#excuse my lack of music knowledge I’m blanking on what it’s called when it’s just clapping/drums or beats | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

artificialqueens · 4 years ago

Text

Come Home to My Heart, Chapter 9 (Lemyanka) - Plastiquedoll

read on ao3 ✨| previous chapters

A/N: ANGST :D LACK OF COMMUNICATION BOTTLED-UP FEELINGS… This is a little re-cap from Lemon’s pov to fill some blank spaces and now ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO! I hope you enjoy it and thanks for reading it! <3

-9-

Somewhere in New York City, two weeks ago.

Lemon was packing her things for the trip, she’d still have to pick Rita up from the airport and refuel before hitting the road. She was already low-key stressed out by the traffic reports when Jan walked into her bedroom.

“Hey, Lemony. Are you still packing?”

“I need to get those things inside my suitcase.” She pointed at the pile of clothing that was still sitting on her bed. “And I want to leave early in the morning to get the most sunlight on the way there.”

“Okay, I’ll help you closing the suitcase, to begin with,” Jan said, trying to help her afflicted roommate.

Once they were done, the blonde was still clearly uneasy about the whole road trip.

“What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know… I have this feeling in my chest… something about all this.”

“Lemz, I told you, you have to cry when you feel like or the anguish is going to blow up when you less expect it.”

“No, it’s not that –although, thanks for the reminder- it’s something else…”

Jan waited.

“I dreamt of Priyanka last night.”

“Oh…”

“It was a weird dream I can barely remember a thing, we were like ten again and we were in the local swimming pool and then we were twenty again… I don’t know.” Lemon sat on the edge of her bed.

“Maybe it’s a sign. Something in your subconscious is taking you back to her.” Jan wasn’t a psychology major but sometimes it felt like she was.

“I… why? It’s been seven years since we last met and it didn’t end well. Why now?”

“Because seven years is more than enough time to heal, I guess. Is she in Toronto?”

“Yeah…” She was never going to admit to Jan that she used her idea of befriending people in social media… many years later.

“Why don’t you drop by?”

“Are you out of your mind? To do what? I show up out of nowhere and say hey wanna hang out?” Lemon sounded exasperated. “Besides, I don’t know if I wanna see her.” She crossed her arms on her chest. “Maybe I don’t… maybe I’m okay with this being the way it is.”

“Girl, you’re not. I know it, you know it, we all know it…”

“No, I can’t go to Toronto. That’s crazy.” She shook the idea off her head. “I’ll go back home and spend some time with my family and then I’ll be back in time for the dance festival in three weeks. It’s planned perfectly.”

“Okay.” Jan, who understood Lemon’s struggles the most, was always supportive when it came to Priyanka. She just patted her back and let her be.

A half-hour later, Lemon drove to the airport to pick Rita up. That night they went out to have dinner at some fancy restaurant in Manhattan –Rita’s knowledge of New York came up exclusively from Sex and the City and Gossip Girl thus Lemon let her live the fantasy for one night. After all, she paid.

They stayed in Lemon’s apartment since Jan was spending the night at Jackie’s and the following morning they woke up before the sun rose on the horizon. Lemon picked some coffee and breakfast from the nearest café open and then they hit the road.

Rita did her best to stay awake but she kept yawning so Lemon let her sleep for a little. In the meantime, she played some music from the CDs on the glove compartment. She started with the ageless Survivor and then switched to Teenage Dream.

Lemon had her car for over a year now and she had become a much more diligent driver during that year. Before she wouldn’t even have considered driving to Canada but after getting used to the traffic in the city and the sound of ceaseless horns and people yelling, the highway was like a child’s play.

Rita woke up when the sunlight hit her in the face, right on time to change the CD again.

“Oh, can I pick the music?”

“Sure,” Lemon pointed at the glove compartment. “there you have a few if you want to look around or the radio…”

“I brought this one.” She rummaged through her purse and pulled out a Taylor Swift CD.

“Rita I didn’t have you for a Swiftie.” Lemon arched an eyebrow. “I’m not the biggest fan but… okay.”

“But she’s really good.”

Bonding trip, bonding trip, bonding trip…

Lemon didn’t know how she ended up listening to a country album but Rita seemed happy while singing some of the lyrics along. She had to admit there were some bops there. Love Story with the Shakespearian references was good, she’d give her that. She was paying attention to the road mostly.

And then it hit her.

Track nº 6 – You Belong with Me.

Lemon was sure she had heard that song on the radio before and seen the music video somewhere –most likely- but she had never truly listened to the lyrics until that moment. The tune was catchy or whatever but the chorus –and the bridge- really resonated with her.

She closed her grip over the steering wheel once the song was over.

“Rita, play it again.” She said, dead serious.

“Huh? Okay…”

The sixth time, Lemon had it. She was almost in tears screaming from the top of her lungs.

Oh, I remember you driving to my house

In the middle of the night

I’m the one who makes you laugh

When you know you’re ‘bout to cry

And I know your favorite songs

And you tell me 'bout your dreams

Think I know where you belong

Think I know it’s with me

“Again.”

“Lemon, I think it’s time to stop. This is an intervention.”

“I said, play the song again. The bridge really makes me feel something.”

“I can tell…” Rita looked concerned. “I think it’s a good moment for us to switch positions. I can drive for a little.”

She probably fucked Rita’s CD by repeating that song so many times but the echo that it left inside Lemon’s head was like an expansive wave and it reached the deepest, recondite memories of her mind.

She spotted Priyanka the minute she walked into the dining, how could she miss it? Priyanka always managed to draw attention wherever she went and she wasn’t even conscious about it most of the time.

Seeing pictures on someone else’s Facebook wall was one thing but seeing her life had taken Lemon by surprise. She should’ve suspected when she saw Kiara and Scarlett together –and they had seen her too- so it was probably just a matter of time for her to find out as well.

Lemon couldn’t take her eyes off her.

Days prior to her arrival, Lemon had just the normal amount of experiences next to her family, visiting relatives she hadn’t seen in a while, going out to have dinner with her dad, his wife, and Rita, visiting old friends and places from her childhood…

She didn’t expect to meet Priyanka there –just like when she had returned for her dad’s wedding- their paths didn’t cross that occasion and this time was supposed to be the same except it wasn’t. Priyanka was in town and she was there, at the same place at the same moment as Lemon, something she only had dreamt about. Literally.

She had stopped listening to what Boa was saying and in consequence, spilled some orange juice on the denim jacket she had over her dress.

“Oh, shit!” She rushed to grab a napkin.

The girls on the table tried to help her, she removed the clothing item and left it on the table assuring it would dry but excused herself to go to the bathroom for a moment.

Lemon needed to think straight.

Well, no, not that… scratch it.

Lemon needed to think straight clearly.

She could walk directly to their table and just say «hi!» short, sweet, concise… or something like «I just came to say hello» that would give the right idea of her being friendly… right?

She pulled out her phone and called Jan, it was an emergency call.

“Jan… pick up… pick up…”

“Hello?”

“Oh my God, Jan… this is a disaster and I’m gonna die.”

“What? Wait… what happened? Are you okay?”

“Priyanka is here.”

Long pause on the phone.

“Oh, I see…”

“And I’m freaking out because I don’t know what to say or how to act in front of her anymore… and now I’m hiding in a bathroom booth like a vile fifteen-year-old.”

“Lemon, breathe… you need to calm down.”

“No shit… I don’t know if I can do this… what if I fuck it up again?”

“Just say «hi», nothing bad can come from a hi.”

“That was my first choice, thank you… I think I will… wish me luck.”

“Fingers crossed!”

She hung up. At that moment, someone else got inside the bathroom and got in the contiguous booth but Lemon was too immersed in her own thoughts to notice. She walked out, washed her hands, and made sure her hair was looking fine.

Just say «hi». She was going to walk to that table and say hi… It couldn’t go wrong.

Except it did.

Priyanka wasn’t at the table, why wasn’t she at the table? Lemon had just seen her. How was possible that when she finally brought herself to take the first step she wasn’t there? Was she hallucinating? You know what? That was so typical Priyanka never staying quiet for so long in a place and…

Her thoughts started bubbling while she tried to maintain a polite conversation with the other girls. There was one particularly pretty she hadn’t seen around before named Denali, would she be close to Priyanka too? Lemon felt a pang of jealously.

And then, she appeared.

Everyone at the table went silent and when she turned around, there she was.

Taller than Lemon could remember, absolutely gorgeous like a goddess with her long hair and pretty features, it had been a while but there she was, just like she remembered her.

Lemon attempted to smile but it became awkward. She was so nervous she couldn’t say anything…

“Well, that’s my cue to leave.” She smiled at the people sitting at the table. “It’s nice to see you, guys. I hope we can hang out sometime.” She was about to run away because even when she thought she could do it, she couldn’t.

“Hello to you too.” Those were Priyanka’s first words in all that time.

And then, the rage took over.

Was it so difficult to call her back?

Seven years!

“Oh, so you can speak now…”

It went downhill horribly after that.

Lemon stormed out of the dining, walked a little trying not to show her true feelings, and finally laid against a wall to recover from what had just happened. She let the air out of her lungs and then remembered her bag, her jacket, and her car keys were still inside. Luckily enough, she had brought her phone and rushed to text Rita to get her things.

Her hands were still shaking and if she looked through a window she’d spot her again. There was nothing else that Lemon wanted to do but she also felt the need of kicking and screaming, to do something with all those feelings that she had piled up in her heart.

She needed to clear her mind and, in order to do that, she needed to dance, put her body in motion somehow.

It was time to go out.

Lemon felt the most comfortable dancing and the dancefloor was like a second home for her. There she didn’t need to think much, just feel the rhythm and let her body do the rest.

Naturally, she felt deeply aggrieved when Priyanka showed up to disrupt her sacred space.

Well, it wasn’t that sacred, it was a nightclub or whatever.

Yet, how dared she?

How dared she showing up like that?

How dared she looking that beautiful with that top that revealed her back?

Lemon gulped when no one was watching.

She was with that pretty girl from the other day, Denali.

Wait, what if…?

Priyanka had all the right to date someone if she wanted to and who wouldn’t date Priyanka? She was amazing, funny, so beautiful… Maybe there was a real chance that she was dating that girl –that very attractive girl- and good for them… it was a good thing, right?

Fuck it.

Lemon stole Priyanka’s drink, she needed something strong to numb her senses and erase those thoughts.

The shot gave Lemon a dosage of renewed confidence, she could feel physically her inhibitions abandoning her body. She smirked at Priyanka and stared directly into her brown eyes before heading to the dancefloor.

She lost herself among the crowd, closed her eyes, and let the alcohol take over, making her feel lighter. She danced and danced for the longest time as if she had a pair of red shoes on, going with the flow was something she mastered and she proved it.

She didn’t know how long it had been but when she opened her eyes, she spotted Priyanka on the bar again. A sense of heat ran through her body before the idea she was being seen. Her moves became more calculated, she wanted to put a show for real this time but make it effortlessly like she had no clue like she wasn’t aware of the girl’s presence so close yet so far.

She followed Jennifer Lopez’ instructions in the lyrics of On The Floor.

Dance the night away, live your life and stay young on the floor.

She didn’t care if she was sweaty afterward or how sore her feet were going to be the next morning, she had achieved her goal.

And now she was thirsty which led to the bar and to…

“Ew, cinnamon.” Only Priyanka could like something like the taste of fireball.

Lemon recognized the guy that tried to grope her on the dance floor and of course, she told him to fuck off even when it sounded harsh for Priyanka.

And from moment to another –things were happening too fast- she was drinking tequila with her former best friend from kindergarten.

Lemon stared at Priyanka, her makeup was perfectly done and it looked like an ad for the rest of the night regardless of how much she danced. Maybe she was being biased since Priyanka hadn’t ever looked bad in her eyes.

“That girl… Denali…” Lemon tested the waters at the mention of her name. “is she… close to you?”

She had to know… if she was dating someone…

“I adore her, yeah.”

“Is she… your girlfriend?”

But Priyanka was a little shit who wasn’t going to give her a straight answer to one simple question. Instead, she asked the blonde something else.

“Would you care?”

Yes, she would.

But instead of saying that, her first instinct was to storm out and basically run away as she had done before. She was being a coward, yes, but she couldn’t do it, she couldn’t answer that question, not at that moment, when she wasn’t careful enough with her words.

There was a big chunk of that night that was dedicated strictly to dancing, if her shoes weren’t completely worn out by the end of the night what was the point? But she kept an eye on one girl here and there until she lost it and she was anywhere to be seen.

Lemon didn’t want to admit that she looked around like a lost puppy but that was exactly what she did –she was drunk, okay?- and lonely.

She could only be outside or, in the worst scenario, she had gone home already.

Fortunately, Priyanka was smoking outside.

Smoking?

“There you are.” She said, eloquently to her judgment.

Priyanka shrugged. “Here I am.

There she was, looking all perfect and beautiful and…

If Lemon could only take some courage and put it into words…

Instead, she just pointed the height difference between them.

After that, it became blurry, she probably babbled a little –although she did remember the sound of Priyanka’s laugh and being called a Polly Pocket the next morning- next thing she knew she was on a taxi, texting Rita to open the door so her dad wouldn’t hear her.

And the following morning…

Jeez, she had one infernal headache. The room was spinning and not even when she laid down and closed her eyes the movement stopped. Rita had contemplated poking her with a stick but she had read somewhere that it wasn’t recommended to bother a wild animal on their sleep and it applied to drunk Lemon as well.

Finally, she walked in, it smelled like a liquor store in there and the environment was probably flammable.

“Lemon…” Rita whispered. “I’m going to the mall and your dad and my mom are having lunch with some friends. Are you going to be okay?”

“Mmmh…” She was breathing at least.

“Okay, remember they’re cooking dinner tonight.”

“Mkay…” She mumbled.

“Love you, bye.” She blew a kiss in the air and closed the door.

Lemon woke up what felt like hours later, she forced herself to take a bath. There wasn’t a damn aspirin to be seen in that house and she had already drunk more water than her bladder could handle. It wasn’t the best of the starts but at least she could walk.

When she stopped feeling dizzy, she grabbed her keys and drove to the supermarket because there weren’t Froot Loops either and her morning –morning being a loose term since it was almost noon- was already bad enough.

