#mochaff

[miyuhpapayuh]

22

Rolling over to grab her ringing phone, she blindly slides her finger across her screen and groggily says hello.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Leon chuckles on the other end, making her join in with her own tired laugh.

“Shut up,” she mumbles back. “Always been a morning person.”

“I thought it woulda rubbed off on you by now!”

“Maybe one day, but not today!” She quips.

“Happy Valentine's Day, anyway babe. I was gonna wait until you were already up, but I couldn't wait anymore.” He says, and she can see his smile from where she was laying.

“Aww, you are so cute! Happy Valentine's Day, baby. I can't wait to see you later and give you your gifts.” She gushes.

“Aw, you got me something??”

“Of course I did! One of them you can wear on our date tonight– but the rest are surprises!”

“Oh shit, there's more!” He exclaims, making her laugh. “Well, your first gift is sitting on your kitchen counter, when you do get outta bed.”

“Alright, I'm getting up now.” She says, sliding from underneath the covers to head out of her room, into her kitchen. A big orange bag sits, awaiting her.

“Aw, it's orange!” She frowns, walking over to it and looking inside, gasping at the potted plant— her very own poppy plant! It was also orange.

“A poppy plant?! Wait, I'm gonna cry!”

“Oh, don't cry!”

“No, no it's okay! They're happy tears!” She laughs, wiping her face, as she puts him on speaker, sitting her phone on the counter.

“Okay… you okay?” He asks.

“Yeah,” she whimpers. “Ugh, there's a card! More tears!”

Pulling that and the pot from the bag, she giggles at the bright bubble-lettered Zora that's painted on both sides.

“Aw, did you paint this??”

“Of course I did, baby. You like it?”

“It's the cutest thing I've ever seen, Leon. I love it. Nobody's ever bought me a plant before.”

“Well, I've never bought anybody one before, either. Look at us, being each other's firsts.” He exclaims, making her laugh and wipe away another tear.

“Shut up,”

“Ah— open your card, please dear.”

“Okay,” she grabs it off the counter, pulling it from its envelope, “you have to go soon?”

“Yeah, it's been nonstop since I got here, but the moment my supervisor gave me a break, I came straight back to call you. He’ll be looking for me soon.”

“Okay, I won't hold you up too much longer.” She says, looking at the pretty pink card with the holiday name emblazoned on the front in gold calligraphy, opening it up to read what's inside.

“Happy Valentine's Day to the sweetest woman in the world, I love you and cannot wait to see you later tonight. 

In the meanwhile, I've decided to send you on a scavenger hunt— what?! That's so cool!!” She yells.

“I thought you'd say that!” He yells back.

“Once you get to work, there'll be three things for you to find; something big, something tall and something small— all orange, of course.”

“Linda let you hide presents in her restaurant?? Wow, she must love me for real.” She snorts.

“She loves me too, ya know? Told you, we're besties.”

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The first gift she found was her “something tall”– a lava lamp. Not just any lava lamp, the specific one she had been eyeing from one of her favorite online shops.

Orange and black. A curvy designed frame that stands at about two feet. She was in love, already having a place to put it in her mind.

Putting it in her car for safe keeping, she begins looking around for the other two.

“Hmm..” She roams around the dining area, until she sees an orange piece of paper sticking out of a napkin dispenser.

Pulling it out, she begins to read it before squealing. She quickly covers her mouth and looks around, thankfully going unnoticed.

“I'm gonna kick his ass,” she laughs to herself, before reading the card once more. “Happy love day, angel face. There is a certificate attached for a one of a kind bouquet from your favorite flower shoppe. I know you jumped for joy cause you love your flowers! I love you and I cannot wait to see the look on your face. I worked so hard on  this. My fingers hurt. I love you, again. Bye.”

She giggles again, loving the neon orange paper clip that's holding the certificate to the card, how the certificate has poppies and cosmos on it, also wishing her a very happy Valentine's day.

“Goodness, there's one more thing! I might just die in here.”

A small group of customers coming in had her stuffing the card into the front of her apron and moving back behind the counter.

Once everyone was settled, she started to move away from the counter, until something told her to look to her left.

A flat black box is tucked by some papers. She pulls it out and stares at it, her brain mulling over what it could be.

“Hm. It's a lil heavy,” she playfully shakes it, before reading the note taped to the right corner, telling her to open it after work.

Which was a great idea, cause once she pulled the top off the box and found the burnt orange scrapbook Leon made her, all types of screams and expletives flew from her lips.

“Is he fucking serious?!” She screams, again, flipping through the pictures he'd candidly taken over the course of their relationship, so far. The food, the flowers, the dates, many moons and sunsets, baby ducks in ponds, the two of them in their element, and so many more special moments.

“He is so cute,” she tearfully laughs, wiping her face as she hears a knock at her door.

Opening it up to reveal her man, she jumps up in his arms as he laughs and walks inside, closing the door behind himself.

“Heyyy, baby!”

“Damn, girl! You missed me?”

Many kisses are exchanged.

“Absolutely! Been waiting to see you all day!” She exclaims, looking up at him with doe eyes as he pecks her nose.

“Why you think I got here so fast?! Did the mad dash for ya.” He says with a wink.

“I'll let it slide, today,” she snickers as he lets her down. “But, this right here! Best gift I've gotten today, so far.”

“Really? I had so much fun putting it together, too!”

“It looks like it, babe. And yes, you had me in here ugly crying! The pictures of the ducks took me outta here!”

“They were good models that day, for sure,” he laughs, running his hand over her hair, pulling her back to him.

“You're so cute,” she frowns.

“I'm about to get cuter, I fear.”

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Soon, they're at her favorite place on earth, getting ready to unveil the bouquet Leon handcrafted for her.

“Okay, close your eyes, sweet girl!” The owner, Inara, says.

“Okay, they're closed!” Zora squeals back.

“Hold out your hands.” Leon says, placing the bouquet in her trembling hands.

“Okay, open!”

Her wide eyes land on the most beautiful bouquet she'd ever seen.

“Wow, you love me a whole lot!” She whispers, watching as her vision gets super blurry with tears. He's right there to wipe them away.

Oranges and pinks and purples. Peonies, cosmos, poppies, a couple white roses in the mix. It was beautiful!

“I love you so much.” He says, wiping her wet eyes, once more.

“He's such a sweetheart,” the owner exclaims. “Made sure he got your favorites and some extras— lord, you taught him well about these flowers!”

Zora giggles, wiping her own eyes, this time.

“He did such an amazing job,” she frowns up at him, those sweet kisses he places on her makes her frown deeper.

“Anything for you, baby.” He cheeses. “Speaking of, I got one more thing for ya.”

She looks up at him in disbelief. “Really??”

He chuckles, an mhm leaving him before they wave to Inara and head towards the exit.

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She gasps. “You got me a kitty???”

“I sure did, baby. Meet Coco.” He says, carefully handing over the tiny orange kitty, smiling at the way she immediately curled up in Zora’s arms.

“Oh, this is what love feels like.” She frowns, rocking herself as she pets her head, snickering at the way her ears flicker.

“Hey sweet baby angel!” She coos.

He smiles, taking a picture with his phone. “Nothing but love, baby.”

“Nah, this is a new level! I don't think we've had too many conversations about cats or dogs, or any of that type of stuff.”

“Cause we're not that kind of couple. I trust my gut when it comes to you. I pay attention to you, and you've never struck me as a dog person.”

“I'm not, no.” She shakes her head, nuzzling her face against Coco's, making Leon laugh at the sight.

“I mean don't get me wrong, dogs are cool! But cats are so independent and I like that. Plus, look at this face!”

She turns her around to face him, those big green eyes looking up at him. He frowns and reaches out to pet her.

“She's adorable! The cutest out of the litter, too. Had to scoop ‘er up.”

“Aw, the cutest of the bunch?! Go you!” She coos, earning tiny squeaks back that make her heart swell.

“How old is she?”

“About a month old? I've got her papers back at the crib.” He says.

“Aw, can we take her home now?!” She asks excitedly.

“Yeah, let's get her signed out and she's all yours, babe.”

With her free hand, she pulls him into a hug, thank you falling from her lips about a thousand times. He kisses her hair, a smile stuck on his face.

“Anything for you, my love.”

Back in her apartment now, she sits Coco down in the fluffy cat bed she'd bought on their way back, loving the way she curls up in it.

“Ugh, she's so cute! I can't believe she's mine.”

“Imagine if I had missed the mark on this,” he snorts, making her laugh too.

“Nah, you nailed it without me even having to say it! I also wanna rename her.”

“To what?”

“Okay, now don't think I'm corny.. but, Valentine.”

“Aw! That's actually really precious.”

“Right?! The sweetest valentine present I've ever gotten from the sweetest valentine I've ever had!”

She squeals as they share a sweet kiss.

“You think she'll respond to it well?”

“Well, let's see..” She looks over at her, her little tail wagging slowly as she looks up at them.

“C'mere Valentine.. c'mere baby girl!” She coos, cupping her hands as she slowly moves away from the fluffy bed.

“Look at her trottin’ over,” he comments, “takin’ her sweet time.”

“It's okay, I'm new!” She whispers, still cooing and calling her by her new name, getting more and more excited as she gets closer to her fingertips.

The minute she hopped into her palms, she had to stop herself from screaming for joy all over again, as the baby kitten peers up at her.

“She's so cute, I cannot take it!” She squeals, watching her roll around and lay on her back, inside her palms. Leon pokes her exposed belly, earning squeaks that resemble laughter.

“Awww!” They coo in unison.

“I've heard that orange cats are sassy,” he notes, and she nods.

“Yeah, one of my aunts used to have one. She was something else. Jumped out the window one day and never came back.” She sighs, looking down at Valentine.

“You are not jumping out of windows okay? No jumping off walls and up onto high surfaces. Mama don't play that, mmkay?” She scoots her into one palm and holds the other up, snickering as her paw connects.

“Like she understands you, for real.”

“Just you wait, we're gonna have our little system up and runnin’ in no time!”

Soon having to get ready for their date, Zora drops Valentine off at auntie Nique’s, who might've been a tinge more excited than Zora once she saw those big green eyes.

“Oh my goodness, look at this sweet baby!” She coos, scooping her up.

“Right?! The most precious kitten I've ever seen!”

“I'm almost shocked she's not gray,” Nique laughs.

“Or black! I love the witchy kitties, too! Maybe she can get a sister later on.”

“Aw, not a slew of em! Lean on me is so in love with you, it's crazy!”

Zora's face scrunches up at the nickname she'd given Leon.

“Lean on me?”

“When you're not strong, yes.” Nique nods, before snickering.

“Anyway, dawg. I'm glad you could watch her for me tonight. God knows I won't be any good after he gets through with me.” She whispers the last part.

“Daaamn, you gettin’ strung up by the ceiling or sumn??”

“Girl, no! I just know ima get put through the mattress once I put this new lingerie on, though!” She whispers again, cackling as they slap hands.

“Just freaky frogs! I love it!”

“So do I! Now, tell Darnell we said hey and he better put his whole foot in whatever he's making you tonight!”

“Either that or my foot's goin’ up his a—” her sentence cuts off as he comes around the corner with a spatula in hand, squinting at her with a sly grin.

“You talkin’ shit, huh? You know I gets down in here for you.”

“I was just playing, babe.”

“Mmmmhm. Hey Zora.” He flashes a smile.

“Hey, boyfriend!” She mocks, making him laugh, before cutting his eyes back at Nique.

Zora snorts, looking between the two of them.

“Should I take Valentine to ma’s?” She jokingly asks.

“Bye, Zora Jean!” Nique laughs, pushing her towards the door.

“Okay, okay! You girls, be good, tonight! Don't give uncle Darnell too much trouble, okay?”

“We gon’ give him hell, girl!” Nique looks at Valentine, before smiling at Zora.

“If you find Nique strung over the balcony, I didn't do it!” He yells from the kitchen, making them laugh.

“And that's my cue!”

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Reservations at the Mimosa Grill were made in advance, which gave the couple ample time to get all dolled up for love day.

Smoothing her hands over her black, floor length dress, Zora gives herself a once over in the mirror. Nude lip. Smokey eye. Minimal jewelry besides the citrine earrings Leon had also gifted her. And nothing goes with a dress like that, but big hair!

Voluminous curls sit pretty on her head as she tousles them, loving each way they fall.

She felt so pretty.

Leon is across the hall in her bathroom, fastening the belt to his pants and cuffing the jacket of his all black ensemble, making sure the world sees the icy chain she'd gifted him. The light reflecting off the diamonds had him periodically letting out a “woo!”, making her giggle.

Low fade Leon had come out tonight, and Zora was more than a happy camper. Those waves were a dangerous tide pulling her under, and she already knew neither her nor her panties would survive the night.

Crossing the threshold, they both let out a whistle of appreciation, sizing each other up.

“Damn girl, this is sexy,” Leon says, running his finger along the curved and plunging neckline of her dress, watching the smirk on Zora’s face grow.

“Anifa does it again, I fear.” She laughs, touching the diamonds of his chain. “You iced out!”

“Thanks to my stylist and stunna girl,” he compliments, twirling her about, unable to resist smacking her on the ass.

“Ooh! You better be glad we've got reservations, sir.” She playfully warns as he dips down to kiss her, making her giggle.

“Don't tempt me, girl, I'll bend you ov—” she presses her finger to his lips, shushing him.

“Before you seriously get me started, we better go.”

“Yeah, you right,” he chuckles, releasing his hold on her to grab his keys and lead the way.

Clink!

For the occasion of love, the restaurant was decorated to the nines! Strings of pink and red hearts swayed from the ceiling between the open spaces, vanilla candles sat in the center of each table, along with a single rose wrapped away from the silverware.

“Did you pull strings and make sure this rose was orange?” Zora asks, a smirk covering her lips at his sly smile.

“You know I do my best for ya, poppy.” He winks, making her duck her head down and giggle. He laughs, taking a sip of his drink.

“I knew that was the right moment to use that on ya,” he adds.

“You are ridiculous, Leon. And I love it.” She says with a grin, reaching for his hand across the table.

“And, I love you, Jean.” He uses his height to his advantage and leans across the table for a kiss.

Taking a sip of her own drink, she briefly squeezes her eyes shut at the bite from the moonshine.

“What did you order again?”

“The mooshine sangria,” she laughs to herself. “I knew it would be strong but damn.”

“Is it good, though?”

“Yeah, yeah it's delicious! Just strong,” she smiles, skimming over the menu.

He stares at her a second longer, before doing the same.

Soon their waitress returns to put their orders in, and they're alone again, twiddling each other's fingers.

“Happy love day, as you call it,” Leon says, clinking their glasses together for the second time.

“Yes, happy love day! It's been so overwhelming in the best ways possible.” Zora sighs, chin in palm, staring at her man.

“Had to make our first one memorable, ya know?”

“In true Leon fashion, indeed!”

Their sweet conversation turns from the special occasion to Zora wanting to finally get back into her art world, Leon couldn't be more ecstatic. Even more so as their food finally arrived at the table.

“That's great, babe! When does all of this get set into motion?”

“Well, I still have to talk to Linda about quitting, hopefully she understands. I mean, either way, I'm leaving, but ya know what I mean.”

“Yeah, totally. If she tries anything funny, I'll be on standby.” He says with a couple pats to his chest.

“Stand down, please,” she laughs, continuing to sip her drink. “I'm sure it'll all be fine.”

“Yeah, you heard what I said, though.”

“Yes, father. I'll call if I need ya,” she salutes, as they both laugh.

“But, seriously. What's the next step after that?” He asks, chin in palm like she.

“That's actually a surprise,” she sweetly smiles, “but it'll be so worth it, I promise!”

“Aw, no fair!” He playfully whines as she laughs.

“Aw, come on! Be a good sport!”

“Fine, fine.” He playfully sighs. “But, I will let you know that I'm quitting my job soon, too.”

“Really??” She asks. “And doing what??”

“It's a surprise,” he mocks with a smile.

“You better be glad it's a lovely evening, Leon.” She snorts, sipping her drink as he snickers at her expression.

“Not so funny when the shoe’s on the other foot, huh?”

“Keep it up,” she nods, unable to stop the laugh from coming out.

“Okay, okay! But, I do have one more surprise I can share with you.”

“What is it?”

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Zora stomps excitedly in her heels as Leon guides her into their hotel room.

“This blindfold is killing me!” She squeals, making him laugh.

“Okay, okay,” he fiddles with the knot, making her stomp again, her giggles filling his ears.

“Happy Valentine's Day!”

Her wide eyes stare at every girl's dream. The decorated hotel room. And boy was it decked out for his favorite lady.

Oranges of every hue in the room, from the arrangement of cosmos and poppies, many balloons littering the ceiling, homemade cake all the way down to champagne flutes.

“Oh my god…” is all she's able to get out as she takes it all in.

“You l-like it?” He asks, feeling his nerves kick in.

“I love it, babe!” She throws her hands up, turning to face him with glossy eyes, to which he smiles brightly.

“Oh, come here, my big baby,” he chuckles, pulling her into his arms, careful not to smear her makeup.

“I'm glad I didn't do a full face now!” She laughs, the sound muffled by his chest. He joins in the laughter.

Pulling away a bit, they stare back at each other, bursting into more laughter.

“You're goofy,” he pokes fun at her.

“You're goofy,” she pokes back, actually poking him in his side.

“You started it,”

“What are we, fifteen?” She laughs, again.

“No, of course not. We're newly legal, apparently.” He playfully scoffs. “Haven't had that many shots since my college days, honestly.”

“Me, either. I'm praying we don't have hangovers in the morning.”

“You know I'm stocked up on aspirin and water, don't worry your pretty little head!” He places a kiss on the crown of her curly mane.

She felt precious all day long. Those butterflies just kept on multiplying, and now she felt like she was gonna explode.

Unwrapping her arms from him, she grabs his face to pull him down to her level, kissing him deeply.

His long arms completely cage her in, holding her up as he slightly dips them, getting drunk on her lips now, too.

Tongues tangling together, the promise of a night of bliss being spoken between them.

Pulling away, Zora’s chest heaves up and down as she stares up at Leon, who's just as breathless.

“I've got a surprise for you,” she lowly speaks, trailing a finger down the middle of his button-up shirt.

“Yeah? I must need to sit down for this.”

“Unless you wanna fall to your knees.” She quips, making him raise his eyebrows.

With that, she grabs her bag from the counter by the door and disappears into the room to change.

Carefully stepping out of the prettiest dress ever, she shimmies into the orange lingerie she'd fallen in love with, fighting the urge to squeal at how sexy she felt and looked!

Leon was gonna freak!

Adjusting her garters, she grabs the matching satin robe to hide such a set, and heads back out to where her beau is patiently waiting.

His smirk makes her insides clench. She strides over to him, stopping right in front, reaching out to rest her shaky hands on his broad shoulders.

“What's up under here, huh?” He asks, his long fingers fiddling with the knot on her robe.

“Untie it and find out.” She winks.

Doing just that and letting it fall open, he blows out a breath that makes her clench all over again.

“Mmm… all this for me?” He asks, reaching out to touch her anyway, gripping her thick hips, his sweet lips peck her belly and make her giggle.

“Yes, all for you, baby.”

“What a lucky man I am.”

Reaching up to push the silk away from her body, his hands roam back over her curves, kneading and groping as she bites into her lip.

“All for me.”

Standing to his feet, he picks her up and carries her into her their room, kicking the door closed. He drops her on the bed before climbing on top of her.

Her laughter fills his ears as he kisses all over her face, big hands tickling her sides.

“Stop” at different octaves came out of her as she flailed underneath him, slapping at his hands.

“Babe!” She squeals as he finally lets up the tickling, but not the kissing.

Laughter melts into moans, his kisses getting wetter the lower they get, traveling over to her thighs for a nibble in between.

Her garters are pulled at with his teeth before he spreads her legs wider, running a finger over her damp panties.

He watches as she bites her lip in anticipation. He smirks, continuing to tease her.

“You look so good like this,” his finger presses harder, earning a moan from her, “there it is, baby. Don't be shy.”

Her head falls back against the bed, and his free hand finds her neck, another moan leaving her.

Pulling her panties to the side, he whistles at the string of arousal clinging to them. Her head lifts back up and the look on his face makes her clench.

“So fucking wet,” his tongue swipes up her slit, sending her eyes back, her hands coming up to cradle his face as he continues the action.

“Oh my.. oh— oh my,”

His teasing humming puts a smile on her stuttering lips as he starts pulling that first nut to the surface.

“I'm gonna cum!” She pulls his hair, smushing his face against her, losing her mind when he wags it.

Not letting her recover, he makes her cum once again, her thighs beginning to shake in his hold.

“Baby, please..” she moans, softly rolling her hips against his face.

“Mmmm,” his humming sends shocks through her, his hands rubbing her sides.

In a flash, he's right where she needs him, deep inside, rocking against that spot so nicely.

“Look at that,” he mumbles, making their heavy gazes move down to where they join and rejoin again, those gushy noises are music to their ears.

“Feels so good,” she whispers.

His eyes dance back up her face and stay, as his heavy strokes land right into her spot.

“Say it again,” he says.

Like clockwork, she looks up at him, further melting and quaking as his brown eyes stare back.

“Mmmm, so fucking good!” She moans a little louder, earning a smirk from him.

Her pouty lips mouthing such sweet filth, as the man of her very dreams rocks her world.

“Fuck, baby,” her grip on him was beginning to loosen as he continued to fuck her into the mattress.

“Mmhm,” he moans, placing his hand at her chin and his thumb right at her bottom lip.

A faded smile appears on their faces as his thumb makes its way between her lips, coming in contact with her warm tongue and making his eyes roll like they did when he first slid inside.

“Mmmfuhh,” she whimpers around his thumb, feeling her thighs begin to burn.

“You cummin’,” he mumbles, removing his thumb to rub her clit, “let it out, baby.”

Her hands find his face, cupping his cheeks as her mouth drops open at the feeling brewing in her gut.

“Oh my god,” she gasps harshly, losing the rest of her oxygen as he swallows it in a kiss.

Pulling away, their lips retouch as he gets closer and closer to tossing her off the deep end.

“Just like that,” she nods fervently, “don’t stop.. don’t fucking stop.”

“Gimme that shit, babe..”

His hand slides to her throat, gripping tight. His other gripping into the sheets, as he’s close to the edge himself.

“Oh shit,” she moans, immediately feeling the air get sucked out of her lungs as her orgasm rocks through her like a heavy wave.

“I love you,” he groans, his own peak crashing toward him, sending him collapsing on top of her. Her giggles tickle his skin.

“I love you too, baby,” she sighs, her body twitching underneath his own.

“Catch your breath, cause I'm not done.” She whispers, kissing every inch of skin in her reach.

@ghostfacekill-monger @honestpreference @harmshake @henneseyhoe @blackerthings @soufcakmistress @megamindsecretlair @motheroffae @abeautifulmindexposed @thegifstories @starcrossedxwriter @mauvecherie-writes @twistedcharismaaa

[bombslol]

Bro what the flippity flappity is this setup 🦃 oh and also other person is pindlez!!

(WHY DO I KEEP SAYING THE TURKEY EMOJI HELP ME)

[miyuhpapayuh]

21

As soon as Leon walked through the door of Brandon's apartment, nostalgia hit him like a Mack truck.

The air still felt familiar. Every memory of their friendship within these walls came flooding back to him.

“You turned this into a bachelor pad, huh?” Leon cracks.

Brandon laughs. “Ah, had to upgrade the futon and card table at some point, right?”

Leon joined in the laughter, shaking his head. “We lived a lil rough, I won't lie.”

“We made do, though.”

“Please, our mamas woulda killed us if we didn't.”

“You right about that.” Brandon nods, as they move into the living room and take a seat.

The first conversation they've had in five years.

“So, what's up?” Leon asks.

“I wanna start by apologizing to you. I know I was a hothead and I blew you off, a lot. I said some fucked up shit to you and I can't take it back. It took me a long time to realize that you were just looking out for me, cause I just wanted to have fun with my dawg. I wasn't thinking about later in life or the consequences that would come. You were like a brother to me and it's been hell out here without friends like you in my corner.”

Leon nods, knowing it took a lot for them to get to this point, and he knew it was a genuine apology.

“It's all good, man. I said some fucked up shit to you too. I was mad for a while. A long time. Cause we was into it over crazy shit. Petty shit. Yeah, you blew me off a whole lot and I used to take up for yo ass at every stop, cause you was my boy. But I couldn't stick around for the disrespect. But, we can't go through the rest of our lives holdin’ onto that shit.”

“I understand that. I understood it then, it just pissed me off cause fuck you mean we ain't cool no more?” He laughs, Leon joining in. “I'm just glad that I could get you here and sincerely say that. I didn't know what to say for a long time. Sorry just didn't seem good enough. I'm sorry for that, too.”

“It's all good, seriously. I'm sorry, too.” Leon says.

“For what?” Brandon’s brows scrunch.

“I harbored some hatred for you when you and my sister started… whatever y'all got goin’ on. Did the usual overbearing brother thing, but she was hellbent on you becoming a stand-up dude, and I can see that she wasn't lying. It was just so weird to me.”

“I get it, honestly. I mean, that's your little sister. I would never disrespect either of you, things just sorta happened. We knew how it looked and I knew that you and I needed to talk.”

“Well again, I appreciate that man. And just as long as I ain't gotta knock your head between the stove and refrigerator, I'm cool with you and Eryn doing what y'all doing.”

“I know that came straight from the heart.” Brandon nods before laughing.

“I'm glad you know,” Leon says, laughing as well.

“Now that all of that is out the way, what's new with you? Cause I did hear about a girlfriend.”

“Man, ima marry that woman.” Leon shakes his head, a smirk appearing on his lips.

“Word??” Brandon asks, cocking his head to the side.

“No doubt about it.”

“Damn, what's that like?”

And boy, did Leon spend the next almost hour filling his old friend in on everything he'd experienced with Zora thus far.

