I guess I should create a masterlist, partially so I can keep up with what I actually write on here and stop having to search my own damn page.
✿= Smut(18+) ༄= Angst ♡= Fluff
Mo Washington
Mo Washington Fandom Masterlist (Crossposted from main)
The Last Stand: Mo Washington X Black!FreedWoman!Reader Part 1 ✿༄ Part 2༄♡
Shuri Udaku/Izogie
Wild Side : HBCU AU Stud!|Brat!Shuri x Dom!|Stud!Izogie (Crossposted from main) ✿
Shuriri
Faceoff: Shuri Udaku x Riri Williams- Two rappers find themselves on the rise to stardom… Is there room at the top for both or will one take their fall? (WIP) Sneak Peak Here
Promises: Shuri and Riri grew up together in the streets of Chicago. The two were best friends to lovers but grew apart due to a divulge in life’s path but reconnect on one fateful night. ༄
Kitchen Chemistry: A chaotic kitchen showdown has Shuri and Riri navigating a day of laughter, chaos, and uncharted emotions.♡
note: hii guys, i miss y'all, hope you're having a great summer! i wrote this a while ago and just found it so i'm posting it. i miss riri terribly and i figured y'all did too. it's not nothing too crazy, but yeah.
The bookstore was always quiet on Friday afternoons. Presumably because everyone was off getting ready for whatever party, or other social gathering was underway later in the night.
You liked the bookstore on Friday afternoons for this reason.
You got to sit behind the counter and finish your book on the clock. It couldn't get any more fulfilling than that—losing yourself in another world—becoming entirely enthralled by the budding love story between Hella, a tempting demoness, and Otasia, the warrior destined to destroy her.
Forbidden lovers, fated to fall for each other, despite every odd being purposely positioned against them.
Rarely did you have time to read for pleasure in between classes, so you always seized the opportunity on Fridays. Your manager Dahlia had left early, something about her kid getting into a fight at school, and she'd asked you to close. There were three bodies in the store, two girls chatting near the fantasy section, and yourself. Well, four, if you counted your coworker Jean who was most definitely out back smoking by the dumpsters.
He'd invited you to join him, but you had been too offended by the absurd request to answer him with words. You'd assumed the sour way you wrinkled your nose spoke well enough, because he'd stumbled away awkwardly, his ego barely intact as he mumbled, “Damn, a nigga just tryna be nice.”
It took zero effort on your part to brush him off. You pushed your glasses back up, returning to the fantastical world in your book without a second thought. You'd made it to the part in the story where Otasia and her army were plotting to invade the Demon realm. She knew it was dangerous, because she knew Hella was dangerous—deadly. And her army wouldn't stand a chance against the demoness, or the other vengeful souls Hella had enslaved to do her bidding.
Otasia felt stuck, torn between protecting her people from her lover, and staying loyal to Hella. She knew, despite her unyielding power, this invasion would hurt Hella, and it would be the only wound she would be incapable of healing from.
And what would her army think of her, had they known of the internal conflict she was battling now? How could she ever face their families after knowingly leading them down into the depths of hell, only to watch them die?
“Oh em geee! We just finished that book, we can't wait for book three!”
You peeled your attention away from the pages, slightly annoyed as you lifted your head, eyes following the sound of the ongoing shrieking. It was the two girls who were previously browsing the shelves. They stood before you now, eyes wide and bulging with excitement as they continued yapping about the book you were clearly still reading.
“Do you think Otasia will really betray Hella?” The one with circular wired glasses asked, directing the question at you. “Like, I can't see her doing that. She knows everything that Hella has been through, and how hard it is for her to trust anyone.”
“Yeah, but what about Otasia's army? Their families? How could she betray them? How can she betray the princess of her kingdom?” The other girl chimed in. She had smooth onyx skin, and a golden septum ring dangling from her nose.
Glasses girl rolled her eyes, “Oh please, you're only saying that because you secretly ship Otasia and princess Kiylera.”
“Not so secretly.” Septum ring admitted, grin widening.
They'd completely excluded you from the discussion as they bickered amongst themselves about which love interest deserved Otasia's heart, not that you were ever a willing participant in the conversation to begin with though.
You were growing more annoyed by the second, and you figured you had to put a stop to their insufferable whining before they ended up spoiling the entire novel for you.
“Hey!” The word came out louder, and more charged than you meant for it to, but it startled them into silence. “How can I help you ladies today?”
Your voice morphed into something chipper, and you adjusted your glasses on the bridge of your nose.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted an all too... familiar silhouette, leaning against the self-help shelf. Their nose was tucked behind a trashy romance novel that you definitely rated 2 stars for plot (and 5 for spice, but no one besides you and the universe needed to know that), and you quirked a brow, biting back a smirk.
Your attention drifted back to the over eager, obviously freshman girls, and you chuckled a little, noticing their smiles had yet to fade. You cleared your throat, indicating they could speak now.
“Sorry,” Glasses girl started, “We really are so sorry. We just wanted to know if there were any tickets left for the author signing next weekend? We know Shawna Lee is going to be here, promoting book three,” She pointed to the book you were still holding, just as you shut it closed.
“Her website is sold out, but we emailed her publicist and we were told we could probably get tickets directly from the store…” Her voice trailed off, and her cheeks began to redden.
You eyed them up and down for a moment, your stare intimidating. You could tell they were a tad bit nervous, though it wasn't your intention to make them so. You were amused more than anything, and judging from the soft, quiet chuckles coming from behind them, so was your uninvited visitor.
“We don't start selling the tickets until Monday morning. First come first serve.” You deadpanned, offering nothing more.
It was then that you finally witnessed the gentle smiles slip off the girls lips, replaced by utter disappointment.
“Oh.” They both spoke in unison.
And you had to admit, the action was not as satisfying as you'd anticipated.
“But…” You continued, watching as hope climbed its way back up their fallen features. “I can set two tickets off to the side for you. If you can pay right now.”
They both cheered. “Yes! Oh my god, yes! I'll literally sell you all my internal organs right now!” Septum ring shouted.
“Calm down. I don't need your organs. Just–”
“Right. Right. Shit, my bad. Of course, right.”
Glasses girl nudged septum ring in the stomach. “Be chill, Zia.”
“Forty dollars. Each.” You finished.
Glasses girl blinked, “But the website said–”
“And I'm saying forty.”
After some shuffling, they agreed to the price, once they realized you weren't planning on budging. They coughed up the cash happily, and trotted out the store hand in hand.
“Wow, you drive a hard bargain, don't you, gorgeous?”
You bit your lip, trying, and failing in your attempt not to grin back at her, “Riri. I didn’t hear you come in.” You cleared your throat.