Not to mention that some idiot was playing around with a shopping cart inside of the supermarket and almost destroyed the cereal aisle.

“Jesus Christ you’re going to kill someone with that.” She clutched her imaginary pearls.

Wait a minute, she knew that idiot.

“Fancy meeting you here.” Priyanka mumbled.

Not now, not with that cranky mood, not with a killing headache, not when she only wanted a bowl of cereal and crawl back to bed.

Of course she was going to tell her to fuck off.

But then…Priyanka picked the cookie cereal and Lemon’s stone heart melt right in the spot. For years, whenever she saw chocolate chip cookies in the aisles of the supermarkets, in cafés, or with freaking girl scouts, she couldn’t help but think about that little kindergarten girl with big brown eyes and crumbs over her face.

And years later, she was in front of her…

Some things might have changed but they felt oddly familiar at that moment.

Priyanka not only had terrible taste in drinks, but it also applied to cars too… because that thing was setting on fire in no time.

Lemon had just walked out of the supermarket, she crossed the street, put her things into the trunk and bought some aspirins but when she was about to leave, she saw Priyanka sitting at the curb under her personal dark cloud… and another dark cloud behind her.

She should’ve left her there, it wasn’t any of her business but… she looked truly devastated.

“Looks like you could use a ride.” Priyanka glared at her.

“Not now.” She blurted out. “I don’t have time for your snarky comments so please refrain from saying anything you’d think is clever.”

Lemon lifted her sunglasses. “I’m not trying to get on your nerves; I’m legit offering you a ride.” Priyanka didn’t seem convinced. “Think for a moment, your groceries are going to go bad with the heat and no air conditioner.”

C’mon Priyanka, think for a moment…

“The ice cream bars…” She was on the verge of tears. “Fine. Yes, I need a ride, would you be so nice and help me out?”

“Come with me, my car is around the corner in front of the drugstore.”

“Buying some aspirins?”

“Cut the slack I’m trying to do a good deed here.”

“For a change.”

She was expecting a comment from the brunette about the fact that she had a yellow car and she did it as soon as they got into the car. What Lemon didn’t expect was forgetting which street led to Priyanka’s house. Maybe back in the day, she didn’t pay much attention but she was sure something had been changed, she remembered the way like the back of her hand… or maybe she didn’t.

It was nice of Priyanka to ask about her family. Lemon’s mother always asked at loud if she had news of the girl to which the blonde replied grumbling that they weren’t friends anymore. She secretly hoped her father would tell her if he had seen her in the supermarket or the street but since she moved to Toronto those meetings became rare… that was part of why she put Jan’s plan into motion.

Because she always missed her.

Then, Priyanka asked about Rihanna… how dared she questioning her impeccable music taste?

Obviously, she liked Rihanna. What kind of stupid question was that?

“Hey, this is the album you gave me before moving to New York, remember?”

“I do… that’s actually the copy I used to have in my room… the one we listened to on my radio.”

Lemon’s hands closed their grip over the steering wheel. That album was one of her most treasured possessions, she had shed giant tears the day it stopped working when the stereo of the car kept spitting the CD no matter how many times she tried it. The box had a permanent space inside the glove compartment.

Having Priyanka sitting next to her, holding it in her hands felt surreal for a moment as if seven years had never passed.

“Why did you keep it?”

Lemon thought about that question. Sometimes simple objects like that were the only link to the past and having them around was like owning a time-traveling machine that took her directly to the memories, that took her back to Priyanka and to that bond that once felt unbreakable.

Instead, she mumbled something about «sentimental value» which was the most generic thing to say.

Now, going back to her house did feel like they were using a time machine. It was comforting to know that some things were still the same there but still, the passage of time was perceptible through photos or little details that Lemon remembered. There were more children in the family pictures and it hit her that Priyanka’s mother was now a grandmother and that Priyanka was now an aunt. How crazy was that?

Back in the day, she couldn’t even imagine her friend taking care of a plant much less a living human being, and still, the photos told her otherwise.

Thank goodness the aspirins were starting to work but even though, that headache wasn’t going to stop her from fighting for that car that her friend –for some reason- loved so much. That mechanic was going to have a piece of her mind, she didn’t care if the car was actually set on fire with flames coming out of the engine, he had to tell Priyanka there was a possible solution to that problem.

All was not lost.

That was what he had said and a phrase that lingered in the air long after. It even made Lemon feel hopeful about the car’s state and considering she had called it a jalopy multiple times, it was something.

“Thank you, Lemon… for helping me so much today. You didn’t have to but still, you did.”

Priyanka’s words made her heart swell.

She started the engine. “You’ve done the same for me no questions asked.”

She knew Priyanka would have.

“Are you feeling better after the aspirins?”

“Yeah… I’m never drinking again I swear…”

“That’s a lie.”

“It is…”

“Do you even remember what you said? Last night?”

The question caught Lemon by surprise. She was trying to rack her brains to find that missing information, one of the endless possibilities of stupid things she might have said while being drunk… chances were…

“What did I say?” She was about to have an attack of some kind.

Priyanka started laughing.

Bitch.

“Priyanka, what did I say?”

Her hands were shaking but she held the steering wheel tighter.

“You called me Sprinky and kept asking if Denali is my girlfriend.”

Lemon breathed again. “Thank God… it was just that…”

Her soul had returned to her body.

“I remember that part, you never answered the question anyway.” She said. It seemed appropriate to bring the question back so she could have a clear answer.

Priyanka sighed. “Denali is my friend. Just that… we’re friends. Are you happy now?”

…sort of…

She was about thirty percent happier… yeah… was it something bad?

And then the conversation went somewhere Lemon knew they would eventually talk about.

“So you know… you know I like girls…”

Lemon could feel the sense of fear behind her words, the what if I’m not accepted? After pronouncing that short sentence, after baring her soul.

Lemon just nodded.

“And are you okay with that?”

She looked at Priyanka. “Why wouldn’t I? Of course I’m okay with that…”

Lemon wanted to scream from the top of her lungs… how could she even imagine that she wouldn’t be okay with it? When she…

“Don’t tell me that on top of you thinking that I dislike Rihanna you also consider myself to be homophobic or an ignorant asshole… that being the same thing.” She spat.

Then, she told Priyanka about Jan and Jackie and she suddenly found herself missing them, wishing her friends from New York could also be there in her hometown, she wanted them to meet Priyanka and her high school friends… having her two worlds collide.

After dropping Priyanka back and seeing her mother again, Lemon left with a sense of warmness over her body. She had spent an entire afternoon with her childhood best friend and they were finally at a point where they felt comfortable with each other to share new things and anecdotes alike like normal friends.

Friends.

A friendship with Priyanka was something she had never expected from that trip back home.

Later that week, Lemon got a text message from Boa asking if she was going to the lake thing she was organizing. Her phone buzzed a second later she read the first message.

«I ran into Scarlett and Priyanka and they’re in.»

Lemon bit her inner cheek. She didn’t care, why she’d care?

Right… they were cool now… they were somehow friends again…

But going into nature wasn’t something she was particularly fond of. She still had a scar from that time her dad had insisted that hiking was a good father-daughter activity. Why couldn’t they plan something like a shopping day? Inside of the mall, with functioning air conditioning… wonders of the modernity like electricity?

“Rita, do you want to spend the day in a lake?” She asked the other girl who was flipping through a book’s pages while sitting on the sofa.

“Sure, sounds interesting.” She said without looking away from the book.

“Ugh. You too?” She slumped on the sofa.

She sighed loudly.

“What’s the matter?” Rita asked, accustomed to her behavior and unbothered by it.

“I don’t know… I’m don’t want to go to a lake but…”

She wanted to see Priyanka.

“Don’t go then.”

“No! That’s not the solution.” She grumbled. “Ah, I don’t know…”

Rita closed her book. “What would cheer you up? Pizza? A movie? What’s that movie you’re always talking about?”

“Mean Girls.”

“The other one.”

“Clueless.”

“One that I haven’t watched before.”

“Oh, you mean Drop Dead Gorgeous?”

“That one… why don’t you go get the DVD or something and we’ll watch it tonight.”

Lemon was about to protest but she just nodded. “Okay… I’ll drop by the video club.”

“And I’ll order the pizza.”

“Can you also order mozzarella sticks?”

“Sure.”

“Okay.” Lemon got up and walked toward the garage. The door close behind her.

“Now I can finish this book.”

She knew that the greatest film genre a.k.a. the chick flick movie genre was in the same aisle and that the DVD she was looking for was there, somewhere. It was an empty DVD box but she’d take it to the cashier and show her dad’s membership card or so to pay for it.

Lemon had the DVD on her hands when a little kid almost ran over her.

“Wow! Careful there.”

She looked at the little girl in front of her and she had a déjà vu. By a general rule, Lemon didn’t like children –from the distance they were alright but upfront…- she didn’t know what to do with them. However, this kid immediately got her soft side because she reminded her of someone close to her heart.

The little girl with big brown eyes stared at her for a moment. Lemon was paralyzed thinking she was going to cry or something but to her surprise, she just gave her a compliment.

“You’re very pretty.” She said with her adorable voice.

If there was something she liked, it was getting complimented.

“Aw, thank you…you’re very pretty too.”

Wait, was she on her own? Maybe she didn’t find her parents.

Lemon kneeled to get closer to her level. “Are you lost?”

She shook her head.

“What’s your name?” She tried again.

“I’m Melanie.”

“Nice to meet you, Melanie. I’m Lemon, like the fruit.”

“Nice to meet you… Miss Lemon.”

She was going to melt right there.

“Did you come here with your mom? With your dad?”

She shook her head again. “With my auntie.”

“Ah, I see… What do you say if we look for your auntie?”

“She’s right there.” She pointed at someone behind Lemon.

Lemon turned around and met the brunette’s eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat.

“Oh. It’s you, auntie… I should’ve guessed.”

“The resemblance is uncanny, isn’t it?” Priyanka smiled proudly.

It was the girl she had seen in the pictures, back at her house the other day and now, seeing them next to each other, she couldn’t deny they looked alike.

Wait for a second, her name was Melanie?

“You really convinced your brother to name his daughter like two-fifths of the Spice Girls, didn’t you?”

Priyanka panicked. She rushed and covered her niece’s ears. “Shhhh… He doesn’t know that yet. It took me seven of the nine months of my sister-in-law’s pregnancy to plant the idea… neither Ginger nor Emma were working, so it was down to Melanie or Victoria.”

Of course…

Then Priyanka sent her niece to get a movie and they exchanged some commentaries about the movie Lemon was about to rent. It surprised her when the brunette asked about the lake activity.

“So… are you going to the lake thing Boa’s planning?”

Lemon shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not that into nature and being eaten by bugs…”

Sounded lovely when she put it like that.

“Oh, so she’s a city girl now.”

“Listen, I spent a good ten years of my life going camping with my dad and hating every second of it. I thought it was finally over when I moved.”

“The girls and I are going… and I’m sure we’re taking some type of booze with us, snacks, a campfire… It will be fun.”

Could it be that…? This was her chance to know.

Lemon tilted her head. “I didn’t know you wanted me to go.” She knew exactly what she was doing.

“Boa said the more the merrier… plus my car is still at the workshop and Scarlett might have screwed up her relationship with the one person that has a car among us.”

“So you need a ride… that’s it?”

Disappointing… Although, she was used to.

“Yeah… and it’ll be fun being all together again.”

“Sure… okay. I’ll tell Rita and we’ll be there.”

“Really?”

Lemon nodded.

Hey, maybe she was right and it would be fun… kind of.

At that moment, Priyanka’s niece returned with a DVD of Brave in her hand.

“Are you dating my auntie Pri?” She asked unscrupulous and unfiltered like any six-year-old.

Lemon almost had a heart attack. She just stared and then looked at Priyanka.

The brunette’s mouth dropped to the floor.

“Mel! You can’t ask people… That’s not… You don’t get to…”

“But daddy said that you like girls and that if you were going to date someone it would be a girl… and she’s a girl.”

Lemon covered her mouth with her hand, she was blushing underneath.

“Mel just because I’m talking to a girl it doesn’t mean that I’m dating her.”

“But she’s pretty… she’s prettier than you.”

“Oh, I like her.” Lemon giggled.

“Hey! You little brat, who’s the one renting movies with you.”

“Why aren’t you dating her, auntie Pri?” Priyanka covered the girl’s mouth.

Lemon didn’t say a word but she’d like to know the answer to that question as well.

“Okay, I think it’s time to go home. Brave, huh? Good choice.” She looked at Lemon. “See you on Thursday…?”

The blonde smiled. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Okay, great.”

“Goodbye, Priyanka. Bye, Mel.” She waved at them.

She had to pay for her movie too but she waited until they left the store to do it. Then she drove back home and informed Rita they were going on a little camping day or whatever.

“Make sure you pack the bug repellent I gotta text Boa.”

On Thursday morning, Lemon drove to Tynomi’s house because she had to pick a cooler. She didn’t know that was the base of operations, almost everyone was already there and they were getting the cars and supplies ready.

“Oh, hey Lemon.”

It was Denali, Priyanka’s friend. Emphasis on the word friend.

“Hi! How are you?” She hugged the girl who seemed a bit startled by it.

“Good to see you again…”

“Yeah.” She smiled at her.

“Actually, good thing I bumped into you. Scarlett wanted me to tell you that Juice and she are going to pick up Priyanka from her house on their way here.”

“I beg your pardon?” She blinked twice. “I’m picking Priyanka, I already told her.”

Denali raised her hands in the air. “I’m just passing on the message.”

Lemon grabbed her phone from her back pocket and marked Scarlett’s number.

“Hello? What’s up?”

“I’m picking up Priyanka. I spoke with her the other day and we agreed on that since her car is fucked and your relationship is fucked.”

“Was… Okay? Juice and I made up. There were roses and everything.”

“That’s adorable, congratulations to the happy couple.” The sarcasm behind her words was strong.

“Priyanka’s house is on the way, we can drive her to the lake… unless…”

Oh, God.

“Is there a reason why you’d want to drive her?”

“No… There isn’t any reason besides I already told her I was going to pick her up. Why is it so difficult to understand? I don’t like my plans to be changed.”

Scarlett dared to laugh.

