Two weeks passed after that day. Michael refused to be bothered by anything that wasn't school or practice. He was still upset about all the drama and wouldn't so much as look Naomi in the eyes. He only hung around Alex and Rory, especially Rory. He told her everything that happened and she frowned her face up.
Rory knew that Naomi was weird and a bit spoiled but making up a rumor was crossing the line. She wished she was there to see the girl get her consequences. Alas she had to go home and tend to her own family. She would make a mental note to not make conversation with the girl until Michael was ready. She was a girls girl first or in this case a boys girl?
That same night when Michael got home he told you and Benito everything. He paced around the room as he told you both about the first encounter. Pushing him into a closed off classroom, accusing him, mentioning his mother. You put your hands over your mouth in shock. You couldn't believe what you were hearing.
Benito visibly became upset because of the young girl's accusation. Benito couldn't stand there and let his son's reputation slip because of someone he thought was Michael's friend. So he suggested that they take it to the principal but Michael didn't think that would work. The history of her having a crush on Benito and possibly still liking him gives her leverage. He didn't want to risk that.
You didn't want that either but you did want to have a sit down with Naomi or her parents. This was absolutely ridiculous and downright disgusting. You wanted to defend yourself and Michael. You decided to talk to her parents about it since the situation has only escalated. It's part of your responsibility as a teacher.
Michael had to let you, especially when it was this harmful. He let you and Benito handle it, it was now out of his hands. He didn't want to be involved anymore. Not with her, not with her friends, not at all. He would try his best to stay away.
He put down his uno card as he crossed his legs. "I've been thinking…"
Rory patiently waited for him to continue. He was his same standoffish self when he talked about himself. Except, this situation made him even more closed off however, she was patient. She gets it though the life of a teen was complicated. It was a vicious cycle.
"I kind of want a change of scenery." He told Rory making her eyebrows raise.
"Really? Like moving?" She asked as she placed her card down.
He shook his head as he sighed. "No. I wanna go visit home for a while. Might help with my funk."
"Wait…no way! You mean Puerto Rico!?" She shouted excitedly. He stared at her like she had two heads before nodding slowly.
"Where else?" He asked her as he breathed a laugh. She shrugged.
"I don't know I kind of thought you were saying it's home because your dad is from there." She explained as she slapped down her final card. "UNO OUT!"
She laughed as she stuck her tongue out to taunt Michael. "You got lucky because you you caught me off guard."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." She sighed as she picked up all the cards. "So, when do you plan on leaving?"
He shrugged as he melted into the carpeted floor. "If I could leave right now I would."
"Oh! Can I come? I've never been to an island like that." Rory spoke with excitement as she stared over Michael. Her hands on her knees to keep her balance.
Michael snorted. "There's no way your dad is letting you go to an island with a boy he's never met."
Rory pouted but knew he wasn't completely wrong. Her father was always working and not really paying her much attention. She was sick of sitting in this house everyday. She wanted to do something new and exciting. Michael stared back at her with a sideways smile as if to apologize for leaving her here.
On queue, keys jiggled into the lock of the front door. "Aurora, I'm home!" A deep voice sounded making Michael jump up and nearly bump heads with Rory.
"Dad, hey." She said as she spun around to face him. He looked down into the open living room to see Michael standing up.
"Hi sir, I'm Michael. Rory's friend." Michael held out his hand to the taller man who squinted at him. He took Michael's hand and shook it firmly.
"Friend huh? Well it's nice to meet you. She don't bring many friends 'round here." He spoke with a twang to his voice. Michael tried to pin point where he was from.
"How long you both been friends?" He asked as he sat on the couch. Rory swallowed going to speak before Michael could.
"Actually—"
"We've been friends for almost two months now, sir." Michael answered leaving Rory stunned. Her father just nodded slowly.
"Have you now? Haven't heard much about you, son." Rory's father grunted as he shifted in his seat. Rory was visibly becoming upset.
"Because you're not here to hear it. Come on Michael." She dragged him towards the front door where they put their shoes on. Her father quietly laughed to himself. He knew their relationship was strained but he didn't know how to fix it. "Come over for dinner Sunday. I'll make a better first impression then." He called after them.
Michael agreed before he was yanked away by Rory. The door shut and they walked down the steps of her porch. "Aurora, huh?" She pushed him causing him to laugh.
"Not funny. It's so old ugh." She grimaced before Michael stopped laughing. He eyed her as she kept her focus forward. "It's pretty though; like the princess, y'know?"
Rory looked up at him briefly before she chewed on her lip. "My mom named me."
"Well, I like her choice." He complimented her as they continued to walk in silence. Rory was glad he couldn't see the tips of her ears grow red. He was really sweet and something about what he said touched her heart.
Meanwhile Benito was on the phone with his mother. She was so happy to speak with him, especially since she didn't see him as much as she would like to. She was gushing over pictures of Michael that Benito sent to her. She couldn't believe he had got so big before her eyes. She remembered when she first held him.
"Oh, Dios mío, mi bebé se está haciendo tan grande." She coos at the picture of Michael at his last game.
"Es el mejor jugador de fútbol de su escuela." He told his mother proudly as she pouts at the photo.
She could tell her son was glowing in his own way too. She hadn't seen him this happy since before he was widowed. It broke her heart to hear her baby boy crying that hard. She can't get the sound out of her head. She held him close but even the warmth of his mother couldn't stop the ache in his heart.
"Estás brillando, hijo." She pointed out causing him to shy away from his phone.
"Es mi cuidado de la piel." He tried to brush her off but she wasn't having it. She clicked her tongue before speaking once more.
"Conozco un brillo feliz cuando veo a un Benito." She softly scolded him as he laughed out loud. His mother knew him well.
"Conocí a alguien…" He spoke softly, a dorky smile gracing his features. His mother's smile began to grow as well. Her intuition never failed her.
"¡Lo sabía! Ese brillo es especial." She squealed as she clapped happily. Benito scratched the back of his neck. "¿Quién es?"
"Su nombre es, 𖤓." He told her confidently as she smiled at him fondly. She was glad that his previous wife's death didn't keep him down.
"Me alegra verte más feliz. ¿Cuándo podemos conocerla?" She asked excitedly as she eyed him through the camera.
He laughed as he watched his mother become overly excited at the thought of him finding love again. "Pronto, lo prometo."
"Será mejor que lo sea. No estoy bromeando, Benito." She scolded with a pointed finger to which he smiled and nodded.
"Muy bien, me tengo que ir." He spoke softly as he blew her a kiss to which she returned. "Te amo." She replied before the call ended.
Benito put the phone down with a sigh. He had to try to figure out a perfect time to fly over there. He knew Michael was fed up but he knew his games were important to him. He pulled out his laptop to check for dates and prices. As he scrolled he thought about you. How would you react to him asking you to come see his home? To see his family no less?
He worried about it constantly and it felt way too soon. You on the other hand have scheduled a meeting on Monday with Naomi's parents. This behavior was unacceptable and had gone on too long. You wrote down everything Michael told you and Benito so you could relay it. You were worried what kind of parents she had if this was her behavior.
Your phone rang loudly snapping you out of your thoughts. You lifted out of your chair and walked towards the incessant noise. When you lifted it your sisters name flashed across the screen. You rolled your eyes and decided to ignore it. She was much easier to ignore than your aunt or your mother. She didn't care if you answered or not nor did she pester you if you didn't answer. You weren't in the mood for whatever she was going to come up with.
That following Monday you took a deep breath and got ready for this long day. You couldn't be more nervous about the outcome today. A knock came to your door making you swallow the lump in your throat. You scurried to the door as you smoothed out your skirt. Your heels sounded louder than you wanted them to or maybe it was your nerves making everything louder.
You opened the door with a polite smile. Her parents looked almost how you expected them to. Naomi's father was prim and proper with how dressed up he showed up. His hair was gelled down as he took off his sunglasses. You nearly wanted to roll your eyes at him.
Naomi's mother however, was dressed more lax. She had on capris, sandals and her sunglasses on her head. She had on a bright smile as she waved at you. You couldn't help but return the gesture. You welcomed them in as they sat in the chairs across from your desk.
