#x blackfemreader

Fontaine saw it as soon as they locked eyes. Lil Bit’s smile was slow but promising, the little wobble in her step did nothing to take her focus from where he was sitting in the car.

His baby was wasted.

Fontaine encouraged his girl to go out with her friends for their own turn-up time as often as she wanted. He’d be happy to play pick up service, especially to make sure that everyone went home safely.

Fontaine wasn’t the only one either.

Like a mother duck, Big Moss had a conga-line of baddies breaking away fro the crowds in front of the club.

There was his girl, Angel, and behind her was the rest of the girls all holding onto purse straps, belt loops, and whatever else they could get their toasted little hands on.

Lil Bit was in the middle. Just grinning and showing teeth as she alternated between keeping the girl in front of her upright and not being dragged down by the sleepy friend in the back with the death grip.

It took some doing but the little duckling chain began dissolving as their partners began appearing to collect them. One chick bickered about the timing, another pouted at being scolded, but there were more than a few of were very happy at seeing their other halves.

After smooches, promises to share the photos in the group chat, and some prolonged waving—Lil Bit was finally wandering over to the car with Fontaine met her half way.

“Hhhi, ‘Taine!”

“You have fun, baby?”

“All of the fun! So much fun! Did you know bees grieve?”

Fontaine caught her just in time as you planted face-first into his chest, arms coming up to rest on his shoulders at the elbows as your hands dangled from the other side. He put an arm around your waist and braced you against his hip, opening the back door passenger seat at the same time.

Fontaine hummed, “Damn, is that right?”

“They mourn their fallen sisters but the disease cannot be spread, it was so sad—she grabbed her wings and wouldn’t let goooo….”

He shook his head and you copied the motion even as you were sat, “I know, s’so sad, isn’t it? ‘Taine?”

Fontaine knelt down to unlace your heels

“It sho’ is. Why are y’all watching sad stuff in the club though?”

“Because the bees need us, ‘Taine! How-How can I turn urrrp in g’consious knowin’ the bees are doin’ it on their own lil’ bee shoulders?”

Oh no. Fontaine could hear the growing upset in her voice, saw how her glassy eyes watered above her down turned lips.

Fontaine asked, gently, “Bees got shoulders?”

Lil Bit opened her mouth, but the incoming sorrow turned into contemplation. It was a cheap shot, but it was easier to get her heels off when Lil’ Bit was thinking.

She let him unlace her first heel but clumsily attempted to untie the other. Fontaine moved away to let her work, hearing her mutter curses about someone retying the laces when she was not looking.

He looked over his shoulder in time to see that Big Moss was corralling only two little drunken ducklings now. Angel had Sleepy Friend by the hand while Big Moss held her other, his free hand aiming his trusty fan towards his girl’s face as they made way towards his truck.

Mission accomplished. Fontaine didn’t see anyone was left behind and he got who he came for. Shoe-less and curious, Lil’Bit curled up onto the passenger seat as Fontaine got into the driver’s seat.

There was a beat of silence as Fontaine pulled of, but Lil’ Bit’s voice came from the back seat,

“If bees…if bees had shoulders…We wouln’ just talk about the knees, right? The bee’s knees, I mean?”

“That’s a good point, baby. You want this?”

Fontaine didn’t look away from the road as he took his jacket from the passenger seat to hand back over the front row of seats. Lil Bit let out a happy noise and the garment was snatched promptly from his fingers.

“Oooh, you smell so good…” Lil’ Bit take a big ol’ wiff, “Yeah, that’s the good stuff. What’s that you wearin’?”

“Pretty sure it’s just Dial.”

“Mhmm, a likely story….I think I’m smellin’ your sexy…”

Fontaine tried not too but he ended up laughing anyway, “You hungry, baby?”

“Yesh, yes, yeah…very much.”

“Alright, tell me what you want.”

There was an urgent scrambling before Lil’ Bit hooked herself up onto the front row of seats. Fontaine did a double take at the sparkling tiara sitting crooked on her head.

“What’s…that you got there?”