Her hands played at her sides as she inched closer to the register, slowly placing the romance novel she’d been holding on to the counter. She maintained eye contact with you all the while, on purpose of course, her sole goal being to cause your face to flame.
You had to regrettably admit it was working.
“Yeah, I bet you didn't. You was too busy extorting them freshman girls.”
Your eyes rolled playfully, “Wouldn't call it extortion.”
Riri placed her elbows on the glass countertop, eyes dancing as she held your gaze. “What would you call it then?”
“I’ll Tell You When the Lights Go Down.” You whispered, eyes misted with suggestion.
Riri choked a little on the air, the action causing you to giggle. “You’ll what?” She questioned, curiosity coloring her face.
“Your book.” You let your eyes pan down to the novel she had previously placed before you, reading the title out loud. “I’ll Tell You When the Lights Go Down.”
When you lifted your gaze back up to her, her eyes had melted down to a cool brown, her smile indicating she had been caught, though she harbored no shame about it.
“Right, I uh,” She cleared her throat, “I was gonna buy it…”
You nodded, playing along with her ruse, “Uhuh.”
“Yeah, cause I remember you reading it, and telling me it was like good, n’shit so. I was gon see if you was right.”
You narrowed your eyes, lips pursed as you concealed the smirk threatening to make itself known. “You remember me saying that?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Well, I guess I’ll just ring you up then.”
Riri nodded, “Go ahead. Been dying to read this one.”
You couldn't help but shake your head at her. You grabbed the book, sliding it across the scanner until it beeped. “Thirty twenty five.”
She gasped, “For one book? You're fucking with me, right?”
“Fraid not.” You spun the screen around to show her with a shrug. “It’s a special edition. You didn't see the sticker on the cover when you picked it up? Or the price on the back?”
You lifted the book, pointing out the shiny metallic sticker that read “SPECIAL COLLECTORS EDITION” in bold letters stuck to the front. Then you flipped it over, showing her the price before tax.
Riri Williams was stubbornness personified. She could just admit she had zero intention of buying the book in the first place, that she had no clue the book existed before today, and that she grabbed it because it was the first thing she laid eyes on upon entering the store, but you already knew she wouldn't do that. It went against her very nature—the act would fundamentally damage her psyche.
“Of course I did.” She snapped back, causing you to raise a brow. “I mean, I wouldn’t have brought it up here had I not known the price.”
“I’m sure you wouldn't have.” You smirked.
Riri fished her phone out of her back pocket, tapping the device against the card reader until it chimed, signifying the transaction was completed. You moved to bag her book, handing it to her a little too giddily, and she noted your smugness.
“What you doing later?” She asked, leaning her hip against the counter. She’d slipped effortlessly back into her armor of nonchalance, eyeing you intently.
“Why?”
The shorter girl shrugged, chewing on her lip slightly. “Lemme take you out.”
Your scoff was immediate, her statement coaxing a huff of dry laughter from your throat. “Take me out? Seriously?”
“Why not?” She didn't seem to understand at all why you would meet her foolish suggestion with hostility. You’d be annoyed if she didn't look so fucking sexy right now.
Her skin glowed like honey. She looked soft—smelled sweet. Her mouth taunted you with its fullness, and her curly fro was almost hypnotic the way it swayed ever so slightly each time she turned her head.
Your gaze dropped down to her neck, and the gold jewelry tied around it. You almost cursed under your breath when you noticed the pendant—a shiny letter ‘R.’
She still wore it—the necklace you bought for her birthday. That day felt like forever ago, but your ever-present feelings reminded you that it had not been. Months, more like. Two to be exact.
“You know why, Riri.” You managed to grit out, stepping from behind the counter. You trotted over to the boxes of new releases Jean was supposed to shelf once he returned from his fifteen minute break, which was supposed to be over thirty minutes ago.
She was on your heels, trailing behind you as you maneuvered between the bookshelves. “What? Cause of that nigga? You still with him?”
“You still with Gabrielle?” You shot back, sounding a little more defensive than you should've.
Fuck, you were playing right into her hands, just like she had undoubtedly planned.
“I fucked her once, you know that.”
She flinched when you narrowed your eyes, “Okay, twice.”
Again, you cut your eyes at her, unconvinced.
“Fine! Three times, but that's it, I swear!” She confessed. “I was never with Gabbie. She was just there when you weren't.”
You wheeled the cart of books down another aisle, not even bothering to acknowledge her ramblings.
“Fucking someone is not the same as getting into a whole relationship with someone else.” She whisper-shouted, “With a nigga at that. We ain't even been broken up for more than two minutes.”
You spun to face her, irritation shocking your pupils, “It's been two fucking months, Riri!”
“Same thing.”
“And how long after we broke up did you wait to get your dick wet–”
Jean appeared in the shelves then, stopping you mid question, “Okay, I’m finna head out.” He looked between you and Riri, then back to you, “Unless you need me to stay? Help you close?”
You sighed, “No Jean, you can go. I'm good.”
“You sure? Cause I can–”
“Aye, you ain't heard her when she said she was good?” Riri’s irritation was bursting at the seams.
You looked at him, silently apologizing with your eyes, “I am, good. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
He only nodded, not bothering to say goodbye as he turned to leave. You heard the bell on the door ding, and then a loud thud of the door slamming, rattling the thin walls and rickety book cases in the small store.
You were alone with her now, in the last place you wanted to be.
“Why you always gotta be a fucking asshole to every damn body, Ri? This why I broke up with yo ass in the first fucking place. And you got the nerve to come to my job asking to take me out and shit? Fuck no.”
Your words paralyzed her, frosted her feet to the floor. Her eyes were shifting, darting back and forth at rapid speed like they were having trouble computing. Her pupils were blown wide—far more expressive than you’d ever seen them. It wasn't difficult to identify her hurt. Riri was skilled in many areas, but concealing her emotions would forever be her downfall.
And as much as you cared, as much as you wanted to take her pain away, tell her you didn't mean it, you couldn't. Because pieces of you did mean it. The pieces that were harmed far too many times by her careless actions.
The cart squeaked as you wheeled it away, turning the corner to stock a new row of psychological thrillers, a genre you’d recently gotten familiar with. Ironically, you'd only started reading them after the breakup, needing something far removed from your usual love for fantasy-romance.
You heard the pitter-patter of small feet rounding the corner to meet you where you stood, but you hadn't turned to look at her.
“I– I’m sorry…”
She posed it as a question. Like she wasn't sure if she truly was… sorry. You could tell, from the dampness in her tone, that she wanted to be. Though, you weren't sure her desire to be outweighed her ability.
“I hate that I hurt you. I'm sorry I lied to you.”
You let out an exasperated sigh, “Whatever you say, Riri.”
“Can you just… look at me, please?” Her voice cracked a little at the end of her sentence, and you thought maybe, your heart did too.
