#Yeah but he ain't gunna be happy

[earth-ambassador-jim]

My favorite of yours is the lost souls au (where Merlin kidnapps young Jim and Barbara becomes Morgana's dark champion) really creative world building filled with delicious delicious angst.

Thanks! I really like that one quite a lot too!

I honestly never expected it to take off the way it did, it was just supposed to be a dabble, then a series of oneshots, but it actually started weaving together really well. It's a different style of story telling to explore bouncing back and forth between the past and present. It's also been fun completely chucking out the cannon plot and seeing how the characters grow in different circumstances.

I have the next chapter mostly done. The best wizard will be making an appearance.

[clownsuu]

i have so many curious questions about the designs for each of your characters. like, home having big floaty cloud hair?? how do you decide/design them?

I always wanted to talk a sec about my Home's design lmAO so I guess I'll take a sec to do a lil ramble about him

Cw me ramblin my ass off HDHDHJD

Every time I make a design for a character, I always gotta look at everything about em in some way and try my best to implement each iconic aspect of them in their design- from minor to major differences

So like his head, his blue flow-y hair was inspired by his roof and what's underneath his building (that little black void with the swirl- it somehow translated to whispy curly hair in my lil noggin). His colors of his facial hair is obviously colored according to his normal version (red facial hair/brick, a yellow line for the door). I also wanted a way to implement his windows, cause it's a very iconic look for Home, so boom, g l a s s e s (I was gunna put bumps underneath the frames but it looked weird so I just gave him long ass lashes)

His stitched up body/outfit is mostly inspired by the armchair wally sits on that has a very noticeable Barnaby print in the back. Although iv never really drawn it, Home's pants have patches of every single character's skin on it (yes the spots for Barnaby and Howdy would be fluffy LMAO). And his shirt, although it doesn't look like much, the two color patches on his shoulders are color inspired by the trees behind him, and his sleeves obviously of the greenary around him. (also his race, Iv debated what athnicity he'd be since there were two (or three for both) to choose from (wally being afro-latino), and iv ultimately decided Latino, since a large part of my family is such and I know a lot more on that culture being born in it)

As for age? Home himself to me just f e e l s warm and comforting, he has big soft eyes and is literally a Home, so what kinda person makes you f e e l (likespiderman) like home while also being one? A more elderly figure, specifically that one elderly person you feel so comforted being at home with as a kid, smothered in love and happiness and never wanting to leave smhhh. I just wanted him to make you feel like at home whenever ya get a hug by him.

Also his relationship at first wasn't actually gunna be Wally's father, moreso just a guardian, but after he was done being colored and such (and I got a lotta comments sayin he looks like wally) I just went "f it" and made him wally's dadpa (nobody can really choose if it's father or grandfather- I say father since wally is a grown ass man, but other says grandpa cause home is so old looking lmAO, so he gets to be both).

I didn't want his relationship with wally to be anything NEAR negative, but rather a huge comfort and support Wally has with a guardian (yeah adults can live with their parents it ain't that weird). One of my biggest drives for it was cause Wally is heavily neurodivergent coded, and the last thing I wanted was to have a large scary figure in Wally's life terrify and heavily dictate Wally's choices to a point Wally is completely suffocated and extremely uncomfortable. Not only that but lock Wally inside refusing him to do what he wants and getting upset over the smallest things? Complete nightmare! Specially someone who's neurodivergent! Sure I like the suspense and drama in a alternative universe, but in the main one I'd rather not. At least for me anyway (as a neurodivergent whos gone through similar things).

[whooambouttamakeanameformyself]

Beautiful Bloodshed

Otis Driftwood x Transmasc! Reader (18+)

Chapter Six

(Chapter Five can be found below)

Same warnings apply, aside from the cult activity that Y/N takes part in, and Otis invading Y/N's privacy by going through their sketch book.

(A/N: The reader has started working at Spaulding's, working under the table for some extra cash. Thankfully Spaulding needed the help.)

~~~~~~~~~~

(Monday morning, Y/N is visiting the Firefly house after work, Mama's words still echoing in his mind.)

Y/N was lost in thought again, so lost that he didn't hear Baby calling his name.

"Y/N? Y/N. Y/N! Dammit, Y/N! what the hell is up with you?! You're acting weird!" Baby yelled. She got up from her place on her bed, running to her bedroom door.

"Mama! I think Y/N is broken!" She called to Mama Firefly.

Mama appeared in the doorway, looking past Baby at Y/N.

"Y/N? Sweetie, are you okay?"

Mama asked, her voice snapping Y/N back to reality. They look over at her, nervously starting to speak.

"O-Oh, uh, y-yeah, I-I'm okay... I-I'm sorry...." they couldn't even talk right, how pathetic.

Mama just shakes her head. "Sweetie, I know you ain't okay... you gunna tell me what's wrong or am I gunna have to guess?"

It was pretty obvious that they didn't want to talk about it infront of baby so Mama told Baby to go check up on Rufus while they talked, which elicited a frustrated sigh from Baby as she walked off.

Mama sat down on the edge of Baby's bed, taking a drag off her cigarette. "Now, what's troublin' ya?" She asked, her eyes trained on Y/N with a soft look, clearly worried about them.

They took in a deep breath and started to speak. "I've been thinkin' about what you said, about me tellin' Otis?"

Mama raised an eyebrow. "Mhm, and are ya gunna tell him?"

They shook their head, looking down at their hands. "I can't tell him, he don't like me like that, and if I told him I'd just be ruining a good thing."

Mama let out a loud laugh. "Don't like you like that? Are you kiddin' me?! Have you paid any attention to how he acts around you? I know he hides it well, but every once in a while his masculine mask begins to slip." She takes a drag off her cigarette before continuing. "You know he asks Baby when you're comin' over again if you haven't been over for a few days? He is so happy after you leave he'll stay up late into the night working on his art."

Y/N shakes their head. "That don't mean nothin'...."

Mama rolls her eyes. "Then look at the way he treats you! That night you fell asleep in his room? Or him showin' you his art? He's givin' you little pieces of himself and you just ain't noticin'! Poor boy is probably thinkin' you don't feel the same way about him."

When Y/N thought back on those things it became more obvious, how could they be so damn blind?!

Y/N let out a frustrated sigh, holding their head in their hands. "I'm such a dumbass..."

Mama just nods with a giggle. "Yeah, but your my dumbass baby." She gets up and walks over to where they were seated, gently petting their hair. "I'm gunna go now, sweetie, you think on what I said, okay?"

And with that she was gone, leaving Y/N to sit in silence.

Maybe they should just tell him...

They had planned on staying for dinner, but they wanted to head home early so they made their way up to Otis's room where they had left their bag. Like usual, his bedroom door was open. He always left it open when Y/N visited, sort of an indication that they could come in at any time.

This time he'd forgotten that the door was open, and Y/N just walked right in while he was flipping through their sketchbook. They froze, watching him flip through the pages, then finally stopping at the last sketch they'd done.

The sketch they'd done of Otis.....

He stared at it, still not noticing Y/N standing in the doorway. His eyes lingered on the drawing, taking in every detail, soaking in every drop of emotion they put into it.

"Otis...?"

Their voice make him jump slightly, snapping his attention to the door.

"Leaf! I was jus' lookin' at some of the stuff you did, gotta say your art ain't half bad." He quickly tried to play it off as he closed the sketchbook.

Y/N decided to let him get away with it, letting out a soft chuckle. They grabbed their bag, taking the book from his hand.

"definitely lackin' in comparison to yours." They said, shoving their sketchbook in their bag.

Otis let out a soft chuckle. "I guess so." He watched as they slipped their bag onto their shoulder.

"Leavin' early? I figured you'd be stayin' to help out with tonight's ritual."

"I figured that was a family thing, I didn't want to get in the way or anything." They shrugged sheepishly. Otis just laughed, rolling his eyes.

"You are family, you can join in if ya want."

And so they did. They helped Baby prep the victim for slaughter, hog tieing them and laying them on the large stone altar they used for some of their lesser rituals.

~heads up for cult practices~

Once the victim was set and Otis was ready they all gathered around one side of the altar while Otis stood on the other side, the sacrificial blade in one hand, his book in the other. Since this was the first ritual they were participating in they were stood next to Otis, facing mama with a slightly worried look on their face. She gave them a reassuring smile as Otis began to recite the chant from the book, slowly raising the blade above his head.

Some parts of the chant were chanted by the whole group, Mama and Baby getting really into it. The chant soon came to an abrupt end, the blade being plunged deep into the victim's neck, eliciting a guttural scream of terror and pain as thick red blood began to pool beneath them. mama and Baby began to cheer loudly. Otis took the metal goblet from Mama, capturing the blood that began to drip off the edge of the altar. Once the goblet was half full Otis took a sip, the blood staining his lips red. He then turned to Y/N and offered the goblet to them, which they took hesitantly, looking up at Otis, aside asking for permission. Otis nodded, silently urging them to drink, which they do.

Putting the rim of the goblet to their lips, tilting it up, allowing the metallic tasting liquid to fill their mouth half way. A bit more than Otis drank, but they wanted to prove that they could handle it. They swallowed and handed the cup to Mama who took a sip then handed it to Baby.

Once each member had a sip the goblet was placed on the alter and the body was moved to the pile of brush where the second part of the ritual was preformed.

Mama and Rufus both held torches, standing on either side of the brush pile. Y/N stood next to Otis, listening as he chanted the final chant, a chant which seemed to hang in the air like a thick fog. When he finished he raised his hand to the sky and the brush pile was set ablaze, burning the sacrifice and ending the ritual.

That ritual will forever be burned into Otis's memory as the night he realized he liked having Y/N by his side, it was like an extra burst of energy making the ritual feel much more powerful. The fact that they joined in, drinking from the goblet... it was like they were an ethereal being that came to earth to share their power with him.

End of Chapter Six

