Mrs. Wright

Riri Williams could destroy you, and if this past week were to serve as testament, you were more than willing to permit your own demise. Her kisses were compelling like that. Her touch, even more so. She had a way of pulling you into her gravity, making the world tilt until there was nothing but her lips pressed right against your teeth.

Truthfully, you'd lost count of the number of times Riri’s mouth had found yours over the past eight days, but you’d never forget the intensity of each collision. Every kiss was fiercer than the last—more dizzying, more desperate—each laced with something you couldn’t name, but were terrified to let go of.

And they happened everywhere.

In the stairwell after class, her fingers tugging at your hoodie like she’d die if she went a second longer without tasting you. In the back of her car, with the windows fogged up, where she’d bite your bottom lip, making you whimper into the taste of her lip gloss. She was feral, just as insatiable as you. Maybe even more so, you’d realized, because not even public settings seemed to deter her.

It was risky, the way she had leaned in too close in the library, and pressed her soft lips up against your ear in a hushed whisper, palms resting too high on your thigh. You hadn't pushed her away though, hadn't denied her there in the open, and she knew you wouldn't.

Because you didn't want to.

Every moment spent with her felt like an awakening. You hadn't known you’d only been existing, not living, until her, until she touched you in her car that night, and cracked open something that was buried deep inside. Feelings you didn't think could ever be real, sensations that stirred every cell in your body. A mere brush of her hand against your waist alone carried more weight than hours spent with Hakeem. And when she left, the heat of her frame pressed into yours lingered, a phantom ache that made you want to chase after her.

Riri made you feel everything all at once, and her touches made you believe she was stripping away every lie you told yourself.

But of course, that ecstasy wouldn't last forever. Because the guilt always found you, even when you thought Riri’s embrace would thwart it off.

Every time she left you, you were assaulted with the shame of what you two were doing, mortification barreling into your chest like a brick. You’d tried to fight it, the inferno that ignited every time she was in your presence, tried to douse it by convincing yourself the feelings weren't real. You didn't feel that way about her. You couldn't feel that way about her. But, evidently, the denial didn't stick. And you still went home to Hakeem after every heated rendezvous with his best friend. You still smiled and played your part, and pretended as if you weren’t walking around with Riri’s fingerprints etched into your skin.

Sometimes it made you feel like you were splitting in half—the version of you that belonged to him, and the version that came alive under her. And yet, no matter how much you told yourself to slow down, to stop, to breathe—the truth was simple, you couldn’t wait for the next time her lips would meet yours, and her fingers would slip into your soaked panties.

You forced the thoughts away, snapping yourself back into the present before the weight of it—Hakeem, the lies, the shame of wanting her at all—crushed you completely, deciding to put all your focus into your computer screen, and the powerpoint presentation staring back at you.

You tapped your pen against the desk in time with the cursor blinking on your laptop, staring at the notes and graphs covering your screen, and the slides that were still half-finished. You were in full work mode, hunched over, laser-focused. Or at least you were trying to be, until your mind began to drift to your sins committed with the gorgeous girl sprawled out on your bed like she owned it.

Riri looked mighty comfortable in your sheets, one arm tucked behind her head, the other lazily scrolling her phone. Her laptop sat closed beside her, untouched for at least the last thirty minutes. Unlike you, the genius engineer couldn't really seem to be bothered with the power point, insisting that the DeltaLab Symposium wasn't really a big deal.

Maybe it wasn't to her, but to you, the money you could receive was one more ticket out, one that kept you far away from home.

You glanced back at her and rolled your eyes, ignoring the flutters in your stomach at the sight of her just lounging in your bed, like she belonged there.

“You know,” She started, her voice smooth and taunting, “we could be doing something way more fun right now.”

“Uh-huh,” You muttered without looking up, scribbling a line of calculations into your notebook, already knowing what she was suggesting.

“I’m serious.” She tossed her phone aside, rolling onto her stomach now, chin propped in her hand as she watched you like you were her entertainment. “Here I am, waiting for you to stop acting like this symposium is the end of the world. Meanwhile, your lips look bored as hell without me.”

You shot her a look over your shoulder, the corners of your mouth twitching despite yourself. “My lips are busy. With work. Something you should be doing too, by the way, unless you want us to literally crash and burn this weekend.”

Riri snorted, turning off of her stomach so that she was sitting up now, at the edge of the bed. “Please. I can freestyle half this shit in my sleep. All those rich assholes are gonna love me, and Ima win you all the scholarship money in the world.”

“Cocky much?” You rolled your eyes and turned back to your screen.

“I ain't cocky, just… extremely confident,” She corrected, grinning. “And I won't even ask for much from you in return–” She trailed off as she slid off the bed and padded over to you, leaning her weight onto the back of your chair until her lips were brushing the shell of your ear. “Just a kiss… but not on your mouth.”

You stiffened, biting back a moan when her breath skimmed your face, “Riri…” You warned, pushing her shoulder gently but firmly, “Presentation. Focus.”

She clicked her tongue, pulling back with a mock scowl, “Ion like how you be shooting me down. It's mean, and you're no fun.”

“I think you’ll live.”

“I might not,” She muttered dramatically, dragging herself back to the bed and flopping onto it with a groan. “Deprivation. Neglect. Both valid causes of death for somebody who desperately needs attention.”

You shook your head, smirking despite your best efforts. This was how it had been all week, her needling you, pushing just enough to make you fluster, then sulking when you didn’t bend. And you? You tried to ignore her antics, keep your head down, stay productive. But the truth was, she’d already made herself the center of your universe without even trying.

You knew you couldn't resist her for long, but you pretended to focus on the slide you were working on anyway, blinking away the flashes of her hot mouth and slick tongue just as fast as they appeared behind your lids. This was good. This was safe. Sitting at your desk, fingers tapping at your keyboard, eyes locked on the same bullet point you’d read five times and still couldn’t process. This was good. This was safe.

You repeated the wobbly lie, trying to turn it steady. If you stayed seated, if you stayed busy, you weren’t doing anything wrong, you weren't crossing any lines. This was just… homework. If she stayed on the bed, and you stayed at your desk, there would be no physical contact, and that burning desire in your chest would fade away. Right?

“So, about this weekend, what's the plan? Like what time are we leaving and stuff?” Riri asked, her voice cutting through your thoughts.

You blinked, grateful for the distraction, though still somewhat annoyed by her question. “Friday. We already discussed this like five times, Ri. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can check into the hotel and actually have time to breathe before the symposium starts.”

“Ohh, right…” Riri’s grin was audible in her voice. “My bad. Guess I forgot, you know with all the… activities we been up to and shit.”

You didn’t need to look at her to know she had her eyes on you, probably smirking as she watched for the way her words would get under your skin. Heat crept up your neck as flashes of your limbs, hers—tangled in sheets, tried to wedge their way into your mind. You rolled your eyes hard, like it would physically knock the images out of your head.

You sighed, “Riri–”

“You know I like the way my name sound coming out your mouth, ma.”

“Riri.” Your voice sharpened, the edge of a scolding tucked into it, but she didn’t flinch.

You could hear the smirk in her voice when she responded, all smooth, and seduction soaked, “Mhmm. Just like that.”

Your skin prickled as a surge of heat traveled up your neck, burning your ears and your face. God, she was fucking impossible. How was it that she could take a single word—her own name—and transform it into something so filthy? The act made your pulse sprint. You should be mad at her, you wanted to be mad at her, for not taking this as seriously as you were, for not having as much to lose as you did if this all failed.

But, as always, something else beat out the irritation buzzing beneath your pulse, that steady thrum of want you'd grown embarrassingly fond of. It disgusted you how quickly it rose to the surface. How easily she pulled it out of you with nothing more than a grin and a tone that curled around your spine.

You clenched your jaw, trying to ignore the ache pooling in your stomach. Guilt pressed against your ribs, but it didn't extinguish the fire—the voice in your head was louder than ever in this present moment, amplifying how hot and bothered you were by Riri’s words.

“You know I like the way my name sound coming out your mouth, ma.”

There was no use even pretending to focus on your work now. Defeated, you let your hands fall away from your keyboard, pressing your palms against your thighs like grounding yourself could somehow stop her likeness from coating every corner of your mind. But she was already there, rent free as always, saturating the entire space.

And you were powerless against it.

With a resigned breath, you turned to fully face her for the first time since fleeing to your desk, and the sight only made things worse. Just as you’d suspected, she was already smirking, her phone abandoned at her side as all her attention locked onto your flushed face. Her arms were folded across her chest, the hem of her cropped shirt riding up just enough to reveal a strip of toned abs and the waistband of her briefs. She looked good. The kind of good that made your teeth graze your bottom lip before you could stop yourself. And of course, she noticed.

“You checking me out, ma?” She asked, smug as ever, her eyes glittering like she’d been waiting to catch yours.

You rolled your eyes, trying to pretend your insides didn't twist and tingle every time she called you ma as you tried to regain the upper hand. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

She wasn't buying the act and you knew it, yet still, you chose to maintain your stern tone. “Can you please take this seriously, Ri?”

“Who said I wasn't–”

You cut her off, “This is important. For the both of us. If we fuck this up we’ll regret it later. I’ll regret it.”

Her teasing grin softened at the edges, but her eyes were still dancing, not nearly as repentant as her next words tried to be. “Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” She pushed herself upright, resting her back against the headboard now, her tone dipping into seriousness, “So, who's all going from our class anyway?”

You sighed, dragging her name through your teeth. “Riri, did you even read the email Dr. Lucas sent us like two weeks ago?”

She hesitated, lips twitching. “I might’ve… skimmed it a lil bit.”

You blinked at her, dumbfounded, torn between laughing or shaking her until her eyes popped. But before you could decide, she cracked first, bursting out in laughter, the sound bubbling up warm and rich, infecting the air between you. Her giggles chipped away at your frustration, tugged at the corners of your lips until your resolve splintered.

Still, you couldn't let her get off that easily.

You pushed back from your desk and crossed the room, snatching up a pillow to swing down on her legs. “It’s not funny, Ri!”

“It’s kinda funny.” She wheezed, trying and failing to shield herself as you landed soft, harmless blows.

Your own laugh slipped out against your will, dissolving the last of your irritation. But you didn’t stop, your words came with the playful jabs, a joking cadence wrapped around the truth. “If I land one of these scholarships, that’s grad school covered, debt free. Same goes for you. It’s free money, Ri.”

The pillow froze in your hands as your voice thinned, the words falling heavier than you intended. “It’s… it’s also just another way to stay away from home.”

The admission slipped out before you could trap it. Too raw. Too exposed.

Riri’s laughter quieted in an instant, and she shifted, sitting up. Her chocolate orbs melted in that way that made them impossible to dodge, like she knew. You hadn't told her everything about your mother, bits here and there, but it was enough for her to understand. Enough for her to be angry for you, despite the lack of details.

And it was comforting in a way.

Shame trampled you then, pressing down on your airway until each of your breaths felt stolen. It wasn't about your mother, not entirely—it was about yourself. About what you were doing with Riri, what you wanted with her, the closeness the two of you had built in just a week. She knew your torment because you’d let her in too deep. You let her glimpse the fractures of your home life, bestowed her knowledge not even Hakeem held.

She had become the place you ran to when everything got to be too much. And it was wrong. It was disgraceful. Disgusting. Unnatural. You could practically hear your mother’s voice hissing it, poisoning every corner of your head with her venomous testimony.

And you were so buried in your muddled mind, you hadn't felt Riri reach for you. Hadn't felt her pulling you near until your knees were suddenly bracing her thighs on each side, her warm hands catching your wrists as she pulled you into her atmosphere. She didn't press for more, didn't tease. She just held you steady, serving as your anchor.

“Look at me, pretty.” She hummed.

And you did. You always did when she asked.

“I gotchu,” Riri murmured, soft as smoke, lifting your knuckles to her mouth, breathing gentle kisses into your skin. The soft yellow glow of your desk lamp painted her face in candied light, shadows flickering over her lashes as she lingered there. The warmth of the kiss unraveled you—burning away the shame, your mother's voice, her poison—until all that was left was the girl that didn't belong to you.

“I’m sorry. For real this time.” Her voice poured through you like warm honey, sweet and velvety, coating your nerves, causing your breath to catch in your throat when you inhaled. She took your other hand, brushing her lips across those knuckles too, and your chest cracked open at the tenderness.

“This is important to me too,” She said, her voice firmer now, rooted. “I’ma stop fucking around, okay?”

“Okay…” You whispered, dazed and undone by the gentleness in her eyes, the way she looked at you like you were everything.

She smirked then, breaking the weight of the moment, tugging her laptop into her lap. “Now lemme see what this presentation is talking bout.”

Relief made your laugh shaky, and you got up to retrieve your own computer from your desk. “Good, cause we got a lot of fine tuning to do!”

You joined her back on your mattress, grateful for the return of normalcy, even if your insides were still molten.

And for once, she didn't argue.

•••

It was late when you finally shut your laptop, your fingers stiff and aching from hours of typing. Data points and graphs still flickered behind your eyelids every time you blinked, burned there like afterimages. The dull throb in your temples reminded you just how long you’d been at it, and every part of your body begged for rest. Somehow, you’d ended up planted at your desk again, chasing productivity in the one place where you could resist the temptation of wandering hands and a hungry mouth. At your desk, there were no distractions. At your desk, there was no Riri.

Riri on the other hand, had never left your bed. She was sprawled across your mattress, half-buried under your comforter with her socks and sweats kicked off. The scent of her cocoa butter lotion lingered in the air, mingling with the pine candle burning low on your dresser, the aromas seeming to lull her. She looked content as she was nodding off, like spending the night had always been her plan.

When you finally dragged yourself from your chair and shuffled toward the bed, Riri stirred immediately. She propped herself up on one elbow, a slow grin spreading across her face. Without a word, she flipped back the blanket in invitation, the soft lamp glow catching the curve of her smirk—eager, expectant, ready for you to climb in beside her.

“C’mere,” She muttered, like you were hers to summon. And you went, sinking down beside her, letting her warmth fold around you.

Maybe you would let her stay, let her hold you tight through the night.

Her arm draped across your waist. Her chin found your shoulder, and the second your cheek brushed against hers, the rigidity in your chest slackened, like she’d snatched your exhaustion away without you even needing to ask. She kissed your temple absentmindedly, then again, softer, until the pattern turned wilful, and you sighed into each peck, completely relaxed.

“You know,” Riri started, whispering against your hairline as her arm cinched you closer, “This gon be our first weekend away together. Could be kinda romantic.”

A soft laugh escaped you, the sound a bit muffled. Of course that’s how she’d frame it. “We're going to a nerd convention, Ri, not a resort. And probably sharing a room with classmates we barely know. That ain't exactly my idea of a romantic getaway.”

Her laugh came low, a husky sound that you felt rumble through her chest. “All I’m hearing is we gon be alone together for three nights.”

You tipped your head back just enough to meet her eyes, arching a brow. “Conveniently leaving out the part where we’ll be with other people.”

Riri groaned deep in her throat, dragging it out like a complaint and a tease all at once. “I’m sure they won’t be in the room the whole time,” She countered with a grin, lips already grazing the slope of your neck. “We’ll get some time to ourselves.”

The words made your heart rate spike, even more so when her mouth trailed warm, open-mouthed kisses along your skin. You giggled, helpless, your nerves buzzing so loud you swore she could hear them. Spinning in her hold, you finally faced her head-on, your lip caught between your teeth as you tried to steady yourself against the gravity of her gaze.

“Time to ourselves to do what?” Your voice was hushed as you asked the question, innocent, and a little terrified by what her answer would be, even though you could already guess.

Riri tilted her head, eyes gleaming with a wonder that made your heart ache. She looked at you like you were brand new, like every word spoken had been unheard of prior to falling from your lips. Her stare was relentless, pinning you in place, stripping away every excuse, and every lie you’d told yourself about what this was.

When she finally spoke, her voice was airy, as if it cost her to breathe, “I’ll tell you…” She leaned closer, brushing a feather-light kiss to one cheek, then the other as you inhaled her, the heady aroma of her cologne and cocoa butter strangling your lungs. “Better yet…”

Her lips hovered so close you felt the promise of them before the touch. “I’ll show you.”

Riri’s mouth claimed yours with a passion that made your head whirl, and it took nothing for you to kiss her back with identical fervor. Heat sparked in your bosom, radiating to every inch of your trembling body. You gasped into her, the sound swallowed by her lips as she angled your face just the way she needed with fingers threading through your fresh box braids.

Kisses from Riri were never polite, a fact you’d come to learn since that night on the porch. They were plunderous, and demanded your full surrender. Which you gave, and gave, and gave without protest.

And Riri took. She consumed. She devoured.

Her hand skimmed beneath your top, fingertips tracing slow patterns over your ribs. The touch made you shiver, your body betraying you as it melted for her. Her tongue coaxed a whine out of you, deepening the kiss until you were clutching her shirt like you were afraid she might vanish before your eyes. She tasted like mint, and something sweeter, a flavor you didn't want to stop chasing.

Every brush of her skin against yours amplified your arousal. The slide of her thigh nudging between yours, the way her nose bumped yours when she tilted her head, greedy for more of you. And when her hands snaked lower, dipping into your leggings to cup your ass, you didn't stop her, you welcomed the familiar sensation. You were chest to chest, heartbeat to heartbeat as Riri groped and felt her way around your soaked bottoms. You two were dead set on swallowing each other whole it seemed, neither of you desperate enough to come up for air.

That was, until Riri’s lips broke away from yours, and she gasped, but the separation only lasted for about a second. She planted a wet kiss at the corner of your mouth, then another along your jaw, causing you to jump in her arms when her teeth grazed the base of your throat, sharp and deliciously painful.

“Ri!” You warned through a shaky breath.

You felt her smirk stretch across your neck, and she exhaled, warm breath sizzling against your skin, before dragging her tongue slowly up the column of your throat.

“I know, I know. No hickies.” She murmured, voice low and teasing, then added with a husky laugh, “I can be good… even though I don’t wanna be.”

All you could do was writhe beneath her touch as her hands continued to wander your body intentionally, tiptoeing closer to where you needed her most. Your leggings clung uncomfortably to your overheated skin, damp and suffocating, every shift of your hips reminding you just how badly you wanted them gone, wanted her to tear them off, to put an end to the torment. But Riri, wicked and patient, purposely prolonged the inevitable, savoring your squirming as though your desperation was the very thing she craved.

You let a whine escape you, kicking your feet a little in defiance. “Ri…”

Her eyes roamed your face with a silent intensity, as if she were engraving every detail into memory—the frantic rise and fall of your chest, the damp sheen at your hairline where your edges had already surrendered to sweat, all before she’d even truly laid hands on you. You’d caught her doing this more than once, watching you unravel, cataloging the frenzy. The way her gaze darkened, made it clear, it wasn’t just about touching you, it was about devouring every reaction, every tremor in her pursuit of your pleasure. And God, it was the hottest thing you’d ever seen.

“What I tell you about saying my name like that?” Riri hummed, suddenly shifting her weight and rolling you onto your back. In an instant, she was above you, her shadow spilling over your face. It was one of the rare moments where the balance between the pair of you flipped, where you had to tilt your chin up to meet her gaze instead of the other way around.

Her eyes blazed, hungry and unflinching. “You know what that shit does to me.”

There it was again, that stroke of wonder in her gaze, bright and unmistakable, painting over her features and the grin playing on her lips. She knew exactly what you wanted, knew you weren’t going to hide behind modesty or excuses this time. And still, she had no intention of being merciful.

“Then do something about it,” You whined, the words slipping out, shocking both her and yourself.

Her brows twitched, and her grin widened into something slow and wolffish; she was pleased; entertained by your demand. She propped her hands on either side of your head, palms pressing into your pillows as she lowered herself until her face hovered just above yours, her breath spilling warm against your mouth. “Ask nicely.”

The words buzzed against your skin before her lips trailed lower, scattering featherlight pecks down the sensitive crook of your neck. Every kiss was deliberate, designed to strangle your voice before you could find it.

But, you tried anyway. “T-Touch me, Ri… please.”

Your plea cracked through her haze, and you swore you felt Riri's entire body jerk. She froze for a half-beat, inhaling sharp like your words had struck a chord deep within. And then it settled in her bones, the same way it always did. Because no matter how many times she'd made you beg for her, it still undid her. Every single time she actually heard you do it.

“Is this where you want me to touch you, baby?” She whispered her question directly in your ear, suckling delicately on your lobe. “Hmm?”

You bobbed your head, choking a little when you felt her digits toying with the waistband of your leggings. Finally, you thought, she was going to take the pain away, make the throbbing at your core stop. Her hand dipped lower into your heat; stopped; hovered. And then…

“That wasn't an answer.” Riri scolded, threatening to slide her hand completely out of your bottoms. “Words.”

It took everything in you not to let your eyes roll to the back of your skull in irritation. The action would only encourage her teasing, when all you wanted was for it to be over, and to be coming hard around her fingers. So you did as you were told.

Riri liked to be in charge, and you'd learned to play into that when you wanted to get your way. You let your eyes melt before hers, catching her gaze in that desperate, defeated way you knew she loved.

“Yes…” You breathed sucking your bottom lip between your teeth as you watched her smirk above you, your voice cracking on the need laced into the words. “Touch me there, Ri… need you.”

Her sly smile deepened, like she’d been waiting all night to hear your voice dip that way. “Yeah,” She stated knowingly as one teasing finger slid down, dragging through your slick folds, spreading the sticky evidence of just how badly you wanted her. “I know you do.”

Air barely grazed the back of your throat before you felt two fingers enter you, already moving and stretching your walls despite the barrier your leggings created. Riri fucked her fingers into you, extracting them just long enough for you to miss them, before tunneling back in deep, causing a high pitched whine to escape you.

She was syncing her thrusts to the rhythm of your breathing. Every time the tips of her digits knocked against your g-spot, you’d blow out a gust of air, over and over. Your limbs were tingling, overwhelmed with pleasure so unrelenting, you felt like you were going to pop.

“Fuck…” You hissed, vision blurred.

Riri spat a string of curses under her breath before pulling her fingers from you completely, and the sudden emptiness nearly made you cry. She pushed up onto her knees, brows drawn in quiet frustration as her hands tugged impatiently at your tights. “Take this shit off.”

There was zero hesitation. You scrambled to obey, every nerve lit and trembling, desperate to have her back inside you again. The air kissed your bare pussy, and you watched Riri as she licked her lips, positioning herself between your sprawled legs, and her fingers back at your entrance.

But before she could glide them back into your awaiting hole, your body stiffened, ears perking up at the sound of voices out in your living room.

“...don't know… might be in her room.”

Talia.

Talia and somebody else.

The voices were a little muffled, but one baritone stood out to you almost instantly.

“I saw Riri’s car outside, think they working on a project.”

Hakeem.

Hakeem was here. Inside your apartment. Only a few feet away from your bedroom door that was—you glanced over to the knob—thankfully locked. And you were in bed, half naked with his best friend.

Your eyes snapped to Riri. Her face had gone pale, lips parted, frozen mid-motion. She looked how you felt, caught in the headlights of a disaster about to detonate.

Hakeem was here. Inside your apartment. At the same time she was just knuckle deep inside your vagina.

“Get dressed.” Riri’s voice was sharp, urgent, her body already moving as she snatched her sweats off the floor. You sat frozen for a beat too long, still reeling, but she whisper-shouted again, harsher this time, “Get up. Get dressed. Now!” Her arm shot out, tossing your leggings at you before she bolted into the bathroom, closing the door shut with a click that echoed like a gunshot.

