Hey, everybody! So here is Part 2. Finally! After racking my brain for daaayss, I was able to find some inspiration to write this. It will be a series btw. My first, so be gracious. I’m sensitive about my shit.
CATCH UP: Part 1.
Pairing: Erik ‘Killmonger’ Stevens x Black, Dark-Skin, Plus Size OC. (Always💛)
Summary: It all started with a plate of hot wings, y’all.
Word Count: 4.1k
Warnings: Cussing. Use of the N-word. Mention of the death of a parent. Mention of emotional abuse, fatphobia, & cheating in a romantic relationship. And a small mention of Steve Harvey, just in case the thought of his mustache triggers anybody. 🙃
A/N: I had to make some changes. One big one is that Erik isn’t the director of the Wakandan Outreach Center like what was mentioned in Part 1. He actually doesn’t work with it at all. But it’ll all be explained as we go along. Hopefully, it’ll makes sense. If not, I’ma need y’all to just roll with it anyways lol.
Bold, Italic font is inner dialogue.
——
Janessa moved through the gala hall towards her sit, her thick hips swaying between the tables.
“Girl, where the hell did you go? Leaving me here all by myself,” Chantelle, Janessa’s best friend, scowled lowly. She was a tall, fluffy-thick with sepia brown skin that was complimented well by her long, navy gown. Her fluffy burgundy twist was pinned in a cute updo.
“You’re the one who nearly begged to be my plus one. I figured you wouldn’t mind,” Janessa whispered back, tossing her black, waist length locs over her shoulder as she sat down. “Plus, I was hungry and had to find something actually edible.”
“Heffa, you ate without me? What kind of friend…” Chantelle gave her a betrayed look.
“You looked fine picking at that bird food early. Kiki-ing real hard with whoever that guy was.”
“That’s because he looked like he had a little money. But he was a whole cornball. Going on about Steve Harvey being his role model or something. I couldn’t hear shit else after that.”
Janessa scoffed. “You better leave them bootstrappin’ negros alone.”
“I know. I usually wouldn’t even entertain…” Chantelle trailed off. “Who is that guy staring at you?”
“What?” Janessa replied, looking in the same direction as Chantelle. “Oh. I meet him earlier in the kitchen. We had some wings together.”
“You sure all he wanted was the wings? Cause he’s looking at you like you’re a bowl of gravy. And he’s the biscuit.”
“Girl,” Janessa huffed.
“Uh, uh. He FINE fine.” She squinted her dark brown eyes. “Did you at least give him your number?”
“Hell no. I didn’t come here for all tha—OW!” She yelped.
Chantelle had given her one of those big mama church pinches.
“What the fuck was that for?”
“Letting his delectable ass get away. I should do worse but we in public so I’ll let you live,” she half joked.
Janessa rubbed the sore spot on her thigh and looked over towards Erik. He was staring. And he was fine. It’s not like she didn’t notice before. She definitely did. His smooth brown skin and dark amber eyes. The way his meticulously sculpted facial hair framed his deep dimples. And those lips. She could feel herself starting to overheat. Uh, uh. No Ma’am. To her, a man like that couldn’t be nothing but trouble.
“Girl, I’m good,” Janessa said.
“Nah. You trippin’, is what you is,” Chantelle huffed, turning her attention back to the stage.
—
“And now for a particularly special part the evening. My favorite, I might I add...”
Erik tuned out the sound of T’Challa’s voice. All he could focus on was the beautiful woman in white and the way her dark, umber colored skin glistened against her bright dress. Janessa. The woman he’d just spent over half an hour eating hot wings with. The woman he’d felt oddly comfortable with in such a short period of time. The same woman he let leave his presence without asking her out or at very least, getting her number.
To be honest, Erik didn’t usually have to ask. Women would sell their panties for a chance to get at him. He even had to keep a few beckies at arm’s distance throughout the night. But not her. She actually walked her fine, plump ass out of the kitchen without so much as a second glance back. It hit him in his ego, he’d had to admit. But it also made him more interested in her.
Erik moved from his spot on the wall, eying a way to get over to her.
“Hey—Wait a minute, aren’t you from Wakanda? A short, thin-lipped white man asked.
“No.” Erik said blankly, attempting to move past him.
“Yes! I remember seeing you with the King before. Wa...W’kabi, isn’t it?