~~~~~~~~~~

I know that some of the ritual stuff was taken from the other Cult Leader Otis post that I made, it was just too good not to put in here.

[nvrcmplt]

🌟 for tyler and nebka

Tyler and Rider :: damn, can u say room-mates that fall in love, any faster? i hate how nice this is, tyler's just so pro-rider it's mad. these two are like that couple someone finds on instagram and speculates them datin' cause they just always in each others back pocket. the fact rider keeps visiin' tyler even when he's been summoned by someone else in a different part of the city, hello??????

i love them, personally, the friendship and wherever it'll go for them is so good. i dunno if it's love but it's defo a platonic nature that's tyler got feelin' in his heart for rider, the attention and snooty attitude that gives in for him? yeah that makes him feel stupid special so he's smug about that but also the fact that rider doesn't treat him as some second choice in the sense of askin him about his life and magic talents. even if ty's not up the standard rider remembers in his life, he ain't like 'ya shite at it mate, better stop yeah?', instead he's just 'ho-oh that's how it is, okeydokey' but still asks questions anyway so ty can feel good explainin' his livelihood without judgement.

rider also being welcomed by the shop is a b ig thing cause ty's usually the one going out to places cause the shops so picky and protective of his company. trust is massively heightened on that alone so ty doesn't have to hide a part of himself with rider at all. their friendship atm is just so sweet, the closeness, the skinskip, the teasing on mutual sides, the magic talks - it's like the perfect sleepover mixture but for two grown ass adults at any time of day.

the genuine connection these two have make me happy. wherever it goes i'm ready, tyler's ready and rider's ready so we'll see what the future holds for them both.

Nebka and Pharaoh :: guardian monster's devotion to his born duty but also the growin' adoration of his pharaoh's interactions with him. not just a trophy beast but also a monster worth the pedastal to show his pharaoh's power and strength? fuck yeah i love this.

nebka's duty to ozy is out of this world, like ride or die kinda beast. he's got nothing else in his dna but serve ozy and keep him safe alive and dead, he has no end of contract here. that last ask though did explain a bit about how my sphinx is gunna work, born with his pharaoh's rise and dies with them once they are laid to rest. guardin' their tomb with curse and sand from their bones - buring them from the world until they've walked the threshold of the next life at the god's side.

i love the idea that ozy and nebka are the only ones that are able to converse, nebka's noises are not that of a human faced beast to those outside of the royal bloodline, he just makes lion sounds to their ears which makes sense for them to be in awe and flinch in his bestial presence. nebka can't talk to other beings outside of the pharaoh's blood so like even his wife, nor zateros could converse with him. zat's got a bit of a cheat though bein' a beast herself, she could translate enough for a one-sidedish conversation if she had too. but outside that nature, it'll be something hard to try and eavesdrop on them in the temple.

also like the idea that ozy will be the only one to ask of nebka to use his wings for whatever reason. he has no need to use them much for himself now that he is in the temple and at his pharaoh's side so for nebka, his wings are a mere decoration to show the connection of Ra and Horus to the Pharaoh's power.

also just came to be now, what if nebka's got a one in five chances of taking on his pharaoh's pain if it came toa fatal blow, eg; ozy bein' harmed that sudden pain for transfer to nebka wherever he is out of the mystical power of being the pharaoh's guardian. no matter the severity of that sudden switch, nebka could 'die' in ozy's place if his time wasn't meant to be. that'd be painful.

[onlyheretoread2]

Loving my storm part 5

2 weeks . The group had to camp for two week because they ran out of gas and Daryl would not let u walk. Some like Andrea and Lori complained but Rick agreed . But Rick stated that after 2 weeks the group was running out of food and the group had to move on.

It was decided to siphon gas from the truck and extra cans . Daryl would take his bike and storm reluctantly was pun in the rv. She hated being away from Daryl.

He clothes barely fit anymore. She was down to one white shirt and carol has put elastic on her Jeanes so she could still wear them

Storm was counting the days till little jaxon axle Dixon was due to arrive.

Daryl came up with the name one night thinking storm would laugh.

She loved it.

The group was only 3 hrs from fort Benning when the group came up on a road block.

Daryl rode to the front signing I love you to storm as he passed by. And through the block. He informed Dale he saw a way thru and the convoy processed. .

(the asl sign)

Halfway thru the convoy was stopped when the rv broke down.

"I said it... Didn't I say it!" Dale yelled before exiting

Everyone exited the rv to stand outside . Daryl walked up to storm . She looked pale and exhausted.

"baby?" He asked

"just tired I promise" "ur munchkin been kicking like hell"

Daryl put his hand on her belly as his son decided to make himself knownn.kick...kick...kick

"go test in the rv storm were gunna search cars " Shane stated. Storm went to lie down in the rv.

When she awoke it was to snarls. So she looked to the window seeing hundreds of walkers.

Storm stayed below the window till she heard rushed steps and the curtain piled back revealing her husband

"you ok?" He asked looking. Scared

"yeah .... What just happened"

"fuckin heard snuck up on us" ..."t dog hurt and Carol's kid ran off" he stated

"o God Sofia?" Where's carol"?

"outside"

"help me up" storm said grabbing his hand.

As she made her way outside she spotted Carrol rushing to her side.

Rick then appeared from the wood line. Without Sofia.

It was determined after Daryl,Rick,glen,and Shane went to the woods that the trail would be picked up tomarro. Carol was distraut . Daryl returned and storm noticed his boots.

"is that blood?"

He looked down

"we cut a walker open" "made sure he didn't get her" he said

"k let's go to bed gotta start early"

Everyone laid down and Daryl attempted to get in a car Dale stopped him.

"you and your wife take the rv"

"nah man were good" Daryl stated not wanting charity

"she's 8.5 months pregnant. She needs a bed ... Go"

"aight .... Babe come on"

__________

The next day everyone prepared to head out. Even storm Daryl didn't want her alone. Without him.

Everyone entered the woods and stayed close till a tent was found. Carol called for Sofia But no answer so Daryl entered and exited the tent stating the guy opted out. After that a church bell was heard.

The group found the church. But again no girl. Just four weird walkers.

Rick and Shane decided to take off .

"I'ma go with them ." Storm told daryl

"like hell"

"babe the more eyes the better. And I'm fine." She assured him

"ain't you I'm worried about." He said rubbing her belly

"ok" she said defeated

"I just don't want him to arrive and be away from you"

"ok " she said with a smile

___

On the walk back the group was bickering and finally Daryl had enough.

"yall know what all this hoping and pryings gunna get ya? Nothin... That's what.we the only ones zen around here?

He turned back to storm and began to get closer to the high way when Andrea screamed

A girl popped out the woods hollaringbfor Lori . Carl got shot . She took Lori with her and told glen how to get to the house.

_____

When the group returned Daryl informed Dale as to what happened. He was not happy but let it go.

Tdog had a bad infection . He needed a doc asap.

Daryl approached storm

"I want you to go to that house . Probably safer there I'ma camp here and look some more."

Storms eyes teared"No I'm not leaving you."