“I called her earlier so you don’t have to worry about that. I insist though if you had a valid reason to be her driver today I’d…”

“Fuck off. Okay, yeah… I want to spend some extra time with her.” She murmured. Denali raised an eyebrow.

“You could have started there. It wasn’t that difficult, was it?”

“Shut up.”

“Well, Juice and I are driving straight to Tynomi’s. Can you pick Priyanka up then?”

“Yeah… I guess I can.”

“You’re fucking terrible.”

“Wait, since you have an empty space in your car, can you take Rita with you?”

“Oh, so you want some alone time…”

“C’mon.”

“I mean, I haven��t spoken a lot with her but if she’s okay with it…”

“She’s French Canadian, Kiara too, they’ll get along.”

“So you’re playing the language card now.”

“Sure, whatever. Can you?” Lemon rolled her eyes even when she couldn’t see it.

“We’ll take good care of her. Good luck with your little da-”

Lemon hung up before she could finish that sentence.

Denali stared at her, a bit terrified.

“All set.” She had a mischievous smile on her face.

Lemon rolled down her window. “Get in loser, we’re going to a lake… for some reason.”

Seeing Priyanka’s surprise was more than anything she ever wanted. She didn’t look upset at all and that was a relief. Lemon wasn’t going to tell her about all the arrangements she had to do so they could spend some time alone –and she hoped that for their own welfare that Scarlett or the other girls didn’t mention it either.

They didn’t have much time together already with their imminent separation. Lemon would have to go back to New York in less than a week and Priyanka was probably heading toward Toronto as well. They had lost too much already with their silly banters and those minutes were precious on her eyes.

Except, they got lost. It wasn’t on purpose.

And even when she didn’t show it, Lemon started feeling the panic slowly crawling when after their third turn when the stupid lake was nowhere to be seen. It was humiliating that they had to stop and ask for indications but thankfully they got there without any incident.

She was sure Priyanka was going to make fun of her for getting them in trouble and arriving late –which she did- but as soon as they met the others, she did what she did best, shaking Lemon’s little bitter heart.

“Yeah, can you believe I told her the wrong entry on the highway? Lemon almost killed me we were spinning around for like fifteen minutes, right?” She looked at her and winked.

Lemon didn’t know what to do next, her brain was malfunctioning.

“Ah, yeah…” She babbled as she felt her cheeks heating up. “But we’re here… so… it doesn’t matter.”

“Priyanka you dumbass, we’ve come this way before.” Scarlett nagged her.

“Oh, shut up… I forgot.” She picked her backpack and threw it over her shoulder. Lemon hadn’t moved. “Hey, let’s go. We have all day ahead.”

She had to do something, react somehow but she was paralyzed. Priyanka was right, they had all day ahead but she wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to handle it much longer.

“I think we’ve been set up.” Priyanka said when they were both at the boat.

Lemon should’ve guessed it. The way they moved suspiciously and how they had sent Tynomi to casually ask her if she had ever been in a boat before… it was all part of a greater plan to get them in the middle of the lake alone. Suddenly the lake wasn’t all that boring anymore.

For Lemon, that was the moment and the place to talk about what had happened between them, especially since Priyanka had been so open about that horrible story of her first kiss. To think that Lemon once had been mad about the fact she didn’t tell her about it, now she understood, it was bad enough to listen to it, she couldn’t imagine how she felt back in the day and reliving it wasn’t easy either.

They talked for what felt like hours and the conversation flowed avidly once they spoke about the elephant in the room but still, something was missing.

And then she had to put the stupid glasses on. For ages, she had hated being called names because of them and, when she finally convinced her mother to get contact lenses, it was a victory. Now, she didn’t want to go back to it nor Priyanka to see her like that… as if she was a kid again.

“Don’t make fun of me.” She mumbled. “I never wear these in public…”

It was a little plea but she meant it.

“Lemon, I’ve known you for ages I do remember how you look like with glasses on.”

Priyanka took the glasses and opened the temples before placing them gently on her face. She adjusted the nose pads above her nose and removed some hairs out of her face.

“There,” She looked proud of her work. “See, nothing less than stunning.”

When the brunette put the glasses on her face, she knew it.

Priyanka was going to kiss her.

She could feel it on her bones, she could feel it deep inside, her heart couldn’t stop beating fast.

She was going to kiss her, there was no doubt.

But she didn’t… for some reason, in the last second she backed out. Lemon didn’t know why but she could almost swear for her life Priyanka was going to kiss her. She regretted not shortening the distance just a couple of centimeters when she realized, it was too late.

However, now that Lemon had that information… she could take action.

She washed her hands in the bathroom when they were back and looked at the reflection in the mirror. She looked good, just a couple locks out of place and her cheeks a bit red due to the sun but she had Priyanka’s jacket on and she knew what her next step was going to be.

If Priyanka didn’t kiss her first, she was going to kiss Priyanka.

First, she’d take her somewhere they could be alone, -maybe with some silly excuse she’d invent on her way back to the campfire- she’d grab her hand and pull her even if she protested –because she was going to-, there was a cozy spot with a couple of tree trunks cut where they could sit, fireflies were going to start flying around and the buzz of the other people would become background noise. Lemon would pick a fight with her about the first thing that’d come to her mind and when Priyanka was too into it to even notice, she was going to lean in and kiss her to shut her mouth.

It was the kiss she had postponed for so long –years- because above of all, Lemon was deeply, stupidly, madly in love with her best friend since she could remember. It had taken a lot of time to realize that those feelings she had inside were that -love- but now she was confident it was mutual.

That was until…

“I’m being serious right now.” She cleared her throat. “Lemon and I are friends… that’s it. Don’t try to push it further because it’s not going to happen.”

The knot grew on her throat, her eyes were getting watery to the point she couldn’t see clearly; her heart was breaking somewhere inside her and the physical pain almost got her on her knees.

It’s not going to happen.

What a fool… what a stupid, fucking fool she was…

Priyanka didn’t think of her like that and she and her childish crush were nothing more than that, one-sided feelings. Priyanka and she were friends and they were never going to be more than friends. For a moment she had believed it but it was too good to be true.

She wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and put the mask on.

“Hey, do you mind going back with the girls? I was talking to Rita and she’s kind of tired so I’m going home with her.” She hadn’t spoken to Rita and she hated she’d have to ruin the fun for her but she couldn’t be there any longer and that was the excuse that became handy.

“Oh, sure. No problem. Is she alright?”

“Yeah, just tired and maybe sunburn. I don’t want to drive when it’s too late either.” Her voice didn’t break as she lied.

“Alright. Are you still coming to dinner with my family? My mom said she’ll be waiting for you.”

Right. She had promised her mother she was visiting them…

“Saturday, right? I’ll be there.” She smiled. “I’m really glad we got to talk today, Pri.”

“Me too.”

She hugged her Lemon before she left.

Lemon whispered into Rita’s ear she wasn’t feeling alright and with that, the two girls got into the yellow car. They didn’t even get out of the park when Lemon stopped the car. Her knuckles turned white from holding the steering wheel too tight.

“Hey…” Rita reached for her. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head.

“Okay, let me drive.”

They exchanged seats without saying a word.

“Would you like me to play some music? I can put some CD on…”

“Just put whatever you want, it’ll be fine.” She sobbed.

Rita put the Taylor Swift album on because it was the first thing that she could find in the glove compartment. Lemon wasn’t in the mood for any kind of music really, but at least that would fill the awkward silence. She didn’t want to talk with Rita, she didn’t want to talk at all… she just wanted to get home as soon as possible.

Not her dad’s house, her home back in New York with her friends…

She was too far away.

When track nº 6 started playing, she skipped it without hesitation. She couldn’t listen to those lyrics without going back to her best friend as if she was going to wake up one day and realize… the idea was absurd. How could she ever believe that?

White Horse or Teardrops on my Guitar seemed more fitting.

Fearless, huh? What a joke. She wasn’t fearless, she was a coward who had waited too long.

She didn’t bawl until she touched the mattress of the bed, she didn’t shed a tear until her face made contact with the pillow and she stifled a cry on it. She couldn’t do it, she couldn’t pretend everything was fine for any longer.

The tears felt too heavy to be held so she cried and cried until her eyes were dried out.

She didn’t notice she was still wearing Priyanka’s jacket until she tried to wipe the tears off her face with the sleeve. It smelled like her and it kept her warm like a hug. She wrapped herself with the jacket and closed her eyes until she fell asleep.

#rpdr fanfiction #drcan #can1 #lemon #priyanka #lemon x priyanka #childhood friends #friends to lovers #lesbian au #come home to my heart #plastiquedoll #concrit welcome

4 notes · View notes

iknowyuu · 5 years ago

Text

Who says?

Izuku Midoryia x Popstar! Female! Reader

In which a popstar goes on a world tour and her next concert just so happens to be extremely close to broccoli man and blue haired babie, her biggest fans

WARNINGS: i really have no idea how concerts or meet ups work ive NEVER been to one so excuse my lack of knowledge 😔👊🏾

author's note: the song that inspired me to write this is called "Who Says" by Selena Gomez and The Scene. It definitely radiates 2011 energy so if you're looking for a throwback, there's the way to go!!!! also excuse typos pls

---

- the first time Midoriya introduced Eri to your music was when she was still in the hospital, after the festival

- she was much more open to trying new things at this point and Midoryia wanted her to listen to this one song you made that really inspired him

- it was called "Who Says"

- after that Eri had stars in her eyes. your voice was so pretty!!

- Midoriya was very happy she liked it

- he played the rest of your songs to her and she loved them

- timeskip a few weeks, Midoryia finds out you're having a world tour and one of the concerts is extremely close by!!!

- he's so excited

- he was gonna buy tickets for himself but then realized he couldn't just leave Eri and go without her

- he begged

- PLEADED the pro heroes to allow her to come

- they finally said yes, but on one condition

- they'd contact your manager and ask if they could have special seating, as well as have a pro hero accompany then

- Eri was so freaking excited!!

- she was jumping with her hands in the air with the biggest smile on her face 🥺

- of course your manager said yes.. it'd be good to up your reputation

- FINALLYYYYY THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!!

- Midoriya's wearing a hoodie with your symbol on it

- Eri's wearing a cute little floral print dress with a pink bow to wrapped around the stomach area + a hat with your signature mark on it

- so they arrive in a expensive looking car

- ((on the way there they're jamming to your music and Eri's practically jumping in her seat))

- they get to the area they're supposed to be sitting in (after being escorted by your manager, a pro hero and a LOT of security)

- staff got a lot of questions as to why they got that treatment

- everyone who wasnt involved were told they just payed for a better experience 😈🤷🏾

- they're seated in an area that's not too far from the main stage, so there's the regular seats, the very expensive seats closest to the walkway

- they sit in those ones

- the show starts!!!

- there are so many lights flashing and colorful beams and there's a fog machine

- then when the last sing comes on, Eri's eyes light up even more

- it's the first song of yours Eri listened to!!!

- while you're doing your thing on stage, the crowd is going absolutely BONKERS

- then suddenly you stop singing as you spot the little girl at the edge of your stage, alongside broccoli man

- your heart just swells up. she's so freaking cute!!!

- oh and the broccoli man is really cute as well

- hol' up

- those were the people your manager was talking about!!

- you finish off the song and finally go backstage and get ready for the people with backstage passes

- meanwhile Midoryia and Eri are staying put, waiting for the clear to go from the pro hero that accompanied them

- so long

- how much longer???

- OKAY it's time

- Midoriya takes Eri's hand and they walk backstage to where they're supposed to meet you, the pro hero trailing behind

- finally they get to the meet room!!

- they walk in and it's a huuuuge room with very few people who look like they're staff. looks like all the fans have left already

- waymin

- is that..you!!???

- your back is turned to them, seemingly talking to the lady who helped escort them before (your manager)

- and finally you turn around

- "oh hi!!!"

- you walk towards the both of them and suddenly Eri gets shy and hides behind Midoryia's legs

- "h-hello!! I'm Midoryia Izuku and this is E-eri"

- minimal stutters,, this is a phat dub

- you smile at him and he almost loses it

- "I'm glad you guys could make it to my concert! thank you for supporting me."

- you bend down and try to talk to Eri

- "hey, what's your name?" even though you already know it

- "e..my name.. is Eri"

- 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 AHHH SHE'S SO CUTE

- "aw, that's an adorable name!! thank you for coming"

- she opens up a bit more to you and you both talk about candy apples while Midoryia's standing there awkwardly

- finally the pro hero tells them it's time to go 😔

- you all say your goodbyes and as Eri is gushing about you with the pro hero, you turn to Midoryia

- "hey, we didn't get to talk much, so, uh, can i get your number?"

- he's absolutely stunned

- you??? the popstar [name]??? want his????? number???

- and you're fumbling over your words as well???????

- sum'n doesn't add up bro

- he blanks for like 5 seconds before hastily agreeing

- you enter your number in his phone and text yourself to get his

- "bye!!"

- he waves and robotically turns around to catch up with Eri and the pro hero

- gah damn he a lucky one

---

small bonus:

- late at night he receives a text from you that says,, and I QUOTE:

- "u're cute we should hang sometime :D"

- he dies

- he's dead

- you've killed him

---

15/4/2020

#izuku midoriya x reader #izuku #Midoryia #Eri-chan #bnha x reader #bnha #headcanons #bnha hcs #my hero academia #boku no hero academia #bnha midoriya #x reader #mha x reader #bnha izuku #bnha eri #mha deku #mha #midoryia x reader #kikisficz

120 notes · View notes

explosiveglitterqueen · 5 years ago

Text

A Day Full of Surprises

Here to wish a very special and a very amazing happy birthday to my beloved friend @nadia-the-wizardess! I hope you enjoy this as here’s to many more awesome birthdays to come in the future! <3

“This shouldn’t be hard to write,” Felix growled in frustration as he started crumbling another paper and tossing it to the side, letting it add to the growing pile. Grabbing a blank piece of paper and re dipping his pen for ink as he started all over again as he’d mutter to himself while carefully writing, but of course like the several other times he crumbled it up and ditched it before running his hand through his blonde locks. For the past five hours Felix has been sitting at his desk in his cabin trying to write a note to go with the present he made for his dearly beloved as tomorrow was his girlfriend Nadia’s special day: her birthday in which he wanted to be perfect. “Why is this so difficult, I am a dragonkin of many words yet I can’t write this,” he said getting up from his seat to start pacing around the room. After having paced back and forth a couple of times he stopped to look over at the box he had sitting on the desk as he slumped his shoulders groaning when he had come to the realization that he the great Felix was going to need help if he was going to finish this in time.

