girl. Jey is older, paid, and fine. He is also the leader of the infamous Prada Bois alongside his twin brother Jimmy. The two have chemistry. However, Nyeya has plans outside of her attraction. With a birthday around the corner and dreams of living a good life, Nyeya sets her sights on enjoying the perks of Jey's money and hood celebrity.

But baby girl has no clue what it takes to really be down. Nyeya is about to learn some hard life lessons at the expense of her 'Prada' priced dreams.

Pairing: Jey Uso x Nyeya (Nye) Green (OC)

Author’s Note: This story is happening in an alternative universe. It features the current and original Bloodline members along with other WWE stars. So, the characters are themselves, but some things are switched around for the stories sake. This was originally written with all original characters, but I think it could work better this way. Hope you guys enjoy it and I actually finish it...

Warning: Please be advised that this chapter contains harsh/foul language, underage drinking.

Disclaimer: This work of art is fictional in nature including the original characters created by me. I do not own any of the existing characters or lyrics from songs referenced in this story. All rights belong to their respective owners with the exception of my original characters. This work is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to cause harm.

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Chapter 12: Fireworks

4th of July Weekend

The summer sun poured through my window, warming the room as I sat cross-legged on my bed as I braided my hair. Cartoon Network played in the background as did the radio. Tomorrow was the 4th, and I refused to miss the festivities despite what I had going on in my personal life. Jey and I fell out at the worst time possible because the Prada Bois always threw the best parties. It was cool though. I wasn’t about to let what happen knock me off my square. He was trippin’, not me.

As I twisted the last braid, my mom’s voice drifted down the hall as she sang Whitney Houston’s, Exhale (Shoop Shoop). A smile formed on my glossed lips. My love of music came from her, my voice did as well.

I took a few moments to gather up all the loose hair sprawled all around my bed, throwing it away. Gathering my braids, I wrapped them into a bun that sat on the top of my head tied in a bow.

As the sound of pots clanging mixing with the faint sizzle of breakfast cooking drifted further into my room. I padded into the kitchen; the linoleum cool under my bare feet. Mom looked up from her spot at the counter, her warm smile making me feel like a little girl again.

“..you should look inside yourself, you’re halfway there,” she sang.

I giggled, joining in. “Sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you’ll cry.”

Together we finished the song, falling into each other's arms. My safe place.

“Man, this ain’t the Apollo. I’m hungry. Can I get some bacon please?” Michael fussed.

Mama gave me a knowing look before shooing him out the kitchen. He was a true hater.

I only had a slice of toast and some apple juice. My phone rang before I could finish telling my mama about my party plans. The other plans I had just in case Jey backed out on me.

----

I couldn’t even say hello before Kiyah started talking. “Meet me outside, hoe! I’m on the way.”

She hung up without saying goodbye. I knew she had some hot gossip that was burning her bottom lip. I just hope it wasn’t about me again. I was tired of being the talk of the projects.

I managed to slide on a half top and some denim jeans before I heard a knock on the front door.

“Damn girl! You need a job. You always over here. That’s why-

Mama cut him off, “Mike, get away from the damn door. Kiyah come in, baby.”

I held in a laugh as I exited the room. Kiyah was mugging Michael as he sat at the table chewing on a piece of bacon.

“I’ll be outside, mama. We won’t be out there too long.” Mama simply waved us off as she knew this was our routine.

Kiyah and I took a seat on the back of my neighbor’s from downstairs truck bed. It gave us some privacy.

“Now what you got you outta bed at this time of morning?”

“Damian called me last night,” her eyes glinting with excitement. “How he got my number? I don’t know.”

I froze mid-breathe. “What? Why?”

“He wanted me to pass along a message,” Kiyah said, sitting up straighter. “He said, ‘Tell Nyeya to find some time.’ So, what y’all got going?”

Her hazel eyes narrowed at me in suspicion.

My stomach tightened. “I don’t even know what that shit means, bro. And ain’t nothing going on. He the reason I ain’t invited to no parties now. Damian trippin’.”

“Girl, if you say so. He seemed confident that you knew what that would mean. He playing with fire though. Jey looney ass ain’t the one to play with.”

She was still looking at me like I wasn’t telling the full story.

“But anyway, that’s not even the juiciest part of what I got to say,” Kiyah said, leaning closer. “Word on the street is people are saying the Prada Bois might’ve had something to do with Carmelo’s death.”

I stared at her, the air outside suddenly feeling too thick. “Why would anyone think that?”

Kiyah shrugged. “You know how people talk. But it’s got folks spooked. Especially since Melo wasn’t just anybody. He knew people. And as far we know him and the Prada Bois ain’t have no beef so it’s weird for them to put a price on his head.”

I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my chest. Carmelo had been my friend, and the idea that Jey’s crew might’ve had something to do with his death sent a chill through me. Something wasn’t adding up.

Kiyah stayed around for a few more hours that day. We picked out an outfit for me for tomorrow, decided that we was going downtown to see fireworks with the twins, and even made plans for my party which was set for September 5th. Even if Jey didn’t come through, a party was still happening.

----

The next day, the hood was alive with excitement for the 4th of July. Families set up grills on sidewalks, music boomed from every direction, and the air smelled like charcoal and shea butter. The vibe was contagious, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit of the holiday cheer rubbing off on me.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit for the day—a cropped red tank top, denim mini skirt that showed plenty of leg, and white sneakers that gleamed like new money. My gold bangles jingled as I ran a hand through my braids to pull them up into a bun. It was too hot to have them hanging.

The girls showed up to my house not long after all dressed in some variation of red, white, and blue. The twins weren’t dressed like twins which was odd, but I couldn’t knock it. “Un uh, what you tryna do with all this skin showing?” Natasha teased, moving a hand down my bare thigh.

I knocked her hands away, “Nothing, lady. It’s hot out there and I know y’all gone have me out there all night is all.”

She gave me a knowing look before rolling her eyes. I was telling the truth though. Jey was headache enough. I didn’t need no mo’ problems. We headed out leaving my mama and Michael behind to head to my granny’s for the night to celebrate which I knew he hated but at least they would be outside smoking tonight.

Since we couldn’t go to a Prada Boi event, we opted to ride the bus and train to the park that was close to the downtown skyline where they did a firework show every year. The park was packed when we arrived. Kids ran around with sparklers, couples lounged on picnic blankets, and grills sizzled with burgers and ribs. The air buzzed with laughter and music as vendors shouted out deals on snow cones and glow sticks.

We found ourselves a nice spot in the grass field with a good view of the skyline. After we settled in, each of us took turns going to gather food and drinks. Somehow, Kiyah ended up coming back with a whole bottle of Taylor Port and 4 bottles of MD 20/20.

“Kiy, where the hell you get all of this?” Nataya said, eyes widening,

Kiyah winked. “I’m a professional, baby. Call me when you need some shit done.”

We laughed knowing it was true. The sky’s colors changed as we laid on the ground talking, drinking, eating, and taking polaroid pictures of each other. The day was shaping up to be one to remember.

“Aye, I wonder if that dude I saw earlier still got some ribs going,” Nataya thought aloud.

“You always hungry, girl. Like you ate your plate, my plate, Nye plate. Did you smoke some of Jimmy shit?” Kiyah questioned, raising up to look at Nataya.

Nataya blushed, falling into laughter. “Oh my gosh, don’t do me like that. I’m still growing, dude.”

We cackled. The music had started back up and Big Pun’s, “Still Not a Player,” came blasting through the speakers. That got us up and dancing.

“I don't wanna be a player no more, I'm not a player, I just crush a lot, But me and Punisher, still got what you're lookin' for..”

My hips were gyrating to beat when I heard Kiyah say, “Oh shit!” I looked up, following her line of vision. My smile faltered. A long trail of black and red cars flooded the parking lot which only meant one thing. Prada Bois.

----

People around the park had started whispering and grouping off. Some even moving from the spots they were in. Everyone knew who they were even the white people from around way.

“The fuck is they doing here. I know they had like five or six parties going on in the hood,” Natasha started.

I was with Natasha. There was no reason for them to be here. There was no reason for Jey to be here.

“Well, Jimmy did say something about them not doing nothing serious this year ‘cause the streets kind of hot right now for them,” Nataya chimed in.

All our eyes shifted to her. My eyes narrowed as I took in her outfit again. She always dressed like her sister who was in blue and white. It started coming together for me when my eyes flicked back towards the parking lot. Jimmy was dressed down in all red. Even the tips of his hair was red.

I whirled back on Nataya so fast I should’ve blown her over. “You knew they was coming, and you didn’t warn me after I told you what went down with Jey, Taya.”

She quickly held her hands up, “No, Nye, no. I didn’t know they was coming here. Jimmy was supposed to swing by later after we got back and pick me up from your house. I was gone to tell my mama I was spending the night with you so me and him could chill. He didn’t say nothing about coming here with them. I swear.” Nataya’s chest was rising and falling just as fast as mines.

I believed her but still I was pissed. “Taya, you didn’t even tell me you was doing all that. You should’ve said something.” Natasha scolded.

The night was going off the rails. “Aye, chill y’all. Look we not about to let them niggas ruin our night, aight. Nye, you good. Jey better mind his business. And Taya, go see where Jimmy head at. Make sure to tell him to keep an eye on his brother tonight. We don’t want no problems. Cool?”

The tension was palpable, but we all agreed. The Prada Bois had made a fortress around the entrance to the parking lot. I could see most of the ones I knew along with dozens of beautiful women in tow. And then there was Jey, sitting on the hood of Jacob’s red caprice with a 40 in his hand. He was dressed in black overalls with no shirt underneath. His tattoos on full display. Shades covered his eyes, but I could tell he spotted me before I spotted him.

His eyes weren’t the only ones on me though. Damian’s were too.

----

As the sun dipped lower, the crowd grew, and the excitement was noticeable. We had settled down from early, Nataya was with Jimmy, Natasha was dancing with some beige dude, while Kiyah and I people-watched, pointing out cute outfits and questionable choices.

“Look at her ass,” Kiyah whispered, nudging me and nodding toward a girl in stilettos struggling to walk on the uneven grass. “Why would she even wear those to the park?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “She’s braver than me. I’ll stick to sneakers. Ain't nobody son that fine to break my neck for.”

