#mochaff

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty-five

Having time to finally breathe without a job hanging on his back, Leon got around to doing the things he'd been putting off for almost a year or more.

Finally tossed his rickety wooden dining table and its rusty chairs, including the ones in his office, ordered replacements that fit his style much better.

Rearranged his office space, his room and living room, even his kitchen space got a makeover, especially since he'd be setting it up soon for his photography/videography endeavors.

Zora may have had a hand in decor, making sure to send him staple pieces and must haves whenever they came to her mind.

Curved sunset lamps. Neutral couches. Accent pillows. Abstract rugs. House plants that Zora made him vow to take care of, to which he crossed his heart in promise.

“Look at ‘em,” she smiles at the smaller plants in his windowsill.

“Growing, already.” He nods, smiling back at her.

“Like your following on tiktok! Have you seen??”

“Yeah,” he laughs, “I wasn't expecting to have a couple hundred people watching me this soon.”

He'd posted a promotional video he'd been working on for months, adding pictures and videos of his savory and sweet creations, as well as giving a short introduction on himself and what kind of videos he'd be posting.

Thanks to his friends and family sharing, as well as Zora managing his social media for the time being, he was able to gain a decent sized following of food lovers, sending their well wishes for his journey and getting their virtual fork and knife ready.

“Come on, with that face, people will listen to you say anything! Besides, your talent is already speaking for itself. And, I told you that people wanted to see how you made that buttercream cake! Women love buttercream!” She says, throwing her hands up for emphasis.

He chuckles at her enthusiasm.

“That'll be the first video I make, I guess! Since it's most requested. But right after that, I wanna make my famous fries. I also need your beautiful face for that.” He winks, making her giggle.

“Two things on the menu, already. I love it! And I'll be there, just give me a heads up so I can make sure I'm totally available!”

“I got you. I think I'm going to post videos on Wednesday. The middle of the week is peak for lots of us, right?”

“Absolutely!”

“Right. So I think that would be great for engagement purposes. You get off work and tune in to ya boy, cheffin’ it up in the kitchen! Maybe do some cameos with vday, cause I wanna try a couple recipes on her, as well if that's okay.”

“She's your cat too, babe. Of course you can!”

“Great, cause I found this salmon dish and I think she'd be all for it!”

“Aw, you're so excited about all of this. I love it!”

He chuckles and moves away from her, rubbing the back of his hot neck.

“Aw, I made you blush! Com’ere!” She yells, laughing as she chases him down the hall.

“Cmon, Jean!” He laughs as well, throwing a pillow at her as he cuts into his room.

Catching it, she tosses it back on the bed and shakes her head, still poking harmless fun.

His face was entirely covered by his hands by the time she let up, falling over into a giggle fit as he wielded the heat away from his cheeks.

“You are so ridiculous,” he chuckles, poking her in her sides.

“Enough about me. What can you tell me about this event that's coming up?” He asks, playfully cutting his eye at her as she sits down beside him.

It wouldn't be Leon if he wasn't a little sore from being left out. But he understood how important it was for her to keep her journey to herself.

She had seen firsthand how evil people could be when they knew what her plans were, how those who were supposed to love her, instead prayed for her downfall.

He also understood that it was not a personal dig, just overall precaution. And he loves her enough to let it be.

“Well, it's like a gala of sorts! And because I'm taking Nique with me, she found me the baddest outfit! There's gonna be investors there, a couple of whom I've already met, which is kinda nerve wracking.”

“Why?”

“Ya know, I'm not entirely sure. It might be because I haven't had anyone critique my art since college? So it's just a little… intimidating?”

“I understand that,” he nods. “But, think of it this way. That also gives you leverage. They've already seen and loved what you're capable of, as they should, so let that speak for itself.”

Exhaling deeply, she nods. “I've got this, huh?”

Leon snorts.

“Duh.”

“Just for that, that's all I'm sharing.” She laughs, climbing underneath the covers to warm her cold feet.

“Cmon, cold feet, I was just joking!”

“I should put ‘em on you!”

Climbing right in behind her, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her back to him.

“I'm proud of you,” he says, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Thank you, baby.”

“Of course. Now… this outfit,” he starts, making her giggle.

“Yesss,” she drags out.

“A dress? Pantsuit?”

“All I can tell you is that it's a bad outfit! Nique should be a designer cause, wow am I gonna look amazing!” She exclaims, cheesing as he looks down at her.

“Can I take your picture?”

“Of course, baby!! Just don't drop the camera cause ima be smoking hot!”

“Uh oh, tryna kill me early huh?”

“You'll live! Your blood pressure may never recover, though.”

—

“C’mere, I got something to show you,” Leon says to Zora, who just walks in the kitchen.

“What's up, chef?”

Smirking at her nickname, he turns his computer towards her and plays the video he'd just edited on how to make his world famous buttercream.

She watches in awe at the way it's beautifully put together.

“Av, that's really good! And look at that,” she giggles, watching them kiss on camera, “you kept it in there.”

“Of course, I did! It was too cute. And also thank you, for your support and help.” He smiles.

“Of course, baby. I'm so proud of you,” she leans over to kiss his cheek.

That toothy grin of his shines bright, as he grabs his phone to show her the reception that the video has gotten so far.

It had already gotten a thousand views and the same amount of likes, which is what pushes the video to the top of the viewing point.

“How does it feel?” She asks.

“It's nerve wracking,” he laughs. “But, it's also because it's not a warehouse job. I already know the ends and outs of that— this is new territory, like some shit I've always wanted to get my hands on, which makes me a little nervous but I'm excited, at the same time.” He looks over at her, still smiling.

“I'm very happy that you decided to follow your dreams, baby,”

“Thanks to you,” he winks.

“Me? What did I do?”

“You gave yourself another shot at following your own dreams, and that made me wanna do the same.”

“Really?” She frowns. “I had no idea that I did that,”

Reaching out for her hands, he closes the small space between them.

“You don't know the effect you have on me, poppy. I love watching you in creative mode, just as much as anything else you do. Seeing you so free, after caging yourself up for so long is so beautiful. Reminded me of myself and how I let my father’s words dictate who and what I became. I'm more than a blue collar worker. I wanted more for myself, but I never knew how to take that next step, til you came along,” he smiles up at her, “showed me that it's just a jump, hop, skip over!”

She laughs through the tears he's swiping away from her cheeks, then wraps her arms around his neck as he rubs her waist with his big hands.

“I love you,” he says, pecking her lips.

“I love you, back. So happy I met you and fell in love with you.”

“What a lucky man I am.” He smirks, closing his arms around her, pulling her closer.

“Yeah?”

“Mmhm, who wouldn't wanna be loved by you.” He says, matter of factly.

“Says the sweetest man in the whole land! Them scallywags messed up when they threw you back, but I got ya now!” She cackles, making him damn near do the same.

“That's exactly what I'm talking about,” he says through his laughter, “you're something else, girl.”

“I know,” she says with a flip of her hair, pressing kisses to his lips. “And I'm right, too.”

“You got me,” he agrees, nipping at her bottom lip, “couldn't toss me back if you tried!”

“I— never mind,” she stops herself and laughs softly.

“What?”

“Nothing, just bein’ nasty,” she lowly speaks, lowering her eyes from his lips to the collar of his shirt.

“Mm, whatchu need, baby? Look at me.” He says, watching her wondering pupils find his steady ones.

“I uh, I need you.” She simply says, chewing on her lip as she feels how hard he already is against her belly.

Without another word, he carries her down the hall to his room, kicking the door closed just in case vday woke up early from her nap.

His buttery sweet kisses melt the little bit of clothes she had on to the floor, leaving her exposed and at his mercy.

Kneeling before the masterpiece that she is, he grabs her thighs to pull her closer to him and all but shoves his face between her legs.

Her hands rush to his grown out curls as his slippery tongue rolls through her wetness. Those breathy gasps hitting the ceiling above her.

“B-baby,” she whimpers, tossing her head back.

“Mmmmm,” he groans against her, flicking his tongue against her clit as she squirms in his grasp.

“I– I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum!” She whines, mouth dropping open as he drags his tongue around and around and around and…

“Fuckkk!”

“Mmmhm, let it out baby…” he moans, far from done as he continues to make her leak down her ass and into his mouth.

“Okayokayokay!” She all but kicks him away after her fourth nut, pressing her hand to the thumping between her thighs.

“Mm-mm, c'mere girl,” climbing on top of her, his lips are back on hers, melting her into the mattress as he sinks into her warmth.

“I missed you,” comes from his lips once he comes up for air, laying his face in her sweet smelling neck.

“I missed you t-too…. fuck,” she whispers back, holding onto him for dear as he dives deep into her with every stroke.

The smell of sex lingers in the air, as they get more and more lost in each other, in a moment so intimate and precious.

Nothing but yes rolls off her tongue as the sensations rush through her, threatening to steal her soul right from her chest.

“Feels good, baby?”

“Yes, so good, yess baby,” she cries out, reaching down to grip his hips and pull him deeper.

“Ohh, like that?” He teases.

“Uh-huh, j-justtt like that!”

“Mmm, this what you needed, huh baby?”

“You.. have no idea,” she breathlessly responds, “p-please fuck me!”

“I got you, baby.”

Speeding up, he's damn near slamming his dick into her, stuck on the way the whites of her eyes are all he can see, those sweet moans getting caught in her throat.

His heavy hand wraps around and squeezes, making her return the gesture in between her legs.

“Fuck… wish I'd set my camera up, baby.. got you delirious on this dick,” he coos.

“It feels so– so good, babyyy!” She squeaks out, jerking forward.

“You cummin’?”

“Yes, don't stop!”

“Get that shit baby, I ain't stoppin’,” he grunts, staring down at the mess between them, salivating at the sight of her covering him in cream.

“Oooh, Leon,” she whines, her hands scanning his broad chest and shoulders, feeling the heat travel up from her toes to her head.

“Zora, Zora, Zora,” he groans, laying his weight on her, digging even deeper than before, his grinding turning desperate.

“I love you, baby,”

“I love you, I love you,” she whines, not even knowing what she was saying anymore. Whatever kept him right there.

“Right here? You gon cum with me?”

“Yes, yessss!”

Their breathing turns jagged as their peaks hit simultaneously, pulling them both under the tidal wave of pleasure.

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“You look absolutely stunning! Damn, I feel bad for Leon,” Nique says with a snicker, strapping up her heels.

“Girl, leave my man alone!” Zora laughs. “You shoulda seen him this morning! Kept on peeking around the corner to see what I was up to! He's so funny.”

“Like the lovesick puppy he is,” Nique cackled, stopping in the doorway to strike a pose.

“How do I look?”

“You look so good, girl! I'm loving the fur cuffs!”

“Thank you, they're my favorite part! That, and this pony!” She says, flipping it for good measure.

“Gotta have whip appeal like Regine!” Zora agrees as they slap hands, moving out of the bathroom and into the living area.

“Alright, ima go show Leon how good I look and then we can get on the road!”

“Alright, no hanky panky! We got thirty minutes!”

“I hear ya,” she says, slipping out the door and back into her own apartment, where Leon was waiting on the couch, camera in hand.

“Uh oh, there she go!” He shouts, making her giggle up a storm and strike several poses as the camera ticks away, capturing her in one of her many golden moments.

“My god, you look amazing baby. Is this midnight blue?” He asks, running his hand over the velvet material of her dress once she comes closer.

“Thank you, sugar! And yes, it's gorgeous isn't it? Hits the light so pretty!” She squeals as he twirls her around.

“I hope you have a wonderful time tonight, my dear. I'm so proud of you.” He kisses her lips three times.

“I'm glad I put on just a little bit of makeup,” she frowns, wiping under her eyes, “thank you so much, Avery. That means so much to me.”

“Anything for my poppy,” he winks, making her swoon.

“Let me get outta here before I start something,” she laughs, watching Leon grab her clutch and hold out his free hand.

“Wouldn't let you miss out on your big night,” he smiles, walking her out to meet Nique at her car after she kisses vday goodbye.

“Come on lovebirds, we gotta hit the road!” Nique playfully shouts through the cracked window.

“I'll catch you later if you aren't too tired,” he says, kissing her once more.

“I've always got energy for you,” she smiles, adding an extra switch in her walk as they round the car, him helping her inside like the gentleman he is.

“You ladies have fun, call me if you need anything.”

“Thanks, lank! Catch ya later!”

He waves them bye before heading back inside to check on vday, who's sprawled out in her car bed, her little purrs sounding.

He fondly shakes his head as he grabs his camera and goes through the pictures he'd taken of Zora.

She finally looked completely happy, and he couldn't be more ecstatic for her.

He didn't understand how her last man was jealous of such talent and beauty, because he was in complete awe of her, regardless of what she was doing.

He'd gotten an idea a couple days ago to make a study of her, through photos. Kind of like Masahisa Fukase, without the crippling obsession.

He was so in love with her radiance, how funny she is, her aura and how it drew any and everybody in. She was selective with herself, and he loves how he wasn't an exception to her rules. She stands firm on everything she says and does.

Uploading the photos to his folder, he clicks over to his digital photo album to figure out how he was going to place them.

He could be at this all night.

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Zora and Nique were networking it up in the most lavish hall they'd ever been in!

Last minute jitters had faded with her second shot of rum, and she was feeling more confident about being on display, even on a small level.

She had gotten so used to being behind the scenes and tucked away, it was foreign to be thrown back into that world after so long, but she was doing better than she realized.

“Roni is definitely getting a thank you basket from me,” Nique says with a laugh.

“Having fun, huh?”

“Yes! If these white men keep eyeing me, ima make them pay for my tuition and pocket Darnell’s money, instead!”

“Now you know that's wrong!” She cackles at her friend.

“Like he wouldn't give it to me,” she says before making a face.

“Ladies! Don't you two look fantastic!” Fran practically yells over the jazz playing through the space, as she sashays over in her dark red ensemble.

“Uh oh, hot mama alerts!” Zora whistles as the rest of her art group rushes over, looking absolutely stunning.

Compliments are traded, while a server comes over with celebratory flutes of champagne.

“Cheers!”

“Aw cute! Little strawberries at the bottom!” Leia squeals, sipping the gold liquid.

“I kinda wish this was rum now,” Nique sighs, making the women laugh.

“My bad,” she laughs to herself. “Y'all ever had rum cake??”

“First time I had some, I was on my ass!” Roni answers.

“That stuff is strong! I haven't had any in years!”

“It's delicious, though!”

“Wild, wild times were had with that stuff!”

“Oh, did you guys see the investors? They're in wonderful, spending moods tonight!”

“I hope that means good things for us! They can lift my paintings up and out, I've got my originals!” Leia exclaims.

“Same! I'd love to sell something of mine this year!

“Did y'all offer up a painting for sale, tonight?” Nique asks.

“Actually, they went through our portfolios and picked from there. We're not even sure what the pieces are, yet!” Dina answers.

“Well, when do we figure that out? It's been like three hours of mingling, and if I can't catch a boyfriend, I would love to catch a check!”

“Frannie, you keep us young!” Roni laughs, “I'll go check in and see what's happening on their side.”

“Speaking of boyfriends, how's that hardworking man of yours?”

“He's doing good, still transitioning from routine to a more freeing pace, but it's like second nature from where I'm standing!”

“You think he's still up, editing?” Nique asks.

“Well, it's gonna be ten soon, so if anything he's wrapping it up.. maybe,” she laughs, “he can get carried away.”

And carried away with the wind, he was.

Built a whole separate portfolio just for Zora and her beauty. Spent the last three hours organizing them, titling each one with something too cheesy to read out loud.

He definitely had to take a screen break or his eyes were gonna crust over, plus vday was never not hungry. But he was still going strong.

He was literally the cutest boyfriend ever.

“Good news, they're about to make their selections for the evening!” Roni says as she rushes back over.

“Oh, good! My feet are killing me!” Trina exclaims, making them laugh.

“I told you not to wear ‘em!” Her sister said, shaking her head.

“Shut up,” she replied without missing a beat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please?” The announcer taps the mic as the music lowers and chatter ceases.

“I want to thank you all for coming out tonight and celebrating art and its creators. It means the world to us that we still have a place in this world to show our talents and appreciation for self expression. It takes courage to pick up a brush and paint the world as you see fit. So, congratulations to all of you.”

Applause fills the space as the mic is handed over to the group of investors, the lead being the same man they'd had the pleasure of meeting with a week prior.

“Yes, congratulations to everyone. Now, we've sat and mulled over which pieces to snag from this list and let me tell ya, it was not easy. There is some major talent in everyone's portfolio, we wanted to buy everything! But we definitely wanted to make sure that every last one of you got your time to shine, a moment we all deserve. So without further ado, we unveil our selection.”

Behind them, a curtain drops and fifteen prints stare back at the crowd, full size and in color. And it's as if time stood still.

“Oh my god,” Fran gasps, “that's my garden! My beautiful garden!”

“And my self portrait!” Roni adds.

“Oh my gosh, it's sunflower girl! Zora, look!!” Nique squeals, pointing happily at the picture.

“I… I haven't seen her in a while,” she smiles, blinking back tears. “I can't believe they bought my first baby.”

“I've always loved that piece! I'm so proud of you!” She squeals again, hugging her friend tight.

“Thank you! I don't know how to feel right now,” she laughs, wiping her tears away.

“Need another drink?”

“Or two!”

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Slinking into the house an hour or so later, Zora bumps around til she finds the light switch, illuminating her kitchen so she can dig around in her fridge for something quick.

Grapes it is.

She pops a couple rinsed ones into her mouth as Vday waltzes over and stops at her feet, her sweet green peering up at her.

“You are so cute,” she whines, scooping her up in her free hand and heading into her bedroom, where Leon is sleeping at her desk.

Thankfully his laptop wasn't still on, showcasing the hard work he'd put in all night. That was his surprise.

“Leon, I know that position isn't comfy,” she snorts, poking his shoulders, making him jolt up, startling both her and vday.

“Sorry, sorry,” he whispers, clearing his throat as he looks up at his two favorite girls.

“It's okay,” she whispers back, giggling as he stretches and yawns.

“How was the gala, beautiful?”

“It was amazing! Something very emotional and exciting happened!”

“Can you share it with me?”

“I can!! They selected fifteen prints for purchase and they bought my first ever painting!” She squeals, sounding like Nique from earlier.

“Baby, that's incredible! I'm so happy for you!” He jumps up from the chair and wraps her up in a sweet hug, vday’s purring making them laugh.

“She's happy for mama, too!” He adds, swaying them from side to side once she jumps out of Zora’s hand.

“I cried like a baby!”

“I bet you did! That's huge!” He exclaimed, pulling back to look at her, her bloodshot eyes still burning from earlier.

“I'm proud of me,” she cheeses.

“You should always be proud of yourself, poppy. There's nothing you can't do.” He says, kissing her nose and then her lips.

“Thank you for believing in me. It's definitely something special when you have someone who sees you as everything you've ever wanted to be.”

“How many drinks have you had? You've gone sappy,” he jokes, making her cackle.

“Don't ruin the mood, Avery!”

“Nah, I'm playin’, but I'm always your number two fan, only cause Nique would cut me if I said number one,” he jokes again, still earning giggles from her.

“I'm glad you know how she gets down.”

“Mmmhm, I love my life,” he responds, making her push away from him, still laughing.

“I have to pee,” she says, scurrying down the hall.

He chuckles, before pushing the chair in and sitting down on the bed, searching the bed for his phone to check the views on his video.

It was steady climbing, which made him feel accomplished.

“Still got energy to burn?” She asks as she re-enters the room, her jacket and dress are now replaced by a deep green nightgown that stops above her thighs.

Locking his phone, he salivates at the sight of her. 

“Always, c'mere, girl.”

A/n: it's been a minute since I put out a chapter and some of yall actually missed this sweet ass story so thank y'all for fuel to finish this up! Enjoy!!

@ghostfacekill-monger @thegifstories @blackerthings @planetblaque @blowmymbackout @henneseyhoe @honestpreference @blackpinup22 @abeautifulmindexposed @nayaxwrites @twistedcharismaaa @kindofaintrovert

@sageispunk @soufcakmistress

@starcrossedxwriter @slippinninque

[bombslol]

Bro what the flippity flappity is this setup 🦃 oh and also other person is pindlez!!

(WHY DO I KEEP SAYING THE TURKEY EMOJI HELP ME)

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty-two

Rolling over to grab her ringing phone, she blindly slides her finger across her screen and groggily says hello.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Leon chuckles on the other end, making her join in with her own tired laugh.

“Shut up,” she mumbles back. “Always been a morning person.”

