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cherryblooom · 12 days ago

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2XL — OP81 [ part 2 ]

Summary: You are a young artist who gained a lot of popularity at the ripped age of 14 due to your talent and unusual style. Your body is considered "voluminous" so, in public, you only use 2XL clothing, to protect yourself from people on the internet and feel more comfortable while performing. You have managed to keep your personal life outside the spotlight but when Oscar finally made it to the glamorous lifestyle of motorsports, everything changed.

Pairing: Oscar Piastri x Reader

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Fic warning: best friends to lovers, kinda slow burn, slut shaming, weird people on the internet, people commenting about a minor's body, panic attack, body image, reader battles with her self-esteem, self-image, and self-love, Oscar is obsessed with his girlfriend and her body (not in a creepy way) and is not afraid of showing it, I hate Karly and will too lol

Faceclaim: Billie Eilish

Note: Oscar is a year older than the reader. SMAU mixed with narrative. Reader doesn't have that much access to social media right now as they are mostly controlled by their management. Some K-pop artist will show up 'cause why not? lol

You knew you were tearing apart your suitcase, crumpling everything in your path, even a dark blue dress your mother bought in hopes you would wear, but you threw it on the floor without any concern. That dress was the least of your problems now.

“Please, please, come on… there must be another one. Where is it?” At that moment, you were almost on the verge of a panic attack, and not being able to control it anymore, you felt the tears start to come.

You had your manager on your heels, people on social media looking for the tiniest detail to take you down, a whole crew ready to film the entire event to interview you afterwards, and on top of that you were on day two of your period, in pain that you could only describe as hell itself – could it get any worse? Oh, of course it can be worse. You’re a teenager, which means your body is constantly changing. You had to be on stage in about 30 minutes and you had no underwear, or to be more specific, all the bras you had in your suitcase didn’t fit. It’s not a secret that your breasts were one of your most striking attributes (and you try to hide them as much as you can) and you swore that they were getting bigger every day. With each passing day, you began to hate your body. The bras you have now were too small for you and even if you tried to put them on, all you could feel was the underwires digging into your sensitive bust and you couldn’t even think about walking or jumping.

''Yn, what are you doing on the floor?'' Karly, your manager for 2 years, entered the room. ''And you're not even ready! Come on, it's almost 7:00 p.m. and the show is about to start.''

''I can't. I-I don't know what happened, but none of my bras fit and they're so uncomfortable. I'm on my period and I think my breasts have grown and…''

''And what do you want me to do? Honey, I don't have another bra you can wear, at least not in your size. But why did you pack them if you knew they wouldn't fit?''

''I didn't pack them! I was going to, and you told me we didn't have time, and you'd bring me my suitcase later, and now none of them fit.''

''Look, how about you try wearing one and practice here?'' your manager said, and you heard an edge to her voice. She was upset, and it only made you feel smaller, like this was all your fault.

“I tried! I tried wearing one but it doesn’t work. I can’t even breathe without the wires digging into my bust and it just hurts,” you cried. You were upset and frustrated. This day should have been special because of the big show that awaited you outside, but it was turning into a nightmare.

''Oh my god. Yn, what do you want me to do? What can I do? Should I go out and tell your fans and the filming crew that we need to cancel the show because your bra doesn't fit you? You wouldn't want that, would you?'' she said, and you felt like crying more. She knelt down in front of you and held your hands as she rubbed her thumb against your skin. ''Honey, I know it's not easy, but we can't turn back now and even if we could, we'd have to tell everyone the reason for the cancellation and you wouldn't want that, right? Imagine the headlines'' You shook your head. No, you didn't want that. You don't want to disappoint your fans and give the media another reason to hate you and tear you apart.

—That’s what I thought. I know it’s hard, but just try, okay? I’ll have to double-check something with the film crew. Stay here and I’ll come get you when it’s time for you to go on stage.'' That was the last thing she said before leaving you alone.

You tried again with a black bra, the largest one in the suitcase, and began to practice one of your songs, but with each breath the wires sank even further.

"Fuck, damn it!"

Officially, you were panicking. There were about 25 minutes left, and you had no idea what the hell to do, at this point you couldn't even breathe, you were starting to choke, and your vision was blurry from tears.

The first thing Oscar heard when the call connected was your crying on the other end of the line and his heart broke into pieces. He didn't like hearing you like that.

''Honey, I need you to take a deep breath. Just close your eyes and breathe. Don't worry about anything but breathing.''

''I c-can't. I can't breathe and my chest hurts, and Karly is coming for me in 20 minutes and…''

''I know it's difficult, but honey, I need you to close your eyes and breathe. I don't want you to think about anything but breathing. I'll be there for you very soon, I promise.''

''No, no, please don't hang up, please…''

''No, my love, I will never do that. I want you to put your head between your knees, take a deep breath, and I need you to hold it for 3 seconds before you let it go, okay? Can you do that for me, pumpkin?

There were a few moments of silence where Oscar was worried, but when he heard you take deep breaths as he had instructed and your crying faded, he calmed down. It wasn't very common for you to have panic attacks, but that means it must be something very serious for you to have one.

''That's it. You're doing great, babygirl. Are your hands still shaking?''

''N-no''

''Perfect. I'm so proud of you, doll, you did amazing. Now please, tell me what happened?'' Oscar asked and after answering him, he couldn't help but feel the rage forming in his chest. He never liked Karly and, if it was up to him, she would have been fired months ago. ''Oh, baby, that's horrible and no, it's not your fault and you're not throwing a tantrum. You shouldn't go on stage if you're not feeling well and Karly is the one who should take care of things like that, but she didn't. It's not your fault. Don't worry, I'll fix it, okay? I promise.''

''But, how-...?''

''Just to trust me. My mom will be there with you in about 5 minutes, okay? And I'll arrive before you have to go on stage. Leave that to me. You trust me?''

''I do, I trust you''

dailyop81 just posted

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dailyop81 Oscar was seen today leaving a Victoria Secret's store afer he went to a Dior one, all of this before attending YN LN's concert. For whom do you think these gifts are for?

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DailyMusic just posted

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twicetagram so proud of you girlyy! @ ynusername

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Radio Check: Part 2! I'm really excited how this story is turning out; I hope you guys are loving it as much I am.

For the news, I tried to make it like a real blog, let me know if you like it or if you would like me to keep doing it that way!

Tagged list: @xivilivix @multifan-idk @newlifeforus @diorbrxtz @vroomvroomcircuit

If you want to be tagged, just let me know and reblog if you liked it!