“Hell nah,” Erik flared his nostrils. “Ain’t nobody ever tell you it’s rude to talk during presentations?”
“Oh! Well, I didn’t me—“
“Yeah, uh huh,” Erik said inching away. He scanned the room. I just had my eyes on her...
“...so let’s give a round of applause to our honoree, The 2019 Most Influential Community Leader of the Year, Janessa James!”
Erik snapped his neck around so fast he swore he heard it crack. He looked up to see Janessa on stage exchanging a handshake and hug with T’Challa.
—
“I’m so proud of my baby!” Chantelle squeezed her arms around Janessa’s neck. “The best Director East Oakland Community Outreach Center has ever seen and now being honored by the King? My bestie is a bad boosh!”
“Thanks, girl!” Janessa hugged her back just as tight. “But you know we all put in hella work for the community. What would I do without my Assistant Director, holding me down?”
“Well, shit let me hold the award then.” She said taking the plaque from her bestie.
“Congratulations, Janessa!” Shuri hugged her from behind. “I’m so glad you and the center are getting the exposure you deserve!”
“I should be thanking you too. All you’ve done with helping us start the STEM program,” Janessa beamed at the teenage genius.
Shuri shot her a big smile. She had spent the last year partnering with the East Oakland Community Outreach Center. Her work introduced the youth in the community to STEM education they wouldn’t regularly have access to in their underfunded school system. She loved the center and had built meaningful relationships with so many of the people there.
“You are too kind. You know, I...” Shuri turned around slowly, feeling a large yet familiar presence behind her.
“Congratulations. I didn’t know you were being awarded tonight,” Erik said to Janessa, slowly moving his cousin out of the way.
“How do you two know each other?” Shuri questioned.
“We met earlier,” Erik replied, not taking his eyes off Janessa.
“There he goes with that staring again,” Chantelle teased as she moved to greet him. “I’m Chantelle. Janessa’s best friend.” She extended a hand to him.
He smiled and took it. “Erik.”
“MMhmmp! Look at those dimples. Deep enough to hide from the police in,” She chirped.
Janessa chuckled. Her friend was so damn extra.
Erik turned his attention back to Janessa. He look her over slowly and licked his juicy lips. “I was thinking, since we had such a good time earlier, how about I treat you to a real meal?” He ran his knuckle down the length of her arm.
Janessa raised an eyebrow at him, flicking his finger off of her. “Uh, no. I’m good,” she scoffed.
Erik and Chantelle both cocked their necks back.
“You good?”
“Yeah.”
“I mean, are you busy or something? Cause I can do lunch too.”
“No. Well, I am a busy woman. But that’s not why I’m not interested. I just...don’t want to.”
“You don’t want to? Why?” Erik was genuinely confused. He did not expect her to turn him down. “I thought we were vibin’ back there.”
“We had a nice little conversation. A cute time. But that doesn’t mean I owe you a date.” Janessa said in a harsh tone.
“And I—oop.” Shuri yelped.
Chantelle’s jaw damn near hit the floor. She knew her friend to pull no punches with men but she was laying it on extra thick with Erik.
“Come on, baby girl.” Erik ran a hand over his hair. “You serious right now?”
“As a heart attack, baby boy.”
Erik furrowed his brows.
“Well, we’ve got to get going. Bye Shuri. I’ll see you later,” Janessa gave Shuri a quick hug.
She gave Erik a cold once over and turned back at Shuri. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
She grabbed Chantelle, whose mouth was still wide open, and headed towards to exit. Erik stood there, still thrown off at the scene that just played out.
Shuri exploded with laughter. “Now, N’Jadaka. I thought you said you had ‘the juice’.”
She patted her baffled cousin on the back and walked away, still giggling.
—
“BITCH, what the hell?” Chantelle pressed hand to Janessa’s forehead. “Did you bump your head or some shit? That fine ass man just asked you out. Not only did you decline, but you left that poor baby with half his face on the floor,” She laid her head back against the seat, still in shock at her friends actions.
“He’s a grown ass man. He’ll be just fine. And like I said to you and him, I’m good,” Janessa bent down to remove her heels. “I know his type. Arrogant. Smooth. And rude as fuck. Talking about ‘Let me treat you to a meal.’ Because I’m a big girl, I must want to eat? Tuh! And did you see him touch me? Uh, uh. He’s probably used to having his way with women.”