“I thought it woulda rubbed off on you by now!”

“Maybe one day, but not today!” She quips.

“Happy Valentine's Day, anyway babe. I was gonna wait until you were already up, but I couldn't wait anymore.” He says, and she can see his smile from where she was laying.

“Aww, you are so cute! Happy Valentine's Day, baby. I can't wait to see you later and give you your gifts.” She gushes.

“Aw, you got me something??”

“Of course I did! One of them you can wear on our date tonight– but the rest are surprises!”

“Oh shit, there's more!” He exclaims, making her laugh. “Well, your first gift is sitting on your kitchen counter, when you do get outta bed.”

“Alright, I'm getting up now.” She says, sliding from underneath the covers to head out of her room, into her kitchen. A big orange bag sits, awaiting her.

“Aw, it's orange!” She frowns, walking over to it and looking inside, gasping at the potted plant— her very own poppy plant! It was also orange.

“A poppy plant?! Wait, I'm gonna cry!”

“Oh, don't cry!”

“No, no it's okay! They're happy tears!” She laughs, wiping her face, as she puts him on speaker, sitting her phone on the counter.

“Okay… you okay?” He asks.

“Yeah,” she whimpers. “Ugh, there's a card! More tears!”

Pulling that and the pot from the bag, she giggles at the bright bubble-lettered Zora that's painted on both sides.

“Aw, did you paint this??”

“Of course I did, baby. You like it?”

“It's the cutest thing I've ever seen, Leon. I love it. Nobody's ever bought me a plant before.”

“Well, I've never bought anybody one before, either. Look at us, being each other's firsts.” He exclaims, making her laugh and wipe away another tear.

“Shut up,”

“Ah— open your card, please dear.”

“Okay,” she grabs it off the counter, pulling it from its envelope, “you have to go soon?”

“Yeah, it's been nonstop since I got here, but the moment my supervisor gave me a break, I came straight back to call you. He’ll be looking for me soon.”

“Okay, I won't hold you up too much longer.” She says, looking at the pretty pink card with the holiday name emblazoned on the front in gold calligraphy, opening it up to read what's inside.

“Happy Valentine's Day to the sweetest woman in the world, I love you and cannot wait to see you later tonight. 

In the meanwhile, I've decided to send you on a scavenger hunt— what?! That's so cool!!” She yells.

“I thought you'd say that!” He yells back.

“Once you get to work, there'll be three things for you to find; something big, something tall and something small— all orange, of course.”

“Linda let you hide presents in her restaurant?? Wow, she must love me for real.” She snorts.

“She loves me too, ya know? Told you, we're besties.”

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The first gift she found was her “something tall”– a lava lamp. Not just any lava lamp, the specific one she had been eyeing from one of her favorite online shops.

Orange and black. A curvy designed frame that stands at about two feet. She was in love, already having a place to put it in her mind.

Putting it in her car for safe keeping, she begins looking around for the other two.

“Hmm..” She roams around the dining area, until she sees an orange piece of paper sticking out of a napkin dispenser.

Pulling it out, she begins to read it before squealing. She quickly covers her mouth and looks around, thankfully going unnoticed.

“I'm gonna kick his ass,” she laughs to herself, before reading the card once more. “Happy love day, angel face. There is a certificate attached for a one of a kind bouquet from your favorite flower shoppe. I know you jumped for joy cause you love your flowers! I love you and I cannot wait to see the look on your face. I worked so hard on  this. My fingers hurt. I love you, again. Bye.”

She giggles again, loving the neon orange paper clip that's holding the certificate to the card, how the certificate has poppies and cosmos on it, also wishing her a very happy Valentine's day.

“Goodness, there's one more thing! I might just die in here.”

A small group of customers coming in had her stuffing the card into the front of her apron and moving back behind the counter.

Once everyone was settled, she started to move away from the counter, until something told her to look to her left.

A flat black box is tucked by some papers. She pulls it out and stares at it, her brain mulling over what it could be.

“Hm. It's a lil heavy,” she playfully shakes it, before reading the note taped to the right corner, telling her to open it after work.

Which was a great idea, cause once she pulled the top off the box and found the burnt orange scrapbook Leon made her, all types of screams and expletives flew from her lips.

“Is he fucking serious?!” She screams, again, flipping through the pictures he'd candidly taken over the course of their relationship, so far. The food, the flowers, the dates, many moons and sunsets, baby ducks in ponds, the two of them in their element, and so many more special moments.

“He is so cute,” she tearfully laughs, wiping her face as she hears a knock at her door.

Opening it up to reveal her man, she jumps up in his arms as he laughs and walks inside, closing the door behind himself.

“Heyyy, baby!”

“Damn, girl! You missed me?”

Many kisses are exchanged.

“Absolutely! Been waiting to see you all day!” She exclaims, looking up at him with doe eyes as he pecks her nose.

“Why you think I got here so fast?! Did the mad dash for ya.” He says with a wink.

“I'll let it slide, today,” she snickers as he lets her down. “But, this right here! Best gift I've gotten today, so far.”

“Really? I had so much fun putting it together, too!”

“It looks like it, babe. And yes, you had me in here ugly crying! The pictures of the ducks took me outta here!”

“They were good models that day, for sure,” he laughs, running his hand over her hair, pulling her back to him.

“You're so cute,” she frowns.

“I'm about to get cuter, I fear.”

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Soon, they're at her favorite place on earth, getting ready to unveil the bouquet Leon handcrafted for her.

“Okay, close your eyes, sweet girl!” The owner, Inara, says.

“Okay, they're closed!” Zora squeals back.

“Hold out your hands.” Leon says, placing the bouquet in her trembling hands.

“Okay, open!”

Her wide eyes land on the most beautiful bouquet she'd ever seen.

“Wow, you love me a whole lot!” She whispers, watching as her vision gets super blurry with tears. He's right there to wipe them away.

Oranges and pinks and purples. Peonies, cosmos, poppies, a couple white roses in the mix. It was beautiful!

“I love you so much.” He says, wiping her wet eyes, once more.

“He's such a sweetheart,” the owner exclaims. “Made sure he got your favorites and some extras— lord, you taught him well about these flowers!”

Zora giggles, wiping her own eyes, this time.

“He did such an amazing job,” she frowns up at him, those sweet kisses he places on her makes her frown deeper.

“Anything for you, baby.” He cheeses. “Speaking of, I got one more thing for ya.”

She looks up at him in disbelief. “Really??”

He chuckles, an mhm leaving him before they wave to Inara and head towards the exit.

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She gasps. “You got me a kitty???”

“I sure did, baby. Meet Coco.” He says, carefully handing over the tiny orange kitty, smiling at the way she immediately curled up in Zora’s arms.

“Oh, this is what love feels like.” She frowns, rocking herself as she pets her head, snickering at the way her ears flicker.

“Hey sweet baby angel!” She coos.

He smiles, taking a picture with his phone. “Nothing but love, baby.”

“Nah, this is a new level! I don't think we've had too many conversations about cats or dogs, or any of that type of stuff.”

“Cause we're not that kind of couple. I trust my gut when it comes to you. I pay attention to you, and you've never struck me as a dog person.”

“I'm not, no.” She shakes her head, nuzzling her face against Coco's, making Leon laugh at the sight.

“I mean don't get me wrong, dogs are cool! But cats are so independent and I like that. Plus, look at this face!”

She turns her around to face him, those big green eyes looking up at him. He frowns and reaches out to pet her.

“She's adorable! The cutest out of the litter, too. Had to scoop ‘er up.”

“Aw, the cutest of the bunch?! Go you!” She coos, earning tiny squeaks back that make her heart swell.

“How old is she?”

“About a month old? I've got her papers back at the crib.” He says.

“Aw, can we take her home now?!” She asks excitedly.

“Yeah, let's get her signed out and she's all yours, babe.”

With her free hand, she pulls him into a hug, thank you falling from her lips about a thousand times. He kisses her hair, a smile stuck on his face.

“Anything for you, my love.”

Back in her apartment now, she sits Coco down in the fluffy cat bed she'd bought on their way back, loving the way she curls up in it.

“Ugh, she's so cute! I can't believe she's mine.”

“Imagine if I had missed the mark on this,” he snorts, making her laugh too.

“Nah, you nailed it without me even having to say it! I also wanna rename her.”

“To what?”

“Okay, now don't think I'm corny.. but, Valentine.”

“Aw! That's actually really precious.”

“Right?! The sweetest valentine present I've ever gotten from the sweetest valentine I've ever had!”

She squeals as they share a sweet kiss.

“You think she'll respond to it well?”

“Well, let's see..” She looks over at her, her little tail wagging slowly as she looks up at them.

“C'mere Valentine.. c'mere baby girl!” She coos, cupping her hands as she slowly moves away from the fluffy bed.

“Look at her trottin’ over,” he comments, “takin’ her sweet time.”

“It's okay, I'm new!” She whispers, still cooing and calling her by her new name, getting more and more excited as she gets closer to her fingertips.

The minute she hopped into her palms, she had to stop herself from screaming for joy all over again, as the baby kitten peers up at her.

“She's so cute, I cannot take it!” She squeals, watching her roll around and lay on her back, inside her palms. Leon pokes her exposed belly, earning squeaks that resemble laughter.

“Awww!” They coo in unison.

“I've heard that orange cats are sassy,” he notes, and she nods.

“Yeah, one of my aunts used to have one. She was something else. Jumped out the window one day and never came back.” She sighs, looking down at Valentine.

“You are not jumping out of windows okay? No jumping off walls and up onto high surfaces. Mama don't play that, mmkay?” She scoots her into one palm and holds the other up, snickering as her paw connects.

“Like she understands you, for real.”

“Just you wait, we're gonna have our little system up and runnin’ in no time!”

Soon having to get ready for their date, Zora drops Valentine off at auntie Nique’s, who might've been a tinge more excited than Zora once she saw those big green eyes.

“Oh my goodness, look at this sweet baby!” She coos, scooping her up.

“Right?! The most precious kitten I've ever seen!”

“I'm almost shocked she's not gray,” Nique laughs.

“Or black! I love the witchy kitties, too! Maybe she can get a sister later on.”

“Aw, not a slew of em! Lean on me is so in love with you, it's crazy!”

Zora's face scrunches up at the nickname she'd given Leon.

“Lean on me?”

“When you're not strong, yes.” Nique nods, before snickering.

“Anyway, dawg. I'm glad you could watch her for me tonight. God knows I won't be any good after he gets through with me.” She whispers the last part.

“Daaamn, you gettin’ strung up by the ceiling or sumn??”

“Girl, no! I just know ima get put through the mattress once I put this new lingerie on, though!” She whispers again, cackling as they slap hands.

“Just freaky frogs! I love it!”

“So do I! Now, tell Darnell we said hey and he better put his whole foot in whatever he's making you tonight!”

“Either that or my foot's goin’ up his a—” her sentence cuts off as he comes around the corner with a spatula in hand, squinting at her with a sly grin.

“You talkin’ shit, huh? You know I gets down in here for you.”

“I was just playing, babe.”

“Mmmmhm. Hey Zora.” He flashes a smile.

“Hey, boyfriend!” She mocks, making him laugh, before cutting his eyes back at Nique.

Zora snorts, looking between the two of them.

“Should I take Valentine to ma’s?” She jokingly asks.

“Bye, Zora Jean!” Nique laughs, pushing her towards the door.

“Okay, okay! You girls, be good, tonight! Don't give uncle Darnell too much trouble, okay?”

“We gon’ give him hell, girl!” Nique looks at Valentine, before smiling at Zora.

“If you find Nique strung over the balcony, I didn't do it!” He yells from the kitchen, making them laugh.

“And that's my cue!”

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Reservations at the Mimosa Grill were made in advance, which gave the couple ample time to get all dolled up for love day.

Smoothing her hands over her black, floor length dress, Zora gives herself a once over in the mirror. Nude lip. Smokey eye. Minimal jewelry besides the citrine earrings Leon had also gifted her. And nothing goes with a dress like that, but big hair!

Voluminous curls sit pretty on her head as she tousles them, loving each way they fall.

She felt so pretty.

Leon is across the hall in her bathroom, fastening the belt to his pants and cuffing the jacket of his all black ensemble, making sure the world sees the icy chain she'd gifted him. The light reflecting off the diamonds had him periodically letting out a “woo!”, making her giggle.

Low fade Leon had come out tonight, and Zora was more than a happy camper. Those waves were a dangerous tide pulling her under, and she already knew neither her nor her panties would survive the night.

Crossing the threshold, they both let out a whistle of appreciation, sizing each other up.

“Damn girl, this is sexy,” Leon says, running his finger along the curved and plunging neckline of her dress, watching the smirk on Zora’s face grow.

“Anifa does it again, I fear.” She laughs, touching the diamonds of his chain. “You iced out!”

“Thanks to my stylist and stunna girl,” he compliments, twirling her about, unable to resist smacking her on the ass.

“Ooh! You better be glad we've got reservations, sir.” She playfully warns as he dips down to kiss her, making her giggle.

“Don't tempt me, girl, I'll bend you ov—” she presses her finger to his lips, shushing him.

“Before you seriously get me started, we better go.”

“Yeah, you right,” he chuckles, releasing his hold on her to grab his keys and lead the way.

Clink!

For the occasion of love, the restaurant was decorated to the nines! Strings of pink and red hearts swayed from the ceiling between the open spaces, vanilla candles sat in the center of each table, along with a single rose wrapped away from the silverware.

“Did you pull strings and make sure this rose was orange?” Zora asks, a smirk covering her lips at his sly smile.

“You know I do my best for ya, poppy.” He winks, making her duck her head down and giggle. He laughs, taking a sip of his drink.

“I knew that was the right moment to use that on ya,” he adds.

“You are ridiculous, Leon. And I love it.” She says with a grin, reaching for his hand across the table.

“And, I love you, Jean.” He uses his height to his advantage and leans across the table for a kiss.

Taking a sip of her own drink, she briefly squeezes her eyes shut at the bite from the moonshine.

“What did you order again?”

“The mooshine sangria,” she laughs to herself. “I knew it would be strong but damn.”

“Is it good, though?”

“Yeah, yeah it's delicious! Just strong,” she smiles, skimming over the menu.

He stares at her a second longer, before doing the same.

Soon their waitress returns to put their orders in, and they're alone again, twiddling each other's fingers.

“Happy love day, as you call it,” Leon says, clinking their glasses together for the second time.

“Yes, happy love day! It's been so overwhelming in the best ways possible.” Zora sighs, chin in palm, staring at her man.

“Had to make our first one memorable, ya know?”

“In true Leon fashion, indeed!”

Their sweet conversation turns from the special occasion to Zora wanting to finally get back into her art world, Leon couldn't be more ecstatic. Even more so as their food finally arrived at the table.

“That's great, babe! When does all of this get set into motion?”

“Well, I still have to talk to Linda about quitting, hopefully she understands. I mean, either way, I'm leaving, but ya know what I mean.”

“Yeah, totally. If she tries anything funny, I'll be on standby.” He says with a couple pats to his chest.

“Stand down, please,” she laughs, continuing to sip her drink. “I'm sure it'll all be fine.”

“Yeah, you heard what I said, though.”

“Yes, father. I'll call if I need ya,” she salutes, as they both laugh.

“But, seriously. What's the next step after that?” He asks, chin in palm like she.

“That's actually a surprise,” she sweetly smiles, “but it'll be so worth it, I promise!”

“Aw, no fair!” He playfully whines as she laughs.

“Aw, come on! Be a good sport!”

“Fine, fine.” He playfully sighs. “But, I will let you know that I'm quitting my job soon, too.”

“Really??” She asks. “And doing what??”

“It's a surprise,” he mocks with a smile.

“You better be glad it's a lovely evening, Leon.” She snorts, sipping her drink as he snickers at her expression.

“Not so funny when the shoe’s on the other foot, huh?”

“Keep it up,” she nods, unable to stop the laugh from coming out.

“Okay, okay! But, I do have one more surprise I can share with you.”

“What is it?”

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Zora stomps excitedly in her heels as Leon guides her into their hotel room.

“This blindfold is killing me!” She squeals, making him laugh.

“Okay, okay,” he fiddles with the knot, making her stomp again, her giggles filling his ears.

“Happy Valentine's Day!”

Her wide eyes stare at every girl's dream. The decorated hotel room. And boy was it decked out for his favorite lady.

Oranges of every hue in the room, from the arrangement of cosmos and poppies, many balloons littering the ceiling, homemade cake all the way down to champagne flutes.

“Oh my god…” is all she's able to get out as she takes it all in.

“You l-like it?” He asks, feeling his nerves kick in.

“I love it, babe!” She throws her hands up, turning to face him with glossy eyes, to which he smiles brightly.

“Oh, come here, my big baby,” he chuckles, pulling her into his arms, careful not to smear her makeup.

“I'm glad I didn't do a full face now!” She laughs, the sound muffled by his chest. He joins in the laughter.

Pulling away a bit, they stare back at each other, bursting into more laughter.

“You're goofy,” he pokes fun at her.

“You're goofy,” she pokes back, actually poking him in his side.

“You started it,”

“What are we, fifteen?” She laughs, again.

“No, of course not. We're newly legal, apparently.” He playfully scoffs. “Haven't had that many shots since my college days, honestly.”

“Me, either. I'm praying we don't have hangovers in the morning.”

“You know I'm stocked up on aspirin and water, don't worry your pretty little head!” He places a kiss on the crown of her curly mane.

She felt precious all day long. Those butterflies just kept on multiplying, and now she felt like she was gonna explode.

Unwrapping her arms from him, she grabs his face to pull him down to her level, kissing him deeply.

His long arms completely cage her in, holding her up as he slightly dips them, getting drunk on her lips now, too.

Tongues tangling together, the promise of a night of bliss being spoken between them.

Pulling away, Zora’s chest heaves up and down as she stares up at Leon, who's just as breathless.

“I've got a surprise for you,” she lowly speaks, trailing a finger down the middle of his button-up shirt.

“Yeah? I must need to sit down for this.”

“Unless you wanna fall to your knees.” She quips, making him raise his eyebrows.

With that, she grabs her bag from the counter by the door and disappears into the room to change.

Carefully stepping out of the prettiest dress ever, she shimmies into the orange lingerie she'd fallen in love with, fighting the urge to squeal at how sexy she felt and looked!

Leon was gonna freak!

Adjusting her garters, she grabs the matching satin robe to hide such a set, and heads back out to where her beau is patiently waiting.

His smirk makes her insides clench. She strides over to him, stopping right in front, reaching out to rest her shaky hands on his broad shoulders.

“What's up under here, huh?” He asks, his long fingers fiddling with the knot on her robe.

“Untie it and find out.” She winks.

Doing just that and letting it fall open, he blows out a breath that makes her clench all over again.

“Mmm… all this for me?” He asks, reaching out to touch her anyway, gripping her thick hips, his sweet lips peck her belly and make her giggle.

“Yes, all for you, baby.”

“What a lucky man I am.”

Reaching up to push the silk away from her body, his hands roam back over her curves, kneading and groping as she bites into her lip.

“All for me.”

Standing to his feet, he picks her up and carries her into her their room, kicking the door closed. He drops her on the bed before climbing on top of her.

Her laughter fills his ears as he kisses all over her face, big hands tickling her sides.

“Stop” at different octaves came out of her as she flailed underneath him, slapping at his hands.

“Babe!” She squeals as he finally lets up the tickling, but not the kissing.

Laughter melts into moans, his kisses getting wetter the lower they get, traveling over to her thighs for a nibble in between.

Her garters are pulled at with his teeth before he spreads her legs wider, running a finger over her damp panties.

He watches as she bites her lip in anticipation. He smirks, continuing to tease her.

“You look so good like this,” his finger presses harder, earning a moan from her, “there it is, baby. Don't be shy.”

Her head falls back against the bed, and his free hand finds her neck, another moan leaving her.

Pulling her panties to the side, he whistles at the string of arousal clinging to them. Her head lifts back up and the look on his face makes her clench.

“So fucking wet,” his tongue swipes up her slit, sending her eyes back, her hands coming up to cradle his face as he continues the action.

“Oh my.. oh— oh my,”

His teasing humming puts a smile on her stuttering lips as he starts pulling that first nut to the surface.

“I'm gonna cum!” She pulls his hair, smushing his face against her, losing her mind when he wags it.

Not letting her recover, he makes her cum once again, her thighs beginning to shake in his hold.

“Baby, please..” she moans, softly rolling her hips against his face.

“Mmmm,” his humming sends shocks through her, his hands rubbing her sides.