"jax will be here soon you need rest . Please baby"

"ok" storm then entered the car after hungry kissing Daryl for minutes and went to the green home.

___________

When the small group enters the green house they were greeted by a brunette

"y'all close the gate? "

"yes ma'am "glen stated nervously

The girl smiled and introduced herself as maggie.

Glen and tdog were met with Patricia who talked to storm about her pregnancy while she stitched up his arm . When asked about the antibiotics glen clammed up storm asked....

"merles"?

"yea" glen said

Storm laughed and reface patricia

"he got the clap a lot" " liked weird bar girls"

Patricia looked at storm. And just burst out in laughter

"merles clap likely saved your life .

______

soon Shane pulled up in a truck limping.

Handed off supplies to Hershel and went upstares

When he came back down his head was shaved and he had a piece of scalp missing.

Storm decided right then and there to never be alone with him.

_______'''

The following mornin the rumble of a motor cycle awoke storm.

She rushed outside fast as she could .

Daryl was already up the steps when he saw her.

"god I missed you" he said

"it's been 9 hours babe"

"yeah but he could've easily made it in that time. "

Storm just smiled.

_____

3 days later

Storm awoke in her tent with pain in her sides and back. Sho awoke Daryl and he got carol. Carol suggested getting Hershel and Hershel checked storm and guaranteed she was in fact in labour. It's normal for baby's to be a few weeks early apparently.

After 27 hours storm gave birth to a beautiful little man.

JAXON AXLE DIXON (lil ax)

5 lbs even

19 inches

brighted eyes ever seen on a baby.

Storm was released from hershals care 3 days later but told to take it easy. Daryl went back to looking for Sofia the very next day.

Storm was nursing when she suddenly got a ping of pain in her chest but couldn't pin point it. When dark rolled around and then into the next morning she began to panic pacing around camp with 5 day old jax in a sling.

"where is he?" She asked Rick.

All of a sudden Andrea started to scream "WALKERS!"

Rick and a few men raced to the scene telling storm to stay back. When they got to the walked Andrea decided to show off and attempt to shoot. All that was hear was "NOOOO."

Before storm could thing she handed Jax to Lori and took off noticing Rick held one and Shane held the other.

Once close enough she recognized both and her veins went cold.

Daryl and sofia

Andrea had grazed Daryl and hit Sofia in the arm.

_____

Both now in the house storm had retrieved Jax and headed in after informing carol.

The bullet just grazed Daryl but he had an arrow wound and was getting stitched up.

Sofia's arm was broken so it needed immobilization.

Andrea got what came to her in the for of storms boot in her face.

When Daryl regained composure he demanded to see storm and Jax . Luckily they were right behind him. He thanked hershals after he was done and ushered everyone out except his family.

"I was so scared" storm cried

"I'm sorry ... I feel and Sofia pulled me up the embankment after we were both knocked out"

"is Jax ok" he asked

Storm nodded placing Jax on the bed between them as they both kissed then passed out.

Over the next 5 weeks Shane deteriorated . He unlocked the barn without permission causing a trapped heard to spill out.

After words hershals took off .

Rick and glen went to find him and Lori got impatient.

She approached the Dixon camp.

"Daryl I need a favor. " She said

"what" he said tiredly jaxon had kept both of them up with colic

"hershals took off Rick and glen still aren't back yet"

"and how's that my problem"

"I need you to go get them " she said demandingly

"fuk that I got more important shit to worry about" he spat rocking a fussy jax

"how can u be so selfish"

"Selfish"!!!"

"your bitch went window shopping. He wants to die let him. I already found Sofia I'm done being an errand boy"

By then Jax was screaming so storm woke up and ran out thinking the worst. Only to be met with her screaming baby and pissed husband.

"what the fuck do you want Lori"?

"I simply asked....

"you didn't ask shit you demanded. Were done being errand boys we have Jax now and don't you ever call my husband selfish again.He took a GODDAMN BULLET AND AN ARROW . for it and the only thank you he got was from carol. Now if you excuse me Jax is hungry.

Storm then took Jax and latched him to her only to turn around to a still there Lori.

"we both have children . You just had yours mine is months away. .....

"there's a difference... I had my husband's baby ur having Shane's. Not my problem."

With that Lori stomped away.

Over the next 2 weeks the tension in the house grew so storm and Daryl kept there now 7 week old away from it. Carol approached Daryl one night.

"I can take a baby shift if u need a break" she said

"thanks" Daryl handed over Jax and went to sit.

The next night a heard came thru.

"you get him safe no matter what ok"

"don't you dare leave us. " Storm cried

"I have to help" "I'll find you" with that he kidded her and Jax and ran to his bike. After what felt like hours he looked to the home not seeing storm or Jax and he thought the worst. He speaks off the farm to the highway hoping they made it out. When he arrived he found everyone but them.

Soon though he heard his sons cry and ran to the woods to find a passed out storm with jaxon screaming. She was helped to the cars and Daryl packed his bike into tdaogs truck to hold his wife . They again set off for fort Benning.

[looonnamoon]

Huehue

Pro! Bakugou x College! Reader headcanons

Bc I need a stress reliever

Kinda short but whatever

Enjoy sweets!

[Unedited]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

- you were a college student, making it decently though but still you lived very strictly

- he was a pro hero, making over 6 figures MONTHLY and lived a lavish life

- do you see any similarities in reasoning why you two got together? No? Me neither. But you still did.

-and it's fun!

- you two met at a museum that you worked at.

- you were the tour guide to a private tour around the museum, leading pro hero Dynamite.

- you would think that he would want to go alone, but turns out he liked talking to someone about the artworks there and speak his mind

-he also liked to look you up and down while you spoke, hanging on every word you spoke.

- he also liked how you both giggly sneaked to a private area where you made out for a bit until his tour was over.

-...so your first meeting and eventual relationship started off oddly, but the both of you were happy either way.

- after the first date you two had, at a nice Cafe (surprisingly to you because you thought he just wanted to make put and leave but this happened), you had exchanged numbers and learned more than what the public sees of the both of you.

- you weren't exactly the most talkative person I the world and he was

- but there was so much to find out about the two of you, it was amazing.

- you thought this relationship would last only a month or two but now you're on your 2nd year together!

- and there are some things you developed throughout your relationship

.

- when bakugou found out your living space and how much you had, he decided to help out, even with your request not to, he just couldn't help but buy you a new larger apartment and maybe buy you a new laptop (cuz that peice of shit the school provided you was meant to help you all year? Bitch, that shit couldn't even last a week tf)

- bakugou also likes to stay over at your place a lot, especially when your stressed.

- while you worked hard on your school work, bakugou will make you healthy meals to keep you going throughout the day. As well as making you take breaks every two hours or so (by lifting you off of your chair and cuddling you, try to get out, I dare you)

- the times when you get frustrated with a certain topic or question, he's always there to help you.

- he will be as gentle as possible with you and while planting soft kisses all over your shoulder and cheeks, he will tell you such reassuring things and will try to help you figure out the question

"Cmon, baby, don't say that, you ain't an idiot."

"Cmon, let's try this again okay?"

"Yes, of course you can do it, you're a strong person you hear that?"

"Yeah and you ain't gunna let some stupid question bring you down, you hear me?"

"Hell yeah! Let's go kick this chemistries homeworks ass!!"

- Usually it'll go like that.

- he also will pick you up every day after school, no matter how many looks you'll get from walking to a famous pro heros car, getting in, and giving him a peck on the cheek in thanks

- at this point, you didn't care. Neither did he.

- he also likes to take you out on extravagant dates from time to time, because of his and your busy schedule

- you both like to call eachother everyday when you cant see eachother, usually before and after school so that bakugou knows your safe (and he wants to hear your voice in the morning-)

- when you do have time together however

- snuggles and breakfast in bed no matter what

- kissing showers all the way

- and seeing bakugou in his underwear in the morning bc he knows u like that

- and you wearing sum underwear and only his shirt because you know he likes that too

- and when you arnt looking, he'll snap a pic of you in the morning, half awake and in his shirt

- a reminder of how lucky he is to have someone as beautiful as you ♡

[imagines-she-writes]

Plot: You & Eddie have been together for a a few years now and your brother Mox teases him for not putting a ring on it.....

Warnings: fluff , swearing...

'Soo...when are you gunna put a ring on my sisters finger then?...cus I ain't gettin' any younger '

Eddie blushed hard as Renee slapped her husband upside of the head 'ow!'