"Welcome Mr and Mrs—"
"Whitfield! You can call me Vicky though." Her mother exclaimed cheerfully. You just smiled before she bumped her husband.
He sighed. "Andrew Whitfield." You hated his nonchalant tone. You started to guess this is where the problem stemmed from.
"Okay…well your daughter has caused such an uproar between her and her classmates—" Vicky gasped before pouting. You were quite confused.
"She's always had a hard time making friends." Vicky pouted harder making you raise your eyebrows at her.
"Has she been like this since childhood or—" You trailed off before she spoke once more.
"Oh I have no idea." Vicky replied with a shrug. You narrowed your eyes at her. The only answer you could come up with was that they were absent parents.
"Victoria enough with the interruptions." Andrew sighed as he propped his ankle on his knee. "Victoria is Naomi's stepmother. Her biological mother lives the next city over." His explanation clearing everything up.
"Oh, I apologize I just assumed—"
"Common misconception but she is a Naomi's legal guardian under her paperwork. If anything else comes up and I can't answer, you can call her." He pointed to Vicky who smiled brightly.
You closed your gaping mouth slowly as you nodded. It made sense because Victoria seemed really young and upbeat like she had no care in the world. You thought maybe you were getting yourself confused somehow. "Noted." You said as you flicked out your pointer finger.
"Naomi has started a rumor and said some inappropriate things about another students deceased relative…" You trailed off as you recounted that night.
Andrew blinked at you as you spoke around the situation. He wanted clear and concise information so that he knew how to go about Naomi's punishment. Naomi caused trouble for him a lot and he had to know how severe this was before he put his foot down. "Elaborate."
You did exactly that. You explained everything from start to finish as Michael had told you. You told him about the first encounter, the jabs, and her telling other classmates. He gripped the arm of the chair tight, so tight that you thought he would rip the upholstery. You swallowed as you watched Victoria try and calm him down.
"Now Andy, she probably was trying to make sure her friend wasn't doing anything to ruin his academic career." Vicky tried to reason with him. He held his hand up to her, shutting down anything she had to say.
Victoria put her hands in her lap as she waited for his reaction. "And this rumor, she came up with it on her own?"
"Absolutely, I take pure pride in my teaching career. No one else knows about the rumor but the kids she's told." You explained gently but gentle couldn't soften the blow Andrew felt to his image.
"I will make sure it's handled. Thank you for telling us." His tone held an edge like he was holding himself back.
The chairs scraped as they both stood up. He walked out needing to make a call while Victoria stayed back and talked to you. "She's a good kid y'know?" She spoke politely.
"I never said she wasn't but this behavior is beyond my control especially if it could affect my career or a students." You explained to Victoria genuinely. She pursed her lips as she nodded.
"I understand. I just want to be a great stepmom to her but she won't give me the time of day." Victoria poured her heart out to you about this arrangement.
Victoria met Andrew while he was on a work trip in Seattle. She worked alongside her mother at her business and they hit it off one day before his meeting. He showered her in gifts and affection. Some of which she hadn't seen in the dating pool. They both couldn't let each other slip by without some kind of tie; now here they were four years later.
"I don't want you to think I'm some home wrecker! I made sure he was single when we met and he told me their divorce was finalized before we did anything else." She rambled holding her hands up in defense.
You snorted at her actions. "I have no place to judge you. I'm only her teacher."
Victoria laughed softly. "She sees me as the worst person in the world. Naomi hasn't let up off my neck since I married her father. She thinks I'm the reason her parents split." She explained to you as you nodded along.
"They were already having their own troubles long before I came along. I'm close with her mother as well but it's hard being seen in a different light when it comes to Naomi." Victoria grew sadder as she explained their family dynamic.
"Maybe this could be a bonding experience. Maybe you guys could take a girls day or something. Have a heart to heart." You encouraged her as you gave her a small smile.
"I hope so. Thank you for everything…I just didn't know she would do something like this." Vicky trailed off before she walked towards your door. You walked her out at the perfect time as Mr. Whitfield hung up his call.
"Ready to go?" He held his arm out to Vicky. She smiled before taking it.
He looked at you briefly before looking at his watch. "Thank you for telling me. Naomi will be handled as soon as possible. This won't happen again." He emphasized to you. Your gave a stern nod as you waved them off. You sighed in relief as you closed your door.
You prayed there was an upside to this extremely long day. You sat at your desk grading papers before you heard yet another knock on your door. You groaned wanting to slam your head onto the desk. You went to the door swinging it open to find Benito with flowers. Your stiffened body loosened as you eyed him.
"What are you doing here?" You whispered as you gently pulled him into your classroom. He pecked your lips a few times before handing you the flowers.
"I wanted to come see, mi chica favorita." He teased as you pushed his lips away from you.
"You're trying to soften me up for something. What is it?" You asked with an eyebrow raised towards him. He chuckled as his hands found your waist.
"Michael wanted to go home for a bit, y'know? The whole school thing…" He makes a high pitched 'eh' as he waved his hand around. "No es bueno para su salud."
You nodded with your eyebrows scrunched up in worry. He could be asking you to house sit but then you tried to remember if he even had anything to take care of. A secret pet you don't know about? Plants? Maybe he was just letting you know that they'd both be gone for a while and you totally understood. Michael deserved a break after all this.
"You'll both be gone for a while right? I hope Michael feels better when he gets back." You spoke with a worrisome tone. Benito furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
"Will you come with us? To Puerto Rico." He asked as he pulled away enough to see your face clearly. You felt like you short circuited for a moment.
"Go? Like with you?" You rapidly spoke as he nodded trying not to laugh.
"I know we haven't been together long but I really think you could use this time too." He spoke genuinely as he held you by your arms. His thumb caressing your elbow.
"Of course, I'll go with you! I don't have anything worth packing yet! I—" He stopped you with a finger to your lips. He chuckled as he kissed your forehead.
"I'll help you with all that but for now let's be here together, yes?" You nodded as you hugged him tightly. He breathed you in as he held you close. Nothing mattered in this exact moment.
"Gross. ¿Puedes llevar eso a otra parte?" Michael faked his disgust as he put his book bag on the desk at the door.
"Solo estás celoso porque no tienes novia." Benito teased as he kissed your face causing you to laugh and squeal for him to stop.
"My eyes!" Michael exclaimed making you laugh harder.
If life looked like this in your future. You were glad you became a teacher when you did. Nothing could beat this happiness that you longed for. This happiness you worked hard for.
You know I care because I gave y’all 3k+ words and had to erase the fat behind blanks from transferring it 🙂↔️
You’re transported to the 80s to relive a life you never had
The night air was humid, filled with sounds of insects as you stared at the minimal stars in the sky. Life felt odd and everything was going left. There felt like there was less empathy and more apathy. You were exhausted dealing with people who could care less about the next person or how the coming years would affect everyone. You stayed away from others for this reason, everyone except your close friend, Yenti.
You met Yenti when you were out at the beach just getting fresh air from the horrible week you had. Yenti looked like they had been worn down a bit. That ethereal look didn't go unnoticed by you. You wondered where someone like Yenti came from. How far could that place be?
Yenti stayed as you both spoke of things many people steered away from for fear they would fall into a pit of emotional distress. Dread was something we all carried within us and many didn't wish to touch. Yenti saw empathy and love within you. You were perfect and the stars knew it too. You both became friends in that moment.
"If you could experience one thing that you missed in the world what would it be?" Yenti asked as you both stared at the stars.
"You always ask the most random questions when it's quiet." You joke softly but your gaze doesn't falter from the sky.
You swallowed as you ran through your memories. You could go back to school and be the perfect scholar, get a degree in something big, redo pivotal moments in your life. You can't undo what's done so you just sighed until you smiled to yourself. "I would go see my favorite artist in concert."
Yenti raised an eyebrow, they've never heard that before. "Who?"
You snorted as you smiled a bit wider at the sky. "Michael Jackson."
"Just for one night." You sighed as Yenti smiled.
"What if you could? Right now." Yenti asked genuinely, their enthusiasm growing.
"I would but the world doesn't go on reverse or change what's written so." You sighed almost getting sad. Yenti smiled brightly before pulling you up.
