#why don't girls wanna be friends with you. gee i wonder after you walked up to tara after hearing she kissed a girl

[indi-glo-archive]

i hate imogen with a passion

[authorfleaux]

Erin & Omar

01 | 𝙰𝚄𝙶𝚄𝚂𝚃 𝟷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺. | 𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙽 & 𝙾𝙼𝙰𝚁.

Word Count: 4.6K

𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚗 𝙷𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚜

Erin is with Razyln to go shopping before Razlyn's first painting class of the day. Walking through the shopping complex, they stop at the sex shop first.

"Ooouu, what about this one?" Razlyn picked up a ombre purple vibrator. Erin was bored with her old one and wanted a new and shiny one. Hoping that Omar didn't mind because this is her second one in less than a week if she purchases it.

"Gimme that," Erin's eyes lit up, grabbing the vibrator from Razlyn, making her laugh. "This is so pretty."

"Girl, I just can't with you," Razlyn said, covering her mouth, her wedding ring and band twinkled. For whatever reason today, Erin was feeling a way. It never bothered her before, but yesterday, Erin and Omar celebrated three months of being official after two years of having an open relationship and closing it.

"Razlyn can I be honest?" Erin pouted with her lips.

"Yeah girl, what's up?" Razlyn got serious, her tone a little concerned, wondering what Erin had to say.

"Do you think Omar will ever marry me?"

"I don't see why he wouldn't," Razlyn shrugged. "Why? What happened last night?"

"Nothing. Last night was perfect. I wasn't expecting him to propose or nothing because we're still kinda new in this 'official' relationship or whatever, but I don't know. Omar and I are so perfect and I don't want to wait forever to have my fairytale wedding. My sisters don't seem like they getting married no time soon either."

Erin felt out of place. Camille was in a long distance relationship with Vennie and her other sisters were single. Erin was the only one in a true, true relationship with Omar.

"Have you talked to him about it? I remember him saying a while back how you weren't interested in getting married until you found the one."

Damn, I did tell him that, Erin thought.

"Well I only told him that because I was trying to hurt him. We both were going back and forth, doing and saying shit to hurt each other. Damn, you think that's why he---, oh my goddd," Erin stomped her feet, groaning, realizing it was her own fault.

"Don't beat yourself up about it. Just talk to him. What do you think of this?" Razlyn held up a brand new pack of colorful nipple rings.

"You're right. I'll talk to him," Erin was trying to uplift her mood, and a small smile formed on her face, loving the colorful nipple rings in her hand. "This is really cute. I think he'll love it."

"Cheer up girl. It will all work out," Razyln gave her a supportive back rub.

"Thank you Raz," Erin wrapped her arms around Razlyn for an embrace. "Thank you for being the sweetest friend ever."

"Of course," Razlyn smiled. "Mind helping me pick out the perfect edible panties? I have something special planned for Randy tonight," she giggled.

"What's the occasion?" Erin pulled back and smirked.

Razyln sighed with a smile on her lips. "I know it hasn't been a year yet, but I think I'm ready. I'll be letting Randy know I'm ready for us to start trying for kids."

"Ahhhhh!!!" Erin squealed. "Oh em gee Raz! What made you change your mind?"

Razlyn cleared up her giggles. "I was talking to Joe at the gas station for a bit, and we were catching up or whatever and he and GG are pregnant. Hearing about how excited they were about having their first child really was so sweet. I'm with Jade and Sabrina's babies every week and I love those little girls... you know. Seeing Randy play in the backyard with his niece and nephews is just..." Razlyn shrugged. "I don't know. I just feel ready now. I don't wanna wait anymore."

"That is so sweet. I'm sure that would make him really happy. Y'all would be awesome parents," Erin pouted her lip. 

"Thanks... do you want kids?" 

Erin couldn't contain her smile. "Girl, I want a whole damn football team," Erin and Razlyn belted over in laughter.

"I know that's right."

Razyln and Erin chopped it up and purchased some new toys and piercings and walked through the crowds of people coming and going, shopping in the complex. They were headed to the next stop. The art store.

Razlyn needed to place an order of canvases, paint, pencils, sharpies and other supplies she needed to re-up on for her paint and sip business on the top floor. Every week this was their routine for months. On the way to the top floor to help set up, Erin pulled out her phone to see she received a text message from her mom.

Mommy: Your father and I are in town. I would to have dinner with you guys at the hotel restaurant. Love you -xoxo

Erin: Oh wow. Is something going on?

Mommy: Nope, we just miss our girls. You're still dating Omar?

Erin: Of course.

Mommy: Invite him. I would love to have him join us sweet heart. 7 tonight.

Erin: Okay. Love you too.

Mommy: kisses.

Erin let out a deep sigh.

"What's wrong?" Razlyn noticed her shift in energy, fumbling with her keys to unlock her business suite.

"My parents are in town and invited us to dinner at the hotel," Erin rolled her eyes, shaking her head. Erin and her sisters loved their parents, but they all moved to Lebeau with the quickness to be out of the proximity of their overbearing father. One man against nine women was tough on everyone's end.

They left Baton Rouge and had no problem starting over two years ago. So when their parents pop up in Lebeau when they felt like it, they knew they had to be on their best behavior to avoid drama with their father.

"Oh no," Razlyn empathized.

"I know. And she invited Omar. My dad is going to have a ball. Ugh," Erin was not happy about this. "Don't worry about me girl let's set this stuff up."

Since Erin didn't have an official 'job' she volunteered to help Razlyn set up her painting classes Monday through Friday in exchange for the amazing leftover food that Randy, Razyln's husband prepared. In addition to setting up the themed painting parties, Erin would take proffesional pictures of the event and with Omar, they sometimes helped up with the clean up at the end of the night.

Their friendship was simple. Erin's only friend that she talked on a daily basis was Razlyn and she had her eight sisters. If only Erin could figure out what more she wanted out of her life. She doesn't feel unaccomplished, but her father had a way of making her feel like she did. One invite, put a damper on her entire day, despite how well of a front she was trying to put on.

𝙾𝚖𝚊𝚛 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚗

"I'm on the way to book your room before I head to work right now cuzzo," Omar said over the phone, taking to his cousin Quan.

"Preciate you Cuz, sorry I put on you last minute. I got you when I pull up," Quan apologized. His agent let him know last minute that they were flying into Louisiana for a concert in Lebeau. He was headlining and always went the flow and did what his agent said.