“Am I invited to the wedding, at least?”

“Come on man, of course!”

They slapped hands and hugged like the brothers they've always been.

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Returning back to his apartment, Leon was immediately greeted by his yawning girlfriend, as she decided to stay up and wait for him.

“Hey baby,” he says, placing a kiss on her forehead as she wraps her arms around him, swaying in their hug as usual.

“Hey, how'd everything go?”

“It went well, actually. We both apologized to each other, caught up like old friends and he's invited to our wedding now, whenever that is.” He snorts, making her join in with her own laughter.

“I'm glad y'all made up, that puts me at so much ease, cause now you're at ease.” She says, rubbing his back.

He smiles, kissing her nose. “Me too, baby. Is that why you're still up?”

“Yeah, I thought something happened. I contemplated on calling you, but then I heard the door unlock.” She smiles.

“You still sleepy?” He asks.

“Eh, not so much anymore. We can still jump back in the bed though. I'm freezing.”

“I'll say,” he steps back to look over her attire, which consists of one of his sweatshirts pulled over her nightgown and fuzzy socks.

“What?” She laughs, playfully smacking his cheek as he shakes his head, his eyes landing back on her face.

“You look beautiful.” He says before scooping her up in his arms and carrying her back into his room.

Back under the covers and in each others arms, the couple flip through the channels to find something to watch.

“Martin?”

“Nah. Half & Half is on tv??” Zora squints, making Leon snicker.

“Did you forget your contacts again?”

“No, I just didn't wanna put them back in yet cause I might fall asleep again soon. I brought my glasses, I just need to get them out of my bag.”

Without another word, he hands her the remote and slides out the bed to retrieve them for her.

“Thank you,” she giggles, putting them on.

“No problem, is that what you wanted to watch?”

“Mmm… nah, let's see what else is on. It's just interesting that it's accessible like that. It's hard finding what you used to watch all the time.”

“Yeah, you right. I remember how hype I was when they brought Jamie back into the rotation.”

“See, he's better than Martin!”

“Yeah, I have to agree.”

“He was way too sexual for me, personally.”

“Yeah, what you be saying? Men are gross? I agree.”

“Good. Plus, you're not a man, you're an angel.” She kisses his face, making him laugh.

“And you're not a woman, you're a goddess.” He pulls her closer to him, continuing to flip through the channels.

“Ooh, my girls!” She all but yells as Living Single pops up.

“There we go.” He chuckles, sitting the remote down.

“Oh, it's one of my favorite ones too!”

“This the one where they were in a singing group?”

“The flavorettes, yes!”

“O had that nasty ass piece on his head, man.” He snickers.

“That was so ugly, I agree. It was so cute how he was still smitten by Synclaire and she was being so mean!” Zora laughs.

“We like that shit.”

“We know,” she responds, still laughing.

After watching Max fall of the stage and get hit with roses, she dozed off again, this time more comfortably since Leon was back underneath her.

“I love you.” He whispers, kissing her forehead.

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“I don't wanna work here anymore.” Zora mumbles to herself as she leans on the bar.

“Then quit!”

“Not that simple,” she sighs, tapping her nails against the freshly disinfected countertop.

As if on cue, the restaurant phone rings.

“Thank you for calling the pub, what can I get you?”

“Yeah, let me get the Wednesday special and a side of Zora Jean!” Nique says before cracking up into the phone.

“Girl!” Zora laughs, covering her mouth and looking around her area.

“What do you want, man?”

“What time do you get off?”

“Six, why?”

“You'll see when we get there. I'll meet you at your place.”

“Do I need to dress up or something?”

“Nope. No more questions! See ya later, love you, bye!”

After work, freshly showered and dressed down in her comfy sweatsuit and uggs, she trudges towards her best friend's car as the wind picks up.

“Hey, lover!” Nique greets once Zora’s situated inside.

“Hey! Where’re we going?”

“You'll see,” she sings, before pulling out of the lot and to their destination.

“So, how was your day?”

“Tiring. I think I'm kinda ready to let it go, friend.” Zora sighs, sticking her finger in the middle of her curly bun to scratch.

“Really?” Nique smirks. “Why what happened?”

“Nothing happened,” she laughs. “I'm just kinda over being there. And I know, we talk about it all the time and I continue to stick it out and I've made it work for me, so it's been extra great.. but I'm not feeling it anymore. The money isn't even worth it.”

“It's okay to feel burnt out. That's why I've always been pro-fuck that job. And no, I'm not gonna insist that you come work with me, I know we're past that. But this could be a good thing for you. You wanna find a new job?”

“No, I need a revamp on my career, as a whole. I wanna… I wanna be the artist of my dreams, again.” She somberly smiles, looking toward the window as her emotions slowly take hold of her.

Nique looks in her direction for a split second, unable to hide her smile.

“I was hoping you'd say that.”

Looking back in her direction, Zora begins to ask what she meant, but then she begins to recognize her surroundings.

“Dominique.”

“Zora-Jean.”

“The Mint?”

“The one and only, babe.” She cheeses, just as Zora covers her face, unable to hold her tears in any longer.

“Oh my god,” she sobs.

“Oh, Jean. Don't cry on me!”

Coming to a red light, she consoles her best friend, rubbing her back with her free hand.

“It's okay, I've been feeling like crying for weeks now. You know how I hold shit in— but, seriously this is so surreal. You just know what I'm thinking and how to execute it every single time. Who are you!” She hysterically asks, making them both laugh as the light turns back green.

“The greatest friend in the world— at least that's what my badge says.” She shrugs.

“Jesus,” Zora playfully scoffs, wiping her wet face.

“Seriously, though. Thank you.”

“Come on, you know you deserve this. It's been in the works for almost six years!”

“Ugh, that's so depressing. Isn't it?”

“Nah. It would be depressing if you still wanted to come home covered in grease after six years. You've had your epiphany and now it's time to plan!”

“You said it! I'm ready.”

“That's all I need to hear!”

Moving inside the spacious museum, the two look around and begin formulating their ideas.

“Wow, I haven't been out here in so long.” Zora looks around in awe.

“Yeah, they rightfully changed some shit around! It was starting to get stale in here.”

“Hm, what pieces could I put in here?”

“All of them?” Nique looks at her like she'd just grown a second head.

“Stop looking at me like that! I'm just asking. I also need to create so much more.”

“Mmhm, get that portfolio together and fast. You know we gotta start making ourselves real familiar with these people. “

“Yes, mom. I'm on it.” 

It feels good to be back.

@ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @honestpreference @thegifstories @harmshake @henneseyhoe @headcannonxgalore @blackpinup22 @motheroffae @mauvecherie-writes @blackerthings @megamindsecretlair @abeautifulmindexposed @blowmymbackout

[miyuhpapayuh]

twenty

“Oh my god, I know it's been a week but where the hell have you been??” Nique asks Zora, right before jumping damn near on top of her outside of her apartment.

“Nique!” She laughs, catching her before they both hit the ground, all the while Leon's coming up with her suitcase, staring between the two like they were crazy.

“What—”

“Lank!” Nique squeals, smacking him up for all the days she wasn't able to. Just like a sister. He chuckles and swats at her, ultimately pulling her into a bear hug.

“Missed you short stuff!”

“Yeah, y'all just left us behind out here!” She laughs, following them into the apartment.

“It was only a week! You didn't miss us that much!” Zora laughs, leaning on her kitchen counter, while Leon plops down on the sofa.

“I did, too! Darnell missed Leon so damn much, he's been tearing my ear up about all the shit they used to get into in college— getting on my nerves, man!” She laughs, making them join in.

“Ah, he done told you about some wild ass shit ain't he?”

“Has he! What's up with y'all and streaking?!”

“I'm not even surprised,” Zora laughs, moving to take her suitcase into her room.

“Man, we was proud of them track bodies, girl! They was gon see us!” He animatedly yells.

“Oh my god,” Nique laughs, rolling her eyes. “How can I save Zora from the madness??”

“It's already too late!” She yells from her bedroom, making them snicker up a storm.

“Stop laughing Nique! It's too late for you, too!”

“Nah for real, y'all treatin’ each other nice?” Leon asks, first time he's asked about their relationship.

“Yeah, he's really a sweetheart. Might like his ass too much,” she laughs, “but that's my baby.”

“Aw, that's cute! I'm happy for y'all.”

“Thanks!”

“Nique, I need assistance right quick!” Zora hollers again, making Nique disappear down the hallway.

“Yes?”

“Are we having a sleepover tonight?”

“Uh, duh! I need to be caught up, cause Neoma told me some things about some things, and I gotta hear it from you to piece it all together.”

“Oh lord. This finna be a mess.”

“My favorite!”

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“Okay, spill!”

“So, before we went on this nice lil vacation, we ran into a little more bullshit. I'm assuming you heard about Craig and Eryn?”

“Have I? Eryn is ready to sink her teeth into that boy! I'm ready to do it for her, cause he knows he's wrong.”

“I agree! He definitely shoulda let them work that out, cause Eryn isn't a child anymore. I think that might've influenced his decision cause they've known her for so long— no excuse. She's grown now.”

“Yeah?? And I don't know how well the conversation between them went, but she still seems kinda sad about it all.”

“Really? I haven't talked to her since we left. But that's another thing! After Leon finds out about everything from Craig, he starts telling me about it, and I already kinda knew about it cause she sat down and told me, like a day or so before.”

“Oh no,” Nique says, shaking her head. “She got you all caught up in it, huh?”

“Yeah, but I'm not mad at her. She just needed advice. Leon did kinda blow up on me, though.”

“Huh??” Nique asks, damn near breaking her neck to look over at her.

“Yeah, he was feelin’ it that day, I don't know.” She shrugs.

“Zora, what do you mean he blew up on you? He yelled at you?”

“No, no. He cut me off while I was trying to talk to him about everything. He asked me if she ran it by me and I told him the truth cause I didn't wanna be in the middle, and he like hopped off the couch and I'm still telling him that I didn't wanna be in the middle cause now he's upset and he's saying that he ain't mad at me, but he also just pacing back and forth and I was kinda nervous, I ain't gon lie. And I'm just tryna reason with him and his fuse is really short, so he cut me off and shut the conversation down.” She sighs, eating another handful of popcorn.

“And then what happened??”

“Oh, he was definitely asking for forgiveness before leaving the crib, but I wasn't up for talking anymore. You don't cut me off and expect a conversation after that. Kissed his ass goodbye and he came to my job the next day with flowers and another apology. I think he almost cried tryna talk to me. Hell, I know I cried enough.” She laughs, while Nique is still staring at her.

“Do I need to kill him?”

“No,” she laughs again, reaching out to grab the hand that's closest to her. “He apologized. Several times. Took me home and made it up to me real nice. He's a good man, just has a temper problem.”

“Hm. I'll keep my guns near, just in case.”

“Lord. He knows not to test it. Trust.”

“Why? You tie him up when y'all got out to that cabin?”

“You're so nasty, no. I definitely taught him what patience is, cause he was killing my nerves.”

“How I'm nasty? I'm talking about straight torture shit! Shoulda muzzled his ass.” She huffs, but Zora shakes her head.

“You know I use my powers for good and not evil… anymore. He understood I wasn't playing. I promise you, he don't want whatever ill fate awaits him if he even thinks about it.”

“Okay, I'll let it go. This time.”

“Good, I'd hate for shorty and lank to call it quits!” She frowns, making Nique smile and shake her head.

“He better be glad I like him a lil bit, cause I'll still kill him. It just won't be as harsh as normal.” She shrugs.

“Girl, anyway. Back to Eryn. I hope she's okay. Maybe I'll call her in a few days.”

“Yeah, poor baby. I had to get your sister together a lil bit, too.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes. Done found a lil rockheaded boy to ride and now she lost her mind. Cause why was she bucking up at me cause I told her that she was wrong for giving him the okay to say shit to Leon?! Like I ain't wrong for saying that! Am I?”

“No. Absolutely not, she shouldn't have said anything to him but, “mind your business”, but you know how she is. Lovita is the same way. That older sister complex be havin’ them telling other people's kids what to do. Like how you giving him the go ahead??”

“That's what I tried to get her to make sense to me! Eryn wasn't mad at her, but I told her that she should be. Cause it's too many hands in this situation and she just an extra one that don't belong. Be a girlfriend, nothing more.”

“This really made you mad, huh?”

“Yes. Eryn is twenty five years old. She don't need nobody hovering over her back, snitching on her or whatever other stupid overstepping bullshit has been going on. We had a long heart to heart, cause I just feel like she's just been ridiculed by so many, she just needs some love.”

Zora nods, sighing deeply. “Yeah, I know that feeling. I feel for her, I do. But she did speak up for herself. Leon said she was not happy with him yelling at her, ‘cause she is fragile right now, and that's not the way you get your point across anyway.”

“Good for her! Lank and his friends need to get it together. Neoma needs to get it together before I knock her out.”

“Y'all still beefin’??”

“Nah, I'm just saying. I mean, she was mad as hell when I left but so the fuck what? I shoulda sat in her face while she was mad, but I had a nail appointment.” She raps, while Zora shakes her head, staring at her imaginary audience. “But she got over herself after a day or so. The three of us had lunch and shit like usual, she was fine.”

“Y'all are gonna give me gray hair.”

“Please, if all you have to do is hear about it, I think you'll be okay. Besides, you've been living your carefree life since that boy came into it, so I don't wanna hear it.”

Zora can't help but smile, knowing it was the truth. Besides the minor bump in the road, the last almost year of her life has been absolutely wonderful.

“It's about time, I say.”

“Here, here!” Nique faux toasts with a handful of popcorn.

“Stupid,” Zora laughs.

“And, you know this!”

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“Wow, I forgot how good you looked in your uniform.” Zora says, shamelessly gawking at Leon as he walks around his room to tidy up, before heading off to work.

He chuckles, feeling his face grow hot. “Alright now.”

“For real. I need to come watch you work out now, cause the way them arms are filling out that sweater..” she trails off, shaking her head.

He stops in front of her, beginning to put on a show and flex for her. She giggles, eating it up.

“You like that, huh?”

“Oh, please. Don't start!” She warns, laughing it off as best as she can.

“Don't be shy, baby!” He laughs, bringing his arms down anyway.

“Stop, before I keep you here.” She half jokes, and he can see the seriousness in her deep brown eyes.

“Hm.. I might just have to be a lil late today.” He replied, leaning in to kiss her, unbuttoning her nightshirt.

“Yeah?”

“Just a lil,” he repeats, laughing at himself.

She squeals in excitement, rushing to unbutton his jeans and yank them down with his briefs, moaning at the sight of his dick already hard and ready to go.

“See? This happens every day.” He stresses, stepping closer between her legs to rub against her, his hands at either side of her head.

Reaching between them, she wraps her hand around him, guiding him inside of her, looking up to see his mouth open, eyes stuck on her in pure lust.

“So fucking wet,” he mumbles, languidly stroking just to hear the way her slick smacked through the air. His head dipped down to give wet kisses to her breasts.

“That happens every day, too,” she softly laughs.

His thrusts turn curt, poking right at her gut, making her claw at his arms and chest through the thick material, her wild moans bouncing off the walls of his room.

“Unh! Fuck me, just like that!”

“Mhm, it feels good don't it?”

“Yes! Please don't stop! Please!”

“Shit… I ain't stoppin’ baby… make you cum right on this dick.”

Her fingers ball up the material of his shirt, quickly losing her sanity as he drives right into her spot, bringing them both closer to their peaks.

“You like that, huh?”

“Yes,” she whines, “fuckin’ hitting that spot, babyy!”

“Right here?”

“Yes, I'm so c-close!” She whines, pulling his face closer to hers as he cages her in, his scent evading her senses and vice versa.

“Cum with me,” he moans against her lips, gripping her hips tighter as she squeezes around him, giving him no choice but to give in to the sweet feeling.

“That was amazing,” she breathily laughs, smothering his lips with her own, much to his liking as he groans all into their liplock.

“I wanna be so much later now,” he chuckles, hissing as he slides out of her, still covered in her essence. Their breathing still ragged.

Zora licks her lips and gets on her knees on the bed, bending down to lick him clean. If he didn't have hearts for eyes already, they were definitely there now.

After sending him to work on a high he'd be on for a while, she went back to sleep for a few hours, woke back up and decided to channel her inner Leon and chef it up in his kitchen.

Her omelet was a success.

After a nice long hot shower and hygiene routine, she decided to get her mani/pedi redone. The color is orange.

Zora soon headed through the lounge with Leon's lunch in hand like always, loving the look on his face as he digs through the bag to see what she'd brought.

Today was a Cuban sandwich with fries, and he was more than delighted. “I've been craving one of these!”

“Yeah? I had one on my lunch break the other day, and it was so good! Had to get you one.”

“Thank you, baby.” He says with a kiss to her lips, as she sits down beside him.

“Welcome. How's your day been?”

“Great, actually. We got through most of our pallets already, so I might just get outta here early today.”

“Oh, I always love the sound of getting off work early! I hope you do make it home before six, today.”

"This morning gave me a lil extra motivation.” He nudges her with a smirk on his face, as she hides her own.

“Shut up,” she laughs as he wraps an arm around, pulling her closer to him. “But also, you're welcome.”

“Thank you sweet stuff. How's your day off been?” He asks, humming as he bites into his sandwich.

“Well, this morning was great,” she winks, making him chuckle. “But, I took a nap, got up and ate breakfast, then I went and got my toes done— they're orange like my nails, but my feet got cold so I had to put my socks back on. I'll show you later.” She smiles. “I've been laying around, other than that. It's too cold outside to be out there for too long.”

“What did you make?”

“An omelet. It was so good!” She smiles, making him mirror her in no time.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm. I gotta make you one. Use my secret ingredient.”

“Word? Let me find out you were a chef this whole time, Z.”

She laughs. “Oh come on, I'd never steal your lane. It's like a family secret but I add a lil sumn to mine. You'll love it, I promise.”

“I can't wait,” he fondly shakes his head, kissing her lips.

“Can't wait to see these cute ass toes either. Love ‘em.”

“You got a foot fetish?” She squints, to which he laughs.

“Zora, I've got a you fetish.”

“Oh my god,” she laughs to cover up the way she's just melted inside.

“Act like you ain't know,” he shakes his head, taking another couple bites of his sandwich.

“I don't wanna go back out in the cold. It's so bitter out there.” She says, looking out the big window in front of them.

“You ain't lying, babe. It's cold as fuck in the room we work in too. Metal insulation should've been installed a long time ago.”

“You need me to say something?” She asks, raising her brow.

“No, mama, I got it.” He snickers, kissing her forehead. 

“It better be in there by my next visit.” She firms, before leaning on him.

“They like yo pretty ass, ima tell ‘em so they can speed the process up.” He laughs.

“Whatever works, right?” She responds with a laugh of her own.

“Mmhm…whatchu feelin’ on me for, Jean?” He asks with a grin, already knowing what she was up to, rubbing on his knee, her hand casually sliding up.

“Ya know, just the sight of a hardworking man gets me going.”

“Yeah? Where's this hand of yours going?”

The way she licks her bottom lip, biting down on it before it escapes has him ready for whatever.

“I'll be waiting in the bathroom.” She says with a smile, before getting up from the table, leaving him dumbstruck.

She giggles before slipping into the employee bathroom, not having to wait long as he finally makes his way inside, locking the door behind himself.

“Hey.” She says, smirking as he walks them backwards into the counter, her body becoming flush with his, much to her liking.

“What's gotten into you, lately?” He playfully asks, rubbing her hips.

“I don't know, you said to ask for it any time I want it, but I think it's more fun this way.”

He chuckles, before spinning her backwards, her ass now pressed up against his crotch. She smirks at him through the mirror.

“How much time do we have?”

“Mm,” he shrugs. “A good ten minutes.”

“More than enough time.”

Her sweats and panties are pulled down, and he can't help but run his fingers through her slick folds, feeling how unbelievably wet she is.

“Fuck,” he mumbles before squatting down, stuffing his face in between her cheeks, burying his tongue in her.

Her hands find the countertop as she bites back her moans, rolling her hips against his face. He wildly licks her slit, before suckling her clit into his mouth.

“Please… that feels so good!” She quietly whines, reaching back to rub her fingers through his curls.

Her legs begin to shake as he wags his tongue against her, her grip on his hair tightening. Her soft panting is making him strain against his jeans.

“I'm g-gonna cum!” She whimpers, arching and gripping the back of his neck as she does just that, wetting up his nose and mouth with her juices.

He happily licked it up, standing up to yank his own bottoms down, groaning all in her ear as he stuffs himself inside of her, bottoming out. Her lips are pursed together tightly, thankfully muffling her gasp.

“Good ass pussy,” he lewdly moans.

Her eyes stay glued on their reflection, her mouth now agape as he taps that spot over and over again. The way she's squeezing around him feels heavenly.

“Fffuck,” she quietly moans, “hittin’ that fucking spot so good!”

“Yeah? This spot right here?” He taunts, smirking at the way her eyes rolled back, her lips sputtering out a yes.

One hand comes up to grip her neck, “say it again” spilling out of his mouth with a grunt.

“Yeah!— fuck, I'm c-cummin’!” She moans a bit louder than she meant to, quickly biting into her lip to muffle herself as her orgasm rushes through her. His strokes never cease.

“Mmhm, gimme that pussy,” he grunts, nearing his own peak as he gyrates into her, kissing the back of her neck.

“H-holy shit, babe,” she grits, biting down on her lip.

“So fucking close,” he grunts into her ear, digging a bit deeper inside.

She damn near draws blood from her lip by the time he's releasing inside of her, fingers bearing down on her hips, leaving bruises for her to admire later.

“You… are fucking incredible.” He rasps, as they laugh and catch their breaths.

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Eryn’s busy shuffling through the small crowd of people at the mall, when she bumps into a familiar face. Just the person she was hunting for, too.

“And, so we meet again.” Craig says, trying to hide the fact that he might have been laying low, afraid to face her.

She scoffs. “At least we see each other this time.”

“Baby E—”

“Nope.” She cuts him off. “That's the issue, right there. I'm not a baby, Craig. You can't keep doing this shit like I'm that same little girl you knew way back when!”

“Okay, okay, I hear you,” he holds his hands up in surrender. “I was in your business and I'm sorry.”

Eryn rolls her eyes before stepping around him, having no time for his tired apology. But he wasn't gonna stop, now that he'd started.

“Eryn, come on.” He says, walking after her.

“Nah, I'm cool. I don't have time for this.”

“For real? I'm tryna apologize to you—”

“Are you?” She stops and turns in his direction.

“Quit cuttin’ me off.”

“Stop saying stupid shit and maybe I'll refrain.” She spat, crossing her arms over her chest, making her many bracelets clink together.

He stares at her, holding his tongue because she was rightfully upset and now was not the time for banter.

“Look, I'm really sorry. I instantly regretted it after I said it. I even told him to relax on you cause maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought. I know I shouldn't have done it, regardless. It's not my business.”

“No. It's not your business.” She frowns. “Had that man yelling at me like he'd lost his mind. I should kick your ass.”

“I know, I ain't mean to unleash all of that.”

She sucks her teeth. “Yeah, whatever. You wanted him to yell at me like he always does. That shit funny to you or something?”

“No!”

“Hm. Well, are we done here?” She asks.

“Uh yeah.. I guess? I don't think ima say anything to make you not mad at me.”

“No, you're not. Thanks for the apology, though. Just stay out of my business. I'm not your little sister.” She reminds him, before walking away.

“Damn.” Craig sadly mumbles before walking away with a hung head.

Her phone rings and she answers it with a bright smile. “Hey B, wassup?”

“I know you just left, but damn I miss you girl.” 

“Is that right? Maybe I'll swing back that way.”

“Yeah, why don't you do that. I got sumn for you when you get here.”

“If it's dick, you can keep it Brandon.” She laughs, and so does he.

“Come on, it's not like that. I actually got you something.”

“Mmhm, I'm on my way.”

Right after her heart to heart with Leon, she had a separate one with Brandon, in which she admitted her feelings and told him that they would unfortunately have to go their separate ways, to which he did not agree.

He had also developed a crush on her, in the time they had reconnected, and he wasn't gonna deny it just because his ex-best friend happened to be her brother.

He assured her that they would just have to talk it out. Said he was going to reach out to him personally, which she agreed and suggested that he should've done that in the first place, to which he agreed and apologized.

She was ready to face the music a second time, when the time came of course. But for right now, she was going to enjoy herself.

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“I haven't been home before six in so long,” Leon groans into the pillow, while Zora is perched on his lower back as she rubs her hands up and down his sore muscles.

“Getting off early is the best feeling, ain't it!” She laughs, moving up to his shoulder, rubbing his tense spots.

“Why are you so tense, baby?”

“I think I pulled something earlier,” he shrugs, instantly regretting it. Zora shakes her head like he can see her.

“Okay, relax..” she moves off of him, “sit up so I can get that knot out.”

“Yes ma'am.”

Moving behind his seated body, the natural heat between her thighs is warming his bare back. Her fingers relocate the knot in his left shoulder, working to relieve pressure.

His head lolls forward, his hands rubbing the sides of her thighs as she works her magic.

“Damn, that feels good.” He mumbles, eyes closed.

She smiles, dipping down to kiss the back of his neck. He was in pure bliss as her other hand reached for his other shoulder, kneading his skin like precious dough.

“What's the real reason why you're tense, Avery.” Zora asks again.

He sighs. “I don't know, I just feel like something’s going on.”

Her brows furrow. “With what or who?”

“Eryn.”

“Oh.”

“I know she's not a baby and she makes her own decisions. I just feel like… I don't know, I just don't like it.” He sighs again.

“Listen, baby. I know she's your sister and this isn't the ideal situation for either of you I'm sure, but she's gonna have to learn some things on her own. You can only guide her so much. You're only gonna give yourself a headache, worrying about that. I'm sure that if anything is going on, she'll tell you about it, just like she was about to the last time. Let her.”