“Hm…a pretty lady gave it to me but I don’t know wha’ for,” Lil’ Bit nuzzled the back of his head roughly, “I think she—I think she had a lot to drink.”

“Mmn. You think so?”

“Oh, I know so...”

Fontaine took note of where they were and began making way to the Hollywood Coney Island.

Lil’Bit was losing steam by the time they pulled up to their house. She demolished an order of chili fries and a fruit punch. Fontaine opened the back passenger seat and knelt down enough so that she could spill out and right over his back. It was tricky with her purse strap getting caught on the headrest of the front seat, but with a little maneuvering and convincing Lil’Bit to stay still, they were up and moving.

“C’mon, Miss. Lady—we just got to get to the front door.”

“We got home so fast! Ohmygod, ‘Taine—look!”

Fontaine’s head was already swiveling from the urgency of her voice, but they were alone on their street aside from the few glinting gazes of strays strolling about in the darkness. Lil’Bit reached from behind to sloppily tilt Fontaine’s head up.

Lil’Bit squealed, “Look at the moon! She’s sooo pretty tonight!”

“That’s right, baby.” Fontaine had began patting his pockets for the keys, “You think you can reach down and get the ke--

“When the full moon turns white that’s when I’ll come hoooomee,” she cut him off at a full belt, “An’ I don’t know where I’ll gooo, and I don’ know wher—what I’ll seee—but I’ll try not to bring it back home with meeee--!”

Lil’Bit sang her next crooked, crooning notes to the night’s sky. Fontaine stood there for a moment to get himself under control before he keyed into the house. After all, Fontaine didn’t want his laughs to muffle out Lil’Bit’s concert on the camera’s playback.

“ ‘Taine?”

“Yes, baby.”

“Would—if I was a werewolf, would you still love me?”

“Yes, I would,” Fontaine said, “I’d want you to turn me, too.”

“ ‘Taine? Really? That’s so romanti—what if I had to rip your face off to turn you? You’d still be okay?”

Fontaine heard you drop your heels somewhere along the way to the bedroom,“Would you still love me if I ain’t have a face ‘cause you had to rip it off?”

“Yes!”

“Then it’d be cool...I’d hope my shit would grow back but fuck it I guess.”

That got him a pleased little nuzzle, “I’d make it grow back..”

What did that even mean?

Fontaine sat on the edge of their bed and Lil’Bit let herself fall back onto the plush covers. She groaned, happy, before slowing to stretch.

“Hold on, let me get you together.” Fontaine said, “Get out of those clothes and I’ll get your bonnet.”

By the time he came back, Lil’Bit managed to wriggle out of her skirt but her stop remained twist-spun around her. Clearly a fight she couldn’t win, Fontaine got her out of her top and helped her arrange her hair under the bonnet.

Lil’Bit insisted on washing up before bed and Fontaine supervised safely out of the splash zone. The whole time she scrubbed, she threw questions and comments out at Fontaine. Breaking out into song enough as she splashed about, Lil’Bit made him think of a liquored up songbird.

By the time it was all said and done, he would have sworn Lil’Bit fell asleep on the way down to the pillow but she grabbed him by his pocket.

“I love you, Fontaine…”

Heart warmed, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips and then forehead.

“I love you too, baby. Take a little nap and I’ll take care of you some more when you wake up…”

“Hehehee, okaay…”

And like a switch, she was out. Fontaine looked down at her for a moment, grateful and only a little bit tired. He finished checking over the house and switching off the lights, Lil’Bit’s gifted tiara was place on her nightstand along with a bottle of water.

Fontaine climbed into bed and was immediately set upon by Lil’Bit, her throwing and arm and leg over him before going still again. He cradled her back as best as he could before closing his eyes after a job well done.

✨ending notes:✨ I thought I'd try a something a little different in the third person! Tell me what you think, I've been thinking of using more names and doing this more often. Thank you so much for reading and feel free to give it a reblog! 💞✨💞✨💞✨

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The night was beautiful and you were finally able to find some good music.