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starkwlkr · 2 years ago

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enchanté | daniel ricciardo

faceclaim martha hunt

liked by taylorswift, isahernaez and 1,838,900 others

y/n.l/n 💟

itselenaberri ❤️❤️

dannyricily what is going on and why do i feel like i might cry?

totosleftshoe speak now speak now speak now

taylorswift ✨✨✨

motionsicknessstan 3 omg taylor is a danny ric stan

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liked by taylorswift, f1 and 1,00,377 others

danielricciardo 💜

landonorris care to share?

maxverstappen1 you never told me purple was your favorite color

f1paddockgirlies does this have to do with speak now tv and y/n? because I’m still not over your breakup 😭

forzasharl they dated for seven years i don’t think anyone is over their breakup 🥲😭

mclarenhoes it hurts even more when you remember they knew each other since they were teenagers

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taylorswift I’m VERY excited to share with you all the Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) Music Video!! A massive thank you to y/n.l/n danielricciardo for letting play director again!

PART 2

#formula 1 #f1 x reader #formula 1 imagine #f1 imagine #f1 x you #daniel riccardo x reader #daniel ricciardo imagine #daniel ricciardo instagram au #daniel ricciardo one shot #dr3 x reader #dr3 #f1 instagram au #daniel ricciardo

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asvterias · 9 months ago

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𝖨𝗍 𝖠𝗅𝗅 𝖥𝖾𝗅𝗅 𝖣𝗈𝗐𝗇 ~ 𝖢𝗅𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗌𝖾 𝖫𝖺 𝖱𝗎𝖾

part two || chapter playlist (1) & chapter playlist (2) || clarisse masterlist

helping palestine 🇵🇸

warnings: the killing of a monster?, character death, crying, some blood mentions & stabbing (not inflicted against us!)

pairings: (both aged up to 16) clarisse la rue ✘ black!fem!demigod!reader (daughter of poseidon) | younger!brother percy jackson ✘ older!sister!reader

genres: sally & reader’s mom (jessica) are lovers bcs GENUINELY FUCK GABE (hate his ass), reader & grover has a sibling bond, hard cold angst, sad angsty beginning, reader’s mom actually dies 🥲, reader’s emotions control the weather, very sad!reader, kinda depressed!reader, reader in denial, MAJOR character death, reader is kinda a girlboss, kinda!dark!reader x always!clueless!percy, vengeful!reader, reader is OUT for blood (specifically the Minotaur)

summary: secrets are liable to make or break the jackson-matthews family until they result in dangerous situations, nearly escaping from death…well nearly most of them managed a safe recovery.

word count: 2.7k+

tag list: @lvrue @kyuupidwrites @xanasaurusrex @urdeadpoet @aurorailvsm @quinnsadilla @st4rzl7 @p0rkbun @star-girl69 @aphroditesmoon @lcvved @tinytea-biscut @dearlydarlings @nvirskies @rocknr0ll @urbisexualfriend @k4zuhas-visi0n @marlswhore @lovelyy-moonlight @thegiganticgirlkisser @thewritingbarbie @apocalypticlibrary @solecitoszn @mira-belcul18 @ampitrit3 @mthefae @sleighingstella @korizzybee @hoku-k @liv444me @lila-went-missing @mariposa555 @cherriesnbutter @justintinderlake4 @natasha-took-fall-damage @b0ok-lover @novastarrs @urfavefag @babyzzlove @importantpotato @laughingcheese037 @iheartamberfreeman @karslyn @haerinfrr @gianni7867 @jimfiqs @4evafvctional @lyzsaphrodite @f4riedimples

author’s note: i really enjoyed writing this ngl! also i have a faceclaim for reader’s mom, jessica matthews is portrayed by candice patton.

Born from the same father but different mothers, your sibling bond with Percy was unbreakable, certainly unconditional. Your mothers were very close, growing up as best friends from when they were teenagers, accomplishing every achievement together for the sake of you and Percy’s life.

Of course, your moms fell in love, hosting a small spring wedding when you were 10 and Percy was 6 years old.

So when Sally had to move again, your mom didn’t ask questions and instead packed your bags, placing them in the car and driving to the airport. A loving family of four was maintained by dark secrets that cost lives.

With everything going on, with the upbringing of your heritage, both of your mothers went through thick and thin. Developing from friends into lovers hardly changed anything, presumably their love maintained massively for themselves and shared children.

It was a rainy day, you and Percy had just been expelled from Yancy. Nancy bullied your brother so you reacted like how any big sister would and punched her before she flew into the nearby fountain, completely drenched in water. That little defense mechanism got both you and your little brother expelled from Yancy indefinitely as you two took a train back to your parents’ apartment.

You two apologized profusely to your moms, but they remained nonchalant, telling you two to pack a bag because you were visiting your residential cabin.

Something was wrong, extremely wrong and you felt it in your gut as soon as you stepped foot into the unkept cabin. From the moment your mom became sorrowful and honest, retelling the story of how she met your father, you knew something was up. Sadly, you just didn’t know that it’d be life-changing for you both.

Interrupted by rapid knocks on the cabin door made you jump a little in surprise and your mom, Sally, went to open the door. It was Percy’s bestfriend, Grover. He was soaked from the rain and began to blabber on to your moms, incoherently talking about revealing the big secret.

“Grover…” Percy speaks, waringly looking down at his friend’s lower body, or rather the lack thereof. Shockingly enough, his lower body wasn’t one of a human’s but one of the legs of an animal, specifically a goat.

“What?” Grover snapped, turning his head to the siblings, hitting his hoove against the wooden floor.

“Grover, why is there half a goat in your pants?”

“Did your mom fuck a goat or something?” The question had to be asked, but it yet remained to be answered.

Doubled in confusion when Grover, Percy’s best friend was also your satyr protector, dedicating to getting both of you at Camp Half-Blood safely. When your mothers’ actually revealed the truth about your father’s real identity, you were appalled, to say the least. You assumed he was a deadbeat and couldn’t care less about his kids, and you were absolutely right. Only now his identity expanded in further detail, making him out to be a god, one of the most powerful gods there ever was. Therefore making you and Percy, forbidden children in both worlds, are continually being hunted by monsters, who strive to see your demise.

“Do you believe this, Y/N?” Percy turns to you, mouth open in bewilderment.

“Right now, I don’t know what to believe anymore.” You truthfully spoke.

“Did you know I’m 24?” Grover asked you innocently.

You and Percy shared the same shocked expression, “Wait? What?”

Grover winces, staring back at the two adults in the car, “Out of curiosity, what exactly did you tell them?”

“We were getting there!” Your moms shouted simultaneously at Grover.

Grover nods his head, leaning back into the seat.

“Moonlight…listen to me.” your mom looks at you through the mirror as your gaze hesitantly meets hers. “You and Percy are forbidden children, monsters are going to attack you every day, this camp can protect you both.”

“Why can’t you and Sally come with us then?” you bargained with her, tears forming in your eyes. You couldn’t imagine, much less experience your life without your mother and Sally. The same women who nurtured you since you were babies and taught you everything you knew. You refused to give up on them, everything they did was to protect and love you, and now it was your turn.

Sally starts to talk, eyes stuck on the road, “We humans are not allowed there. Only demigods like you two.”