“I hear you.”

“I'm serious, Avery.”

“I'll let her come to me. I hear you.” He repeats, turning his head to look back at her.

“Don't make me fight you.” She half jokes, mushing his head back in the other direction.

“Fight me naked?”

“That's our type of fight ain't it?” She snickers.

“Huh, you right.” He nods.

“Duh!” She replies without missing a beat, making him suck his teeth and laugh.

“Alright, you're kink free up here now. Please be more careful at work!” She scolds, still rubbing his left shoulder.

“I will, I promise. Now come lay with me.” He says, moving onto his back, and pulling her right down on top of him.

The covers fall over them as they snuggle up and rub their feet together. The heat was blasting through the vents, warming their cold bones right up.

“You think I need a space heater?” He asks, flipping through the channels.

“You be that cold at night?” She asks, drawing imaginary patterns on his right arm, already dozing off.

“Sometimes, yeah. I sleep with socks on like an old man, babe.” He stresses, making her tiredly laugh at him.

“Yeah, I'll get you one, then.”

“Oh, you don't have to do that.” He assures her.

“I want to. Don't fight me on it.” She playfully smacks his cheek, before sliding up to stuff her face into his neck, sighing contentedly.

“You comfy?” He asks, arms draped around her waist, rubbing circles into her hips as he begins to doze off, himself.

“So comfy.” She responds, before going super quiet, and ultimately falling asleep to his scent and the lull of his heartbeat.

Sometime later, after coming back from the bathroom, Leon slides back under the covers and kisses Zora’s forehead, softly laughing at her still being asleep.

Mindlessly scrolling through his phone, his eyes dart up to read the incoming message from Instagram. It was Brandon and he was ready to talk.

Tapping the message before it disappears, he taps across the screen and sends a message back, letting him know he was on his way.

“Z, baby,” he leans over to press kisses to her face, watching her stir slightly and reach out for him with her eyes still closed.

“I gotta head out real quick, baby.”

“Hm,” she stretches, rubbing her face, “where you goin’?”

“Gonna go chat with Brandon.” He simply says, making her eyes finally pop open.

“Before you start scolding me,” he continues, “I'm not gonna beat him up or yell or any of that. I'm going to hear him out, for real.”

She stares at him for a few seconds, before nodding and rubbing her eyes again. She was adorable when she'd just woken up from a nap.

“Okay, be careful. Where are you meeting him?” She asks.

“His crib.” He answers, still hovered over her.

“Okay. Call me when you get there.”

“Yes ma'am. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

It's finna get juicy!

21

@ghostfacekill-monger @thegifstories @blackerthings @harmshake @brentfaiyazwhore @honestpreference @sheabuttahwrites @essaysbyciara @starcrossedxwriter @blowmymbackout @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @abeautifulmindexposed @henneseyhoe

[miyuhpapayuh]

The faces of Mocha.

[miyuhpapayuh]

Leon x Zora.

A chance for something different.

faces playlist

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Inhermission.

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

[miyuhpapayuh]

inhermission.

Once they got back to his apartment, Zora's head was swimming with thoughts of what Leon had in store for her.

“I'd convince anyone that gave me the time, that you are a goddess,” he slurs against her lips, pulling her from her mind.

“Really?” She asks.

“Absolutely,” he replies, pulling her up from the floor, flush against him as she wraps her legs around his waist.

Carrying her down the hall to his room, he gently sat her down on the bed and pulled her feet from her heels, his magical hands melting the tension away.

“Cute ass toes,” he mumbles, pulling one foot up to kiss all over it, before doing the same to the other while she giggles up a storm.

“I'm just a lil ticklish,” she laughs, pulling them from his grasp before she accidentally kicks him.

Killing the space between them once again, his lips attach themselves to hers, stealing the rest of her breath and laboring his own.

Gently working his hands into her hair, he tugs backwards, making Zora’s lips part to let out a gasp, just as he slides his tongue into her mouth.

Cupping his face into her hands, she holds him even closer while her thick legs wrap around his waist.

Their lip lock heats up quickly and their touches get antsy as they begin pulling each other's clothes off til they collect on the floor, leaving themselves semi nude.

First time they'd seen each other like this and it wasn't a dream, but you couldn't tell ‘em this wasn't heaven.

“Wow,” Zora marveled at Leon, in all his lanky glory.

Broad shoulders, a toned stomach that she felt silly about envying, strong thighs and arms she couldn't wait to climb.

Leon was practically drooling over her curves, soft belly and thighs, soft stretch marks a shade lighter in tone, covering her sides like a roadmap.

“Wow, indeed.”

Pushing her back flat against the comforter and repositioning himself between her legs, his kisses find her neck and her hands find the back of his head.

Trailing down both shoulders along with her bra straps, he pulls the material away from her chest as she arches up to assist.

His tongue felt so good against her pebbled nipples, it was driving her insane as she continued to cradle his head, heaving heavy sighs.

“So beautiful,” he praises against her skin, dipping lower to kiss her stomach. His hands find her hips, making her anxious for his next move.

“Please,” she whimpers, biting down on her lip as he gets closer to her panty-line, kissing just above it. Also a ticklish spot.

“I got you, baby.”

Discarding her soaked panties, he spread her open with his fingers, gazing at her second set like the finest piece of art.

Burying his face in between her thighs and licking up her slit, he earned another gasp from her, making him repeat the action several times, reveling in the sounds escaping her.

“Fuck,” she moans, running her nails along his low-cut with one hand and pinching her nipple with the other.

Suckling her clit into his mouth, rolling his tongue all over it had her eyes rolling back, her hands rushing to the sheets.

Moaning at her taste only made her arch away from the bed, his strong hands keeping her from getting too far as he continued to drink every drop.

Her sweet moans were a little higher than her speaking voice, which Leon found adorable, wanting to hear those sounds all night long.

Wagging his tongue against her wet slit, sent her gushing before she could announce it.

Her hands find the back of his head, holding him close as he continues, making her cry out.

His groans vibrate through her, making her toes curl. She stares down at him with wild eyes, as she's on the verge of another orgasm.

“Leon,” she moans, the sound going straight to his dick. Her panting grows heavy as she squirms against his skilled lips and tongue.

Before she can release again, his lips are back on hers as he grinds himself against her, letting her feel how hard she'd made him.

Tasting herself on his tongue, she moans directly into his mouth and curls her left leg around his right, pulling him in closer.

Only parting to put on a condom, he's back between her legs, staring into her pretty brown eyes as they rub against each other.

“You ready?” He asks, making her eagerly nod as her eyes fluttered from the sensation.

Laying her back on the bed, he glides into her, a coupled hiss filling the air. Her hands find his broad shoulders, fighting the urge to dig into skin so early.

Languid strokes to start, getting him familiar with that heavenly tug of hers, and her with his girth, knowing he was gonna stretch her good.

Sensually knocking against each other, their lips reunite. His hands at the back of her thighs, caressing the soft flesh all the way to the soles of her feet, and back up, his open-mouthed kisses against her neck make her squirm.

“Feels so good,” she breathes out, clutching his back.

“Mmh,” he licks the column of her neck up to her lips, sloppy kisses ensue, sending her into delirium as his hands find her hair.

“Like you were made for me,” he speaks between kisses, speeding up and deepening his strokes, his grip on her thighs tightening just like her grip on his shoulders.

Her breathing turns shallow as he dips in and out of her, presenting her with that familiar tingle in her lower belly.

“Oh, baby,” she whines, tossing her head back into the pillows, his mouth finding her neck once again.

“You cummin’ for me again, sweetheart?” He teases against her ear, making her shudder and frantically nod.

“Words, baby… tell me you cummin’,” he grunts, digging deeper, hitting a spot that seizes her up.

“I— unh!” She gasps, her nails sink into his skin.

“Tell me,” he moans.

“I'm cummin’,” she moans back, fluttering around him as soon as the words leave her mouth, “fuck, I'm cummin’!”

“Gimme that shit, baby.”

Frowning, she places a hand on his stomach as he continues to dig in and out.

Her legs are trembling against his, he takes them and pushes them back toward her head, both delighted and surprised that she was as flexible as she was.

Here she was, thinking she'd never get to be folded up like a pretzel and now her dashed dream was coming true.

Her eyes wide, bottom lip quickly bitten to keep most of her noises contained as he works his hips in a circle above her.

“Don't go quiet on me, baby.” A hand finds her chin, tugging to unlatch her quivering lip. His thumb trails across it as his fingers curve to her cheek.

Holding her own leg back with one hand, she latches on the one at her face with the other, suckling his thumb into her mouth.

Losing his mind in that very moment, every thrust hits her spot, making it impossible for her to keep quiet.

Her whines meet his flesh as he stares down at her, bottom lip deeply bitten.

Pulling his wet thumb from her mouth, his hand finds her neck as he continues to pump into her. Her eyes roll back at the sudden aggression.

“C’mon baby,” holding one of her hands to the bed, he digs a little deeper, a long moan escaping her.

“There you go,” he nods, leaning forward to kiss the arch of her left foot, “tell me how good it feels.”

“So good, ooh shit!” She squeals as he lays his weight on her, his lips centimeters from hers in a tease.

Both of her hands in his, pressed against the sheets as she lays there, taking him to the hilt every time.

“Ooh shhhit, baby!”

“Damn, you feel so good,” he moans.

“I'm gonna cum,” she cries out, squeezing his hands, “please don't stop!”

“I ain't stoppin’,” he mumbles, pecking her lips repeatedly.

“Cum for me, let me have it.” He coaxes another orgasm right out of her, loving the way her mouth hangs open, her piercing eyes staring right into his. And, god those sounds she makes.

Nose to nose, they breathe each other in. Just as intoxicating as the liquor running through their veins.

“Ask for this dick any time you want it,” he groans, making her eyes flutter shut again.

“It's mine,” she whines.

“Damn right.” He mumbles, pulling away only to flip her over, smirking at the deep arch she put in her back.

Yeah, she was trouble too.

Ch 9

@sheabuttahwrites @blackerthings @thegifstories @twistedcharismaaa @cecereads209 @abeautifulmindexposed @soufcakmistress @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @ghostfacekill-monger @nayaxwrites

[miyuhpapayuh]

sixteen.

Zora, the sassy sagittarian, turned twenty nine or twenty fine, as Nique corrected.

Having stuffed their faces full of delicious food, from several different houses the day prior, her mom and sisters rounded her up for a home cooked breakfast plus mimosas, took her shopping, got her nails and toes done, got her hair redone, all paid for by Leon. She was being pampered to the fullest.

She was currently being driven to her surprise of the night, about to drive her loving boyfriend up a wall with how much she asked, are we there yet?

“I'm gonna turn around and go home,” he playfully threatens, earning a swat to his arm.

“Stop it! I'm just excited, that's all.” She says, crossing her heeled feet.

“I know, I know.” He nods, pulling into the lot, hopping out and helping her out as well.

“Aw, this place is cute!” She says, admiring the building in front of them. It was quaint and draped in deep blue, the name of the poetry club, Speak Easy, is lit up in gold cursive.

“Glad you like it,” he smiles, holding out his hand for her to take, as he leads them inside and over to the round red acrylic table that seems to sit underneath a spotlight. She hums to herself.

The inside was beautiful, the walls are black and the floors, a deeper blue, giving off an almost velvet effect as the steps to the lower level sparkle back at her.

A waitress comes and sits a glass of white wine down in front of her, and a glass of rum in front of Leon, before leaving them alone again.

“What? Is she psychic or something?” She whispers, making him laugh.

“No, baby– even though that would be cool,” he nods, “when making the reservation, it asks for your favorite drink and dessert. You can order something else, but they start with those.”

“That's so cute,” she dances in her seat. “So a slice of red velvet cake is gonna meet me before we leave here, tonight?”

“Absolutely, beautiful.” He answers, leaning in to kiss her lips.

She swoons, just staring at him once he pulls away. He does the same with her.

“You look stunning, tonight. Like a doll.” He compliments, twirling a strand of her curled hair around his finger.

“Thank you! I feel like a doll,” she giggles, “I don't get all done-up like this unless it's an occasion.”

“And an occasion, it is. I pulled out one of my best fits for you, girl.” He chuckles.

“Aw, and you look so good in it!” She compliments, rubbing his chest.

Thank you, baby,” he says, leaning in for another kiss. “Happy birthday.”

“Thank you!”

“Welcome, welcome. As always, we appreciate everybody in the house tonight for supporting us. We've got a lovely group for you tonight, some new, some familiar faces. Our first performer is heading our way, so get ready to be wowed and remember, hold your applause til the end.”

The lights dim to a soft pale yellow, as the first person sits upon the stool to share their poetry piece. Spice is her name, and she embodies it perfectly with her ginger hair.

“Honey with spice,

Simple, yet divine.

Wild, but grounded.

Messy, and worth it.

A woman of many shades,

Personas,

Layers.

Who I am is for me to define,

And for you to uncover.”

“Wow, she's good.” Zora comments, as they all clap for Spice. “I like how short and sweet it was.”

He nods in agreement, his nerves beginning to get to him. He smiles at her. “Y-yeah, she did good.”

The next performer by the name of Bleu takes the stage, and the lights dim to a pale blue.

“In spite of it all,

I came, saw and conquered.

In spite of it all,

I lived,

I loved,

And I lost.

In spite of it all,

I have no regrets.

If I could go back and double it.

Triple it.

In spite of it all,

I'd still tell my younger self

to love just as hard as he did,

And my future self

to love harder.”

More applause, and Zora’s sliding her hand into Leon's clammy one, her nose wrinkling up as she softly laughs.

“You okay?” She asks.

“Yeah, just wanna make sure you're having a good time.” He answers, brightening the smile on her face.

“The best time.” She reassures him with a squeeze to his hands. “I know I crack my jokes about you being a walking poem, but I like being in the places you love to be in.. seeing you in your zone, too. It's beautiful to me.”

Moved to tears, he clears his throat and wipes his face. Her hands cover his own, while she gazes at him.

“I've got another surprise for you.” He says, before giving her another kiss and disappearing from the table, leaving her alone and confused.

“What?” She quietly asks, before looking around at the other tables, really feeling like she was underneath a spotlight now.

Turning her attention back to the stage, she takes a sip of her forgotten wine, almost spitting it out as Leon taps the mic.

“What??” She whispers again, her eyes popping out of her head.

She had just gotten contacts, and she knew she was seeing correctly.

He was performing?? She finally gets to see him do his thing, on her birthday?? Was he gonna perform a piece for her??

She had so many questions that were about to be answered, as the lights dimmed to deep orange, completely moving her to tears.

“In all the ways,

I dream of you.

You're a goddess.

Ethereal.

I happily kiss the ground you walk on,

Pluck every flower just for you.

My muse.

My passion is you.

The most beautiful woman to

ever walk the earth.

To ever cross my mind.

Damn, you’re so fine.

In all the ways,

I dream of you.

The light,

And the dark.

My sun,

And my moon.

You shine brighter

Than the stars.

The blank space

In between stanzas.

A resting space,

A much needed break.

I lose my senses

When it comes to you.

Forgetting how to speak

Is only the beginning of

Just how frazzled you make me.



In all the ways,

I dream of you.

Bold,

Brilliant,

Beautiful.

Captivating,

Enamoring,

Mesmerizing.

I'm hooked on you.

Absolutely,

Always and,

Forever.”

The applause seems to double in volume as he finishes, and a single slice of red velvet cake with a candle in it is sat down in front of her, as everyone sings happy birthday to her.

“What?!” she yells for the third time.

Grabbing the napkin from the table, she dabs at her eyes and looks around in disbelief, feeling like she was living in a dream.

“Make a wish, sweet stuff.” He says from the mic, as he was still on the stage.

Taking a second to think, she clasps her hands together and blows the candle out, earning another wave of applause that makes her squeal.

As soon as he makes his way back to Zora, she damn near clings to him, giving him all the hugs and kisses she could possibly give.

“That was… that was the most beautiful, sweetest thing ever.” She whimpers, wiping her tears away for the second time tonight.

“I'm so glad you loved it, cause I was so nervous!” He chuckles, lacing their fingers together and kissing her lips, repeatedly.

“It was perfect,” she says in between kisses, “you are the sweetest man!”

“I do my best for you.”

Listening to the rest of the poetry pieces, sipping on her wine and eating the most delicious cake, Zora was on a high for the rest of the night.

“Best birthday ever.” She says, swishing the soapy bubbles around in the bath he drew for her.

“Ever?” He asks, tracing a random pattern on her other arm as he sits behind her in the spacious tub.

“Ever,” she repeats. “Tonight was something out of a movie! I felt like the only woman in the world.”

“You're the only woman in my world. That's for sure.” He says, making her giggle and welcome the many kisses to her neck and cheek.

“I love you, sweet stuff.”

“I love you too, sugar foot.”

She never even considered “birthday sex” to be a thing, but the way he put it down had her working her brain overtime on what to cook him for his birthday, which happened to be the next morning.

A day and a year apart, she had to admit was pretty wicked.

“Happy dirty thirty, Avery!” She'd greeted early this morning, pressing kisses to every part of his face.

His baritone laugh sounded through the room as he wrapped her up in his arms, “thank you, sweetheart.”

“I made breakfast!” She says, excitedly jumping up from his bed and into the hallway, causing him to sit up and rub his eyes, and properly stretch.

Coming back in with a plate of strawberry crepes, her grin turns cheesier at the look on his face.

“Look at this!” He exclaims, taking the plate from her. “I've always wanted to try my hand at these.”

“I knew it,” she laughs. “I've only made them like one other time, and it took me like an hour! So try them and tell me what you think, please.”

He nods and takes a bite. Then, another bite. And one more, his hums of appreciation cause her to cover her face.

“Damn, this is delicious!” He says, popping a strawberry into his mouth.

“Yeah, you really like ‘em??” She asks, watching him continue to eat.

“Girl, you finna watch these disappear!” He chuckles, pulling her into his lap, where she takes over feeding him the delicious breakfast.

“Is this how you feel when you cook for me?” She asks, looking down at his handsome face.

“Super accomplished? Hell yeah,” he wholeheartedly nods, making her giggle.

“Did you taste 'em?” He asks, holding a piece out for her.

“I did, but I'll just have one more bite.” She obliges, sighing at the sweet and creamy taste.

Like he said, she watched him make the crepes disappear in record time. She clapped as he hit his victory dance, still seated.

Doing his best shimmy for her, the burst of giggles that hit his ears was another present for his day.

“I got you something,” she says, while they're standing hip to hip in the kitchen, washing the leftover dishes from breakfast.

“What is it?” He asks, nudging her once she starts to laugh.

“Let's finish up here, and you'll see!” She says, flicking soap at him. Of course he flicked some back, right on her nose.

Did the dishes get neglected for a soapy water fight that lasted for five minutes? Absolutely.

Did those five minutes turn into an extra thirty, as they went at it on the counter? Again. Absolutely.

Done with their own shenanigans for the time being, cleaned up and sitting in his living room, Zora sits the box in his lap, a huge smile stuck on her face.

“I don't know which one of us is more excited,” he cracks, the box making a snap sound as he pops it open, finding a stack of gold, square rings— the coolest rings he's ever seen with his own two eyes.

“Woah,” he says, blowing out a breath.

“I originally went to buy you a new chain. Maybe some new studs, but then I saw these! And while you don't wear much jewelry, I thought it would be something of a statement piece to add to your wardrobe, ya know? B-but, if you don't like ‘em, I kept the receipt.” She says, folding her hands in her lap.

“Oh, I'm keepin’ these!,” he laughs, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “Thank you. These are super fucking cool, babe. Ima put ‘em on now, just cause!” He announces, pulling them out and sliding them on his middle and ring fingers, holding them up to watch them shine back at him.

Zora's chin is in her palms now, watching him enjoy his gift was the highlight of her day.

“You're welcome, babe.” She responds, pulling his hand towards her, wanting to watch them shine, too.

“Oh, one more thing!’ She says, before hopping up and grabbing the box she hid on the other side of his couch. The complete confusion on his face was priceless.

“How long was that there?” He asks.

“About a week?,” she pauses to do her mental math, before nodding, “yeah, about a week.”

“I’m surprised I missed this big ass box,” he chuckles, making her shake her head.

“I’m glad you did miss it! What kind of surprise would that have been?” She asks with a laugh.

“She’s learning the premise, lord.” He kids, laughing as she snatches the box away.

“I guess I’ll just take this baby back, since you like to play games.”

“Alright, okay. Let’s relax, I was just kidding,” he holds his hands up in mock surrender, making her laugh and hand it back.

Just in case she tried any more funny business, he pulled the lid off the box to find a smaller box with the word Canon written on it.

“A camera? For real?!” He yells, opening it up to pull out the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 I.

His jaw was on the floor and his mind was blown.

“I've had my eye on this one, girl.”

“I know.” She says, sitting back down beside him.

Unable to find the words, he just fondly shakes his head and stares at the camera, trying to figure out how to turn it on.

Once he does, he checks the battery and aims the camera at Zora, who covers her face.

“Come on, be the first picture to grace this, here camera! Let me see that beautiful face, Jean!” He says, pushing her shoulder with his free hand.

“Okay, okay,” she drops her hands, and he captures her natural mug. Looking back at the photo, he fondly shakes his head again.

“What,” she nudges him.

“You got me the coolest gifts ever. I don't know what to say, besides thank you. That feels inadequate.”

“The coolest guy ever deserves the coolest things ever, right?!” She exclaims, nudging him again.

“The coolest?” He asks, that boyish grin making her own cheeks burn as she nods.

“I'm glad you like your gifts, seriously. I know gift giving is your thing, and you're so thoughtful with yours.. I just wanted to live up to that, too.”

“Zora, let's not forget that you've painted me. Several times. The most thoughtful thing I've ever seen. Hell, you set the standard for me! We could do this all night,” he laughs, sitting the camera down on the coffee table and grabbing hands.

“Thank you. I love my gifts and I love you.”

“I love you too, and you're welcome.”

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Zora was currently making dinner, and even though she insisted that they didn't have to get dressed up, she was back in her little black dress, since he ever so sweetly requested that she wear it for him, and he pulled out another one of his best fits for his favorite occasion.

“Never let an outfit go to waste, girl!”, he said multiple times today. She'd remember it for sure.

Coming into the kitchen, he does a spin for her as she whistles, “look at you, hot stuff!”

The killer smile he sends her way makes her face warm, a couple giggles escape them both as they awkwardly sway.

“There go those angry bees, huh?” He jokes, pulling her away from the stove to wrap her up in his arms.

“Babe,” she whines, “it's this cologne you've got on, too. My goodness, you smell so good!” She deeply inhaled, making him crack up.

“You told me to always keep a bottle of it near, so,” he shrugs, that smile still on his lips.

“Too much,” she comments, dropping her gaze to his suit. “You really have on a whole suit!”

“Yeah, I do!” He says.

“Even though we're not going anywhere,” she continues.

“Baby, we don't need to leave the house to get all dolled up!”

“No, I know! And don't take what I'm saying the wrong way. I just.. I just always felt there needed to be an outing attached, but I honestly feel less pressured, since it's just you here. I mean, you get my nerves going enough,” she rambles, and he just smiles and cuts her sentence off with a sweet kiss.

“If it feels extra, that's the point,” he cracks, pulling a smile from her. “Question. You don't think you look good, tonight? Cause I think you look absolutely gorgeous.”

“I do, yeah!” She answers.

“You don't think I look good?”

“Of course I do, Leon!”

“Okay, then! Our night on the town just happens to be inside my apartment, and that's okay. Right?”

“Yeah, it's perfect.” She corrects.

“That's what I like to hear. You don't even have to put those dangerous heels on!”

She scoffs a laugh. “Please! Ima go put ‘em on just for that! Dangerous heels.”

“Hey, you always complain about them hurting your feet!”

“Yeah, I be a lil sore but beauty is pain! Why do you think I have a headache every time I look at you?!”

“A-ha,” he dryly laughs, “very funny.”

“I thought so too, now go sit. Dinner’s ready.” She says, shoo’ing him out of his own kitchen.

Two glasses of white wine sit at his round table, along with a tealight candle in the center. Zora came and sat down two plates of piping hot food.

“Damn, this looks delicious babe. I gotta take a picture!” He exclaims, jumping up from the table to get the camera off the charger.

She softly laughs at the way he rushes back over and snaps a picture of her beautiful setup.

“Okay, okay. We can eat now!” He says, sitting back down.

“How many pictures is that, now?” She asks.

“Uh… five?”

“Yeah? I'm shocked there aren't more!”

“Well, technically there's only four, cause I had to retake one. It came out kinda blurry.”

“Still keep it,” she suggests.

“Yeah, maybe.” He says before they join hands to say grace.

Digging right into the stuffed chicken breast and potatoes, the same look he wore at breakfast is back tenfold, making her laugh and look away from him.

“Again, you finna watch this disappear.”

“Stop it, and tell me how lunch with your two favorite girls went.” She says, digging into her own plate.

“Well, I was missing my third,” he faux pouts, earning another smile out of her, “but lunch was great. I didn't realize how much we'd all missed out on in the last couple months!”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, Eryn was traveling to Florida and back on another business trip, ma was sick for a few weeks, and around the timeframe she gave me, I remember calling her and asking her if she was good, cause you just know when parents are tryna save face and act like their in tiptop shape. She had a cold the whole time.”

“My mama does shit like that, too. It's so frustrating, like let me help you!”

“She swore it would've disrupted my schedule, like she's not my mama. Fuck that job.”

“Yeah, fuck that job,” she repeats, laughing at the expression his face. “This really bothered you.”

“It really did!” He laughs, shaking his head. “But, she's promised not to do that anymore. We’ll see,” he sighs.

“Hold her to it,” she points her fork in his direction. “I do my mama like that, too. She be tryna slide outta her promises too, they think they're slick.”