“If I were you, I would have let him have his way with me,” Chantelle retorted.
“I’d rather not be number ‘umpeenth’ on his hit it and quit it list.”
“That‘s a damn shame,” Chantelle shook her head. “He look like he got good dick. The kind you need right about now. That ‘let him drop you off at your job in your car’ kind of dick.”
“Well, I guess we’ll never find out.”
“Speak for yourself. I’ma see if his ass is on BLK.” Chantelle pulled out her phone and stated swiping through her apps.
Janessa gave her a vicious side-eye.
“OKAY. I’m was just playing, damn.” Chantelle said as putting her phone away. She pulled out the parking lot and headed back towards their neighborhood.
—
Janessa pushed her large black rimmed glasses further up her face and streched her body in her plush office chair. She rubbed her hands down her high waisted olive colored pants and adjusted her long-sleeved, cream colored wrap top. She sighed as she pulled her long ponytail of locs over her shoulder. The center was preparing for its Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Which meant more work added to her already full schedule. But she couldn’t complain too much. It was her favorite event of the year. The whole block came out; youth, elders, and everyone in between. They’d have spades and uno games going. Basketball and baseball competitions. And a huge cookout, where the women would argue over who made the best potato salad while the men drank Coronas and grilled meat. But the best part was the ending ceremony. Everyone would meet in the basement of the center. One of the griots would tell stories of their ancestors and their survival through middle passage and slavery. The youth would give dance performances and skits, inspired by the favorite Black icons and moments in history. At the end, they would pray and sing songs to pay respect and homage to those that came before them. It was a beautiful day and never failed to bring Janessa to tears. Seeing her culture celebrated so proudly across generations really touched her heart.
A small knock at her door shook her out of her thoughts.
“Come in.”
“Hey, boss lady,” Chantelle smiled, walking into the office. She sat down in one of the chairs in front her friend’s crowded desk.
“Hey, Channy,” Janessa said, “What’s up?”
“Derek just checked today’s delivery. The order for the sports equipment was short.”
“Short? That’s not possible. I doubled checked the numbers myself,” Janessa furrowed her brows. “Did they mix up the order or something.”
“Nope. We both checked the invoice. I wasn’t a mistake on their end.”
“That can’t be right…” Janessa let out a deep sigh. She pressed a button on her office phone, buzzing her assistant. “Tandy, can you come here for a second?”
She was met with low giggles and whispers from the other end.
“Tandy?” She said a little louder.
“Oh! Hey, what‘s up?”
“I asked if can you come into my office.”
“Um yeah, hold on.”
Tandy entered Janessa office holding her cell in her hand. She was tall, slim and light-brown skin with a short brown TWA.
“You rang?” She said in a sing-songy voice.
Chantelle groaned.
“You ordered the sports equipment, right?”
“Yeah, I did. Why?”
“Well, only about half came. And based on the invoice, it’s because the wrong order was placed. Did you order thirty, like I asked?”
“Thirty? Girl, I thought you said thirteen. My bad.”
Janessa rubbed the bridge of her nose.
Chantelle gave Tandy a wide-eyed look.
“Tandy. I sent it in an email. And I told you in person. Twice.”
“Ohh, Pffhhtt! I don’t be checking that email like that,” Tandy let out a short laugh. “You want me to order more?”
“No, Tandy,” Janessa tried to remain calm and professional. “They wouldn’t be here in time anyways. I’ll take care of it.”
She shrugged. “Okaay. Well, do you need anything else from me?”
“No, that’s all.”
“Cool. I’ma go head and take my lunch then,” She exited the office, giggling at something on her phone as she closed the door.
Janessa threw her head back and let out a loud groan.
“I swear that girl is gonna be the death of me.”
“I don’t know how you deal with it. Between all the attitude and incompetence. Girl I can’t,” Chantelle shook her head in disbelief.
“Who you telling? If it’s not her constantly messing something up, she’s flirting with any breathing body that walk through the door,” Janessa rolled her eyes. “Last week I caught her getting fresh with the damn UPS man. And don’t get me started on the volunteer sign up. She ‘forgot’ to update the dates on the form and now we’re short-handed for this weekend.”
“Two words: New Assistant.”