“But we don’t wanna leave you two.” Percy persisted.

“You’re our moms.”

“You’re gonna have to, that Minotaur isn’t gonna stop until he kills both of you.”

All of a sudden, a collision hit the car with enough brute force to send the car off the road and everything went black. It was all so quick, the collision, the swiveling of the car and landing on the side of the road, far from bypassers to rescue.

The rain pattering against the car turned into a heavy rainpour as everyone in the car, hanging upside down with the seat belt anchoring them, remained still, all unconscious.

After a while, the dulling pain in your head sharply woke you up, being the first to recover from the crash. Holding your head in pain as you slowly opened your eyes, feeling the blood trickle from your head, surveying your surroundings as you saw Percy and Grover still unconscious. Quickly unbuckling your seatbelt, you got out of your seat, repeating the same action to your younger brothers.

One by one, you carefully got everyone from the car as they began to wake up. A growl from the distance urges you to move faster as you help your other mom, Sally, get out of the damaged car.

Sally, Percy, and Grover were recovering, standing on their feet, checking for any injuries and your mom was the last one who needed rescuing.

“Mom…” you shake her but her body is motionless as the tears well up in your eyes.

You felt Sally’s arm pushing you back, sending you into Percy’s and Grover’s embrace as you nervously observed.

“Come on, come on, Jess…” Sally murmurs, kneeling down, searching for a pulse. “You gotta survive, we have children together, we can’t lose you right now.”

“Is she okay?” Percy chirps up, deciding to speak for you.

You found everything incomprehensible around you, your senses became deafening and a high-pitched ringing in your head matched the loud heart beating in your chest.

When Sally stayed silent, it only worsened your anxiety, “Mom, is she okay?!” Percy speaks again, adding some base in his voice yet his tone slightly wavers.

“She has a fading pulse…” Sally whispers, sparing a sad glance at you and quickly turning back to Jessica, “It’s decreasing rapidly,”

Dropping to the muddy slippery ground on your knees, tears quickly filling the brim of your eyes, threatening to fall as you moved closer to her.

“Mommy…” you cradle her face into your chest, saddened by her face, eyes closed as blood trickles down her forehead.

“We can revive her, right!” Your voice cracks, whipping your head to Sally, “Tell me we can revive her!”

“Y/N…” Sally sighs deeply, trying to contain her own tears. You turn around, looking down at your mother, resting on your lap, body motionless yet her face looks peaceful.

“No! We- I can save her. We can do heart-to-heart compressions,” you shake your head, starting to do heart-to-heart compressions. “Why isn’t she waking up? Mommy, this isn’t funny anymore now, you have to wake up and help us. Please I can’t do this without you, I can’t do this whole new demigod thing without you.” your voice was dry, as you leaned down, blowing air into her mouth, hoping for a miracle to occur.

You didn’t truly believe in miracles, but for your mother, you’d start believing it. Right now, you would do whatever it took to bring her back even if it meant wishing on the impossible.

“We didn’t do plenty of things yet, I wanted you and Sally to meet my first girlfriend, attend my graduation, be there when I move out and eventually get married, and get grandkids from Percy because we both know I’m not going through that torture.”

Your senses became intensely heightened, catching onto Grover’s whisper to Sally, ignoring him as you spoke up.

“I refuse to leave her alone, she isn’t dead, just having some problems waking up and getting a pulse back.” You were in extreme denial, “Come on, mum, you focus on her face, giving her air and I’ll do her chest,” you beckoned Sally forward.

“Sweetheart…she’s already….gone.”

“She’s my mom and Percy’s mom, your wife. She wasn’t supposed to die this early. If all you’re gonna do is stand there and be useless, don’t bother talking to me.” It wasn’t intentional to snap at your other mom, but your emotions were driving you crazy and brazen.

“You’re the sun to my moon, Mommy, I can’t shine when you’re not there with me.” You sobbed. Despite being physically exhausted, you weren’t giving up on trying to revive your mom, she would have never given up on you so you would stop trying until you had something, anything; a pulse, a gasp, her eyes shooting up. “Remember…” You weakly asked, holding onto the moon-shaped necklace on your neck, staring at your mom’s sun-shaped necklace.

The sky crackled with slight thunder as the rain poured down heavier. Finally understanding the meaning of your nickname, you sobbed desperately until the broken cracks of your voice gave out.

There was no sunshine without her moonlight, always them being in a pair, nothing without the other. Sadly, you lost your sunshine, darkening your moonlight to its deepest depths, harvesting it into something vengeful and heartless. Something that even scared you to a certain extent, like this was another new side flourishing because of the horrible circumstances.

“Hold up, is Y/N doing that?” Percy quietly asks Grover.

You rested your mom on the ground, ignoring the cold rainpour.

“She’s gone…” Sally cries, grabbing your arm and pushing you into her body for a hug. You cried into the hug, tightening your grip as your wails echoed throughout the forest. Maybe this was all a nightmare, where you’d wake up and relax in reality. This was the time that your mom needed to wake you up and reassure you that she was right there, staying with you and protecting you.

Your chest clenched against your rib cage, devastation wracked throughout your entire body as the tears relentlessly spilled out.

“But she- she can’t be gone!” You hiccup, eyes glossing over with fresh tears, feeling another arm snuggle around your side.

“I know, sweetheart. I’m so sorry,” she caressed your face.

“What kind of demigod I am, if I was blessed with all these supernatural powers, can’t even save my Mom from death? What kind of daughter am I to just stand by and watch her own mother die? I don’t want this demigod life anymore, please take it all away if it meant my mother is coming back, to me, to home.”

“Don’t you ever say that again, you did everything you could, your perseverance is one of your strongest qualities that Jessica adored very much. She wouldn’t want you to doubt yourself like this nor would I,” Sally reassures you, resting a thumb on your cheek, “Our beautiful daughter, she’s so proud of you, I want you to know that.”

Your eyes were puffy and red from tears as you listened to your mother’s words of encouragement and reassurance.

Much to your dismay, another loud roar broke the semi-family grievance, reminding them of the harsh reality.

“We have to go now!” Grover hastily urges.

“I’m not leaving my mom here like this,” you point to her figure on the ground.

“We won’t, I promise you, sweetie. I’ll give her a proper burial, but right now we have to go!” Her tone was urgent as she quickly scanned the dark forest with the illumination from the car light.

You hurriedly rushed towards your mother’s still figure on the muddy ground, leaning down.

“Goodbye, Mom,” you whisper hoarsely, kissing her forehead for the last time. You stared down at her neck, gazing at the sunlight necklace she wore and yanked it off, and shoved the meaningful jewelry into your back pocket. Your heart broke again, realizing she can’t respond back, despite being in extreme denial.

Unfortunately, that was the last time you saw your moms, one died in your arms and the other sacrificed herself for her children’s safety.

