#tamia speed

[scarletk537]

Several hours later, James immediately opened his door and he brought Tamia and Cleo inside his apartment, just himself and the children, and no Tommy Vercetti or anyone ever bother them.

"Come in kids, you must be tired. Why don't you watch TV while I uh... get you some drinks, alright?" James said as he motioned Tamia and Cleo to sat down on the sofa to relax and, as while James is heading to the kitchen to get some drinks, Tamia immediately asked him, "James, why did you do that?"

James stopped in his tracks, right at the kitchen doorway as he turned around to face Tamia and Cleo, who are confused of his action earlier. "Why did I do... what?" James asked in confusion, with his head tilted in response.

"Why did you do that to Uncle Tommy, James?" Tamia asked, pointing out James insults and threatened Tommy Vercetti, before shoving him off and take both Tamia and Cleo with James to this apartment.

"Yeah, why did you hate him? Are you being racist?" Cleo asked in confusion, doesn't seem to get why James hates Tommy Vercetti for. James, still standing by the kitchen doorway, lets out a sigh and bites his lips a bit in silence, before responding to the children, "To be honest with you, I don't hate him, personally, but you know, Italians these days. And you might be thinking I'm a racist, but I'm not. It just that... mafia and drug lords are only cared about money, booze, broads and bloody shit there. Nothing much at all. There are times when Italians can be abusive and controlling."

"But why you threatened Uncle Tommy for if you're not personally racist?" Tamia asked James in a concern tone of voice, which James lets out a sigh, seems a bit embarrassed of his behaviour just now, as he sat down on another chair and faced towards the two children. "I... I didn't mean to spat such racist remarks on his face in the first place. He's quite a notorious bloke, killing atleast 11 men back in 1971, from what I have heard during my stay in America, which I'll be staying here for 2 weeks or so, and uh... his actions earned him the nickname the 'Harwood Butcher', and all that... but as far as I'm impressed, and a bit disdain of his 'brutal' actions, ironically of any places aside from here, up until he became the drug lord of Vice City... he was the 'king of the world' or whatever may be, but... there are many reasons why I come here for."

"W-what is it?" Cleo inquired, as James finally reply with an unexpected response. "I want to... take custody of both of you."

"What?!" both Cleo and Tamia are shocked by the announcement of James May, who had came all the way from UK to here in US, wanted to take custody of them, despite the kids barely knew him.

"B-but why? We can't leave our mommy and daddy!" Tamia cried in disbelief. "Why you want to take custody of us? We don't know you, and why you said you're our grandfather?"

"Because I am your long-lost grandfather. On your father's side. You two are the children of the gangsters, and your mother is used to be part of the unexpected dangers in the streets. America is not safe for children like you. Drugs, prostitutions, gang war, everything. I can't bear to see you ended up like either Claude or Tommy or even your mother, Reena," James replied firmly with care. "Even it means separating you from your parents, then yes."

"What? B-but... our paternal grandfather had been dead years ago," Cleo said in confusion, which got James confused also. "Your... paternal grandfather, dead. Who?"

"Um... dunno, maybe Brian Speed or... I can't remember but his last name is Speed," Cleo replied uncertainty. That's really admonished James at the revelation. "Brian Speed? No! He's not your grandfather. The word 'speed' didn't always come from street racing. It also comes with the wizz also, that makes you feel the speed."

"Wait... what? Mr Speed is not our grandfather?" Tamia was shocked by James's response, before he decided to press further as he felt his head spinning. "Look, why don't you just... rest in one of the bedrooms and, whatnot? I'm gonna have to call someone."

"Um... okay?" Cleo said as he and his older sister, Tamia, went inside one of the rooms while James decided to make a call on the phone.

[trippinsorrows]

give me a reason + two

authors note: wow! so humbled by people's interest in this one! forgot to mention that i'll be playing around with joe's career, in terms of the timeline and whatnot.

also, if ya'll ever watched the bernie mac show, i was very much inspired in one section by that scene where vanessa and them was doing that car wash at bernie's house lmaooo

in addition (last point, i swear lmao), i can do faceclaims for the character, mainly mariella's family. if ya'll want. i know some people prefer to visualize for themselves. just lmk.

i don't own any lyrics used.

previous chapter

words: 7k

song inspo: just give me a reason by p!nk and nate ruess

warnings: language, fluff, some angst, blink and you'll miss it sexy time.

Spring, 2005

Spring break.

The time looked forward to by most students, especially college students, who are granted a free week to get into all kinds of trouble, mischief and then return to campus like nothing ever happened. 

Joe and Byron can’t deny that they’ve definitely had their fair share of that the first part of college, but now with two years under their belts and only two years left to go, they’re focused on having killer seasons and landing their dreams of going into the NFL.

It’s why when coach decides to give the players a break, canceling all practices during said break, there’s not even an initial question about what they should do with their time.

Home.

They’re going home.

Because while being away is nice at times, there’s absolutely no place like home and being surrounded by the people you love the most.

Byron glances at Joe who’s looking down at his phone. “You gonna see Brianna while we in town?”

Joe looks up. He can’t say he hasn’t thought about it. Brianna, Joe’s last high school girlfriend, was inarguably the easiest of all the girls he’s ever dated. And if not for him not wanting to be tied down while away at college, he would have tried to make it work. 

“I don’t know,” he answers, truthfully. “We’ll see.”

“Well, I’m definitely hitting up Tamia. Heard she and ole’ dude broke up.”

Joe shakes his head. Tamia has been Byron’s on and off girlfriend since freaking middle school. They date, break up, date other people, break up with said other people and start right back over. Truthfully, Joe can see Tamia being the one for Byron considering how long they’ve been in this little cycle. 

“Just make sure you’re safe, man.”

Byron looks like he’s just been told to make sure he wears a seatbelt. “Always, bro. You know me.”

Joe knows him alright. Knows he can be reckless at times. And with so much at stake in the next upcoming two years, they can’t afford to be reckless. 

“I do. That’s why I’m saying it.”

“Man….” Joe laughs at Byron’s dismissal. “What do we have here?” Joe turns his attention to where Byron has set his gaze only to quickly scowl with disgust. “Ugh, they in high school.”

Joe is also instantly repulsed. “That’s fucking gross.” 

Byron shakes in his seat, as if trying to shake the disgust off himself when he sees something. “Wait a minute…” Joe again tries to see what’s triggered the exclamation of irritation. “Oh hell no.”

“What are you—what the hell!” Joe shouts out as Byron suddenly swerves into the next turn lane, barely missing hitting a car. “The fuck are you doing, man!”

“That’s Ella out there!” He answers, speeding near the station where a bunch of high school girls are operating a car wash, trying to raise money for who knows what. 

At the mention of Ri, Joe’s attention is snatched. “What?” He’s looking around as Byron looks to quickly park the truck, clearly eager to get out. Joe doesn’t see her just yet. It’s not until they’re parked and out of the car that his eyes land on her.

Her smile is the first thing he notices. She’s laughing. Not surprising. For as long as he’s known her, which has been his whole life essentially, she’s always the one in the group to make everyone laugh.

Usually from her klutziness. 

It’s never a dull moment with Mariella Holmes. 

Moving closer, he can see that it’s definitely Ri, and she’s giggling along with the other girls, dancing to what he recognizes is Black Eyed Peas latest song, “My Humps.”

It’s that realization that helps Joe understand why Byron is so annoyed.

The dancing could be seen as a bit provocative.

“Ella!”

Her head snaps up at Byron’s voice, easily landing on him. Joe watches her mouth drop open in shock before she shouts, “BJ!”

Dropping the soapy rag in the bucket, she’s nearly sprinting over to the two of them, tackling Byron with a hug first. “What are you doing here?”

It’s when she steps back that she moves over to him. She smirks, crossing her arms. “Should have known you wouldn’t turn down a chance to come see me.”

Joe laughs, pulling her in for a hug. “Never.”

“What am I doing here?” Byron cuts in, angrily gesturing to her. “What are you doing out here dressed like this?”

She looks down at her outfit, frowning. Joe does the same. It’s a bathing suit top with jean shorts and flip flops. What’s so bad about that?

And she expresses as such.

“Ummm, the dance team is having a car wash. We’re trying to raise money for travel costs this season.”

This doesn’t seem acceptable to Byron as he asks, “well, you ain’t having nothing else to wear? All exposed and everything.”

That’s when she rolls her eyes. “Oh my god, you’re so annoying.” 

He starts to pull his shirt off when even Joe chimes in, “dude, come on.”

“She’s half naked!”

“I’m wearing a bathing suit, BJ.” Mariella says it like he’s slow. Like he was on the short bus. “I know you’ve been away at school, so you haven’t been around as much, but I have boobs now—”

At that, both Joe and Byron turn up their nose. The last thing they need is that type of visual.

She continues, gesturing to her body. “I hit puberty, and allll the areas started filling out. It happens!”

“I’m gonna be sick.” Byron covers his mouth. “I don’t give a damn. You’re sixteen, not twenty-one.”

She gives a sly smile. “That’s not what my fake ID says.”

Joe catches her gaze, seeing that she’s just messing with him. It makes him laugh. 

“Your what? Girl, you done lost your damn mind.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “Relax, BJ. You know I can’t get a fake ID. My dumbass would feel too bad and turn myself in.”

“That’s true,” Joe chimes, and she glares, reaching over to hit him. She starts to say something, only for her eyes to go wide. “What’s wrong?”

She says nothing, just awkwardly shifting her weight from one leg to another. He starts to ask again when a new voice joins the conversation. 

“Hey, babe.”

Byron jumps to a new level of annoyance. “Babe?” He and Joe watch as some scrawny looking little boy, who’s really not that scrawny in actuality but looks it compared to Byron and Joe, walks up to Mariella, kissing her. 

Byron looks like he’s about to have a stroke. He asks with all the smoke. “Who the hell are you?” 

Scrawny scoffs and has the audacity to throw the question back at him. “Who the hell are you?”

“Oh my god.” Mariella murmurs, slapping her hand against her forehead. “BJ, this is my boyfriend, Derrick—”

Mariella having a boyfriend makes sense to Joe. She’s 16 now. Why wouldn’t she be dating? It’s normal and expected. 

If only Byron saw it that way. “Boyfriend? Since when do you have a boy—”

“Derrick, this is my brother, BJ or Byron, and basically like my non-blood brother, Joe.”

Scrawny AKA Derrick looks like he’s seen a ghost. “Oh shit, my bad—”

If only he knew that Byron doesn’t forgive nor does he forget when it comes to his little sisters, especially Mariella. 

He steps toward the shorter young man. “Naw. You bad. You wanted to know who the hell I was, so let me tell you, I’m the nigga that’s gon fuck you up if you ever—”

“Byron!” Mariella is now fuming, grabbing him by his arm as she tugs him in a different direction. “Give us a couple minutes.” She flashes a sweet smile at Derrick and a pleading expression to Joe for him to also be nice.

Joe waits until they’re out of hearing distance. He then slaps Derrick on the arm. “Don’t take it personally. That’s just Byron. He’s always been a hothead.”

Derrick gives a nervous laugh, showing off braces that Joe didn’t notice before. He refrains from frowning. Ri could definitely do better than this dweeb. “You like Ri?”

Derrick shrugs, offering an unimpressive. “She’s alright.”

And that’s all Joe needs to hear to know what this kid is really about. Stepping toward him, he keeps his voice leveled and expression ice cold. “Do anything to hurt her, and you won’t have to worry about Byron.” He gives a steel smile. “I’m the one you’ll never see coming.”

———-

Present 

Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) 

Or some milder form of it. 

Amnesia, at the very least.

That’s what Dr. Reynolds says is the cause of Mari’s complete loss of memory. A result of the head trauma she received from the accident. A prognosis that somehow feels almost worse than the coma, at least to Joe.

Because for the life of him, he doesn’t know how to look at the woman he’s known his entire life, and have her look back at him like he’s a stranger, like she has no idea who he is. 

Because she doesn’t have any idea who he is.

As devastating as that blow is, he knows it hits harder for her parents. April nearly collapsed in Byron Sr’s arms as Dr. Reynolds informed them of Mari’s memory loss.

She was in tears, desperately asking, “but—but she’ll get them back, right, doctor?”

And Joe only has to glance at the doctor, the way his lips press together before he informs sympathetically, “we don’t know. Some patients do eventually retrieve their memories. Others….others never do.”

Joe can’t even allow himself to think of the latter option. 

A couple days post coma, he knocks on her door, seeing she’s alone, her parents most likely grabbing food or something.

She glances at the door offering a small smile that doesn’t meet her eyes. It’s insincere, and he doesn’t know how to feel about that either, because one of the things he’s always loved about her has always been her smile. So big and infectious. Just like her personality. 

“Hey.” There’s nothing big and infectious about her almost unsure tone. 