"Life is meant to be lived past, present and future!" Yenti told you before pulling you into a hug. You hesitantly hugged them back. "I wish you luck."
A bright light followed their whisper and lifted you both far into the air. Your heart rate increased as you panicked—this has never happened before. You closed your eyes hoping this was all a bad dream before everything stopped. You opened your eyes to an empty black room. Where were you? How did you get here? Nothing made sense. Yenti sat sipping a fruity beverage as they hummed in satisfaction.
"Yenti! What the fuck! Where are we—" They stopped you causing you to freeze in your eccentric state.
"You wished for something and I granted it." They shrugged as you stared dumbfounded.
This wasn't real. "Yenti this—"
"Entity." They spoke softly. You stopped as you eyed them. "Excuse me?"
"My name. It's entity but I switched the letters…kind of." They explained as you couldn't do anything but stare.
"I'm confused. Why are you doing this? What do you gain?" You asked suspiciously.
Entity shrugged. "Nothing. I just…want to see you happy for once. Humans are sometimes very selfish and cruel but you are different. You have been my friend for a very long time and I want you to find your own way." They smiled before placing their cold hand on your cheek.
"Not someone else's way for you." Entity smiled before the door swung open and appeared someone from the set crew with a headset.
"Sorry to leave you back here but recording will start soon. Come out whenever you're ready!" The woman smiled before shutting the door.
You went to turn your head but entity was gone and there you looked at yourself in the mirror. You were dressed like it was the 80s. Your hair was big and curly. Your makeup was different than the present style. You were different and you kind of liked it.
"What the hell…" You touched your clothes and stood from the couch. You couldn't believe it, there was no way this was the 80s right? You patted your pockets wanting to smack yourself upside the head.
You stood up straight and took a deep breath. You had no phone, no watch and no other device to tell what day or time it was. You walked out of the room and your wide eyes gaze upon the area. It was busy as people got ready for the video. You felt goosebumps rise on your skin as you tried to make sense of you being here.
Your hands flew to your hair as you thought to yourself. You must have fell asleep under the stars with Yenti. That's definitely what happened. Yenti…entity…you facepalmed yourself because even if you tried to make a new name for them you wouldn't have caught on. Perhaps you slipped into a coma? That's so stupid.
As you were pacing and wondering to yourself, the same woman from earlier called out to you. "Are you ready? You seemed deep in thought."
You froze and turned towards her. "I'm fine! I just have…the jitters?"
She laughed. "Everyone does. I mean look who you're working with. He's an absolute sweetheart though, trust me." Her thumb shoots up towards you.
She led you to where you'd be standing and you could feel your heart pumping out of your chest. You were about to watch Michael Jackson perform in front of your face. This was a dream that could never be fulfilled in your present time. Being born too late to experience his first solo tour to now. This was crazy—absolutely insane!
The scenery was hard to miss. Everyone dressed so morbidly. Makeup did well to portray the dead in such a way. You knew exactly what you were filming.
Thriller
You swallowed harshly as you felt your heart begin to race. You didn't know what you were even supposed to be doing. You also couldn't shake being dropped this close to him. You saw everyone wasn't quite ready yet and walked swiftly into the back. You could clear your mind there.
When you got backstage it did nothing to curb your anxiety. You paced the area as you thought about how this would go. Time was a real illusion, how did Yenti turn back. It felt so fast; soon you'd be awake staring at the once again barely starry sky. It was bittersweet to think about but you would also have a memory many didn't. In that moment you stood up and went for the door.
"I rather just have this memory then meet him and be upset when I get back." You said as you grabbed a pen and paper to write your apologies.
'I felt ill, I'm sorry.' Was all you wrote.
It's not like any of your personal money went into this. You left and went towards the exit. The brisk cool air touched your skin as you sighed. You didn't know how this whole time traveling situation worked but if it's anything like the fairytales then you'll find your way back through Yenti.
You dragged your feet as you found the nearest food spot. You said a silent thank you before walking in and being greeted. Your feet were killing you as you sat down. You turned your head to watch the cars drive by outside only to face forward again to see a bored Yenti.
"How did you—"
"Tsk tsk, try again." Their fingers snapped and you were right back at the venue.
Instead of being in the room you were already in, you popped in front of Michael himself who jumped. Your jaw was on the floor as you stared back at him. He blinked at you before walking closer to you. "How did you—"
"And that concludes my magic trick! Bye." You rushed out of the area as Michael howled in laughter.
He jogged after you before pulling you back. "Wait. You didn't let me react."
"That's the point. You leave them guessing…" You trailed off. You wanted to choke Entity right now.
He twisted his lips and tried not to laugh again. "You're funny but—"
"Shoots in three, Michael!" A man's voice hollers towards the back. He looked at you before nodding towards the set.
You wanted to puke; the anxiety was eating you alive. Upon arrival, you tried to remember what you were supposed to be doing. As soon as he stood by you, you knew exactly who you were. 'Screw you, Entity.' You thought to yourself as you stared up at the sky.
"Just focus on me. You'll do fine, like we practiced." He whispered to you before nudging your arm.
By the grace of Entity, you did. It was like you knew exactly what to say and do on time. It was muscle memory but you had no recollection of anything prior to this. Michael acted his ass off and you couldn't be more stunned. By the end of everything you were worn out.
"I'm so tired." You whispered to yourself as you crouched on the ground.
"You did great." A soft voice spoke making your head lift from your arms.
You smiled softly. "Thanks." He crouched in front of you with an intense stare.
You raised an eyebrow waiting for what you assumed was criticism. "I still want to know how you did that trick."
"Trick?" You questioned as if the night hadn't been long enough. You completely forgot Entity placed you in front of Michael earlier. "Right! It's like an illusion!"
His eyes danced in yours. "I'm not stupid."
His causal tone sent a chill up your spine. He was merely entertaining your endless excuses. You didn't know what to say. How could you tell him that you made friends with an entity? How do you say that same entity sent you back here when you tried to leave? You felt queasy just thinking about it.
"I wanna learn. Are you free tomorrow?" He asked politely as he stood up. You looked up at him gobsmacked.
From that day forward Michael was stuck to you like glue. Your relationship was one many talked about. You were there when he had a studio session, when he had to fly out somewhere, and even if he just wanted to be at home in his thoughts. You weren't scared of meeting his parents or anything; You were scared to meet Bill. Bill was on top of it when it came to Michael and you couldn't blame him. When he did meet you, who was holding Michael's attention, he was on his toes. He eventually warmed up to you though, he was a tough nut to crack.
Something about you pulled Michael in and he liked it. You weren't greedy nor were you bothersome. You wouldn't even ask him for anything. He often caught you in deep thought in a room alone as you waited for him to finish a phone call. This peaked his curiosity.
Sometimes he could hear you talking with someone but when he came around, no one was there. He chopped it up to a phone call until he would catch you in a room where there was no phone. He then assumed you were religious but he'd never catch you praying or doing any kind of practice. So who could you possibly be talking to? He didn't want to pry but he was growing worried.
You however, thought you would be going home after that day. It had been nearly a year since then. It got the same amount of attention as it originally did; so you knew you didn't change much of the past. You thought about your life in the future and if you being here erased it. You wondered if you were unconscious on that beach or if you just vanished. It was nerve wracking.
A knock sounded making you jump. You swiftly turn to see Michael who had this solemn look on his face. "Hey! Done on the phone?"
"Yeah, it was my sister." He sounded cautious as he stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him.
Your eyes shifted to the door then back to him. "You okay?"
"I want to ask you something." He asked as he walked closer to you.
You nodded waiting for him to speak. He sighed before grabbing your hands. "Are you happy here? With me?"
"Of course I am. What made you ask me that?" Your shock coming as a surprise to even you.
"I catch you with a far off look like you're not here with me. I don't mean to sound selfish but I'm concerned." He spoke softly as his thumb caressed the back of your hand.
You felt your heart clench as you watched him try not to pout. "Michael, I'm here with you one-hundred percent. I just—"
"Miss your family? We've never talked about it but if you want to go see them then you can. I don't want to hold you back from that." He explained as his eyes bore into yours, awaiting your answer.