'Jon! Honestly Eddie ignore him....hes just must be on his man period and the filter between his mouth and his brain is outta action'

'You mean he had one to begin with?'

Y/N came bustling through the patio doors with plates of food ready to bbq.

'And for your information dear brother...just how long did it take for you to marry Renee? Hmm..?'

'Smart ass' jon grumbled.

Eddie and Renee chuckled. Eddie set the food onto the grill and handed you a beer.

You had met Eddie through Jon and had thought he was funny & sweet. You two had hit it off right from the start but Eddie was too nervous to ask you out. It wasnt untill Renee suggested that her Jon you & Eddie went for a double date that you two went for a date just the two of you. Eddie pulled out all the stops that day taking you to walk shelter dogs & play arcades. Simple but you loved it. Every month since Eddie had taken you out on a date night as promised.

Jon was happy that you had found someone decent who respected you and treated you like an absolute queen.

'Now wheres my beautiful Nora?' You asked plonking down next to Eddie.

'She's napping right now. Teething is a dick'

'Aww poor thing' cooed Eddie.

After eating and drinking and catching up you all said your goodbyes making plans to do something all together again soon.

In the car Eddie was quieter than usual.

'Babe...what's wrong?' You pried gently, hand on his leg.

Eddie sighed deeply. 'Ya know i love you right?'

Your brow furrowed 'of course i do...and i love you too....is this about what Jon said earlier?'

'I guess....but he's right though. I shoulda wifed you up years ago...'

'Maybe but we are happy arent we? We love each other so who cares we arent married?'

You silently cursed your brother although you knew he was coming from a good place.

When you pulled into the drive Eddie turned to face you.

' I love you Y/N....and I promise that when the time is right...I will put a ring on your finger and wifey you up'

'Ohh Eddie....please dont take my idiot brothers words to heart.. it will happen we want it to happen..ok?' You reassured him.

'C'mon I want to spoon you all night my little cuddly bear'. To you there was something safe and reassuring about being in Eddie's arms. His hugs were legendary. They made you feel safe secure and loved.

A few weeks passed and you noticed Eddie was acting strange. Secret phone calls and disapperaring for hours on end. You would be lying if it didnt worry you.

'You ok Y/N? You seem kinda distracted'

'Yeah...no....I don't know Renee. '

'Spill c'mon. You look like you haven't slept in days...' you sighed.

'I think Eddie is cheating on me.'

Renee's face dropped 'okay.. not what i was expecting.... what makes you say that? ...or think that? '

You shrugged. It sounded stupid but you couldnt stop this gut feeling that something was up.

'Ever since Jon made a comment about us not getting married he's been acting super weird ya know? Like constantly reassuring me he loves me, but acting super shady like secret phone calls and being gone at weird times that I know arent work related...' you couldnt help the stray tears that fell.

'Damn it!' You mumbled wiping your tears. You hated crying let alone crying infront of others.

'Ohh sweetie. I doubt hes cheating in you. And Jon's an ass for sticking his nose in. But trust me....Eddie's not cheating hunny....he'd be dead if he was...' you both chuckled at that comment.

Renee grinned to herself ... 'lets go shopping get our nails done our hair the lot ... we deserve it after that I quit match'

You shuddered internally remembering the bloody match.

Hitting the shops with Renee you relaxed and got a manicure and your hair done. You both stopped for a coffee.

Your phone buzzed.

* mad king 👑* I love you baby.... meet me at the cliff top bar at 7.30pm. Wear your new dress too.

How did Eddie know you had brought a new dress? Renee!

'Renee!...'

Mean while...

'Bro this has to be perfect ok? Like nothing can wrong...oh god i feel sick...what if she refuses and i look a fool!?'

'You mean more than you do already?'

'Real funny Mox... '

'Relax dude of course shes gunna say yes...'

To say Eddie was nervous would be an understatement. He was panicking. What if you didnt show? Or you said no?.

He had put so much effort into making tonight special he had neglected you admittedly so that wasn't helping his nerves.

'Dude Renee said that their now getting ready..go shower and all that'

'Good idea'

'Y/N... wowee you hot tamale...look at auntie Y/N Nora '

You smiled. You looked great and felt amazing.

' I dont know why im going...'

'Because you love him...and something tells me you will regret it if you dont'

'Okay....what's going on. You and Jon have been acting shady all day...'

'My lips are sealed'

'Of course they are' You mumbled to yourself. Right on time you pulled up to the cliff top bar. You locked the car and looked around for Eddie.

'Y/N'

You spun on your heel to see Eddie standing there all dressed up in a suit. A boquet of flowers in hand..

'Eddie...whats going on?'

Eddie came over to you in a few strides.' Im glad you came...'

'Well you can thank Renee for that'

'You look amazing. Although you always do...shall we walk?'

'Sure' Eddie held your hand as you both walked along the cliff top. 'Follow me'

'Where are we going?' You asked.

'You'll see' he grinned.

After a few minutes you came to an empty spot. There was fairy lights strung up and a picnic blanket laid on the ground with various food and a wine. Very romantic. Soft music was playing gently in the background.

'What's this?'

'This my Queen is for you...'

'Ohh Eddie its beautiful ' you gasped.

You both sat down & he poured you a drink each.

'Im sorry I've been abit of a dick'

' I thought you didnt want me and was having an affair '

'What?! No! No way baby I'd never do that. Ever. I love you.'

'I love you too' you smiled.

'Wanna dance?'

'Sure' Eddie helped you up to your feet pulling you closer to him. You swayed together enjoying every moment. You noticed how sweaty Eddie was his heart was racing, palms sweating.

'Babe are you ok? Your sweating buckets'

'Ohh ha ha yeah im fine could you get me a drink baby please'

'Sure'. You left your spot in Eddies arms starting to get worried about your love.

How ever when you turned around...

'Y/N you mean the world to me. I would be lost without you by my side. You're my biggest supporter. I wanna be with you for the rest of my life. You make me the happiest luckiest dude alive...will you marry me?'

You gasped....this was not expected. your hand flew to your mouth.'Yes! Oh my god yes!'

Eddie couldn't stop the grin that spread on his face as he slipped the ring on your finger..

''I love you Eddie"

'I love you too darlin'" you embraced your new fiancee.

'About damn time too!'

'You was in on this?' You exclaimed.

'Yeah...Eddie was soo nervous...it was sickening...what if Y/N doesnt come? What if Y/N says no...drove me nuts.'

You couldnt help but chuckle.

You all celebrated your engagement with champagne on the cliff top with Jon and Renee.

' it's true babe. I was sick with nerves. I thought you wouldnt turn up so i roped Renee in to help '

'Im glad you did...hubby'

'Heres to us' you toasted planning a wedding in your head already.

Okayy so that was it! I'm new too all of this so please bear with me whilst I get into my swing! Much love!

[nvrcmplt]

"Oh yikes, man. Promise you here, never have to worry about that in this area. Everyone's like in their eighties and more vigilant. My doors always welcome for a parcel if you ain't gunna be in too. I'll hold onto it for ya any day." Tyler understood that lack of trust in people, but this area was a great one. Many nosy-window watchers but they dare not speak about what they see unless it's in the café at 7am for the gossip book clubs. Tyler will slowly introduce Mika to them all, the elderly are the best in this area.

"Nice to meet ya Mika." Tyler was all smiles himself, settled on the sofa, after taking his jacket off and taking the beer in offering. Noting the strength in the man, biceps were watched shamelessly - it's been a while since he's been to the gym and that made him wanna go back tonight. He might do that later. "Cheers." A bottle tilt in the others' direction before he swigged the liquid down with a satisfied sigh. Oh - cold beer. Perfection.

"What? She did?" That candle was a good one too, feck. "Man - if she didn't forgive you for that candle, I'm going to say good for you." That had a touch of magic, trust magic in its scent. To trigger one's inner thoughts and to release it. Tyler was just guessing the issue was a lack of communication, always worked in the past but for this? A shame. "Man, come by the shop tomorrow or something, I'll give you a refund. I sold that candle in fall in confidence you'll be happy again." Tyler laughed only slight, sitting back himself and taking in the place with a quick sweep.

"Ah - yeah yeah. Passed down the family tree almost, the candle business. The building's like five - six hundred? In age." He nodded with a smile. "She's a sweet place - living space above it too." Tyler was proud of that place, one of the many things he could never part with. Would give his life up for it in a heartbeat. "The business in this city is around two years old though - I used to have a HQ in Devon - moved to London, then when the money rolled in. It was hard not to throw stores up everywhere I could."