“I agree. I need somebody to take her off our hands cause she's gonna turn us gray, not the other way around.” He half-jokes, making Zora crack up.

“Leave her be! Cause if a man does come around and scoop her up, you really ain't gon know where she at and how she’s doing.” She smirks, snickering at his stale expression.

“Anyway,” he says.

“I'm just saying! But, anyway.”

“Other than all of that, this has been a great birthday. I always pictured thirty in so many words, and grateful is all I really feel.” He says, reaching across the table for her free hand, meeting her bright smile with one of his own.

“I'm glad I could be a part of it, there's nothing I'd rather be doing than being here with you.”

Holding his tears this time, he gives her hand a squeeze to keep the mood light, even though she's tugging on his heartstrings like crazy.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. Happy birthday.”

Changing out of their fancy clothes after their photo shoot, the two threw on their pjs and settled on the couch to watch their usual cartoons, along with bowls full of ice cream— his was cookie dough and her was brownie cheesecake swirl.

“Best way to end the day.”

“Yeah, getting sugar wasted?”

“Like the teenage me would,” he laughs, sitting his bowl down on the coffee table, pulling her into his lap, sideways.

“Was I too far away?” She asks, biting into a brownie chunk.

“Yeah, I still think you do it on purpose.” He says, snuggling right into her neck. She laughs and sits her bowl next to his.

“I do not!”

His muffled laughter sounds in response, then silence covers them as they sit and soak up the moment. Nothing but the sound of the tv in the background.

“I love you” is conveyed in light sweeps of his fingertips over her bare thighs. Nuzzles against her sweet spot. Her nails softly scraping against his scalp.

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“Shit,” he groans into her open mouth as she grinds on top of him, his hands on her hips, fingertips digging into her heated skin.

“Feels good, huh baby?” She moans, placing a hand on his chest, wrinkling his shirt in her grasp as she moves faster, the clap of her ass against his thighs giving her extra motivation.

“Good as fuck,” he smacks her ass, pulling her t-shirt up to bury his face in her chest.

His nips and licks to her sensitive flesh had her eyes rolling back. His groans vibrate off her skin, her own moans tangle between.

Her hands find his growing curls, tugging just to drive him wild. Both of his hands come down on her ass again, earning a gasp in return. Her arousal doubles, the squelching joining their sexual harmony.

“I fucking love you,” he groans, his head falling back against the cushions. Her ass is still smacking against his sticky thighs.

“I know,” she says with a smirk, pulling her t-shirt completely off. The dazed smile on his face made her throb against him.

Pulling him to her by his neck, she watches as he buries his face back into her chest. Her hands find his hair again, her bottom lip deeply bitten into as she continues dropping her ass on him.

“Fuck, baby..” his raspy groan sounds through her chest, her hips back in his firm grasp. He was close.

Pulling him up to face her, she wraps her arms around his shoulders, pressing kisses all over his face.

“I love you,” she moans, “cum for me, baby..” she whispers, smiling at the way his eyes begin to roll back, her name falling from his lips like a prayer as he reaches his peak.

She kisses his parted lips, the way he's wildly rutting into her and grunting has her throbbing against him again.

“So fucking sexy, baby— shit,” she gasps, feeling her own peak creep up on her, “oh my god.”

“You cummin’, yeah?”

“Fuck-— yes!” She moans with her head thrown back, loving the way he grips her hips and takes over slamming her down on him.

Now, that's the best way to end the day.

@ghostfacekill-monger @soufcakmistress @honestpreference @starcrossedxwriter @thegifstories @blackerthings @blowmymbackout @abeautifulmindexposed @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @mauvecherie-writes @harmshake @sheabuttahwrites @cecereads209

[miyuhpapayuh]

nineteen.

“Oh, this place is gorgeous!” Zora exclaims, as they roll their suitcases inside of their cabin for the week. A much needed vacation.

“Ain't it? It was the third one I came past, had to book it.” Leon says, as they head through the larger than life living room. High ceilings became her favorite thing in an instant.

“Oh, yeah. The fridge, freezer and pantry are already stocked.” He says, stopping at the kitchen. Also another large area.

“How?” She asks, looking toward him.

“I might've taken a separate trip up here, found the closest grocery store— which is an hour out, might I add— and came back to stock it before I came to pick you up.” He says, shrugging like it was nothing.

“You are something else,” she laughs, “ proactive as hell, too!”

“Hey, I'm just making sure we got all we need, right here.” He taps the counter for emphasis, as she laughs again.

“You succeeded, for sure!”

Moving upstairs to the master bedroom, they immediately plop down on the alaskan king bed, laying flat on the clean & cozy comforter.

“Yeah, a week’s worth of sleep in this bed is gonna do me some good!” Leon says, turning his head to look at Zora, who wholeheartedly agrees.

“You and me, both! I might forget I have a job and just stay here.” She laughs, folding her arms behind her head.

“Right?! Stay right here, tucked away with my favorite lady.” He rolls over, her giggles sounding as he lays his weight on her.

Actually sprawling out and getting comfortable, clad in their sweats and sweatshirts, they turn their focus toward the beautiful view through the bay window.

“You think it'll snow?” She asks.

“I'm sure. It's cold as hell out there.” He responds, laying his head on her chest, his eyes following the pattern of clouds in the sky.

“Good. I haven't seen snow since I was a little kid, it seems.”

“Yeah, we get slush, most of the time.”

“Right? Can't drive in it, can't walk on it, can't build a snowman in it,” she goes on, making him laugh. “It's ridiculous. I want the flurries!”

“You'll get ‘em, babe. Count on it.” He assures, closing his eyes as sleep creeps up on him.

“You going to sleep, old man?” She teases.

“Mhm, it's getting me.” He responds. “You stayin’ up?”

“Nah, I'm next.” She admits, stretching her arms above her head, a yawn coming right after.

“Yeah, a good twelve hour drive’ll do that to ya..” He mumbles, a yawn stealing the last half of his sentence.

Mumbling back something just as incoherent, they eventually get quiet and knock out under each other.

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Padding through the open space in her fuzzy socks, she moves into the kitchen to open the freezer, then the fridge, laughing to herself as they are indeed, fully stocked.

“He's so cute,” she shakes her head, pulling two waters out before closing it back.

Moving in front of another large window, she sighs in contentment. This week was gonna be fun.

In the midst of her daze, Leon slides up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiles to herself.

“Hey,” he says, kissing the crown of her head.

“Hey,” she responds, holding up a water bottle, “I was on my way back.. just had to stop and stare for a minute.”

“I wasnt trippin’,” he says, taking the water from her, barely detaching himself from her as he took a swig. “Thought I'd come and see where you were, though. I started missing you.”

She giggles, turning to face him and that toothy smile of his. He leans down to kiss her lips a few times.

“Three minutes is all it takes?”

“Try three seconds! I stayed put so you didn't think I was crazy.” He says, making her laugh again.

“Aw, you were gonna sniff after me like a puppy, huh?” She teases, taking a sip of her own water.

“Unashamed, baby.” He replies, shrugging his shoulders.

“Again, how lucky am I?”

He smirks, pulling her right back into him, his fingers twirling around the ends of her curly ponytail.

“The luckiest is what I am. You're just getting everything you've always deserved.” He says, kissing her nose.

“Don't make me cry, our tears might freeze out here.” She jokes, even though he's already wiping her lone one away.

“Sorry,” he smiles, “but you do deserve it.”

“So do you, babe. Sweetest man in the land.”

“In the whole land??”

“The whole thang, Avery!” She exclaims. “I mean, really.”

Moving further into the living room, they cut the tv on and sit on the spacious couch, pulling the throw blanket over themselves.

“I'm so glad we could take this trip. We definitely needed it.” Leon says, while Zora flips through the channels to find something worth watching.

“Me too. It's been a hectic month, that January.” She playfully scolds.

“Tell me about it! If I had to work another day in that damned warehouse, I woulda quit.”

“Hm. Ever thought about quitting?” She asks, sitting the remote down once she finds some cartoons.

“Yeah, actually. I don't see myself staying there very long.”

“What would you wanna do instead? What's always been something you wanna take up?”

“Photography has always been at the forefront of my mind. Seeing the beauty of the world through a lens is something special. Writing is definitely right behind it. Like, maybe not publish a book, but getting on stage and performing pieces is the coolest.”

She nods, the wheels already turning in her head. “Two really great career choices for you.”

“You think so?” He asks, looking at her now. She nods again.

“You're a beast with the camera and your writing brings me to tears, so yeah! A shoe-in.”

“Glad I have your support, beautiful.” He kisses her forehead.

“Any time, any day.”

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Waking up again, this time lazily sprawled out on the sofa, Zora stretches and looks toward the kitchen, finding Leon, preparing dinner.

Peering over at her for the thousandth time, his smile brightens as he finds her awake. She's rubbing her eyes, the side of her face still pressed to the pillow she's laid on.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” he calls out, chuckling as she waves, still too sleepy to verbally respond. Her sighs and grumbles sound as she stirs a bit more.

Staring out the window to the left of the living room, the deep blue, ever-starry sky as it begins to melt into an even deeper blue.

“Sorry,” she finally speaks, “I had no idea I was this sleepy.”

He waves her off. “Don't be. We came out here to relax, babe. Get all the sleep you need and want.”

“Mmkay,” she says, covering herself back up in the blanket, immediately cackling as he stomps over to get her up.

“No right now, Jean!” He laughs, lightly shaking her. “I'm cooking!”

“I'm just playing, you big baby!” She snickers, taking his hand as he leads her toward the island, sitting her atop a stool and kissing her forehead, before heading back to the stove.

“So, what you makin’?” She asks, feeling her stomach rumble from the yummy smell of spices and herbs.

“Decided to make a loaded potato soup.” He says with his back still to her, but she can hear the excitement in his voice.

“Yummy! Do you need me to do anything?”

“Mhm, just sit there and look pretty for me.” He responds, turning around in time for her eye-roll.

“I knew it!” He laughs, turning back to what he's doing. “But you can actually slice this French bread and put it in the oven for me.”

Hopping up, she heads over to the counter to wash her hands, about to look for a knife when he carefully hands her one, another forehead kiss coming her way.

She smiles at the affection, bumping his hip before pulling the bread from its bag, slicing half of it to her liking, the other half to his liking. Sticking them on a baking sheet, she placed a pad of butter on each one before sliding in the oven.

“Wow, that was so much work.” She jokes, making him laugh.

“Stop clowning and taste this,” he says, cupping his hand underneath the spoon he was holding out for her.

As soon as the food hits her taste buds, she nods and closes her eyes. “Leon, I swear to god.”

“It's good, ain't it?” He asks, already nodding and laughing, the sound doubling as she joins in. They share a high-five.

“It's absolutely delicious! Hell, add being a chef to that list, cause wow.” She exclaims before whipping around to retrieve the bread before it burns.

Indulging in the comfort meal, Zora is still singing his praises with every bite, boosting his confidence like no other.

“My big head is gonna be your fault, I just want you to know now.” He laughs.

“That's fine! I ain't ever had food this good— don't tell Pam.” She snickers, taking another sip of her wine.

“I thought first-naming mamas was off limits?” He asks.

“It is, that's why I said don't tell her!” She exclaims, earning another laugh from him.

“Tellin’ her as soon as we get back,” he teases, pulling her glass away to refill it, reveling in the delight on her face.

“I never get to indulge in my wine, so thank you.” She smiles, putting the glass back up to her lips.

“My pleasure.”

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After dinner, Zora decided to take her shower first, slipping into the master bathroom and instantly pouting at the sight of an orange puff and matching rag, her favorite body wash, and her towel already hanging on the rack for her.

“Ugh, he's so cute!” She tipsily giggles, peeling her clothes off and heading into the walk-in shower, singing along to the music that's playing further down the hall.

Wetting her curls underneath the hot, hot water, she sighs blissfully as she scrubs her troubles— read: none— away.

Watching the suds go down the drain, she turns the water off and reaches around for her towel, wrapping it around herself, wringing out her curls before throwing them up in a bun.

Stepping into the slippers he'd also laid out for her, she waltzes back into the room, finding him sitting on the edge of the bed, camera in hand.

“Hey, stand right there!” He excitedly says, pulling the camera back up to his face, snapping a picture of her where she stands. Of course, she posed for it.

“Camera ready, huh?” He chuckles as she crosses the floor to him, laughing at the picture as he holds it up for her to see.

“I look so cheesy,” she snorts, sitting down beside him.

“Cheesin’ hard as hell, baby.” He adds, looking over at her just as she leans in to kiss him. A dazed smile on her face as she pulls away.

“What was that for?” He asks, smiling just like she.

“Cause I love you.” She simply says, making his heart thud in his chest.

“I love you more, sweetheart.” He leans back in for another kiss. Then another, swapping out the camera for the sides of her face as the kisses get a bit deeper.

She giggles against his lips, pulling away a bit breathless as she looks at him, the stars in the night sky not comparing to the ones in both of their eyes.

“Go shower and come back, I got things I wanna do to you.” She softly says, biting her lip as he stands from the bed, hovering over her damp body.

“You have no idea, baby.” He mumbles back, nuzzling his face against hers for a couple seconds, reluctantly pulling away and all but rushing out of the room, because he knew he'd get started, right then and there, if he didn't.

Letting out a breathless laugh, she shakes the chills away and sprints over to her bag, pulling out the white hot babydoll dress. She smirks and holds it up to her smooth, chocolate skin, staring straight ahead at the mirror in the corner of the room.

“Oh, yeah.” She nods, reaching for her sandalwood body lotion and deodorant, lathering herself in the smell-good and pulling the dress on her thick frame, more than pleased with how she looks.

Pulling her semi-dry curls from its bun, she shakes them so they fall over her shoulders, perfectly tousled.

She sits in his spot, grabs his camera, careful not to drop it due to her tipsiness and takes a few pictures for him to find later, before sitting it on the dresser.

After what felt like forever, he returned to the room with a towel covering his waist, his hand rubbing down his face before his eyes landed on the beauty that is Zora.

The air leaves his lungs for a few moments, his lips part to say something, hands twitch slightly as his mouth salivates. His print became more noticeable at the sight before him.

“You like it, don't you?” She asks, her deep, teasing tone making the hairs on his neck stand up.

Still unable to speak, he nods.

His eyes travel from her pretty face to the swell of her breasts, her soft thighs, the gold anklet adorning her left ankle and her pretty olive painted toes. The white lace against her skin is his new favorite thing.

“You.. you look so pretty, baby.” He finally speaks, making her smile and motion for him to come closer, til he's standing before her.

“All for you.” She says, cupping his chin to pull him closer to her lips, sighing at the softness of his kisses. It was his turn to breathlessly pull away.

“Wow… I wanna take a picture, but I think I might drop my camera,” he nervously laughs, shyly rubbing his hands up her thighs.

“It's okay, baby.” She softly assures him, covering his hands with her own. “You want me to take it for you?”

She swore she saw his pupils dilate at such a question, his fingers digging into her flesh now. She smirks, loving the way she makes him crumble.

“I can pose for you, again.” She further teases, walking her fingers up and down his bare, ripped stomach, stopping at the knot in his towel.

The doe-eyed look she's giving him could turn him into a puddle, as he stumbles out a yes.

Standing from the bed, she grabs the camera from the nightstand, luckily still having a conscious enough mind to steady her hands, as she climbs up and sits on her knees, finding the timer setting before sitting it at an angle on the bed.

Staying in her bent position, she quickly flips her hair and arches her back as the flash goes off. His eyes travel right to her bare ass peeking from underneath the short lingerie.

“My god,” he sighs, moving to sit on the ottoman out of the way, feeling all the blood in his head rush south.

“I got the best seat in the house.” He darkly chuckles, waving as she looks back at him.

Moving into her next position, she turns to face him now, hands on her boobs, her lip deeply into and her eyes on him through the lens.

“Stick your fingers in your mouth… mhm, like that.” He grunts, palming his hard dick through the towel that's barely around his waist still.

Sitting through one more pose, he groans out her name, unable to take any more teasing.

She grabs the camera from the bed, turns it off and begins to get off the bed, when he slips it out of her hand and fiddles with it before sitting it down on the nightstand, hovering over her, backing her back up on the bed.

Her heart is thudding in her chest, she leans on her elbows and watches him eye her body like a precious diamond. She never felt so delicate in her life.

Her fingers reach out to undo the barely hanging on tuck of his towel, purring as it reveals his hard and pretty dick.

“Please fuck me.” She moans, lifting a leg to place it on his shoulder. His mouth waters double time at how flexible she is, coupled with how wet she is.

The day she took up yoga as a hobby was worth it, especially if it was gonna lead her to moments like this.

“I got you, princess.” He pulls her other leg up, taps the head against her clit, rubbing against it to make her jerk, her hooded eyes finding his as he slides all the way inside, groaning something terrible.

“Fuuckk!” She moans incredulously, that delicious snug grip tripping both of them up as he begins thrusting into her.

Her breasts bounce underneath the soft material, her nipples peeking through the lace, and he can't help but swirl his tongue around her left, then her right one.

“It's sso good,” she throws her head back, “oh fuck, that's so good baby!”

Deep and fast, right into her spot, making her see stars with every thrust. Her hands reach out for his arms, squeezing for dear life.

“You feel so fucking good, baby,” he desperately growls into her ear, “fuckin’ smell so good, I ju— just wanna eat you alive.”

Her breath hitches as he bites down on her neck, soothing it with his tongue after. Her body flattens against the bed, her legs still propped up on his shoulders.

“Leon… fuck, baby,” she whines, while he kisses up her ankles, then her chest and neck, his slippery tongue making her squeak out moans.

Overwhelmed in the best ways, she closes her eyes and lays her hands at her head, smiling as his hands find hers, linking them together as he deeply strokes into her.

“I love you,” he says with a kiss to her lips. “I adore you,” next, her left cheek. “Fuckin’ treasure you,” her right cheek. “God, you wreck me…”

She deliriously moans at his confessions against her heated skin, feeling her stomach tingle and curl as her orgasm gets closer to the surface.

“So damn beautiful,” he grumbles into her neck, open mouthed kisses and sucks make her slipperier in between her legs, her ankles lock around his neck, ultimately pulling him closer. His strokes never falter, getting deeper.

“I'm gonna cum all over you,” she gasps, squeezing their hands, their lips just a few centimeters away from each other.

“Cum all over me, baby… let me have it,” he groans, nipping at her quivering bottom lip, “I feel you, baby.. let it out for me.”

Her body spasms as she cries out, flooding his lap and the sheets underneath them, his hips still slamming into hers.

“Oh, b-baby!” She squeals, his lips covering hers to swallow her every breath, consuming her like he desperately wishes.

Releasing her hands, they find her thighs, pulling them down to wrap around his waist as he continues to dip into her ever-wet paradise.

Her whines and gasps hit the back of his throat, his tip pushing right into the spot that's got her leaking down both of their thighs.

Letting her come up for air, she beats against his chest, crying out, “it's too much! Fuck, I'm g-gonna cum again, baby!”

Grabbing her chin, he watches as her eyes flutter back open, landing on his intense gaze.

“There she is,” he smirks, “cum for me, beautiful.”

Her release triggers his own, as they fall into each other, moaning and gasping for air as they rut their hips until they can't anymore.

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The next couple days went by as slow as molasses, much to the couples’ liking. They were having way too much fun doing absolutely nothing but what they wanted.

“I can't remember the last time I was away from my phone this long,” he says, popping another handful of popcorn into his mouth.

“Same. It's still got a good charge on it from a day ago,” she snorts, snuggling into his side a bit more.

“You alright?” He asks, looking over at her.

“Yeah, just cold.” She softly laughs, tucking her hands in the pocket of her hoodie.

“Want me to turn the heat up?”

“Please?” She asks, snickering as he reaches out his impeccably long arm to the thermostat on the wall above their heads, pushing it up to seventy-eight.

She thanks him, and he kisses her forehead as they turn their attention to the movie. Tonight they were watching monster house. Another favorite of hers, his too.

“These kids were bad as hell,” Leon snorts.

“That's not you and Craig??” She looks between him and the movie, laughing at his shameful nod.

“Yeah, you got me there.” He chuckles. “Who's the girl, then?” He asks, keeping it going.

“Me! Duh!” She scoffs a laugh.

“Oh yeah, they were coupled up near the end, weren't they?”

“Yeah! I mean, they fought over her just about the entire movie, but DJ got his girl.” She nods, popping a handful of popcorn into her mouth.

“Hm..”

“What?”

“Halloween ideas,” he shrugs. “He's got like a Freddy Kruger thing goin’ on with that black and red sweater but.. I could make it work.”

“You wanna be DJ and Jenny for Halloween??” She gushes, making him decide right then and there.

“The look on your face is too precious for me to say  nothing but yes.” He smiles.

“Aw, this is gonna be so cute!” She squeals, making him laugh and kiss her cheek.

“I gotta find a schoolgirl-esque outfit, now.” She taps her chin, while he smirks to himself.

“Short skirt, huh?” He asks.

“Nope. It's gonna come past my knees.” She answers, snickering at the stale look he gives her.

“I'll cut it.”

“I'll cut you.” She quips.

“You'd cut me, for real??”

“Hm… if you ever cut me off again, yes.” She nods, turning her attention back to the movie.

He sighs, pulling her into his side more. “I won't test it, trust me.”

“Good. I'd hate for you to get dotted up.”

About an hour or so into their movie marathon, a few white specks fall out of the corner of her eye, making Zora turn her head and gasp super hard.

“What? What??” Leon asks, looking around and then in the direction she's facing, relieved to find it snowing outside and not it being an ax murderer standing at the window.

“It's snowing!”

“Aw, look at that. Let's go put our boots on and go outside.” He says, standing up and reaching for her hand, which she quickly takes and they head upstairs to get dressed.

Soon, they're outside in it, bundled up and still shivering but ecstatic at how much snow is actually coming down.

“Wow! It's a literal winter wonderland out here!” She yells, clearly too excited to contain herself. Of course Leon brought his camera out to capture this moment.

“On a scale from one to a million, how happy are you right now?” He asks.

“A jillion and three!” She excitedly jumps, both of them laughing as he snaps her picture.

“Seriously it's been decades since I've seen actual snow! The little kid in me is ready to make a snowman! You down?!”

“Hell yeah!”

Of course their game began with a snowball fight, like the two big kids they are.

“You've got an arm like Elf!” She screams, ducking and laughing as another snowball comes hurling at her face. “Why are you throwing them so fast?!”

Meanwhile, he's having the time of his life, chucking snowballs like a madman. Laughing his ass off at the way her tiny frame keeps popping up and down out of sight.

“Leon!” She screams again, this time, popping him right in the face with her own snowball. It had been the only one to connect so far.

"I did it! Woo-hoo!"

Her victory dance made the ice on his face worth it, as he wiped it away. She was having so much fun and he was soaking it all up.

“You got me!”

“I did! Finally!”

After pelting each other with snow a little more, they moved on to making their snowman. A first for both of them.

“I helped Eryn make one— well, I tried to help her but I got frustrated fast and gave up.” Leon says as they roll the first ball for the base.

“How old were y'all?” She asks out of curiosity.

“Ten or so? Yeah.”

“Avery, you've been impatient all your life?” She cracks, thankful that he laughed.

“Blame my parents, and my stubbornness I suppose.” He shrugs, before nudging her. “I was patient with you, though. Don't that count for something?”

“Absolutely,” she giggles, looking away from him to get herself together.

“But, we're gonna make this snowman!” She says, now looking him back in his eyes. He holds his hands up.

“Yes ma'am!”

Finishing the base was surprisingly easy since they didn't make it gigantic, just big enough. Moving onto the middle ball, however, proved to be a bit more difficult. It kept cracking in the middle.

His irritated grumbles and huffs and puffs of frosted air were all that could be heard, while he tried working through his frustration. Zora placed her gloved hands on top of his, hoping it would calm him down.

“Leon, it's okay. Relax.” She softly speaks.

“I don't know why it's not working,” he chuckles, being far from amused.

“Because why not. It's always the simplest of things that don't always go as planned. But beating the snow isn't gonna turn it into a ball, baby.”

He huffs, again. “I know.”

“I gotta teach you what patience is.”

“I know patience.”

“Yeah, not well enough. Come on.” She says before moving to an area with a bit more snow, beginning to roll a ball out of it.

He saunters over and helps, biting his lip in concentration as they roll the middle and top, thanking god they stuck together perfectly.

“See?! We did it!” She cheers, elated as he slaps her open palm.

“We did! Now we gotta make the face!” He exclaims, excitedly looking around for a stick.

Berries for the eyes, a stick for the arms and nose, and Zora’s scarf completed their snowman, and Leon wasted not a second to take a picture of their masterpiece.

“Awww, he's the cutest snowman ever!” She laughs, pulling her scarf from around it carefully, as they head inside.

“I'm glad we could do that. It was really fun.” He says, locking the patio door behind them, sitting their boots on the mat to dry, as they shed their wet jackets, gloves and hats.

“Yeah, it was. I can't feel my fingers or toes, but I had a great time!” She says, taking a seat on the floor by the fireplace as Leon comes over to get it going.

“Hm.. do we have stuff to make s'mores?” She asks, humming a laugh at the smirk on his face.

“I'll be right back.”

Reaching up to grab the blanket from the couch, she wraps it around herself just as he's coming back with everything they needed.

“You really thought of everything!”

“I told you!”

Sitting the plates down with everything else, he gently peels the blanket from her, pulls her in between his thighs and wraps it around them both.

“Better?” She asks.

“Much.” He answers, kissing her cheek as he leans them forward to put their marshmallows on the sticks, handing one to her as they hold it over the fire.

Moving on to smash it between two graham crackers and rich pieces of hershey's chocolate, they munch on the staple campfire snack in pure contentment.

“I might eat like twelve of these,” she laughs.

“We've got more of everything in the closet, too.” He snorts, “you can live your fat kid dreams, baby.”

“Ugh, I love you!” She yells.