The pain and suffering became a dangerous mix of anger and hatred directed at the Minotaur.

Grover’s statements fall on deaf ears, partially drowned out by the heavy rainfall. “Y/N and Percy come on, we’re almost there.” you glance at your blonde brother who holds the same expression on his face. You were going to avenge your mothers, and you didn’t care if you died trying. This monster had already taken your worlds away, so you had nobody else to lose.

Grabbing the pen from your pocket, holding it out, and witnessing it transform into a golden sword at will.

The fight with the Minotaur was brutal and intense, alongside the heavy downpour of rain attempted to slow down the intensity of this fight. Despite double-teaming the monster, he resisted surrender, determined to win and kill you both. Surprisingly, you gained the agility to climb onto his back while Percy distracted him.

Somehow, you gained the ultimate advantage with the lighting sword in your hand and stabbed the monster in its eye, ignoring his roar of pain. If anything its pain only further encouraged you to continue.

Too full of adrenaline, you grab his two horns, gripping them and pulling them out with your utmost strength. A new sudden strength you just obtained. Gasping in shock was quickly outlived when your sword slipped out of your hand and dropped onto the muddy ground, disappearing from your eyesight. Stumbling onto his feet, inflicted by the pain, you groaned, gripping the monster by his rough skin as he attempted to shake you off.

“Percy the sword!” You yelled at him. Your brother throws the sword upwards as you catch the weapon.

You stab the monster in the neck, wincing at his loud screeches, but continue to stab his neck. Once the monster was deemed weak enough, you sliced the sword right through his neck, seizing the opportunity of successfully killing it.

This was all this stupid monster’s fault. If it hadn’t chased after you or slammed itself into the car, your mom would be alive. If it didn’t have such a bloodthirst for demigods, Sally, your mum would still be alive. Alive. Alive. Alive. You just wished your moms were alive, to see you mature into such a courageous daughter to avenge their deaths.

Soon enough, the monster staggered on its feet and its body began to disintegrate into black dust before your eyes.

“Y/N!” The voice becomes disoriented as you stumble on the ground, two arms catching you as you faint, everything fading away into a black abyss.

likes, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated!

#dior goodjohn #dior goodjohn x reader #clarisse la rue #clarisse la rue x reader #clarisse la rue x fem!reader #clarisse la rue x black!reader #clarisse la rue x black!fem!reader #clarisse la rue x you #clarisse la rue x y/n #clarisse la rue angst #clarisse la rue series #clarisse la rue imagine #clarisse la rue oneshot #daughter of poseidon

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emjayewrites · 5 days ago

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days in douala • aurélien tchouameni (fouled by fate one shot)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football's rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch-but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family's legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they're thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they're playing on the same team-or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, angst, smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @rougereds @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @perfecttrashface @2serenity0 @muglermami @sucredreamer @julescpu @greyishbach @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @bbgkoo @pepfectionary @peyiswriting @rosiesdior @yeea-nah @kj77 @imjustheretomanifest @judesvirtual @whoevenisthiz @mufasathatniggatho @alika-4466 @127hydrangeas @sailurmewn @cocobutterqwueen @irishmanwhore

A/N: Y’all didn’t think I didn’t have nothing for Aurélien and ZuZu did you?

The afternoon air was thick with humidity as Zuri and Aurélien stepped out of the airport in Douala, their driver already waiting with a sign reading "M. Tchouaméni." Even though they'd both been to Cameroon several times before, something about being here always felt like coming back to something deeper than just a place – the mix of tropical flowers, street food, and diesel bringing back memories of previous visits.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Tchouaméni," the driver greeted in French, bowing slightly before turning to Zuri with a respectful nod. "Mademoiselle." He efficiently loaded their Louis Vuitton luggage into the black Mercedes, and soon they were weaving through the bustling streets of Douala, headed toward K Hotel.

Aurélien's hand found Zuri's as they drove, comfortable in the silence that came from knowing each other so well now. "Way different from Megève, non?" he teased, referring to their Christmas spent in the snowy French Alps with Jules and Senait. "Watching Jules try to teach Senait to ski was the highlight of my year."

"Just a bit," Zuri laughed, watching the city pass by. "I still can't believe you managed to convince Carlo to let you ski with that healing foot."

"Ah, ma belle, what Carlo doesn't know won't hurt him," he chuckled. "Besides, I was careful."

The K Hotel was impressive, all modern elegance with subtle traditional influences. The camera crew for Aurélien's foundation was already set up in the lobby, getting B-roll of the space before tomorrow's big event at the orphanage. The foundation's logo – Prosperi by AT – was displayed prominently, and Zuri could see the excitement in Aurélien's eyes. This project had been his baby for months.

Anne-Maïsha spotted them first, switching effortlessly between French and Bamum as she rushed over. Her energy matched her brother's, even if she'd never admit it. Behind her, Yannis approached with that teenage cool that dissolved the moment he reached them.

"Yo!" He dapped up Aurélien before pulling him into a quick hug. "Flight good?"

"Not too bad, a bit bumpy," Aurélien responded. "Everything good with you?"

"Aunties annoying the heck out of me about getting a girlfriend," Yannis said with the most dramatic eye roll Zuri has ever seen — no, actually that was definitely a look Aurélien gave her as well.

Tchouaméni genes and expressions are really gene-ing and expression-ing.

Then Yannis turned to Zuri, his whole face lighting up. "Sis!" he shouted proudly, wrapping his arms around her.

The hug was warm, genuine but quick, and Zuri felt that familiar flutter in her chest – still getting used to having younger siblings, even if by marriage. The way his family had just... accepted her, embraced her, particularly his father's quiet support...

The thought of fathers sent her mind spinning toward darker places, memories of control and chaos threatening to surface. But then Aurélien's hand was there on her lower back, anchoring her to the present.

"You alright, ZuZu?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she nodded, glancing up at him, and his lips found her cheek in a gentle kiss.

"Ew! In front of me though?" came Yannis’ voice but he was immediately met with a playful swat on the arm by Anne-Maïsha. "Ow! Ani!!"

"Stop being a weirdo," chided Anne then she shot both Zuri and Aurélien a wide smile. "They’re in love."

Yannis opened his mouth to retort but Aurélien interjected with: "Let’s head inside before Maman gets too impatient."

And all four of them made their way to the restaurant because God forbid if you let an African mother wait one more unnecessary minute.

The hotel's restaurant was alive with activity when a striking woman approached them first – tall and elegant like Aurélien's mother but with a modern edge, her traditional dress perfectly tailored and paired with designer heels. Her complexion was a shade darker than Aurélien's, and she wore her hair in elaborate braids wrapped in an updo.

"Sabine!" Aurélien's face lit up. "Finally you two can meet. Zuri, this is my cousin Sabine – Maman's sister's eldest." Then he switched to French: "Sabine, voici ma fiancée Zuri."