"How about you? Wha'ya do for a livin'?"

His neighbor seemed quite friendly, and Mika felt less awkward than before. He allowed him inside while he secured the box at the entrance of his modest apartment, giving an eye to the corridor before he closed the door behind them. There was still a rather friendly smile plastered onto his lips. “You’re far more honest than my previous neighbors.” He explained while he led him further inside, into the living room more precisely. There was nothing much there except old furniture, and a buzzing TV that cruelly needed to be replaced. “They used to steal whatever I was ordering, so I kinda stopped doing that.”

He showed the couch to his guest and headed to the open kitchen, where he retrieved two fresh bottles of beer from his fridge. He would keep them for special occasions, or whenever his brother was visiting. He uncapped them with a skilled gesture of his wrist, and gave one bottle to Tyler. He eventually sat down and paused, his blue eyes falling onto his features. “Tyler… Oh shit, you’re right! I think I never introduced myself either, I’m Mika.” He eventually chirped while he smiled even brighter than before, before he felt a bit of shame invading his whole mind. 

“Oh yeah… I remember now. I wanted to buy something for my ex.” He chuckled; the candle was super nice and Tyler had been a good help. She took it… But after another night together, she had dumped him for good. He sighed and pressed his back to the couch. “We eventually broke up.” Perhaps for the best; now he had more money to eat. “Your shop is really cool. Have you had it for a long time?” he eventually asked. 

[feywildfox]

just for the fuck of it

Ajay sighed despondently, walking next to Tavi, skateboard slung under her arm. All she had wanted to do was go to the mall, maybe get some new crop tops and pretzels you know? She had no clue how she had let Octavio talk her into this. Yet here she was, following his lead, one hand holding his.

"Swear ta god Tavi, this ain't gunna go good." She knew it was futile though.

"Amigaaaaa don't worry so much! It's gunna look sick," he replied.

He bumped his shoulder into hers, smiling at her. His beautiful brown eyes were lit up in happiness and excitement, green fade flopping into his face. She couldn't help but smile back, heart beating just a tad quicker. He was handsome, in a boyish, impish way. She adored him.

They continued walking, hands intertwined lovingly. She adjusted her backpack and leaned into him as they walked, head on his shoulder. It wasn't the most comfortable of positions but Ajay didn't really care about it. They passed by shops and the food court, heading for the escalator in the distance. 

"Hey. Ajay?"

"Yeah Tavi?"

"Just don't hide my body when you murder me after this okay?"

She laughed, standing up straighter. "I can't promise nuthing, Octavio. Yuh might have ta write ya will when we're done here," she said, smirking at him.

He groaned and pulled her to the escalator, giving her a little nudge toward it as he released her hand from his hold.

"Let's do this!" He gave her a blinding grin and held up his own skateboard, eyes gleaming with mischief.

She sighed and nodded, "I'll go get in position then."

She took the escalator steps down two at a time, jumping off a little at the end. She landed with a small thud and walked forward, turning around and placing her board down next to her. She fixed her phone in her hands, pulling the camera up. She gave Tavi the affirmative after making it ready to record. He gave an energetic wave back, disappearing from her view. She hit the record button, aiming it toward the top of the escalator. 

With a whoop and the sound of wheels, Octavio reappeared in sight, riding his skateboard. He pushed up and landed the board on the middle handrail, grinding down. She backed up a bit, trying to keep him in frame as he approached the end. With a bit of flourish he landed, skidding to a stop in front of her. He gave a thumbs up and a laugh as she hit the stop button.

She opened her mouth, wanting to go get pretzels, but was cut off by a shout.

"HEY! You two! Get over here, you're in some major trouble!"

They glanced at each other and then back toward the mall cop, eyes wide.

"Merde, let's go Ajay!" With that he pushed her board to her and hopped on his, skating away.

She groaned, shoving her phone in her pocket. "Goddamnit Tavi!" 

She hopped on her own skateboard and pushed off, glancing behind toward the cop chasing her. Fuck she was going to kill him.

"Hey! Get back here!"

She chased after her boyfriend, exasperated beyond belief.

They skated through the mall, passing by her favorite pretzel place. She gave a mourning sigh and sped past, the cop still chasing the two of them, but falling behind steadily. 

Eventually they reached the doors of the mall and hopped off their boards. They scooped them up and linked hands, Tavi grinning the entire way as they ranto slide  to the car.

The broke apart to slide into their respective seats, joining hands once again as Ajay backed them out and drove off. They passed the cop as they left and Octavio just yelled and flipped him off.

"Yuh own me pretzels. We're never gunna be allowed in there again."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek, "Of course mi amor."

[uberff]

Chapter 24

Eric


"Mornin'," I mumbled to Deja as I walked into the shop with all of my equipment in my Nike duffle bag.

"Good morning. Issa fresh pot of coffee in the lounge if you need it." she said sweetly and I nodded, going about my business after mumbling a quick 'thank you' with a forced smile.

I wasn't in the mood to crack jokes or sip dirt, I just wanted to take care of my clients for today and head the fuck home.

After the week I've had, offing myself seemed to be the only solution out of it. But, I knew that would make for more problems concerning my loved ones.

I laid out all of my equipment neatly across my desk and mumbled along to Jaded while tryna get this day started. I had all my hair growing out, my weight going up and down, I ain't have the desire to eat no more, and shit just stopped making sense.

I checked out all the boxes on Robyn's checklist, I was the perfect nigga for her. She glowed up through me, man. I wasn't tryna force her into anything, our relationship was so organic, I felt like I was walking on glass to fuckin' please her while she kept breaking mirrors in the meantime, playing hard to get for no fuckin' reason. I mean, I know you been hurt the last three times but I wanted to be her testimony, I wanted to be that E Harmony commercial for her, I wanted to be set apart from those niggas but instead, she placed me right in the box, adjacent to all them fuck niggas.

"Hey, Toby just called and asked to reschedule ya'lls session. Tomorrow night cool?" Deja poked her head into my office and I nodded.

Sighing heavily, I tossed my tattoo gun back on my desk and sunk into my chair. The only shot I had at clearing my mind of this fuck shit was put on hold. I loved what I did, especially when I was going through something, making others feel joy that I could never obtain is what it was all about for me. This girl really got my head fucked up.

After Dej hung up with my client, she came back in and hopped on my chair, across from me and started examining my face. I turned away from her before she could notice anything and dug into my bag for my bottle of Henny. "Ricky." she spun me around and sighed, taking the bottle out of my hands.

"Please talk to me, if it's about what I said the other night-" I put my finger to her lips and mushed her face back. "You 'bout close as shit, ain't you?" I chuckled lowly and she gave me a smile filled with hope.

My happiness was always top on her list. I loved the shit out her gay ass, bro. Forever and always, ever since tenth grade. "Nah, yo carpet munchin' ass ain't got shit to do with this."

"Bitch," she slapped my hand away with a small laugh, and got serious shortly after.

"I'm worried about you, E."

"Don't worry about me, Deja. I'll bounce back."

"Not if you keep tryna handle this by yourself." I twisted my curls with one hand and laid back and let her words sink in.

"I ain't got nobody else. I know I always got you, D. But, reporting shit to you over and over get old."

"I'm willing to listen. You're self-destructing by the week. Each time I see you, it's worse. Talk."

"You know the situation with shawty."

"I do. I also know that you've never been going through such a drought over a girl. That's usually my role."

"How you and Shellz?" I asked and she sucked her teeth. "Fuck how me and her are doing. I don't care about that right now. All I know is that if I lose you, bro-"

"You not gon' lose me, Deja. You and my fam always gon' run through my mind before I think about doing some selfish shit." I kicked her softly when she got to getting teary eyed.

"You hear me?" I asked, still looking up at the ceiling. If I look at D when she crying, I was bound to start crying with her ugly ass. "Yeah," she sniffled and wiped her eyes gently so she wouldn't mess up her beat. "back to you and Robyn."

"Yeah, I loved her, still got love for her. I thought we had something real. I ain't classify her like a basic ass Memphis hoe. I'm hurtin' hard." I said truthfully. It finally felt like someone was removing the bricks from off my chest, one by one.

“I did all this shit just for her to gon' and get pregnant by a nigga she told me ain't built for love, ain't sensitive enough towards her." I wiped my eyes and shook my head.

"I'm sorry, E. Come here." she pulled me up and reeled me into her arms just as I finally let my tears fall. "The one time I let my guard down and try this love shit again, man. She gotta fuckin' baby on the way." I sobbed loudly and hugged Deja back.

