#and the last thing he needs is his ma coming in unannounced to find daniel sat on his bed with a scantily clad blond pretty boy

[cobrakatharsis]

alright, so. ‘i dream of jeannie’ lawrusso au derived from cobra-sigh’s post which got sent to lottie zappedbyzabka by a delightful anon and lottie then said fantastic but what about the reverse and THEN sent it to me and promised me a diamond ring if i wrote about it. we run a complicated economy. anyway thank u cobra-sigh, anon, and lottie.

OKAY. so daniel moves to california with his ma for his senior year. doesn’t have a single friend in the valley, but just like in the movie manages to ‘new kid’ (and ‘daniel larusso’) his way into getting invited to the beach party. it’s…unremarkable. the stretch of beach is as nice as the weather and the people he meets are nice enough too - he meets a bunch of them, boys his age, and they talk and kick a soccer ball around. he meets a nice girl called ali and they kind of hit it off before she eventually leaves with her friends, but by nightfall he’s kind of bored of the company. they don’t have the best vibes and aren’t paying him all too much attention once his novelty wears off, so daniel ends up just kind of wandering along the shore on his own, enjoying the fresh experience of california.

he gets farther than he realises, and a long way down the beach he notices a glint of bright red lodged in the wet sand, being jostled by the lapping waves. it’s…a vase? no, more like a bottle. it’s ornate, adorned with gold and gems, and unlike a vase it’s sealed shut at the top with something like a cork. daniel glances around him, wondering if he’ll see some sort of evidence of where it came from, but there’s no one at all on this area of the beach. he can just barely see the glow of the fires marking his group in the distance, little pinpricks of golden light on the endless dark empty beach. so, giving into his curiosity, he picks up the bottle and tilts it, examining it, and finally pulls it open. absentmindedly traces his fingertips over the decoration as he does, the thought ‘it’s empty’ already forming in his head before he’s suddenly surrounded by smoke.

and then there’s a guy.

daniel does not at all process what just happened. he panics, assuming that this is the owner of the bottle or something, come sprinting over to ask him why the hell daniel’s touching his stuff - to which daniel is fully prepared to ask why the hell this guy’s just leaving his stuff in the surf - but there’s no aggression or anything on his…very pretty face, very close to daniel’s. in fact, he’s smiling at daniel, pale eyes all wide as he stares at him like he’s dazzled, but he doesn’t say anything. it’s then that daniel notices his clothing, or…lack thereof. the only solid piece of clothing he’s wearing is a tiny, tight pair of shorts, and the rest is floaty see-through fabric he’s draped in, embellished with elaborate embroidery and gold at the edges, doing nothing to impede daniel from briefly staring directly at his…ample chest, washed rosy behind the sheer red fabric.

he averts his gaze immediately, cheeks burning, but the stranger doesn’t seem to mind. he crowds even closer, in fact, and takes daniel by the hands, finally bursting out with that big beautiful smile still on his face that daniel freed him! - “i’ll give you anything, master. i owe you. seriously, anything. everything!”

daniel thinks maybe he passed out on the beach or something, and now he’s having some sort of especially abstract dirty dream. but things feel decidedly real when, after a little more anxious conversing and learning that the stranger’s name is johnny - and subsequently wondering if this is a prank because that’s definitely a bad pun on ‘genie’ - johnny looks right into daniel’s eyes and lights up again like he’s seen something there, something he’s especially delighted to see. and then he’s pressing his lips to daniel’s, kissing him deeply. his skin is soft and warm, and he smells like really old bookstores do, and he’s so gorgeous. he says he’ll stay by daniel’s side forever, give him whatever he wants, and daniel tells him that he absolutely does not have to do that - seriously, johnny’s free - and also his ma will not be happy if he brings back a pretty, almost-naked boy from the beach to stay with him forever, but johnny just smiles at him and disappears neatly back into the bottle like he’s proving a point by doing so.

daniel looks despairingly around him again. the beach is still empty and quiet, almost eerily so now without johnny, and there’s not a single witness to what daniel’s about to do.

he sighs deeply and picks up the bottle and heads home.

[scornedlove]

Chapter Six

CHRIS

“That was a nice service this morning. I’m glad you made it” mama smiled as she unlocked her front door. It had been so long since I’ve even thought about making it to anyone’s church, but when she called me yesterday and told me I was going, I didn’t fight it and today, I was glad I made it. Pastor Mike talked about resetting your life and after everything I’ve been through this year, it felt like he was speaking to me personally. 

“Thanks for making sure I made it to church this morning, that was exactly what I needed” I admitted plopping down on her living room sofa as soon as we walked in. With all the drama being dissolved, it felt good to have nowhere to be and no one to worry about, but mama.