His eyes shifted back onto her as he said that particular word — fiancée. He looked so proud and full of adoration that it caused her to swoon.

"Zuri!" Sabine enveloped her in a warm embrace before pulling back with an apologetic smile. "Je suis désolée je n’ai pas pu me rendre à la fête de fiançailles." (I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the engagement party.)

"C'est bon," Zuri managed in her limited French, making Sabine beam.

Aurélien translated as Sabine excitedly shared details about her upcoming wedding, his hand resting comfortably around Zuri's waist. His parents, Fernand and Josette, were hosting tonight's dinner, and Zuri could already see Josette directing hotel staff about the table arrangements.

"My pretty girl!" Josette eventually called out, coming over to kiss Zuri's cheeks. Her affection was always obvious, warm and open in a way that still surprised Zuri sometimes. Fernand was more reserved but no less welcoming, greeting Zuri with a gentle "Bonjour, daughter" that made her heart squeeze.

"Mon fils!" Josette then pulled Aurélien into a tight hug while Fernand clasped his son's shoulder with obvious pride. The family settled around the large table, and Zuri watched as hotel staff circulated with warm bowls of water and hand towels – a familiar ritual that made her smile.

Zuri didn't hesitate when the food arrived, her hands expertly tearing off a piece of hot fufu and dipping it into the spicy njama njama soup. The familiar taste of home had her closing her eyes in appreciation.

"I miss this food so much," she sighed, making everyone laugh. "Madrid's great but nothing hits like this."

"See?" Josette directed at Aurélien. "This one knows good food. Not like your fancy nutritionists."

The conversation flowed easily between French and English, Anne-Maïsha filling in gaps when needed. Zuri was in the middle of reaching for more soup when Josette asked, "Will you visit your family while you're here?"

"Yes," Zuri nodded, wiping her hands. "Going to see Mamie Adzoa tomorrow after the foundation event. She's still in the village about two hours from here."

"I love your grandmother," Josette said. "We should all come; I would love to see her again."

"Oh, you don’t have to–"

"Nonsense, she’s family!" added Fernand, "and some village life will do us good."

Zuri loved her grandmother, that much was certain, yet Mamie can be…well Mamie sometimes and the woman had no filter. The woman that Aurélien’s parents had met at the engagement ceremony was a much more toned down version of her grandmother. And now they will be on her home turf — literally and figuratively — and she could only imagine what her grandmother had in store for them.

Maybe she’ll try to give me a fertility potion.

Zuri let out a shudder, reminiscing about how her grandmother droned on and on during one of their weekly phone calls about how handsome and viril Aurélien was and how it would "be sacrilegious to not have babies with him". The two of them were lucky that she wasn’t pregnant right now with the way they were fucking like rabbits – and most of it unprotected no less.

"Uh…you sure? I mean we could always–"

At that moment, she felt a hand — Aurélien’s hand to be precise — squeeze her thigh underneath the table, as if silently pleading for her to cut all attempts of convincing his parents to not come along. And he was absolutely right; nothing could come between African parents once their minds were made up. It would take an act of God to make them change their decision. Leave it to African parents to always be as stubborn as mules.

So she did what will be most beneficial in this case. Zuri gave them a wide, toothy grin and said: "It’s going to be a nice surprise for Mamie. She’ll love it."

"We carpool over to her house then," Fernand said with a matching smile as he grabbed the platter of fufu. "We could sleep over too. Mamie told me about her cooking and I have to try it."

Oh fuck. Now we’re spending the night?

Zuri glanced at Aurélien for help – anything to cease this conversation altogether! What the ever-loving heck is his father talking about, like didn’t they know that Mamie will have them out working the fields? Not to mention all the crazy chores she had Zuri do whenever she visited because according to her grandmother’s unspoken philosophy, guests equals free labor.

Aurélien cleared his throat. "Papa, you really going to stay out on a farm?"

His father nodded thoughtfully as he took a sip of his water. "I’m from a village not too far from Mamie; it’s good to go back to your roots from time to time, Djani."

Zuri couldn’t ignore the hint of skepticism in Aurélien’s sigh or the way Fernand uttered her fiancé’s middle name; it was a tad defensive. From what Aurélien and Josette told her, his father really enjoyed the amenities living in the city awarded him, so going back to the village where there wasn’t any WiFi or central air conditioning was going to be quite a challenge.

Aurélien held up his hands in mock surrender, letting out a chuckle in good nature. "Alright, Papa, so when you see a snake and scream bloody murder, it still be good, right?"

Oh, he went there, I see.

Zuri ducked her head in her napkin to try to stifle the laugh that threaten to come up, but it was useless when she heard the sound of Yannis’ booming laugh followed by Anne-Maïsha’s giggles.

"He has a point there, Fernand," Aurélien’s Uncle Izzy said as he chuckled as well.

It was no secret that Fernand had a fear of snakes and the villages were crawling with them, even some venomous ones, but again…African parents….

His father’s smile was calculated, direct to the point and he interlaced his fingers together, a telltale sign that Aurélien had irrefutably lost this debate. "Thank you for your concern, my son, but we’re still going to spend time at Zuri’s grandmother’s farm. You children can learn a lot from a good day of purposeful hard work."

Check meets mate.

His words weren’t as harsh as Zuri thought it would be nor his body language giving out any hint of obvious disapproval. If anything, it was direct yet held a semblance of respect, as if he and Aurélien had these little moments of conflicting power dynamics often. Given the fact that Aurélien was just as bullheaded as his father — Zuri noted that they definitely had their fair share of bouts.

A flicker of something she couldn’t quite decipher passed on Aurélien’s face. Anger, annoyance — she wasn’t sure but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He nodded curtly at his father, eyes squinting slightly. "We’ll see," was all Aurélien said before continuing on with his meal and the conversations went on around the table as if nothing happened.

Zuri was surprised at how everything ended so quickly. No yelling? No threatening to kick someone out the home or not pay for their schooling? Just two grown men having a disagreement and settling it amicably?

So this is what normal family dysfunction looks like?

She knew that she grew up in a toxic household and still angry that it took getting in an arranged marriage and her father doing despicable shit to finally cut him out of her life, but she found herself unable to fully shake things off. When it came to situations like this, her father would’ve flip a table or something if Malik stood his ground. But nope, Aurélien and Fernand just butt heads then go on about their day, which brings her to see them now laughing over something Aurélien was showing him on his phone.

Yeah, this was definitely something she needed to get used to.

_____________________________________

The atmosphere in their hotel room was warm, a soft hum of the air conditioning blending with the faint sounds of the Douala nightlife outside. Zuri sat on Aurélien’s lap, her legs curled around his waist while his lips moved languidly against the sensitive curve of her breast. His tongue flicked over her pierced nipple, a teasing motion that made her shiver despite the heat of the room. His large hands splayed over her hips, holding her steady, grounding her.

But her mind wasn’t there.