Your mouth went dry. You never did talk about it and if he brought it up, you'd change the subject. He never really thought about it; maybe your family dynamic was bad. He could understand that but, when you never went home, he also wondered if you even had anywhere to call home. He didn't push though.
"I—I don't want to talk about that." You said as you squeezed his hand gently.
His eyes dance in yours for a moment before he speaks. "You're very secretive."
You just looked at him. "Hungry?" You blatantly ignored his statement.
He watched as you pulled your hands out of his. A heavy feeling grows within you both. He decides to take a stand and move past this awkwardness. His gentle touch on your wrist snapped you out of your straightforward thought. "No, I want to know what's going on with you."
You licked your lips, trying to think of what you could say. What would work this time? He pulled you closer as his head rested on your lower back. "Talk to me."
"How far do your beliefs go?" You asked abruptly making him raise an eyebrow at you.
"What does this—"
"I'm from the future." You blurted making his words catch in his throat.
"What?" He sounded irritated. "We're having a heart to heart and you're joking?"
You spin around to face him as you take a deep breath. "I wish this were a joke, Michael. I really do."
"I haven't lied about my life to you, I just—" You threw your hands up and let them fall to your sides. "I don't know what to say."
"I don't understand it either!" You sighed trying to maintain your cool. You ran over the possibility of telling him a million times. Maybe he would understand it though; it was worth a shot.
"Okay ask me something." You took a deep breath holding his hands once more.
"This isn't funny—"
"Just ask me, Michael." You cut him off, growing more irritated that you sound crazy in the first place.
He sighed as he rolled his eyes. "What my…most popular song?"
"Michael that's present time. Please be serious." You sounded exasperated as he just rolled his eyes.
He thought you were trying to make a fool out of him. He didn't believe you were from the future. There was no way that was true. "Okay…when do I go on my first solo tour?"
"You don't even have that album ready yet." You answered making his eyebrows raise.
"What?" He chuckled his hand tightening around yours. You looked at him and smiled softly.
"You'll go on tour later this decade, understand?" He swallowed harshly not knowing if he should believe you or not.
"Okay…I don't know whether to believe you or laugh in your face." He chuckled nervously but his eyes don't leave you.
"You'll just have to trust me, won't you?" Your eyes searched his as you waited for his answer. Something tugged at him to believe you. It was screaming at him to do so.
"Yeah…I will." He spoke softly before pulling you into a hug.
From this point on you both were inseparable. Where he went you went and he wouldn't go if you weren't going. Time flowed effortlessly in your partnership as Entity watched closely. It was only a matter of time before they sent you back and you were determined to help as much as you could before then.
I wrote this weeks ago but I can’t post my second story without posting the OG and the idea was flawless and it turned into this because I let my brain run it over with a new idea ☹️ I have the perfect ending tho!
I hope you’re doing well. Are we getting more of Troublesome?
Hello, I’m doing better! Ofc you are, gorgeous! I can’t leave yall hanging! I just needed to help my mom get at least a bit better than she was. I’ll be sure to work harder on the next chapter lovely 🩷
Hi! It’s pookie and I got some news for you on where I’ve been and why there isn’t any updates! My mom had a stroke before Mother’s Day weekend. We are currently taking care of her so I’m asking nicely to please be patient. Please give me and my mine time to make sure my mother is okay. I also would love to ask you to give me time to write and make sure I come up with something good for you all instead of a bunch of garbage. It will probably be a while until then but I still appreciate you guys so much and I thank you for interacting with me as you have!
I hope you guys understand. I also want to say if you’re stressed please take a break! Do so before the stress comes for your health. Advocate for your health! As a woman and a black woman! Much love to you all and happy late Mother’s Day to you all and yours. I’ll be back soon 🩷
It’s been almost a month (3 weeks Friday) and she’s doing better! When I originally posted this it had been a week and I was so drained from staying in the hospital for days, making sure my siblings and nephew were okay at home, and trying to make sure she was on a schedule and comfort when she got home.
We still have something’s to work out but, overall we are seeing better mobility and she’s joking with us again. I’m thankful this wasn’t worse and I am thankful for your patience during this time. You guys have been so sweet! I can’t wait to spoil you with these surprises I have.
My motivation is slowly coming back and I am slowly working my way to becoming someone worth talking about. I love you and I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself. I’m back! 🩷
You broke up before you found out and you don’t want him around (Tokophobia, talks of abortion, difficult family dynamics)
Life wasn't easy; not lately anyway. Your relationship with Jaafar was far from perfect. When you first met he was the perfect gentleman and a wonderful lover. You met at a charity gala your family was hosting. Your bubbly nature caught his attention immediately. Your generosity sealed the deal; always trying to make sure someone else's life was easier.
You both were glued at the hip however, the longer your relationship went on the more difficult it became. Your schedules didn't meet up, you both were too tired or you'd just miss each other by a minute. It was truly exhausting. You decided to break it off before your anniversary. You found no reason to celebrate a loveless relationship.
"I don't understand…" He trailed off as he blinked at you.
You sighed as that annoying feeling crept up your neck. "I think we'd both benefit from this."
He stuck his neck out more in confusion. "Benefit from what? Separation?"
You nodded as if it were obvious. "Yes, you go your way and I go mine."
"We haven't even talked about it. You just decided?" He was trying his best to control his tone but it didn't make sense.
"Yes and I believe if one person isn't happy they shouldn't force it." You explained as you leaned on the arm of the couch across from him.
Jaafar fought for it but you just weren't feeling compatible anymore. That's what you told yourself anyway. Who knew your hormones were raging from a night of passion just months prior. You were sick in bed, unable to move when your sister found you. She came to bother you when she found you looking sick as a dog.
"Why didn't you call me?!" She panicked as she dabbed your forehead with a damp hand towel.
You waved her off for worrying. "It's a stomach bug, girl. I'll be up by Monday."
That's what you told her but as many times as you went to puke up what you didn't have, she knew something was up. Everything she brought in made you sick and you were sweating like a dog. You didn't sleep for more than two hours and you looked like you were dying. She threatened to call your mama but you told her if she did you were taking her key and she wasn't allowed back. "Well what you want me to do?"
"Nothing. You could've been went home, Coco." Your tone held irritation as your head hung on the wall next to the toilet.
Coco huffed with a scowl on her face. "You really think I'm gon' leave you like this?"
You didn't answer her since you had no energy to argue with your big sister. She sighed dramatically before pausing and turning to you. That glint in her eyes held mischief. You knew it all too well and you weren't in the mood. "Whatever it is, no."
She sucked her teeth at your already defiant response. "You don't even know what it is yet."
"Don't need to." You waved her away from you.
Coco was bullheaded and so were you. Many of your arguments started out that way. Your mama had a hard time raising you both because of it. Your daddy use to make you both share a shirt or hug each other until you stopped fighting. When you got older you learned to either talk it out or pretend to not be upset with each other when you got home. Safe to say nothings changed.
"Take a pregnancy test." Coco blurted out causing you to gag.
You shook your head immediately as you waved your hand around. "Immediately no."
"Come on! You could be and don't even know it!" She argued back but you ignored her.
Coco pouted before leaving the bathroom. You sighed in relief at the silence you finally earned. That was until she dropped a convenience store bag on the counter. This girl already went to the store before talking to you. You blinked at her like she had lost her mind. "You can't hear, heifa?"
She rolled her eyes. "Come on, at least one."
"Coco I haven't had sex in like—" You tried to recount how long it's been before continuing your statement. "Two months?"
"Is that a positive two or a questionable two?" She deadpanned causing you to suck your teeth.
"I'll leave you alone if you do." She tempted you as she shook the box.
You peek an eye open as you fought the nausea. "And you'll go home?"
"And I'll go home…for today." She settled with that and took the test.
All hell broke loose after that. Those two bold lines blared in your face. You wanted to throw up again. You wanted to scream and cry. There was no way this was happening to you especially after you already broke everything off.
"I'm gonna be an auntie!" Coco danced around the bathroom as you sat frozen.
She stopped before turning to you. "Too early?"
