—lin.

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You and Marlon had just got back home from y’all’s lunch date. He took you to a new place that just opened up called “Lora’s Plaza.”

You’ve been raving about it for weeks and he listened. The two of yall had an amazing time spent with laughter, flirts, and great music.

-

Your hand is on his thigh as he parks the car in the driveway right behind Michael’s car that was also just parked. Marlon turns the car off and hops out, walking over to your side and opening your door.

“Thank you, babe,” you say. He gives you a smile. “And thank you for today, lunch was amazing,” Marlon kisses your lips.

“Anything for my lady,” he says. You laugh as the two of yall walk hand in hand.

“Well. Marlon, do you want to play?” Michael asks.

“Mike!” Jackie says.

“He just got back from his date, they gotta get an early start on desert,” Jermaine playfully says. You roll your eyes out of disgust and Marlon shakes his head.

You look over at a sad Michael who’s standing in front of his car.

“Play what Michael?” you ask.

“Oh nothing,” he mumbles. You let go of Marlon’s grip and walk over to him.

“Seriously, play what?” you repeat. He holds up the twister board.

“Wanna play with me?” he softly asks.

“Sure!” Michael’s eyes widen and he smiles.

“Okay! I’ll go set it up!” Michael says. He runs inside of the house. Marlon makes his way over to you.

“Why are you playing twister?” Marlon asks, jaw clenching.

“Because none of your brothers are playing with him,” you say.

“So.” he says

“So?” you repeat.

“So what?” he says.

“Marlon, your brother pays for the house that you live in. The least you can do is play Twister with him,” you say.

“Today was our day. Remember?” Marlon says. “Wake up, go to lunch, come back, sit by the pool, head to the bed…”

“We can still do all of that after I play twister with your brother,” you tell him.

“Well, I don’t want you to,” Marlon says.

“Well, I don’t care what you want me to do,” you say. “I’m playing twister.”

“No you’re not,” he sternly says.

“I’m not doing this with you right now,” you bluntly say. “I’ve been having a great day so far, excuse me for being a better person than you,”

And with that you walk off from him. His brothers watching the entire performance. Jermaine lets out a low whistle

"Shut up!" Marlon yells.

"Michael about to steal your girl." Randy says.

You head inside. Marlon is quick on your heels.

“So you truly think it’s okay for you to hangout in MY brothers bedroom, playing some twisting game.” Marlon genuinely asks.

“You’re speaking on Michael like he’ll make a move on me!” You fire back, turning back around to face him.

“You’re not playing Twister!” Marlon says. You shake your head at him and rolls your eyes. “That’s disrespectful to me.”

“You’re not the boss of me,” you say.

"But you're MY girlfriend," Marlon says. “I’m not letting you bend over in front of my brother!” Marlon says.

“I’m not bending over in front of Michael, I’m simply playing twister with him!!” you repeat. “Can’t you see how lonely he is?”

“He’s not lonely!” Marlon defends.

“What is he then?” you ask.

“Look that’s not my issue, you’re my priority,” Marlon says.

“Oh shut up Marlon, give me a break.” you say.

“You give me a break! Let’s go sit by the pool.” Marlon says. “You love the pool.”

“Y/N!” Michael calls from the living room. You give Marlon a smile. You kiss his cheek and open the door leading to the room Michael is in.

——-

You and Michael play twister for the next hour. Your bodies become more and more tangled up as the rounds go on. The score is 2-4. Michael is obviously the winner.

“How come you’re so good at this?” you ask Michael, all out of breath.

“Me and Bubbles play all the time!” Michael admits, laughing while scratching his arm. You laugh with him before becoming serious again.

“Look Mike, if you ever want somebody to play board games with you, I’m always here,” you tell him.

“No Y/N, it’s fine.” Michael starts. “I know you’re busy and all.

“Trust me, I’m never busy enough to beat you in a board game,” you say.

“Please!” Michael laughs. “You’ve been doing nothing but losing.”

“Alright alright, don’t get cocky on me now,” you say.

You and Michael continue to play Twister until the door opens. You have your left foot on red and your right hand on green. You’re leaning over Michaels tangled body.

Your head whips to the door after hearing your boyfriend clear his throat. Marlon has his arms crossed.

"Having fun?" Marlon asks.