“I know,” he smiles. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“How come you don't talk about your dad?” He asks.

“There's not much to talk about.” She shrugs. “Haven't seen him since I was thirteen. Barely knew of him when he was underneath the same roof we were.”

“Hm.”

“What about yours? I haven't ever heard you say much besides you despising him.”

“Eh, it's a bit more complicated. We weren't always at each other's throats. He just doesn't get me. Don't try to either. It's like nothing I did was good enough.” He shrugs.

“Fathers. What a joke.” She bitterly laughs. “Just promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“Don't be that kind of father to our baby.”

“You wanna have my baby, one day?” He asks, laying his head on shoulder, holding her closer.

“Of course I do, babe. Wanna marry you. Grow old. Get on your nerves forever.” She smiles like he can see her.

“Wow. I'll be the best father to our baby. Best husband to you. I promise. No doubt, I wanna marry you.”

“Hell, we could get married right now!” Zora laughs, quickly shaking her head. “It's still too soon for that.”

He laughs and agrees. “Just a bit more time. And, I promise I won't buy one of those stadium rings either. I don't need you fighting me.”

“I taught you well! I can't wait to tell Nique cause if it's one thing we hate, it's those goddamn rings!”

“They're humongous and ugly, yeah. I won't have you out here looking like that.”

“I've got one more question.” He says.

“What is it?”

“When you were teaching me patience out there… is that what love feels like?”

“That would have to be for you to answer, honestly. My answer is yes, but what's yours?” She asks, turning her head to look at him.

“That's the first time I didn't feel ridiculed for being impatient, so yes. You were patient even though I knew I was tapping on your nerves. That's definitely love.”

“I'm glad you feel that way. I've got all the patience and understanding in the world for you.” She says, peering up at him.

"I love you, Jean."

"And, I love you Avery."

They share a sticky kiss, before getting back to munching on their treat.

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“Do we really have to leave today?” She asks, pouting all over again.

“I know, I don't wanna leave either. But we have to. Gotta go back home and make money for our next trip.” He smiles to himself.

“What?” She whips around to look at him, halting her packing. “Next trip? Where are we going?”

“Yes, where are we going?” He repeats, looking over at her now.

“I get to choose??”

“Mhm.” He nods, a smile still on his face.

“Hm. Yeah, we better hurry back cause I wanna go to Bora Bora. That's one of the most romantic places to visit!”

“I'll start looking at hotels— you wanna stay in a hut, don't you?”

“You know me so well!”

“I do, I do.”

“Oooh, a springtime vacation is always on my list! Me and the girls usually take one, but I'm sure all our plans have changed since finding rockheaded boyfriends.” She laughs.

“Rockheaded? What did my head do to you??” He asks, faux hurt.

“Nothing,” she giggles, waltzing over to him to rub the back of his head.

“Ah, now you adding insult to injury!” He laughs, swatting her hand away, which turns into them play-fighting.

A couple slaps to his arms and stomach, before her world turns upside down, literally, as he picks her up and slams her down on the bed, both of them laughing like crazy.

“That's no fair!” She faux whines.

“I'll let you win, one day.” He laughs, leaning down to kiss her lips a couple sweet times.

@thegifstories @blackerthings @sheabuttahwrites @ghostfacekill-monger @miyahmaraj @harmshake @honestpreference @twistedcharismaaa @nayaesworld @nayaxwrites @blowmymbackout @headcannonxgalore @mauvecherie-writes @cecereads209

[miyuhpapayuh]

one.

Wandering around the indoor greenhouse, littered with different variants of flowers, Zora stops in front of the Japanese camellias.

“Wow... absolutely beautiful.” She admires them, before picking up a wrapped bunch and bringing them to her nose.

“Hm. No scent. Interesting.” She places them in her basket, continuing to move about.

Little did she know, she’d caught the eye of a man. A fine one at that, and he was on the move.

Sliding up beside her at a respectful distance, he clears his throat quietly before speaking.

“Excuse me,” he starts as she whips her head in his direction, looking at him over her glasses, very pleased with what she was looking up at.

“Yes?” The depth in her voice makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

“Wow, I forgot how to speak for a second there,” he says, making her laugh and subtly adjust her glasses, getting a better look at his handsome face.

“You’re absolutely stunning. Floated through here like an angel.”

“Aren’t you a smooth talker,”

“Just stating the facts, beautiful.”

“Smooth talker got a name?” She asks.

“Leon.” He holds his hand out for her to shake and she obliges, pleased with his firm grip.

“Zora.”

Her hands were smooth like cocoa butter, his formal grip on her lingering for a second longer.

“Nice to meet you, Leon.” She says, smirking once their hands finally detached.

“Pleasure's all mine, miss Zora.”

He flashes her a smile that takes her breath away, and inevitably makes her return the gesture.

Gathering herself, she looks down at the lavender flowers in his hand and back up at his handsome face.

“Aster, how pretty.”

His brow raises, making her smirk return.

“You like these too?”

“Yeah, they're actually one of my favorites!,” she laughs. 

“Who else has such good taste, if you don't mind me asking.”

“My mama sends me down here almost every other week for these and petunias,” he answers.

“Aw, how sweet is that.”

“I love my mama,” he cheeses, “what about you?”

“Oh, I just came to see if they'd taken my advice about rotating out some bunches for the season, and I lucked out with these!” She exclaims, pointing to the camellias in front of her.

“What kind are these?”

“Japanese camellias. Aren't they beautiful?”

He smiles, glancing between her and the flowers.

“Absolutely.”

She meets his gaze again, blushing behind her purple frames.

“I hope you don't have a girlfriend, the way you keep lookin’ at me. Cause I'd hate to break the news to ‘er.”

He lets out a hearty chuckle, shaking his head.

“Of course not! I'm as single as they come.”

“Mm, so you say.”

“I look like trouble?”

“With a big ol red bow on ya, mmhm.” She teases, earning another laugh.

“Damn, that hurts.”

“Oh, you'll live!” She laughs, looking back toward all the pretty colors the flower comes in.

“Get the pink ones, you keep eyein’ them.”

Refraining from gazing back up at him, she clutches a pink and purple bunch in hand.

“Alright, I think I'm done here.”

“Would it be cheesy if I asked for your number?” He asks, and she's right back to gazing at him.

“Cheddar,” she burns, with a smile and holds her hand out.

He hands the device over, watching her tap across the screen and hand it back.

“If you call too late, I won't answer.”

“No worries, beautiful.”

She hums a laugh as they head towards the register to check out.

He offers to walk her to her car since the sun is beginning to set, and she obliges, lingering a moment to catch the dip in his walk.

“Since you declined my offer to buy your flowers, how about a date instead?” He asks, once they get to her pretty yellow bug of a Volkswagen. Her prized possession.

She smiles before she can stop herself, already giving him his answer but he was patient in hearing it from her.

“Okay,” she answers, getting to see that award winning smile again.

“Maybe you're a good time outside the flower shop, too.”

He's not the only smooth one.

“That's guaranteed.”

“Good to know,” she unlocks her door, “goodnight, Leon.”

“Goodnight, Zora.”

I hope y'all enjoy!

Ch 2

@thegifstories @twistedcharismaaa @cecereads209 @nayaxwrites @blackerthings @blackpinup22 @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @soufcakmistress @sheabuttahwrites @blowmymbackout @mauvecherie-writes @unfriendlyblkhotti3 @abeautifulmindexposed @awerkofart @neewrites @essaysbyciara

[miyuhpapayuh]

Twelve

Her new commute to work being cut down by ten minutes gives her plenty of time to sit on her new balcony and gear herself up for the day.

“Hey,” a voice calls, making her turn back towards the sliding door. A half-dressed Leon comes into view with a plate in his hand.

“Don't forget your breakfast.”

Sitting it on the table by her, he presses a kiss to her forehead. She smiles down at the french toast, bacon and eggs and then smiles up at him.

“Aw, you tried something new on me!”

He chuckles, leaning down to kiss her lips.

“Yeah, I had to! Couldn't have you thinking I only make waffles and pancakes for the woman that makes my toes curl.”

She giggles, crossing her legs under the table. He saw it, too, his low laughter falling in line with hers.

“Ah, what a man!”

“I know,” he nods enthusiastically, “you deserve waffles, French toast, cinnamon bagels with extra cream cheese, biscuits and gravy,..” he continued rattling things off in between wet kisses against her face.

“I'm holding you to the biscuits and gravy, cause that's one of my favorites.”

“Noted. Now try it and tell me how you like it.” He says, resting his hands on the chair as she cuts into the french toast, taking a bite.

“Delicious, like I definitely expected! Mm, so buttery!”

He smiles, actually patting himself on the back and making her laugh.

“So glad you like ‘em, sweet stuff. I gotta head out or ima be late, but I'll call you on my break, okay?”

“Okay. I gotta head out soon, myself.” She says, going back for another bite of her food, before standing up to hug Leon.

“We hangin’ out tonight?” He asks, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

“I was thinkin’ we could all meet up at my job, after work. You round up your friends, I'll bring my sisters. Sounds cool?”

“Yeah, that sounds real cool,” he smiles, “look at you, gettin’ everybody together!”

She playfully rolls her eyes, “go to work, Leon Avery.”

“Aw, ‘kay, Zora-Jean. I'm out the door now.” He replies, placing plenty more kisses to her lips.

“Mmkay, I'll seriously see you later.” She laughs at their, still entwined, fingers.

“Okay, okay. I love you.” One more kiss.

“I love you, too.”

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Sitting at work, looking pretty with nobody to bother her was the absolute best!

It had been almost a month since Cory was fired, and Zora got Linda to agree with her, that him being gone really did her business some good.

They'd had a full house, every night, like she'd been dreaming about, which is why she ran it by Leon to finally bring his friends by.

They'd finally been able to open up their entire floor for customers and use that dusty old jukebox in the far corner.

“Hell, we might be able to get some people in here to sing and things! You know how restaurants do events?? We could do that!”

“We could!” Zora smiles at her beaming boss. “I hope you're ready to host it up, tonight! Told Leon and his friends all about you!”

“Oh, I've been waiting for this! Friends of yours are friends of mine, you know that, dear!” Linda says to Zora.

“The hungrier, the better?” She asks, as they both fall out in laughter.

“Absolutely! I cannot wait to meet ‘em.”

As another busy day came to a close, she got a text from Leon, he was going home to change and wondered if she wanted to ride back with him.

She replied in agreement, mentally preparing for the hour she'd given herself, to pull herself together as she rushed home.

Thanking god for closet space again, she sifts through her dresses— unable to bare another pair of pants sticking to her— and lands on an orange and white sundress, immediately pulling it out and hopping in the shower.

While brushing her teeth and drying her body, she mulls over which sandals to pair with the dress, already hearing Nique telling her to go with black! Everything goes with black!

She's not wrong, but Nique would never hear that… again.

Pulling the outfit on, she stands in front of the mirror and squints, tilting her head to one side.

“No.”

She pulls everything off and puts it back in its place, rummaging around for a totally different look in mind.

Stepping back in front of the mirror, she's rocking a white graphic t-shirt, tied in the back to show off the little bit of belly she wasn't self conscious about, a black skirt that hit mid-thigh and hugged her very well and red sandal-heels, showcasing her pretty brown legs in ways that are gonna make a certain somebody salivate.

“That's more like it.”

Dousing herself in a sandalwood and vanilla cloud, she fluffs her hair and grabs her phone, snapping a few pictures before heading back down the hallway.

Answering the door a beat after he knocks, she smirks at the way his jaw drops at her appearance.

“Don't go droolin’ on my new floor,” she quips, before grabbing the single white rose from his hand, putting it up to her nose.

“I ain't sorry. You look so damn good, baby.” He compliments, making her blush and pull him in for a kiss, which turns into a couple more.

“Thank you, it took me a minute to pull it together.”

“Yeah, me too. How I'm lookin’?” He asks, stepping back from her and spinning around for her. His all green ensemble was very on brand.

She fondly shakes her head. “You always look so good, boy. I'll be stealing this shirt next.”

“Ima start hiding my clothes from you,” he laughs.

“Oh, please! Don't act like I leave you bare.”

“Just about!” He jokes. “But, you ready to go, sweet stuff?”

“Yeah, I gotta head across the hall and see if Nique is ready.” She nods, as they head out of her apartment and across the way, where she knocks on Nique’s door.

Answering by poking her head out, she makes the couple snicker at her wide-eyed expression. Her hair was still in rollers.

"Hey friends!"

“Why are you not ready, yet?” Zora asks.

“Because you cannot rush perfection, Zora-Jean. You look scrumptious, by the way!”

“That's what I told her.” Leon smiles, earning a high-five from Nique.

“I'm almost done,” she turns her focus back to her friend. “Come inside and relax a little.”

Letting them in, Leon makes himself comfy on her couch while Zora follows Nique into her room to help her with an outfit.

“Okay, so are these grown, hard working men?”

“Yes, girl. First time I've seen a group of ‘em, up close.”

“Ooh, are they fine?? Be honest.”

“Yes, Nique. You think I'd be dragging all three of y'all down there if they weren't?”

“Listen, I just have to clarify. I know Leon is pretty, but his friends coulda been mud ducks and I've already had my share of them.”

“Trust me, you'll be pleased.”

“Okay, alright. Is this a plunging neck situation? Or is that too much?”

“Hm, considering it being a first meeting, yeah, let's save that for next time.”

“Okay, okay. How about this top?” She asks, pulling out a tan, long-sleeved crop top. “It accentuates my tatas.” She cheeses, making Zora laugh.

“Yeah, friend! This is actually cute, and now you can wear those khaki pants that I bought you!”

“Ooh, they make my ass look fantastic, too!”

“Hey Leon!”, the two hear from the living room, making Zora look at Nique, who shrugs.

“You don't know your own sisters’ voices or something?”

“I didn't ask you who it was, did I?” She quips with a raised brow.

“Nope, but you look clueless. They wanted to meet us here. I think Neoma bought—”

“D’ussé!” She shouts, making them laugh and hurry to get Nique fully ready, before they step out of her room and join Neoma, Lovita and Leon in the kitchen.

“Hey, baby sisters!” Lovita greets, handing Zora and Nique a shot glass. “Y'all look good!”

“Thanks, y'all do too! Lord, we pre-gamin’?”

“I feel like I'm back in college.” Leon snorts, making them laugh.

“I know! What are you tryna do to us, girl?”

“Oh, come on! It's just one shot! Start the night off right, right?”

“Right, yeah,” Zora nods, as do the others.

“Alright, then! To a good night!” She raises her shot and they follow suit, repeating her cheer and clinking their glasses to one another's.

“To a good night!”

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And a good night, it was.

After everyone got acquainted, Linda started them off with a round of cheesy potato bites, which Leon and Zora were super excited about.

“Don't be mad if these disappear while we're talking,” Darnell chuckles, plucking another one from the large plate.

“There's like sixty of them on the plate,” Neoma laughs, “if you inhale all of these, ima be concerned.”

“Right! You ate today, right?” Leon joins in on the taunting.

“Lay up off me, man. Yeah, I ate. And I'm gonna eat again.” He quips, making Nique and Neoma laugh, while Leon holds his hands up.

Lovita was too busy flirting with Clyde, and he was hanging on every word that left her glossed lips.

“Tell me your middle name ain't Alize,” he jokes, making her giggle a little too much for her liking.

“No, no. I love Lovita Alize Jenkins, though!”

“Who doesn't??” Zora says from across the table, catching her sister’s playful glare.

“She's right. Her and Cedric were my go-to. Too funny.”

“You remember they had those shirts with their faces on ‘em? I thought that was so cheesy and cute!”

“What? That's one of my favorite episodes!”

“Don't let them bother you. I love a man with an appetite.” Nique says to Darnell, grabbing another one of the bites for herself. He raises an eyebrow at her, to which she winks.

“Good to know,” he smirks, looking over at Craig, who's twirling one of Neoma’s twists around his finger.

“You are so pretty,” he says for the thousandth time, making her blush profusely.

“So are you,” she replies, feeling her insides burn as he flashes her a smile, those gold-capped canines peeking at her.

Everybody had matched off, making the head couple secretly high-five underneath the table and snicker to each other.

Several appetizers and heavily poured drinks later, the couples sit along the bar and listen to the live band that Linda found.

It consists of three super sweet guys. The lead singer can blow down anybody's favorite singer, the drummer can beat down the best of drums in the most incredible ways and the guitarist definitely lets his talent speak for itself.

“They sound really good, don't they?” Linda asks the group, getting a gaggle of yes’s back.

“I'm glad you could finally expand, cause it's jumpin’ in here!” Nique comments.

“Me too! Get out there and have a dance for me, all of ya.” She nudges her, slyly pushing her against Darnell.

“Ima get Zora on you!” Nique jokes, before looking to her left, finding him already honed in on her.

“You know this song?” She asks.

“Nah, but we can learn it.” He says, holding his hand out for her to grab as they find a spot on the floor.

“Oop, looks like Nique got ‘em!” Leon points to the two, quickly getting swatted by Zora.

“That ain't take long,” Lovita giggles, her and Zora’s jaws dropping as Neoma pulls Craig away from the bar.

“Don't wait up, chicken!” She teases her older sister.

“C'mon, don't let her show you up like that.” Clyde says, placing his hand over hers.

Zora was cheesing so hard, Leon had to pull her away before she bursted and ruined their moment.

“You wanna dance with me, huh?”

“Badly.” He leans closer to her, giving her another opportunity to inhale the godly scent that was coming off him.

 “Wow, you smell good.” She blurts, unable to help herself.

“I was just about to say that about you, beautiful.”

“Let's go dance, handsome.”

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“Tonight was so fun!”

“Yeah, it really was. We made off like real matchmakers.” Leon says, making them both laugh.

“We are real matchmakers! All we did was introduce them to each other and bam! Three new relationships, just like that!” She exclaims, plopping down on her bed and kicking off her sandals.

“Those hurt my feet,” she frowns, getting ready to contort her leg all types of crazy, til she's stopped by him pulling it up to his level, massaging it for her.

“Did you forget I was standing here or sumn?” He asks, chuckling after, at her harmless glare.

“No, you lank. I didn't think to ask.”

“You ain't gotta ask, baby. Put them purty feet on me, I'll get the hint.”

She giggles as he leans down and presses kisses to her feet. Her skirt began to ride up, as she quickly pulled it back down.

“All that ass in that skirt was a mystery to begin with!” He cracks, getting a harmless kick to the stomach.

“Shut up, it lasted the whole night!”

“You right.”

“I know. Gimme my feet back,” she laughs, tryna pull her legs from his grasp.

“Why? I was havin’ fun!”

“Sit down, at least. You're making me dizzy.” She says, patting the spot beside her.

He took a seat on her, now, deep navy blue sheets and pulled her legs into his lap, going back to rubbing her feet.

“Them drinks made you dizzy, don't do me.”

“Don't do— never mind,” she starts laughing, covering her face. He squints and laughs at her, even though he's not sure what's so funny. Her laugh was too damn infectious.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she drags out, still laughing at herself.

“Zora,” he laughs, pulling her hand away from her face, “you gotta share it cause it's got you in stitches.”

“It's not even funny, that's what's so funny!” She gets out between giggles.

“You're so damn goofy, Jean.” He fondly comments.

“Aw, Avery!” She squeals, reaching up to pinch his cheek, making him laugh and swat her hand away.

“Pinchin’ my cheeks like my mama, girl. What's got you so giggly?” He asks again, leaning down to her level.

“I was gonna make a joke about doing you, but I couldn't get it out.” She softly laughs, trying to suppress it.

But the expression on his face made it come back to full giggles. Her back found her mess of pillows as she covered her face once again.

With another shake of his head, he watches his liquored-up girlfriend giggle her life away.

She was precious.

“Oh man, that's an ab workout for ya,” she says after she's calmed down, leaning up on her elbows to meet his gaze.

“You done, now?” He asks.

“Yeah,” she smiles, “I'm done, now.”

“Good. You know what I wanna do?”

“What?”

“You.”

Ch. 13

@thegifstories @blackerthings @sheabuttahwrites @ghostfacekill-monger @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @cecereads209 @abeautifulmindexposed @twistedcharismaaa @essaysbyciara @nayaxwrites

[miyuhpapayuh]

two.

“It's about time somebody tall, dark and fine stumbled your way,” Zora’s best friend, Nique, chats into the phone.

“And in the flower shop of all places?? Sounds like heaven to little miss botanical girl!”

“You know, I could really hang up.”

“Who else would you spill your bullshit to, Z?”

“My mama.”

“Girl, please. Pam ain't listenin’ to you blab about another man, and I can bet on it.”

“Did you just call my mama by her first name?” She laughs.

“Don't tell her, she'd skin me.” Nique snickers.

Sparking up her blunt, heavily pulling and exhaling, she laughs at her friend. “I should tell her, especially since you tryna clown.”

“Okay, alright. But for real, he seem cool?”

“Yeah, he might be alright. We’ll see.”

“You ain't ever too excited,”

“Cause why would I be?”

“Cause this could be different, Zora Jean.”

“I told you to stop calling me that, and if it's different, then my excitement will show. I mean, he has my number. What else you want from me??” She huffs, placing the blunt back between her lips.

“Alright, I'll quit before you start yellin’,” Nique sighs.

“I'm two seconds from heading your way and kickin’ ass, Nique. Ain't nobody yellin’.”

“Put your guns away, jeez. I hope his fine ass makes you eat your words.”

Me too.

“Like I said, we'll see! But I gotta go, Shaun got me covering her shift in the morning.”

“When you gon leave that place in the dust, chile?” Nique asks, referring to The Pub, a family-owned restaurant with its own list of problems.

“Nique, please. We talk about this all the time. The pay is great and my boss loves me. Her dickhead of a son is the least of my worries, cause if he don't back up off me, he'll meet my pretty little taser. It's juiced up at all times.” She smiles, ashing her blunt in the red, heart-shaped tray.

“I wish I would put up with some shit like that.”

“What you suggest I do? Ain't nobody hiring right now.”

“I could get you a spot here at my office!”

“As much as I appreciate that, I couldn't be in no office. Sitting still for too long makes me antsy and you know this.”

“Yeah, you right.” She laughs. “Well, have a wonderful day at work, hopefully you won't have to shank nobody.”

“Thanks, Nique Nique. You have a wonderful day, as well!”

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Pulling into the parking lot a little before ten-thirty, Zora takes the extra time to gear herself up for her six-hour shift.

She dryly blinks at her screen, her thumb steady scrolling and stopping, and scrolling again through twitter, tiktok and the like.

The sound of her ringtone jolts her slightly, as she stares at the top of her screen, Leon's name making the left corner of her mouth lift.

Letting it ring for a beat, she answers and watches his face come into view.

Damn, he was fine.

“Good morning.”

“You're bold for wanting to see my face this early, but I'll let it slide.” She laughs, making him do the same.

“I had to take a chance. Who wouldn't wanna see such beauty, first thing in the morning?”

She hums, fondly shaking her head.

“I see you also follow directions.”

“Of course! I told you no worries, right?”

“Mhm, you did.” She nods; the hint of a smirk still ghosts on her lips.

“You heading into work or?” He asks, referring to the jacket with her job’s logo on it.

“Yeah, I've got like twenty minutes before I head in.”

“Gotcha,” he squints. “The pub… a bar?”

“There's a bar inside, but it's more of a restaurant.”

“Oh cool, I gotta check it out. Good food? Be honest.”

She smiles, nodding her head. “The best. We've got these cheesy potato bites that are to die for. Same with the wings, those are my favorite.”

“Sounds good. I might swing by on my lunch break.”

“Where you work at?”

“A warehouse out in Midland. It's a bust, but it pays great.”

“Yeah, I know how that goes.”

“The life, amiright?”

She chuckles, giving him another nod.

“Well, maybe I'll see you later.”

“What time are you out?”

“Five.”

“You'll see me later.” He flashes that smile, making her sigh.

“Alright, til then,” she smirks, waving him bye.

“Til then,” he responds, returning the gesture before they hang up.

Another ten more minutes of aimlessly scrolling, she's heading into her beloved job, being immediately greeted by her boss and pulled to the side.

“Zora, dear! Good morning. I'm so glad you're here with me this morning.”

“Of course, Linda. You know I love to help out.”

“Yes, such the sweetie pie. I know Shaun appreciated it, too.”

“Yes, she definitely needed a day off after the way her week started off.”

“I know, but don't worry, those rednecks aren't welcome back in here.”

“Good.”

“Now, all I really need you to do is ring ‘em out, we got the rest.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, no worries. The cooks are good, my boys are gonna be out on the floor, running the food so just stand here and look pretty, kay?” She requests, making Zora laugh.

“Gotcha boss lady.”

As soon as she walks to the back, it's as if Cory sniffed her out and made a beeline towards her, disregarding her don't-fuck-with-me expression.

“Sup, beautiful. I thought I heard an angel's voice in here.”

“You layin’ it on like molasses, and it's making me itch. Go away.” She says, her expression unmoved.

“Oh come on, Zora. I just be tryna–“

“-get on my nerves, yes. I know. Go find a table to wipe down and leave me alone.” She glares at him now, and he backs away.

Once he's outta sight again, she sighs and rolls her neck, shaking his sliminess away.

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A few hours, many to-go boxes and a small meltdown later, Zora was finally on her break, munching on those potato bites she raved about earlier.

She was back to scrolling on her phone, silently laughing at the tweets that got more and more bizarre as she went.

The chimes on the door continued to go off as people came and went, but once that woodsy scent flowed through the air, coupled with that deep voice, she'd turned her head before she could stop herself.

There he was in his lanky glory. A toboggan covering his hair, his thick sweatshirt still showing off those cut arms from all the heavy lifting he does, and the polite smile he flashes at her coworker makes her weak in the knees from where she's sitting.

He'd ordered what she suggested, and she doesn't know why, but it made her smile. She turned back to her phone, knowing how mortified she'd be if he caught her stare.

