#x black original character

[soft-persephone]

Roughest Rough Drafts of a John Sampson Fic

No rating // WC: 1k, give or take. I didn’t count // masterlist // AN: rough drafts for a fic I’m working on. Can’t get the intro just right, so enjoy two options I didn’t go with! Stay tuned for the real one! // real one

ONE

Imani sighed, watching her breath form a white cloud of powdery condensation before her.

The apartment townhouse building felt intimidating.

She turned on her heels for a quick walk to clear her head or maybe she could—

“I know you not leaving already.” A low familiar voice called out.

“Hi Alex.” She said in defeat.

“Well don’t you look nice.” He appraised her with a nod, “to think all that hides under your dickies and carhartts.”

She huffed at his compliment, crossing her arms and refusing to give him the satisfaction.

Imani had gone all out on her outfit, as she would, anytime she had too.

She wore a silky bodycon number, not too tight or inappropriate, but that didn’t stop the curves of her hips, her thick thighs from popping or the dress complimenting the shape of her waist just as much. Her long white coat rested snugly on her shoulders.

She clutched tightly at her coat to ward off the cold.

“How could you think of leaving?” Elle huffed, interrupting their latest spat, “You have to thank all your new donors!”

“I already called them one by one,” she groaned, stomping her feet, “why do we need a party to do it all over again!

“Because it opens the door for more.” Ellen said smoothly.

“Oh is that how that works, now.” Alex said to her coily.

They leaned into one another sharing a brief but rather heated kiss.

She wanted to say something smart like, can you guys move so I can get inside or something like that, but her and Elle were past that level of pettiness. . . Maybe.

It was hard to tell.

Elle was so hellbent on focusing on her career, putting herself first, and emphasizing she didn’t need a man, but did a complete 180 once Alex came back into her life.

She couldn’t hate Elle for it too much. He’s nice looking and just an overall good man, more than a good father. Anything and everything. He was the total package.

They don’t really see eye to eye, but if Imani was being honest, that was more on your friend’s end than Alex, but she’s never cut any of her men some slack, and nothing you could say, or what anyone could say for that matter, will change her mind, but Alex pushed through that and made it work until she trusted him.

Good for him and good for her.

“You coming or you planning on staying out here all night?”

“Come inside Mani, listen to Alex.”

You huffed and rolled your eyes.

And then there was that.

Saving her energy she followed without a word, but on any other day for any other occasion, she would have made a big deal out of Alex telling her what to do and Elle urging her to listen.

“You guys made it!” Jonesy kissed her and Elle on the cheek. Alex held out a hand for him to shake, but Jonesy pushed his hand away, going straight for the hug.

“Oh we know each other better than that, Alex.”

“Uh, yeah.” Alex patted Jonesy on the shoulder, politely putting an amount of space between them.

“Your coats can go in this closet here.” Jonesy pointed, “Make yourselves comfortable. You all know your way around the place.” He flashed them with a smile and a slight wave, “I’ll let everyone know when dinner is ready.”

“Wow you look so nice!”

“Don’t you look pretty!”

“You really stepped out tonight girl!”

Imani was over it.

Everyone was being extra nice, treating her like some lost doe eyed soul. She’s gone to therapy, she’s dealing with it, and she’s even ready to move on. Everyone else needed to follow suit.

Imani was fine and tired of everyone treating her like she wasn’t.

“It’s just such a shame how he was murdered like that.”

You purse your lips at the random white man donor you purposely forget the name of. “It is.”

“But you used your grief and pain to start this foundation to give back to people just like him. I’m so glad to be a part of helping you reach out to the homeless in your community.”

You smiled and nodded as he went on his white savoir guilt trip rant.

“And without Detective Alex Cross, you never would have gotten justice or answers.”

Alex and Elle had made their way back to you to chat, not knowing that some stranger was throwing your trauma back into your face for shits and giggles.

“I’m going to get some air.” You gave them a tight lipped smile before making your way to the balcony.

“Fuck, I could use a smoke.” You muttered to yourself over the balcony, looking out that the city.

“Is that in reference to a ciggerette or something else?”

You peered over at the man who asked.

His out of date shoulder length hair and odd fitting white tux jacket trimmed in black made him stick out amongst the well polished crowd, but you were not going to judge him, especially when by looking at him, you could tell he had something you wanted.

“Depends,” Imani eyes him trepidly, “what you got?”

He only had one joint in him. Not ideal, but she would take what she could get.

It was a little stronger than what she necessarily wanted, but bigger can’t be choosers.

The tightening feeling in her chest subsided, she felt like she could finally breathe again.

She eyed the moon and what little stars were visible.

Thoughts of escaping to a secluded countryside intruded her mind.

“Hey I know you.” The stranger interrupted her short fantasy of escape. “You were the girl that was with that homeless guy.”

“He didn't die homeless!” Imani clipped, “he had a home”

“You can’t keep carrying that shit,” he ignored her outburst, “ he passed the joint once more and she took it gratefully.

He dug around in his mysterious pockets once more and pulled out a little plastic baggie. .

“Here,” he shoved them in her hand, “you need them more than I do.”

“There was some weed, mushrooms and. . . Pills? “What are these?” Imani held one up, the light of the moon made them glow. They were magic. She was sure of it.

“They’ll help the pain go away or it will show you your truth to deal with it yourself.”

“How can you be so sure?” Imani blinked, the pill still glowed in the palm of her hand. The magic hadn’t faded.

Before he could reply, a rich velvet voice called out, “ What’s going on out here?”

Stranger scurried off without a word.

Imani turned to face the new man, letting out a puff of smoke in the direction of the wind so it wouldn’t blow in his face and the smell wouldn’t linger.

He looked down at her casually, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets.

His neatly short cropped fro went well with the equally as neat beard on his face. He held a gaze of light disapproval she’s seen Alex give his kids when they were acting out.

Was he treating her like some child?

“I’m not afraid of you.” She called out.

“You should be.” He smirked lightly.

“What, you a cop or something like that?”

He took the joint out of your hand, putting it out on the rail before flicking it over the balcony.

“Aye, what the fuck!”

“Or something like that,” he eyed her, “detective.” He nodded his head as if contemplating, “close enough I think.”

He took the bag out of her hand.

Imani squinted in displeasure, but it wasn’t until half a beat later that she actually moved to stop them.

Shit. That weed was strong as hell.

She pushed through her foggy brain enough to grab at the material of his shirt.

“Give them back. I need those.” She wanted to say something more tactful, but her mind was loose, and now, whatever thought she had would fly out as is. “It’s not even illegal. I’m obviously not underage.”

“As much as I liked to believe that, I’m sure you got at least ten more years of being carded. Can’t be too sure these days.”

Her brow furrowed. Was that a compliment? That could be a compliment? Why was he complimenting her about how young she looked?

She fisted at the material of his shirt, a strange sensation probed at her wrists. What the fuck?

“Why are your nipples so hard?”

“It’s freezing out side.” Was the only explanation he gave as he pried her hands off of him.

She nodded, accepting his explanation, but then she looked at him and remembered he had a coat on, and after he just touched her, she now knew that he had on leather gloves as well.

“How are you cold if you have on a coat?”

“Get inside.” he motioned toward the door with his hand.

Imani’s drugs might be gone, but there was something comforting about his presence. His voice is low and warm, demands unobtrusive and somehow. . . Relaxing despite the reality of her situation.

Wait.

“Are you taking me to jail?” If not, can I have my drugs back?”

“If you behave,” he started slowly, “I’ll think about it.”

She grabbed his wrist as he stomped inside. He was walking so loud.

“Stop, everyone’s going to know if you keep walking like that.”

“You’re fine,” he huffed at her with a unreadable expression, “that’s your mind playing tricks on you. The weed is making you paranoid.”

“I’m not paranoid!” She hissed up at him. “Your just being too much of a cop.”

“Mhmm. Right.” He said nonchalantly before presenting you to Alex and Elle.

“Mani, where were you?” Elle brushed your shoulder with a hand. “You’re freezing.

“Seems you met John already.” Akex commented with a raised eyebrow, before dapping up your jailer.

“You know this man?” Imani couldn’t stop herself from blurting as she pointed up at John, as he was apparently named.

Her other hand tightly grasped his wrist as her arm was wrapped around his. He allowed her to stand closely into his space. She wasn’t exactly sure why she had to, but he was probably grateful for the warmth she was giving him, despite the fact he had a coat on.

Oh, perfect opportunity.

“Do you know why his nipples are so hard even though he has a coat on?” Imani questioned seriously.

Alex put a hand on his chest as he laughed.

“Aye,” John’s cool facade faded instantly, “keep your voice down! We're inside!” With his free hand he twisted your ear tightly and pulled.

