#she famus now

[raya-hunter01]

Homecoming

One Shot

Carmelo Hayes x Black Female OC! (Kayla)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut

Summary: Carmelo is nervous about returning to his college alma mater FAMU for its homecoming. An alumni ball between his fellow brother Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and sister sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha is taking place.

Why is he nervous, you ask? A special someone he took for granted is going and he has no idea how to make things right. Follow Carmelo down memory lane as he tries to figure out how to fix the mess he made. Will Kayla forgive him or will this end in disaster as Trick travels with Carmelo to be his wingman for homecoming weekend.

This was a story request from royalkay23 who gave me the music and ideas that we put together. I hope you enjoy it!

NXT Show

Carmelo POV

“Damn, another night, another show,” I sighed sitting down trying to unwind a bit before I showered and got on the road. Pulling out my phone I checked my messages.

“Damn, I already told Darnell, I was comin’ so what the hell he keep calling for?” I hissed putting in my code to listen to his voicemail.

“Man, I forgot you had a show, I talked to Angela, and she convinced Kayla to come this weekend. You better get ready to do some groveling to get yo’ woman man. I’ll see you down there, later bro,” his voice making my stress levels rise.

What does he mean she’s coming down? Fuck, should I even go? Will she even wanna talk to my ass?

“How did shit get so complicated,” I whispered pinched my nose truly frustrated.

Things used to be so easy; then we made it complicated by giving in to our desires. If only we never crossed that line, we would still be close.

I missed her, I knew the first day I met her that I wanted her to be apart of my life forever.

--------

FAMU Move in day 2019

“Remember we’re gentleman, carry their bags to their rooms. Be welcoming and act like ya’ll got some sense. Give them a couple weeks to get used to campus life before ya’ll start aggravating them,” our oldest fraternity brother Scott said as we all snickered.

“We got you, boss,” I said trying not to laugh as Darnell hit my shoulder trying to hold it together himself.

“No funny business Carmelo, this ain’t an opportunity for you to schedule your next hookup,” Greg hissed as I nodded scoping the parking lot not listening.

“Damn, I got her,” I said pointing to a beautiful young lady standing with her parents about to start pulling luggage outta their trunk. Oh, she bad….Legs and ass for days.

“You ain’t slick, you tryin' to holla at her,” Darnell whispered as I grinned. “I don’t know what you talkin’ about. If ya’ll will excuse me, I’m going to see if they need some help,” I said quickly making myself scarce before anybody could get a word in.

Making my way over to the family I couldn’t help but hear her mom fussing over leaving her daughter here. Smiling, I listened quietly trying to give them a minute before I interrupted.

“Mama, I will be fine,” she said reassuring her mother as they had her surrounded in a group hug.  “You go to your classes and back to your dorm, these folks are a little too wild,” her mom said looking at a couple making out not far from us as I snickered.

 Sorry mama, that’s something I wouldn’t mind doin’ to your daughter…Damn, Melo play it cool…

“Mama, I can handle it, I’m not going to be out here actin’ a fool but I will have fun sometime,” the Carmel beauty said being honest with her parents as her dad smiled.

“As you should, all work and no play sucks, babe give her a break. We raised her right,” her dad said as her mom took a deep breath.

“Yes, ya’ll did, now trust me,” she pleaded with a beautiful smile. Damn, a smile that could start a full-blown war….

 “I do trust you, baby, it’s just it’s your first time away from home, and I’m worried,” her mom said looking around at their surroundings.

“Have you talked to your little boyfriend who couldn’t bother to be here,” her dad said with disgust.

“Daddy, Justin is getting ready to go to college too. It’s ok, he’s going to come up soon,” she said her tone trying to keep the conversation light and positive.

Well, let me introduce myself, maybe that can change the subject, it seemed the mysterious beauty didn’t want to talk about it.

“Excuse me, do you guys need some help?” I asked said as she turned around and instantly blushed when we made eye contact.  

Damn she fine, fine, ok act like a gentleman and don’t embarrass yourself.

“Hi! Um, I guess we do,” she said looking around at all her things on the ground and in the trunk.

“What’s your name son?” her dad asked, as I grinned.

“I’m Carmelo, and I’m from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, sir. I’m apart of the fraternity welcoming committee. We help students move in on campus,” I said shaking her dad’s hand as he smiled at him.

“An Alpha man! I like that, I pledged to that fraternity when I was in college, my daughter here is a junior transfer and is pledging to your sister sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha,” he said proudly as my ears perked up at the new information.

“You don’t have to tell everybody, Daddy, I might not even make it. Hi, I’m Kayla,” she said shaking my hand as I felt myself falling into those beautiful brown eyes.

“It’s always nice to meet a fellow sister, welcome to the family,” I said gently kissing her hand. Her mother scoffed, clearing her throat and interrupting our moment as I reluctantly let go of her hand as her dad laughed.

 “It’s nice to meet you as well ma’am,” I said taking her mother's hand in mine, kissing it as her smirk grew by the second.

 “Oh, you charming, stay away from this one Kayla,” her mom said as I smiled nervously at her…Alright, don’t let her see you sweat.

“Uh, let’s get you moved in Kayla,” I said trying to change the subject, helping her dad pick up some of her bags. “I would love that,” she said smiling brightly at me.

 For the next hour, I tried to learn all I could about her as we moved her into her dorm.

Her phone also had been ringing nonstop, but she ignored it. “He knows I’m movin’ so why blow me up like this. I’ll call him back in a minute,” she said as we carried up the last of her things.

 “When you do….Tell him he should have brought his ass here to help us move you in if he wanted to know what you are doing every fuckin’ second of the day,” her mom said as Kayla rolled her eyes behind her back.

Poor thing was getting it from all ends, I could see she needed a break from her mother, and it seemed her boyfriend.

Her parents walking ahead of us into her dorm gave me a chance to be nosey.

“Is that you and your man?” I asked, pointing at the wallpaper on her phone. Looking at the photo seemed to have her conflicted, almost nervous.

“Uh, yeah he is, we’ve been together for two years,” Kayla said as I observed her uneasiness.

“Ok, well maybe when he comes to visit, ya’ll can come check out one of our parties. We throw the best ones on campus,” I said trying to make conversation not wanting it to end as I sat her bags down inside.

“That would be cool, thank you for helping us, maybe I’ll see you around,” Kayla said as I felt the excitement dancing in my chest.

“Yeah, you definitely will, might as well call me your new best friend,” I said turning on the charm as she laughed.

“Well, maybe I’ll see you around best friend,” Kayla joked as I walked out of her dorm with a pep definitely in my step.

Senior year was definitely shaping up.

------

“Aye, you planning to shower or what?” Trick asked bringing me out of my thoughts. “Yeah, I am, just was thinking about Kayla and if I want to go to the Alumni ball,” I said as Trick sat down in front of me and stared intently.

“Well, you deserve to have fun too, maybe ya’ll can talk and work this shit out. I mean it’s been four years, she can’t still be mad,” he said as I sighed.

“I said some fucked up shit that I can’t take back, I don’t even know how to approach her,” I said feeling helpless.

“You go up to her, apologize, and try to make it right. That’s all you can do,” Trick said as I stood up shuffling around the room gathering my things.

“Thanks, man maybe it’ll all work out and I’ll have fun this weekend,” I said as Trick smiled.

“Now that’s it, be positive and have fun this weekend. I’ll even go with you and be your wingman.  I can tell you when to talk and when to shut the hell up, 'cause you talk too much sometimes,” Trick said as I laughed truly thankful for him and our friendship.

“Well, I might take you up on that, let me shower so we can hit the road,” I said heading to the showers.

“Aye, you gon’ get her back, you just gotta shoot your shot!” I heard Trick yell as I started my shower.

I truly hoped so but for now, I had to be realistic, I had a lot of groveling to do, and I was prepared to do it if it meant Kayla could be in my life again.

---

Delata Flight 193

Kayla’s POV

“Angela, I’m going to have fun and stroll with my sorors. I’m not going to resurrect issues from four years ago,” I said as she rolled her eyes at me.

“Ya’ll two need to talk and squash this shit, you know he didn’t mean it. He was jealous because he was in love with you…Still in love with you might I add,” she said as I scoffed.

“In love…..Carmelo…… Girl bye!” I exclaimed rolling my eyes. “Even if he was in love with me, it don’t make it right what he did.  Have a conversation like an adult and not say spiteful shit. And can we just drop this conversation, you are ruining my buzz,” I said finishing my glass of champagne as Angela sighed grabbing her phone.

Damn, I guess she was going to be team Carmelo all weekend. Love my ass.

“So, he wrestles, that’s cool,” Angela said as I looked over and saw her scrolling through Carmelo’s Instagram as I smiled.

Many of our late-night talks about our dreams began to invade my mind. He was always passionate about wrestling so it didn’t shock me that he made it to the WWE.

Leaning back in my seat I sighed trying to get in the right head space for this weekend. I wanted to have a good time, it would even be better if I could avoid him.

“Girl, he got to work with the undertaker, look!” Angela exclaimed as I leaned back over and looked at his latest Instagram post on her phone.

“That’s awesome,” I whispered happy him. He looked so happy. As she scrolled to the next picture My focus went to the tattoo of an eye on his upper arm, it seemed to stir something in me, but I didn’t know what.  

I felt like I knew the meaning of it but I couldn’t piece it together as I looked at the beautiful tattoo of a woman’s eye with makeup smudged. Angela quickly swiped to the next post before I could truly process it.

“So, are you going to talk to him this weekend? Angela asked as I sat back in my seat and closed my eyes trying to tune her out.

“No, I have no desire to talk to him, I’m over it,” I said as she laughed. 

“Bullshit, you were in love with Carmelo, and you still are,” she countered as I snapped my head back looking at her wearing a frown.

“Don’t look at me like that, you gon’ put your big girl panties on this weekend, and get yo' man back,” Angela said with determination as I shook my head.

“He was never my man Angela; we just were two friends who had sex one night and it ruined our friendship. Worse mistake ever, I should have taken my ass home that night,” I said smartly as Angela sucked on her teeth.

“Nah, I don’t agree with that. Ya’ll were two friends who loved each other and were scared. He self-destructed jumping to conclusions and you were hurt by his assumptions,” Angela said as I got my air pods out of my purse.

“I’m done talkin’ about Carmelo, I’m takin’ a nap now,” I said putting my air pods in, turning my music on low.

“I know you can hear me so I’ma say this. I know he was wrong, but I think you are takin’ the one bad thing he did and erasing all the good. It wasn’t always bad Kayla and one mistake shouldn’t define him or his love for you, or your love for him,” Angela said as I continued to tune her out.

Yes, he did a lot of great things for me, I couldn’t deny it. Did the good truly outweigh the bad?

---

Crossing Day 2019

Kayla’s POV

This is supposed to be an amazing night for me, but I feel shitty. It’s nothing but chaos all around me as I see Carmelo and some of his fraternity brothers helping set up the stage for our ceremony that starts in an hour. I hate we got a late start.

My phone ringing for damn near the tenth time within the last thirty minutes is pissing me off as I see Justin’s number.

“What do you want Justin?” I asked, truly fed up, especially after the bomb he dropped this morning.

“I just wanted to make sure you were good,” he said as I pulled the phone away from my ear in disbelief.

“Justin, how am I good? You called me this morning to tell me you’re not coming. You knew how important this was to me,” I said trying to keep my emotions in check not wanting to mess up my makeup.

“It’s not that big a deal, it’s just a sorority thing,” he said as I felt the tears coming. “Really, so something I want to do isn’t important to you. Even though everything you do, I come and support you,” I said raising my voice as Carmelo made his way towards me.

“You ok Kayla?” he asked as shook my head, sighing as he put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Who is that? Is that your so-called homeboy, I shoulda known his ass was there. I ain’t blind I know ya’ll like each other,” Justin hissed.  

“Look, I got to get ready, I need to get my mind together,” I said trying to end the call.

“Well, that’s cold, you don’t even wanna talk about it. You must be spreadin’ your legs for his ass. Maybe we just need to call this shit off,” he said as I scoffed knowing where this was going.

Gaslighting 101, chapter five, Hide Your Guilt and Accuse Her of What You Are Actually Doing.

This bastard was cheating, and I knew exactly who it was with.

“You know I’m not cheating on you. Just grow a set and tell me you want to break up instead of playing games Justin. I know you sleeping with Regina, the jig is up, ok,” I said as the line got quiet.  

“Look, it ain’t about her, I’m just sayin’ maybe we just need to end this. Experience new people and just have fun, I don’t want to be tied down right now Kayla,” he said as I took a deep breath and looked at Carmelo, who gave me a nod of encouragement.

"I'm here Kay," he whispered as I fought back tears. He was always there to pick up the pieces and wipe my tears.

“Justin, why did you have to do this today? It could have been any other day but today. Look, just lose my number because you’re officially blocked, it's over,” I said hanging up and blocking his number as Carmelo took me in his arms and I broke down.

 “Hey, I got you,” he whispered as I cried. “I don’t think I can do this today,” I cried as his strong arms pulled me closer.

“Oh, yes you can and will because you have worked hard for this. Today is your day, don’t let him take that away from you,” Carmelo said as I nodded slightly pulling away a sad smile adorning my face as he carefully wiped my tears.

“No more tears, go get ready. I’m excited to hear your Crossing Introduction tonight. I know it’s gon' be fire, just like you, and make sure to shake that beautiful hair for me,” he said gently playing with my freshly silked-out hair.

“Ok, I’ll make sure to remember that,” I said reluctantly stepping back as Angela came running up.

“Girl, ya’ll can flirt later, we need to finish getting ready. See you in a few Melo,” she said pulling me away as I laughed.

“Never change Angela, and congrats!” he yelled as she waved back at him.

These two are a mess but it was time. It was time to step into my sorority destiny.

Everything seemed like such a blur as we waited in line with our heads down. I was getting more nervous as each new soror went before the crowd introducing themselves.

Focus Kayla you did well on the march, now it’s time to let them know who you are.

“Alright Kayla let’em know,” my new fellow Soror whispered as I smiled, tossing my head back and whipping my hair back and forth as the crowd screamed. Here goes nothing…

Stepping out of line and going to the front of the stage I felt nervous till I looked out and saw Carmelo about three rows back smiling at me.

“My…… Name….. is!” I shouted, loud and clear pausing between each word.

“What’s your name?!” the crowd asked as I smiled and began moving my body and hands in sync with my words.

“Kayla!”

“Yea!” (crowd)

“Belle!”

“Yea!”