“Hey.” He doesn’t wait for her to welcome him in, just walks in, taking the seat on the side of her bed. “How you feeling?”

She gives a one sided shrug. He notices the cuts and bruising on her face have gone down tremendously. That's a plus in a situation full of minuses. “Don’t know.” After obviously thinking about the question more, she offers a more descriptive answer. “Very...confused.”

“About?” He then adds. “Maybe I can clear it up for you.”

“I don’t know. It’s….it’s mostly about who I am.” He could definitely answer that one for her. She shakes her head, providing an example. “Like, I’m apparently this big singer, but I can’t even think about singing right now. It doesn’t—it doesn’t even feel like me.” She chuckles bitterly. “Not that I know who me is.”

“You love music. Always have. And you’re good at it. Singing. Writing. Producing. Dancing. All of it.” She looks over at him as he says with all the honesty and sincerity, “there’s nothing, creatively, you can’t do.”

Mariella nods, as if taking in the information to analyze later on. “What about you?” She asks. “What do you do?”

A lot of things. A lot of things he now regrets deeply. But, that’s not her question. “Professional wrestler.” He starts to say WWE to see if she knows what that is, but that isn’t important. Shit about him isn’t the priority. 

Mariella looks him over, nodding. “It fits.”

He smiles a bit. The first he’s done in weeks. “What else do you want to know?”

She’s quiet for a few moments before asking the question he didn’t know he was dreading until now. “How did I end up here?”

What a loaded question he was absolutely not prepared for.

There’s a lot of things that led them to where they are right now. A lot of which he blames himself for, and her as well, but not nearly as much as he blames himself. They both played a role in how badly their relationship deteriorated, but Joe puts the bulk of it on himself. 

He’s older and should know better.

But, the specific incident that resulted in her accident, the blowout that ended with her requesting the one thing she always swore she never wanted to have happened when they got married…that’s it.

That is the truth she is probably looking for. It’s a truth, however, he can’t find it in him to tell her.

Because selfishly, he doesn’t want that to be the thing to trigger her memories, or any memories of all the things that have gone so terribly wrong the past two years. He doesn’t want that for her.

Doesn’t want it for them.

It’s why he settles on an answer that’s neither a lie but also not the full truth.

“You had a lot on your mind and went for a drive.” His voice shifts into something quiet. He’s still trying to process his feelings about that part of this whole thing. “You were hit head on by a drunk driver.”

Silence.

For a brief second, he’s unsure if he should have just told the truth. Been honest with her and let the cards fall as they may.

And then she speaks.

“Well, that’s unfortunate.” He looks up. Joe sees it. That sense of humor that some could only take in doses, but for him, it’s always been a highlight. She’s always been able to put a smile on his face even in the darkest of his days. “How long have we been married?”

Another unexpected question, but he answers truthfully. “This March makes 11 years.”

“Wow.” This seems to take her by surprise. “And how long have we been together?”

“That….that’s a bit of a long story.”

She lifts her brow, gesturing to her hospital bed. “Not like I have anywhere to be.”

He chuckles. She has a point, but the story of them…that seems too complicated or detailed to share in a freaking hospital. Because in his mind, he’s started to sort the different ways and things he can do to help remind her of who she is. 

Of who they were. 

Finally, he answers, “I just—I think you should—” 

There’s a knock on the door, Joe turning to see April and Byron Sr.

April is the first to speak, walking over to them. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” She’s almost hesitant to move too close. Joe can see she wants nothing more to engulf her youngest in a hug but recognizes the same almost uncomfortable expression Mariella wore the minute he walked in.

“It’s okay.” He assures, going to stand up. “I’ll leave you guys—”

“Actually,” Byron Sr. interjects, shooting Joe a sympathetic expression. “We were hoping to speak with you.” He looks toward Mariella, and Joe hates it. Hates the almost discomfort that exists between them. She’s always been super close with her parents. Especially her dad. “If that’s alright, sweetheart?”

Mariella shrugs, clearly unbothered. “Sure.” She starts to lay back in her bed a little. “I’m kinda tired anyway.”

Joe wonders how much of that is truth, and how much of it is her just wanting to be alone from people who are virtual strangers.

Strangers…

That’s definitely a word he never thought could be used in any context regarding Mariella.

Once outside the room and in the private waiting area, her parents wait until a set of nurses pass before April is the first to speak. She reaches over and places a comforting hand. “How are you doing, Joe? Really?”

A mess. He’s a fucking mess. Joe has seen much, much better days than the past few weeks. But, he also doesn’t want to make this about him, about his mental state, so he provides a half truth.

“Been better.” His response is gruff as he quickly moves to change topics. “What about you guys?”

Having his wife have no idea who he is is brutal, but he can’t even begin to imagine what it’s been like for two parents to not have their youngest child recognize them, to have no idea who they are.

Byron Sr. is the first to answer, mirroring his son-in-law’s words. “Been better.” 

April shifts in her seat, bringing her hand back to her lap. “We umm—we spoke to Dr. Reynolds earlier today.”

Joe looks up, partially wondering why he wasn’t present for that meeting. “Okay.”

“She doesn’t remember anything, Joe. Not her childhood. Not her family. Not…not even us.” April voice breaks at the end of her statement as Joe looks away. Hearing this again isn’t exactly helpful, though he would never disrespect her parents by asking them to shut up. Even if it’s what he wants. “And we—well, we just think—”

Byron Sr. cuts in, hand on his wife’s knee. “We want to take her back home with us, Joe.” Joe’s stomach drops. “We want to take her back to Florida.”

———-

Spring, 2022

Cameras.

That’s the one thing Mariella, Mari, still struggles to get used to. The bright lights flashing in her face as her photo is taken, whether on the red carpet, on the stage, or even when she’s just making a run to the grocery store. The latter one hasn’t happened as much as it used to, for which she’s grateful, but still.

So there’s a bit of an adjustment as she looks around the room, the hair and makeup team touching up her face once more before they kick off the segment.

She doesn’t regret it. Doesn’t regret it at all. It’s a good look for him. For her too. And beyond any type of benefit for their careers, she’s just happy she gets to see him.

Because that’s the part she doesn’t think she’ll ever truly get over or be okay with.

The distance.

As directed, she walks down the hall, making sure not to look directly into the camera. This is made infinitely easier by pretending she’s shooting a music video. Which, truth be told, it isn’t very different. 

Mari wears the confused expression perfectly, looking down at her phone as if it has information that could help her when she ‘accidentally’ walks into him.

Head up, she gasps and immediately gets to apologizing, just as was in the script. “Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I wasn’t even looking where I was going.”

His eyes widen as he ‘realizes’ who she is. “Wow. No, you are absolutely fine. Wow. You’re Mari!”

Smiling, she points at him, “and you are…..”

He seems a bit taken back at first, like he’s waiting for her to also recognize him. When that doesn’t happen, he offers his hand. “Sami Zayn. Master strategist and locker room leader.”

She nods, perfectly conveying another confused look at just what that means. “Does—does that mean you’re good with directions? Cause I suck at them.”

“It absolutely does, and you are in luck, because I just so happen to be free right now and would love to give you a tour.”

She opens her mouth to protest, “oh, that’s so sweet, but I really should—” she looks down at her phone. “You know what, I’m a little early, so why not?”

“Awesome.” He claps his hands together and offers his arm. Mari smiles and links hers in his as he starts leading them down the hall, pointing out the most obvious of things. 

The camera cuts, and she engages in conversation with Sami, who’s actually a lot like the ‘character’ he plays. Super charismatic and engaging. Kinda reminds her of herself. So much so that before she realizes, they’re back to recording after having moved across the arena. 

“And lastly we have—” His eyes suddenly widen as he realizes where they are, Sami moving his hand to her back as he directs them in the opposite direction. “Wait, we do not want to go—”

“There it is!” Mari, however, is smiling brightly as she walks toward the door.

Sami looks like he’s about to have a panic attack, frantically warning, “Mari, I know you’re like an international mega star, but trust me, you do not want to bother that man—” He’s silenced by her knocking on the door. 

His face is turning red as he urgently whispers to her, “we should really get out of here. Like right now!.”

She turns to him, confused. “Why?”

And before Sami can respond, the door is ripped open, the scowling faces of the Usos the first thing Sami lands on. He’s preparing to get chewed out only for them to look at Mari and instantly start smiling.

“Whassup, Mari!” Jimmy is the first to greet her, pulling her in for a hug. Followed by Jey, the two of them engaging in some secret handshake that ends with a ‘Yeet’.

Sami, however, laughs nervously, gesturing between the three. “Wait, you—you guys know Mari?”

Jimmy answers, slinging his arm around her. “Man, of course. This family!”

“You’re related to them?” Sami asks, eyes wide. 

Mari opens her mouth to answer when another person emerges from the private locker room, taking up almost the entire door frame, face stoic and eyes cold. 

Sami looks like he’s about to piss himself. He swallows. “My Tribal Chief, I’m so sorry—”

He’s interrupted by Mari who smiles and pulls away from Jimmy to walk up to Roman.“Hi, baby.” Sami looks on stunned as she leans up and kisses his cheek, pressing her body into his, hand on his abs. “Sorry, I’m a bit late.” She grins over at Sami. “Sami was giving me a tour of the place.”

The reddening of his cheeks is about what and what with the red of his hair. “I don’t—I’m not—”

Playfully rolling her eyes as Roman continues to look like he’s contemplating murder, she lifts her left hand, showing off a beautiful diamond ring. “Roman’s my husband.”

Mouth open like a child who just found out Santa isn’t real, Sami does his best to reel in his surprise. “Of course, you’re married. I totally knew that!” He laughs nervously, hands on his hips. “That’s why I gladly brought you to the Tribal Chief myself. Wanted to ensure nothing but the best for the Bloodline’s first lady.”

“That was really sweet of you. Thank you.” She continues to smile, and Roman continues to send daggers with just one, stolid expression. Mari peers up, kissing him again as she reaches for his hand. “Come on.” She tugs him toward the inside of the locker room, Roman finally budging as he gives Sami one last look that has the redhead contemplating requesting a switch to Raw. 

However, as Jimmy and Jey go to follow along with their cousin, Roman is quick to slam the door in their faces. 

“Hey, Uce, uhhh,—” Jimmy tries to jangle the knob only to realize it’s locked. He starts knocking. “Roman! Hey, you gon let us in?”

A couple seconds later the door does open, but it’s Solo, followed by Paul Heyman. Wise Man closes the door behind him. He looks around, briefly bewildered and clears his throat, announcing, “The Tribal Chief has requested to be left alone this evening.” 

Sami is the only one to laugh, playfully shoving Solo and pointing to the locker room. “I bet he has.” Solo, however, also looks like he’s also contemplating murder. Sami coughs awkwardly and turns to walk away, just as the camera crew announces ‘cut’.

The remaining men share laughs about the promo, meanwhile inside the locker room Mariella relishes in the feel of being reunited with her husband in real life, and now in the WWE kayfabe verse.

She’s pressed against his body, arms around his neck with his locked around her waist, holding her to him. “Hey, Big Daddy.”

Roman, Joe, rolls his eyes. Mariella giggles. She knows he has such a love/hate relationship with the term of endearment, one of many she has for the massive man before her. “You miss me?”

He makes a sound, leaning down to connect their lips. “Always, baby.” 

She smiles into their kiss, “good answer.” His big hands venture down to squeeze her ass, Mariella moaning into his mouth which triggers something for him. He lifts her up, her legs locking around his waist as he goes to sit back down in the big leather chair. Joe’s tongue entering her mouth is enough to elicit another moan but also alert her to the fact of where he wants to take this.

“Baby, we cannot do the nasty at your job.”

“I don’t know why you still call it that.” His fake irritation makes her giggle. It’s an inside joke between them that she’ll never let die so long as she lives. “And who says we can’t?”

“I don’t know. The FCC?” He rolls his eyes as she grasps at his beard that she can tell he dyed recently. Most likely because of his job. She wishes he could leave it be. She likes the gray. It does….things to her. “Besides, you know the deal. If we do it right now, we can’t do it tonight.” He continues to move his hands across her ass. “Mama’s got a show this Sunday, and I’d rather not be rendered immobile because my husband impaled me on his big ole’ dick.”

Again, Joe rolls his eyes, even though there’s more truth to her statement than the typical playful jokes she cracks at any given time. Joe has a high sex drive. She’s known this for some years. Mariella, however, does not. And it’s not even that she doesn’t enjoy sex with her husband. It’s that her husband doesn’t know how to stop, doesn’t know how to come, make her come one time for the one time, and just be done with it.

No. This man wants rounds. And truthfully, she just doesn’t have the stamina to keep up with him. Outside of porn stars, she doesn’t know who would.

Man is an absolute beast.

“So damn dramatic,” he chuckles against her neck. “You know I be doing most of the work anyway.”