She moved close to him to avoid the pain, letting her cheek rest against his chest.

He let out a short grunt of disapproval before switching tactics.

He pinched her side that was unguarded and vulnerable, making her jump.

Imani puffed as she nuzzled into his chest. He was warmer now, much warmer. Both hands free, she wrapped them around him, brushing her hands down his back to rest on his waist.

How muscles looked so hard and felt so soft will forever be a mystery to her.

“You both look quite close for two people who’ve only known each other for an hour and a half.”

That sounded an awful lot like. . .

“It’s been an hour and a half since we’ve been here?” Imani turned her cheek, letting the opposite rest on his chest so she could lay on him and still talk to Elle and Alex.

“No it’s been two hours for us.” Elle corrected. “John was late.”

Jonesy tapped a glass, getting everyone's attention, dinner was ready,

There was technically assigned seating, but in Imani’s current state, her dislike of her spot was not subtle. Luckily, she was not mean about it. Following John she sat next to him, scooting her chair to sit as closely to him as possible.

“I think I—“

“I didn’t take your seat, I just dragged my chair from over there to right here, scoot yours down.” Imani explained with a smile.

The woman gave her and John a look before taking her seat and scooting it pointedly away from them.

“This is not behaving.”

Imani straightened, her face drawing into a pout.

Dinner was chill.

You were so so hungry.

And so was John?

Imani unintentionally went plate for plate with John.. If he got extra of something, she got extra of something. At some point it became a mutual understanding, if he asked for someone to pass down a certain dish and put it on his plate, he’d put some on hers as well before passing it back up.

After all that, they both still had room for dessert.

The thought of dessert made her think of treats which reminded her of her drugs and the fact that the man she was sitting next to held them hostage in his pocket.

She reached over to his pocket to see if they were there, but he swiftly grabbed her hand and put it in his lap, leaving her to eat dessert one handed.

It was fancy and strange in structure but very delicious. Shemade a mental note of the flavors to recreate into a smaller Togo pastry one day for her shop.

“How long have you and John known each other?”

Imani squinted, dubiously confused, but she feel how her shoulder nestled against his and how John restraining her hand in his lap, may make it appear like they were holding hands.

Her head throbbed lightly, not quite used to the weed she had smoked hours ago. Her high subsiding and everything becoming a little clearer. For one, the way everyone was sneaking glances down the table at them.

“We met here, like. . . three to four hours ago.”

John nodded silently in affirmation before sharing a look with her afterwards and she had to thin her lips to suppress a laugh.

Because why would he just sit there like that and nod.

“You two seem,” the woman paused, twirling her fork, “closer than that.”

Imani and John shared another look and stayed silent, much to Elle and Alex’s dismay.

“You feel better.” John’s voice flooded Imani’s senses with something warm, warmer than the coat he was ushering onto her shoulders.

She scoffed softly, her voice losing its bite in her sober state, “I was always fine.” She huffed into the cold as they walked out the door. “Just a little high is all.”

“Little is understatement.” She studied the condensation in the air as it left his mouth.

He stood an appropriate distance away from her.

She wasn’t high anymore

TWO

Imani took a few bites of the pastry she just made. The presentation and look was exquisite, but her main concern was flavor. It looked elevated, but the texture was off, so the flavors didn’t quite matter.

She jotted down what she could try next time to improve on the current flaws, but if what she did manage to figure out flavor wise, she wasn’t confident in either. Maybe she’ll try ubbe or something with sweet potato, hell maybe both.

“Mani?”

Imani looked up from where she was standing. The little tall round table was littered with her note. She quickly stacked and sorted them out the way.

“Elle!” She beamed at her friend and embraced her in a warm hug, “what are you doing here at this time? Shouldn’t you be busy, paving a way for the youth in our community?”

“Oh stop,” Elle shook her head at her, “your work is just as important.”

Before Imani could continue with more pleasantries or continue the flow of casual conversation in an attempt to catch up with her friend, she noticed Elle staring at her.

She followed her line of sight to her jacket.

Imani swallowed without a comment schooling her features as she fight to stay still.

“You’re wearing Deonte’s Jacket again.”

“I work with a lot of college kids. They think it’s really cool when I wear this sort of stuff.” Imani hoped her smile seemed natural and not forced.

She crossed her arms into the oversized dickie jacket to calm her nerves..

Ignoring how Elle’s eyes sharpened as she looked her up and down, noticing her equally as oversized matching dickie pants.

“What are you wearing that’s actually yours?” Elle urged, She leaned into her, lowering her voice.

Imani averted her eyes away from Elle’s and crossed her arms.

“I was just thinking about him today and figured I wear this. I promise it’s nothing too serious.”Imani exhaled through her nose, taking a beer and looking in Elle’s eyes, hoping she was being understood, “I’m fine.”

Elle took the opportunity to look her over once more.

“Okay.” She nodded.

Imani thinned her lips.

[meo-eiru]

The first ever Silas post has surpassed 20.000 notes!

So to celebrate I decided to go back and do a callback scene to the first time the two of you met :D

It has been a little over 6 months since I drew his introduction. It's crazy how much your art style and skill levels can change in such a short amount of time.

Aside from those this post quite literally changed my life too. I never could've imagined the love this single elf could make me experience. I say it often but when I posted it I was getting ready to getting shamed, people saying it was "weird", but instead I got to meet thousands of you who shared my passion for him.

It has been a nonstop rollercoaster since his introduction, to the point I'm frankly still having a hard time keeping up with everything. But I wouldn't exchange the community he brought me for anything.

I love you guys and I'm glad 20.000 of you liked that silly comic I posted as well!!

[gaza-child1]

Hello my friends, I am Hassan. I am 14 years old. My family and I live in hell-like conditions. In fact, it is the center of hell. I was supposed to go to school at my age, but the occupation took away my dream and the future I dreamed of creating. I am the student who is supposed to carry books and pens to teach to a child who was robbed of his dream, future, and freedom. My family and I struggle with death every day in all its forms, including bombing, displacement, hunger, and disease. We find difficulty in the simplest requirements of life. All I need is for you to help me donate to save me and my family from hunger. We buy food from donations. Help us buy food and save us from hunger and death. Share my post and pray for me.

✅️Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #402 )✅️

https://gofund.me/96678aac

@awesomepeoplehangingouttogether @andreakalfas @amazingphil @art @hangulteam @vj @gk7 @ghouliquid @ghostlywriterr @vhxtv @bkbrains @cvsner @vb-zc @bhronzed @bkbrains @yuumei-art @yesterdaysprint @iorqean @iubirea-nu-moare-niciodata @humansofnewyork @5sos-at-heart @70sscifiart @oplusplus @yesterdaysprint @jkontumblr @iubirea-nu-moare-niciodata @ui-marrentinha @yummmyasians

[head---ache]

ive been wanting to re design emmies satbk design and i finally got around to it!!! is this turning into an entire au?? perhaps!!

[floredaqueen]

✿︎𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞✿︎

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨! 𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐩(𝐥𝐨𝐥). 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐭.♡

✿︎♡︎𝐏𝐥𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲♡✿︎

𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 (𝐩𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞): @rafeyscurtainbangs @xxbimbobunnyxx @eddiesxangel @loserboysandlithium @userchai @stvolanisinvenus @babygorewhore

[romanreignsbae]

the sweetest girl - R.R

Roman in his life had never genuinely cared for a girl. It was a wide known fact everyone knew. He'll flirt with you, fuck you, and never look your way again. It was just the way he worked. And who was anyone to question the tribal chief?

When he first saw you, stumbling through catering with your hands full with hair products, to get to Naomi before her match started, he took immediate notice to your nurturing personality.

The way you smiled at everyone who crossed paths with you, or always took the time to interact with little kids who would be wandering backstage. He even took notice in your terrible humor, which could light up a room in the darkest of moments. You were wearing the cutest little pink skirt, with the matching top. You looked so sweet, so innocent.

He knew he had to have you. The twins, mainly Jimmy, being the talkative people they are got to know you pretty quickly through Naomi. Roman knew better then to mention anything to the twins knowing they would run their mouths to everyone, ruining his plan. Plus, he liked to keep that side of him private.

Roman caught the perfect opportunity to speak to you, on a day all the women's roster was called to the gorilla. He caught you sorting out all the makeup products you would need for the night, when helping all the girls out so they would be ready for their matches.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone backstage?" You almost jumped out of your skin to the deep voice who startled you as you were in your own bubble. Turning around, you met eyes with the one and only, Roman Reigns.

Everyone knew who he was. The top guy. The money maker. The Tribal Chief. And not to mention the twins had spoken about him several times. You smiled softly at him, while you cheeks heated up. No one was to deny that this man was so very beautiful.