The crowd participating as I said my name had my heart racing. Pausing, taking in the moment, I saw Carmelo wink at me.

Giving him a sexy smirk, I tossed my head back and began shaking my hair again just for him.

“Peaches!”

“Yea!”

 Slowly lowering my head, I paused, building excitement as they waited to hear what my last name was.

“Taylor!”

“Yea!”

“And I am from the Peach State, the one and only Atlanta, GA! And this Georgia Peach has joined this great sorority and I’m this line’s number 17! I shouted with pride bending down into our stroll stance with a bright smile.

Finally releasing the breath I was holding, my eyes found Carmelo again as he licked his lips. His gaze grew more intense as Darnell whispered something to him.

Were they talking about me? I saw Carmelo dap him up sharing a mutual nod before he turned his attention back to me and winked.

"A'ight Peaches, I see you Ms. AKA!" he shouted as I smiled getting back in line.

Yes, it was over! I had done it!… I was an AKA….

----

Later that night

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity House

Carmelo’s Room

“You sure you good?” Carmelo asked as I sat my drink down and curled up next to him on the couch. “I’m fine, thanks for being there tonight,” I said glancing up at him as he seemed to be in deep thought.

“It’s no problem, it was no other place I’d rather be,” he whispered caressing my face as I felt myself melting under his gaze.

“What are we doing?” I whispered as his lips slowly descended towards mine.  “What we've always wanted to do,” he whispered gently taking my lips in a kiss as I moaned in pleasure.

“We can’t, I don’t want to ruin our friendship,” I whimpered against his lips as his arms encircled my waist pulling me onto his lap.

Feeling his hardness underneath me had me shook. He was hard from just a simple kiss.

 “Mmhm, you feel that Kay? That's what you do to me," Carmelo whispered as I shivered. "Melo we can't," I pleaded as he silenced me with another kiss.

"We both want this, stop fighting it, baby. It won’t change anything, we'll still be us,” Carmelo whispered, his sexy voice casting a powerful spell over me.

 Looking into his beautiful brown eyes I saw nothing but the truth in his words. Kayla just let go and give in to what you want.

"Tonight...Just for tonight," I whispered as Carmelo's grip on me tightened. "I got you," he whispered slowly undressing me.

I felt shy, as he tossed my dress, anxiously over his shoulder before caressing my breasts. “You are so beautiful, just everything I imagined you’d be and more,” Carmelo whispered kissing my neck as I moaned in pleasure, his masterful hands making quick work of my bra.

 His words eased my nervousness and awakened the boldness in me.

Playing with the waistband of his sweats, Carmelo bit back a moan in anticipation. “Go ahead baby, you can touch it. I want you too,” Carmelo moaned as I purred at his words.

Nervously stroking him, his moans urged me on as his mouth feasted upon my neck. “Mmm, yes,” I moaned continuing to stoke him as he slid my thong to the side.

“You got a condom?” I whispered into the air as he nodded, reaching over, fiddling around in the drawer of the small lamp table beside us, as I claimed his lips in a powerful kiss.

His moan of triumph as he retrieved the condom and ripped it open made me tremble against him.

 “Let me,” I whispered against his lips, climbing off his lap, slowly sinking to my knees, holding his gaze I slowly placed the condom over the tip of his length.

Damn he was way bigger than Justin, it caused me to pause in my actions and stare.  

“Don't be scared, I'ma make you feel real good baby. I promise, now gon’ put it on and come take a ride,” Carmelo groaned, picking up on my nervousness as continued to stroke him.

My pussy quivered at his words; it excited me. Using my mouth, I slide the condom down over his hardened length as he bit back a growl, entangling his fingers in my hair.

“Shit! It’s like that baby?” Carmelo moaned, looking at me in amazement.  “Uh huh,” I moaned looking at him, while taking him deeper into my mouth

“Got dammmn Kay,” Carmelo hissed as his head fell back against the couch in pleasure. “You like that,” I whispered as he looked at me through hooded eyes. “Hell yea, I love it but if you don’t stop, this gon’ be over before it starts,” Carmelo panted as I smirked releasing him.

“Mmm, I wouldn't want that, ” I whispered climbing back on his lap nibbing on his neck as he growled grasping my hips, slowly inch by inch filling my wet center with his hardened length until he was to the hilt.  Our moans of satisfaction filled the tiny room.

“Fuck, you feel better than I ever dreamed,” Carmelo groaned against my neck as I began to ride him.  “Mm, you too,” I confessed wrapping my arms around his neck as he began meeting my thrusts in desperate need.

“Yea, ride… Mmhm ride dat shit……Just like that Kayla,” Carmelo moaned encouraging me as we chased our end. “Promise me nothing changes….Mmm,Melo!” I exclaimed as he began gently massaging my clit with his thumb as I used his shoulders to steady myself bouncing with a purpose.

 “Mmhm, nothin’ gon’ change, I promise Kay. Now let’s get this nut together baby,” he whispered as he took me higher and higher. “Yes! Melo, Mmhm I’m ready!” I cried as I rotated my hips against him hearing a low growl escape his lips that began to grow in volume as we shared each other’s love.

That’s what it was, love and it was scaring the hell outta me and by the look on Carmelo’s face I could tell it was scaring him too.

“Kay…Kay..Fuck!” Carmelo moaned, finally finding words as we were reaching our end.  “I know, God I know," I moaned shuttering against him as our lips met in desperation.

“I’m cummin!” I whined against his lips as he caressed his tongue with mine, deepening our kiss.

“I’m right there with you,” he moaned as we exploded together. Collapsing against his shoulder I struggled to catch my breath as he held me tight.

For awhile, nothing was said as I relaxed in Carmelo's arms. I felt overwhelmed, I knew I had messed up…I had fallen hard for him.  I felt my tears coming as Carmelo caressed my back.

“Don’t cry Kay, we good. See you doin' all this cryin' lately, I'ma have to get a tattoo of a tear on this shoulder. Better yet, ima put your whole eye up there with the makeup smudges and all," Carmelo said kissing my shoulder.

“See why you gotta tease me,” I said caressing his arms as he sighed.

“Look at me Kay,” Carmelo said lifting my head off his shoulder wiping my tears.

I would never tease you. I’m just glad you trusted me and allowed me to be there to catch your tears,” Carmelo whispered caressing my face, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

Yep….We fucked up….Big time.

---

“We're about to land Kayla,” I heard Angela say as I opened my eyes taking in my surroundings.

“I’m sorry I just meant to catch a small nap, not sleep the whole flight,” I said taking my air pods out and putting my seatbelt back. on.

“You good girl, it ain’t nothing like listening to music and letting it take you away,” she said smiling at me.

“Yeah, I guess so,” I said trying to shake the memories that were clouding my mind, and the other pieces of the puzzle coming together had me feeling overwhelmed.

Pulling my phone back out I went to WWE.com, turning slightly in my seat so Angela couldn't see. I would never hear the end of this if she knew I was looking at Carmelo's photos but I needed to see the picture again.

In my search, I found an article with the picture in question attached with several other backstage shots. I began skimming through the article and a question threw me for a loop.

WWE.com Exclusive

"So, what is the significance behind this tattoo of the eye with what seems to be makeup smudged?"

"I got it about three years ago, I got it to remind me of a special someone I knew in college. She was my best friend and my number one supporter. She encouraged me to chase my dreams, and I never forgot that."

"Well, are you two still in touch?"

"Uh, no we aren't, but who knows what the future holds."

---

“I can't believe he really got that tattoo,” I muttered to myself in disbelief. “Who got what tattoo?” Angela asked leaning over, trying to look at my phone as I quickly opened another tab.

“Uh, nobody I know, I was just thinking about the dream I just had,” I said which technically I wasn't stretching the truth very much. My memories with Carmelo were creeping into my brain and it scared me.

“I hope it was a good dream to start your weekend because we gon’ have fun these next few days,” she said as I sighed.

Girl, if you only knew I would rather be anywhere than Florida this weekend. This was dangerous, I had to keep my guard up.

Maybe I should have just stayed home.

---

The Next Day

PHIRSTPHAM Cookout

Carmelo’s POV

“Damn, it’s thick out here,” Trick said as I grabbed us a beer. “Yea, they partyin’ hard, half of them probably ain’t making it to the ball,” I laughed looking around trying to find Kayla. 

“Aye, didn’t her homegirl tell you they’d be here?  I’ma need you to chill man,” Trick said as I tried to shake my nerves still looking around.

“I know I’m jus…just,” I said stuttered as I spotted her. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Trick asked turning around to see what had me shook.

“Damn, is that her?” he asked smiling as I nodded still unable to speak.  “You stupid as fuck if I may say so myself,” Trick whispered shaking his head as I growled.

“Look you ain’t gotta rub it in, you supposed to be helping me, and stop looking at her like that,” I hissed as Trick shrugged his shoulders.

“I am here to help you but I ain’t dead. Is that her friend?” Trick asked pointing at Angela. “Yea, that’s her, a straight pain in the ass but I adore her,” I said as Darnell came running up.

“Ooou! I know you see yo’ girl, she out here serving body for days!” Darnell exclaimed as Trick smirked.

“Man shut the fuck up,” I said seething as he laughed. “Now is that how you talk to your frat brother who just talked to the DJ and he’s about to play our favorite stroll with the AKAs,” he said as my eyes widened in shock.

“I know you didn’t,” I whispered as he smiled. “Yep, so get ready,” he said taking off towards the crowd.

"This idiot here is just fuckin’ stupid,” I said as Trick seemed confused. “What’s the issue, I mean a dance can’t hurt nobody,” he said as I sighed.

“In the stroll, I lead the Alphas and Kayla leads the AKAs,” I said as Trick's eyes lit up. “Oh, shit that’s perfect, maybe it will break the ice with Kayla,” he said as I drank the rest of my beer.

“If anything it may entice her to choke my ass out for being so close to her, but I guess I ain’t gotta choice,” I said as I heard the opening cords of Knuck if you buck by Crime Mob

“Class of 2020 and 2021 I need you on the floor it’s your time to shine,” the MC said as I saw the girls already dancing falling in line behind Kayla as she smiled brightly swinging her hips and arms.

“Aye, you betta get yo’ ass over there,” Trick said as Darnell was waving me over as I went to join my frat brothers.

“Taking my place in line across from Kayla felt weird as she seemed to not pay me any attention as she strolled with her line sisters.

“Let’s get it fellas!” I shouted blowing my whistle as we began steppin’ in sync with the girls doing our own stroll.

I saw Kayla look over at me in shock for a second before she recovered and continued leading her line sisters.

“Knuck if you buck!” Angela screamed as the AKAs kneeled deeper in their stance, killin’ it.

“I see ya’ll!” I heard someone yell as I cracked a smile.  It felt good to stroll with my frat brothers and most of all Kay.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she danced, whipping her hair back and forth almost teasing me. She knows what that shit does to me.  Trying to refocus I cut my eyes towards Angela as she smirked at me.

“Yeah, act like you know! Stop playin’ wit her, take us on out Peaches!" she yelled, swinging her arms as Kayla smiled, walking as only she could pretending one of her hands was a mirror as she fluffed her beautiful hair with the other.

The crowd parted, cheering them on while allowing them to pass as we followed closely behind them.

Damn, Kayla still could command a room like no other. “Uh, you can thank me now,” Darnell said as I looked back at him and rolled my eyes getting out of the line, trying to find Kayla again.

Kayla’s POV “We still got it, that was fun,” Angela said as I laughed. “Girl, AKAs gon’ always bring that heat,” I said smiling at her. “I know you saw him, so when ya’ll gon’ talk,” Angela said as I sighed.  

Jeez can I have a moments piece without somebody telling me to talk to Carmelo.

“I didn’t see Carmelo, what are you talking about?” I said playing dumb.

“Oh, so you don’t know me now,” Carmelo said as I sighed looking at the amusement dancing in Angela’s eyes as I slowly turned to face him.

"I’ll let ya’ll two talk," Angela said practically running away as I scoffed. “I hate you!” I hissed as she laughed.

“Look can go talk, I think we both can agree it’s overdue and we don’t want to make a scene here,” Carmelo said as I looked around at everyone having a good time.

“Fine, but I’m not going far,” I said following him through the crowd as he led me to the side of the building.

The silence was defining as we both were trying to think of words to say to each other. It had been three years since we last saw each other after all.

I don’t know what came over me but I slapped him as hard as I could the sound echoing around us as Carmello stumbled rubbing the side of his face.

“A’ight I deserved that,” he said as I took a deep breath trying to not make a fool outta myself. I couldn’t let him know how he truly broke me.

“Yes, you did and more. You’re lucky that’s all you got from me,” I said as Carmelo raised his hands in surrender.  “Kay, I know I hurt you and I’m sorry,” he said as I looked at him my expression unreadable.

“It's Kayla to you, only my friends call me Kay. Look, can you make this quick, I got something to do,” I said folding my arms over my chest.

“So is this how it’s gon’ be the whole weekend, you just ignoring me. I’m trying to apologize, Kayla,” Carmelo said as I tried to wrangle in my feelings.

“Why are you apologizing to a whore. I mean that’s what you said I was right?” I said as a look of defeat and horror crossed his face.

“I didn’t mean it if you would just let me talk,” he started as I cut him off.

“I’m just a needy whore that will ride any dick right,” I said slightly raising my voice as he cringed at my words.

“Look, I was drunk, and I said some shit I didn’t mean alright. You know I lo—,” Carmelo's voice trailed off as he looked down unable to look at me. What was he going to say?

“Carmelo, being drunk ain’t no excuse, I thought you were my best friend!” I exclaimed frustrated that I was letting him get to me.

I am your best friend! Regardless of how you feel about me, you are my best friend Kayla and I miss you. Can you please just forgive me? he pleaded as I tried to walk away. "Carmelo, please stop," I begged trying to walk away as he blocked my path. "Say you can forgive me, please," Carmelo pleaded, his eyes drawing me in as they stared into my soul. I couldn't look away if I wanted.

“Kay, you know I didn’t mean it, can we just agree to talk sometime before we both leave Sunday,” he pleaded as I finally nodded, not trusting my words as I saw Angela walking over.

“Hey, ya’ll good, Kay?" she asked rubbing my shoulder as I held back tears.

“Uh, yeah we were just talking about not letting the drama of the past ruin the weekend," I said wiping a few stray tears that had fallen as Carmelo sighed in relief.

“Well thank God, we all deserve a good weekend of fun,” she said my eyes still focused on Carmelo as he glanced quickly at the tattoo on his shoulder before looking back at me.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, as I tried to shake it off.