She opens her mouth to protest. “Okay, that may or may not be true.” She can feel him smiling against her. It’s not like he minds. Joe is dominant in the sheets, wanting to be in control at all times. Her preference given he’s much more well versed in the sexual arts than she is. “But, in my defense, you’re built like a Greek god.” A Samoan god. “I get winded walking up the staircase in our house.”

“Bullshit.” He pulls back, pointing out. “You be on that stage dancing your ass off for damn near three hours.” 

She rolls her eyes, murmuring, “okay, that also may or may not be true.” Mari’s eyes flutter as he moves his hand under her dress. Long, thick fingers easily pushing aside her underwear, feeling the pool of her arousal. She squeezes his shoulders. “Joe….”

He grunts almost, gliding his fingers across her wet folds. She exhales sharply. “You this wet already and really want me to think you don’t want Big Daddy to fuck this tight lil’ pussy?”

Whining against him, Mariella unconsciously tries to move around on his lap to get his fingers back on her. In her, preferably. And it’s when he enters one of those deliciously talented fingers inside of her gushy opening, she caves. “Fine.” He smirks as she warns, “but you’re pushing me around in the wheelchair after!”

———-

Between a rock and a hard place.

That’s how Joe has felt the past few weeks, maybe even longer. But especially now.

He knows Ri’s parents are right. That they have every right to want her to spend time at home with them, in the place where she grew up, where most of her formative years and subsequent formative memories lie. Logically, it makes sense.

But, he can’t seem to get past his discomfort at the fact that Ri won’t be getting discharged and coming home with him. No, she’ll be discharged and hop on a plane with them back to Florida. Selfishly, he was hoping the doctor wouldn’t clear her to fly, but that plan went out the window. Dr. Reynolds is clearly on the same page with her parents about the potential benefit of being around constant triggers. Triggers that could help generate memories.

And Joe isn’t against that. At all. 

It’s just the fact that he won’t be there that rubs him the right way. 

“Joe.”

His eyes shut, an instant headache coming on. This is the last thing he needs. 

Turning around, he’s met with Olivia “Liv” Holmes default stare of icy indifference. Out of all of Mariella’s siblings, her family in general, Liv has always been his least favorite.

For a lot of different reasons. The main one being how she always treated Mariella when they were younger. Not mean, per se. But not kindly either. She always acted like Mariella was annoying, and she definitely could be at times, but not to the extent that Liv made it seem.

Like Mariella was just this big nuisance. It’s part of the reason she always wanted to hang out with him and Byron when they were growing up, because Liv spent most of her time with her twin sister, Everly, and her own friend group.

“Liv.” He really doesn’t feel like talking to anyone, let alone her. Their interactions have always been brief and limited to what is essential. For good reason too.

“I take it my parents told you we’re taking Ella back home to Florida with us.”

Joe has to bite back a smartass comment. Liv’s smirk and the almost smug tone of her voice isn’t what he needs right now.

“Yes.” He matches her energy a bit, reminding. “For the first couple weeks, at least. Then I’m going to bring her back home with me.” 

Where she belongs.

Liv smiles, but there’s nothing friendly about it. “We’ll see.”

Joe gives her a look. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You know she called me.” He freezes. “The night of the accident.” Joe manages to keep a calm face despite his surprise at her words. Mariella has never been close with Liv, most of their communication occurring via texts and family group chats. 

There’s only one reason she would call her sister who happens to be a divorce attorney.

“I want a divorce.”

Liv continuing to speak is ironically appreciated, as it pulls him from the memories of what is now an infamous argument. “I was sleeping and missed her call, but she didn’t leave a message. Kinda wishing she did, because I’m still trying to figure out just what the hell she was doing out on the road that late at night.” 

He keeps his cool. Somehow. “I already told you—”

“I know what you said, Joe.” Her interruption is sharp. “I also don’t believe you, because what the hell could she have so heavy on her mind after winning 5 Grammys?” She crosses her arms. “It doesn’t make sense.”

When he doesn’t say anything, she continues her accusatory assault. “You seem to forget that we were in high school together, Joe. I know how you were.” At this, he can’t say anything, can’t necessarily defend himself against truth. “You and Byron fucked damn near half the girls in our school, probably at college too, and then all of a sudden you turn in your hoe card to be with my baby sister? Because you love her? I never bought that shit for a minute.”

While he can’t deny his promiscuous past, Joe isn’t about to stand here and let this woman act like he’s this horrible person who took advantage of Mariella. “What’s your point, Liv? Huh? I’m not fucking stupid. I know you never approved of me being with Ri, but just like I didn’t give a fuck then, I still don’t give a fuck now.”

Liv does relatively well hiding her disapproval among her family, to some extent. But Joe has always been hip to her truth. She thinks Mariella should have gotten with someone else, anyone else probably. Anyone who wasn’t him.

Liv, who has never done well with being challenged, steps forward, glare intense and purposeful. “I’m gonna find out what happened that night, Joe. Because I know there’s something you’re not telling us.” He keeps up his unreadable expression, though there’s a small chunk of guilt swimming around the back of his head. Not even about not being completely honest with Mariella’s family.

More about not being honest with her.

She lowers her voice. “And when I do find out—”

“Liv.”

Joe and Liv turn to see Byron Jr. standing before them with a disappointed expression.

Arms crossed, he steps toward them, focused more on Liv than Joe. “Don’t be starting no shit today, alright? This the last thing we need.”

In recent years, especially since becoming a father, BJ has matured from his hotheaded days, often even a voice of reason. One of the reasons he’s been voted Locker Room captain for his team, the 49ers, 3 years in a row.

Liv rolls her eyes. “You’ve always been blinded by your friendship with him—”

“Hey.” Byron raises his voice a bit. “I mean it. You blaming people doesn’t change what happened, and you know damn well Ella would have a fit at you coming at Joe like this.”

Not really. Maybe before. Before everything collapsed so tragically between the two of them.

“Whatever.” She gives a final almost warning glare to the two of them before stalking off, probably to go see Mariella.

BJ places a comforting hand on Joe’s shoulder once she’s gone. “You good, man?” 

Not at all. “Yeah.” He clears his throat. 

BJ gives a sad smile. “Don’t let Olevil get to you.” Her nickname from back when they were in high school makes Joe chuckle. “You going back to work next week?”

Joe blows out a breath. That hasn’t even crossed his mind the past couple weeks. He doesn’t even really know what storyline they came up with to cover his absence. Nor does he care really. “I haven’t even thought about that, man.”

“I think you should.” And before Joe can protest, Byron lifts his hand. “Hear me out. She’s gonna be with our parents for a few weeks, so you know she’ll be in good hands. What you gon’ do while she’s gone? Sit around the house sad and moping and shit? You know she would be chewing you out for that, telling you that you gotta get back in the game.”

Joe gives a bit of a smile. Byron is right. Knowing Mariella, she’d have a whole theatrical ass presentation as to why he should return to work, song and dance included. 

“Yeah…”

Byron slaps him on his shoulder. “Just think about it, alright?” 

Joe nods, because he will. And not for himself, not even for his job, because he doesn’t give a fuck about that right now.

But for Mariella.

His Ri. 

Because she’ll always be his Ri.

And he’s determined to make sure she doesn’t forget it this time.

———-

Spring, 2022 [cont.]

“Baby!” It’s a distant voice that becomes closer as it's repeatedly conjoined with a small hand shaking at his shoulder. “Baby, wake up.”

And he does. Eyes fluttering open, his vision is blurred initially, gradually clearing up to reveal the face of his beautiful wife. Cognizant of his surroundings, Joe realizes she’s sitting on top of him, notebook and pen in hand.

He smiles. It’s been a while since she’s woken him up for this. And while he’ll regret it in the morning, he’s grateful for it now. Grateful for these little callbacks to when they were broke, living in a crappy apartment, trying to chase the dream as inspiration struck her at all hours of the night. And she would wake him up, wanting his feedback. 

He didn’t really mind then. 

And he doesn’t really mind now.

That’s just his Ri.

Eyes squinting, she asks, “you up?”

He chuckles, also enjoying the sight of her straddling him wearing only his shirt. “Yes, baby. I’m up.”

“About time,” she complains, and he rolls his eyes. So damn dramatic. “I’m feeling inspired.” She says it while giving almost jazz hands, pretty brown eyes landing back on him. “Wanna hear the lyrics?”

He yawns, glancing at the digital clock that reads 2:37AM. “What else would I be doing at this time?”

She glares. “Is that sarcasm I detect, mister? Is it my fault my musical muse comes alive at night? That she flourishes when most—”

“Ri.”

“Huh?”

He closes his eyes. Joe loves Mariella with everything in him, but he’s not in the mood for one of her theatrical tangents at damn near 3 o’clock in the morning. “Lyrics.”

“Oh! Right!” Chuckling, he watches as she reads over whatever she’s written to herself at first. A bit of a habit. She’s always initially self-conscious about her lyrics. “Now, it’s just off the top of my head, so be nice, okay?”

“I’m always nice to you, Ri.” It’s the truth. As annoyed as he can get sometimes, she’s never been on that list. “And I’m sure it’s fine.” 

She smiles appreciatively, slightly taking him by surprise as she quietly sings the lyrics versus just reading them to him.

Yellow diamonds in the light

Now we're standing side by side

As your shadow crosses mine

What it takes to come alive

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny

But I've gotta let it go

We found love in a hopeless place

Finished, she looks down at him, expectantly, “well?”

“I love it.” He loves most of what she writes though. He especially loves to hear her sing. “What inspired it?”

“I don’t know. I was just thinking about us. About how far we come.” She shrugs, his hands rubbing circles on her hips. “Your show was sold out tonight, Joe. Mine is sold out too. Like, we both sold out Madison Square Garden. That feels almost too perfect to be true.”

He makes a sound. “But, it is, baby.”

“I know.” She sighs heavily and asks in a partial hypothetical tone. “We’re like really hot shit, huh?” Joe chuckles as she gasps and places her tablet down on his chest, quickly writing something down. He says nothing, having been with her for so long that none of her quirky ways really surprise him anymore.

“Also.”

“Also?”

She glares but moves to place the notebook and pen on the nightstand, resting her hands on his chest. “I was thinking about our conversation earlier…” He’s quiet, waiting patiently for her to finish her sentence even if it does have him a bit on edge. He’s never been good with waiting. “Let’s do it.”

Her answer takes him by surprise. “You sure?”

She nods, tugging at his beard. “We’re not getting any younger.” She giggles, eyes playfully narrowing. “Especially you, old man.” 

At that, he sucks his teeth. “Who you calling old?” He squeezes her side, and she squeals. He knows that’s where she’s ticklish. She falls out, laughing, and he takes the advantage of her being distracted to flip them so she’s flat on her back. “Naw, say it again. I ain’t hear you.”

“Joe, stop,” she giggles as he hovers over her, tickling her until she pushes back against his shoulder. He grabs her hand, restricting her when she opens her eyes. Her laughter quietly dies down when their eyes lock. 

Love. 

So much love.

Joe leans down and connects their lips, softly, slowly, just as meaningful as any other kiss they’ve shared. She moans into his mouth, feeling his hardened length graze against her opening, her essence already making its way down her inner thighs.

He feels this too, groaning and lifting her thigh to widen her as he carefully enters her, watching her arch her back at the entrance. She whimpers, hands moving around his shoulders.

He kisses her wrist, watching the pleasure on her face as he gives her deep strokes, slow and plunging, just how he knows she likes it. “Shhhh….let me take care of you, baby.”

And he does.

He always has.

He always will.

[song-writer-melo-wrath]

Silly Game Time: Who are the protagonists of two stories you really enjoy? (could be from any media: movies, shows, novels, games, comics, etc.) (yes, OCs count)

AND which of them would win a 100 meter race?

Hmmmm, let's see...let's go with pure OC mesh, with these two.

We got Tamia Bell-Burns and Palharine!

Palharine's winning, easily. Tamia, my dear, I love you, and all your aroace recovering addict swagger. But you are not beating a robot with rockets on their legs at speed.

[pbandjesse]

I am super sore and very tired. Today was so long. But it was a really good day. I am very happy.

I slept okay last night. I woke up cold a few times. And James was still in bed which was a nice surprise. They usually already up and about. So a sleepy James was very cute.

I got dressed and felt very pretty today. And I had plenty of time so I thought I could stop even though I feel like I have bought way too much fast food and lost couple weeks.

And that absolutely bit me in the ass. Because even though I left at 7:40 I sat in the line for McDonald's for 15 minutes! So I still rolled up at camp exactly on time but very stressed out about it. And the sandwich made my stomach hurt! So I was a little annoyed.

But it was fine. Like is said I was on time and that's all that really mattered.

When I got there I went up to the arts building to get my sweatshirt, it was a lot colder then I expected, and then to the eyrie.