"So much fun!" Michael obliviously shouts. Marlon shakes his head. Micahel flicks the spinner and moves his dot, accidentally moving his face to where it has a perfect view of your butt.

"Mike, move," Marlon says.

"Huh?" Michael says.

"Move," Marlon repeats.

"Why?" Michael asks.

"Because that's my girlfriend." Marlon answers.

"We're playing twister," Michael says.

"I can see that."

"Then why are you asking me to move?" Michael asks. "I'm about to win."

“One sec, Mike,” you say. You get up and walk over to him.

“Hey.” you say.

“Hi.” Marlon says back.

“You still mad princess?” you ask him.

“Don’t play with me,” Marlon says. You look away and then back towards him.

“What are you so worried about, babe?” you ask him.

“What do you think?”

“That’s why I’m asking you.” you reiterate.

“Since when did your mouth get so smart?” Marlon asks you. You open and close your mouth.

“Marlon, it’s just a game of twister,” you reassure. “It’s not like I’m going to marry your brother.”

He shakes his head, poking his tongue against his cheek.

“You’re just gonna have to trust me on this one,” you say. He looks you deep in your eyes, in deep thought. “Baby,” you softly say.

“I can’t believe you chose twister over me,” Marlon says.

“I didn’t choose twister over you, Marlon!” you defend.

“Yes, you did,” Marlon fires back. “He's taking all of the attention.” he starts to pout his lips.

“You’re over reacting.”

“ I just care a lot,” Marlon says. You sigh.

“Come play with us then if you feel some type of way,” you suggest. Marlon scoffs.

“I’m not playing some children’s game,” Marlon argues. You smile and pull at his arm

He complains and squirms but you continue to move him over to the mat.

“You ready to play?!” Michael happily asks. “Oh! Marlon are you playing too?”

You look over at Marlon and give him a look.

He rolls his eyes, “Yeah, I’ll play Mike.”

The three of y'all play, Marlon would shoot glares to Michael if he got to close and would purposely shake the mat to see you fall.

Randy opens the door next.

"If it isn't my favorite throuple," Randy jokes, grabbing a brush from off Michael's dresser.

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Truth be told, you don't even know why you came out in the first place. Well actually, the answer to that is simple. Your best friend, Brielle. She practically dragged you out of the house. Her excuse: "You shouldn't be moping around"

-

"What even is the meaning for this?” you ask your friend. You look around the crowded room that you just walked into. Brielle interrupted your study session and made you get all dressed up for the new club that opened up a couple of blocks down. "There is no meaning Y/N!" Bri says. "You're out and about in a mini sparkly backless dress, be happy," she says. And with that she grabs your hand and pulls you to the bar.

"Drinks on you?" you ask.

"Drinks on Calvin!" Bri corrects. Calvin is Bri's brand new boyfriend for a grand three days (new record of hers) and he's loaded with cash.

“Of course it is,” you sarcastically say. Bri orders the drinks and the bartender hands them out to the two of you. You slouch over, boredom written all over your face.

“Chin up, shoulders back, and have fun!” Bri says, she downs her drink and scans the room. You roll your eyes.

“Bri, what are you up to?” you curiously ask. She gives you a mischievous smile. “I swear, if you leave me-”

“Byeeee gorgeous!!!” she sings and she’s already out of your sight.

You throw your head back out of frustration, looking back over to your drink that’s staring you down.

“I should be at home in my pajamas eating ice cream but noooo,” you say to yourself. You pick up the drink and take baby sips.

All of a sudden, the lights inside of the club dim. The music from the speakers whirls up. Everyone makes their way to the dance floor.

You roll your eyes, downing your drink. You leave the glass at the counter and walk towards the dance floor. The curtains on the stage began to shake, the announcer comes out.

"Is everyone having a good time tonight?" he asks, clearly tipsy. The crowd cheers and claps. The announcer chuckles. "Good to hear, well for tonight, I have a special team of performers for ya."

The crowd gets louder, everyone inching closer to the stage.

"Enjoy!" and with that, the announcer walks off the stage. The velvet red curtains began to shake and open, revealing five brothers. Three, that are in front of the microphones and two, that are back playing the instruments.

"Is that the Jackson 5?" you hear a group of girls scream in sync.

What did Brielle get you into?

Michael begins to sing. His voice fills the room as everyone yells.

Everyone in the club starts to dance. Couples come together to grind against one another or hold each other to the beat.