On the charter bus, Omar was on the phone with Quan, happy to hear about his cousin spending the next week in Lebeau. Omar instantly made the decision to stop by the hotel to book a week for his cousin and walk next door to the Shopping Complex for work at the electronics store.

"No need. You know I always got you. I'm just happy to see you bruh, it's been a minute. I gotta introduce you to my girl," Omar smile proudly, thinking about the fun they'll have this week.

"Your girl? Boy, you settled down? I thought you was never gonna settle down," Quan chuckled.

"I was just waiting on her. We closed our relationship. We been good though," Omar couldn't stop smiling thinking about Erin.

"Aww cuzzo in love. That's what's up. Y'all basically been together for two years so should I expect the wedding bells and shit and to sing at ya wedding?"

"Ion know man. I'll let you know though," Omar said, his smile slowly going away, recalling what Erin told him months ago about her not being interested in being married. "But let me book your room so you straight aight? I'll hit you back."

"Bet. Preciate you cuzzo. I can't wait to meet the misses. I'll let you know when I touch down."

"Aight."

Omar disconnected the phone and blew out a breath. He stood to his feet to exit the charter bus and that's when he received a phone call from Erin. Swiping left, he answered "Hey baby what's up?"

"I'm upset," although Omar couldn't see her face, he could tell she was pouting.

"What's wrong baby? Where are you?" Omar picked up his pace a little, just a few feet away from the entrance of the Grand Lebeau Hotel.

"Do you want kids? And do you want to marry me? I need to know right now because if you don't, then we don't need to waste each other's time no more than we have already."

"Erin?" Omar's heart sank. "Why wouldn't I wanna marry you? Of course I wanna have kids, I was waiting on you. You were the one who didn't--"

"I was just saying anything to hurt you Omar!" Erin snapped, and sniffling.

"Baby. Calm down. You don't have to yell at me, I'm listening. You ready for that next step? I'm ready. I been waiting on you I swear," Omar's voice was vulnerable, his heart was racing despite the mix of emotions he was feeling. Happy, relieved, and upset she didn't know how much he loved her.

"I'm ready. I'm not afraid anymore."

"Erin baby, it's okay. We got everything we need. We closing our account to if you're serious too. You know I only wanted to stack some bread and get out."

Erin nodded eagerly, wiping her tears away. "We can do it together later on tonight after, um--"

"Omar?" Mrs. Hayes' voice spoke.

Omar spun around to see the source of the voice calling out to him. "Oh, hello Mr. and Mrs. Hayes," He smiled brightly. "I'll call you back baby." 

Before Erin could say another word, he disconnected the call and quickly put his phone away to to properly greet Erin's parents.

"Nice to see y'all today," Omar said, embracing Mrs. Hayes.

"Very lovely to see you as well Omar," Mrs. Hayes said with a warm smile.

"Good day sir," Omar reached his hand out to shake.

"Good day," Mr. Hayes stated flatly, giving Omar a firm grip.

"Right," Omar nodded nervously, but a smile still on his face. "So what brings you guys in town?"

"Been too long since we've seen our girls. That's all, where are you headed?" Mrs. Hayes said.

"Oh, um I needed to book a room for my cousin since he'll be in town for the week, then I was heading to work afterwards Ma'am."

"Oh okay, awesome." Mrs. Hayes headed for the entrance.

"Where do you say you work?" Mr. Hayes asked, rolling the luggage.

"The Electronics Store sir," Omar said.

"Hmpf,' Mr. Hayes huffed.

"Do not start Chauncy," Mrs. Hayes gave him the side eyes, causing him to roll his eyes. "You're coming to dinner here at the hotel for seven correct Omar?"

Omar stammered. "Oh of course. We'll be there ma'am."

"Perfect," Mrs. Hayes strutted toward the counter with her head held high, with Omar following her stride. Mr. Hayes was staring daggers at the back of Omar's head, analyzing him. 

"You were here, first, you go ahead and book the room for your family Omar," Mrs. Hayes patted his shoulder.

"You sure? Um, how long y'all gonna be in town, I got y'all covered either way," Omar offered, pulling his wallet out of his khaki pants.

"We'll be here for two nights and you sure can. I'll never turn down a free rooms," Mrs. Hayes laughed and Omar did too a little.

"Alright no problem."

"Hi, Welcome to the Grand Lebeau Hotel, how may I help y'all today?" The receptionist said chipperly, happy and ready to help.

"Hey, can I get two rooms with the king sized bed, a view. One room is for two nights, one room for seven nights please?" Omar said, handing his black card over. Mrs. Hayes and Mr. Hayes noticed and Mrs. Hayes gave her husband an impressed look.

"Absolutely!"

The receptionist got to work. In about five minutes of waiting, the rooms and the receptionist handed the keys over to Omar. He handed Mrs. Hayes their room keys and placed his cousin's room key in to his pocket. Omar didn't bat an eye when the total came out to $1200 dollars with the discount from being a Lebeau resident. 

"Thank you so much Omar," Mrs. Hayes thanked him.

"It's no problem at all. Uh, Mr. Hayes, can I have a moment to speak with you?" Omar scratched his head timidly.

"I suppose."

They stepped over to the side and Mrs. Hayes was just an earshot away.

"What is it?" Mr. Hayes sighed.

"Sir, I love your daughter. I would love to have your--"

"No."

"No?" Omar didn't get to finish his spill, and he was hurt in an instant.

"How were you able to obtain that black card working at an electronic store son?" Mr. Hayes interrogated, holding his arms and rolling his shoulders back to exude dominance. He had to look up at Omar a little because how tall he was.

"I earned that card sir. What's the problem with me working at an electronic store and trying to marry your daughter?"

"How did you earn it? You in the drug business? All those tattoos covering your body has to come from somewhere."

Mr. Hayes was immovable. Omar hated lying but he wasn't about to tell this man that the half a million sitting in his joint acount with Erin came from their OnlyFans account. He swallowed his pride.

"I inherited a great lump sum from my family a while back sir." Omar sighed, defeated. He prided himself on being a very honest person, no matter how much it may or may not hurt the other person. To him, the truth was better than lying and not giving people the opportunity to act according to how they felt.

"Ha, okay. How much?" 

"How much what Chauncy?" Mrs. Hayes walked over, hearing enough of this nonsense.

"I need to know. He can't just--"

"Is there any real reason why I'm not good enough to marry your daughter sir? I love Erin but you are real close to me returning the disrespect cuz I've done nothing for you to judge me like I'm thug ass nigga."