"That's not true." You mumbled to yourself before cleaning yourself and standing up.
Coco watched you cautiously. You put the cap on the test and washed your hands. You were delirious because there was no way that test said positive. It was as if the bug you had exited your body. You walked into your bedroom and flashed the test in the light. There was no way.
"It's a false positive." You said quickly. Coco eyed you with a twinge of worry.
"You don't know that." She told you as you panicked.
"False positives happen all the time." You more so told yourself than her.
"Not that often babe." She tried to let you down gently so you could accept the fact that you were but it was useless.
The doctors visit only confirmed your fears. You didn't like huge change like this. You feared pregnancy; not because you thought you would do something to your baby but because you didn't know what would happen to you. There were too many stories and way too many people in healthcare who would be better off in a different line of work. It frightened you.
"I'll be here the whole way. You won't be alone and I won't let anything happen to you." Coco whispered softly as you cried on the steering wheel of your car.
That was four months ago. Now you were sporting a perfectly round belly. You didn't leave the house which raised plenty of suspicion in your circle. You didn't want to tell anyone because of the fuss they would make. Your parents especially, you could live without it.
Coco begged you to tell Jaafar about the baby but you refused. You ended that chapter with him a long time ago and he's moved on three times over. You would think he was crazy to suddenly come back to his ex after hearing news so far in between a break up. It would've took a lot of convincing if Coco wasn't so bullheaded. Her support wasn't going to be enough when the baby was here.
Coco already practically lived here because she was so scared to leave you alone. You tend to do everything yourself without asking for help. It stressed her the heck out. She pleaded that you tell Jaafar because it would bring her some peace. When she told you he deserved to know you waved her off. A gesture you knew well.
You were sick of her watching you like a hawk. It was annoying you on top of your ever changing hormones. She hovered when you bathed, when you ate and even when you slept. You wanted her to get out honestly but you knew she meant well. That was until she called Jaafar on you. How were you supposed to know that they still chatted even after you broke up?
Coco was no different though since she told him to come to your house. She kept herself the exact same way so you wouldn't know he was coming. It was sneaky really but she had no other choice. You were far too stubborn for your own good. You huffed every time she nagged you about something regarding your actions.
"If I wanted a lecture I would've went back to school." You snapped as you bit into the apple slice.
Coco crossed her arms. "I wouldn't lecture you if you did what you were supposed to be doing."
She sounded just like your mother. That's really who she takes after. Same tone, same personality, same attitude, it was all the same. You took stared at her as she raised an eyebrow at you. "When do you leave?"
She scoffed at you. "You're just mad that you can't do whatever you want to."
"That's exactly why I'm mad, yeah." You told her as you chewed.
Coco put down the rag she was holding as she pursed her lips. She felt bad that you were holed up in here. You were practically going through this alone. She was trying her best to be there for you and little did she know how grateful you were. She's seen you at your absolute lowest and this felt lower than that. You blocked yourself off from the world immediately after you found out.
Your mother constantly called wondering where you had been and Coco can only give the woman so many excuses. She's told her that you were sick, planning an important event, working, anything you could think of, she's said. She's surprised it's worked this long since you were going on six months soon. Coco loved you but she couldn't fight this battle for you.
"Everyone's asking about you." Coco broke the silence. You stopped chewing and gazed at her.
You hummed as your sister sighed. "Look, I know you're scared—"
"M'not scared." You spoke with cheeks filled with chewed apples.
"Then what do you call it, Bugga?" She spoke softly, her hand on her hip, using your childhood nickname for leverage. Your eyes narrowed at her.
"I disappear all the time, Coco. What's so different now?" Your tone fed up as you gave her your undivided attention.
Coco dramatically waved her hands towards your midsection. "This! This is what's different now!"
You rolled your eyes. "It's been months! Not weeks, not days, months bugga!" She shouted as her hands smacked her thighs.
You knew people were suspicious. You stopped being seen with Jaafar, you disappeared off the face of the earth, not even a single social media post. Your image was on the line sure but what did that matter to you? You wouldn't have time for that anyway if you gave birth. Hell you won't have time if you don't make it through birth. The dark thoughts crawled under your skin. You were terrified.
"I'm going to go spend time with Marlow. I'll be back to check on you." You didn't answer her as she grabbed her things leaving you at the dining room table.
Before she left she looked back at you who didn't look her way. "I love you."
You didn't answer her. She bit her lip and shut the door leaving you to your thoughts. Your fingers thrum against the glass table as you let your thoughts roam. A hand presses against your belly making you look down at the movement against your skin. You snort as you watched your little one flip inside of you. "Guess you can sense my stress huh?"
It took you a while to come around to talking to it. You couldn't wrap your head around the fact that you were carrying a future inside of you. It was a lot of responsibility and utterly terrifying. You stood up to walk to your bedroom only to hear your doorbell. It must be Coco coming back to grab something.
"Forget something?" You called through the door but you got no response causing you to stop yourself from opening it.
"Who is it?" You called once more before you heard the voice you thought you'd never hear again. "Open the door and you'll find out."
You swallowed hard nearly choking as you heard him speak. There was no way he was here right now. You kept everything under wraps so he wouldn't come here. You knew you should've moved afterwards but time was closing in. You could feel your heart racing as you stared at the wooden door. "Why're you here?"
He didn't answer as you stood there waiting for a response. "Go home, Jaafar."
"No. We have to talk—I just need to talk to you." He sounded as if he was pleading.
"I don't want to talk." You stated firmly. He laughed quietly before responding. "You never did."
You felt the guilt crushing you. You unlocked the door leaving it cracked. You tried using the door as a shield against your belly. His eyes visibly softened when he saw you. He hadn't seen you in months and seeing you now put him at ease.
Jaafar took your break up hard. He didn't know what to do with himself other than throw himself into work. He made appearances and spoke in interviews. Whenever you were brought up his heart would crack a little more. He kept it neutral so nobody would keep asking him because he was afraid to tell them that he just didn't know. He didn't know where you were, what you were up to, or if you were okay.
The phone call your sister had with him only shook him up more. She spoke in a hushed tone like if she spoke it out in the open something would happen to her. He wanted to chop this conversation up to him not getting enough sleep these past few months. He was finally fitting into some kind of normalcy when she called.
Hearing that you have a child on the way with someone you once thought would be your forever was eating at him. He tried to call you but you didn't answer which only made him worry more. He couldn't ask your mother about you because he didn't want to seem like he was unfit.
"Jaafar go home…" Your voice weak and tired. You didn't feel like fighting.
"Just—please open the door." He pleaded. He needed confirmation. He needed to know if what Coco said was true or not.
You were reluctant but you knew you couldn't do this alone. As much as you wanted to, you knew that it was impossible. Coco couldn't be here all the time; she wasn't the father. She was supportive but you couldn't let her shoulder this responsibility. The door creaked open but your belly was still slightly hidden.
He sucked in a sharp breath. "You're—"
"Pregnant, yeah." You spoke with a shaky voice. His gaze shifts from your belly to your facial expression.
"How far along are you?" He asked his eyebrows furrowing.
"About five months? My brains scrambled trying to keep up." You dig the heel of your hand into your forehead.
"And you didn't think about telling me at all?" He questioned as he stepped closer to you. The air held solemn silence.
You did from time to time but he was becoming increasingly more successful. A baby can't fit in both your lives. You didn't want to press your fears onto him. You didn't want to drag him down with you. You didn't even know how motherhood would look on you.
"Sometimes I thought about it and other times…I just let it be." You explained as he narrowed his eyes slightly. Not in irritation but thinking to himself.
"Talk to me." He said softly as he moved into your home and closed the door behind himself.
You just eyed him. "I don't want to get into it, Jaafar. I'm exhausted, I've been up since this morning."
"Then talk to me! I'm trying to be there for you and you're not letting me!" His voice raised as he followed you.
You waved him off not wanting to get into it right now. "Jaafar seriously—"
"No, listen to me." His tone set a clear boundary one he never did.
"I have been trying my absolute hardest our entire relationship. I have given you my all and for what? You to hide your pregnancy from me?" You faced him with a scowl. He didn't know anything.
