#"sta

Modern Stack Moore x Rhiannon Carter

Summary: When Stack’s hustle starts comin’ between him and Rhi, she steps out to remind him what he’s riskin’. One night out turns into a wake-up call and Stack’s ready to do whatever it takes to keep his woman.

The door clicked shut behind him, soft but heavy, like it carried the weight of his whole damn day. Stack ran a hand down his face, exhaustion sittin’ on him like a second skin. Five-thirty in the evenin’, and he still felt like the grind wasn’t done. Always somethin’, a busted pipe, a vendor actin’ shady, somebody cryin’ ‘bout the music bein’ too loud when hell, that’s the whole point of a club.

He dropped his keys in the little dish by the door, shoes scuffin’ against the hardwood as he stepped inside. The smell of Rhi’s vanilla candle hit him first, sweet and soft like her. Usually that smell put him at ease. Tonight? Just made him feel guilty.

“Stack?” Her voice floated from the kitchen, calm but tight.

“Yeah,” he called back, tryin’ to sound normal, like he wasn’t holdin’ the stress of the whole world on his shoulders.

Rhi stepped out from around the corner, wipin’ her hands on a dish towel. She had on a lil’ black hoodie and some shorts. She looked like home. His home. And Lord, if that didn’t make his chest ache.

“You’re early,” she said, eyebrows liftin’ just a little.

Stack smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Early? Rhi, it’s damn near six.”

“Mm-hm.” She didn’t smile back.

That was the first sign. Normally she’d be all up on him, askin’ if he wanted somethin’ to eat, if he was tired. But tonight she just stood there, eyes steady on him, like she had somethin’ sittin’ on her tongue she was tryin’ real hard not to spit out.

He walked into the livin’ room, slid his jacket off, and dropped down on the couch. His bones felt heavy, like somebody had filled ‘em with concrete.

“You eat yet?” she asked from the doorway.

“Nah,” he said, leanin’ his head back, eyes closin’ for just a second. “Ain’t had time.”

“Course you ain’t,” she muttered low, but Stack caught it. His eyes cracked open.

“What that s’posed to mean?” he asked, his tone sharper than he meant.

Rhi stepped in, arms crossed over her chest now. “Mean what it sound like. You ain’t had time. You ain’t had time to eat, ain’t had time to sleep, ain’t had time to be here.”

Stack sat up, brows knittin’ together. “Rhi…” He dragged a hand down his face again, breathin’ out slow. “Don’t start this tonight.”

“Don’t start?” Her laugh was dry as dust. “Stack, you the one comin’ home damn near midnight most nights. And when you do, you fall in the bed like you don’t even see me layin’ there. Like I’m just part of the mattress.”

“That ain’t fair,” he snapped, sittin’ forward now, elbows on his knees. “You know I been grindin’, tryna keep that club right. Smoke can’t do it all by hisself.”

“I know what you doin’,” she shot back, voice shakin’ just a little. “But that don’t make it hurt less. You think I like layin’ in that bed alone every night? You think I like wonderin’ if you comin’ home before the sun come up?”

Stack clenched his jaw, heat crawlin’ up his neck. He hated this, hated the way her words cut deep, hated the way they made him feel like he was failin’ even when he was breakin’ his back to keep her good.

“I’m doin’ all this for us,” he said, voice low but hard. “For you. So you ain’t gotta want for nothin’.”

“I ain’t ask you for all that,” she said, her eyes glossin’ like the tears was right there but she wasn’t lettin’ ‘em fall. “I ain’t ask for no club, no late nights, no money comin’ in faster than you do. I asked for you, Stack. Just you.”

That hit him in the gut, but instead of lettin’ it soften him, it made his back go stiff. “So what, you sayin’ I’m wrong for tryna build somethin’? Wrong for wantin’ more than just scrapin’ by?”

“I ain’t say that—”

“Sound like it,” he cut in, voice risin’ before he could stop it.

She stared at him, lips pressin’ tight like she was holdin’ in all the words that would tear him down to pieces. Finally, she just shook her head slow, like she ain’t even recognize him right now.