“and you better make it next Sunday too. It will do you some good, I don’t know how you ended up falling off in the first place. We used to go every week” she stressed.

“I’ll be there from now on, especially if it means I get to spend more time with my favorite lady” I teased winking at her, only for her to roll her eyes.

“Oh, I’m your favorite lady now that you’re all out huh?” she laughed. “Speaking of ladies, I saw how Miss Renee was checking you out.”

“Really ma? The pastor’s daughter?” I replied following her into the kitchen. Instantly I spotted the apple pie she had sitting on the counter.

“Maybe she’ll be a good influence on you” she smirked. She made herself a glass of water and swallowed a handful of vitamins. Minus all the soulful cooking she will never let go, she was literally the healthiest woman I know.

“Don’t they say preacher’s kids are the wildest?” I retorted. “Why are you sticking your nose in my love life anyway?”

“Apparently I should have been sticking my nose in your damn love life. You had a good woman. No a great one, and you ruined that with a liar who was trying to trap you. Have you talked to your attorney? You need to sue that girl” she frowned at the huge piece of pie on my plate. Before she could protest, I immediately began to dig in.

“Ma, please don’t start, I’m just glad I’m done with that situation. I know I fucked..messed up” I quickly corrected myself. “I don’t need a reminder. I’m still trying to forgive myself too”

“I’m sorry Christopher. I just think you should try to fix it, as much as that girl loves you...it doesn’t go away overnight” she replied handing me a couple of napkins.

“I don’t know...how do you come back after everything we’ve been through” I asked with a mouth full.

“I haven’t been through what you have, so I don’t know, but what does it hurt to try? You should at least think about it.” she replied. “And you better stop eating all that junk if you want your teeth to last!”

For the next couple of weeks, all I could do was think about it. I knew I was still in love with her, that wasn’t the problem. I just also knew a person could only take so much, and after everything, especially losing Christian, I figured Robyn may have reached her breaking point. I was afraid of rejection. I knew I couldn’t handle being rejected by her, so I chose the safe way out. But that didn’t stop me from watching from afar.

A couple of times, I found myself in front of Robyn’s during her lunch hour. I just wanted to see her. The first time, it was a fluke but the second time she happened to be outside with Ollie and another dog. The dogs ran around chasing each other while she leaned against the building and watched. The  bruises from the accident were practically gone now. Besides how noticeably small she had gotten, she looked healthy again.

Still, there was no mistaking the sadness about her entire demeanor, and I couldn’t help but feel like that was all because of me. I almost worked up the nerve to talk to her, but as soon as I did, the dogs had finished their business and she was heading back in. So instead of showing up unannounced out of nowhere, I went back to work.

“I think that is a horrible idea” Trey exclaimed. It was the fourth of July and he and Lala were having a cookout. He was grilling while I watched and asked for his opinion about what mom suggested I do when it came to Robyn, he practically barked his disagreement.

“Nothing against you bro, but do you even realize everything you put that woman through; whether it was intentional or not.” It definitely hurt hearing that, even from my bro.

“Yeah, I know I made some dumb ass decisions, but after the way everything played out, I feel like we have a chance at a fresh start”

“Exactly. A fresh start, but not with each other. Really, you should probably be single for awhile. Enjoy being free. Your luck hasn’t been great with the ladies lately”. Even though I didn’t want to admit it, he was making perfect sense.

A moment of silence went by as I took everything he said in. “Look at this shit” he said breaking me from my daze. He placed the cover back on the grill and came closer, pulling a black box from his pocket. He flipped it open and there sat a diamond about half the size of the one I’d gotten Robyn.

“I’m going to ask her to marry me” he grinned, quickly closing it and shoving it back in his pocket.

“Aww shit! I’m proud of you man, but are you sure you're ready?”

“I’ve never been more sure about anything. Honestly, I have you to thank. No disrespect, but I’m not letting my good thing slip away”

“I can dig that” I replied bumping his fist.

Just then, Lala and her sister came out with a cooler, stereo speakers, and a pan with more meat for Trey to grill.

“Hey Chris” Lala smiled. She introduced me to her sister Danielle, who’s smile was just as big as hers.

“Nice to finally meet you. I’ve seen you in a lot of pictures with Trey.” she explained with a huge grin.

“Yeah, that’s my brother from another mother” I replied, shaking her hand. She was eyeballing me like I was dinner and clearly didn’t want to let my hand go.

She had the shortest skirt on and her cleavage was jumping right out of her shirt. Everything about her screamed sex, you can tell she used to be a stripper.

“Damn girl, let the man breathe” another voice called out.

“Ugh, Alexis. Why are you here?” Danielle asked rolling her eyes then sashaying over to sit in the patio chair directly across from me. When she sat down, her skirt rose to the top of her thighs.