Just as the first crackle of fireworks lit up the sky, my laughter faded. Across the park, I saw Jey. He was weaving through the crowd, a drink in his hand, and even from a distance, I could tell he wasn’t sober.

Solo tried to pull him back, but he seemed determined. Determined to do what was my next question. Luckily, I wasn’t the only one who peeped Jey’s action. Natasha had excused herself from dancing with the dude and Kiyah was fully alerted.

“The hell he tryna do?” she mumbled under her breath.

A few others tried to deter Jey but nothing seemed to slow him down. He was making his way towards me. I took another sip of that nasty Taylor Port Kiyah had come back with earlier as 702’s, “Get it Together,” started to play.

“Here his ass come. Taya betta get Jimmy goofy ass over here soon to stop this negro. Before I have to whoop his twin's ass with this backpack,” Natasha fumed.

I stood up, not wanting my girls to have to fight my battles for me. I had dealt with Jey before, and I would do it again. No matter how embarrassing it would be. “Nah y’all I got it. He getting on my nerves now. Like this stupid shit gotta stop, bro.”

Being intoxicated emboldened me, I was about to give him a piece of my mind. The girls ignored my words and were right on my heels as I stepped to Jey.

“Nye,” he slurred, his voice loud enough to turn heads as he stumbled toward us. “You too good to answer your phone now? After everything I’ve done for you? You think you can just leave me, huh.”

Kiyah and Natasha stiffened, their eyes darting between me and Jey. I stood, my heart pounding, trying to keep my voice calm and measured. “Jey, you drunk. Let’s not do this here. Gon’ back over there with your people. We can do this shit another day, okay.”

He laughed bitterly, the sound cutting through the festive atmosphere. “Not do this here? You mean in front of your little friends? Come on, Nye. Don’t act like I’m the problem here when you make me act like this. You did this. Thinking you can do shit yo’ way in my world. You wouldn’t have half the shit you got without me.”

His words hit like a slap, but I didn’t flinch. I just nodded, tryna control my temper. “You ain’t done shit for me. That little ass money you spent ain’t nothing. You want that shit back so you can give it to the next hoe. Cool. Come get that shit. It’ll be outside. But you better watch your fucking mouth before I hit you in it.”

That seemed to set him off. His voice rose, frustration spilling over as he gestured wildly. “You don’t appreciate shit! That’s what I fucking get for fucking with yo’ young ass. You think you can just use me and walk away? You think I’ma just let you go? Put yo’ hands on me, huh. Do it. I wanna see yo’ little ass do it, Nyeya.”

My fist were balled up now. I was ready to come to blows if that's what it was gone be. Just as I stepped forward to show him what these hands do. Damian and Jimmy pulled him back as Kiyah and the twins were pulling me back.

He was fighting the both of them, trying to get at me. “I fucking loved you, Nyeya. And you do this to me. Hit me, Nyeya. Hit me.”

Hot tears ran down my face as I tried to break free from my friends. I wanted so bad to unleash all my anger on his drunk ass. His words had hurt me, and he needed to hurt for that.

Jacob, Sami, Solo, and Damian were now wrestling an inconsolable Jey to the ground. “Nyeya. Nyeya. Please. Baby, please.”

I was breathing so hard I was shaking. I had never seen Jey like that before. Never imagined a person so strong and feared could sound so broken. Kiyah had to grab hold of my face. “Nye, baby, look at me, let’s go okay.”

I was frozen. Yea I was mad but Jey. He needed me. My friends were all saying things to me, but it all seemed like a blur. Nothing made sense until..

“Mami, vete a casa.” (basically mami, go home)

Damian. His deep voice broke through the haze somehow and they were finally able to pull me away. We were back on the bus now headed to the train station. As the fireworks lit up the night sky, I couldn’t help but feel the cracks widening in the world Jey had built around me.

“I don't really wanna stay, I don't really wanna go, But I really need to know, Can we get it together? Get it together”

#black oc #black fanfic writer #original character #the bloodline #wwe au #90s #jey uso x oc #jey uso #wwe fanfiction #jey uso x black oc

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headintheclouds-posts · 2 years ago

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Exo as husbands pls

Enjoy :)

Exo as husbands

Suho

The proud husband

To put it simply, this man would do anything for you

If you need something, he will get it

If you’re hungry, he will cook

If you’re tired, he will be your mattress

The moment you became his wife, he sole purpose was you

Likes to talk about you to Exo-l's

As he is the leader of the group, you have become a older sibling type figure to the fans

Which he loves

Date nights together consist of old movies on the sofa with a bottle of red

Likes to sit and reminisce over your wedding photo's

He would just be an amazing husband

Xiumin

The cute husband

He's just a squishy squish

He doesn't really act any different as a husband to when he was your boyfriend

He still teases you

Plus will do anything to put a smile on your face

He will happily do all the cleaning

Because according to him, you do it wrong

As we know, Xiumin likes to drink so I think dates would be a karaoke bar, with you both drunkenly screaming Whitney Houston's 'I will always love you' into a microphone/empty bottle

Always makes you breakfast in bed

You are literally his best friend and being with you is his favourite pastime

Baekhyun

The crazy husband

I wouldn't know whether to say Congrats or good luck

He is a tornado with a beautiful voice and handsome face

But still a tornado

He is also a clingy boy

So expect lots of cuddles/headlocks

Knows how to cheer you up when you're not feeling so great

Expect lots of butterfly kisses to the face

Loves to go long drives with you, just listening to music and talking about life

He's just your number one fan and will make sure you always have a smile on your face

Chanyeol

The protective husband

If you're going out with friends or at a work event, he will be your personal taxi driver

Always making sure you're ok

Also the type to tease you, in a loving way though

Likes to take you on spontaneous dates

He loves to stroke your hair whilst you sleep and looks lovingly at his wedding ring

It fills him with a sense of pride when he does

Loves how your lips feel against his skin

Can’t actually go a whole day without a kiss from you

Marriage with Chanyeol would be filled with loving moments

Kyungsoo

The attentive husband

Actions speak louder than words

Kyungsoo's love language is his actions

He will always make sure you have eaten or that you are hydrated

At first it confused you, like you have managed to survive this long

Then the reality hits you, he’s trying to take care of you

Listens intently to whatever you have to say

Has had the same background on his phone for years and it’s from the day you met

Can’t stand to see you sad

It breaks him inside

Will provide advise whenever you need it

Though he doesn’t always say it, you’re everything to him

Kai

The affectionate husband

He kisses you and holds you any chance he gets

He knew you were his before marriage

But now it’s like official and legal

So he has to show you every chance he can that he loves you

Expect to come home and find the lights dimmed and candles lit

The faint sound of your wedding song playing in the background

Kai would take your hand and pull you close to dance with you

Why am I giggling and kicking my feet rn

He likes to watch the stars with you

Whilst talking about your future

He will do anything to show you how real and unwavering his love is

Sehun

The Impulsive husband

‘Sighs’

You only have yourself to blame for this

You knew what you were getting into and you’re not getting any sympathy from me

You’re now married to someone who I can only imagine has a circus living inside his head

He’s always down to do something fun

Your dates consist of paint-balling and silent discos

Always knows how to cheer you up when you’re having a bad day

I can imagine him being quite a heated kisser

He doesn’t like to sleep alone so he wraps his entire body round you like an octopus

He’s like the worst nurse when you feel sick

But you appreciate the effort

I don’t know why but Sehun just gives me feral vibes

Like it wouldn’t shock me if he lived wild in the jungle like Tarzan

But being with you gives him the sense of home he’s always wanted

You are his world

Lay

The doting husband

Be prepared to be treated like a queen

He has waited for the moment to call you his wife

Now that it’s official he can’t wait to be the husband he has always dreamed of being

Expect long talks into the night

He plans he whole future around you

You’re literally his one and only

Constantly sends pictures to the exo group chat of your travels as a married couple

Wants to show you off every chance he gets

Will sit and write songs about you

Every fibre of his being is you and your happiness

493 notes · View notes

gracieheartspedro · 2 years ago

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I Can See You

PART 3 is HERE!

joel miller x fem! reader

Hi lovers! Sorry this took so long, life got busy and ADHD is a bitch. But here it is! My next post will probably be a different drabble/one-shot. If you have any requests, PLEASE hit me up! I am open to a bunch of different ideas!

Word count: 3k+

Warnings: MINORS DNI! 18+ pleaseeee, DBF! Joel, age gap-ish (the reader is 25, Joel is 39), joel is a bad cook, smut, unprotected p in v, oral (f receiving), fingering, pet names, tons of dirty talk.

Outline: She gets invited over for dinner and a movie night? Just a movie, huh?

PART 1 PART 2

“So Joel told me he’s coming over today,” Dad says from across the dining room table as I eat my breakfast, “With Sarah?”

I stop and chew slower, trying to hold back a smirk.

Ever since we fucked in the conference room, I’ve been texting Joel every day. Sometimes it was naughty sexts and other times it was him asking how my day was going and what my weekend plans were.

A couple of days ago, he called me instead of texting, which was odd. He asked if Sarah could come swim in our pool because she wouldn’t stop asking about it.

So I agreed, telling him that Saturdays were the best day for me. I also told him he had to be around just in case anything happened and I wouldn't be 100% liable for Sarah’s well-being.

“Yeah, I told her she could come over and swim in the pool. She wanted to practice her backstroke.”

He smiles, “Nice for you to have her over, but are you okay with it just being y’all? I can stay home from this conference so I can entertain Joel.”

I shake my head quickly. Maybe a bit too quickly.

“No dad, it’s fine,” I take a sip of orange juice, “They will only be here for the afternoon. It’s not worth you missing two days in Houston. You need to go.”

He takes my word for it and hurries to finish his breakfast. He should’ve left at 6am, but here we are at 10 and he’s still not left. I texted Joel under the table as soon as he took his plate to the sink.

Pops is still here. You and Sarah are welcome as soon as he leaves.

I bring my half-finished eggs to the trash, scooping them into bin.

“Do you need me to leave my credit card?”