Thankfully it wasn’t a long trip to his destination as he walked up the steps of the cabin that belonged to the person that was most likely his only hope as he knocked on the wooden door. “Lizzy open up,” he grumbled as he waited for the pastel blue haired girl to answer the door as the two had a very interesting friendship. There was no answer as inside the lights were on as the sound of music could be heard in which would mean she couldn’t hear him in which seeing that the door was unlocked he just decided to invite himself in. “Human” Felix called as instantly after saw a head pop up from the other side of the couch. “Zeus I swear that if you-oh hi there Felix what’s up buddy,” Lizzy started to say as she didn’t seem to look over at first but when she did along with seeing the small sized sphere in her hand that started to raised caused Felix to hold his breath. “Hello to you too… You… You weren’t about to throw that at me were you,” he asked slowly walking in more as he’d hate to get hit with one of the devious prefect’s glitter bombs at this hour. Seemed to take a moment to look between him and the bomb she laughed a bit before gently tossing is away to only wince a bit when the sound of a small explosion occurred which proceeded to stand to go sit down.

“How can I help you,” she asked sitting as Felix came around to sit on the other couch he saw a banner on the floor along with various paints, decorations, and of course glitter as the banner reads, “Happy Birthday Nadia!”

“I… Hate to admit this, but I need your assistance on writing a letter to Nadia,” Felix said as he didn’t want to admit it as he did ask for advice from Rembrandt before but it wasn’t exactly to Felix’s style. “Alright why not base it off of what you got her or how you feel at this point in your relationship,” Lizzy said while stretching. “I’ve tried and all of them went to waste, for some reason I can’t seem to think of the proper words I want to use,” Felix said slouching as he felt annoyed with himself as of course he loved his beautiful crimson haired girlfriend but of course lacked the proper knowledge or experience of how to put it into words. “Maybe you’re thinking about it too hard,” Lizzy said causing the dragonkin to raise an eyebrow at the girl before him clearly confused by what she was saying. “What I’m trying to say is don’t use your head too much; the right words you want to use are going to come from your heart,” she further explained herself as Felix sat there listening as he let the words sink in as it was starting to make sense. Having getting a better idea of how to go about it that it even gave him an even better.

~~~ The Next Day ~~~

Of course in the morning it was crunch time as Felix of course would be the first to see Nadia as he went to pick her up to buy their friends time to put everything together. Getting to her front door he took a breather and knocked on the door a few times as he patiently waited. After a little while of waiting he could hear running footsteps and then locks coming undone before finally seeing the door open to reveal his beloved as he couldn’t help but smile. She was wearing a beautiful mint colored dress that had sheer short sleeves and stopped at her knees as she had her hair done in her usual lovely style. “Oh good morning Felix,” she said with a bright smile as her mint colored eyes sparkled as he couldn’t help but chuckle slightly. “It is a very good morning, happy birthday my darling,” he said taking one of her hands into his so he could bring it to his face placing a delicate kiss on her hand.

“Th-Thank you! It’s nothing too big,” she said already completely flustered as once she got her hand back she instantly hugged him which he happily returned. “Of course it’s something big, if you hadn’t been born then I would of never had the chance to meet you as if that happened who knows where I'd be,” he whispered to her as she did play a huge role in his change of heart and how he was going to give the humans a chance. Before fully pulling away from the hug Felix placed a small kiss on her lips getting her even more flustered. “Well I thought we go on a small stroll, but before that I have my first gift to give to you,” Felix said as he figured he wait to give her the special gift later on in the evening in which he saw the twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. Soon enough from the air a minidragon flew down letting out a squeaky roar as it had a neatly tied blue bow causing Nadia coo over the cute creature as it landed in her arms. “W-Wait you’re giving me one of your minidragon’s,” Nadia asked as she was petting the little dragon as it happily accepted the affection while Felix watched with a light smile.

“Of course, she is your’s so in times we’re not together you’re not alone as well as she’s for protection,” he said as Nadia couldn’t help but snuggle up to the cutie which brought him joy to see since he knew how much she loved all the other minidragons. “I’m going to name you Nova,” Nadia said after a small moment in which the minidragon swishes its tail happily showing the approval of her new name. After closing and locking the door the couple went on a stroll to their usual path while holding hands as they’d enjoy the quiet morning. It was silent between the two as they could hear the birds singing and the gentle whistle of the wind. Making casual chit chat it passed the time as when they stopped in the field of light blue flowers Felix noticed two heads stick out from behind a tree as they belonged to none other than Mischa and Rufus which could only have meant one thing; Nadia’s surprise party was all set and ready to go.

Going back to walking Felix started leading her to where the party was being held as once they arrived there all of their friends jumped out and shouted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY NADIA!” There was confetti and glitter in the air as Nadia jumped back a bit while clinging onto Felix’s sleeve in shock as she could only start smiling feeling the joy from seeing all of this. “Thank you so much, haha I’m just so speechless everything looks amazing,” Nadia said as she let go of Felix after having overcome the initial shock she was in. “Well what are we waiting for let’s start this party already,” Zeus shouted as he set of another one of the homemade poppers as everyone gathered around Nadia wishing her a happy birthday and some hugs.

The party went on throughout the day as they all ate and laughed while playing a bunch of different games. Of course they stopped so they could sing happy birthday and cut the cake as of course it wouldn’t be a normal party without a little bit of a food fight thanks to Zeus. After cake everyone sat around the on going fire as the sky was turning to night as the stars started to come out as it was some time ago that Felix had excused himself to use the bathroom. “How’s our birthday princess doing,” Lizzy said with a grin as she appeared by Nadia’s side giving her a hug. Happily returning the short hug Nadia smiled as she looked at her friend as she said, “I’m great everything was amazing as I just feel so lucky to have amazing friends like you guys.”

“Well of course you deserve it! We all know you’d do the same for all of us as of course we’re going to do this for you,” Lizzy said nudging the crimson haired playfully before glancing at the flames dancing around. “Oh I almost forgot I wanted to show you something come on,” Lizzy suddenly said as she hopped up and carefully tugged on Nadia’s arm lightly which she slowly got up from her seat as she could only imagine what it could be. Nadia followed as soon they were greeted with a view of a pathway made of Nadia’s favorite flowers along a few small floating orbs of light. “Wow where did this come from,” Nadia asked out loud as she admired the beauty as something shiny caught her attention as she carefully bent down to pick up what ended up being a crystal. “Huh what’s this, hey lizzy- huh? Lizzy where’d you go,” Nadia went to turn to her friend to have her take a look but when she did Lizzy was not there causing the birthday girl to look all around as she was so confused as to what was going on.

Soon the crystal glowed as soon a small hologram of Felix’s face appeared as it started to say, “Hello my darling I see that you successfully found your way to my surprise, follow the path with crystals like this one to find me for your gift.” It was something so unexpected but gave Nadia a big smile on her face warming her heart that he did something like this. Following his instructions Nadia started to follow the path in which behind a tree a small light blue fox poked its head out as it seemed to snicker a little bit before going off. Following the path Nadia found a couple more of the crystals as they were words full of love and endearment as there a few that sounded like an interview. At the current crystal Nadia was on she heard undeniably Lizzy’s voice ask, “What’s your favorite thing about Nadia?” Which after a short pause and seeing Felix’s smiling face he said, “Her smile; how warm it feels as it never fails to make me smile myself... Getting to see her smile makes me feel at home like I finally found the place where I belong.” His words touched Nadia’s heart as she almost had a few tears of joy fall as she was hoping she was getting closer to where she needed to go so she could see her boyfriend.

Adding it with the other small crystals she continued on her way as it seemed that the path came to an end as there was the very last crystal in which Nadia picked it up as she breathed preparing herself for what seems to be the last crystal as soon just like the others another hologram of Felix’s head appeared. “So what about your hopes for the future,” the question asked by Lizzy as just the question alone was starting to cause Nadia’s heart to beat faster feeling the heat rise in her face. “That I can be the man that makes her the happiest woman alive, that I get to one day be able to be lucky enough to wake up to the view of her right beside me everyday, but I think most importantly,” hologram Felix was saying until it suddenly cut off as Felix suddenly appeared with a little smile as he said, “I think most importantly that you’ll like my surprise for you.”

Speechless for a moment Nadia looked at him as of course Felix was always a handsome man but under the moonlight and how it made him appear even more charming had her in a small trance. Blinking a few times and snapping out of it she walked closer saying, “How could I not; everything so far was so romantic and so sweet that it made me really happy to hear all those things you said. This has been probably the most remembrall birthdays I’ll ever have as I have you and everyone else to thank this for,” she said as he simply reached a hand out to caress her face lightly before leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Well we’ll just have to see about that statement now when your next birthday comes around,” Felix said with a small chuckle as if teasing a bit though his face was starting to grow a bit pink himself.

Pulling away from Nadia standing just a few feet away from her he held both her smaller hands in his large ones. “Nadia there’s a lot I owe to you as if it wasn’t for you who knows what would have become of me. You’ve showed me what it's like to love as you’ve given me a new purpose to live and to fight as I want to experience this life with you; I want to see the world with you,” he said as pulling his hands away to reach into his robes to pull out an ornate box in which Nadia’s eyes widened as this wasn’t what it could be right. “Though it may not be happening soon, but I know in my heart that I want to stay by your side through whatever life has to offer as I want us to be the start of dragonkins and humans being able to coexist together,” Felix said as he opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring as it was made mostly out of a brilliant blue crystal as the band of the ring had gold.

Looking up into his green eyes that almost appeared to be glowing she saw the sincerity and passion that was in his eyes. “Nadia will you marry me,” he asked causing her heart feeling like it skipped a beat as this was really happening right. “Y-Yes, yes I will marry you,” Nadia finally said as she had a bigger smile on her face as a few tears of joy fell. Smiling more himself Felix took the ring out as he moved it to her ring finger. “With this ring may it protect you from all the evil in the world, but also symbolize all of my love for you and my promise to one day make you the happiest bride,” he said, giving the most genuine smile he could give. After putting on the ring Nadia engulfed Felix into a hug as she couldn’t be happier. “Thank you so much; I love it and I love you,” she said sweetly as Felix was the one to lean his face closer to close the gap between them. “I love you too with all of my heart,” he said before bestowing a tender and loving kiss onto her lips as there was still a long way to go before they could get married but just the thought of them having the married life and spending the rest of their lives together only made Nadia look forward to when that day would come when she would officially become his wife.

#Happy birthday Nadia #love you bestie~#Birthday fanfic #Felix #Nadia #wizardess heart #birthday present for a friend #from your favorite glitter fox~

12 notes · View notes

qwertythepopstarian08 · 6 years ago

Text

Feeling Blue, Part 3

The long-awaited third chapter of Feeling Blue.

This was one of my favorite parts of the story... it introduces a new character!

I won’t tell much because this chapter is packed with surprises, but... not much action. It was a bit hard to write for two reasons: The askblog and the overall exposition of this part.

But, it’s done, and I’m excited for what lies in store! I’m planning for this story to have about five to six chapters, and the next chapter will be pretty long! So hold on, we’re not nearly done yet! Enjoy!

Description: Fresh has been gone for days. Meanwhile, Cyan has their own issues to work out.

Description: The calm before the storm, before everything comes to a head.

Cyan stared out the window, watching the rain fall with a bored expression. They were pretty much infamous for their restless demeanor, often finding little amusement in the mundane.

Ever since the Treeangle Incident, normal problems tended to tire them, and they often sought more intense issues to solve. They were a “hero,” after all.

So, when a mysterious new shape showed up, begging for their help, they’d initially been ecstatic to help, if only to find something to do. They’d expected to have to fight a monster, or perhaps rescue a lost shape. Maybe the task would involve a big bad boss…

Prior to meeting with the strange shape, Cyan had pictured a multitude of possible missions.

Sitting in a cafe, listening to an eccentric researcher’s rants, however, were not part of those missions. The odd, violet shape had appeared out of the blue. She called herself, “Composer,” claiming to be a music note, supposedly one of the most powerful types of shapes. If Cyan thought back far enough, they could faintly recall reading about shape power in the distant past, when they’d been more inquisitive, and they’d never read about any music notes.

In terms of power, polygons such as squares and triangles were the strongest. Rounded figures, like circles, typically fell in the middle. Lastly, organic shapes and silhouettes were the weakest, only having access to a few powers, if any.

So, Cyan severely doubted Composer’s credibility.

The heroic square’s attention was piqued, nonetheless, when the purple note brought up the topic of a “pink menace.” Now that was their kind of quest. A tiny, tentative smile quirked at their features, although one factor bothered them deeply.

Careless about how rude they were being, the square cut off Composer mid-sentence, their tone lilting with curiosity.

“Hold up… what was that about pinks?” They tried to keep the nervousness out of their voice as they added, “Those aren’t a problem now, right?”

Composer eyed them oddly, and for a moment, Cyan was afraid that she’d scold them for their ignorance. They were the so-called hero of Paradise, after all; it was kind of expected for them to know about potential threats.

Much to the square’s shock, the music note only smirked, seemingly satisfied with her superior knowledge. Or perhaps, she just wanted the excuse to keep talking, influencing her audience with her opinions.

Regardless of the reason, her smile sent a chill up Cyan’s spine, and they fidgeted under her gaze, taking a shaky sip of their hot chocolate. The rich drink was ice cold by now, but the square took a sip every few minutes, if only to please the shape who’d paid for it.