But you soon remembered, that your shattered heart had not yet mended itself, and that crack you thought you felt had just been the never ending throb you could never outrun when it came to her. It was a warning, from your bruised organ, alerting you to steer clear, resist, do not engage, withstand temptation—all of the above—all at once.
You did not heed. Because her voice cracked a little at the end of her sentence, and so did your defenses.
When you inevitably turned to face Riri, she wore the deepest of frowns, and your immediate thought was to kiss it away, because it did not belong there. You didn't though, and it took everything you had.
You met her gaze, taking in the darkness invading her eyes, the regret occupying the space.
Riri moved closer to you, making you flinch a little when she reached for your hand. You could tell she was biting back a smirk, pleased with your reaction.
“I’m sorry. I really am.” Her fingers wove into yours, and she lifted your entangled arms, slowly guiding you backwards until your shoulders were pressed up against a row of Freida McFadden books. “I need to know how I can make you believe it, baby.”
Air caught in your throat, rendering you breathless as you stared down at her. You groaned a little when she stepped closer, pressing her chest tightly to yours. “I don't think there's any way you can, Ri. Not this time.” You should look away, avert her gaze. You should push her away, kick her out of the store entirely.
But you both knew you wouldn't.
She had you right where she planned to—and you were exactly where you wanted to be.
Riri looked down through the very thin space between you, marveling at your heaving chest, then her eyes climbed back up to your face, and she smirked deviously. “I’m sure I can think of something.” She whispered seductively.
“What are you–”
Before you could respond though, Riri’s mouth was on yours, hot and heavy, kissing you with everything she had. And you reciprocated her fervor without pause, lapping at her tongue and moaning into her every exhale.
“Ri…” You breathed, but she shushed you with her mouth again.
Her fingers traveled down your abdomen, stopping, and hovering over the button on your jeans. She made sure to ask for permission before proceeding, and you nodded enthusiastically, needing to feel her for the first time in forever.
Once your button was undid, and your zipper was pushed down, Riri slipped a warm hand into your pants, cupping your damp heat over your panties. She stroked your clit in the laziest way, intent on making the wet spot on the fabric spread faster.
Her lips enveloped your throat as you squirmed for her. “Mhmm, that's it baby. That feel good, don't it?”
You bobbed your head vigorously, and she chuckled into the crook of your neck. You felt her fingers dip under the waistband of your panties, she tugged it back, and the stretchy fabric snapped against your skin when she let it go, causing you to screech.
“Ouch! Riri, what the fu–”
Two slender digits were buried deep inside you before you could finish. She pumped them steadily, stroking your walls in the way only she knew you liked.
“Sorry baby.” She breathed against your chest with a low giggle, “Let me make it up to you. Let me make you come, please?”
You didn't have words to give, only whines, and whimpers, and she gladly accepted those as she stretched your wet pussy out. “Fuck… I missed this. Missed how wet you get for me.”
Her thumb smoothed over your throbbing clit as she fucked you deep against the creaking shelves. Neither of you cared—you were both chasing one thing—your release.
“I’m sorry I suck so much.” She whispered, sliding her tongue up the column of your throat, making you shudder. “I'm sorry I took you, and this pretty pussy for granted.” Her fingers knocked against your g-spot, and your eyes rolled.
“You're the best thing to ever happen to me, and I hate myself for letting you slip away.”
You moved to slide your pants down below your knees so she could dig further into you, making her grin from ear to ear. “That's my good girl.” She praised.
The once quiet store was now packed to the brim with not only books, but the lewd sounds of Riri fucking you senseless as she begged tirelessly for your forgiveness. Usually, she was the one who made you beg, but this was a shift you could get used to.
Her fingers exited your dripping hole, prompting you to gasp involuntarily. She had fallen to her knees in front of you, sucking sinfully on the sticky mess you left behind on her fingers as she held your stare. “I’m so fucking sorry, gorgeous.”
She ran a thumb through your folds one last time before attaching her lips to your swollen clit.
“Mmm, f-fuck, Ri.”
She swallowed your pussy, licking and lapping everything you gave her, moaning into your flesh each time you twitched. Your fingers found her curls, tugging, as you felt your legs on the precipice of giving out—it was a means to steady yourself—too—because your orgasm was right around the corner.
Riri’s tongue was fucking your hole, and you were crying her name over and over. At some point, you’d managed to prop your quaking leg up on the cart of books, giving her lips better access to your juices as she drank you in.
“God Ri, I’m gonna–”
With one last slurp, she replaced her tongue with her skilled digits once more, peering up at you through half-hooded eyes. “I need you to look at me while you come, baby. Keep those pretty eyes on me.” Her entire face was fucking drenched, and the sight only aided in pushing you closer to the edge.
“Give it to me, gorgeous. Fucking give it to me.” Riri growled, pumping your pussy even faster than before.
“Shitshitshitshitshit!” You were panting, writhing as you continued to climb. “Fuck, Ri, I’m coming!”
Your walls clenched around her fingers, and you screamed her name louder than before, feeling currents of pleasure barrel into you. She fucked your body through the aftershocks as you rode out your high, singing you praises until you floated back down to earth.
You huffed a breath, “Shit.”
With your mouth parted, she seized the opportunity to stuff her used fingers in your mouth for you to suck, and you swirled your tongue around them, nice and slow like you knew she liked.
When she pulled them free, the digits were licked clean. But, she pushed them between her own lips despite that. “Just in case you missed a spot.” She'd said, making you bite your lip as you stared back at her.
“Does that mean you forgive me now?” Riri asked, aiding you in pulling up your panties and jeans.
You tapped your chin, “That depends.”
Once you’d fixed your hair and wiped your mouth, you started back toward the register, with Riri hot on your trail.
“On what?” She raised a brow, visibly impressed by the easy way you shifted back into work mode.
“Whether you actually read that book or not.” You grinned.
Her mouth fell into a hard line as she trailed her gaze over to the novel still sitting on the counter, waiting for her. “This… might actually be more difficult than I thought…”
It’s been damn near two years since I wrote something that I was proud enough to share with you all (and for that I’m so sorry)
I can not even put into words how much I appreciated all of the love I still got while I was away. From continuing to tag me in your stories to the messages I got in my dm’s and inbox. Thank you guys 🤍
Anyways, it’s time for my not so little break to come to an end so… how bout a Yes, Daddy prequel?
just a heads up to my fellow writers out there that AO3 is currently fighting off bots commenting on people’s works to tell them that AO3 will delete their fics “due to the works being deprecated”, and the deletion will affect their accounts unless the authors delete the fics themselves first. IT IS A SCAM. AO3 will NOT delete your works. please do NOT fall for these bots!