You were somewhere between the moon and stars, the winds beneath your wings playful and thick as it carried you from state-wind to state-wind. When the sound of happy breathing, heavy shoes, and string picking got up to you–you looked for a place to land.

Feeling more and more solid as you traded your wings for paws, you searched amongst the warm little homes for what you needed. There were mothers and children gathered around rocking chairs, reading from a thick book made up of pages that reminded you of butterfly wings. In the yard with the tasty yams, you nipped at the clothes on the line for whichever felt like leaving with you.

Trotting with your prize, you tried to think of how to fit it again. It took a while since you’ve been anything but wild, but you knew some times were better had when you had thumbs. The dress fit good enough and you shook out the bramble shocking cloud and downpour that was your locs and coils. 

The whole time that lively music followed you. You’d reckon you were a few miles off but now that you had feet–you couldn’t keep them from dancing either way. The only time you paused was when you caught sight of your skin, deep and brown as healthy soil and mahogany.

It wasn’t long before you saw the joint, standing and vibrating with all the good time that was going on inside. You lingered at the treeline, mostly behind the leaves as you watched folk flow in and out of its doors. 

The excitement made your tongue tight, you whispered a few of the words you knew by heart to loosen your voice. You've speaking wild for so long, you weren't sure what words were People anymore.

There was a gleam that caught your eye followed by a smooth laugh that made your skin goose. You caught a sweet-husky scent of liquor and honey, caught the edge of maroon vanishing through the side door of the proud structure.

There. That’s where you wanted to be.

Peering around first, you shadowed yourself along the ground. Leaping and hopping to those who lingered outside to enjoy a smoke with the cool air. The last fella was a bit wobbly but luckily he used the wall to steady yourself so you could step off into the dark side of the juke joint. 

It wasn’t very much seeing that got you around, but feeling. You felt along the edges until you were able to bleed beneath the same door your good time went through.

The only problem was that now you didn’t know where you were. Things were put up on shelves and boxes, jars and jars of some stuff made your nose twitch. Looking around, you wondered if there was anything tasty enough to tempt you but all you could find was more of that river-clear stuff in pretty bottles of glass. 

You were running your fingers along the raised lettering, turning to find your prize when you knocked into the softest tree you’ve ever met. 

“Whatchu doin’ in here, girl?”

An unsmiling man looked down at you, plumes blowing from his nose like an angry bull. HIs eyes were like twin obsidian as they skipped over your form. Watching him back, he reminded you of one of those smooth river stones with how pretty brown and blue he was.

You tilted your head and considered his exciting smell. Close, but not quite. Almost-right. 

He raised his brows, waiting for an answer, “Where you comin’ from?”

“Above…”

The man reared back as if you shouted but you only smiled sheepishly at your garbled voice. So maybe you should have practiced a little longer before speaking to anyone. 

The man’s head tilted back at you, he stepped closer to look down at you more closely. When his eyes got stuck on the mess of flowers and moss that was curling up your ankles from where you stood, you wiggled your toes.

Liking the attention, you preened as surely he was taking in the pretty flowers that had begun to bloom along your hairline. 

“Move aside, Smoke.” 

“Annie…”

“Move, go’on.” 

A beautiful woman came from the corner shadows, eyes kind and fixed on you. The man lingered but stepped aside as she said, Annie. She glowed from her center, familiar in the way that the moon was. Turning to her and taking her offered hand, you no longer cared for the almost-right beside you.

This woman smelled like the almost-right but there was the ocean beneath her skin, the yawning night sky beneath her tongue. She reminded you of where you came from.

“What’s it that you need?” Annie asked warmly. Relief washed over you once you realized there was someone who understood. You buried yourself into her, Annie chuckling in surprise as you sighed at the warmth of her. She wrapped her arms around you in a solid hug and it felt like your hearts were doing the same in greeting. 

You looked to the man who watched you more carefully now that you were in Annie’s arms and pointed to his face. Then you pointed out the door, blinking insistently. 

“Ah, I see.” Annie looked over to the Smoke man, “Y’know who she wants.”

“What she gonna do to him?”