The sound barely faded before there was a knock at your bedroom door.

“Ri? Baby girl?”

Your heart stopped when you heard the knob rattle.

“Uhh, y’all good?”

Fuck!

Your body jolted into action, adrenaline ripping through your veins like fire. You fumbled with your leggings, nearly tripping as you yanked them over your hips, fingers clumsy and trembling. Your pulse was deafening, pounding in your throat, in your ears, in every inch of your skin. Another knock made your hands shake harder as you scrambled for your scarf, tying it messily over edges you hadn’t even smoothed back down.

You sprinted to the door just as his knuckles rapped again, forcing yourself into a brittle smile before pulling it open.

“Hi, baby!” Your voice cracked high and sugary, a little too loud, a little too bright. You moved forward for a kiss, swallowing down the phantom taste of Riri still burning your tongue as he kissed you back, easy and unsuspecting.

“What are you doing here?” You asked, still breathless, forcing the grin wider.

Keem thumbed behind him at your roommate. “T was on her way up when I got here. She let me in.”

“Hi,” Talia mumbled with a nod, strolling past with a crinkling bag of Takis that definitely belonged to you. “Bye.”

You barely registered her exit to her room. Your stomach was still flipping violently, your body still thrumming from panic.

“Where’s Ri?” Keem asked, his tone unreadable.

“Bathroom,” You managed, voice clipped, heart beating so hard it hurt.

And in that moment, you were sure you might actually faint.

Hakeem made a face you couldn't discern, nose scrunching as his eyes surveyed his surroundings like he was looking for the thing he decided was out of place. And you stood frozen in front of him, arms locked tight behind your back, praying he wouldn’t ask to go into your room.

What the hell was taking Riri so long? Of course she’d leave you to deal with the fallout, like she always did. She’d stirred the storm with you, only to vanish, forcing you to drown in the aftermath.

“It’s hella late. Why she still here?” Keem's voice finally broke the air, rough and pointed, and it knocked you back a bit, giving away a hint of an emotion you could detect.

Jealousy.

Oh fuck… he was jealous.

“She, uh–” You cleared your throat, the sound grating and not at all subtle. “We were working on our presentation. Friday’s coming fast, and I need it all to be perfect.”

Not a complete lie. But it wasn't the full truth either.

And all the while, your eyes kept darting past your shoulder, frantic, praying for the sound of Riri’s footsteps to swoop in and save you from drowning in this moment alone.

Instead though, Hakeem hummed, unimpressed, as he wandered toward the couch. He dropped onto the cushions, legs spreading comfortably as if this were just another normal night. And your legs followed behind him automatically, the tension knot in your chest pulling tighter with every step.

The scent of garlic and soy sauce hit you as soon as you sat beside him, making you glance over at the counter. Take out bags from your favorite Chinese restaurant. He’d brought food. For you. All while you were engaging in obscene acts with his best friend who was currently hiding in your bathroom.

“Seems like you spending way more time with Riri than with me lately,” He said, casual on the surface, but you sensed the true weight lurking underneath his words.

For a moment you thought he knew, that somehow he could smell Riri on your skin. But the closer you looked, the sooner you realized—it was only loneliness disguised as suspicion. Just a boy missing his girl.

It hurt to see him like that.

You forced a smile, leaning into him, wrapping your arm through his. “Baby, you know how important this is for us. If we can get the right people interested in our research…” You trailed off, hoping he’d get the message.

Hakeem exhaled slowly, shoulders sagging a little. “Yeah, I know. I just miss you.” He glanced down at you, eyes softening, and it almost broke you. Then he chuckled faintly, trying for lightness. “Honestly, I’m just surprised y’all getting along so well. I got used to the bickering.”

That's when the bathroom door clicked open, and your heart catapulted into your throat.

Riri strolled out as if she hadn’t just been drenched in you minutes before, calm, unbothered, almost relaxed, with her hands shoved in her pockets. You thought you might throw up from how loud your heartbeat was pounding in your ears, surprised Hakeem hadn’t heard it.

“Guess I finally realized she ain't that bad,” Riri confessed smoothly, chin jerking toward you. “And, she's smarter than you. You ain’t get me into the Deltalab symposium last semester, nigga.”

Hakeem’s laugh came out sarcastic and hollow. “Ha.”

Riri’s lips curved at the corners just a little, and you caught it, dipping your head as your cheeks blazed.

She stretched, the picture of ease, walking around the couch with her bag and hoodie in hand. “But, I think Ima call it a night, give y’all some alone time. I’m done stealing yo girl for the night.”

The words sliced through you.

She shot him a wink as she headed for the door, and your boyfriend rolled his eyes. “Yeah, get the fuck on, nigga.”

“I’ll walk you out!” You offered, too quickly, too eager.

But she waved you off before either you or Hakeem could react to your sudden outburst, a grin tugging smug at her lips. “Nah, I’m good. See y’all later.”

And then she was gone, striding out the door with infuriating ease, leaving you aching in her absence already. It was maddening how she did that—held her mask in place, prevented it from slipping. All while you were left exposed, clutching the shattered pieces of your own.

The space she left behind seemed to echo, and you hadn't realized how long you had been staring at the empty doorway until Hakeem’s hand cupped your jaw, firm but gentle, guiding your gaze back to him.

“Hey.” And there he was. Dimples deep enough to swim in—to drown in. Skin rich and glowing, eyes like polished mahogany locked on yours. Beautiful. Breathtaking. The kind of man anyone would fall for. The kind of man you should want.

But you didn't. Not anymore.

He wasn't his best friend.

The guilt slammed into you, heavy and merciless. It burned a hole through your heart, like it always did each and every time she left, and you were alone with him. Hakeem's presence pressed closer as he leaned in, brushing his lips against your temple with a warmth you no longer deserved. He smoothed his hand up and down your thigh as a signal. You knew what he wanted. You should've melted into it, but all you could think about was the way Riri’s hands had been there first, how you could still feel her touch sparking your skin. Every ounce of tenderness Hakeem gave you was a reminder of how badly you wanted it from someone else.

You were betraying him, and the notion gutted you.

The smile you plastered on was so weak, it pained. “I’m so tired, baby. My brain hurts from all that thinking.”

Before his mouth got closer to yours, you blurted, “Can you give me a shoulder massage?”

Keem smiled, dimples deepening, and nodded without question, still unsuspecting.

The night ended in soft lamplight and takeout boxes. Hakeem’s breathing had evened out, and he was slumped back on your couch cushions not even twenty minutes into 12 Angry Men, the movie he picked out.

You stayed awake though, legs kicked up in his lap, eyes glued to the ceiling as the night's events pressed into you. The panic you’d felt still hadn’t drained from your body; it hummed under your skin, leaving you restless. You weren’t used to fear like that. It made you feel cornered in your own home. It left you questioning whether you could live with the constant threat of being found out, of the ground giving way beneath you.

Your phone ding on the coffee table, and you reached for it absentmindedly, reading the name and message plastered across the screen.

Riri: i’m somebody who likes to finish the things i start. and I intend to, next time with no interruptions.

Riri: tell yo nigga goodnight for me.

Overwhelm sat in your chest like stone, and you wondered if you were strong enough to hold this, or if eventually, it would crush you completely.

•••

Riri’s back was pinned against her own car, Zariyah kissing her like this was her first time tasting her, refusing to get enough. Her fingers clutched at Riri’s hoodie, like there wasn't enough space on the planet to satisfy the need between them. It was a mouth devouring, wet and hungry claiming—a marking of territory.

Zariyah’s territory. No one else's.

And Riri wasn’t resisting.

The scene was obscene, vulgar in a way that made your stomach churn. You wanted desperately to look away, but your eyes were betraying you. They stayed hooked on the way their mouths slid together, forcing you to notice a thin shine of spit catching in the sunlight. For a split second, it almost looked like Riri was enjoying it. Like she was lost in it.

Was she? That thought hurt too much to entertain.

Before, back when you believed Riri hated you, when she swore she wanted nothing to do with you, you would've ignored the sight, and the feelings it would've stirred. You would've moved on, decided that it wasn't your business. But you hadn't kissed her then. She hadn't yet tilted your world on its axis with mere words, and fingers.

It wasn't personal. Not like now.

Watching Zariyah kiss Riri in that way scraped at your chest from the inside, leaving you sore all over. Because it wasn’t just Riri with her girlfriend anymore, it was Riri with someone who wasn’t you. It was Riri letting someone else touch what you’d been tasting, someone else biting at lips you’d committed to memory. Your jealousy came hot and fast, ripping through your stomach, scorching your lungs and throat. Even though you stood there, stiff as wood, silent, watching—every fiber of your being had been shrieking. It was so deafening you thought your eardrums would burst.

And that bellowing voice tangled with another—one that hissed about your place, and the role Riri had to uphold, along with all of the other nuances that came with the situation the two of you had designed for yourselves.

You still couldn't look away though, despite knowing all that you did.

You should’ve turned your head. Should’ve glued your eyes to the pavement. But there was something enthralling about it, watching someone want her that bad, watching her receive it.

Beside you, Hakeem was just as still, just as transfixed with his head cocked slightly, brows raised like he was watching a car crash unfold in real time. Neither of you spoke, you just watched, bewildered.

“It’s like she’s trying to ingest her…” You mumbled under your breath, the words slipping free before you could pull them back.

“I know right,” He huffed out a laugh, still staring. “And Riri ain’t that big either, won’t take much for Riy to just swallow her.”

Despite the way your stomach burned, a laugh bubbled up. You tilted your head, mimicking his angle, the two of you standing there like unwilling spectators, curious, baffled, and a little horrified.

When the kiss finally broke with a wet, lewd pop, Zariyah leaned in close to whisper against Riri’s lips, her quiet voice carrying just far enough to reach your ears. “Just something to think about while you’re away this weekend. So you know what’s waiting for you when you get back.”

Riri smirked, wiping at her mouth with the back of her hand, the visual rocketing the organ in your sternum, like it wasn't already in overdrive.

“You acting like she finna go off to war,” Hakeem cut in, shaking his head. “She coming back.”

Zariyah pulled away from Riri just far enough to flip him off, middle finger raised high without missing a beat. The shorter girl chuckled under her breath, letting you know she was enjoying the performance way more than she let on.

That was your cue to turn towards your boyfriend. You plastered on a smile that you hoped looked more natural than it felt, pushing onto your toes as you eyed him. “Can I get one of those?” You hummed jokingly, forcing yourself to make light of the make out session that almost just stopped your heart.

Hakeem chuckled low in his chest, that signature laugh that made you melt… once upon a time. “Pretty sure if I kissed you like that it would be considered assault.”

“Not if I’m into it.” You countered with an exaggerated giggle, making sure to keep your tone a decibel above a whisper, loud enough for listening ears to hear.

He bit his bottom lip before his left arm jerked you nearer, diamond earrings and dimples working overtime to subdue you.

And maybe it worked.

Because when he clasped your face in his oversized palm, and pressed his lips to yours with such familiar care, you didn't flinch, you didn't recoil from his touch. You kissed him back, for real this time, pretending like you hadn't felt the knife in your heart twist deeper, angled only beats away from your beloved coronary.

He grinned against your mouth, dimples carving deep into his cheeks, and you broke away with a breathy giggle, the sound brighter than you expected. You did most of it as a performance, angled more for the benefit of the girl in the red car than the boy in front of you. But, you supposed authenticity was behind it.

“I’m bummed I can’t make it Monday to see your presentation,” He admitted, his grin softening into something apologetic. “Got that calc test. Been stressing me all week.”

You tilted your head, feigning disappointment but smoothing it over with understanding. “Baby, it's okay. I prefer you here, acing your test.”

“Promise you not mad?” He pouted, putting in extra effort to poke out his bottom lip.

You shook your head, gifting him a gentle smile. “I promise I’m not mad.” If anything you were relieved.

He squeezed your hip reassuringly. “You're gonna kill it. I know it.” Then he folded you into his arms, pressing a kiss to your forehead, and just as he tilted his face back down for another kiss on the lips–

Honk!

The blare of a horn bounced through the lot, jolting you both apart. You snapped your head toward the sound, already knowing who you would find on the other end of it. Riri sat behind the wheel, one hand draped across it, her face tight and twitching. The car’s red paint gleamed beneath the sun, sharp edges catching the light as you squinted in her direction. She leaned on the horn again, longer this time, her gaze locked on you through her driver's side mirror.

A grin tugged at your lips, smug and traitorous.

“Okay, hurry up,” She called, her voice slicing across the distance. “Y’all can gaze into each other’s eyes later. I’m tryna beat traffic.” Another honk followed, like a punctuation to her demand.

You and Hakeem scoffed in unison. He grabbed your bags with a laugh, shaking his head as the two of you began moving toward the car. “Wasn’t you just tonguing down yo girl two seconds ago? And now you rushing us?” His words were playful, but you knew his tone well enough to detect the smallest hint of irritation.

He carried your bags to the trunk, dropping them in with a heavy thud, the sound echoing in your chest.

Keem rounded to the passenger side, opening the door for you with the same easy habit as always. He bent at the waist, resting his chin on his folded arms, head poking into the car. His eyes narrowed, but mischief still shimmered there, dimples deepening as he tilted his head.

“Well, evidently you ain’t me,” Riri muttered smoothly from the driver’s seat. Her tone was cool as glass, but you watched the way her knuckles flexed against the wheel. She was sizzling on the inside, and only you knew it. Zariyah was already halfway to her own car, waving lazily, not bothering to look back, leaving you alone with the two of them.

You bit down on your smile, turning toward Hakeem to study him. There was something about the rush, the thrill of being caught between them. Two people, both pulling you in different directions, both wanting you in their own ways. It was dangerous. It was wrong on levels you couldn't even begin to name. But the tension, and the adrenaline were too rich to ignore. Too tempting not to bask in. So you did just that.

Keem conceded first, like he always did in their subconscious rivalry for your hand. He shook his head with a crooked grin. “Just… take care of my girl, okay? You know how important she is to me.”

“Oh, trust,” Riri’s eyes slid to yours, dark and gleaming. She smirked, then turned her focus to the boy hanging into her window. “Ima take good care of her.”

You nearly choked on your spit. Her words stifled the air life fog, lingering longer than you wanted them to. It was becoming hard to swallow, hard to breathe as you sat there suffocating under the implication of Riri’s declaration.

Then, without missing a beat, Riri leaned back casually, lips quirking higher. “She's kinda holding my entire academic future in her hands with this presentation. Gotta make sure she’s at a hundred percent, right?”

“Facts…” Hakeem’s gaze flicked between you two, curiosity circling his irises, but he let it drop. He leaned in, pressing one last kiss to your lips, this time with more force than before. It lasted longer than you expected, longer than you wanted it to with Riri sitting right beside you. But you couldn't pull away now, so you let yourself melt into it until he withdrew his mouth from yours. “Good luck, baby girl. See you Monday night.”

Beside you, Riri radiated heat, her irritation palpable, her jaw tight as she stared straight ahead.

“Good luck, Ri,” Keem added, forcing a smile. “I know y’all are gonna kill it.”

“Thanks,” She mumbled, dry and flat. “Doubt I’ll need it though.”

Keem’s smile twitched as he rolled his eyes. “I said good luck, damn. Can’t stand yo lil ass.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Riri chimed, “Now can you back up so we can get going?”

Their banter should’ve lightened the moment, but your stomach was still twisting, your heart climbing up your throat. As Riri pulled off, you settled into the seat, glancing out the window as the silhouette of your boyfriend shrank behind you.

You didn’t know what the weekend would hold, but as the hum of Riri’s engine filled your ears, you welcomed the uncertainty.

•••

The highway stretched ahead of you in a blur of gray and gold, bright late morning sun glinting off the hood of Riri’s Barracuda. Wind hissed faintly through the cracked window, carrying the low hum of The Internet through the car speakers, the only sound between you for the past forty-five minutes.

You’d tried for conversation, twice, maybe three times, but each of Riri’s responses were clipped and curt.

“Fine.”

“Maybe.”

“Yeah.”

Her jaw was set in stone as always, and quite honestly, her grip on the steering wheel was beginning to become concerning. She hadn’t even looked your way since the first toll.

But she did let you connect your phone to the aux, so small miracles and what not.

The silence was gnawing. It wasn't the comfortable kind you’d learned to love with her, instead you got the kind that made your chest itch with things unspoken. You knew she was upset, hence the silent treatment, you just didn't care. Mostly because she was mad at you for the same damn reason you were mad at her.

When you spoke again, your voice broke through the low thrum of the song’s bass. “You really not gonna talk to me because I let my boyfriend kiss me goodbye?”

Riri didn’t even glance over, her expression remaining unbothered. “Yes.”

Yet another single word response.

You blinked, incredulous. “So I guess I have the right to not talk to you because you let your girlfriend kiss you goodbye, then, huh?”

“That’s different,” She said immediately, as if this conclusion was the most obvious to come to.

“Different how, exactly?”

Riri’s mouth twitched, her words stern and certain. “Zariyah isn’t my girlfriend.”

Your laughter was bitter as it bellowed out of your bosom, and you shook your head, turning to face the window. “Do you know how much you fucking suck?”

“No.” Her tone softened, slipping into something taunting and smug. “Tell me how much.”

All the while she kept her attention trained on the road, never wavering, never once turning to spare you a glance. You could kick her right now, but the act wouldn't bode well where your safety was concerned, so reluctantly, you decided against it.

“You so full of shit, Ri. You know that?” You huffed, shifting uncomfortably in your seat. “She not your girlfriend, but you still sleep with her every chance you get. Not your girlfriend, but you bring her around like she’s your better half. Still make out with her in front of me without a care in the world.”

“None of that makes her my girlfriend, though.”

Your head whipped toward her. “I cannot fucking stand you.”

“I’m not understanding…” The innocence in her voice was barely legitimate, and you could sense the smug grin she was fighting to hold back.

“You think I enjoyed watching you swap spit with Zariyah? How you think that shit made me feel, Riri?”

Her tone stayed maddeningly even. “I don’t know. How did it make you feel?”

“Not good!” You snapped, voice climbing higher than you meant.

She scoffed under her breath, “Can’t say I enjoyed watching you kiss Hakeem either.”

“I know! That’s exactly what I mean!”

For a moment, the engine’s hum was the only sound between you as the sudden quiet enveloped you. Riri remained silent beside you, but not in the way she was before. This silence wasn't reactionary, or vengeful. It was… ponderous, like she was contemplating. And then she spoke, asking curiously, “So what are you trying to say? You want me to stop seeing Zariyah? Stop sleeping with her? Is that it?”

Your chest stuttered. “What? I– no, I–”

But the words tripped, and your breath faltered. You hadn’t meant to say it like that. Hell, you hadn’t meant to say anything at all. But now that the thought was out there, you couldn’t ignore the truth crawling up your chest.

Was that what you were trying to say?

Your heart rate grew violent as the car hummed along the mostly empty highway. You stared wordlessly at the passing trees blurring by your window, trying to make sense of yourself. You hadn’t even considered it before now—the idea of asking her to stop, of claiming something that wasn’t supposed to be yours to claim. But maybe… maybe that was what you wanted.

You swallowed hard, your reflection flickering faintly in the glass. “I don’t know if that’s something I can ask you to do,” You whispered breathlessly.

“Why not?”

“Is that something I can even ask you to do?”

“Why do you feel like you can’t?”

“I don't know…” The sigh that you breathed out held more weight than you wanted it to, making the words that followed seem more vulnerable, more raw. “Doesn’t feel like it’s my place. You been with her longer than you’ve known me. I don’t know if whatever we got going on takes precedence over that.”

Riri didn’t speak for a long moment, and she had that look on her face again, the one that signaled that her brain was working, moving a mile a minute, in tandem with the car's wheels.

You gasped when she finally turned to look at you. It was fast, fleeting, but far from passionless. Her eyes found the pavement ahead of her once more. And her statement found you, in the way she intended it to you think. Melted down to the bone. Tender to the touch merely off her stare alone.

“You take precedence over everything in my life right now.”

Blood rushed to your face and ears as you did your very best to contain the sudden rush of adrenaline coursing through your system.

“I’ll stop sleeping with Zariyah,” She continued, steady but soft. “But you gotta stop sleeping with Hakeem too…”

“I’m not,” You blurted before she could finish. “Sleeping with him, I mean.” You swallowed hard, cheeks burning. “I’m not sleeping with Hakeem.”

She tossed you a glance, brows raised.

You rushed on, words tumbling. “We haven’t. I mean– we never. We tried, it just never– Except for at his party, but that wasn’t– Not the full thing…”

You felt your throat closing, shame rising fast and hot. “I’ve never–” You stopped, voice cracking. “I’ve just… never.”

You mumbled that last part quietly, hoping she hadn't heard it.

Silence, again. Thick and stretching.

You were staring straight ahead, cheeks on fire. It was difficult to ignore the embarrassment prickling up your neck. You expected laughter, maybe a snide comment, something to ease the tension, but not the kind you wanted, and you braced yourself for her teasing.

It never came though.

Riri’s gaze lingered on you longer than it should’ve before she looked back to the road, her voice falling to a quiet sigh. “You’re not sleeping with Hakeem.”

“No.”

Her jaw flexed. “And I’m not sleeping with Zariyah. Not anymore.”

Something unspoken passed between you then, something fragile and dangerous, and far too big for the confines of that car. Neither of you spoke. Didn’t need to. You just leaned forward, turned up the radio a little too loud, and sank into the thrum of the music, hiding your grin behind your hand as contentment expanded inside your body.

•••

The vibe had mellowed for the rest of the drive.

By the time you reached the city limits, the air between you and Riri had settled. It wasn't exactly calm, but the tautness had disappeared. She was back to her usual cocky self. One hand lazy on the wheel, the other finding excuses to graze your thigh whenever she shifted gears. She’d hum along to the music you played, a few soft R&B tracks, and some indie stuff she pretended not to like but didn’t change either. Her laughter was back, her teasing was back, fingers tracing idle circles on your knee like she wasn't the reason it had been bouncing uncontrollably a few hours ago.

When she finally pulled up to the hotel, it was a lot later in the afternoon than you thought. The drive hadn't felt that long, not with Riri driving like she was on a high speed chase.

The Arcadia hotel was impossible to miss. Sleek glass towers reached for the skyline, their mirrored faces catching the sunlight like prisms. Every panel seemed to glow faintly from within, veins of light tracing up the building in clean geometric lines. The automatic doors slid open without a sound, releasing just a soft hiss of air that smelled faintly of ozone and something floral.

Riri tossed her keys to the valet guy. He looked to be about your age, maybe a year or two older, and was barely keeping his jaw from dropping at the sight of the candy-red Barracuda.

“She better look exactly like this when I get her back, too,” Riri called out, her tone just as intimidating as she intended it to be.

You giggled, shaking your head. “Girl, stop threatening strangers and come on. Let’s go inside.”

The hotel’s atrium looked like something out of a Stark Industries fever dream. Massive glass panels displayed a shifting hologram of Tony Stark’s arc reactor, pulsing softly in shades of icy blue. The floors glowed faintly beneath your shoes, tracking foot traffic with smart-light patterns. The walls doubled as digital displays that advertised the DeltaLab Symposium all around you, full of faces you recognized from tech blogs and academic journals.