"How—"
"I'm not done." He stated as you folded your arms. "When you left me, I was devastated. I had to throw myself into work and go from answering questions about you so openly to having to be extremely vague because I had no idea what you were doing or where you were." His voice began to tremble. You could only watch him.
"Only to get a call months later from your sister that you're having a baby soon." The room fell silent as his gaze burned into you.
His hand ran down his mouth. "She sounded scared, maybe even worried. She told me everything and it makes me feel like I gave you no room to trust me."
You assumed he would think the baby wasn't his. You assumed he wouldn't want anything to do with you. You assumed he had moved on enough from the countless interviews you had seen. You just kept assuming to the point you assumed he didn't miss you.
You felt tears sting your eyes. "I was scared." You meekly said as you raised the back of you hand to your eyes. "I am…scared."
Jaafar's facial expression softens as he pulled you into his chest. Your tears fell freely; finally being able to speak on this incessant pain. "I'm scared I'll be a horrible mother. I'm terrified I won't make it through childbirth and leave my baby all alone."
Jaafar just rubbed your back as he listened to your voice. "I've been scared this whole process. I've heard so many horror stories that I can't sleep."
"Shh, breathe for me." He whispered as he rocked your shuddering body.
"I felt like a coward for not going to the clinic. I waited too long because I let myself simmer in my own head." You cried as you gripped his jacket sleeve.
Jaafar held you not letting you go as you grew weak. Your body finding peace in you letting go of this constant pain and fear. The stress slowly ate away at you. Slowly eating at the baby. It was festering inside you.
"Please—please let me help you. You didn't make this baby alone so don't go through this alone." He silently pleaded with you. You could see his eyes become watery as he stared at you.
You took a shaky breath before nodding slowly. "I'm so sorry." You whimpered
He held you close before moving you towards the couch. You both talked about everything from the break up to you finding out you were pregnant. You told him about how you reacted when you found out to your sister begging you for months to call him. You told him you couldn't enjoy your pregnancy with the nagging fear on your mind.
"I will advocate for you. I won't let anything happen to you." He reassured you which did calm your nerves.
"I want to be better for them." You spoke softly as you laid on his chest.
"And you will be." He said into your hair. He kissed the crown of your head a few times before holding you close. "We're also going to these appointments frequently from now on."
You snorted before agreeing because you were missing every other appointment. You were rescheduling them and being dragged there by your sister. You were at ease when you reconciled with Jaafar. You didn't realize how much you needed him until now. It was soothing and now you had a few months until you settled into motherhood. That was a hill to conquer when you got there.
Just a few months ago the MJ tag was absolutely sparse except for a few small fics and some pictures. I love seeing people love the same person I do and express it in different stories 🩷
I was going to post my MJ piece first buuuut it’s not ready because I went to sleep while the plot was hot sooo if this one has any confusing parts expect the same thing happened 🙂↕️
You were constantly busy, press tours, interviews, auditions, the list goes on. It was daunting on you truly but it also daunted on your relationships. Your friends would ask you out but you would be busy for majority of the year on one movie. You could squeeze them in but it would only seem like you weren't all there. Then when you would have time off, you would seal yourself away at home.
For this reason, your love life was practically none existent. You didn't mind because you loved your work. Until you met Benito, your loving and understanding boyfriend. Who knew a day on a random set in Puerto Rico would land you someone so perfect. You were on set for a romance movie as the best friend while he was planning a project of his own.
You went out to celebrate the end of filming with some cast mates when you met him. He couldn't take his eyes off of you. Your skin shimmered under the lights as you danced to the sound that played throughout the venue. He could see the aura ooze out of you and he wanted more. The rest is history.
Now you both have been together for almost three years and you wouldn't trade it for the world. He was always so kind and patient with you, something you looked for in a partner. The only issue he had was how your schedules never met in the middle. He would tour and come back but you would be working on a show or movie. This went both ways and it was taking a toll on your relationship. He missed you.
For once your schedules met in the middle and he was so excited to see you. When you got home you were on a call looking as busy as ever. He peeked his head out of the kitchen to see you dropping your purse and trying to shrug off your jacket. His heart fluttered as if he was seeing you for the first time all over again. He went to greet you when he heard you replying to your manager.
You sighed, exhaustion making itself evident in your body language. "Yeah, tomorrow morning. I got you."
The room fell silent as you hung up. You sighed trying to relax your shoulders before turning to Benito who was staring at you. You plastered a smile on your face, excited to see him. You walked over as your heels clicked against the ground however, when you say he wasn't reciprocating your energy you froze.
You looked down cautiously. "It's my shoes isn't it? I forgot I'm sorry." You whined as you leaned down to slip your shoes off.
"You're leaving again, aren't you?" He asked his voice sounded defeated almost. The sadness was evident, you couldn't miss it.
You stopped before looking at him. "I am. Duty calls and whatnot." You tried to joke but he wasn't laughing. He just watched your put your heels to the side.
He's been trying his hardest to move his schedule around you and it was all for not. He wanted to be around you but your schedule wouldn't allow it. It was a constant in your relationship, you were the most absent in your relationship. Most days you felt bad about it because Benito worked so hard to keep it together. You were surprised he held it in this long.
"Duty seems to always call when I need you." He spoke with an icy tone.
Your head turned sharply as you watched his cold but sad expression. You gave a sarcastic laugh. "Excuse me?"
"¡Dios mío! You're never home! You missed our anniversary for a promo shoot! ¡Tengo reservas para cenar y todo!" He spewed as his hands moved sharply.
"Beni, I just—" You went to explain yourself before he waved his hand to stop you.
"No me Beni. You say the same thing every time we have this discussion." He told you sternly.
"Benito I'll change, Benito I'll do better, I won't miss the next one. ¡Es la misma excusa!" He ranted as he counted on his fingers your previous words.
You watched him as he went on about how exhausted he was with this. He was genuinely tired of being put second to your career. He put you first every time and you didn't reciprocate that at all. It made him sick because he wanted a future with you however, if that meant being pushed to the side he refused to do so. He was putting his foot down for the last time.
"Benito, I really am sorry but I signed a contract, baby. I can't just not show up to work." You explained sadly as you tried to get closer to him but he shook you off.
"I make time for you, no?" You nodded in agreement. "I don't understand what's so hard about you doing the same for me."
You licked your lips and let your mouth open as if you were going to say something. You tried to think of what to say to fix this but what could you say? It'll never happen again? You love him? You'll take time off? What haven't you used yet?
"I'm sorry, okay? What more can I say?" You argued back. He huffed out faux laughter.
"Actions I want to see you do it, not say you're going to do it." His accent thick as he points to you.
Before you knew it he was grabbing his keys and leaving the house. "Where are you going? Benito!" You hollered after him as he snatched his jacket.
"¡Descúbrelo!" He said before slamming the door shut. You stood there in shock as you heard his footsteps and then his car start.
You sat in the tension and the silence ate at you. You sat on the couch letting the argument sink in. You did miss a lot of events with Benito but you couldn't make room. It was a problem amongst you both and you wanted to try and fix it.
Your phone rang in your pocket knocking you out of thoughts. It was your manager. You reluctantly answered knowing this was exactly what Benito was talking about. You swallowed hard before answering.
"Hello?" You answered sounding shaky. Your manager was cheerful as she spoke of an opportunity.
"You have to get in on this!" He yelled cheerfully. The background was noisy as people cheered and hollered over the music.
"My relationship is on the line right now; I can't just risk it for a possible shot at this—what is it?" You rambled as you finally put your hand on your forehead.
"A party where all the directors for your next movie will be!" He exclaimed. You gritted your teeth as Benito's words echoed through your mind.
"I don't think I should I mean—" Your manager gave you a hardy laugh as you looked around the living room waiting for what was so funny.
He sighed humorously. "Listen, your relationship doesn't pay you or my bills so pick one. I suggest you choose wisely because your career is on the line." With that the phone hung up leaving you in silence once again.
Your body froze before you could feel the stress take over your body. Your head hung low; elbows on your knees, letting the situation sink into your bones. "What am I going to do?"