"You don't meet my standards. Let's go Angela," Mr. Hayes turned away with the luggage, not bothering to explain himself at all. Mrs. Haye apologized to Omar and scolded her husband all the way up to their room. Mr. Hayes ignored every word.

Omar left the hotel feeling bitter. He didn't expect for the moment to come and go like that and he had no idea what he was going to do. Omar was on the path to being a professional basketball player many years ago until he got a career ending injury.

Ever since then, he lived a simple, life, working regular jobs. Content. When he met Erin though, his entire future played out. Marriage, kids, the whole nine. But when he met her, she was too broken and wanted to desperately live her life, free from her father's control. So he waited until she was ready. Now what is he to do?

𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚗 𝙷𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚜 & 𝙾𝚖𝚊𝚛 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚗

"Hey," Erin said small, entering the electronic store. She parted ways with Razlyn ten minutes ago and after hearing her mother's voice in the back ground, she assumed the worst since she wasn't able to warn Omar that her parents were in town.

Erin worked on as much as she could with Razyln at her suite, but after a while she couldn't take it anymore and had to call Omar. Now she was at his job on the second floor where she knew he was headed anyway.

"Hey baby," Omar put on a convincing smile as he left from behind the counter. There were a few people looking around at electronics, but Cory was on the clock too. It wasn't too busy anyway. "I'm glad your eyes not red. What was that all about?" He said after kissing her lips tenderly.

"I was in my feelings. I didn't get the chance to tell you my parents were in town. I'm sorry about that," Erin wrapped her arms around his waist, happy to feel him.

"You don't have to be sorry love," Omar reassured her, running circles on her back.

"My dad wasn't rude like usual was he?" Erin looked up at him.

Omar sighed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Would you still marry me if your father didn't approve of me?" Omar looked down at her, searching her eyes for an answer. 

"Um," she thought for a moment. And the silence turned into several beats of silence. Omar pressed his lips to her forehead. There was nothing he could do. Her father clearly was never going to approve of him, and he was never going to have what he wanted with the only woman that loved him for exactly who he was.

"You wanna get your hair and nails done today before the dinner?" He asked, changing the subject.

Erin blinked several times, feeling uneasy. "Yes, but what's wrong? I really don't know what to say. I value my dad's opinion. He- He doesn't like you? What happened?" 

Omar reached for her chin to lift it. "I'll never make you choose me over your father Erin," Omar felt pangs in his stomach left and right, seeing their future disappear in so little time.

"What are you saying?" Erin pouted her lips.

"Maybe getting married isn't in the cards for us. But I'll never stop loving you. You'll always have my heart Erin."

A tear fell from her face. "I wanna be with you Omar."

"I would love to be with you too. But maybe it's time to stop wasting each other's time Erin. Your pops don't approve of me. And I don't wanna get in between y'all. You're beautiful and I'm sure you won't have a problem finding the one."

Erin wanted her father to like Omar. Her mom surely did. Anytime she'd be on a video call, Omar would pop in here and there. Only about three months ago Erin told her mom that she's been dating Omar seriously. So she's sure her mother relayed the message to her father. They had no idea that they've been on and off for two years.

"Do you see yourself marrying me and not have your father walk you down the aisle?" Omar asked.

"He will come around Omar," Erin's voice began to crack.

"You deserve to be with some one you don't have to hesitate to say yes to Erin. You deserve to be with someone your father loves too. I'd hate to create a family, knowing that he's not a fan of me. We can't do this Erin. We need to be responsible."

Erin nodded, wipping her tears away. Releasing herself from his embrace. "I'll just, um, go now. I'll uh, see you later."

Omar's jaw tightened watching her walk away. This was for the best. He wasn't raised to marry a woman without the proper blessing given. The look and resolve in Mr. Hayes eyes was all that he need too put all his feelings to the side and think logically, ignoring his heart.

If he followed his heart, Erin would be his and he'd bypass her father's blessing. But Erin loved her family and he's never make her choose.

Erin's tears fell from her face more freely as she exited the shopping complex with her head down. Weaving through the crowds of people, bumping into a few and apologizing. So upset, she walked home instead hopping on the charter.

The fifteen minute walk to her apartment neighborhood did nothing to her broken heart. Opening the door to the apartment she shared with Omar brought her to her knees after she shut the door and slid to the floor.

She sobbed, wishing that she didn't care what her father thought so that she could have her fairytale life with Omar. He's the most honest, thoughtful, and gentel man that she knows. He always handle her with care and never made her do anything she didn't want to do.

He was always quick to reassure her and comfort her. He's the only man that stimulated her mind with intellectual conversations and even in bed he was a pleaser. The thought of not waking up to his sweet butt rubs everymorning or how he'd massage her scalp everynight made her cry harder.

Omar was the one. Why did her father have to be the way he was? No one was ever good enough for his daughters and she's sure if she let him pick that the man wouldn't even measure up to half the man Omar is.

Standing to her feet, Erin sauntered over to the bathroom to look herself in the mirror. She look for her worth. No matter how beautiful she was, what man would ever compare to the one she already loved and been through so much with. The very man who let her discover who she was while falling in love with her and giving her the space to grow.

Erin's cries flood more. The feelings of not being able to have a happy wedding and pregnancy made her body light up on fire. More tear's flooded from her face.

"Erin!" Omar's voice shouted from the front door. Erin didn't even hear the keys jingling. Omar looked right then left to see Erin's face red and her make-up ruined. The sight of Omar's concerned expression made her cry even harder, to see that he followed her home.

"I---" she sobbed.

"Baby," his voice was laced with vulnerability, reaching for her face to hold. "Fuck that nigga," Omar left five minutes after she left and made up his mind. With all the games he and Erin played, and the last few months of pure happiness to be exclusive, her father was just gonna have to step to the side.

Omar's lips crashed into Erin's, not caring about the tears and snot dripping from her nose. This is the woman he loved with everything in him. She was the one.

"I'm sorry I let you leave," Omar apologized against her lips.

"I don't care what he thinks," Erin confessed. Feeling relieved, smiling against his lips. "I love you so much baby."

"I love you too," he depenend the kiss, reaching for the helm of her shirt to pull over her head. Tossing the shirt to the floor of their bathroom, she reached for his shirt and he parted their lips to pull off. Un snapping her brow, Omar, freed her breasts, letting her nipple piercing bling from the bathroom light.

"Show me," Erin moaned breathlessly. 

Erin and Omar helped each other undress and he picked her up, carrying her to their bed of their studio. Laying her gently on her back, he stepped away to set the camera up.

"I thought we were done?"