“Well, uh, I’ll let ya’ll get back to the party and I will see ya’ll tonight hopefully,” he said giving me a hug, catching me off guard.

Carmelo’s POV

I knew I was pushing it but I couldn't help it. I had to hold her in my arms. Come on beautiful hug me back.

I couldn’t let her go until she hugged me back.

I felt her trembling hands touch my back as I sighed in relief pulling her closer. “I’ma make it right, just let me please. I’m sorry Kay,” I whispered in her ear as I felt her relax against me. Angela smiled at me before leaving us alone.

"You hurt me, Mel," Kayla whispered as I felt my heart sink. “I wish I could take it back, baby,” I whispered honestly.

I didn’t know what else to say, I had played the scenario over and over in my head a thousand times. How different everything could have been if I had just told her how I felt that night. If I did, we wouldn’t be in this shit now.

“I need to go," Kayla whispered pulling away as I felt empty again.

"Yeah, me too, I hope I see you tonight," I said as she flashed a half smile.

"Maybe, I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there," she said not looking me in the eye slowly walking back back to the party.

Don't give up on me yet beautiful I whispered watching her walk away from me and carrying my heart right along with her.

----

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity House

End-of-Year Party

Carmelo’s POV

It was the last party of the year, graduation was near but Kayla was occupying my mind.

We kept our word, after our night nothing changed. We woke up that next morning and went back into our regular routine. Two best friends who adored each other.

 I had gone out with a few girls since then and Kayla was into her sorority life and wasn’t dating.

She had told me how she wanted to heal from the breakup with Justin before she dated anybody. I can’t help but admit I wanted more, and no girl could compare to her but I didn’t even know how to tell her.

"Let me get this straight 'cause you are confusing the fuck outta me. You like Kayla, but instead of telling her you bring Robin to this party. The girl who has made her life hell since she joined the AKAs. You stupid as fuck,” Darnell scoffed hitting me on the back of the head.

"Shit, you didn’t have to hit me, I know I’m wrong,” I said rubbing my head as I saw Kayla on the dancing floor dancing with Angela as I saw Anthony approach them.

"What the fuck is he doin'?" I hissed seeing my frat brother whisper in Kayla’s ear as she blushed, nodding as he pulled her away from Angela and they began dancing.

“Looks like he knows a beautiful woman when he sees one and he asked her to dance,” Darnell said as I growled.

“Fuckin’ freshman thinking he can come in here and do what he wants. Let me set his ass straight,” I hissed finishing my beer.

“Um, why can’t he ask her to dance? She’s single and so is he," Darnell said as I stormed past him not wanting to talk to his ass anymore.

Soon as I got closer Robin slid in front of me catching me off guard. "Hey, I have been looking for you, let’s dance," she said throwing her arms around me as I reluctantly danced with her.

I didn't know how to feel as Kayla looked at me in shock and uncertainty as Robin and I danced. I knew by her eyes she was hurt by my dating choice of the night.

Sighing I tried to play it cool as our eyes seemed to fall deeper into each other before she laid her head on Anthony’s shoulder avoiding my gaze as he seemed to be enjoying it a little too much for my liking.

"Motherfucka," I whispered as Robin pulled back looking at me. "What’s wrong babe?" She asked as I played it off. " Uh, nothin’ let’s go upstairs after this song. I know better things we could be doin', " I said as her eyes lit up.

Yea, I was wrong but I didn’t care at the moment.

"Hands up here now," I heard Kayla say as she moved Anthony's hands back to her waist. He had been trying to caress her ass.

"I'm sorry beautiful," he said as I saw red, I don’t even know what came over me as I stepped away from Robin and went towards them.

"What are you doing!? I know you ain't going over there, she don't need you to save her!" Robin hissed following me. Hell I don’t even know what I’m doing, but I know he ain’t gon’ be touchin’ on her like that.

"Aye, you need to keep your hands to yourself," I said interrupting their dance gently grabbing her arm and moving her behind me as I stepped in Anthony’s face.

"What is your problem, Melo?! We were just dancing," Kayla said as Anthony smirked.

"Ain’t it obvious, he can’t take somebody else takin’ an interest in you Kay, he just wants you to be his little plaything," Anthony said as I grabbed him by the collar snatching his ass up.

"My problem is every time I turn around yo’ bitch ass tryin’ to take something that belongs to me,” I hissed dangerously low as he laughed. "Oh, so she's yours huh," Anthony taunted as the music stopped and people began to stare.

"Let me talk to you for a minute," Kayla whispered grabbing my hand, as I let go of Anthony. I was getting more pissed by the second looking at his cocky ass.

"I know you new freshman, so you don't know me. Keep smirking, I'll knock all your fuckin' teeth out," I hissed, his smirk dropping instantly.

"No your not, let's go," Kayla said steering me towards the stairs as the music started back up.

"Don’t you go up there with her Carmelo! If you do I’m going home!" Robin yelled following us upstairs as Kayla rolled her eyes.

"Just go home, I'll call you later Robin," I said trying to not cause a scene seeing a few people were still looking at us.

"I’m serious, you go in there don't ever call me again," she said as Kayla opened my door pushing me inside before turning to face her.

"Good! It'll save him a trip to the free clinic! Anybody fucking you ends up with something bleach can't wash off and a ten day perscription of penicillin, Bye, irrelevant!" Kayla yelled slamming the door in Robins's face as I heard her scream on the other side of the door before walking away.  

"Aye, you didn’t have to be so rude," I said as Kayla laughed sarcastically.

" Really, you wanna talk about rude. All I was doing was dancing with him and you come over acting like an asshole," she said as I invaded her space pushing her up against my door towering over her.

"I’m sorry ok, I just saw him touchin’ you and I wasn’t thinking," I said honestly caressing her face as she nervously bit her lip before my lips gently grazed hers.

"We need to talk Mel," she whispered as I groaned reluctantly stepping away from her. She was right we needed to talk badly but I didn't want to do it now.

"Ok, what are we talking about?" I asked frustrated the moment was ruined as she looked at me in disbelief.

"Are you serious?  Well, let’s talk about why all of a sudden you actin’ like you my man," Kaylas said as I sighed feeling the anger in me boiling. She couldn’t see that I liked her.

 "We’re friends Carmelo, remember that night wasn’t supposed to change us," she rambled running her hands through her hair, pacing.

"I know what we agreed on, I ain’t dumb!" I yelled as a knock on the door interrupted us.

"I heard yelling….Are you ok in there, Kayla?" Angela asked as she tried to calm her breathing before she responded.

The last thing I needed was Angela bustin’ up in here making matters worse.

"Yeah, I’m good I’ll be down in a minute so we can go," Kayla said as Angela tried to open the door.  

"She’s fine Angela, damn!" I hissed as Kayla sighed. "Don’t get no attitude with me 'cause you fucking stupid. Jealous ass, I’ll be downstairs Kayla,” Angela said as quietness filled the room.

"What are we doin'? This isn’t us, why are we arguing with each other Carmelo. What’s really wrong?” Kayla asked.

Ok, tell her how you feel…This may be your last chance.

" I’m cool, we’re cool. I’m just trying to say before you put yourself back out there, just know women can’t do what men do," I said as Kayla frowned at me.

"What are you tryin' to say?" she asked as I tried to choose my words wisely. "I don’t want a bad reputation following you, I mean all it takes is you opening your legs to one of these idiots and then you are labeled as a whore," I said as I saw the flash of anger cross her beautiful face.

Fuck, I opened the gates of hell.

"Are you saying I’m a whore!?" Kayla exclaimed as I growled. "No! I ain’t sayin’ you’re a whore! I’m sayin’ don’t be out here in these streets grinding up on these clowns like a needy whore that will ride anybody’s dick," I said as Kayla reached up and slapped the fuck outta me.

How dare you? I wasn't grinding on no motherfuckin' body, we were just dancing. Meanwhile, you fuck anything with a gash and me simply just dancing with someone leads to a conversation as to how you don’t want me to be a whore..You're unbelievable," Kayla said throwing her hands up in frustration as I rubbed my face.

"Look, I ain’t gon’ argue with you. I said what I said and if you don’t like it, you can leave. I’m sure Anthony is ready to make you his new little plaything anyway. I’m sure he’ll love that lil trick you do with your mouth,” I said not believing the words coming out of my mouth.

I was supposed to be telling her I loved her, but here I was spewing venom towards her because another man was interested in her.

"I tell you what, I’d rather be his plaything than your so-called best friend?  Hell, maybe he can actually satisfy me better than you did, so fuck you! she yelled storming out of my room, slamming the door behind her.

"DAMN ITTTT!!" I yelled sinking into the couch as I realized the finality of my words.

I had lost my best friend and the woman I loved.

-----

"Aye, earth to Melo! I heard Darnell yell as I cringed. "Stop yelling, I heard you," I said trying to get myself together. " I saw ya'll talking is everything good now? he asked as I smiled.

" We're gonna get together before the weekend is over," I said honestly feeling a little about the weekend. "That’s good to hear, hopefully, ya’ll move past this,” he said as we went back to join the party.

I hoped so, I knew one thing was for certain tonight was the time to shoot my shot and I planned on making my intentions loud and clear.

I wanted Kayla and nothing was going to stop me from telling her this time, not even myself.

------

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KaylaAKA4Life: Enjoying this weekend and living life to the fullest with my Sorority sisters and fellow Alpha brothers. Let's Party Ya'll! #AKAsDoItBetter #FAMUHomecoming2023 #FAMUAlumni

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-----

PHIRSTPHAM ALUMNI BALL

Kayla's POV

“Angela thank you so much for helping me find a dress,” I said looking myself over in the mirror as she touched up her makeup.

The Emerald gold hue colored dress looked good on me. The dress being off the shoulder with the built in bra enhanced the beauty of it. Also, who could go wrong with showin' a little leg. Yea, I’m wearing the hell outta this dress right now if I may say so.

“Yea, I was gonna comment on your Instagram post, but you disabled your comments bitch,” she said as I shrugged my shoulders.

“Yes, I did because when Carmelo liked it I kind of panicked. I knew he was going to comment next, then his fans would see it and I ain’t with all that attention,”  I said as Angela nodded in agreement.

“Ah, I get it, I actually don’t blame you on that one,” she said as we made our way back into the dining hall. The night had been going well but I was getting ready to soon leave.

Two hours was enough for me and I hadn’t seen Carmelo yet so my nerves were a little on edge. I can’t believe how just a hug from him was breaking down the walls I had built up. But for now, I’m going to enjoy the rest of my weekend.

“Heeeyyy, the party jumpin’ now,” I said looking at the crowded dance floor. “Gril, here come Anthony, don’t look,” Angela said as I sighed truly not in the mood.

“Damn,I was hoping he wouldn’t see me,” I whispered. I knew he was going to ask me to dance. Now don’t get me wrong, “I’ll give all my love to you” by Keith Sweat is one of my favorite songs but I ain’t dancing with his ass.

After the blow up with Carmelo I pretty much stayed away from his frat house all together. That didn’t stop Anthony from spreading rumors that he and I had slept together. So, yea I had to rock his shit one good time too.

“You ladies look amazing,” he said sizing us up as Angela cleared her throat. “Thanks, Anthony” I said as he smiled brightly at me.

“Kayla, may I have this dance?” he asked as I felt someone grab my hand gently bringing it to their lips. I actually sighed in relief seeing it was Carmelo as he smiled at me.

“She’s with me Anthony, ain't nothin' changed Bruh. Let's go Kay, I owe you a dance,” Carmelo said smoothly steering me away as Angela smiled.

“Well ok then Melo, come through boo,” Angela said as I blushed. She always hyping him up in his bullshit.

“Thank you, I was about to have a flashback and was probably gon’ rock his ass again like I did you earlier,” I said as he laughed pulling me close on the dance floor as we danced.

Carmelo’s POV

Step one complete I had her in my arms again our foreheads touching as I caressed her waist swaying to the music. She felt so good, this was a dream it had to be.

I love you in the night

I wanna take it real real slow, my baby

I understand what you told me

And if I, I didn't know

I always wanted someone just like you

“Thank you for dancing with me,” I whispered as she pulled back slightly, those beautiful eyes stirring something deep in my soul.

“Thanks for saving the day like you always use to do,” she smiled as I felt all my troubles melt away. She just didn’t know but I would always protect her.

I really need to hold on, hold you

I'd give the world to you, oh my darlin'

You know I will

Yeah yeah you know i will

I surely will

“You are so beautiful; you know that right?” I asked, caressing her face as she looked away.

“Carmelo,” she started as I cut her off gently grasping her face making her look at me. The more I stared into her beautiful eyes, it seemed the more I got lost.

 “Just be in the moment with me,” I pleaded, gently kissed her forehead, as she relaxed in my arms.

I will never do anything to hurt you

I'll give all my love to you

(I'm gonna give you every bit of my love, my love)

And if you need me, baby, I'll come runnin' (yes I will)

Only to you (yes my baby yes I will)

I looked over and saw Trick dancing with Angela as he smiled at me giving me a thumbs up. Smiling, I closed my eyes just enjoying Kayla being in my arms again as she laid her head on my chest.

One of her hands resting on my back as the other caressed my arm and not just any arm but the one that contained the tattoo I had joked about getting four years earlier.

“You remember, don’t you? You know it’s your tattoo,” I whispered in her ear,unafraid of the answer as she nodded against me.

I no longer had anything to hide from her.

Girl I've been longing for you baby for a long long time

Let's make love tonight

I can make me feel real good baby

I can make feel real good baby

Sometimes, sometimes I get a little lonely, baby (so lonely baby)

“Why,” she whispered as I leaned down and gently placed a kiss on her bare shoulder. “Why wouldn’t I? I wanted to carry you with me always, you’re my best friend and I love you,” I whispered as I felt her still in my arms.

And I need a little love that I can call all mine (I need some lovin')

Girl, you are the one for me, babe

I know that you are the world for me, babe

“I can’t do this, I’m sorry,” Kayla whispered pulling away, walking off the dance floor.

Defeated, my eyes met Trick’s who pointed, silently telling me to go after her.

He was right, I couldn’t let the chance pass me by again. I rushed off the dance floor determined to catch her before she left.

Kayla’s POV

“Don't fall for it... He didn’t mean it Kayla, stop being weak,” I muttered to myself pacing. I felt in flight or fight mode as I saw Carmelo rushing towards me. “Look, I forgave you ok, so you don’t have to do this,” I cried trying to put some space between us as I tried to leave again.

“Kayla we can’t keep running from this baby,” Carmelo said blocking my path as I felt my anxiety rising.