In a flash, he's right where she needs him, deep inside, rocking against that spot so nicely.

“Look at that,” he mumbles, making their heavy gazes move down to where they join and rejoin again, those gushy noises are music to their ears.

“Feels so good,” she whispers.

His eyes dance back up her face and stay, as his heavy strokes land right into her spot.

“Say it again,” he says.

Like clockwork, she looks up at him, further melting and quaking as his brown eyes stare back.

“Mmmm, so fucking good!” She moans a little louder, earning a smirk from him.

Her pouty lips mouthing such sweet filth, as the man of her very dreams rocks her world.

“Fuck, baby,” her grip on him was beginning to loosen as he continued to fuck her into the mattress.

“Mmhm,” he moans, placing his hand at her chin and his thumb right at her bottom lip.

A faded smile appears on their faces as his thumb makes its way between her lips, coming in contact with her warm tongue and making his eyes roll like they did when he first slid inside.

“Mmmfuhh,” she whimpers around his thumb, feeling her thighs begin to burn.

“You cummin’,” he mumbles, removing his thumb to rub her clit, “let it out, baby.”

Her hands find his face, cupping his cheeks as her mouth drops open at the feeling brewing in her gut.

“Oh my god,” she gasps harshly, losing the rest of her oxygen as he swallows it in a kiss.

Pulling away, their lips retouch as he gets closer and closer to tossing her off the deep end.

“Just like that,” she nods fervently, “don’t stop.. don’t fucking stop.”

“Gimme that shit, babe..”

His hand slides to her throat, gripping tight. His other gripping into the sheets, as he’s close to the edge himself.

“Oh shit,” she moans, immediately feeling the air get sucked out of her lungs as her orgasm rocks through her like a heavy wave.

“I love you,” he groans, his own peak crashing toward him, sending him collapsing on top of her. Her giggles tickle his skin.

“I love you too, baby,” she sighs, her body twitching underneath his own.

“Catch your breath, cause I'm not done.” She whispers, kissing every inch of skin in her reach.

Ch 23

@ghostfacekill-monger @honestpreference @harmshake @henneseyhoe @blackerthings @soufcakmistress @megamindsecretlair @motheroffae @abeautifulmindexposed @thegifstories @starcrossedxwriter @mauvecherie-writes @twistedcharismaaa

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty-four

“I'm so excited to be here!”

“We're so excited to have you, dear! Have a seat!”

Having been on edge all day about making a good first impression, once she'd gotten to the facility and saw five women that looked like her, their warm energy calmed her instantly.

“We got you a latte, didn't want you to feel left out.”

“Oh, I really appreciate it! I hope everyone's morning has been good!”

The ladies nod in agreement before the leader begins her ice breaker.

“This may seem a bit school-ish, but I like to go around the group and get a fun fact from each of you, and it wouldn't be fair if I didn't kick it off! So, I’m Roni and I started this group a few years ago so black women could have a creative space of our own.”

“And we love you for it! I'm Leia and I'm one of thirteen kids!”

“Oh my gosh, really? What's that like??” Zora asks, which makes everyone laugh.

“Girl, hectic! We're all two years apart, too.”

“My word. Well, I'm Zora and I actually had given up on wanting my own art career, but I'm getting back out there!”

“We're all so proud of you for doing that, it takes courage!”

“Thank you!”

“Of course, doll. I'm Fran and I'm fifty-five, sitting on a pretty pension from my dead husband.” She says, before cracking up, making the girls do the same.

“A hoot, that one is! I'm Trina and I collect rocks and turn them into little scenes.”

“They're really cool, she's gotta show y'all her latest one before we leave! But I'm Dina, and I'm a photography finatic! I'll take a picture of anything!”

She pulls out her phone and swipes through her gallery to emphasize her point. Nothing but trees, cocktails, food spots, selfies, her cat Toby, the sky and moon and clouds in between.

“You're just like me, for real.” Zora laughs. “Also I've never seen a black cat named Toby, how adorable.”

“She's a girl, too!”

“Really?? That's so adorable, too!”

“I know!” She giggles.

Roni and the others laugh at their interaction, knowing Dina and her infectious personality would pull her right in.

The activity of the day was to take your feelings and turn them into a scene. Any theme. People or no people.

Zora painted a vibrant sunset on her new balcony. Two glowy orbs side by side, overlooking the breathtaking view.

“Can I just say wow!?” Fran gasps as she looks over from her own masterpiece, a never ending garden of bright tulips and wildflowers.

“Oh,” Zora covers her face, “thank you!”

“I've never seen anything like this before. How'd you do that, with the shading around the orbs and stuff??” Trina asks, as the group moves in to see her work.

Still flustered by their sweet reception, she blows out a breath. “I actually tried something out while painting. Took the shades around it and made a color and outlined them, it adds some depth to it.”

“Hell yeah, it does!” Roni agrees, making the ladies laugh.

“Thanks, you guys! Now let me see what everyone else is working on!”

“Ooh, come look at mine!” Dina says, pulling them over to her portrait of Toby, his big green eyes making them gasp.

“Wow, those are her eyes, alright!” Trina says, giving her a high five.

“They took me like twenty minutes, they better be her eyes!” Dina laughs.

“She's so cute! Her and vday gotta do a playdate!”

“Absolutely!”

“Uh oh, miss Fran! Let's talk about these flowers!”

“Oh, my pride and joy! I've been gardening for about twenty years, and this is what my garden looked like until a couple years ago. The last time I was able to get out and tend to it all, I took a picture of it and now it's memorialized in this painting.”

“Who knew flowers could make you cry,” Zora frowns.

“That's beautiful, Fran.” Roni says. “Wildflowers are your favorite, huh?”

This makes everyone laugh.

“How'd you guess, you smart cookie??”

“Come look at my pretty rock!”

Trina painted a giant black obsidian rock that was cracked in half, indigo and violet on the inside, pale yellow twinkling in certain spots.

“Wow! I like this one better than my own!” Dina says, punching her arm.

“Y'all are the most talented women ever, I'm convinced.” Roni compliments.

“Wait, let's see yours!”

An up close view of a rib cage, pink and green butterflies litter the inside and linger at the garden planted in the center of her chest.

“Rooted in love?”

“Absolutely!” She smiles. “It's how I've been feeling since getting engaged. Just a love plant.”

“Awww, that's so sweet!”

“Yeah! Are we invited to the wedding??”

“Absolutely! It'll be in the fall, sometime. It's our favorite season.”

“Leia, what did you paint?”

A silhouette of a woman behind a rose colored sheet.

“What's the story behind this?”

“Hollowness, really. I feel hidden most times.”

“Oh, babe,” Trina frowns, hugging her.

Welcoming the gesture, she softly laughs.

“Thanks, but I'm okay, I'm just a middle child.”

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“Honey, I'm home!” Leon yells from the front door, chuckling as Zora damn near crashes into him, hopping into his arms.

“Hey, baby!” She squeals, inhaling his woodsy scent.

“Hey, my love. I see you missed me!”

Carrying her over to the couch, he plops down with her still attached to him.

“I did! I couldn't wait til you got here so I could tell you how my day went!”

“Oh yeah, I'm all ears! How'd everything go??”

She fills him in on all her sweet new friends, shares their paintings, and gives him a rundown of how their next few meetings are gonna go.

“Look at you,” he cheeses, “my artiste!”

Her nose crinkled as she covered her face.

“I'm good, I guess!”

“Zora Jean, please. You're the best.”

“The best, huh??” She uncovers her face as they both laugh.

“And you know this, lady bug!”

“Thank you, best chef and photographer ever!”

He humbly dusts off his shoulder, making her giggle.

“Speaking of! I can share this with you now,” he says, placing his hands on hers, “today was my last day of work at the warehouse.”

Her mouth drops open in surprise. He smiles widely at her reaction, proud that it was worth keeping to himself.

“You quit?!! Finally??”

“That, I did!”

“I'm so happy for you!” She beams, squeezing his hands now.

“Thank you, my sweet lady.” He smiles, leaning in to kiss her face.

“Aw, you're so happy about this, I love it! What's your plan??”

“Well, I think I can kick off my vlogging now. Not sure if it'll be more than just cuts of me cooking, but it's a start! Also, my boys said they'd support me with whatever I needed while I'm getting started.”

“That's really sweet of them! I can't wait to see your first video! I've got a thing for cameras now ‘cause of you, so if you need any help.. I'm here too!” She cheeses, earning three kisses on the lips.

“Thank you, baby. I may need you to be my camerawoman from time to time, when you're not busy with your own artiste dreams, that is.”

“I'm proud of us. We quit our regular-degular jobs to focus on our passions! How many people, our age especially, get to say that!!”

“We must be god's favorite, huh?”

“Oh, yeah!” She nods, meeting him halfway for a high-five.

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“Alright ladies, today we are meeting with a few investors and they are very fond of each of your portfolios, so if all goes well, your names will be on front street before the weekend!” Roni squeals as the ladies do the same.

“I'm a little nervous, wow!” Zora huffs, placing her hand over her heart.

“Don't worry honey, your art is divine! If these suits don't like it, they don't know talent. Okay?” Fran says, rubbing her back.

“O-okay. I'm gonna head to the bathroom.”

Excusing herself, she heads down the hall and into the biggest stall of the bathroom, immediately calling Nique.

“Hello?” Her best friend sings into the phone.

“Girl, investors are coming to chat with us today! They've seen our work and are apparently impressed, which is great! This is what I've always wanted… but what if they get here and see our latest pieces and their opinions change? W-what if they don't wanna—”

“Zora! Hey! Calm down, sweetie!” She coos, snapping her out of her spiral.

Inhaling deeply and exhaling roughly a few times, she places her hand back over her heart. It wasn't beating nearly as fast, but she was still frazzled.

“I– it's been such a long time coming, ya know? I'm just… I don't know!”

“It's okay to be nervous, Jean. This has been like ten years in the making! Those investors already like your work, right?? So, you're in there! Don't worry about anything else. It would be remiss if you didn't celebrate your wins. You put yourself out there. You found an art group and they welcomed you with open arms! Investors know who you are!! They know what you're capable of and they're coming to see you and your work. Hell, let's call up that ex whore of yours and rub it in his face, cause you're killing this shit and you haven't even really started yet!”

By this time, Zora’s face was covered in salty tears at her friend's sweet and true words.

“And stop that crying before them girls think sumn wrong with you!” She jokes, making Zora laugh.

“Shut up, man.” She sniffles, wiping her face.

“I appreciate you for saying all of that. You're right. I've waited so long for things to fall into place. It's my time to show what I'm capable of!”

“Hell yeah, it is!” She agrees. “And I know it's rough, but you have to know– believe that you've already done the hard part. Get yourself together and walk out there with your head up high, mmkay?”

“Thank you, Nique Nique!” She coos, making kissy noises.

“Ah, what would you do without me! You're always welcome, Jeanie! I'll be sitting at home, waiting for you to tell me how it went!”

“Expect my knock, later!”

They squeal and talk a bit more to calm her nerves, before bidding each other farewell.

Thankful for her deep brown complexion, she wasn't as flushed as she feared. She wets a napkin and wipes her eyes and cheeks, before washing hands again.

Rejoining the group and assuring them that she's okay, they fall into conversation to ease the leftover pressure even further.

“I've been curious about this for a minute, but I didn't wanna be that crazy old lady that asks too many questions,” Fran laughs, before looking over at Zora.

“You've got a boyfriend, don't ya?”

The instant smile that covers her entire face makes the ladies coo and giggle at her.

“I knew it!” Dina adds. “Caught her smiling at her phone the other day, but I let her live.”

“Y'all,” Zora laughs, shaking her head, “y'all remind me of my sisters so much! Only, they wouldn't let me live anything down, so thank y'all for that.”

“We had to ease you in, first!” Roni pats her shoulder.

“But now that we know you're in loooove,” Trina sings, making them crack up.

“Yes, tell us allll about it!” Leia chimes in.

“He's so sweet, y'all,” she gushes, unable to help the bright smile on her lips as she goes on about her man.

How smart he is. How generous. Rugged. Driven. Hardworking. Dedicated. Inspiring.

“Does he have any brothers??”

“I had to hook my sisters up! But I'll see if he's got any cousins or uncles up for grabs! A young uncle for you, Frannie.”

“That's my girl!” Fran claps.

Soon the investors arrived and Zora was ready to let her work do the talking, her nerves steady.

There were only two people, a white man and woman, which helped a lot. Not too many people to interact with. Zora wasn't the only one who internally felt that way, either.

“Ladies, this is Roberts and Williams, senior investors from Canvas & Company. They came by to talk to us about their experience with buying and selling art, how the market works and how to invest in it.” Roni introduces.

“We are very excited to meet you ladies! In fact, on the way over, we pulled up each of your files one more time, just blown away with the talent we've seen!” Roberts exclaims, clasping her hands together.

“Indeed! Haven't seen much talent like this in a while. Definitely refreshing.” Williams adds, before they get into their spiel.

“Now the art industry has definitely changed in the last thirty years, pushing boundaries on how we capture an image and paint it for others to see. It's very interesting what one can do with a paintbrush or pencil. Speaking of, what's everyone's favorite medium and why?” Williams asks, looking around the room, his finger pointed at Dina.

“Pencil. There's an eraser always close by.” She laughs, and he fondly shakes his head.

“Gotta love the mistakes, too.” He says, pointing to her twin sister.

“Charcoal. I love the mess of it!”

“See? My kinda girl!” He claps, pointing to Fran.

“Watercolor! I love how lightweight it is.”

“I agree, it's probably the lightest type of paint.” Next was Zora.

“Acrylic paint. It's so vibrant and rich, experimental even! Perfect for my pieces.”

“Acrylic is best for that type of thing. Building color, texture.. it's a hassle to preserve, though.”

“Oh, tell me about it! My poor palette has never been the same.” She laughs and so does he, before pointing to Leia.

“Oil pastel, I love the way it glides!”

“As do I!”

Moving on to a slideshow of how investing in art works, the ladies quickly realized they were on the fun side of things, seeing how much people empty their banks for it.

“Seven grand on one painting?? That would take care of so many things.” Fran mumbles, shaking her head.

“Imagine!” Roni whispers back.

“You'd be surprised how much one would spin! One impression is all it takes, a lot of the time.” Roberts says, looking over to her colleague who agrees.

“They try to scare you with the emerging and well known artists as top sellers, but we don't all curate art the same way, which is why we're here. We see potential in every one of you, even your lead! Phenomenal work, ladies, really.” She adds, to which they all graciously thank her.

After the meeting is over, Zora feels a ton lighter than she did when her day began. She was proud of herself.

Making it home, she showers, changes into her sweats and heads across the hall, not even getting to knock before Nique opens the door.

“Hey, girl!”

“How did you–”

“I was sitting on my patio and saw you pull up! Knew the knock was coming!” She answers, pulling her inside and closing the door behind them.

Plopping down on her oversized sofa, Zora lets out a sigh of relief and grabs a handful of popcorn, stuffing her mouth.

“Tired?”

“Mmhm! It's been a long day,” she says with a mouthful, tucking her feet underneath her.

“Well, how'd everything go??”

“Great! There were only two people, a man and a woman, both white and like our mamas’ age. Cool people, though! Super friendly. They asked us about our favorite mediums and told us about how they can help and hinder, how the investment market works and girl, these people spend money!”

How much we talkin’?”

“Anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple hundred thousand!”

“Really??” Nique asks with wide eyes. “Let me go paint sumn real quick.”

Zora laughs, stuffing another handful of popcorn in her mouth.

“No, but seriously I'm glad it went great! No stress, no mess, just you and your unbelievable talent showcasing itself!”

“Me too, it's nice having people with loaded pockets take more than a glance at your work! Hell, I might have met potential buyers!”

“Fingers crossed! Your artwork is gonna be in everybody's living room! Just you wait!”

“You better be in the first ten people to buy sumn!!”

“Like I haven't been buying your artwork since we've known each other! Ima be the first! Next piece you cook up, it's mine!” She declares before grabbing her remote.

“I know that's right! What we watchin’?”

“Beauty shop!!”

“Oh, my movie!!”

@ghostfacekill-monger @thegifstories @blackerthings @planetblaque @blowmymbackout @henneseyhoe @honestpreference @blackpinup22 @abeautifulmindexposed @nayaxwrites @twistedcharismaaa @kindofaintrovert @sageispunk @madamzola @soufcakmistress @starcrossedxwriter @slippinninque

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty-three

“Oh, my head—”

“Shut that up, woman.” Leon cuts Zora’s dramatics off, lightly thumping her nose. She laughs, flicking his hand away.

“Yeah, yeah. My head may be fine, but the rest of me,” she snorts, tucking one of her hands behind her head, getting comfy in the king size bed.

“That's why I'm gonna draw you a bath, silly.” 

“Ugh, he does love me.” She sings, giggling at the many kisses he plants on her lips and face.

“More than life, cupcake.” A single kiss is pressed to her nose and he's disappearing into the adjoining bathroom to get the water going.

Sliding down in the bed, Zora sighs and stretches her limbs, sore as they are, and runs her hands over her poofy hair. It would be nice if she could find a ponytail holder.

Looking to her right, she squints from the loss of her contacts, at the sight of the pretty pale yellow sun high in the sky, the swirls of gray clouds make it that much prettier.

A yelp of surprise leaves her as Leon scoops her up from her warm place in the sheets, carrying her directly into the steamy, rose littered bath.

“Aw, how cute is this!” She coos, looking up at him once they're seated, leaning in for a few sweet kisses.

“Anything for you, sugar lumps.” He says, kissing her lips a few more times, before pulling her hair up away from the water.

“Thanks, I couldn't find my scrunchie or anything,”

Drying his hands on the towel closest to them, he flashes her his left wrist, making her gasp at the black elastic band around it.

“Where was it?”

He chuckles, pointing to the counter in front of them. “I think you left it in here at some point, last night.”

“Jesus,” she mumbles, sighing as he gently rakes his fingers through her hair, pulling it into a high, messy bun.

A couple strands fall wayward, leaving him twirling them around his finger.

“When’s checkout time?” She asks, linking their wet fingers together.

“Uh.. twelve, I believe.” He answers, kissing her shoulder as she leans into him.

“Good. More time to soak all of this up. Nique said Valentine's been meowing more than usual.” She says, closing her eyes, stretching and cracking her toes.

“Aw, she lasted longer than I thought.”

“Same,” she laughs, “gotta get her a treat.”

“Oh lord,” he chuckles, peeking down at her as she quiets down.

“You falling asleep on me, girl?”

“Mmm, maybe?”

“Always my sleepyhead,” he laughs, once more, pressing a kiss to the side of her face.

“Sorry, it's just so cozy… I can't help it.” She yawns, drawing a pattern on a hand that's splayed across her belly.

“It's okay,” he assures, “cause you gotta stay up for the rest of the day, anyway.”

“Why?” She asks, popping one eye open.

“V-day misses mama, that's why.”

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“Her custom collar is on its way!” She sings, shoving her phone towards Leon so he could see it.

Bright orange with black hearts, gold nameplate with Valentine carved into it with a tiny heart in the corner.

“How cute,” he snickers, “she's spoiled, already.”

“As she should be! Isn't it so cute?! I know you said it was, but say it again!” She blurts out, laughing at herself before he has the chance.

“Baby, calm down,” he chuckles, rubbing her knee as she bounces her leg in excitement.

“It's very cute. ‘S gonna match her fur real nice.”

She pinches his cheek and settles back beside him, just as Valentine jumps into her lap to curl up.

“I love when she does this,” she coos, rubbing her soft fur.

Her purring had become Zora’s new favorite thing in an instant. It was its strongest when she'd rub between her ears.

Leon fondly shakes his head, before getting up and heading into the kitchen.

“What's for lunch, chef?” Zora snickers.

“Ha. I was thinking about a club sandwich? I won't put tomatoes on yours, I know how you feel about ‘em.”

“Aw, you know me! That sounds so delicious, actually.” She nods.

“See? Great minds,” he points between them for emphasis, making her laugh.

“Want me to help you with anything?”

“Yes. Stay put and play with v-day.” He winks.

She playfully rolls her eyes, mumbling an okay before looking down at her new orange companion.

“You're like Garfield, but so much cuter,” picking her up, she holds her closer to her face, cooing as she reaches out to nuzzle against her cheek.

“Yep. So much cuter!”

After a quick cat nap for them both, the smell of bacon sent Zora toward her dining table where her plate was waiting.

“Oh man, that looks delicious!” She says as her stomach rumbles.

“I hope you love it, bae.”