He'd seen her when he first walked in, unbeknownst to her.

Her head was buried in her phone and he got a chance to glance at her once more, unable to get over how beautiful she was to him.

Her hair was still up in a bun like earlier, the gloomy day wasn't taking away from her natural glow at all.

He'd really convince someone that she was a goddess, if he had the time.

After grabbing the to-go bag from the bar, he headed in her direction, giving her a warm smile as she looked his way.

“Hey, Leon.”

“Hey, Zora. Mind if I join you?”

“Course not, have a seat.” She offers, secretly loving the way his scent wafted over her as he did so.

“How's your day been?” He asks, tearing into the double-knotted bag for his food.

“Sorry about the knots, Claire kills me.” She snorts. “But it's been chill, still ready to clock out and curl up on my couch. How about yours?”

“I'm just about ready to do the same. I lifted a box full of glass lanterns and the bottom fell out.” He sighs, making her gasp.

“Really?? I know that was a bitch to clean up!”

“You shoulda seen it. I mean, glass everywhere. It took me about an hour or so, so I'm definitely ready to turn in for the day.”

“Nobody helped you?”

He shakes his head. “I prefer to work alone, most of the time. People like to unnecessarily make things more complicated than they have to be sometimes, so I'd rather do it myself.”

“Huh, you sound like me.”

He smirks, finally opening the styrofoam container. His eyes widen as the golden, cheesy bites stare him in the face.

“Wow, these look so good!”

“Eat one,” she laughs, popping another in her mouth.

Obliging, he grabs one off the top of the pile and bites into it, his eyes briefly closing. The cheese pull was excellent.

“Good, yeah?”

“Hell yeah,” he says with a hand over his mouth. “There's bacon in these, too??”

She laughs all over again, nodding her head.

“Magical, aren't they??”

Dipping them in the chipotle ranch, he wholeheartedly agrees, pulling another one apart.

Like a creep, Cory was watching their interaction play out and he was seething, wondering why a girl like Zora didn't wanna be bothered with him, but yet here she was, giggling up a storm with some man.

“There's this kid when I walked in the door, started mean muggin’ me. Like he knew who I was or something.” He cracks, making her shake her head.

“About your height, curly hair, looks like a douche?” She asks to clarify.

“Yup,” he nods. “Who is that?”

“Cory. He thinks we're meant to be together or whatever bullshit he tries to spin. I'm sure he's around the corner, scoping us out, right now.” She rolls her eyes.

“Need me to handle that for you?”

“I got a taser with his name on it, and a kitchen knife if that don't work,” she sighs.

“Zora,”

“I couldn't ask you to do that, Leon.” She shakes her head.

“You didn't ask, I offered.” He quips.

“Ooh, you got me there.”

“I'm just saying, you don't have to deal with that bullshit and I can take it off your hands.”

“Don't kill him, please.”

He scoffs. “I'm too pretty to be in prison, girl.”

She lets out a hearty chuckle, thanking god water was within her reach.

“Plus, if I lay him out, he won't mess with you again.” He blinks.

“One good left hook, huh?”

“That's my good hand too, girl. How'd you know?”

“I'm good like that.” She flashes him a smile of her own, catching him for two seconds too long.

The way his tongue swipes over his bottom lip, making them look even more kissable, has her crossing one leg over the other.

The alarm on her phone goes off, making her sigh heavily.

“My break is over, unfortunately.”

“Damn, and I was just startin’ to like you.” He cracks, shaking his head as she stands up.

“Ima have Cory kick you out, how bout that.” She cracks back.

“Working with the predator? How low can you go.”

“To hell.” She blinks.

He stands from the table as well, easily towering over her five-three frame. Her gaze shifts above her glasses again, but she can see everything she needs to.

Adjusting them on the bridge of her nose anyway, she tugs on her jeans and slides her phone into her jacket pocket.

“Thanks for coming in and killing time with me.”

“No problem. I had to check it out, and after eating these babies,” he taps the box, “I'll definitely be back.”

“Next ones are on me.”

“You don't have to do that.”

“I know, that's why I offered to do it.” She mocks his earlier sentiment.

“You got me there.”

They share another laugh, stalling for another fifteen seconds.

“Would it be inappropriate if I wanted a hug?” He asks, not missing how fast she shook her head.

Engulfing her in his warm embrace, she giggles as he rocks side to side before letting go.

“You smell good. What is that?”

“One of them Armani fragrances. It's expensive as hell, but if it attracts a beauty like you, I'll keep it on me.” He winks.

“You are too much.” She says, fondly shaking her head.

“That a bad thing?”

“Not in your case, no.”

“Good to know.” He says, before rebagging his food. “It's always a pleasure, miss Zora.”

“See ya later, Leon.”

They reluctantly part ways, but not before he catches eyes with the freckle-faced bonehead that is Cory, glaring at him something awful on his way out.

“The fuck was that?” He cluelessly asks.

“A warning.” She mumbles, heading to the back with her empty dish.

Ch 3

@thegifstories @twistedcharismaaa @cecereads209 @nayaxwrites @blackerthings @blackpinup22 @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @soufcakmistress @sheabuttahwrites @blowmymbackout @mauvecherie-writes @unfriendlyblkhotti3 @abeautifulmindexposed @awerkofart @neewrites

[miyuhpapayuh]

eighteen.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Zora asks, plopping down beside his slumped body on the couch.

“Craig saw Eryn out with my old best friend. It's just fucking me up a little bit.” He says with his hand covering his face, his headache doubling by the second.

“Oh,” she says softly, rubbing his back, not knowing what else to say.

“Have you talked to her?”

“I was about to head her way, actually. Just tryna clear my head before I blank on her.”

“Yeah, definitely talk it out with a leveled head. As leveled as can be, given the circumstances.” She nods.

He sighs, removing his hand to place it on the one that's still sitting in her lap. “Why didn't she tell me?”

“Maybe she was waiting for the right moment.” She answers.

“There's no right moment for this.”

“Maybe she knows that, too.”

“Then, why not come and talk to me? Am I that scary?”

“Maybe— maybe she's not exactly scared of you, but what the outcome would be. I mean, you're her brother. Y'all have a tight bond. I'm sure she's nervous.”

“You sure? Or you know?” He asks, looking up at her now.

“Huh?” She asks, hoping he can't feel the way her heart leapt into her throat.

“Did she run this by you already?” He asks, squeezing her hand lightly.

“S-she might've,” she stammers, “but I told her immediately that she needed to talk to you.”

He nods, before standing up from the couch. She instantly felt bad.

“Leon, I'm sorry. I told her that I didn't wanna be in the middle of it.”

“It's okay. I'm not mad at you.” He shrugs, looking around for his keys.

“You sure?” She asks.

“Positive. It's just killing me how she needed to talk to somebody else before her own brother. Maybe that bond ain't as tight as I thought.” He shrugs again.

Zora sighs. “Now you know that's not true. She just needed advice from someone that doesn't have all the inside information— someone who sees the situation as black and white and can give her a clear direction. It has nothing to do with your bond. I mean, haven't you ever gone to your mama about something between the two of y'all? Even one of your boys? Just to see someone else's perspective before you bring it to that person?” She asks, watching him still look around for his keys.

“Yeah, sure I have. I ain't never hung out with one of her friends behind her back though. Never thought about it. But yet..” he trails off, shrugging yet again, really tearing up Zora’s nerves.

“Leon, wha—”

“Ya know,” he cuts her off, clasping his hands together in front of him. “I can't do this right now. I don't wanna blank on you cause you don't deserve that, so I'm just asking that we just taper this off, okay? I got what you're saying and I appreciate you for telling her to talk to me. I'm not mad at you, this is just really irritating me.” He sighs.

Pursing her lips together, she nods, not saying anything more. She wasn't expecting that from him.

Finally locating his keys, he exhaled roughly and pulled out his phone, shooting Eryn a text that he was on his way so they could talk.

“Okay, I'm gonna head on over there. Will you be here when I get back?” He asks, moving to kneel in front of her.

“I don't know. I might just head home.” She says, not looking him straight in the eye. “I gotta work early tomorrow.”

A look of hurt flashes over his face, but he nods anyway. “I hurt your feelings.”

Still not looking at him, she nods. “It's cool. I get it. It's a touchy subject.”

“I'm sorry, baby. I didn't– I didn't mean to cut you off like that. It is a touchy subject, but that's no excuse.”

She raises her brows in agreement, still having nothing to say.

“Zora.” He calls out, covering her hands with his own.

“I hear you, Leon. Go talk to your sister. We're fine.” She smiles, her eyes finally finding his own. He still wasn't convinced, though.

“Can I have a kiss?” He asks, fearing she'd deny him.

However, she leaned in and placed a sweet one on him. It didn't linger like usual, but he understood.

“Okay,” he says, not wanting to leave now. “I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Yeah, you'll see me.” She smiles, pulling her hands from his.

Standing back up straight, he stuffs his keys in his pocket and looks at her one more time.

“I love you.”

“Love you, too.” She says back, while he reluctantly heads out the door.

She lets out the shaky breath she hadn't known she was holding in, along with a sob as her emotions get to her.

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“So, I got a call from Craig. He was tellin’ me about your lil lunch date with Brandon.” Leon gets straight to the point, watching Eryn’s face scrunch up.

“What was he doing? Spying on me?”

“Nah, just happened to see you. What were you doing, sitting across from that– from him. What's that about?”

“We were just catching up, honestly. We ran into each other when I was down in Florida and he wanted to stay in touch. He even said when the time was right, he wanted to see you.”

“When the time was right.” He repeats, scoffing to himself. “Wassup with y'all and right timing?”

“What's wrong with that?”

“Sometimes ain't no right time, Eryn. That's what you was waiting on, too, right?”

“Yes, cause look at you. Mad as fuck, understandably, but I know you're not tryna hear nothing I have to say, cause I ain't tell you right away. That's where it stops for you.”

“Really? You think I came all the way here for that? Yeah, I'm pissed cause it's been months since you've been talking to that bozo, but I'm still just tryna figure out why you're even doing it. What is this, E?” He asks, almost pleading.

She frowns, chewing on her lip. “I uh.. I like the guy.”

She'd said it so low, he almost thought he heard her incorrectly, but he knew what she said.

“Hm.” He nods, finally sitting down on a barstool. “You like him.”

“I- yeah. I know how it sounds, and that's why I wanted to wait to tell you. I wasn't sure what was going on between us and I didn't wanna start anything with anybody.” She stresses, while he just stares at her.

He snorts. “You're serious?”

“See?,” she scoffs, waving him off. “You can go back home if that's how you're gonna be.”

“How I'm gonna be. Eryn, there's no way you think this is cool, for real. It's nice to know that I fall out with muhfuckas and you pick ‘em up like charity cases. What, you buildin’ a man outta him or sumn?”

“You know, he's really changed. I'm not doing anything but seeing him for who he's trying to be. I mean, isn't this what you always wanted for him?? To be better??” She argues.

“Yeah, of course but when the fuck did that involve dating someone five years younger than him?? Why can't you find somebody else to fool around with?” He asks, regretting his word choice as soon it left his mouth.

Her head jerks back. “Fool around with? Damn, I'm a whore now, too?”

“That's not what I meant. This is just so ridiculous! You're too smart to be chasing behind him or anybody, like he could get you into a world of trouble. I've seen him do it to other people, and you just takin’ his word for it cause he makin’ you feel special.”

“I'm n-not going into this blindly, Leon.”

“But, you're not listening to me either. Brandon is not a good dude. You haven't even told me how he's even been keeping this detrimental promise to you. Huh? How is he gonna make sure I don't have to black both of his eyes?!”

“Always threatening to fight somebody is a character flaw,” she nonchalantly responds, over and done with the conversation at this point.

“Man, fuck you Eryn. I come over here, tryna make sense of all of this and you just sit here in my face, not even caring how this shit looks. I just hope it doesn't get ugly for you.”

“It's already ugly, right?? Since you know everything! I try and figure out a way to bring this news to you, myself. and I got friends beating me to the punch, cause I guess we can't just have lunch with people anymore.”

“It's more than just lunch, Eryn.” He stresses for the millionth time. “How'd you feel if one of them bitches you ain't like no more was calling my phone, wanting to see me and take me out to dinner? Wantin' to be friends with your brother behind your back and you hear about it from me when I'm ready. How would that shit make you feel?”

She sighs, her eyes darting around the room now.

“I… I see what you're saying.” She nods, sighing as a tear falls. She quickly wiped it away and he hates that it softens his rage, cause he was far from finished but he sighed and went to sit beside her anyway.

“I'm sorry about the name calling and everything,” he says, reaching up to wipe another tear away from his baby sister's face.

“I didn't mean for it to go down like this. You gotta believe me.” She whispers, looking up at him now.

“I know.” He nods. “I just want you to think about it. Really think. I'm not just upset ‘cause you're my little sister. I'm upset because regardless of whatever time we've spent apart, he should've reached out to me as soon as this was going on, and he definitely shouldn't be waiting for you to do it. It's a respectful thing to do.”

“Yeah, I understand. I just— he was being so nice and I haven't had the nicest relationships as of late, so maybe I did jump ‘cause of that. Maybe he is lying about being a better man. And I did take everything that happened to you two in consideration. Of course I did. I haven't done anything but sit across from him in public places. He hasn't been here, I haven't been over to his place. We haven't kissed or anything cause I knew how dumb that woulda been. I knew that.” She frowns, wiping away another tear.

Sighing to himself, he pulls her into a hug. “You're smarter than I've been giving you credit for.” He softly digs, earning a sock to his ribs and a muffled laugh.

“Shut up!”

“I'm just sayin’,” he shrugs, still rubbing her back. “But I'm glad we could talk. I really didn't come over to make you cry. But I needed you to understand where I was coming from.”

“Yeah, I know. I do appreciate the tough love, but I also would appreciate it if you toned it down a bit. I'm a bit more sensitive these days, as you can see.” She points to her tomato red face, and he softly laughs for the first time.

“Yeah, I can do that.” He nods. “So we're good?”

“Yeah, we're good.” She nods, sighing to herself.

“Okay. What happens next?”

“Uh.. I tell Brandon to find someone else?”

“Sounds like a great next step to me.”

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Making it halfway through her shift, Zora was beyond tired and still a bit sad from the previous day.

It was exactly why she didn't wanna be involved in whatever Eryn and Leon had going on. She knew how touchy those sibling situations could be.

She didn't wanna be at odds with him because of it, but him cutting her off really threw her for a loop.

Wiping down a table, she hears the chimes on the door go off, her eyes carrying her to the man of the hour, holding a bouquet of roses.

Unable to stop the frown from forming on her lips, she looks up at him as he stops in front of her, an uneasy look covering his face.

“Let's uh,” she trails off as they move to the side.

“Hey,” he starts. “I wasn't gonna let the day go by without truly expressing to you how sorry I am for yesterday. I feel like I triggered you and that's the last thing I wanted to do. You know I love you more than anything. I hated making you feel that way. No matter how frustrated or angry I get, I don't ever wanna blow up on you cause that's not fair. You don't deserve that.”

“Every day's not gonna be perfect.” She softly says, as she leans on the counter while they're not too busy.

“Of course not, but still I wanna vow to do better. You're far too important to me. I don't ever want to hurt you.” He stresses, and she can see the sincerity all in his big brown eyes.

“I accept your apology.”

“You do?” He asks, blowing out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

“Yes. I know yesterday was a lot for you. Even though I was beside myself, I knew you didn't mean it.”

“I swear I didn't, baby. As much as I love to hear you talk, I hope you'd understand that. It was just so much going on in my head, I just c-couldn't focus.”

“It's okay,” she assures him, touching his arm. “I know.”

Sitting the flowers on the counter, he couldn't help himself from pulling her into a hug and burying his face into her neck, inhaling the sweet scent that kept him up last night.

“Couldn't even sleep right without you,” he mumbles, semi-squishing her in the process. She laughs and holds on tight, feeling her tears come right back up.

Pulling away, her hands quickly found her face and he felt bad all over again.

“Oh, baby I'm so so sorry.” He coos, prying her hands away and wiping every last tear away, pulling her right back into his chest.

He knew how much she hated crying, and being the cause made him feel like the worst guy in the world.

“I-I'm fine. I just didn't get any sleep last night, and this really bothered me. Please don't treat me like that again.” She pleads, looking him straight in the eye.

His heart could jump out of his body right now, at the look on her face. “I-I promise. Never again.”

“Okay,” she softly responds. “I missed you.”

“You have no idea how much I missed you,” he stresses, pulling her right back into another hug, squishing her again.

“You're gonna suffocate me!” She squeals, playfully beating on his back as he rocks them side to side. “But uh, you can always make it up to me.”

Anything you want, baby.”

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Carrying her into his apartment, she audibly gasped at the many vases of roses littering the countertops.

A box of the good chocolate and a promise to make her favorite meal made her happily swing her feet back and forth in his hold.

She smiles as he plops her down on his bed, heading into his closet to retrieve a bath and body works bag, full of goodies.

“Aw, what's this?” She asks as she looks inside.

“Another I'm sorry gift. I know how you love your sprays, so I replenished them and got you a couple bath bombs since you liked the last one so much.”

“How sweet of you, thank you baby.” She pulls him in for a kiss, feeling a spark hit them both as they pull away.

“I love you.” He says.

“I love you, too.” She responds.

An hour goes by and Zora's soaking in the tub, surrounded by pink tinted bubbles while Leon is at her side, rubbing her feet with his magical hands.

Her favorite song is currently playing on the stereo, while they both hum along, stealing glances at each other.

You're the only one to keep me sane

You

I know no matter what, we're gonna be ok

We cool

Ain't no folding, we growing

Bloom like a rose

Through vines

Every single moment,

every single sacrifice

You're worth it

I don't doubt it

Yeah, you're worth the compromise

Maeta’s sweet voice carries on, setting the tone for their night. No matter what, they needed to have each other.

“Even on the ugly days, I still choose you.” Zora says, pulling him out of his deep concentration, her feet feeling soft and brand new now.

He smiles at her, pressing kisses to her skin. “I never take it for granted.”

Soon wrapping her up in a towel and carrying her back to his room, he dries her down and lotions her up from head to toe, dressing her in one of his favorite t-shirts and nothing more.

“I might just fall asleep, right now.” She jokes, her heavy lids about to give way. She looks so comfy in his bed, propped up on his pillows.

“Go ahead, baby. I'll start cooking in like an hour or so, give you some time.” He softly speaks, helping lull her to sleep.

“Can you lay with me? Please?” She asks, reaching out for him with her eyes closed, making him smile and climb right in, holding her like she'd slip away.

“Mmm, I missed this.” She mumbles, getting more than comfortable.

“Me too. Sweet dreams, sweet stuff.”

About an hour or so later, she woke up in bed alone, smelling the delicious food from where she lay.

Rubbing her eyes, she pulls the comfy covers back to get up, just as he's coming into the room with her plate. They smile at each other for the thousandth time.

“Hey, dinner in bed?” He asks.

“Hm, yeah why not?” She agrees, pulling the covers right back over her lap and sitting up. He pulls out a tray table to sit her plate upon so she doesn't have to hold it.

Shrimp alfredo stares back at her, making her mouth water. She licks her lips and looks up at him, who's anticipating her first bite just as much as she.

“Get your food, babe. Come sit.” She says, patting the space beside her.

Immediately leaving and returning with his own place, two glasses and a bottle of white wine, he makes himself comfortable right beside her, pulling another tray table up to sit everything onto.

“For you, beautiful.” He says, handing her a glass half full.

“Thank you, handsome.” She replies, taking a few sips before taking a couple bites of her food.

“Mmm,” she hums a laugh, “this is so good!”

“Yeah? Not too salty?”

“No, it's perfect. It's got a kick to it, which I appreciate as a spice connoisseur.” She giggles, reaching up to pat his back for him, making him laugh.

“I'm so glad you love it, baby. Had to win you all the way back over, tonight. I knew that would do the trick.”

“Aw, you really couldn't stand it could you?”

“Not at all.” He shakes his head, frowning as the image of her wet face comes back to his mind. He reaches out to caress her cheek, “I fucked up bad, knowing all of what you went through with that jerk and here I was, pretty much pushing you off just like that. I coulda kicked myself in the ass, the way you were brushing me off. That's never where I wanna be with you. Ever.”

Covering his hand with one of her own, she leans into his touch. Her pretty brown eyes look at him with all the adoration and understanding in the world.

“I'm glad you knew just how deep that hurt me. That shows me that you truly do love me, even on the sticky days. Shows I made the right decision in choosing you. All those times I spent telling you about what I wanted and what I didnt, didn't go out the window. It's not all overnight, I know… but as long as you're trying, I can't ever stay too mad. Now, that doesn't mean do it again,” she smiles, watching him crack up and pull her closer to him.

“I will never, I promise. I swore to give you a stress-free life and that's what I'm gonna do. I'll stick to my promises.” He says, holding out his pinky, cheesing as she links hers around his own.

“I'm so glad we made up,” he continues. “Coming back to an empty apartment blew my whole world up. I knew you wouldn't be here when I got back, which made me not even wanna leave.”

“I know, but I felt like you needed some time alone— I know I did. I was crying way too much for you to see me like that.” She softly laughs.

“I'm so sorry.” He says again for the thousandth time.

“Stop apologizing. It's okay, we're okay.”

“You sure? Nothing else you need me to do?” He asks. “I'm on my knees, ready to please.”

She smirks. “We'll keep that in mind, but seriously, I'm fine. I forgive you, we are good. Just keep your promises.”

@thegifstories @blackerthings @cecereads209 @nayaxwrites @ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @soufcakmistress @honestpreference @nayaesworld @neewrites @blowmymbackout @harmshake @henneseyhoe @twistedcharismaaa @abeautifulmindexposed

[miyuhpapayuh]

fourteen

Back in front of the blank canvas, she deeply sighs.

What to paint?

She'd been sitting here for the last hour, wondering the same thing.

Flowers were always a favorite, but she was in the mood to try her hand at something else.

Maybe someone else.

Dipping her paintbrush into the deep brown paint, she sighed again and let her mind wander, while letting it dance across the canvas.

Halfway through, she pulls back and smiles at the outcome, feeling more smitten than she ever has before.

Turning the music up just a bit louder, she continues on, filling the blank space with her newest subject.

Once she was done, she sat and marveled at her work, placing her fingers over the fine detailing and smiling to herself.

Oh, Leon.

She'd painted him in five different ways, each one more strikingly beautiful than the last.

Never had she sat and painted a man in such vivid hues of brown, blue and orange. With such emotion, such thought.

“Wow,” seemed to be her favorite word to describe moments that involved him. This one was no different.

She loved Leon. She was in love with him. No doubt.

He was just as in love with her, if not more.

She clouded his mind just as much. So much, she was his permanent muse for every piece of poetry he'd written over the last month.

Her hair.

Her smile.

Her scent.

Her eyes.

Big and brown,

Full of wonder,

Of love,

Of life!

Her wit,

Her charm,

Her spice,

Her warmth.

All wrapped in mocha,

Kissed by a thousand suns.

Curves that would make a blind man crash.

A sharp tongue that would make the most confident man crumble.

A heart of gold.

Skin made of silk.

A goddess, for real.

Meeting each other back in her love lair, the pair exchange their heartfelt gifts, neither of them ready for how it tugs on their hearts.

“You wrote me a poem??” She gushes, holding the orange envelope to her chest. Her twinkling eyes made him smile extra big.

“I did! You painted something for me??” He asks, staring down at the board, neatly wrapped in deep green paper.

“I did! You wanna open yours first?” She excitedly asks, making him tear right into it.

His surprised gasp, coupled with his shocked expression, does her in. She was hoping to god that he liked it, at least.

“Zora.. wow, this is so… wow!” He stares at the canvas, struggling to find the words that express how breathtaking it is.

“Do you like it?” She asks, shifting her weight.

“I love it, mama. Absolutely. I— I've never been painted before. I don't think anyone's ever even sketched my face! It's so detailed and wow.” He repeats, making her blush.

“I told you, you're my prettiest subject,” she smiles, “I've got a whole sketchbook full of your face.”

The way he looked at her could've melted her right into the ground.

“Read your poem, sweet stuff.”

“Okay,” she says, her voice coming out small.

Pulling the paper out, her eyes linger on every word, her heart beating double-time at his sweet, sweet words.

“Ohh, you just love to make me cry!” She laughs through her small tears, wiping them away with the back of her hand.

“You like it??”

“Hell yeah, boy! This is so sweet! I love the way you talk about me.”

“Like I can talk about anything else,” he says with a shake of his head. “You cloud my brain, woman. I wrote like five different poems about you.”

“Like you're any better! Got me drawing and painting you.” She stares at him wide-eyed.

“You're so talented, baby.” He coos, pulling her into his arms finally, wrapping her up in his warmth, while he feeds on hers.

“So are you, handsome.” She rubs the back of his head, kissing his forehead as he hugs her tightly to him.

“Our anniversary is in a couple days.”

“I know! Six months!” She gushes.

“It's crazy how time flies, huh?”

“Well, when you're having so much fun, it does tend to slip on by.”

“I made reservations, but I cannot tell you where. It's a surprise.” He says, snickering at the look on her face.

“We gettin’ all gussied up?!”

“Hell yeah, baby! Pull out your best dress and we gon paint the town orange.”

“Aw, you are so cute!,” she frowns, pecking his awaiting lips a thousand times.

“I know, lucky me.” He bashfully smiles, hugging her waist tighter.

“Now I'm gonna stress until Friday, tryna figure out what to wear!”

With the chilly air that late October brings hanging in the air, Zora was contemplating on 86’ing the dress idea altogether for something more practical, knowing how much she despises the cold.

“I have faith that we'll be able to pull something together.”

“Yeah, I probably won't be wearing a dress, though. It's a lil too cold for that.” She laughs.