This couldn’t be happening right now, he didn’t love me, he couldn’t.

“Why are you doin’ this!?” I cried as he caressed my face. “I’m doin’ It because I should have told you that night. I should have told you that I loved you,” Carmelo confessed as I felt the room closing in.

“No, no, you couldn’t have,” I whispered as I felt the air rushing out of my lungs.

“I’m sorry to just spring all this on you but, I don’t wanna make the same mistake twice. I can’t let you walk away from me again without telling you. I still love you Kayla and I know you love me too,” Carmelo declared without fear, claiming my lips in an eager kiss.

I will never do anything to hurt you

(I would never, never do one little thing to hurt you)

I'll give all my love to you

My mind was fuzzy as our kisses became more passionate, was this really happening right now.

“I’ma leave, and give you some time,” Carmelo whispered against my lips as I whimpered at the loss.

“I want you to come to me when you’re ready to admit you love me just as much as I love you, he said gently brushing his lips against mine before rushing off towards the elevators.

And if you need me, baby, I'll come runnin'

Only to you

Running towards the bathroom I locked myself in a stall trying to process what had happened. All this time he loved me, all this time lost.

Did I love him? Who am I kidding, I’ve always loved him and I thought I was over it until I saw him today, and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

His words continuing to echo in my head as I got myself together.  Finally building up the courage to come out of the bathroom I ran into what felt like a brick wall as a strong set of arms steadied me.

"Hey, I'm Carmelo's friend Trick. I was looking for him, have you seen him,” the gentleman said as I looked at Angela,who stood behind him.

“He left and went upstairs,” I said as Trick frowned. “So did ya’ll talk?” Angela asked as I nodded.  

“Kayla, did he tell you how he felt?” Trick asked as I nodded again.

"Uh, can you give us an answers and stop all that damn nodding," Angela said I sighed.

“He told me he loved me and that he always had,” I said overwhelmed as Angela squealed in delight. “I knew it! My eyes don’t fool me," she said as I wiped my tears.

“How do you feel about what Melo said?” Trick asked as I contemplated his words.

“I love him too;” I said feeling relieved to say it out loud as Angela hugged me.

 “Then go to him,” she whispered as I nodded in understanding. I guess this is what she mean the other day about me putting my big girl panties on.

I had to tell him he wasn’t wrong, I did love him.

 “Trick, Do you know what room he’s in?' I asked as he smiled. “Room 984,” he said without hesitation as I gave him a hug.

 "Thank you and it was nice meeting you," I whispered as he laughed returning my embrace.

“Nice metting you too Kayla, and I’m sure we will be hanging out soon. Especially if your friend Angela here gives me her number,” he said as I smiled at him before I took off towards the elevator.

“Get ya’ man and have some mind-blowing sex you deserve it!” Angela yelled as Trick laughed. "Trick you better keep your eyes on that one," I said getting on the elevator anxiously waiting for the doors to close.

I felt nervous, the elevator seemed to be going so slow. I almost changed my mind, but the loud dinging noise let me knew I had reached my destination as I walked in a daze to room 984.

Taking a deep breath, I lightly knocked hoping he wouldn’t hear me, and I could leave.

“Damn no such luck,” I muttered as I heard him fumbling around the room. Just do what you feel Kayla, you already know he feels the same. Speak your peace and leave it at that.

Last night I thought to back to when we made good love

Listenin' to some Marvin Gaye all night long

Now I want that old thing back

 It was like time stood still as he opened the door clad in only a towel and a surprised look on his face. Wasting no time and closing the distance between us, I leaped into his arms, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

 It’s power startling us both as we moaned in pleasure as our ever-present need for each other continued to grow more intense by the second as we got lost in each other.

 Reluctantly parting to catch our breath, Carmelo looked at me in wonder, caressing my hips.

Make these moments once again a fact

So won't ya, won't ya, uhhh, do it for us, babe

“So, you do love me?” he whispered in disbelief as I caressed his face his piercing gaze had me under his spell.

“I love you, Carmelo,” I whispered against his lips as he groaned reclaiming my lips, pulling me against his bare chest and into his room, slamming the door.

“I love you too, baby,” he moaned as his hands masterfully unzipped my dress causing it to fall at my feet as I shivered feeling exposed under his intense gaze.

“Are we really doin’ this?” I panted as his eyes continued to roam my body. “Yes, and your even more beautiful than I remembered,” he moaned, his breath now hot on my neck as he slowly grazed his lips across my neck, helping me out of my underwear.  

I couldn’t contain my moans of pleasure as Carmelo entangled his fingers in my hair, kissing and nibbling on my neck.

 Purring against him I felt myself losing control as his towel fell, a barrier no longer between us.

Good lovin, body rockin' knockin' boots all night long yeah

Makin' love until we tire to the break of dawn

But oh, come on, a-come on

“Melo, baby,” I moaned as he growled, his hands caressing my breasts as he teasingly sucked and nipped at them as my grip on his head tightened.

“I need to taste you, Peaches, I bet you taste so sweet,” he groaned using his tongue, licking a path from my stomach to my pelvis as he kneeled before me.

And turn the lights down, and let me get on it, yeah

‘Cause when I do, just me and you, it'll be so right

“Can I taste you, Peaches?” he moaned caressing my thighs wrapping them around his shoulders as I trembled with anticipation as he kissed my inner thigh trailing his tongue over my wet center.

Carmelo’s POV

“Yes! Please baby,” Kayla gasped, arching her hips against my tongue as I tasted her. Her hands gripping my face as I licked and sucked on her clit. “Mmm, you taste so sweet peaches. I knew you would baby,” I praised, her eyes rolling back in her head as I pleased her. 

Her moans urging me on as I swirled my flattened tongue around her swollen sensitive clit over and over as she whimpered underneath me.

A-give me some good love

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots)

A-give me some good love

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots) Somebody rockin', baby, ooh

“Carmelo! Oh, fuck!” Kayla moaned as I groaned savoring her taste. Gripping her ass and standing up while still lapping up her juices, I lifted her higher into the air.

 “What are you doing!” she gasped in shock and pleasure as my hungry eyes met hers. Her back planted firmly against the wall as she shivered against my mouth.

“I'm eating my dessert baby,” I moaned devouring her sweet wet center as her legs trembled around my neck.

I feel so good when I'm near you

That's why I always wanna be close to you

“Give me what I want Peaches,” I moaned against her as her gasps were coming in short spurts, I knew she was close.

 “I want it now Kayla,” I moaned swirling my tongue one last time around her clit before taking it in my mouth sucking it gently as she rode my face, her head thrown back in pleasure.

"Oh God! Melo, I...." She trailed off as her whole body began to shake as her orgasm hit her strong as I slid my tongue inside her making her scream and writhe against my mouth as her orgasm continued to overtake her.

I moaned loudly as her essence drenched my mouth as I welcomed it.

Enjoying watching the pleasure on her face, I gently unwrapping her thighs from around my neck.  Maintaining my grip, I slowly slid her down my body as she leaned forward kissing me with urgency.

“I need you,” I panted against her lips as she arched her back against the wall as I entered her swiftly, as a strangled moan escaped her beautiful lips.

I'm so addicted, I'm so addicted

To makin' love to you, baby

All night long, baby, all night long, long, long, long

Her moans mixed with the feel of her pulsing around me had me reelin’. “Fuck! Shit, I missed this Kay,” I confessed reclaiming her as she clawed at my back.

“I missed you too Carmelo,” she moaned as I bounced her with ease on my dick. Her arms around my neck and her knees locked on top of my arms as we rocked against each other.

“Yea, bounce on this dick… Bounce on it like a good girl. You like how this dick feels in this pussy don’t you?” I moaned.

“Carmelo, yes! Fuck me! Umph,” She groaned sucking on my neck, her wetness soaking my dick as it got louder with each thrust.

Kayla’s POV

“Yea, this that grown man shit, you like it don’t you? That pussy so wet for me Peaches, you takin’ it so good baby,” Carmelo praised as I whimpered against him. “Yes! I love it!” I screamed holding on for dear life.

He was right, we weren’t shy college kids anymore.  This truly was real grown folks shit and I loved it.  Clawing at his shoulders in disbelief and pleasure, I felt that familiar tingling starting to surge downward. Good lovin', body rockin' all night long, oh, oh

Makin' love until we tire to the break of dawn

“I feel you baby, don’t fight that shit,” Carmelo panted as I whined not wanting to cum just yet. “I got you, I’ma make you cum,” he groaned as I gasped, his thrusts becoming more powerful as he revealed his plan for the night.

“Tonight, you gon’ cum again…and again…and again…and again,” he groaned as I fell apart in his arms, his mouth swallowing my cries as he held me tight.

“Yea, that’s it, you so fuckin’ beautiful,” he whispered against my lips.

But oh, come on, come on and turn the lights down, and let me get on it, uh

‘Cause when I do, just me and you, it'll be so right, so right, so right

Each stroke masterfully takin’ my breath away. “I want you to cum baby,” I whispered wanting him to let himself go.

I wanted to see his face as he found his sweet release as he eased us onto the bed towering over me. “Spread them legs wide for me Peaches, we gon’ get this one together, baby,” he groaned, his mouth once again overpowering mine as his strokes became deeper and harder.

“Yes! Carmelo! Cum with me,” I gasped as the new position allowed him deeper inside me.

“Mmhm, I’m real deep in this pussy, it feels so good too baby,” he praised. Moving in sync with him I knew he was close. His muscles began to twitch under my touch.  

A-give me some good love

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots)

“Your mine,” I moaned as a low growl fell from his lips as I traced my tongue against his lips as he caught it between his lips gently sucking on it.

“You mine too, you always been mine,” he moaned as my pussy pulsed tightly around him again. Smirking, he placed two of his fingers inside my mouth as I gently sucked on them.

“Fuck yea, good girl Peaches,” he whispered taking his fingers and begins rubbing against my clit matching in tune with his strokes.

“Ahh! Baby I’m cumin!!” I exclaimed, his growls becoming louder as his body shook in ecstasy exploding inside me.

‘Cause I'm ready

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots) I'm so ready

I'm so ready, baby

“You felt so fuckin’ good. Shit, that was amazin’” he moaned gently kissing me as we came down from our trip of ecstasy.

 “You ain’t never lied. Can’t wait until we do it again,” I whispered as he groaned against my lips.

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots)

To give you everything that we've been waitin' on

(Somebody rockin' knockin' da boots)

“Best homecoming ever,” he panted collapsing beside me as I laughed.

“I have to agree, it’s definitely one for the books,” I said smiling.

“So does this mean you gon’ be my girl,” he whispered running his fingers through my hair as I laughed.

“Uh, I would hope so, you done gave me head in the air…The damn air Carmelo, that definitely was a first for me and the rest I can’t even talk about right now because the feeling in my legs ain’t back yet,” I said as he laughed.

“That was hot as fuck wasn’t it. It’s you, I ain’t never done no shit like that, you make me this way,” he whispered pulling me close as I kissed his tattoo.

“Well, tonight was definitely happy tears,” I said caressing his tattoo as he smiled.

“I promise as long as you my girl, it’s always going to be is happy tears, I promise you baby,” he declared as I snuggled further into his arms.

 “I love you,” I whispered as I felt his heart beating faster.

“I love you too Kayla,” he replied dropping a tender kiss on my forehead.

Where do we go from here, I didn’t know but I knew he was my man and it was going to stay that way.

Taglist:

@reci24 @southerngirl41 @vebner37 @jeyusos-girl

@melaninsugababy @romanreignkisser @bebesobrielo

@arination99 @2-muchsauce @bakugoumarianawrites

@empressdede @alyyaanna @christinabae @anonandwannakeepitthatway @venusesworld @jeyusosgirl  @theninthwonder @mya2real 

[beardedmrbean]

Charrise Lane, a senior at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, wants to re-establish what would be the only active chapter of College Republicans at a historically Black college or university. There’s just one roadblock: She can’t find an adviser for the group to be recognized on campus.

According to FAMU guidelines, no student organization can become official without one.

“I’ve reached out to professors,” said Lane, a 25-year-old public relations major and registered Republican.

“The two that responded said they couldn’t do it,” she said, adding, “So it’s not like I’m not trying.”

While rare, College Republicans have had homes at HBCUs in the past. As recently as 2016, there were at least four HBCUs with GOP chapters: Howard University, Morehouse College, Central State University and FAMU. 

The College Republican National Committee, which has been around since 1892, is an unofficial affiliate of the Republican National Committee. The group touts a presence on nearly 2,000 campuses across the U.S., according to its website. While there are more than 100 HBCUs in the country, none are home to an active, official College Republicans club.

The national organization did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Lane said she and three other classmates have met at least twice this school year in an unofficial capacity, and attended a presidential debate watch party with Florida State University’s College Republicans. But being unable to form the organization on her own campus, where 7 in 10 students are registered as Democrats, has been frustrating. FAMU has consistently been able to field an active chapter of College Democrats.

“I believe that Black people are needed on both sides,” said Lane, who noted that her conservative views have been heavily shaped by her Christian upbringing. 

In a four-minute video posted to X this summer, Lane explained that she is a Republican because she believes in a strong traditional family unit, has a more holistic view on preserving life, including opposing abortion, and supports school choice among other issues — values she said are representative in the history and ideals of the Republican Party, but not necessarily reflective of the voices that are currently at the forefront of the GOP.

Because Lane and her like-minded peers aren’t being catered to on campus, she said she won’t give up on her quest to bring a chapter of College Republicans back to FAMU.

School officials told NBC News that any new campus organization needs at least 10 members and a faculty adviser with at least three years’ standing at the school to become a registered student organization. In certain circumstances, FAMU is open to working with students — but they have been unable to successfully partner with Lane to date.

Felicia Barnes, assistant director of student organizations at FAMU, said the university would welcome the College Republicans back to campus. This week, Barnes shared names of more professors for Lane to reach out to.

“They’ve been here before, so it’s not like it hasn’t been the organization here,” she said.

Lane recognizes that, in many ways, as a self-identified pro-Black conservative at an HBCU, she is an anomaly, sitting at the intersection of what some critics would call contrasting ideologies. She’s been ridiculed, she said, by “both sides” that argue her traditional politics are often at odds with her own desire for progress for Black Americans.

“From Republicans I get called a Black supremacist and sometimes they say that I race bait, and then, from the Dems, sometimes I get called an Uncle Tom” and other racial slurs, she said, for her affiliation with Republicans. 

“Sometimes you don’t fit in with either side when it comes to your opinions.”