I saw someone walking around down there and called over and it was Morgan, the Towson student I was working with today. And I think she was a bit unsure of me at times but she was very sweet and did an excellent job.

Elizabeth was not there yet though so I did not have all the answers about the programs but I filled her in as much as I could.

Soon everyone was there though and Elizabeth declared that the supply boxes would be delivered by gator so I was very pleased about that. And me and Morgan went down to the stream station to get set up.

There was some confusion about the fact or fiction cards that was a little annoying but we figured it out and it was fine. And we made a plan about dividing and conquering the programs today. I was looking forward to it.

And it was great. We had excellent groups and mostly great chaperones.

We started on the field. I got to read for a little while we waited for the buses. And very soon the 6th graders were there!

We broke into groups. Alexi and Heather gave an intro. And then we took a bathroom break. Which took forever but me and Morgan split the group and I took some to the museum and it was all good.

But because that took so long we had to speed through the program a bit but that ended up being totally fine. And me and Morgan were a pretty great team. I would give an intro and introduce the project and then pass it to her for the science parts while I got each step ready and would help redirect and reiterate what she's teaching. It was her very very first time teaching and overall she did good. She could work on vamping and talking to fill time. I had to carry that a lot. So now my throat hurts but that's fine. I honestly had a great day.

I had a cute little interaction with a goth 11 year old. She was so cute. She complimented my eyeliner, I complimented hers. She was just like me when I was her age. I showed her my goth pictures and her friends were all like. You are looking at what you could look like in the future. It was super cute.

Lunch was good. I did a debrief with Morgan and the other Towson student, Tamia, came and we had fun sitting in the rocking chairs and chatting.

I got a sandwich from the catering the group brought in. And me and Elizabeth commiserated about a few chaperones who were super checked out. But whatever. We move forward.

I had two rounds of seed bomb making. And it was hard to time it to fill the hour but I think we did good. After they made the balls we would go to frog hollow and throw them and hopefully the bloom. And then I spend the last 20 minutes asking the investigating questions and giving my Native American program intro and that was fun! I really felt like they really responded to that. The chaperones too! Felt good.

The day was long but it was fun. I had some fun connections with some of the kids. Even some boys who you could tell were class clowns and just wanted attention. Getting them to feel like they are doing something naughty when it's really the right thing works a lot. So when Morgan was asking questions I snuck up and whispered the answer and was like. Tell her!! And he did and Morgan was not in on it and was like. Oh my God that's right how did you know that?? And it was so cute how bright his smile was.

At the end of my last program I told Morgan to lead them to the lodge for dinner while I went to the arts building to make sure everything was reset for tomorrow. And then a little walk to the office to drop off my walkie and chat with Heather about pros and cons of the day and the programs. Mainly because we cut some from the stream program so it was a bit of a struggle to fill the hour but we made it work.

I was happy to go home. There would be some traffic. But I would be home before 6.

I was happy to see James. They made us pizza for dinner. And I read my book for a little. But I could not do much else. My whole body aches so much.

I did have a package today though! My temu order. And everything was great! The quality was better then I expected. The water bottle doggy is a favorite but the toast lamp and hair clip I got are also just so good. I also got some earrings but those are a gift for Jess. I am very pleased and will for sure order from them again!!

I took a shower while the pizza dough was cooking. And that helped me feel better. I washed my hair and eventually dried it. I enjoyed our pizza dinner. And then I got in bed. James had their book club and painted their nails. I cuddled with sweetp and watched videos. And now I really want to sleep.

I hope tomorrow is fun too. I'm just at the art building all day. I hope it is great. I have to stay later to help with dinner but that's fine. Wish me luck. I hope you all sleep well. Goodnight everyone!!

[the-firebird69]

This guy next door is a huge impetuous swine. The lesson right now. Losing his army he won't have access to Antarctica and he won't have any computers and he does not have Dave's if he did it's with Tommy F is too stupid to figure it out.

- It says he took it back from him so he's all set we say so people can go after him.

- We have a couple things to announce and one of them is John Rebelard is pursuing Stan and it's because of the impending court case and he found out today it's real he had no clue even though people handed him the report he doesn't know how to read we think. He is going into a sullen state and all this other **** then he is quickest hell and yeah speed kills.

- There are other facts going on right now john Reillard is attacking mac proper as he probably should but usually they lose very badly and overtax overt attacks versus their master and they are losing very badly just as everyone predicted and they suck in combat in this attitude is not correct and it seems like he has AI that's worth something so people aren't going after him here. Doesn't pay to be a big

- There's other things happening he's constantly annoying our son between every posting of every sentence he is trying to annoy him because he thinks he's gonna win something and he thinks that people think he's doing the job and it's not true they want him off him and they're going after their people so they're having him do it as an excuse and he won't stop and they're all gonna be dead. He tells the idiot on TV and she repeats it back to him it's not really a complicated complex this idiot is a stupid person and he's sacrificing you

- John Remelard is gearing up to attack Stan this evening in three locations we know about we know about more but we're going to announce three. Washington state Oregon State is one area northern New England all of it and it stands bunkers in the upper Midwest he wants the information and stuff and the doodads that's when he calls them because he's a condescending bitch

- There's other things happening this guy stand is not doing any work here granted it is almost impossible with Tamia for overhead and Jansen is an obstruction sometimes in John Remelard is a major obstruction but he still doesn't like doing things that helps our son because he is a stingy **** and actually presently fired our son from 2 jobs that he was personally **** up. We hear that he doesn't want to fix the septic at all or fix it from being clogged and he is going to sit there and do nothing but this time our son can't unclog it and he's going to call him daily to have him fix it or call Sherry and he will begin court proceedings if he doesn't fix it and John Remelard is helping out with a conversation and our son detected it and that's not his job either you guys are lazy if anything but you still have a fight on your hands these people are getting real small and are getting real honoury and annoying beyond everything we thought so we understand it and he's gonna have to wait like what a week for for a regular toilet use. Which is really the violation of human rights. I knew people treated him like an animal all day long so what Stan Gonna do he can't do anything he can hardly take care of himself and that's the problem here so we don't know what to say we can't stand any of you you guys can't stand on your own feet these people are treating our son very badly and they're dying rapidly and they're so delusional that they think they're winning something by dying is a horrific state of mind to be near we don't want them around him at all there's not a great answer here yet people can't do what they want these losers are ogres and overbearing morons and they're breaking their own back they're breaking their own bank they're crushing their own skulls and it's disgusting they're subhuman losers we're coming in here and take care of business.

Thor Freya

Olympus

[tazlov]

MADNESS: WYVERN

Documentation #01: Debrief

### BEGIN DOCUMENTATION ###

Tamia "Ruckus" Haas is a member of a rebellious organization known as the Underground. The Underground consists of grunts of varying backgrounds, anywhere between a bar brawler to a dissenting agent. Ruckus has been a large contributor to the process of dismantling any emerging corrupt governments in Nevada, lending her skills in close-quarters brawling and knowledge of explosives to the war on government.

Wyvern #03: Codename "LISTLESS" was the third prototype of a series of experiments conducted by the Association for the Welfare of Nevada (AWN). The first two prototypes are currently unknown, and the Director is a vague entity of slick suits and rich wines. The Wyvern Project is dedicated to the creation of a variety of upgraded soldiers, aiming to make faster, stronger, and smarter grunts from scratch. Sometimes grunts are stolen from the streets or kidnapped under the pretense of "arrests," where they are charged for menial crimes and then are never heard from again. These kidnapped grunts are then occasionally experimented on, or used as live dummies for training. It is not known exactly how many Wyvern experiments there actually are.

There are also rumors of other projects similar to the concept of MAG agents, sometimes noted in stolen spreadsheets and emails as Technical Specialty (TEC SPEC) or Special (SPEC) Agents. These SPEC Agents receive the benefits of specialized training to use advanced tools and weapons of warfare, far more powerful and beyond what normal agents are allowed to use. These instruments can do anything from enhance a user's strength and speed, to performing lightning-fast calculations when shooting to deliver the perfect shot. The difference between a SPEC and a Wyvern, is that a Wyvern does not require equipment or tools to do the remarkable things they can do. For them, it is simply instinct, and how they are built innately.

There are benefits to both. TEC SPECs are cheaper and easier to reproduce the same results, but computers and weapons can be separated from them, or broken by the enemy. Wyverns are rarer, more expensive, and are genetically unstable, but they work as the Association's most elite, perfect agents... as long as they didn't screw up when making one.

The Underground had been studying the AWN's activity for quite some time, and when it was hinted at through intel that the AWN will soon make a move using the Wyvern Project, Ruckus knew she needed to step in. She took on a solo mission (as she was the only volunteer) to break into one of the Wyvern facilities and find out the exact nature of what a Wyvern experiment was capable of. It was only supposed to be an intel-grabbing mission, but she ended up scoring even bigger: a whole entire Wyvern grunt.

Enter Listless. Freed from her prison of comatose liquid and machinery, a disoriented Wyvern stumbled out to meet a rough-looking woman who went by the name of "Ruckus." She slapped a pistol into the hands of Listless, and the rest was history.

The accident, however, is worthy of notation. Upon escaping the facility's grasp, Ruckus stole a company-endorsed motorcycle along with Listless to retreat to headquarters. An intense firefight ensued, where Listless learned about the true value of friendship and trust by borrowing Ruckus's grenade launcher... and without fully thinking of the consequences, fired upon a helicopter head-on. The crashing bird ended up throwing off Ruckus's driving, and in a panic, lost control of the bike. An explosion that rocked the area within a mile's radius rattled the earth, crushed spirits.

Listless was lucky. When she emerged from the debris, mostly unscathed, she found Ruckus, unmoving and barely alive. The damage was heavily on her left side, with stabbing metal shards taking away her left eye and poking out of her chest. Carefully, Listless tended to her wounds as best she could, found the radio that an Underground grunt was talking through, and risked revealing their location as she explained everything. She did not know exactly how trustworthy this "Underground" was, but they acted like Ruckus was familiar, and she was out of options.

So goes the journey. Listless carried Ruckus with her until strange, punk-style grunts on bikes and in a car invited them to join in. Thankfully, action was taken quickly enough to save Ruckus from a grisly demise... but not enough to save her eye.

Thus, Ruckus now dons new scars and lost her depth perception, but gained a new friend. Listless has been an invaluable part of the rebellion's cause as of late, and it sure does piss off the AWN that one of their few precious Wyverns was stolen. Suck it, you fascist pricks!

### END DOCUMENTATION ###

[blackkudos]

Tamia

Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill (born May 9, 1975) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Tamia performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. In 1994, after signing a development deal with Warner Bros. Records, she was asked by veteran producer Quincy Jones to appear on his album Q's Jook Joint (1995), earning her Grammy Award nominations for their collaboration on "You Put a Move on My Heart" and "Slow Jams." Her self-titled debut album was released in 1998 and followed by a series of successful albums with Elektra Records, including A Nu Day (2000) and More (2004). Several songs from these albums became hit singles on the pop and R&B record charts, including "So Into You", "Stranger in My House" and "Imagination" as well as her collaborations "Into You", "Missing You" and "Spend My Life with You".

Since her departure from Elektra, Tamia has released most of her projects independently on her own label Plus One Music Group, through ventures with Def Jam, eOne Music and others. In 2015, her sixth album Love Life debuted and peaked at number two on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming her highest-charting album on the chart. A NAACP Image Award recipient for her work with singer Eric Benét, Tamia is a six-time Grammy Award nominee and has been nominated for numerous other awards and accolades, including a Soul Train Music Award, a Source Award and four Juno Awards. She has been married to former basketball player Grant Hill since 1999; they have two daughters. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003, Tamia is an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) on behalf of others affected by the disease.

Early life

Tamia was born in Windsor, Ontario. The only daughter of a white father and black mother, Barbara Washington-Peden, she has three younger brothers named Tiras, Tajhee, and Trajan. Peden gave birth to Tamia when she was 17 years old and raised her children as a single mom between Glengarry Avenue and McDougall Street in downtown Windsor. Aside from the music she heard and sang at church, Tamia was exposed to diverse music from an early age by her mother. As early as age six, she was on stage singing at the local church, and by age 12, had already been involved in several musicals which helped hone her musical skills. Tamia studied piano and voice with renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis, who was also instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her vocal talent. It was not long before she was able to develop her skills in the Walkerville Centre for Creative Arts program for visual and performing arts students, introduced at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor.

Along with attending high school at Walkerville, she made several appearances in local theater and choral concerts before winning Canada's prestigious YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993. In 1994, Tamia performed at a multiple sclerosis benefit in Aspen, Colorado when she met music manager, Lionel Richie's ex-wife Brenda Richie, who was cosponsoring the event and introduced herself to Tamia after the show. A few months later, Tamia, who was being courted by Warner Bros. Records at the time, called Richie to say that she was coming to Los Angeles for a photo session, resulting in her lasting stay and a management deal with Richie. Weeks later, Richie arranged for her to perform at a star-studded party that she held for singer Luther Vandross. Her performance reportedly impressed all in attendance, including veteran producer Quincy Jones, who took notice and later offered her the chance to appear on his album Q's Jook Joint (1995).