He smiled back at you, showing off his perfectly aligned teeth. "Just sorting out everything i'll need tonight.." you mumbled while breaking eye contact. This man made you so nervous.

"Whats your name sweetheart?" He knew damn well what your name was. He knew almost everything about you. He wouldn't approach you without having his Wiseman do a thorough background search on you. He found out you were a hair and makeup artist, and he even had to admit your work was phenomenal. He also found out you were without man, which gave him the 'go' to approach you.

You mumbled your name to him softly, avoiding eye contact. "A pretty name for a pretty girl just like you.." he smiled while his hand moved up to your chin to move your face upwards. You were forced to make eye contact, with almost resulted in you losing your balance.

"Why are you so nervous sweetie? I don't bite...only sometimes," he joked playfully. The tension between the two of you began that night. Flirtatious jokes, date nights in each other's hotel rooms, even meeting each other's families.

To others, it looked like the two of you were dating. The way he would playfully pick you up and walk around backstage with you boosted up on his shoulder, ignoring the looks everyone gave the two of you. Or how he would go out of his way to order you matching sneaker pairs and tracksuits to match with him. He was in love..everyone knew it.

No one expected it either. From fucking a new girl every night, having a whole roster, to dropping all them hoes the second you guys had your first interaction. The tribal chief was in love..

And even if you wanted to admit or not, so were you. Naomi knew it too. The way you would bite your nails and freak out if he looked hurt during a match. You even once had tears streaming down your face, cause he looked like he was in so much pain.

_____

"It's sooo pretty look! Look Ro!" You had a massive smile on your face walking around this beautiful garden Roman cleared for the both of you. You held onto his arm tightly, leading him around the garden as if you had spent your whole life living there. He chuckled at your fascination in the flowers. He cleared his schedule to spend today with you and the smile on your face was all worth it. When he informed you he was taking you for a picnic, you chose the cutest little dress you owned. Roman couldn't keep his eyes off you the whole time barely sparing a glance at the garden.

"So baby, there's actually a reason I brought you here," Your turned around to his face looking serious, unlike the usual playfulness he usually felt when around you. "Whats the reason..?" Your question caused him to look almost nervous, his cheeks a little rosier then usual, it could be cause of the heat outside but the nervousness in his eyes told you the tribal chief really was nervous.

"C'mon Ro....your scaring me,” you whined. You hated when people tried to avoid questions. Whenever he wasn't his usual self around you, it made you feel a sudden hint of uneasiness. "Well..this is harder then I thought.."

He was stuttering all over the place, making you grow impatient and nervous. "Is- is it bad?" You asked with your pretty doe eyes peering up at him. "No- no it's not bad.."

"I'm in love with you..like a lot.." he mumbled while his cheeks became almost the brightest shade of pink. He looked at the floor while his lips were pressed against each other. That was not what you were expecting.

The largest smile engulfed your face as you giggled while standing on your tippy toes, to meet his lips. Your lips moulded perfectly against his, the softness bringing a new profound warmth between the two of you.

Pulling back with a even larger smile, you spoke your own truth. "I love you more Ro.."

Relief washed over his face before he also smiled so brightly. "I was so scared, I thought I'd scare you away.."

"Don't be silly you cutie! I love you sooo much!" You pulled him in for another kiss entangling your hands in his little ponytail, before continuing your adventure through the garden from a fairytale.

[miifu666]

Just a few doodles of how Wukong and Suklha would look like as parents. Of course, postpartum Suklha received a few scars and permanent changes. creating a child made of both extraterrestrial energy is NOT easy.

Heres my stupid thoughts of them + their lil kid (still haven't decided on her name). 😞😞 last one i found off of twitter, i thought it was fitting of them 😭

Artwork ©️ Miifu666

[nayaesworld]

Mafioso

Mafia!Terry Richmond x Black!OC (Marina Evans)

Warnings: SMUT, fluff, 18+ CONTENT

Part Three

Summary: An apologetic Terry has grown tired of he and Marina’s time apart. He does what he can to win back her affections, but he’s only a true winner if she accepts.

__

TERRY

That burn. That burn that Terry had welcomed for a week straight now. The buildup of lactic acid in his bulky biceps propelled him forward into his workout as he lifted the weights up and down, Kendrick rapping lyrics of black empowerment into his ear. The gold beats thumped with bass against the sides of his head locking him in further. But Kendrick’s lyrics and the loud drum of his heart couldn’t beat out the irritation of his actions last week.

He didn’t regret beating the man, only how he’d spoken to Marina afterwards. She didn’t deserve the bite in his voice, that was reserved for the ones that had wronged and slandered him and she had done no such thing. Terry was embarrassed and apologetic, overcome with a need to be at her feet begging. He missed their time together, their conversations, her touch. He had thought over a million ways to approach her and apologize and had pissed himself off with the ideas. Marina was different from any woman he had ever courted, she deserved a well put together and thoughtful apology.

Workout concluded and his mind on a hot shower, he headed out of his home gym and headed to his bedroom. A loud thump in his kitchen stopped him in his tracks. He was home alone and he didn’t have any TVs on in that area of his house.Something wasn’t right.He quietly pulled open the reeded glass door to the left of him and entered the code to his gun safe before carefully picking up the tan Glock 19. He crept slowly to the front of his house, breathing even and smooth as he checked every corner in his passing.

“Boy put that gun down and come help your mother, why are you all wet and filthy?’He sighed heavily to himself before placing the gun down gently on the mantle of his fireplace.

He kissed her cheek and helped her carry in the groceries and cases of water. “ I thought you were mad at me?”

” I was scared and disappointed. I just want what’s best for you..but you’re a grown man and you have been for quite some time.” He pulled out a seat at his kitchen island for her, and sat next to her.

”I understand that mama but I want what’s best for her, and regardless of anything your approval does matter to me.” Terry popped the cap from a cold bottle of water and leaned into his mother‘s touch.

”And how are you so sure you can offer that?”

”Carmen liked that savagery.” She continued. “That means streak in you..she often pulled it out of you, that’s how much she enjoyed it.”

” She’s not Carmen mama, I said that already. She doesn’t enjoy savagery and violence..I know that now because I made the mistake of showing that side of me and now she won’t speak to me. I owe her an apology”

” You’re so sure this girl is right for you and yet these things displease her. I haven’t heard from you in days, how am I to be sure that this isn’t just another bad emotional attachment to another woman that’s controlling your emotions?”

Terry exhaled deeply and took his mothers hand into his. She was cautious, he understood that but she needed to put his relationship with Carmen out of her mind just as he did.

” You can trust that because I’m your son, and I learn from all my mistakes. I would never repeat them, you can trust that I would never bring another mindless and disrespectful woman around you again. And when I make things official between me and her I want you to enjoy and care for her just as much as I do.”

She nodded her head and pulled him into a hug. “ I always trust you to make the right decision. Now go shower so you can help with dinner.”

—

Marina

Marina’s Saturday was already proving to be relaxing and she had plans of self care and binge watching the first season of The Last of Us while filling her belly with a savory ten piece from Wingstop. First on her To-Do list was a hot oil treatment. She had enjoyed the quick ease of her silk press and loved the length even more, but her scalp cried for moisture and she missed her curls. She placed her hair into a claw clip and tied the strings to her robe tightly, face freshly washed she applied her Dead Sea mud mask evenly around her face.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror and giggled to herself. Terry would’ve wanted to do the mask with her if he was there, he always loved to stand by and watch her beauty routine whenever they were with each other. Marina missed Terry, for all the days she ignored his texts and calls, she had wanted to pick up the phone and tell him that she missed him but she was stubborn. She was pissed with him, and had gone over countless mini arguments with herself on what she'd tell him. How she wanted to grip his goatee tightly in her hand and make him swear off ever acting like that in front of her again. How she would let his intense puppy dog eyes suck her right back into his clutches, where she was fighting so hard to be freed from.

The ringing of her doorbell snapped her from her stupor. This was the quickest DoorDash had ever delivered to her and she was eager to get a break and eat. She swung open her front door and was greeted with the man that had troubled her thoughts for the last week, the man she had growing affections for. The dark denim jeans hugged his muscled thighs and the black sweater loose and slightly cropped as his stomach peeked through slightly. Her bag of food hung in his manicured hands and a black envelope was nestled under his arm.

“You look beautiful Mari.” She sighed and rolled her eyes before reaching for her food.

“I look a mess..but your car looks fine. No dents or scratches.” He handed her her food before stepping closer to her.

“Marina, trust me I get it..if I’d seen something like that I wouldn’t be able to let it go either.”

“So why should I? Terry, you don’t understand how I felt in that moment, how afraid I was.”

“Marina, I owe you an apology and so much more. I can’t erase what I did from your mind, I can only spend time making it up to you if you’ll let me.”