“I thought that would wake you up.” Composer’s voice was cool, controlled. She had command over the conversation, and she seemed to know it. She reached into her portfolio, retrieving a plain-looking pamphlet. “I had a mission in mind, an objective that I assumed you could tackle quite well. This should explain it well enough.”

Cyan reluctantly accepted the booklet, beads of glowing sweat sliding down their face. Their unease was betrayed by the shake of their hands as they turned the brochure around, staring at the covers.

It was unassumingly simple, a plain grey pamphlet with pinkish accents. The title revealed little to nothing of the leaflet’s contents, which Cyan was honestly afraid to discover.

“Guide to Hue,” they read aloud. Their eyes briefly darted up to glance at Composer. She kept smiling, smug. “A cohesive enchiridion on the subject of natural light, beat magic, and the Treeangle.”

They internally sighed; this would take awhile to digest. As a shape with a fast-paced life, the square seldom bothered with the minute details of things. But with the way Composer was eying them, they felt obligated to at least try to understand.

Cyan flipped through the booklet, skimming through the paragraphs. They felt their boredom increase as they came across several large, complicated phrases, words that made them stop to think, to dredge up whatever education they may have received at some point.

It didn’t help that they couldn’t recall much from their past. Before the famous Treeangle Incident, the heroic shape had been a fairly nomadic being. Surely they’d, at one point, been a normal shape, with a mortal existence, until they had been shattered.

Their old life vanished from memory, and because of their tendency to move from place to place, no one knew them well enough to remind them of their original self. Spontaneously resurrected by the light of the sacred structure itself, they chose to stay in Paradise to watch over it, like an odd, symbiotic guardian.

Cyan’s mind wandered, lost in thought, and they eventually lost focus on what they were reading.

It wasn’t until they came across a paragraph that caught their eye that they snapped out of their musings. They silently read, “The tint of magenta was banished from the rainbow centuries ago. Feared for its deadly power and inherent aggression, the power was expelled, and the pink color of Paradise began to die out…”

Cyan looked up at Composer. Seemingly bored of watching them read, the music note had turned her attention to the actions of the other restaurant patrons, watching them with a scrutinizing eye.

The square followed her gaze to where two shapes sat, near the front of the cafe. They recognized one of the shapes as Lycan, instantly able to tell by their spiky, pink fur and loud, boisterous tone. Lycan was accompanied by their sister, Wolfie, a greenish, mild-mannered blossom who worked at the same event venue as Fresh.

Shockingly, Lycanthropy didn’t seem to be doing anything wrong. They were seemingly content, and judging from the lack of lava, that didn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.

Composer’s smile twitched as she eyed the two shapes, her gaze flickering with a peculiar glimmer. “Such a shame.” She subtly gestured towards the blossom pair. “Even the unassuming blossoms can be twisted into absolute monsters.”

Cyan raised an eyebrow, puzzled. They voiced their confusion, “Lycan? A monster?” A slight smile quirked their features as they shook their head. Sure, the blossom could be erratic, maybe even violent, but they weren’t evil in the slightest. “I think you’re confusing them with another flower? Lycan’s not the only corrupted one…”

At that, Composer turned back to face the square, her smirk completely dropping. She took a sip of her coffee, a judgemental glare landing on the other shape, making a chill go down their spine.

“All corruption is evil.” Her voice was venomous. “It may not be obvious at first glance, but the potent nature of the corruption’s hue only makes it worse, makes it spread.”

“They may still be pink, but they’re not a bad person.”

“You misunderstand. Pink is inherently volatile.”

It was at this point that Cyan felt their anxiety skyrocket. They frowned, shaking their head in strong disagreement. They stood, collecting their things in preparation to leave.

“Actually, I feel like you’re the one misunderstanding things.” They gestured at Lycan, huffing. “Pink may be a bit scary, and I get where you’re coming from, but…”

The heroic square’s hackles rose with their anger. Frustrated sparks jumped from their form, which Composer stared at, her mouth agape in a small, “o.”

Cyan finally found the words to convey their irritation, their voice going shrill for a moment as they growled, “The danger is gone. Magenta, pink, rose, whatever you want to call it. It’s okay, Composer. No one’s evil anymore.”

Composer stared at the frustrated square for a long time, her expression blank. Her violet gaze bored into the hero, nonetheless, and her mouth slowly curved into a tiny, almost disappointed frown.

She finally let out a small sigh, looking out the window with that same, empty stare.

“I am… discontented… with your failure to understand my plight.” Her tone dropped to a condescending hum as she continued, “I should have realized that such an altruistic shape would become biased.” She then smirked, briefly turning to lock eyes with the other shape. “Although, I imagine it must be hard for a shape who was shattered to remain this way.”

Cyan staggered away from the little booth, their expression set into a grimace. Their eyes were wide and almost teary, and the sparks around their form began to intensify in severity. Crestfallen, the blue square found themselves unable to process Composer’s words, the pamphlet clutched in their grasp in a vice grip.

Backing away, Cyan added one last time, “You’re wrong, Composer.” Their tone was resolute. “The corruption is gone.”

With that, the heroic shape left the restaurant. They didn’t even stop to look back as they heard Composer chuckle, nor did they wave at Lycan when they passed. Their mind swam with conflict and anger, bitter feelings that they struggled to subdue.

Opening the door, they halted for a mere moment before breaking into a dash, sparks of blue energy buzzing around their form. They were nothing more than a blur in the dull morning sky, shining brighter than the sun as they rocketed through the air.

Normally, their dash was their favorite ability. They didn’t need wings to buzz through the air. They could just take off, propelled by beat magic. Cyan may not have had much power in terms of offense, but when they dashed, they were invincible.

Quite literally, they might add. For some, miraculous reason, the square’s dash ability was able to zip straight through solid matter, but only for a few seconds. It had saved them quite a few times during some harder fights, when the attacks became too overwhelming to weave through normally.

Right now, however, Cyan wished they could dash to escape their emotions. They clenched their fist, further ruining the pamphlet that Composer had provided them. They didn’t even want to read the blighted packet, afraid to find more of her ludicrous drabble inside. The music note was insane if she thought pink was still bad.

To Cyan’s knowledge, much of the “curse” surrounding pink in the first place had been lifted when they purified the Treeangle. It was still potent, still aggressive, but it was no longer corruptive and evil.

Some blossoms even started popping up naturally pink. It was more of a pastel rose, but pink nonetheless. This solidified the fact that magenta was part of the Treeangle’s light once again, at least in some capacity.

Cyan squeezed their eyes shut as they flew, angrily wiping tears from their eyes. They could get so worked up over this stuff, it irked them to no end. It wasn’t their fault that they were sensitive, but no matter how they tried, bad situations typically left them in tears… and yelling. Which wasn’t exactly a shock, given that they spent most of their time with Blue.

In their blind flight, Cyan didn’t even notice as another shape flew right into their path. Unable to see where they were going, they collided right with the other shape. A startled scream rang out, both shapes panicking.

Cyan’s eyes snapped open, and they flailed, their dash halting midway through. Backing away, they tried to identify who they’d run into, indecisive over whether they should yell or apologize.

However, as they surveyed the other flustered shape, it became clear that this wasn’t someone they were familiar with. For a moment, they thought it was that pest, Fresh, but the stark contrast in hue was enough to dissuade the association.

The overall build was similar, but this strange being was peaceful blue, for one thing. Like Fresh, he had catlike ears, although they drooped with anxiety, twitching intermittently. He stared at Cyan with a single, teary eye, his expression quivering as if he was trying not to cry. And instead of the vest and spiked collar that the pink menace loved, this frightened shape was wearing a simple, soft blue hoodie.

Awkward, Cyan choked out an apology. “Oh… s-sorry. I, um… didn’t see you there.” The newcomer jolted at their words, then averted his gaze, crossing his arms. Cyan hurriedly added, “I don’t think we’ve met. Sorry if this wasn’t the best first impression… I’m Cyan.”

They held out a hand to shake, uncaring of the fact that the both of them were currently suspended about fifty feet in the air. It was never too late to make a good impression. Most of Cyan’s best friends had been made in the heat of battle, or rescued from a chaotic situation. In those moments, the very extremes of their personalities had been on display, yet they were a tight group to this day.

However, the nervous Fresh lookalike didn’t seem particularly keen on making friends. He forced himself to accept Cyan’s hand, using his other hand to wipe away his tears. In terms of personality, the shape was nothing like Fresh at all. Instead of impulsive and rude, the newcomer was timid and fearful, his gaze darting around as if something was out to get him.

“M-my name is…” He hesitated, almost thoughtful. He caught sight of his own arm, his gaze lingering on the blue glow. Shaking his head, he looked back to Cyan, then continued with more confidence, “My name is Chill.”

Cyan nodded happily, glad that the mystery shape was opening up a bit. They laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood, looking around.

“So, are you new to Paradise?” They started to descend, beckoning the new shape to follow. “I mean, you didn’t know me, and I’m pretty famous around here, not to brag.”

He perked up, quickening his pace, although he still seemed a bit shaken up, wobbling in the air. Levitation of any capacity wasn’t that uncommon, but not many shapes could keep it up outside of a battle. Chill touched down softly, eying the grass. Cyan lingered in the air, floating in lazy circles around the other shape.

They repeated their question, “Did you just move here or something?” Something about Chill seemed familiar, yet strange, like a sense of Deja Vu.

“No. I just… don’t get out much.” A brief shudder went down Chill’s spine, and he added, “I don’t get why you call this place, “Paradise.” It’s more of a, well, I don’t know… “Para-DANGER.””

The heroic square chuckled at the pun, floating ahead of Chill by a few feet. Forget his earlier apprehension; anyone who made jokes like that couldn’t be up to anything bad.

“Yeah, but at least pink isn’t the danger anymore. It’s… kinda a big deal, saving the lost color of the rainbow.” Cyan’s tone briefly took on a boastful tone, and they hummed in musing. “Like I said, I’m a big hero here.”

Chill’s expression briefly twitched. His smile dropped for a second, and he tried to change the subject.

“Hey, what’cha got there?” He was pointing at something. Cyan followed his gaze to the pamphlet in their hand, which was crumpled beyond repair.

Holding up the ruined booklet, the square hummed, “Oh, this?” They grimaced as they spied the cover title again, tossing it aside with a groan. “Just some “enchiridion of hue” nonsense. No big deal, unlike me.”

Despite the distasteful description, Chill seemed interested. He rushed to catch the booklet, dashing back up to meet Cyan.

“Why would you just throw that away? I.. I’ve been, um… researching hue… this could be a lifesaver!”

Cyan scowled, rolling their eyes. “I doubt it.” They began to tire of the conversation, listlessly floating in circles, watching blue sparks trail behind themselves. “That thing had more than fact to say about pink shapes in particular. It’s probably just some opinionated drivel.”

Chill shook his head, a glimmer of desperation clear in his gaze. He flipped through the packet, eye growing wide with wonder. He dashed to catch up with Cyan, who had begun to depart, catching them by the arm.

On reflex, they jerked away, glaring at Chill with a threatening leer. He winced, shrinking back. His eyes widened, and he smiled nervously.

“Do… do you know who wrote this?” He held up the pamphlet. “This could really help me, please. I need some info, Cyan.”

His tone sounded despaired, and if Cyan squinted, they could see the other shape’s glow lessen. Cyan didn’t want any shape to have to listen to Composer, but… this guy seemed so upset already. It didn’t seem like even Composer’s words could worsen his mood.

Relenting, the square sighed, turning back to face Chill.

“Alright, see that little cafe?” They pointed towards the building they’d just left, their tone bored. Chill seemed engaged, however, his eye lighting up with hope. “I just left there. The lady who wrote this junk is probably still there. Just look for a purple music note.”

Chill exploded with happiness. He began to glow brightly, like a cerulean spotlight. Cyan had to shield their eyes as the other shape rushed forth.

“Thank you!” He pulled Cyan into a sudden hug, the little square giving a shrill squeak as their bones were nearly crushed. They tried to dash away, until they recalled their inability to go through other blue shapes, letting out a defeated sigh and reluctantly returning the embrace.

Chill let them go as soon as they did, however, already moving on to the restaurant. “Thanks a million, little dude! You’re a real hero!”

With that, he broke into a mad dash, elated. His relieved laughter echoed through the sky like a bell, filled with absolute joy.

Cyan lingered, watching him go. A small smile worked its way upon their features, and they turned to leave. However, one notion still didn’t leave them. That Deja Vu remained, prodding at their thoughts.

The longer they heard that laughter, a dim, fearful recollection swelled in their mind, inundating them with paranoid anxiety. Flashes of wide, pink eyes assaulted their memory, and they shook their head, frowning slightly.

The physical similarities could be dismissed as a coincidence. Lots of shapes looked the same; that was simple geometry. While Cyan had never seen another shape quite like Fresh, it was surely possible that there were others of his species.

But… that laughter.

That laughter was unmistakable, unforgettable. It had drilled itself into their memory, into their nightmares. Although Chill was nothing like Fresh, his voice…

It sounded exactly the same.

Hundreds of threatening notions rushed through Cyan’s mind. They hadn’t seen or heard from Fresh in days, and to their knowledge, he’d had a falling out with Blue prior to his vanishing. Blue refused to give details, but the look on their face when speaking of him hinted at a bigger problem.

Fear won over, and Cyan darted away, intent on warning the others. Fresh was no longer a villain, but if something was wrong with him, Cyan feared that it would spread like corruption.

#just shapes and beats #jsab #cyan #composer #fresh #fanfic #chill #Chill Out AU #part 3 #Oh Look a Story Thing #lycanthropy #wolfie #blue #oc #fc #fan character

8 notes · View notes

lestwinsfanfics · 7 years ago

Text

Just Friends, Chapter 53

Aaliyah

“Aight so boom, now this nigga getting dragged by the back of his collar, like a fuckin rag doll,” Jamal described, his voice carrying over the room with a lack of control. He could barely get his words out without bursting into laughter. I couldn’t help but smile in response to his energy.

Jamal lived to entertain, and part of that was the telling and retelling of ridiculous stories. Whether it left you on the edge of your seat with suspense or doubled over with tears from laughter, he was undoubtedly captivating no matter the scenario. He was a man of the people, always finding himself amongst others and as of right now, he had our core group tuned in to his every word.