In a way, it felt like walking into a cathedral. Except this one worshiped innovation.

The Arcadia wasn’t just a hotel, it was Tony Stark’s final legacy. Before his death, he’d built it as both a monument and a living space for the next generation of STEM visionaries. The DeltaLab Symposium had been his idea too, three days where the best student researchers in the country would gather to showcase one of a kind projects, network, and compete for all types of scholarships, grants, and internships with the most powerful tech companies on the planet.

You’d dreamt of this, of being here since your freshman year of high school. You remembered staying up late to stream the presentations online with your sister, scribbling notes in your notebook as each group presented their projects. You never actually thought you’d make it. And you definitely hadn’t pictured making it here with someone like Riri Williams at your side.

But here you were.

“Come on,” You called over your shoulder, weaving through a cluster of grad students in matching lanyards. “Noelle said they’re at the front desk checking in. We just have to find it…”

Behind you, Riri grunted under the weight of several duffel bags, yours and hers both, slung haphazardly over her short arms. “I thought these fancy hotels had people who take your luggage for you,” She whined. “And who the fuck is Noelle?”

“She’s in our class, Ri.” You grinned, barely containing your excitement as you pushed through the sea of bodies, eyes wide at the holographic banners scrolling above. “Come on!”

You caught sight of a familiar head of neon green braids bouncing in the crowd. “Oh! There they are!”

Riri’s voice floated behind you, breathless and mildly irritated. “I’ve never seen any of these people a day in my life.”

When you finally reached the group, you were beaming. “Oh my god, hey! Did you guys already check in?”

Noelle—a chubby girl about as short as Riri, with smooth onyx skin and two long ponytails that cascaded down her shoulders—turned to hug you, smelling of toasted almonds and caramel, her bright green braids framing her grin.

“Mhmm! But Dr. Lucas old ass only booked five rooms instead of six,” She said, rolling her eyes. “I told him to let me handle all the technicalities, but all he wanted to talk about was how my presentation was coming, and if I made flash cards with talking points. Anyway, the whole hotel’s booked up for the symposium, so one of us gotta share. We were waiting for y’all to get here before we decided–”

“We’ll share!” Riri’s voice cut through before she could finish, overeager and loud.

You and the rest of your classmates jumped a little, and she coughed, trying to play it off, adjusting one of the bags on her shoulder. “I mean, me and her, we’ll share. We don’t mind.”

Noelle blinked, visibly processing, her gaze flicking between the two of you. “Uh, you sure?” She asked, the question directed more at you than Riri.

You nodded quickly, biting down the smile that threatened to give you away. “It’s fine, Noelle. I’m sure. We’ll share.”

“Okay girl…” She said slowly, though her eyes lingered on Riri with unmistakable skepticism. “If you say so.”

“Mhmm.” You smiled sweetly.

She turned back to the group. “Alright, here are your lanyards and access watches. These’ll get you into your rooms and the many research labs in this building. Oh, and the libraries, in the conjoining building. You got seventy-two hours of full access, so try not to lose them, okay? Paul, I’m talking to you.”

You were buzzing, your heart fluttering as the smart band clicked into place around your wrist—your golden ticket. It beamed to life under the lobby lights, and for a moment, you really did feel like Charlie stepping through the gates of his chocolate factory.

Riri, on the other hand, was glaring daggers at Noelle, her nose wrinkled like she’d inhaled a bad scent. “I’m trippin, or this bitch got a problem with me?”

“Relax, Ri,” You muttered, trying to keep your voice low. “Let’s just find our room.”

“Nah, cause she keep mean-muggin me.”

“Ri. Drop it.” You glanced at your smartwatch. “I think that elevator over there goes to our floor.”

Before you could move though, Noelle stopped you with a hand on your arm. “Hey girl, I’m in room 318, eighth floor. You know, if you need a break from–”

“A break from what?” Riri cut in, popping her head from behind you like a nosy kid.

Noelle looked her up and down slowly, then turned her head away without a word, disregarding her entirely. It was the kind of dismissal Riri usually specialized in, but with slightly more finesse.

“Anyway,” Noelle continued, ignoring Riri’s glare, “you know where I’m at. Text me if you need anything.”

And just like that, she was gone.

“Now I know I’m not trippin. You better get her bef–”

“Hush.” You cut her off, steering her toward the elevators. “Come on, I wanna explore this place and I can’t do that if I’m stuck down here listening to you fuss like a baby.”

Riri grumbled under her breath, but she followed willingly behind you anyway, withholding any further complaints.

The elevator was packed, a sleek glass capsule that shot through the atrium like a bullet. There were eighty floors in the hotel, and you were riding to the tenth, pressed shoulder to shoulder with a dozen other enthusiastic strangers chattering amongst each other.

When the doors finally slid open, you stepped out, and Riri did so after you, dragging the bags behind her. “How do you know Noelle anyway?” She asked, tone deceptively casual.

“She’s in our class.” You answered simply, impatient brown orbs trailing the hallway walls, on the prowl for room 521.

“Uh huh. But how do you know her?”

You smirked. “She does my braids, damn. I promise you’re my first and only sapphic love affair. Don’t get your boxers in a tangle.”

“That’s not why I was asking,” She grumbled, eyes narrowing.

“Sure it wasn't,” You teased, spotting the glowing silver digits on the door. “Oh, there it is!”

“I just wanted to know what her problem was,” Riri said as you slipped your key watch against the lock. “And I think I figured it out.”

“Figured what out?” You quizzed, unlocking the door with your watch, a soft chime welcoming you both into the suite.

There was a thud behind you, the moment you’d been half expecting. Either Riri had finally lost the battle with the bags, or they’d taken her down with them. You weren’t sure which, nor did you care.

“You been shit talking me to your little friend, haven't you?” Riri groaned, finally catching up to where you’d wandered deeper into the room. You hadn't acknowledged her statement, too caught up in the grandiose lodgings laid out in front of you.

The place was enormous.

Sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling window, washing over porcelain tiled floors and the soft leather couch that looked far too expensive to sit on. The air smelled faintly of lemon polish and something sterile, like the tang of new technology. You drifted through the space, wide-eyed. You were a kid in a candy store, touching and tapping every surface you could get your hands on.

To your left, the kitchen glimmered to life the second you walked past the sink. It was decked out with all new stainless steel appliances, and countertops that lit up with responsive motion sensors as you passed your hand over them. You trailed your fingers along the glossy island, startling back as a holographic display blinked on to offer recipes, cooking instructions, and drink suggestions.

“I’m never leaving this place.” You sighed contently, tugging open the dishwasher just to see if it made some sort of futuristic sound. It didn't, but still.

The floating staircase was calling your name, and you rushed over to climb it, gasping as each step flashed beneath the impact of your feet, leading you directly into the loft-style bedroom that overlooked the entire living space.

“This whole suite is bigger than my apartment,” You whispered, still in awe.

“Yeah, it is.” Riri’s voice came from your rear, agreeing, “This entire hotel is like something out of a Black Mirror episode. It's crazy…”

Every inch of the suite gleamed with quiet opulence. There was a sleek chandelier dangling from the high ceiling, a digital fireplace crackling right below the mounted cinema style TV, its heat simulated but convincing enough to make you want to linger.

Riri was still talking behind you, muttering something low and careless that barely registered as you gaped at your surroundings. But, by the time you’d spun around, you hadn't needed her to repeat herself. Air caught sharp in your lungs, slicing through them as your gaze landed on the center of the loft.

On the bed.

It was massive, dressed in crisp white sheets, a sleek blue headboard, and a comforter that looked softer than a cloud.

You opened your mouth, hesitant to voice your observation out loud, “There's–”

“Only one bed.” Riri smirked, that slow, knowing curve of her lips that promised trouble.

•••

Okay, so logically, you knew there was zero reason to have any kind of anxiety about sleeping in the same bed with Riri Williams. You’d done so many other things with her already, been kissed breathless, touched, teased, wrecked in ways you'd never thought possible. So why? Why was this the thing that had your brain short-circuiting? You were no stranger to intimacy with her, not by a long shot. But spending the night with her felt… different. Bigger. Like a step you hadn’t quite agreed to take but were already halfway through.

You’d just admitted to her that morning, while trapped in a car for hours, that you were basically a virgin. You didn't even want to know what her brain was doing with that information. Satan himself would probably steer clear of the thoughts that were birthing from it.

Besides, could you even still call yourself that? A virgin? You’d already let her touch you, let her see you in ways that should’ve disqualified you from that title, but still. You’d never, well, you hadn’t done… that. Not with anyone.

Hakeem didn’t count.

He’d never made you feel what Riri did, never pulled sounds from you that made you question your own name. But Riri… god, Riri. She existed in a league of her very own, with her… gifts.

And you’d had the thoughts, the ones about wanting to make her feel what she made you feel. There wasn't a moment of any day where you weren't thinking about it. You zoned out in lectures, in labs. You’d dream about it while you slept, waking up feeling embarrassed, flushed, and with a sticky mess in your panties. You imagined what she might sound like, what her body might do under your hands.

But, whenever you tried working up the nerve to actually do something, your brain shorted out somewhere between panic and paralysis. Because what if you were bad at it? What if she didn’t like it? What if she just laid there, bored, eyes open, thinking, Wow, Zariyah is so much better at this. You’d have to die on the spot. There’d be no recovering from that.

So you did the safest thing possible, which was nothing. You let her take the lead, let her break you down and make you feel. You convinced yourself that being desired by her was enough to quell your ache. And now, standing here, in this fancy hotel suite with one bed and no escape route, the confidence to even think about pleasing her had dwindled to almost nonexistent.

Which meant you were screwed, judging by the expression on Riri’s face, in her eyes.

She walked around to the front of the bed, her gaze bouncing off the mattress, over to where you stood anxiously. That look, god, you’d seen it before. Her eyes were molten, and murky, as if she were already plotting the things she'd do to you once the lights went out. That same heat that typically made your knees weak now crawled under your skin, turning your nervous system inside out. You watched as her head tilted slightly, her mouth twitching like she somehow knew how terrified you were.

Maybe it was evident in the way you were standing. Frozen near the loft railing, eyes nervously scanning the room for anything but Riri’s.

She looked ready, prepared. And you couldn't get your brain to stop screaming oh my god she's going to eat me alive. You couldn’t even look at the bed without imagining the many positions she'd have you in on it. It was massive, and its size made the larger than life suite feel suffocating.

But, you had to play it all off. You had to keep it together so she wouldn't think you were wussing out. You wanted this just as badly as she did, her desire just didn't come with the tangle of what ifs that yours did. So you straightened your back, forced a steady smile, and brushed past her into the bathroom.

“So,” You began, calling over your shoulder, “you want the left side or the right?” Your voice was so chipper it made your ears ring.

You shut the door halfway, creating a small wall of sanctuary between you and her, taking this time to explore your temporary place of refuge. The bathroom was ridiculous. All glass and automatic lights that adjusted the moment you stepped inside. The counters were marble, cool against your palms as you leaned on them, and the shower was encased in smart glass that went opaque when you snapped your fingers.

If you stayed in here long enough, maybe you could trick your nerves into calming down.

You adjusted your braids in the mirror, pretending like the action required concentration, and it wasn't just a ploy so you could keep hiding from the girl standing ten feet away. Of course, Riri didn't care about the sudden shift in your behavior, ignoring your panic as though it were a non factor.

Her reflection appeared over your shoulder, the grin on her face knowing. “Whichever side’s gonna let me be on top of you all weekend long,” She hummed, head tilted, eyes sliding down your backside as if she couldn’t help herself.

“Ha ha.” You rolled your eyes, attempting to appear deadpan, but your pulse betrayed you.

You exited the bathroom, making a beeline straight for the stairs before she had the chance to read your expression and feel the heat beaming off your skin.

You grabbed your bag as you headed back up to the loft, ready to use it as a shield if need be. “I just wanna unpack, maybe find something to eat, then go check out the research labs! My watch says there’s ten total in this place!”

She didn't answer.

Riri hadn't moved an inch in the thirty seconds it took you to go downstairs and come back up. Her back was still against the wall near the bathroom, her arms were crossed, and her eyes were following your every movement. The look she gave you wasn't an impatient one like you'd expected. It was more labored, more somber—the kind of glare that felt like a fingertip traveling the length of your spine.

You sat on the bed. “I’m gonna change shoes and go exploring,” You went on, talking mostly to fill the silence that threatened to blow your cover. “You coming with me?”

You tried not to hyperfixate on that pathetic little crack in your voice on the word me. Or on the way Riri looked as she finally peeled herself off of the wall, and began walking over to you. The way she moved was unhurried—she already knew she had you cornered before she even reached you. She stilled just in front of where you sat at the edge of the bed, and slipped a finger under your chin, tilting it up until your big brown eyes met hers.

The world shrank to the sound of your breath, the air between you so dense it might as well have been a current.

Neither of you spoke. For a moment, she just held your jaw, caressing your skin tenderly. Her eyes were deeper than before—darker—overflowing with swells that might just drown you. And you were falling fast, not bothering to fight her pull.

“You do understand why I have zero interest in research labs right now, don't you?” She asked, voice low and raspy. The brown in her irises had disappeared, replaced almost entirely by flickers of gold, and flashes of her growing desires. Her gaze was unblinking, intense, like she was memorizing you.

And Fuck… you almost whimpered. But you were able to reign it in before it got too pathetic. “I don’t understand why you’d pass up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” You managed, trying to sound smart, reasonable.

She smiled then, slow and dangerous. “We got three whole days to explore this hotel,” She reminded you softly. “Right now, the only thing I’m tryna explore… is you.”

Her words sent something electric through you, and just as you were blinking yourself back into reality, she leaned in, so close that her breath kissed you before her lips did. You’d forgotten what you were going to say, forgotten every line of protest that was supposed to come out of your mouth.

All you could think, feel, and breathe was her.

You sank into the kiss, her hand cupping your face, the other gripping the back of your neck as if she could pull you closer still. She melted your nerves away with her tongue, but your stomach was still doing cartwheels inside of your abdomen.

“Been waiting so long to… get… you… alone…” Riri breathed in between kisses, the force of her mouth tipping you over onto the mattress. “Ima take such good care of you, baby.”

You believed her. And you almost let her get a taste.

But, just as quickly, you came back to yourself.

“As much as I would love that…” You whispered between breaths, “…I’m kinda hungry.”

Riri groaned, forehead falling to your shoulder. “Seriously?”

“I need food, Ri. Haven’t eaten since the drive here.” You whined. “You want me to pass out before we even get to do anything?”

She pulled back with a sigh, lips twitching in mock frustration. “Fine. I’ll see what they got in the fridge—wait. No.” Her eyes brightened. “Let’s order a shit ton of room service.”

“Ain't that gon cost like a shit ton of money?” You asked jokingly.

Riri shrugged, “Who cares? All our meals are comped while we're here. Ima definitely be taking advantage of that.”

You shook your head, smiling despite yourself. “You’re so unserious.”

Riri didn’t even acknowledge you, too excited about the prospect of eating on Tony Stark's dime. She was already scrolling through the room service menu, mumbling about appetizers and desserts under her breath. You didn’t bother stopping her, not when this break, however brief, was exactly what you needed. This was probably going to be your only chance to catch your breath, and brace for whatever was to come.

Because deep down, you knew this was only an intermission, and when it ended, you’d be right back where you started.

•••

Night had settled behind the clouds, and through the suite’s pristine glass windows, you gazed out at the Arcadia skyline. The city was awake nine floors below you, alive and pulsing like a heartbeat. Meanwhile, you were stuck inside with Riri, watching her down her second serving of french fries as she denied your request for the hundredth time.

“Please, Riiiii,” You begged, stretching her name like it might wear her down if you said it sweetly enough. “It’ll be fun!”

You’d been at it for an hour, pleading, pouting, and trying every angle you could think of. But she refused to budge. “Fun for who, exactly?” She shot back, chewing loudly. “You? Cause it definitely ain’t gonna be fun for me.”

You sighed dramatically, sinking deeper into the couch cushion. She was right, you’d already known she’d hate the idea before you even asked. Normally, you would’ve hated it too. A night out in an unfamiliar city, surrounded by people you didn’t know, when you could be preparing for a presentation that could decide your entire future? Yeah, no thanks.

But desperate times called for stupid, desperate measures.

So when Noelle had texted you, raving about some rooftop lounge her cousin’s friend worked at, asking if you wanted to come, that was all it took. You needed a distraction, something to keep Riri’s hands and mouth occupied elsewhere. The way she’d been looking at you since dinner had your nerves playing double dutch, and you were certain you weren't ready for anything she had in mind.

So you popped the question, but in true Riri Williams fashion, you were shot down before you could even finish asking.

“You sure you don't wanna go?” You quizzed her again, deciding this time would be final.

“I already said no, didn't I?” Her voice was flat, eyes on the TV that wasn’t even on.

You huffed and stood, brushing imaginary crumbs off your thighs. “Well alright then.”

“Where are you going?” Her voice was trailing after you as you walked away to climb the stairs. You put a little sway in your hips just because you could, knowing her eyes would be glued to your ass.

Her gaze followed you all the way up the staircase and into the bedroom. After grabbing your makeup bag you leaned over the loft railing, finally addressing her with a small smile. “I’m getting dressed.”

You then walked into the bathroom, and locked it behind you.

“Just cause you don't wanna go out, don't mean I can't.” It was said more to yourself than to her, but you knew by the time you opened the door again, Riri would already be there waiting for you. No doubt with a slew of reasons why you couldn't go out.

The bathroom lights flicked on as soon as you stepped in. The mirrors recognized your face from earlier, and adjusted their brightness accordingly. You sat your makeup bag down on the counter space, then turned to gape at the deep cobalt dress you’d hung up on one of the door hooks. You’d packed it on a whim. Just in case.

And now you actually had to put it on.

After finishing your makeup and pulling your braids into a high ponytail, you turned to face the dress waiting for you once again. The fabric hugged every dip of your hips, and every curve on your body as you pulled it on. It felt tighter than you remembered, shorter too, baring more skin than you probably should’ve allowed. You caught your reflection in the mirror and sighed, already imagining the look on Riri’s face when she saw you in it.

Maybe wearing something this revealing wasn’t the smartest move when your whole plan was to get her out of the hotel, not give her more reasons to get you into bed. But you’d already told Noelle yes, and after wasting an hour trying to talk Riri into coming, there was no backing out now.

You took a breath, squared your shoulders, and opened the bathroom door.

Riri’s jaw slackened when she saw you, and she just stared, silent and motionless. She trailed her eyes down all of your exposed skin, then back up with a hard gulp.

“What do you think?” You prompted as you stood in the doorway.

Her reaction was instant. “No.”

“No?” You bit your lip to hold back a laugh.

“Of all the clothes you could’ve packed, you picked that?” She demanded, voice caught somewhere between disbelief and threat.

You turned toward the full-length mirror, admiring the way the dress shimmered in the low light. “What’s wrong with it?”

“You really think I’m letting you go out like that?”

You met her gaze through the mirror. She was trying so hard to look calm, but her voice was shaking slightly, her eyes running the full length of your body again. Not in judgment, in hunger.

“I don’t need your permission to wear a dress, Riri,” You said, casually slipping on your heels of choice. “It looks good on me, so I’m wearing it.”

“Too good. That’s the fucking problem,” She cursed, running a hand over her mouth.

You brushed past her, not bothering to acknowledge the way she breathed you in with practiced ease, and you headed back downstairs. “You seen my phone?”

“Gotta text Noelle and tell her I’ll be down soon.” You exhaled slowly, nerves and satisfaction tangling in your chest.

“You’re not going out looking like that,” Riri stated like it was final, trailing you down the stairs now, her irritation tangible enough to fill the whole suite.

By the time you reached the couch, your heartbeat had calmed, mostly, and you reached for your phone on the coffee table. You swiped on another layer of gloss using your front camera, not even bothering to glance up at her as you responded. “I’m literally bout to call my uber now.”

You slung your purse over your shoulder, ignoring Riri’s groans and grumbles from behind you as you headed for the door. “I asked you to come and you said no, but I still wanna go out, so I’m gonna–”

That’s when you heard it, the sharp scrape of her socks against the floor, the thud of her steps closing the distance.

“Riri what are you–”

But before you could finish, she moved quick, stepping in front of the door and blocking it with her whole body. Her chest rose and fell hard, her eyes fixed on you like you were something she was trying to protect from the entire world.

“Fine!” She burst out, throwing her hands up. “Fine, I’ll come with you. Fuck.”

The air between you was charged and humming. You bit the inside of your cheek to keep from smiling. She didn’t mean to look so desperate, but there it was. Her voice cracked slightly, her shoulders tensed even though she tried to play it off. You’d anticipated this level of fierce protection, but feeling it was something else entirely. She was standing too close now, still fuming, and you couldn't help how turned on you were.

You needed to get out of here, and fast.

“Okay then,” You said softly, biting back a breathy whine. “Guess I’ll wait for you to get dressed.”

A few minutes later, the two of you made your way down to her car. The elevator wasn’t nearly as packed as it had been earlier in the day, but there were still a handful of guests on it. Though, prodding eyes didn't seem to be enough to stop Riri’s hand from brushing your lower back as if testing the limits of your composure. You elbowed her lightly, whispering, “Behave. We’re in public. And this elevator’s literally see-through.”

She just grinned innocently, her reflection catching yours in the mirrored walls. Her eyes glinted with something that made your pulse skip and lips twitch.

By the time you hit the lobby, it was alive with chatter and laughter—the energy of students from every corner of the country buzzing like static in the air. You caught a few compliments on your outfit as you passed, which you accepted graciously and kept walking. You knew not to push it, not with Riri tossing a death glare at everyone who dared to address you. She was walking behind you, not touching, but close enough for her air of possessiveness to loom around you both.

You shrugged her off with a grin, stepping through the silent sliding doors. “Relax.”

The drive to the lounge was just as silent. You’d already assessed the mood she was in, knowing sound would only make it worse. She still kept her hand on your thigh while she drove though, as though touching you kept her regulated. The gesture made you smile to yourself, content and warm all over.

“Turn right up here,” You said, staring out the window.

She groaned but obeyed, mumbling something you couldn't care to catch.

Just as you caught sight of the neon sign outside the lounge, and the packed parking lot, your phone buzzed.

Noelle: girl, i can't make it😭 i met this guy in the lobby, he goes to caltech and he is foineee! tall and chocolate, and ghanaian. anyway, we're going back upstairs. sorry, hope you didn't leave yet😬

You groaned under your breath, “Shit.”

Riri was already pulling into a space, and cutting the engine when you looked over at her. “What now?”

“Nothing!” You said too quickly, laughing a little too loud. “It’s… it’s no big deal.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What is it?”

You exhaled, bracing yourself. “Noelle isn’t coming anymore.”

She blinked at you, “What?”

“I know, I know– I’m the one who made you come out here even though you didn’t want to, I’m sor–”

“It's fine.”

You froze, studying her face for signs of irritation that never came. She didn't react, instead she smiled, finding hilarity in the way you anticipated some sort of outburst.

“I said it’s fine.” She unbuckled her seatbelt. “We’re already here. Might as well go in.” She opened your door, nodding toward the entrance. “You was the one saying it would be fun.”