Y’all don’t know how I use to do the lads community 🙂↔️
Her healing process is going to take a while and this is one of the ways I can get my emotions out other than writing it down 😅
Hi! It’s pookie and I got some news for you on where I’ve been and why there isn’t any updates! My mom had a stroke before Mother’s Day weekend. We are currently taking care of her so I’m asking nicely to please be patient. Please give me and my mine time to make sure my mother is okay. I also would love to ask you to give me time to write and make sure I come up with something good for you all instead of a bunch of garbage. It will probably be a while until then but I still appreciate you guys so much and I thank you for interacting with me as you have!
I hope you guys understand. I also want to say if you’re stressed please take a break! Do so before the stress comes for your health. Advocate for your health! As a woman and a black woman! Much love to you all and happy late Mother’s Day to you all and yours. I’ll be back soon 🩷
LaDS LIs serenading/wooing you with classic R&B/neo-soul because I got bored waiting for the train
Let's be real out the gate tho: all of these belong to Caleb. He is SUCH a gd millennial and so r&b-coded and no, I will not elaborate. Also this was unconsciously inspired by these posts by @itzpookiepooh that I remembered as I was writing and happily went back to read both of them again.
It is of UTMOST importance that you listen to the songs if you don’t know them. And if you do know them. They are all certified HEAT and should be played as much as possible.
🍎 Caleb: I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men
Puts it on to get you to stop being mad at him after an argument and you hate it because always it works.
Caleb's goofy ass sells every line, holding a pretend microphone, pointing at you like he's on stage and you're an adoring fan in the audience who's been waiting for him to notice you. Even though you've attempted to lock your death glare into place, your lips are already beginning to twitch, your cheeks lifting and crinkling your eyes as he falls to his knees at "your wish is my command."
"🎶 I submit to your demands, I will do anything! Girl you need only ask-"
He walks forward on his knees which should be stupid, but it's so damn cute the way he wobbles forward, hugging your waist and singing into your belly. He works his way up your body as he stands, holding your hand while he sings until he steps back, stripping his shirt off and winking,
"🎶 I'm gonna taaake my clothes off toooo..."
You finally break, the ringing peal of your laughter like the bell of a knock out at a boxing match. Now that he has you all amused and soft and in love, he grins like the menace he is.
"I'm still mad at you!" You inform him as he slings you over his shoulder and carries you off, still crooning at you.
But just like always, you're in bed with your clothes on the floor before the song is over.
🐦⬛ Sylus: Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D'Angelo
Uses it to low-key seduce you when you're not quite picking up on his signals.
You think it's a regular night with fuzzy slippers, a glass of wine, a book across your lap. It almost escapes your notice that Sylus is unusually restless tonight. He's insisting on having you close and so you're tucked under his arm on the couch, his fingers playing with your hair and stroking your ear, but still you get the sense that he's waiting for something. You're a little concerned when he gets up and walks over to his hi-fi without saying a word.
He's wearing one of his more luxurious (and shorter) robes. As he walks, it strikes you just how very, very short the robe is and then he sets the needle on the record and it all clicks into place.
And if you want, you can decide
And if you'll have me, I can provide everything that you desire...
Of course he has the album on vinyl. He begins to hum the melody, his low purr complimenting the rich sound. He's been practicing too, so he's actually in tune and on rhythm.
Your lips curl upward as the hi-hat beat and bluesy electric guitar start to wind around the room. You bite your lip and set your book on the table, giving him what he's wanted this entire time: your full attention. He takes his seat again and leans in to kiss your neck, the beginning of a very long and enjoyable night.
"Well, kitten? How does it feel?"
☃️ Zayne: Back At One - Brian McKnight
This is not only Zayne's special occasion song, it is his anthem. As in everyone stop talking while it is playing so he can make unbroken eye contact with you for 4 and a half minutes (yes, he loves the version with the piano intro because of course he does.)
He hears it for the first time when you put on one of your playlists in his car and you swear he almost pulls over just to listen. His eyes widen slightly and flick back and forth between the road and the radio as it plays, finally settling on your surprised face with heart-stopping tenderness when you reach a stop light.
This man proposes to you to this song. Plays it at your wedding and on every anniversary. You got him an autographed copy of the single for his birthday that he framed and now it hangs in a place of honor in your home.
He's knows he's not a singer and that's why he's so intense about it. It's so many things that he's wanted to say but could never find the right words, never strike exactly the right tone. Every note, every flourish of McKnight's voice is what he wants to tell you every day your lives and he looks directly into your eyes as it plays to make sure you know it.
He always takes your hand during the first verse, pressing his forehead to yours as it slips into the chorus.
If you don't know just how I feel,
Then let me show you now that I'm for real.
"Dearest," he asks at least once a year, "you know this is how I feel about you, do you not?"
"Yes, baby, I think I picked up on it at some point the last 500 times you played it for me," you tease with a gentle smile.
He blushes, but remains calm and charmingly earnest.
"Perhaps I cannot express it with as well as the song does, but I hope that it says it for me... I would choose you every time, in every life. And when it ended, I wouldn't be sad, I would only look forward to starting over again with you."
Now you can't hear two notes from the song without tearing up.
🐠 Rafayel: I Wanna Know by Joe
Sings it on nights when he wants to sweep you off your feet.
You come home to it, entering the studio, dropping your bag off your shoulder with a sigh. It takes you a moment to hear the music and realize everything is lit by candlelight. There's a small table in the center of the room with what looks like the beginning of a four course meal, two chairs, and a flower in what is no doubt an unnecessarily expensive vase.
You give a surprised laugh, your weariness fading as the song plays and Rafayel steps around the corner, looking rakish and sultry in a bespoke suit, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, his hair mussed just so. He has a flower in his hand and you realize he's actually been the one singing.
You smirk at him, his somewhat cheesy performance half a tease and half a genuine wish to impress you. He certainly has the chops for it.
He strolls over and hands you the flower with a flourish, still singing sweetly as he removes your jacket and then kneels down to take your shoes off, looking up at you with adoring eyes, begging for your approval.
"🎶 I'd like to know what makes you cry, so I can be the one who always makes you smile..."
You try to play it down a little with an "oh my god, Rafayel, seriously..." but you're blushing and giggling and covering your face and it’s the most delightful thing in the world to him. You saying his name in that tone, letting him know you're feeling almost too wooed right now, well, it's music to his ears.
🌟 Xavier: Vision of Love by Mariah Carey
Requests it at a party so he can slow dance with you and confess feelings that he thought were obvious.
He makes sure the DJ says over the mic that it's his request before he asks you to dance, and your co-workers suppress grins as he leads you out on the floor. He's not usually this demonstrative in front of them, but you said something offhand yesterday that gave him pause, calling his affection "subtle," implying that you thought people might not know you're together.
And he is not having that. His mind immediately went to this song and this party and now you're together amongst the gently swaying crowd, letting everyone see his hand pressed against your lower back, see the way his fingers play with your hair as he holds your hand by his shoulder, looking as if he's seriously considering kissing you. Seconds later you feel the soft brush of his lips on your forehead and try not to collapse in his arms.
Partly to cover your shock, you tell him you didn't know that he liked Mariah Carey and he replies,
"I didn't know either. I just heard this song in Jeremiah's shop a few days ago. I knew I had to play for you."
Your heart thuds loudly in your chest at these words.
"Yeah?"
"Yep. Don't you think the lyrics fit for how we met?" He sings a few lines in your ear, adorably soft and slightly off-key. "🎶 It took so long. Still I believed. Somehow the one that I needed. Would find me eventually..."
"The one you needed?" You ask, not able to hide your astonishment now that he'd be so open about it.
He looks surprised for a moment and then smiles.
"The one I need."
I had a vision of love
And it was all that you turned out to be.
And I’m talking about they come asking for help or just to let you know they’re okay or something. I knoooowwww I might sound crazy but it’s a genuine question
He’s the president’s son and you weren’t supposed to rendezvous with him who would’ve thought he would be obsessed with you
Life felt stiff, always listening to your parents and their expectations with their stuffy suits. You didn't ask to be put on a pedestal but you were. You had to feed into the rebellious child of a politician stereotype just to feel normal. Everything you did was closely watched. What school you went to, your academics, your after school activities, everything was watched by those you felt didn't matter. You felt like you didn't have room to breathe.