“Because my best friend invited me. Why don’t you have any clothes on?” she smarted back and Trey and Lala went from kissing all over each other to cracking up.

“Bitch I’m grown and I can wear whatever the fuck I want. Stop hating because you’re all skin and bones”

“Enough” Lala interrupted “Damn Lexi and Dani..do ya’ll always gotta argue?”

“She always got some slick shit to say” Dani grunted in Lexi’s direction.

“I can’t stand her hoe ass” Lexi stated bluntly. Just then, Danielle stood up abruptly and walked to the cooler, pulled out a coke, and drank half of it in one big gulp.

“Thirsty?” Lexi asked and we couldn’t help but laugh. I thought she was going to get slapped, but Dani walked straight past her and into the house. Lexi just shrugged.

“You gotta chill out on her she’s turned over a new leaf and trying to do better” Lala explained before going to check on her.

“Sure” Lexi mumbled sarcastically. “Anyway...how you been Chris?” she asked turning towards me.

“Nah, how have you been? Still feisty I see”

“Hey somebody has to let her know when her hoeness is leaking all over the place” she giggled.

Soon everyone started to pour in, the food was done, and the bottles were poppin. Everyone was having a good time and with Lexi and Danielle competing for attention, I was even able to put Robyn out of my mind for a little while.

When 11:30 hit, I decided to call it a night, I didn't want to be up all night, since I had to be at the office in the morning. I'd had quite a bit to drink so I stopped in the restroom to make sure I didn't appear wasted, plus I had to take a leak.

On my way out, I smacked right into Lala, literally.

 "Damn Chris!" she exclaimed after the cup in her hand went flying, ending up all over the both of us.

"My bad, I didn't see you coming" I replied picking up the cup while she scrambled into the bathroom to grab some towels.

"I just had these floors waxed" she complained, tossing me a towel and using the rest to soak the liquor up. "What are you rushing for anyway? You must be tryna sneak out before Dani  finds you huh?" she giggled.

"Oh, you got jokes now too?" I replied shaking my head.

"Well you have nothing to worry about, Lexi won't let her get too close" she smirked, letting off that she knew all about the little rendezvous Lexi and I had a few years back.

"She told you about that?" I asked surprised.  I assumed neither of us said anything, although I knew Trey knew, considering he was in the other room when it happened. They weren’t even together at the time but apparently someone has been talking.

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me" she nodded, still cheesing, her deep dimples on display. "Let me grab one of Trey's t-shirts for you"

She disappeared to their bedroom and was back in a couple minutes with a new top on as well. She handed me one and I gladly accepted.

"Thanks, I do gotta get outta here though, so ya'll be good tonight"

"Wait" she called out, right on my heels. "I just have a quick question" she stated playing with the long braid in her hair.

"I saw the ring already...I already know." she admitted  then immediately started pacing.

"And what's the problem...wait, don't tell me you about to dip out on my boy" I sighed wondering why I have to be the one she confesses to. "I don't understand ya'll women, one minute ya'll wan-"

"Shut up! Let me talk." she interrupted. "I do wanna marry him, but everybody and their mama knows this man wants a shit load of kids, and I can't give him that."

She was right, this is one thing he has always stood by. He hated being an only child and promised he wouldn't do that to his children, he always said he wanted at least 5.

"How do you know until you at least try?"

"See that's the thing, I've been off my birth control for a little over six months now, still nothing."

"Wow, he didn't even tell me ya'll were trying"

"He doesn't know"

"Wow, Lala. That's some foul shit...even for you"

"It's all he ever talks about, I wanted to surprise him, as crazy as that sounds"

"Yes, it sounds very fucking crazy. Surprise him with dinner, some new cologne, or shoes, not a fucking kid" I replied astonished. 

"Anyway, I just don't want to be the one to take that from him, I was thinking of something he might consider but I wanted to run it by you. You're his best friend, so I thought you could pick his brain for me and see if he would consider having a baby with Dani...I mean it would be cheaper to do it the natural way. Plus it’s not like they didn’t already fuck" she added nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal.

I didn't know how to respond so I just stared, wide eyed, and in shock.

"Just test the waters for me...please. I know he loves me, and I love that man to pieces. I don't wanna lose him" she repeated sadly.

"Ok, I'll talk to him" I finally gave in and she gave me a big hug. I was upset she brought me into their shit, but she was the love of his life, and as long as he had her back, so did I.

 ROBYN

"What the fuck did I agree to?” I groaned as I walked towards the front door of Jay’s mansion. Rayven had Jay send his driver for me in a damn limo. I wasn't complaining though, it came equipped with champagne, so I got the party started early.