I’ve been told the reason why these bots are doing this is due to copyright infringement issue where they’re trying to steal your works (possibly to train AI but this is just a guess) ‼️‼️‼️and once you deleted your fics, it will be either very difficult or impossible for you to claim ownership of your own fics when they were already deleted.‼️‼️‼️
a reminder that AO3 will never contact you through your comments section (in case they claim to be one of the moderators). AO3 will only contact you through your email address which you use to register your account, and it will be from AO3’s official handle. not some sketchy ass @
so if you get a comment telling you you should “delete your works to protect your account because AO3 is doing blah blah blah” report that comment. don’t delete your works.
PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THESE SCAM.
AO3 IS NOT DELETING WORKS.
DO NOT DELETE YOUR WORKS JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE CLAIMS THEY KNOW SOMETHING.
Summary: Shuri is the top basketball player at HBCU!AU where Izogie serves as the team's new strength & conditioning coach. The two bump heads until common ground is found.
Background/Fandoms: Black Panther x The Woman King Crossover AU
Authors Notes: THIRD FORTH TIME POSTING THIS MFER!!! First attempt at full-fat smut so please be kind lol This ish whooped me for 6+ months but with @megamindsecretlair and @blacksapphhicmaddonna encouragement (and threats) I pushed through and didn't delete it from my folder (even though tumblr deleted my entire post from an hour ago...) Highly recommend listening to the playlist with the read. Cross posted on the main @mybonafidefeelings
Tag List: @xenaizogie @gr00vyminibus @scribblecake @blkbinz @xblackreader @lppriceisright
Translations: Mon bébé: my baby; Mon cheri: my love; J’aime ça (Djem suh): I like/love it; Nceda undinike (Xhosa): Please me
“I can’t stand coach Izogie, she always has some smart shit to say.” Shuri complained, her shoulders aching as she stretched. She adjusted herself on the pillow, resting her head against her lover's thigh.
Riri gently pushed Shuri's head back down as she finished the final braid, securing it with a small rubber band. “That’s wild coming from the team’s resident smart ass.”
“You love my smart ass though,” Shuri retorted with a sly smile.
“I mean, you aight I guess.”
“Aight, duly noted. I will remember that the next time one of those Britney Griner types try to dunk on your little ass.”
“I can handle myself thank you." Riri replied as she stood and crossed the room, picking up her phone from her desk. "Speaking of, don’t you gotta one-on-one strength and conditioning session today?”
“Bast, what time is it?”
“It’s 2:15, what time you supposed to be there?”
“2:30. Gotta go love but I will see you later at study hall.”
“Shuri, don’t speed, you don’t need another ticket or accident, OK?”
“Yes, yes. No speeding. Got it.” Shuri gave a wink and placed a quick peck on Riri’s lips as she took off out of the apartment, sprinting across the parking lot to her car. She made it across campus with seconds to spare, definitely speeding and even running a couple of stop signs to avoid the wrath of being late.
Arriving at the gym, she spotted Coach Izogie, instructing a teammate with arms firmly crossed, demanding better form on her press. Shuri slipped onto an elliptical, hoping to blend into the background. However, her hopes were dashed as Izogie addressed her without even turning around.
“Udaku, you are late. Again.”
“Come on coach. It’s like one minute, and you’re still with Ayo.”
“Don’t want to hear it. Hit the bleachers, 30 sprints. I’ll watch you from here.”
Frustration boiled within Shuri. She knew this extra exertion would make her workout exponentially more challenging, and she threw up her harms in protest.
"I don't hear those feet moving, Princess," Izogie taunted, shedding the nickname she used for Shuri when she was being particularly stubborn.
“I’m going — damn.”
“Make it 40.”
After completing her penalty for habitual lateness, Shuri returned to the training area, drenched in sweat. She slumped onto a bench, struggling for breath, and spotted Izogie across the room with a stern expression.
"You still move like a sloth," the trainer commented as she effortlessly returned dumbbells to their rack.
“You serious right now? I ran that in less than 7 minutes.”
“You are a forward Shuri, you should have been done in no more than 6. Let’s work on those chicken legs today.”
The session was grueling, filled with rounds of weighted squats, deadlifts, and lunges that left Shuri's legs trembling. As she laid on the rehab table for post-workout physio, Izogie expertly worked on a stubborn knot in her thigh, eliciting a sharp gasp from Shuri.
"Hey, just breathe, okay," Izogie coached, applying pressure with her capable fingers.
"It hurts," Shuri whimpered. "You're in there deep!"
"It'll start feeling better if you relax. Try to focus on something else. Breathe in through your nose and out through your lips."
Reluctantly, Shuri followed the instructions, zeroing in on her breathing. Her gaze wandered, fixating on the scar peeking above Izogie's polo. Intrigue ignited, and her eyes trailed down to the golden pendant resting against the warm, brown skin. Shuri's body began to unwind, finding sweet relief in her quad as the muscle finally gave in.
"There you go. Much better. Remember to ice it tonight, okay?"
"Yeah, okay."
Izogie extended a hand, aiding Shuri to her shaky feet as she retrieved her trusty water bottle from the floor.
"Good work today, Udaku. And don't forget to swing by tonight, before 8, to grab those tapes. I've been reminding you all week, won't say it again." She playfully swiped at Shuri with a towel and departed the room.
Shuri rapped on the townhouse door, checking her phone's clock. It was 7:55 PM, right on time. A booming bark from inside startled her, followed by Izogie's authoritative command for the dog to hush. The coach appeared at the entrance.
"You good with dogs, Udaku?" Izogie asked, cracking the door open slightly.
"Not ones that sound like they want to eat me."
"Don't tell me the Panther's scared of a little pup."
"No, I'm not scared. I'm good."
"Alright, come on in," Izogie said, fully opening the door. "Let me finish up in the kitchen real quick, and I'll grab the films for you. Make yourself at home."
Shuri eyed the large brown dog, its gaze seeming rather intense from across the room. She settled onto the brown leather sofa.
"Coach, you sure your dog is cool? It looks like it wants to devour me."
"Princess is all bark. She probably just wants a belly rub."
"Princess? Seriously?," Shuri scoffed in amusement. "That's a grown man."
Izogie laughed at the common response to her pet’s name. "Mon bébé," she called to the dog, "Show her your baby."
The brindle Boerboel darted across the living room to a basket, pulling out a well-loved stuffed black cat. She eagerly trotted up to Shuri, dropping the toy in her lap.
"See, she wants to play."
Shuri cautiously picked up the toy, patting the dog's head. The pup immediately flopped onto her back, tail wagging eagerly. It made Shuri burst into laughter, charmed by the puppy-like energy of the massive creature.
"See. Told you."
"She just has good taste," Shuri retorted smugly, scratching the dog's belly.
"Right," Izogie said with a smirk, rolling her eyes at Shuri's quick return to cockiness.