Quickly washing her hands, she rejoins Leon at the table to finally chow down.

“Did you make homemade fries??” She asks, staring at the thick cut fries on her plate.

“Yeah,” he grins proudly, “I definitely took a trip to the store while y'all were knocked. It just sounded so good. They're the perfect golden I've been tryna get ‘em to, too.”

“Aw,” Zora snickers, pinching his cheek, “you are the cutest chef alive! Did you take a picture??”

“You know I did! I even did a lil video, showing me cutting them up, frying the bacon, plating everything..” he nods, still grinning.

“Throw it on tiktok or something! I bet the people would eat it up!”

“Yeah, I honestly thought about it. But I'm still trying to get all my ideas together for my next career move, so I'll table that for now. Keep it on the top of my stack.” He winks.

Thanking god the redness in her face was hidden, she grabs a half of her sandwich and bites into it, eyes closing at the taste.

“Mmm,” she hums, grabbing a fry next to dip in the aioli sauce, then another one, then taking another bite of her sandwich, all while Leon watches in pure happiness.

“I take it, you're enjoying it,” he says, biting into his own sandwich.

“The thoughts I'm thinking right now are so unholy,” she pauses to lick her fingers, “all because of you and this food!”

He raises a brow at her, to which she responds by raising both back at him.

“What you tryna do, then?” He asks with a chuckle.

She giggles, dipping another fry into the sauce and tossing it into her mouth.

“Better be glad vday ain't so sleepy yet,” Leon says, smiling at her.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I'll get you later, though.” He winks.

She continues to giggle and eat her food, while he heads back into the kitchen to clean up.

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Zora took the brief moment she had to sit down and go through her checklist, thanking god for friends like Nique.

After having the dreaded conversation with Linda and having it go way better than anticipated, she felt better knowing she was scheduled til the end of the month and it could go towards her savings for her project.

She'd sent off prints of her artwork to the Mint museum, attaching her contact info to each one just in case they were interested.

Nique had even encouraged her to use social media to her advantage, especially with her not having much on her instagram, having archived everything but her face.

She posted on her page and story about her art, making sure to specifically hide her story from Leon so her journey could remain a secret for now.

On the move again, she moves toward the door and looks back at Valentine.

“Daddy’ll be here soon.” She says, blowing a kiss before slipping out, locking up, almost skating down the steps to her car.

About ten minutes later, there's three plates of nachos between Zora, Neoma, Lovita and Nique as they catch up at their favorite spot, Mi Pueblo.

“So, Nique and I are currently trying to get my art in the mint museum,” she says, laughing as they gasp.

“I know, I know!”

“Dude!” Lovita reaches over to smack her younger sister’s arm. “That's huge!”

“Yeah! I knew something was up!”

“Did you really? Cause Zora said y'all wouldn't catch on!” Nique points out.

“Heffa,” Neoma sucks her teeth, “when you put your canvases away, that was my first clue cause I wanted to know why, but I never asked, see? I waited for you to tell me!”

Zora giggles. “You did good, Nene!”

“So, what have y'all done so far?”

“I've sent in prints of my artwork, told them I've got the money set aside for any fees! I've joined an art group, too! I meet with them next week! It's mostly women— sistas!”

“Ooh, I'm so excited for you!”

“Me too! Look at you go!”

“What did Leon say??”

“He doesn't know much about it, I'm keeping most of it a secret for now.”

“Awww, he's gonna flip!!”

“I know, I cannot wait!” Zora beams. “But enough about me, what's going on with y'all?”

“Wait, you still gon be waitressin’?” Neoma asks.

“Nah, my last day is the twenty-seventh. I'll miss it.” She sighs.

“Aw, poor Linda's gon’ lose her mind without you!”

“She knows I'll never stray too far! I might ask her for some favors, soon… but, do tell thing one and thing two.”

“Girl,”

“Stay doin’ us. Anyway, I'm getting promoted to head chef since I'm such the cook!” Lovita says, cheesing hard.

“That's amazing! Congratulations!” They applaud.

“Yeah, go you! I knew you could cook more than egg and bologna sandwiches.” Nique jokes, making Lovita laugh and flip her off.

“Thanks, y'all. It was really the boost I needed! It also comes with a FAT bonus!”

“How fat we talkin’?” Zora asks as they all lean in.

“Girl fatter than the Fat Boys!”

They all crack up, falling back in the booth simultaneously, wiping tears from their cheeks.

“That girl ain't got no sense!” Neoma says, still giggling as they calm down.

“Okay giggles, what's new with you?” Zora asks.

“Craig and I just celebrated our three month anniversary last week. He took me to the Cheesecake Factory cause that's my favorite place, I ate my chicken and biscuits! Y'all know how I feel about ‘em!”

“Yes, we know,” Lovita nods, while Zora snickers. “But cute, cute! What else?”

“We shared a slice of Oreo cheesecake and it said happy anniversary on the plate, I'll show y'all in a minute, it was so cute! Then we went inside pandora and he got me another charm for my bracelet, it's this little yellow heart!”

“Awww,” they coo, so happy for their little sister.

“I might not have to hurt him after all,” Nique says, and they fall into another fit of laughter.

“Nique got jokes! I hope she got sumn to spill, too.”

“Oop! Well, of course I do! I'm also quitting my job very soon and going back to school full time!”

“What?” They gasp.

“I can't believe you didn't tell us!” Zora exclaims.

“It was so hard keeping it to myself for this long!” Nique laughs. “It started off as just a thought but then I brought it up to Darnell and he offered to help me with my bills so I can go back and get my degree!”

“What?” They gasp even louder this time.

“That's what I said!!”

“That's a good man, there.” Lovita nods. “He gon pay your rent?”

“Mmmhm! I don't gotta worry about nothing!”

“Must be nice!”

“Damn, I'm scared of you!” Zora laughs.

“You sound like ya damn mama,” Nique cracks.

“We're so happy for you!”

“Shoot, we need another round of nachos or something! We can get drinks this weekend if y'all want though, we still gotta drive home.”

“True, true! Put extra queso on those nachos!”

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“Valentine Jupiter Grey, get DOWN from there!” Leon yells, waving her feather toy around to get her attention.

The orange cat had found her way up on his bookshelf, cozying up in the highest nook, which was also the one of the dustiest. He already knew giving her a bath would be another challenge.

He sighs heavily, looking up at her green eyes peeking down at him. She was not moved by his yelling or his choice of toy.

“So, you're just gonna sit up there?” He asks, as if she was going to answer him.

She just blinked and looked towards the window. He scoffed and sat down in his office chair.

“Talkin’ bout she won't be climbin’ on high surfaces and shit.. vday is on my bookshelf! That mug is eight feet tall, and she's just up there chillin’!”

As if she sensed something was wrong, Zora calls.

He answers on the first ring, immediately filling her in on her new feline friend and her misadventure.

“She what?!”

He turns around to look up at her. Ears pointed as she stared at him, still.

“Mmhm, she's still staring at me… nah, she didn't knock anything over, but what if she falls? She's so tiny and watching her jump up there almost gave me a heart attack!” He laughs.

“Good lord! Okay, I'll be there in like ten minutes, okay? Just keep your eye on her.”

“I got you, get here safe. I love you.”

“I love you, sugar booger.”

Soon, mama’s coming through the unlocked door to scold her precious baby kitty.

“Valentine Jupiter Grey,” she says, coming into the room and looking up at the top of the bookshelf. Her ears were still pointed, but she looked scared now.

“What in the world??” Zora yells.

“My exact words, I swear.”

“Did you try standing in a chair?”

“Uh, they're not sturdy enough to hold me up anymore. I thought about that but I would've gotten hurt.”

“You make enough money to buy new chairs, Leon.”

“I know,” he nods, “I've just been kinda busy, lately.” He says, as his eyes flicker back up to Valentine.

“But,” he continues, “what if I hoist you up on my shoulders? I think you could reach her.”

“Yeah? You sure?” She asks, biting her nail.

“You won't get hurt, I promise.”

“Okay, hold on.” She says, placing her phone and purse on his desk and pulling her hair up into a ponytail.

He chuckles, before squatting down so she can hop on his shoulders. She felt like a little kid as he made sure she was secured and ready for him to stand up.

She swore she fell once he completely stood up, clutching his face carefully not to scratch him, and he tightened his arms around her thighs.

“I got you, baby. I got you.”

“Okay,” she huffs, “Valentine, you better be glad you're worth this panic attack!”

Her soft mewls sound, making Zora frown. Her shaky hands just about reach the shelf where she's sitting.

“Okay, move in a bit closer, I can almost reach her.”

As soon as she can make contact, she pulls her off the shelf into her arms, holding her breath once more, as he lowers her back down to the floor.

“Oh my god,” she heavily sighs, sitting on the floor to stop the spinning in her head. Leon grabs a towel to wrap Valentine in, sitting down too.

“Sorry, I didn't think of it before.”

“It's okay, I didn't either. I'm just glad we got her down. Thank you.”

“Of course, love this lil stinker,” he rubs his thumb between her ears, chuckling at her purring.

“Hard headed, I know.” Zora says, laughing as well.

“Alright, bath time!” He says, before standing up and grabbing Valentine from Zora, pulling her up after.

“I'll get the shampoos! Ooh, I found this papaya scented one– it smells like heaven!”

After bath time and putting a sleepy vday in her cat bed, the couple make dinner and head out on the balcony to enjoy the mildly chilly night air.

“Well I can't reveal anything yet, but I'll just say that I'm finally cracking through the glass ceiling.” Zora says, looking from her sweet boyfriend to the pale moon before her.

“I'm already proud of you.” He smiles, kissing the top of her head. She melts, giggling away.

“Thank you baby!”

“Any time. I also have some things in the works.”

“Do you, now??”

“Mmhm. Sounds like we'll both have something to reveal.”

“I'm loving it, honestly.” She laughs, him joining in.

“Me too, baby. When do you meet with your group again?”

“Tuesday! I'm so excited!” She gushes. “I joined the group chat last night and everyone welcomed me in so nicely, it was so cute, I cried a little.”

“You kill me,” he chuckles, “I'm glad they were nice to my baby. Sounds like everything you been looking for!”

“It really is, Av’! I've already got my portfolio together— I put my portfolio together! Like, who am I?” She laughs at herself, watching the smile on Leon's face widen.

“I'm so happy to see you so happy.”

She softly smiles. “You're gonna make me cry!”

“Guess we both finna be in tears,” he shrugs, still smiling at her.

“Stop it,” she playfully warns, already wiping under her eyes. “And thank you, it feels good to be back in the swing of things! I was down for so long, for too long!”

“Hey, give yourself some grace. You went through a lot, and now you're using that as fuel, yeah?”

“Yeah, truly. Ima make the art world my bitch,” she says, cheesing wide.

“That's my girl!”

@ghostfacekill-monger @thegifstories @blackerthings @planetblaque @blowmymbackout @henneseyhoe @honestpreference @blackpinup22 @abeautifulmindexposed @nayaxwrites @twistedcharismaaa @kindofaintrovert @sageispunk @madamzola @soufcakmistress @megamindsecretlair @starcrossedxwriter @slippinninque

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty-one

As soon as Leon walked through the door of Brandon's apartment, nostalgia hit him like a Mack truck.

The air still felt familiar. Every memory of their friendship within these walls came flooding back to him.

“You turned this into a bachelor pad, huh?” Leon cracks.

Brandon laughs. “Ah, had to upgrade the futon and card table at some point, right?”

Leon joined in the laughter, shaking his head. “We lived a lil rough, I won't lie.”

“We made do, though.”

“Please, our mamas woulda killed us if we didn't.”

“You right about that.” Brandon nods, as they move into the living room and take a seat.

The first conversation they've had in five years.

“So, what's up?” Leon asks.

“I wanna start by apologizing to you. I know I was a hothead and I blew you off, a lot. I said some fucked up shit to you and I can't take it back. It took me a long time to realize that you were just looking out for me, cause I just wanted to have fun with my dawg. I wasn't thinking about later in life or the consequences that would come. You were like a brother to me and it's been hell out here without friends like you in my corner.”

Leon nods, knowing it took a lot for them to get to this point, and he knew it was a genuine apology.

“It's all good, man. I said some fucked up shit to you too. I was mad for a while. A long time. Cause we was into it over crazy shit. Petty shit. Yeah, you blew me off a whole lot and I used to take up for yo ass at every stop, cause you was my boy. But I couldn't stick around for the disrespect. But, we can't go through the rest of our lives holdin’ onto that shit.”

“I understand that. I understood it then, it just pissed me off cause fuck you mean we ain't cool no more?” He laughs, Leon joining in. “I'm just glad that I could get you here and sincerely say that. I didn't know what to say for a long time. Sorry just didn't seem good enough. I'm sorry for that, too.”

“It's all good, seriously. I'm sorry, too.” Leon says.

“For what?” Brandon’s brows scrunch.

“I harbored some hatred for you when you and my sister started… whatever y'all got goin’ on. Did the usual overbearing brother thing, but she was hellbent on you becoming a stand-up dude, and I can see that she wasn't lying. It was just so weird to me.”

“I get it, honestly. I mean, that's your little sister. I would never disrespect either of you, things just sorta happened. We knew how it looked and I knew that you and I needed to talk.”

“Well again, I appreciate that man. And just as long as I ain't gotta knock your head between the stove and refrigerator, I'm cool with you and Eryn doing what y'all doing.”

“I know that came straight from the heart.” Brandon nods before laughing.

“I'm glad you know,” Leon says, laughing as well.

“Now that all of that is out the way, what's new with you? Cause I did hear about a girlfriend.”

“Man, ima marry that woman.” Leon shakes his head, a smirk appearing on his lips.

“Word??” Brandon asks, cocking his head to the side.

“No doubt about it.”

“Damn, what's that like?”

And boy, did Leon spend the next almost hour filling his old friend in on everything he'd experienced with Zora thus far.

“Am I invited to the wedding, at least?”

“Come on man, of course!”

They slapped hands and hugged like the brothers they've always been.

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Returning back to his apartment, Leon was immediately greeted by his yawning girlfriend, as she decided to stay up and wait for him.

“Hey baby,” he says, placing a kiss on her forehead as she wraps her arms around him, swaying in their hug as usual.

“Hey, how'd everything go?”

“It went well, actually. We both apologized to each other, caught up like old friends and he's invited to our wedding now, whenever that is.” He snorts, making her join in with her own laughter.

“I'm glad y'all made up, that puts me at so much ease, cause now you're at ease.” She says, rubbing his back.

He smiles, kissing her nose. “Me too, baby. Is that why you're still up?”

“Yeah, I thought something happened. I contemplated on calling you, but then I heard the door unlock.” She smiles.

“You still sleepy?” He asks.

“Eh, not so much anymore. We can still jump back in the bed though. I'm freezing.”

“I'll say,” he steps back to look over her attire, which consists of one of his sweatshirts pulled over her nightgown and fuzzy socks.

“What?” She laughs, playfully smacking his cheek as he shakes his head, his eyes landing back on her face.

“You look beautiful.” He says before scooping her up in his arms and carrying her back into his room.

Back under the covers and in each others arms, the couple flip through the channels to find something to watch.

“Martin?”

“Nah. Half & Half is on tv??” Zora squints, making Leon snicker.

“Did you forget your contacts again?”

“No, I just didn't wanna put them back in yet cause I might fall asleep again soon. I brought my glasses, I just need to get them out of my bag.”

Without another word, he hands her the remote and slides out the bed to retrieve them for her.

“Thank you,” she giggles, putting them on.

“No problem, is that what you wanted to watch?”

“Mmm… nah, let's see what else is on. It's just interesting that it's accessible like that. It's hard finding what you used to watch all the time.”

“Yeah, you right. I remember how hype I was when they brought Jamie back into the rotation.”

“See, he's better than Martin!”

“Yeah, I have to agree.”

“He was way too sexual for me, personally.”

“Yeah, what you be saying? Men are gross? I agree.”

“Good. Plus, you're not a man, you're an angel.” She kisses his face, making him laugh.

“And you're not a woman, you're a goddess.” He pulls her closer to him, continuing to flip through the channels.

“Ooh, my girls!” She all but yells as Living Single pops up.

“There we go.” He chuckles, sitting the remote down.

“Oh, it's one of my favorite ones too!”

“This the one where they were in a singing group?”

“The flavorettes, yes!”

“O had that nasty ass piece on his head, man.” He snickers.

“That was so ugly, I agree. It was so cute how he was still smitten by Synclaire and she was being so mean!” Zora laughs.

“We like that shit.”

“We know,” she responds, still laughing.

After watching Max fall of the stage and get hit with roses, she dozed off again, this time more comfortably since Leon was back underneath her.

“I love you.” He whispers, kissing her forehead.

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“I don't wanna work here anymore.” Zora mumbles to herself as she leans on the bar.

“Then quit!”

“Not that simple,” she sighs, tapping her nails against the freshly disinfected countertop.

As if on cue, the restaurant phone rings.

“Thank you for calling the pub, what can I get you?”

“Yeah, let me get the Wednesday special and a side of Zora Jean!” Nique says before cracking up into the phone.

“Girl!” Zora laughs, covering her mouth and looking around her area.

“What do you want, man?”

“What time do you get off?”

“Six, why?”

“You'll see when we get there. I'll meet you at your place.”

“Do I need to dress up or something?”

“Nope. No more questions! See ya later, love you, bye!”

After work, freshly showered and dressed down in her comfy sweatsuit and uggs, she trudges towards her best friend's car as the wind picks up.

“Hey, lover!” Nique greets once Zora’s situated inside.

“Hey! Where’re we going?”

“You'll see,” she sings, before pulling out of the lot and to their destination.

“So, how was your day?”

“Tiring. I think I'm kinda ready to let it go, friend.” Zora sighs, sticking her finger in the middle of her curly bun to scratch.

“Really?” Nique smirks. “Why what happened?”

“Nothing happened,” she laughs. “I'm just kinda over being there. And I know, we talk about it all the time and I continue to stick it out and I've made it work for me, so it's been extra great.. but I'm not feeling it anymore. The money isn't even worth it.”

“It's okay to feel burnt out. That's why I've always been pro-fuck that job. And no, I'm not gonna insist that you come work with me, I know we're past that. But this could be a good thing for you. You wanna find a new job?”

“No, I need a revamp on my career, as a whole. I wanna… I wanna be the artist of my dreams, again.” She somberly smiles, looking toward the window as her emotions slowly take hold of her.

Nique looks in her direction for a split second, unable to hide her smile.

“I was hoping you'd say that.”

Looking back in her direction, Zora begins to ask what she meant, but then she begins to recognize her surroundings.

“Dominique.”

“Zora-Jean.”

“The Mint?”

“The one and only, babe.” She cheeses, just as Zora covers her face, unable to hold her tears in any longer.

“Oh my god,” she sobs.

“Oh, Jean. Don't cry on me!”

Coming to a red light, she consoles her best friend, rubbing her back with her free hand.

“It's okay, I've been feeling like crying for weeks now. You know how I hold shit in— but, seriously this is so surreal. You just know what I'm thinking and how to execute it every single time. Who are you!” She hysterically asks, making them both laugh as the light turns back green.

“The greatest friend in the world— at least that's what my badge says.” She shrugs.

“Jesus,” Zora playfully scoffs, wiping her wet face.

“Seriously, though. Thank you.”

“Come on, you know you deserve this. It's been in the works for almost six years!”

“Ugh, that's so depressing. Isn't it?”

“Nah. It would be depressing if you still wanted to come home covered in grease after six years. You've had your epiphany and now it's time to plan!”

“You said it! I'm ready.”

“That's all I need to hear!”

Moving inside the spacious museum, the two look around and begin formulating their ideas.

“Wow, I haven't been out here in so long.” Zora looks around in awe.

“Yeah, they rightfully changed some shit around! It was starting to get stale in here.”

“Hm, what pieces could I put in here?”

“All of them?” Nique looks at her like she'd just grown a second head.

“Stop looking at me like that! I'm just asking. I also need to create so much more.”

“Mmhm, get that portfolio together and fast. You know we gotta start making ourselves real familiar with these people. “

“Yes, mom. I'm on it.” 

Ch 22

It feels good to be back.

@ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @honestpreference @thegifstories @harmshake @henneseyhoe @headcannonxgalore @blackpinup22 @motheroffae @mauvecherie-writes @blackerthings @megamindsecretlair @abeautifulmindexposed @blowmymbackout

[miyuhpapayuh]

eighteen.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Zora asks, plopping down beside his slumped body on the couch.

“Craig saw Eryn out with my old best friend. It's just fucking me up a little bit.” He says with his hand covering his face, his headache doubling by the second.