"This is just for us baby," Omar said, pressing record. "When ever we both feeling like we gonna let someone else get in between us, we'll have this to remember." 

That was music to her ears. Omar nastily licked her pierced clit, flicking his tongue on her diamond ball, eliciting a moan. He hummed, pleased with her feeling pleasure.

Omar sucked on her throbbing pussy, licking her expertly, making her cum for him in no time. He rose up, running the head of his dick at her clit in circles. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

"How soon you wanna have my babies?" He teased, biting down on his bottom lip, leaning forward to press his cum soaked lips to hers.

"Right now Omar," Erin arched her back from the bed, wishing he'd slid in her walls already.

Reaching for the ring he placed under his pillow this morning before leaving for work, he brought it to her face.

"Will you marry me Baby?"

Erin's mouth dropped at the sight of the rock of beauty twinkling in her face. "Yes!"

Omar slid it on her left ring finger, and kissed her, same time sliding in, rolling his hips until he was buried fully inside.

"Shitt baby," He groaned, locking his fingers with hers, pinning them abover her head. "I was gonna propose last night but chickened out. I realized I didn't have a blessing and used it as an excuse. But I was gonna take you out today and return home and ask. But I didn't expect to see your ppl either."

"I thought you didn't wanna marry me."

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way baby. For give me?" He asked softly, delivering slow, deep strokes that made her toes girl and her heels rest on his warm slim and tatted back.

"I forgive you." she giggled.

Omar kissed her lips and released her hands to flick his tongue on both of her pierced nipples. "I'm gonna miss all these piercings baby."

"Me too," Erin agreed.

"Let me suck on that tongue," he commanded. The longer he sucked on her tongue and felt her tightness clenched around him, he felt himself slip deeper and deeper in the realm of ectasy. Drunk in sex, Erin and Omar painted, making love and never letting their gaze from each other drift.

"You're all mine Erin. I promise I'll love you forever." Omar panted.

"You're mine Omar. Don't scare me like that ever again."

Omar reached for the side of her neck to hold gently. "Never again," he murmured, with one powerful stroke he stilled, letting himself go. Filling her completely. It felt too good to paint her walls. Omar made out with her passionately and still was rock hard, stroking slowly, pushing his cum in her canall.

"I'm so lucky to have you." He confessed.

"You mean everything to me."

Omar smiled happily this time. He shrunk and felt to her side. Exhausted. 

Erin rolled over to her side, tracing circles on his tatted chest. Curious now. "What did he say to you?"

Omar looked at her slowly. "I tried to ask for his blessing and he shut me down. Then asked how was I able to obtain a black card," he shook his head looking at the ceiling.

"What!?" 

"I know. He asked how was I able to have it and implied I sold drugs since I basically lookly like a thug cuz of my tattoos and there's no way I'm making the money I do at an electronic store."

"Are you serious!?"

"Yes baby. Your dad really don't like me like that."

"What did you tell him?"

"I lied. Told him I inherited it."

"YOu lied!? Oh hell no,"

Erin got out the bed, turning the camera off, pissed.

"It's not that serious baby," Omar sat up on his elbows laying back.

"It is. You did not have to do that for me. You never lie Omar. I do not apreciate him asking you all of those questions like you're not enough for me. He doesn't know you like I know you."

Omar set up fully. His feet touched the wooden floors and he beckoned Erin to stand between his legs. "One lie won't kill me baby. No matter what I said, I don't fit his vision. I'm okay with that if you want me. His opinion doesn't matter, yours does baby."

"One lie will lead to more. I fell in love with you because you never spared anyone the truth and so much more Omar. My daddy is wrong. So wrong."

Omar nodded, agreeing. "I will always follow your lead Erin. You're mine forever and nothing will change that."

"He is such a fool," Erin held the side of Omar's face. "I should have never hesitated. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings."

"I'm good. I look forward to seeing you get everything you want from me. That's all that matters." Omar pulled her in for another kiss. "I gotta go back to work though. Make sure you get your hair and nails done."

Erin smiled a little. "Can I get you an outfit?"

"As long as it matches whatever you getting," Omar smirked.

"Of course it will hubby."

𝙳𝙾𝙽'𝚃 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙶𝙴𝚃 𝚃𝙾 LIKE!

◦❧◦°˚°◦.¸¸◦°'*•.¸♥ 𝔁𝓸𝔁𝓸 𝓓𝓲𝓰𝓲𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓕𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓾𝔁 ♥¸.•*'°◦¸¸.◦°˚°◦☙◦

[superfreakerz]

hi can I request Nalu Au where Lucy is on the run from an arranged marriage with the Younger Brother of the Spriggen Emperor's younger brother and she run in to Natsu who is upset with his brother Zeref for signing him up for some nonsense he don't wanna marry some stuffy princess he would much rather hang out with his new weirdo buddy Luce (now that I say that I wonder if it will fit into a one-shot oh well plot sounds cute :3)

Hello, thank you for the request! It was a little tricky fitting it into a one-shot but I hope you like it! :D

“On the Run” 

Rated T for language.

Summary: Lucy is on the run after refusing to marry some stranger her father had tried to set her up with. During her journey, she meets a boy named Natsu. Little did they know at the time that their lives were intertwined before they even met.

On the Run

Her arm stung as it scraped againsta branch blocking her way to freedom, blood trickling from the wound and mixingwith the sweat and dirt that coated her body. The sting was enough to distract her from her hunger, at least.  She hadn’t eaten in days, and her stomach wasstarting to feel like it was eating itself. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion and her legs were burning, screamingfor a break.  But she couldn’t stoprunning.  Not yet.  Not until she’d crossed the border into theneighboring kingdom.

It had been two days since herfather had told her he had arranged her marriage with the younger brother of the Spriggan Emperor.  

“You did what?” she choked out. Her throat felt tight, tears pricking her eyes.  She knew the day would come eventually, butso soon?  She was only sixteen!  She couldn’t get married yet!

“Don’t make me repeat myself,child,” her father had replied.  “TheSpriggan Emperor and I have arranged the marriage between you and his youngerbrother.  You leave in the morning.”

“But…  But I’m only sixteen!  I-I can’t get married yet!”

“Lucy!  You are the Princess of Fiore!  You do whatever is needed for yourkingdom!  You do not live the same lifeas everyone else.  You are Lucky LucyHeartfilia and you shall act as such! Now go to your room.  I have workto do.”

               Later that night, she snuck outof the castle and began her escape.