Leslie’s head was thrown back against the couch that she sat on, with her legs propped up and still in casts. A blanket covered her legs, she always ran a little colder than everyone else. With a quick glance, nothing would have appeared to be wrong with her, unless you noticed the stiff thickness underneath the red knit fabric, or a peek of the black casts that went up to mid thigh. Her body leaned against the backend, a big pillow supporting her, and a cranberry and vodka sat to her right on the stand.

Once you got Leslie’s laughter started, she was a goner, and her thick cackle would never end. I couldn’t help but laugh more at her reaction. The wide smile she sported and her hair being in two braids to the back made her look like a child. Leslie looked much more youthful than she liked to portray, and it was especially noticeable in moments like these. She wiped tears away and held her stomach, attempting to regain her composure. A little piece of me couldn’t help but wonder if her healing ribs tainted her smiles with pain, but her laughter continued, only slightly easing my fears. I knew the pain that came with overexertion, which was tough when so much of her existence boomed with her voice, her words, her movements. She hated for us to baby her, but with her ribs still healing, her body still processing… she would live with it.

We tried to be easy about everything, and this party was a sense of normalcy we hadn’t had in a really long time.

Above the fireplace, there was a picture in a frame of Leslie and myself seated on the bottom, and Byron and Lathan standing back to back above us. You couldn’t tell, but we were in front of her house. The four of us, posed to perfection, decked out in very 90’s gear, vintage now but fitting for the times. She had the same two braids in that picture. Only now, her lips were painted in a dark blue, and her eyes lined sharply and dramatically.

If you hadn’t known better, the scar on Leslie’s forehead that extended to her scalp could have been from anything, and not the car accident that maimed her frame and broke her legs. She was healing, slowly but surely, and as hard as it was to watch, her insistence upon being positive and busting her ass to rehab her body back to health made it easier on not just her. The months seemed to speed by for me with work and tending to her during my free time. Her recovery was happening right before my eyes.

Her casts would be off in just a few more months, to be replaced with soft ones that she could strap on and off. The wrapping around her core would still remain as well. She assured us all that they didn’t bother her as much, but I doubted it. It took all of the convincing in the world for her mom to leave New York and go back to Chicago, but Byron’s promises to care for her and my assurance to step in whenever I could soothed both of her parents enough to return home, with the knowledge that they’d be only a call away to make sure everything was going okay.

Byron and Thalia sat across from me, sharing one oversized loveseat. Thalia’s frame leaned against our brother’s as she sat on his lap casually. They looked so perfect together. Her large puff took her hair away from her face, giving us more access to her beauty as she sat beside her husband. They both were completely on the edge of their seats at Jamal’s story as well, Byron recalling his previous days as a bouncer with similar stories, which was how this whole conversation began.

I believe they were just excited to be around adults. While Essie had a sleepover tonight with a group of friends, the two of them would indulge, carefully of course, but nonetheless they deserved the break.

Having Leslie move in with them wasn’t even something they had to consider. In their minds, they’d be the best at taking care of her, not wanting their parents to have to shoulder the responsibility. Byron was a natural protector and would do anything for family. I respected that, and as the man who had taken his place as my own surrogate older brother, I cherished the attribute in him.

Tyler sat on one side of me on the other long couch. Her energy appeared uninterested and solely zoned into her iphone, but her appropriately timed laugher was the tell of her abilities to multitask. There was never a moment where her fingers weren’t speedily moving across her screen. Noelle was probably the only one of us truly half interested, as per usual. Her focus was more in tune to the music, as she hopped from couch to the speakers, changing songs here and there based on the mood, as well as filling up empty cups. She couldn’t help but play dj and help host with Leslie stuck in one spot.

The usual suspects were all in attendance, plus a couple others that she knew from therapy or we knew from school, and the quickly thrown together kickback ended up just what we all needed to unwind. I had had my fill of drinks and the smirk on my face and haze in my eyes told that.

A vibrating against my thigh caught my attention, only to realize that it was Jamal’s phone and not my own.

He glanced at the screen and recognized the caller instantly, a kiss of his teeth and a curt “Yeah?”

I couldn’t quite make out the voice on the other end and honestly I didn’t care to, as I checked my phone only to notice the white and red battery icon flashing on the otherwise blank screen. “Anyone have a charger? I left mine.”

“Mine should be in the kitchen, Liyah, go ahead and unplug my phone.” Thalia said motioning her head to the left. I knew this home like the back of my own hand, so further direction was unnecessary as I rose to give my phone some life.

Upon my return, Jamal was on his feet, dapping up Byron briefly and gave Thalia a light kiss on the cheek. “Imma see yall later on this week.”

“I’m heading out, niggas fucking up at work and I gotta go see whats up.” Jamal noted my confused face and I nodded in response.

“That sucks.”

He didn’t have to be gone for another hour and a half at least. I was enjoying his company. I always did.

He tapped Tyler to hug her and kissed Leslie on the forehead, bidding everyone else a farewell as he walked my way.

“Imma walk him out.” I said casually. I ignored the smile on Leslie’s face with intention as Jamal draped his arm around my shoulder and we exited the noisy living room, the closing of the door silencing majority of the sound coming from behind it.

I glanced down at my feet, the bred’s made them look especially long. Jamal’s 11’s were all black and I wanted a pair.

“You didn’t have to walk out with me.”

“Its no big deal.” I shrugged. “I do wish I had brought a jacket though.” My arms were covered by a thin nude turtleneck and the ripped jeans on my legs allowed the chilly air conditioned hallway to cover my skin in goosebumps.

Jamal’s heavy arm draped across my shoulders once more as he tugged me in toward his body for a hug, forcing me to walk backward while pressed against his chest. He was warm, and that, in combination with the spicy fragrance he wore made me feel fuzzy.

Whatchu thinkin bout?“ Jamal asked quietly, the baritone grit of his voice pulling me out from my head back into the empty hallway as we walked toward the exit. Our squeaky sneakers resounded with an echo. I smiled to myself, our steps were mostly in sync while he glanced over at me expectantly and yet… with a comforting lack of pressure and an ease that made me feel good.

Jamal was easy.

I liked it.

He had a way of pulling me out of my head and into our surroundings that didn’t make my heart race or fill me with anticipation. Our conversations were often long, full of jokes and moments of intensity that could easily be broken by a subject change or a random distraction.

Like now. I could tell him how good it felt to be around him, how easy it was to have him in my world. How I’d noticed a change in him since the time we’d spent apart and although I wouldn’t take full credit, the timing seemingly alluded to me being a cause of his shift.

I could answer his question with depth, tell him that I enjoyed his company. His presence. His friendship. I could tell him that he was regaining my trust that he wouldn’t ever disrespect me the way he had.

"I like your shoes, I might buy a pair.” I replied to him instead. I wanted to keep the ease on the table. Alcohol would rule my tongue if I kept at it and I really just wasn’t in the mood. My smile was loopy, followed by a shrug as I looked forward through a glass window toward the illuminated sign signaling the staircase we needed to take to the back entrance.

“I might buy a pair” he mimicked in a voice meant to be similar to mine but failing miserably. “You want something.”

“Excuse me?”

“Nahhhh yo. You think you slick.” He held the heavy metal door open for me walk as we bound down the sets of stairs. “Jamal, I like your shooooooes”

“You get on my damn nerves.” I rolled my eyes brazenly. He mocked me with a taken-aback look. “I don’t even sound like that.”

“I don’t even sound like that.” I rolled my eyes, considering sprinting down the stairs but knowing my clumsiness and alcohol could fail me even though I wasn’t as intoxicated as I soon would be. Jamal paused, the grey background of the stairwell looking good against his outfit.

“You trying to butter me up because you want something.” I stopped mid stair, bursting out into laughter as I walked past him.

“Boy, please.” I replied flippantly.

“What you want big daddy to do for you baby girl?” He replied teasingly while snatching me into him just as i touched the final stair at the bottom of the stairwell.

“Quit.”

“Nah tell me.” Long arms wrapped against me. I could smell the remnants of his cologne and I loved it. It was hard to hide my smile, as the curve of my lips remained rebellious. A kiss of my teeth and an eye roll was all I could give him as he pulled my body back against his. This forced me to walk much more carefully, with his weight possibly leading me to fall. Trusting him as my guide was no simple task, and very slow steps made us take our time, complete with shit talking and unnecessary stumbles while we worked our way to the doorway. .

Jamal was fun. And funny. And sweet.

Everything that I had missed from him before was back.

I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed it.

“Did I tell you you looked pretty?” He asked as we slowly continued the walk down the extensive hallway toward the door.

“You always do.” I shrugged softly.

“Lil cocky ass.” He teased more.

“Stoooop.”

“I meant yesterday. I saw the picture you put on instagram. You looked good as fuck.”

My face warmed again having to hear him compliment me, and feeling his voice resonate against his chest didn’t help matters.

After I started getting a lot of followers on my account due to the twins and other clients, I created a second one for private pictures. Some of my friends, Jamal included, followed both. Unfortunately the public one still needed to be maintained for work, it helped with business promo and whatnot. I hated it, the comments could get ridiculous, especially if someone tagged the twins and I on something, so I had to monitor closely. But it was part of the job and I was determined to not let the bullshit ruin my time.

On my personal account there were more candid, fun photos, things I felt freely about sharing with friends. I had no worries there. Nothing I had to monitor because no one save my actual friends had access. The name was so obscure that by searching you couldn’t even tell it was me.

Underneath one of the three photo’s I’d posted from last night’s work party, Jamal commented “my my my.” I laughed at the Johnny gill reference. Jamal must have slipped and mixed accounts, as he rarely made his presence known on this one. I wouldn’t complain.

There were a couple likes on his comment that made me roll my eyes. Fan accounts, I could never be sure if they were being messy or supportive so I chose to stay silent.

The likes on the group picture where you could see Laurent with his arm draped across my shoulders near the middle of the frame did numbers. It was expected. I’d seen a zoom in on one of the more chill fan accounts of he and I with everyone else blocked out. The ‘where’s larry?!’ ‘her and larry dont have pics?’ comments were plentiful. If they only knew.

“I had to comment. Didn’t even realize which page you posted from.” Jamal knew he had maybe toed the line. Hence the comment.

“No biggie. And thank you.”

Behind me a door opened, allowing sounds and smells, as well as a hint of warm air from outside to enter into the hall and let me know we made it to our destination. “Aight mama, you gotta let me go sometime.”

I wiggled out of his grasp, making him and I both laugh when I stumbled at the motion. “Text me when you get to work, okay?”

“Ima hit you. Call me when you get home.”

I nodded, holding the door open with my body. “I’m serious, Aaliyah. Don’t hit me on no ‘I fell asleep’ shit either.”

He knew my moves too well. “I got you.”

“Take a Uber home too, I don’t want ya drunk ass on the train tonight either.” He chided, half joking but half serious. Always looking out for me. “We still on for soco tomorrow?”

“I will, and Yes. Now go, you won’t blame me for being late tonight.”

With that I closed the door. My legs felt like lead from the trek I had to make up the stairs when an elevator stopped working in my office building the day before last. I decided to take the lazy way out and make my way toward the front of the building to the main elevators.

I patted my pockets for my phone, only just realizing I left it to charge in the kitchen after its untimely death before Jamal left, but I’d be back amongst my people soon so that wouldn’t matter.

I sighed, so impatient for my journey back down various hallways and spaces. I kicked my feet, trotting along like a goofball until my entrance was finally visible. The double doors in the creamy greige colored hallways allowed me to see the familiar frames of the long lanky men I’d grown to love, and hate, and miss. Laurent’s twists were underneath a cap, and Larry’s piled atop his head. His neck was uncovered, making him look even leaner.

The timing was incredible.

I laughed to myself, watching them both scan the rows of numbers and last names, as Lau tried to pick out Byron’s faded one. Larry had his phone to his ear, looking just as confused as Lau.

Larry…

So much bullshit was between us. I would have loved nothing more to feel the pure excitement that I did to see Laurent… but alas.

I almost remained still, but something pushed me forward, past the elevators I needed to get on to get upstairs, through the doors ahead of it, and right into their space.

“Yooooooooo!” I burst through and exclaimed in my best (worst) attempt at a New York accent. “Y'all the niggas that dance with Beyoncé!”

I startled them, and while Larry put his phone down quickly, Lau chose to play along. “Hello baby, you know us?”

His voice was less silky than Larry’s but the flirtation was just the same. I almost broke character to laugh. “Yo, deadass I love y'all. You gotta be Larry, right? My friend said Larry was the cuter one.”

“No she tell you wrong” Lau replied, slinking toward me and wrapping me up in a hug. Larry kissed his teeth behind, and I briefly looked his way with a laugh, in an attempt to normalize the situation. “Yes I’m the better twin but it’s Laurent.”

There would be no bad blood at Leslie’s, not on my behalf. She was well aware of the goings on, but when she asked me if I cared that they were invited, I knew not to deny them. She wouldn’t have asked if she didn’t want them here. Nor would she if she didn’t care about my opinion.

“How long have y'all been out here?” I abandoned my character even though my laugh remained.

“Not long.” Laurent rocked me side to side in a hug still. “We call you, you not answer.”

“Yeah my phone died.” I shrugged, entering the code to unlock the main door and take us to the elevator area.

“Larry think you ignoring us.” Lau said calmly, walking on the elevator before Larry did. This allowed me to see the glance Larry gave him in addition to hearing him mumble “fuck up, bro.”

“Nope.” I briefly glanced Larry’s way, only to quickly lock eyes with him. We weren’t doing this intensity shit either. I turned away before it could get deep. “My phone is still charging upstairs.”

Brief, easy conversation amongst us was almost unnecessary with how quickly the ride went. Once the sounds of the party filled the room hallway, the energy was much more relaxed between us. Still I felt something strong but forced myself to bury it and carry on. The scent of a heavy coconut scented candle filled my nose and I smiled, knowing Byron’s protests against them.

Laurent swiftly made his way toward the living room, loudly saying hello to everyone as I focused on grabbing another cup and checking my phone as a distraction. I leaned against the counter, noting that my battery was only at 10 percent. Movement in my peripheral caused me to glance upward, only to startle myself and almost drop my phone.

“Shit.”

“I scare you?” Larry snickered as he stood across from me, leaned up against the black refrigerator with his hands in his pockets.