Career

1995–98: Collaborations and Tamia

"You Put a Move on My Heart," a Mica Paris cover, was one out of several Jones songs Tamia recorded vocals for. Selected as the first single from Q's Jook Joint, it became a moderate commercial success, reaching the top twenty of the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, but earned acclaim from critics, resulting in a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 39th ceremony. Tamia along with Babyface, Portrait, and Barry White received a second nomination that night for "Slow Jams", the second single from Jones' album, which fared similarly on the charts, peaking at number two on the New Zealand Singles Chart, and received a third nod in the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals category for her performance on "Missing You", a collaboration with singers Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan for the soundtrack of the 1996 motion picture Set It Off. A top thiry success on the US Billboard Hot 100, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 1997, Tamia made her film debut in the action-thriller Speed 2: Cruise Control. Playing the cruise liner's musical entertainer, she performed the Diane Warren-penned single "Make Tonight Beautiful", which was released as part of the film's soundtrack. The same year, she has also appeared in television sitcoms such as Rock Me Baby and Kenan and Kel and recorded the all-star charity single "Love Shouldn't Hurt" for the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse along with All-4-One, Michael Bolton, and others. Following this, Jones enlisted the services of several producers to work on Tamia's debut self-titled album, including Jermaine Dupri, Tim & Bob, and Mario Winans, many of which would become frequent producers on subsequent projects. Upon its April 1998 release, Tamia received a mixed to positive reception by critics, who complimented Tamia's vocal performance and the progression from her earlier recordings but found the material uneven. It debuted and peaked at number sixty-seven on the US Billboard 200. Five singles were released from the album, including the top twenty entries "Imagination" and "So into You." In 1999, Tamia garnered the singer two Juno Award nominations for Best New Solo Artist and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.

1999–2005: A Nu Day and More

In 1999, Tamia collaborated with American singer Eric Benét on his single "Spend My Life with You". The song reached the top of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earned her a fourth Grammy Award nomination as well as the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song. Frustrated by Qwest's label politics, Tamia transitioned to Elektra Records the same year and began worked on her second album A Nu Day. Rapper-producer Missy Elliott, frequent co-producer Bink, Dallas Austin and Shep Crawford worked with Tamia on the majority project, which she declared ″not as ballad-driven as" her debut album and felt it was "more aggressive in terms of the formats of the songs." Released in October 2000, A Nu Day received a mixed response from critics, who complimented her more stylish sound but found the material inconsistent. It debuted and peaked at number forty-six on the Billboard 200 and became her first top ten entry on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, peaking at number eight. A steady seller, it reached gold status in the US and produced three of Tamia's commercially most successful singles, including her only US Billboard Hot 100 top ten hit single "Stranger in My House". In 2001, A Nu Day was nominated in the R&B/Soul Recording of the Year category at the annual Juno Awards.

In 2003, Tamia appeared on the international top ten hit "Into You", a collaboration with rapper Fabolous from his second studio album Street Dreams (2003) based on her 1998 single "So into You". It reached the top five in Australia and the US and was followed by "Officially Missing You," the lead single from her third album. Initially titled Still, the project was indefinitely bumped from its original August 2003 schedule after Tamia's multiple sclerosis diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With the illness in remission, she resumed work later that year and arranged additional recording sessions to revamp parts of the album. Finally released in April 2004, More was released to generally mixed reception from music critics and debuted and peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard 200 and number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, with first week sales of 71,000 copies, marking the highest-selling and highest-charting opening of Tamia's catalogue yet. In support of More, Tamia was featured as a special guest on the Verizon Ladies First Tour, co-headlined by Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott, which became one of the biggest concert tours of the year. In 2005, More became Tamia's third consecutive album to earn a Juno Award nomination in the R&B/Soul Recording of the Year category.

2005–2013: Between Friends and Beautiful Surprise

In order to gain more creative control over future projects, Tamia left Elektra amid its merger with Atlantic Records in 2005 and decided to go independent, founding her own record label Plus One Music Group. Unlike previous projects, she only consulted longtime contributor Shep Crawford to work with her on her fourth studio album. A rather intimate process, the pair met on a daily basis in an Orlando recording studio to write and produce new songs, with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins providing additional material late into the production of the album. Alluding to her working relationship with Crawford, it was eventually titled Between Friends, and first released in South Africa in May 2006 in South Africa, followed by a worldwide distribution in the fourth quarter of 2006. A moderate commercial success, it number 66 on the Billboard 200, while peaking at number 2 on Billboard's Independent Albums. Its first two singles, "Can't Get Enough" and "Me", both reached the top 30 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

In November 2009, Greatest Hits, a compilation album, was released in South Africa. The same year, Tamia announced that she was working with Crawford to form a supergroup called TDK along with singers Kelly Price and Deborah Cox. Their joint album The Queen Project failed to materialize however due timing issues and label politics. In August 2012, Tamia's fifth studio Beautiful Surprise was released on Plus One and EMI Music. The singer worked with a vast of different producers on the album, including Chuck Harmony, The Runners, and Carvin & Ivan. Beautiful Surprise earned a mixed reception from music critics and debuted at 23 on the Billboard 200 and at number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Lead single "Beautiful Surprise", co-written by Claude Kelly and Salaam Remi, peaked at number 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Both the single and its parent album received nominations in the Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album categories at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, while garnering Tamia a Soul Train Music Award nomination at the 2012 Soul Train Music Awards. In support of Beautiful Surprise, Tamia joined R. Kelly during his The Single Ladies Tour from October until December 2012.

2014–present: Love Life and Passion Like Fire

In August 2014, Tamia signed with Def Jam Recordings, marking her return to major label ranks. Love Life, her sixth album, was completed in ten days and released on June 9, 2015 in the United States in collaboration with her own label, Plus One Music Group. A departure from her previous independent projects, she worked with a wider range of high-profile producers on its songs, including Polow da Don as well as Oak Felder and Pop Wansel from duo Pop & Oak as well as frequent collaborators Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and The-Dream. Love Life earned generally favorable reviews from critics, who summed it as "grown-up, worn-in R&B at its finest," and debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200, selling 16,000 copies in the week ending June 14, 2015. It also debuted on top of Billboard's Top R&B Albums and at number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming Tamia's highest-charting album ever on both charts, and spawned produced three singles, including lead single "Sandwich and a Soda" and follow-up “Stuck with Me” both of which reached the top twenty on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs.

Passion Like Fire, Tamia's seventh album, was released in September 2018 through Plus One, 21 Entertainment, and eOne Music. A breakaway from her previous album, the singer worked with a smaller team of collaborators on the album, involving longtime contributors Lil Ronnie, Shep Crawford and Salaam Remi. While critical reception was generally lukewarm, the album debuted at number 145 on the US Billboard 200, becoming her lowest-charting album yet, also reaching number 17 on Top R&B Albums chart. Its release was preceded by the singles "Leave It Smokin'" and "Today I Do", the former of which became her biggest hit in years, peaking at number two on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs. In support of the album, Tamia embarked on the Passion Like Fire Tour which launched on September 18, 2018 and visited most of the major US cities.

Personal life

Singer Anita Baker introduced Tamia to American basketball player Grant Hill through a blind date in Detroit, Michigan in 1996. After a courtship of about three years, the pair eventually married on July 24, 1999 in a private reception in Battle Creek, Michigan. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. John H. Grant, Hill's cousin, and attended by 250 guests. The couple initially resided in Detroit, but later relocated to Orlando, Florida when Hill left the Detroit Pistons to sign with the Orlando Magic team. Their first daughter, Myla Grace, was born on January 23, 2002. A second daughter Lael Rose Hill followed on August 9, 2007.

In 2003, amid the recording of her third album More, doctors at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina diagnosed Tamia with multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, after she had been suffering from mystifying bouts of fatigue and numbness in her hands, feet and legs. While the music project was indefinitely bumped from its original August 2003 schedule, the singer went into subsequent treatment, using corticosteroids to help delay the onset of more severe symptoms. Diagnosed early, the illness has since been in remission though she has occasional but controllable symptoms.

Discography

Tamia (1998)

A Nu Day (2000)

More (2004)

Between Friends (2006)

Beautiful Surprise (2012)

Love Life (2015)

Passion Like Fire (2018)

Tours

Awards and nominations

Grammy AwardsNAACP Image AwardJuno AwardSoul Train Music AwardsUB Honors AwardsRLM World Music AwardsBillboard R&B/Hip-Hop AwardsSource Awards

[tamiddyinyourcity]

11:34pm.

Bitch what the actual fuck.

Tuesday, April 14th of 2020.

Agh. For fucks sake, I wasn't ending our entire friendship, just trying to say that I needed time for things to blow off before fully being chill yet again.

Since it's kinda hard to go from "fuck yeah Tamia lets go half and half on one of those cool continential vibrators", (its dope as fuck, i cant wait till it comes, then i cant wait till i come, ha-haaaaaaa, yes,) to yknow, not being flirty or sexual anymore like two days later.

It's not like I'm mad at him. That's not remotely the truth.

I guess, all the factors are:

Mild romantic affection that has potential to go overboard. I get too attached super ea

He doesn't want a relationship, or feel stable enough for one. That's fine, I wouldn't pressure him into one. I'm not even in the mood to slightly nudge them into the idea. A person needs to heal first before they get involved with someone. Just like how I don't want to project my past onto him, or whatever, I wouldn't want that the other way around either.

Long distance - I mean.... I'm personally okay with long distance. Modern technology makes it easier, from Discord, to online gaming, screenshare technology, sexting, AAAAAAND THE AMAZING INVENTIONS OF VIBRATORS THAT CONNECT TO THE WI-FI, TO MAKE A GIRL CUM EVEN FROM OVERSEAAAAAAS. And I'm pretty much a Yes Girl when it comes to most things, so oh, pen pal? Dope. Sending gifts in my mail? My speed, I've done it before and absolutely loved it. Straight up visiting? Sure, what's gonna stop me from getting dick and affection from someone I adore? Not shit, thats what. But, he's understandably not into it. Not everyone has good experiences, I get it.... And, well, I may be the one to fly overseas for the chance to make out with a chubby cheeked cute motherfucker with a big schlong and a nice accent, buuuuuuut I'm not very good at....

Platonic dynamics with people I used to fuck with sexually or romantically. Hell, why do you think me and my ex ended up fucking in February as "friends"? Or the ex before him, where I told him we should just stay friends, and oh look, we sure had some very friendly fuck sessions in his bed every possible moment. Even Marco, a complete cunt who I still despise to this day, "we are friends right?"-ed his way into some pussy, on several occasions. And the ones that I didn't start seeing again, still wanted it. (Like Adrian, who I didn't believe wanted to be just friends from the start... He almost convinced me that night we had hung out eating skittles late at night, but overall he was just hoping to 'idk im just up suuuuuper late lol how r u what porn do u like haha im just wondering' his way into cheating on his freaking girlfriend.) Even goddamned Matty tried, and he LEFT ME FOR ANOTHER BITCH, so long story short, I've grown to not be as trusting of male/female close friendships....... Even when I tried to get over my fear with my last relationship by meeting that one stank hoe, she refused, then got cursed out.... Imma take a shot of wine and move on from this topic really soon.

So if it were platonic, either I'd be kinda salty over that, or staying for the wrong reasons, versus we would just end up sexting anyway. (Kinda a shame that we both reached the conclusion of "sex is a bad idea, itll get us emotionally attached when neither is fully ready to try committing" just two days after deciding to adopt a vibrator together.)

Plus I'm not a fan of jealousy. I've had minor moments, and some big ones. (Mostly minor ones, like going a bit too quiet when my ex Patrick #1 straight up bearhugged from random chick he knew years before without introducing me, or my most recent ex and that time he talked about a girl at work he saw with a "J-Lo sized booty", (hes such an idiot for thinking I would want to hear that,) or how he gave some random girl a ride home from work.... Aside from the butt incident, I rarely act out when jealous, I just like, get super curious and may mentally detach from someone if not confirmed that my thoughts are not real.)

All in all, sure, the other night I was all gungho about not talking. Buuut frankly, then once it was like almost 4pm and I was worried he wouldn't respond to my message, he did, and we had clicked to normal.

I guess its just a risky transition that may be too soon to ask for as a normal route, you know? If he wants to be friends without sex or flirting, then yeah, but like, id probably still need some time to distance......

Or like, realistically, kinda hard to go from "random flirt friend", to "cool he showed me his dick entirely unprovoked, what the hell..... but it's nice", to talking every day from the moment I wake up to when I pass out with bits of flirting or sexting, to.... the friendship wthout the flirting and sexting there.