               Lucy thought she had run outof tears to cry, but it turns out she didn’t. Just recalling that night was enough to bring tears to her eyes.  

               Sheknew that her father didn’t care about her, not since her mother had died longago.  But she never would’ve imaginedthat he would trade her away so easily. Sure, the marriage would bring in funds that Fiore needed, but whatabout her?  Was her own life not important?

               Swallowingthickly, Lucy shook her head.  Now wasn’tthe time to think about such things.  Sheneeded to focus on escaping.

               Reachingthe border, Lucy noticed the knights on patrol. As Princess of Fiore, she could easily tell them to let her through.  Word of her disappearance was probablyspreading through the kingdom, though. There was no way they would listen to her, not if they worked for herfather.

               There wereonly a few people Lucy knew that were kind despite working for her father.  She was particularly grateful for one of themright now, as they had taught her some fighting techniques even though herfather told her not to bother with such things. Sneaking through the shadows and approaching the guards, she gave fastblows to their necks, knocking them out cold.

               Withthat, she was on her way.

               As Lucyfirst crossed the border, there was no real difference between the FioreKingdom and the Alvarez Kingdom.  Afterall, she was rushing through the forest. The trees all started to blend into the same blob of green at some pointduring her journey.

               Nowthat she was on Alvarez soil, her father’s knights were unable to reachher.  Sure, she had to worry about theAlvarez knights now, but she chose not to think about that.  

               Hersteps slowed, her legs feeling sluggish. She’d been running for days, only taking a few breaks.  She hadn’t even allowed herself to sleep,scared that someone was going to whisk her away back to the castle.  

               Nowthat she was in somewhat safer territory, Lucy sat herself against a tree, allowingher back to lean against the bark.  Ithad been a gruesome couple of days for her, and exhaustion was creeping its wayquickly over her body.  Her eyes droopedto a close as she finally allowed herself to rest.

               Natsusighed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked through the familiarforest.  His steps were calm, as heknew there was no point in trying to escape his brother’s clutches.  Well, clutches wasn’t exactly the rightword.  It wasn’t like his brother was someharsh dictator.  Zeref was a nice guy andwas just doing what he needed to for the sake of the kingdom, even if it meantarranging a marriage between him and some princess in Fiore.

               Natsusighed again.  He didn’t want to marryanyone, least of all a princess.  Beingthe Prince of Alvarez, he had met plenty of snobby princesses in his life, allof them only caring about jewels, clothes, and who had the most money.  What kind of life was that?  He just wanted to have fun with his friendsand continue living the way he had been.

               Butwhen Zeref asked him to marry the Princess of Fiore, saying that the kingdomneeded connections with the Heartfilias, Natsu found that he couldn’t sayno.  After all, he’d been slacking on hisprincely duties his whole life, and even though the kingdom was doing relativelyfine, he’d still seen some of their citizens suffering.  He wanted to end everyone’s suffering.  So, he’d agreed to marry a girl he’d nevereven met despite only being seventeen years old.  

               Natsuwas pulled out his thoughts as he came across a girl sitting against a tree,her body covered in dirt and scratches. Looking at her arm, he could see dried blood stained over it.  Concerned, he rushed towards her, nudging hergently.

               “Oi, areyou okay?” he asked, hoping that she wasn’t dead.

               Luckily,her eyes fluttered open and he was met with orbs of brown, rich enough to makehim feel like he was drowning in chocolate. The dreamy effect they had, however, died the moment she glared at himand pushed him away.

               “Getaway from me!” she shouted, rushing to her feet.  Her legs wobbled beneath her, giving out onher.  In seconds, she was collapsing tothe ground again.

               “Areyou okay?” Natsu tried again.  This timehe didn’t touch her, not wanting to set her off again.

               Thegirl narrowed her eyes at him.  “What doyou want with me?”  Her voice was raspy, herthroat dry.  She hadn’t had water in solong.

               “Huh?”

               “Is itmoney?  Well too bad.  I don’t have any on me right now.”

               Natsucouldn’t help but laugh.  “Money?  Nah, I think I’m pretty set on that.”

               Thisonly made the girl fearful.  “Th-Then…  You want…” Her hands immediately covered her chest, informing Natsu what she was implying.

               “What!?  No way, you weirdo!  I was just wondering if you were okay,sheesh!  I saw you were bleeding and youlooked like you were dead, no offense.”

               “Oh,” shereplied, though it was clear her suspicions hadn’t died down.

               “Well?  Are you okay?” Natsu asked for the thirdtime.  

               “I’mfine.  Thank you.  You may go now.”

               “Huh?  That’s it? You’re clearly not fine, you know.”

               “Leaveme alone.”          

               Thegirl forced herself to her feet, leaning against the tree to steady herself.  A vein ticked in Natsu’s forehead.  Here he was trying to help this girl and shewas being a pain in the ass about it, not even sparing him a glance.  Walking up to her, he quickly pinched hercheeks and tugged on them, receiving a yelp and angry stare in reply.

               “Let goof me!” she shouted, tugging on his hair.

               “Ack!  You let go!” he shot back.

               “Youstarted it!”

               “No,you did!”

               “What?  You were the one that pulled on my cheeks!”

               “Becauseyou were bein’ difficult!”

               The twostared each other down, refusing to be the first one to let go.

               “Alright,we’ll both let go together,” Lucy suggested. “On the count of three.  One…  Two… Three.”

               Reluctantly,they both unhanded each other.  Natsucrossed his arms with a sigh.

               “So why’reyou all messed up looking?” he asked bluntly.

               Lucyglared at him again.  ‘Gee, thanks.  Why don’t you just kick me while I’m down whileyou’re at it?”

               “Yeah,yeah.  Just answer the question.”

               Lucycrossed her arms, studying the boy.  Hehad onyx eyes, darker than the depths of the ocean.  His skin was slightly darker than her own andhis arms were toned.  Surprisingly, hishair was a light shade of pink.  She���dnever seen a boy with pink hair before. For some reason, she found herself liking it, along with the rest of theboy’s features.

               “I’mnot telling you,” Lucy finally answered, sticking her tongue out at him.  

               Natsugave an annoyed look.  “Why not?”

               “BecauseI don’t even know you.  You could be somemurderer or something.”

               “If I wasa murderer, wouldn’t I have just killed you by now?  After all, you’ve been doing nothing butannoy me.”  The girl smacked his arm,glaring at him, which only made him laugh. “What’s your name, at least?”