Shuri rubbed the dog's soft underbelly before calling over to Izogie as the aromas wafted across the living room. "What are you doing in there anyway? Smells good."
"I'm cooking. Ever heard of it? You should try one day and stop eating that rubbish from the café."
"I know how to cook...a little bit."
"I find that hard to believe, Princess. Now do me a solid, come taste this for me while I go upstairs."
Izogie motioned to a small bowl on the counter as she headed towards the stairs. Shuri washed her hands and took a cautious spoonful of the stew. The blend of spices was an explosion of flavor in her mouth, a perfect mix of heat, aroma, and sweetness. A small moan emerged as she savored another spoonful, lost in familiar flavors, remnant of home.
"I'm taking it that's okay?" Izogie chuckled as she unknowingly reentered the kitchen.
"Man, this shit is delicious." Shuri moaned as she finished the last bite. "I could eat this everyday!"
Izogie smiled widely, unable to mask the flush under her skin from Shuri's unexpected compliment. "Haha and not too spicy?" She asked, hoping to regain her composure. "My lady can't handle the spice, you know how these Americans are."
"Tell me about it. Riri swears she can handle heat, but her hot sauce is weak."
Izogie smirked, shaking her head at Shuri’s mention of her other half. "The Panther and The Scientist, such a peculiar match."
"Yeah? How so?"
"Well, Riri is a mastermind on the court. Her plays are nuanced and immaculate. She's bound to be one of the great coaches of our time."
"Yeah, no doubt," Shuri replied, swelling with pride as Izogie spoke so highly of her girlfriend.
"And you, the slick panther. You play a lot like your brother, but you're also impulsive, reckless, elusive on the court in a way that shouldn't work, but somehow does. You two complement each other well, on and off the court, I'm sure." Izogie playfully nudged Shuri's shoulder.
"Okay, coach, you almost sound like you don't hate my guts."
"Well, first, we're not on campus, so you can just call me Izogie. Second, I don't dislike you. You're just annoying, buzzing around like a tsetse, always talking and into everything."
"Tsetse?"
"Little fly."
"Damn, coa—Izogie, my feelings."
"You'll survive." Izogie offered as she turned towards the dining room table. "But this should be everything, I definitely want you to watch the Central state game because you--" Her words were cut short as she lifted the bag of films from the floor, wincing as pain flashed across her face, causing her to roll her right shoulder painfully.
"You good?" Shuri asked with genuine concern.
"Yes, this shoulder still gives me trouble sometimes when I pick something up wrong."
"From your accident?"
"You mean when I got shot twice, ending my basketball career?" Izogie erupted, her pained expression quickly replaced with annoyance.
"Yeah."
Izogie took a deep breath, noticing the younger woman's small retreat from her misplaced frustration on such a sore topic. "Sorry. Didn't mean to snap. I just wish people would call it what it is."
"No, I get it. I feel the same way about my brother's death." Shuri offered, causing Izogie to feel even more guilty about her outburst.
"Do you miss it, being on the court?" Shuri questioned, breaking the uneasy silence.
"Yeah, sometimes. But I think coaching is more my calling. I get to deal with knuckleheads like you and keep you all on track."
"You were a beast though! You averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. That was unheard of for a small forward."
"Check you out, knowing your stats. I'm flattered."
"Can I ask you something?"
"You're going to regardless, I'm sure."
"So…what happened when you got...shot? There were all kinds of wild rumors going around. I heard you were in some type of all-female gang."
"A gang?,” Izogie snorted. “Well, that's a first but I can see how that became the story. I used to be real cocky, kinda like somebody I know. Ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, there was a fight and I went back to help out my teammate and they started shooting. Got me here and here." She lifted her shirt, revealing the well-healed scars on her shoulder and abdomen.
"Your teammate. She didn't make it, right?"
"Yeah, Nawi. She was like my little sister. It was rough."
"Damn, I'm really sorry, Izogie. That's so messed up."
"You know, you can cry about things, but it's better to laugh and try to remember the good, right? You kind of remind me of her, Nawi, the original tsetse."
"Well, I'll take my title as an honor." The two shared a chuckle, relishing the recovery from an otherwise heavy turn in conversation.
"Alright, Shuri, go ahead and get out of here. I need to finish dinner and freshen up before my girl gets here."
"Fine. See you Monday, I'll think about being on time."
"And your ass will be running bleachers again if you're late."
"What, haven't we bonded?"
"Goodbye, Shuri."
Izogie opened the door, and Shuri ambled towards it. "Just got one last thing to say."
"What is it?"
"Make sure you strap up, coach."
"Out!" Izogie laughed, pushing Shuri out and firmly closing the door behind her.
Later than night, Izogie nursed her third glass of whisky, an attempt to numb the disaster of the night with her girlfriend, well ex-girlfriend now. Her mind had endured the defeat of the woman's dramatic uproar, and she now wanted nothing more than to drink herself into a stupor. Yet, her mind wandered to her previous visitor of the evening.
Tsetse 2.0 herself had occupied her thoughts since her departure. The girl worked every nerve she had. And still, she was also oddly drawn to her, which is partially why she'd had her stop by, a questionable decision in itself given the university's strict fraternization rules. Shuri and the other players were closer to peers than her 40-something year old head coach, and she had enjoyed the company.
Since joining the program, outside of her girlfriend, she didn't have many close relationships. After Nawi's death, she'd felt abandoned by the family she'd built in undergrad and was craving connection. But there was more...Udaku's limitless confidence sparked something within her. She reminded her of the young, brash version of herself before her fall from grace. Headstrong, confident, bordering on reckless, and she was drawn to that vibrant energy.
Shuri too found herself distracted as she hung in Riri’s apartment. She’d always admired the former rising star and had been ecstatic for her to join the team, only to be dismayed by her constant corrections and cynical nature. Izogie didn’t give her an inch of slack, a stark contrast to her general mastery of others, but the discipline was intoxicating.
After allowing Riri to decimate her in 2K four times over, she decided to call it a night and wished her lover a goodnight. Yet, instead of just walking across the quad to her own room, she somehow found herself back at Izogie's complex, pressing the call box for the gate to open.
"Who is this?" She heard Izogie's demanding voice over the intercom.
"Oh hey," She responded cautiously. "It's me...again."
"Shuri? What do you want?" Izogie asked, annoyance dripping from her words.
Shuri felt her nerve slipping, racking her mind to state a suitable reason for showing up unannounced. "Just had a quick question."
"Go home Shuri. I'll see you Monday."
"Come on Izogie, please." She asked again, feeling both the sting of rejection and desire of her pleas.
There was no response from the intercom, the silence deafening. Just as Shuri accepted her defeat, the gate careened open, and Shuri sped into the complex, parking haphazardly in front of the townhouse. She went to knock on the door, but it opened swiftly, where a tipsy Izogie scowled at her in the entryway.