I shake my head, “No, it’s fine. Joel is buying us pizza in return of allowing Sarah to use our pool.”

“You better not have told him we needed something in return of using the goddamn pool,” Dad fusses, “He is always welcome to it. God knows you hardly use it.”

I roll your eyes, “No, I didn’t say that to him.”

I actually told him that he could bend me over the kitchen counter in return for using the pool.

I feel my phone buzz.

From: Joel Miller

Can’t wait to see you, baby.

–

Dad left, and not even an hour later, Joel pulled up with Sarah in his truck. He was sporting some black swim trunks and gray t-shirt. Sarah giddily got out of the truck, sporting a pink one piece and flip flops. She hurried to the door, where she found me sporting the skimpiest bikini I owned.

It was a red triangle bikini top and the cheekiest bottoms in my collection. Something very casual.

Sarah gave me a warm smile, racing into the house and to the back sliding doors. It’s like she knew exactly where to go. Joel took his time grabbing their stuff. I lean against the door frame, taking him in.

As soon as his eyes met mine, his eyes quickly averted down my body. He creeps closer, slinging his towel over his shoulder.

“Evil,” He mutters walking pass me, “You can’t be doin’ this around Sarah.”

I smile, shutting the door behind him. He looms over me and I get a whiff of sunscreen.

“Doing what?” I ask innocently.

He glances into the back yard where Sarah is already getting ready to jump into the pool. He’s making sure she’s not watching.

His arm wraps around my waist, grabbing onto my bare ass. I feel very small when I look up at him. His brown eyes bore into mine.

“You sure are lucky that my Sarah is here, because if she wasn’t,” He pauses, “I’d take you right in front of the window here.”

He gestures to the window right by the front door.

“But you’d like that wouldn’t you? Show the neighborhood who’s pussy this is.”

His hand rests right above the hem of my bottoms. I bite my lip. He knows what to say to make my brain melt and my words jumble together. But it’s a game.

I needed the chase, it made everything with Joel so much more satisfying and dangerous.

I contemplate for a moment, before grabbing his chin gingerly.

“Why don’t you order those pizzas, babe?”

“Look at this dive, Dad!”

I prop myself up on my lounger chair, watching Sarah dive into the deep end. Joel is meandering around the pool, his skin so beautifully touched by the sun. His tan was deep and seeing it glisten with the water all over his body, was just icing on the cake.

“Very nice, baby,” He glances my way, noticing I’ve finally risen from my spot. After stuffing myself with pizza, I knew I had to lay out and let my bloated stomach go back to normal.

I watch him rise from the water, using the steps to make his way over to me. The weight of the water drags his shorts a bit lower and seeing his toned tummy was a sight to behold.

I look around him to see Sarah swimming laps, making sure she was occupied. He plops down next to me in the other lounger, grabbing his aviator suns from the table between us.

“What’s your plans while your dad is gone?” He questions, propping his sunglasses on his nose.

I shrug, leaning towards him to whisper, “Thinkin’ I’ll go across the street and fuck that hot MILF everyone won’t stop talkin’ about.”

He shakes his head, “That poor lady has a name, ya know?”

“It’s like Susan, isn’t it?”

“Lauren.”

I groan, “She even has a hot girl name! God damn!”

He chuckles, “No but seriously, what are you doin’?”

I look over to make sure Sarah couldn’t hear me. I watch her dive into the water again, “No plans. Just hangin’ around.”

He nods, laying back onto the chair, “Why don’t you come over tonight?”

My stomach drops. He asks it so nonchalantly.

“When Sarah is home?”

“She’s going to her grandparents tonight. They are takin’ her to some baseball game.”

So we get to be alone?

“Oh, okay,” I thought for a moment, “So you want me to come over and do what?”

“I don’t know,” He mumbles, “We can watch a movie. I’ll cook.”

If you would’ve asked me a month ago, I never once would have imagined a moment where Joel Miller would even give me the time of day. Now he’s asking to hangout with me outside of work? Spend time with just me? It seemed out of the realm of possibilities.

But I love that the offer stands.

“Sure, I’d love to,” I pause, “As long as the cooking is good. If not, we are ordering out again.”

“Hey,” He grumbles, “Fuck you, I’m an excellent cook.”

It’s like Sarah got superhuman hearing all of a sudden because she quips up.

“Don’t believe him! He burns eggs every morning!”

“Hey, you eat them anyway!”

I arrive to the Miller’s around 7PM. I decided to walk again, trying not to tip off any of the neighbors leaving my car parked beside Joel’s truck. I decide for a black hoodie, jean shorts, and Converse. I didn’t bring a bag of things because technically, Joel didn’t say this was a sleepover. I am running on the assumption I am leaving after our… movie night?

I knock quickly, glancing back and forth between Joel’s neighbors. Both are pretty familiar with my dad, so I knew if I was spotted, they would rat me out.

Joel swings the door open, this time, fully clothed. A casual outfit for Joel, jeans and a light grey t-shirt.

“Come on in,” He mumbles, “Did you drive?”

I shake my head, “No. Walked. I took shortcuts, too.”

He grabs me quickly, pulling me inside. He glances around outside, making sure no one is outside.

“I already had Mrs. Adler askin’ why I took Sarah over to your house today,” He says, shutting the door, “Hate when people are in my business.”

“What did you tell her?”

He smirks, “That I was fuckin’ my bosses’ daughter.”

My cheeks get hot.

“Nah, just that you were givin’ Sarah time in your pool to practice her swimmin’. She stopped with the questions after that.”

I smack his chest, bringing down my hood. I take off my hoodie eventually, sporting a simple white tank top underneath. I toe off my shoes, propping them up by the door.

“We fucked once, so technically we aren’t fuckin’,” I tease, “Unless…”

He starts his way to the kitchen ignoring me.

“You hungry?”

–

Joel was a bad cook, but I wasn’t going to come in with judgment when it’s a free meal and he made it just for me.

He stares me down from across his small dining room table, waiting for me to say something. We sit in silence for most of the meal. Not uncomfortable silence, just too in our own heads, I guess. I eat the last of my burnt brussel sprouts, trying not to let him read my mind like he usually does.

“You hate it don’t ya?”

I take one more bite, “I’m not a chef by any means either, Joel.”

He laughs, “That’s a good way to put it, little one.”

The nickname makes every hair on my legs stand up. He notices my demeanor change. He stands up, collecting our plates and brings them to the sink. I stand up to begin to help him, but he has other ideas. He stands over me as soon as I get up, his dark brown eyes raking me up and down. He reaches up to my biceps, running his warm hands up and down them.

“You like it when I call you that?”

“What?” I croak out. I knew what he was talking about, but for some reason I wanted him to keep saying it.

“Little one,” He whispers, “My little one.”

I swallow hard, “Y-yeah.”

“Gets you all riled up? Makes you think of the first time my face was between your thighs?”

I close my eyes, letting his hand start to run down my face, to my jawline, to my collarbones. I take in his scent. Amberwood, aftershave, and maybe a bit of cigar? It was intoxicating, his scent.

“J-Joel,” is all I can mutter, “P-Please.”

I open my eyes finally, seeing him smirk, “What baby? What do you want?”

“Do it again,” I mumble, “I want you to do that again.”

His hand travels down to my waist, and with one arm, he hoists me up to the kitchen counter. My jean shorts ride up even more as he positions himself between my legs.

“I need more than that, little one,” He says, “What exactly are you talkin’ about?”

He was going to make me lay it all out for him. I don’t know why I felt shy again, like I couldn’t say what I needed from him.

Like before, he looks so tall and big standing over me. His hands feel so strong and his arms so toned. I wanted to jump his bones watching him at the pool earlier, watching him be at ease with no shirt on. His confident stride and stature was so attractive.

“Speak up,” He demands, “Need you to say it.”

“I need you,” I drag it out, “I need you to eat me out.”

He starts hooking his fingers through my belt loops, lifting me out of my shorts, “What else?”

My mind goes blank for a second.

“Fuck me?”

“No please?” he taunts.

“P-Please Joel,” I mutter, “Don’t make me beg.”

He chuckles lowly, “Oh I fuckin’ will.”

He doesn’t waste time completely tearing my thong off my body. I lean back, my head resting against the cabinets. The thong gets tossed across the room, now useless after being torn in two.

He reaches up to bring my head forward, crashing our lips together. Our tongues battle instantly, both of us wanting to be dominant. He was so forceful, but it was everything I needed to be more sure in myself. I reach up, lacing my hands in his hair.

He pulls away, his breathing fanning my already hot face, “You gonna be good for me, baby? Use those manners?”

“Of course,” I moan, “P-Please do something.”

He takes off his shirt, his muscles highlighted differently in the low lit kitchen. I couldn’t help but stare as he gets on his knees, his face eye level with my pussy.

God, I could never get over this view.

He presses forward, giving my inner thighs kisses and small little love bites.

He hooks both legs over his shoulders and dives in. He doesn’t start slow, oh no, he goes full starving-man-mode. He starts using his tongue to write the alphabet up and down my slit. When he finds my clit, he wraps his lips around and sucks.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I moan, “Don’t stop!”

He breaks away, only to put his index and middle finger into his mouth. He watches me as he traces my slit with his fingers, smiling as he sinks them into my hole. When he’s satisfied with my reaction, he finds his way back to my clit.

Between his fingers fucking me and his mouth working magic on my bud, I scream out not able to contain the build up I feel in my stomach. He only increases his speed, the wet lapping sounds only causing me to burst.

He fucks me through it, as I moan his name over and over again.

He pulls his fingers out of me, and stands up from his spot. My ass stays half on the counter and half falling off. I am basically only propped up by his leg.

“Now that I got one out of you, little one,” He suggests, “’m going to fuck you until you can’t stand.”

I was so fucked out of my mind, I’m like jelly in his hands. He shimmies his pants off, his boxers tented by how hard he was. I just smile at the affect I had on him.

“You okay to stand?”

I giggle, “I don’t think so, sir.”

As soon as I say it, I don’t have to worry about standing anymore. He reaches for my waist and repositions me on the counter. I stare down between us, his hard cock rubs my sensitive slit.