"Captivating, stimulating She's such a sexy lady Filled with space age design"

While Michael sings he interacts with the crowd. You can't help but sway your hips to the sound of his voice. Michael is engaging but your eyes wander to the brother next to him. Slightly taller than him, sporting the biggest smile. As if he notices that you're staring, he looks directly over to you.

Jermaine joins in while Michael dances

"She's moving, she's grooving Dancing until the music stops, now Yeah"

Michael spins again, getting tied up with the microphone chord but smoothly spins out of it.

"Rhythmatic, acrobatic She's a dynamite attraction At the drop of a coin she comes alive, yeah She knows what she's doing She's super bad now She's geared to really blow your mind"

Then he glides across the stage, doing the robot. The crowd goes wild, hooting and hollering over him and his brother's moving in sync.

After the dance, Michael continues to sing. The brothers sing together, pointing at the crowd as they cheer for them. The beat starts to get steady as the singing stops.

Marlon takes his microphone off the stand and speaks, making his way down the staircase. You could've sworn he was coming your way.

"I think it's time that somebody from this crowd shows us what they got," Marlon says, eyes locked on you.

Marlon picks up the pace and stands in front of you, he grabs your hand and pulls you towards him. A crowd of people circle around the two of you, cheering both of you on.

You shake your head "no." Only making him pull you closer.

"You got it," Marlon says. He spins and then takes your hand, spinning you. Your body is frozen. "You don't like to dance?" Marlon asks you into the microphone.

"Make her dance Marlon!" Jackie says from the stage.

"Dance dance dance" the crowd starts to chant.

“Nope,” you shake your head. Your face is filled with embarrassment. He shakes his head with a laugh.

“I think you’re just nervous,” he says. You tilt your head in confusion at him. "Come on, cha cha to the left and then to the right."

You attempt to follow his rules but instead you step on his foot. But, Marlon doesn't mind. He laughs and dances with you slowly.

You try to follow his foot movements again, familiarizing yourself with the pattern. He spins you again. The process repeats.

"Like this?" you ask.

"You got it, Baby." Marlon says. The two of you dance some more. Your nerves relaxed and your body was no longer feeling tensed. You and Marlon flowed perfectly together. His left hand lowers to your hip. His brothers still singing the interlude for the dance break while Tito strings out the beat on his guitar.

You spin once more, your chest pressed to his.

"Alright now, Marlon." Michael says. "We see you!" The crowd cheers in response.

You and Marlon stare at each other while dancing. His eyes flicker down to your lips and then back up. You pull yourself off of him. He walks backwards to the stage, still looking at you before fully turning around.

The brothers sing and dance some more before ending the song.

"Thank you Vegas!!!" Michael shouts. You can't wipe the toothy smile off your face and nor can Marlon, his eyes are still on you.

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Janet is your best friend. You two have been so close since forever. Y'all always have sleepovers, go shopping together, watch movies, everything. Y'all have an inseparable bond. But with that comes the non-stop loudness of her brothers.

Janet is always going on and on about how specifically Marlon and Michael are the rowdiest ones.

You don't believe it though, every time you go over to Janet's house, Marlon is quiet and shy. Barely looking your way.

---

Summer

"See! I told you Janet, this skirt is way too long," you complain, twirling in front of her bedroom window.

"Your skirts are practically belts." Janet says.

“They’re suppose to be!” you defend. She rolls her eyes and flips through the magazine.

“I swear my husband has to look as good as the models in here,” Janet says, eyes glued to the page before flipping it around to show you.

“Forget looks, I want mine to have a brain for a change.” you say. You remove the skirt.

“That’s rare,” Janet jokes.

The two of you laugh together.

“Is my bikini cute?” you ask.

“Yeah, the color is pretty.” she tells you.

“Great!!” you say. “Oh and guess what!!”

“What?”

“I booked my belly piercing appointment.” you cheer.

“Are you serious?!” Janet asks. “I asked my mom and-” Shouts and laughter are coming from downstairs.

“Ugh I can’t even hear myself speak.” Janet complains. You giggle. “You ready to go swim?”

“Let’s do it.” you say. You and Janet walk out of her room and down the stairs, getting closer and closer to the living room where all the brothers are chilling.

Marlon is up in the middle cracking jokes loudly, his brothers laughing at him.