His house was big enough to fit at least three families and there were enough cars outside to start a dealership. Truth is, I wasn’t excited about being here at all, but it was Rayven’s 20th birthday and I was the only family she had here. 

“Robbie!” I heard Rayven call out just before I reached the door. I didn’t notice her and Jay coming up behind me, clearly already wasted.

“Hey birthday girl” I replied, and she smiled widely.

“This is the best birthday ever. You will not believe my fucking day” she slurred as she leaned on him for support. 

“Come on now, we got company. Pull yourself together” he grunted as he helped her regain her balance.

“Chill the fuck out! I’m good. It’s my birthday” she cursed him, and he backed down. 

“I’m just saying, there’s a lot of people here. Don’t embarrass me” he ordered and she rolled her eyes.. 

“Oh yeah, come on Rob. I have to introduce you to Naomi” she grinned, grabbing my arm and taking the lead. After pushing through all the people in the front room, we found our way to the patio outside, where there were just as many people. Ray had only been here a short time, there was no way she knew even half of these people. 

“I just know she didn’t leave already. I told her I wanted to introduce you two” she pouted. Then I noticed her. Naomi fucking Campbell.

“What?!” Rayven yelled when I wouldn’t stop tapping her shoulder. I was fan girling and couldn’t get a hold of myself.

“NAOMI FUCKING CAMPBELL!!” I shrieked.

“Get yourself together Rob, you gotta get used to seeing famous people if you’re going to be around me” she laughed.  I brought my excitement down and we walked over so she could introduce us.

“Naomi!” Ray squealed, and they gave each other a quick embrace. 

“Happy Birthday Rayven, you look gorgeous” she smiled as she looked her up and down.

“Thanks, this is my cousin Rihanna that I’ve been telling you about” Rayven smiled as she pulled me closer. “She’s a fashion designer and her shit is always fire. That dress and the two piece you loved-all by her”

“Wow, talented and pretty” Naomi smiled as we shook hands. “Do you model as well? Are you working with anyone I would know?” 

“Oh, no..no” I shook my head nervously. “Everything so far has been on my own” How could Rayven not tell me she knew Naomi Campbell and that she was interested in my work. I was mad and excited at the same time. 

“Well, you should join us for fashion week in London. I would love to introduce the both of you to Stella Mccartney, a good friend of mine. She hasn’t been to London fashion week in sixteen years, so it’s definitely a big deal. Plus, somebody will be willing to snatch up some of your designs”

“Consider her there” Rayven chimed in. I was in complete utter shock, all I could do was nod.

“Why didn't you tell me you were going to fashion week bitch?! I exclaimed after Naomi was gone.

“She invited me today , I was going to bring you either way. I know how you are about this type of shit Rob, geez” she rolled her eyes.

The rest of the night was just as interesting. I met some of Jay’s family and friends, including Usher, Kanye West, Outkast, and Lil Wayne. I was high, figuratively, as I sat, and people watched. For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed being out and had a great time. I was in the middle of texting Mel about what she was missing out on just because she couldn’t stand Rayven, when someone tapped my shoulder.

“I knew I’d see you again, I just didn’t expect for it to be here” a familiar face smiled at me, unfortunately I wasn’t sure where we met.

“You dropped your wallet and I returned it” he refreshed my memory, guess he could tell I had no clue.

“Oh yeah” I snapped my fingers. “Thanks again for being honest. Most people aren’t like that nowadays”

“So, are you one of the models? I don’t remember seeing you in the video” he quizzed, inviting himself to sit next to me.

“Nope. My cousin Rayven is though, plus she’s the birthday girl”

“Oh, Jay’s girl? I should’ve recognized the similarities. I’m Jay’s cousin” he grinned showing his pearly whites.

“I’m Robyn, nice to meet you...”

“Jacques” he finished my sentence before kissing my hand. He was sweet. We sat talking and smoking as we watched everyone else get shitfaced. Turns out, he was a rapper too and these parties were the norm for him. He was cute and funny and obviously used to being around beautiful women all the time. Every so often, one would try to pull him away, but he didn’t go with them. I don’t know if it was him or the weed, but he was interesting and kept me laughing. By the next time I looked at my phone it was after midnight. 

“I have to get going” I informed him as I stood to leave.

“Already? Can I at least get your number this time?” he asked pulling me close to him.

“Jacques, your super nice-”

“Shootin’ me down again?” he asked shaking his head.

“I’m just not interested in dating anytime soon, and besides, I’m not like the girls your used too.”

“That’s what I like about you” he smiled licking his lips. There was no use in repeating myself over, and over so I gave him a quick hug, said my goodbyes and told Ray to call me when her hangover was gone. We had some shopping to do.