She sighed heavily before she widened her door and let him in. She placed her food on her dining table and sat down, eyes watching as he took a seat next to her. He slid the sleek black envelope her way, hazel eyes burning into her heated cheeks. This is how she got pulled into his trap,his hypnotic eyes and lush pink lips softened the hard exterior she wanted to keep up.

“What’s this an NDA?” He remained unmoved by her snarky remark, a thick arched brow lifting and resting before he motioned for her to open the envelope.

She rolled her eyes before peeling the envelope open. A check for ten thousand dollars stared back at her. Her fingers gripped the paper waiting for the numbers to disappear and scurry away from her. Her face frowned slightly before she spoke.

“I don’t want to be bought Terry.”

“I’m not trying to buy you, I’m just trying to cherish you. Let me invest in you, and take care of you.” Take care of her..that’s what he wanted? Marina had only ever been taken care of by herself and her mother, she didn’t know what it would be like to let a man do it.

“Terry, this is a lot of money to give to someone randomly.”

“It’s not random and neither are you.”

“Take care of me..what would that be like? What would it feel like?” She felt him moving closer and his hand on her shoulder snapped her from her mini daydreaming session.

“Let me show you, lead the way.”

__

Terry

The sleeves of his thick cashmere sweater were rolled up to his elbows as he took his time spreading the aloe water detangler through Marina’s coarse strands. He took his time saturating her hair before taking the brush from ends to root in her inky dark hair. She sat quietly in front of him in her vanity chair as he twisted the last section of hair up. She placed a clear shower cap over the detangled sections before turning on her steamer to increase the moisture.

The mud mask had hardened and faded in color on her face and enhanced the shine of her eyes. That striking brown shade that twisted and bent him to her will without her even knowing it. She met his eyes in the mirror once more before she spun around to face him.

“I forgive you Terry. And I’ll keep the money, it seems I do have a use for it..but I want you to promise me that you won’t ever put me in a situation like that again, I won’t forgive you again.”

Terry pulled her to him and circled his arms around her waist, and pulled her flush against his chest. The soft velvety fabric of her robe soft under his rough palm. His mind drifted to what might lie beneath it, how her soft bronze skin would be in his grasp. How touching her would elicit a heat similar to flames beneath his skin, he wanted to touch her—ached to, but he was on her time. What she wanted he would give her.

“I promise..no more of me showing my ass like that around you. You’re a lady, I shouldn’t have been quick to do what I did. Can I kiss you?”

The quick subject change confuses her before she nods her head and allows his lips to capture hers. Terry never believed in butterflies or fireworks behind a kiss, the shit had always sounded fairytale like for him to ever get behind—but he felt something when he kissed Marina. Felt how warm her breath was against his face. How the hand he had pressed against her chest vibrated with the quickened thud of her heart. His free palm cupped the bag of her head forcing her face closer to his. His own heart hammered against his chest and his mind raced a mile a minute. Marina was his. Nobody could come between and nobody could deny him, because if they did he’d simply kill them. Dead people couldn’t give opinions.

“Marina…be mine. Let’s not let any more time pass, I want you…and I want you to want me too. I’m so so sorry for what I did..I’ll spend however long I have to apologizing to you, I don't care.”

“I’m yours Terry. I know you’re a good man..I know you’re sorry. But I’m scared-“

“Scared of what? What people will say? They’re opinions don’t matter to me Marina..only yours. Is it the age gap that you’re afraid of..I never want you to feel like I’m in a position to control you or stake a claim over you.”

They’re age gap would be a big factor of course he couldn’t deny that, but she was grown and he wasn’t some slimy old guy looking to prey on young women. He was enamored with Marina and respected her above all else, doing something to tarnish her reputation and identity as a woman wasn’t what this was.

“It is..I’ve never dated anyone this much older than me. I don’t want people getting the wrong idea about me..thinking that I’m just some young girl that’s hanging around for money. Not that I’m judging those who do..but that’s not what we are, right?”

“I believe the word for that would be sugar baby..and last I checked we didn’t come to any agreement about that sweetheart. As long as I know why you’re with me, I could care less about the ‘they’ of this world. Only you. And me.”

She stood there face covered in a mud mask and her hair slowly reverting under her shower cap and she agreed with him. Beautiful and at peace is how he wanted her…always. He could take a chance on her and try to carve out a slice of heaven in the hell he called his life. But this was scary, he couldn’t control the fate of whatever relationship they would have. And she wasn’t the men he ordered around..this was different and it required a softness from him that he wasn’t familiar with, but he was selfish in that regard.

“Just let me take care of you. The rest I promise we’ll get through together.”

Shortly after their talk Marina disappeared into her bathroom to wash her hair and shower and Terry sat down on the plush chair in the corner of her room. Face scrunched in irritation at the countless messages and phone calls left on his phone. He hated when they did this shit, they had the tools to move and operate without him being present and they insisted on running every little thing through him.

“-Speak and make it quick. I’m busy.” He listened to his cousin Semaj prattle on about shit he already knew. He knew had to go to New York for business, he knew who he was going to meet, and he knew how long he had to be there.

-“You just sat on my phone for two minutes and told me shit I already knew..what part of emergencies only didn’t you get Semaj?”

-“Man T you know you getting up there in age. We gotta refresh your memory every now and then..we ain’t exactly spring chickens, well I am..can’t say the same about you.” He hated the smirk that landed on his face, his stupid ass cousin always found a way to play on his phone.

“-Bye Semaj. Do your part, I know my role.” He hung up the phone and let the scent of Marina's body wash fill his nose.

It smelled like a cafe full of sweet treats. He imagined sniffing her skin and letting the sweet scent infiltrate his thoughts..just like it was now. He didn’t know why he got up and started towards her bathroom door, the steam rolling through the crack of the door like clouds in the wind. She was nothing but a blurry silhouette behind the glass door of her shower, hands scrubbing against her body at a pace that hypnotized him. He didn’t feel bad about watching her..didn’t feel bad about the way his hand nudged the door open further. He walked closer letting the steam surround him, his eyes still trying to peer into the glass for just a moment..just to be consumed by what was behind it.

“Terry? Is everything okay?” Caught. But it was too late to turn back. And he had no plans to.

“I-I just want to watch you..if you want me to leave I’ll go, but I’m not denying my attraction to you.”

The water switched off and the glass door opened revealing her wet nude body. God was a woman; he was sure of that. How could he ever deny her anything when she looked like this..looked at him like this. The heft of her breast and the swell of her belly..it all called to him. The way the water ran down her body and pooled in between her thighs, getting caught on the short hairs of her vulva. His tongue tingled in his mouth and spit began to collect, he had plans to eat tonight.

“I don’t want you to leave..what if I want you to watch me..stay the night please. For me?” She didn’t have to ask him because he had no plans of leaving her home tonight.

A plush towel wrapped around her naked body shielded her perfect body from him. Her wet hand reaching towards him to cup his wrist, the water slowly trickling down the length of his arm as a chill ran up his back. She pulled him towards her room and threw the towel in a nearby hamper, busying herself with selecting a lotion. She bent at the waist slightly heavy ass cheeks jiggling with each step, and he felt his jeans tighten around his crotch area, greed would be his downfall one day.. when it came to her he wanted it all.

The option of her choosing was thick and rich and had notes of toasted macadamia and tonka bean. As if he needed another reason to want to eat her alive. He slid off his sweater and his top half was left covered by a black beater, dark intricate tattoos peeking from beneath the thin fabric. He didn’t want anything in his way when his hands finally were able to massage her supple skin.

“I don’t know where tonight is headed for us..but I trust you. I trust that you’ll make me feel good.”

“I’ll give you that and then some. Marina there are things I want to do to you..things that can never leave this room, but tonight I just wanna taste you.”

—

Marina

Hazel eyes stared up at her from his place on his knees in front of her. Big warm hands gripped and groped her while simultaneously smoothing the lotion into her damp skin. The hot kisses he placed to her inner thighs made her stomach shift with anxious anticipation, he was close..so close to where she actually needed his lips. Waiting any longer for his mouth to touch her would result in her combusting, she was so wound up. Everything around her coaxes her further and further into euphoria. The way her hair fluttered against her skin like feathers, the hungry sucking motions from Terrys lips on her, the way her nipples hardened.. she wanted him until the sun came up the next morning.

“Terry..I need you now. If we wait any longer..I don’t wanna cum like this. I want your mouth on me when I do.”

“Marina, I’m moving slowly for you..but if you ask me to speed things up I won’t hold back. Not when you’ve been the object of my desire for this long, you feel that? That’s how I get when I’m around you.”