"Tsetse. It is after midnight. What do you want?"
"Like I said, just had a question." Shuri said with a sly smirk.
Izogie raised her eyebrow, taking a slow sip from her glass before responding. "What is this burning question?"
"You smoke?"
"Do I what?"
"Smoke."
Izogie paused before speaking, eyeing the woman up and down with a warning glare. "Yes, I do, but you are well aware that you cannot."
"It's not weed. I swear. It's this purple, heart-shaped herb from my home country. It doesn't show up on any drug screen and it's smooth as shit." Shuri rambled in one quick breath, as if she’d been rehearsing for this exact moment.
Izogie didn't know if it was the liquor, her achy heart, or the lure of further numbing her pain, but she let the younger woman inside, quickly closing the door behind her. Shuri peered at Izogie, who was wearing nothing but a sports bra and basketball shorts, as they made their way to the living room. Izogie dropped onto the couch, setting the now empty glass upon the coffee table before turning to face her visitor.
"So, tell me about this herb. This shit going to get me fired, arrested, or worse?"
"Nah. It’s just a good vibe that's all."
"So you came all the way over here for good vibes and to smoke with your strength and conditioning coach?"
"Maybe."
"Impulsive, reckless..."
"Yea yea, you tryna hit this or not."
Shuri pulled a luminescent flower from her bookbag, grinding a single petal into a coarse powder and rolling it into a paper. As she lit the well-formed blunt, purple flames burned brightly, and she took a deep inhale, blowing a floral-scented smoke into the air. She passed it to Izogie, who exhaled hesitantly and then took a long drag. Warm sensations instantly flowed through Izogie's body as the herb's soothing nature washed over her.
“Damn Shuri, this is something serious.” She said she fell against the back of the couch. When Shuri didn't respond, she looked over worried that she was having a bad trip. Shuri sat stoically, her eyes straight ahead, only movement coming from her leg which shook nervously.
“Hey, you good?” Izogie asked with concern in her voice, leaning over to try and break her trance. “Shuri –"
Shuri's lips crashed into her, catching her off-guard as the younger woman’s sweet smoky taste filled her tastebuds. After a bit, she instinctively broke away, standing up abruptly, nearly falling over the coffee table. "The fuck Shuri! What are you doing?"
"Come on coach." Shuri called to her, pulling at her shorts to lessen the distance between them.
Izogie stared aghast at the hungry look of the younger woman sitting inches from her on the couch. Her braids, sharp jawline, the baggy hoodie and sweats called to her. The whisky flowing through her veins mixed with the herb’s soothing essence and all common sense vanished. She pushed the slim woman back on the couch, picking up where Shuri had initiated, their lips hungrily exploring one another. She began to suck vigorously on the woman's neck, as Shuri’s hands fell to her waist, gripping her tightly.
"Take this shit off,” she demanded, grabbing at Shuri's hoodie, grazing her firm waist as she ushered the garment over her head. She bit at Shuri's nipples through her sports bra causing the younger woman to moan loudly, bucking her hips up sharply.
"Fucking reckless ass." Izogie whispered into her ear.
"Shut up and fuck me already."
Chills ran down Izogie's spine at her call to action and her hands soon found that Shuri's words matched her arousal below. Slipping under her boy shorts, she firmly stuck two fingers into her drenched folds, which enveloped them in a steaming moisture.
"Oh shit, more." Shuri called out as her own hands eluded Izogie's waistband, sharply gripping her ass. The sudden pain and Shuri's guttural moans in her ears were intoxicating. Izogie added two more digits into Shuri's throbbing pussy and jabbed deeply attempting to fill her up.
"Fuck yes, just like that, get in this pussy." Shuri cried out as Izogie mercilessly attacked her cunt, drilling up to her knuckles with each thrust.
"You talk too much" She crooned in Shuri's ear.
"Well then shut me up."
Izogie removed her hand, filling Shuri's mouth with her own slick-covered hand. Shuri moaned, sucking her essence off of Izogie's fingers and then slightly gagging as Izogie pushed against her palate. Shuri fought a cough and grabbed at Izogie's wrist, biting down slightly on her hand with a teasing smirk. Izogie daftly flipped her over, pressing her head into the couch cushions.
"Still talking." She murmured with breathless defiance as Izogie pulled her pants and underwear down, firmly reconnecting with her throbbing clit. Shuri squirmed as Izogie's thrusts became faster and deeper, teetering on the edge of painful but causing her to whimper fiercely. With only her legs free to move, she slid one off the sofa's edge, allowing Izogie to hit her g-spot, which caused her to cry out in pleasure.
"Come on panther, let me hear that pussy purr," Izogie commanded with each thrust and Shuri felt an orgasm rip through her, a scream straining her vocal cords and she fought to catch her breath.
"See you do know how to shut up." Izogie murmured as she continued to fuck Shuri through her release.
Shuri recovered her strength quickly, and she pushed back on Izogie, removing her hand and sucking it clean.
"Damn" Izogie murmured, as Shuri then pressed against her, laying a trail of kisses down across her chest and abdomen, playing special attention to each scar, sending chills through her. As the trajectory descended towards Izogie's dripping pussy, she grabbed Shuri's face.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Oh, you thought I wasn't gonna get my lick back? Nice try."
"I'd like to see you try."
Shuri snatched away, continuing her path pulling down Izogie’s shorts, placing kisses on her lower abdomen. Izogie squirmed under her touch, as her moans betrayed her expressed reluctance, "Mhm fuck Shuri." A shuffle of hands and bucking of hips eventually found her shorts and boxers discarded on the floor, Shuri’s head situated between her legs.
Shuri dove into her wetness, tongue pressing firmly against the sweet bundle of nerves. She felt Izogie press firmly on her head, pulling her deeper into her warmth to the point where she could barely breathe. The lack of oxygen caused her head to swirl which sent deep sensations through her body. She moaned into Izogie pussy, feeling the woman’s hips thrust mercilessly into her mouth.
“J’aime ça Shuri!” Izogie cried out as her legs began to tremble. Shuri grabbed tightly onto her thighs, letting her ride out the orgasm against her face, a medley of French and Fon rang from Izogie's lips. She relished in intoxicating sensations from Izogie's taste upon her tongue along the absence of oxygen. She felt Izogie's body relax, allowing her to emerge from her grip, breaths heavy as she became reacquainted with unburdened inhalation.
“You okay?" Izogie questioned breathlessly. "Didn’t mean to choke you out.”
“Yea,” Shuri panted with a eager grin. “It was fun.”
“Fun? Don’t tell me the Panther Princess is into some kinky shit?”
“I don’t know, but I’m willing to try.”