“I’m gon’ take a bath,” she said quiet, almost whisperin’. “Clear my head.”

Stack watched her turn and walk down the hall, her steps light but heavy in his chest. He wanted to go after her, wanted to pull her back, tell her he ain’t mean it like that. But he stayed right there on that couch, fists clenchin’ in his lap, breath comin’ hard like he just ran a mile.

“Damn,” he muttered, leanin’ back again, starin’ at the ceilin’.

The bathroom door clicked shut behind her, and she just stood there for a second, starin’ at her own reflection in the mirror. Her face looked tired, older somehow, like the weight of waitin’ on him was startin’ to show.

She twisted the faucet on, hot water rushin’ out fast, steam curlin’ up like smoke from a burnin’ fire.

She wasn’t mad. Not all the way. She was… lonely. And that was worse. Loneliness had a way of hollowin’ you out slow, piece by piece, ‘til one day you woke up and didn’t recognize yourself no more.

She pulled her hair tie out, lettin’ her curls fall loose, and slipped outta her clothes like she was sheddin’ skin. The water looked good, real good, but it couldn’t fill that empty feelin’ sittin’ deep in her chest.

When she sank down into the tub, the heat wrapped around her, but her heart still felt cold. She closed her eyes, lettin’ the tears slide quiet down her cheeks, mixin’ with the water so nobody, not even her, could tell the difference.

Her mind drifted back to when they first started, when Stack couldn’t wait to get home just to see her smile, when they’d sit up laughin’ on the couch like the world wasn’t tryin’ to crush ‘em. Now, it felt like all he had time for was everything but her.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The clock on the wall ticked loud as hell in that quiet room, like it was countin’ down to somethin’ he ain’t ready for. Stack sat hunched over on the couch, elbows diggin’ into his knees, phone in his hands but his mind everywhere else. He kept scrollin’, IG, texts, emails, anything to keep from thinkin’ about that bathroom door clickin’ shut an hour ago.

She’d been in there a long time. Bathin’, clearin’ her head, probably still mad at him. He hated when they left things hangin’ like that. Felt like a storm sittin’ over the house, waitin’ to break.

The soft pad of footsteps on the stairs pulled him out his head. Stack looked up and damn near forgot how to breathe.

Rhi was comin’ down, towel wrapped snug around her body, hair damp and glistenin’, little curls stickin’ to her shoulders. Her skin looked like warm honey, glistening from that lotion she always used. That scent, soft, sweet, a little floral, hit him before she even reached the bottom step.

His throat went dry. “Rhi…”

She didn’t look mad no more. Calm, maybe. But there was somethin’ in her eyes, somethin’ that said she was still thinkin’.

“I’m goin’ out tonight,” she said, simple as that, leanin’ one hip on the banister.

Stack blinked. “Out?”

“Yeah.” She looked him dead in the face, towel still grippin’ tight with one hand. “My girls been hittin’ me up all week. There’s a new bar open downtown. They wanna check it out, and I told ‘em I might slide through.”

The words hit like a gut punch, and Stack felt his jaw lock tight. A new bar. At night. Without him.

“You… goin’ out?” he repeated, his voice low now, tryin’ to keep it cool even though jealousy burned hot in his chest.

She nodded slow, eyes watchin’ him close like she was waitin’ for a reaction. “Yeah. Ain’t like I get out much.”

Stack sat back, phone droppin’ onto the cushion beside him. His fingers curled into fists before he forced ‘em loose. He pictured her walkin’ in that bar lookin’ like she do right now, skin soft, curves hittin’, smellin’ like heaven, and some fool tryna slide up on her like he got a chance. That thought alone had Stack’s blood boilin’.

He licked his lips, tryna play it smooth, but his voice came out rough. “Why you wanna go out now? It’s late.”

She shrugged, slow and lazy, like his question ain’t mean nothin’. “Ain’t that late. I been feelin’ like I live in this house by myself lately. Figure I might as well go have some fun.”

That one stung. He sat up straighter, elbows on his knees again, eyes locked on hers. “Fun, huh?”