Janessa sighed, “I know, I know. But I’m trying to give her a chance, you know? She’s young and needs experience. And you know it’s hard for us. What’s the point of me being in this position if not to put other Black women on?”
“I hear you. But for one, she’s not that much younger than us. And for two, she obviously doesn’t take her job seriously. I get your trying be patient and understanding, but you got to consider the big picture. It seems like she’s adding more stress to your load than anything.”
“Yeah, you’ve got a point,” Janessa rolled her lips, looking off into the distance.
“Listen,” Chantelle rubbed her hands over her knee-length black dress. “There’s something else I needed to talk to you about.”
“Okay. What is it?”
“That whole scene the other night, at the gala.”
“Girl, I know you’re not still on that.”
“Yeah, well you were kind of doing the most, friend. What was up with that?”
“I told you. I don’t trust guys like him.”
“But you don’t know him,” Chantelle said. “He could be a decent guy. I mean, he was cool enough for you to eat chicken wings with. What could a date hurt?”
“Why are you defending him? You don’t know him either.”
“I’m not defending him. I’m looking out for you,” She scooted closer to the desk, looking Janessa in the eyes. “I’ve seen you shut down almost ever guy who shows any kind of interest in you. I know men can be trash but you don’t have to give up on all of them. Everybody isn’t Andrew.”
Janessa shifted uncomfortably at the sound of her ex-boyfriend’s name. “What does he have to do with anything?”
“I mean you haven’t really dated anyone seriously since him. And it’s been years now.”
“So what? Being single is a problem? Turning down some stupid ass niggas who just want to waste my time is wrong?” She scowled in a defensive tone.
“No. It’s just...I worry about you sometimes. I know between dealing with Drew and what happened with you dad, it’s been hard for you to—.”
“I said, I’m fine. Okay?” Janessa fingered the sun-shaped pendant on her necklace. ”Look, I need to pick up this equipment while I have some extra time.”
“Nessa, I’m didn’t mean to upset you,” Chantelle grabbed her hand.
“I’m cool,” Janessa snatched her hand back. She stood up, grabbing her denim jacket and purse. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
Chantelle sighed, walking out of the office with her. “Okay.”
—
Janessa rushed through Joyner’s Sporting Goods, one of the only Black-owned sporting good stores in the city. She hated last minute shopping. But she obviously couldn’t trust her assistant with a simple task. Plus, she needed to get out the office. Chantelle’s comments had gotten to her. She knew she meant well, but her relationship with Andrew was a sensitive topic for her. He was her first everything, including her first heartbreak. She met him right after her father passed. He took advantage of her vulnerability and insecurity, always insinuating she wasn’t pretty enough or needed to lose weight. In the end, he winded up leaving her for some chick he was sleeping with while they were still together. Janessa was a complete mess after that. Chantelle was the one who helped her keep it all together. She didn’t have any other family around since her father was basically a single parent. Chantelle was even the one who encouraged her to start volunteering at the center in the first place. She was all Janessa had.
“Damn. I should have gotten a cart.” Janessa said as she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She shifted the stuff in her arms around to answer.
“Hello?”
“Hey. Just checking your ETA. We still have some details we need you to finalize for this weekend.” Chantelle said through the phone.
“I’m still in Joyner’s but I should be finished soon,” Janessa sighed, shuffling her weight between her feet. “Channy, I’m sorry about earlier. I know I was a little rude. It’s just all that stuff...I don’t have time for it right now.”
“Yeah, I probably shouldn’t have brought it up while you were working. I was just concerned,” she said.
“I know. And I appreciate it. You’re always looking out for me.”
“And you know this,” Chantelle joked. “For both you and your lil nani, at this point. Because I’m concerned for her too.”
Janessa let out a loud laugh. She turned around to continue her shopping and smacked right into a shelf, knocking everything out of her arms.
“Shit,” Janessa yelped.
“You okay?” Chantelle asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Janessa sighed, trying to balance her phone between her shoulder and ear as she kneeled down. “I just need to hurry up and get out of here.“
“You need some help?”
Janessa looked up in the direction of a familiar voice. Standing there was Erik, with a smug little smirk on his handsome face. He wore a black hoodie that read ‘Lost Tribe’, black basketball shorts, and all black Air Max 90’s. His locs hung loosely to one side.
“Aw hell,” She whispered, still crouched down. “Not you.”