               Lucybit her lower lip, wondering if she should tell the boy.  He obviously didn’t recognize her as the Princessof Fiore by the way he acted around her. People were usually timid around her and treating her with the upmostrespect, not knowing that she just wanted to be treated like everybodyelse.  It was a refreshing change havingsomeone pinch her cheeks or call her annoying or even bicker with her.

               “I’mLucy,” she answered after giving it some thought.  She wasn’t the only one in the world with thatname, she doubted he would know she was the Princess just from that.

               “I’mNatsu,” the boy replied, giving her a fanged grin.  Admittedly, it brought a flush to her face.  He was pretty cute.

               “Whatbrings you all the way over here, Natsu? Are you heading into Fiore?” Lucy asked, feeling more comfortable aroundthe boy.

               “Nah,”he replied, shoving his hands in his pockets. With a shrug, he continued, “I just needed to get away for a bit.  What about you?”

               “I’mstill not telling you.”

               “Aww, c’mon!  I told you!”

               Lucycrossed her arms.  “Fine.  You could say I needed to get away, too.”

               “Fromwhat?  Are you in danger?  Is that why you’re covered in dirt andscratches?” Natsu asked.

               “Iwouldn’t say I’m in danger…”

               “Thenwhat?”  Natsu sighed, quickly noticingthat Lucy wasn’t going to answer his question. “Alright, you don’t have to tell me anything, Luigi.”

               “It’s Lucy!”

               “But you should at leastcome with me to get some food and water. When was the last time you ate something?  Your stomach has been growling this entiretime.”

               Lucy’scheeks turned pink in embarrassment.  “Shutup!”  

               Natsulaughed, grabbing her hand.  “Come on.  I’ll get you some stuff from my place.  I’ll have to sneak you inside, though.”

               “Don’tbother.  I’m not going to go in somestranger’s house.”

               “Alright,fine.  I’ll bring it out to you then.  Happy?”

               Lucynodded, allowing Natsu to lead her towards his place.  Judging from the way he dressed- baggy pants,a weird coat with only one sleeve, and a scaly scarf wrapped around his neck- sheassumed that he was in the lower to middle class.  

               Lucyglanced down at her hand, realizing that it was still locked with Natsu’s.  A blush stained her cheeks, feeling thewarmth that radiated from the boy.  He wasabnormally warm, warmer than anyone she’d ever met.  

               “I-Ican walk on my own,” Lucy said, tugging her hand away.  She was too embarrassed to be holding hands witha boy, especially one as attractive as Natsu. She’d never even had the chance to talk to boys back in the castle.  Everyone there was an adult.

               Natsushrugged, letting go of her hand.  Inseconds, she was wobbling unsteadily.  

               “Justlemme carry you,” Natsu suggested.  “It’llbe quicker that way.”

               “Carryme?  No way!  I-!”

               Beforeshe could finish her sentence, Natsu had picked her up and thrown her over hisshoulder.  Her face became a blushingmess as his hands were holding onto her upper thigh, dangerously close to herbum.  She hit his back over and overagain.

               “Put medown, Natsu!” she demanded.  

               “I toldyou, it’s quicker this way, Luigi.”

               “Stop callingme that!”

               Natsuchuckled.  “Fine.  But it’s still easier to carry you so stoparguing with me, you weirdo.”

               “I’mnot a weirdo!  You’re the weird one thatinsists on carrying me like this!  Andwatch where you put your hands, you pervert!”

               Natsublanched.  “Oi!  I’m not a pervert!  Gray is!”

               “I don’teven know who that is!  Just put me downalready!”

               Natsugroaned.  Lucy was a lot of trouble, butalbeit amusing.  He settled her back onthe ground, only to carry her princess style instead.  

               “No complainin’this time!” Natsu said, knowing that the blonde would have if he gave her thechance.  “Just accept the help, damn it!”

               Lucycrossed her arms, muttering, “Fine, idiot.”

               Eventually,Natsu stopped in his tracks.  They werestill in the forest and had been walking for over half an hour.  Lucy was surprised that he managed to carry herthe entire way without needing a break.  

               Natsugently put her down.

               “Youwait here,” he said.  “I’ll go inside andget some food and water for you.  Don’tmove from this spot, okay?”

               “Alright,”Lucy replied.  “…Thank you, Natsu.”

               The boyflashed her a grin and ruffled her golden hair. “Don’t mention it, Luce!”

               As hewalked away, Lucy stared at his retreating form.  Her cheeks turned pink as she thought of thenickname he had given her.  It was thefirst nickname anyone had given her.  Itmade her feel normal.

               “Luce, huh? I kinda like that.”

               Just as promised, Natsureturned shortly, carrying a bag over his shoulder.  Crouching in front of her, he opened it toreveal that it was stuffed with junk food and bottles of water.  Not caring how unladylike she looked, the blondegrabbed a water bottle at the speed of light and chugged down its contents,wiping away the tiny drizzle that crept down the corner of her mouth.

               Natsu’seyes were trained on the water that trickled from her lips.  Her pink, plump lips to be exact.  Realizing he was staring, he shook his headand focused on the food instead.

               “I couldn’tget anything cooked, sorry.  But I broughta bunch of my favorite snacks you could fill up on!” Natsu exclaimed with agrin.  Pulling out a bag of chips, he handedit to her.  “My friends say that theseare spicy, but I don’t think so.”

               Lucynearly drooled seeing the bag of chips.  Notonly had she not eaten in days, but she also was never allowed to eat any unhealthysnacks at the castle.  Her father saidthat a princess was responsible for taking care of her body and making surethat it looked pleasing for suitors. Snacks, cookies, and any type of greasy food was forbidden in the castle.

               Shescarfed down some chips, relishing in their flavor.  Happy tears streamed down her face.

               “Sogood!” she exclaimed, going in for some more.

               “Aren’tthey?” Natsu replied, smiling as well. He was glad to see her give such a real smile.  Something about her told him that she didn’tsmile all too often.

               “Ooh,they are kind of spicy though,” Lucy said, guzzling down some more water.  Her body felt better immediately.  Thanks to Natsu, she could continue herjourney.  She didn’t have a destinationin mind, but she knew that she couldn’t stay by the border.  It was too risky there.

               “I can’tstay here too long,” Natsu said with a frown. “I gotta go back in before my brother notices that I’m gone.  I was supposed to go meet with someone yesterdayand I bailed.”

               “Isyour brother strict?” Lucy questioned.  

               “Yeah,but he’s kinda gotta be strict.”

               “Isthat why you needed to get away for a bit?”