 Annie gave your cheek a soft pinch, and raised her brows high as she looked in your eyes. She spoke in a tone that was both kind and stern. 

“She’s gonna take it easy on ‘em and bring him back home like the lady she is.”

Laughing, you reached up and tapped her nose in agreement. Annie Ocean was right, of course, you only wanted to make good use of this form and chase this age old itch of yours. 

There was a whoop of applause from the other side of the door you saw beyond Annie. Sounds like the music was changing from the jovial, upbeat twang to something that made your hips swim. Smoke Man and Annie Ocean exchanged a few more words you didn’t care to hear as you heard the beating hearts and lungs of the crowd on the other side. When you went to take a step, Smoke Man took one as well to block you.

“Hol’ on now.” He held up a hand then took away a pair of old boots that Annie Ocean found in the corner. She came to take your hands as Smoke Man knelt down to help your feet into the boots. Your nose wrinkled but it was clearly a stipulation, but when Annie wrinkled hers back in jest–you laughed.

Smoke Man muttered about something being fucking wild as he stood from doing up your laces.

“Should hold for now.” He tipped his hat to you then looked to his woman. Annie took your hand into her arm, like a sister in wings, and escorted you towards the door. Before she opened it, she leaned in to steal a bloom from your hair and say,

“Have a good time y’hear me?” 

You gave her a wide grin, a kiss on the cheek, then set out into the joint. 

In there, apparently it didn't matter that you weren't dressed so smartly or didn’t speak. You found yourself being held and spun, shot up and thrown over backwards. There were big wide hands that held onto your hips, full lips brushing against your ear. Slender, pretty hands holding onto your shoulders to show you how to watch their feet.

You had a sip of something from someone’s cup and it lit you up. Lightening water, you called it. 

Inside the deep river of bodies that waved and lapped at each other, you lost yourself. Black and Brown, beautiful, so full of joy and of life. The scene settled like good supper in your stomach. It wasn’t long before blooms were bursting from between your toes and soles, stuffing until your boots were a perfect fit.

After being away from a body like this for so long, trading your wings for feet, dancing was like discovering how to laugh all over again. You felt the eyes you wanted on you from different corners of the room. Getting closer and closer still, remaining just out of reach just to admire you. 

That gleam, though. Settled in between a winning crew of teeth, you couldn’t ever shake your interest in the things that shone. There he was, right there and all wrapped up in that want that you could smell from beneath the canopy of desire and lust blanket over the juke joint. 

It’s funny how he looked just like the Smoke Man but in the way that the hot, clay sands meet cool blue waters. This man smiled like he didn’t care if you said his name or not, he walked towards you like he only wanted to know yours, this man was just right. 

A hand took yours, leading you to the shore of the back wall. You still saw a kaleidoscope of smiles and felt the cascade of the crowd's previous caresses. A big hand took hold of your jaw. You gasped as you looked into familiar, smoldering eyes.

Finally...

“Now, I see every face that come up in here–why didn’t I see yours 'til now?”

Shrugging, you looked into his mouth at those pearly whites and gold caps. It was tantalizing to see, you’ve never seen a smile like that before. Mr. Just Right dipped his head to catch your gaze again, chuckling and offering his name as Stack. 

“What can I call you, honey?”

You batted your eyes at him and looked down the fine line of him until you took that hand of his. He watched you, working the toothpick settled in the corner of his mouth, as you raised his hand to the column of your throat.

You sighed as your eyes closed briefly at the feeling of his stuttering heartbeat. When you opened your eyes again, you pouted slightly and whispered as softly as you could,

“Can’t…riGht…”

Stack’s expression straightened in understanding, “Can’t talk right?”

“Hm!”

Stack returned your affirming nod and stepped a little closer as he took a good look at you. He seemed to shrug himself, thumbing through the bits and pieces of buds “A’ight then, hone–shieet, or should I call ya’ flower?”

He could call you anything. Stack seemed to get that’s what the smile that dawned across your face meant. Unashamed, you leaned up to get a whiff from the source. Praise be. If it weren’t for Stack’s hands on you, surely you’d have melted around the soles of his fancy shoes. 