He looked good.

His jeans were tight but worn in, looking like they were catered to his body. Most clothing looked like that for the twins. While his black sweatshirt was likely warm, not including the layers he for sure had underneath, I knew that his body was conditioned to comfort with them all. He didn’t look bulky or off for the weather. He just looked like… himself.

It was so familiar that it pained me a little bit. Having Larry this close this often within the past 48 hours had really done numbers on my stress levels.

“You look good, you know that?” He said with his airy voice just above a whisper. I turned my body and focused on pouring myself a whiskey topped with ginger ale. I couldn’t hear his always light steps, but I knew that he would be behind me sooner rather than lately. All of my focus went to steadying my breathing and my shaking hands. “Last night too.”

Memories flooded my brain at how obnoxious the events had been. I felt my eyebrows furrow uncontrollably, but I maintained my otherwise blank face, bringing the cup to my mouth.

Nothing had changed, and as good as it was to see him, and as much as I longed for the way things used to be, I knew deep down that I was nothing but a fleeting thought for Larry, if even that. His shit, casually bringing up the night before as if it was nothing to him, told me everything I needed to know.

Entertaining the possibility that he had been thinking of me, that he cared, would only bring me more and more unnecessary feelings and I wasn’t up for it. Not yesterday and not tonight.

I quickly grabbed a sprite and poured some into another cup, topping it off with vodka and turning to the side, handing it to Larry, who had made his way over and now leaned against the counter beside me. His attempts to make eye contact didn’t go unnoticed, but I knew I had to maintain my cool. “Here. Go enjoy the party.”

“Aaliyah.”

“Larry, stop.”

His shoulders dropped. “Look, I not going to make you talk. I say for you last night and I say again. I just come here for tell you that you look good. And I miss you. And I happy to see you. And I-”

I sighed, taking a gulp of my drink before interrupting his moment. “You said you weren’t going to make us have this conversation.”

“I’m not.”

“Then let’s just have a good time.” I said coldly, wrapping my arms around myself. Larry’s eyes pained at my involuntary reaction.

“Okay.”

“Okay great.” I nodded, giving him my back and unlocking my phone. I opened my email’s newest messages, determined to focus on something, but Larry’s strong yet lean arms wrapped around me, dismissing any chance of maintaining my cool.

I felt him bend his torso down to plant his chin on my head, and I felt his breath as he surely inhaled my energy and the essence of the moment between us. My heart betrayed me, beating quicker and quicker and my hand reached down involuntarily and gripped his forearm.

Not to move him. It was just a touch, a gentle grasp. The only movement I would give him to let him know that I was okay with our proximity.

The only move I would allow myself to make, when a host of other things, ranging from a slap to a kiss, floated around my brain.

His nose replaced his skin, lightly touching the top of my head.

Once his arms left from wrapped around me I took a deep breath and exhaled. It was then I noticed someone standing in the doorway.

“Am I interrupting?” Noelle’s voice said as calmly as it would have normally. There was a glimmer of laughter behind her faded eyes, but her cup remained near her mouth.

“No.” I replied too quickly. “He was making a drink, and-”

“How you been Noelle?” Larry interrupted my unnecessary ramblings and walked over to her cautiously. While Noelle and Tyler were two peas in a pod like Leslie and I, Tyler’s outrage at Larry’s existence did not carry over to hers. Noelle took more of the 'if you like it, I love it’ stance, keeping her from really diving too far into anger at Larry, and moreso basing her energy on me and how I felt about the situation.

“Good, twin. Really good.” He hugged her and she reciprocated, which made a snicker almost release from my lips. She had said lots of salacious things about him initially to make me feel better.

That’s what friends were for.

“Good. You look good girl!” Larry replied, to which she gave a thank you as they crossed paths and Larry exited the kitchen, not without one final look back at me.

I was a statue. A marble statue. Frozen.

“Earth to Aaliyah.” Noelle said with a laugh, swinging the fridge open to add some lemonade to her cup.

I rolled my eyes, taking my drink to the head before preparing another one.

“So… we’re going to just act like that wasn’t a thing?”

“It wasn’t.”

“Okay…” She paused, taking a sip. “We’re definitely going to ACT like that wasn’t a thing. Great.”

“Noelle…”

“You don’t have to explain.” She shrugged, tightening the lid on the bottle of vodka. “It was cute.”

Fuck this was going to be a long night.

—-

The sun warming my face woke me up instantly. What was often my favorite part of rising in the morning now bothered me immensely, making my body warmer than I wanted it to be. I felt like I was confined in a strait jacket, and waking up without my normal freedom was disorienting along with the annoyance of being overheated. I stretched my arms out, freeing myself from this confusing mass of fabric, only to note that I had cocooned myself in a blanket like I often did at night anyway. My old grey blanket covered my body, and I could feel its softness against my bare legs, and I shook my head, at least grateful that I had removed my jeans before piling into my bed.

I couldn’t help but snicker at my foolishness. Thank God my hangover wasn’t rearing its ugly head. I wiped at my eyes, shaking my head at the black streaks that had been left on my hands from doing so. I had had a lot to drink, and now all I needed to get some sanity this morning was some water.

With heavy steps I walked into the kitchen in my shirt and underwear, stretching out and being careful not to disorient myself with any remnants of alcohol still in my system. With my eyes still closed, I grabbed the first bottle of water I touched in the fridge and took it to the head, the icy cold temperature immediately waking me up and making my body feel more balanced.

I came up for air once the sight of my kicked off shoes caught my eye. Upon further observance of my surroundings… I noticed my keys thrown on the counter… and my pants near the doorway to my room….a black sweatshirt hanging up on the door.

An unfamiliar clothing item to this place.. But extremely familiar to me.

A nervousness made my stomach sink.

Instantly the night before filled my thoughts.

–

“Larryyyy, relax. I’m fine.” I said as I focused on walking up the stairs as carefully as I could. I rolled my eyes at Larry’s hand touching my hip unnecessarily. I wasn’t wasted, nowhere near as bad as he thought I was, so his attempts to steady me we’re really useless. My keys slipped from my fingers just as quickly as I took them out of my purse.

“FINALLY!” I exasperatedly yelled as I stepped beyond the barrier to my living room, knowing that not only was I finally home but I was home alone.

Alone, save for Larry.

This wasn’t weird. I blamed the alcohol. Instead of me being annoyed by his shit, and by shit i mean his long stares and his intense, heavy energy that only I seemed to feel. I would never admit it but I gulped down my drinks faster because I didn’t know what else to do. Ignoring him wasn’t working. Engaging normally wasn’t either.

At least, not until I had successfully gotten a buzz. Then things became funny.

I spent a lot of the night laughing. I laughed at people, with people, Laurent’s jokes were hilarious, and Larry’s awkwardness tickled me deep down in my soul. It was all just funny and even now I stifled another giggle as I kicked my shoes off and listened to them clunk against the wall.

“You so loud.” Larry said, his bunny teeth poking out of his smile. I rolled my eyes, fuck my neighbors after keeping me up the other night.

“I dont give a fuck. The niggas above me sounded like they were moving furniture at 6 am last week on a saturday.” I padded quickly in the direction of my room, desperate to take these clothes off and get comfortable in this bed. My pants were gone before I crossed the entryway into the space. “FUCKING SATURDAY, LARRY.”

Roughly, I attempted to snatch off Larry’s sweatshirt. Along the ride home I was freezing cold, Spring had notoriously chilly air in the evenings and the thin ass shirt I wore wasn’t cutting it. I struggled more and more, until somehow I lost my balance.

“What you doing in here?” Larry’s muffled voice clued me into his presence. Before I knew it, hands on my torso reached in, grabbing the sweatshirt from my body, over my head, and past the tips of my fingers. Thank God for his height.

I fell backward into my bed with a laugh, the slight dizziness I felt was more than humorous to me. To my left, on the nightstand was a bottle of water and I grabbed it, knocking over something unimportant in the process. I chugged a quick couple of gulps, not before looking up at Larry, as he stood over me, a confused smile playing on his lips.

“You crazy.” he mumbled.

I tossed the bottle toward him and rolled over with laughter. This was just fucking rich. Here I was, drunk in my room on the other side of the country.. With Larry. He was nowhere near my level of intoxication, so I knew that as cool as he was playing it, this was all just as confusing to him. Instead of dwelling, my laughter spilled from me more and more.

Looking up, our eyes met as his smile grew on his face, leading to a tiny chuckle. My dizziness was only fueling the comedy of the moment, and before I knew it, my body was in Larry’s arms and I was close to the floor.

The laughter stopped.

His arms were wrapped around my upper body as my legs awkwardly dangled. The grip he had on my body included me being pulled into his chest, and our faces were so close that I could see the tiny eyelashes that he sported.

“Lets get you back into bed.” He whispered. I nodded.

“I’m fine-” I attempted to pull myself from his grasp but he wouldn’t let me. Slowly, he placed me back on the bed, sitting me upright, before crouching in front of me and placing his hands on my thighs. I tossed my head back, frustrated because I really wasn’t that drunk. I didn’t need to be handled with kid gloves.

That, and the fact that his hands against my thighs brought back memories I couldn’t help but lust after. He looked damn good. His twists had fallen into his face, since i’d stolen his hairband. I wanted to tuck them away.

I just wanted to look at him. Purely. With nothing blocking my vision.

“You should lay down.” He bit at his cheek and I poked him in the spot.

This brought back his grin.

There were my giggles again.

“What’s so funny? You laughing all night at everything.” Larry sat on the edge of my bed, and I laid back, yawning as I sunk into my pillows.

“You.” I paused again, avoiding his eyes. “Us. All of it.”

—-

“Larry?” I called out into the apartment. My voice echoed and I glanced around. My phone was dead as a doorknob, with the charger sitting on the night stand… beside various silvered rings.

His rings.

Larry would never leave without his rings.

—

Larry

“Larry you fucking kidding me? Why you not here?!” Laurent’s voice held not a bit of sleep in it, and considering it was damn near 8 am, I answered the phone expecting a tired questioning.

I was wrong. Wrong as shit.

I sighed as I balanced the bag in my hand with my phone, all while stuffing my wallet in my pocket and listening to my twin brother’s exasperated ranting on the other end.

“Relax, Lau, relax.”

“No! You so stupid, you take Aaliyah home and you go jump into bed with that crazy bitch. If we miss us flight I gonna kill you. No… I gonna leave you and kill you when the tour over because I not get fire because of you or her.”

“Chill out okay.” I knew who he was referring to without using her name. After I came home yesterday morning I got chewed out for putting up with her shit. Laurent wasn’t one to let things go, and periodically throughout the day he’d jab here or there, around company and alone.

The only time he let up was at the party. That was out of respect for Aaliyah.

“You need to come back so we can go.”

“Look just do me a favor okay.” I said through a yawn. The smell of coffee around me weirdly helped my energy level rise significantly. “Grab my shit, it’s packed. Take it with you. I be there. Don’t worry.”

“Don’t worry? You fucking kidding me right? Larry”

Simultaneously I heard my name being called by the barista.

I heard ‘Larry’ called in the background by the barista.

“Yeah.” I said offhandedly, stepping forward with a smile as I accepted the coffee and smiled brightly at the girl behind the counter. She was a fan and I signed her phone case when she took my order. She was all of 16 or 17. She reminded me of my sister at that age. Sweet smile, big eyes, and frizzy curly hair pulled back into a ponytail.

“Yeah you kidding me? What the fuck you on man I’m not-”

“Lau, calm down. I see you there.”

“Larry you better-” I pushed the button to end the call and slipped my phone back in my front pocket, freeing a hand for me to carry the drinks more efficiently.

I felt no need to explain the situation to Laurent. None at all. He saw us leave together and was too excited. I never responded to his messages inquiring about the night. With Karina calling me multiple times yesterday and me finally answering her right when Aaliyah walked through the door and found us, he was justified in his confusion.

But I wasn’t on that. I couldn’t be.

That shit didn’t matter. It never really had.

Now that I had seen Aaliyah, things had changed. She was the reason I was in this Starbucks right now.

Not 48 hours ago did I find myself trudging through new york with a cloudy headache and an upset stomach, the after effects of a hangover draped over my shoulders dragging me down. I watched Aaliyah throw back drink after drink, avoiding my eyes at first, then becoming more open, more social with jokes and commentary. She was still keeping me at an arm’s length but it was less tense because her conscious mind had gone out of the window last night.

I held no complaints.

Things were easy when we weren’t fighting. They felt like before.

I missed it more than even I knew.

This lead me to offering to ride home with her and make sure she was alright. In that same token, it created my need to wake up and grab her various items to line her stomach and ease any other hangover symptoms she might be feeling today. It was the least I could do.

She was known to enjoy herself, but I couldn’t help but assume her extra chugs were due to me.

After the work party the other night, after Karina throwing up on my pants, and all over the toilet… after apologies and tears and more apologies and dead weight passing out, I had had enough. I drank myself into oblivion. It was ironic. My response to her sloppiness was to get sloppy myself.

I fell asleep hanging off of her sofa. A headache forced me up before I needed to be, and I stumbled around the room, grabbing my shit and a cab to get back to the hotel and shower off the night’s events. I did all of this without waking her at all.

Her many phone calls throughout the day told of anger, sadness, embarrassment, and a range of other feelings from both of us.

I played everything back as best I could while the buildings floated past my face in the backseat. The strong cologne the cab driver wore threatened my gag reflex and I regretted it all.

Laurent was no help. From forcing me to wait and struggle with my room key, to blasting music and taunting my frustration… It was rough. More than rough.

I was determined to make sure Aaliyah woke up in the easiest way possible. Besides, her waking up to me would be shocking enough. I wanted to make this easy.

I wanted to talk.

We needed to, desperately, and although I didn’t really have time with my flight being in a few hours, I would do whatever it took to create a space for her comfort.

For us.

I’d fucked up. We both had misplayed this in different ways and it needed to be fixed.

I unlocked the door to her apartment as quietly and as carefully as I could. There was silence, and in the light of the day, I took a moment to look at where I was.

This was way different than our diggs in LA. Significantly smaller, for one, which was expected. There she wasn’t paying nearly as much as she had been, and I was sure this apartment was costly. Luckily, the room on the other side likely belonged to someone else.

The scented candles all around, feminine color schemes, and delicate decor put me in the mindset that her roommate was a woman. That settled me.

Quickly I worked, taking the treats from the bag and looking for a plate to put them on for her. Two plates clinked together much louder than I planned and I swore under my breath. I then dropped some spoons and forks into the sink.