               Natsucrossed his arms behind his head with a sigh. “Yeah.  I love my brother, but heset up an arranged marriage for me.  Iain’t even interested in that sorta stuff but I don’t really got much of achoice.”

               “Arrangedmarriage?” Lucy replied, her eyes growing wide. So Natsu came from a place of nobility? Only nobles and royals usually dealt with arranged marriages.  

               “Yeah.  Somethin’ bout helping the kingdom.  I love the kingdom too, which is why I agreedin the first place, you know?  But to behonest, I really don’t wanna marry some snobby princess.  I just wanna have fun with my friends.”

               Lucy’smouth dropped on its hinges as she stared at the boy in bewilderment.  “W-Wait a second…  A-Are you the younger brother of the SprigganEmperor?”

               Natsuraised a brow.  “Yeah.  How’d you figure that out?”

               “B-BecauseI’m Lucy Heartfilia!  I’m the one that youwere supposed to meet up with and marry yesterday!”

               Natsu’seyes turned to the size of golf balls.  “A-Areyou serious?”

               “Yes!  That’s why I’ve been on the run for the pastcouple of days!  I don’t want to getmarried either!”

               “Holyshit!  What are the chances!” Natsuexclaimed with a wide grin.  “That’s soweird!  I-“

               Hissentence was cut short as Lucy rose to her feet, backing away from him.  The distrust in her eyes that had gone away duringtheir time together was returning.  

               “Lucy?  What’s wrong?” he asked.

               Thegirl shook her head, staring at him defiantly. “I-I don’t want to get married!  Irefuse to!  I won’t let you take me!”

               Ignoringthe bag of food and water, the blonde turned on her heel and rushed in theopposite direction away from Natsu.  Herlegs were screaming in pain, still exhausted from her previous days ofrunning.  Her heart was thrashing aroundin her chest.

               A warmhand encircled her wrist, pulling her to a stop.

               “Letgo!” Lucy shouted, trying to pry her arm away.

               “Coolit, Luce!” Natsu replied.  “I’m not gonnaforce you to marry me, you weirdo!”

               “Y-Youaren’t?”

               “Noway!  What the hell kinda person do I looklike to you?”  Natsu let go of Lucy’swrist and put his hands up in surrender to try and calm her down.  “Look, I didn’t wanna get married either,remember?  You’re nice and all, but that’snot my thing.  And if you didn’t agree tothis, then I definitely don’t want to.”

               “…So…  What now?”

               Natsushoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “I don’t know.  Do you have anyidea where you’re going?”

               Lucyshook her head.  “I don’t know anything aboutAlvarez and I don’t have anyone to take me in.”

               “Do youwanna live in the castle?  There are ashit ton of empty rooms nobody uses.”

               “That’sa little risky, don’t you think?”

               “Iguess that’s true.  What about I get themoney so you can buy a place of your own?”

               Lucy blinkedonce, then twice.  Was he serious?  “You would go that far for me?”

               Natsushrugged, a lopsided grin resting on his face. “Yeah, why not?  We’re friendsnow.”

               The wordfriends had Lucy’s heart skipping a beat. She had made friends with some of the employees in the castle, but noneof them were her age.  Natsu was thefirst friend she had made herself.  Shenever believed she would have the opportunity to do such a thing.

               Lucytackled Natsu in a tight hug.  “Thankyou, Natsu.  For everything.”

               The boywas taken aback, his cheeks turning pink. “D-Don’t mention it, weirdo.”

               OnceNatsu returned from grabbing some money at the castle, the two were on theirway to find a place for Lucy to live.  Theyavoided anywhere in town since Lucy was a runaway.  It took a while, but eventually they found asmall cottage in the woods, which Natsu had purchased immediately.  

               Lucy awedat the sight of her new home.  It wassmall, especially coming from her castle, but it had everything sheneeded.  Working appliances and a bathtubwere all she needed to make this place a home. Thanks to Natsu, she could do everything she dreamed of doing in the castle. She could make her own meals, be asunrefined as she wanted, and live a life of freedom.  A life worth living.

               Tearspricked her eyes as she turned towards Natsu.

               “Thankyou…” she breathed out.

               Natsusmiled back at her.  “I keep tellin’ yato quit thankin’ me, you weirdo.  I gottahead back now.”

               Lucyfrowned.  “Already?”  Though, when she lived in the castle, shewasn’t allowed to go outside at all, unless she was meeting some other richnoble or something.  Natsu’s freedomsalready extended much further than hers did.

               “Yeah.  I gotta let Zeref know that I’m changing mymind about an arranged marriage,” Natsu replied.

               “You cando that?”

               “Huh?  Of course. It’s not like he forced me or anything.”

               “Whatchanged your mind then?”

               “Seein’you running and trying your best to live the life you want,” Natsu answeredsincerely.  “I don’t to be forced intoanything either, so it’s time I tell Zeref that.”

               “Good luck,”Lucy said with a frown.  “Am…  Am I ever going to see you again?”

               “’Courseyou are, weirdo,” Natsu answered, ruffling her hair.  He laughed as she pouted and swatted his handaway.  “I’ll try to visit every day.”

               “Really,I can’t believe you’re doing all of this for me.”

               “Hey,thanks to you I don’t have to get married either.  Ain’t my thing.”

               Lucysmirked.  “Really?  You can’t see yourself getting married ever?”

               Natsu’seyes trailed over her, a blush making its way over his face.  “N-No way! Marriage and mushy, lovey-dovey shit is not for me.”

               “Whateveryou say.”

               The twosmiled at each other, their hearts light and excited about their budding friendship.  Saying their goodbyes, they didn’t feel toosad, because they knew that they were going to see each other again, as fate clearlywanted them to meet in the first place. After all, they were set up in an arranged marriage, still somehow foundeach other despite Lucy running away, and became friends through it all eventhough they weren’t going through with the marriage.  Fate wanted their lives to intertwine.

               Andwhile neither of them didn’t want marriage at the time, little did they know thatyears later into the future, they would be walking down the aisle togetheranyways, but not as Lucky Lucy Heartfilia and Prince Dragneel.  No, they would come to take their relationshipto the next step as just Lucy and Natsu. 