Still, she said, after transferring to FAMU last fall after stints at a majority white private Christian college in South Carolina and local community college because she didn’t connect with many of her classmates or professors, she yearns to be around her people — even if most of those around her disagree with her political views.

History of College Republicans at FAMU

The last time the College Republicans had an active chapter at FAMU was during the 2018-2019 school year, according to alum Marquise McMiller. 

Currently leading government relations for one of Florida’s largest public school systems in Orlando, McMiller re-established the organization during his junior year in 2015 and led the group as president for three years, he said, before someone else took it over in its last year before going dormant.

“At FAMU, the College Democrats are always prevalent,” said McMiller, who earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a Juris Doctorate from the school. “I felt like there needed to be representation for the other party.”

At the time, McMiller said the chapter had six members that met regularly, and while there wasn’t significant backlash to the organization on campus, he said the group’s presence did make some students on campus uncomfortable. 

McMiller, who describes himself as an evangelical moderate and fiscal conservative, said that the current political landscape on campus is far more hostile than it was years ago.

“It was not as polarizing of a time as it is now,” he said. “And I’m certain that, given the policies of the governor and the stances that the Legislature has taken with the supermajority, the climate at FAMU is probably not responsive … to stand with the Republican Party.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, in recent years has taken aim at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts including restricting how race can be taught in school, blocking the teaching of AP African Studies classes, and defunding diversity programs at public colleges.

Lending support to Lane, McMiller sees the push to once again establish the College Republicans chapter on campus as a “novel effort.” But while McMiller is still a registered Republican, he has grown disillusioned with his party and said he is unsure of how he will vote in November. 

“It is my strong position that African Americans shouldn’t be a part of either party,” he said.  “I think both parties do not give the African American community its full attention.”

College Republicans back at FAMU?

The decision to push to bring back the College Republicans at FAMU for Lane didn’t happen overnight, nor has it been a particularly comfortable undertaking for her. With more than 70,000 followers on Instagram and X, Lane is a prominent voice within young, Black conservative spaces. She chose to spend her first year at FAMU not speaking publicly about politics on campus, in hopes of building an organic community with those around her, especially after failing to doing do so at her previous school.

It worked for some time, she said, but when people in her orbit began to notice her on social media, many of the relationships she built with people on campus shifted. Now, she doesn’t know who to trust. Most weekends, Lane said she finds herself working or keeping to herself after being menaced online for her stances.

“People have threatened to go fight me,” Lane said. She said she’s received intimidating messages against her and her mission through an anonymous social app called Fizz, where FAMU students have to login with their school email address to get access to campus-specific posts. “And being threatened these days doesn’t faze me, but being threatened by students, it kind of shook me a little bit because these are my peers.” 

She detailed some of the threats, along with screenshots, in an Instagram video.

Tevon Blair, a co-founder of Xceleader, a nonprofit group that empowers HBCU students and alumni to be leaders, said it is “important for HBCU campuses to offer spaces for students to explore all political perspectives.” It allows students to make more informed political decisions. 

Still, said Blair, who leads the nonprofit group’s Vote HBCU Program, “HBCU students, specifically those located in Southern states, often see the direct impact of Republican-led state legislatures on their education. This includes chronic underfunding of state-supported HBCUs and the introduction of laws that influence how students vote, learn, and experience college life.”

About a month from the presidential election, Lane said she will continue pushing to re-establish the College Republicans as a new administration at the school gets put in place. Regardless of what happens, she doesn’t expect the entire campus to like her, she said, but she does expect respect.

“At the end of the day, politics is politics,” she said. “You shouldn’t threaten someone’s life over it.”

[quarantineddreamer]

Synchronous Scars | Chapter 9

Whew this one took awhile! A healthy dose of writer's block mixed with imposter's syndrome does not make for the most productive working environment, but we're finally here, and I am so happy to be back with this fic. I hope you'll enjoy the update! Snippet below and as usual full chapter under the cut, or above on AO3. Thanks for reading! (And any reblogs, recs, comments etc. greatly appreciated 💙)

Chapter 9

Sleep was not something that had ever come easily to Cassian. In many ways, he considered it a form of surrender, leaving him at the mercy of whatever torture his traitorous mind would conjure. 

Once he drifted off, the trees would be there to greet him . 

Tall and reaching, with trunks like prison bars stretching across his vision in every direction, trapping him. Not Kenari, but a twisted parallel, just close enough to be familiar, and all the more painful for it.

Vines would reach out to wrap around his ankles and wrists, rooting him to the spot, helpless to take any action as the forest’s shadows began to take the shape of his greatest failures. 

His mother’s silhouette before him, crumbling against a violent red. Kerri’s eyes, wide and black and so afraid. Searching, always searching, with a voice small and hurting. Calling his name again and again, until the surrounding ether consumed her. 

Cassian shook his head–willing inevitable nightmares from his thoughts–and returned his focus instead to listening. Straining to catch the subtle click of a lock turning, or the quiet hiss of a door opening, the soft fall of footsteps retreating into the night... 

They had been fortunate enough not to encounter any further trouble following the strange run-in with Jyn’s ‘ghosts’. Even luckier still, to find a cheap hotel tucked off of Famu’s main thoroughfare with two open rooms. The woman at the counter had accepted the credits Jyn slid across the table without so much as a glance upwards. 

The rooms they’d been given were next to each other, and when Jyn punched in the keycode to her room the door had opened smoothly, with little sound aside from a brief rush of air, practically a whisper.

There had been an awkward beat, Cassian watching her, trying to discern if this would be the last time he saw her, or what she might look like in another 6 years–so he’d be able to recognize her if, by some impossible chance, their paths crossed again. 

He hadn’t dared to ask her outright if he’d be seeing her in the morning. 

“Good night, Cassian,” she’d said softly, avoiding his eyes as she disappeared into her room.

Goodnight, Jyn. 

Cassian rolled to his back, contemplating the blank expanse of the ceiling, glowing a hypnotic blue from the moonlight that streamed through his open window. 

His body should have been screaming for rest—already, he could feel the ache of tomorrow beginning to set in, the fresh scrapes and bruises from his fight on Morlana One making themselves known–but instead it was betraying him. 

It was absurd, well beyond logic, and completely unrealistic, but he swore he could still taste her on his lips, could still smell her hair–flowers, rain, and smoke–with each inhale, the soft skin of her back against the palm of his hand, heating his wrist… 

There was a gentle bump somewhere in the hallway and Cassian found himself holding his breath, waiting for any sounds that might follow, for any indication she was leaving. 

But there was nothing, only a distant ringing in his ears–a souvenir from his time fighting on Mimban.

He wondered what damages he might collect from whatever hellhole the Empire shipped him off to this time. Or maybe they wouldn’t even bother, maybe the notice that had–no doubt by now–been sent out from Morlana One simply read shoot on sight, and when his mistakes caught up to him that would be it.

Maybe he had seen Ferrix for the last time and–just like with Kenari–not even known it.

The image of Clem waiting up for him to get home–as he had done countless times throughout Cassian’s youth–bore too close a resemblance to his nightmares of Kerri doing the same. His stomach in knots, Cassian rolled from the bed and wandered into the hallway, seeking one of the communal freshers and the sharp slap of some cold water on his face to clear his head.

At the end of the empty, dark hallway was a door that had been painted blue to mark the location of the fresher. But when Cassian entered the code the hotel had provided to unlock it, the word ‘ ERROR’ flashed back at him, the keypad emitting three short beeps of defiance. 

“One sec. I’m almost done,” a familiar voice echoed from within the fresher. 

Something tickled at his chest, a strange combination of surprise, delight, and relief rushing through him. “Jyn?”

For a moment the only sound was the faint drip of water; he thought he might have heard her give a quick kark under her breath. Then the door hissed open to reveal Jyn, her outline haloed by the warm glow of the fresher behind her. 

Like him, she was wearing the same clothes from the day–swimming in the shirt she’d borrowed from him on the ship. Her hair was still damp from showering and she had her head angled to the side as she continued to squeeze at her ends with a fluffy gray towel. She lifted an eyebrow at him, “What are you still doing up?”

“I could ask the same of you,” he pointed out. 

She shrugged and lowered the towel. “I’ve learned to never pass up hot water when you have it.” 

There was a slight downward curve to her mouth that made him think she wasn’t telling the whole truth, but he refrained from challenging her statement. “Fair enough…” 

“Well…” Jyn shifted in the doorway, making space for him to pass her. “All yours,” a slight smirk played at her lips. “Good thing too.” She mimed plugging her nose and waving at the air, “You smell atrocious.”

“Thanks for that,” Cassian gave a dry laugh, “very kind of you to say.” 

“No, really–I would know. I got a good whiff in the alleyway when we were–” She cut herself off abruptly, and were it not difficult to tell with the strange lighting of the fresher and the darkness of the hallway dividing her face, he might have said he saw a faint blush creep across her face. “Anyways,” she gestured somewhat awkwardly to the fresher behind her, “all yours.” 

But he still couldn’t shake the sense that something was troubling her, and as she stepped into the hallway–her shoulder brushing against him–instinct compelled him to call after her, “Jyn?” 

She turned and looked back at him. The expression on her face was carefully guarded, giving nothing away, but it was something in her eyes, capturing the light like twin lanterns, that confirmed his suspicions–an uneasiness in them that reminded him of the faraway look that had overcome her in the bar. 

What’s the real reason you’re still awake? he almost asked, before noticing Jyn’s wary, shifting posture and thinking better of it.  “Just…” let me know if there’s anything I can do. But he bit back the words, still too knowing, too familiar, and went with, “Hope you get some sleep.”

Her fingers picked at the threads of the towel that lay across her shoulders. “Yeah,” she murmured, a curious tilt to her head as she slowly turned away. “You too...”

Inside the fresher, the mirror was still fogged with moisture from Jyn’s recent visit and foamy suds from the soap she’d used lingered atop the drain, the minty scent clouding every breath Cassian took. Traces of sweat, blood, and grime from the streets of Morlana One washed away easily enough, but he found the picture of Jyn’s small figure retreating down the shadow soaked hallway remained stubbornly embedded in his thoughts. 

On the day he’d met her, he’d learned the hard way just how resistant she could be to the help of another, and what had happened mere hours ago on the streets of Famu only served to remind him further of her stubbornness. 

Which was why, even after his feet automatically carried him to her door instead of his own, he hesitated–hand wavering over its surface and a million thoughts buzzing through his head. 

She might resent him for any further attempt at assistance, she might assume that he was there for all the wrong reasons... 

The door flew open before he could make up his mind, revealing Jyn in the entryway, blaster in hand and leveled at his stomach, her eyes blazing. 

It was the second time in less than a day that she had pointed a gun at him, and in retrospect a part of him knew he should have expected this might happen; as it was he nearly jumped out of his skin. “No, no, no, Jyn. Jyn, it’s me.” 

“ Kark , Cass–do you know how close I just came to shooting you?”

Pretty fucking close, he guessed. 

If she caught the ashen look on his face, she gave no signs of concern. Instead, she leaned past him to scan the hallway behind, “What’s wrong?” she demanded. 

“We’re fine,” he said, nudging her back into the entryway–out of sight from any unlikely wandering eyes. He put his hand on her forearm, gently pushing till she grudgingly lowered her weapon. “Nothing’s wrong. I just came to check on you.”

She stilled, staring up at him with a mix of puzzlement and surprise, close enough that he could feel the warmth of her breath on his chin. “Oh…”

Now that his heart rate had returned to normal and he could think clearly again, he couldn’t resist. “Cass?” he asked her with a slight smirk. 

“Shut up,” she muttered, though she mirrored his expression. “I’m still armed.”

He didn’t tell her that Cass was also what his family and friends called him, that he liked the idea of being able to place her in that category. 

“Anyways,” he forced himself to lean away, clearing his throat. “It just seemed like maybe there was something bothering you,” he gestured to the blaster in her hand, “like you were on edge.”

The corners of her lips fell, and he almost regretted bringing it up at all–regretted ending whatever rare flash of carelessness she’d managed to seize. “I’m fine,” she answered, words sounding more sigh than truth.

His gaze lingered on her hand, firmly gripping Clem’s old blaster. “Looks like it…” he murmured.

He caught the twitch of her shoulders tightening, the brief flicker of a glare jumping across her face. But the irritation vanished as soon as it appeared, replaced by a look, not quite of surren der, but of something close to it; if not trust, understanding. “The pair that followed us,” she said at last. “Seeing them brought up some things from my past that I’d rather forget. Between them and what happened on Morlana today I guess I’m just a bit…unsettled.”

Cassian ran his fingers through his hair hoping the movement would distract from the color he felt rising in his cheeks. It wasn’t like he was ashamed of what had happened between him and Jyn in the alley, but the idea that fear of the pair that had followed them had kept her awake, while he had been tossing and turning recalling how much he’d enjoyed that particular encounter, did make him feel a bit guilty. 

Jyn seemed not to have noticed his fidgeting. She was pressing her back into the doorframe opposite where he stood, tips of her boots nearly touching his own. 

The boots served as an indication of just how far from rest she had been, ready to run at a moment’s notice. “I’m sorry, Jyn,” he said, studying what hints of exhaustion she had let slip. (Slouching shoulders, bleary eyes, the barely perceptible sway as she shuffled her weight from foot to foot.) “The mess with the corpos…you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for me.”

“Actually, I think it’s the other way around,” she quipped, with a slight smile that quickly faded into something more serious. Her eyes met his and held for a long moment, sending a rush of warmth to his core. “I’m definitely not ‘ glad’ I’m here,” she admitted, “but I am glad you are.”

He had to resist the urge to step closer to her, something about the softness in her voice like strings, tugging at his insides. Looking pointedly at the blaster still in her hand he said, “I could stand watch outside your door, wake you if there’s someone coming.”

“That’s–”

“The least I can do for landing you in all this trouble?” he offered; a gentle push. When was the last time she’d had someone to watch her back? Look out for her? Ferrix might not have been his choice–would never replace what he had known on Kenari–but at least he had Brasso. At least he had Bix, Bee, Clem–Maarva in her own occasionally misguided ways. Even if they didn’t always understand him, he knew they cared for him. 

Jyn’s mouth was pressed into a thoughtful line, teeth pulling at her lower lip. 

“I promise if anyone shows up I’ll wake you up so you can do the honors.”

“Alright, alright,” she said, shaking her head. “But if you linger in the hallway you’ll only draw unnecessary attention.” She stepped backwards into the room, “I guess you’d better come in...”