“Yeah,” she said, chin liftin’ just a little. “I deserve that, don’t I?”

Stack stared at her for a long beat, every muscle in his body screamin’ to tell her no, to grab her up and keep her right here where she belong. But he knew that tone in her voice. If he pushed too hard, she’d walk out that door just to prove a point.

He leaned back slow, exhalin’ through his nose, tryin’ to keep the jealousy in check. “Rhi… I was hopin’ maybe you stay here tonight. Chill with me.”

She gave a small, almost sad smile, towel clingin’ to her curves. “Stack… I know you want that. I get it. But I need this, too. I need to go out with my girls tonight. I need a little me time.”

Stack’s chest tightened, and a low hum of frustration slipped past his lips. “Baby…”

“I’m serious,” she said, stepping up the stairs, her eyes soft but firm. “I love you, Stack, but I’m not stayin’ in tonight. I gotta live a little outside these walls.”

Stack leaned back, staring at the hardwood floor like he’d been punched. The jealousy and frustration churned in him, but deep down he knew, he couldn’t cage her. Not her, not ever.

“Alright,” he said finally, voice low and tight, trying to mask the ache. “Go then. But be careful, yeah?”

Her lips curved in a small, grateful smile, and she reached up to brush a damp curl from her forehead. “Always,” she said, then disappeared up the stairs, leaving him alone with the ticking clock and his restless thoughts.

Stack sank back into the couch, fists loosely clenchin’ in his lap. The room felt colder now. Quiet. Heavy. And all he could do was wait, pacing the silence with the weight of knowing she was out there, livin’ life without him by her side.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Rhi stood in her closet, the soft glow from the vanity mirror highlighting every curve, every edge she wanted Stack to notice. She ran her hands over the fabric of the dress one more time, fingers grazing the short hem that just kissed the top of her thighs. Red. Bold. Dangerous. Perfect. The kind of red that made a man stop mid-step and rethink every damn thing he thought he knew.

Her hair was pinned up tight, curls pinned into an elegant updo, tendrils falling in just the right spots to frame her face. Makeup flawless—smoky eyes, bold lips, cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. She stared at herself in the mirror, letting the reflection sink in.

This wasn’t just about goin’ out tonight. Nah. This was about sendin’ Stack a message. About remindin’ him he could lose her if he kept treatin’ her like she was optional.

She turned sideways, checking her profile, tilting her head just so. Damn, she looked… good. Better than good. She looked like a warning, like trouble he couldn’t tame.

Then, like the universe had timed it perfectly, or maybe cruelly, Stack’s low voice cut through the room.

Stack leaned in the doorway, arms crossed, heart hammerin’ like it was tryin’ to break outta his chest. He froze for a second, takin’ in the sight of her in that closet, that dress hugging her like it was made for her alone, hair pinned up, lips red as hell. Damn. His chest tightened, his throat dry.

Stack stepped closer, closing the space between them, hands reaching for her shoulders. “Rhi… baby, look, I’m sorry. I been a damn fool, and I ain’t mean to make you feel like I don’t see you, don’t appreciate you. I just…” His voice dropped, low and rough, “I just don’t wanna lose you.”

Before she could answer, he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a desperate, hungry kiss. His hands slid down her sides, trying to claim just a piece of her before she walked out that door.

Rhi laughed, soft and teasing, pulling back just enough to look at him, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Stack… you tryna start something before I leave?”

She leaned in, brushing her lips over his in a quick, fiery kiss that left him breathless, then stepped back with a grin. “I love you, baby. Don’t get it twisted. But I gotta go.”

Her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down, and a small smirk curved her lips. A text from her driver: Outside.

Rhi’s eyes met his one last time, full of fire and playfulness. “Looks like my ride’s here. Don’t worry—I’ll be back.”

Stack groaned softly, trying to pull her back one more time, but she shook her head and sauntered past him, dress hugging every curve, heels clickin’ softly on the floor.