“Nah, I’m not even going to play with you like that.”
“What you think I can’t take it?”
“No, you just don’t fucking listen.”
“All I need is a good reason too.”
Izogie was once against in awe. She’d already crossed every boundary with this woman. Letting her in her house. Smoking with her. Fucking her. Letting her taste her. Why stop there? Here she had a willing participant and the opportunity to make Shuri’s screams fill her apartment again was too enticing to pass up.
“Okay. Go to my bed and take the rest of these fucking clothes off.”
“That it?”
“Now.”
The authority in Izogie’s voice pushed Shuri to her feet and up the stairs. There were three doors. She turned into the first, finding the sleeping dog on the other side. She quickly closed it and tried the other, where she found a blacklight lit bed that she quickly climbed into after stripping down. She could smell Izogie’s cologne on the sheets, which only caused the puddle between her legs to expand as her anticipation grew. Her fingers found their way down, needing to feel another release. She filled her own hollow with her slender digits, mind imagining they were Izogie’s instead of her own. Moans escaped from her lips, as she pumped in and out of her somewhat tender hole, the slight pain pushing her to go faster.
She heard a throat clearing and opened her eyes and to find Izogie, sitting in a computer chair across from her. She had no idea when the other woman had slid into the room, now wearing only a harness with a thick brown dildo, bigger than anything she’d ever taken before. Their eyes met, Izogie’s face etched with a feral hunger as Shuri explored her slick folds. Shuri smirked, opening her legs wider, allowing a better view as she continued her deeds. She threw her head back as felt herself nearing another release, when she felt a strong hand on her wrist, stopping her mid stroke.
Izogie stood before her, staring down at her with a slight menace in her eyes.
“Already messing up.” She chastised, removing Shuri’s now dripping fingers. “I didn’t tell you to start this.”
Shuri groaned in protest of her now aborted orgasm. “You were taking too damn long. What-.”
Her words were interrupted as Izogie gripped her braids, pulling their lips togethers in a kiss that removed the saucy feedback from Shuri’s mind. When Izogie released her, she hungrily pulled her back in for another, but was met with Izogie’s firm hand on her chest, keeping them apart.
Izogie swallowed hard, fighting the urge to continue, but knowing the need for a pause before things continued. “Timeout."
“What?”
“I need to know what your limits are.”
“A limit? Come on, just fuck me.” Shuri whined annoyed.
“Shuri, I have no problem fucking you senseless, but it’s important for both of us to know how far I can go, keep us both safe.”
The gravity in Izogie's tone silenced Shuri's objections and sobered her mind as she grumbled her way through the swift assessment of boundaries. Izogie coached her on how to communicate even if words evaded her. Shuri complained about the delay of gratification but went along with it, realizing that nothing further would happen without the negotiation.
"Alright, let's go through it once more."
"Fine," Shuri groaned, her fourth eye roll in as many minutes. "'Tech' means a hard stop. Zone, ease up, and Post up, means you're good to keep going."
"Good. And if you can't speak and you need me to stop, what do you do?"
"Tap three times. Come on, I got it," Shuri complained, drawing out each syllable, which prompted an eye roll and smirk from Izogie in return.
“Come here Shuri.” She commanded the younger woman, her own resolve breaking with the desire to finish what Shuri had haphazardly started.
Shuri crawled over on the bed, Izogie gripping her neck and waist as she kissed her hungrily. She sucked furiously on her jaw and neck, causing Shuri to instantly forget her previous annoyance. Her hands moved down to Izogie’s thighs, but a swift grip on her wrist and her arm was twisted behind her.
“I didn’t tell you to touch me.” Izogie sharply corrected her, catching her off-guard.
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not, but you will be. Turn around.”
Shuri responded wordlessly, shifting towards the bed. Izogie held her tightly, her breast pushed into her back, she could feel her firm nipples colliding with her skin. Her hands grazed at her clit, making teasing long strokes against her wetness that left her yearning for more. Izogie’s strong hand made its way to her throat, only holding it softly.
“Put your hand on my wrist,” Izogie instructed. “You want more, you push, you need me to stop you pull away or gimme three taps, okay?”
Shuri nodded silently, gripping onto her strong wrist, as Izogie continued the oral assault on her neck and shoulders. She pushed into Izogie’s wrist, desperate for her to rob her of breath again. Izogie pressed softly, her thumb and index finger gripping securely along the smooth column of her throat and Shuri felt the light-headed sensation as the blood flow to her head diminished. She gasped and Izogie let go immediately, pulling her face to her.
“You okay?” She questioned; her voice doused in concern.
“P-post up.” Shuri begged, pulling Izogie’s hand back to her throat, grinding her hips against the strap hanging from her waist.
Shur’s quick mastery amused Izogie, who resumed her breath theft, hands finding Shuri’s pulsing entry. Gently rubbing circles against her clit and opening, Izogie’s hands were quickly drenched in Shuri’s sweet essence. Her senses were ablaze, the combination of the herb and adrenaline placing every nerve ending on high alert. Shuri’s stifled hums against her hand, the warm wetness coating her hands, the smell of Shuri’s skin, a delectable combination of sweat, shea butter and Frankincense. She needed more.
This second orgasm caught Shuri off-guard. She was lost in the ecstasy of breath play, her mind buzzing, almost as if her body was a separate entity. So when her whole body shuddered with the climax, she was caught off guard not only by the pleasant sensation, but also the gush of liquid from between her legs.
“Oh my god, oh my god,” she cried out with a startled amusement, “Zo I’m squirting!”
Izogie clit throbbed as the deluge of Shuri’s juices covered them both. “Yes, let that shit out for me babygirl,” she urged into Shuri’s ear, as she felt her own climax building in the act of service. As she continued to guide Shuri along her orgasm, the desire grew within and she knew that she wanted to take Shuri to the next level. She needed to. With little fanfare, she repositioned their bodies, Shuri’s legs now straddling her hips, and slid the dildo into Shuri’s waiting entrance.
Shuri tensed at this new sensation, pain quickly replacing the ecstasy from moments later. “Too much. It hurts. Zone.” She gasped out, nearly hopping off the bed.
Izogie held her firmly. “Okay okay. Just breathe, remember like I taught you. You're gonna take this dick for me Princess.”
Shuri took a deep breath, attempting to relax her body. She closed her eyes, reaching down to reposition, and carefully lowered herself down, feeling the member fill every inch of her. The pain dissipated, the sensation of being stretched causing her to moan quietly.
“Look at me mon bébé.” Izogie commanded her, and they locked eyes as she slowly found her rhythm, hips moving up and down lubricated by her own juices.
“You’re doing great. Ride this dick Shuri.”