“Yeah, I didn't even think about that,” he chuckles, "I just know that's your go-to. But, I know you're gonna look absolutely stunning! That's a given.”

“If it's possible, I love you even more.”

“Ah, my heart grows ten sizes with every glance your way. Every word you say,” he presses another kiss to her lips, dipping her back into her heap of pillows.

“Such a way with words,” she giggles, halting the wandering hand before it reaches the hem of her t-shirt.

“It's not over yet,” she mumbles, matching the frown he sported.

After summer ended, so did their free time. They were lucky if they got to see each other on the weekends, due to preparation for the holiday season.

The warehouse Leon worked at seemed to have a million pre orders for a variety of the new gift items they advertise, keeping him at work almost overnight, sometimes.

The pub had been jumping still with all the changes Linda made, including a complete renovation of the restaurant, which included an actual dance floor, an ole-timey jukebox, and a larger dining area and bar once she knocked out a wall.

Zora had started pulling longer hours, while Linda was in the process of expanding their team, which she didn't mind, but she'd never been so tired in her life.

At the end of days like that, the pair were lucky if they hit their own beds correctly, before having to jump right back out of them the next day.

And with their impending anniversary right around the corner, on top of it being the first one they were gonna go all out for, Mother Nature paying her a visit couldn't have come at a better time. 

But she was on her way out the door!

“I know,” she laughs, “that's how I feel, too! I'll be clear in like a day or so, though.”

Moving his hand back to her knee, he smirks. “Just in time for the festivities, huh?”

“Yeah, I may have an extra surprise for you, too.” She bats her lashes at him.

“Oh?”

“Maybe,” she smirks. “Maybe not.”

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Friday dragged its feet and the couple's nerves along the way, knowing they were ready to detach themselves from their jobs without thought.

As if teleporting to her apartment, he opens the unlocked door like she requested through text, immediately getting an earful from him as he heads down the hall.

“Now, Zora, you know how I feel about unlocked doors.”

“Leon, you were like five seconds away. Nobody was gonna get me.” She says, staring at him through her vanity mirror while she applies her lip gloss.

“Still. I've got a key for a reason. Let me use it.” He says, before leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead, running his hand over her freshly pressed and still billowy hair.

“You look beautiful, as always. I like your hair.” 

“Thank you! I rarely wear it like this ‘cause it's so hard to keep up with, but I was missing it and it's a special occasion, and this qualifies as my something different.”

“Checked it off your own list?”

“Yeah, why not!”

“Why not.” He smiles, agreeing with her.

She smiles back, before standing to her feet to face him, both of them cracking up at the 360 they give each other.

“See? I had faith in you and you did it, Jean.” He pokes, twirling her around. “You look damn good, baby.”

A cropped white top and high-waisted, wide-leg distressed jeans was a pretty basic outfit, which is why god invented cardigans. An orange and pink one did just the job at setting her outfit off.

“I didn't find it until last night, don't be too proud.” She sighs.

“Woman, please. Point still stands, you put it together like only you can.” He flirts, wrapping an arm around her waist, their faces just a few inches apart as they gaze at each other.

“Every chance you get, for real.” She pokes back, making him suck his teeth, planting a kiss on her lips still.

“You already know it, sweet stuff.”

Taking a step away, she looks at him again. An orange beanie pulled over his low-cut and his beard was full and shiny, begging her nails to play with it, which she’d definitely ended up doing.

His green leather jacket, black sweater and jeans combo was doing so many things to her, as was the heavenly scent wafting off of him.

Vanilla? Bergamot??

“Whatever you're wearing, always keep a bottle near.” She speaks, earning a smirk from him.

“Yes ma'am.”

“You look so good, baby.” She compliments, moving back into his hold.

“Thank you, mama.”

“Mhm, and thank you for six bouquets of poppies! That was the cutest thing ever.”

“Anything for you,” he kisses her again, before looking at his watch. Right on time.

“You ready to go?”

“Absolutely.”

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The Petal Café was one of the newest, fanciest restaurants in town and Leon made quick with getting reservations, thankfully bypassing the huge waiting list.

“This place is so beautiful!” Zora squealed for the millionth time, making him laugh and squeeze her hand from across the table.

“I'm glad we made it, cause that waiting list is a year out, now.” He says with a shake of his head.

“What?? That is wild! Let's hope the food lives up to its hype!”

“I know, right. Everything looks really good, though.”

The waiter comes over and sits their drinks down, before taking their food orders and leaving them alone again.

“I'm certain we said it already, but happy anniversary, doll face.” He says, going back to squeezing her hands.

“Happy anniversary, baby. Best six months I’ve ever spent with anyone.”

“Same here, you’re one of my best friends.”

“Really??” She asks, squeezing his hands back now.

“Absolutely! It’s been an absolute dream getting to know the world is you, and to experience life with you is just as dreamy.”

She was thankful that she went light on her makeup, cause she knew it would’ve been ruined with him and sweet words.

“Oh, Leon,” she frowns, “you're the epitome of a dreamboat. When I say I love you, I really mean it. I don't think I can say it enough.. but thank you for showing me what actual love feels like,” her voice cracks near the end of her sentence.

A soft smile covers his lips, as he's keeping his own tears back.

“It's my pleasure showing you what you deserve, Jean. That'll never end.”

Knowing she was gonna cry, she beckoned him to her with her pointer finger, pressing her lips to his, giggling against them as her tears fell down her cheeks.

Pulling away to cup her face in one hand and wipe her tears with the other, he laughs as she reaches up to wipe his own tears away.

“Nique was right, we are sappy.” He points out, making her shake her head.

“Don't let her hear you say that, we'll never live it down!” She exclaims, making them fall into a small laughing fit.

“I love you, Jean.”

“I love you too, Avery.”

After indulging in the well worth it cuisine, the pair move their party to the expansive bar, which happens to sit right beside a huge flower garden, a few orange and yellow roses sitting the closest to them.

“How'd you know about this place?” Zora asks, sipping her rum.

“Eryn told me about it, actually. Saw an ad about them opening a location here and gave me the details. As soon as I heard the name, I knew we had to come here.”

“Aw, you know me so well!”

“I better, ‘fore somebody try and take my job.” He cracks, making her laugh and lean into him.

Any opportunity to wrap his arm back around her, he'd take it. Pressing another kiss to her face, he goes back to sipping his own glass of rum.

“Nobody could ever do such a thing, baby.”

“Touché, sweet stuff. Nobody holds a candle to you.”

Two more drinks and it was time for them to move their party back to the privacy of her apartment.

As if teleporting back to her front door, Zora pulls Leon inside and sits him down on her bed, before disappearing into her bathroom.

“I'll be right back!”

“Whatchu hidin’, baby?” He slurs, a wicked smirk crossing his face at the thought of what it just might be.

“A surprise!” She giggles from inside the bathroom, making sure everything was sitting the way she needed it to— not that she'd have it on long, anyway. But still.

Slipping out into the hallway, she pulls her hair up into a sloppy bun before strutting back into her room, where he sat with his jaw in his lap.

The jade hued lace teddy hugged her figure like a second skin, holding up and framing her voluptuous body in the best way possible.

“Wow.” His eyes traveled up and down her frame, as if he was savoring this moment.

Here she was, standing in front of him in his favorite color, and all he wanted to do was rip it off and take her in every way possible.

“I take it that you like it?” She speaks, pulling him out of his trance, his gaze now on her face.

“You look absolutely breathtaking, girl. I love it.” He responds, reaching out for her hand and pulling her to stand in between his spread legs.

His strategically placed kisses made her giggle and softly push his face away.

Sticking his tongue down her throat, he pulls her flush against him, groping her fat ass with his big hands. Her left leg finds its way over his right one, soon straddling him altogether.

Licking a trail from the corner of his mouth to the sweet spot on his neck, her fingers work to remove his jacket, dying to have full access to his broadness.

Next to go was the sweater, ultimately making her lose her mind. He'd been hitting the gym pretty hard and boy was it doing him some good.

“So damn fine,” she moans, pushing him back onto the soft bed, reaching underneath herself to undo his belt buckle, biting his earlobe as she slides a hand inside his pants.

He grunts in response, assisting her in pulling his clothes away until he's in nothing but a pair of briefs that were already being tugged on.

Pulling them away, she swings over his lap backwards, now facing the rounded mirror on his dresser. She smiles at her reflection and wraps her hand around his dick, softly jerking him.

His groans fill the air, especially when she bends over to stick her ass in his face and drool all over him, sucking him like she had a point to prove.

Mesmerized by the jiggle in her hips and ass, his hands reach out to slap each cheek, eventually slapping the wet spot between her thighs, making her inch away, an audible gasp leaving her full mouth.

“Come back,” he rasps, pulling her hips back in his direction to rub his thumb over the steady-forming spot, his head falling back into the pillows as her tongue swirls around his sensitive tip.

“God dammit, baby,” he moans, sending another fire smack to her ass. Taking him to the hilt, they both groan as he hits the back of her throat.

He wishes she could've seen how wide his eyes were as she holds him there for a few moments, and does it again, and again, moaning all on him and making his toes curl.

“Fuck… I'm cummin’, Zora… fuck,” his hips jerk upward as she milks him for every single drop, giggling once she releases him.

Pulling her back on his face, the seat of her lingerie was pulled to the side and his nimble fingers played in her wetness, making her bite her lip and grind against his hand.

“Fuckin’ soaked,” he grunts, sliding his middle fingers into her, reveling in the sweet moans that fill the air as he curls and pumps them into her gspot.

“Shit, right there,” she breathlessly moans, dragging her nails up and down his stomach.

“Right here?”

“Yes, I'm g-gonna cum!” She gasps, throwing her head back once his fingers begin jabbing at her spot, making her gush onto them in no time.

Wasting no flipping her onto her back, he pulls the lace away from her body, kissing every inch of skin he came across on the way.

Hooking her legs around his waist, he glides into her and grunts at how wet, how snug, “fuck I could bury myself here, you feel so fucking good.”

His slurred praise hits her ears, while her eyes are stuck in the back of her head as he thrusts into her so deeply. Her hands find his chest.

“Oh my god,” she whimpers, “so d-deep!”

His lips find her neck, as her body clings to his. Her breathy moans hit his ear.

It had been so long since they'd found themselves in the moment, which made them savor it now for all its worth.

Declarations of love and affection leave their lips, as their peaks get closer and closer to erupting. Sweat blanketing them like a second skin.

“Cum with me,” he groans, as he ground his hips into hers, making them see stars at the same time. The cry that left her lips made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

Blissed out, they lay still entangled as the aftershocks pass through their bodies. Dazed smiles cover their lips.

A second wind comes sooner than later, sending them into their next position of the night. Both of them facing the mirror as he hovers over her, spreading her thighs to glide right back into her.

One hand is splayed across her chest to pull her flush against his own, the other planted firmly into the bed as he pumps into her, mumbling shit in her ear that would make her blush if she were able.

Both of her hands were rolled into the sheets, trying her best to throw her ass back onto him, but those lethal strokes are nothing to play with.

“Fuck me,” she helplessly whines.

His breath tickles her skin, his kisses along the back of her neck make her shiver. “Just like this?”

“Yes,” she breathes, “yes!”

Speeding up, he crashes into her sweet spot so precisely it makes her cum in an instant, a heavy sob leaving her mouth as he continues.

Her hands found both of his wrists, as she was desperately needing something to hold onto.

“S-so good, Leon! Please don't stop!”

“Fuckin’ you all night, baby.. all night.” He smirks, pulling his hand back to smack her ass.

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“Ooh, she's being loved properly. Look at that glow!” Nique teases, just as Zora spots their table.

“Hey, y'all.” She greets her sisters with a hug and kiss, before taking her seat beside Nique and kissing her cheek.

“Hey, lover. How's life been?” Neoma pokes fun, making Zora roll her eyes.

Not being one to post much about her relationship on her social media, besides a few pictures here and there, Zora felt compelled to make a dedication post for their anniversary and her sisters, of course, found it and left all types of crying, heart and kissy face emojis in the comments.

“I should be asking y'all that.”

“Let's talk about you first, though.” Lovita redirects just like an older sister does.

“Life's good, lemme lone,” she mumbles, still “mad” at them.

“Oh come on, we went wild in the comments, but we're done now!” Neoma pleads.

“Yeah, promise!” Nique adds.

Zora looks at her oldest sister, raising an eyebrow. Lovita sighs and shrugs. That was as much as Zora was gonna get from her, since sorry is not in her vocabulary.

“Fine. Life is beautiful!” She smiled, making them reciprocate.

“We've seen! You two are too much,” Lovita frowns, over the moon happy for her littlest sister.

“How was your anniversary?!”

“It was the sweetest day. Not like, every day isn't just as sweet, but he sent three bouquets of orange poppies to my job and three more to my apartment. We had already exchanged gifts a few days before, being too excited to hold onto ‘em. He took us to the Petal Café, and y'all! It's the prettiest place I've ever been in! The best food ever! There's a garden next to the bar! It was so me. He's such a hunk.”

The chorus of aw’s commences.

“How much did you cry?” Neoma and Nique ask.

You know what! Too damn much,” she answers, laughing at herself before they could.

“Such a big baby, oh my gosh!”

“I know, ugh. He's just so… wow.” She smiles again, shaking her head.

“Yeah?? We pickin’ out baby names, yet??” Nique squeals.

“Girl, no. I made sure I stocked up on my birth control. No babies… yet.” She purses her lips together for a second, watching their expressions shift, but before they could lay into her again, she re-redirects the focus back onto them.

“But, what about y'all! How's everything?!”

Nique jumps at the chance to tell her best friend just how head over heels she is, to which she outwardly gushes.

“Since we made it official, I met his mama and he met mine— she loves him— he's been showing up to my office with lunch, sometimes it's hand-prepared!! Y'all know I love a man that can cook!”

“Food be good, don't it?!” Zora asks, the smile on her face is too bright.

“Girl, if you see me gain a lil weight, don't say nothing! And if you see him gain a lil weight, you heard me the first time,” she snorts, “cause he's just as fed. Baby got an appetite the size of Texas.”

“You did tell ‘em you loved a man who could eat.” Neoma points out, making her blush.

“And eat, he does.”

“Dominique!” Lovita yells, her jaw dropping.

“What??! He does eat a lot! Sometimes, it's me– hell, most times, it's me.” She covers her own mouth, high-fiving Zora with her free hand.

“I knew it,” she laughs, pointing between Neoma and Lovita, “you two owe me money because what did I say??”

“Y'all bet on me?!”

“No, they bet on you. I knew you'd have him that boy in the palm of your hand before the end of the year and they bet on it taking a little longer.”

“What, y'all ain't think I still had it in me?” She asks in faux outrage.

“Girl, you been celibate for like a year or so, I ain't think he was really gon affect you like that. But, I shoulda known after that phone call I heard.”

“What call??”

“Man, Nique was on the phone with this man, talkin’ his ear off about her job and Ron big stupid ass had done something else that she had to undo, and Darnell was telling her about how he was gon come up there and stomp a hole in his ass if he didn't get it together, cause she was way too important to be doing favors for the incompetent. Nique got to giggling, and I knew it was over. I ain't never heard her sound like that.” She finishes, blinking dryly.

“Yeah, I had nothing better to do, obviously. It was a very funny conversation.” She adds.

“Ne, you've always been so nosy. Maybe you and Nique are related.” Lovita jabs, making Zora laugh.

“Anyway, Nique please record the fight when it happens ‘cause Ron been needed an ass whoopin’. But seriously, you two are adorable! I knew it was coming once he called you his baby. I'm so happy for you.”

“Thank you! I'm so happy for me, too!” She laughs, fanning her red face.

“Neoma, you sharin’ next?” 

She smirks. “Craig is a dork, for real. He's so funny, so smart. So stubborn, Jesus. So fine,” she sighs. “He drives me insane, but boy do I love it.”

“Always the one for challenges, lord.” She shakes her head. “But, as long as everything is going good, I love it for you.”

“Thanks, sis. We're not a couple yet, but we're getting closer.”

“Take your time, girl. If it's meant to be, it'll happen.” She assures her older sister.

Their hands join in the middle of the table for a sweet squeeze, before everybody's eyes dart over to Lovita, who's yet to share.

“Do I have to??” She asks.

“Yeah, what the fuck?”

“Okay, okay! But y'all cannot judge me.”

“Girl, what did you do?”

“Remember that night y'all slept over after the game day we had?” She asks, watching them nod in response.

“Well..”

Smirks decorate their faces as she gets ready to spill what they'd already seen coming.

“Clyde and I had sex, that night and I swear I've been in love with that man ever since.” She sighs.

“In love?” Neoma repeats.

“Yes. In love. I love him.” She spells it out for her younger sister, while she slowly blinks back at her.

“Girl, I know that feeling. That's how I felt the morning after me and Leon had sex.” Zora says, shaking her head. “I was done for.”

“Really? I felt like I was going crazy, at first. Like I woke up a little before he did and just kinda stared at him like, “you have fucked up, cause now I love you.” It was wild!”

“Literally such a wild feeling, I agree.”

“Wow, y'all makin’ me miss my man.” Nique snorts, internally giddy as hell that she gets to call him that.

“Aw, her man.” Neoma coos.

“Stop it,” she laughs.

“But, ‘vita,” Nique starts, “we would never judge you for how you feel. Sex is such an intimate experience, I'd be afraid if you didn't feel more than you already had about him.”

“Yeah, I know.” She sighs, “I know.”

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” she smiles, picturing his face in her head. “Nothing’s wrong. He's perfect. Realistically, of course.”

“Yeah?” Zora asks, beaming for her sister.

“I can't stress it enough. He's sweet, funny, well-rounded.. he's a hard worker, might be a lil rough around the edges, but so am I. We don't clash at all, it's always so refreshing to be around him. And my goodness, that man is so damn fine.”

“He is very handsome. I believe we all lucked out like I said we were gonna! Sounds like I'm owed some thank you’s.”

“Zora, do not ruin this sweet ass moment.”

She rolls her eyes and grabs the champagne flute from the table and tipping it toward her lips for a sip.

“Wait. What kinda gifts did y'all get each other??”

“Oh, he wrote me a poem and I painted him.”

Their eyes widened.

“What??”

“Aw, you painted Leon!?”

“You painted?!”

She smiles wide at their reactions, shaking away the urge to burst into tears.

“Y-yeah, I painted. It's been a few months since I've painted, but really, it's been so long since I've actually been motivated to do so. Y'all know that relationship of mine just drained the life out of me and everything I loved to do just vanished. And, I'm finding the purpose for it again. In something and someone else. Y'all should've seen his face when he unwrapped it,” she smiles like he's right in front of her, “it was priceless.”

“Wow, I'm so proud of you, Zora.”

“Aw, thanks,” she frowns, wiping the lone tear that fell.

“Oh, don't start crying. We’ll be here all night!”

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Having a few more days of freedom, Zora and Leon get back together for another sip and paint, with another spin to it.

Nique had given her the idea to make Leon the subject for Zora to paint. And of course, this sounded like some fun and some trouble. Well worth both, she already knew.

“Okay, so you're actually my model, today.” She says, taking in his raised brow.

“Really? That's cool! You need me to pose?” He asks, beginning to flex his muscles and make her laugh.

“Yeah, actually! Hold on,” she stands up from the couch and heads towards her dining area for a chair, pulling towards the middle of the floor.

“Okay, come sit.” She says, patting the chair.

He strides across the floor in a show for her, which she appreciates, more giggles leaving her and he kisses her forehead before sitting down.

“The cutest man, ever.”

“I know,” he replies.

Sauntering into the kitchen for a stool, she pulls hers up to her easel and sits, looking to her left to make sure she's got all the supplies she'll need.

Peeking out behind the canvas, she eyes him but keeps the request on the tip of her tongue.

“What you keepin’ from me?” He asks, eyeing her suspiciously.

“Uh… don't think I'm crazy..”

“Who's sane?”

“Leon,” she says, sighing to herself.

“Zora, come on. What is it? You want me to pose like The Thinker? Huh? Something more interesting, perhaps?”

“Yeah, way more interesting.”

“Okay, throw it at me, baby.”

Pulling her head back behind the easel, she swirls her paintbrush in the clear water, letting the request fall from her lips.

“Strip.”

A few moments go by with nothing but silence, and just as she's about to poke her head back out, she catches sight of his shirt being flung over her head.

Pants next.

“These too?” He asks, making her peek back out, staring at the hand that's hooked in his briefs. She deeply sighs and shakes her head.

“You can keep those on.. for now.”

Enjoyyy!

Ch 15

@thegifstories @sheabuttahwrites @honestpreference @ghostfacekill-monger @soufcakmistress @blackerthings @abeautifulmindexposed @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @mauvecherie-writes @cecereads209 @blowmymbackout

[miyuhpapayuh]

fifteen

Music’s playing, candles are burning, there's no light beside the sun peeking through the curtains, shining down on her prettiest subject.

Her glass of white wine is being babysat, cause knowing her and how much of a lightweight she was, a few sips were enough.

Leon definitely took a shot before they got started, since he'd never been a model for anything. His last minute nerves made him even more adorable to Zora.

Blk Odyssy had become one of her favorite musicians, thanks to Leon and his impeccable taste. Their new album, diamonds & freaks served as the soundtrack.

Sexy lady

Got me faded

I'm intoxicated

I been watching, baby

Sexy lady

Sweet Jesus, save me

Go on, and rock me, baby

Don't stop it, baby

“Love this song,” she comments, dipping her brush into the deep red paint, using it as one of her base colors.

“I thought you would.” He replies.

“Yeah, you knew.” She hums a laugh, tilting her head to the left, following the curve she's creating for her study of her boyfriend.

“Are you painting me just like I am?” He asks.

“Well, everything above the knees. That's all I can fit in the canvas.” She answers.

“Where'd you get this idea from?” He asks, curious all of a sudden.

“My sisters actually suggested it. They were really excited that I had started painting again, and since you're my muse, it seemed like something really fun to do.” She explains, poking her head out to look at him, snickering at the focus in his face.

“Quit laughin’ at me,” he mumbles.

“Sorry, you're just so still, like you might break if you move. Relax a little.”

“I thought I needed to stay still.”

“Yeah, but not that still.”

“Hm,” he hums, staring at the back of the easel and the sliver of her face that he could see. A smile graces his face as he watches her in her comfort zone.

Still singing along to the music, she takes another sip of her wine and paints another fine line onto the canvas, super pleased with how everything is turning out.

His green button-up covers her thick frame like a dress.

Her feet were tapping against the bars of the stool, her sloppy bun, flopping around with every concentrated turn of her head.

She was just as focused, but he wasn't gonna tease her. He loved seeing this new side of her. She let him into her art world, finally.

Taking her advice and relaxing, he falls into his natural trance of her, when she readjusts the easel, giving him more than just a peek at her beautiful face.

All the while, she was looking at him and back at the canvas, perfecting every curve, dimple, divot with striking blues and oranges, deep reds and browns.

Stealing glances at him, she tugs on her lip.

She knew it was gonna be kinda distracting, but he definitely wasn't playing fair.

Flexing those big arms of his, “stretching”, was already enough and too much for her. And every time he licked his lips, her left leg would tangle with her right. He caught it each time and smirked.

Once he got to readjusting the only article of clothing he had left, her eyes diverted to his lower region and hers began to throb.

Almost finished.

“Jesus,” she mumbles to herself, shaking her head like it would clear the explicit images swimming around her mind.

“You alright over there?” He asks, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Yeah, I'm good,” she shakily answers, taking another sip, which looked more like a gulp from where he was sitting.

“You sure?” He teases.

She laughs, now looking over at him. His devious smirk does nothing to help the wet spot forming between her thighs.

“You done?” He asks.

“No.”

“I'm distracting you?”

“And, you know it.” She nods, making him laugh.

“You told me to relax. I'm just tryna follow the rules, dear.”

“Yeah, and now your friend is winkin’ at me.”

He simply shrugs. “That's your fault.”

“Mine? How?”

“Cause you're so fine. This happens every day, babe.”

“Every day?” She repeats.

“Yeah. A couple times a day.”

“Wow.”

“You've seen you, right?” He asks.

She scoffs, lifting the brush back to the canvas. “Boy, please. I can't even look you in the eye, right now.”

He snickers, moving out of his pose to further mess with her. Pulling his chair just a bit closer, he leans forward to stare at her and she keeps her eyes trained on her work.

“Zoraaa,” he drags out.

“I'm so glad I got all the details I needed, you play so much,” she laughs, trying her best to ignore his taunting.

“Come play with me,” he continues, almost making her drop her brush.

“Can you get back in your position, please?” She asks.

“Can I put you in a couple positions?” He quips, earning that eye roll that he knew was coming.

“If you let me finish… maybe.”

He holds his hands up in surrender, moving right back into his pose. Zora fans her face, no longer caring if he can see how flustered he's made her.

The next thirty minutes dragged on by and she was finally done, not even getting to sit her brush down good before being whisked over to the couch, him hovering over her.

Bruising her lips with his rough kisses, he quickly discards the scrap of lace that barely covered her ass, as well as his own briefs, before sliding into her with one fluid motion.

Gasping into the kiss, her hands cling to his broad back and shoulders, sinking her nails in as the feeling of him bottoming out with every thrust sends fire through her.

His mouth latches onto her neck, while she lets out every expletive she can think of, into the damp air of her apartment.

“Oh m— my god,” she pants, holding him so close to her body, shivering as his groans vibrate on her skin.

“You feel so damn good,” he rasps.

His tongue trails down her chest, nibbling on her breasts as he rips the shirt open, squeezing her flesh into his big hands, driving her crazy as she cradles his head.

Her feet are pressed against his chest and he leans up to do more damage, his hips rutting against her ass that's hanging off the couch. She looks up at him in disbelief.

His hands have her ankles bound, as she cries and writhes underneath him. Her hands move up and down his arms, back down to scratch his hips as it gets too good.