“You’re so pretty, little one,” I hear him in my daze, but before I can respond, he eases himself into me. I moan out due to the glorious stretch, letting him get fully sheathed inside me. Instead of keeping me on the counter, he hooks his arms under my knees and lifts me up. In my shock, I wrap my arms around him, tucking my face into the crook of his neck.

He sets a brutal pace, not paying much mind to my groans. It wasn’t that it was uncomfortable, it was just so much.

My mind goes back to what he said, which only gets me more riled up.

“God, I’m so full,” I moan into his ear, “You’re so good to me.”

I can feel his smile, ��Better than you’ll ever have, baby.”

“You’re all I want,” I say absentmindedly, “I’m all yours.”

He props me back on the counter, pulling out of me briefly. He is throwing me around almost like a ragdoll. He lifts me up and spins me so I’m facing away from him. He moves my arms, so I can actually prop myself up on the counter. He lines back up, pushing himself back inside me. From this position, he somehow hits me in different places. He readjusts my body before settling back into a faster pace. With his right hand on my covered tit, his left hand reaches up to my throat. The sounds of slapping are so overstimulating in the best way possible. I couldn’t get enough.

“All,” Thrust, “Fucking,” Thrust, “Mine.”

I feel the warmth in my stomach again. It had to be the mixture of him calling me his and the fact that his dick was hitting me in just the right spot. As soon as I hit my tipping point, it’s like he could tell because he slows down, his hand traveling down to my clit again. I fall over the edge, my eyes rolling back into my head as I moan out his name. My entire body is tense until it’s not. I fall forward, but before my head catches the edge of the counter, he holds me up against him.

“I’m ‘bout to cum,” he groans, still fucking into me, “Want me inside?”

“Cum inside me, Joel,” I beg, hardly able to project my voice.

I’m at his mercy, as he spills inside of me all the while telling me what I good girl I am. I finally find my footing, as he slips his cock out of me, letting his cum drip down my legs. He releases my body, walking away from me for a moment. I try to get ahold of my bearings, but all I can think is how I never want to stop doing this. I want more.

I need more.

“Here, turn to me baby,” He mumbles. I turn around noting the damp rag he has. He gets on one knee, using the rag to clean up his cum off my legs. I’m still very sensitive, so when he gets close to my mound, I jolt. It makes him giggle.

Post-orgasm clarity started to hit me. I watch him stand up and lay the rag in the kitchen sink next to our plates. He was so fucking beautiful, his body glistening with sweat. He had to be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

“You okay?”

I wet my lips, “I think I need you to fuck me every day.”

His beautiful smile reappears, “Is that so?”

I nod quickly, “Yes, sir.”

He creeps closer to me, his hand lacing around my waist again.

“I’m sure that could be arranged,” He leans down and kisses my shoulder blade, “Now, which movie should we watch?”

#joel miller the last of us #joel miller x reader #joel miller smut #dbf joel miller #i can see you #the last of us #joel miller #joel miller tlou #joel last of us smut #joel tlou #tlou series #the last of us hbo #pedro pascal #pedro pascal characters #joel miller fic

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padfootscoldleathers · 4 months ago

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i'll leave (a light on) ch.3

ch.1 ch.2 ch.3, ch.4, ch.5

The drive from where they'd just performed in Houston at NRG Stadium up to SoFi Stadium in San Diego was going to be a good twenty four hours of highways, concrete and boredom. Or maybe not. He had a gut feeling Mary wanted to talk about something. While Sirius' gut is not typically one to rely on, like that time he once smushed a sandwich with oily meats into a toaster thinking it was a good idea and had a very small, very eco-friendly house fire on his hands. Probably not thinking.

Not the current point though. The point is he's bored, which means he has The Munchies, in short he has to get someone to ask Kingsley to stop for breakfast. Point being he has to enter the dragon's nest.

Sirius carefully untangled himself from Mary slipping a pillow to replace his arm under her head. Then he quietly manoeuvres around Marlene's limbs hanging half on the bed with Dorcas and her other half on the floor. Sirius takes a couple steps past and squats down to Peter's bottom bunk. Sirius pokes at his face but Peter doesn't even stir. Then he starts to whisper.

"Hellooo," quiet as possible to not wake Minnie but his patience threshold when he's hangry is abominably low. "Hey!" He grumbles under his breath when Peter doesn't so much as twitch and starts to flick at Pete's chubby cheeks. "Hellooooo," when there's still no reaction Sirius whisper-shouts, "Hello!" accidentally flicking off Peter's hearing aid that he probably forgot to take out last night and scrambles to catch it. When Sirius turns back its to an unimpressed, freshly woken, grumpy Peter and he tries to play it off with an awkward grin. "Heh. Good morning, you lovely ray of sunshi-"

"What d'you want, Black?" he drags out in early morning irritation.

Sirius purses his lips to the side and mumbles, "Could you ask Kingsley to stop for breakfast?" Peter blinks, twice, stupendously at him then turns over and cocoons himself. Sirius drapes himself over Peter with murmurs of 'Please?' and 'I am your best friend.' and 'Don't you love me?'

Peter shoves the covers down from over his face and is immediately met with Sirius' ginormous puppy dog eyes. "And you can't ask him yourself because..?"

"Sometimes when I am bored I'll sit up front with Kingsley and ask him to make stops at gas stations so I can get slushies. He won't make stops for me anymore. Says I'm entitled and wasting valuable road time. Though that might also be because I dropped his slushie last time. In his lap. All irrelevant to my current situation of The Munchies. Pretty please, Blondie?" Sirius blinks in cartoon fashion as if that was helping him get what he wants.

"Mm. Lost your pretty privileges, have you?" Peter rolls out of bed groaning and face plants on the cold hardwood floors. You can see his chest rise with a deep breath before his heavy agonising sigh and mumble of, "I greatly dislike you."

Pete hauls himself up and immediately stumbles over Marlene's extended leg. Once he's stable he kicks her leg a bit muttering about how she sleeps like that american gas station blow up man they saw on their drive into Texas. He walks over her arm and head lying in the middle of the walkway and heads to the front of the bus. Peter opens the door to the driver's area to talk to Kingsley but instead of just saying what he needs Pete gets into the passenger seat.

Sirius face drops because he knows Pettigrew just went back to sleep and he won't be getting breakfast for another half hour. Splendid

★

By the time they park at a diner in some town in the middle of nowhere it's 9:27 and everyone is awake and alive if not dead on their feet. Sirius hops out the bus doors and proceeds to twist and turn his spine in every direction possible to get every satisfying crack. He carries Mary in a flowing yellow sundress on his back to the diner and Marlene speed walks to the doors of the diner with Dorcas in tow.

Sirius lowers her into the booth and once they're seated a waitress passes by to get them started on drinks and take their orders. Their lemonades reach the table and Mary taps Sirius and signals outside. "I want to talk to you about something." she says.

Sirius walks with her joint at the hip out the diner. "Hiccup still bothering you?" Mary looks confused but then he pokes her leg and she gets it. "Hm? Oh, no. Some days are better than others, it doesn't cooperate or it's uncomfortable, it depends. Or sometimes I just don't want to wear the leg. Free will, let the limbs breathe and all that jazz. No, um. I actually had something I wanted you to listen to." He looks sceptical but then she continues,

"Remember Lily Evans?" Mary tells him everything. The rumours, the denial, wednesday night hook-ups, lies, how angry it made her and how hard she'd tried to be it for Lily. That if she'd just been good enough, that she could help Lily through it and they'd work it out. And about how she's finally given up.

She didn't say any of it really, just handed him her headphones. Sirius looks from them to her confused, "I didn't think I'd be able to tell you. Not anything to do with you just that I feel so.. angry. And so worn. I can't even really say why I stuck around so long."

Obviously though, Sirius knew why she'd stuck around Lily Evans. Mary's not lying of course, she obviously can't understand why she stuck to Evans for so long. Why she stayed through all the kicks and punches, yelling and denial, unreliability and fickle love. Sirius sees why though; knows it was because she wanted to prove she could love someone no matter how aggravating it was or how difficult they made it; knows why she wanted to prove it.

He puts on the headphones and hears her familiar voice coming through the speakers. Everything Mary says in the song are axes hacking at his rotting pillars. He leans against the glass window of the diner and slides down till he hits the pavement and Mary follows in a pistol squat. Sirius holds a hand locked over his mouth as tears stream down his face and his lungs scrape themselves raw. The lyrics are rubbing salt in a very fresh wound and he hears Barty's voice echo in his mind

"You let me stay; you let me hurt you."

I hate that I let this drag on so long, now I hate myself

I hate that I let this drag on so long, you can go to hell

At the end of her primal scream on the demo, Sirius turns to face Mary who seems apologetic, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you." He's frozen for a second then drops his hand from his mouth and wraps himself around her tightly, gathering her up in his arms. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," Sirius whispers with his voice hoarse. Mary huffs at him, "Looks like I wasn't much there for you either." She kisses his temple and utters, "I'm sorry. I really do love you, Sirius."

He sniffs and wipes his bleary eyes then wipes her tears too, "I love you more, Marianne,"

"To my credit though, I don't think you're a loser."

"No?"

Sirius stands and pulls her up after. "Nah, 'cause you're just a teenage dirtbag, baby~"

"Wow, okay. Wrap it up prince froggie. Get your pufferfish lips out of my personal space bubble. Your," Mary makes a circle with an open hand in his general direction. "..everything.. is insulting. Anyway, pancakes?"

"Pancakes."

Sirius stops them at the diner's glass door entrance. He slides the headphones down and off his neck, shakes them and asks, "Is that song released yet?" Mary shakes her head. "Then I have a wonderful idea."

She grins.