Where Smoke man and Annie smelled like each other and ray-warmed clouds and deep underwater songs– this man smelled like something else. 

Promises and butterscotch. Deep, hums and humid yearning. 

You gave him a warm hug and then you found yourself being swept off your feet as he spun in a slow circle. The bristle of his beards scratched at your skin as he nuzzled and you had to bite your lip to keep from kissing him.

“We ever met befo’?” he whispered in your ear once he put you down. 

Again, you gave him a shrug. It’s possible but you haven’t found all your memories yet. Stack swapped that toothpick to the other side of his mouth, tongue rolling it there real slow and taking your attention with it. Your fingers twitched. 

Stack took one of your hands, his other kept on your waist as he led you in a lazy semi-circle. In the cradle of his arms, you made a noise you didn’t know he could hear beneath the music. While you had your land legs now, you still watched your feet. 

“Why does it feel like you’re talkin’ to me?”

Because you wanted to so badly. You don’t know how well Stack man could smell, but he had to have a way of knowing you wanted him too…right?

You reached up with your free hand, to run the tip of your finger across Stack’s bottom lip. Shivering when the tip of his tongue brushed your skin as he carried the pick away from your touch–your eyes widened when he folded the pick into his mouth fully. 

Stack chuckled, showing the pick again before reaching up to flick it away. Your eyes followed, tempted and amazed by the little magic trick, and Stack took the chance to glance over to where he knew his twin was watching.

Smoke was pouring something into Annie’s glass, sparing a single nod towards the door before turning back to his woman.

“Hey lil’ flower, I gotta say I’ma bit peckish,” Stack surprised you by pressing kisses to your cheek the spot beneath your ear, “You, uh, gonna share some nectar with me?”

“Hmm…”

You leaned up and returned a kiss to his cheek, the both of you nuzzling for a moment more before Stack cleared his throat and asked if you ever rode in a motorcar before.

It looked like morning time, Stack didn’t know from the strange way light came through his motor’s windows.

He went over to press a kiss to your cheek, wanting to wake you up with another sweet, when his lips met looseness..

Reality hit him fully as Stacks opened his eyes to the sea of flower petals and downy feathers he was submerged in. Digging through them in a stupor, Stacks could only find your dress and one of the too-big shoes that you wore the night before.

He brought the dress up to his nose, the dove-white fabric now a cascade of hues that matched what you left him.

Stacks looked out to the windshield of his motor, he was still parked outside. The two of you never made it inside? No, that’s right. He remembered your kisses and the strange, intoxicating noises you made when Stack had his hands on you. When he put the car into a standstill, you crooned his name and parted for him so eagerly…

In the back of his mind when Stack was still staring down at the crown of flowers bobbing in his lap, Stack thought he should have brought you to bed. You were the type that was too good for the back seat of the motorcar but holy did you make good due with what you had. 

His eyes closed as heat seeped into his belly. You wrung him dry, all of that softness meaning anything but coyness as you rode him with a syrupy smile on your face. Stack got you back, giving it to you as kept a hold on your face to keep those pretty eyes on him as they rolled. 

Pretty, peculiar noises spilled from your bitten lips and it really felt like you were seeping nectar into his lap. How you looked at him reverently and ran your fingertips and tongue over the gold and silver in his mouth.

Stack picked up handfuls of the petals and watched as they fluttered back into the mass. He…didn’t dream of peeling roses from your skin and the dewy sweat beneath. You must have really untangled a vine of the finest tasting green grapes from the curtain of locs from the nape of your neck.

Stack didn’t know what the fuck you were saying between his name but it felt like…promises. You were so sticky, so sweet–

What were you?

His vision focused some more and he saw who was sitting on the porch. Stack cursed, sitting back in the floral bath and tried to get his head together.

 It didn’t sit well that he didn’t get to wake up with you, that he didn’t get to say goodbye, that he cared to…

The sun crawled a bit higher and the sudden company didn’t leave long enough aside to get some coffee. The second mug caught his attention and finally Stack got out of his motor. As best he could without letting the petals out, Stack closed the door up behind himself to be dealt with later. He fixed clothes up and ran a hand over his face to chase away the left-over sleep then set forward. 