Hope you liked it! :D Thank you again for the request! :D

[mrs-livvy]

Chapter 1

Prelude || Characters || Chapter 1

{A/N: First chapter of a new series for the new year! Let’s go! Let me know what you think and if you want to be apart of the tag squad! Huge thanks to my sis Maddie, she’s a character in this one by the name of Natasha}

Squad: @maddiestundentwritergaines

Word Count: 1,295

Warnings: none

Xhosa Translations; (loosely)

‘Ndifungela ndiya kukubetha ngolunye usuku

- I swear I’m going to hit you one day

———

Junior year. Near the final stretch for Nefertiti and her crew. It’s took some time to get here but, with a village she made it through. Getting a degree has always been at the top of her list, alongside becoming a Delta. Becoming a Delta meant that you held yourself to a high standard, a higher caliber of life and was apart of the Divine Nine. This second semester in particular, moving into a better part of the sorority house was the perfect way to start off the year. A room fit for an upcoming big sister.

With some old 80’s and 90’s jams, playing in the background, while sorting the boxes all out, Nefe was just in her element. With the help of her roomie Natasha, fellow Delta herself, she couldn’t help but love the new vibe she felt from Nefe.

“Honey, Chile. I don’t know what got into you, but I’m loving this new attitude of yours. It’s new and vibrant, I wonder what’s gotten into you?”

Natasha, or Nattie, has always been Nefe’s voice of reason along with the party queen. Kind of a contradiction isn’t it? Well that’s how she is: voice of reason and party queen.

“Well what got into me was Sean. Don’t tell M’Baku cause he’ll flip his shit.” A chuckle left her full lips as she opened the box of her room decorations, along with Southern University pennants.

“You mean Mr. Wakanda? Something about him just screams seduction. Why aren’t you with him? Sean isn’t what you need Nefe.”

Nattie did always have a way with words. Maybe she was onto something. But Nefe never really thought of M’Baku that way, and he didn’t think of her that way. Did he?

“Oh so Mr. Wakanda, will have something to say huh?” The infamous thick voice broke the silence, causing the girls to scream.

“Jesus M’Baku! Don’t do that. Ndifungela ndiya kukubetha ngolunye usuku”

To say he wasn’t laughing is an understatement. Along with teaching Nefe Xhosa, which clearly stuck with her like gorilla glue on a boot.

“Your pronunciations are getting better, intyatyambo. That’s flower by the way.”

Sitting on the loveseat by the bay window, giving his ever so sweet smile. He never ceased to amaze them. Okoye and Nakia were in their rooms but knew M’Baku came to visit Nefe. They’d tease her about it occasionally.

“Gee. Thanks great gorilla. I’m sure your home country will be proud.”

The teasing tone in her voice caused him to chuckle and Nattie to shake her head and help finish decorating.

“My parents miss me yes. But they’ll be visiting on parents day in September, along with me going home with you and your family. It’s tradition.”

He shrugged as he grabbed a Velcro command strip to hang up a framed picture. A family portrait that meant the world to Nefertiti. That’s one of the things he loves about her, how family oriented she is.

“Yeah yeah. Ok you two, the jams are on and we all have class in an hour. Gotta start junior year off right, right? So sister Queen Nefertiti, turn up the jams.”

Nattie grabbed another box, as Nefe turned up the song on her Logitech Clock radio, that was currently charging her phone. Prompting M’Baku to either join in or record it.

“I got all this love, waiting just for you I just got to know, that your love is true. Can't keep running boy, in and out my life. Want to be your girl, not cause the mood is right.”

Nefe lip synced into her hair brush, swaying her hips to the beat and making her way to her closet. Pointing to Nattie, and she gladly took the next verse.

“If I let you come inside Tomorrow will you hide? Will you be there for me? When I need someone to hold Baby don't misunderstand. I do want you for my man, I just need a little time, Before I invest my love”

Moments like these were what the group was looking forward to. The late night studying groups, sleepover, Greek recruitment days, parties and most of all graduation coming soon. It was gonna be a grand year.

M’Baku was taping them the whole time and was enjoying being back at SU with his friends. He knew he had to get the group together sooner or later to catch up. But for now he’d settle for this with two of his favorite girls.

“Don't walk away boy, My love won't hurt you. Don't walk away boy, I'll be right there for you!”

The girls sung in unison as they danced around in complete bliss and comfort. The two girls fell on top of a huge bean bag chair, and started laughing The three of them finished decorating and admired their work, ready to take on the year.

The rest of the day was filled with classes, introducing new students to the class; ye old syllabus and requirements to uphold. The old mumbo jumbo. But something in music theory threw Nefertiti off her rocker.

Melanie Davis was her name, being Nefe’s rival was her game. They’ve had it out for each other since high school. Even the delta house denied her application sophomore year, because of how she presented herself. Yet the AKA’s welcomes her greatly.

Sitting next to M’Baku on his left, she batted her falsies at him and smiled.

“So M’Baku, how was your summer? You should’ve went to Jamaica with me and the girls. We would’ve loved to have you there.”

Her voice was like nails on a chalkboard to Nefe. Her left eye was twitching and Okoye caught it.

“My summer was great Mel. It was good to be home. I’m sorry I couldn’t. Maybe next spring or summer break.”

He did find Melanie attractive. Who wouldn’t? He just let her down gently and she giggled. She made Nefe’s skin crawl.

“Want me to cut her? I’ll cut her for you.” she mouthed at Nefe which cause her to chuckle and shake her head.

“So the homecoming game is coming up. I’ll be cheering for you in the stands. Plus there’s a party afterwards, wanna go with me?”

He was so uncomfortable, and was about to reply till someone stepped in.

“He has plans already, Davis. Stop trying.” Nefe finally spoke up causing everyone around them to laugh.

“Listen here little miss soul sistah. If M’Baku wants to go with another melanin goddess like me, it’s his choice to go.”

Melanie never ceased to get under Nefe’s skin because she knew it bothered her that she could get to M’Baku. After all they did date before, but she ended the relationship because of his friendship with Nefe.

“No you listen here, Mel. He’s obviously uncomfortable with you still. So why don’t you sit ya ass down and chill. Aight?”

Erik always had Nefe’s back. She was like a sister to him. He’s T’Challa cousin and M’Baku frat brother of Omega Psi Phi.

Melanie scoffed and headed out with her little crew, once class was over.

“So y’all want dinner? Popeye’s or is Nakia making jambalaya?” T’Challa, also one of M’Baku’s friends, had asked the group as they headed out the class.

“I’m feelin Popeye’s. Let’s go.”

Once they agreed to Nefe’s statement, they headed that direction. What happened in the music room played again in Nefe’s head. Part of her knew M’Baku still had feelings for Melanie and that somewhat bothered her.

Nah, not somewhat. It fully bothered her to the fullest extent. This was going to be a long year till graduation.