★

"No."

guys i swear all typos will be fixed when my editor friend comes back from death guys i promise & that fire thing is actually true, i blew a fuse

@moonyswarmsweaters @sspadfoot @thingthatoncewastruee @probs-reading @cheekyboybeth

@starving-marauder-lover @yourlocalbadgerscales @taleofapart-timepoet @mirrs-ball @tea-blankets-andstars

@where-is-vivian @amberlink @wastingawayinmyroom @ashes-to-ashesxx @percabeth-trash

@equippedtolove @moon-girl88 @jamespotterbbg @drunktayloratthevmas @labyrinthhofmymind

@s0ggyguts @nyx-taylors-version @will-vs-the-homo-sapiens-adgenda

#marauders era #dead gay wizards #marauders fanfiction #pandamary #bitterhope #peter pettigrew #i'll leave (a light on)#dead gay wizards from the 70s #dorlene #mary macdonald #sirius and mary #sirius black

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facesblind · 1 year ago

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𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚. 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗡𝗨𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘. 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘. 𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗬𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘. parties like this is where she�� would thrive, if she weren't a plus one to someone like houston in a house full of criminals.

the noise is distant, guests are occupied with activities she would indulge into if her partner wanted. then again, it's unsafe for a sexworker to be that intelligent, and even if she called it luck, houston is too smart for that excuse. especially sober, sipping on non - alcoholic drinks the whole night. on purpose, fate noticed, after she offered to get him whisky or beer. so it wasn't because he was too shy to get it himself.

out of caution, all fate had was a glass of wine, cleverly exchanged to a similar - colored liquid when no one was paying attention. she was to appear normal and relaxed, fun and charming and not on high alert.

a great actress, really, full of polite smiles and flirty gestures akin to those she usually presented at the club. a silly persona of a young, harmless woman thrown into very shady environment; able to keep her mouth shut and secrets in one ear, out the other immediately. a bit dumb but pretty — confidence playing a big part of that as her legs were covered in ugly scars, her body not necessarily fitting current beauty standards.

and yet, she's here, glass of juice in one hand, the other gently placed atop houston's. by now, she knew the gang pretty well. not playing favorites, but... the man beside her was definitely the best choice of all, the core of the group, always tipping well and never forcing her for activities reserved for private rooms with no clothing policy. a silly man, awkward, maybe shy — lonely (to ask a stripper to attend a party like this?) — gentle, rather. nervous, a bit; and so, she entered his personal space to give his hand a light, reassuring squeeze.

❝ i'm here for you, ❞ and not with you, she says, like she genuinely wants to spend time with him. in reality, it's free food and drinks and the possibility of spending the night at his place — having hot water and food in the morning (she already knew she would wake up before him, making breakfast, so she's not thrown away before eating).

brows are furrowed slightly, thumb grazes over the top of houston's hand.

❝ is something the matter, dear? may i do anything so this night doesn't feel as unpleasant? ❞

she's here as a guest, but they're all used to her company in a different way. being in the garage frees her of the duties she was not supposed to perform given the circumstances. then again, playing harmless, tipsy...

oh, what a great night.

continued: from here. @clownfile for houston.

#clownfile #verse : [ to be tagged ]

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eadoughpastriesprovisions · 1 year ago

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Breakfast Downtown Houston Tx | Eadough Pastries & Provisions

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Discover an enticing array of freshly baked pastries and delicious provisions that promise to start your day on a delicious note. Culinary Join us for a morning of joy and taste the best breakfast.

Visit us now:- https://eadough.com/

#eadough pastries & provisions #eadough #best breakfast houston #Breakfast Downtown Houston Tx #Best Breakfast Downtown Houston

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lemoncrushh · 6 months ago

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Too Far From Texas | Chapter Twenty-Nine

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 5528

“Please tell me that latte has an extra shot of espresso in it,” Lorelei groaned.

“With almond milk,” I nodded as I laid the Venti sized beverage in front of her.

“You’re a doll,” she breathed a sigh of relief and removed the lid to test the temperature. “Ooh, still hot, too.”

Despite the climbing temperatures outside, the office was freezing in typical Houston fashion. I’d stopped at Starbucks after dropping the girls off at school, knowing my best friend and I could both use some extra caffeine for the long morning we had ahead of us. We had a deadline coming up, and though we had practically finished the manuscript, we still had a lot of our own editing to do before sending it to the actual editing department.

“You want your croissant now, or save it for later?” I asked, holding up the small paper bag.

“Mmm, now,” she said with a gesture of her free hand as she set down her cup with the other.

Handing Lorelei her breakfast, I sat down at the chair across from her desk and pulled out my own hot sandwich, letting the steam rise before biting into it.

“Oh!” Lorelei exclaimed before quickly covering her mouth and swallowing. “Before I forget, it’s Rachel’s birthday tomorrow, so we’re all putting in five dollars for a cake and gift. I went ahead and chipped in for both of us.”

I frowned. “Rachel, the receptionist?”

“Yeah. She’s turning forty, so I thought it would be nice to have a little something.”

“Huh. I didn’t see her when I came in just now.”

Lorelei gave a smirk before taking a sip of her latte. “She’d probably rushed off to the toilet. She hasn’t told me, but I think she’s preggers.”

“At forty?” I asked on impulse.

Lor gave me a much deserved look. “You can still get pregnant at forty, Stace.”

“I know,” I shrugged. “I just…always thought it was kind of risky.”

“Well sure, it can be. But women still do it. My aunt Dinah was forty-four when she had my cousin Lucas. Of course he’s a right twat, but that has nothing to do with it.” She laughed, giving me the eye. “Alright Stacey, what gives?”

I mimicked her gaze. “Nothing. I just kind of figure once you reach a certain age, you’re not even thinking about having babies anymore.”

“That’s an awful thing to say,” Lorelei snapped. “Granted, it’s not Rachel’s first baby, but what if it was? That’s not for you to decide.”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then what did you mean?” She pursed her lips, then sat back, crossing her arms across her chest. “Stacey Barnett! Do you have baby fever?”

“Oh God, no!” I gave her a dismissive wave. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Lorelei sat up again, resting her elbows on the desk. Then in a hushed tone, she looked me in the eye. “Do you want another baby, Stacey?”

“No!” I argued. “Believe me, that is furthest from my mind.”

“You mean to tell me if Harry...what’s his middle name?”

“Edward,” I chuckled.

“If Harry Edward Styles said ‘Stacey Marie Barnett, I wanna have a baby with you’, you wouldn’t give him one?”

I shook my head as I felt my cheeks turn pink. “Okay, you’ve gone off your rocker first of all. He would never say that. And second, I am way too old to be having babies with a twenty-four-year-old musician.”

“Here we go again,” Lorelei rolled her eyes. “You’re not old, hon. Stop thinking you are.”

“No, I know I’m not old old,” I pressed. “Just...older.”

My friend made a funny sound deep in her throat before brushing the crumbs from her hands. “Right. Since we’re on the subject, catch me up on the Story of Styles.”

I snorted after taking a drink. “He’s in Europe. I forget which city today. Yesterday was a traveling day, so I didn’t really talk to him. Just a couple of quick texts.”

“When’s the last time you got to talk? Like, FaceTime?”

“A few days ago.”

“That’s not too bad,” Lor offered.

I nodded with a slight pout. Since Harry had left for his tour, we made it a point to FaceTime at least once every four or five days. In between he’d text me when he could, just to give me an update or tell me he loved and missed me. So far, I was keeping it together, at least on the outside. But I had to admit, the being apart was harder than it had ever been. I chalked it up to the fact that he was overseas and not on American land, but deep down I still had a gnawing ache due to something else.

We still hadn’t really had our talk.

I say our talk, but truly it was all me. Harry had assured and reassured me several times before he even left that he was committed to me and our relationship. In the end, I’d decided that was enough for me, and it would have been bad timing for me to confess all of my worries and insecurities. He knew most of them anyway, and he still wanted to be with me. So I wished him the best of luck and told him I was proud of him.

I scanned the internet from time to time, just to see any new videos posted by fans, or a short write-up about his concert the previous night. But as I’d promised both Harry and Lorelei, I did not search for anything that might include my name or a reference to me. My social media accounts were still private, and though I did occasionally get new requests, I denied them all with the exception of Cindy and Glenne who’d asked me before I’d ever left L.A. Though part of me was itching with curiosity, I knew it was best not to travel down that road. I could only imagine what fictional scenarios and assumptions people might have been making about Harry Styles’s girlfriend - the older woman.

“Alright doll,” said Lorelei when I threw away our trash. “Let’s get to work.”

With a sigh, I pulled my laptop from my bag and set it on Lor’s desk. Though we primarily wrote separately in our own offices or at home, the editing process was done best side by side. Word had it that if we got the final manuscript to corporate before the end of May, the book might be put on the short list and published sooner than anticipated. So far it was “on the down low” as Kris had put it, very hush hush. But if it was true, it could mean big things for both of us, and I might actually have enough money to take my kids to Disney World.

“Thank you so much, all of you,” Rachel beamed after she opened her gift.

Everyone clapped and Terrance whistled. With a shy grin, Rachel patted her belly.

“I suppose the rumor has gotten out that I’m going to have a baby,” she announced. “And it’s true.”

The conference room erupted with applause once more.

“Mike and I haven’t told Jacob yet. We plan on telling him this weekend that he’s going to be a big brother.”

“Aww, that’s so cute,” said Lorelei.

“I wasn’t actually sure if I could have any more kids,” Rachel continued, “especially at forty. But the doctor has assured me everything looks great so far, and I shouldn’t have any problems. So, next time we’re in here might be for a baby shower? Maybe?”

Everyone laughed, Sarah from accounting giving verbal confirmation that she’d be in charge. Once the party had commenced, Lorelei and I stayed back to help clean up, Rachel offering.

“Don’t be silly,” said Lor. “It’s your special day. We’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you again, you guys,” Rachel smiled before turning down the hall toward the reception desk.

Picking up the remainder of the cake, I carefully placed it on the counter before reaching for the extra paper plates and napkins. It wasn’t until I heard my name that I realized my cheeks were wet.

“Stace? Hon? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I shook my head, wiping my face with the backs of my hands.

“Stacey. You’re crying.”

“Sorry,” I said hastily, shoving the plates and napkins into the cupboard. “I just...miss Harry I guess. It was bound to hit me sooner or later.”

“Hmm, yes,” Lorelei mused.

As I reached for the messy paper tablecloth, I felt my friend’s hand take mine. I turned my head to see her expression solemn, urging and compassionate. Dropping the table cloth, I wiped another tear.

“I had a dream, Lor,” I confessed.