Her suite was a mirror to his own–if not slightly narrower–with the same hollow, sterile quality; all white walls and bedding, with ugly tan furniture and the smell of cleaning chemicals. But there was something about standing in such a space with another person–standing in it with Jyn –that seemed to soften some of the room’s coarser features.  

She stopped awkwardly at the end of the bed and turned to face him, waving at a chair placed in a corner by the window. “I’m not convinced it was designed for sitting. I think it’s main use is decoration. Or maybe punishment...” It was her way of offering him an out, making it clear that–regardless of any anxiety she was feeling–she didn’t need this, she was just fine on her own thank you. 

He walked towards the chair and dragged it to where Jyn was standing, turned it to face the door. 

She rolled her eyes at him as he sat down–the chair giving an ominous screech–but he noticed that before she climbed into bed, she took a moment to remove her boots, lips curving in a small smile as she stretched cramped toes. If nothing else, he’d given her that bit of relief.

He forced his attention onto the door as she settled; messing with the sleeves of her shirt, pulling the covers over her legs, smacking at the pillows with her palms. The habits of someone unaccustomed to sleeping on a forgiving, cushy surface; he recognized them, knew them well.

Not long after, she gave a heavy sigh. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her roll onto her back, stare at the ceiling–another familiar gesture. “How are you going to function tomorrow on no sleep?” Jyn grumbled. 

“I wasn’t getting any sleep anyways,” Cassian replied with a shrug. He was used to making do on very little rest, it wouldn’t be an issue.  

“Why not?”

He glanced at her, caught her now curled on her side and angled slightly to face him, eyes open and bright with moonlight. Her hair was down, dark strands of it curling on the pillow beneath her head.  Force, she was beautiful. Anyone else and he would’ve been trying to charm his way into the bed to lay beside her. But his intentions tonight were–for once, strangely–more honorable than that. He dragged his eyes away. “Go to sleep, Jyn.”

“Why?” she asked again, still watching him.

He swallowed hard, looked to the door again, and did his best to ignore the burn of her gaze, sending heat up his spine. “I never sleep well.”

He thought for a moment that she had fallen asleep, or else was done talking, but then her voice came again, barely more than a whisper, “Bad dreams?” And there was another question in there, audible only in his mind: You too?

“Bad dreams,” he agreed quietly, pulling his wrist across the arm of his chair to combat a sudden itch. 

Another lapse of silence and then, “What are they about?”

Her words drifted through the air and settled onto his skin like a fine mist, seeped through the surface and into his blood till he could feel her there, a distant echo ringing in his veins. “Go to sleep, Jyn,” he said again, because he didn’t know what else to say–was afraid of what he might say or do if he surrendered to the feeling. 

“The day we met. When I woke up on Ferrix… You were dreaming.”

He squeezed his eyes shut to keep from looking at her, certain it would only result in ruin. A reply came tumbling out of his mouth anyways, “It’s always the same one. My home planet, the day my mother died. My sister…”

“Sister?” Jyn asked, and he could picture the blink of surprise so vividly, he realized just how futile an effort it was to keep his eyes shut.

“Kerri,” he murmured, studying the blurred outlines of the shadows splashed onto the wall; the sound of her name on his lips as sweet as it was painful. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d said it outloud, probably it was on the day he’d lost her. In all the time he had spent searching for her, he had never told anyone her name. As though he had been waiting for her to be the one to bring it back to life. 

“Kerri,” Jyn repeated softly. There was something to the way she said it, syllables like sparks, brightening the room around them, bringing his sister out of the dark hollows of his mind and into the light. Somehow, she knew, “That’s who you were searching for…on Morlana.”

“Yes,” Cassian breathed, still unable to look at her, feeling the steadying weight of her eyes all the same. “When Clem and Maarva found me I was just a kid… I didn’t know what was happening, what they were saying. I tried to tell them, but…she got left behind.” Abandoned. I abandoned her.

“Cassian…” she seemed to be searching for words, but because it was her, he felt that even just the sound of his name said enough. 

He pressed his face into his hands and let out a long, heavy breath. There was lead in his bones, the gravity of a guilt that threatened to pull him down or snap him in two, whichever came first. 

His pain found an echo, Jyn letting out a sigh of her own. “You think it’s your fault,” she said, not a question, a statement. “You think that you could’ve done something different, something that would’ve changed what happened, fixed everything…” 

There was an understanding to her words. Somewhere in her past, there was something she felt responsible for, the same way he did Kerri. He wanted to know what it was, “You had a nightmare…that night on Ferrix.”

“My mother,” Jyn murmured, and out of the corner of his eye he saw sheets rustling, her hand sliding beneath the covers to reach for her chest, as though to hold something in place. “I watch her die, I watch her killer walk away with–” she swallowed the words. “It’s like you said: always the same.”  

When he turned, he found her staring into a dark corner of the room, one hand squeezing her upper arm, the other tangled in a cord that hung from her neck–her fingers were wrapped tight around something connected to it. “Was that hers?”

She opened her palm, revealing a translucent crystal, glowing as though it had absorbed every spare sliver of moonlight from its surroundings. “It was,” she answered softly.

He wanted to tell her that whatever had happened, it wasn’t her fault, but those words had never provided him with any of the relief that was intended, and he knew she would deny them just as vehemently as he always did. 

So instead, he let the quiet persist, sensing her there—far from sleep–and like him, running through faint wisps of memories again and again until they turned to hard, painful knots. 

But at least one of them needed to get some rest. Cassian called out to her again, playfully, trying to cast the sadness from the room, “You should really go to sleep.”

“And you should mind your own business,” Jyn retorted, a smirk emerging in her voice. “If I’d known you were going to spend the whole time nagging I’d never have let you in here.”

‘There are other things I could do with the time if you prefer….’ He bit his lip to keep his smart mouth from landing him in trouble. 

The bed gave a low creak, and Cassian watched, puzzled, as Jyn sat up, slowly reaching behind her for the pillows, then yanking at the covers until she had pulled the ends free from under the mattress.

“What are you doing?” he asked, when she began to toss the pillows towards the end of the bed. 

She slowly clambered after the pillows, moving closer to him. His question went unanswered as she carefully rearranged herself, feet pointing to the headboard, head resting atop a pillow situated at the end of the bed, just beside his chair. 

She left one pillow free, not bothering to look at him as she gently pushed it towards him. “That one’s for you,” she murmured. 

There was a tightness in his chest as he reached for the item and settled it behind his neck, the surface of it smelling of her freshly-washed skin and damp, perfumed hair. 

“I wanted a better shot at the door,” Jyn told him. “Just in case.”

He didn’t quip at the lack of trust her statement implied, didn’t try to argue the obvious (her position before had offered a better angle). Instead, he glanced to his left, where he could just see the soft, pale curve of her cheek. “Good night, Jyn,” he breathed into the silence.   

“Good night, Cassian,” she said, voice muffled as she buried her face deeper into her pillow. 

And he couldn’t be sure, but he thought there might have been a genuine note of ease to the steady exhale she gave, before she finally shut her eyes. 

[perfectionts-virgo]

CARSON ROBINSON

Walking downstairs seeing group of people laughing and socializing I'm making my way to the garbage seeing the lady that welcome me to the neighborhood talking to her group of her friends...

Throwing the garbage in the bin turning around walking to my apartment building til I bumped into a brown skin girl...

"My bad I wasn't paying attention" she said with a sly smile

"It's okay" I replied standing there awkward

"My bad my name Vanessa by the way" she said with her hand out

"Carson" I replied shaking her hand

"You new ?" She asked looking at me

"Yeah I'm here for school" I replied nodding my head

"What school you attending ?" She asked again looking at me

"FAMU" I replied with a tight lip smile

"Wow" she replied

"What ?" I asked

"I'm attending there too so we going to see each other a lot" she replied

"Well i found friend then" I said with small smile

"Yep so I know you not about to go back home ?" She replied looking at me with a side eye

(Well damn not anymore)

"Common let's get a plate" she said with a playful face making me chuckle

Walking to the area where the table full of food

15 MINUTES Later

We're having a good conversation... where more in common than I thought, were laughing till I felt someone tap my shoulder and turned to face who and it was Mrs. Love.

"Hello kiddos been minute" she said with a warm smile

"Hi Mrs.love" we replied in union

"How's everything?" She asked

"Good a little busy since school started tho" I  answered

"And?" She said looking at Vanessa

"I'm been busy with school and working on my art" she replied

"That's I'm so happy see y'all but let me catch with my girls have a good night" she said turning around making her way to her group of friends..

"It's getting late I have class early in the morning" she said rolling her eyes

"Oh I have to finish unpacking " I replied

"Well it's time to go" she said getting up

"I need your number" passing her phone to me " i finally got a new friend"

We pass our phone back to each other starting to walk to our building...

"They so fine" she said

"Who ?" I asked looking at her for a answer

"Them" she replied I turned to where she was facing

Let me tell you they was a different type of fine, three boys standing there like Roman gods..

"It don't make since they that fine" she said shaking her head

I'm just standing there turn my to face where was facing and I seen three fine ass boys I ever seen in my life...

"Who are they ?" I asked turn to face face her looking at me like I got three heads

"The finest niggas in Famu" she replied looking back at the boy with waves

"Well who are they ?" I asked again waiting for a response

"That's Luke Harris the party promoter/ playa of the group" she Said making me nod my head

"Then the basketball ball star Trevor cannon and my future baby daddy " she continued making me chuckle

"Okay " I replied looking back the group

"Then last but not Least the football star/ king of the Famu Maxwell Love" she said making me stop and turn back to face her

"Wait love ? Like Mrs.love" I asked looking at her

"That's her grandson" she face me "she visits that why she hear doing a block party"

Making me nod my head feeling someone burning a whole on my back

"Oh shit I need to go back home to finish my assignment" she said looking at her phone

"It was nice meeting you" I said giving her a hug

"I'm glad I bumped into you" she pulling away from the hug " now we friends"

"Okay I Need finish unpacking my stuff" I said

"Okay call me we got each other number" she replied looking at me

I gave her a smile and we walked away, making my up the stairs unlocking my door.

15 minutes later

I'm done unpacking, now I'm cooking dinner waiting on Romeo to come back because this nigga got school in the morning.

Hearing the door opening seeing a smiling Romeo walking in with a basketball under his left arm.

"How's practice?" I asked

"Good I'm really happy here" he replied

"What you making?"

"Tacos" chopping up tomatoes "hop your ass in the shower food will be done when you finish"

"Alright" he walked to room

I looked outside seeing people still out there socializing, my eyes meet with the group of boys again this time I'm looking at maxwell closely like how he smile or laugh or even when he pay attention to someone talk...

Damn he is really fine... please don't get yourself in trouble this time Carson

[nikanikasims4]

Broke Family Round 12

Dustin and Angela had their first child Marie-Ann as teens, she has by now moved out of the house. Dustin is a famus Programmer and Angela works as a Marine-Biologist. They had two more chilldren in Henry and Keit. However Keith comes from an affair between Angela and Romeo, which Dustin does not know about. He made the Family get a Dog Rufo and a cat Boggie.

Henry did on ly age up at the end of the round, so he spend most of the time working on his teen-Aspiration. He also asked Orlando to prom, romanticly

Later they went on a date

Dustin was hard at work and took care of his pets.

Some good times were had by the children, however the marriage of Dustin and ANgela is not going so well.

[clondrah]

Congrats to @justwritingscibbles for finally reaching 3,000 followers!!! That's a freaking huge milestone. Keep going amd being awesome!

[black-is-beautiful18]

Let’s be honest who is gonna hire that famu student now. She ruined her reputation and said she has no regrets

I mean if you ran a school or a business would you want someone to take a nude picture in front of your establishment

She could still get opportunities. Whoever goes on to hire her might not even know about the pictures. I haven’t seen a glimpse of them even though everyone can’t seem to mind their business about it. Not saying I want to see them but I’m just trying to get my point through.

[greekpara]

Reposted from @michellehargrove To attend an HBCU is, @kamalaharris said, to be "constantly reminded you are young, gifted and Black." And that experience, she suggested, prepared her for spending "my career in rooms where I was the only one who looked like me. I know how important it is to center our voices in the conversation as we build an America we can all see ourselves in." Both @joebiden and @kamalaharris pledge to invest BILLIONS in #hbcu and #minorityownedbusiness I know all of my friends from #howarduniversity are proud of @howard1867 Alumna Now let’s #rockthevote and make history. There are 101 #HBCU’s. We need all students to vote. #hbcu #hbcusmatter #kamalaharris #joebiden #bidenharris2020 #hamptonuniversity #spelmancollege #clarkatlantauniversity #tsu #fsu #morehouse #texassouthernuniversity #morganstateuniversity #bethunecookman #pvu #nccu #famu #fiskuniversity #wssu #nsu #scsu #ksu #bennettcollege #gramblingstateuniversity (at Lineupgreek) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDyJEGfg1p1/?igshid=1tif0uixxfw40

[dweemeister]

Best Animated Short Film Nominees for the 92nd Academy Awards (2020, listed in order of appearance in the shorts package)

Since 2013 on this blog, I have been reviewing the Oscar-nominated short films for the respective Academy Awards ceremony. This is one of my favorite traditions for the “31 Days of Oscar” marathon I hold yearly, and I recommend to all my North American followers to seek these shorts out (see this) – they have just released to theaters as of this review’s publication and the reach of each package’s distribution increases every year. As a one-off for the 92nd Academy Awards, the Oscars are being held on their earliest weekend ever, giving everyone less time to see the nominated shorts.

Without further ado, here are the Academy Award nominees for Best Animated Short Film. Three of the five are stop-motion animation. It’s a solid bunch and – despite the fact I have seen better nominee slates – all fully deserving of their nominations (it is rare I feel that way) in a tightly contested year. They are all, in some ways, featuring characters and showing how they connect to others.

Hair Love (2019)

Co-directed by Matthew A. Cherry (former executive at Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions); Everett Downing Jr. (a journeyman storyboard artist who has worked with Blue Sky, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Pixar); and Bruce W. Smith (creator of The Proud Family and former supervising animator with Walt Disney Animation Studios), Hair Love becomes what is most likely the second film in the history of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film to have significant involvement from a former professional athlete (Cherry; the first is probably 2017′s Dear Basketball). Distributed by Sony Pictures Animation following a Kickstarter campaign, Hair Love played in front of 2019′s The Angry Birds Movie 2 – talk about a disparity in quality. The film follows a young girl as she refers to a YouTube channel (this film showcases modern technology but does not, like many other animated films, date itself in its technological depictions) to style, if not tame, her hair. Her father – who appears to have little experience with cutting or styling hair – is hesitant to help his daughter, but they struggle and learn together. The final moments of Hair Love reveal that their time learning from these online tutorials extends beyond their bonds as father and daughter.