Casual compliance was extremely unusual for the Riri you knew, but you didn't have time to dwell on it. The moment you stepped inside, the sound swallowed you whole. A bass-heavy R&B track vibrated through the floor, deep enough to rattle your ribs. The lights were low, tinted crimson and violet, flickering over bodies pressed too close for comfort. Laughter, clinking glasses, perfume and sweat—the air was thick with it all.

You froze in the doorway, your earlier optimism faltering. This was supposed to be an escape, a way to keep Riri’s hands—and your thoughts—occupied with literally anything other than each other. But looking around now, you realized how badly you’d miscalculated. Everything about this place screamed intimacy, and you were grappling with the fact that you’d brought her straight into a place built for temptation.

“This is what she called a lounge?” You shouted over the music, trying to mask the panic lacing your voice.

Riri just raised a brow, scanning the room like she was calculating exits, or maybe, possibilities.

Yeah, this was definitely going to have the opposite effect of what you’d planned.

You spotted an empty table tucked into a corner and tugged her wrist. “Come on.”

Tension was sitting heavy in your chest, and you began drumming your fingers against the table as you sat down.

“Why the long face?” Riri teased, leaning close enough for her breath to brush your ear. “Plan not going how you thought?”

You startled upright. “What plan? There’s no plan.”

“Sure.” She smirked, moving behind your chair, her voice a warm cascade against your neck. “I’m gonna get us drinks. You stay here and figure out how you think this night’s gonna end.”

Your throat went dry, and she walked off before you could reply, swallowed up by the crowd.

When she came back, she slid a glass toward you and sat down, her expression softer now. “You don't have to be scared, you know that right?”

You froze mid-sip. “What do you mean?”

When she looked at you, she saw through your entire facade. “You’ve been nervous as hell since we got here. Since this morning, honestly. You think I don’t know why you wanted to go out? Why you’ve been trying to keep us busy?”

A gust of air got stuck in your throat, and you choked on your drink.

“I know this weekend’s a lot,” She said, leaning back. “It’s the first time we’ve really been alone. I know what that must feel like for you, the pressure and all that. But I don’t expect anything from you. I’m only teasing.”

You were quiet as you let the weight of her words settle over you, relieving some of the embarrassment you’d been swimming in all day. You let out a breath, smiling when she reached over to squeeze your hand.

“Thanks for that.” You whispered sarcastically, holding her stare the entire time.

Riri scooted her chair closer to yours so she could wrap her arm around your shoulder. “We don't have to do anything you don't want to. I’m moving at your pace with this. Anything you say, goes.”

“How about we start with dancing?” You shot up, holding your arm out for her to grab onto. You could already sense the protest that she was about to spit, and you stopped her. “You said anything I say goes. I say we dance!”

She hesitated, for all her bravado, Riri wasn’t much for dancing. But then she sighed, setting her glass down. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

The dance floor pulsed with light and bodies. Your heels clacked against the floor as you wove through the crowd, tugging the shorter girl behind you. Heat rolled through the room, heavy and humid, the kind that stuck to your skin and made every breath taste like perfume and liquor. When you reached the center of the room, you stopped, turning to face her, your pulse matching the steady bass thudding beneath your feet.

Riri paused before placing her hands on your waist, tentative, and almost shy. You could tell she was hyperaware of every pair of eyes around you, you were too, and you had to reassure her that no one was looking.

You grinned softly, guiding her wrists higher, pulling her closer until your chests brushed. But before you could close the space completely, she pulled back. Her fingers twitched against your sides, uncertain. Her eyes darted around the crowd, over the couples pressed together, the dim lights, the hands roaming freely in plain sight. You could practically see the thought written across her face.

We shouldn’t.

“Ri,” You voiced gently, your words soft enough to be swallowed by the music. She wouldn’t meet your gaze at first, so you tucked your finger under her chin, tilting it upward so her eyes would catch yours. “Look around. Nobody here knows us. We're okay.”

She didn't move, but you witnessed the way her breathing quickened, saw the conflict in her shoulders, that old habit of having to hide threatening to take over. But she was fighting it.

“Dance with me, Ri.”

Then, slowly, she nodded. Her palms flattened against your back, and she leaned in, resting her forehead against yours. You could feel her smile ghost across your skin, small but real. And then she found her rhythm—your rhythm. The tension melted away from her bones. For the first time, being with her felt like freedom. The two of you weren't hiding, you weren't pretending because you didn't have to.

You were existing—together.

The song shifted into something heavier, and you turned, pressing your back to her chest, hips rolling against hers. Her hands tightened around your waist, fingers digging in deep like she was marking her territory. It was hot, so tempting, and the sound she made when you moved against her was only strengthening your growing arousal.

“You know,” She began, her breath hot against your neck, “the first time I saw you dance to this song was at that party Keem dragged us to.”

You laughed breathlessly, your hips still glued to her. “You remember that?”

“Yeah,” Her voice was rough and smoky as you inhaled. “You were dancing with him. And the whole time, I was standing there thinking, damn… that should be me.”

You smirked, glancing over your shoulder at her. “You had feelings for me all the way back then?”

Riri chuckled, the sound vibrating against your spine. “Don’t ask me that like you don’t already know.” Her hands tightened on your waist, guiding you.

You turned to face her, your noses nearly brushing. The beat shifted, deeper now, like the room itself was holding its breath. “If I remember right,” Your eyes flickered down to her mouth, “I went home with you that night.”

Her grin unfurled slowly, sharp and knowing. “I took yo drunk ass home, yeah.” She corrected, her tone playful.

Your hand slid up the back of her neck, fingers grazing her skin, tracing the curve of her jaw. Her pulse jumped beneath your touch, and she smirked up at you. You leaned in, your lips grazing the shell of her ear, “Wanna take me home again tonight?”

You felt her inhale, felt the air shift between you, something taut and electric snapping into place. And then, she went rigid. You pulled back to see her eyes, but they were locked onto something over your shoulder that you couldn't make out.

“Ri?” You asked, voice small.

She didn’t answer at first, eyes still glazed over, and filled with rage. Then, quietly, “We gotta go.”

“What? Why?”

Her tone sharpened. “Just– come on.”

You followed her as she pushed through the crowd, confusion and rejection coursing through your veins. You were calling her name, asking questions, and not once did she look back or try to answer you.

Was it you? Had you not read the signs correctly? Surely it wasn't you… right?

You barely kept up, your heels clacking against the concrete steps as you stumbled after her. “Riri! What the fuck is going on?”

“Just get in the car.”

“No! Not until you tell me what the hell just happened! We were fine, we were–”

“I told you I didn’t wanna come in the first fucking place!” She snapped, voice cracking with something raw. “And now I’m ready to fucking go! Just– get in the damn car.”

You froze, heart stuttering. “You do not get to talk to me like that anymore!” You hissed. “Are you fucking crazy?!”

You thought you were past this, you thought she was past this. The snapping on you without cause or explanation. Talking down to you like you were less than a person. But who were you kidding? This was the Riri you knew, because this was the only Riri Williams that existed. And you were a fool for thinking you could ever trust her.

You got in the passenger seat and slammed the door, not caring about the glare she shot your way as the sound reverberated. The engine roared. And as the city lights blurred past the windshield, you sat there, fuming, confused, watching her drive with your jaw clenched, eyes hard and distant.

•••

You woke up late the next morning to the heavy quiet of the suite. The last thing you remembered before falling asleep was tossing a pillow and blanket over the loft’s railing, and watching them land with a dull thud on the couch below. It was petty, sure, but after the way Riri snapped at you last night, you weren't about to let her anywhere near you.

So much for being anxious about sleeping with her.

You sighed, dragging yourself out the bed, still stewing. You moved on autopilot—shower, toothbrush, lotion, clothes—each task motivation, a way to get you up and out the room before you had to see or speak to her. She was still asleep on the couch by the time you’d finished getting ready, curled up under the blanket you’d tossed down. Her straight backs were tucked securely beneath her durag, and she had the faintest little scowl still etched into her face. You stared for a second too long, just admiring the way her chest rose and fell, before shaking your head.

“Not doing this today.” You grumbled to yourself on the way out the door.

You’d decided in the shower that today was yours to seize. No sulking, no waiting around for her to say something. You weren't moving on Riri time today. You had an entire hotel filled to the brim with tech for you to sink your teeth into. And that's exactly what you would do… right after you explored the complimentary breakfast bar down stairs.

The Arcadia’s cafeteria was buzzing with the hum of conversation, the clatter of plates, and the hiss of espresso machines blending into one overwhelming symphony.

Your eyes darted over the endless stretch of food options: golden waffles stacked high with whipped cream and berries, scrambled eggs, steaming bacon, turkey sausage links, avocado toast, croissants, tiny jars of jam, and an entire wall dedicated to fresh fruit.

You froze mid-step, paralyzed by choice. Eventually though, you settled on the waffles, a heap of scrambled eggs, and three strips of bacon. Something simple, and you topped it off by ordering an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso, because God knew you’d need it today.

You found a seat by the windows overlooking the city, and you sat down with your steaming plate, your latte already sweating through the cup. Once settled, you pulled your phone out, thumb hovering over your messages.

You: do you want me to grab you something? i’m in the cafeteria.

You stared at it. Then deleted it, and cursed under your breath. What the hell were you doing? No! You wouldn't fold that easily.

You were just setting your phone down when someone’s shadow fell across the table.

“Is this seat taken?”

You glanced up, and froze, blinking in awe.

The woman standing there looked like she’d walked out of a Vogue spread. Tall and slender, with warm brown skin and sharp cheekbones. She wore loose khaki trousers, a crisp white button-up, sleeves rolled to her elbows, but something about the way she wore them made them feel like armor. Her glasses were thin and round, the kind professors wore in old movies, and a gold necklace rested against the dip of her collarbone. Her rings gleamed as she gestured toward the empty chair.

Her accent was lilting—commanding—and rooted you in place.

You blinked once, then shook your head quickly. “Uh– no, go ahead.”

“Thank you.” She sat down with smooth precision, the faintest smile ghosting her lips.

“No problem,” You mumbled, forcing your eyes back to your phone. You tried to ignore her, really, you did, but her presence filled your insides with magnetic intensity. Her cologne too, so fragrant and suave, and far too expensive smelling for you to try naming.

Every time she lifted her fork, you found yourself sneaking a glance, trying to estimate how much food she had left. How soon she’d get up. How soon you’d be able to breathe again.

“So,” She started, her accent curling around the single word, “is this your first time?”

You nearly choked on your latte. “What?”

Her smile widened just slightly, amused. “At the symposium.”

“Oh! Yeah. Uh, yeah, it’s my first time.” You laughed awkwardly, words spilling out before you could stop them. “I’m here with my partner– project partner, I mean. Not like, romantic partner or anything like that. She's not– I mean I do have a boyfriend, but he’s not–”

You were a babbling mess incapable of keeping your cool.

The girl’s brow arched, but her tone was soft when she addressed you. “It’s all right, bhabha. It’s my first time too.”

Bhabha. You had no clue what it meant, a term of endearment you assumed, but the way it rolled off her tongue made your face burn. (baby)

“The only difference is,” She added, leaning back with a slow exhale as her biceps flexed, “I’m here without my partner. Though, I am hoping she’ll come around.”

“Oh… damn,” You fiddled with your fork, trying to blink away the imprint of her abs beneath her button up. “I’d be shitting bricks if I had to go up on that stage alone.”

That earned you a laugh—rich, deep, and completely disarming.

“I suppose I am doing something like that, yes,” She chuckled. “We had a disagreement, you see, about our… project. She has not spoken to me since.”

You frowned. “That sucks. I’m sorry.”

“I’m hoping to mend things with her this weekend. Before our presentation, I mean.” Her eyes flicked to yours, curious. “But enough about me. What about you and your partner, what is your presentation about?”

You narrowed your eyes at her slightly, “I don't know... maybe I shouldn't be telling you. Can’t reveal my secrets to you if you're my competition.”

“Oh come on,” The girl chimed, grinning and wagging her finger at you, “Something tells me that I should be the one worried about competing against you.”

“Maybe.” You laughed, ducking your head. “But uh… It’s, um… environmental modeling. We’re studying the population growth of an endangered species using a modified logistic equation.”

“Sounds… tedious.” She tilted her head, chin resting in her hand. “What’s modified about it?”

Your eyes lit up at her question, “The standard model only shows how a population grows until it hits the environment’s limit. But ours adds a term for human impact, like poaching, deforestation, or habitat loss.”

“So you’re basically simulating how people destroy things.” She pointed out.

You giggled despite yourself, remembering that Riri pointed out the exact same thing. “Pretty much, yeah. But we’re also adding a conservation term later, one that represents sanctuary zones or legal protection.”

Her gaze softened, interest glimmering behind her glasses. “So you can literally show what happens if the world starts caring a little sooner?”

“Exactly,” You said, smiling. “Even small changes can completely flip the outcome. It’s kind of… hopeful, I guess.”

“Hopeful looks good on you…” She eyed you, biting her lip like it was just a reflex.

Something fluttered in your stomach then, a nervous laugh that bubbled up the longer she kept gazing into your eyes. There was a spark there, something that landed between flattery and danger, and you were struggling to dismiss it.

The girl stood gracefully, adjusting the cuff of her sleeve. “I like the way your brain works. Intellect like yours is extremely rare, you should take pride in that.”

You blinked, stunned by the compliment. “Wait– Don't I get to hear about your project too? I’d love to pick your brain some more.”

“That Bhabha,” She stated, gathering her plate, “remains to be decided.” She paused, her lips curving slightly. “But like you… I’m hopeful about the outcome.”

She turned to leave, but not before adding, “I’m Shuri, by the way. It was nice meeting you. I look forward to learning more about you.”

She exited the cafeteria after that.

You stared after her, your heart racing, trying to place the accent, the posture, the confidence, the gold, until it hit you all at once.

Oh God.

Shuri.

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda. Oh god, had you just told the literal heir to one of the most advanced nations on Earth that you’d be “shitting bricks” on the stage?

“Oh, fuck…” You whispered, clutching your latte like it could ground you.

You stood up so fast your chair screeched against the tile, but you couldn't care. You tossed your trash, muttering to yourself the whole way out. The lobby was packed, laughter bouncing off the steel beams, glass elevators whooshing up and down, but all you could hear was your own heartbeat. You had to tell Riri. Now.

You half-jogged across the polished floors, weaving between people until you spotted her signature corn rows swiftly walking in your direction, and you nearly collided with her chest-first.

“Ri! Oh my God, you’ll never believe who I just talked to. She talked to me, actually, and we–”

Riri grabbed your arms, her grip tight enough to stop your flailing. “Look, about last night. I’m sorry. But there’s something I gotta tell you.” Her eyes darted past you, scanning the crowd.

“No, Ri, listen,” You gasped, out of breath, “it’s fine. I don’t even care about last night, okay? You don’t understand, this is huge. She was interested in our project, and I–”

“You don't get it,” She interrupted. “I’m trying to explain what happened last night. And, I’m trying to apologize for what's about to happen… right now.”

You froze. “What?”

Before you could ask again, a voice, that smooth, confident, and unmistakable accent rolled through the air behind you. “Riri, bambo'lwami…” (riri, my love)

You turned slowly.

Shuri stood a few feet away, expression unreadable, but that same smugness from moments ago glittered in her eyes.

“Unjani?” Shuri sang, her tone dripping with familiarity. “Did you miss me?” (how are you?)

Riri’s face had gone stone-cold, her jaw clenched tighter than you’d ever seen it, her eyes dark with something you couldn’t name. Anger? Anguish?

They were in the middle of a silent stare down, tension building so thick you could feel it, and it was disturbing your comfort. You weren't sure what to brace for. Riri’s lip curled, like she would pounce at any moment, and Shuri’s smirk deepened, as though she'd welcome the attack without defense. All you could do was stand there, eyes wide as confusion began to consume you.

Finally, Riri spoke, her voice deadpan as she snarled in flawless Xhosa. “Nkosazana.” (princess)

You glanced between them, heart pounding. The air felt warped, pending implosion. Shuri’s smirk hadn’t faltered, not one bit, and Riri wore that murderous expression still, fury flickering in her eyes like a storm barely leashed.

She pushed away from the door, sauntering to the edge of the bed, still in her pursuit, determined as ever now as she'd hoped to coax her lover into the shower with her. “I’ll do that thing you like.”

It was a song Riri recognized all too well. She knew what Zariyah had been offering up, the image of the lust filled act flashing ever so briefly behind her lids. The familiarity of the sensation, elusively tempting. And on any other occasion she'd probably say yes, enthusiastically so. But not tonight. Not after what had happened downstairs. Your likeness alone had rinsed away whatever pull Zariyah’s body might have had.

“No thanks,” She hummed, light enough to pass as playful.

Riy pouted in resignation, muttering something about Riri being a buzzkill, then disappeared into the foggy bathroom.

She was grateful for the quiet, save for the hushed sound of water running against tile, but it wasn't a tough task to tune it all out. Riri rolled onto her back, the mattress sighing beneath her as she let the noise, and the scent of Riy’s floral body wash blur into static.

Her mind drifted back to you with ease, like she had never been interrupted in the first place. She used the constructed solitude to replay the night like a movie in her mind, honing in on her favorite scene.

The moment you kissed her.

You. Kissed. Her.

Like a giddy teen in love, she turned her face into the pillow, biting back the bashful grin threatening to take over. The memory sparked behind her eyes like a flare—your mouth crashing into hers, your body pressed so tightly she could hardly exhale, not that she’d wanted to. The whimper you’d let out when she touched you through your stockings. So wet, so sticky, and all for her. It’d been a thing of dreams before now, you wanting her, needing her, yearning for her. Your mouth, your heat, your hips—all of it affirming everything she’d only dared to hope.

She was high off it. Floating in it, with no plans of coming down.

The shower water still ran in the background, and she could hear Zariyah singing softly to herself as she bathed, a glaring reminder that someone else was here, another person that wanted her. But Riri didn’t care. The body in that bathroom was not the one she craved.

Riri resisted the urge to kick her feet and squeal, already tangled in the thoughts of the next time she would get to taste your tongue again. She could see it clearly, feel your fingers twisting in her shirt, her hair, your mouth moving over hers without hesitation. There would be no need to stop, no walls, no girlfriends, boyfriends, or birthdays pulling you two apart. She would savor it this time, take her time with you.

Her pulse tripped from the imagined sensation, a little rush of nerves sliding through her, but the good kind, the kind that came from wanting something so bad it made your hands itch.

She didn't even hear the water shut off when it did, hadn't noticed the thick clouds of steam billowing out from the bathroom until Zariyah cleared her throat, and Riri was forced to send her attention over to the girl standing across from her. Her red curls were damp, and she leaned against the doorframe, posing like she expected to be devoured on sight.

It was easy to decipher what Zariyah wanted, the routine carved into muscle memory by now—lingering glances, towel dropping to the floor, lips on collarbones, hands gripping skin. But Riri couldn’t summon the desire. Riri saw that hunger pooling in Riy’s eyes, but there was nothing to match it behind her own. Nothing that she could force.

She was sprawled across the king-sized bed, one arm draped across her forehead, the other resting idly against her stomach as she stared up at the ceiling.

“How was your shower?” She asked, her voice easy, like the question was an afterthought.

“Lonely,” Riy drawled as she began a slow, confident strut towards the bed, and Riri couldn't help but cringe the closer she got. “Would've been more fun if you were in there with me.”

Riri huffed out a laugh, eyes flicking over without moving her head. “We would've run up these rich people's water bill if I was in there with you.”

Riy smirked, leaning a knee onto the mattress. “How about we ruin their sheets instead?” She teased, biting her lip as she crawled closer.

Riri shifted slightly but didn’t sit up, her gaze still fixed on some invisible point above her. She already knew she wasn’t doing this tonight. “You gon be mad if I say I’m not in the mood?”

“Mad? No. Annoyed? Yes.” Riy groaned and got up, drying off with lazy swipes of her towel. “Because you fucking suck.”

“I’m sorry, Z,” Riri murmured half-heartedly, “I just… don’t got it in me tonight.”

Not for her anyway. Not when every nerve in her body was still keyed up from you.

Zariyah scoffed, pulling on a pair of panties. “Keem over there getting some pussy, but I can’t? Ain’t that some shit.”

Riri’s entire body went still.

The sheets beneath her turned cold, and she sat up slowly, vision suddenly tunneled. “W-what?”

Riri could tell Zariyah hadn't noticed the way her voice cracked as the word emerged, how wounded she sounded, she was too caught up in her skincare routine, casual as ever.

“I could hear ole girl when I was in the shower. Keem is definitely in that right now.” Riy laughed, still oblivious to the haunted look Riri was now sporting. “Happy birthday to him, I guess.”

The room dimmed. The blood drained from Riri’s face, and she couldn't hear anything else being said, just the pounding of her own heart in her ears. Loud and relentless.

You were with him?

She allowed the covers to swallow her entirely as Zariyah crawled into bed beside her, arm wrapping lazily around her middle. She smelled like eucalyptus and shea butter, and a lie Riri didn’t want to believe. Because how could you? After everything you said? After the way you looked at her like she hung the moon and the stars. After you kissed her like her lips were the only thing that could quell your agony.

After… needing you is like breathing to me.

Her monster stirred awake inside her, slinking out of the dark corner Riri usually banished him to when she was awake. He didn't creep out this time, no, he came full force, climbing right up her chest until he settled heavy in her sternum, his voice ragged and venomous as he whispered directly into her ear with no remorse.

Of course you let him touch you.

Did you really think one silly little kiss from you would be enough?

He sneered his words, and they didn't sound like questions, because she already knew the answer. Deep down she’d always known.

Riri’s eyes stayed open, unblinking against the dark as a single tear bled sideways into her pillow. Zariyah’s slow, even breathing was steady beside her, another cruel reminder that she was sharing a bed with someone she didn’t want, while the one she did want was across the hall, letting her best friend touch and taste what she had just kissed.

Maybe you deserve this.

Who goes after their best friend’s girl and expects a fairytale?

Every word was a nail driven deep into her skull. She knew she’d opened the door wide for him tonight—that kiss was an invitation—it was the key, and now, he could reach her even here, awake, sober, flat on her back in a strange bed.

This was her own doing.

Of course Hakeem was the better option. He didn't live in the shadows of his own mistakes, didn't cower away from a taunting boogeyman who thrived on his pain and fears like she did. Hakeem was good, and pure, he couldn't taint you like she would.

And maybe you saw that too, maybe the kiss made you realize the truth.

She was no good for you, no matter how much she knew you were the best thing for her.

Riri’s throat burned like she'd swallowed glass, and her stomach ached. She'd fallen from the high she’d previously been riding on, plummeted back down to earth where her dream had turned into a twisted, raw reality with shredded pieces and bloody edges.

You tried to take something that wasn’t yours, the monster cooed. Now watch him keep it.

•••

Riri rose before the sun had fully climbed the horizon, not that it mattered though, she'd barely slept through the night. Her mind was a punishing loop, keeping her awake with harrowing, imaginative stills of what you and Hakeem could be doing across the hall. But when the house finally settled into silence, there was no need to imagine anymore.

She heard it—heard you.

The truth traveled to her in the form of hushed moans. Every muffled kiss, every sharp inhale, every soft, broken whimper Hakeem pulled from your throat seeped through the walls. And she forced herself to listen, to endure the pain curling in her chest until the images in her head, and the deafening sounds echoing in her ears knotted themselves into something she knew she’d never be able to untangle.