“Could you guys be any louder?” Janet asks. Marlon turns around to say a comment until he sees you.

“Oh.. sorry,” Marlon goes quiet and sits back down. The brothers eye Marlon.

“Sorry, you know how Marlon thinks he’s a comedian,” Randy says. “Hey Y/N”

“Hey Randy,” you say back. “Hey boys,” you say to the others. In sync they all speak, Marlon a little delayed, his eyes facing his hands in his lap.

“We’ll be out by the pool,” Janet says, taking your hand once again and leading you outside.

“Okay, so this dream, it was so scary man I mean-” Jermaine starts.

“I’m bored,” Marlon blurts.

“You’re bored?” Jermaine asks.

“Yeah, let’s like, I don’t know,” Marlon starts. “Go outside? Play basketball.”

The brothers look at each other again.

“But we just got back inside,” Tito says.

“And you were just complaining about the heat,” Jermaine adds.

“Well you know, I’m feeling a little cold,” Marlon lies.

“If you say so,” Randy says. The brothers all get up and head outside to where they play basketball.

Once Marlon walks out the door he sees you cracking jokes with Jackie and Michael who are by the grill.

“So you’re just not gonna feed me?” you ask Jackie and Michael.

“Foods not ready,” Michael says shyly.

“And no special treatment,” Jackie adds.

“Guess I’ll starve!” you dramatically say, walking from them. The two boys laugh as you walk away. “Hey Marlon!” you say, walking towards Marlon.

“Hey,” he says quickly. You pause in front of him.

“How’s it going?” you ask.

“Perfect.” Marlon blurts out.

“That’s great!” you tell him.

“Totally.” he responds. You give him one more smile before walking away. Before Marlon knew it, he let out a deep breath he didn’t even know he was holding.

“You good?” Tito asks him. “You look like you saw a ghost.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Marlon says. Tito gives him one last look. He notices that Marlon’s eyes keep wandering back over to where you’re with.

“So, are you going to join us in basketball?” Tito asks. Marlon is pulled from the trance of you applying sunscreen to your body and turns to Tito.

“Right behind you,” Marlon says. Tito shakes his head and walks away. You look up from your leg and towards Marlon, he quickly whips his head from you and walks off.

“Is it just me or is your brother acting a bit off?” you ask Janet.

“They’re always acting off,” she answers.

“But really off,” you clarify.

“Which one?” Janet asks.

“Marlon,” you whisper. Janet stops setting up the umbrella and looks towards where Marlon is.

“He’s his normal bubbly self,” she says. You shrug your shoulders, dipping your legs in the pool. Occasionally you'd catch Marlon looking over, The second your eyes met, he'd look somewhere else.

Unfortunately, Randy catches this. Randy picks up the nearest Sprite can and walks over to Marlon.

"Y/N was asking for a Sprite, I have to go help Jackie, so hand this to her," Randy says, shoving it into Marlon's hand. Marlon grips the Sprite, looking over at you.

"Kill me," Marlon whispers, he slowly walks back over to you. "Hey Y/N, here you go,"

You and Janet look up at him.

"She didn't ask for one?" Janet says. Marlon's eyes widen.

"Hush!" you whisper to Janet. You bring your hand up to grab the Sprite, touching his fingers. Something in Marlon's body tenses once he feels the warmth of your fingertips. "Thank you Mar," you say.

Marlon musters out a nod before walking away. He sits down right next to Randy.

"You suck, she didn't ask for a Sprite." Marlon says.

"Wow! Really?" Randy sarcastically asks. "Did you touch her hand? "What do you mean?" Marlon asks.

"You know, when you handed her the drink, did y'alls hands touch??" Randy pushes.

"Oh shut up Randy," Marlon says.

"Seriously though! You're sweating so hard," Randy says.

"Cause it's hot," Marlon defends.

"You just said it was cold." Randy tells him.

“Foods ready, go get the girls,” Jackie says, more so to Marlon. Marlon points at himself to clarify if Jackie was asking him but Jackie is already walking off. Randy rubs Marlon's shoulders and pulls him up.

"Game face on," Randy says.

Marlon hypes himself up again before walking back over to you and Janet.

You look up from your Sprite and towards him. His breath hitches.

“Back again? Hey Mar,” you say. Marlon’s mouth opens and closes. You could’ve sworn he was sweating.

“Hey.” he says. The two of you stare at each other for the next minute.