“Good or bad?” she inquired quietly.

“Bad. Not recently, it was a while back. But I think about it a lot.”

“Tell me.”

“It was...the future...I guess. And he was with someone else.”

“Harry?”

I nodded, looking down at the table. “She was beautiful and glowing. Like a younger Rachel. She was pregnant with his baby.”

“Oh, Stacey.”

“There wasn’t much else to it. I suppose in the dream we were on good terms. I told them congratulations. But God, Lor, it hurt so bad.”

Lorelei nodded with sad eyes, understanding.

Swallowing hard, I continued. “I had another dream...on the plane. He wanted me to stay.”

“Stay?”

I nodded, my face again wet with fresh tears. “Forever.”

My best friend wrapped her arms around me then and let me cry on her shoulder. She didn’t ask me anything else, and I figured she didn’t have to. We cleaned up the rest of the festivity remains in silence before heading back to work.

The heavy feeling was pulling on my heart the rest of the evening. Tod came by to pick up the girls for the weekend, promising to take them to Cheddar’s for dinner. Emery was beside herself with glee, so I put on my big girl panties as they say and tried my best to hide any sign of sadness. Normally, just knowing Em and Jaz were there at home put my mind at ease, even if I was feeling lonesome for Harry. But once they were gone, my emotions got the better of me.

I hadn’t heard from him yet that day. In fact, the last word from him had been a short “love you” text at three in the morning my time on Thursday, which of course I didn’t see until I awoke. I knew the time difference was weird and made it difficult to chat, especially if he was doing a show. And if he was travelling, I didn’t expect him to call me either. I just missed him.

After having dinner alone, I opened my laptop, hoping to get some work done. I’d only typed a mere two sentences when I found myself searching online for Harry. It seemed he was in Germany and he’d had a show that night. I watched several video clips, smiling at his charm and singing along to his songs. When I played a clip of his final song, however, my favorite, I began to cry in my chair.

I decided to try to watch a movie for a distraction, so I made myself some popcorn and poured a glass of wine. Halfway through the storyline, however, I started feeling depressed, wishing Harry was sitting beside me watching the film with me, giving his goofy commentary. Or more than likely, hushing me as I tried to give mine.

The sadder I got, the angrier I got at myself for feeling that way. I had no right to be sad. I knew how lucky I was. I was being stupid and foolish. Checking my phone, free of messages, I figured it wasn’t even 7AM yet where he was. And if it was the morning after a concert, he most likely slept in. I might not hear from him for a while.

Turning off the TV, I walked wistfully to the bedroom, preparing for sleep. Brushing my teeth and changing into my pajamas, I crawled into bed feeling like an elephant had sat on my chest. I always hated how my brain would take off in the late hours when I couldn’t sleep, keeping me awake even longer because it wouldn’t turn off. I thought of things I didn’t want to think about, things that had been in the back of my mind haunting me. I cursed life and the world.

I’d just returned to bed after the third bathroom break when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was nearly 2AM then, but seeing Harry’s name displayed still surprised me.

“Hello?” I answered, not in the usual “hi sugar,” or “hey you,” greeting I usually gave.

“Hi beautiful,” he said, his tone cheerful. “I wasn’t sure if you’d answer. I reckoned I’d leave a message.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why?”

“I mean, why would you leave a message if you knew I was asleep?” I could tell my tone was abrupt, and not what he was expecting. For some reason I couldn’t help it.

“Um...because I missed you and I thought you might be missing me. So a voicemail is better than a text, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes,” I sighed, regretting my rudeness.

“But hearing your voice is even better,” Harry added. “Did I wake you?”

“No,” I replied. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh, I’m sorry baby. Anything I can do?”

“I doubt it. Unless you can fly to Texas and crawl into bed with me.”

“Oh, my love. I wish I was there with you right now.” Though he sounded sincere, I knew he was just saying it to make me feel better. Once again, I hated myself for feeling this way.

“How was the show last night?” I asked, changing the subject. “I watched a few videos.”

“Wonderful. Every show is great, I have such amazing fans.”

“Of course you do,” I commented. “Look who they get to be fans of.”

The ever-present contented sound I loved so much came from Harry’s throat then, and I felt the emotions rise in my own. Choking back a sob, I pretended to cough. Harry noticed.

“Stacey? You okay?”

“Mmm, no, not really,” I answered.

“What’s wrong, love? Talk to me.”

“I just…” I paused. “I miss you so much.”

“I miss you, too, baby. But we’re getting closer, yeah? It won’t be long.”

His sweet, calming voice vibrated throughout my body as I realized it was time to tell him. I’d been holding back for fear of hurting the both of us, but I knew it was inevitable.

“Harry…” I began. “Do you remember Harold and Millicent?”

Harry chuckled low. “Of course, how could I forget?”

“And do you remember their granddaughter came into the cafe with her baby? And Millie asked if we planned on having any?”

“Yeah.”

I swallowed hard. “I think...that was the first time it really hit me.”

“What hit you?” asked Harry.

“That this might not work out between us.”

“What?” Harry’s tone completely changed in that one word, and I felt the weight of it on my chest.

“That wasn’t the only time I felt it though,” I added. “There was of course the talk with your mother, and some dreams I had-”

“Fuck, Stacey!” Harry exclaimed. I could tell he was angry now. I couldn’t really blame him. I’d caught him off guard. My body shook as I held back the tears.

“Harry,” I pressed. “You wanted me to talk. You kept urging me to tell you everything I was feeling. Well, I’m telling you now, this is how I’ve been feeling.”

“That it’s not gonna work out?”

“No. That I’ve been so afraid of telling you what I feel in my gut. Because you might change your mind and not love me anymore. But that’s so fucking selfish of me, Harry.”

“I don’t understand,” he said, his voice low again.

“You deserve to have everything you want, when you want it, and when the time is right. You’re still so young and one day you’ll want to have a family. But not right now. And certainly not a ready-made one.”

There was a long pause as I heard Harry’s breathing through the phone. I wanted to say more, but I also wanted to give him the chance to give his input, perhaps let me off the hook. When he didn’t, however, I knew it was wishful thinking.

“I had a dream,” I confessed, “on the plane ride home. You’d asked me not to go. You’d wanted me to stay, to even go on tour with you and bring the girls. I knew it was a foolish dream, but I realized how much I’d wished it was true. Which makes me hate myself even more.”

“Stacey…” he sighed, but added nothing more.

“The thing is, Harry, if you told me right now that you want a baby...my baby...I would give it to you.”

“But that’s not what you want.”

“It’s not what you want either.”

“Then why are we even discussing it?”

“Because one day you might want that,” I explained, “and I won’t be able to give it to you then.”

“Why are you so worried about the future, Stacey? I’m not. Why can’t we just live in the present?”

“Because I can’t,” I cried. “I can’t live like that. My entire marriage I was told I needed to be happy with what I had, even though I wanted so much more. I felt like I was missing out on something. So I fell into a deep depression until I was finally able to step away from that marriage.”

“But this isn’t like that, Stacey. This isn’t your unhealthy, dysfunctional marriage.” Harry’s voice had risen again, and I could tell he was teetering between wanting to yell and cry. “Do you honestly feel like you’re missing out on something?”

“No, I-”

“I’m giving you everything I have. I love you here and now. Can’t you just be with me because you love me, and I love you?”

“I want to…” The tears were flowing freely now, down my cheeks and onto my pillow. I didn’t try to stop them. “I just don’t want to be in the way.”

“In the way of what?”

“Of your life. Everything you deserve. I don’t...I can’t be the reason you don’t have everything you ever wanted.”

“What are you saying?” Harry croaked.

“I’m saying...God, I love you so much, Harry. But...I don’t know. Maybe we should just take a break. Maybe this time apart is what we need.”

“Jesus, Stacey. What the fuck? You just said you’d have my baby and now you wanna break up?”

“I don’t...no, I don’t want to…” My entire body trembled as I gathered my next words. “I just think it’s best if we don’t talk for a little while.”

“How long is a little while?”

“Um...maybe until I see you in June,” I replied.

“God, please don’t-” I heard him swallow hard. “This is so fucked up.”

“Yeah. I know. Bye, Harry.”

I knew my final words were harsh as they included no term of endearment, laced with hope. But that was mostly for myself. I was being selfish in that regard. Because if I was to give myself any sign of hope, I’d crumble.

I lied to my mother and told her I was sick. It was just a white lie though, since I did feel like death. On Sundays when the girls were home, we’d have dinner, but even on Tod’s weekends, my mother would sometimes stop by for a visit. I figured it was because she felt entitled to grace me with her presence, knowing if she didn’t invite herself, she might not get one. Yes, I was a horrible daughter.

But this particular Sunday just wasn’t going to cut it. I knew I’d made my own bed, but I planned to literally lie in it and sulk until Tod dropped off the girls that evening.

Harry hadn’t tried to call or text, honoring my request. I hadn’t expected him to regardless, but it still hurt. I supposed deep down I kind of wished he’d fight me on it, or fight for me. But it had been my decision to take a break, and he was just respecting that.

Also, I was pretty sure he already hated me, at least as much as I hated myself.

I’d always been one to wear my heart on my sleeve and my emotions on my face. So it was no surprise that Lorelei knew something was up as soon as she saw me Monday morning. However, her first thought was Jasmine, bless her heart.

“Oh my God, doll, did Jaz have another seizure?”

“No,” I shook my head, dropping my bag next to the empty chair and pulling out my laptop. “She’s perfectly fine.”

“Oh,” she sighed, her hand on her heart. “You just look like you had zero rest, so that was my first impulse. Are you sick?”

“I’m fine.”

“Is it Harry?”

Three guesses. It didn’t take much for Lorelei. We were best friends, after all.

“Yes,” I replied sharply. “But if I tell you, will you please not judge me?”

“Stace!” Lorelei exclaimed, offended.

I watched her walk around me to the office door and shut it. Her heels clicked as she made her way to me. With her hands on my arms, she looked me in the eye.

“Why would you ever think I’d judge you? You’re my bestie! You can tell me anything.”

“I told Harry we shouldn’t talk for a while.”

Dropping her hands, Lorelei gasped. “What?”