“Look Too Tough, I’m just trying to help. With your short, little arms I don’t think you can hold all that and run ya mouth on the phone at the same time,” He teased, leaning on his shopping cart.
“Huh? Who was that?” Chantelle questioned.
“Nobody. I’ll talk to you later,” Janessa quickly hung up and turned her attention back to Erik. “Too tough? Really nigga?”
“Yea, cause that’s how you was acting the other night,” He grinned, his gold slugs gleaming.
“Whatever,” She tried to grab some of her stuff off the floor. “I’m good, I got it.”
“You good,” Erik mocked, squatting down to help her. “What you need with all these toys, anyways? You got kids?”
“And if I do? Will that get you to leave me alone?”
“Nah. Kids love me,” He placed a couple of baseball bats in the cart.
Janessa rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “Well, for your information, nosey. I don’t have any kids. These are for the center I work at.”
“Riight. Director of the East Oakland Community Outreach Center. Most Influential Community Leader of the Year.”
“You’ve been stalking me or something?”
Erik chuckled, “No, but I do tend to research things that interest me.”
Janessa snorted, rolling her eyes harder. “You’re laying it on pretty thick there, sir.”
”I could say the same for you and all your attitude, ma’am.”
Janessa let out a long sigh. This nigga got an answer for everything.
“Look, I still have more shopping to get done and other places to be. So, I can’t stand here and chat with you all day.”
“Cool, me too. Let’s go.” Erik grabbed the cart, and turned around. He pushed it towards the next aisle. Janessa reluctantly followed. She didn’t really need a shopping buddy but that didn’t stop Erik from grabbing her shopping list and picking things out. She attempted to regain control over her shopping trip but Erik wasn’t having it. Eventually she relented, figuring it was easier to let him take over instead of fighting him in the middle of the store. She tried to keep the conversation at a minimum but that was damn near impossible with all the questions he asked. Eventually, she told him more about her work at the center, including the Juneteenth Celebration. He told her that he owned and operated his own fitness studio, which made sense as to why he seem to know the store like back of his hand. And why he was built like a fucking brick wall. Janessa had to catch herself from staring at his body every time he turned away or bent down. But before she realized it, she found herself actually enjoying his company. Well, for a second time.
They both checked out and headed towards the parking lot. Janessa unlocked her car and popped the trunk. Erik pulled the shopping cart towards it and loaded her bags inside.
“Thanks,” she said jingling her keys in her hands.
“No problem,” Erik closed the trunk. “Honestly, I’m surprised you’re letting me help you, Too Tough.”
Janessa laughed at the nickname this time. “Are you always this corny?”
“You could find out if you let me take you on a proper date.”
“Haven’t we done this already?”
“Yeah, when you shot me down in front of all those people and left me heartbroken in the middle of the floor. Only to twirl away and out the door with your friend,” Erik recited, dramatically flaring his hands. “Yet here I am, brave enough to try again. You gonna go easy on a nigga this time?”
Janessa rolled her eyes. “That was me being easy on you.”
Erik let out a light laugh, “I couldn’t tell. I mean damn, ma. You act like I got the cooties or something.”
Janessa noticed his face soften a little. She sighed. “Listen, I got a lot going on right now. Things have been crazy hectic at work. And this weekend is approaching fast. I have tons of things to do. Paperwork to review. Hella meetings to attend. And I still have to figure out how to replace the volunteers we lost,” Janessa took a long breath to stop her ranting. “I don’t have the time for this.”
“Volunteers?”
“Yeah, we’re short a bunch of volunteers for the celebration.”
“Hmm,” Erik rub his hand through his beard. “You know, I’m free this weekend.”
“What?”
“I’m saying, I can stop by and help out. Whatever you need.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. On one condition, though.” Erik moved closer and lowered himself to meet her height, his nose almost touching hers. The scent of his cologne teased Janessa’s nostrils. Damnit, he smells good.
“And what’s that?” She said, bringing herself back to the conversation.
“You agree to go out with me.”
Janessa squinted her eyes at him. She wasn’t in a position to turn down volunteers, especially if she wanted this event to go off without a hitch.
Erik raised an eyebrow at her, a smirk dancing on his lips.
“Fine. I’m sure your brolic ass could help with some of the heavy lifting.”
Erik shot her a big grin and licked his lips. “Perfect.”