Beside her, Zariyah's arm was slung heavy over her waist, her breath slow and warm against the back of Riri’s neck. She was careful not to wake her as she shifted, and slid out from beneath the suffocating weight, the sheets whispering against her skin as she slipped free.

The house was quiet, and the sky was still smeared in that soft, gray-blue haze of early morning. She padded down the stairs, the wood cool under her bare feet. Her plan had been simple, caffeine first, thoughts later.

But as soon as she rounded the last step, her body stiffened.

You were there, sitting at the kitchen table, hunched over your phone, a steaming mug in front of you. Your hair was slightly mussed, and you wore only a rumpled t-shirt, one Riri recognized with ease.

It was Hakeem's.

You looked up at her, and Riri felt the air freeze between you, a slow choke settling in her lungs.

Her pulse jumped, and she felt the vibration in her throat, in her fingers. She had no clue what to say, because every possibility felt wrong. You were unaware of her knowledge, about the noises from your room, about Hakeem’s voice carrying low through the walls. And she wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear you lie about it if she inquired.

“You, uh… made coffee?” She questioned, her voice sounding as scratchy as her throat felt.

“Mhmm.” You nodded, gesturing toward the machine on the counter. “Took me a while to figure out how to use it but… uh… yeah.”

Riri shifted past you, resisting the magnetic pull of your perfume that called to her with every step she took. She busied herself with the machine, letting the gurgle of hot water and the sharp hiss of steam fill the silence. The ceramic was warm in her hands when she poured herself a cup, but it didn’t relax the tightness in her shoulders.

When she finally turned back to face you, she opened her mouth, ready to break the stalemate, and she noticed the way your lips parted at the same time, like you’d been working up to it too.

But before either of you could speak, footsteps creaked down the stairs, and Zariyah’s voice cut through the thick air. “That was probably the best sleep of my life,” She sang, still halfway down the steps, hair pulled up, her sweatshirt hanging loose off one shoulder. She looked straight at you, then over to Riri. “Is there more coffee left?”

And just like that, the moment was gone.

The rest of the morning blurred by with the four of you moving through the motions, tidying up the house, restuffing overnight bags, stacking empty cups and plates without much more than the usual small talk. Riri hadn’t found herself alone with you for more than a breath, not long enough for a single real word to pass between you, and she was beginning to believe this was by design.

Perhaps it was your guilt causing you to plaster yourself at your boyfriend’s side, your hand in his, your smile a little too fixed—a version of normal you were performing for the sake of the crowd.

You may have fooled everyone else, but not Riri.

She'd learned you well enough to deduce that you remaining in Hakeem's company for this long was nothing short of abnormal. The avoidance was transparent, tucked messily between the far too casual exchanges and the near-misses when your paths almost crossed but didn’t.

Riri didn't force it though, didn't linger like she usually would. Instead, she chose to observe silently, and take mental notes of the oddities she noticed in your behavior. She took it all on the chin, despite the dull ache blossoming in her chest. Eventually, she slipped outside and into the car, letting the cool air calm her nerves as she waited for the rest of you to pile in. And by the time the last bag thudded into the trunk, her hands were already firm on the wheel, ready to hit the gas the moment someone gave the word.

Zariyah climbed into the passenger seat beside her, and you and Hakeem took the back, naturally falling into each other's space. He slung an arm lazily over your shoulder, your head tilting to rest below his chin.

Riri kept her eyes on the road as she drove, jaw tight and ticking, but every once in a while she caught herself glancing at the rearview, searching for the endless orbs that belonged to you. The angle was enough for her to meet your gaze. It was intended to be a quick lock, nothing that lasted, nothing that lingered. But, as always, she ran into the same lesson she was meant to relearn every time her eyes met yours.

She never wanted to look away, she couldn't look away. It was a tug-of-war with her own body, every fiber protesting, like turning away from you might split her in two. You graced her with a small, fleeting smile before abandoning the moment, and that pesky muscle in her cheek kept on twitching.

When she inevitably pulled up to your apartment building, you and Hakeem hopped out together, thanking her, and saying your goodbyes before strutting off hand in hand. She stayed parked longer than she meant to, idling behind, watching you walk towards the lobby doors. Hakeem leaned in to murmur something in your ear, and Riri watched as you threw your head back, your laugh spilling into the air. To her, it all felt so deliberate, like you were taunting her, pressing her face into it the way you’d scold an unruly animal.

But, was this not to be her punishment?

“We going? I gotta be at work by one,” Zariyah’s voice cut through her haze, making her blink.

“Yeah,” Riri muttered, eyes still trained on you and her best friend until you disappeared inside completely. Her fingers flexed against the steering wheel, and she shifted the car into drive. “Let's go.”

•••

After she dropped Riy off at home, Riri headed straight to the only place she knew would offer solitude.

The garage smelled like hot metal and motor oil upon entry, familiar scents that always grounded her. Riri stood in the center of her equipment for a second, just taking it all in. She was surrounded by the skeleton of her Mark III suit, suspended titanium hanging from hooks, and wiring guts spilled across her worktable. She basked in the quiet. It was different here, all encompassing, but in no way suffocating. It loosened her muscles, de-fogged her brain.

The silence in here didn't demand anything of her—she could just be.

Riri stepped over a stray torque wrench on the floor, weaving between crates of scrap metal and prototype parts until she reached her workbench. She dropped into her chair, and kicked it back with one foot so it would roll into position. The stool squeaked under her as she leaned forward, elbowing a clutter of socket heads and microprocessors to the side so she could set down her laptop.

She lifted the suit’s chest plate onto the table, and dragged her palm across the cool metal, tracing every scratch and scuff embedded into the material with a little smirk playing on her lips. She then spun to grab her welding mask from its hook, and snapped it in place.

Mask down, torch in hand, Riri wasted no time vaulting headfirst into her work. The world had dimmed around her, like it always did when she fell into her element, the hiss of tools drowning everything else out. Sparks flew, bouncing off her forearms in sharp bursts as she welded two plates along the shoulder of her armor, creating clean seams, closed and perfect, like it hadn't been damaged on her last mission at all.

Then, she swapped the torch for her laptop, removing her mask entirely, and powered it on. A flick of her fingers brought the screen to life, along with the AI framework she’d borrowed from Shuri.

Or, at least the guts of it. Riri had stripped Griot all the way down to its raw code, studying the intricacies like they were written scripture. She still wasn’t sure how she’d managed to walk out of Wakanda with it without Shuri noticing, but the silence since then had been telling. If the princess had noticed, she clearly wasn’t losing sleep over it. Then again, Shuri never really lost sleep over much, especially these days.

She shook her head hard, doing away with the image of Shuri in her mind. She wasn't here to daydream about complicated people she had no business wanting—exes included. She was here to work and lose herself in her creations, the most important one being developing her own AI. She wanted something that differed vastly from Griot, something sharper, something that was distinctly hers.

Riri wanted her AI to think with her, not just for her, and that meant mapping the inner workings of her brain, down to the finest signal. She clipped a bundle of wires to a half-built neural interface, connected them to her computer, and then, she taped the opposite ends of the cords to her temple, flinching slightly at the sting of electricity. The processor was humming to life soon after, running initial scans, reading the quickfire synapses and patterns of her brain.

And as she sat there, arms folded as she waited, Riri became a victim of sleep’s undertaking. She hadn't noticed her eyelids growing heavier, hadn't paid attention to the way the gentle vibrations against her skull had begun to lull her. If she had, she would have forced her body to protest, but it was too late. The line between focus and fatigue blurred, and somewhere between a blink and a breath, she drifted under.

The garage dissolved around her, leaving in its place, the sharp, metallic scent of blood in the air. The screech of tires on asphalt. A hollow, ringing silence that came after the screaming stopped. She couldn't recognize Natalie’s laughter anymore, couldn't find her father's voice. That day replayed, merciless in its clarity, every painful, disorienting frame seared into her tendons.

For a moment, she just sat there. Immobile. Unblinking. She wanted to scream, but her throat burned hot, rendering her speechless, and helpless.

She couldn't help them.

She didn't help them.

Shame crept in first, and she knew he wasn't too far behind. Her monster. He didn't seem to be in a rush—he knew the process. The slower he edged in, the messier her mind would be, and the more devastation he had to feast on. He made her do all the work for him, dragging herself through that nightmarish loop, until she was raw enough for him to step in and gorge on what was left.

His voice curled around her, dark and smug like thick smoke.

Building your little toys will never make you forget.

You didn't help them.

You let them die.

His words filled the empty spaces inside her that she couldn't protect, where her doubts thrived, and her self image lived fractured. They hadn't been loud, but boy were they strong, packing a force almost powerful enough to cause her irreparable, internal wreckage.

Do you really think it was fair that you got to survive?

And in the way only he could, he made the grief and the guilt indistinguishable, one long ache she’d carry until he decided she didn’t have to anymore.

What would they say if they knew about your current proclivities? Wanting what isn't yours?

It was then that she jolted awake, attempting to claw herself free from her monster’s thorny grasp. Her chest was heaving, her skin was damp with a cold sweat that made her feel like she took a dive in the deep end and almost drowned.

The essence of the nightmare lasted still. It twisted around her ribs like barbed wire, sharp enough to puncture flesh every time she exhaled.

Her monster lingered too. She could hear the echo of his voice from where he retreated to in the back of her skull. Smug and satisfied he was, leaving her dizzy, her head tilting forward as if the weight of it might topple her.

The sharp beep-beep-beep of her computer aided in yanking her further from the darkness, but not all the way. Her hands still flexed against her thighs, searching for something—anything—to anchor her back in her own body. She swallowed hard, fighting the tremor in her lungs.

And then, in the midst of it all, she found you.

Not here, not physically, but in her mind, you bloomed. Your lips emerged first, the fire-soft press of them against hers, still vivid enough that Riri swore she could taste you if she tried. Your smile was next. That quick, shy curve that destroyed her willfully each time she witnessed it. And your eyes—fuck, your endless eyes—pools of chocolate that seemed to melt just for her, even though you’d probably deny that to be true if she asked.

You hadn't appeared as just a distraction; you were a tether. And she let you lead her out of the nightmare, back into the rhythm of the real world. She felt her pulse begin to slow. Her breathing evened out, and she leaned back in her chair, allowing your lasting essence to soothe her entirely.

You were her center—the one thing that could pull her from the carnage.

Usually, Riri hated how easy it was for you to wreck her equilibrium without even being in the same room, but right now, she was beyond grateful for it as she blinked the world around her back into focus. The garage took shape again, cold concrete floors, the faint whirring of her machines, the sharp tang of burning plastic riding the air.

Her gaze panned down to the source of the acrid scent: her laptop, smoking like an angry tea kettle.

“Shit, shit, shit!” She hissed, yanking the melting wires from her forehead and tossing them aside before shutting the entire system down. The AI attempt was fried—again.

Riri sighed, and sat back, watching as a thin swirl of gray vapor drifted toward the ceiling.

Not her first crash-and-burn, and she knew it wouldn’t be her last, but still, she couldn't pretend she wasn't annoyed. She decided then, that it was time to close up shop.

Hours had passed without her noticing, and when she finally glanced outside, the sky was swallowed by darkness. She was still in a haze when she got up, trying to tidy up the best she could, though, she quite liked her clutter—everything was always where she left them when it became time to find them again. Riri killed the lights, allowing the shadows circling around her to reclaim the corners once more. And then she grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder as she stepped out into the cool of the night.

The air was sharper outside, the kind that woke you up whether you wanted it to or not, but Riri definitely wanted it to. As she approached her car, she caught her reflection in the tinted window. Her face stared back at her, eyes tired, rimmed red, slight bags forming under them. She exhaled shakily, almost amused at how bad she looked, like her guilt had started painting itself on her skin for everyone to see.

Still, she got in the car, tossed her bag into the back seat, and started the engine. It thrummed to life, filling the previous silence, and with nothing else to focus on as she drove, Riri’s mind wandered where it always went—back to you.

And now, she had something much more than stolen moments in apartment lobbies and libraries to anchor herself to.

A kiss.

A kiss that flipped her world on its axis.

She didn't want to lose that feeling. Despite the shame knotting in her stomach, despite knowing what it meant and who it hurt, she couldn’t sever that connection.

What would Nat think of all this? Something Riri found herself wondering about constantly. She would probably smack her upside the head initially. Tell her how fucked it was to want your best friend’s girl.

She could hear her now.

“Ri are you crazy?! She’s dating your friend? Like in a relationship, dating?! And you tryna fuck on her? I don't know, that's kinda…”

“You need your brain rewired. But then again… this does not surprise me.”

But under it all, Riri knew there’d be understanding there. Nat knew the way the heart bent logic all out of shape sometimes. She was always good for offering sympathy and judgment all in the same breath. The thought made her laugh a little, until her dad’s face appeared in her mind, and she stilled.

His image was heavier, his disappointment more tangible than Nat’s. He would like Hakeem, no doubt. Maybe even love him. And Riri wasn’t ready to touch the weight of that truth. Not yet.

So she went back to you, and she let the memory of your mouth and touch guide her. The streets rolled by without her noticing, block after block after block of blurred streetlights and passing cars, until she blinked and realized where she’d ended up.

Parked outside your apartment, like you’d summoned her directly to you.

•••

Riri sat low in the driver’s seat, hood pulled over her head, one hand drumming on the steering wheel while the other held her phone. The azure glow from the screen painted her face, leaving it as the only part of her body illuminated in the near pitch black of the parking lot, save for the occasional flickering street light overhead.

Her knee was bouncing in rhythm with the car’s engine as she stared at the message she'd typed and sent.

Riri: you up?

You’d read it six minutes ago and counting, with no reply.

Her jaw flexed. Her eyes flicked from the screen to your building, tracing the familiar outline of your bedroom window. Soft yellow light spilled through the glass, mocking her almost. She knew you were awake. She could just picture you in there, barefoot, probably curled up on your bed in a cute little lounge set, scrolling through your phone.

So why weren’t you answering?

She slouched deeper into the seat, staring through her windshield at the building. What the hell was she even doing here? She told herself it wasn’t intentional, she just… ended up here by happenstance. The steering wheel had a mind of its own, the universe made it so. Or any other bullshit excuse she could think of to shift the blame away from herself.

But she knew the truth. Her body, mind, and heart knew she wanted to be here. She needed to be here, needed to see you.

She wouldn't be able to ease her nerves if a conversation about everything that happened last night wasn't had. Riri wasn't keen on loose ends, or miscommunication. She needed to know where the two of you stood.

So here she was, parked outside your place in low light, waiting for you to acknowledge her text message, and her existence alike.

Maybe Hakeem was up there, lying in bed with you, and that's why you couldn't text back. But she hadn't seen his car outside. She'd scoped the scene out as she pulled in, and she knew he wasn't here. Which left only the conclusion that you didn't want to talk to her. The thought made her audibly gulp, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, adjusting her hoodie as if trying to hide herself out of sheer embarrassment.

But then, just as her phone screen was about to dim, and go out completely, it buzzed in her palm, reviving the brightness once more.

You: a ‘you up’ text? seems a bit cliché, no?

Her heart lurched, before taking off on a full blown sprint down the road, and Riri huffed a laugh. That stupid grin was already spreading across her face, and she didn't even try to stop it.

Was this you… teasing her?

Riri: i’ll take that as a yes

Your reply came almost instantly this time.

You: yeah, i am up actually. i’m working on our presentation for the delta lab symposium that's coming up. you know, the one we’re supposed to be doing together? 🙄

Riri: oh yeah, i keep forgetting about that

Riri: but anyway, i’m outside

She anticipated the pause that followed. The bubbles at the bottom of her screen appeared, then vanished. Appeared again. Vanished again.

She chuckled, and shook her head. “So this how we playing this?”

And then…

You: do you know what time it is? why are you outside my apartment?

She responded without the slightest bit of hesitation.

Riri: sooo, are you coming down, or no?

More bubbles. Disappearing. Coming back. Disappearing again. Longer than before this time, and Riri felt like she was watching paint dry.

Five minutes went by, seven, nine, eleven.

Her mind ran to the worst case scenario. Maybe you’d realized how fucked this all was, blocked her number, and went to sleep. Why else would you stop replying so abruptly?

Maybe you–

You: fine.

She exhaled hard, like someone had punched all the air from her lungs, and she felt her jaw loosen, doing away with the previous tick that she thought to be permanent. She felt her smile stretching, unfurling into something uncontainable, so she bit down hard on her knuckle to keep it from spreading. Her eyes traveled to the front doors excitedly, and she waited impatiently until she saw them slide open, and you step out into the night.

•••

The first thing you said upon entering Riri’s car was, “Hi,” after closing the door with a slight thud.

It was a murmur, though she heard it just fine, and she internalized that singular word. But the thing she struggled to do next was offer up a response. She was too transfixed by the picture of you being here, right next to her in real time, to speak. You slid into her car with effortless grace, carrying a rush of warm air and the heady pull of your signature perfume, stronger now than she’d ever been lucky enough to breathe in.

Smoky vanilla and saffron.

A combination concocted by the heavens, made specifically for you to wield against her, to keep her spellbound like she currently was. Bereft of speech, and autonomy. You could immobilize her with just your scent alone. If only you knew the power you held over her, how much she'd let you get away with without objection.

It took her eons to respond, and when she finally did, she blurted the only thing on her mind. “You smell so fucking good.”

“Thanks…” You chuckled gently, shifting so your palms were now tucked under your thighs. “I was expecting like a hey back or something, but that works too, I guess.”

Riri detected a hint of nerves beneath your laugh, and her lips twitched. Even subdued, she could still make you blush.

“Never really been a fan of small talk.” She declared, eyeing you up and down.

You scrunched your nose, smiling, “What kind of talk are you a fan of then?”

Her own smile curved halfway, “Mmm… you don't want me to answer that.”

The two of you fell into a fit of laughter, effortless and refreshing. She let the sound of your giggles loiter in her head, playing it on loop even after it had diminished in real time. God, she would never get over how good it felt to make you laugh, the times it happened were few and far between, but she knew she wanted to keep doing it.

“You're probably right about that.” You adjusted in your seat next to her, pulling the hem of your pajama shorts down and over your thigh.

Riri’s eyes dipped down immediately, locking onto your barren flesh, examining your body for a moment too long, before she dragged them back up to meet your gaze. “Nice pajamas.”

She'd been so bewitched by your fragrance when you first got inside the car, that she hadn't even paid attention to your attire. Well, not enough anyway. Your pajamas were fairly modest. Grey crop top, loose fitting grey shorts tied lazily at your waist, and an oversized zip up hoodie of the same color that was failing terribly at its job to keep you covered up.

She was trying not to stare, though resistance proved to be difficult. Every time you moved even a little, the fabric sticking to your body would ride up. Her pulse would skip, her eyes kept flicking back to your legs, fixating on the subtle flex of your stomach.

You didn't just look good, you looked touchable. And fuck, it was killing her not to. She wanted to reach out, and run her nails along your velvety, deep brown skin. Drag her fingers down your shoulders, your forearms, your thighs. Eventually, they’d wander inwards, drawn to your core’s heat, stopping only if you’d asked. But Riri had a feeling you wouldn't ask.

“You like my pajamas?” You questioned, voice flat and unimpressed.

“Yeah. They're cute. I like how they look on you.”

You rolled your eyes, “So, that why you came over here? To tell me you like how my pajamas look on me?”

“No,” Riri shook her head, biting her lip as she stared at you. “I came to tell you I wanna see what they look like off you. Pretty sure I’d like that waaay more.”

There was that laugh of yours again, so infectious. “You always been this corny?”

Riri nodded, “Been a certified cornball my entire life baby. Got no shame in it.”

“You don't got no shame about nothin’, that's ya damn problem.”

“I’m sure it is.” She chuckled. “I think I’ll be alright though.”

The quiet that followed wasn’t awkward, not really. It was the kind that made the air buzz, the kind where every unspoken thing between you pressed at the edges of the conversation, just waiting for their day in the sun. Riri’s knee was bouncing, but she swore it wasn’t from nerves, it was energy. You were right there, close enough to kiss if she just leaned in. And she wanted to. Badly. Her eyes fell to your lips, studying their perfect, permanent pout. But she stopped herself, finding your face again.

Not yet.

“This gonna be a regular thing now?” You were drawing circles on your thighs with your thumb, bashfully averting her gaze.

Riri raised an eyebrow, “Define this.”

She was curious to know your answer, though she had little hope it’d be the thing she wanted to hear.

You cleared your throat nervously, then chewed on your lip a little before answering, “This being you texting me, and showing up here in the middle of the night.”

Riri shrugged, “Depends on if that's how you want this to go.”

You turned to look at her, eyes catching, and she unearthed curiosity in your irises, maybe even a twinge of uncertainty.

“Is that how you want this to go?” She quizzed again, needing you to heed the urgency in her tone without seeming desperate.

“I don't know.”

She figured you'd say that. It was the truth afterall, and she couldn't blame you for speaking it, even if it did sting a little in the ears.

Her eyes softened the longer she sat there studying you, and her heart hurt as she began picking apart every flicker of expression on your face. Your mind was moving fast, spinning out of control, searching for a semblance of rationale that you would never discover. So she decided to offer what she could instead.

Her hand slid across the car’s center console, fingers brushing yours before curling around them, fitting between them like they were meant to meet. And the spark was instant, surging up her arm, and burrowing deep into her chest. “How are you feeling?”

She asked the question without malice, hoping you'd appreciate the sincerity.

“Still trying to figure that out too,” You admitted, voice low. “It feels like every cell in my body is on fire, and I can’t put them out.”

Riri’s brows lifted a bit, “Do you want to? Put the fire out I mean.”

“Some days, yes. Others, no.”

“What about right now?” She asked, struggling to keep her voice steady.

You took your time answering the question, your contemplation forcing the silence between you two to simmer. It made Riri begin to question if she'd pushed too far, but then–

“No.”

She breathed out, almost triumphantly, nodding along with your answer. She hoped you'd say that, so she could lay that tiny sliver of doubt in the back of her head to rest.

“How come.”

The way you looked at her now, with your skin bathed in moonlight, and your umber orbs leaking innocence, she felt like a fool for even asking, when the answer was so painstakingly evident.

“Because,” You began, eyes dropping to her lips for half a second, maybe less than that, before you brought them back up to bore into her soul once more, “my fire burns hottest when I’m around you. But it doesn't hurt. It's comforting. Grounding. Steadies me when I start to tilt.”

Riri stayed silent, allowing you to get it all out, the words she’d been dying to hear you fess up to for months. She hadn't anticipated how difficult they would be to hear though. Not because they hurt, but because each one was like a lightning bolt to her flesh, charging her up so much that she thought she would combust.

“I think–” You exhaled, flailing a bit as you tried to find the right words, “I think my fire burns for you, Riri, not because of you.”

Her mouth curved, and a laugh slipped out. Not mocking, but totally sardonic in that true Riri Williams fashion, “What’s the difference?”

She watched you suppress a grin, and bite back your blush before you started speaking, “The difference is…” You shifted your attention down to where your fingers interlocked, making it your focal point as you continued, “When a fire burns for a person, it's not destructive. It's not meant to consume you. It's meant to keep them warm, keep them safe.”

“I make you feel safe?” Riri’s breath hitched on the end of her sentence, and her voice cracked. Your words had slipped into her fortress, and broke something open. She wasn't used to hearing things like that, quite the opposite actually. You had no idea what it did to her to be told she was good for someone, that she could provide safety in this perilous world.