“Marlon?” Janet asks. Marlon pulls his eyes from you.

“Foods ready,” he mumbles and walks off.

“That was weird.” Janet says.

“Very,” you squint your eyes watching him walk off. He trips over a stick, looking back to see if you’re watching. Once he does, he walks faster. You tilt your head at him.

———

Jackie is passing out the food at the table. As you and Janet are walking up Marlon is making jokes.

“I’m gonna miss your food so much while you’re at the nursing home,” Marlon says.

“I’m only 36..” Jackie defends. The boys laugh.

“Okay im just gonna address the elephant in the room,” Jermaine says. “Why do you get so awkward around Y/N?” he asks.

“What?” Marlon says, almost choking on his water.

“Oh come on, it’s like you freeze up when she’s near,” Randy adds.

“I don’t freeze up!” Marlon defends.

“Yes you do,” the brothers say in sync. Marlon rolls his eyes.

“If I knew any better, I’d think you have a crush on Janet’s friend.” Jermaine says.

“Good thing you don’t get paid for thinking,” Marlon says.

“Oh come on Mar,” Tito says, mocking your voice.

“Shut up Tito,” Marlon says.

“Can I sit next to you?” you ask Marlon, motioning to the empty seat next to him. He looks up and back down towards his lap, shaking his head yes.

You plop down next to him, shoulders touching.

His brothers looking at both of y’all.

Jermaine playfully shoves his shoulder, making Marlon push himself into your side.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to,” Marlon quickly says.

“You’re fine Mar,” you say. “Relax.”

Marlon doesn’t know how you have this effect on him. His palms are practically an ocean yet he feels at home when you're near.

"Can you do me a favor?" you ask Marlon out of the blue.

"Sure," he answers.

"Could you tie my bikini really tight?" you turn around and have your back face him. Marlon's jaw drops, as he looks over to his brothers for help.

"What do I do??" he mouths.

"Tie it dumbass" Jermaine mouths. Marlon scratches his neck. Jermaine rolls his eyes, he grabs Marlon's hands and throws them at your back.

Marlon grips the strings and ties them. His hands rapidly shake and he almost forgets how to breathe.

"All done," he says.

"Thank you Mar," you squeeze his arm. Now that killed him. His brothers silently laugh before Jackie clears the air.

“How have you been?” Jackie asks you.

“I’ve been good, I’m only in town for a wedding.” you explain.

“She still needs a date,” Janet adds.

“I don’t have to have a date!” you say.

“I think you should,” Jermaine flirts.

“If you’re offering then I’m denying,” you mumble. Everyone laughs, except Marlon, he’s too busy picking at his nails.

“What are you looking for in a date?” Michael asks, redirecting the question.

“Eh, nothing much really. I’m planning on leaving early so I guess somebody who would keep me awake,” you answer. Michael shoots Marlon a look.

Marlon turns his head away from Michael.

“Or someone who’s a good dancer, I'd love to dance,” you add. Michael kicks Marlon’s leg.

“OW” Marlon blurts out.

“Are you okay?” you ask.

“Yeah…” he mumbles.

“Okay, I can’t sit here for any longer,” Tito says. “I have the perfect person for you to take on your date.” Marlon looks up at Tito who’s already looking at him. Tito offers a mischievous look and then looks over at you.

“Take Michael.”

Marlon’s mouth drops, all of the brothers looking over at Tito.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Janet obliviously says. You think for a moment.

“Are you okay with that Michael?” you ask. Michael looks over at Marlon and then back at you.

“Uhm, sure. Let’s do it,” Michael says.

“Okay, well, I’m wearing a black satin dress,” you say. Marlon rolls his eyes at Michael.

“I have to use the bathroom,” Marlon interjects. Jumping up from his spot and speed walking inside. Your eyes follow his body.

“Okay, am I the only one noticing something is wrong with Marlon??” you ask the brothers. They all look in between each other.

“We’ll go check on him,” Michael says, pulling Tito’s arm with him.

“Let me finish my burger,” Tito says but Michael is already pulling him.

———

The two brothers walk into the house and see Marlon pacing back and forth.

“Marlon,” Michael starts.

“How could you!?” Marlon yells. “My own brother, really?”

“Tito volunteered me!” Michael defends.

“You could’ve said no you traitor,” Marlon says.