“Oh,” she says softly, rubbing his back, not knowing what else to say.

“Have you talked to her?”

“I was about to head her way, actually. Just tryna clear my head before I blank on her.”

“Yeah, definitely talk it out with a leveled head. As leveled as can be, given the circumstances.” She nods.

He sighs, removing his hand to place it on the one that's still sitting in her lap. “Why didn't she tell me?”

“Maybe she was waiting for the right moment.” She answers.

“There's no right moment for this.”

“Maybe she knows that, too.”

“Then, why not come and talk to me? Am I that scary?”

“Maybe— maybe she's not exactly scared of you, but what the outcome would be. I mean, you're her brother. Y'all have a tight bond. I'm sure she's nervous.”

“You sure? Or you know?” He asks, looking up at her now.

“Huh?” She asks, hoping he can't feel the way her heart leapt into her throat.

“Did she run this by you already?” He asks, squeezing her hand lightly.

“S-she might've,” she stammers, “but I told her immediately that she needed to talk to you.”

He nods, before standing up from the couch. She instantly felt bad.

“Leon, I'm sorry. I told her that I didn't wanna be in the middle of it.”

“It's okay. I'm not mad at you.” He shrugs, looking around for his keys.

“You sure?” She asks.

“Positive. It's just killing me how she needed to talk to somebody else before her own brother. Maybe that bond ain't as tight as I thought.” He shrugs again.

Zora sighs. “Now you know that's not true. She just needed advice from someone that doesn't have all the inside information— someone who sees the situation as black and white and can give her a clear direction. It has nothing to do with your bond. I mean, haven't you ever gone to your mama about something between the two of y'all? Even one of your boys? Just to see someone else's perspective before you bring it to that person?” She asks, watching him still look around for his keys.

“Yeah, sure I have. I ain't never hung out with one of her friends behind her back though. Never thought about it. But yet..” he trails off, shrugging yet again, really tearing up Zora’s nerves.

“Leon, wha—”

“Ya know,” he cuts her off, clasping his hands together in front of him. “I can't do this right now. I don't wanna blank on you cause you don't deserve that, so I'm just asking that we just taper this off, okay? I got what you're saying and I appreciate you for telling her to talk to me. I'm not mad at you, this is just really irritating me.” He sighs.

Pursing her lips together, she nods, not saying anything more. She wasn't expecting that from him.

Finally locating his keys, he exhaled roughly and pulled out his phone, shooting Eryn a text that he was on his way so they could talk.

“Okay, I'm gonna head on over there. Will you be here when I get back?” He asks, moving to kneel in front of her.

“I don't know. I might just head home.” She says, not looking him straight in the eye. “I gotta work early tomorrow.”

A look of hurt flashes over his face, but he nods anyway. “I hurt your feelings.”

Still not looking at him, she nods. “It's cool. I get it. It's a touchy subject.”

“I'm sorry, baby. I didn't– I didn't mean to cut you off like that. It is a touchy subject, but that's no excuse.”

She raises her brows in agreement, still having nothing to say.

“Zora.” He calls out, covering her hands with his own.

“I hear you, Leon. Go talk to your sister. We're fine.” She smiles, her eyes finally finding his own. He still wasn't convinced, though.

“Can I have a kiss?” He asks, fearing she'd deny him.

However, she leaned in and placed a sweet one on him. It didn't linger like usual, but he understood.

“Okay,” he says, not wanting to leave now. “I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Yeah, you'll see me.” She smiles, pulling her hands from his.

Standing back up straight, he stuffs his keys in his pocket and looks at her one more time.

“I love you.”

“Love you, too.” She says back, while he reluctantly heads out the door.

She lets out the shaky breath she hadn't known she was holding in, along with a sob as her emotions get to her.

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“So, I got a call from Craig. He was tellin’ me about your lil lunch date with Brandon.” Leon gets straight to the point, watching Eryn’s face scrunch up.

“What was he doing? Spying on me?”

“Nah, just happened to see you. What were you doing, sitting across from that– from him. What's that about?”

“We were just catching up, honestly. We ran into each other when I was down in Florida and he wanted to stay in touch. He even said when the time was right, he wanted to see you.”

“When the time was right.” He repeats, scoffing to himself. “Wassup with y'all and right timing?”

“What's wrong with that?”

“Sometimes ain't no right time, Eryn. That's what you was waiting on, too, right?”

“Yes, cause look at you. Mad as fuck, understandably, but I know you're not tryna hear nothing I have to say, cause I ain't tell you right away. That's where it stops for you.”

“Really? You think I came all the way here for that? Yeah, I'm pissed cause it's been months since you've been talking to that bozo, but I'm still just tryna figure out why you're even doing it. What is this, E?” He asks, almost pleading.

She frowns, chewing on her lip. “I uh.. I like the guy.”

She'd said it so low, he almost thought he heard her incorrectly, but he knew what she said.

“Hm.” He nods, finally sitting down on a barstool. “You like him.”

“I- yeah. I know how it sounds, and that's why I wanted to wait to tell you. I wasn't sure what was going on between us and I didn't wanna start anything with anybody.” She stresses, while he just stares at her.

He snorts. “You're serious?”

“See?,” she scoffs, waving him off. “You can go back home if that's how you're gonna be.”

“How I'm gonna be. Eryn, there's no way you think this is cool, for real. It's nice to know that I fall out with muhfuckas and you pick ‘em up like charity cases. What, you buildin’ a man outta him or sumn?”

“You know, he's really changed. I'm not doing anything but seeing him for who he's trying to be. I mean, isn't this what you always wanted for him?? To be better??” She argues.

“Yeah, of course but when the fuck did that involve dating someone five years younger than him?? Why can't you find somebody else to fool around with?” He asks, regretting his word choice as soon it left his mouth.

Her head jerks back. “Fool around with? Damn, I'm a whore now, too?”

“That's not what I meant. This is just so ridiculous! You're too smart to be chasing behind him or anybody, like he could get you into a world of trouble. I've seen him do it to other people, and you just takin’ his word for it cause he makin’ you feel special.”

“I'm n-not going into this blindly, Leon.”

“But, you're not listening to me either. Brandon is not a good dude. You haven't even told me how he's even been keeping this detrimental promise to you. Huh? How is he gonna make sure I don't have to black both of his eyes?!”

“Always threatening to fight somebody is a character flaw,” she nonchalantly responds, over and done with the conversation at this point.

“Man, fuck you Eryn. I come over here, tryna make sense of all of this and you just sit here in my face, not even caring how this shit looks. I just hope it doesn't get ugly for you.”

“It's already ugly, right?? Since you know everything! I try and figure out a way to bring this news to you, myself. and I got friends beating me to the punch, cause I guess we can't just have lunch with people anymore.”

“It's more than just lunch, Eryn.” He stresses for the millionth time. “How'd you feel if one of them bitches you ain't like no more was calling my phone, wanting to see me and take me out to dinner? Wantin' to be friends with your brother behind your back and you hear about it from me when I'm ready. How would that shit make you feel?”

She sighs, her eyes darting around the room now.

“I… I see what you're saying.” She nods, sighing as a tear falls. She quickly wiped it away and he hates that it softens his rage, cause he was far from finished but he sighed and went to sit beside her anyway.

“I'm sorry about the name calling and everything,” he says, reaching up to wipe another tear away from his baby sister's face.

“I didn't mean for it to go down like this. You gotta believe me.” She whispers, looking up at him now.

“I know.” He nods. “I just want you to think about it. Really think. I'm not just upset ‘cause you're my little sister. I'm upset because regardless of whatever time we've spent apart, he should've reached out to me as soon as this was going on, and he definitely shouldn't be waiting for you to do it. It's a respectful thing to do.”

“Yeah, I understand. I just— he was being so nice and I haven't had the nicest relationships as of late, so maybe I did jump ‘cause of that. Maybe he is lying about being a better man. And I did take everything that happened to you two in consideration. Of course I did. I haven't done anything but sit across from him in public places. He hasn't been here, I haven't been over to his place. We haven't kissed or anything cause I knew how dumb that woulda been. I knew that.” She frowns, wiping away another tear.

Sighing to himself, he pulls her into a hug. “You're smarter than I've been giving you credit for.” He softly digs, earning a sock to his ribs and a muffled laugh.

“Shut up!”

“I'm just sayin’,” he shrugs, still rubbing her back. “But I'm glad we could talk. I really didn't come over to make you cry. But I needed you to understand where I was coming from.”

“Yeah, I know. I do appreciate the tough love, but I also would appreciate it if you toned it down a bit. I'm a bit more sensitive these days, as you can see.” She points to her tomato red face, and he softly laughs for the first time.

“Yeah, I can do that.” He nods. “So we're good?”

“Yeah, we're good.” She nods, sighing to herself.

“Okay. What happens next?”

“Uh.. I tell Brandon to find someone else?”

“Sounds like a great next step to me.”

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Making it halfway through her shift, Zora was beyond tired and still a bit sad from the previous day.

It was exactly why she didn't wanna be involved in whatever Eryn and Leon had going on. She knew how touchy those sibling situations could be.

She didn't wanna be at odds with him because of it, but him cutting her off really threw her for a loop.

Wiping down a table, she hears the chimes on the door go off, her eyes carrying her to the man of the hour, holding a bouquet of roses.

Unable to stop the frown from forming on her lips, she looks up at him as he stops in front of her, an uneasy look covering his face.

“Let's uh,” she trails off as they move to the side.

“Hey,” he starts. “I wasn't gonna let the day go by without truly expressing to you how sorry I am for yesterday. I feel like I triggered you and that's the last thing I wanted to do. You know I love you more than anything. I hated making you feel that way. No matter how frustrated or angry I get, I don't ever wanna blow up on you cause that's not fair. You don't deserve that.”

“Every day's not gonna be perfect.” She softly says, as she leans on the counter while they're not too busy.

“Of course not, but still I wanna vow to do better. You're far too important to me. I don't ever want to hurt you.” He stresses, and she can see the sincerity all in his big brown eyes.

“I accept your apology.”

“You do?” He asks, blowing out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

“Yes. I know yesterday was a lot for you. Even though I was beside myself, I knew you didn't mean it.”

“I swear I didn't, baby. As much as I love to hear you talk, I hope you'd understand that. It was just so much going on in my head, I just c-couldn't focus.”

“It's okay,” she assures him, touching his arm. “I know.”

Sitting the flowers on the counter, he couldn't help himself from pulling her into a hug and burying his face into her neck, inhaling the sweet scent that kept him up last night.

“Couldn't even sleep right without you,” he mumbles, semi-squishing her in the process. She laughs and holds on tight, feeling her tears come right back up.

Pulling away, her hands quickly found her face and he felt bad all over again.

“Oh, baby I'm so so sorry.” He coos, prying her hands away and wiping every last tear away, pulling her right back into his chest.

He knew how much she hated crying, and being the cause made him feel like the worst guy in the world.

“I-I'm fine. I just didn't get any sleep last night, and this really bothered me. Please don't treat me like that again.” She pleads, looking him straight in the eye.

His heart could jump out of his body right now, at the look on her face. “I-I promise. Never again.”

“Okay,” she softly responds. “I missed you.”

“You have no idea how much I missed you,” he stresses, pulling her right back into another hug, squishing her again.

“You're gonna suffocate me!” She squeals, playfully beating on his back as he rocks them side to side. “But uh, you can always make it up to me.”

Anything you want, baby.”

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Carrying her into his apartment, she audibly gasped at the many vases of roses littering the countertops.

A box of the good chocolate and a promise to make her favorite meal made her happily swing her feet back and forth in his hold.

She smiles as he plops her down on his bed, heading into his closet to retrieve a bath and body works bag, full of goodies.

“Aw, what's this?” She asks as she looks inside.

“Another I'm sorry gift. I know how you love your sprays, so I replenished them and got you a couple bath bombs since you liked the last one so much.”

“How sweet of you, thank you baby.” She pulls him in for a kiss, feeling a spark hit them both as they pull away.

“I love you.” He says.

“I love you, too.” She responds.

An hour goes by and Zora's soaking in the tub, surrounded by pink tinted bubbles while Leon is at her side, rubbing her feet with his magical hands.

Her favorite song is currently playing on the stereo, while they both hum along, stealing glances at each other.

You're the only one to keep me sane

You

I know no matter what, we're gonna be ok

We cool

Ain't no folding, we growing

Bloom like a rose

Through vines

Every single moment,

every single sacrifice

You're worth it

I don't doubt it

Yeah, you're worth the compromise

Maeta’s sweet voice carries on, setting the tone for their night. No matter what, they needed to have each other.

“Even on the ugly days, I still choose you.” Zora says, pulling him out of his deep concentration, her feet feeling soft and brand new now.

He smiles at her, pressing kisses to her skin. “I never take it for granted.”

Soon wrapping her up in a towel and carrying her back to his room, he dries her down and lotions her up from head to toe, dressing her in one of his favorite t-shirts and nothing more.

“I might just fall asleep, right now.” She jokes, her heavy lids about to give way. She looks so comfy in his bed, propped up on his pillows.

“Go ahead, baby. I'll start cooking in like an hour or so, give you some time.” He softly speaks, helping lull her to sleep.

“Can you lay with me? Please?” She asks, reaching out for him with her eyes closed, making him smile and climb right in, holding her like she'd slip away.

“Mmm, I missed this.” She mumbles, getting more than comfortable.

“Me too. Sweet dreams, sweet stuff.”

About an hour or so later, she woke up in bed alone, smelling the delicious food from where she lay.

Rubbing her eyes, she pulls the comfy covers back to get up, just as he's coming into the room with her plate. They smile at each other for the thousandth time.

“Hey, dinner in bed?” He asks.

“Hm, yeah why not?” She agrees, pulling the covers right back over her lap and sitting up. He pulls out a tray table to sit her plate upon so she doesn't have to hold it.

Shrimp alfredo stares back at her, making her mouth water. She licks her lips and looks up at him, who's anticipating her first bite just as much as she.

“Get your food, babe. Come sit.” She says, patting the space beside her.

Immediately leaving and returning with his own place, two glasses and a bottle of white wine, he makes himself comfortable right beside her, pulling another tray table up to sit everything onto.

“For you, beautiful.” He says, handing her a glass half full.

“Thank you, handsome.” She replies, taking a few sips before taking a couple bites of her food.

“Mmm,” she hums a laugh, “this is so good!”

“Yeah? Not too salty?”

“No, it's perfect. It's got a kick to it, which I appreciate as a spice connoisseur.” She giggles, reaching up to pat his back for him, making him laugh.

“I'm so glad you love it, baby. Had to win you all the way back over, tonight. I knew that would do the trick.”

“Aw, you really couldn't stand it could you?”

“Not at all.” He shakes his head, frowning as the image of her wet face comes back to his mind. He reaches out to caress her cheek, “I fucked up bad, knowing all of what you went through with that jerk and here I was, pretty much pushing you off just like that. I coulda kicked myself in the ass, the way you were brushing me off. That's never where I wanna be with you. Ever.”

Covering his hand with one of her own, she leans into his touch. Her pretty brown eyes look at him with all the adoration and understanding in the world.

“I'm glad you knew just how deep that hurt me. That shows me that you truly do love me, even on the sticky days. Shows I made the right decision in choosing you. All those times I spent telling you about what I wanted and what I didnt, didn't go out the window. It's not all overnight, I know… but as long as you're trying, I can't ever stay too mad. Now, that doesn't mean do it again,” she smiles, watching him crack up and pull her closer to him.

“I will never, I promise. I swore to give you a stress-free life and that's what I'm gonna do. I'll stick to my promises.” He says, holding out his pinky, cheesing as she links hers around his own.

“I'm so glad we made up,” he continues. “Coming back to an empty apartment blew my whole world up. I knew you wouldn't be here when I got back, which made me not even wanna leave.”

“I know, but I felt like you needed some time alone— I know I did. I was crying way too much for you to see me like that.” She softly laughs.

“I'm so sorry.” He says again for the thousandth time.

“Stop apologizing. It's okay, we're okay.”

“You sure? Nothing else you need me to do?” He asks. “I'm on my knees, ready to please.”

She smirks. “We'll keep that in mind, but seriously, I'm fine. I forgive you, we are good. Just keep your promises.”

Ch 19

@thegifstories @blackerthings @cecereads209 @nayaxwrites @ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @soufcakmistress @honestpreference @nayaesworld @neewrites @blowmymbackout @harmshake @henneseyhoe @twistedcharismaaa @abeautifulmindexposed

[miyuhpapayuh]

seventeen.

Happy new year!

Champagne is popped, confetti is flying through the air of the spacious club as the crowd hollers and smooches it up with their lover. A major smash up of the previous year's hits plays, keeping the party jumping.

Tugging at the back of her skirt for the thousandth time, Zora follows Leon, hand in hand, as they head back to the expansive bar.

“What round are we on, beautiful?” He asks with a laugh.

“Four or five,” she shrugs, hopping up on the barstool with his assistance.

He snorts, soon clinking his glass to hers and knocking back the dark liquor. The sting had long gone.

“Aren't you glad we ditched our plans of sitting on the couch?” She asks, pulling him just a bit closer to her.

He looks down at her, shaking his head. “I suppose. I look pretty fly and I got you on my arm, so..”

“Shut up,” she playfully punches his arm, letting out a giggle that he hears over the music. He smirks, looming over her just a bit more, reducing her to nothing but giggles.

“Stop it,” she faux whines, while he kisses every part of her face. He chuckles since her hand was still on his arm.

“Cut it out,” he laughs, pulling his face away from hers anyway.

“Hey, it's the lovely couple!” Cory stumbles over the pair, who might as well be sending fiery lasers through him.

Leon doesn't even let him get so much as a sniff of Zora, before blocking her completely, coming face to face with the audacious bastard.

Laughing at him to make matters worse, Cory places his hand on Leon's shoulder. “I'm not here to steal your girl, tonight, my guy–” his words are replaced with a yelp as his arm gets twisted behind him.

“Lost your fucking mind.” Leon simply says, pushing him so he stumbles in a completely different direction, far away from them.

“Come back if you fuckin’ want to!” He shouts after him.

Zora sighs as he turns back to her, making sure she was good. She nods, asking him the same question.

“He pisses me off so fucking bad, it's insane.” He blows out a breath.

“That makes two of us,” she agrees, reaching up to rub his bearded cheek, “always my hero, though!”

“You know I got you, baby.”

Soon making their way back to the dance floor, the deejay's switched to playing 90’s r&b. Everyone's favorite.

“Zora?” A voice that disgusts her to her very core sounds, even stilling Leon behind her.

“Who is that?” He asks, looking around the crowd.

“Sounds like my ex,” she sighs, staring the bastard right in the face as he begins to walk towards her.

“Wait a minute..” Leon says out loud, squinting at the woman that's following behind him. No way.

“Zora,” he repeats once he's closer to her. “That is you!”

“Yeah,” she responds, not bothering to mask her facial expression. “It's me.”

“You look great!”

“I always do.” She scoffs.

“Mhm,” he hums, looking her up and down, making her feel super exposed all of a sudden.

“Leon!?” The woman beside him points, to which he nods.

“Mhm.”

“Wow,” she says, making Zora look in her direction. “You look so good. Always have.”

Clearing his throat and ignoring her compliment, he looks in Zora's direction, who’s still glaring at her.

“Baby, this is Candy. Candy, this is Zora, my girlfriend.”

Candy holds out her hand, which Zora just stares at before looking back at her face. “I'm good. Heard lots about you.”

Candy snatches her hand back to her side, fighting the scoff that sits in her throat.

“Nice to meet you, too.” She mumbles.

“You gonna introduce me to your friend, here?” Leon asks, draping his arm over her shoulder.

“Jeremy, this is my boyfriend, Leon. Leon, this is my ex.” She gestures between the two, unenthusiastically.

Jeremy doesn't even lift his hand, in fear of getting done the same way as Candy.

“Oh, yeah. Heard bout you, too.” Leon scoffs.

He nods. “I understand. I wasn't a good dude.”

“The worst, yeah,” he responds without missing a beat.

“Probably still ain't shit.” Zora chimes in, feeling the liquor now.

“I deserve that, too.”

“You deserve my foot up your ass. Again.” She humorlessly laughs, looking up at Leon, overly done with the interaction.

“You ready?” She asks, not even getting a verbal response as he leads them around the couple.

Back at the bar, Zora knocks back two more shots, her nerves are beyond frazzled. The soothing circles Leon is rubbing on her knee are only doing so much.