You nodded, biting your lip like a seductress. “Mhmm.”

She swallowed, her thumb unconsciously stroking over the back of your hand. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me right now,” She murmured, and it wasn’t meant to come out as desperate and damaged as it did.

Your head tilted slightly, eyes glittering in the dim light. “Maybe I do.”

That made her laugh, low, under her breath, the kind that formed in her gut. “See, this is why you're dangerous,” She said, shaking her head but unable to stop herself from leaning in a fraction closer. “You sitting there, looking like that, talking like that. What exactly do you expect me to do in this situation?”

“You showed up outside my building in the middle of the night, and I’m the dangerous one? Yeah… okay.” You teased, causing her to grin.

It spread lazily across her lips before she licked them, like she was savoring the taste of the truth in the air. “Touché.”

The tension between you two was supercharged, like a live, exposed wire one spark away from snapping, and causing everything to go up in flames. Riri’s heartbeat was a baseline in her ears now, deep and steady, a tick louder than the music playing in the background. Your gaze made her skin prickle, like you were reading through her, documenting answers you didn't have to ask for. That damn vanilla perfume was beginning to permeate her pores, her nostrils, settling into her veins, and traveling throughout her entire nervous system.

She'd never done fentanyl before, not her drug of choice, but if she had to infer, she’d say the sensation was akin to what she felt right now.

Once again, she felt herself longing for your glossed lips. Did you taste as delicious as you smelled right now? Though she already knew the answer was yes, it wouldn't hurt to double check, right?

You twisted your body to face her even more, and it felt deliberate.

Riri followed suit, inching in so she was nearer to you, fingers still intertwined, her shoulder pressing into yours as if trying to consume some of your flames.

Her voice dropped to something more sultry, more breathy, more needy, “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not responsible for what happens next.”

Your smirk was small and taunting, as you whispered, “What's gonna happen next?”

She didn't answer right away. She wanted to savor the sweetness of this moment, make it stretch, make it last. Your mouth was merely a breath away from hers, and you had the devil dancing in your irises, confessing to her that you were prepared to experience the unholiest of things with her. And Riri needed to take a snapshot of this moment to hold onto forever.

As badly as she wanted to close the gap between you and her, to prove last night wasn’t some fluke or mistake, she knew she couldn't. Not with the memory of those sounds—those soft, airy noises you’d made for Hakeem—flashing uninvited across her mind. She pulled back just enough to breathe, forcing her expression to stay unreadable.

And instead of leaning in, she leaned back, and broke the silence with a casual, “We should probably talk about last night.”

You turned your head toward her, your expression impassive under the wash of streetlight through the windshield. “I thought that’s what we were doing…”

“Not in so many words,” She countered.

“Okay…”

The change was immediate. The way your voice turned deadpan, your shoulders tensed, a ripple of stiffness she could feel beneath her palm. You angled your face away from hers, breaking that thin electric thread that always thrummed between you, and her stomach dropped just a little at the loss.

She gave your hand a little squeeze of reassurance, wanting to still hold tight to you as her tether, but she had no idea if it landed. “You kissed me last night,” Riri said, voice careful. “Said a lot of things we didn't really get a chance to unpack.”

That was when you slipped your hand away from hers. Not a snatch, not angry, just… gone. And of course the absence of you stung, even if it was just your hand. Her stomach twisted. Your profile in the passenger seat was shillouetted, the glow from the dashboard catching on your cheekbone and the corner of your mouth. She wanted to cup your face, force you to look at her, but instead she stayed still.

You let out a faint laugh—sharp, disbelieving—and muttered something under your breath.

“What was that?” Riri questioned, furrowing her brows.

You cut your eyes at her, squinting ever so slightly, “I said. I wonder why we never got that chance.”

A flicker of irritation batted inside her chest. Why did it sound like you were annoyed with her? If anything, shouldn’t she be the one holding onto a grudge?

“Maybe because your boyfriend interrupted us,” Riri shot back. “And we were at his birthday party, where there were guests.”

“We could’ve talked afterwards,” You countered, heat edging your voice. “When everyone left. I actually expected us to. But you had an important shower to get to, remember? With your girlfriend?”

“What?” She asked, sharper now.

“You left me to go upstairs and shower with Zariyah. What, you got amnesia now?” You rolled your eyes, fiddling with your fingernails.

Riri let out a breath of disbelief, barely containing her own annoyance. “You know, I wish I had amnesia, actually. That way I would forget the sound of your boyfriend making you come all night long.”

All the color drained from your face, replaced by shame instead, “What– You heard–”

“Yeah,” She cut in without hesitation, leaning back just slightly, like putting physical space between the two of you might keep her from unraveling. “I heard you last night. Not like you was tryna be quiet.”

You hadn't said anything, just fixed your eyes on something far away, near the tree line in the distance. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. How did the two of you always manage to turn everything into an argument?

You swallowed hard, still not looking at her, “I just find it funny how you can fuck your girlfriend in the shower all you want, but I can’t–”

“I ain't fuck nobody last night,” Riri declared, her voice stern like a warning. “Let's get that clear.”

You head snapped towards her in a flash, “But I thought–”

“Yeah, you thought wrong.” Riri finally relaxed in her seat again, exhaling slow. “Look, I don't wanna fight, okay? That's not why I came here. I just wanna… figure all this out. I’m sorry.”

Your gaze softened a fraction, but your voice stayed sharp. “I only did it because I thought–”

That stopped her cold. Your confession landed in her chest, and unspooled something tight that she had never considered before. Jealousy, she realized—you’d been jealous. And you ran to Hakeem to try and quell it. Riri shouldn't be happy about that truth, her actions had pushed you into the arms of another. She should be furious. Hurt. And she was before, but now, she couldn't stifle the smirk breaking across her face.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now, Riri?” You scolded, catching her smize before it left her eyes. “You're smiling about that? Really?”

“No, I’m not.” She protested quickly, but her lips had yet to fall back into a straight line.

You laughed, embarrassed. “Oh goodness, you are unbelievable.”

And boy was she ecstatic to hear that glorious sound again.

“Look,” She said, her voice dipping, “I know how complicated this is…”

“Yeah,” You agreed softly.

“But,” She leaned in slightly, “I think we can make it work.”

Your brow furrowed. “How?”

Riri moved back, patted her lap. “Come here.”

“Like… in your lap?”

“No, on my face,” She teased without missing a beat, delighting in the way your body stalled, the way your lips parted like you weren’t sure if you’d heard her right. “Girl, if you don’t come over here, I ain't playing this game with you tonight.”

“Okay, okay, damn.” You giggled, climbing over the console. Your thigh brushed her arm, and your ass hit the horn by accident, the sound blaring through the quiet parking lot before you both burst out laughing.

“You gotta be careful dragging all that ass around,” Riri grinned, biting her lip as she caught you by the hips, then grabbing two greedy handfuls before pulling you down so you straddled her. “Might cause an earthquake.”

“Shut the fuck up, Riri. God!” You cackled, burying your face deep in the crook of her neck, breathing her in, and Riri had to battle the urge not to moan right there.

She didn’t tease you about how your warm cheeks sizzled her skin. Instead, she slid a hand up to cup your jaw, coaxing you to look at her. “I meant what I said last night. I can make all of this worth it, if you let me.”

Your eyes danced over hers, “How?”

Riri lowered the tone of her voice to something more intimate, more deliberate. “Do you trust me?”

You nodded, but that wasn’t enough for her. “No, I need to hear you say it. Do you trust me?”

“I shouldn't, but I do,” You inhaled shakily, “I trust you, Riri.”

The sound of it made her pulse kick up, heat pooling in her stomach, and she smirked slow. “Good.”

And then she kissed you.

•••

The kiss was not soft, or tentative—it was a collision, a great release, like both of you had been holding your breath for far too long, and finally dared to exhale. Your mouth was warm and faintly sweet, the vanilla from your perfume somehow blossoming on her tongue. Her fingers slid into your freshly washed hair, tugging and gripping just enough to keep you where she needed you.

You kissed her back just as violently, like you meant to take something, anything—everything from her, and she handed it all over without pause. Your mouth was hot, pliant, hungry against hers, your breath unsteady when Riri tilted her head to deepen the kiss, tongue sweeping over yours in slow, determined strokes that made you moan into her throat.

She didn’t even realize she’d pulled you tighter in her lap until your chest was flush to hers, your knees bracketing her hips. One hand stayed tangled in your hair, the other slid down your side, over the curve of your waist, fingers skimming under the hem of your pajama top until she felt skin. Warm, soft, intoxicating skin.

She let her fingertips map you like she had all the time in the world, trailing up your ribs, dipping around to your back, sliding lower again until her palm cupped your ass, and she felt a shiver run through you.

God, you were making little noises in the back of your throat—the kind that set her blood on fire, all for her and no one else. And she chased every sound, every stuttered exhale, until it was hard to tell whose breathing was more ragged.

Her mouth left yours only long enough to kiss the corner of it, then your jaw, then drag down to the soft, warm line of your throat. She felt you tilt your head back, granting her permission to keep going, and she smirked as she watched your pulse jump.

Riri’s teeth grazed along your neck, tempted to bite, to suck, but she was smarter than that.

And so were you, apparently, because you pulled back just enough to whisper a breathy, broken warning, “N-No hickies, please…”

“That's fine,” She chuckled, running her wet tongue languidly up the column of your throat. “There are other ways for me to mark my territory.”

When she found your mouth again, she was hungrier, insatiable. She was sure she’d never get enough, not in this lifetime, maybe not the next.

The Bryson Tiller song in the background was barely recognizable now, nothing more than a bass line syncing with her own heartbeat. All she could register was you. The press of your thighs around her hips, the slick slide of your tongue against hers, the way you were holding her face now like you were afraid she’d vanish if you let go.

And maybe she would’ve, if she were with anyone else.

Your whines were starting to get softer, more desperate and frequent, and Riri knew exactly what that meant. She let her fingers breach the waistband of your shorts, teetering lower and lower, waiting for just a hint of protest. But it never came.

Instead, you rocked your hips against her, pressing yourself harder into her thigh, and she used her free hand to guide you.

There was nothing subtle about your movements, nothing subtle about the way your breath was hitching as you rode her, and when you broke the kiss to drop your head to her shoulder, she just about fractured inside.

“Yeah,” She murmured into your hair, smug and reverent, “I know, baby. I know what you want.”

Your hips stuttered at that, and she smirked against your temple. She slid her hand fully into your shorts, surprised at the absence of underwear, and the vast ocean her fingers were now swimming in, a hint of pride blooming near her heart. “You gon let me give it to you?”

When you nodded your head along her neck, Riri felt triumphant. She had you right where she wanted you, and she wouldn't let you slip away so easily, not like she did last night.

“Turn around for me.”

You hesitated, blinking at her like you weren’t sure you heard her right. “Turn…?”

“Yeah,” She whispered, smoothing her hands up and down your thighs. “Back to my chest.”

You hesitated, only for a beat before moving. The motion was sort of clumsy in the cramped space of the car, your legs brushing hers, your knee catching the console, and you huffed out in quiet frustration. She almost laughed at how cute you were, but decided against it. When you finally settled with your back pressed to her front, she hooked her chin over your shoulder, pinning you to her.

The shift pulled your pajama top up just enough for your bare breasts to kiss the air, and like magnets, her hot hands were drawn to them. “Tell me to stop if this isn't what you want.”

You whimpered, the sound like music to her ears as you replied, “This– This is what I want.”

The encouragement only egged her on. Riri kept a handful of your left breast in one hand, tweaking and pinching your nipple, taking pride in the way you squirmed for her. The other crept down your abdomen, labored in its trek, stopping short just as she reached the waistband of your pajama bottoms. Her eyes found yours in the rear view mirror, assessing how blown your pupils were, how wrecked you looked already. She’d barely touched you, yet you were so far gone.

“How bout this,” Her fingers dipped past the elastic of your shorts with slow intent, still taking in your reflection with her gaze. “You want this too?”

“Yes…” You breathed, like you were on your last, and you were granting her permission to revive you with her touch.

That was all the confirmation Riri needed. She dove in fully, cupping the wet heat that had been waiting for her. Her thumb swiped across your slippery clit, and she just about passed out from the slickness. This is what she felt last night through your stockings, the stickiness she'd been feening for ever since.

You jolted at the first burst of contact, hips jerking forward instinctively. She smiled against your neck, dragging her nose along your jaw as her hand molded itself to you, massaging your sensitive bud in smooth, slow circles.

“This…” Riri muttered, her own breathing labored, “This is what I meant when I said I could make all this worth it.” Her hand moved lower, two fingers inching closer to and circling your dripping hole, before sinking in completely. “And I ain't just talking bout my hands–” Her digits flexed, catching that spot that made you exhale as she thrusted them in and out, in, and out. “I’m talking about learning you, knowing you. Like really knowing you, anticipating everything you need without you having to say it.”

“If you let me, that is.” She nibbled on your ear, letting the flurries of her words kiss your cheeks, and she watched you thrash each time she pulled her fingertips out just long enough for you to miss them. You were moaning loudly, barely able to keep your eyes open the deeper she fucked you. A gorgeous sight, one she'd fantasized about countless times, but it wouldn’t do in this scenario.

“Keep those eyes on me, baby.”

And you obeyed, somewhat reluctant as you trailed your gaze up to the rear view mirror to find hers, and Riri smirked. “Good girl.”

You were melting into her, thighs twitching against the seat, your voice breaking on a soft, “Ri…”

She could tell you wanted more, and in due time you would receive it, but she still had to have her fun in the meantime. She'd waited months for something like this to happen, and she was going to make sure it lasted, make sure your sweet essence had seeped fully into her system before she stopped.

“You don't know how long I’ve waited to hear you say my name like that,” She put more pressure on your clit, pressing in firm enough for you to cry out. “How many nights I got myself off to the thought alone.”

You bucked your hips, and your back lifted off her chest, like your body was running behind the contact.

Riri smiled to herself as she centered you in her lap once more, looping an arm around your middle to keep you still and flush against her, and then she continued, “I prayed for this to be my reality, prayed for you to be mine.”

Her expert digits stretched you wide, splashing around in your wetness as you dripped for her. Riri let out her own string of curses at how fucking tight you were, you were sucking her fingers into your deepness, swallowing her knuckles with your cunt. And shit, it felt sooo damn good.

“You're with me now, but I’m not sure if I have you.” She stared at you, memorizing your reflection. Every crease in your forehead, how your lips parted as you gasped for her. “Do I?”

You bobbed your head, gripping onto the driver’s door with a shaking hand as a means to keep steady. She fucked you hard, her strokes gaining speed as you wiggled in her arms, cry after cry echoing throughout her car. It was a good thing she had tints, she wasn't too keen on the idea of any random passerby witnessing you in this state.

Your pussy wept for her, streams and streams of slick gushing out as she knocked her digits into your nerves, and she wasn't confident in your ability to hold it for much longer.

“Words baby,” Riri corrected, thumbing your clit in tandem with her thrusts, “Need to hear you say it.”

“Do I have you?”

“Fuck, Riri! Yes, you h-have me!”

That made her tender heart flutter, that unabashed confirmation. “I don't care how messy this is, or how wrong it is, who it might hurt,” She breathed into your ear, continuing her steady strokes. “I want all of it. All of you. Even the parts you try to hide.”

You gasped, your hole clenching around her two fingers as an indicator. Your body was telling on you now, back arching, lips quivering. Riri sat up, embedding her chest to your back, and she was certain you could feel how fast her heart was hammering, maybe even hear it—she could certainly hear yours.

“I’m not selfless,” She admitted, voice shaking with something more dangerous than lust. “I know I want you selfishly. In every way you’ll let me have you. But I swear–” Her strokes were picking up, pulling more desperate grunts from you “This ain't a game to me. All I want is to make you feel good, always.

Mind, and body.”

“No one else can give you that. And no one else will.”

Another shattered gasp slipped past your lips, and she tightened her arm around your ribs, locking you in place. “I just need to hear you say it. Need you to tell me you want that too.”

You sobbed, biting your lip as you eyed her in the mirror, “I-I want that, so-so bad–”

“Yeah?” She fucked her fingers into you, with more precision now, knowing how close you were. “Tell me you need it.” Your pussy was begging her for more, and Riri was prepared to give, and give, and give. “Tell me you can't fucking live without it.”

She hissed those last words, plowing into you with ruthless vigor. Your tits were bouncing, wetness splashing all over her seat, but she couldn’t care less. She was hypnotized by the vision reflected back at her in the mirror, captivated by your fucked out features.

“I need it, Ri!” You wailed, writhing uncontrollably in her arms as you approached your impending climax. “Fuck, oh I– I need you, can't live without you! Riri, please oh my god!”

Satisfied with your declaration, Riri pressed hot, wet kisses into the back of your neck, coaxing your orgasm to the forefront with her thumb, “Come on, beautiful, don't run away from this. I know how bad you want it, how much you deserve it.”

She could hear your voice giving out, feel your walls flex around her. “Give into that fire and come for me. Come all over me baby. Make a mess on my seat.”

“Mmmm, Ri… I… Fuck me!”

One last stroke had you gushing onto the fingers she had buried deep inside you. You were twitching, barely awake as you went limp in her arms, and she rubbed circles into your back to soothe you. “That was so fucking good baby. You did so good. M’so proud of you.”

Riri eased her cum covered fingers out of your pussy, lifting them to her lips, making eye contact with you in the mirror as she sucked them clean. You tasted holy. Like heaven, like the universe, your flavor painting galaxies behind her lids. She watched cheekily as you shied away from her lewd act, groaning in embarrassment and tucking your face into the crook of her neck.

“Don't be getting all shy now,” She cooed against your face, voice still rough from everything she’d just done to you. “You made the mess. I just cleaned it up.”

You rolled on your side, half covering your face with your hands like you could hide from her. “Oh my god, stop talking.”

Riri laughed, the sound quiet and self-satisfied, but it faded into something more serious as her gaze lingered on you. Your hair was a little messy and sweated out, lips pouty and bruised, and your perfume still fogged the car’s air.

Perhaps that was why her next question came with such ease. “Do you regret it?”

It was a meek sound, a little wounded as her insecurities weighed her words down. But here, in the afterglow, she couldn't shake the desire to know.

You turned to her then, “Look at me, Ri,” cupping her cheek in gentle reassurance. It was a struggle to meet your eyeline, probably because she feared your divulgence, but your request had been so delicate, she couldn't avoid your stare for too long.

“I don't regret it. Not any of it,” You stated it like a fact, making her heart pang. “I know I should, because I know what this means, and there's no taking any of this back. But I don't regret you, Riri.”

And you pulled her close, meshing your lips to hers. It was a brief kiss, but it left her lightheaded all over again.

When you pulled away, she let out a quiet breath of relief. “So we’re really doing this.”

“We’re really doing this,” You echoed back.

Something new clogged the air—acknowledgement. And the two of you sat in it for a little while longer, soaking it up, because you were right—there was no taking any of this back.

Eventually you both stepped out, with Riri insisting on walking you back inside. You didn't seem to mind. She could tell you wanted to remain in her orbit for as long as you could until you had to hit play on reality again—a mutual feeling.

She fell into step beside you, watching the sway of your hips like her eyes were drawn there against her will. You caught her staring and smirked, and she had the nerve to wink.

“See something you like?” You teased, stepping off the elevator.

Riri grabbed your waist from behind, laughing as you tried fighting her off. “You know I do.”

You rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your lips betrayed you. “You’re ridiculous.”

At your door, you lingered with your keys in hand, leaning against the frame. “You sure you don’t wanna come in? My roommate isn’t home.”

She knew exactly what you meant, what you were really asking. And as tempting as it was, she wanted your first time together to be somewhere with no risk of interruption. She wanted more than rushed with you, because you were worth that and more. “Not tonight,” She said with a smirk. “I need to give you some time to miss me first.”

“I already do,” You countered without hesitation.

That made her grin. “Good.”

You narrowed your eyes at her, suspicion spinning through your glare, “You sure you not just saying that cause you already changed your mind about this?”

“I should be asking you that.” She huffed dryly.

“I haven't,” You answered softly, your forehead creasing a little.

“Okay.” Riri gave you a small smile, though inside, the thought of you waking up tomorrow and deciding this was a mistake stung more than she wanted to admit. “I gotta go though. Ima see you.”

You were blushing again, biting your lip in that sexy way she liked, “Goodnight, Riri.”

“Night…”

The door clicked shut, and she turned toward the elevator. The last time she’d walked out of this building, shame and guilt had chased her all the way home. But tonight, she carried only the taste of you on her lips, the sound of your laugh in her head, and the kind of bliss that made her feel untouchable.

•••

Two days. That’s how long it had been since Sunday night, and Riri hadn’t heard a word from you. Nothing, not even a good morning text was sent her way.

She told herself she understood, somewhat. If you needed time to process the weekend’s events, then fine. She’d give you that. But still, the silence gnawed away at her anyway. You could've sent something, anything that would ease her crippling anxiety. She could've texted you first, sure, but she refrained on purpose, forcing herself to wait.

Because she needed proof, proof that you were truthful about how much you wanted her. Riri needed you to do the heavy lifting just this once, so she’d know you were in this just as deep as she was.

That night, she drifted off to sleep to your majestic image in her mind. Your mouth, the weight of your body fused to hers. It was your likeness that kept her monster at bay, the memory of your whines and whimpers serving as a lullaby he despised.

Now it was Tuesday, and she had a schedule packed to the brim with classes she had to attend if she wanted to preserve her future, and what not. It was warm out, and she found herself walking across campus with Hakeem, only half listening to his rant about his planetary sciences professor.

“I’m telling you, bruh, I should’ve gotten at least an 80 on that exam,” He professed, hands flying dramatically. “That’s how I know she plotting on my downfall.”

Riri snorted at his remark, quick and light, sliding into her role as attentive best friend with practiced ease. “Nigga, ain’t that the exam you begged me to help you study for last week, and then yo ass never showed up?”

“Man, that ain't the point! I–”

Keem’s voice faded out again, like she had mentally turned his volume down, and she sank back into her thoughts, chewing on regret once more. She should’ve gone inside with you on Sunday when you asked. Maybe if she’d had a little less respect—for you, for herself—she would’ve said yes. Who knew how the night would’ve ended then?

Why invite her in and then not text her for days? Fuck, she was spiraling. A feeling she was used to, especially when it came to you. But this, this was an unbearable capacity, one that challenged the very loose grip she already had on her life.

She knew you were with Keem last night. So what, you could text him and not her? He’d mentioned you’d gone out, offhand, casual. Interestingly enough though, she hadn't heard anything about Saturday night from him. Not that she’d expected to, he didn't owe her an explanation. It was his business. But the fact that she knew, and had to behave as though she didn't, burned still.

Were you comparing the two of them? Weighing her fingers against his? Had you decided his were better? Is that why you hadn't reached out? The thoughts twisted deep, leaving her stomach sour.

Riri’s phone buzzed in her pocket then, and she almost ignored it, until curiosity made her yank it out.

You: two of my classes got canceled, and i wanna see you. you free to come over?

Riri’s entire face broke out into a deep, wide set grin that hurt a little as it stretched. But she didn't care. She read the message twice, three times, like she had to prove it existed.

You’d texted her first.

You wanted her.

She was so caught up in her phone screen that she didn’t even notice Keem had walked ahead of her until he called out. “Yo, you good?”