Izogie’s gentle verbal encouragement along with firm strikes against her ass, fueled Shuri to continue, fighting against her fatigued muscles and she continued to pound more furiously against her lover. In between the strikes and grips, Izogie gently rubbed on her clit, never taking her piercing eyes away. The combination of pleasure and pain was intoxicating.
“Fuck, I’m gonna cum.” She cried out.
“No you’re not. Hold that shit.”
Shuri felt the orgasm teetering but fought against her senses, continuing to ride slowly up and down, gripping Izogie’s chest for support.
“Please.” She whimpered as she felt herself draw closer to release, her thighs burning both from their expenditures and the welts that now littered her skin.
“Who’s pussy is this?” Izogie called to her.
“It’s yours.”
“Then say it.”
“This is your pussy Zo. Nceda undinike. Let your pussy come.”
Izogie drew her in closely, pulling their dripping bodies together as she thrusted her hips up, overcoming Shuri’s now languid motions. She held her tightly, their foreheads pressed against one another, eyes locked in as she uttered her final command, “Come for me babygirl.”
Shuri felt the explosion deluge from her, drenching both her and Izogie in a coating of sticky wetness. She screamed to the top of her lungs, nonsensical curses spilling from her lips and Izogie gently coaxed her through the intense fire that consumed them both. “That’s it. Come for daddy. You’re so fucking wet. Come on my dick.” Shuri’s nails pierced into Izogie’s shoulders as she gripped tightly, anything to ground her as head floated away.
“You did so good mon cheri.” Izogie whispered breathlessly in Shuri’s ear, her own orgasm leaving her exasperated. But Shuri barely registered it, already succumbing to the intense plunge of sensation that enveloped her, numbing all of her senses.
Shuri awoke to a wet sensation on her face. She opened her eyes to come face-to-face with the large furball eagerly licking her face, her tattered plush at hand.
“Princess, go to your room.” Izogie instructed the dog as she emerged from the shower, a towel drapes casually over her bare shoulders. The dog gave a sigh but immediately grabbed her toy and left the room.
“Hit the shower's sleepy head.” She called to Shuri as she sat on the end of the bed, gingerly pulling a sports bra over her dripping curls, attempting to avoid the scratches scattered along her back. “You’ve been out for hours.”
Shuri sat up in the bed, looking down at the oversized white t-shirt that covered her slim frame. She peered around, not recognizing the bright white sheets and push pillows that enveloped her.
“We still at your crib?”
“Where else would we be Shuri?”
“I’m just saying. These sheets were not on this bed last night.”
“Yea well someone made quite the mess, so I had to change them or else we were gonna be sleeping with Princess down the hall.”
“How did you change the damn sheets with me in the bed?”
“You were really out of it weren’t you?” Izogie laughed as she walked over to the dresser where a phone vibrated loudly against the hard surface.
“Wait what time is it again? I’m supposed grab breakfast at 9.”
“Yea, you have six missed calls and looks like a bunch of messages from Riri,” She teased holding Shuri’s phone out that was charging atop her dresser.
“What? Give me that.” Shuri unlocked the phone after it was tossed to her and scrolled through the slew of messages from Riri which ranged from concerned to pure fury. “Fuck. She’s pissed.”
“I assume she’s gonna be more than pissed when she sees your battle scars from the night.”
Shuri grasped at her chest and neck, feeling the soreness of the bruises that undoubtedly peppered her brown skin. “Ah man.”
“Just wear a button down. I’ll get you a cold pack and apply this twice a day, you should be good in a couple of days.” Izogie passed her a small tube of cream. “Now come on and bathe. I cleaned you up last night best I could, but there’s a bath waiting for you.”
“I don’t do baths.”
“Trust me, you’re going to want a bath. Come on.”
Izogie reached her hand out and Shuri scoffed, “I think I can get to the bathroom on my own.”
“Okay.” She said, folding her arms, amused with Shuri's recalcitrant willfulness.
Shuri stood up, her knee’s immediately buckling sending her plopping back to the mattress.
“You’re so damn stubborn.”
“Makes it more fun doesn’t it.”
“Let’s go Udaku.”
With Izogie’s assistance, Shuri made it into the bathroom and eased into the tub, the warm water instantly soothing her tender muscles. Izogie handed her a couple pills and a bottle of cool water.
“What’s this?”
“Aspirin. It’ll help with soreness.”
“I don’t take meds.”
“Take the damn pills Shuri.”
After the soak, Shuri emerged from the bathroom feeling anew. She sat on the bed, seeing her clothes from the previous night neatly folded along with new toiletries.
Izogie called out from across the hall, “I washed your sweats, they were well soaked.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. But I already had to wash my sheets so just threw them in. Didn’t know so much could come from such a tiny body.”
“Bast. Please.” Shuri rolled her eyes as Izogie walked back into the room, sitting at the desk across from her.
“Are you going to get dressed? Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
“Not with you sitting there watching me.”
“You didn’t have a problem with me watching you last night.”
Shuri’s face flushed as she was stunned into silence. Izogie took pity on her and spun around in the chair, focusing her attention at her computer screen while Shuri finished getting dressed. They walked down the stairs in a heavy hush, Princess closely on their heels. They stood in the doorway for a moment, both unsure how to part after the night’s activities. Izogie was the first to break the silence.
“Are you sure you don’t want a smoothie or I could make you something quick. You should really eat something.”
Shuri smiled shyly, warmed by the concern on the woman’s face, “I’m ok. I’m about to eat in a bit.”
“Take a power gel.” Izogie said, grabbing a pouch from the basket near the door, slipping it into her front pocket.
“Okay. Thanks.”
“What no argument?”
“Nah. I listen sometimes. I had fun, we should do it again.”
“I don’t know about that. Your girl is already blowing you up and we’ve broken about twenty university policies by now. “
“But it was fun right? Plus it’s my senior season.”
“You make it sound like you’re going to miss me?”
“No! You make my ass hurt.”
“That I will agree with you on. Get out of here Tsetse.”
“See you later, Coach.”
They exchanged a final laugh. Izogie watched as Shuri sprinted down the stairs to her truck. She jumped inside, not looking back before pulling out, nearly hitting a passing vehicle. She sped out the parking spot, giving a double blow of her horn, as she disappeared around the corner.
“Princess, that one is nothing but trouble.” Izogie muttered shaking her head as she ushered the dog back inside and closed the door. Princess sounded a small whine, pawing at Izogie’s leg, prompting her to kneel down to offer a scratch behind the ear. “Yea might be worth the risk huh. Don’t worry she’ll be back.”
Should I make this into a series or keep it a one-shot?
Riri Williams is a genius Black inventor & engineer, who became the Invincible Ironheart after her role model Iron Man was incapacitated; for a time, she modeled her armor after his, before striking out on her own, to aid Shuri, Moon Girl, the Champions & other heroes!