Kinda unexpected.... and also pretty upsetting, for many reasons.

Sucks to get a crush on a dude, and kinda spend a fat wad of cash specifically to nut for them during an online movie night or something, just for them to not want to do that anymore.... Since they'd end up catching feelings for me that way.

Kinda hard not to cry, knowing a dude is openly gonna avoid doing something because he knows it would make him like you?

That's a lot to unpack there........

I just don't think I can make that transition without a bit of friction. It just seems like my fears are coming true, and I'm gonna be the friend on standby that won't actually get cuffed, but can be around, as the person she likes proudly gushes to her about the new local girl in his own town that he decided he adores.

Especially when its like, "That could've been me yknow".... Just, no one wants to see someone else in the situation they would want for themselves. Like if a kid on Christmas got promised a bike, settled for a hula hoop, but saw their own parents give their cousin a bike instead, or something. (I can't tell if that metaphor makes sense without sounding like I'm an entitled asshole who's mad about the fictional "friendzone", but its midnight, hoe, nothing makes sense at midnight.)

I guess if I'm already tense enough at seeing his pervy flirt tweets when we aren't even a thing like that, I can't imagine how salty I may be, if it ended up being like "Yoooo Tamia how are you? I just met this fine ass girl, she's got the wagon AND the horses, shes so sweet and funny and i genuinely really adore her!"

That already happened once and resulted in a block, an apology, and a mildly unnecessary "but if not for distance, i would totally love to see what is possibly there between us"....

Which, sure, gave me a nice self esteem boost, but ironically did not deny nor confirm that he would like me enough to ever consider something like that.

All he did tonight was repeat what he said the few days before. Not having the cahones to go "I'm never going to date you", or full on saying "dating will not be something I'd try with you."

And I almost was okay with that. Screw it, I can still use my vibrator and chat with my friend.

But...... its....

Idk.

Hard to write right now..... I'm very emotional rn.

Maybe our friendship is one sided and thats why im hesitant? Or is it the way they didnt tell me for so long that sexting was a bad idea, or about his fear of catching feelings for me and being depressed about not seeing me if we dated long distance?

Fucks sake.

And, I stubbed my toe, so its an extra not cool mood tonight......

Long story short, if not for distance, god knows that I'd swallow his kids and have his family in my lower intestine, or that I'd let him fuck me so hard that whatever surface, whether cement or steel, would demolish underneath us, since hes fucking hot.

(I think quarantine makes me a lot more creative sexually, lmfao.)

And I guess its embarrassing, being the one out here blushing at the idea of somebody, or slightly crushing on them, and it not being reciprocated. (And if reciprocated, then willfully and purposefully not acted on, since dating me is perceived as a burden without even trying.... Even if not the truth, well, its the image that would stick in my mind...)

And yeah, no girl wants to be the "i hope I can visit him someday" to a man's "i cant date her and we realistically wouldn't work out" sorta thing, you know?

......

Plus, the girl I was worried about just dumped her boyfriend. Kinda betting he's gonna take that opportunity, which furthers my point about how i hate jealousy, and yes, I don't want to even think about him deciding I was better for venting or conversation, but willfully sexting someone else.....

Gosh.

I'm just.... very stressed, and he stopped answering and replying to my messages.

It's genuinely upsetting me to the point of tears. I feel like a bad person? But I know I didn't do anything wrong. If anything, I wanted to do what I felt would work best for us, just like him. Since I can't just dive out of feelings for someone instantly, a girl needs space yknow?

So whoohoo, no sexual validation or friendly flirting. Not sure if thats what i wanted the night before or not, but.... i dont know what i want or feel whatsoever, at this point.

Ugh.

And he kinda made me feel bad about it. "i do view somebody who i feel comfortable being a friend with without anything else. and i understand if you can’t see that and that’s not what u signed up for".

I don't want to give the "if i cant have u as a sex object then fuck friendship entirely with you" vibe, i wanted to give the "nigga i literally was crushing on you so hard that i stayed up till 2am trying to find that one nut video you sent me, since nothing else makes me aroused, and im clearly highly infatuated with you to an almost creepy extent and i need to distance myself so i do not sabotage the friendship, that i do love, but it was inherently sexual from the jump and gave me the vibe that you liked me back to bother sticking around, and now im shocked and sad and hurt, but just need to find a healthy balance of supporting your life, while still having one of my own, to avoid escalating things in a way you wouldn't be comfortable with", vibe.

.....

I hope my vibrators come soon. I kinda cried a lot on my body pillow, and it was a rough night due to a failed hair wash and the way he dipped out of conversation so bluntly without allowing me to explain that i wasnt ending oue friendship entirely.....

Damn.

12:36am. Gonna let some more tears out and probably go masturbate, or watch Diesel Patches or some shit. Peace out.

[paniccord-ff]

21.

Squinting my eyes seeing the sun shining into the bedroom, I should have closed those blinds when I got home. Turning around and away from the sun, I am really not about to get out of bed to close that. Rylee was asleep when I came in last night, I had to go to the studio and I had no choice but to go there. I had an artist come so I had to go, when I came back Rylee was asleep. I was about to wake her because a nigga wanted sex but she was so peaceful asleep, I did the decent thing and went to sleep. Smiling at my girl asleep, I love when she has no makeup on, her hair wrapped. She is so beautiful and so natural, I love it. Rylee smiled in her asleep, furrowing my eyebrows wondering what she is dreaming about, it better be about me. God, I am so lucky to have her, I do not deserve Rylee at all. The very moment I met Rylee I was hers, she makes me so damn happy. I began to stroke her arm, shuffling closer to her to kiss her neck. Rylee smiled again in her sleep, is she awake because she keeps on smiling. Pressing a kiss to Rylee’ cheek, then her eyes, her nose “baby” Rylee said groggily. Pressing kisses to her lips, Rylee kissed me back half asleep “what you doing?” kissing Rylee’ neck “waking you up, morning baby” Rylee wrapped her arms around my neck, moving my head back. Rylee’ eyes half closed as she smiled at me, her hazel eyes looking into my soul “morning handsome” hugging Rylee close.

“Am I heavy?” I questioned, I have never asked this “not really” she squeezed her legs close on me, chuckling as she squeezed me a little between her legs “you really like laying on my stomach and between my legs? You are really weird” I actually find it comfortable, reaching up placing my arms under Rylee “don’t drool on me” she touched the top of my head “yes baby, I don’t drool on you” Rylee laughed “are you feeling sleepy? Don’t you dare fall asleep, I need to get ready” lifting my head up looking at Rylee “don’t start” she glared up from her phone, pouting my lips out “don’t go, I really don’t want you too” I whined, placing my head back on Rylee “what am I going to do without you?” Rylee keeps stroking my head, I am about to knock out asleep “you about to get that album you keep putting off done, you need to do it now” I groaned out “you falling asleep?” Rylee questioned “a little” I mumbled “I love you baby” Rylee said “I love you too” I am gone, this is on her.

I really don’t want Rylee to go, my mind won’t switch off because I keep on thinking about Rylee going “Hello” Rylee spoke, my head lifted up instantly “of course I am awake, I am actually just going to get my things together” who is she even speaking too, I am so overprotective of her. Rylee busted out laughing “ok, I will tell him to get away from my pussy, see you soon EJ” what is EJ even doing, why does he have her number. Rylee is still laughing as she placed the phone down “what is funny?” I questioned “EJ said leave my pussy alone and move” she is so happy, her smiling alone makes me happy “it’s ok baby, you can lay” resting my head back into position “is Munchie going?” I asked “yeah, Tamia and EJ. Few other girls” clearing my throat “I will be standing by my phone” I said, Rylee bought her phone down into my eye view, moving my arm from under Rylee and taking her phone “just look at my video, the first one” tapping on the video, my smile grew “you about to be dragged for this, you know I have crazy fans” tapping the video for the sound “you sound so cute though” watching the video of Rylee stroking my head as I said I love her “you caption is cute baby” looking up at her “my mornings with my baby, you going to miss me too. I know it” she is fronting, backing out of her account and going onto her timeline, seeing Daniel “why you follow that nigga still? Come on Rylee” tapping on his profile “Daniel?” she said “he barely uses it, has he posted?” pulling a face, all I see is his ugly face and Rylee “is he your fan or something” backing out of his profile, tapping on Rylee’ camera. Flipping the camera onto me, pressing record “Chris, my legs hurt. Either lay down so I can wrap my legs around you or get up” Rylee scolded me, my smile grew staring into the camera “what are you even doing?” she asked, looking up at Rylee grinning as I laid back down “give me my phone back now?” she spat “no, I am being good” stopping the recording, captioning the video ‘my morning is going great, how about yours? - @chrisbrownofficial’ I wish I posted this on mine, but oh well.

“Wow Chris, you talking about your fans are going to drag me but look at what you put” smiling wide, I put that on to upset Daniel even more, I also blocked him from my account so this is perfect “you can handle them Rylee, you a hard ass” lifting my head up, placing my hands at the side of Rylee. She glared up from her phone “the beast has woken up” she said smirking “I have” no waiting at all, placing my hands under Rylee’ long tee. Latching onto the rim of her thong and dragging them down. Rylee just stared at me not moving an inch “I need to get ready” she said, dragging thong off finally “not until we have sex, thanks” throwing it to the side “I don’t understand why you won’t just sleep naked” I said in annoyance “I am going to be late” Rylee placed her phone to the side, grabbing the side of the tee and slid it up her beautiful body. Yanking it off and flung it onto the floor, leaning forward and crashed my lips onto hers. Feeling Rylee pull my boxers down a little before she wrapped her legs around my waist.

Our kiss lingered as my lips trailed Rylee’ mouth and down her neck, Rylee whimpered as I licked her jawline and pressed my lips against the corner of her mouth. Rylee’ hands are flat up against my chest, they slid down to my torso. Her legs unwrapped from my waist, Rylee pushed at my chest but I want to be on top but I obeyed and moved onto my back. Rylee pressed a kiss to my stomach before pulling my boxers off from my legs, she didn’t waste no time in stroking my length as she flung my boxers off. My girl is a pro, like she knows what to do. She stopped stroking my length and grinned up at me before flicking her tongue on the tip of my dick “yess” I couldn’t help but be vocal about this, sucking in my breath and released it slowly. Rylee smirked up at me and slowly slid her mouth around the head of my dick and sucked hard.

She slid down my dick a little further; with her mouth opened as far as it could go, she can go further than that because she has done, she is being lazy. She swayed her tongue slowly from side to side until the head of my dick was out of her mouth. Licking it in a circle, she gripped the base of me and started working on my dick at a slow pace. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back, she stroked my dick and twisted slightly at the end of each stroke. Her mouth slowly made its way down the length of me and nuzzled my balls, smiling to myself because she did it. I looked down in time to see her tongue snake out and lick my balls, my balls drew up slightly but she picked up the speed of her hand while continued to work on my balls, taking one of them at a time into her mouth, sucking gently before working her way back up.

“I want to feel my dick at the back of your throat” Chris said, hearing those words come out of his mouth sent an unexpected surge of wetness from my pussy down to my thighs. Moving my head back “you the boss baby” Chris clenched his jaw and his eyes glistened in excitement, he liked that. My mouth slid once again down his dick and stopped, feeling Chris’ hand on my head which pushed me further down. He started to thrust in and out of my mouth, he picked it up a little and his balls slapped at my chin, his head once again fell back. I thought I was about to gag but I kept my composure, placing my hand between my thighs feeling my own needs neglected. Thrusting two fingers into my pussy and brought them back out, fingering my clit in a circular motion. Humming my pleasure around his dick, looking up at Chris because he moved his hand “turn around, your pussy in my face” I am so confused “turn your ass to me, sit on my damn face woman” biting on my bottom lip smiling, I get it now.

He put his hand on my back and I stiffened slightly, but never missed a bob as I went back to sucking my man’ dick. Feeling his hand trail down and reached the dip of my back, he rounded on it, and spread my cheeks. He pushed one finger inside of me, slightly withdrawing his finger, he then bent it a little causing me to shudder. He moved his fingers back before he plunged two fingers inside of me, Chris pulled my hips down and I am gone. He licked me softly through my folds, swirling around my clit and then back down, down towards my ass, he ran his tongue around my hole. He is putting me off, moving my head back with my hand on his dick still. His tongue explored its way around my slit to my clit, the flat of his tongue “oh god” I groaned out, he circled my throbbing clit with the tip of his tongue. My excitement began to rise, I moved back. Sitting atop of his face, feeling my pussy spasm under his tongue as my orgasm took hold. Pressing my hand on Chris’ chest, keeping me in place riding out my climax.