Hair Love, riding on Hollywood goodwill from figures rarely associated with animation, has been lauded for its depiction of black fatherhood. In American popular culture, black fathers in black-centric narratives have often been portrayed as abusive or absent. So to see the opposite in hand-drawn animation is a welcome sight. The daughter’s hair almost has a life of its own and is normalized (black hairstyles have long been otherized in the West); an abstract sequence where the father is doing combat with the out-of-control hair represents the awkwardness of this scenario – with zero dialogue – perfectly. For an animation studio ridiculed for releases like The Emoji Movie (2017), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Hair Love serve as partial correctives. 

My rating: 8.5/10

NOTE: Hair Love can be seen on YouTube as of this review’s publication.

Dcera (Daughter) (2019, Czech Republic)

The Czech Republic can lay claim to being the home of the late Jiří Trnka, arguably one of the greatest, most innovative stop-motion animators of all time. Carrying that legacy forward is Daria Kashcheeva, a graduate of the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU). Her graduation film, Dcera (“Daughter” in English), won a Student Academy Award and was deemed the best graduation film at the famed Annecy International Animated Film Festival (the most important all-animation film festival in the world). In Dcera, we find a young woman at the side of her father’s hospital bed, reminiscing about their relationship. Wordless and shot largely with a shaky camera and in close-up, we see several images from the woman’s childhood – how her father, barely scraping by with household duties, had little time to express his love to her. Dcera often breaks into literal flights of fancy and the daughter’s surrealistic imagination. And yet even when retreating into a world crafted so that she can escape, there is a longing to bring her father in.

Kashcheeva’s notes about Dcera elicit that she wished to accomplish an, “authentic immediacy and a para-documentary nature” to her film via the film’s constant close-up shots and low depth of field. She mostly succeeds; although the shaky camera is distracting and prevents the audience from forming an emotional connection with the characters onscreen. The stop-motion puppets appear to be made of papier-mâché and are intentionally rough –reflecting how difficult their lives have been and the innumerable imperfections of their personhood. The production design – when we are allowed to see it (the lack of production quality is not any fault of the film’s, considering that it is a graduation work) – resemble something from a lucid nightmare. Dcera is an outstanding feat of stop-motion stylization. In its final minutes, it seeks to understand and to forgive that which was never realized. Its emotional impact is imperfect, but its intentions nevertheless pack a wallop.

My rating: 7.5/10

Sister (2018)*

When the Chinese Communist Party brought an end to its one-child policy in 2015, it concluded a decades-long experiment that has left China in a demographic bind. Stemming from a decision made in 1979, the policy’s consequences include a skewed age disparity and sex ratio at birth that will affect the nation for more several decades. Siqi Song’s graduation film from CalArts, Sister, has the one-child policy in mind. The film, narrated by Bingyang Liu (no previous film credits) is a reflection by a man thinking about his life with his little sister. More than midway through Sister, the audience learns that the film is nothing more than speculation. In China even now, the one-child policy – since replaced by a two-child policy – has left its mark on numerous generations be they children, parents, grandparents. The film’s unique character design is wool-based, with its monochrome pallet recalling an older family photo album.

According to Song, the film’s story, “didn’t change from the very beginning. [She] always knew the film would be about a man imagining how his life might have been like had he had a little sister.” What did change while Song – a “little sister survivor” whose family made a tremendous effort to keep her a part of their family – made Sister were the stories of a brother and sister as the two grow up. The never-to-be siblings have their conflicts, as well as their moments of familial love. Not all of the ways this is depicted work, most notably the scene where the sister grows beyond her crib to become a giant looming over her brother (the metaphor here is too heavy-handed). Our narrator ponders whether he might have been a different person if his mother – pregnant with his younger sister, wanting very much to bear her – never had the policy-forced abortion. Given the trauma it inflicted on his mother, the narrator – even from an early age – will be left pondering this well into his adulthood. Is there regret in his narration? Guilt? I don’t have any answers, but I will leave it to those of Chinese descent to discern theirs.

My rating: 8/10

*Sister is entirely in Mandarin. For non-English language films, I usually list the film along with its country/countries of origin unless it was primarily an American production. Despite Sister being listed as an American/Chinese co-production by Song, I see no evidence of a Chinese studio backing the film. For record-keeping purposes, Sister will be deemed an American film.

Mémorable (2019, France)

Last year, Ireland’s famous Cartoon Saloon garnered acclaim for Louise Bagnall’s Late Afternoon. Late Afternoon, an expressionistic study in an elderly woman’s dementia, is a distant cousin to Bruno Collet’s Mémorable. Here, an artist named Louis (André Wilms) shifts between periods of remembrance and forgetfulness. His wife, Michelle (Dominique Reymond), tends to his needs and to his increasing disconnection to the things and people around him. If Louis has one fixture in his life, it is his painting – with brushes or, close to the end, with his fingers. Collet, noting the increase of short films – animated or otherwise – about dementia in recent years, indeed questioned the wisdom of yet another film about someone suffering from it. He then encountered the works of artist  William Utermohlen. Utermohlen, like Louis, continued painting even as his dementia impaired his understanding of his surroundings, let alone his work. Collet, now convinced of the validity of his plans by learning of Utermohlen’s life, set straight to work on Mémorable.

Mémorable evolves as the film progresses. What seems like a straight stop-motion animated short film transforms itself as Louis’ dementia worsens. By the film’s end, Louis’ figure begins to melt into something like oil paints, making him a living Impressionist painting while others around become surreal on the terms of a Picasso or Dali. With Mémorable containing plenty of dialogue, none of this ever detracts from this short’s abstractions The film’s final moments – an uplifting dance scene between Louis and Michelle – is an extraordinary marriage of stop-motion animation and computerized animation. By then, Collet has depicted the progression of Louis’ dementia in as cinematic a way as possible using an array of styles that could not have been predicted within a twelve-minute animated short film. The technical daring of Mémorable and the strength of its artistic conceit is breathtaking to behold.

My rating: 9/10

Kitbull (2019)

If any animation studio has a history with animal, it is Disney. Released as one of Pixar’s “SparkShorts” – a program created in 2019 to foster the talents of Pixar’s younger animators to force them to make short films with limited resources – Rosana Sullivan’s Kitbull joins that esteemed company. Sullivan, a storyboard artist who worked on the likes of Monsters University (2013) and Incredibles 2 (2018), was previously training to be a veterinarian and had helped many pit bulls in clinics and shelters. She, “saw how sweet and gentle they could be, despite [her] initial fears.” Her work with unadopted black cats formed the other half of what would become Kitbull. In San Francisco’s Mission District, a scrawny kitten and a pit bull who is forced into dogfights (even the implication of dogfighting would render Kitbull ineligible for wide theatrical release by Disney executives, knowing their insistence on a sanitized brand) strike up a friendship.

The design of the kitten is not realistic, but it would not be believable if Kitbull was filmed as a stop-motion or CGI-animated film. The kitten’s unrealistic body proportions make it more appealing and the minimalism of the pit bull’s design (there is a minimum amount of lines used to trace its facial shape) is effective artistic economy. The pit bull is a type of dog in need of an image rehabilitation. Perceived the be among the most violent of dogs, pit bulls are anything but naturally violent and Kitbull plays into this misconception. Sullivan’s experience as a former veterinarian student are fused with themes of loneliness and trust-building. Cut down from an 18-minute-long storyboard to its nine-minute runtime, Kitbull is an efficiently told animated short film evoking the pathos of animal-centric Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature- and short-length films of the 1930s and ‘40s.‡

My rating: 8/10

‡ Which, for younger readers that have not seen Disney films from those decades, should be taken as a high compliment.

NOTE: Kitbull can be seen on YouTube as of this review’s publication.

^ Based on my personal imdb ratings. Half-points are always rounded down.

From previous years: 85th Academy Awards (2013), 87th (2015), 88th (2016), 89th (2017), 90th (2018), and 91st (2019).

[traceecalifornia]

What We Know About The Death Of Black Lives Matter Activist Oluwatoyin Salau

(Pictured: Oluwatoyin Salau)

A community is left stunned after the death of a Black Lives Matter activist from Tallahassee, FL. Oluwatoyin Salau, often referred to as Toyin, went missing on June 6, the same day she tweeted that she had been sexually assaulted. It was announced by the Tallahassee Democrat report that the 19-year old’s body was discovered Saturday morning. The news of Toyin’s death was confirmed by her family Monday morning.

(Pictured: Oluwatoyin Salau)

A press release revealed that Tallahassee police officials have confirmed the identity of two female homicide victims to be Oluwatoyin Salau and 75-year old former state worker and local politician Victoria “Vicki” Sims. The bodies of both women were found just off Monday Road in southeast Tallahassee on Saturday night around 9:45pm. Aaron Glee Jr., 45, is currently in custody as a suspect.

On the day of her disappearance, Toyin tweeted that a man sexually assaulted her. She said he offered her a ride back to the church where she had sought “refuge” due to “unjust living conditions.” Her friends insist that she fled her home after being sexually assaulted by a family member.

According to Toyin’s tweets, she graciously accepted lodging from an unnamed man, but things turned south rather quickly after she showered and changed into clothes he gave her.

“He exposed himself to me by peeing with the bathroom open obviously knowing I was out of it,” she tweeted. “I told him about a sexual assault situation that happened to me in March involving Ivan a 32 year old Ghanaian man who currently schools at FAMU and lives at 211 Jakes and Patterson”

Toyin says she fought off Ivan for trying to force her to give him oral sex. He later harassed her via text and at her home.

Her tweets go on to explain how the unnamed man whom she was staying with ended up sexually assaulted her. She then says she waited for him to fall asleep, left the home at once, and contacted the police. However, she was unable to I.D. the man’s residence.

In a tweet, friend of the activist, Danaya Hemphill, has called out a fraudulent GoFundMe that had been circulating in Toyin’s name, citing that the person responsible “most definitely is not a friend of the family.” She also urges those who wish to help should refrain from giving money to the victim’s family, as she believes her friend was trying to get away from them.

Oluwatoyin Salau was an avid member of the Tallahassee Black Lives Matter group. In video posted of Toyin, she is seen speaking at a protest about the importance of including LGBTQ Black people in the Black Lives Matter conversation.

(Video of Oluwatoyin Salau speaking at a protest)

Danaya Hemphill, describes her friend as being “very passionate.” “She was very vocal she was very loving, very spiritual, very caring. Toyin she was like a light in a dark room,” Hemphill said.

(Candlelight vigil for Oluwatoyin Salau)

With the number of murdered Black women rising from day-to-day, I cannot stress enough how imperative it is that protection be aggressively provided.

Black women lead the charge.

Black women stand on the front lines.

Black women challenge the system.

Black women ask the tough questions.

Black women never quit.

Black women deserve the absolute best that this life has to offer.

She deserved the absolute best.

PROTECT BLACK WOMEN AT ALL COSTS!

Rest now Queen; we are fighting for you.

Never forget to say her name.

[maisgammoh]

HELLO!

Hello! I’m a photographer and focus puller based in Amman, Jordan. 

Here are some projects I worked on.

1ST AC / FOCUS PULLER

2024   Ambush - Short film

2024   All That’s Left of You - Feature film

2023   Rawabi School for Girls (Season 2) - Netflix Series

2023   Orange Telecoms. - Web Ad

2023   Iskan Bank Savings Campaign - TVCs

2022   Hajjan - Feature film (TiFF 2023 premiere)

2022   Seal Team - Paramount Plus Series

2022   Farzi - Amazon Prime Series, Jordan Unit

2022   AlMesbah 2 (Child Episode) - Web series

2022   Iskan+ - TVC

2022   Inshallah Walad - Feature film (Cannes 2023 premiere)

2022   Zara Man (Paris) - Fashion film

2021   John Wick 4 (Focus Puller, Jordan splinter unit) - Feature film

2021   Focus Puller - Galbi Ana (Emsallam) - Music video

2021    Focus Puller - One Like Him - Short film

2021    Focus Puller – Rawabi School for Girls Launch Special, 2021

2020    Focus Puller – Rawabi School for Girls – Netflix Series

2019    Focus Puller – Farha – Feature film

2018    Additional 2nd AC – Messiah – Netflix Series

2017    Focus Puller (splinter unit) – A Private War – Feature

2016    Focus Puller – McDonald’s 20 Year Celebration Ad – TV Spot

2016    Focus Puller – Fweekeh – Short film

2015    Focus Puller – The Parrot – Short film

2014    Focus Puller, Photographer – ZAIN Jordan Eid TVC

2014    Focus Puller – Nabil Arabia - TVC

2014    Focus Puller – Royal Jordanian Airlines - TVC

2014    Focus Puller, AC, Camera operator – Samsung Launching People, Mother’s Day Ads

2013    B-Cam focus puller – Seam – Short film

2012    Focus Puller, AC – Waiting for P.O. Box – Short film

2011    AC – Fugue – Short Film

2010    Focus Puller, Second Unit DoP – Khabini (Salam) – Music video

2010    Focus Puller – Telefizion (Yazan Rousan) – Music video

——————————

CAMERA OPERATOR

2023    Royal Wedding Drone Show - Special Event

2021    Al Abdali Lifestyle videos - Ad Campaign

2020    Rawabi School for Girls - Second Unit - Netflix Series

2015 – 2017     HM Queen Rania’s Office Event Videos

2014    Men’s Talk Show – TV talk show (Sat7)

2012-2013       Camera Operator, 2nd Unit Focus Puller – Zain – TV series

2011    Forever 23 (Jesse Yallup) – Music video

2010    Mastershot – Short film, SAE

——————————

CINEMATOGRAPHER 

2023    Varsity (Camera Operator, Jordan plate unit DoP)- Apple TV series

2022    Worship Project: The Lord’s Prayer - Music Video

2022    Worship Project: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us - Music Video

2021   Rawabi School for Girls (Netflix) Ad campaign

2021   GIZ People with disabilities - Short Documentaries

2021   Global Goals World Cup - women’s football championship - Short Documenatry 

2021   Let Sleeping Dogs Lie - Short film

2014 – 2019     EDRAAK MOOCs - Online Educational Videos - QRF

2019    OUN App service providers – Success Story highlight video

2019    Harvard School of Education, QRTA interviews

2018    Tico Tico – Marwan Al Wer – Music Video

2018    Two Peas with Zainab Salbi – Web Talk Show

2017    Netflix Mena Ramadan 2017 Campaign, Tima Shomali Contribution

2017    Fitness Arabia - Training Videos

2017    Amman Design Week – Designer Highlights

2014    Madrasati Initiative Testimonials – short documentary

2013    NewThink Festival – TV Ad & corporate videos

2012    FE-MALE – web series

2011    Glorious Christmas (Songs of Hope) – Music video

2011    EvaluateME – TV Ad. (Injaz Regional Competition)

2011    Zaytouneh (now Atbaki) – Cook Show

2011    Home – Short documentary

2010    As You See It – Short Film

2010    Forbidden Consequences – Short film

2010    Train – Short documentary

2009    She – Short visual documentary

——————————

CAMERA SYSTEMS

Arri: Alexa, Alexa Mini, Mini LF, Amira, SXT, 35

Sony: Venice, F5, FX9, FS7, A7s

RED: ONE, EPIC, SCARLET, KOMODO

Black Magic: URSA Mini

Canon: 5D, C200

——————————

SELECTED EDUCATION & COURSES

2020    Hurlbut Academy “How to be a Focus Puller” online course

2018    Darkroom training – developing and printing analogue photographic film

2012    RED ONE camera training and advanced cinematography training

            by Michael Gahut - FAMU

2011    Red Sea Institute for Cinematic Arts (RSICA) – Aqaba

            MFA in Cinematic Arts – concentration: Screenwriting and Cinematography

2009    Documentary Filmmaking Workshop 

             by RFC in coordination with University of Southern California staff

2008    Intermediate Digital Filmmaking Workshop with the RFC

——————————

OTHER SELECTED WORK HISTORY

2009 – Current

Freelance Editor

Editing short films: fiction, documentary, corporate.