He gripped her wrist gently and she felt the heavy bulge under her palm, the sheer size of it soliciting a gasp from her. She went a step further and popped the button, sinking her hands into the boxer briefs. A soft thatch of hair running over her skin softly as she finally gripped his length fully. Too many words to explain what she was feeling right now, so she only thought of one; power. And she’d never felt like she had it quite like she did now.

Being lifted and tossed on her bed did little to pull her from her thoughts. Sex with Terry would be freeing, she had been abstaining from it since her twenty-fourth birthday, but she knew she wasn’t ready for penetrative sex tonight. Mentally she just wasn’t ready..but she wanted too so damn bad, but she knew better than to push herself so she’d take what Terry gave her tonight and let it drag her into an orgasmic stupor.

“When’s the last time you had your pussy ate Marina?” His fingertips softly touching the apex of her thighs, smoothing over her skin.

She couldn’t even answer his question because she didn’t remember. The last time it had been done to her she was left unfulfilled and overly annoyed, it was so bad that she had pushed it to the furthest parts of her mind and simply try to forget about it. She knew that there were men out there that could do it well and hoped that Terry was one of them.

“I-I can’t remember..but I remember not enjoying it. He was rushing and didn’t stay where I wanted him to long enough.”

He grunted to himself before moving to kick off his jeans. His bulky body moving back up the bed to capture her lips. “Do I look like the type of man to play with pussy and leave it wanting more? Or will I take this pussy in my mouth like this and make you cum?”

His tongue licked a strip from her weeping hole to her engorged lips. Fingers softly opening her up like a flower before pressing open mouth kisses to her, the sensation almost feeling like a suction when he’d withdraw his mouth. The continuous sensation forcing her shaking legs closed around his head.

“Keep them open or I'll do it for you..let me eat in peace.” His slimy tongue knocked against her pulsing opening a few times before meeting with her clit that began to peek from beneath its hood. She knew if he suckled it for too long she’d cum, she was sensitive to clitoral stimulation and it always gave her quick explosive orgasms.

But he did it anyway and her hands were on his head quickly, pushing softly at his forehead as her eyes itched to roll into her head. A stinging smack to her right thigh shocked her hands away and she hated that she looked down to catch his eyes.

“You wanna keep this pussy away from me..stop it. You don’t know how good this shit is, I’m never not gonna eat you..not when I can watch you fall apart like this.”

“It just- it feels so good.. I don’t think I can handle it anymore.”

Soft kisses to her inner thigh did a lot to soothe her racing mind. She didn’t want to deny herself this but what came next? What was next after that feeling in her stomach kept building, she was scared of how good he could make her feel.

“Then let’s find out. I’ll only go as far as you want me too Marina, but I’m only getting started..just trust me.”

His words brought her some peace and she smirked to herself before he resumed coaxing forward more of that sticky clear liquid from her. She’d glanced down and let his handsome face turn her on more, there couldn’t be anything better to her right now than his handsome chiseled face doused in her essence. The same essence that was pouring from her like a faucet, everything turned her on now. The wet sounds of his tongue swirling around, the grip on her thighs where she hoped he’d leave bruises, her own moans; it was all a recipe for the orgasm she felt approaching.

And when her toes began to curl and her breast bounced with her quickened breaths, she found herself pulling him closer instead of pushing him away. He stayed on that spot, pressing that button over and over again until her hoarse screams filled her bedroom followed by the sweet aftermath. Her low dazed eyes watched him move up to hover over her, his mouth and goatee still dripping from her. Still drunk on lust she jerks him closet by his neck, tongue tasting herself before she slid her tongue into his mouth.

“What about you?” As satisfied and worn as she was, she still thought about him. His thickening bulge more apparent now than it was before.

“Don’t worry about me Mari, just rest now.”

The soft peck to her nose seals the deal as she drifts off into an almost too easy slumber.

—

Marina

She awakens the next morning to a full bladder and an empty house. It’s early noon now and she’s eager to shower and dig into a late hearty breakfast. Her loose limbs complete her hygiene routine with ease and she lotions her body before sliding into a brown lounge set.

Her phone dings from its place on her kitchen counter and she’s eager to read a message from Terry.

-Good morning Marina.I stepped out early to take care of some business.I have some things being sent to your house, please accept them. You’ll be accompanying me on a trip to New York. We spent enough time apart so I want you to enjoy this trip on my dime. I’ll call you later.

She hearted the message and replied before smiling to herself. There was no way in hell she was denying herself a vacation, no matter how long they’d be gone. She needed it, hell deserved it even and taking this trio with Terry only sweetened the deal. She wanted to be around him, spending time and learning his likes and dislikes. Her healthy curiosity for him bled into the obvious attraction she had for the man, a blind man could see how beautiful that man was and she was way past ignoring what she really wanted out of life.

Halfway through her late breakfast her doorbell went off. Her Ring app revealed a tall man dressed in a suit holding a few bags in his hands. She walked to the door and opened it, coming face to face with the man where she noticed a name tag; Stephano.

“Good afternoon noon Mam. Are you Ms.Marina Evans?” A slight Italian accent graces her ears before she nods her head.

“Ok great! I’ll just have you sign here..and here. Alrighty you have a good day mam!”

After signing the electronic pad she bids him farewell before taking in the five designer bags filled to the brim. Two of the bags are from Chanel and she gasped loudly at the purses before moving to pull the dresses from the bad next, the fabric feeling expensive and luxurious against her skin. The next two are shoe boxes that carry Christian Louboutin heels, her fingers tracing the red bottom of the Patent Leather Mules before the Sandale Du Desert 100MM Satin Heels caught her eyes and slowly became her favorite. How he had manned to shop for her and executed style so perfectly she did not know, maybe he took a peek into her closet or a look on her socials but he was spot on.

The mast bag smaller size grabbed her attention. A black square case with a small button on the front. Opening the case slowly, she let her hands come up to cover her mouth in surprise. The diamonds were staring back at her as she was almost scared to touch them. A 14K White Gold Chevron Eternity Necklace sparkled and shimmered against the natural light in her living room. She had never seen something so visibly expensive up close and personal before; and she owned it. She snatched her phone from its place on the floor to call Terry, but another ring to her doorbell cut her off.

This time she didn’t check her Ring app and instead opted for looking through her peephole. Her mother stood on the other side. And a slight feel of anxiety washed over her, her mother didn't know about Terry. It was still too soon to tell her now, but she knew any old answer would not suffice with her mother. She’d always expected the truth from Marina. And when she opened the door to greet her, she inwardly winced as her mothers eyes swept over the bags on the floor and landed on the diamonds on her couch.

“Marina..what is all this?” She wanted to lie, and wanted to so badly. But that’s not how she wanted to do this.

“They’re from a uh-a friend. A relatively new one, but a friend nonetheless.” She saw the look on her mothers face and knew what would be said next.

“What kind of friend is buying you designer clothes and bags—and are those diamonds?”

“Ma I’m grown, just trust me. This isn’t anything to worry about, you know me.”

That seemed to be enough for her for now and she moved on from it as Marina moved all the bags into her room. She talked with her mother and caught her up on recent work, her mother doing the same. They went out for lunch shortly after before they parted ways and Marina headed back home, but not before noticing her driveway being once again occupied by that X6

—

Terry

Terry left Marina’s house that morning satisfied in a way he hadn’t felt sexually in a while. He was no stranger to the act of pussy eating and had honed his skills years ago between the legs of another woman. But Marina… he spent the drive home sniffing his lip, her scent still trapped in his beard lightly wafting out as his ac pushed out cool air. It took everything in him to wash his beard in the shower as he scrubbed his body, his dick slowly rising amidst the steam of the shower. Just the thought of her, the smoothness of her inner lips..it was all embedded into his mind, scribbled on the front of his brain like a happy memory. Choking his dick to her was pleasure reincarnated, and he had to grip the shower wall a few times to save himself from almost slipping and busting his ass.

And when his nut swirled down the drain with the suds he stepped his spent body out of the shower to finish his hygiene routine. He spent the remainder of his morning shopping and picking out items to send to Marina’s home. A few luxury pieces that would tie together their time in New York. A mixer in Upper Manhattan was pulling him away for work, he hated these events most times. He had to socialize with a bunch of men he could care less about outside of making millions. But not showing wasn’t an option, it would look bad on his part and it would open doors for his position to be challenged. And that was never gonna happen. So he would go, show his face, and make possible new connections but anything beyond that they knew better to ask of him.

By eleven am he had cooked and prepared lunch for him and Marina and he was out the door heading back to her house. He wanted to talk more about New York in person. He sped safely throughout traffic and perked up when her neighborhood came into view. He grabbed the tupperware of warm food in his hand before stepping out and being greeted by Marina also pulling into her driveway. He was right on time.