“Wait wait,” Tito says but Michael begins speaking.

“Well maybe you should just man up and ask to be her date!” Michael yells back.

“I’m nervous! Every time she comes near me I start to shake or freeze, I can’t talk to her!” Marlon blurts out, pacing faster.

Marlon turns and points at Tito.

“And you know exactly what you’re doing,” Marlon says. Tito throws up his arms.

“If you like her so much then maybe go tell her?” Tito recommends. Marlon scoffs, plopping down on the couch, head in his hands.

“What’s the worst that could happen Marlon?” Michael asks.

“Have you seen her, Mike?” Marlon says.

“Yes? I was just outside with her,” Michael says.

“No Mike, have you seen her?” Marlon says. “She’s beautiful, she’d never go for a guy like me.”

Tito and Michael sit on the sides of Marlon.

“Don’t say that about yourself Marlon,” Michael says.

“It’s true. She’s everything and more. And I’m just, Marlon,” he says. Tito sighs.

“Marlon, take a chance.” Tito says. “Don’t think, just do.”

“Plus, you’re a good dancer and you’re funny!” Michael adds. Marlon thinks for a second.

“I know, but” he starts.

“Listen here Marlon, if you don’t go ask Y/N to be her date then Ima make Jermaine go with her.” Tito says.

“Wait but I thought I-” Michael interjects.

“And you already know how that love story is gonna end if Jermaine gets his hands on her.” Tito continues.

“That’s true, you’d be an uncle,” Michael agrees.

Marlon inhales and exhales. He stands up from the couch. Tito and Michael share looks.

“He’s actually doing it??” Tito asks. “I didn’t think that’d work.”

Marlon walks towards the back door and opens it, walking back over to the table.

“Marlon!” You say.

“Y/N.” Marlon starts. You give him a weird look. “I want to be your date to the wedding,” he blurts.

Janet’s head whips to Marlon.

“You want to be my date, like date date?” you ask

“Yes, I’ll pick you up and bring you back home,” Marlon starts. “And hopefully, when you’re back in town we can go on another date.”

You open your mouth and close it. Janet leans over to you.

“I know you're looking for a man with a brain, he’s the closest brother to it,” Janet whispers. You giggle at her comment.

“Marlon, I’d love for you to be my date and I’d love to have another date afterwards,” you say.

Marlon finally relaxes, sporting the hugest smile ever.

In sync, the brothers cheer.

"Wait, y'all knew" you ask, confused about all the cheers.

“Absolutely, but my expectations were low, I’m happy you said yes,” Jackie says, wiping away invisible sweat.

Marlon shakes his head while laughing. You look over at him and smile. For once, Marlon doesn't look away anxiously, he smiles back.

“Right? I thought I was next in line after Michael,” Jermaine adds.

“Oh please, the ladies like their men younger,” Randy says.

“Come sit down,” you tell Marlon, patting the seat next to you. He rushes over and sits next to you.

“Alright easy now,” Jackie says.

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I need Marlon so bad, who got a time machine???

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It's 11:24 p.m.

You're sitting on top of Marlon's bed in your cutest pajamas waiting for him to show up. He promised that he'd be back home by 8 so you two could go out to dinner. But clearly, he's not here.

You let out another disappointed sigh.

You hear the front door open, his and his brothers voices are heard. Marlon's footsteps creep up the stairs, pausing at his bedroom door. The door opens and he walks in.

"I didn't think you'd still be awake," Marlon says, leaning in to give you a kiss.

"I don't know why you would think that," you say bluntly, dodging the kiss. "Especially given the fact that you promised me to a date tonight," Marlon immediately brings his hand to massage his forehead.

"Baby, I'm so sorry. I lost track of time. It slipped my mind," Marlon says.

"It slipped your mind?" you repeat.

"Baby." Marlon tries.

"Nope, it's whatever," you interrupt, you refuse to look at him. Marlon's face of regret turns to confusion.

"What?" he asks.

"I said, it's whatever," you climb underneath the cover, turning off the bedside lamp. Marlon freezes before walking over. He opens his mouth to say something but opts against it. He heads to the bathroom to shower before turning around.

"Wanna join me?" Marlon asks. You flip over onto your side, ignoring him.

---

The next morning you decided to keep yourself busy and away from Marlon so you woke up bright and early. You did your morning routine and dressed up in the cutest sundress. You quickly rushed out of the house. You went shopping, got your nails done, had brunch, and raced cars with Bill.