If she was here, then his brother was probably inside cooking up something and to tell Stack how thick his skull was. He grumbled a bit to himself at the thought of his brother and his wife just waltzing past him as he slumbered away as pretty as a princess.

Lord...

Annie sat on the last porch stair, setting that second mug down beside her in invitation. Smoke sat down, gingerly, once he felt the ache in his legs and lower back. He huffed a little at her knowing side-eye.

They sat in silence for a moment. Stack looking at the trailing and dancing petals, following a feather until it flew high enough up into the air to vanish into the awakening blue of the sky.

“She ever gonna come back?”

“I reckon she will.”

Stack gave Annie his own look and she only shrugged a shoulder, “I don’t know when but she will. I’ve seen her before, once or twice. Goes all over, I think, but she lives here.”

“You even know for sure? Met anythin’ like her befo’?”

“She's a joy. She’s in every part of life, every bit of the world.” Annie put a hand on his shoulder and used the other hand to gesture to the petals that had not blown away yet, “You’ll see her again soon. Knowing how you are, especially. You might end up being her favorite.”

Hope quickened his heart. Stack took a sip and before he could ask his next question, the call of a bird overhead caught his gaze. 

The sound was familiar enough to loose the incredulousness feeling in his chest, shifting it to wonder and anticipation as he watched that bird settle high within the cover of a nearby willow tree.

-------------

✨ending notes✨: I....don't even know exactly what this is but I'm happy it's here! 🤣I haven't seen the movie yet but I've been seeing nothing but good things and this is what the vibes left me with. It's a bit long so thank you so much for reading until the end! 🥰This ended up sweeter than what I thought it would be though lmao! tell me what you think and give it a reblog! ✨💓✨💓✨💓

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“You aren’t gonna be coming, are you?”

“Afraid not, baby.”

Alex sighed for what felt like the thousandth time that night as he recalled the disappointed little noise that you’d let out.

The call ended with you warmly insisting that you’d see him soon. Alex ached for your presence, to feel you under his hands and hear your voice in person. While the occasional video call got him through these last few days, Alex dreaded finishing the week this way.

He leaned back in his chair and put a hand over his face. It was nearing midnight now and while he had dinner his dinner sitting in front of him, Alex wasn’t very hungry. Leads, clues, what-if’s and everything in between filled his head to the brim. The case was missing a piece that was somewhere right in front of his eyes. Alex could feel it.

Not as much as he wanted to feel you, though.

Coming home and letting your arms wrap around him was the one of the highlights of his day. Cuddling close and maneuvering until you became his blanket, Alex swore that it made the aches of the day fade that much faster. Alex needed to smell your scent , he needed to feel your voice vibrating over his heart.

“You’ll see me soon, baby, you just gotta hold on a lil’ bit longer. Can you do that for me?”

He’d do anything for you. Alex knew in his bones that if you asked him to play hooky—well, then he’d just have to find a way out--

A rapid knock at his door had him straightening up, “Come in—baby?”

There you were. For a moment, Alex thought that his yearning conjured a mirage. You slipped in and closed the door behind you, splaying a pose on the hardwood behind you with a grin on your lips. Alex took in your outfit which was nothing but a dark trench coat with a matching purse and headwrap.

“Happy to see me, hon?”

“More than you know...how’d you get in here without someone telling me?”

“Oh, I have my ways. Ways in which I won’t tell you, because ya’ll like to lock doors around here.”

Your heels clicked loudly in the enclosed space and Alex could feel his body fighting to react. His mind raced with all of the possibilities of what was beneath that trench coat of yours. Every time you wore it, Alex had something to smile about.

Was it lace? Oh Jesus, was it leather?

You closed the blinds of his office, each one closing with a snap! that matched the click! of your heels. At the end of the line of windows, you finally put your purse down on top of the file cabinet nearest where Alex sat.