Her black curls blew lightly in the wind and her eyes smiled behind her black frames, his arms opening as she came in for a hug. Her thick hair tickled his face as he kissed the top of her head rocking her lightly in his arms. Her arms stayed around his waist as they walked into her house.

“Missed me already Smiley?”

He sighed in content at the mention of his nickname, things felt back to normal between them and he would never let anything create a wedge between what they were building.

“I did and I wanted to chat with you about New York. Did you like your gifts?” He moved to place the food on her kitchen island before walking back into the living room to sit next to her.

“Liked doesn’t really cover how I felt about them..I can’t wait to wear everything and enjoy this time away with you. Thank you.”

He wasted no time running down the who,what,when, and where of their trip. He had a full blown itinerary planned for them outside of the mixer. She locked onto every word eager for next Friday to arrive so that the two of them could depart. An impromptu game of dress up had Marina clad in the items that Terry purchased for her, her body even more dangerous when it was draped in the finest. One too many twirls in front of Terry had his face currently back in between her legs as she yelped and purred. Her thighs met her chest as his tongue dipped into the tight confines of her ass next, he accompanied one great feeling with another and his middle finger slowly slid into her soaked pussy.His phone vibrated next to his head made him growl into his meal. Disturbing him while he had a face full of Marina was a death wish.

Semaj: Caught up with Scotty and you won’t believe the shit this nigga is talking. He’ll be at the warehouse, I want him to tell you this shit to your face

Terry read the message twice before locking his phone and tossing it to the other side of the couch. Work found him at the oddest times and he would make his way to the warehouse to see what that shit was about. But something deep down inside him told him he wouldn’t like the answers he got. So he lowered his head back between her legs and continued feasting, pussy was more important at the moment.

__

Taglist: @theereinawrites @ch33z3grits @bimbosnbutterflies2026 @kirayuki22 @kenshisluvrgirl @rawflwrs @ranikyani @blyffe @23jammy @keehendrixx @ovohanna24 @venusincleo @writingsbytee @simplyzeeka @saraiscollection @blowmymbackout @kimuzostar @playgurlxoxo @megamindsecretlair @keyaho @brattyfics @henneseyhoe @nahimjustfeelingit-writes

[harmshake]

Featuring: Roman Reigns x Ivy (Black Fem OC) Word Count: 3.8k Warnings: 18+, NSFW, language, angst, we're world-building here, folks, a nice, slow burn before shit gets diabolical...hope you enjoy!

Happy reading! Read more Roman fics by me or msbigredmachine, if you'd like! ✨

“Baby, hurry up and put Duchess in her kennel so we can go. You don’t wanna be late for school, right?” Ivy said softly over her shoulder to her daughter. That girl was doing everything but scooping up the little teacup terrier pup she gifted her for her 6th birthday a few months ago. Instead, she turned around to see Zaia kicking her little feet as she sat on the couch and tapped on her iPad, bopping her head to make her braided ponytails and blue bobos swing and clack against her The Little Mermaid—the Halle Bailey version, of course—headphones. 

Before that, she was bouncing around the living room with Duchess, both of them too hyper after breakfast, strawberry toaster strudels for Zaia, as it was the only thing she would want to eat some mornings, and beef kibbles for the pup. They were adorable and Ivy loved to see her kiddo and Duchess’s cute self excited for the day, but, Lord, it was seven a.m. and Ivy hadn’t even made her coffee yet trying to keep up with them.

She sighed but smiled to herself because of course her daughter hadn’t heard her, too busy blasting that Bluey theme song she was obsessed with lately. She wiped her hands on a kitchen cloth and placed it on the counter in front of her, finishing making herself and Zaia turkey sandwiches with chips and a side of baby carrots for lunch that she quickly packed in their lunchboxes before she strolled over to her daughter with a tap on her tiny shoulder. She whipped her big, brown eyes up at her then and yanked one side of her headphones off to nearly squeal, “Mama, you scared me!”

“Well, I’m sorry but it’s time to go, baby. Will you get Duchess into her kennel?” Ivy reminded her again and crossed her arms over her chest in her purple scrubs. Just then, the puppy scurried across the wooden floor with a black sock in her mouth, frantically trying to hop on Zaia’s lap to make her play with her and the sock that Ivy saw then belonged to Angelo who was still fast asleep upstairs. “Down, girl! And gimme this,” Ivy scowled at Duchess and gently wrestled the sock away from her surprisingly powerful gnaw, pointing to the kennel across the room near the fireplace for Zaia to leap up with a “yes ma’am” and take the dog with her. She watched her daughter fuss with the lock on the spacious cage that could fit Duchess’s doggy bed, puppy pad, water, and food bowls, and let out a small sigh of relief that all of their fuss didn’t wake up her child’s father who was absolutely not a morning person like the rest of the house.

“Can we play the Bluey song in the car?” Zaia asked beside her as they stood outside on the porch, Ivy locking the door and tossing her fingers through the loose but thick, dark afro curls on her head. She gave her baby a wry, teasing smile and made her giggle, because she knew just as well as Ivy that she’d heard just about enough damn Bluey to go out of her mind. 

Yet as they started to walk to Ivy’s Kia Carnival in the driveway, she found herself nodding her head to Zaia’s question, making her daughter squeal in delight again and prance ahead of her to the minivan. Ivy could have squealed herself because the autumn air was quite brisk today, the breeze seeping right through her wool cardigan. Zaia looked unphased in her blue puffer jacket as she climbed into the front seat—and she was equally unphased by the loud clunk that rang out next door as something heavy hit the pavement. 

The sound caught Ivy’s attention, though, her eyes shooting to her left as usually she and Zaia were the first ones active this early in the quiet, little suburban neighborhood. This part of Connecticut she noticed mainly housed retired white folks who slept in or appeared on their porches with their golf caddy bags in tow when the sun was a little higher in the cloudy sky. It was part of the reason why Ivy chose this area to settle down in three years ago: It was tranquil with no drama or noise. None from her neighbors and none from her child’s father…even though he eventually followed her here to “make amends” and see to it that they pretend to live together as a “happy family.”

While Angelo did have a key to her home for emergencies, he was not on the mortgage. However, it looked like someone next door must have just gotten his keys and became a homeowner as the loud clunk was from a couple of youngish looking movers doing their best not to drop the corner of a hefty and huge chestnut dresser again. It looked regal and expensive, too, yet Ivy noticed its owner kept a straight face as he stood off to the side on his freshly-cut lawn—she heard and saw the team of mowers and leaf-blowers yesterday afternoon—with one hand in the pocket of his brown slacks and the other around a mug of coffee as he held it to his mouth. 

“Uh, sorry, Mr. Reigns,” one of the movers hiccupped an apology as they scrambled past him and up the stairs of his wraparound porch to haul it inside. Mr. Reigns was tall enough that Ivy could see him towering over the white-picket fence between them. She could see the expression on his face was still placid even though the movers looked wary to have potentially scuffed his furniture. And he was tall enough that he could see Ivy being nosy as she slowly walked to her minivan, his face breaking with emotion then as a small, handsome smile pulled at his lips.

“Not a problem, boys. Just be a little more careful if you can.” Mr. Reigns sounded sophisticated and calm with a tip of his mug at them before he tipped his chin directly at Ivy. The smile was still on his lips as he slipped his hand from his pocket and through the air with a little wave at her. “Good mornin’, neighbor.”

“Oh! Morning.” Ivy waved back with her keys attached to her lavender, fuzzy ball keychain dangling in the air. Her eyes flitted to it and for some reason it made her feel as awkward as her voice seemed to sound out of nowhere, all pitchy and coy as the man’s smile grew bigger and as he walked closer to the fence. Ivy didn’t mean to make eye contact or strike up a conversation with him because she had to get Zaia to elementary school and herself to the hospital before both of them ran late…and before Angelo woke and ran up his temperature seeing Ivy conversing with another man.

But the way Mr. Reigns briefly ran his eyes along her curves that were well-defined in her clingy scrubs that had shrunk after so many washes, Ivy felt herself smiling back at him. He was quite the looker, too, with his long, dark hair that he swept off his strong, bearded jaw into a low bun that sat above broad shoulders in his cream-colored cashmere sweater. All of him was broad, Ivy noted now that he stood less than ten feet away, his body built with muscles like he was some kind of athlete. It made her wonder what he was doing here in a retirement neighborhood when he looked about her age, mid 30s, and clearly in shape to still be playing football or whatever it is he did.

However, she would not be finding out because she didn’t have the time to ask as Zaia peeked her head out of the car door to whine, “Mama, didn’t you say I was gonna be late for school? We have to go right now, right?” That made Mr. Reigns chuckle and Ivy blush as she nodded at her daughter, readjusting the straps of her purse and lunchbox on her shoulder. 