I lowered my gaze and slumped down into the chair. Lor grabbed the other one against the wall and pulled it towards me, taking a seat with her eyes glued to me.

“What happened, hon?” she asked gently.

“Well, I broke two hearts at once is what I did,” I replied, “but I just felt like it was for the best to take a break. He’s busy anyway, and I think eventually he’ll forget me and move on.”

“Wait,” Lorelei held up her hands. “Back up. This doesn’t sound like you.”

“I know. Because I’d been holding it in. He’s better off without me, Lor.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Basically...that I don’t want to stand in his way. And he deserves everything he wants.”

Lorelei groaned, rolling her eyes. “Don’t you think that includes you?”

“Up to now, yes,” I explained. “But he may change his mind. Eventually he’s going to want his own family, not mine.”

Lor made a face, her mouth and nose distorted. “I mean...I guess I kind of understand that. But don’t you think that’s his decision? You just made up his mind for him.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “Before it’s too late and we’ve taken this too far.”

“Too far? Stace, you love him. He loves you. Why isn’t that enough?”

Dropping my head, I played with my fingers in my lap. “That’s what he said.”

I heard my friend sigh, silent for a moment. Then she reached for my hands, making me look at her.

“Stacey. Doll. You know I’m not the best at giving relationship advice. Lord knows I’m shit at commitment. But what is the one thing I’ve been telling you since you met Harry?”

I swallowed hard. “That I deserve to be happy.”

“Exactly,” Lor nodded eagerly. “Now, I thought Harry was making you happy. I know he was. I saw it on your face every day, even when you were missing him. And even when you were being stubborn and thinking it wasn’t true love. It was. It is! I’ve never seen you glow so much.”

I bit my lip, fighting back the tears.

“But…” she continued with another sigh, “if you truly believe that this is no longer making you happy, I support your decision.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled.

“It really makes me sad though,” she added. “I really thought you had something special. Is it truly over?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “I told him I loved him, and I didn’t really want to break up, but it’s best if we don’t talk until I see him at the concert.”

Twisting her mouth, Lorelei considered my words. “Okay. That’s what, six weeks or so? It’s a long time, but maybe...maybe you’ll get your answer by then, whether or not you belong together.”

I sat back, wiping a small tear from my cheek. “Thanks, Lor. Thanks for understanding.”

She shrugged. “I’ll be honest, Stace, I don’t really understand. But you’re my best friend and I love you. All I want is your happiness.”

I sucked in my lips and nodded. “Thanks for that then.”

My stomach hurt. Work and life went on as usual, regardless of how much I ached on the inside. It was foolish of me to pretend I didn’t miss Harry, but if I was going to start moving on, I had to stand my ground, keeping my head held high.

He’d texted me a few times over the last couple weeks. Most of the messages were his requests that we talk, that he missed me, the last one just asking if I was okay. So far I’d only replied that I still didn’t think we should talk, and that included texting.

One evening after I’d put the girls to bed, I noticed a text from an unknown number. Opening it, I realized it was from Glenne.

Hi, it’s Glenne. I hope you don’t mind, H gave me your number. Just wanted to check in. Give me a call sometime.

Though I wasn’t ready to chat with any of Harry’s friends, especially if they knew what was going on between us, I found it very classy of her to not ask for any details in a text. I saved her number to my contacts, deciding I would certainly give her a call...when I was ready.

I hadn’t bothered to look at anymore fan videos since the ones from Germany. I hadn’t Googled Harry’s name, nor mine for that matter. I didn’t even know what city or country he was in.

Many times I wanted to pick up the phone and call him. I wanted to reply to his texts that I missed him too. I even got looks from Lorelei from time to time when I’d accidentally drop his name in conversation. I knew she thought I was insane, and I even considered it myself. I just kept remembering the feeling I’d get when I thought of him a year or two from now, telling me he no longer loved me the way he once did. He’d admit it was fun while it lasted, but he couldn’t ever fully commit or settle down with me. I was doing us both a favor now, bypassing that inevitable heartache. As far as I was concerned, it was easier to bruise a little bit while the feelings were still new, rather than to break into a million pieces later. With us both being busy and an ocean separating us, now was a good time to just cut the cord.

I was in a meeting with the editing department when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Taking a quick gander at it underneath the table, I nearly gasped when I saw it was Harry.

I know you don’t want to talk. I just need to know you’re ok.

I hesitated, taking a deep breath. Lorelei, who sat next to me, eyed me with a raise of her brow.

“Talk to him,” she mouthed.

Pursing my lips, I sent Harry the shortest possible reply.

I’m ok.

“I have news!” sang Lorelei as she bounced into my office one afternoon.

It was mid-May, and we’d finished editing our second novel in record time. The manuscript had been sent to the corporate office in New York, and we were awaiting the official word on publication.

“Not already!” I asserted, knowing it was far too soon.

“No, not about the publication date,” Lor shook her head and sat in the chair across from me. “At least, not yet. But I’ve spoken with Kris and a couple people at corporate, and they’ve agreed to have us come up there for a meeting, sort of a...pre-launch of the book.”

“Pre-launch? What does that mean?”

“It’ll be sort of a preliminary meeting with corporate where we can discuss our plans for the launch of the book, once it’s published. That way, we kind of get a say in it. We can go ahead and plan our next book tour before the book is even on the shelves. Isn’t that exciting?”

Still confused, I sat back in my chair. “And Kris thinks this is a good idea?”

“Yes! She’s paying for us to fly up there!”

“When?” I asked incredulously.

“Next Thursday!”

My mouth agape, I quickly took a look at the calendar on my computer. For some reason the date sounded familiar, and I thought for sure I’d had something typed into that day. But it was blank.

“Well, okay then!” I exclaimed. “Next Thursday it is!”

I knew he had called. It had been during my lunch break when I was heading back to the office. I felt my phone vibrate in my bag, but when I’d retrieved it, I panicked when I saw his name and quickly sent him to voicemail. I hadn’t wanted to see if he’d left a message, but after Tod had come to pick up Jasmine and Emery, the lonely bug kicked in and curiosity took over.

It had been 12:52PM my time that he’d called. Though I still wasn’t sure where he was exactly, if he was still in Europe, it was mostly likely around 6:52PM there. It had probably been while he was getting ready for a show. I imagined him sitting in his dressing room backstage, or perhaps in the hallway chatting with some lucky fans or maybe Jeffrey and his bandmates. I felt a pang in my chest as I realized I missed them as well.

Gathering all the strength I could muster, I took a deep breath and tapped the phone screen to let the message play.

“Stacey,” he said, followed by a long pause. Then he sighed, an extra raspiness to his voice. “Oh, baby, I miss you so bad. I know you have to be missing me too. God, please tell me you do. I know you didn’t want me calling, and that’s why you’re not answering. Shit, I hope you haven’t blocked my number…”

Harry paused again, cursing under his breath before continuing.

“I really wanna talk to you. I have so many things I wanna say, but… I can’t say them all in a voicemail. I need to hear your voice. I need to see your face. This...this is killing me, Stacey. Look I…”

I heard him take a gulp of air.

“I just have to say this...no matter what happens...no matter what you might think...I want you to know I loved you with all my heart...unconditionally.”

His voice cracked then, and he mumbled a goodbye.

My face already wet with tears, I replayed the message. Then I played it again. And again. After the fourth replay, I got out of bed and rummaged through my dresser drawer, desperate to find what I was looking for - the shirt he’d sent me for Christmas. Pulling my tank top over my head, I replaced it with Harry’s purple shirt and crawled back into bed. Then I searched my phone for a playlist I’d made of some of my favorite Melody Gardot songs. Her voice sometimes soothed me, the deep echo of the instruments carrying me away as though they knew both my body and my mind ached to be. I cried softly as I listened to the first song - our song, the one I’d first sung for Harry.

Make me your lover...undercover… or don’t ever love me...at all...

The second track also did nothing to ease my pain, instead reminding me of our time together at the Marchborough Inn.

Baby don’t rush...you’re no waterfall… Love me, that is all…

By the end of the song, I knew I wasn’t listening for comfort. I needed to hurt. I needed to feel the pain, to let it out. I missed him. I missed him so badly, my chest stung to even draw a breath.

The third song, though it was not one I’d shared with Harry, hit me the hardest. I let Melody smother me with her voice, the melancholy yet sultry tune resonating through my senses and down into my bones.

But what I am certain...what is enough… Is just to remember that once...once I was loved…

I listened to Harry’s message again, followed by that final Melody song once more before I finally let slumber overtake me, and I cried myself to sleep.

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK | PATREON

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kpagrandtour · 1 year ago

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Fairly certain I just time traveled

Can someone explain to me how I board the first flight in the morning? Then flew for 15 hours give or take, then arrived in my destination in THE MORNING. I felt like I was in a Christopher Nolan movie. I thought Marty Mcfly was our pilot and we went faster than 80 miles per hour. Maybe that’s why the other plane got delayed because they had to fix the flux capacitor. I don’t even know if it’s been two or three days since we left. I know some people will tell me “it has to do with time zones”. And to those people I say “yeah, but time travel sounds cooler”.

After I recovered from my jet lag we started actually having a really good time. Dr.DePoe, Josh, and I explored Athens with our tour guide Calliope (probably spelled that wrong) and she helped us find our way around. We started out by buying Josh a really nice watch. Then we tried some gelato which was just ice cream but Greek (side comment I’ve never had cookie dough flavor soft serve, I didn’t think that was possible). After that we returned to the hotel to plan and rest in which I took the best nap I’ve ever had. And you might be asking, “why are you sleeping? You're in Athens, go do something.” I would answer by saying, “if we kept doing stuff I would have passed out. I almost fell asleep on the jewelry store couch.” Then we went and ate again. Which was weird for me because I felt like I had 5 meals in the span of one day. Even though it had been 2 days…probably 2 days… maybe 3.

The next day was really good too (even though it wasn’t technically over yet) we ate breakfast than Calliope took us the National Archeology Museum. Which is something no KPA student has ever done. Then we went back to hotel to wait on the others to arrive. All in all it’s been a great time and I’m glad I was able to make it. And feel sorry for the others who got stuck in Houston.