Janessa gave him the center’s contact information and a copy of the event flyer before getting into her car.
“Aight, Too Tough. I’ll see you this weekend.” Erik said.
She pursed her lips lightly. “See you, Erik.”
He winked and jogged off in the opposite direction.
Janessa started her car and pulled out the lot. As she drove, her thoughts drifted to Erik. His persistence was annoying as fuck. But at the same time, kind of cute? She thought about what Chantelle said earlier. Maybe she could give him a chance. It’s just one date.
She let out a deep sigh. The whole thing still made her feel uneasy. Erik was a charming motherfucker. She knew that too much of him and she’d be like Jill Scott, singing about grits and shit.
She clutched her necklace, fiddling with the sun-shaped pendant.
So this is my first time ever writing fanfiction!! I’m a little bit nervous because in this fandom, whew chillay.....y’all are some muthafuckin’ WRITERS, hunny. “Talent all up & thru this bitch.” lmao I hope mine is decent enough for y’all tho.
But anyways, here goes...something lol.
Pairing: Erik “Killmonger” Stevens x Black, Dark-Skin, Plus Size OC. (Always💛)
Summary: Erik begrudgingly attends a benefit gala. He prepares himself for a wack ass night, only to be met with a quite, scrumptious surprise. 😉
Word Count: Somewhere around 1400, 1500.
Warnings: Cussing. Use of the N-word. Dragging white people. T’Challa on his bullshit lol. But mostly fluffy and cute.
A/N: In my mind, I want this to be a series but I’m not sure how to make it work yet. If not, than I guess a cute little one-shot? Idk, If y’all like it enough, I’ll try for a part 2 at very least. Also, I wrote this on my phone at like 3 AM so please excuse any mistakes or typos. 😝
“Dedicated to my new found love for hot wings.”
——
“Welcome ALL to Wakanda Outreach Center’s Annual Benefit Gala”
Erik snorted as he read the overzealous banner. He hated these kind of events. The only reason he even bothered to show up was because he lost a bet to his cousin. Nigga prolly cheated, he thought to himself.
Erik N’Jadaka Udaku-Stevens wasn’t one to be presurred into obligation. So when King T’Challa tried to convince him to support the Wakanda Outreach Center at their annual gala, Erik literally laughed in his face.
—
“Hell nah, nigga. I don’t go to these things for a reason. My energy is better used towards actually doing work for the community. Not rubbin’ elbows with a bunch of uppity negroes and cracka ass crackers.” Erik snapped, twisting his lips and being extra as hell.
Princess Shuri giggled. She (not-so) secretly loved when her cousin went off on one of his colonizer-dragging rants.
“N’Jadaka, we talked about calling them that.” T’Challa shot Shuri a stern look while crossing his hands behind his back. “And, it IS for the good of the community. Engagement with everyone, including other races, is necessary to keep things civil. How would it look if our own Director didn’t show up to support?”
“It’ll look like exactly what it is,” Erik said, crossing his arms across his chest. “A bourgie ass event with bourgie ass people, throwing around bourgie ass rhetoric about shit they don’t know a damn thing about. I’m good, love...”
“...enjoy!” Shuri blurted out in her Keke Palmer voice, cackling with Erik at T’Challa’s frustration.
T’Challa pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He was completely over Erik and his shenanigans. Quickly, he perked his head up and rolled his shoulders back. He had the perfect Plan B. “How about we make this a wager, hmm? If I win, you attend the gala. If you win, I won’t bring it up again,” He teased with a sly smirk, knowing his competitive cousin all too well.
Erik paused.
Shuri turned on her Kimoyo beads.
“Bet. You won’t be smiling when I beat that ass, tho.”
“Oh it is on, cousin.”
“Say less, cousin. Throw them hands up.”
“On scissors.”
“No nigga. It’s on shoot. Tryna best me when you don’t even know how to play? Tuh! Have fun at that punk ass gala, boi!”
—
And there he was. In a stuffy ass suit watching his corny ass cousin fake laugh with rich white folks for donor money that they didn’t even need.
“Fuck rock, paper, scissors,” Erik murmured to himself, shifting uncomfortably against the wall.
T’Challa peaked over at Erik, watching him sneer at another group of white folks who almost ran into him.