She stared past him, her focus drifting somewhere far from the tender, intimate moment they were sharing.

Aurélien noticed. He always noticed.

He paused, his lips brushing her skin before he looked up at her, his brow furrowed. "ZuZu," he said softly, cupping her chin and gently tilting her face toward him. His dark eyes searched hers. "What’s wrong?"

Zuri blinked, her heart suddenly racing for an entirely different reason. She hated how vulnerable she felt when these thoughts crept in, hated how they stole the joy of moments like this. "Do you…" she hesitated, her voice quieter than usual. "Do you think I’m broken?"

Aurélien’s expression shifted, concern deepening as he studied her. "Where is this coming from?" he asked, his voice steady but gentle. "Zuri, no. You’re not broken. Not even close."

She exhaled, her eyes darting away as she tried to put her thoughts into words. "Sometimes… certain things just… trigger me. And I hate it."

His grip on her tightened slightly, his thumb stroking her jaw in a soothing rhythm. "Was it because of me and my dad at dinner?"

She nodded slowly, her voice almost a whisper. "Yeah… just the tension, the way you two went back and forth. It reminded me of Malik and my dad. They fought at least twice in front of me when we were younger. It always escalated into something awful."

Aurélien let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. "ZuZu, what you saw tonight was nothing like that. Trust me. Half the time, it’s just one of our dick-measuring contests, and it doesn’t mean anything serious." He tilted her chin a little higher, making sure she was looking at him. "I’m sorry it reminded you of all that. I’ll never put you in a situation like that again if it’s triggering for you. You have my word."

Her lips curved in a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she said softly, her fingers brushing against his jaw. "You and your dad… have you ever fought like that before? Like an actual fight?"

Aurélien’s response came without hesitation, his voice firm with a hint of bass. "Never." Zuri blinked at the certainty in his tone, and he continued. "My dad might not always like my choices, but he respects them. There’s no need for us to fight like that. I’m sorry that’s what you had to grow up with."

She leaned her forehead against his, exhaling deeply. "I’m still angry, you know? Angry it took an arranged marriage and everything my father did for me to finally cut him off. And even though I did, I can’t fully shake it off. It’s like a part of me is still stuck in that toxic household."

Aurélien’s hands glided down to her hips, kneading the soft flesh there as he listened. "It’s not something you just shake off overnight, mon cœur. Healing takes time, but you’re doing it. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Zuri tilted her head back slightly to look at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You always know what to say."

"Of course I do," he replied with a cocky grin, his hands squeezing her hips playfully. "I’m Aurélien Tchouaméni. That’s part of my job description."

Her laugh was soft, and when his hands started to drift higher, tracing the curve of her waist, her smile widened. "You’re getting flirty again," she said, her voice teasing.

"Can you blame me?" he murmured, his lips brushing the side of her neck. "You’re sitting here looking like this, driving me crazy. I can’t help it."

Her fingers trailed up the back of his neck, tangling in his dreads. "Maybe I like it when you get a little crazy," she whispered.

Aurélien pulled back slightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he looked her over. "Oh, ZuZu," he said, his voice low and full of promise. "You haven’t seen me crazy yet."

She grinned, her earlier worries momentarily pushed aside as she leaned into him. "Show me, then."

The late December sun hung warm in the Cameroonian sky, tempered by a soft breeze that carried the scent of fresh earth and distant fires. Though it was a few days after Christmas, the festive spirit remained strong, the red-dirt paths of the village alive with color and sound as Aurélien and Zuri arrived at the orphanage.

The kids were already gathered, a sea of bright smiles and eager eyes. Their voices rose in song, a chorus of joy and gratitude that filled the air. Some danced, their bare feet kicking up small clouds of dust, while others clapped their hands rhythmically. Zuri couldn’t stop smiling as they walked up the path, Aurélien beside her, high-fiving the children who reached out for them.

The night before lingered faintly in her mind—her body still deliciously sore from the way Aurélien had, as usual, worn her out. She’d laughed at how insatiable he was, how he always made sure to whisper in her ear how beautiful she is before pulling her close and letting his inner freak come alive. And once again, she’d told herself that leaving things solely up to her birth control wasn’t the safest bet anymore. The way he looked at her, the way he finished inside her, made it clear he didn’t mind the idea of planting a seed, and that thought alone was enough to make her breath hitch.

But here, in the light of day, all those intimate memories seemed a lifetime away as the energy of the children swept over them.

They reached a large tent where the elders and chiefs waited in full Bamileke regalia, their outfits a beautiful display of tradition and pride. Anne-Maïsha, Aurélien’s younger sister, stood nearby, ready to translate for Zuri as the chiefs began to speak.

The eldest chief rose first, his voice deep and steady as he addressed the gathering in French. "Aurélien Tchouaméni, we are grateful for the gift you have brought to our children. Your generosity will echo through their lives for years to come."

Anne-Maïsha leaned toward Zuri and translated quietly, her words laced with pride. Zuri nodded, feeling a rush of warmth as she glanced at Aurélien.

Josette was next, her presence commanding the attention of everyone under the tent. She spoke with passion and pride, her hands occasionally gesturing toward Aurélien and Zuri. "This playground and soccer pitch are more than gifts; they are symbols of hope," she said. "And we are so proud of what Aurélien has done, not only for these children but for our community."

When Aurélien stood, the applause was thunderous. He was dressed simply, in a crisp white shirt and matching shorts, but his presence was magnetic. He began in French, his voice steady and warm.

"This project means the world to me," he said, looking around at the children and elders. "I wanted to give back to a place that has given me so much of my foundation. And I couldn’t have done this without my family’s support—and especially without Zuri, mon cœur." He glanced at her, his gaze filled with affection. "She not only helped me plan every detail but also made sure each of these children feels seen and cared for. Thank you, ZuZu, for your heart."

Zuri felt her cheeks warm as everyone applauded, and she smiled back at him, mouthing a quiet, "Love you."

With a ceremonial ribbon in place, Aurélien took the oversized scissors handed to him by one of the chiefs. Zuri joined him, her hand resting lightly on his as they cut the ribbon together, officially opening the playground and soccer pitch.

The children erupted in cheers, running to the new swings, slides, and freshly painted goals. But before they got too distracted, Zuri and Aurélien handed out the personalized presents she’d collected before their trip. Each child’s name was written on the wrapping, and Zuri made sure each gift was tailored to their age and needs. The joy on their faces as they unwrapped their presents made every late night of planning and shopping worth it.

Once the gifts were handed out, the soccer game began. Aurélien, Yannis, and Zuri joined the kids on the new pitch, laughter ringing out as they kicked the ball around. Zuri wasn’t the best player, but her enthusiasm more than made up for her lack of skill. Aurélien, of course, was in his element, deftly dribbling past the kids and playfully teasing them when they tried to take the ball from him.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the village, Zuri stood on the pitch, hands on her hips, watching Aurélien crouch to tie a little boy’s shoe. This was the man she was engaged to—a man who gave so much of himself to others, who worked tirelessly to make the world better.