Clients include: Industrial Solar, Friends of Jordan Festivals, Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers (Invictus Games), Office of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, General Intelligence Department

2008 – Current

Freelance Filmmaker

Producing, directing, shooting and editing audiovisual content; specializing in camera department.

2007 – Current

Freelance Photographer, Photo retoucher

Documenting various activities, behind the scenes; special events; food, products and still life; commercial and editorial; portraiture; as well as special subject commissions.

Clients include: MODE Advertising Agency, Shawkat Shami, Eat Group, Café Italia, GIZ, Mint Advertising Agency, SAE institute, Tima Shomali (Director/Actress)

2007 – Current

Digital Filmmaking Training

Design and deliver general, or client-specific, training on filmmaking basics; from writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing both fiction and documentary

[futurewriter2000]

Sweet fights ~Pt. 4

A/N: So, appereantly I decided to write it an post it today. I got inspired by a song and the next part is the continuation and I promise next part we’re getting more Fred Weasley x reader and more Harry and reader angst. I’ve already started on part 5 but you know me- I can be inpredictable. 

Let me know how I did in this part <3 - Q.T

(GIF - just imagine Vajakovski thats Vajakovski bc that’s excatly how I imagined him - okay go read now.)

xx

Tears; bitter, scalding, forced or pure - they soaked your cheeks and your heart.

It felt like another experience to mark your life. Not as the painful incident but as the darkness you’ve felt before. All the background, the reasons you’ve created for your transfer to another school- they were all a lie.

Your mother was by your side and she was placing her hand on your waist while your father kept holding back the words behind his shut lips. You haven’t dared to look at them, not now when you’ve felt the disgrace and humiliation. You faced them your back, your fingers digging in the softness of the peach-white pillow and your mind filled regretful thoughts.

“ I knew you wouldn’t become responsible.” your father started with the depth of his voice, causing your heart to fall into a fright. “ I knew you were going to fall back again- YOU NEVER LEARN (Y/N)! “ he now shouted while your mother tried to quiet him.

“ Be quiet, (y/f/n).”

“ No! She promised that she will get it together AND AFTER EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE FOR HER! That is how she thanks us! “

“ It was not her fault! “ your mother stood up and stormed to your father. “ She loves Quidditch! She didn’t know what would happen to her! She didn’t know it would lead her to this!”

“ It started with Quidditch in Durmstrang too! Vajakovski! That boy started it all!” your father continued to shout, pointing at you. “ She should know better! Now she’s medicating and she’s going to need medication and you know where it leads next! Back to me wasting money for rehab!”

“ She’s our daughter! “

Their voices continued to ring in your head, over and over again but as much as you wanted to side with your mother on this, you knew your father was right.

Back in Durmstrang, Ivica Vajakovski was a boy in your class. He was always seated beside you because of the strict seating order in the school and both of you became great partners in studies as well as in mischief, and later in love. He was your boyfriend when both of you started the fourth year and were together for two years until you had to transfer.

Ivica; he was everything to you. The young, foolish kids that believed were experiencing true love but one of his flaws was later the reason of creating your own. In the third year, he pulled you into Quidditch. He kept being persistent for you to join the team and you, of course, in love and prepared to do anything for him, worked hard to please. But after that summer, when he visited his grandparents in Serbia, he came back different. For you, he was still the same boy you knew for four years but the way love blinds people, he was far from being who he once was.

He became bolder, more confident in himself and his magic as well as in Quidditch abilities. He made sure he was the best on the team, the best in class and he made sure you were his. You were enamored by him and by this new Ivica Vajakovski you were getting.

But what do they say again: “Love is not blind but it leads to blindness.”

He showed you heaven, utopia, joy, pleasure, fun - he showed you everything a girl would ever want from a boy but at the time you didn’t know that later, he was about to drag you through hell as well.

It started with an innocent party in the fifth year. Few friends, few drinks...

‘ “ I’m telling you he’s not good for you, (y/n).”

“ I’ve known him longer than I’ve known you, Viktor. I trust him.” you rolled your eyes at the man.

“ And I’ve been taking care of you longer so trust me when I say that all I’m doing is looking out. He’s not the same.”

“ We all grow Vik.”

“ He’s a bad influence.”

“ He’s fun.”  ‘

Viktor, of course, as always, was right. The two drifted after that year because he kept insisting for you to let Vajakovski go but you wouldn’t hear of it. You followed your “love” anywhere he led you.

October - “It’s just one drink. Trust me.”

December -  “It’s just one smoke. Trust me.”

February - “It’s just heroin. It isn’t even a big deal. Trust me.”

March - “Shit. I’ll fix this. Trust me.”

Four months in rehabilitation. Seventeen of shakes and cold sweats. One hundred and twenty-one days in a closed room and therapy...

“ She mixed potions and pills and doesn’t even remember! It fucked with her head and she thinks she took none at all! And later they find out she took extra doses! What else doesn’t she remember!” your father continued to shout and you shut your eyes, fat tears rolling down your cheeks and soaking into the pillow.

“ They didn’t know!”

“ She did! She should have told them when they prescripted her!”

But this time your mother didn’t have an argument to fight with and neither did you. He was completely right.

“ I’m going to call Viktor.” was all she said.

“No!” you sat up and looked at them with red-swollen eyes. “Please don’t!”

“You don’t have a say, young lady. We’re calling him!”

“Please don’t call him. He’ll hate me.” you begged. “ I can do this. He doesn’t have to know!”

“ He does! He has to know that you took all his hard work and all his help and spat it back in his face! He should know you failed him and you should know the anguish of it! ” your father shouted and stormed out of the room. 

“Mom, please. I don’t know how will I look at him in the eyes. I can’t do it.” you pleaded her but she only sat back in her chair and kept her gaze away from you. 

“ Alvays the famus vords of desperation.” a voice reached its softness and kindness to your ears and your eyes shot to the doors, falling upon a dark haired man.

“ Viktor?”

[quarantineddreamer]

RC/AN AU?

RC/AN AU (aka Synchronous Scars) is my ongoing rebelcaptain focused Andor AU!

Chapter 10 is in the works and I'm hoping to get back to it soon now that whumptober is over. Here's a (very) rough snippet:

Slumped in the chair, ‘standing watch’ with his eyes closed and his jacket pulled over his torso like a blanket, Cassian, for a second, appeared exactly like the boy she had met on Ferrix–the sight so familiar, it sent an eerie shiver down her spine.  But the sensation was quickly contradicted by the ember of warmth gradually rising in her core, painting a soft smile across her face as she continued to observe him–his face as calm and peaceful as she had ever seen it. Guess he’s still a shit guard, she mused, forcing her gaze to the window, blinking blearily into the light of a misty Famu dawn. She had walked into her hotel room last night clinging to her intention to rise early the next morning and disappear into that mist… Then the door had shut behind her, silence immediately descending upon the room–ominous as  thunder, thick and heavy with possibilities. Alone, there was nothing and no one to pull her from the endless maze of anxious thoughts. About dead Pre-mor corps lying in the streets of Morlana One, about Harrik, about Cen… About the hard line of Cassian’s body pressed against her own, calloused hands rasping across her bare back, his lips warm and soft against her neck–coaxing a stutter from her heart, a hitch into her breath.

[lady-olive-oil]

Brown Sugah Baby: Prologue

Prelude||Characters||Chapter 1

{It’s here!!!! It’s finally here! Took me a minuet but I got it. This is the prelude, introduction to BSB and I worked hard on it. I hope you all like it. If you want to be in the tag squad, let me know.}

Word count: 842

Warnings: none yet

Tag squad: @maddiestundentwritergaines

____

Nefertiti was always an adventurous young woman. To taking a senior trip to Cairo; going zip-lining in Fremont Park at SlotZilla, taking shots in London, England with her mother and swimming in the Atlantic. But she never really prepared herself for the college life. Being born and raised in Miami, Florida, meant that her life was always full of fun, life and laughter. But college? Especially for her junior year at Florida A&M? She has to stick it out as much as possible.

Her first year was hard. Like extremely because, she was struggling with her basics and it was getting to her. Studying to have a degree in music, was harder than she thought. But she’s doing it for her, for her family. Being the second one in her family to go to college has been a blessing.

Taking care of her 3 brothers and sisters has been her life. Well being the 2nd oldest and all, because her older brother Jaylin went to Florida A&M as well. Now it was her turn.

“Mija! Come help me with dinner!” Regina, a gorgeous Afro-Latina mother of 5, has always wanted her kids to have a better life than what she had growing up. What parent wouldn’t?

“I’m coming! I’m coming. I had to make sure my bag was packed for school again. Junior year is here and I have one more year to go. I’m ready to be done.”

The smile on her mother’s face was nothing but joy. She loved how head strong her kids were, and her husband, Julian, was proud too.

“Well good. I’m glad you’re excited. Your abuelos, would be proud. Now come on and help. I know M’Baku is coming over too.”

The heat rose to her cheeks, as she helped cook dinner. M’Baku and Nefertiti have been inseparable since freshman year at FAMU. Her family loves him and vice versa. As she was cutting the limes, her mind drifted to their first meeting.

-First year of college, a week before classes start-

“Why is everything costing so damn much for some books?”

Doing her research in the city library, for school books, Nefertiti was going hard on looking for stuff for her classes. Highlighting key factors; circling deals, calling the stores and ended up short every time.

Patting her head a bit, which was up in a head wrap, she sighed heavily a bit before a gentle voice came by her right side.

“Have you tried Amazon?”

The voice was sweet and thick like a honey mango. Ok so maybe she was too into her head, but the voice could melt butter. Turning towards the voice, she saw the face and body to match. And boy, did it match.

“Uh no. I haven’t yet, didn’t think about it till now.”

“Well it helps me a lot. Couldn’t help but see you were frustrated, so I decided to help. The names M’Baku.”

He offers his hand to shake, and she gladly took it. No hesitation or anything, just a simple firm handshake. She spoke gently, telling him her name.

“Nefertiti.”

“Nice to meet you Nefertiti. Judging by your schedule, it seems as though we go to the same school and we have chemistry together.”

Oh she felt chemistry alright. Her body hummed gently at the tone of his voice and she noticed a slight accent.

“Your accent is very distinct. I catch it every now and then. What country?”

“Ah beautiful and smart. Wakanda, is where I’m from. I hear a little accent in your voice too. Let me guess, Dominican Republic?”

She was intrigued by how he guessed but, then remembered the jean vest she had on. Which had the flag of the DR, sewn into it, along with many other things.

“Wakanda huh? Hmm never been and very scarcely heard of it. You just looked at my jacket didn’t you?”

She caused a laugh to escape from his full lips that she wanted to kiss so badly, but remembered her mother’s words to her: “you go to school for learning and getting a degree. Not to give boys a ride of their life.” Her mother always had a way with words and cherished them.

“I did. Can’t blame a guy for trying though right?”

“Can’t really.”

The awkward silence between them stood still for about 5 seconds till she spoke.

“Listen. I don’t have many friends yet, and school doesn’t start for another week. How about we become friends?”

“I’d liked that. Wanna go grab some food?”

He offered his arm to her to hook hers in, after she gathers her belongings.

“Sure. I know this great Mexican food place, best tacos.”

“Let’s go.”

-End Flashback-

The smile on Nefe’s face, at memory, was a sweet one. They had each other’s back from then on, and have supported one another through all the trials and tribulations. But yet, people change, along with their hormones and emotions. Who knows what’ll happen for these two. Only the blue waters of the beaches in Florida know.

[coghive]

Angela Moss Poole’s New Digital Track “God Alone” (Out Now)

Gospel recording artist Angela Moss Poole newest digital track “God Alone” is out now and available on all music platforms for digital download or streaming. Released on Friday, October 28, 2022, the song is produced by Todd Dulaney’sDulaneyland Music and Angela Moss Poole. “God Alone” is currently featured on various gospel playlists including Pandora’s New Gospel Now Premier list and Amazon music’s Gospel Now. The Florida native’s current radio single “Speak to the Mountains” continues to gain traction at Gospel radio and is quickly reaching Top 50 on the Gospel Airplay chart. Download or stream here: https://rmglinks.com/godalone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPrAgtGvKL4 ABOUT ANGELA MOSS POOLE: The noted recording artist and songwriters contributions, spans across music and film. She is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) where she earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She also earned a Master’s degree in Accounting from Florida State University. Dr. Poole is also a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, speaker, and trainer, and serves on the advisory board for former NBA basketball star Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation.  Angela Moss Poole’s love for God and philanthropy inspire her to support causes such as domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and financial education. She is the founder of the Foundation for Wealth Building, Inc., a voting member of the Gospel Music Association, and a member of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment. Connect with Angela Moss Poole:  Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Youtube Read the full article

[starrylolo]

Did you see that story of that girl who took a nude picture in front of the snake statue at FAMU

Ever since then her degree is on hold and now she’s going on trial with them on September 13 because of the possibility she violated the student code of conduct

Nah, I didn't see that