“I’m coming, baby,” Ivy chimed and shot the man to her left with a sympathetic look. “I’m Ivy, by the way. Your only neighbor with a kid. Nice to meet you, Mr. Reigns, is it?”

“Roman,” he said with another sip of his coffee and another smile that he first pointed to her and then to Zaia as he called to her. “Sorry for the hold up, little lady. Have a good day at school.”

Zaia mumbled her thanks with a bashful grin before she shut the door again and Ivy could see her iPad lighting up through the tinted windows with what had to be Bluey before she glanced at Roman again when he cooed with that handsome smile, “I hope you have a good day, too. Don’t work too hard.”

It was Ivy’s turn to chuckle as not working too hard wasn’t an option as an assistant head nurse and mom. She glimpsed past him to the movers who looked a little wobbly on their knees trying to carry a glass coffee table with a marble base from the vast moving truck parked along the curb. Not only did Roman sound sophisticated but he apparently had sophisticated taste in décor, too. “Thanks, but tell that to them. Hope they don’t have to work overtime if they drop that thing.”

Roman’s eyes followed her gaze before they flowed back to her, wrinkling at the sides as he grinned and stroked at his bearded chin. “Ah. I think those two are new on the job so I won’t hound on ’em. Besides, it’s too early on this beautiful day to be anything but blessed to be alive. But if you don’t mind, I gotta say…the day isn’t half as beautiful as you.” 

The bass in his voice was beautiful and made Ivy fit to blush, but the blood surging to her cheeks burned with nerves when she heard another muffled voice inside her home. It was Duchess yapping with tiny barks which meant Angelo had to be awake and in her sights as she strained to get his attention so he’d free her from her kennel. The last thing Ivy needed before starting her day was the bullshit he would stir if he caught her grinning and skinning from Roman’s compliment, so she swiftly thanked him and said goodbye so she could finally duck into her minivan where Zaia waited for to crank the engine and stereo for her song before she asked, “Who was that man, mama?”

“He’s our new neighbor. He was friendly, wasn’t he?” she replied and Zaia nodded as Ivy adjusted her rearview mirror to back out of her driveway. The morning sun was a hazy, orange glow that barely shone behind the clouds, but she could see Roman standing on his side of the fence where she left him as he watched her take off down the road, his friendly, warm smile never withering from his handsome face.

Three cups of coffee. That’s what it took to get Ivy through the work day. Two during the hectic hours of the morning that blurred together as Ivy tended to her paperwork leftover on her desk from last night, as well as ripping and running around the several floors of the south wing of the hospital to help her nurses pass meds and tend to patients because they were short-staffed; and one more cup with her lunch that technically could have been dinner because she didn’t get to sit down again and eat until well after four p.m. 

She was thankful that she checked off most of the items on her to-do list that Tuesday, and that at least she didn’t have to get pulled away to pick up Zaia. If Angelo was good for anything, and that wasn’t very many things, he was helpful when it came to their daughter. Ivy knew he loved their baby girl just as much as she did, hell, it was the reason he thought he could still force himself into her life as he knew she needed his help taking care of Zaia. And not financially, as Ivy was lucky her job paid the bills and kept food on the table. But parentally, as Zaia loved her dad and would notice if he went away. 

Lord knows Ivy tried to get them both away from him so she could raise her on her own and without the influence of her overbearing father…but that overbearing nature of his was reserved for Ivy exclusively—because to Zaia, he was perfect in every way. Ivy knew that was exactly his tactic: Be a good dad to keep them all together, no matter how many times she told his aggravating ass that they were not a couple anymore. It didn’t matter if they still slept together sometimes…sex to blow off steam would never solidify them.

It’s why she cursed under her breath when she saw his Lexus still on the curb when she backed into her driveway after getting home from work late that afternoon. He could have called her best friend, Gemini, to come over and babysit so he could take his behind back to his house across town. Ivy shook her head which was beginning to pound as she put her minivan in park and thought to grab her bags and cardigan from the passenger seat. She was in no hurry to go inside now since there was no telling what mood Angelo would be in. His temperamental ass liked to argue about the stupidest things, especially when she attempted to kick him out because it only gave him more time in her face and place.

She quietly closed the door of her vehicle, hoping he and Zaia were upstairs in her bedroom playing Mario Party on the Nintendo he bought her last month, or something loud enough that they didn’t hear her arrival. Ivy let out a deep breath as she leaned against the door and tilted her aching head back onto the window, wishing she had more energy to deal with him properly but, alas, the long work day had drained her of it. That was essentially the problem every day, another tactic Angelo used against her to keep her complacent. She was no dummy and no one’s fool, but she was tired and just wanted to keep the peace over sapping the rest of her energy on fighting with the only fool under her roof.

“Hey, Ivy? You alright?”

Roman’s deep voice startled her from her thoughts as her eyes popped open and spotted him lounging on his porch in one of his wooden outdoor chairs. The matching side table in between it and the other one balanced the same mug she saw him sipping from that morning, and she wondered where he worked and if he needed just as many cups of coffee to see the day through. 

Before Ivy could respond, he eased up from his chair and off his porch altogether to stand nearish to her across the picket fence like earlier today. His deep brown eyes had a soft glint to them even in the low light of the sun starting to go down, studying her with concern just as soft as he added with a teasing, little smile, “Thought I told you to have a good day…what happened?”

She knew he was trying to make her smile, too, as she wiped a hand over her face trying to hide how his efforts worked. “You said you hoped I had a good day. Not the same thing. But I’m alright. I just have a little headache.”

Her voice was hushed with that apprehension that it might travel into her house that her gaze floated to, and Roman seemed to notice as he murmured with a tip of his chin to where she hastily looked, “Everything okay in there?”

“Yeah. Yes. All good,” Ivy said almost immediately. She didn’t know this man to be talking to him about her problems, and no matter how friendly he was, she wasn’t sure she wanted to talk to him much longer when she heard the distinct sound of a door closing in her home. She waited a beat, waited for a safe silence to fall back into the air, before she quickly added, “Are you good? All moved in? I don’t see the truck there. That was pretty fast.”

Roman let his concerned eyes linger on her before he let his shoulders down in his black thermal shirt and nodded his head once. “Ah, yeah. The new boys worked out well. Got the furniture in and most of my boxes out of storage. I’m leavin’ a few in there, though…don’t have the time or the emotional energy to sort through those just yet.”

That deep voice of his lowered with a subtle quake at the latter half of his words, his eyes shooting down to his feet for a moment and making Ivy’s chest pull tight as she recognized that look. That feeling. Grief. She didn’t know what grief he was dealing with and, just like she thought for herself, he didn’t know her well enough to share so she decided not to ask about it. However, she did ask softly, “I understand…are you liking your new home, though? It was empty for about four months which is rare for this neighborhood. These old folks love to buy up some property around here.”

The sound of his chuckle was quiet yet rich, his gaze slowly meeting hers again with his handsome smile that made her chest flutter with her heartbeat this time. She hadn’t felt that kind of sensation since god knows when, the sensation intensifying when Roman said to her, “I like it a lot. I knew I picked a good place to call home before I stepped foot in it. Didn’t know my neighbor would be someone lovely like you, though.”

“That’s twice now you’ve complimented me and we just met…slow your roll,” Ivy uttered with a blush that he couldn’t see on her deep brown skin, but damn it if it didn’t make her blush harder the longer he gazed into her eyes before he shrugged with a cute grin.

“Oh, so it’s too soon to tell you nice things about yourself? Feel free to compliment me and catch up, then,” Roman replied, smirking, and she giggled. But that giggle turned into a small gasp when Ivy heard another door in her home, the front door as it swung open. And she didn’t have to turn around, nor did she have the time to, to know who it was barging around her minivan with the bullshit.

“When’d you get home, baby? And who is this?” It was almost like the shadows of the evening rolled in with Angelo who loomed over Ivy as she watched her sensored porch lights pop on to combat those pesty shadows. Yet nothing would get rid of this pest because he was stubborn and even slid his arm around her waist like it would prove he was right where he needed to be, and that it was Roman out of place as he glared at the man over the fence. 

“Name’s Roman. I’m Ivy’s neighbor. Who are you?” Roman spat back. The composed and sophisticated man from this morning seemed to slightly disappear as his narrowed eyes landed on Angelo’s fingers curled around Ivy’s hip before he looked dead in her eyes yet asked gently, “Is this the headache you mentioned?”

The concern that returned to his voice was gentle, too, but Ivy’s eyes still widened that he would say such a thing that implied anything to set Angelo off—which it absolutely did as he snatched his hand off her to shove it towards Roman as he asserted, “I’m her man, nigga. So, I’mma ask again…who the fuck do you think you are talkin’ to my woman?”

Roman let out a mocking laugh as he growled, “Boy, who the hell do you think you’re talkin’ to is the better question?”