“Fuc– king me so— good,” she squeals, catching both of them off guard as she releases all over him. His thumb finds her clit, making matters slipperier.

“Yeah, gimme all that shit, baby.” He moans, encouraging another orgasm to happen right on the spot. Her edges were back curly by this point.

“C’mere,” she whispers, pulling him back down to her level to swallow his every breath in a kiss. Her cramped legs wrap around his waist, pulling him closer if that were even possible.

Pulling away, he smirks down at her, taking her in, breathless, sweaty, hungry for more as she stares back at him, ready for his next move.

“So beautiful,” he says, dragging his thumb across her parted bottom lip, “why don't you pose for me, now.”

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Once she got around to actually taking in her painting, she was super pleased with how it came out. So was Leon.

“Can I just say, I'm flattered.” He smirks, cracking up at the look she gives him.

“Stop it,”

“Seriously. That's literally me.” He exclaims, pulling her into his side.

“All of me.” He mumbles, hearing her disapproving groan sound through the space.

“Leon, please!” She laughs. “But, you really like it?”

“Love it, sweet stuff. I told you. Art gallery.” He says, smiling down at her.

She smiles back up at him, shaking her head. “Nah, not yet.”

He raises a brow at her, earning a brighter smile.

“Not yet, huh? So you're getting closer to putting yourself out there?” He excitedly asks.

“Yeah, I thought about what you said and it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm just nervous, ya know?”

“Why?”

“I feel stunted. Like, I gave everything up to be someone's doormat and.. I don't know. I just feel like the level of artistic ability has kinda dissipated? And yeah, I know. I look at my paintings and I see what I'm capable of so get that sad look off your face,” she pinches his cheek as he laughs, “I just have my doubts.”

He wipes the frown away, but there's still sadness there. He wants nothing more than for her to believe in herself. Fully.

“It's harder than it seems to cross some hurdles, I understand that. But if you really want this, that's what you gotta do.”

“No, I know. And, I appreciate you for putting me back in front of this here easel. It's been a while, but it's always so much fun.”

“Of course, baby. It's a pleasure watching you in your zone.” He says, leaning down to kiss her temple.

“I cannot show this one to the girls.” She snickers, before looking up at him.

“Yeah, nah. Maybe the top half.”

“Please. I can hear Nique fighting for the extra details, as we speak.”

“That girl is hilarious.” He comments, moving to stand behind her and wrap his arms around hers.

“Funniest person I know, besides myself, of course.”

“And me. Hol’ up.”

“Right, right. Can't forget about you,” she snickers, yelping at the pinch to her butt.

“It's what you get.. talkin’ shit.” He mumbles into her neck.

“Oh yeah, don't try and bill me for that shirt, since you were the one that ripped the buttons off.” She says, making him chuckle.

“One, I would never do that for real, it's an empty threat every time.” He admits, making her laugh. “And two, I can always get the buttons put back on. Or you can just add it to your collection.”

“Oh, I was gonna do that anyway, cause that's how I am.” She smiles like he can see her.

“Something else.” He shakes his head.

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“Why I can't see that one??” Nique asks, pointing to the covered canvas and stomping her heeled foot like a bratty child.

“Cause you play too much, man.” Zora waves her off, pointing to the painting on the easel. “But you can look at this one!”

Nique immediately gasps at how breathtaking the painting was. It's as if Zora had committed Leon's face to memory and captured him in five different lights so realistically.

“Girl, when I say talented doesn't even cover it.” She shakes her head, looking over at her best friend.

“Oh, girl. Stop.”

“Nah, man. This is on another level!” She swats her arm in excitement. “Like, that's his literal face, dude! How do you even do something like this?!”

She shrugs. “I honestly just sat her and did it. He came to my mind and I just let my paintbrush guide me.”

“Wow.” She says in response, making Zora laugh.

“Yeah, I said the same when I was done.”

Staring back at the canvas, she smirks. “So, are you gonna do anything with it?”

“Ah— I might. I don't know yet, really.”

“Cause you know, it would be really nice if someone invested in you snagging a spot at the mint museum to display such a piece.”

Zora squints her. “That's still something you'd do for me?”

“Zora, it's like you forget who I am or something. I'm highly offended right now.” She places her hands on her hips, reminding her of both of their mothers.

“Get your hands off your hips, Roberta! I know who you are! It's just.. I don't know. That was a long time ago and that was the biggest dream I've ever had to give up.”

“It's okay, I understand. But my offers are never conditional to you, dude. You could not even be my friend anymore and I'd still send you the money to do it cause I believe in you. That bozo of a boyfriend was a hater and he fucked everything up, yeah he did. But look at you, rebuilding it right now. Every time you get in front of the canvas do this,” she's eyes wide as she points back to the canvas, “you're getting so much closer to that dream of yours.”

By now, Zora is wiping tears away. Nique frowns and pulls her into a much needed hug. She wasn't expecting to get emotional today, but leave it to her best friend to pull a few tears out of her.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry. I know you hate that,” she softly laughs, wiping her cheeks.

“It's okay, I think I've needed to let it out for a while.” She smiles, covering her face for a moment to get herself together.

Nique heads into her kitchen to wet a paper towel, bringing it back to cool down her flushed face.

“Ugh, anyway,” she outright laughs. “I really appreciate you. That really does mean so much that you could hate my guts and still help me out. That's the kind of support everybody needs.” She covers her heart, Nique doing the same.

“One of a kind, I know.” She nods. “And it's nothing, seriously. You're my mother’s kid as much as I'm yours. I got you, you got me.”

“I love you, dude.”

“I love you too, man.”

“I've honestly been thinking about getting back out there for a while, but you and Neoma already knew that cause that's what y'all do,” she snorts, beating her to it, “Lovita is close to getting there, she all into Clyde right now—”

“You mean, he's all into her?”

“Right. Anyway, she'll catch on, but Leon asked me a while ago and I've just been sitting on the idea for a while. Maybe.. I wanna paint a couple more pieces and then maybe I can look into it.”

“Yeah, hey! Nobody is pressuring you. I promise. You know we just wanna see you do your best and you are  the best. Fuck him and fuck those negative voices he left behind. You're the shit, Jean. Let's ask his ass to come pick up a fucking pencil and see if he won't jam it into his eye, before tryna attempt what you did on this canvas. I'd bet you the air in this room and win. He's a bitch.”

“Okay, okay,” she cackles, “relax, relax. You hate him more than I do, at this point!”

“I could kill him,” she smiles, “because you deserve better and girl, look at god! Better meets you at your favorite place!”

“I know, I can't wait to tell everyone at the wedding, someday.” She giggles.

“Oh lord, that's gonna be the countriest wedding ever!”

“Stop! It's gonna be the most beautiful wedding you've ever been to, shut up!”

“Y'all gon be letting doves go, it's gon be a duck pond somewhere cause y'all love the ducks, flowers of every damn kind!”

“Nah, I'm pretty sure he's already got flower combos to present to me.” She laughs, remembering one of their trips to the shoppe this past summer.

“What?”

“He was asking me which flowers were which one time, and they'd just happened to be my second favorite flower, my mama's favorite and he asked me if I thought they would pair well with aster, which is his mama's favorite flower, and I just kinda looked at him like… I know what you're up to.” She laughs at the giant smile on Nique's face.

“Aw, that is so cute! He thinks he's slick, let him be slick!”

“Nah, I'm not gonna burst his bubble! I thought it was adorable. He's so cute, I can't take him sometimes.”

“Lord have mercy. So, I got a question.”

“No, I'm not having a maid of honor. Y'all ain't killing me, cause I'd make it all of you.”

“You can have three! It's your wedding!”

“Three maids of honor? That don't sound crazy?”

“Nah, not to me. I was gonna do that for mine.”

“Really?” Zora smiles, making Nique laugh.

“See, look at your face! Do it for yours, too! Wouldn't that work out better anyway? Three people to divy up your something old, new and blue. Might be something you've have your eye on.”

“Okay, okay! We're getting so ahead of ourselves, and what if I don't get married? Then I can't get that something new… or blue??”

“Girl,” Nique laughs. “You worried about the gift?”

“Yes, duh. Leon ain't going nowhere. We don't have to get married, honestly. It's just another dream of mine, but I'm not as traditional as I used to be. But, I'd love to get married, too. Don't listen to me.” She cuts herself off.

“No, no. I totally get it. What girl doesn't wanna confess her love to the man of her dreams in front of everyone they both love?! In a frilly dress! With a veil! Or no veil! Big poofy hair! A reception! We'd throw the biggest party, you already know it!”

“Yeah, we would!” She agrees.

“Right! Don't let go of your dreams, keep 'em close. Just in case. Hell, Leon seems like a wonderful suitor so far!”

“Yeah, he’ll do long,” she jokes.

“Now back to this canvas, over here.” Nique says, making Zora sigh super loudly.

“Dominique.”

“Let. Me. See. It.”

“No.”

“Whyy??” She whines again, adding extra syllables to the word.

“Because, you play too much!”

“I'll be good, I promise! I just wanna see it!”

Zora rolls her eyes, before moving to uncover it, watching the joy wash over her best friend.

“Behave. I'm serious.”

“I said I'll be good, girl! Uncover the thing already!”

She does so, waiting for her snarky remarks, but they never come.

Again, “wow” was the way she described this one, too.

“See? I'm lost for words, actually.” She shakes her head. “You've done it again, man. The detailing is beautiful.”

And with that, she covers it back up. “I knew it wouldn't last long.”

“Long, like—”

“Nique!”

“Okay, okay!” She holds her hands up. “But uh.. congratulations!” She puts emphasis on the end of her sentence, stomping her foot again.

“Thank you. I love it over here.”

“Trust me, I love it over there.” She winks, both of them falling into a fit of giggles as she covers the canvas back up.

“Do tell, since I basically just did.” Zora presses as they sit on the stools in her kitchen.

“He's big all over. He makes me dizzy, sometimes,” she laughs. “Baby is hung to the left, and you know how I feel about a curve!”

“Yeah, you love it over there!” She cackles, slapping hands with her.

“Wait, y'all ain't in love too are y'all??”

“Chile, no. As much as we be up on each other, he's my man and I'm his woman and that's good enough for us, right now. I really like him, but we can kick it just as long as I don't gotta kick his ass.”

“My girl.” She laughs. “I told you I'd find you a boo!”

“Thank you, Zora-Jean. My god!” She exasperates.

“You're welcome! That was so hard for the three of you to say! Why?!”

“Because,”

“Y'all are so ungrateful,” she playfully digs.

“Stop it! Personally, I was holding my breath for a while. I didn't wanna thank you too early and then all this bad shit would start happening, and knowing you, you'd think I'd resent you for it. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't waiting for the other foot to drop. I'm sorry.”

“I accept your apology, and don't feel bad seriously, I get it. Knowing me, I probably would think that, but I know better! It's one of those negative voices,” she shrugs, “but I'm glad this is a good relationship. You deserve it, honestly. Plus, I'd kill him if he ever hurt you.” She smiles.

“And you talk about Lovita!” Nique cackles.

@ghostfacekill-monger @sheabuttahwrites @thegifstories @blackerthings @cecereads209 @soufcakmistress @abeautifulmindexposed @harmshake @mauvecherie-writes @honestpreference

[miyuhpapayuh]

three.

Zora and Nique sit on her L-shaped sofa, while she fills her friend in on what's been going down.

“You told him where you work??”

“He saw the logo on my jacket, girl.”

“And you ain't cover it??”

“Damn, is he a murderer??”

“That's how you treat ‘em!”

“Yeah, well…”

“Well…?”

“He's different.”

“Wow, you ate them words up!”

Zora rolls her eyes, holding her hands up.

“Yeah, you were right. He's real cool people.”

“Wow, I was right!” Nique claps.

“Aight, don't gloat yourself outta my apartment.” She points, right as her phone begins to ring.

It was Leon.

“Ooo put it on speaker!”

“No? You don't know how to act.”

“Oh come on, I just wanna know what he sounds like!”

“A man. He sounds like a man.”

“Zora, spare the drama and answer the phone.”

Sighing, she answers the call and reluctantly places it on speaker, greeting him.

“Hey Leon,” an effortless smile makes Nique squeal behind her hand.

“Hey Zora. How ya doin’?” His buttery, deep voice comes through.

“Ooo, it's so deep!” She whispers, but it's more of a yell.

“I know!” Zora responds in the same fashion, before answering him.

“I'm good. How was your day?”

“Eh, no broken glass stories today, so I guess that's something, yeah?”

“Yeah,” she laughs, “that's something.”

“I'm stalling, but I wanted to ask if you'd like to come with me to one of my favorite spots. It's a food joint, called What The Fries?™.”

The gasp she lets out enthuses him, same with Nique.

“Sorry, I just always wanted to check it out. I've never seen fries be created in so many ways! I'd love to go with you.”

He smiles bright like she can see him.

“Yeah? Well I'm glad I get to be the one to take you there. And it's better than you're expecting, I promise. How's about this Saturday? Are you working?”

“Uh,” she ponders for a minute, “no I'm actually off, so that's perfect. What time were you thinking?”

“Hm, maybe around three? Sounds good?”

“Sounds good.” She repeats.

“Great, I'll send you the address.”

“Okay,” she says, “can't wait to indulge and talk without an extra set of eyes on us.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I know right. He been keepin’ his distance?”

She takes the phone off speaker and continues talking, making Nique roll her eyes.

“He has! I'm shocked, actually.”

“Well good. His job description ain't said nothing about him harassing you, so it should always be a good ten feet–”

“Mm-mm,” she cuts him off, “twenty-five feet. His ass needs to be damn near invisible.”

He laughs, agreeing with her. “Yeah, he does seem like the hardheaded type.”

“He was pressed as hell once you left. It was really comical.”

“What he say?”

“Asking all these questions about who you were and why you mean mugged his dumb ass, as if he ain't already know.” She snickers.

“You tell him?”

“Nah, I like watching him squirm. Ain't no satisfaction in telling the enemy his just desserts is comin’. Gotta watch it play out if he feelin’ froggy.”

“Tell him to leap, cause I stay ready.”

She was giggling way too much for her own liking, but damn he was hilarious. She knew he was serious, too.

“He don't heed warnings, neither. So y'all might be squabblin’ for real.” She says, looking over at Nique, who's got a huge smile on her face.

“But, anyway. I gotta go. I kinda abandoned my friend to talk to you.” She jokes, earning a shove from her.

“Ah, tell friend I said wassup!”

“He said wassup, friend.” She repeats, looking back in her direction.

She clears her throat and shouts out a hey boyfriend, earning a shove of her own.

“I like her,” he laughs.

“Yeah, I'm sure you do.”

“Well, I'll let y'all get back to it. I look forward to Saturday, ma'am.”

“So do I, dear. You have a good evening.”

“You too.”

After hanging up, she didn't even turn her head good before Nique started.

“Do you hear church bells?! Cause I do!” She snickers.

“Man, come on. We just met like three days ago.”

“And? I ain't seen a smile that big since what's-his-name.”

“Mm. Don't bring that bitch up.”

“Hey, I offered to get the cops called on ‘em, he got warrants and he looks terrible in orange. That's a hit I'm ready to put out, but you won't let me.” She shrugs, making Zora laugh.

“Cause he ain't worth it. He’ll get caught up on his own time. Now, onto more important matters.”

“Yeah, like you got a bodyguard now. Someone scared freckle-face’s dumb ass??”

“I know, I was shocked too! But Leon's got this intimidating stature, especially if you're a scrawn-no-brawn like Cory.”

“How mean was that mug, chile?”

“Vicious,” she snorts. “You'd think Cory crossed his ass in a past life or something. It wasn't friendly at all.”

“That boy better keep it cute,” Nique shakes her head. “Cause I'd hate to attend his funeral.”

“Dramatic as hell. He not gon die— not at the hands of Leon, that is. I can't save him from nobody else.”

“Hell, I kinda wanna see ‘em fight now!”

“Me too!” She laughs.

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Saturday rolled around quicker than Zora anticipated, and she was kinda relieved that he'd planned such a low key first date.

The sun was back, high in the sky, giving her motivation to pull the three day old bun from her head and pick her curls out. She was very grateful that the hair goddesses were on her side.

Mid-seventies weather called for a sundress and she picked the bright orange one from the stack, feeling like an extra spice would do her day some good.

Framing her chestnut curls around her face, she added her new tiger eye bracelet to the nameplate necklace and studs that are always on her person.

Sliding her feet into her wedged sandals, she grabbed her keys and headed to the long awaited spot, where Leon was happily waiting on her.

As if her scent got there before she did, he'd looked up the moment she walked up the sidewalk to the outdoor seating, where he was perched on a bench.

“Hey Zora, you look beautiful.” He greets her with a hug, both of them holding on a little longer.

“Thank you, Leon. You clean up nice.” She responds once they let go and she can take in his fit; a crisp white tee, light wash jeans and seafoam air jordan’s.

He looked good.

He smiles, thanking her before holding the door for her as they head into the white, brick building and order their food.

“I'm paying, so don't try and give me the runaround.” He half jokes, and she just looks up at him and sighs.

“Fine, fine.”

It didn't take her long to figure out what she wanted to indulge in, once she saw bacon, cheese and fries in the same sentence.

Leon was in the mood for a burger and loaded fries, same as hers.

Grabbing their food and heading back outside, the pair get comfy on the bench he was sitting on when she first arrived, sitting a few inches apart.

“Try it,” he nudges, while she stares at it, trying to find a place to attack it.

“I gotta find the right forkful, hol’on,” she chuckles, sticking her fork into the left side where there's a hunk of bacon and cheese.

Taking a bite, she sighs while chewing. He watches with an amused smirk.

“Does that mean you like it?” He asks, biting into his own burger.

“Yeah, it's really good,” she goes back in for a couple more bites, washing it down with her soda.

“How's your burger?” She asks, looking over at him.

“It's delicious. Second time I've had it, it hasn't disappointed me.”

“Good. Now, let's get into the warehouse job you got. Is it like Amazon?”

“Honestly? My granddad got me the job, to keep me outta trouble, but yes it's like Amazon. Smaller scale."

“Mmm, so you are trouble?” She smirks, amused at his laugh.

“I used to be a hothead, I guess you can say. But once you hit thirty, you look around and don't see the people you used to run with no more or they're bad off because the bullshit we used to get into done caught up with ‘em, and I didn't want that to be me. I try and live the straight and narrow life these days.” He explains.

She nods.

“Well, turning over a new leaf is always a good thing. I'm proud of you, even though we've only known each other for about a week.” She smiles.

“Has it been a good week?” He asks.

“Yeah,” she nods, “it has.”

“I love to hear that.”

“I love to say it. You know how many times I've tried to connect with these mamas’ lil dusty sons and they're all simple, slow and stupid? Too many.” She says with the straightest face, making him contemplate on holding his laugh in or not.

“You can laugh, but I'm serious,” she says, not even getting the sentence out as they both cave, wiping tears away as they come back to the point.

“I'm sorry, mama. That was too funny.” He sighs, and the nickname he'd just donned her with doesn't escape her.

“I-I'm serious, it's real bad out here, so don't make me take my words back and fight you.” She points her finger at him.

Holding his hands up in surrender, he flashes a smile. “I promise. I've never stepped out on anybody that ever gave me the time of day.”

“Mhm,”

“You don't believe me? You can personally ask all both of ‘em.”

“All– Leon, you've only had two girlfriends?” She questions, squinting at him as she takes another bite of her fries.

“What I gotta lie for?” He asks with another chuckle.

“I'm sorry, and don't take this the wrong way but… you are too fine to have only gone steady with two women.”

“While I'm flattered, I'm serious. My first girlfriend, Tia. We were in kindergarten, and while you don't think that's serious, we went steady all the way til seventh grade.”

“Really??”

“Yeah, we'd been neighbors since diapers or whatever, and our parents always said we'd either be enemies or friends, and we doubled it on the good side!” He laughs.

“Aw, that's the cutest thing I've ever heard. Seven years.”

“Yeah, you don't think about it when you're a kid, but yeah we were about thirteen or so, shared our actual first kiss and then things got all weird. Puberty was and still is the blame and we've actually agreed on this.”

“Was it an ugly breakup?”

“As ugly as it could be at that age, I suppose. She crossed the fence like usual, but she didn't look happy. In fact, I remember her crying and I didn't understand it then, but I totally got it years later. She felt like we couldn't be in a relationship and be friends like we were, and of course cause we didn't even know how to balance our own feelings, at the time. But I was angry. Accusatory, knowing I couldn't blame her for feeling the way she did, and we didn't talk for a long while.”

“Wow,” she says, waiting for him to continue.

“Well, I apologized, of course.” He laughs, making her do the same. “And she forgave me, and I was able to forgive myself. We're not as close as we used to be, but anytime she needs ol Leon to be a friend, I'm here.”

“Aw, how sweet of you.”

“Yeah, I do what I can, ya know?”

“Mhm. So what you do to the other one?”

“Oh, I'm sure you don't wanna hear about that.” He shakes his head.

“See, it's something you're afraid of sharing with me already?”

“Nah, it's just a little less cinematic.”

“So? If you're telling it, it's gonna be animated anyhow.”

“Cheap shots just keep getting cheaper,” he singsongs.

“Tell the story, Leon,” she mocks in the same fashion.

“Alright, fine. Sophomore year of high school to a little after our college graduation. Candy. Yes, that's her actual name. She was the wild girl to my wild boy. Anything you think we got into, we did it twice.” He shakes his own head.

“Tagged a building?” She asks.

“Try the whole neighborhood.” He scoffs. Her mouth drops.

“Y'all cut curfew and snuck in each other's dorms, didn't you?”

“We got caught so many times.” He answers, shaking his head at himself, again.

“Lord have mercy, I'm not gon guess no more.”

“Good, cause the answer might’ve been the same.” He laughs.

“Okay, alright. So what happen? She find another wild boy?”

“She found many other wild boys and left my ass in the dust, yes she did.”

“Damn, that's so harsh.”

“Can you imagine one of 'em being your friend?” He adds, making her mouth drop open again.

“What?!”

“Yeah, I definitely beat his ass.” He nods.

“That was my follow up question! I'm glad you did, cause what the hell? How'd you–”, she recollects and lowers her heightening tone, “how did you find out?”

“A little after graduation, she was supposed to be going to get her nails done with her girls for the party that night. But instead, she'd buttdialed me while they were making out. She told him that she was gonna dump me and they were gonna move in together and whatever the hell else.”

“I know you not supposed to lay a finger on her, but did you flick her ass in the nose at least?” She asks, reminding him of his fiery ass aunt.

“Nah, I got sisters to handle that. But even then, she wasn't worth it. Her stuff was definitely waiting for her on the curb and I went on my way.”

“Wow, I'm sorry that happened to you.”

He shrugs. “It's not the worst thing that's happened.”

“Yeah, I understand that. We've all got our woes.”

He nods, and they take a few minutes to continue eating. Enjoying the sun as it gets to its most golden point, shining down on their kissed skin.

“I get to hear about your woes?” He asks.

“Eh, they end up just like Candy. Their shit on the curb,” she clears her throat, “maybe a tire or three slashed.”

He gasps. “What??”

“You only get in trouble if you slash all four. If you're gonna do it, do it correctly.” She quips.

“Touché.”

“Plus, he deserved it. He slept with the bitch that tried to break into my car.”

“That pretty little bug over there?” He points just down the way.

“Yeah, she's been thuggin’ it out with me for a while now.” She gives a fond smile.

“Did you beat her ass?”

“And his, too.” She says with a roll of her neck, causing another gleaming smile and hearty laugh to come her way.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Stepping out of her wedges, she cracks her toes on her plush rug and sighs. The stereo is currently playing one of her old mixes off a burned cd. Her phone starts ringing, sending her back towards her bed to retrieve it.

“Hey ma,” she sings.

“Hey, my baby. How was your day?”

“It was actually really good,” she nods, placing her phone on speaker and she shifts through her t-shirts.

“Yeah? What happened?”

“Ugh, Pamela, don't be so nosy.” She snorts, knowing her mother would jerk her collar if she were near.

“Zora-Jean.”

“You and Nique, and that damn Zora-Jean! Please!” She laughs again, pulling the dark green, ninja turtles tee from the pile.

It's country, I know. But I love it. What else was your middle name supposed to be?” Pam questions.

“Yeah, you're right. I guess I'll relax. Just a little. Ooh, I wasn't supposed to tell on her, but she's been riding me all day bout shit— Nique first-named you on the phone the other night.”

“No she didn't!” She hollers.

“Yes she did!” Zora hollers back.

“Lord have mercy, Ima have to kick her where the sun don't shine.” She says, making Zora fall out in laughter.

“You so crazy, girl,” her mother remarks, as she comes back to. “But, why was your day so good? Yeah I'm being nosy, cause you usually always telling me about Cody… Cody?”

“Cory.”

“Yeah, him. Or some patron and their rude asses. So wassup? You find you some new flowers? Ooh, did you see the ones I shared with you?”

“Yes ma, I saw them. I liked the red bunch, that was really pretty, but no I already have my bunch for the next two weeks.”

“Okay so…”

“I met a man.” She smiles.

“Oh, you met a man.” She draws out.

“Yeah, a man.”

“Alright, what's different about this one?”

“He's an open book. First time I've seen, wrapped in mahogany brown skin. He's so fine, mama.”

“Ah, he knows how to communicate? Don't applaud a fish for swimmin’, Jean.”

Zora sucks her teeth, plopping down on the bed.

“You asked what was different, that's different. Jesus ma, relax.”

“You and this relax,”

“Try it, sometime. I think he's cool. He's a goof. Real tall and lanky, but muscular where it counts, like a voluptuous woman loves, apparently. That's what I seem to keep attracting, so… maybe this time it could be different. Can we leave some room for some hope? That's a lot for me too, but i'm doing it.”

Pamela sighs, taking in her youngest daughter's words.

“I hear you, baby. There's always room for hope.”

Ch 4

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