Riri blinked, shoving the phone back down before the joy split her chest open. “Huh?” She jogged back to his side, trying to mask it.

“Who in that phone got you so distracted?” He teased, eyebrows raised.

Her pulse tripped over itself, panic cutting through her high, and she snapped. “What? Man, nobody. Mind your business, damn.” It came out sharper than she meant, a blade thrown out too fast.

But Hakeem didn't seem fazed by the harshness in her tone, he just laughed, holding his hands up. “My bad, my bad. I’ll definitely do that. But one of these days, Ri, that double life you living gon come back to bite you in that ass.”

A joke that was… funny enough. It should've landed though, should've hit home for Riri but it didn't. She was too keyed up from your text to even pick up on the implication, let alone care. She just scoffed, brushing him off with a wave. “Man, whatever. I gotta go.”

“Go where? Class is that way,” He shouted, pointing in the complete opposite direction.

But she barely heard him. Her feet were already moving, knowing exactly where they were heading.

Everything else could fall away—the classes she was ditching, the lie sitting in her throat, the monster that haunted her edges. All she cared about was the fact that you’d reached for her when she was about to give up hope. Riri was already running, cutting through the quad with her heart in her throat, chasing the only thing that mattered.

You loved seeing him like that. And Riri brought it out of him. You knew how much he missed her when she was away at school, how his other friendships never measured up to his bond with her. They’d been inseparable since they were kids. Like they shared a language only they understood.

You smiled as you reminisced on fond playground memories between the two, memories that weren't your own, but ones you bore witness to. Tyzen and Riri, bonded by scraped knees, shared secrets, and a thousand inside jokes.

But unlike your older brother, you weren’t here to chase nostalgia. No, your plans for the weekend were far less innocent. You were here to collect new memories, souvenirs to tuck away and revisit when the nights got too quiet and Riri was three states away.

With a sly grin, you gave yourself a once-over in the mirror, mentally patting yourself on the back for the outfit you put together. The charcoal-grey top clutched your chest like a second skin, particularly the reason you chose it. You’d tugged the zipper down as far as decency—or temptation—allowed, framing your breasts with just enough boldness to dare her to stare. Your nipples peaked against the fabric, shameless and defiant.

The black mini skirt? Shorter than it needed to be for a casual night in, and you wouldn’t have had it any other way. It sat high on your waist, sculpted to every dip and swell of your body like it was part of the plan. Because indeed it was. That hem danced across your thigh with every shift of your hips, flirtatious and fearless, daring gravity to try its luck. Pull it down? Not a chance. Let it ride up. Let her look.

One final glance in the mirror, and you stepped out of your room, hips swaying as you strutted down the hallway—bait cast, hook sharpened, and your favorite kind of trouble waiting on the other end.

•••

You heard her before you saw her.

“Ty, you still got that weak-ass jump shot?” Riri questioned, her voice carrying that same mischievous edge you remembered from all the years she spent hanging around your house. It used to annoy you, back when you were younger, when she was just your brother’s best friend. When you didn’t look at her the way you did now.

You pushed open the front door and stepped onto the porch, leaning against the frame as you watched them play in the driveway. The late afternoon sun spilled across the backyard, catching in Riri’s curls as she dribbled the ball low to the ground, quick and smooth, like she didn’t even have to think about it.

Ty snatched the ball and backed up a few steps, bouncing it lazily like he had all the time in the world. “You talking like I won’t dust your lil ass right now if we was actually playing for real.”

Riri scoffed, hands on her hips. “Nigga, you got one move, and that shit barely work.”

Ty laughed, then hit her with something quick—a fake-out that had her losing balance. “My one move got yo ass stumbling right now. You better watch them ankles, Ri.”

Riri blinked, then burst out laughing. “Okay, you got it. But try that shit again, and I’m locking yo old ass up.”

You leaned against the patio railing, watching them go at it. They were all elbows, sneakers, and insults. But it worked for their dynamic.

And in the middle of it all, you kept your eyes on Riri, awaiting the moment she finally glanced your way.

You crossed your arms under your chest, pushing your boobs up higher, welcoming your spilling cleavage. Your skirt was riding up some more, and of course you let it—assisted it even.

You were dripping with intent, radiating want like heat off pavement, and you needed Riri to notice.

As if pulled by some unspoken force, her eyes flicked your way. Brief, like an afterthought—until it wasn't. She did a double take, gaze snapping back to you, locking in on your skin, your curves, the deliberate softness barely covered by your clothes. There was awe there, laced with disbelief, like she was seeing you for the first time and didn’t quite know what to do with it, the game with your brother no longer holding her attention.

You had her. Hook, line, and wide-open stare.

You didn't even bother hiding your smirk. Why would you? You were dressed for the role you wanted, now it was time to play it. And by the look in Riri’s eyes, dark and pulling, she was already halfway.

“Well, damn,” She muttered, low. Almost too quiet to catch.

But you caught it. You saw the way her mouth twitched into an intrigued smirk before Ty stepped into her line of sight and launched the ball dead at her chest. “Hell nah. Don't even think about it.”

“Whatchu mean?” Riri retorted, feigning confusion. Her eyes never left you, their glare refusing to let you exhale, her grin still curved and dangerous.

You watched Ty narrow his eyes, a warning flashing across his face—dead serious and in protective older brother mode. “Think I don’t see the way you eyeing my baby sister? I know you, Ri. And I’m telling you no. Fuck no. You not starting nothing with her.”

“Starting what?” Riri lifted a shoulder, all casual, amusement coating her words like this was all funny to her. “I’m just saying hi.”

She lifted her hand in a short wave, eyes glued to yours. And you waved back, slower, bolder—your gaze drifting down the length of her fingers.

Yeah… those fingers would do just fine.

You bit your lip, unable to suppress your ever-growing grin. Your cheeks burned hot, not with shame, but with fire. Thrill thrummed through your veins like static, alive and buzzing as you drank in the image of Riri. You didn’t even pretend to look away. You let her know exactly where you stood: opposite of everything Tyzen was saying.

You wanted her to start something.

Needed it like air.

•••

She didn’t look at you again for the next five minutes, not until you arched a brow in her direction, then turned on your heel and sauntered back toward the house. You knew exactly what you were doing. Knew your ass was practically begging for attention beneath that skirt, and knew Riri wouldn’t be able to ignore the invitation written in every step you took.

By the time you were clicking the door shut behind you, you caught her voice, weightless and nonchalant as she muttered something to Ty about needing to call her mom.

A weak excuse. But you didn’t care.

Whatever got her inside.

Once you were inside, the house felt still. Cool air, dim light, and that quiet hum of anticipation settled into your bones. You took your time on the couch, legs tucked just right, your glass of lemonade perched between your fingers like a prop you knew exactly how to use.

And Riri was right on your heels.

Her sneakers padded lightly over the wood floors as she walked in, slower now, like she was stalling for something she hadn’t admitted to herself yet. She didn’t notice you at first, just moved straight into the kitchen like she knew the layout by heart, because she did. She grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and leaned against the counter while she pulled out her phone.

You listened quietly as her voice lifted, caring and soft.

“Yeah, Ma… I’m still here. Probably for another hour, maybe two… yeah, I’ll be back in time. Promise.”

A pause, then a short laugh. “No, I’m not getting into anything. Just chillin.”

She hung up, set her phone on the counter, and let her weight shift against the kitchen island. That’s when her eyes finally landed on you, traveling up the length of your legs, all the way up your exposed skin until you two were staring at each other.

And just like that, the smirk was back—slow, wide, and full of intent.

You took a sip from your lemonade, straw between your lips as you held her gaze. Deliberate. Unbothered. Dangerous.

“Thought that lil line about calling your mom was a weak ass excuse to come see me,” You said, your voice smooth, head tilted slightly as you played with the straw. “But I respect it. Not lying on your moms like that.”

Riri didn’t take the bait—not directly.

Instead, she stepped a little closer, cocking her head, gold chain catching in the low light. “When you start dressing like that?”

You crossed your legs, slow and precise, your skirt shifting just enough. “I only dress like this when I know who’s coming over.”

Her lips parted like she had something smart to say, but all she managed was a quiet,

“You tryna get me in trouble?”

Your smile didn’t waver, it spread wider. “What if I am?”

The air stretched between you like a balloon threatening to pop. You could tell Riri wanted to say something reckless—do something worse…

Then the front door opened, and the balloon deflated, exhaling all the tension back into the air before returning to its original, boring shape.

Ty walked in, his expression already suspicious. He took one look at Riri, then at you, then back at Riri again before dropping onto the couch beside you like a man with a mission.

“Y’all real quiet in here,” he said slowly, settling in way too comfortably. “I ain't interrupting anything am I?”

You kept your face blank, and took another sip.

Riri just shook her head, that smirk now tucked behind her teeth as she crept over to the couch, dropping down on the other side of you. Her thigh brushed yours—light, unintentional on the surface—but she didn’t move away.

“Nah,” She hummed, grabbing the remote and flipping on the Bulls game, already halfway through. “Just got off the phone with Ma. We got dinner plans later, so y’all only got me for like another hour.”

She said it like it was nothing, eyes glued to the screen, but her body leaned ever so slightly in your direction, like gravity was playing favorites. And you could feel the warmth of her skin where it pressed into yours, barely there but impossible to ignore.

You sat in silence between them, enduring their cheers, screams, and over-the-top commentary through the last two quarters of the game. Normally, you would’ve dipped out, shut yourself in your room, ignored their loud-ass shenanigans. But not today.

Sitting next to Riri was part of the plan. Letting her thigh brush against yours, her palm rest on your bare skin when Tyzen was too caught up in the game to notice, that was the game you were watching.

The corners of your lips curled as her fingers crept higher, slow and shameless, inching closer to the heat between your legs. She hovered there, teasing, always on the edge of something more. Never quite touching, until the final buzzer sounded and the Bulls took the win.

Tyzen jumped up with a shout, arms thrown in the air. And in that moment, Riri slipped two fingers beneath your skirt, rubbing them against the soaked fabric of your panties. Brief, yet firm, just enough for you to become acquainted with the feeling.

It took everything in you not to cry out. Your breath lodged hard in your throat, thighs twitching, nerves stinging. And she knew it. She didn’t even look your way. Riri kept her eyes on the screen like nothing happened, save for the smug little grin tugging at the corner of her lips.

Your heart was racing. Your plan was working like magic. Minimal effort, maximum effect, and you silently thanked whoever made Riri so damn easy to tempt.

You leaned back, watching as your brother walked her to the door, dapped her up, and exchanged their usual “see you laters.” But her focus wasn’t on him.

It was on you.

And of course, you gave her something to look at, letting your legs fall open so she could witness the growing wet stain on the fabric of your lacy panties. You held the pose for a beat, long enough to see her lick her lips before turning back to Ty, who still had his back to you.

“Aight, Ty. Ima see you,” She said, pulling him into a quick hug before heading out.

“Don’t be a stranger, Ri,” You called after her, all flirtation, sugar-sweet and dripping with suggestion.

She didn’t respond, but you caught the shake of her shoulders on the way out as she laughed to herself.

Ty shut the door, then turned to you with that big-brother face that said he knew something was up. And he wasn’t happy.

“I’m warning you right the fuck now,” He began, dead serious. “Whatever ideas you got that involve Riri, get that shit out your head. She’s family. Y’all better dead that shit. I’m not fucking playing.”

“I’m not fucking playing,” You mocked under your breath, rolling your eyes as you stood. “Go to hell, Tyzen.”

Like hell you were gonna listen. He should’ve known better than to waste his breath on you.

You sauntered off to your room, smug and satisfied, heat still pulsing between your legs, and Riri’s touch still lingering like a secret written on your skin.

•••

It was nearly 1 a.m., and sleep wasn’t even pretending to come.

You’d flipped your pillow three times, kicked off the blanket, dragged it back over your legs, rolled to one side, then the other. But the heat under your skin had nothing to do with the room. It was her. Still. Riri’s hands, her smirk, the way her fingers had pressed into you, melding with your wetness like they were supposed to be there. That shit had replayed in your head like your favorite song stuck on loop.

You grabbed your phone from the nightstand, screen lighting up your face in the dark, and stared at it for a few seconds before typing out the first thing that came to mind.

You: ty ain’t home

Simple. To the point. You knew what it meant. And so would she.

Then you waited. And waited.

Forty-five damn minutes passed. Long enough for you to talk yourself out of it twice, then back into it a third time. You tossed your phone onto the mattress with a groan, only to snatch it up the second it buzzed.

Riri: where he at?

You rolled your eyes, already feeling the corners of your mouth tug upward.

You: with his bm

Riri: oh aight

That was it. No follow-up. No movement. Just those two words and radio silence like she didn’t know exactly what the hell you were trying to say.

You tapped back into the chat and reacted to your original message with a little exclamation point. Emphasis, bitch. You knew she saw it.

A minute later:

Riri: okay, he ain’t home. what that mean? lol

You narrowed your eyes at your screen, giggling under your breath even though you were annoyed. She was being so irritating on purpose, and it was almost cute. Almost.

You took a deep breath, chewing your bottom lip before finally typing:

You: it means come over dummy🙄

There was a beat. Then her reply came in, slow, like a smirk in text form.

Riri: what i’m coming over for?

Oh, she knew. She knew and she was dragging it out, sucking every bit of patience you had straight to the surface.

You sat up, head falling back to your headboard with a groan, but you were grinning now, fully wrapped in her little game.

You: what other reason would i have to text you at damn near 2 in the morning? riri stop playing with me.

Another pause.

Riri: you was playing with me earlier. what, i don’t get a turn?

Your stomach fluttered.

She was still teasing, but her tone had shifted, something a little deeper in it now, something real. You could feel the change through the screen.

You: come over then. i promise you’ll get your turn.

You hit send and stared at the message, nerves and excitement warring in your bosom. The silence that followed was louder than anything. You laid back, phone on your chest, eyes on the ceiling, heart thudding.

She was coming, no confirmation text necessary.

•••

About fifteen minutes later, your phone lit up with a single text:

Riri: outside.

That was all it took.

You damn near flew down the stairs, bare feet silent on the wood. You’d done away with the oversized T-shirt you fell asleep in, swapping it out, instead, for something silkier, sexier—your short, satin nightgown. The material moved against your body like it had a motive. Just the right amount of skin, just enough reveal. You didn’t throw it on for comfort.

This was bait.

You paused at the door, hand on the knob, imitating the tact needed to play it cool. Then you cracked it open.

The night air rolled over your skin, light and dry, making your curls dance as the door swung wide. And there she was.

Riri stood just outside, one hand buried in the pockets of her grey sweats, the other gripping her backpack, holding it in place on her muscular shoulder. That black tank stretched across her chest in a way that made it hard to focus on anything else. Her gold chain glistened, the little “R” pendant resting right at her collarbone like punctuation. She looked comfortable, casual, too casual for someone making this many waves in your system.

Her eyes dragged down your body languidly, stopping and lingering over everything you had exposed to her.

“Damn,” She said, that smirk creeping onto her lips. “You don’t leave nothing up to the imagination, do you?”

You raised a brow. “And yet somehow you still standing there imagining shit.”

That remark made her laugh, and you rolled your eyes. “This whole situation amusing you, huh?”

“Lil bit, yeah,” She said, not bothering to deny it. “You gon invite me in or…?”

“In a minute,” you murmured, leaning into the doorframe, voice lazy and sweet. “Need some time to remember what you look like before...”

She huffed a laugh, eyes dancing. You saw the way her fingers twitched in her pockets like she was resisting the urge to reach for you already. That cocky patience of hers was barely holding.

You gave her a slow once-over, letting your gaze linger unapologetically. “Sweats and a tank, huh? That’s what you wear to your 2 a.m. booty calls?”

Her brows lifted. “That what this is?”

“You showed up, didn’t you?”

“Who says I wasn't already on the way over? Maybe I had to handle something for your brother.”

“Mhmm,” You said, drawing the sound out. “And maybe I'm just wearing this because I ran out of clean laundry.”

She laughed again, scratching her nose a little. “You so full of shit.”

“Just like you, boo.”

That made her smile for real, and you stepped aside to let her in. You held out your hand, fingers open.

Riri didn’t hesitate, she just slid her hand into yours like it belonged there.

And without another word, you turned, leading her up the stairs, hips swaying, entrancing the shorter girl with every stride. Her hand stayed in yours the whole way, grip firm.

She was still smiling when you pushed open your bedroom door, and she stepped through, eyes dark and knowing.

•••

Your bedside lamp casted a gentle glow over the room, accentuating your shadow and Riri’s as you walked into the space.

She stepped inside behind you, locking the door with a quiet finality. Riri dropped her backpack onto the chair in the corner without a word, turning to look around your space like she hadn’t been in your room a thousand times before.

But this wasn’t the same room anymore. Not tonight.

You leaned against your dresser, arms folded just under your chest, nightgown sliding dangerously high up your thigh. You watched her as she stood there, hands in her pockets again like that could somehow keep her grounded.

“What’s in the bag, Ri?” You asked, voice dripping with mischief, head tilted in curiosity. You already had a feeling. And judging by the flicker of a smirk on her face, she knew you knew.

She hadn't answered right away, just looked over at you with that slow-burning kind of gaze that fried a hole through your skin.

And in true Riri fashion, she deflected, wandering toward your bed like she owned the place. “What would Ty think if he knew his little sister was texting me in the middle of the night like that? Using the fact that he with his kid to get me over here?”

You laughed under your breath, “I look like I give a fuck what Tyzen think?”

“No. You don't.” Riri sat down at the edge of your bed, legs spread slightly, arms resting on her knees like she was holding back. Her eyes dipped to the hem of your gown again, lingered, then snapped back to your face. “So what, you just couldn’t sleep?”

You walked towards her. Slowly, every step deliberate. “Couldn’t sleep,” You echoed, standing between her knees now, letting her fingers skim your silky nightgown. “Had a lot on my mind.”

Riri looked up at you, her breath cracking just slightly. “Oh yeah?”

You nodded, letting your fingers trail lightly across her shoulder, then down her chest, just grazing that damn chain.

“Like what?”

“You.” You blew it jaggedly, the answer to her question full of air and unrelenting lust. “You were on my mind, Ri.”

The silence between you stretched again, electric and tightly wound. Her hands twitched where they rested on her thighs. She was barely holding on, and so were you.

Riri reached for you, wrapped a hot palm around the expanse of your thigh, pulling you closer with a famished grunt. “I need to know you're sure about this. Need you to know what you're starting.”

“Oh, I know what I’m starting, Ri,” You purred, letting your digits tangle in her thick curls. You yanked her neck back, your force rough and unapologetic, causing her to wince beneath you. “Question is… do you know what you’ve started? That you're not leaving this room until I’m done with you?”

That yanked another breathy grunt from her throat. Not really a laugh. Not quite a moan. But something that let you know she felt your words all the way through.

“Been thinking about you all day,” She admitted, finally, the words soft but heavy, like they cost her something to say. “Since earlier… since before earlier.

Her slender digits were traveling up your inner thigh now, like your core was calling them home, drawing them closer and closer like a magnet. “Thinking bout all that ass you been flashing me,”

“This pussy…” Eager fingertips found your soaked crotch, your wetness coating Riri’s hand. She began rubbing slow circles into your budding clit, coaxing a few rapid moans from between your parted lips. “Fuck. I should’ve known your nasty ass wouldn't have any panties on up under here.”

This time she did moan, and fuck was the desperate little noise glorious. “I been trying to be good, but damn, you make it so fucking hard, bruh.”

“Funny,” You tilted your head, mouth curling. “I been thinking something similar for the past five months you been gone. Except, I never planned to be good, never wanted to.”

You shoved her hard, making sure she landed smack dab in the middle of your mattress before straddling her hips. In a swift, skilled motion, you peeled your nightgown off, discarding it somewhere to the side, not caring. What you cared about was the girl trapped underneath you, practically drooling as she stared up at your naked figure.

“Jesus Christ…” Riri exhaled, forcing you to taste the hunger she breathed into the air.

You giggled, leaning down to drag your tongue up the length of her throat. Then you nibbled on her earlobe, lips brushing the shell of it as you whispered, “You were too fucking easy.”

Riri’s hands gripped your bare ass, fingers digging in as she bucked her hips up into you, her clothed crotch pressing right where you needed it. “I was easy? You were the one prancing around the house in that thong you insist on calling a skirt.”

“You folded during a Bulls game.” You quipped, eyes glittering.

She smacked your ass hard enough to make you screech. “You had your legs open.”

“You had your fingers under my skirt.”

You were grinning down at her now, still perched in her lap, shamelessly grinding against her, chasing friction like your life depended on it. “This little tit for tat we got going is hot and all, but we both know why I called you over here. I need to be fucked, Ri. Now.”

“So demanding,” She smiled deviously. “And vulgar too. Just like a nasty little slut..” She pulled you down, kissing you then, slow at first, but there was no tiptoeing now. No guessing. Just mouths parting, hands moving, heat rising between you like a fire finally fed. Your hands found her hair as her grip tightened on your hips, pulling you closer, closer, like the space between you was never meant to exist in the first place.

You were the one to break the kiss, breathless, your hands tugging at the fabric still separating you. Riri was still fully dressed, and it was starting to piss you off. “Take this shit off.”

“Get off me and I will.”

You rolled your eyes, but obliged. The two of you switched positions, and you gawked from below as Riri ridded her body of every article of clothing, including her briefs. Immediately, your gaze dropped to her pussy. Neatly trimmed and calling your name, beckoning you near.

You hadn't even noticed you were reaching for her until Riri stopped you. “Not yet.”

Her refusal caused you to groan.

“You never been told no before?” She chuckled, eyes gleaming as she hovered over you, clearly amused.

You stared up at her, deadpan, wearing a face that screamed what the fuck do you think?

Riri only shook her head, moving to kiss your neck and you whimpered. Her lips traced a path down your throat, over your collarbone, dragging heat in their wake. It was deliberate. Reverent. She was finally taking what she’d been eyeing all night.

You arched under her touch, skin prickling as the cool air met warm flesh. Her mouth followed, and when it closed around your right nipple, your breath caught hard, hips bucking up into nothing, a quiet moan slipping out before you could stop it.

“You getting shy on me baby?” She teased, returning to suckle your left breast next.

You slid your fingers into her hair, tugging harshly, just enough to make her exhale against your skin. “I don’t even know what that word means.”

“Reckless girl…” Riri muttered, eyeing you with menacing intent.

You laughed, but it melted fast when her hand slipped between your legs, sliding over your throbbing, attention starved clit. “Riri… please.”

She hissed, “Damn baby, you wet as fuck…”

The wonder in her voice served as motivation, “Yeah, no shit,” You spat, already breathless, already unraveling. “You took forever.”

Riri didn't reward you with a worded response, instead, she let her digits do the talking. Her middle finger ran up the length of your wet folds, rousing, hovering at your crying entrance before sinking in, deep.

A whine sprung free, loud and reverberating, and you thanked the heavens your mother was a heavy sleeper. Riri’s slow strokes were plucked straight from your dreams, a thing you'd imagined, but never thought you'd get the chance to live. She let her fingers slip through you, slow and firm and devastatingly good. You were moaning, a mess splayed out beneath her. Your hips lifted off the bed, reaching for more.

Her thumb circled your swollen nub, her fingers slipped in and out of your soaked cunt, and the pressure built fast, like your body had been holding this tension for days instead of hours.