"She tellin' me all this bullshit about her exes, for what? Making me wait for what? Defending her fuckin' honor for what? Bitch had me lookin' crazy, thinking I was about to start a family with her. I'm happy as all fuck, screaming out my car window on interstates, spreading fake ass news to strangers, thinking of baby names. Nigga, for what!?"

Deja consoled me calmly and wiped my tears which was all cool but, Robyn still fuckin' played me. Played the shit outta me and had me convinced that I was gon' be the nigga to heal her from all the wrong her exes did. I guided her in that direction of her self-worth and she started feelin' herself, treating me like I wasn't the one in corner from the minute her pretty ass walked into my shop. Two days fresh off the plane from NYC.

"Not like it's being brought up or anything, but you know that I'm always gunna be loyal to family, right? Not saying that my friendship with shawty is done because that's sis, but, I'll always be here for you. Whenever." I nodded.

"Now stop all this fuckin' crying before your chocolate ass melt in here, Tyrese." She said and I laughed so fuckin' loud, bro. I was so relieved to have a real one on speed-dial.

"It's still fuckin' with me though, cuz. We grown as fuck, how she still making these baby ass mistakes?"

"You see the way she looks at dude?" Dej asked and I shrugged.

"She loves the fuck outta that rollercoaster of a nigga. Sometimes when you go through hell with someone, you always gon' be curious to know if you ever gon' make it out that bitch with the same person. I'll personally let Shelby's ass burn but this ain't about me. Ya'll just wasn't the ones for one another and you gotta accept that,"

"I'ma try, dawg. This shit is still so fresh."

 Robyn

After hearing a slight noise coming from downstairs, that turned out to be nothing, I've been trying to fall back into my deep slumber but I just couldn't. My baby and I were wide awake, frustrated, and hungry as fuck. I trotted downstairs and turned all of the lights on and went to search for something to eat but, my only options were; ice, mayonnaise, and wheat bread. I groaned aloud and hopped on the counter.

Every place that delivered was closed and I wasn't about to cook at four in the damn morning. I shot a few text messages to Deja, Winter, and Odell and finally gave up on their bum asses when ten minutes went by without replies. I'ma remember this shit when they need me to sew some shit up for them.

I blew air out of my cheeks and went teary-eyed, scrolling through my contacts for some hope. As if I wasn't emotional enough, this pregnancy turned out to make me more of a crybaby than I used to be. Jaylen's new nickname for me was Bubbles, shawty from the Powerpuff Girls.

It fucked me up because I couldn't even fight about it, she was my favorite one. I smiled as I thought about all the hell I put him through, he was still my best friend. The fact that I was about to co-parent with his extra ass always put a smile on my face. We're gunna be bomb ass parents.

I finally shrugged and just decided to call him, I always try to give him his space and not call him first and since he lives about a half hour away, but he always comes to my rescue, even if I do call him last.

"Robyn, the world better be on fuckin' fire, my baby better had climbed out ya walls, or you dead, my nigga. What. the. fuck. could you possibly want at four-thirty in the bitch ass morning?" He groaned in his sleepy voice. I involuntary blushed at the sound of his voice and played with the ends of my hair nervously.

"I'm hungry as fuck, Lenny." he sighed loudly and shuffled around.

"Go cook some shit, Rob, a nigga in here sleep. I just got in the crib like two hours ago."

"I haven't went shopping. I'm barely here."

"Pull up. I got some shit you could cook."

"I'm scared. You know I don't drive at night. Pleaseeee?" He got silent for a second until I heard his light snores in my ear. I sucked my teeth and yelled his name.

"You always have been long-winded as shit. Yo boring ass put me right back to sleep."

"Jay!" I whined and he cursed lowly under his breath.

"You at least have an idea of where you wanna go?"

"No." I mumbled sheepishly. "You choose."

"I AIN'T THE ONE THAT'S FUCKIN' HUNGRY!" He half-yelled and I started to apologize to him through sobs. "Aight, I accept ya apology man. Damn, this pregnancy makin' you act so fuckin' lightskin. I'm coming."

"Thank you." I smiled and wiped my wet face. "Your brat ass already knew I was gon' end up cavin' anyway."

"No." I mumbled while shaking my head yes. Not even on some manipulative shit, Jaylen has been giving me whatever it is that my heart desired. It was all mostly food. "Whatever liar. Gimme twenty minutes. Stay up!"

"Okay." he hung up and I smiled, hopping off the counter and going to lay on the couch while watching Dexter's Laboratory.

*****

I finally decided on Waffle House and took it to-go. It was too cold in there. Jaylen and I just sat in his car and ate with my playlist playing from his Bluetooth.

"Thank you." I grinned while adding sugar to my grits, looking over at him batting my eyelashes. He rolled his eyes and looked at my stomach. "Anything for ya'll, man." I laughed loudly and he smirked at how obnoxious and random it was.

"Why you laughing like that, nigga?"

"Remember the night I only wanted the milk from the Fruity Pebbles and I made you eat-" the more I told the story, the harder I began to laugh.

"Hell yeah, I remember that fuck shit. I can't wait till this shit over and you have my next three babies, I ain't gotta do shit else."

"Bye. No more babies for me." I shook my head and ate my breakfast. I could feel his eyes on me as the car went silent, and I tried my hardest to ignore it. His stares were so intense. Eye contact was a big thing for him; during conversations, sex, even arguments. That's what made me fall for him in the first place, his beautiful ass eyes.

"Is it good?" he finally said and I nodded while snapping my fingers to the throwback Monica song playing. "Want some?" I asked and he nodded. I opened another plastic fork and handed it to him.

We ate together and cracked some more jokes until dawn, I forgot how stressed I've been this week and he was wide awake now as we drove through Memphis, singing along to our favorite songs. His ass never told anyone but he was actually an amazing singer.

I stared at him with so much love in my eyes and he looked over for a split second and started rubbing my stomach. "You good?"

"Yeah. I just-, I'm-"

"Man, I love yo ass more, Rob. Issa big ass elephant in the room everytime we together. Sometimes I be up at night, thinking about you and how much I fuckin' love you. I'm cool right now without the relationship. At least I got you as my Ace. Still my homie, my ride or die."

"Same. You don't miss it though?"

"We toxic. Of course I miss yo kisses and yo fuck game but I ain't with all the extra stress and pressure of tryna be the perfect man right now. I just wanna be the perfect father and yo perfect support system. I don't wanna break your heart again."

I nodded. "I finally know what it feels like to be on the other side of that." I sighed.

"Whatchu mean?"

"Eric."

"Shit, I would've been threw myself off the Hernando Bridge if I was THAT nigga." he smirked. "Nigga lost the best bond ever. Issa W for me, he gotta gon' and transfer that L from Meek Mill's checking." We laughed loudly.

"Stop, I'm going to Hell for laughing." I mumbled, holding my stomach.

"For real. I couldn't imagine being around you everyday, thinking I'm about to start a family with you, only to have it all be a fuckin' pipe dream. Trust me, shit ain't easy tryna live without you. Dreams with you in them don't make reality no easier. Had my hoe ass crying with my pillow, listening to One Wish on full blast every night."

"I'm not the shit like that." I flipped my hair playfully and smiled.

"You is. We all got growing up to do as young adults, but when that glo up hit you and you out here handling shit like a boss. Can't no bitch touch you. Ain't nobody touching you now, I won't let them."

"I love you, Jay Bear." I pecked his cheek repeatedly until he turned his head and snuck a kiss from my lips. I gasped and hit him softly.

"You actin' like you ain't never kiss me before. Like you ain't never taste yaself off these lips. Calm down."

I blushed and sunk into my seat, finishing off my food. "We done, Dora the fuckin' Explorer? Can I go to sleep now? It's almost seven." he yawned and I yawned after him.

“Yeah."

"You sleepin' over, I'm not driving all the way back to East Cutty Bum Fuck right now." I smirked and nodded as he started to drive back to his place.

I fell asleep on his king-sized bed with his big ass dog, Zeus at my feet and he fell asleep on the futon right across from the bed just in case anything happened. Time was healing us and I was content with where I stood with him, a place that I thought I'd never see us standing in. Ya'll know I used to hate his mean ass at the beginning of our journey.

**

I scratched my head as I looked at all of the mess in this house from unpacking. Jaylen wasn’t here right now, so I decided to do him a favor and clean because I didn’t mind.