“Excuse you. Damn,” Erik nostrils flared. “I know y’all can see my big ass standing here.” T’Challa appeared, placing his hand on Erik’s shoulder to stop him before he lit into they asses. “Relax, N’Jadaka. This is supposed to be a fun night.”
“Fun, my ass,” Erik growled lowly. “This shit is wack. Even the food is trash. I mean, what the fuck is liver pâté on cucumber toast? All the Black people you know and you couldn’t get some decent food? No chicken? Shit, some Jollof rice would suffice,” He bellowed, rubbing his grumbling stomach.
“Nakia was in charge of the food. She likes to...experiment,” T’Challa chuckled. “One time she tried to get our chef to make these Chinese style pork buns. Which was comical because his only Asian specialities are Japanese cuisine and—.”
“Yeah, I don’t care,” Erik huffed dryly. “I’mma go see if they got some real food around here. I’m starving.” Erik rolled his eyes as he stomped away, leaving T’Challa standing there with the oop face.
“He on my last nerve, I swear,” Erik spat to himself.
He shuffled past a crowd of people mingling in the gala hall, before bursting through the kitchen door. “Hey, y’all got anything else back here? Shit, at this point I’ll settle for a grilled cheese sandw...” Erik stopped mid-sentence, completely taken back by the sight before him.
A woman seated in a tall stool at one of the islands was expertly downing a plate of hot wings, not getting a speck on her crisp white, off-the-shoulder gown. Erik watched her do a little happy dance as she cleaned every bit of meat and gristle off the bone. She popped a mocha colored finger in her mouth, sucking off left over sauce as she turned towards the direction of the eyes she felt gazing into her side.
“Oh, my bad,” Erik said, realizing he was staring at her a little too hard. “I was just looking for something to eat. But I see you beat me to it.” He smirked, while rubbing his hand nervously over his neatly braided dreads.
The woman let out a short laugh. “Did you see what they’re serving out there? Might as well put up a sign that says. ‘Don’t eat if you have tastebuds.’ You would think with Black people in charge, at least the food would be good.”
Erik smiled, letting his dimples peak out for the first time all night, “I’m saying, tho.”
“Here,” She exclaimed as she pulled up a stool next to her. “They’ll make just about anything you ask for. But I suggest the wings. They’re bomb.
“Mhmm,” Erik said as he took the seat & looked her over. He motioned towards the chef. “I’ll have what she’s got.”
As the chef prepared his food, Erik surprisingly found himself in deep conversation with the eccentric woman. Mostly about random things like where to get the best wings in Oakland & why white folks don’t season their food. Still, he was memorized by how laid back and real she seemed to be. Something he didn’t expect to find at a uptight, bourgie ass gala.
“Daamnn. You cleaned those bones like the chicken’s going somewhere,” she teased.
“Says the woman elbow deep in buffalo sauce,” Erik shot back jokingly, eying her as he finished off his last wing.
“Pffhtt...whatever! You wouldn’t even have known to get the wings if I wasn’t here. You should be thanking me,” She huffed, folding her arms across her chest.
Erik laughed and rolled his eyes, dramatically sucking the chicken bone in his hand while leaning in her direction.
She swatted at him playfully before checking the clock on the wall.” Oh shit, I gotta get back out there.”
She wiped her hands, before standing to smooth her gown. “Do me a favor and check my dress? Last thing I want is to be thinking I’m cute but I’m actually covered in chicken stains,” She said with a chuckle, slowly turning in front of Erik.
“Sure.” Erik said lowly before clearing his throat. He took in her frame, admiring her glowing dark skin and the way the gown hugged her fluffy tummy.
“You good.” He said, forcing his eyes to hers before they got lost in between her thighs.
She kissed her teeth and shot him a bright smile, “Thanks. Well, this was fun. Um...?”
“Oh, uh..Erik,” he replied, smiling back. “And yea it was...fun. Um...?”
She giggled. “Janessa.”
And with that, she sashayed out the double kitchen doors and into the crowded gala hall.
Erik sat back with one arm slinged over the back of his chair, juggling a toothpick in his teeth as he rubbed his now satisfied belly.
He would definitely see her again.
——
I hope y’all enjoyed! (lmao I’m so corny but Keke cracks me up🤣)
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions will be releasing a 20 band compilation in conjunction with their next wrasslin event, Ruthless Pro Wrestling (RPW). King Of The Kill 3 will be out on August 23rd.