Breathing out and moving away from Chris’ face smiling “face me” he said, he didn’t have to explain what he meant because I already know. Turning around and positioning my hips over his “taste good?” I said to him “heaven, you are what a wife is. You” I giggled at him, going down on his dick slowly as he filled me. With the intense flood of sensations that went through me, Chris sat up and his arms went around my waist, he buried his face in my chest. He bit my nipple like a dog he is “dog” I spat, pushing his head back down “you biting” he laid back down. I rode him with long strokes, my breathing hitched when I took him all the way in. I can feel every nerve ending being met when his dick entered “I like being a dog” Chris rolled us over and started pumping into me. He bent down and took one of my nipples into his mouth and tongued it before releasing it with a bite again “hate you” with that bite, I squeezed my pussy around his dick, causing him to groan.

Grabbing my toothbrush from the side before walking out of the bathroom, I am going to enjoy this time away. Kyrie is with my brothers, I think I can trust them with him but I am sure they will be fine “what are you doing?” seeing Chris looking in my bag “checking on what you are taking with you” he openly said “you forget to check my other bag, it has condoms in there. The hell you think I am going to have in there?” stood next to Chris, even after sex he is like this “I don’t know, you might take revealing clothing. You wouldn’t fuck on me right?” placing my toothbrush in my bag “now you’re just annoying me, I am still not over my sore nipple that you keep biting” zipping my bag “sorry, what are you doing in Vegas anyways? I can come and stay in the hotel room?” rolling my eyes at him before walking off “what if someone tries to take you away from me or some guy that is better than me is there? What if they make you smile more than I do” I really want to be angry with him but he is so cute “then oh well, what do you want me to do? The other guy won” I joked, looking back to see his reaction “I’ll be back” he walked off, I’ll let me him go and get over it.

I didn’t expect Chris to actually leave the house, he has gone and EJ is here. Opening the door for them “lets fucking go whore” Munchie shouted, walking back into the house “wow, it’s so quiet here. Where is the house party? He usually has one” Munchie said behind me “where is the yellow nigga?” I wish I knew that “uhm I don’t know, he said he was going out but he hasn’t come back” turning around to see EJ walking into the house “he done this on purpose because we have a flight to catch!? Bitch we ain’t on no jet, we commercial” now I don’t know what to do “he will be upset if I left” EJ took his shades off “you do know Chris did this on purpose, if I miss the flight he paying. Stop spoiling him too, look at you. He is so damn clingy to you” biting my bottom lip not knowing what to do “you look good though” EJ complimented me “thank you” I just wish Chris came right now.

Biting on my nail, it makes me think now. What is he going to be doing, now he’s got me doubting things “he’s back!” Munchie spat, getting up from the couch “where did you go!?” I half shouted, I can’t believe he went like that “to get something, I need to talk to you. Come” Chris waved me over, EJ eyeballed me “I will be quick” walking by them, Chris walked towards the garage. I wonder what he is going to say to me to waste some more time “honestly Chris, where did you go?” stepping inside in the garage, Chris closed the door behind me “I went to pick something up” he said, blinking at him “out of nowhere? Seriously? You knew I needed to go, you stormed out because I joked with you when I would never cheat on you” Chris stood in front of me all sad again, he needs to stop doing this “what is wrong? Talk to me” he has been fine, but as soon as I am going this is him being clingy and making up shit in his mind “I’m scared to lose you, you’re like the best thing that has happened to me. I just feel like I will lose you being away from me, it’s just how my mind works Rylee. I am a crazy nigga that doesn’t really trust females” touching Chris’ arm “you’re not crazy, what ever girls you dated, that was then. I love you a lot Chris and I will cancel this trip, I rather you not be like this. I may joke around with you about another man but I don’t want that, do you want me to stay?” I questioned, Chris stared at me before shaking his head but the long pause spoke many words to me, he wants me to stay.

Sighing out “what will make you feel better? I am already with a bodyguard for you but what will make you happy?” Chris shrugged “nothing, just have a good time” he reached his hand up touching my cheek “I just have issues, I like to keep the people I love close to me” I guess he does have issues of his own “I’ll be back before you know it” Chris moved his hand away from my face and placed his hand in his pocket “I want you to have this though” he pulled out a ring from his pocket “I don’t want to freak you out but my mindset right now is marriage but this ring was mine, I got mine on right now, look” he held his hand up “I got engaged to myself” he chuckled “I had two but I changed this one for you so now I got one and so do you, the jeweller made it smaller for you. You can wear it on any finger but you wear that, I will be happy. I originally wanted to propose to you but I think I am going to scare you” swallowing hard, holding back my cries. Taking the ring from him “you really do love me?” looking down at the ring “to the moon and back” I want to cry but my make-up “I love you” wrapping my arms around Chris’ neck.

My eyes are welling up, this is not good. My makeup is about to be a mess, stepping back from the hug. Looking up and fanning my face “you got me now, oh no. Don’t matter” the tears fell uncontrollably, sniffling as I turned to look at Chris “why did you get engaged to yourself?” dabbing my cheeks with my hand, I am trying to save my makeup here “I never really found the one, there was just girls that never gave me anything. Now I am rich in love, I have never felt this before” taking in a deep breath “oh god, I am not going to stop now. I never thought a man could love me the way you do besides my dad, what is love. I used to think that to myself but now I know what it feels like, I can’t thank you enough” I think my tears have stopped “you don’t know how much you have changed my life but don’t worry about me though, I just have issues but I am good. Joe should be out there for you, I will be in the studio” he seems a little content now “good but remember Chris, you still sleep and let me know if you do go out” I will still be checking up on him.

[scarletk537]

After the events of all adventures going on in all three cities: Liberty City, Vice City and San Andreas, the trio gangsters: Claude Speed, Tommy Vercetti and Carl Johnson are reunited together, with Sereena Lane and the two children, Cleo Speed (Claude Speed's son) and Tamia Vercetti (Tommy Vercetti's daughter), while reminiscing their past mistakes and even recalling good times they had during their adventures. However, something bothering the scene, as Claude, like usual he rarely talks in public, only personal and to people he was close with, but Claude is pondering in contemplating about something…

"Claude? Claude!"

The voice of Sereena snaps out of Claude's thoughts, which he in return his eyes to her.

"Y-yes, Reena, what is it?"

"You've quiet for quite awhile right now," Sereena asked in concern.

"Uh, Reena. He *always* a quiet one. He's the tongueless snake type of guy," CJ remarks matter-of-factly, only to be whacked by Sereena with a rolled newspaper, much to Tommy Vercetti's chuckling. "He was just saying that's all. No need to be offensive."

Then, Tommy turns his attention to Claude. "I can see that you're contemplating about something. Was it about the kids' future? I can take care of it, don't worry."

"No no, it's not that, it's um… something else. A-and not Catalina either. It's… aside from that," Claude said in uncertainty and contemplation.

"Aside from that? Like… what?" CJ asked in curious, before Claude looks at Sereena. "C-can you give me my uh… my necklace there?"

"You mean, this snake necklace?" Sereena inquired while giving the silver snake necklace to Claude, to which he replied, "Yes, that's the one."

As Claude holds the necklace in his hand, his mind went elsewhere, pondering in deep silent, with his dark eyes stare down at the necklace on his palm in contemplation, while the rest watching in confusion as what he is pondering about the necklace.

"So… what are you staring at this necklace for, man?" CJ breaks the silent with the question. "I mean… it's just a goddamn necklace though. Nothing interesting about it, right?"

"It's… it's more than just an ordinary necklace, CJ," Claude stated without looking up. "Ever since I had this necklace with me… and ever since I asleep every nights… I had this dream."

"Dream? Dream about what, Claude?" Sereena asked in confusion.

"It's… it's complicated, really. Like a loop but… very vague…" Claude described in puzzling state.

"A loop dream? Can you recall what dream you had ever since?" CJ asked. "And… what does the necklace had to do with that dream of yours?"

"Carl, easy there. If Claude said his dream is vague then we can't force him, alright?" Tommy interjects with assurance, which CJ lets out a sigh. "Yeah, you're right man."

"Though I can recall details in the dream, just not that much," Claude replied. "Atleast I can remember a bit."

"Alright, just tell us what dream do you have all this time," Tommy said as he's ready to listen, with Claude look at Tommy, then CJ, then Sereena, while the kids are still playing at the distance. After contemplating a bit, Claude lets out a sigh and response, "Alright, I'll tell you. It was… it was an old dream, like it never go away, it has to do with this necklace I've been holding for so long. And in that dream, there was a man. A man… wearing black suit and tie, glasses shine through the streets holding a gun in his hand, and those eyes… I cannot get it off my head, those glistening blue eyes lies the person, who knows that dangers are about to get him, but he never backs down without firing the shot… yet."

---------------------------------------------------

END OF PART 1

[scarletk537]

(Another little fanfic of my screenshot of GTA: The Legend Unbound.)

"Hey, mister!"

The man, who is taking a walk in the park, stopped in his track when he heard a familiar voice calling to him. He turned around and saw the girl and her brother came running towards him.

"Hello there? How are ya two doing?" he asks them. "Oh, we're fine, mister," the girl said to him. "What you doing here for?" "Oh, just um, taking a fresh in the park. While on my way to some certain shops," the man replied. "And what are you two doing here?"

The two looked at each other for a moment before the girl spoke first, "Can we ask you something?" "Well, sure. What is it?" the man inquired. "Well... you see, you've been helping us and all. Ever since we've met, you're being so nice to me, my brother, and my friends and family as well. You've saved us from those horrible thugs that hurt us, and taught us self-defense and demonstrating gun usage properly," the girl explained.

"Well, your family do taught you sort of things before I, kind of, but I kinda taught you a bit more advantages of those things, and the guns... kinda cause a bit misunderstanding back there," the man said sheepishly, reminded him of that stupid incident.

"We know that," the girl said. "It's just that... why you've been so nice to us? Why did you actually come here for?" The man went silent of the question he heard from the kids. 'Why did they ask me that?' he thought. 'Is it wrong did I do that? How odd.'

"Sir?"

The boy's voice snapped the old man out of his thought. "Are you okay, sir? You seemed quiet all the sudden."

"Oh uh, nothing, kid. Nothing at all," the man replied, seemingly brush the thought off. "Anyway, I didn't want to be rude but, why did you ask me that? This is probably the first time you ask me about why I come here and all."

"Because... um... we don't know you much," the boy responded slowly. "We don't know who you really are."

The silence looming them as the wind blow the leaves of the trees, passing by the three. The man and the children stared at each other for awhile without a single word from any of them. Neither of them speaking yet, until the man clears his throat and said, "Look um, why don't we, meet here again tomorrow? I promise you two I'll be there, and tell you everything, when I'm ready that is. Alright?"

The girl and her brother looked at each other before nodded their heads, seemingly reluctantly. "Good, I'll see you again, you two," the man said with a smile. As the man began to depart, the girl asks, "Wait! We didn't tell you our names yet. My name is Tamia, and my brother is Cleo. What's yours?"

The man looked at the two and with a smile, he replies, "The name's James May. Nice to meet you too, Tamia. Cleo. I'll see ya tomorrow." And with that, the man, whose name is James May, walks away while the children, Tamia and Cleo watched as he goes.

_______________________________________

I spoiled it 😅. And yeah, I named this old man after one of the hosts of Top Gear and Grand Tour. Because, well, bollocks maybe?

Also, there will be a continuation after this. I'll be doing it after I received my college diploma, because my college is having a Convocation in De Palma Hotel at Shah Alam this November. Tomorrow, I'll be receiving Diploma. So, wish me luck... or not? 😅

[scarletk537]

The next day, as sunny as usual, though some grey clouds passing by, it was the day that has kept inside for awhile now, will be revealed to hear. Though it's not so easy.

James May has arrived back at the park and now is waiting for the children, Tamia and Cleo, under the tree, promised them to come here and explained everything to them. As he wait for the two, he felt a little reluctance about this. One is why the children need to know him? And two, will he tells them who he was?

Letting out a sigh, he tries to clear his head a bit by looking at the trees as the wind flowing within the leaves, though he is still reluctance about the topic. He just have to wait for the children, that's all it matters.

"Mr May!"

The voice rang in his ears from the distance and James turned his head to that voice and his mouth stretched to a grin as he sees the children, Tamia and her little brother, Cleo, has arrived, but with no parents around.

"Hello, you two!" he greeted them. "You've finally here, I thought your parents won't let you both see me. I forgot to tell you not to tell your parents or anyone that we shall met here again." "Oh don't worry, Mr May," Tamia said. "I told my parents that we want to meet the Johnson family, because they want us to come over to their home with their cousins to play some games."

James lets out a sigh of relief. 'Well, that's probably a good thing.' he thought.

"Nice one, my dear," he said to Tamia. "But please called me James. Mr May sounds a bit old, despite I'm being old myself." "So, can you tell us now? You promised us you'll tell us," Cleo asked him. James's grin suddenly turned into a thin smile. He wanted to tell them, but deep down, it was too soon to tell. If he told them, will they believe him? Will they trust him?