“I could really beat his ass if you want me to.” He coos in her ear, finally earning a sliver of a smile, while she weighs her options.

“Mm.. nah. Just wasn't expecting or ready to see him.” She admits, placing a hand on top of his.

“I understand, baby. But, you handled it better than you think.”

“Yeah? Threatening to whoop his ass twice was nice?” She asks sarcastically.

“He deserved it and knew it,” he shakes his head. “He’ll be fine and so will you.”

“Yeah, you right.” She nods.

“I know, now come back and dance with me.”

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The party might've ended at three, but that didn't stop the two from catching a lyft back to her apartment, jumping into their sweats and starting a movie marathon.

She's nestled comfortably between his long legs, his arms caged around her, providing more warmth than her sweaters ever could.

First up was Aquamarine. One of Zora's favorites.

Nothing but hiccuped laughter and slightly incoherent commentary are heard through the dimly lit area.

“I want starfish earrings so bad,” she sighs.

“Yeah? We gotta find you some, then.” He responds.

“Really? Can they be orange? That's my favorite color.”

“I,” he takes a pause to laugh, “I know, baby. And of course, anything you want.” He leans down to kiss her forehead.

She laughs at herself. “Let's get you a pair, too— green, of course. Cause that's your favorite– color.” She hiccups again.

“Aw, you wanna twin with me, Jean?”

“Hell yeah, Av!” She yells a bit louder than necessary, snorting shortly after. “Coolest guy on the planet.”

“Stop it,” he waves her off like she can see him, feeling his face get hot, and not just from the alcohol.

“Seriously,” she turns in his hold to look him in the eyes, literally. “The coolest!”

“What's so.. what's so cool ‘bout me?” He asks, unable to stop the widespread grin on his face.

“You're smart, and not just like a book smart type of way, but like a commonsensical person. That's so rare to find, ya know?”

“Yeah, we ran into three of the opposite, tonight!” He cracks, making her fall over in laughter.

“That was way too much to deal with, oh my gosh.”

“Yeah, it killed my mood by a thou, and you were upset after. That made it worse.”

“Yeah, but you cheered me up!”

“Still. I could kick his ass. It's easier now, knowing what he looks like.” He smirks.

“See, that's another thing that makes you so cool to me. Kickin’ ass in my honor.” She fondly shakes her head at him.

“I'll kill him if you want me to,” he shrugs, snickering as she hits him with a pillow.

“Unnecessary.”

“Is it?” He squints.

“Yes! Just kick his ass!” She laughs.

“I can??”

“Leon!”

“Zora!?”

They stare at each other for a split second, before bursting out into laughter again.

“You're stupid,” she says, looking back towards the tv and grabbing for the remote, “aw, we're missing it! Now we gotta go back.”

“Wait,” he says. “What else?”

“What else, what?” She asks back, almost forgetting what they were originally talking about.

“Oh!” She exclaims before he can jog her memory. “Right, right.” She sits the remote back down, this time pausing the movie.

“Let's see… your clothes are dope, that's why I steal ‘em. You're so pretty, which is also cool! You're a literal chef, and you cannot tell me differently, cause most men can't even cook a hot pocket.”

He chuckles hard at that. “Craig could actually live off those things.”

“Really? Yuck! He gotta get his shit together, there's better options out there!” She yells more than whispers.

“Ah, let him rock. It reminds him of simpler times, or whatever the fuck he be sayin’.” He says, making her laugh and leave it alone.

“But, again, my mama made sure we knew how to cook. I'm no chef, but I'll take your compliment.”

“You could have a five star restaurant.” She nods, ignoring him.

“Yeah? You put that much faith behind me?”

“I'll kick you out, right now.” She laughs, making him do the same. “Yes! What kind of question? Main dish would be that rack of lamb you made that time. My god, was it delicious.”

“Yeah? You liked it?”

“Loved it, babe.”

He smiles, welcoming the kiss she placed on his lips.

“I guess I am pretty cool, huh?”

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“While we've about twenty minutes to spare, I need to talk to you about something.” Eryn says to Zora.

“Okay, what's up?”

“So, I'm in a bit of a pickle. When I went back to Florida, I met— well, re-linked is the better word— yeah, re-linked with this guy and we've been talking ever since, just getting to know each other all over again.”

“Aw, that's so cool!”

“Yeah… I guess it would depend on who you talk to about it.”

“Why? Who is it?”

“It's my brother's ex best friend.” 

“Eryn,” Zora sighs.

“I know, I know. But he's changed! He's so sweet now, god he used to be such a jerk! He's gotten himself together since they used to run together and shit. I know how it looks, but that's why I wanted to talk to you about it.”

“Well, I'm not really the person you should talk to you, Eryn. You know you gotta tell Leon.” She softly responds, placing her hand on top of the younger girl's.

She sighs, nodding in understanding. “Yeah, I got it. I just… you ever need someone else's perspective besides your sister's?”

“Of course! But, I still end up taking it to my sisters at the end of the day. I just think it'll be sticky if you get other people involved.”

“I'm not trying to pull you into the middle of all of this, I swear. I just think you're so cool and sweet and maybe you had some insight on how I should handle this.”

Zora frowns at the compliment, sighing to herself. “You're gonna get me in so much trouble.”

“I'm not, I swear!” She holds her hands up in surrender.

“Okay, okay.. are you ready to tell him?”

“Mmm… no, actually. I'm terrified— and not because that's his friend, but because that's my brother. He's always been there for me, and I really feel like I'm letting him down right now.”

“While I understand, don't beat yourself up. I mean, it's not like you don't wanna tell him. You're just trying to find the right way.”

“Right!”

“But,” she adds, “sometimes you just gotta rip the bandaid off.”

Before she can say any more, the girls make their way to the table, hugging and kissing Zora and Eryn.

“Hey, y'all!” They greet, finding their seats around the table.

“Nice of y'all to finally join us,” Zora snorts.

“Please spare us this time! The traffic was terrible.” Nique says.

“Eh, it's a new year. I guess I have no choice but to spare you just this once.”

“Such the angel baby!”

“So, what did we miss?!” Lovita asks, getting straight to the point.

“I ran into Jeremy last night at the club.” Zora says, making everyone's jaw hit the table.

“Wait… the ex that….” Eryn starts and pauses, making sure her story was right.

“Tried to break into her car with another bitch? The same one he cheated on her with?? Yeah. Yeah, that's him.” Nique answers.

“Did you knock him through the wall??” Nique asks.

Zora giggles. Hard.

“Stop laughing girl, I'm serious!”

“I know! My goodness,” she exasperates, wiping underneath her eyes. “I didn't lay a finger on that bitch. He's lucky I didn't throw a drink in his face or sumn.”

“Was he with a girl?” Eryn asks.

“Was he! Of all women he could be linked up with, why did it have to be Leon's ex-girlfriend?!” She asks, watching their jaws drop again.

“Oh my god! Candy??” Eryn asks, to which Zora nods.

“That whore you told us about??” Nique chimes in.

“Nique! Don't call her that,” Neoma shakes her head. “The correct term is jezebel.”

“Oh yes, my bad.”

“So, what did you do?”

“I honestly tried my best to ignore him. He saw me before I saw him and headed right over to us like we were long lost friends or something.”

“That audacious bastard.” Lovita says with a shake of her head.

“Same shit I thought, girl. Talking ‘bout some, “you look great”, like duh. Of course I do.”

“Right. What he thought?!”

“What he look like now?”

“Shit.” She snorts, making them join in.

“This girl,” Nique says through giggles. “She's stupid!”

“And correct!” Lovita squeals, holding out her phone for everyone to look at a picture off his instagram page.

“How'd you…”

“I never forget a bitch.” She smirks.

“Lord. Ugly, ain't he?”

“Girl, yeah.” Neoma says, not even giving the picture a second glance.

She never liked him. Always knew something was wrong.

“Ya know, I always knew something was up with his ass.” She continues.

“I know, Ne. From the day I met him.” Zora assures her.

“Not everybody needs the benefit, just the doubt.”

“Girl, shut up!”

After the most lively lunch possible, the girls head to their cars to part ways, promising to get back together the following weekend.

“Remember what I said, Eryn.” Zora says, before kissing her cheek.

“Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.”

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Neoma and Craig are sitting in the middle of the food court for their weekly date, chowing down on lo mein from their favorite Chinese spot.

“How was work yesterday?” She asks him.

“I don't know what it is about the beginning of the year that just makes people act an ass, but that's all I've been hit with lately.” He grumbles.

“Really??”

“Yeah, everybody trippin’. Management, coworkers, consumers, hell even my mama called me the other day and was trippin’!”

“Jesus, that's too much. I'm sorry babe.” She offers, reaching across to rub his hand.

“It's alright, I had you to look forward to.” He says, pulling her hand up to kiss it, making her softly laugh.

“Really?”

“Yeah, honeybee! Love seeing your pretty face, every week.” He admits, making her blush.

Ever since they made things official, there wasn't a day where he didn't have her blushing like crazy, making her really feel and see his efforts in being a good boyfriend.

He was excelling so far.

“You're so cute.”

“I try,” he humbly shrugs.

“Do you?”

“For you, hell yeah!” He says, making her giggle again as they go back to eating.

Glancing over to his right, he does a double-take and finds Eryn sitting with some guy at a table further away.

“Oh look, it's baby E,” he comments, turning back to Neoma. “I thought she looked like somebody.”

Neoma looks in the direction he'd previously looked, nodding to herself. “Oh yeah, we all hung out a couple days ago. She's a sweetheart.”

“Yeah, she used to be a pain in our necks when she was younger.” He snorts.

“With knuckleheads like y'all as target practice? I woulda been the same way!” She giggles.

“Aye, now. We wasn't knuckleheads.” He defends.

“Boy, please! We've had enough game nights to know how y'all roll and I can only imagine what college, high school and elementary days looked like for y'all.” She laughs.

Ready to defend them again, he instead laughs at the stories coming to his brain. “You right, we were wild boys.”

“I know!” She laughs again, “you probably still got some wild left in you, too.”

“Wouldn't you like to find out.” He responds without missing a beat.

She playfully rolls her eyes at the same time a chill catches her, trying her best to shake it off.

Catching sight of who Eryn was actually sitting across from, as they passed by the table, Craig had to stop himself from snatching her away from the man altogether.

“Is she serious?” He asks out loud.

“Huh?” Neoma asks. “What happened?”

“That's Leon's old friend that she's with. Haven't seen that sorry bastard in years.”

“Oh, not a good dude?”

“Well, he wasn't. I don't know about now.”

“Well, maybe he's changed.” She shrugs.

“Yeah, but what is she doin’ with him?” He asks, more to himself than her. “Isn't that against sibling code or sumn?”

Neoma tried to stifle her giggle at his serious expression. “Craig, you need to relax a little. It's not like we saw him with his arm around her neck or kissing her. They could be catching up. Maybe she wants them to be friends again.”

He sighs, taking in her words. “Yeah, I guess that could be a possibility.”

“Do you trust her?”

“Well, it's really not about my trust, but yeah– she's a good kid. I just would hate for them to fall out over this.”

“You wanna tell him you saw them together, don't you?” She asks, already knowing.

“Yeah,” he answers, both of them laughing. “I would just hate for the shoe to be on the other foot, and nobody told me they saw my brother and a dude I used to be cool with hanging out together. We'd really have to fight.”

“Clyde wouldn't do you like that, would he?” She asks, sipping on her soda.

“Nah, cause I'd kill him.” He says, point blank. She just shakes her head.

“Well, tell Leon what you saw and leave it there. Seriously, babe.” She firms, making him smirk.

“I promise, mama. I won't overstep.”

“Good, now gimme a kiss.” She says, cupping his face from across the table, him meeting her halfway for a sweet kiss that lingers a bit.

Pulling away, she begins to wipe the little bit of gloss she has left off his lips, but he sways her away.

“I wear it proudly,” he chuckles, smiling wide at her so she can see his partial grill.

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“She was out with who?!” Leon asks for the third time, the angry crease in his forehead might as well have been permanent from how hard his brows were scrunched together.

“Brandon, bruh.” Craig repeats into the phone.

He'd called Leon as soon as he left Neoma’s place, not wanting to waste any time. He knew Leon would be hot either way, but now he was a little afraid of the outcome.

“The fuck she doin’ with him??”

“That was my same question, I shit you not. Baby girl seems to think that it's innocent, but like I told her, if Clyde hung out with somebody I wasn't cool with no more behind my back, he'd have to feel me.”

“Exactly. So, I'm finna go talk to her ass and ask her why in the blue hell she's running around with him.” He huffs, pacing the floor.

“Like has everybody lost their minds?!” He asks.

“Words right out of my mouth, again.” He nods like he can see him. “But uh.. please don't be harsh. Not too harsh, anyway.”

Leon sighs. “Not sure how level-headed ima be, but I hear you. We've had some explosive fights, I know.”

“Yeah, y'all have. The last thing you need to do is make her feel bad, especially if she had no ill intention.”

“Yeah. I got you. I'll hit you later.” He says, before hanging up and sighing deeply, pressing his thumb and index finger into the bridge of his nose.

“Fuck am I gonna do?”

Ch 18

@ghostfacekill-monger @honestpreference @essaysbyciara @cecereads209 @harmshake @thegifstories @abeautifulmindexposed @mauvecherie-writes @blackerthings @starcrossedxwriter @sheabuttahwrites @soufcakmistress @blowmymbackout @nayaesworld

[miyuhpapayuh]

fifteen

Music’s playing, candles are burning, there's no light beside the sun peeking through the curtains, shining down on her prettiest subject.

Her glass of white wine is being babysat, cause knowing her and how much of a lightweight she was, a few sips were enough.

Leon definitely took a shot before they got started, since he'd never been a model for anything. His last minute nerves made him even more adorable to Zora.

Blk Odyssy had become one of her favorite musicians, thanks to Leon and his impeccable taste. Their new album, diamonds & freaks served as the soundtrack.

Sexy lady

Got me faded

I'm intoxicated

I been watching, baby

Sexy lady

Sweet Jesus, save me

Go on, and rock me, baby

Don't stop it, baby

“Love this song,” she comments, dipping her brush into the deep red paint, using it as one of her base colors.

“I thought you would.” He replies.

“Yeah, you knew.” She hums a laugh, tilting her head to the left, following the curve she's creating for her study of her boyfriend.

“Are you painting me just like I am?” He asks.

“Well, everything above the knees. That's all I can fit in the canvas.” She answers.

“Where'd you get this idea from?” He asks, curious all of a sudden.

“My sisters actually suggested it. They were really excited that I had started painting again, and since you're my muse, it seemed like something really fun to do.” She explains, poking her head out to look at him, snickering at the focus in his face.

“Quit laughin’ at me,” he mumbles.

“Sorry, you're just so still, like you might break if you move. Relax a little.”

“I thought I needed to stay still.”

“Yeah, but not that still.”

“Hm,” he hums, staring at the back of the easel and the sliver of her face that he could see. A smile graces his face as he watches her in her comfort zone.

Still singing along to the music, she takes another sip of her wine and paints another fine line onto the canvas, super pleased with how everything is turning out.

His green button-up covers her thick frame like a dress.

Her feet were tapping against the bars of the stool, her sloppy bun, flopping around with every concentrated turn of her head.

She was just as focused, but he wasn't gonna tease her. He loved seeing this new side of her. She let him into her art world, finally.

Taking her advice and relaxing, he falls into his natural trance of her, when she readjusts the easel, giving him more than just a peek at her beautiful face.

All the while, she was looking at him and back at the canvas, perfecting every curve, dimple, divot with striking blues and oranges, deep reds and browns.

Stealing glances at him, she tugs on her lip.

She knew it was gonna be kinda distracting, but he definitely wasn't playing fair.

Flexing those big arms of his, “stretching”, was already enough and too much for her. And every time he licked his lips, her left leg would tangle with her right. He caught it each time and smirked.

Once he got to readjusting the only article of clothing he had left, her eyes diverted to his lower region and hers began to throb.

Almost finished.

“Jesus,” she mumbles to herself, shaking her head like it would clear the explicit images swimming around her mind.

“You alright over there?” He asks, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Yeah, I'm good,” she shakily answers, taking another sip, which looked more like a gulp from where he was sitting.

“You sure?” He teases.

She laughs, now looking over at him. His devious smirk does nothing to help the wet spot forming between her thighs.

“You done?” He asks.

“No.”

“I'm distracting you?”

“And, you know it.” She nods, making him laugh.

“You told me to relax. I'm just tryna follow the rules, dear.”

“Yeah, and now your friend is winkin’ at me.”

He simply shrugs. “That's your fault.”

“Mine? How?”

“Cause you're so fine. This happens every day, babe.”

“Every day?” She repeats.

“Yeah. A couple times a day.”

“Wow.”

“You've seen you, right?” He asks.

She scoffs, lifting the brush back to the canvas. “Boy, please. I can't even look you in the eye, right now.”

He snickers, moving out of his pose to further mess with her. Pulling his chair just a bit closer, he leans forward to stare at her and she keeps her eyes trained on her work.

“Zoraaa,” he drags out.

“I'm so glad I got all the details I needed, you play so much,” she laughs, trying her best to ignore his taunting.

“Come play with me,” he continues, almost making her drop her brush.

“Can you get back in your position, please?” She asks.

“Can I put you in a couple positions?” He quips, earning that eye roll that he knew was coming.

“If you let me finish… maybe.”

He holds his hands up in surrender, moving right back into his pose. Zora fans her face, no longer caring if he can see how flustered he's made her.

The next thirty minutes dragged on by and she was finally done, not even getting to sit her brush down good before being whisked over to the couch, him hovering over her.

Bruising her lips with his rough kisses, he quickly discards the scrap of lace that barely covered her ass, as well as his own briefs, before sliding into her with one fluid motion.

Gasping into the kiss, her hands cling to his broad back and shoulders, sinking her nails in as the feeling of him bottoming out with every thrust sends fire through her.

His mouth latches onto her neck, while she lets out every expletive she can think of, into the damp air of her apartment.

“Oh m— my god,” she pants, holding him so close to her body, shivering as his groans vibrate on her skin.

“You feel so damn good,” he rasps.

His tongue trails down her chest, nibbling on her breasts as he rips the shirt open, squeezing her flesh into his big hands, driving her crazy as she cradles his head.

Her feet are pressed against his chest and he leans up to do more damage, his hips rutting against her ass that's hanging off the couch. She looks up at him in disbelief.

His hands have her ankles bound, as she cries and writhes underneath him. Her hands move up and down his arms, back down to scratch his hips as it gets too good.

“Fuc– king me so— good,” she squeals, catching both of them off guard as she releases all over him. His thumb finds her clit, making matters slipperier.

“Yeah, gimme all that shit, baby.” He moans, encouraging another orgasm to happen right on the spot. Her edges were back curly by this point.

“C’mere,” she whispers, pulling him back down to her level to swallow his every breath in a kiss. Her cramped legs wrap around his waist, pulling him closer if that were even possible.

Pulling away, he smirks down at her, taking her in, breathless, sweaty, hungry for more as she stares back at him, ready for his next move.

“So beautiful,” he says, dragging his thumb across her parted bottom lip, “why don't you pose for me, now.”

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Once she got around to actually taking in her painting, she was super pleased with how it came out. So was Leon.

“Can I just say, I'm flattered.” He smirks, cracking up at the look she gives him.

“Stop it,”

“Seriously. That's literally me.” He exclaims, pulling her into his side.

“All of me.” He mumbles, hearing her disapproving groan sound through the space.

“Leon, please!” She laughs. “But, you really like it?”

“Love it, sweet stuff. I told you. Art gallery.” He says, smiling down at her.

She smiles back up at him, shaking her head. “Nah, not yet.”

He raises a brow at her, earning a brighter smile.

“Not yet, huh? So you're getting closer to putting yourself out there?” He excitedly asks.

“Yeah, I thought about what you said and it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm just nervous, ya know?”

“Why?”

“I feel stunted. Like, I gave everything up to be someone's doormat and.. I don't know. I just feel like the level of artistic ability has kinda dissipated? And yeah, I know. I look at my paintings and I see what I'm capable of so get that sad look off your face,” she pinches his cheek as he laughs, “I just have my doubts.”

He wipes the frown away, but there's still sadness there. He wants nothing more than for her to believe in herself. Fully.

“It's harder than it seems to cross some hurdles, I understand that. But if you really want this, that's what you gotta do.”

“No, I know. And, I appreciate you for putting me back in front of this here easel. It's been a while, but it's always so much fun.”

“Of course, baby. It's a pleasure watching you in your zone.” He says, leaning down to kiss her temple.