“Ange, cut it out before Zaia hears you,” Ivy hissed at Angelo and yanked on his sweater sleeve as he took a couple of steps in front of her like he wanted to step to Roman who seemed to stand even taller than before. But it was too late as she heard Zaia shrieking with a laugh and Duchess barking as the two of them tumbled outside.

“Daddy left the door open! Duchess got out! C’mere, girl!” Their daughter almost tripped over her little Nike shoelaces that were slightly untied as she must have thrown them on in a hurry to catch Duchess who ran circles around her. Ivy exclaimed for her to be careful and tugged at Angelo’s sleeve again with a little more force since he and Roman didn’t move or break the staredown they were locked in, even when Zaia piped up behind them, “Daddy, help me! Daddy?”

“Don’t do somethin’ stupid in front of your daughter. You hear her callin’ you, don’t you?” Roman asserted with his arms folded on his wide chest, his words grating through his teeth before he seemed to relax as his eyes looked over to Zaia. It made Angelo snap out of it and look back at her, too, as she came running with Duchess in her hands.

“You have to hold her now ’cause she got out ’cause of you,” Zaia demanded in her sweet, little voice, making a reluctant grin touch Angelo’s face—and Ivy knew it was reluctant because she could see his nostrils still somewhat flared, straining not to say another word to Roman in her presence. 

“Yes, ma’am,” Angelo said as coolly as he could to their daughter instead, picking up the pup she shoved at him before she yanked at his clothes, too, the hem of his sweater, to drag him back inside the house. She tossed another demand up at him about ice cream and he did his best to toss a glare at Roman as he left, but not without muttering to Ivy, “Let’s go, ma.”

He wouldn’t pick up his feet much without Ivy following him, even as Zaia dug her heels into the grass to move him, and Ivy tried not to roll her eyes. Yet she did let them remain on Roman’s for less than a second as she walked away with her family, that little second feeling much longer as just like this morning, Roman’s eyes stayed fixed on her. Although his serious look suddenly softened when Angelo turned his back on him as a hint of his warm smile appeared for her. 

A warm smile that told Ivy should she get another headache, Roman was just next door and a knock away to soothe it.

. . .

The Boy Next Door: Chapter One

Thanks for reading and thanks again to this anon for the story idea. Your replies and reblogs would be much appreciated if you enjoyed!

Read chapter two here on msbigredmachine's blog. And join our TBND tag list here, if you wanna! ❤️

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[kabishkat19]

Do you have any Kung Fu Panda shippings? If so, I wouldn't mind seeing their nextgen children.

I’ve always been a Po x Tigress shipper but because the Non/Disney NextGen is only involving canon couples I didn’t put them on the list. (Don’t hate me I know)

But! That doesn’t mean I don’t have a little cute story for Po…

Meet the moon bear Lú Nà (Story still to be determined)

[c-nstellati-ns]

whenever these two have an argument and want to figure out who wins, they fight to near death about it to see who is right despite it being an obvious answer

( conquest absolutely loves it ) ( archivist thinks it’s a waste of time ) ( the gda is Very Scared )

[meo-eiru]

Elias can’t be the only one who keeps getting new outfits for my good night doodles

I kinda wanna actually color this in the future

[tricksterringmaster]

Corvus at Lunarry wedding 🥺❤

I remembered that moment from the Office after watching one comedic "bridesmaid who hates the groom" reel and was like "oh, Corvus WOULD say that thing from the Office"

[kawaiigirly21]

Conquest and his unbothered Viltrumite wife who others expect to keep him in line but in reality, she's just as blood thirsty as him. She just hides it better. Think of Meryl Streep in the Devil wears Prada. We stan a queen who doesn't even spare her fellow Viltrumites half a glance. The only men worthy of her gaze is the emperor Thragg and even then she really only truly gives her full attention to her husband. She too cares little for the betterment of the empire and only attends missions to watch her husband bring civilizations to their knees. Whatever makes her hubby happy

[romanreignsbae]

cookie monster - R.R

a/n: sorry guys..i did not end up proofreading this, but i’ve had it in my drafts for a while…hope you enjoy!!!

It was 4:45 AM when you woke up, blinking groggily into the darkness. The house was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that only comes in the dead of night. You shifted in bed, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. Roman would normally be up by now, preparing for his early start, but tonight it seemed like the quiet had settled deeper than usual.

You couldn't shake the craving. The idea had crept in just before you drifted off, and now, it was all you could think about…fresh, warm cookies. You tossed the covers aside and slipped out of bed, the cool air of the house instantly hitting your skin, as the massive t-shirt you had stolen from your husband would only suffice. You padded down the hallway, your feet covered in your pink cozy socks barely made a sound on the hardwood floor. The kitchen light flicked on with a softly as you entered, the gleam of the counters reflecting off the light.

A mix of excitement and guilt stirred in your chest. You knew you shouldn’t be making cookies at this hour, it wasn’t exactly the healthiest choice, and Roman would definitely question your late-night baking habit. But you were already at the counter, gathering ingredients. Flour, sugar, butter. You went through the motions, finding comfort in the familiar process. The rhythm of mixing flour into butter and sugar, cracking eggs, and watching it all come together in perfect, into creamy dough, soothed you in a way nothing else did.

The scent of vanilla filled the air as you preheated the oven, the dough now ready to be scooped and placed on the baking sheet. It was all so easy, so relaxing, yet the weight of knowing Roman would probably wake up soon pressed on your chest. He had always been an early riser, up by 6 AM without fail.

You were just about to put the first batch into the oven when you heard it, the soft creak of the stairs, followed by the shuffle of footsteps. Your heart jumped, and you spun around, almost knocking over the flour jar. There, standing in the doorway, was Roman. His hair was messy, his shirt rumpled, his eyes barely open.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice rough with sleep. His gaze flicked to the counter, where the half-baked cookies lay, and then back to you. You froze, suddenly feeling a lump in your throat. “I- yeah, I just couldn’t sleep. Felt like making cookies” you said weakly, your hands trembling slightly as you reached for the dough scoop again.

Roman’s eyes softened as he stepped closer. “It’s 3 AM. Why didn’t you wake me up?” You felt the guilt tighten in your chest. “I didn’t want to bother you” you muttered, avoiding his gaze.

He chuckled, the sound warm and comforting despite the late hour. “You know I’m always here, right? Even at 3 AM for cookies.” You gave a small laugh, the tension in your shoulders easing just a little. Roman walked over, pulling up a chair at the kitchen island. He took a seat, rubbing his eyes as he looked at the mess you’d made. The flour on the counter. The half-finished cookies. You had only just started.

“I’ll help” he said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. You raised an eyebrow, feeling a strange mixture of relief and embarrassment. “You sure? You’ve got to wake up in a few hours.”

He shrugged, already pulling up his sleeves. “I’m fine. Besides, I’d rather be here with you than worrying about getting enough sleep. Let’s get these cookies baked.”

So, the two of you worked together in the soft glow of the kitchen light, laughing quietly as you rolled the dough into perfect little balls and placed them on the tray. Roman’s hands were surprisingly quick for someone who had just woken up, and you couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly he fell into the rhythm with you. You loved the way your husband was always down for your stupid shenanigans.

As the cookies baked, the smell wafting through the house became even more irresistible for your hungry ass. The two of you settled on the couch, each holding a warm plate of freshly baked cookies, crumbs already dotting the corners of your mouths as you both dug into the treat.

You put on the notebook, and oldish movie which was one you both had seen a dozen times, but it didn’t matter. It was your favourite which meant so was it Roman’s. You began drifting into deep thought of the fact your poor husband was woken up to help you bake freaking cookies out of all things. “I’m sorry” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.

“For what?” Roman asked, his voice still gentle, even though you knew how little sleep he was getting. “For waking you up. I didn’t mean to keep you up late.” Roman smiled softly and kissed your forehead. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad I could be here with you. Just next time, maybe we can do this... before 4 AM?”

You chuckled, your heart swelling with warmth. “Deal.” In the quiet of the night, with nothing but cookies and a cheesy movie, you realized that Roman was all you could ask for in life.

[miifu666]

Sorry for the lack of art and stuff, im a bit burnt out. Also i think this acc got shadowbanned or smg... i cant reply to anyones or even comment 😭😭😭 already emailed tumblr support but might take a while eughrgh.

I reached 100 followers!!! 🥺 Thank you so much to everyone who's been liking, reblog, comment and asking about suklha 🫶🫶🥺🥺🥺 i really appreciate it and love it!!! Dont be shy if any of you wanted to send an ask! Besides its the only way i can communicate for now till tumblr support helps me

Planning to write more about the both of them- DONT GET BORED YALL

Artwork ©️ Miifu666