Afterwards, you come back to the shared family-home. You walk over to the living room and kick your feet up. Marlon enters.

"There you are! I woke up all alone this morning," Marlon says, he reaches down to kiss your lips but you turn your head. You grab the remote and turn on the television.

Marlon looks at you for a long time before going in for another kiss. You dodge it again. He opens his mouth but Michael walks in.

"Hey Marlon and Y/N," Michael says.

"Hey Michael!" the two of you say in sync. You get up from your spot and follow Michael to the kitchen.

"Did you bring back food?" Michael asks.

"Yeah, for you, Jermaine, Jackie, Randy, Tito, Toya," you say. Michael shakes his head in response and looks over at Marlon who's sad because his name wasn’t mentioned.

You walk away from the kitchen and back into the living room, Marlon follows behind you yet again, like a lost puppy.

"Baby, I said I was sorry," Marlon says. Randy hops onto the couch, changing the television channel. "Please, talk to me," he whispers.

"This silent treatment stuff is so childish." he mumbles.

"I don't even know what you're apologizing for but you just dug yourself a bigger hole," Randy laughs.

"Hey Randy," you start.

"What's up?" Randy asks.

"If you promised your girlfriend to a dinner that has been planned weeks in advance and you still manage to be hours late without calling her beforehand, do you think she has the right to be mad at you?" you ask him. Randy thinks for a second, scratching his chin.

"I wouldn't know, I'm married to the streets not a girl," he jokes. You roll your eyes and huff, looking back over at the television.

"I'm sorry," Marlon groans. You ignore him.

"Randy, can you tell Y/N that I'm sorry," Marlon asks Randy.

"Randy, can you tell Marlon that I don't care and he screwed up," you ask Randy.

"Marlon, Y/N said that you have a huge head and Y/N, Marlon said he's cheating on you," Randy says. "Thank me later." he hops up and walks away.

"Baby." Marlon tries.

"Love" "Y/N"

"Pleaseeee" he begs, now standing in front of you. You just scoot over.

"Y/N, come on!" he begs again. "Can you just yell at me already?!" he blurts. You finally look at him.

"Yell at you?" you ask.

"Yes..." You shake your head and just look away. "Throw something, yell at me, this silent treatment is awful,"

You pick at the thread on the couch. Marlon covers your view of the television again, this time, sitting down on the coffee table.

"Y/N, I know that I screwed up, it won't happen again," Marlon says.

"You said that last time," you say.

"Baby-" "No, Marlon!" you start. "You promised me to dinner" "I had to work," "You always have to work!" you cut him off. "It's like there's never time for us," you continue.

Marlon looks at you, he rests his head on the palm of his hand. It's silent for the next few minutes.

"You don't care anymore," you add. Marlon shakes his head.

"I'll never stop caring," Marlon promises.

"You sure have a way of showing it," you say.

"That's not fair," Marlon says.

"How?" you ask. "How is it not fair?"

"Because I work hard for us," Marlon defends.

"Marlon, I know you do," you say.

"Then why are you treating this situation like I just don't care?" he asks. You open your mouth to speak.

"Caring isn't saying that you care Marlon, it's showing up." He goes quiet and looks down at the carpet.

"And you never show up." you add.

"I didn't realize that I was making you feel like you weren't a priority" Marlon mutters.

"I shouldn't have to beg my boyfriend to show up," you say.

"You're right," Marlon says. "I've been absent in my own relationship and I'm sorry." You smile at him.

"We just have to work together." you suggest.

"Definitely and I promise I will do better," Marlon starts. "You mean more to me more than I've been showing you lately." he says. You smile and hug him, he takes you into his lap.

"Y'all duke it out yet?" Randy asks, sitting back down on the couch.

"We're fine, Randy," you say.

"Good, cool cool." Randy mutters. "So uhm, you know that friend you have, Tiffany, right?" Randy asks you.

"What about her?" you ask.

"She single?" Randy asks.

"You can't be doing this right now," Marlon says. "I just got my lady back," he adds in between gritted teeth.

"And Marlon, I respect that, but Tiffany looking a little too fine lately." Randy says.

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Have yall seen Jermajesty’s new Instagram post??? I wanna make a petition for him to bring the buzzcut back👀