"You got an hour, right?"

“Baby, I don’t think we can get up to much right now.” He said apologetically. Alex was stoked to see you and more than touched that you even made the trip—but he didn’t want to disappoint you.

Or himself. Alex was running on nothing but a few hours of sleep, hard caffeine, and intrigue. He wouldn’t be good for shit outside of working with what forensics brought to him.

And the way you were eyeing him as you came closer, Alex could guess what was on your mind.

“Oh, I know. That’s why we can’t spend too much time talking, Alex.”

Then you were nudging his legs apart with your own until you stood between his knees as he sat, leaning forward to balance on the back of his chair.

Alex gave your lips a peck but then remembered himself, “Really, I don’t think I can do much—.”

“Shush. Baby’s gonna take good care of you,” You leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips, “Relax.”

He jumped at the crisp sound of your trench coat being snatched opening but found himself laughing in the next breath.

“Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!”

You came with the big guns. A very plush, a very soft robe-gown that matched the length of the trench perfectly. It was comical at this point to see your heels peeking out of the fluff. He would deduce that your headwrap was hiding a bonnet as well, since it seemed as though you rolled out of bed to come to see him.

Looking at you was like seeing a living, breathing CareBear. All he could do was open his arms.

You grinned and “I thought you’d appreciate an in-office call since you aren’t able to come collect your cuddles from the source.”

Alex watched on as you shucked off the heels you wore to step into the slippers you extracted from the huge pocket of your wearable blanket. Your silliness swiped away the shroud of exhaustion that was hanging over him, humanity’s darkness has once again lost to the light.

Alex groaned happily at the weight of you in his lap as you settled your arms around him. The smell of your body butter and hair oil, a single touch from your soft hands rubbing his shoulders already had Alex relaxing into the chair. The feeling of your blanket-shroud was like a lullaby, Alex yawned hard enough that his ears rang once he was done.

“I got a reputation, y'know,” He murmured, “I can’t be seen snuggling like this on the clock.”

Now you laughed, “A quick nap and then I’ll be on my way. Consider this as a DoorDash thing--ooh, or a Cuddlegram. I even brought a lint roller, this thing sheds like a mug.”

Alex wasn’t hearing much after that as your massage went from his shoulders up the back of his neck, and down all over again. You patted and soothed, until Alex could feel himself fighting to stay awake.

“I’ll make it up to you,” he slurred as he relaxed under your care, “We’re gonna have date night. Date weekend, date week--whatever. Soon.”

“That'd be lovely but we’ll plan all that later—it’s cuddle time now.” There was a hand over his eyes now to block out the fluorescent of the waking world,

“I’ll wake you in an hour.”

🌟ending notes🌟: Thank you so much for @soft-persephone for your prompt! I don't think i captured it word for word--but I hope I caught the yearn for a good snuggle!

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Sighing as you finally made it to the other side of your door, the wood met our forehead with a soft thump. The day was finally over. It was time to uncork that wine and start to set your rollers like you planned.

The boys would be out and enjoying their weekend, the two youngest at their grandparent's house. Your eldest two on a fishing trip with your brother. God bless the village.

“Welcome home, baby.”

You jumped and turned to look over your shoulder. Down the hallway from the front door, you could hear the TV going in the den and you did not leave the light on. You waited for another call, confirmation and to be released from going further.

A familiar, fluty whistle beckoned you and then you sighed. You left your bag on the counter and the keys in the lopsided clay bowl.

You took your time, swapping your work shoes for your slippers as you went down the hallway. All the while, you steading yourself came easier this time around.

You clenched your fist behind your back, released it, and then came into full view. He sat on your couch with the remote in hand, throw blanket on his lap as any husband should be when waiting for his wife to come home.

“Hello, Alonzo.”

He patted the spot next to him without looking away from the TV. You came a few steps closer but no more than that.

Alonzo stood with a little sigh, coming to stand in front of you. You looked up at him and waited for him to say something. What could be the possible reason for this little 'wellness check ' as he liked to disguise what was clearly butting into your business.