Making sure that all the boxes were empty before I threw them out, I came across a couple of pictures of the both of us. Pictures that I didn’t even remember taking. The fact that he still has them made me smile wide. Jaylen still cares.

I pulled my phone out, taking a picture of them and sending them to Jaylen.

what you doing with these 🧐 3:37 pm

why you in my shit nigga 3:38 pm

I was cleaning 3:39 pm

you da best 4 that 🏼 just don’t hurt yourself mama & you know how we rockin even when we not rockin. feel me? 3:41 pm

I laughed to myself, tossing my phone on the couch. I wanted to ask him where he was, but I decided to keep cleaning. Jaylen unpacked everything and moved all the new furniture in, but nothing was organized.

To set the mood, I lit up a few candles and turned on some music so time could go by faster.

It was getting mighty toasty in here so I put my hair up in a bun and went to go change in a comfortable maxi dress. Now I was ready to clean.

Between singing along to Whitney’s untouchable vocals, cleaning and organizing every room in this house, I definitely worked up a sweat. When I was done, I smiled at my hard work and grabbed a water bottle before sitting down on the couch and turning on Power. Jaylen was gonna be mad that I started watching it without him, but I’ve been dying to watch it.

“Robby!” I heard Jayla’s voice come from behind me. I turned around to see her running up to the couch. Jayla was just the sweetest little bundle of joy.

“Hey pretty girl! I missed you! What you been up to?” I smiled at her as I sat her down on my lap.

“I made you a bracelet! Look!” She pulled out a beaded bracelet from her pocket with my favorite colors on it. The fact that she remembered was really special to me.

“Jayla girl.. This is cayuuuuuuute! I love it, thank you! I’m never taking it off.”

“Pinky promise?” I laughed, wrapping my pinky around hers as she nodded.

“Man Jayla love the fuck outta you, she ain’t ever made me no bracelet. I’m lowkey jealous.”

“I adore her so much. Your dad ha-“ I stood up and turned around only to be looking at Jaylen and his father. I froze, because I never thought I’d be meeting his dad. Especially now. Jaylen wasn’t his father’s twin but they had similar features. His dad was really handsome though.

“Hi, Mr. Waters-“ I started to say as I held my hand out for him to shake. He paid my hand no mind, pulling me into a warm hug instead. God, his hugs reminded me of my dad’s hugs so much that I had to pull away immediately.

“Call me Jayceon, we family now.” He smiled at me genuinely.

“Nice to meet you Jayceon. I’m Robyn.”

“Oh yea I know, Jayla and this nigga right here don’t ever stop talking about you. This dude always in my ear telling me about how much you mean to h-“

“Aight, that’s enough talking for you old man.” I chuckled to myself, blushing. I was gonna have to pull his dad to the side later on and get him to spill some more tea.

“I gotchu later on Ms. Robyn. Just let me know.” He said referring to the tea he was just spilling. I laughed and nodded as I made my way into the kitchen to prepare some food since more people were here. I heard Boo’d Up playing from my phone and I had to start singing it. This was Jaylen’s song.

“Feeeeeeling! All ova my bodaaaaay!” I sang out loud as I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. I would move them, but I was too into this damn song.

“You know how I like itttttt, ain’t gotta tell you what to do.” Jaylen sang in my ear as he rocked us from side to side. I had to snap out of it and stop singing, because it was getting hot in here.

While I stopped, I turned around only to have Jaylen still singing to me. I looked away, because I didn’t wanna smile. My eyes landed on Jayla who was standing there recording us on Jaylen’s phone.

“Cuties!” She ran away with Jaylen’s phone. My mouth formed in the shape of an O.

“How does Jayla know how to record?”

“My nigga 8, she ain’t 8 months.” I put my hand up pretending to back hand him, and he flinched making me laugh. Dude had a smart ass mouth. I bet his mouth got him in hella trouble at school.

“You lucky you pregnant, I’ll tackle yo ass.” I waved him off.

“How many times you got in trouble at school for that mouth of yours?”

“Boy, ion’ even know.”

“Damn shame.”

“My mama told me to speak the fuck up and never hold my tongue for a muhfucka and I’m glad she did. I got a voice, so ima use it.” He had a point, but he didn’t use his voice for the right reasons sometimes.

“Yea and she’s right, but you’re disrespectful with it sometimes.”

“Damn nigga, is you my therapist? I checked outta the center months ago.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“See!”

“I’m deadass. Tryna tell a nigga bout himself and shit. You just like my mama Robyn, I swear to God.” He snaked his arm around my shoulder.

“Is that good or bad?”

“Shit is different. You care for me like my mama did no matter how much shit I put you through.”

“Cause I love your stupid self.” I shrugged as he smiled.

“Y’all might as well kiss already, damn. I’m tryna watch Good Times but y’all over here acting out a scene from The Notebook.” I heard Jaylen’s dad voice causing me to jump. He made it extremely awkward for the both of us.

“Ima go shower.”

“I’m right behind you, cause this nigga mad nosey.” I laughed as his father flared at him while we both made our way to his bedroom.

“Bubba, Jassy’s calling you!” I heard Jayla say as I walked into the master bedroom that was Jaylen’s. I went straight to the bathroom because I didn’t want to hear their conversation. I guess that plan wasn’t so smart, because I could still hear her yelling from the phone all the way in here.

“Why you buggin’ like this?”

“Son, you’re out here on social media boo’d up with your fucking ex!” My eyebrows twisted up in confusion.

“Wait what? What you talking bout?”

“It’s all on ya snap dude!” I cursed to myself, because that’s probably what Jayla was recording.

“Jas, it’s not even like that.” I sighed, cutting on the shower water. This shit was already stressing me out.

I honestly didn’t even know she was his girlfriend now. I felt really bad. I guess this was gonna have to stop. Only time we need to talk is if it has something to do with our baby.

Just as I started to strip, Jaylen walked in and started looking in the pull cabinet. “Hey, could you take me home when I get out?” He turned around with a look of confusion on his face.

“Why? You bored or sumn’? I thought we wa-“

“We’re obviously getting too comfortable, and I didn’t even know you had a girlfriend. You bought this house to raise the baby in, not for us to flirt and play around in.”

“Ion’ got no girlfriend, that’s m-“

“Ok, but you’re serious with her right?” He got quiet.

“Aight, I gotchu.” He said, clenching his jaw before grabbing his bottle of pills and walking out of the bathroom. I swear, every time I felt like our relationship was moving forward and getting healthier, shit would always go wrong.

 Jaylen

“Bout gotdamn time.” I sighed, putting my back up against the wall. Man we done spent the whole damn week putting all of the furniture in my new crib. I was serious about getting this house here in Memphis. Shit was nice as hell.

If I ain’t have a life out back home, I’d definitely move out here. I couldn’t wait to watch our child grow up in this home.

“This shit dope. You might as well move out the condo and stay here bro.” Odell stated, as I took in his words. I felt that, and I actually wanted to, but I would lose hella money. Almost all of my clients are in New York... but I guess if they really fuck with me, I would just have to have my work shipped. I’d have to do some big ass promoting out here though. Ion know shit bout Memphis, but the country ass rappers. They hard though.

“I’m thinking about it.. I love the city though. That’s my home.”

“I feel you, but this a big change for you. You got a new beautiful ass home in a different state, baby on the way, and who knows.. God might have bigger and better opportunities for you out here.” This nigga had a good ass point. I couldn’t argue with that shit.

“Fuck you brah.” I laughed, as he shrugged with a smirk.

“What about you, Mr.Knowitall?”

“What about me?”

“Ankle healed, you been training, season coming up, you got Winter back.. where the ring and the baby at?” He sighed, making me laugh.

“Man, you make it sound so easy. I been tryna propose to her bald headed ass but there’s never time. I can’t remember the last time we actually sat and enjoyed each other’s presence. And you already know the answer to the baby part.”

“Tell her to sit her on the go ass down some where then.” This hoe Winter was always doing some shit and always on the scene whenever she wasn’t at work.

“I do-“

“Nigga, everybody knows you don’t. You probably try, and don’t take this the wrong way but sometimes you let Winter run over you bro. You need to tell her ass wassup.” He stayed quiet, stroking his beard while nodding.

“Hit her up.. right now.”

“She bus-“ I gave him a look and he waved me off, pulling his phone out his pocket.