You were abusing Riri’s curls, pulling and fisting every strand as you felt your climax build in your deepest depths.

“Riri… right t-there! Don't fucking stop! Don't!”

She didn't. If anything, she got more focused, her eyes locked on your face like she wanted to watch the moment you fell apart for her. “This all I needed to do to get yo ass to act right? Hmm?”

You didn't respond because you couldn't.

She smiled, “You look so fucking good right now baby, all stuffed with my fingers,” She pulled them out momentarily, eyes transfixed on the way your slick coated the digits. “Sound good too. So loud for me, so messy.”

Riri splashed around in your sopping cunt, coaxing your orgasm nearer and nearer with her rapid thrusts and sinful words. You would say she didn't know what she was doing to you, but she did, wholeheartedly. And you knew she'd keep going, keep fucking you hard and deep until you were weeping, and begging her to stop.

“Wonder if you taste as good as you look.”

You hummed, plastering a dazed smile across your mouth, “You know I fucking do.”

“So mouthy, baby,” Riri whispered, her wet lips traveling the length of your abdomen, making their way down, down, down. “Can't wait to shut you up again with my tongue.”

Your breathing was already ragged, your legs already twitching as her mouth ghosted lower, teasing just above where you needed her most. Her wet hands pushed your legs apart, spreading them with no hesitation. You watched her eyes roll the moment she heard a soft squish erupt from your wet pussy as your thighs separated for her, felt her breathy moan kiss your sweaty flesh as she moved her mouth closer to your heaving cunt.

You tried to say something smart, another slick comment, another jab, but the words got caught in the back of your throat the second her tongue flicked out, attacking your clit with haste.

All at once, your sass collapsed into a gasp, your hand flying up to grab onto something, anything, needing something to anchor you in this moment. But Riri didn’t give you time to adjust, didn’t let you settle, she kept going, kept tasting you like she had all night and nothing else to do.

Riri’s mouth attacked your aching pussy, latching on to your clit, breathing you in like a woman drowning, and starved for oxygen. She slurped and sucked, drinking all of your juices as you thrashed above her.

She paused for half a second, lips slick, eyes gleaming. “Still got something to say?”

You wanted to smack her, just a little. Just to remind her who she was dealing with. But violence would have to wait.

She was making you feel too good. Your orgasm was clawing its way up, hot and heavy, and there was no stopping it now.

The wet sounds of her tongue lapping you up, her hungry growls vibrating against your skin. It was all so obscene, and it was everything. Riri wasn’t just trying to make you come. She was consuming you, like she needed you to live.

And fuck, she was getting off on it too.

You could feel it in the way her hands trembled, in how she rutted subtly against the mattress with every moan that tore out of your throat. This wasn’t just about you. The way your voice broke on her name, the way your body writhed under her mouth, it was all pushing her to the edge, too.

If the tension in her frame meant anything, Riri was going to come right along with you.

And fuck, that thought alone almost finished you.

“Ri, baby, I’m close. S-So close…” You whined, fucking her face with your slippery cunt.

And she didn't shy away. Riri quenched her thirst with pools of your slick juices, suckling harder on your sore little nub, trying to bring you closer. “Me too baby. Come in my mouth, make me take that shit.”

You howled, the sound dragged raw from the pit of your stomach as your vision blurred, then vanished completely, eyes rolling back, going white with the force of it. You couldn’t see. Couldn’t hear. All you could do was feel.

And fuck, did you feel it.

Waves of pleasure crashed through your body, relentless and overwhelming, tearing through your senses like a storm. Your toes curled, locked in place, your body trembling as you rode it out, desperate to hold onto the high for as long as possible. You didn’t want it to end. You weren’t ready to let it go.

You were gone, so out of it that you didn’t even realize Riri was coming too, twitching between your thighs as her own orgasm sucked her under. But she’d come up before you had. And now, she was murmuring something low, lips brushing your inner thigh, her hand smoothing over your stomach like she was trying to coax you back to earth.

Trying to remind you you were still here.

Still hers.

“Baby? You good?” Her voice was muffled, faint in your ringing ears, but you heard it.

You managed a weak nod, barely able to make out her drenched face through your blurred vision, and she chuckled.

“You never squirted like that before, huh?” She sounded confident in her accusation, and you wanted to slap that smug smirk right off her face.

But she was right, and you let her know, “No… f-first time…”

“I can tell. I never came from just eating pussy either. Guess we both got firsts tonight.”

You grinned wide, finally able to take in just how soaked her face really was, like she’d laid there and let you waterboard her on purpose. She looked satisfied as hell, licking her lips slowly, chest jumping as she tried to catch her breath.

You smirked, voice syrupy and bold. “Don’t tell me you a one-nut wonder, Ri. That’d be… disappointing.”

Riri huffed a little laugh, shaking her head as she peered down at you, wonder stricken by your tenacity. “You really think that?”

You shrugged, smirk still sitting pretty on your lips. You weren’t backing down.

Your gaze followed her lazily as she stepped off the bed, sauntering toward the chair where she’d dropped her backpack earlier. Her eyes were glinting, mischief written all over her face as she picked it up and walked it back over to you.

“Still wanna know what I got in here?” Riri asked, voice steeped in trouble.

Your laugh was one you could not swallow, it’s intensity causing you to topple over into your mattress, cheeks blazing, and your stomach bubbling with excitement.

Your laugh broke out before you could stop it, loud and bright, your the quiet room. You collapsed back into your pillows, cheeks flushed, stomach flipping with anticipation.

You already knew you were in for it.

You couldn’t fucking wait.

•••

“Knew you’d be tight, but god f-fucking damn, b-baby…”

You were on top of her, riding her specialty strap like there was no tomorrow. Your thighs were burning, a thick, sticky ring of cum already gathered at the base of the toy, but you refused to relent. The stretch was too good, the girthy member spreading your walls wide as you took her, over and over again at your own pace.

Of course Riri wasn’t helping. She just gripped your hips, holding you there, letting you do all the work while her eyes dragged over your body, half-lidded but locked in. Watching you bounce on her dick like she was committing it to memory. Like the show was just for her.

You hated how much that turned you on. Hated how smug she looked, how languid her touch was, like she knew you’d ride her regardless. And she wasn’t wrong.

So you’d given yourself a new mission: Break her chill exterior and make her lose it completely. Make her beg for release just like you had.

And judging by the way her grip on your waist kept tightening… maybe you were getting close.

“Yeah? My pussy feel good wrapped around that big dick, don't it, Ri?” You flipped your hair to the side, eyes penetrating her soul as you grinded down harder, more fervent than before.

Shit this was good. No, it was fucking fantastic. Your third orgasm was clawing its way out, so close you could taste its flavor all over your tongue.

Riri was a mess beneath you, whimpering louder than you now. Her thumbs dug into your lower back, leaving heat in their wake as she clung to you. She was rutting up into you, her thrusts syncing perfectly with your relentless grind. The both of you were chasing the same wild and wordless sensation.

“Shit, y-yeah. Too damn good. Fin- Finna bust in this pretty pussy baby… mmm.”

That declaration made you clench around her, strangling her dick with your gushing, wet walls. But Riri fucked up into you anyway, working against your restriction. God, you could combust right here, right now.

“Play with your titties for me.” Her voice was a rasp that hardly existed.

You obeyed without reluctance, lifting your palms from her damp abdomen to tug on your puffy nipples. You groaned immediately at the contact, hips jerking forward on Riri’s pelvis. You were dripping now, clenching tighter with every movement as you climbed toward something holy, chasing relief like it owed you salvation.

“Baby… I’m finna come, finna come inside baby shit…” She was delirious, “Keep showing off for me. Please, please, please don't stop.”

You couldn't help the way your lips flicked. God this girl was soo easy to test. But you loved it. You continued fondling your breasts and tweaking your nipples, moaning all the while. Your attentive buds had always been so extra sensitive.

“You wanna come in me?” You picked up your pace, fully aware of how close she was to the edge. Your well-used cunt clenched in anticipation, eager to welcome every drop of what she was about to give you.

“Mhmm! Wan– Wanna–”

You leaned forward, cradling her sweaty throat in your palm… and squeezed. “Beg for it.”

Defiance flared in her eyes, and you could tell Riri wanted to rebut, but the way you held her neck in your grip barred any chance of that happening.

And she had no choice but to adhere.

“Let me come in this tight pussy, ma. I’m begging you. Let me fill your hole up, please. I need to fuck it back into you when it starts to spill out… baby… I-I, I need– please...”

Blubbering and pathetic. Just how you liked your women.

You smirked, you knew it would take nothing to tip her over now. She was practically crying as she struggled to hold it in.

But you weren't quite done with her yet.

You were slamming down onto her dick, hard and rough like you like it, strangling her, restricting her airway as you edged yourself again and again.

And then you let her go, allowing her to take her first breath of air in minutes, before whispering, “Fuck me from the back and nut in me, Ri.”

Riri didn’t need to be told twice. In seconds, she had you flipped onto your stomach, her grip firm and unrelenting as she manhandled you into place, your face buried in the pillows, the scent of your own skin and sweat surrounding you, hips yanked up until your ass was arched and begging.

“Shit…” She hissed, reacclimating her strap to the warmth of your hole.

You barely had time to catch your breath before she started moving, like she knew the exact angle that would have you clenching the sheets and biting down on a moan. “Fuck me Ri, fuck meeee… ju-st like th-at!”

“Like this, ma? This how you wanted it?”

You whined agreement, knees beginning to buckle.

“You not giving up on me yet, right baby? We not done.”

Riri slammed into you, once, twice, three times before you felt her hot seed settle into your entrance, warming your body all over. But she didn't stop fucking her mess deep into you.

Your orgasm followed just seconds after hers. Quicker than the last, but slower in how it bloomed through you. It rolled over every nerve ending like it was dragged by gravity, heavy and hot, stretching the moment into something endless. Your limbs went limp, and for a second, it felt like time cracked open and spilled out.

“Wish you could see how fucking messy you are right now, you're dripping.” She was still gliding in and out of you, like she physically could not stop—she couldn't let your pussy go. “So filthy.”

You gasped, too fucked out to stop her, not really wanting her to stop anyway. “Fuck it back into me, Ri. Make me take it.”

You didn't need to see her face to know she wore her signature smirk on her mouth, already granting your request without a sliver of hesitation. “God baby, you look so pretty when you full… need to keep you like this. Full of me. Full of you. Shit…”

•••

Minutes passed, maybe hours. You couldn’t really tell. Somehow, you were waking, eyes breaking open from what felt like the deepest sleep. Your limbs were heavy, your body sore in the best, most sinful way. You were warm, wrapped in sheets and skin, the faintest scent of sex still lingered in the air.

“Hey, sleepyhead.”

Riri’s voice drifted over you like a hug you didn’t ask for, but most certainly needed after the shit she put you through. You smiled without thinking, full grin, lazy and genuine.

She didn’t let it slide.

“Not you grinning when you hear my voice. Ego boost.”

“Girl, shut the hell up.” You giggled, turning your face toward her, cheek pressed into the pillow.

“You sleep okay?”

“Mhmm.”

She was already watching you, one hand kneading your ass like she wasn’t yet finished with you. Like she’d never be done. But the suggestion in her eyes was quiet now. She looked thoughtful. And a little hesitant.

“So,” She started, fingers still moving, “Not to

bombard you with the ‘what are we’ question, but…”

You blinked at her, fully awake now. “You say as you bombard me with the ‘what are we’ question.”

“I just wanna know what this means for us. You telling me you wouldn't wanna know what we are after the way we just fucked?”

“Riri–” You began, but she cut you off.

“And I don’t wanna lie to Ty,” She added, a little quieter. “He’s my best friend. You know how it is. But I’m not gonna act like this didn’t happen. Or like I don’t want it to happen again. I want it to keep happening.”

You rolled onto your side, facing her completely. “You think I regret this?”

Riri shrugged, but there was something vulnerable in the way she avoided your eyes. “You always been good at acting like shit don't phase you, so.”

“Only when it’s shit I don’t want,” You said simply. “And I want this, I want you. We’ll just... deal with Tyzen when the sun comes up.”

That got her to smile again. Not cocky this time. Just soft. Real.

You leaned in and kissed her, slow and steady, with none of the urgency from earlier. It wasn’t about wanting. It was about having.

And when you both finally pulled away, bodies entangled beneath the covers, you let the silence hold you for once.

No teasing. No biting. No banter.

Just the two of you, breathing in sync.

Sleep found you like that—arms wrapped around each other, legs locked, your satisfied grin still tucked into her collarbone.

Tomorrow could come whenever it wanted.

Riri chuckled, biting her lip chillingly as she rammed into your awaiting hole without warning, and you moaned out, breathless. “I did.”

Swiftly, she began rocking in and out of your heated chasm, giving you almost no time to acclimate to her girth. This strap design was different than you were used to. Bigger. Better.

“Tell me that shit feel good.” She fucked you deep, long strokes sending seismic waves of pleasure through your core, the feeling building and stacking on top of itself as it was evenly dispersed throughout your body. You felt it in your stomach, surging through your arms, thighs, shins, all the way down to your curling toes.

But you were bereft of words.

A desperate gurgle flew past your lips as Riri’s dick brushed against your nerves. Not a response to her command, but it was all you had, too blissed out from the feel of being stretched and fucked into your soaked mattress.

“Come on baby, tell me how good I feel inside you,” Riri leaned forward, attaching her lips to your blemished neck, sucking on the abused skin. “You wanted me inside, now I am. So tell me how good I’m stretching you. Tell me it's big.”

You whimpered, allowing her lust charged words and the sloppy, sticky sounds coming from your cunt to heighten your arousal.

She did feel good inside you, soooo fucking good. Giving your tight, aching pussy exactly what she’d been wanting for. Your eyes were blown, lips parted as desperate moans exploded from the pits of your belly. Your senses were flooding with pleasure you’d never foreseen yourself knowing, fingernails burrowed into Riri’s back, disturbing the flesh there. You were overcome with every delightful sensation known to man, showering in buckets of the stuff.

But how were you to voice that with anything other than sounds of ecstasy?

“You not gon talk to me, pretty?” She grunted in between strokes, her warm exhale stinging your already steaming skin. “I can tell you how good you feel around me. How I love the way you squeezing my shit–” She inhaled sharply, parting her lips against your shoulder. There were bruises there too. “S-So tight, s-o warm, ma.”

Oh God. Was she stuttering because of… you? Because of how fucking you was making her feel?

Shit. That was so fucking sexy, but you couldn't help the blaze that flooded your cheeks, the mortification. And on instinct, your palms flew up to cover your face. An act that seemed not permitted by the genius plowing your depths.

“Uh-Uh baby,” She swatted your hands away. “Don't do that. Don't you dare.”

“Mmm…”

“Don't hide from me. You too fucking pretty to be hiding.” Riri bucked into your hole, a tattooed hand pinning your arms above your head as she glided out, then back in again, splashing your wetness everywhere. “I need to see you. If I’m gon come inside this pussy, I need to see those eyes. You hear me?”

You nodded in between cries. You could feel your eyes rolling to the back of your skull—you were close too.

This is not how you pictured your night ending. Six hours ago you were bawling, picking up your phone to call your best friend, ready to confess that your girlfriend had cheated, again. Ready for her to come over with snacks and wine, eager to console you.

Which she did.

What you hadn't expected was to end up beneath her in your very own bed, as she fucked you like a woman starving, moaning your name again and again.

There were tears welling your eyes once more, but these tears were brought on by lust and longing, something you thought had been unrequited since childhood.

You hadn't expected to ever get a taste of Riri in this way. Truthfully your mind wasn't computing it, this… opportunity. Or anything other than the ever-tightening coil in your depths for that matter.

But you clung to it.

“Ri…” Your first coherent utterance since Riri slipped her dick into your cunt. It was low, horse, but audible.

And she heard it, the blow of the syllable making her grin. “Yeah baby. Talk to me.”

“Feelssssogoood.”

“It do, don't it, this dick?”

You bobbed your head, “Y-Yes.”

“You like how deep I am?”

“Mhmm.”

You could see it in the glint of her deep brown eyes—the quiet bloom of pride in her chest. It was a look you knew well. It appeared when she helped you study for exams and again when you returned with a passing grade. You caught it when she took the first bite of a meal you had cooked just for her.

And it appeared now, as she watched her thick strap tunnel into your creamy depths.

“You gon come for me, beautiful?” She pushed off you and onto her knees, letting go of your wrists, which had been pinned above your head.

Her hot palm found your throat, constricting your airway. No way she actually expected you to speak. Right?

Your eyes floated up to where she towered above you, following the bead of sweat rolling down between the valley of her perky breasts, her perfect abs. And then you stopped on the spot where her eyes were concentrated.

Riri’s sight was transfixed on the image of you swallowing her whole. Wonderstruck.

“Are you going to come for me?” Her voice turned stern, tattooed grip on your neck strengthening. Yet, she wasn't looking at your face. Still caught up in the way your pussy spit her dick out over and over on command.

Her grunts grew louder with each sloppy thrust, teeth sinking deeper into her bottom lip. Almost deep enough to draw blood. “Talk to me.” She gritted out.

Was this what Riri was like when she was on the precipice of an orgasm? Mean, hungry, frenzied?

God, how you would do anything to see your best friend like this, keep her like this. On top of you. Inside of you. All the time.

“I-I’m gonna come Ri. G-Gonna come!”

“On this dick?” She grunted.

“Yes! Fuck! Gonna come all over that big fucking dick!”

Her stare flew from your cunt to your eyes, shocked at your very confident, very coherent, declaration. And she smiled, long and wide. There was that pride again. “That's my nasty fucking girl.”

Something inside you snapped at her comment, causing you to smirk, finally giving her what she's been demanding. “Keep fucking me like that Ri. You fuck me so good! The best!”

“Better than her?”

What an unnecessary question, you thought. Your ex paled in comparison to Riri. In every way. And a part of you felt she knew that. She would never, and would never live up to the entity that was Riri Williams.

The Riri Williams that fucked you like her life depended on it. The Riri Williams whose piercing chocolate orbs seemed… uncertain before yours now. Like the answer to her question needed to be yes, because her life depended on that too.

“Yes Riri. Better than her!”

She fucking growled, a low rumble in her chest. “Gonna come inside this messy pussy. Gonna make a mess of my own, deep inside.”

“Fucking fill me up, baby. Mark me.”

Her sloppy thrusts gain speed, and Riri knocked into your guts, eliciting lewd cries and screams from you with her lazy thrusts. “You want me to mark this pussy? My pussy?”

“Yesssss! Ooh fuck yes, Ri! Mark me! It's yours! All yours!”

You were so damn close you could taste it. It wouldn't take much to fully tip you over, which Riri knew.

“Come with me, ma. Come on this big dick while I fill you up.”

You squeezed her tighter, and you could tell she wanted to throw her head back. But she wouldn't dare let her gaze leave yours.

“Riiiii!”

“That's it baby. Look at me. Keep looking at me. Right here.”

Your heaving hole locked Riri’s strap in place, allowing for one last stroke before she stopped completely.

And then you felt it. Felt her warm cum spill into you immediately after. It was then that she threw her head back, eyes squeezed tight as you watched water trickle down her cheeks. She mumbled your name and a string of other words jaggedly, and your heart snapped.

You were expelling your own stream of cum and tears soon after, releasing on and all around her still twitching dick. You felt so full, and so whole. With her.

Pleasure surged through you, blinding you, immobilizing you as you lay there shaking and panting.

Eventually, Riri was able to ease her way out of your center, pulling strings and ropes of cum out with her before laying beside you. She brushed the sweaty hair stuck to your forehead so she could actually see you and the features she had laid to waste. Then she kissed you, long and slow, and you matched her ferver.

“I love you… too.” You mumbled, echoing the words she whispered as she came. “Always have. Always will.”

Your pussy begged for more, begged to be stuffed full, which Shuri was hyper aware of, yet still, she rejected your pleas. And no amount of whining or whimpering seemed to sway her. “Are you proud of yourself, Thandiwe?”

You couldn't respond, not that she seemed to expect you to, so you opted for a nod, hoping the gesture would tilt the odds in your favor. You had only the need to release knocking about your brain, directly into her palm so she could feel just how much you felt because of her. If only she would stop teasing you.

“Years of sleepless nights,” Her fingers pressed into your sore bud, eliciting a sharp wince from your throat. “Years of overexerting yourself.” Slowly, she began to swab at your wet clit, increasing the pressure with each flick, and your quiet sobs alike. “And here you are, my perfect girl, my perfect graduate.”

Your knees would buckle any second now, you were sure of it, so you sank your claws into the nearest thing to you, which just so happened to be a bag of unopened rice.

“You're amazing.”

Shuri had you pinned against the pantry racks in your childhood home, nimble fingers gliding your dress straps down sweaty shoulders, eager to watch your bountiful breasts spill free. She was circling your hole now, your entrance beckoning her touch forward, throbbing as she inched closer.

You should have known you'd end up here when you stepped away from the party in the backyard. You knew your girlfriend; you’d been watching her watch you all day, and only you could discern that devilish look swirling in her darkened eyes.

This was inevitable.

You were just happy Shuri managed to hold it together until you two were alone. The pantry was not ideal, and you were definitely in for much, much worse when the two of you returned to your apartment, but the location would suffice for now, so long as you were able to tame Shuri's beast until then.

“You amaze me every day,” She licked a long, sloppy stripe up your throat, all the way to your quivering lips, which you parted eagerly for her, inviting her hungry tongue to caress yours. “And you deserve this.”

Before you could register her words, her digits plummeted into your heated deepness, stroking your walls as she kissed you fiercely, swallowing your cries. Shuri’s fingers created a rhythm with your sticky folds, gliding out momentarily, before your hole sucked them back in. Her mouth drifted from your lips, and you exhaled desperately. You watched, teary-eyed as she moved to suckle your left nipple, still working your sopping cunt over with gusto.

She fucked you senseless, skillfully guiding you to the edge with each pump. You were able to control your moans, somewhat, but getting a handle on the wetness at your core was impossible. Your pussy was messy, and sticky, and leaking right into your girlfriend's palm.

She thumbed your clit, and your entire body jerked, your fingers still clenching the rice. “I know you're close.”

“My perfect girl. You deserve to come, don't you?”

Shuri was revving your engine, pulling cry after cry from your throat as she fingered you. She was in a trance in front of you, watching your boobs bounce with every electrifying thrust.

She leaned in, her warm breath making your skin tingle as she whispered into your ear, “Come on my fingers Thandiwe.”

That was the encouragement you needed, and before long, you were approaching the peak of your climb. One last flick of your swollen clit had you descending, erupting around Shuri’s digits as she fucked you through your forceful orgasm. You cried out, twitching, finally breaking through the plastic encasing the rice beside you. And then you were tumbling to the floor, every single grain following, trickling right down to land beside you.

You laughed softly as Shuri joined you in the dim space, eyes dazzling with nothing but pride. She was grinning, and you mirrored it.

“I’m proud of you my love, so proud.”

“Oh? Are you? I wouldn't have known.” You mocked sarcastically with a giggle.

Shuri leaned in to peck your sweaty forehead. “Now, let's get you back out there before your family thinks we snuck off to have sex or something.”

You rolled your eyes at your girlfriend as she helped you up and fixed your dress. “I can barely walk.”

“Oh, Thandiwe, enjoy your ability to stand upright while it lasts, because it's likely to disappear the second I get you home.”