He watched her go, chest tight, hands balled into fists, muttering under his breath: “Damn… she really gon’ make me sweat tonight.”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The night air hit Rhi the moment she stepped out of the car, crisp, electric, alive. Her heels clicked confidently against the sidewalk, the flash of cameras from the paparazzi catching her in that red dress. The velvet rope waited, lined with people eager for a glimpse, but she moved with ease, flanked by her girls, each step deliberate, each glance purposeful.

Together they were ushered past the crowd straight into the VIP lounge. No waiting, no lines, no interruptions—just them, and the pulse of the room around them. Rhi slid into the corner booth, letting the lights wash over her, hair pinned up elegantly, makeup flawless. She felt every eye in the room, but mostly, she felt free.

Her other friends, mutual acquaintances of Stack’s, noticed her immediately. One whistled low, shaking his head. “Damn… Stack lucky. Most dudes would be in trouble if she walked past ‘em like that.”

“Man… she fine as hell,” one finally muttered, almost to himself. They all fell quiet for a moment, just watchin’ her. She laughed softly, tilting her head, letting the ambient light catch her profile, and the group collectively let out low whistles, shaking their heads in appreciation.

The first friend pulled out his phone and typed quickly, a smirk tugging at his lips. Text sent.

To Stack: Yo, yo girl just pulled up at this bar. VIP lounge. We’re watchin’ her, making sure nobody slides up. She safe.

The VIP lounge pulsed with life, a low thrum of bass threading through the chatter and laughter. Lights glimmered off polished surfaces, reflecting in glasses and mirrored walls, catching the shimmer of champagne and the glint in everyone’s eyes. The air smelled faintly of perfume, leather, and a hint of something spicy from the kitchen, it was intoxicating without trying.

Rhi’s girls laughed and leaned into each other, sharing stories and gossip, their heels clicking softly on the marble floor. Around them, the other patrons moved through the room like actors on a stage, some casually chatting, others dancing to the slow, steady beat. Music thumped through the walls, a mix of classic R&B and modern grooves that made the lounge feel alive and intimate all at once.

Rhiannon herself drew glances without effort. She sat in the corner booth, relaxed yet commanding, a glass of wine in her hand. Her laughter was soft but confident, carrying just enough to turn heads, while her eyes scanned the room with curiosity and quiet amusement. Every movement, every tilt of her head, seemed deliberate like she knew the power of presence and wasn’t afraid to wield it.

The staff moved quickly around the lounge, setting drinks and offering discreet service to the VIPs, while the main floor buzzed with energy. Couples leaned close, friends toasted, and somewhere in the middle of it all, Rhi exuded calm, magnetic confidence. She wasn’t just a part of the night, she shaped it, effortlessly drawing attention and respect without ever trying.

Stack leaned back on the couch, phone in his hand, heart beatin’ like a drum. Every text from his boys had him tight, Rhi out there, laughin’, glowin’, movin’ through that lounge like she owned the whole damn place. He needed to reach her, needed her to know he was thinkin’ ‘bout her, even from over here.

He typed slow, makin’ sure he got it right:

Stack: Hope you havin’ a good night baby. I know I been distant lately. I’m sorry, Rhi. Fo’ real.

He sat for a second, thumb hoverin’, then hit send again:

Stack: Just wanna make sure you straight, havin’ fun, enjoyin’ yourself.

Another minute passed, chest tight, before he sent a third:

Stack: I miss you. Can’t lie. Don’t mean to distract you, just need you to know that.

Stack leaned back, lookin’ at the ceiling, imaginin’ her readin’ the texts, that little smirk tuggin’ at her lips. He wanted her to feel him, feel that he noticed everything about her, even from a distance.

Rhi’s phone buzzed again, and she picked it up with a small smirk tugging at her lips. Stack.

She read through the texts, one by one, the apology and the check-ins. She leaned back in the booth, holding her drink carefully, her girls chattin’ around her but her focus entirely on that screen.

Mmhm… I see you tryna act all grown and sweet now.

She chuckled softly, tappin’ out a reply, fingers slow, deliberate:

I’m good, baby. Don’t worry ‘bout me.