I watched him click on her name and put her on speaker. It rang for quite some time, and he was about to hang up until we finally heard her voice. “What is it O? I told you not to call me during this time at work. You never li-“ We both started to tune her nagging out while I gave him to look. He nodded and started to speak.

“Nah, YOU never listen. Winter I been trying to spend time with you for the longest but you never wanna hear me out and you always blowing me off for shit. Ion’ give a fuck what you got going on when you get off work. All I know is you better be at my crib at 10 AM when I get back to NY in the morning. No if’s and’s or but’s. You hearing me?” I jumped up from the couch, dapping my nigga cause he finally grew his balls back. I taught my nigga well, man.

“But O-“

“What I say?” He asked, sternly as she sighed and stayed silent for a few seconds. Had that ass shook.

“Ok, I’ll be there..” I pressed the button to hang up as O stood up to his feet popping his collar. This nigga.

“My boy.” I smirked as we did our handshake.

“Aight nigga, now go do the same shit with Rob.” My smirk immediately fell, and I pointed to the door.

“I know you fucking lied.”

“I’m deadass.”

“Ion know what you muhfuckas don’t understand about the word TOXIC. Y’all want us to kill each other? I love that girl to death, I ain’t tryna hurt her again. She look mad happy without me. She making big moves, doing big things with out me and I’m happy for her. I wanna see her happy not constantly crying over me again.”

As much as I love the fuck outta Robyn, hurting her hurt me. Ion wanna jump back into another relationship when I already know I ain’t gone do right by her. We stay at each other necks and I’m just not ready for the stress and headaches again. Plus she pregnant with my child? Man hell nah, we do not need the stress. Robyn been fucking glowing, and I’d like to keep it that way.

“I know you hurt her before, everybody make mistakes. But everybody sees the way y’all look at each other. If you love her so much like you say you do, what the fuck is so hard about keeping her happy?”

I scratched my head.

“I ain’t shit and we both know I ain’t.” I shrugged.

“Talking to you is like talking to a wall, bruh.” He shook his head as he grabbed his things so that he could go to the airport. I ain’t feel like driving at all. I guess I go to Jas’ hotel and chill there for a few. I couldn’t wait to get in her shit.

Send me the addy and room # 7:56 PM

**

“So I got some shit I gotta break down to you.” She stopped eating her ice cream cone, and folded her arms. Sighing, she sat down next to me.

“If it’s bad news, I’m really not trying to hear it. I just got fired from my job over some dumb shit, so I’m really not in the mood for bad news.” She explained, as I started thinking while stroking my goatee. It wasn’t really bad news on my end.

“Just let me tell you. Ion’ want you to have to find some shit out on your own and then you gone be mad at me saying I never told you.” She sat quiet.

“Aight, so.. you know when I told you I could possibly be a father?” She had this uneasy look on her face.

“Yea..” she mumbled, looking down at the floor. I gently grabbed her chin, and made her look at me.

“Well I am.” The eye contact we once had was gone, and she started to look at the floor again, not saying a word.

“Jaylen, I migh-..” She sighed putting her face in her palms. Just as I was about to ask her to keep going, my phone rang. I didn’t answer it, because I wanted to hear what she had to say.

“What you was saying?” I tossed my phone to the side of me. She just shook her head and stood up.

“Never mind, I’ll be in the bathroom.” I sighed, picking my phone up to see who it was that wanted me. It was just Winter, but she was gone have to wait. I wanted to know what Jas was gone say.

I got up, going towards the direction of the bathroom only to see her leaning over the sink. “You good?”

“Could you bring me my sketch pad off of the table?” Jasmine asked as she gave me an uncomfortable look. She kept saying how her body was in pain.

Leaving the bathroom, I jogged in the living room of her suite and looked on the table for her sketch pad. She had a shit load of books on the table, so I was knocking a bunch of shit over. Almost everything ended up on the floor, so I had to look for it even harder now. I ain’t sign up for this shit.

Sighing, I kept looking around for her fuck ass sketch pad until my eyes stopped at a certain group of words.

Terminated Pregnancy Report

I realized that the papers were sticking out of a Manila folder, and the more I looked through them, the more my anger started to build up. Not Jasmine..

“Hey Jaylen, never mind I fo-“ she stopped in her tracks once she seen what was in my hands.

I closed my eyes and prayed. I prayed hoping that God would forgive me for what I was about to do to this girl. I prayed for him to give me some sort of knowledge to help me understand why the fuck this bitch would go behind my back and do some sick shit like this. She didn’t even tell me she was pregnant.

I plopped down on the floor, chuckling bitterly. “What the fuck is this, Jasmine?” She knew she fucked up, because she couldn’t say a damn thing.

“Man talk!” I yelled at her, getting up from my spot on the floor.

“What do you want me to say?!” She inched closer to me as she started to get teary-eyed.

“Man fuck them phony ass tears! Tell me why the fuck you would go behind my back and do some grimy shit like this! My nigga you killed not only one, but both of my fucking babies! You ain’t even let me know you was pregnant Jas, why the fuck would you do that?! Did you think about how I would feel?”

By now, tears were falling down from my face because I was fucking hurt. Twins might’ve been tough to handle right now, but I helped make them so it was only right that I help take care of them. My mama ain’t raise me to be a deadbeat. Ion even come off like that, so I’m still tryna process why Jas would do that shit.

“I-I.. I’m not ready for kids right now, Jaylen. You even said it yourself that you weren’t either.”

“So that give you the right to go and do that shit behind my fucking back?! You ain’t even tell me you was pregnant to begin with! We both was bein’ irresponsible having unprotected sex, so we was just gone have to deal with it!”

“I’m sorry, I didn-“

“Fucking murderer.” I looked at her with so much fucking disgusts. She wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to grab me, but I backed away from her, looking around for my keys.

“Where are you going?”

“Delete my number, and don’t ever come by my fucking house no more.” I stormed out, slamming her room door behind me. I could hear her screaming my name as I walked off and got onto the elevator but I wasn’t trying to hear that shit.

I was done with that bitch.

Before I flew out here to sign papers for the house and move in, I was spending damn near every day with her, meaning we was fucking damn near every day. Sometimes I’d be so horny that it wouldn’t even cross my mind to use a condom. I was on and off with them bitches. That’s where I fucked up.

She started throwing up at the most random times, and I didn’t pay no mind to it, because her ass got sick real easy. I started to put two and two together and realized she could possibly be pregnant. I asked her, and she told me no so I left it at that. I thought I could trust her, but I guess not.

How could you have it in your heart to kill an innocent child like that? That shit was foul as hell, and I couldn’t even think straight. My vision was getting blurry as hell, so I hope that I could get home as safe as possible.

I tried to take my mind off of this shit and just face the music. Right on time, Drake’s lyrics hit the fuck outta me.

No one to guide me, I'm all alone

No one to cry on

I need shelter from the rain, to ease the pain

Of changing from boy to a man

As I came to a stop light, I had an incoming call from Robyn. I didn’t wanna answer at all, but something could probably be wrong with her.

“W-what you need?” I sniffled as I rubbed my eyes.

“Hey do you wan- oh my God, are you crying?” She asked, concerned. I swear I just wanted to spill every last drop of this fucking tea to Robyn, but I wasn’t in the mood to talk. I just wanted to go home, smoke a wood, and go to sleep and not wake up, real shit.

“What you need, Robyn? The baby good?” I sighed taking the phone off of my face, forgetting this was a damn FaceTime call.

“Yea um, I just.. wanted to know if you wanted me to come bring you a plate because I cooked your fav...” She smiled innocently, as I shook my head no.

“To be real witchu’, ion’ even got an appetite right now. Ima fuck witchu’ later though.” I hung up before she could even respond.

After Robyn called, it’s like my phone started blowing the fuck up so I just powered my shit off. It took me bout 10 more minutes to reach my crib, and I couldn’t be more relieved to be home. I did some illegal shit to get here in just 10 minutes, but fuck it. Jail is the least of my worries right now.

Going straight to my bedroom, I decided not to smoke because I was way too tired anyways and my bed and pillows were calling my damn name. Swear my head ain’t even touched the pillow for 5 seconds, and I was already asleep. I ain’t ever been so fucking tired and drained in my life.

A few minutes into my deep slumber, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. I opened my eyes, only to be met with Robyn sitting down next to me in my bed.

“Man I love you so fucking much, Robyn.” I mumbled, intertwined my fingers with hers, kissing her stomach.

“I love you too Lenny, I’m always here if you need me or wanna talk.” Was all I heard her say before she kissed my forehead, and I fell right back asleep.