“I cannot show this one to the girls.” She snickers, before looking up at him.

“Yeah, nah. Maybe the top half.”

“Please. I can hear Nique fighting for the extra details, as we speak.”

“That girl is hilarious.” He comments, moving to stand behind her and wrap his arms around hers.

“Funniest person I know, besides myself, of course.”

“And me. Hol’ up.”

“Right, right. Can't forget about you,” she snickers, yelping at the pinch to her butt.

“It's what you get.. talkin’ shit.” He mumbles into her neck.

“Oh yeah, don't try and bill me for that shirt, since you were the one that ripped the buttons off.” She says, making him chuckle.

“One, I would never do that for real, it's an empty threat every time.” He admits, making her laugh. “And two, I can always get the buttons put back on. Or you can just add it to your collection.”

“Oh, I was gonna do that anyway, cause that's how I am.” She smiles like he can see her.

“Something else.” He shakes his head.

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“Why I can't see that one??” Nique asks, pointing to the covered canvas and stomping her heeled foot like a bratty child.

“Cause you play too much, man.” Zora waves her off, pointing to the painting on the easel. “But you can look at this one!”

Nique immediately gasps at how breathtaking the painting was. It's as if Zora had committed Leon's face to memory and captured him in five different lights so realistically.

“Girl, when I say talented doesn't even cover it.” She shakes her head, looking over at her best friend.

“Oh, girl. Stop.”

“Nah, man. This is on another level!” She swats her arm in excitement. “Like, that's his literal face, dude! How do you even do something like this?!”

She shrugs. “I honestly just sat her and did it. He came to my mind and I just let my paintbrush guide me.”

“Wow.” She says in response, making Zora laugh.

“Yeah, I said the same when I was done.”

Staring back at the canvas, she smirks. “So, are you gonna do anything with it?”

“Ah— I might. I don't know yet, really.”

“Cause you know, it would be really nice if someone invested in you snagging a spot at the mint museum to display such a piece.”

Zora squints her. “That's still something you'd do for me?”

“Zora, it's like you forget who I am or something. I'm highly offended right now.” She places her hands on her hips, reminding her of both of their mothers.

“Get your hands off your hips, Roberta! I know who you are! It's just.. I don't know. That was a long time ago and that was the biggest dream I've ever had to give up.”

“It's okay, I understand. But my offers are never conditional to you, dude. You could not even be my friend anymore and I'd still send you the money to do it cause I believe in you. That bozo of a boyfriend was a hater and he fucked everything up, yeah he did. But look at you, rebuilding it right now. Every time you get in front of the canvas do this,” she's eyes wide as she points back to the canvas, “you're getting so much closer to that dream of yours.”

By now, Zora is wiping tears away. Nique frowns and pulls her into a much needed hug. She wasn't expecting to get emotional today, but leave it to her best friend to pull a few tears out of her.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry. I know you hate that,” she softly laughs, wiping her cheeks.

“It's okay, I think I've needed to let it out for a while.” She smiles, covering her face for a moment to get herself together.

Nique heads into her kitchen to wet a paper towel, bringing it back to cool down her flushed face.

“Ugh, anyway,” she outright laughs. “I really appreciate you. That really does mean so much that you could hate my guts and still help me out. That's the kind of support everybody needs.” She covers her heart, Nique doing the same.

“One of a kind, I know.” She nods. “And it's nothing, seriously. You're my mother’s kid as much as I'm yours. I got you, you got me.”

“I love you, dude.”

“I love you too, man.”

“I've honestly been thinking about getting back out there for a while, but you and Neoma already knew that cause that's what y'all do,” she snorts, beating her to it, “Lovita is close to getting there, she all into Clyde right now—”

“You mean, he's all into her?”

“Right. Anyway, she'll catch on, but Leon asked me a while ago and I've just been sitting on the idea for a while. Maybe.. I wanna paint a couple more pieces and then maybe I can look into it.”

“Yeah, hey! Nobody is pressuring you. I promise. You know we just wanna see you do your best and you are the best. Fuck him and fuck those negative voices he left behind. You're the shit, Jean. Let's ask his ass to come pick up a fucking pencil and see if he won't jam it into his eye, before tryna attempt what you did on this canvas. I'd bet you the air in this room and win. He's a bitch.”

“Okay, okay,” she cackles, “relax, relax. You hate him more than I do, at this point!”

“I could kill him,” she smiles, “because you deserve better and girl, look at god! Better meets you at your favorite place!”

“I know, I can't wait to tell everyone at the wedding, someday.” She giggles.

“Oh lord, that's gonna be the countriest wedding ever!”

“Stop! It's gonna be the most beautiful wedding you've ever been to, shut up!”

“Y'all gon be letting doves go, it's gon be a duck pond somewhere cause y'all love the ducks, flowers of every damn kind!”

“Nah, I'm pretty sure he's already got flower combos to present to me.” She laughs, remembering one of their trips to the shoppe this past summer.

“What?”

“He was asking me which flowers were which one time, and they'd just happened to be my second favorite flower, my mama's favorite and he asked me if I thought they would pair well with aster, which is his mama's favorite flower, and I just kinda looked at him like… I know what you're up to.” She laughs at the giant smile on Nique's face.

“Aw, that is so cute! He thinks he's slick, let him be slick!”

“Nah, I'm not gonna burst his bubble! I thought it was adorable. He's so cute, I can't take him sometimes.”

“Lord have mercy. So, I got a question.”

“No, I'm not having a maid of honor. Y'all ain't killing me, cause I'd make it all of you.”

“You can have three! It's your wedding!”

“Three maids of honor? That don't sound crazy?”

“Nah, not to me. I was gonna do that for mine.”

“Really?” Zora smiles, making Nique laugh.

“See, look at your face! Do it for yours, too! Wouldn't that work out better anyway? Three people to divy up your something old, new and blue. Might be something you've had your eye on.”

“Okay, okay! We're getting so ahead of ourselves, and what if I don't get married? Then I can't get that something new… or blue??”

“Girl,” Nique laughs. “You worried about the gift?”

“Yes, duh. Leon ain't going nowhere. We don't have to get married, honestly. It's just another dream of mine, but I'm not as traditional as I used to be. But, I'd love to get married, too. Don't listen to me.” She cuts herself off.

“No, no. I totally get it. What girl doesn't wanna confess her love to the man of her dreams in front of everyone they both love?! In a frilly dress! With a veil! Or no veil! Big poofy hair! A reception! We'd throw the biggest party, you already know it!”

“Yeah, we would!” She agrees.

“Right! Don't let go of your dreams, keep 'em close. Just in case. Hell, Leon seems like a wonderful suitor so far!”

“Yeah, he’ll do long,” she jokes.

“Now back to this canvas, over here.” Nique says, making Zora sigh super loudly.

“Dominique.”

“Let. Me. See. It.”

“No.”

“Whyy??” She whines again, adding extra syllables to the word.

“Because, you play too much!”

“I'll be good, I promise! I just wanna see it!”

Zora rolls her eyes, before moving to uncover it, watching the joy wash over her best friend.

“Behave. I'm serious.”

“I said I'll be good, girl! Uncover the thing already!”

She does so, waiting for her snarky remarks, but they never come.

Again, “wow” was the way she described this one, too.

“See? I'm lost for words, actually.” She shakes her head. “You've done it again, man. The detailing is beautiful.”

And with that, she covers it back up. “I knew it wouldn't last long.”

“Long, like—”

“Nique!”

“Okay, okay!” She holds her hands up. “But uh.. congratulations!” She puts emphasis on the end of her sentence, stomping her foot again.

“Thank you. I love it over here.”

“Trust me, I love it over there.” She winks, both of them falling into a fit of giggles as she covers the canvas back up.

“Do tell, since I basically just did.” Zora presses as they sit on the stools in her kitchen.

“He's big all over. He makes me dizzy, sometimes,” she laughs. “Baby is hung to the left, and you know how I feel about a curve!”

“Yeah, you love it over there!” She cackles, slapping hands with her.

“Wait, y'all ain't in love too are y'all??”

“Chile, no. As much as we be up on each other, he's my man and I'm his woman and that's good enough for us, right now. I really like him, but we can kick it just as long as I don't gotta kick his ass.”

“My girl.” She laughs. “I told you I'd find you a boo!”

“Thank you, Zora-Jean. My god!” She exasperates.

“You're welcome! That was so hard for the three of you to say! Why?!”

“Because,”

“Y'all are so ungrateful,” she playfully digs.

“Stop it! Personally, I was holding my breath for a while. I didn't wanna thank you too early and then all this bad shit would start happening, and knowing you, you'd think I'd resent you for it. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't waiting for the other foot to drop. I'm sorry.”

“I accept your apology, and don't feel bad seriously, I get it. Knowing me, I probably would think that, but I know better! It's one of those negative voices,” she shrugs, “but I'm glad this is a good relationship. You deserve it, honestly. Plus, I'd kill him if he ever hurt you.” She smiles.

“And you talk about Lovita!” Nique cackles.

Ch 16

@ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @thegifstories @blackerthings @cecereads209 @soufcakmistress @abeautifulmindexposed @harmshake @mauvecherie-writes @honestpreference

[miyuhpapayuh]

ten.

The next month had flown by and it was just as blissful as the last, bonding Leon and Zora like super glue.

“Okay, what kind are those?” He asks, pointing to the spiral-like white flowers near the middle of the store.

“Cala lilies! My mama’s favorite flower!” She answers.

“You think that, and Aster would look pretty together?” He asks.

“Yeah, that sounds like a pretty combo.” She nods, squinting at the smirk on his face.

“Right,” he nods, walking towards another flower inside the same flower box. Pink ones she would frequently paint, the shape being one of her favorites.

“Cosmos! My favorite, next to poppies of course.”

“They come in orange, too?”

“They do!”

“Good to know,” he nods again, moving toward another flower box, altogether, with her in tow, silently laughing at him.

He thinks he's slick.

“You sure you don't wanna be a botanist?” He asks, looking back at her.

“An expert on flowers? I thought I was already there!” She quips with her hand on her hip.

“You are! Just not established, like you said.”

“Okay?”

“So, you wanna be established?” He asks, reaching out for her hand.

“I don't know. Maybe? Why?” She asks, latching onto him as they continue their stroll.

“Because you love this place and flowers. It seems like your element. One of them, anyway.”

“Like you know me,” she waves him off, earning a chuckle from him.

“Have I been wrong, yet?” He asks, looking down at her.

“Nah, your scores are high.”

“What, are we playing a game?”

“Mmhm, and you're winning.” She giggles, patting his chest with her free hand.

After buying her usual bundle for her, and another for his mama, they pack up and head towards mint hill for lunch.

Zora had told Leon about Wayback Burgers and how delicious they were, and he was sold after hearing “burger”.

They're sitting outside, like usual, grubbing away on their cheesy burgers and greasy loaded fries.

“Oh, Linda wants to have a meeting tomorrow. I wonder what's going to happen.” Zora says, stuffing another handful of fries in her mouth.

“Whatever happens, it better be necessary action against her knucklehead of a child.” Leon comments, catching her eye.

“Yeah, I'll be holding my breath, still.”

“Why? She suspended him, finally.”

“Yeah, after how long, though?? I'm still skeptical about their relationship in the workplace, whether she finally “got it” or not.”

He nods, knowing she's just being precautious. “Yeah, I understand. I just don't get why it's so hard for parents to show their children right from wrong.”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” she shakes her head.

“If he was my kid, I'd kick his ass and fire him in the same breath.” He says, making her crack up.

“Leon!”

“What? There's no way I would let that go on and on and on! He'd have to feel me, since he can't get his shit together. Better yet, she should let you beat his ass.”

“Oh, I'd love to! He deserves his ass beat.”

“See?”

“I never said you were wrong,” she laughs, “it's just funny to see you get all worked up. Especially over his stupid ass. He's not worth it.”

“Yeah, but you're worth protecting.”

She twists her lips up, trying to hide the smile on her greasy lips. Hiding behind a napkin was her only other choice, with them sitting almost shoulder to shoulder.

“Stop that,” he laughs, pulling the napkin from her grasp. She turns her head, only making him kiss the skin of her neck that's bared to him. Turning back, his lips catch hers, making them both laugh.

“Leon,” she starts, snatching the napkin back to wipe her mouth and his.

“Zora,” he leans back in, his head laying on her chest, those eyes looking up at her.

“You're pretty.”

“So are you.”

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Bright and early on Monday morning, Zora and Linda sit in the side office at the job, while Linda gears herself up to deliver the news.

“Alright, my dear Zora. I know I've apologized before, but again I sincerely apologize for not putting a stop to Cory's foolish and disrespectful behavior, a long time ago. There's no excuse.”

“I appreciate it, Linda. I'm glad you listened before he got cut. I'm just being honest.” She shrugs.

“Yeah, I won't argue with that. But, you won't have to worry about that cause he's not coming back.”

She raises both brows in total shock. “What?”

“Yeah, he still feels like his actions never harmed you or made you that uncomfortable. I told him to can it, cause nobody wants to hear that. So he's fired.”

“See? A pig. Your son needs a swift kick in the ass.”

“Get in line. As you can see, he doesn't have the greatest rap sheet.” She shakes her head. “I need to try all over again with him, it seems.”

Zora lets her have her bad parent moment, cause if she wasn't gonna say it… Zora woulda still been thinking it.

“I know it was tough firing your son, but it's better for your business. Your patrons couldn't stand him, either. And.. now I don't have to get harassed at work anymore.”

“Yes, all for the greater good. Plus, I love you like my own! I couldn't let you feel like I didn't care about what was going on. Again, I'm really sorry. Is there anything I can do to help patch this over?” She asks.

“Mmm… how about a raise?” She innocently smiles, making Linda return the gesture.

“How's $25 sound?” She asks, swearing she saw Zora’s eyes bug out her head.

“Twenty-huh?”

“With a person cut, and finally a genius to look at my taxes, I can afford it!”

“I— that sounds like a plan.” She straightens up after a moment, shaking her boss's hand.

“Good! Now go out there and look pretty, we open soon!”

Today might've been the first day she felt like she could breathe, and it rolls by quick and easy, just like every day should and would, moving forward.

Calling Leon, right after Nique, on her break and telling him the wonderful news, one would think he was shedding tears on the other side as he expressed his excitement.

“I think you're happier than I am!”

“I'm just glad I ain't have to floor him in his mama's business. I mean, I woulda loved to do it, honestly. But.. you know what I mean.”

“Leon,” she talks him down, laughing. “Cut it out. That's what the parking lot is for. Don't damage the property.”

“You right, you right! My baby smart.” He chuckles, as she fondly shakes her head.

“Oh! I got a raise, too!”

“Really? What she bump you up to, $30?”

“Pretty close. $25!”

“That's my girl! You deserve it.”

“Thank you, baby. It's been a good morning and afternoon.”

“The rest will be just as good. Promise.”

“Yeah? What you got planned?”

“If I tell you, I'd have to kill you!” He says back dramatically.

“Sounds like you took a page outta my book, dear.” She giggles.

“Ha, ha. You'll see about everything later. Have a great rest of your shift and I will see you soon.”

“Okay, alright. See you soon!”

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Every bit of her fifteen minute drive felt so long, as she finally pulled into the lot, near his building and cut her car off.

Hopping out and sprinting to his door, he greets her with a glass of white wine and a couple sweet kisses, pulling her inside.

“Thank you, baby.” She smiles, looking around at all the tea-light candles he’d lit before she arrived. As well as another batch of orange poppies and cosmos in a vase on his table.

“Leon, you are so cute.” She frowns, sitting her glass down and cupping her own face in awe.

“Am I?” He asks, leading her towards the other side of the island, where their plates are already prepared with the delicious food he'd made.

“Yes, you are! Oh, this looks so good!”

He wraps his arms around her, stuffing his face in her neck like usual as they sway. Her eyes start to sting.

“You deserve it, ya know? People are listening to you and what's important to you. Life's working for you and your needs, cause it's about time, right?”

“Yeah, it's about time,” she nods, tracing his arm with her finger, wiping her tiny tears away with her free hand. He spins her around in his hold and kisses the rest away.

“You okay, my beautiful flower?”

“Perfect.”

As they sat and ate, their sweet evening turned into an even sweeter night as they found themselves in between the living room and kitchen, dancing to a playlist he'd made her.

She probably told him how cute he was, about a thousand times, and each time earned her sweet kisses she would never grow tired of. He felt the same way about hers. About her.

“You know what I was thinking?”

“What?”

“I could finally move somewhere nicer. I mean, I love my complex but I can actually pick up and go somewhere else!”

“Yeah, you can! Where you thinking?”

“Oh, I've got a few places on my list. They're close to everything still, especially my job and you. Nique stays in one of them— ooh that would be trouble,” she snickers, hiccuping right after.

“I'm sure she'd love that. Soberly give these some thought.”

“Yeah, I know. I'm just excited! Life's really the bee’s knees right now.” She cups his face now, gazing up at him with twinkling stars for pupils.

“I love you,” he says, without a second thought, watching her smile brighten.

Both of their hearts stopped and started again at the same time.

“I love you, too. It's not too soon.” She assured him, pulling him down to her level for another kiss as they got wrapped up in the moment.

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“Uh, did you go out with a vampire?” Neoma asks, making Lovita snort as Zora places a hand over the hickey in question.

“No, did you?” She asks, pointing to the dark mark on her older sister's neck, making her reach up to cover it.

“Touché,” she squints, before smirking at her little sister. “We know your other secret, though!”

“How??”

“We caught on as soon as you walked in here! It's all in your walk and you're glowing even more than before!”

“Dear god,” she laughs, making them both crack up at her.

“I think you and god have been having enough conversations, don't you think?” Lovita cracks.

“Stop,”

“Continue? I will. How was it? Cause we heard from a lil birdie that it was the best, ever!”

“It was,” Zora giggles. “Also, say goodbye to Nique cause she's dead once I get to her.”

“Ohh, don't kill her. She was so happy for you! You know girly is our fourth sister!”

“What kind of flowers should we bury our fourth sister with?”

“Zora!” They both call out, making her laugh and throw her hands up.

“Alright, okay! I should direct my fire at you,” she points at Lovita, “cause you set me up, miss bartender!”

“Hey, I'm not responsible for you gettin’ all touchy with that man. That's on you.”

“And on her, he was.” Neoma smirks.

“Okay, okay! I don't need visuals, Jesus! We're just glad you're enjoying yourself and that fine man. He's a sweetheart, and he really cares about you.”

“He told me that he loves me.” She says, making their jaws drop.

“Awww, that's so sweet! It's only been like two months!”

“I know, but when you feel it, what's time? Just a factor.”

“Do you feel it?”

“Yeah, you love him back?”

“Absolutely, I do. Our relationship has been so easy going. Even when the days get a bit tough, we're still meeting in the middle. Still there for each other. I mean, after I broke the news about Cory being fired and me getting a raise, he was so happy for me. He knew how important all of that was, and we had one of the best nights! He cooked, he got me flowers, he praised me. Fed me back the words I always tell him. It was beautiful. He's beautiful.”

“You're gonna make me cry, man!”

“Hell, I cried several times last night!”

“Now, backtrack for a minute. Cory really got fired??”

“Yes! He's really not coming back!”

“No way! I never thought I'd hear those words.”

“Girl, me either! But listen, I need y'all's opinion on something.”

“Yes, it's too soon for marriage.” Lovita says without missing a beat, making Zora roll her eyes.

“Nobody's getting married! Listen!”

“Okay, okay, I'm done. I'm listening.”

“I'm thinking about moving out of my complex.”

“Oh, thank god!” They yell in unison.

“Oh, come on. It's not that bad.”

“As if your landlord being infatuated over you isn't bad.”

“It's not, you know why? My rent is reduced, he lets me smoke the fuck outta my apartment and I got the maintenance crew wrapped around my finger. I be helping my neighbors out!”

“Right, it's time for Zora to help herself out, though. I'm all for you moving.” Neoma nods, making Lovita do the same.

“Nique’s complex is really nice! They've got a fountain, an indoor gym, a pool, a pit! Like it's one of those all inclusive places for real!”

“How much?”

“A little over a band, I think. Maybe $1050 or something like that.”

“Usually, I wouldn't be able to understand but it's got actual amenities so we'll chalk it up. Call her!”

“Okay, I'm calling.”

Nique answers the FaceTime almost immediately, already giddy for whatever it was that Zora had to share.

“Oh, all my favorite people! Minus that lank of a boyfriend. What can I do y'all for?”

“I love her,” Neoma giggles.

“Hey Nique! Guess what I was thinking about?”