--Brett Adams

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islandspiceus · 1 year ago

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How to build the best Caribbean food in Houston with a balanced meal!

The Caribbean is a diverse region whose ethnic groups have distinctive traditional food practices. These practices are often honored through religious and cultural festivities as well as a strong sense of heritage.

When it comes to food Houston’s palate is as diverse as its population and if you are familiar with H-town Best Caribbean Food Houston and traditional dishes then you know the smoked brisket and barbecue ribs.

Let’s discuss the types of food that are famous in Houston and which dishes are essential in these places.

Food famous in Houston

Houston is known for a number of foods and types of cuisines and also the Island Bar and Grill Menu are in high demand. The most famous foods in Houston are Viet-Cajun crawfish, chicken and waffles and others. The variety of cuisines available in the Caribbean includes Vietnamese cuisine and others.

If you enjoy tasting different cuisines from around the world Houston may seem like paradise. There are various types of food represented in Houston scenes. From Viet-Cajun crawfish to pecan the following foods put Houston on the food map.

Essential and best Caribbean Food Houston

Jamaica

Often combined with rice and peas, jerk chicken is one of the most traditional Jamaican food options. The flavor of some meals is marinated with hot jerk spice that includes Scotch bonnet peppers and is a popular way of cooking in the Caribbean.

Originating from East Indian immigrants, Curry Goat quickly became a signature dish in Jamaica. This dish is included in the Island Bar and Grill Menu in several restaurants. You will find it suitable for breakfast and dinner, ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish.

Texas Barbecue

Texas, unlike North Carolina, doesn't depend on a sauce to develop its barbecue flavor. Texas-based pitmasters use bold spices to elevate the meat’s natural flavor. Barbecue highlights in Texas include smoked brisket and barbecued beef ribs.

Oil down

This one-pot stew rightfully holds the title of Grenada’s national dish and the best Caribbean Food Houston. Warming and comforting but still packed with flavor it brings together salted meats, vegetables, coconut milk and lots of spice.

Grenadian cuisine draws influence from African, Indian menus so you will be unsurprised to find the roti commonly sold as a street food snack. This whole-wheat flatbread is filled with curry meat or other vegetables to keep you going on daylong adventures.

Best Caribbean Food Houston

As you have discovered, Houston's food culture is the most fascinating. Where else can you find regional chefs exploring with such an intriguing range of flavors and ingredients? Where else might one discover such a fusion of flavors and cultures?

Tamales, chicken and waffles are right next door to each other. You're now prepared to sample each of Houston's specialty meals since it's undeniably one of the top cuisine towns in the nation. Connect with us now and grab the best deals.

#island spice #Best Caribbean Food Houston #Island Bar and Grill Menu

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concentratedbitterness · 1 year ago

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The Morning

Somewhere Near Houston, Texas : August 26, 2023

It’s convenient to be an early riser; the kind of person who wakes up refreshed and naturally alert at the ass-crack of dawn, most days before the alarm has even gone off. Not that he’s ever been swayed all too much by fables praising early birds and worms or any of that other stuff old folks are always going on about, but in a practical sense Leroy has always found it more useful than not to be up before the sun. It’s the best time to do chores and work, to tend to the horses; the best time to go for a drive and crank up the radio. Best time to get a head start on the things that matter, in those quiet hours while the rest of the world is still sleeping. Life’s too short as it is, no sense wasting the daylight.

Of course, not everybody sees it that way. Lee smiles to himself and artfully slips out from under the tangle of pillows, blankets, and long blond hair, careful not to jostle the slumbering form at his side. Luckily he’s had plenty of practice over the years; though in great contrast to the many who came before, this is as far from a one night stand as it gets. He pauses briefly to pull the sheet back up over Hannah’s swollen belly, letting his hand linger there just a moment in hopes of feeling a tiny punch or kick. None are forthcoming, as usual. It would seem the twins take their beauty rest as seriously as their mother. He leaves them to it.

It doesn’t take long for him to shower and throw on some clothes–he’s always prided himself on being a particularly low maintenance specimen–and dawn is still teasing the horizon by the time he shuffles into the kitchen. Uncle Mal is already there, fussing over something on the stove. “Mornin’,” Lee greets as he tosses his jacket on the table and sidles over to pour himself a cup of coffee, more chipper than anyone has any business being before the sun is up.

“--Is it?” Malcolm replies absently, glancing up from the pan as though he’s just been pulled from some deep thought that most certainly didn’t involve the pork sausage sizzling away at the end of his spatula.

Leroy only chuckles under his breath. His uncle doesn’t sleep much, that’s nothing new, but in recent months he seems to have traded in passing his time in the laboratory for the kitchen. This is where Lee finds him most mornings now, toiling over comfort food instead of alchemy. Then again, maybe the two disciplines aren’t so different; one just involves a whole lot more butter. “Quiet ‘round this place, since the ol’ man an’ that damn bird been gone. Doc still here?” “No, Ig had t’ go take care of some things.” Mal replies almost wistfully. “He won’t be back for a few days.” Lee resists the urge to make an inappropriate joke. “So who the Hell ya’ cookin’ all that for? Ain’t no one here can eat it ‘cept you, me, an’ Zad…an’ I ain’t gonna’ be hangin’ ‘round for breakfast.”

“I don’t know,” his uncle murmurs as though he’s only just considered the notion himself, and reaches for his coffee mug. Lee is fairly certain whatever’s in it, it’s not coffee. “Where are you off to, Leroy?” he asks after a moment. “Shouldn’t run out on an empty stomach. If you’re in that much of a hurry I can pack ya’ some t’ go.”

Part of him wonders if he’ll ever get used to the man who looks and sounds just like his father speaking to him so gently. It’s unsettling in a warm, fuzzy kind of way that makes him sad all the same. “--Yeah, guess that’d be alright,” Lee relents, not because he’s hankering for a breakfast burrito so much as it’s hard not to appreciate the sentiment behind it. “Been workin’ on somethin’ down by the creek. Figure after I turn out the horses I’ll put a few hours in there ‘fore Hannah wakes up.”

There’s a soft clank of cast iron as Mal sets the pan down and hobbles over to the cupboard to fetch a bit of tinfoil. “Workin’ on what?”

Lee flashes his signature lopsided grin. “Just somethin’ special.”

A distinctly skeptical look is tossed his nephew’s way, but Malcolm doesn’t pry. “If you say so.” He turns back to the counter to assemble the burrito, and Lee doesn’t miss the way his fingers tremble as he piles the fillings high and rolls everything neatly in a foil cocoon. “Need a hand?”

“Nah, I’m good. Gonna’ drag Zad along,” Leroy explains, draining the last swallow from his coffee cup before swooping over to snatch the oversized to-go meal from his uncle’s hand. He grabs his jacket off the table as he walks by. “You seen ‘em this mornin’?”

“Reckon’ they’re probably out on the front porch.”

“Aight,” Lee waves back over his shoulder, already heading for the door, “Catch ya’ later, Uncle Mal. Thanks for breakfast.”

“--Wait, Leroy. Hold up a minute.”

He stops and turns around, looking expectantly at his uncle. “Yeah?”

Malcolm stands beside the table, holding something in the palm of his hand. “This musta’ fallen outta’ your jacket,” he drawls, and lets his fingers unfurl to reveal a small ring; a simple white gold band adorned with an unusual stone that sparkles brighter than any star in the sky even in the dimly lit kitchen. “Is it what I think it is?”

Lee shrugs, padding over to pluck the ring from his uncle’s hand and tucking it back into his pocket. “Depends what ya’ think it is.”

A tight frown pulls across Mal’s lips, and he sinks into the nearest chair. “Jesus Christ. Toni’s gonna’ shoot you again.”

“Why’s everybody always sayin’ that like it’s normal behavior?”

“Normal’s relative.”

One of Santiago’s old cuckoo clocks chimes faintly from the hallway, drawing Lee’s gaze in that direction. The first rays of dawn are beginning to pour through the windows, painting lines of light across the Spanish tiles on the floor, and he stares at them for a long moment. The morning’s wasting. “Guess so. Listen, I get you’re fixin’ t’ go off ‘bout how I’m a selfish fuckin’ peckerbrained imbecile an’ all, but it’s gonna’ have t’ wait cuz’ I ain’t really got time for another lecture right now—”

“No lecture,” Malcolm interrupts, folding his hands neatly on the table in front of him, “but I have got somethin’ I need t’ say.” His reading glasses are sliding down the bridge of his nose, and there’s grease from the frying pan splattered onto his shirt, but the deeply thoughtful expression that’s settled over his face is far more composed. “I love you an’ I’m proud of you…”

Lee’s shields are up, ready to deflect, but the words fly right through the defenses and hit him square in the chest where he feels every syllable like a shot through the heart. “Just said I ain’t got time for…you’re…wait, what?”

“I ain’t your daddy, I know that, but he’s not here t’ say it an’ you need t’ hear it. I’m sorry you haven’t heard it enough.” His uncle continues, soft spoken yet earnestly. “You’re a good man, Leroy. You’re gonna’ be a good father, an’ Hannah’s as lucky t’ have you as you are t’ have her. You both deserve t’ be happy.”

Lee is silent for what feels like a moment that stretches on and on and on. There was a time–most of his childhood, really–when he would have given anything he had for little more than a kind word from his own father. It’s been years since he stopped asking himself why; and maybe he’s never fully come to terms with the hand he’d been dealt, but he can’t say it’s ever occurred to him that he’s been carrying the crushing weight of someone else’s burden all along. “Uncle Mal,” Lee ventures finally; voice tight and throat burning. Hesitating again, he swallows thickly, and hopes it’s enough to hide his sniffle. “That’s gotta’ be without a doubt the gayest shit you’ve ever said t’ me.”

Malcolm huffs a quiet laugh under his breath, and shakes his head. “Yeah, well, next time I’ll try sayin’ it straighter.”

Slowly, that same lopsided grin pulls its way across Leroy’s face once more. “Thanks for sayin’ it.”

#[file :: drabble]#[muse tag :: lee]#[muse tag :: malcolm]#[file :: headcanon]#[tw :: long post]

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