Her lips curved into that teasing smile as she sent it. Stack was gonna feel every bit of this, she knew. A little playful push, a little reminder that she was her own woman, livin’ her life, and yeah… he’d have to earn his way back into all her attention tonight.

Another buzz. His reply came quick, no hesitation:

Stack: Baby you got me sweatin’, fo’ real. But I ain’t tryna ruin your night. Just don’t forget who’s waitin’ when you get back.

Rhi laughed low, head tiltin’ slightly, the red light from the bar catching in her hair. She typed back, slow, teasing:

I ain’t forgot, baby. You just gon’ have to wait a little.

She set her phone down on the table, leaning back, drink in hand, watching the room with quiet amusement. Stack was reaching out, sure, but she was still running the show. And God, it felt good.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Hours had passed, and the city outside had quieted down. The streets were slick from a light evening drizzle, neon signs reflecting softly in the puddles. It was 2 a.m., and Rhi finally leaned back in her ride, tired but still buzzing from the night. Her girls had already gone their separate ways, the music of the club replaced by the quiet hum of the car’s engine. Stack’s texts had been steady all through the night, gentle check-ins, teasing little reminders that he was still thinking about her.

Stack: You almost home, baby?

Rhi smiled at the message, thumb tapping out a quick reply:

I’m good, Stack. Almost there.

Even from the backseat, she felt him, every word, every thought. He’d been persistent, not in a pushy way, but in that way that made her heart flip: attentive, caring, invested.

When she pulled up to their shared home, the scene made her pause for a moment. The lights were low, a soft golden glow spilling from the living room. A movie flickered quietly on the TV, casting shadows that danced on the walls. On the coffee table sat a fresh bouquet of her favorite flowers, the petals still glistening with mist from the florist, and beside it, a box of her favorite chocolates. She exhaled softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. He had stayed up for her.

Stack was standing in the doorway, eyes locked on hers, a little worn from waitin’ but steady, warm, full of focus and care. He didn’t rush forward, just held that space, giving her a moment to take it all in. “Rhiannon,” he said, voice low, thick with sincerity, “I’m sorry baby. Fo’ real this time.”

Her bag hit the table, the click of her heels on the hardwood following. She stepped closer, feeling the warmth radiating off him. He reached out, hands brushing her arms, then pulling her close. She leaned into him, letting the tension of the night, the teasing, the distance, and the little arguments melt away.

“I ain’t tryna lose you, Rhi. You mean too much to me,” he murmured into her hair, lips brushing the top of her head.

Rhi lifted her face to his, a small, soft laugh escaping. “I know,” she whispered, letting her hands rest against his chest. “I know you got me.”

He tilted his chin down, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss, one that spoke of longing, apologies, and promises all at once. The quiet of the house wrapped around them.

Stack pulled back just enough to look at her, eyes glistening in the soft light. “I’ll do better, Rhi. I promise. No more late nights without you. No more messin’ around with my focus. You my priority, baby.”

Rhi let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “You better mean that,” she teased softly, though her heart was full. “Because I ain’t goin’ back to waitin’ around.”

He chuckled low, tugging her closer again, pressing his forehead to hers. “I mean it. Every word. You the only one, Rhi. Only one I need, only one I want.”

They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other, letting the quiet speak volumes, letting the city outside fade away. Stack finally pulled back, walking over to the flowers and chocolates, presenting them with a grin. “Your favorites. Thought you deserved a little somethin’ after tonight.”

Rhi laughed, taking the bouquet in her hands, smelling the petals. “You really did that?” she asked, shaking her head with a smile.

“I did. For you. Always for you,” he said, brushing a stray curl from her face.

She leaned into him again, resting her head on his chest. “Alright… you redeemed yourself tonight.”

Stack laughed, holding her tight. “I’ll take it. I’m just glad you’re home safe. That’s all I care about.”

And in that quiet house, with a movie flickering in the background, flowers and chocolates waiting, and the soft hum of the city outside, they both let the night finally settle. The lesson learned, the apologies given, and the love reaffirmed, stronger than ever.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

my sta character smeek !! 💚💾📀