Clumsiness took over me out of nowhere.

“You need something?” Her voice was quiet. Tentative.

“Shit, sorry. Did I wake you up?” I replied, swallowing in an effort to get rid of some of my nerves.

“No, no.” She shook her head. “I woke up and took a shower and shit.”

I hadn’t noticed she was no longer in the nude turtleneck and her underwear. No wonder I felt a rush of warmth. Her face lacked the makeup she wore the night before, and although the flutter of her elongated lashes made my stomach weak, there was something about now.

I hated the stereotype of women looking good without makeup, because truly they looked good both ways. Aaliyah was the best example of this. I could stare at her face endlessly. She looked so pure. So innocent.

Fuck. This was going to be tough.

“I wake you when I leave?”

“No Larry.” she sighed, leaning against her countertop. “You left your rings though.

She handed me my jewelry and I worked quietly as she watched, placing them in my pocket save for the one Laurent and I both have.

For a moment after, Aaliyah and I were both silent, avoiding eye contact and feeling all the tenseness that had been missing.

“Well… Welcome to my apartment I guess.” She shrugged. We both lightly chuckled, her awkward joke easing us some. “What’s all this?”

“I go to grab you coffee and some like… little food shit.” I shrugged, walking toward her with the drink in hand, it’s sweat coating my palm. “This for you.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“No is okay.” I bit at my cheek, watching her look at the drink before enveloping the tip of the straw on her lips. She forced her eyes away, but I couldn’t help but stare, especially at the plushness. Her tongue danced out, licking away a drop of the creamy colored liquid and she gave me those eyes again.

“Caramel Syrup?” I nodded. “You remembered that?”

“Is hard to forget, you drink that shit a lot, Liyah.” She shook her head knowingly, stifling another giggle. Luckily she had given me so many last night, I didn’t feel like I needed to force more from her. “They not have almond milk there, something about the delivery guy shit, I don’t know. I get coconut instead. I hope you like.”

“I started drinking coconut milk with my coffee a couple weeks ago.”

“No shit.” I smiled, as did she.

“Yeah.” She took another swig, this one much longer than the first. “It’s perfect. Thank you Larry. Let me venmo you-”

“You kidding me?” I scoffed, slightly offended. “I get for you. Stop it.”

She paused, nodding and then leaning back and staring off into space.

“You know…” I started, assuming this was maybe something she had considered in her first thoughts. “Nothing happen last night with us.”

She nodded again.

Nods, smiles, and a couple laughs. It was all I was getting but I wouldn’t complain. Fuck, I felt like such a pussy.

“I know.”

“Good.”

Aaliyah stepped over toward me, and grabbed a piece of the lemon loaf, chewing it slowly. I bit into a cookie, even though I wasn’t the biggest fan of desserts this cookie was damn good.

“Aaliyah… “ Her shoulders rose and fell with a sigh. She knew as well as I did that we were at the point.

“Larry, I-”

“Just give me the first words okay, I be quick.”

One nod bid me permission to proceed. “Aaliyah… I know I say we no need to talk yesterday and the day before and I mean it, because I know we gonna have time and make time for this.” I took a sip of my frappucino and placed it back on the counter.

“But now that I spend so much time for you I don’t know if I can wait much more. I need to clear this shit with us before we bury it and it rise back up again. Then we maybe lose out on us chance for make shit better.”

“You’re right.” Her agreement was quick.

“I’m sorry. Sorry for the other night and for so much shit… but we have so much to get out and I not gonna let us run from it anymore. Even if it hurt.”

She sipped a water, offering me one in the process. “Larry, there’s so much I have to say. I… don’t even know where to begin right now.”

Part of her wanted to run. I didn’t blame her. She always would want that, I think. The fact that she pushed it aside for me made me feel special.

“I give you two options.”

“For…?” She questioned, confused.

“It can’t be right now, you say right. I have flight in two hours.” Time hadn’t been on our side as of yet. Today would be no different. “Either we talk when I get back, or me and you stay here and hash this out now.”

“You do have a flight. ” She reiterated. Deep down, I knew she would never make me choose career over her. The respect for work that we both had was something I always loved. “You won’t miss that for me.”

“Then I call uber and I leave… but not until you promise.”

I took the bottle of water from her hands and placed it next to her coffee. Her hands were damp, just like mine, as I clasped them within my own. “You have to promise me we keep us open for talking to each other.”

Her eyes showed her confusion.

“I don’t want to ever go this long without speak again. We have to promise to talk and when I get back I take you out, and we gonna sit and talk together, just me and you and lay the shit in front of us.”

Aaliyah’s breathing was heavy, and her bottom lip was embedded between her teeth as she thought, before an ‘okay’ left her lips in a whisper.

“Promise me.”

“I promise.” said only a hair higher than the whispered initial response. I’d take it.

“Then I call an uber.” I smiled. She followed my lead. My fingers tapped, unlocking my phone and opening the app, as a knock sounded off behind her door.

The best possible scenario had come to fruition. Aaliyah was willing to work things through and give us both a chance to figure shit out. I couldn’t have been happier.

“How’d you get in?” Aaliyah’s voice carried.

“Someone was coming out so I just walked in. I tried to call you.” A much deeper voice replied. My chest poked out and the hairs on my neck rose. I could feel my lips curl at the familiarity.

“My phone died.” Aaliyah walked back near me and following behind her was fucking Jamal.

“Yeah, you’re lucky you texted me last night.” he replied.

“I did?”

“Hell yeah, ya drunk ass. ‘Im home NIGGA!’, all caps. Disrespectful as shit.”

They both laughed with such an ease that it turned my stomach. Aaliyah turned to me and I tried my best to relax my irritation.

“Larry, Jamal, you two remember each other right?”

I eyed him up and down and instead of his negative response, or even him sizing me the way I did him, he put his hand out for a shake. “Wassup man.”

I seethed, but Aaliyah’s trained eyes didn’t leave mine. “What up.”

“Aye man those kicks fly as shit man.” Jamal said casually, nodding in respect. “I’ll give yall a minute.”

Just as calm, cool and collected as he was when he entered, he was even more so when he waltzed into the living room and found himself a seat at the computer facing the wall. He was so comfortable. I couldn’t stand it.

I knew shit was too good to be true. Aaliyah wasn’t talking to me probably because of him, and here I was wasting my time.

The buzzing of my phone took me from my thoughts as I looked down at the notification that Xander the uber driver was downstairs. Right beneath it, three missed texts from Karina.

My karma. I had some nerve being that pissed at Jamal as if I wasn’t doing the same if not worse with her.

“My uber here.”

“Let me walk you out.” She replied quickly, following me to the door. Jamal bid me farewell as he continued whatever he was doing. I replied the same way, as cordially as I could manage.

SIlently we made our way down the flight of stairs, until the navy blue doorways led me to the outside. “Text me when you get to your gate.”

I took that as a peace offering, wrapping her in a tight hug and kissing her forehead. She wrapped around me as well. We would both work on this. I was determined.

“I will. I’ll talk to you, okay?’

She nodded, smiling with a gentle wave. “Bye Bourgeouis.”

#lt fanfics #les twins fanfic #les twins fanfiction #submission

26 notes · View notes

marketerarena-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Jamie Foxx on What It's Like to Interview Denzel Washington

Over his 30-year career, Jamie Foxx has proved again and again he’s one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood with performances in smash hits like Ray (in which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor) and Baby Driver. He’s also found plenty of success on television, stand-up comedy, radio, and music.

Now, he’s tapping into that breadth of knowledge and first-hand experience for a digital series called Off Script. In it, Foxx interviews fellow A-list stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chadwick Boseman, Jeremy Renner, Vince Vaughn, and Benicio Del Toro. Foxx finished off the first season by interviewing two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington.

MORE: Jamie Foxx on Acting, Singing, and Why He’s Always Moving

“This show is something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while,” Foxx told Men’s Journal. “I’ve been having people at my house and on my radio show for years, like Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, and Puff . I brought Denzel to my house and had him speak with the young actors out there and give advice. I come at it from the perspective of being a fan; it gives me an opportunity to learn something from them, but also helps people understand them better.”

Along with Off Script (you can watch all of Foxx’s interviews here), Foxx has been keeping himself plenty busy. He hosts the show Beat Shazam on Fox; in November he’ll be starring in Robin Hood alongside Taron Egerton; and he was just cast in the new version of Spawn.

Foxx spoke with Men’s Journal about what he’s learned while interviewing Hollywood’s top stars, training for his role in Robin Hood, and why Jeremy Renner is a total badass.

Men’s Journal: Usually you’re the one being interviewed. What do you enjoy about being the interviewer?

Jamie Foxx: These people are all just so talented and interesting to me. I’ve been on the other side for a long time. We had a radio show called Foxxhole Radio and I interviewed actors and hip-hop stars. That muscle has been flexed for a long time. It’s a comfortable situation to sit down and speak like this, and if they need a little leading, I know how to take them through that. I just wanted to share a sliver of what they do in their everyday lives. We live in a world now where everything is a hit job. I wanted to give them a safe place to come and speak about their lives and careers.

What’s been your favorite part? What do you enjoy most?

I love all our interviews. But being able to interview The Rock—I’m a huge wrestling fan—and to see him come from ‘Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?’ to where he is now is amazing; and to hear his incredible story of being homeless, then getting all this success was incredible. Those are the types of things that go a long way for our audience and people who want to find out more about the celebrities they admire. Then you have Benny, my man Benicio Del Toro, who’s an absolute badass—but he’s also really funny. You find out all these different things about these stars you might not expect. Sitting with Vince Vaughn and see him turn it on and hear how serious he takes the craft.

MORE: 10 Intense Movie Star Workouts You Can Totally Steal

I was really excited about being able to interview some of the people I consider badasses. Jeremy Renner is a badass. I just look at him and I’m like, ‘Wow this guy is incredible at what he does.’ Sarah Silverman, the way she cuts in her standup is just some of the dopest stuff out there. Gabrielle Union, just incredible. A woman who’s fearless, who I’ve known for a long time, but then to even find out more about her was great. Melissa McCarthy—speaking to her about her comedic journey and to see the humbleness, the soft side of her. Then of course, Chadwick Boseman. It was amazing to sit down with him after everything blew up with Blank Panther.

Off Script

For your final interview, you sat down with Denzel Washington. Why did you want to save that for the season finale?

Oh man, Denzel, he’s a god, of course. He’s King Kong. I brought Denzel to my house and had him speak with the young actors out there and give advice. I felt if we were able to land the interview with Denzel, it would be key. He’s the pinnacle. I’m always caught off guard with him because he’s hella fun; he’s a real guy. You don’t get the feeling that you’re talking to a big star when you’re talking to him. You feel like you’re talking to a guy from money earnin’ Mount Vernon, and that’s what makes him so great. I tried to talk about this in the interview and I don’t know if we got to it, but I remember watching Denzel on St. Elsewhere back in the day. I thought, ‘Wow, straight up and down. Looks good. Almost square.” Denzel you feel that there’s a realness to the character he plays. He’s really that guy no matter who he’s playing. Even Leonardo DiCaprio talked about it with me. He’s a producer on Robin Hood. He said, ‘Hey pal. You know Denzel scares me.’ I said. ‘Why?’ And Leo says, ‘He just looks like he could rip your throat out if he wanted to.’ .

The Best Snorkeling Spots in the World

As an actor you get to travel the world. What’s the craziest adventure or trip you’ve been on?

I don’t know if this is the craziest, but it’s a wild one. I love getting out on the water and doing stuff like that. I really love snorkeling. One time, I went to Aruba, and we’re snorkeling, and I kept telling the driver on this boat, ‘Black people don’t float, bro. I need a vest or something.” He says “No, you’re fine, you’ll float.’ I said, ‘Man, no, I’m tellin’ you, brothers don’t float.’ But he just pushed me out. So we started snorkeling out to this sunken ship and, no joke, this huge barracuda just comes by with crazy teeth. And I’m like, ‘Daaaaaaaaaaammn—I’m gonna be the first black dude eaten by some shit in the ocean.’ We get back in the boat and I said, ‘Man, those are some big barracuda.’ He said, “You’re lucky you get to see barracuda. When you wanna go out next?’ I said, ‘Nah, I’m good—my pool is righteous .’

What are some of your favorite places to travel?

Aruba and the beach, Montana, France—I go out during breaks when I have them. Even when I’m working, I still enjoy being away and traveling. I like going to the South of France on a boat. It’s crazy.

MORE: The 17 Best Places to Fly Fish in Montana

Any places you’re really hoping to travel to in the future?

I want to go to Russia and Iceland for those lagoons. I like being hot when it’s so cold.

What’s the best life advice you have for guys out there?

Listen, the best advice I get and give—that I’m telling people right now: Don’t concentrate on everybody else’s light and forget about your own shine. Everybody is so concentrated on what everybody else is doing—’Oh, look at him doing this and look at that’—that they forget about what they’re doing themselves. Another piece is: Don’t blame other people for your lack of success. People can become anything. I’m from a little town of 12,000 people in Terrell, Texas, and now I’m here at this hotel looking out at this city in New York. Anything is possible. But sometimes people can’t take that out of their brain.

I used to listen to Diddy talk and Diddy is like, really motivational. Diddy would drop real dimes on how to hustle and get things right. He would say, ‘Concentrate on yourself.’ There’s literally nothing keeping us from doing what we want to do. We live in America, I mean, what can’t you do? You know what I’m saying? So any of the excuses, get rid of the excuses. And I even have to tell myself that a lot of times. Just don’t worry about anybody else’s thing. Do your own thing, and do the best you can.

You have Robin Hood coming up in November. How did you train for it?

I’m excited to have a movie that’s good . Taron Egerton as Robin Hood is just amazing. He epitomizes the part, and his jawline is just perfect. I looked at him and said, ‘You have that Robin Hood jawline.’ We worked hard—a lot of fight training and weapons training. Leonardo DiCaprio is in there as a producer and Otto Bathurst as director; they were both great. It was a tough task, and I think we pulled it off. We were in Budapest and Croatia—places that look authentic. Ben Mendelsohn is the villain, and man, wow, he’s one of the greatest guys working out there. He scares the shit out of you on- and off-camera. He comes with the force. Heroes are defined by the villains they have to fight. It’s a different take on it. It’s flashy. It’s not Men in Tights—not your father’s Robin Hood. It has some bite to it. I’m really excited for it.

https://askfitness.today/jamie-foxx-on-what-its-like-to-interview-denzel-washington/

#fitnessblog

0 notes