Her heart swelled as she jogged over to him, nudging him with her shoulder. "Hey," she said softly.

He looked up, his smile as radiant as ever. "Hey."

"Thank you," she said, her voice quiet but full of meaning.

"For what?"

"For being you," she replied, slipping her hand into his.

Aurélien squeezed her fingers, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Always."

____________________________________

The drive to Bafoussam took them through winding roads lined with cocoa trees, the sun filtering through the leaves. After the emotional day at the orphanage – watching Aurélien officially open the new playground and soccer pitch, seeing those kids' faces light up – this visit felt like a different kind of homecoming.

Mamie Adzoa's new house stood proud against the backdrop of her cocoa farm, the semi-modern structure a stark contrast to her old home. Part of the bride price negotiations, though Zuri still had complicated feelings about that whole tradition. But seeing her grandmother employ half the village to help with the harvest, watching her turn the farm into something that supported the whole community... that part she could get behind.

"Ma petite!" Mamie Adzoa's voice carried across the front yard, and then Zuri was enveloped in the familiar scent of cocoa and her grandmother's favorite perfume.

Watching Aurélien greet her grandmother with such easy respect, showing her pictures from the orphanage opening on his phone while Fernand added commentary, Zuri felt that familiar twist in her chest.

"Let me look at you properly," Mamie Adzoa said, her hands coming to rest on Zuri's hips. She made a spinning motion with her finger until Zuri complied, turning slowly while shooting apologetic looks at Aurélien's family. Her grandmother had always been a character, but this was next level.

"Ah!" Mamie's hands settled back on Zuri's hips, her eyes bright with that look that meant trouble. "You know, I had a dream last night." She launched into the old Cameroonian myth about pregnancy prophecies, and Zuri felt her eyes go wide.

"I'm not— Grandmére, I'm not pregnant," Zuri stuttered, warmth rushing to her face.

Mamie just gave her that knowing look, the one that said 'sure, child' before pinching her cheeks affectionately. Then, without missing a beat, she turned to Aurélien. "And you! So handsome, I can’t take it. The babies will sure be beautiful, yes?"

Zuri and Aurélien stood there speechless while Anne-Maïsha and Yannis practically ran after Mamie as she headed toward the house, promising traditional treats inside.

"She's not—" Aurélien started telling his parents, "Zuri's not pregnant."

"Okay..." Josette shrugged, totally unbothered. "You're engaged anyway."

Fernand just chuckled, shaking his head at Mamie's antics as they followed up the steps.

"I'm going to die of embarrassment," Zuri muttered.

"Same," Aurélien agreed, taking her hand as they headed inside.

The house was quintessential Bafoussam architecture – high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, intricate woodwork around the doorways that Zuri knew local artisans had carved by hand. But Mamie had added her own touches: modern appliances in the kitchen, plush furniture in the sitting room. Fans spun lazily overhead in every room since central air wasn't a thing, but somehow the house stayed cool despite the afternoon heat.

Mamie Adzoa set out a spread of puff-puff that had Yannis and Anne-Maïsha diving in before she could even finish arranging them. She settled into her favorite chair, a carved wooden masterpiece that might as well have been a throne, and immediately started in on football talk.

"This Carlo of yours," she tsked, waving a hand at Aurélien. "What does he know about defense? You're a midfielder! Though," she paused, considering, "you are doing well. Even if these Twitter people don't understand good defending."

Zuri watched her grandmother hold court, switching topics faster than Anne-Maïsha could eat. By the time they moved to the dining room table, Mamie was on a roll, her opinions flowing as freely as the palm wine.

"And these girls?" Mamie raised an eyebrow at Aurélien. "Always in your messages, Zuri tells me. Good thing you have sense in your head, unlike that Benzema boy—"

"Grandmére!" Zuri felt her cheeks heat up. "Oh my goodness."

But Josette was laughing openly while Fernand tried to hide his smile behind his glass. Even Aurélien looked more amused than embarrassed.

Watching her grandmother, Zuri had to smile. At seventy-eight, Mamie Adzoa had earned every bit of her unfiltered wisdom. Five children raised, more grandchildren than anyone could keep track of, and now a great-grandchild too – not to mention surviving everything life had thrown at her. If anyone had earned the right to say whatever came to mind, it was her.

Even if she was a completely kooky old hoot who apparently had pregnancy-predicting dreams now.

"Now about sleeping arrangements," Mamie announced after their light dinner of ndolé and plantains. "Anne-Maïsha, Yannis – you'll take the back room with the bunk beds. Fernand, Josette, you have the guest room down the hall." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And you two..."

Zuri already knew where this was going.

"The shack in the yard is all set up. For privacy, you know." Mamie winked, actually winked, before swatting Zuri's behind with a pillow as she headed to the linen closet. "Need to get started on my second great-grandchild, after all."

"Grandmére!" Zuri loved this woman, respected her immensely, but good lord. They weren't even married yet and here she was planning their family tree.

"Early morning tomorrow!" Mamie called out as they gathered their things. "The cocoa needs tending!"

Zuri shot Aurélien her best 'I told you this was going to be happen' look as they stepped out into the night air. The Cameroonian countryside was alive with sound – crickets chirping their evening symphony, distant music from the village, and somewhere, a rooster that clearly didn't understand the concept of time.

The stars spread out above them like diamonds scattered on black velvet, no city lights to dim their brilliance. Aurélien grabbed their overnight bags from the car, shaking his head.

"Damn, your grandmother..." he started.

"I know."

"She's really committed to this grandbaby thing."

The shack turned out to be more of a cozy guest house – clearly used for farm workers who needed a place to stay, but comfortable. A big bed dominated the main space, with a small sitting area and an adjoining bathroom that was simple but clean. Overhead fans spun lazily, and a couple of electric ones were positioned strategically around the room.

"Could be worse," Aurélien said, setting their bags down.

"Much worse," Zuri agreed, then grinned.

Zuri flopped onto the bed while Aurélien checked out the bathroom. "At least there's hot water," he called out. "And look – she gave us towels with our initials."

"Of course she did." Zuri stared up at the ceiling fan's hypnotic movement. "She's probably had this planned since we got engaged."

Aurélien reemerged and settled beside her on the bed. The night sounds filtered through the screened windows – more crickets joining the chorus, something that might have been an owl.

"I like how she just... says what she thinks," he said, pulling her close. "

"Oh, you like it now? Wait until breakfast when she starts planning our future kids' names."

His laugh rumbled through his chest. "Better than your cousin asking how many times we fuck."

"Oh god, don't remind me." Zuri turned to face him, propping herself up on an elbow. "Though I have to admit, this is kind of nice. Even with Mamie's obvious meddling."

"The meddling worked once. It helped got us together," he teased. "Maybe she's on to something."