“Moving in with me?!” She excitedly guesses.

“Pretty close! How about maybe being your across the hall neighbor!”

“You know what?? My neighbor is actually moving out soon!”

“Would you look at that!” Lovita taps Zora on the shoulder.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Any. Time.”

“Anyway,” Zora sighs, “I would love to have that apartment.”

“Let me get in touch with the rent office lady and see if you can just pay first month's rent when she dips to secure it or sumn!”

“I'm prepared to do that! I can't back out now either, I've told all three of you.” She sighs.

“Aw, you still keep that rule in place?” Lovita coos.

Some odd years back, Zora made a rule that if she shared something with Nique or her sisters, she'd have to make it come true. Some way or another.

It definitely helped her through tough times.

“Yeah, I pinky swore! You know I take those serious as hell.”

“It's true!” Nique laughs.

“Did you tell Leon? We could use his box-movin’ ass!”

“Yeah, he knows! Oh, we used the L-word!”

Nique's eyes grow as wide as her mouth, making the three of them scream in laughter.

“Oh my gosh! When did this happen?”

“Last night. We celebrated Cory's firing and my raise, and he told me that he loves me. It felt like he had been holding it for a while.”

“Aw, that's so sweet! Zora!”

“I know,” she frowns, dabbing at her eyes. “Stop it, I don't wanna cry again!”

“Okay, okay,” Nique says, both of them laughing it off. “But I will definitely talk to her tomorrow! I'd love for you to be my neighbor!”

“Me, too!”

“I'm so happy for you! I'm glad Cory's gone, too. His stupid ass.”

“Thank you boo, and me too. Leon is too,” she snorts. “He was ready for his scrawny ass.”

“Oh, we know!” They say unison, falling into another laughing fit.

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“I dream about you.”

“Yeah? In what ways?”

“All the ways. You're a muse in all of them. A goddess. I happily kiss the ground you walk on,” he continues, making her giggle.

“Happily, huh?”

“That's what I said, girl.” He says back, dropping his head for emphasis.

“I hear ya,” she returns the petty gesture. “You lucky we're on the phone or I'd fight you.”

“We gotta work on your flirting, Zora-Jean.” He says with a laugh, causing her eye roll to come like clockwork.

“One day, they're gonna get stuck just like that.”

“Ha. We gotta work on your jokes, Leon… what is your middle name?”

“I told you, I'm not telling you.”

“Aw, come on! It cannot be that bad.”

“It's not, I just don't like it.”

“Okay.. what if I like it?”

“Zora,”

“Oh come on, Leon! Just tell me.”

“Okay, fine.” He crosses his arms like a spoiled child. “It's Avery.”

The smile that spreads across her face makes him look towards the ceiling, feeling his face get hot.

“Uh oh! I thought you said brown boys don't blush, either! Ya face look a lil red, baby!” She mocks, making him laugh and rub a hand down his face.

“Cut it out.”

“You first!” She places her chin in the palm of her hand, waiting patiently as he locks back in on her face.

“Ugly, right?”

“Leon Avery. It's country as hell like mine. I think it's adorable!”

“Yeah?”

“That's what I said, boy.” She mocks, again.

“I'm coming over just so we can fight, now!”

“The door's unlocked,” she says with a raise of her right brow.

“Bet.”

After five minutes, he was stepping through the threshold of the love lair and there she was, swaying to the low music coming from her speaker.

She never ceased to get him caught up in her. Mesmerized, he always was.

“Come dance with me,” she says as her eyes land on his, holding a hand out for one of his, pulling him to her once he latches on.

“I thought we were fighting.”

“We can. After we dance.” She answers, making him grin and shake his head at her, loosely wrapping arms around her waist.

Her hands rest at his neck, one at the back and the other at the front, her right thumb brushing against his adam’s apple.

His hips find her slinky rhythm in no time, drawing them even closer to each other. He finds a reason to spin her around, making her laugh.

“I dream about you, too.”

“Yeah?”

“Mmhm. Also, in all ways. My prettiest subject. I kiss every flower to lead me to you.”

Their eyes dance over each other's faces, searching for words to make the moment sweeter.

“You think I'm pretty?” He asks, pulling a hand from her hip to rub the scruffy sides of his face, while she wholeheartedly nods.

“The prettiest man I've ever seen with my own two eyes, Leon Avery.”

 “You gon wear that out, huh?”

“I was just about to ask you the same,” she says, covering his hand with hers, leading it back to her hip.

“Oh, you must be ready to fight now.”

“Yeah, take me down.” She innocently smiles, it only brightens as he hoists her up from the ground to toss her on the bed, climbing on top of her.

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A few days go by and Zora gets word that she can put down a cash deposit of half the rent to secure the new space, which she happily does.

Another thirty days was gonna be draining enough, so she immediately began packing and sorting through things she'd been meaning to part ways with. Of course Nique was helping.

“I feel like I haven't seen you in a minute, friend.” Zora frowns, as they fall into another hug.

“Aw, you're all mushy on me! What has that man done to you??” She pokes fun, as well as actually poking her in her sides.

“Like I never showed you affection before.”

“Girl, you've hugged me seven times in the last ten minutes! We'd be slap boxing by now.”

“Yeah, well…”

“What?”

“Change is good. Shut up, and listen to this bullshit.”

“What happened??”

“I think my landlord's gonna be a problem.”

“What he do?”

Flashback 

After getting her recertification papers inside her mailbox, she headed down to the rent office to speak to her landlord face to face, so there'd be no discrepancies between the two.

“Hey, Jordan. Can we talk?” She asks, knocking twice on the outer wall of his office.

“Sure, doll! Come in and sit.” He smiles, looking at her over his glasses.

“Thanks. I just came in to let you know that after my lease is up, I'll be moving out and I won't be needing these.” She sits the papers on his desk, watching the frown stretch across his face.

“Oh, I see. What's got you leaving?”

“I've been here for about five years, give or take. It's time for something new, even though I really like this place.”

“So stay,” he tries to sway her.

“No, sometimes you gotta spread your wings and fly somewhere else.” She nervously laughs, sighing as he joins in.

“I understand. I've made it easy for you here, though. Who's gonna treat you like that?”

“Excuse me?”

“Come on, Zora. You're my special tenant. I give you the hook up.”

Her face scrunches up. “All though I've appreciated you being so nice to me, I've always said that you never needed to.”

“Fine.” His tone changes. “In thirty days or less, since you wanna play games, the locks will be changed. So you and your things better be out by then.”

She was surely expecting him to turn on her, which is why she recorded their conversation.

“The agreement is thirty days. Do not make this ugly.”

“It got ugly once you said that you were leaving, dear.”

“I don't have to stay here if I don't want to.”

“Who's telling you that you have to stay?”

“Did you not just try and sway me to stay?”

“Zora, this conversation is making me dizzy. Let's wrap it up, shall we?”

She's taken aback, but nods anyway.

“Noted.”

Flashback over

“I'm so glad you recorded this. Ew, he's such a slimy man!”

“I know! That's why I'm packing up early. I don't have time for his bullshit.”

“Do you think he's gonna try some shit?”

“With that threat? Yeah, probably.” Zora sighs.

“Tell Leon! Get him to kick his ass or something.”

“I don't want Leon going to jail for me.”

“Girl, you know he got a ski mask that's been waiting on its shining moment,” she replies, screwing her lips up.

“Nique, please!” She laughs, shaking the juvenile visual from her head. “I'll tell him, but we're not fighting anybody.”

Ch 11

@sheabuttahwrites @soufcakmistress @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @blackerthings @thegifstories @essaysbyciara @nayaxwrites @headcannonxgalore @twistedcharismaaa @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @abeautifulmindexposed @fujiiapples @harmshake @ghostfacekill-monger

[miyuhpapayuh]

seven.

“You spent the night in his bed??” Nique screams into the phone, making Zora sigh heavily.

“I was on his couch, Nique.”

“Mmhm, you ain't gotta lie to me, girl!”

“I'm not! I'll hang up on you. You know I'll do it.” She idly threatens.

“Okay, okay. Put the guns down, chile. So tell me, did he sleep on this comfy sofa with you?” She asks, twirling her hair like Zora can see her.

Zora gives another sigh, this time dreamy. “We mighta cuddled until I fell asleep.”

“Ew, how cute! Girl, if you don't make that man your boyfriend already!”

“I just might have to, Nique. He's so so.”

“I know. You better climb his long ass before somebody else do!”

“Yeah, and they'll end up like Cory. Jerked the fuck up.”

Nique let's out the ugliest cackle, ultimately making Zora join in and offer a snicker of her own, since she was at work.

“You stupid, man.”

“I woulda loved to have seen that, man! I just know his stupid ass was tryna save face, still.”

“It's like you were here, cause he really tried to keep that cracked ass face together. He knew better than to tell Linda, too.”

“He better stay hidden or boyfriend gon kick that ass! He's such a lame ass wigga.” Nique says without missing a beat, making Zora choke on air.

“What did you just call him?!”

“A wigga! He's like B-rad without the game— ya know, the little bit he had, that is. I mean, it got him Shondra!”

“It did. She loved his goofy ass.”

“Put his hands all in that good hair of hers! I woulda broke them knuckles!”

“Chile!”

“So, what do the lovebirds got goin’ on this evening?”

“Well, he's meeting me here again, even though he desperately wanted to pick me up, but I had to run home and shower and stuff. Uh, we'll probably grab some food on the way back to his place, I'm not sure yet.”

“All this hanging out! I'm jealous! Where's my boo at??”

“He only got a sister, babe. Not sure if she swings that way.”

“Zora, if I swing through this phone.”

“I'm playing! Gosh, put the guns down.” She mocks, knowing Nique’s far from amused.

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“How was your day?” Zora asks Leon, picking the pepperoni off her slice of pizza.

“It was better. We squashed our shit, so work ran smoothly like it needed to.”

“Good! I know that's weight off your shoulders.”

“Absolutely. I hate being at odds with my people. But how was your day?”

“It was good. The restaurant was pretty dead today, so I took an hour for lunch and chopped it up with Nique. She said “hey”, like always.”

He smiles. “She's a good friend to you, I can tell.”

“The bestest ever.” She smiles back, biting into her slice.

“So, where's your best friend at?”

“We haven't talked in years. Stopped seeing eye to eye once I stopped runnin’ with him and taking the fall for both of us.”

“Oh, that's not fair.”

“Yeah, we had that conversation too, but it is what it is. I had to grow up and I always pray that he's done the same.”

“That's sweet of you. I know how tough friendship breakups can be.”

“Sounds so funny, when you say it out loud. Like we were in a relationship.” He snorts, making her do the same.

“Well, it is a relationship! A platonic one. I mean, unless y'all had it like that, too.” She raises a brow, to which he waves her off.

“Zora, please.”

“I'm just kidding,” she laughs, finishing off her slice.

“So, is there a romantic relationship in the cards for you and me?” Leon asks, staring at her smiling face.

“I think you already know the answer to that.”

“Yeah, but I wanna be correct. Leave no room for what I think.”

“Yeah, it's in the cards. A couple cards away, but it's there.”

“Good to know.” He says, sitting back against the cushions and patting the space beside him.

She obliges, dusting her hands off on her sweats and crawls into his side, smiling to herself as he wraps his arm around her.

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A little more prepared for their sleepover this go round, she'd packed her toothbrush, along with every other hygiene product she'd need once she'd woken up.

The first time, she woke up alone cause she didn't wanna change his routine, just cause she was sleeping over. But, this morning, she was definitely still wrapped up in his arms.

Not having to work another eight hour shift, she was also able to indulge in the breakfast he'd promised her.

And man, was it delicious.

“Mm! I might just keep you around.” She jokes, making him chuckle and pour another line of syrup on her waffles.

“Would you like some coffee, beautiful?” He asks.

“Yes, please. Light on the sugar.”

“You're sweet enough, huh?” He quips, making her nose wrinkle up.

“That was so corny, but so cute.” She giggles as he shakes his head, beginning to move around his kitchen.

“Cream?”

“Just a splash.” She answers, digging back into her fluffy eggs. Also eyeing the way his back muscles were flexing underneath his dark t-shirt.

Her gaze raises up to his handsome face once he turns back around with a mug in his hand to sit in front of her. She graciously thanks him.

“I haven't brushed my teeth yet, stop trying to kiss me.” She snorts, watching him slyly lean onto the counter for the third time.

“I don't care about your morning breath, girl. Gimme them syrupy lips.” He says, leaning a little further in than he had.

Rolling her eyes, she meets the rest of the way for a couple sweet kisses, pulling away once she feels herself starting to slip.

“See? Trouble.”

“I'm the good kind, though.”

“Yeah, I'll be the judge of that.”

“Alright.” He leans up from the counter. “Spend the day with me.”

“I thought you had to work.”

“I just took off.” He shrugs.

“You can't just do that.”

“You let me worry about that.”

“Leon…” she eyes him, still eating her food.

“Come on, you know you love my company just as much as I love yours. We can go on another picnic or something.”

She sighs, as if she's really trying to put up a fight.

“Come on…” he pleads again with puppy eyes, reeling her all the way in.

“Okay, okay. I'll spend the day with you.”

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Finding a perfect patch of grass behind a big oak tree, the pair spread the green blanket out and placed the wooden picnic basket in the center, before sitting down.

“Do you like picnics because I like them?”

“Yes and no,” he smiles. “My mama used to take me and Eryn on ‘em all the time. We'd feed the ducks the food we'd have left over. We'd play til the sun fell from the sky. For a single mama, it was a great way to tire us out.”

She laughs at the last part, relating heavily. “Okay, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't dragging you out here and you secretly hated it or something.”

“Nah, no worries. I'm a nature boy, sometimes.” He says, handing her the strawberry soda she'd asked him to pick up, when he ran into the convenience store on the way here.

“Sometimes,” she repeats, popping open the container that holds a double decker with bacon that he'd also taken the time to make for them to indulge in.

“Mm, this looks so good!”

“My world famous sandwich, girl. It is good.” He firms, making her raise a brow and take a bite, immediately agreeing with him.

Handing her a napkin, he smiles and bites into his own sandwich, mumbling that he told her so.

Letting him have his moment, she looks out at the scenery before them, falling in tune with the sounds of the birds chirping high up in the trees above their heads.

All the while, Leon took the time to marvel at the beauty that Zora is, again.

As always, if someone gave him the chance, he'd convince them that she was otherworldly.

Even dressed down in another one of his t-shirts and her own shorts, with her hair tied up, she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

As soon as she turned to look at him, he dropped his gaze back to his food, but she'd already caught him.

“Usually, I'd tell you that staring isn't polite, but…”

“But, what?”

She sighs, chewing on her lip. “I like the way you look at me.”

Another raised brow from him makes her drop her gaze too, as they both laugh.

“You're a goddess, Zora. One can't help but look at you.” He says, making her heart skip a beat.

A goddess?!

The smile that creeps across her face is one he'd never seen before.

“You are so sweet, Leon.”

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Zora talked him into coming back to her place after a sudden downpour cut their picnic short.

“You wanna smoke?” She asks.

His animated gasp makes her squint in his direction.

“What??”

“You're a hoodlum, too! I'm ashamed.” He taunts.

She scoffs. “I am not a hoodlum!”

“Yes you are!” He says with a laugh, even reaching out to push her a little.

She swats him away, laughing, herself. “Okay, fine. I'll keep my mary jane to myself.”

“Now, now… I didn't decline your offer.” He says, earning an eye roll.

“I told you, ima kick you out.” She faux warns, getting up from the couch to retrieve her stash.

“I was just playin’, Zora-Jean!” He calls after her, reveling in the giggle she tried her damndest to hide.

Returning with a bright orange box, she plops back down beside him and pops it open.

“Ooh, official!” He teases some more, making her playfully shake her head.

Rolling a blunt in record timing and earning another whistle from Leon, she sparks it, takes a puff or two and passes it to him.

“Your landlord cool with you smoking?” He asks, taking a puff anyway.

“Yeah, he might be in love with me too,” she shrugs, catching the scrunch in his brows.

“Damn, girl. What you be doin’ to these men??”

She laughs, shrugging again. “Nothing. My mama said my aura is red and it draws people near. Whether I want them to be near or not, apparently.”

“Red is sensuality, right?”

“Mmhm.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” He nods, puffing again before passing it back to her.

“Do tell.” She says, pulling a little harder.

“Sensuality is like your middle name. You're fiery as hell, fine as hell. I'm sure these men are out their minds over you. Hell you drive me outta my mind, too.”

She cheeses, before she can stop herself.

“Do I, now?”

“We've spent the last three days together on a whim, Zora. Yes, you have been driving me crazy and I like it. I like you. A lot.”

“I like you too, Leon. A lot.”

The haze in their smiles grows as they continue to pass the blunt back and forth, til it turns to ashes in her equally bright ashtray.

“So, I know you're not as innocent as you say you are.”

“Wha– why you say that?”

“Cause, every man has their secrets. What else did you and Candy get into, way back when?”

He chuckles, rubbing a hand down his face. “You sure?”

“Is it that bad??”

“I'll let you be the judge of that.” He mocks her earlier words.

“Lord have mercy. Go ahead.”

“Well, Candy was what you call an exhibitionist. So we'd find ourselves in places we shouldn't have been, doing things we shouldn't have been doing. If you catch my drift.”

Zora was actually shocked, note the way her jaw partially dropped. Leon just smiles and shakes his head.

“Y'all had sex in public places? What a slut!” She cracks, making him laugh.

“Wow, I've never been called that before. But, yes we did. We got caught a couple times too. I'm still banned from the autozone down the block.”

That makes her fully crack up.

“What??”

“Poor man was just tryna change the oil and Candy decided it was a good idea to give me head near the side of the building. That man's eyes ‘bout popped out of his head.”

“That is ridiculous!”

“Yeah, that was us. Ridiculous!”

“What else??”

“Let's see… amusement parks, clean public bathrooms, we did in an elevator once… hotel balconies with a small audience. A stairwell, you name it.”

“I knew you were a freak.”

“Hey, I just tried to keep her happy.”

“Sounds like it! Did she make you happy too, or did you just go along with everything?”

“Uh, a mixture of both maybe?” He shrugs. “I don't know, it got tiring after a while, and exploring other things about our relationship wasn't as fun for her. I'm guessing that's why she left me.”

“I'll refrain from calling her what I want to… but you deserved better, anyway. Sex isn't the only fun aspect of a relationship.”

“Yeah, but we were also in college and nobody cared about building foundations and shit. It was all party this and party that. Fuck here, fuck there.” He shrugs, letting his long arm rest along the back of the couch.

“Well, at least it was fun while it lasted right?”

“Yeah, while it lasted.”

“I can relate.”

“You was butt naked in a stairwell, too??”

“No, that was just y'all.” She laughs. “But, before my ex decided to start his “I hate Zora” campaign, we had fun too.”

“Sucks when people turn, huh?”

“Boy, does it. But, maybe they weren't the right people.”

“You becomin’ a believer over there, huh?”

“Shut up,” she drags out, allowing him to pull her closer to his warm body.

The rain is still coming down.

“Was I too far away?”

“Yeah, it's like you be runnin’ from me or sumn.”

“No running,” she shakes her head, falling right back into those lethal kisses of his.

“I make you nervous?” He asks, still pecking her lips.

“The good kind,” she answers, rubbing the scruff of his beard.

“Butterflies?”

“Angry bees,” she corrects, making them both laugh.

“Be my girlfriend, Zora-Jean.”

“Okay.”

“Really?” He asks, the smile on his face making those angry bees swarm mad in her belly.

“Yeah,” she leans back in to kiss him. “Really.”

A triumphant laugh leaves him as he hugs her closer, their hazy kisses resume.

"Wait, wait,” she pulls away to meet his confused expression.

“What?”

“I'm the girlfriend that keeps clothes.” She pulls on the collar of her shirt.

“Aw, this is my favorite shirt, though!”

“Ohh, that's too bad!”

Ch 8

@blowmymbackout @soufcakmistress @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @thegifstories @blackerthings @twistedcharismaaa @nayaxwrites @abeautifulmindexposed @cecereads209 @harmshake

[miyuhpapayuh]

I gotta get back to my mocha babies 😭😭😭

[miyuhpapayuh]

NEW MOCHA CHAPTER PLEASE

ON THE WAYYY!!!

[miyuhpapayuh]

This chapter really took me a month to write, Jesus!

But we did ittt, heyyy!

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New mocha chapter dropping tonight!

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I knew mocha was gonna get slow at some point lmao but the draft isn't blank! A lil over 300 words is better than nothing 😅