"You must act accordingly. Don't embarrass us." Your mother's stern voice warned you countless times. You rolled your eyes like any other time.
"I know." You would repeat back. It was just what you did to get her off your back.
Your college life was your favorite. Secret service wasn't allowed on campus for risk of other students. As soon as you stepped away from campus, you were back to your old life. This was your sanctuary, the people there could care less about your status. You all came for the same thing, whatever your parents signed you up for and party. It was the way life went on campus.
You aced exams so your parents wouldn't get suspicious. You even kept going to those after school sports they signed you up for. All this to make room for a cold beer after losing beer pong at the end of the night. Your day to day changed when you met Tyriq, the president's son. He was adored by many around him, it was just who he was.
His birth shocked the country since his mother was the president's mistress. That's what many on the outside saw anyway. The insiders knew that he loved that woman like no other. He showed it time and time again how he felt for his wife but Miss. Pope? Oh how he adored the powerful woman.
When you learned the story, you wanted a love like that but not in that way. It was silly but you believed in right person wrong time. Things happened and sometimes you could fix it and sometimes you couldn't. Fitzgerald and Pope showed that clearly. They didn't care how it looked as long as they were together.
Tyriq spent much of his time doing sports or hanging out with his friends but when he saw you? He liked to have died. You both were at another infamous campus party. This one was ran by a fraternity who decided to celebrate their founding day. When you pulled up with your homegirls, people were already passed out on the lawn from drinking. You didn't want to be them especially since the sprinklers automatically turn on in the middle of the night.
"They gon' be mad because there's an assignment due tonight." Leona stated with a shake of her head.
"They'll just cry to the professor like they always do and then get an 'A'." Verity said as she rolled her eyes at the mere thought of it.
"That's true because that's the senates son." Leona laughed as you followed with laughter of your own.
"Girl his daddy got him, trust." You assured them as you all walked along the grass. The party was bumping as per usual.
Verity froze before searching around like she was missing something. You and Leona started looking around too hoping to pick up on what she was doing. She stood up with narrowed eyes as her gaze scanned the area. Leona sucked her teeth before putting a hand on her hip. She knew Verity was on some bull.
"Alright now, I'm not bout to play with you." Leona stated, clearly becoming irritable.
"Y'all hear that?" Verity whispered as she ducked low. You both followed now concerned with what she was hearing.
"No? What's going on?" You asked just as worried.
"It's a shot." She laughed loudly as she practically galloped to the entrance. Her purse swinging on her arm.
Leona let out an annoyed noise. "Remind me to smack her 'fo we leave." You agreed as you both made it inside.
You walked up on her with a glare. "You make me sick, you know that?"
"Girl we here to relax before we have to go back to our mundane lives." She rolled her eyes at you before waving you off.
Verity was all about finding a way to take a load off. It was just how she was. What was the point of hard work if you couldn't enjoy life afterwards? She made sure it paid off and in this case it did because she got through the week. Today was about letting go.
"Verity, you make it sound like we living paycheck to paycheck." Leona said rolling her eyes. Verity glared at her.
"Girl we might as well be, hell. They just threw us in this mothafucka." She sassed as you snorted.
"Girl we are kids of powerful people." Leona reminded her but verity just waved her off. "Same thing."
The party was loud and as usual for a fraternity, packed. You could hear the constant hooting and hollering from all for corners of the house. You looked over to your left and saw some people leaned on walls trying to look cool. This wasn't the place, this wasn't high school anymore. The young adults were free to be themselves without their parents judgment.
"I don't know about y'all but I'm getting me a drink!" Verity squealed before shimmying to the kitchen.
You and Leona laughed at her before Leona dragged you along. "Alright now, I don't want nothing strong. We still gotta get home." You told Leona which she nodded.
"Live a little! It's Friday too. Besides Benny gonna come get us!" Verity smiled mischievously.
Your eyebrow raised as you eyed her. "Benny? Who would rather shit in his hands and clap before getting out his bed in the middle of the night?"
"He said he's cool with it since he'll be out tonight." She stuck her tongue out at you.
"We can always call a taxi." Leona whispered to you before handing you the drink.
The night was as good as a Friday night at a fraternity party could get. Verity was drunk and having a dance off in the main room. Leona went to go cheer her on while you sat by the pool with your feet in the water. The night air was cool and the stars were out—a perfect night. You took a deep breath in as you took in the sounds of the night.
"You usually alone?" A voice spoke through the quiet.
You opened your eyes and looked towards the direction of the voice. Tyriq emerged from around the sliding door. You snorted before resuming your relaxation. "You usually sneak up on folk?"
He put his hands up in defense. "Alright, I earned that one."
He sat next to you causing you to peek one eye open. He got nice and comfortable in the lawn chair before turning to you. You couldn't help but to laugh at him. He was not serious, he couldn't be. He laughed along with you but mostly with confusion etched on his face.
Your laughter quieted down before you eye him again. "What do you want, Tyriq?"
"I can't just talk to you?" He asked with a small laugh to follow.
"Typical one liner from a frat boy." You snorted as he rolled his eyes.
"But I'm on top of my classes and I'm not goofing around." He spoke in a matter of fact tone. You eye him once more not believing him at all.
"Okay I do goof off from time to time but overall I'm focused." You just scoffed and shook your head at him.
"Yeah okay." You teased before laying back on the lawn chair. His jaw dropped before he started going back and forth with you jokingly.
That night went on and on until you both couldn't go on anymore. What was an innocent conversation turned into his hands all over your curves. His deep voice whispering sweet nothings into your ear while your nails dug into his back. His hips snapping into yours repeatedly until you both came undone. However, it was an honest mistake.
The next morning you woke up in his dorm room, sun beaming into your skin. You blinked away the pain from the harsh rays only to find yourself tangled up in the president's son's arms. You couldn't believe you did something like that. It was the one thing you promised yourself you would never do. You lifted his arms off of you and rushed to find something of his to wear. You would be damned if you wore the same outfit out of here. You dressed yourself, snuck past the many passed out bodies in the house and out the door.
You got numerous calls and texts from your friends asking about you. Your roommate was worried about you and called even more than they did. When you finally made it home, you put the chain on the door and went to your room. Your body shivered at the thought of last night. His teeth sinking into you occasionally made you want to scream. You couldn't believe you let yourself fall into him like that. All you could do was try to forget him.
Which you did, you couldn't try hard enough with all the questions you were getting asked either. "Girl we tried to call you because Benny came through and he was ready to go." Leona explained, a hand on her left hip.
"Yeah he would not let us leave without you." Verity said with an eye roll.
"He was quick to leave me at a party." Leona sassed with a roll of her eyes.
Verity sucked her teeth at Leona. "That's because you adamant about leaving with your older cousin who had just came into town."
Leona shrugged her off, not wanting to hear the story. "So? Who was he?"
You could have nearly choked by how taken back you were. "Excuse me?"
"Girl please don't act prude with me right now." Leona sighed softly. Verity snorted before turning away from the group.
"There was no guy. I poured too heavy as usual and just took whatever empty room there was to lie down. I didn't realize I slept til the morning." You shrugged off the lie that slid out your mouth so easily.
Verity knew how you got when you were drunk, sleepy. You'd be hype one minute and drowsy the next. It was just how you were especially when you mixed the drinks yourself. "You taking a grown man's room and leaving him to sleep in the elements is killing me." Verity laughed through her hand.
"They were all sleeping everywhere. On the pool table, lawn chairs, hell even the steps had people on 'em." You rambled making Verity laugh harder.
"You should've took some pictures." Verity wheezed making Leona grimace.
"Alright now it's not that funny." Leona said scooting closer to you.
Your lie was one you had no choice but to keep. You didn't want anyone to know what happened that night. You just wanted to pretend it didn't happen but that was easier said than done. Tyriq isn't the type to just let things be when there's a signal they should be. That's what made him more like his father. That's what made him cling to you like no one's business.
I’ve been holding this for a long time let’s thank Quinn for Tyriq’s audio: The bodyguard 😛 it was so good ugh