Zuri narrowed her eyes. "Are you for real right now? You’re actually agreeing with my grandma’s antics about a baby?"

Aurélien kissed his teeth, the sound playful and exaggerated. "Non, bébé, I’m just trying to get this nut," he said with a waggle of his eyebrows that made Zuri burst into laughter despite herself.

"You’re ridiculous," she said, shoving him lightly on the chest, her palm meeting firm muscle.

"And you’re sweaty," he said, leaning in, his lips dangerously close to hers. "But so am I. How about we clean off… in the shower?"

Zuri arched an eyebrow, already catching the glint in his eye that said there was way more behind his words than just hygiene. She folded her arms. "No more cumming inside me, though."

Aurélien groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes as if she’d asked him to climb Mount Everest barefoot. "You’re no fun."

"I’m plenty of fun."

"Prove it," he challenged. "Take off your clothes."

Zuri tilted her head at him, one eyebrow raised in mock disbelief, but there was a flicker of heat in her eyes. Slowly, she got up from the bed then peeled off her tank top, letting it fall to the wooden floor before sliding out of her shorts. Her bra and panties followed, leaving her bare under the warm glow of the light.

Aurélien’s gaze dragged over her, slow and deliberate, before he reached for the hem of his own shirt and tugged it over his head. His shorts and boxers followed, and in moments, he was as naked as she was, the lines of his lean, athletic body catching her attention like always.

"Come on," he said, his voice lower now as he extended his hand.

They walked toward the small shower attached to the side of the shack. Aurélien turned the knob, and water spilled out in a weak but steady stream.

Stepping in first, Zuri shivered as the cool water hit her skin, but Aurélien was quick to join her, his larger frame shielding her from most of the spray. His hands found her waist, pulling her close.

"You know," he murmured against her ear, his breath warm despite the water cascading over them. "Grandma might have the right idea… eventually."

Zuri looked up at him, her lips twitching into a smile as she smacked his chest lightly. "Don’t push your luck."

Aurélien chuckled, dipping his head to kiss her neck, water sliding down between them as his hands traced slow, teasing circles along her hips. "Who’s pushing? I’m just saying… we’re good at this, bébé."

Zuri rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. "Just wash up, Aurélien."

"Oui, mon cœur," he replied, but the look he gave her promised he wasn’t done teasing her just yet.

The cool water cascaded over them, muffling the sounds of their breathing as Aurélien’s hands moved with deliberate slowness, tracing the curve of Zuri’s hips. His palms spread wide, firm yet reverent, before sliding lower to cup her buttocks.

"Aurélien…" she murmured, half a warning, half a plea.

He only smirked, leaning closer until her back met the damp wall behind her. The rough texture grounded her, but the intensity in his eyes as he looked down at her was what stole her breath. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "Relax, let me take care of you."

Her hands instinctively gripped his shoulders as his body pressed flush against hers. Water ran between them, slicking their skin, but all Zuri could focus on was the way his hands tightened their hold. In one smooth motion, he lifted her, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

Aurélien adjusted her, holding her easily as if her weight was nothing. His erection pressed insistently against her entrance, and she gasped at the intimate pressure. His lips found hers in a slow, languid kiss, a prelude to the rhythm he was about to set.

Zuri’s nails dug into his shoulders as he lined himself up, his eyes locked on hers. There was a pause, a breathless moment where the only sound was the rush of water and the pounding of her heart, before he pushed inside.

She exhaled shakily, her head falling back against the wall as he filled her completely. No matter how many times they came together like this, it always left her feeling the same—full, connected, and overwhelmed in the best way.

"Aurélien…" she whispered again, this time with a note of surrender, her fingers threading through the wet strands of his thick hair.

He groaned softly, his forehead pressing against hers as he began to move, each thrust measured. "You feel so good, bébé. Always."

Zuri’s legs tightened around him, drawing him deeper as her body responded to him. She could never get tired of this—of the way he claimed her with every thrust, of the way her body seemed to fit him perfectly.

Aurélien’s hands slid up her back, holding her steady as he quickened his pace, his lips pressing kisses along her neck and shoulder. "I love how you feel, mon cœur," he murmured, his voice low and raw.

Zuri clung to him, her body arching to meet his movements. The water continued to fall around them, forgotten as they lost themselves in each other, the world outside the small shower fading away entirely.

Morning came too early, with Mamie's voice carrying across the yard: "Up, up! The sun is already winning!"

Now here they were, the "kids" as Mamie called them, doing light work in the cocoa fields while the adults lounged on the porch. Well, most of them lounged – Mamie was sweeping with one of those traditional African brooms made from dried palm fronds, somehow making the mundane task look like an art form.

"Yo," Yannis grunted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Should we start singing while we work? Since Mamie's got us out here like her personal labor force?"

"I tried to warn y'all," Zuri laughed, easily sorting through the cocoa pods. "But nobody wanted to listen."

"I didn't think you were for real!" Yannis shot a look toward the porch where his parents sat comfortably under the fan, glasses of fresh folére sweating in their hands.

Anne-Maïsha rolled her eyes at her brother's dramatics. "We've literally been out here twenty minutes, and this is barely work. We're almost done anyway."

"Mamie better have beignets waiting," Yannis muttered, though there was no real heat in it.

"Oh trust me," Zuri grinned, "give her half a chance and she'll have you so stuffed you won't be able to move."

Sure enough, when they finished their token farm work, the smell of fresh beignets greeted them. Mamie had set out a spread on the porch table – golden-brown pastries still warm from the oil, condensation-covered bottles of water, and that satisfied smile she wore when her plans came together perfectly.

"See?" She said to no one in particular. "A little work builds character. And appetite. Eh heh, look at these children, barely breaking a sweat," Mamie was piling more beignets onto Yannis's already full plate. "In my day, we would be in those fields from sunrise—"

"Here we go," Zuri muttered under her breath, making Aurélien choke on his water.

"And you two!" Mamie rounded on them, that familiar glint in her eye. "Sharing a bottle of water now? Good practice for sharing other things, like maybe a crib—"

"Grandmére!" But Zuri couldn't help laughing. There was something comforting about Mamie's relentless meddling, even if it was completely unnecessary at this point.

Aurélien's hand found hers under the table, his thumb tracing familiar patterns on her palm. Watching him with his family – Anne-Maïsha now arguing with Yannis about who did more work while their parents pretended not to be amused – Zuri felt that warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the morning sun.

This was what family could be. What it should be. The easy laughter, the gentle teasing, even Mamie's unfiltered commentary about their future children's features ("With his bone structure and your eyes? Magnifique!").

The rest of the season was waiting back in Madrid, along with all the pressure and expectations that came with it. But right now, watching Aurélien try to fend off Mamie's attempts to feed him a sixth beignet, Zuri knew this was worth everything they'd been through. Worth all the drama and chaos that had brought them here.

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