'Will they...'

Without other options, he takes a deep breath, and as he opens his mouth to speak, a different voice called out.

"Hey kids!"

Everyone turned to that voice and out of the blue, a tall, handsome looking man arrived. He wore blue shirt, jeans and sneakers, and his hair is a bit grey.

"Huh? Uncle Tommy?" Tamia spoke, recognized who is that person was. "That's me, kiddo!" the man, known as Tommy by his first name. His eyebrow raises up when he noticed James May. "And you are?"

"An English muppet," James began. "Funny, very funny," Tommy said with a smirk. "The name's Vercetti. Tommy Vercetti." "The drug lord of Vice City I presumed?" James replied with a sarcastic tone. "What are you, a cop?" Tommy inquired. "No, I'm just an arse," James snided with a smirk.

"What are you doing here, Uncle Tommy?" Cleo asked Tommy. "Looking for you guys, that is," Tommy replied. "Actually, I came here, stopping by to see your parents and others. Your mom told me you went to see the Johnsons, but instead you met.. whatever he is."

"We were just chatting, no big deal here," James replied. "Yeah, I can see that," Tommy said. "Anyway, come on kids, I want to take you somewhere more fun than here." "But Tommy!" Tamia whined. "We just got here."

James groaned of this, but decided not to stop them. "Go on, you two. Maybe someday we could talk about it. Alright?" "But-" "No buts, Tamia," James stops Tamia's sentence. Tamia and Cleo sigh in disappointed but decided not to protest and walks with Tommy out of the park, while James is watching them go and waved goodbye as the kids looking back at him before they entered the car and drove away.

James lets out a groan while rubbing his face down with his hands. "Bad timing this one," he muttered, before starts muttering curses while facepalming his face with both hands multiple times before stopping to calm himself down.

'Someday sooner or later...'

_______________________________________

Finally post this, the continuation of the previous post. I made Tommy Vercetti's first appearance in the screenshot. Not very accurate of Tommy because I couldn't find a Hawaiian t-shirt and such.

Oh by the way, the user, ashmirkier, who wrote the GTA The Holy Trilogy on ao3, has deleted their Tumblr account, and deactivated their Twitter account, before activated again and later, probably deactivated that account two days later.

Damn, this is sucks...

[tamiddyinyourcity]

3:21pm, oh look.... its a countdown. :)

Thursday, Januaru 9th of 2020.

Last night was:

Nice

A trainwreck

A shitstorm

A ride to crazystorm

Apeshit, and not in the good way

Violent

Really really obnoxious

Terrible

But still nice

.....not sure I wanna talk about it.

But, in comparison to the last face to face talk, it was both better, yet worse.

Better, since it ended with some hugs and a peace out.

Worse, because just violent.

And then I went to bed.

Not sure how I feel today.

Not sure if I really wanna look back on the good, or the bad. It doesn't change either way.

It'll.... make things worse.

I forced myself to sleep.

And it worked. I slept well.

A little too well.

I had an overly realistic dream about him. Where it was like when we first got back together. Going to his house to "continue talking", just for the shoes to come off, then the jacket, and then making out.....

Till eventually once the cringey "why is he kissing me weird" scene happened in my weird, somewhat lucid, dream.... That's when I went, "Ah FUCK, its a DREAM. The REAL Patrick wouldn't do weird shit like this. The Real Patrick doesnt even wanna see me anymore!"

Aaaand then I woke up... Opened my eyes. Shitty dark-ish bedroom, messy room, whatever else.

Decided I didn't like that in comparison to the sweet dream.

Took my ass back to sleep.

And that's how I time jumped from 10:29am to 3:29pm, since I deadass decided that the idea of nothing ever going wrong between us, was much better than the reality.

.....

He clarified that he does like me.

Just not what I've done to him sometimes.

As well as other things. Like how he did "really like and value our relationship, just not to an extent." And when asked if he valued She Who Will Not Be Named, he said, "I didn't want to at that moment!"

......

I'll get sick if I keep thinking about this.

So here I am, sex drive on high, and not in the mood for anything even slightly reflective or emotionally stimulating today.

...

I don't know to what degree I feel towards him.

I just.... Hate him for giving up on things so easily all the time. Never deciding to stand up for himself, make the first, be the first to offer a suggestion or solution.....

Not to spit in the face of feminism, but I mean, its kinda annoying to have a boyfriend that can't..... well, be a "leader" or whatever. I guess I knew he wasn't one off the bat, since I liked his nerdy bashfulness, but it did just become more of a mountain instead of a molehill in our relationship....

One speed bump is fine. "He gets nervous talking to other people if he's not introduced? That's fine. I'll show him how to take more risks."

Then the speedbumps get bigger. "A man got in my face threatening to hit me, and then spit on my face... Patrick did absolutely nothing, at all."

Till they get harder to revv over. "I'm asking you to just communicate with me about this? Why are you so afraid to tell me this?"

Until they become mountains.

"So you just said 'im not doing that' to the idea of even remotely standing your ground, and doing the easiest step of, 'If you are going to start shit, then leave'....... Since you simply valued Azalea over me, and decided to just make it easy and go, 'Let's uninvite Tamia, and oh noooo she got obviously upset by that, so lets dump her as opposed to having a conversation or resolution on how to work things out?????' You didnt even FUCKING TRY, you dumped me since you didnt wanna even SUGGEST basic respect with your FUCKING BEST FRIEND, since you thought that after all these years, such a basic suggestion of 'dont show up if youll start shit at my party' would ruin your friendship???? A lifelong friendship???? Isnt that a huge red flag to you?????"

.....

It's getting harder to regret some things I have done when I think about it longer.

Or even just basic equality of "bro, nice to be with you and all, but you cant keep running away from anything slightly complex to avoid anything to make you feel even slightly anxious".

He just.... kept refusing to communicate, and thats why shit ended. I always had to make the first move.

And i hated that.

I hate that a lot.

.......

Whatever.

[blackkudos]

Tamia

Tamia Marilyn Hill (born May 9, 1975), known professionally as Tamia, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She is best known for her first Top 40 hit on the R&B charts "You Put a Move on My Heart", her 2001 hit "Stranger in My House", Fabolous' 2003 hit "Into You" (which samples her 1998 song "So into You"), her 2006 hit "Me", and her 2012 hit "Beautiful Surprise". With a career spanning over two decades, she has garnered six career Grammy nominations for her musical work.

Early life

Tamia Marilyn Hill (née Washington) was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario with her mother Barbara, and three younger brothers Tiras, Tajhee, and Trajan. Aside from the music she heard and sang at church, Tamia was exposed to diverse music from an early age by her mother. Singing was always her passion. As early as age six, she was on stage singing at the local church, and by age 12, had already been involved in several musicals which helped hone her musical skills.

Tamia studied piano and voice with renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis, who was also instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her vocal passion. It was not long before the gifted young singer began receiving recognition for her talent. Her mother and Godmother decided that the arts program at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor would best suit Tamia's musical talent.

Along with attending high school at Walkerville, she made several appearances in local theater and choral concerts before winning Canada's prestigious YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993. Tamia, who has an African American mother and a white father, told Mic Check that she "had the best of both worlds," and added "that she's related to most of the black people in Windsor…. My family comes in all shades from really light to very dark."

Career

1995–99: Tamia and other collaborations

In early-to-mid 1995, Tamia began recording her eponymous debut album, with production from the likes of Mario Winans, Jermaine Dupri, Tim & Bob, as well as additional help from Quincy Jones. The album's first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", a cover of the 1993 song by British singer Mica Paris, was released on December 2, 1995, which was produced by Quincy Jones, off of his Q's Jook Joint album, charted at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became Tamia's first Top 40 hit on the R&B charts, peaking at #12. Another single, "Slow Jams" which was co-written by American singer-songwriter Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, features Barry White, and Babyface himself. The single also appeared on Q's Jook Joint, and appeared at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #19 on the R&B charts, becoming her second Top 40 R&B hit.

In the second quarter of 1996, Tamia collaborated with American singers Gladys Knight, Brandy, and Chaka Khan for the single, "Missing You", which was featured in the 1996 blockbuster film, Set It Off, and released in August of that year, the single peaked at #10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first Top 40 single and third Top 40 R&B hit overall. By late 1996, Tamia had received three Grammy Award nominations.

Tamia's debut self-titled album, Tamia, was released in Canada on April 14, 1998, three weeks later it was released in the United Kingdom on May 11, and in North America the following day. To date, the album sold more than 420,000 copies in the United States and was certified gold.

In June 1997, Tamia made her film debut as Sheri Silver in the action-thriller Speed 2: Cruise Control. Playing the cruise liner's musical entertainer, she performed the Diane Warren-penned single "Make Tonight Beautiful", which was released as part of the film's soundtrack. She has also appeared in other TV sitcoms, including Rock Me Baby and an episode of Kenan and Kel.

2000–05: A Nu Day and More

In October 2000, Tamia released her second album, A Nu Day. The album debuted at number forty-six on the Billboard 200 and number eight on the Top R&b/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. It was later was certified gold by the RIAA and remains her highest-selling album to date. The first single from A Nu Day was "Can't Go for That", written by Missy Elliott. The single peaked at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-three on the R&B chart. The album's second single was "Stranger in My House". The single went to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Billboard R&B chart and to number one for 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot Dance chart. It remains Tamia's biggest hit to date.

Tamia released her third studio album, More, on April 6, 2004 in the United States. It debuted at number seventeen on the Billboard 200 and at number four on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart, going gold by the RIAA, for shipping over 500,000 units in North America. The lead single "Into You", a collaboration with rapper Fabolous, sampled the chorus from Tamia's "So Into You", a song from her self-titled debut album. The song soared to number four on the Hot 100 and to the top of the Billboard R&B chart.

2005–2013: Between Friends and Beautiful Surprise

In 2005, Tamia split from Elektra Records, and created her own record label, Plus One Music Group. The first record to be released on the company was her fourth studio album Between Friends. First released on South African independent label Gallo Records in May 2006, it was later distributed by Image Entertainment in the United States. Entirely produced by Shep Crawford, with additional production from Rodney Jerkins, it reached number nine on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Its first two singles, "Can't Get Enough" and "Me", both reached the top 30 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

In November 2009, a great hits compilation was released in South Africa. The same year, Tamia announced that she was working with longtime contributor Shep Crawford to form a supergroup called TDK along with singers Kelly Price and Deborah Cox. Their joint album The Queen Project failed to materialize however due timing issues and label politics.

In August 2012, Tamia's fifth studio Beautiful Surprise was released on Plus One Music and EMI. The singer worked with a vast of different producers on the album, including Chuck Harmony, The Runners, and Carvin & Ivan. Upon its released, it debuted 23 on the Billboard 200 and number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first week sales of 41,521 copies. Lead single "Beautiful Surprise", written by Claude Kelly, Salaam Remi and the herself peaked at number 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and was later nominated for Best R&B Song at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. In support of the album, Tamia went on tour with R. Kelly during his The Single Ladies tour from October until December 2012.

2014–present: Love Life

In August 2014, Tamia signed with Def Jam Recordings, marking her return to major label ranks. During an appearance at a filming of Radio 103.9’s Cocktails & Conversation, she announced that her sixth album Love Life will be released on June 9, 2015 in the United States. It will be preceded by the first single "Sandwich and a Soda", produced by Pop & Oak.

Personal life

In Detroit, Michigan she was introduced to Grant Hill by singer Anita Baker. Tamia married Hill on July 24, 1999. Their daughter, Myla Grace Hill (born January 23, 2002). Tamia gave birth to their second daughter, Lael Rose Hill (born August 9, 2007)

In 2003, it was announced on Extra that Tamia had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In an interview with Smooth magazine, Tamia reported that the disease is seemingly in remission and that she has occasional symptoms but they are controlled.

Discography

Studio albums

1998: Tamia

2000: A Nu Day

2004: More

2006: Between Friends

2012: Beautiful Surprise

2015: Love Life

Tours

Headlining

1998 Tour (1998)

A Nu Day Tour (2001)

2005 Tour (2005)

Between Friends Tour (2007)

Beautiful Surprise Tour (2013-14)

Love Life Tour (2015)

Co-headlining

The Queen Project (with Kelly Price and Deborah Cox) (2009)

Soul Summer Concert Series (with Jaheim [2008] and India Arie [2009])

Opening act

Verizon Ladies First Tour (opened for Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott) (2004)

Single Ladies Tour (with R. Kelly) (2012)

Awards and nominations

Grammy AwardsNAACP Image AwardJuno AwardSoul Train Music AwardsUB Honors AwardsRLM World Music AwardsBillboard R&B/Hip-Hop AwardsSource Awards

Wikipedia