Looking you over, his touch was light on your hips. You felt him pull you a little but you did not come. Alonzo did not try again, but did not move his hands. He dropped his chin and those microscopes he called eyes searched your face.

"Haven't come to see me in a while, I wanted to check on you."

"That's the point being separated, to not see each other every day, 'Lonz."

He rolled his shoulder, "You don't see me but I see you--that's what matters most--you're right, baby." Something you already knew, still able to send a shock of unease through you. You matched his airy tone with one of your own,

"What matters most is you seeing the boys, which you do. That's what's important."

"Important. That's what you call this whole thing that you're doing to us, to our sons? When you don't have to?"

You shrugged and said nothing. If Alonzo wanted your separation to be called a 'thing' you 'didn't have to do', then so be it. You looked into his handsome face, the same face that smiled as it fed you lie after lie over the last decade. Pity after insult after wound, he spun you around on the axis of your heart and you thought it was love.

Alonzo's hold turned into a soft grip, even more familiar as he stepped into your space. He his dark eyes dipped down and up again as his head tilted,

“Don't get me wrong--you said you'd be gone, you did, yes. But staying gone? Can't say I called that. Didn’t I give you a good life? Weren't we good?”

Was he serious? You stamped down the reflex to get angry. You replied as measuredly as possible,

"We weren't good enough. It seems."

Alonzo looked at you, then. His eyes dark and searching, his face masked gently enough for you to know he was trying. Trying to keep from saying something smart, probably.

He breathed hard through his nose and brought your hands to kiss. You hated the way a part of you still felt tender for him.

“It’s time for you to come home. You and the boys," he said softly, kissing your knuckles again, "It's too quiet without you all there. Was good for a month or two, yeah, but…it’s been long enough.”

“Oh, is that so? I made a nice home for us here if you happened to looked around when you let yourself in."

“What you have here is very nice. Took me by surprise you have this all...put together. We can keep this, if you want. Ya’ll just have to come home with Daddy—that’s all.”

“No, Alonzo. I am home. We've already explained this to the boys. This is how it has to be. You have what you want, I have what I want.”

He stared you and you stared back. Why he was there, you weren't sure. You wasn’t sure what Alonzo fought so hard for when half the time he pretended you didn’t exist. When it was good, things were amazing but when it wasn't...that could be intense.

“Why did you do it, ‘Lonz?” Your curiosity won over your sense, “If you knew there was a possibility of all this…why do it anyway?”

“I could.” He shrugged, giving you a small smile, “She was there and easy. I had a long day and a longer ride home, ‘is all.” 

You took a deep breath, taking your hands away. The answer hurt and it was meant to. Alonzo's glacial delivery made it all the more helpful to stamp the doubt flickering through you.

You couldn't go back. Not at all. Your boys were getting old enough that certain questions they asked were harder to answer. It was your oldest son who asked if you were really happy.

"I don't want to see you fightin' like this, anymore..."

Your heart broke. Your two eldest boys were prepared to drop out to help out more but you nipped that in the bud. Their only jobs were to remain children and in school. They were to work hard and do their best, never allowing anyone to cheapen them.

You'd take care of the rest, you told them. Knowing that even if it took your last breath--your babies would know that you loved them.

They were your strength. They were your all.

If the outcome was to his design, Alonzo did not care for the tools that got broken in the way. Alonzo has always been this way and will always be this way.

“I am not going back.” You spoke firmly and kept his gaze, “We can plan things to do with the boys but... I am not going back to how things were." I'm sorry. A part of you still wanted to say it but you wouldn't apologize. Not for choosing your children.

Alonzo sat down again and stared forward for a moment--you knew he wasn't entertained. Not by your words or what played on the screen.

“I’m going to make it right, baby. No matter how long it’ll take. You're going to come home, one of these days."

You shook your head, "That ain't the type of forever I was promising myself to, Alonzo."

His head tilted to the side with another lopsided smile, "When did you start being so eloquent? What have you been reading? " Oh, good ol’ ‘Lonzo.

Alonzo could laugh all he wants too, but you could see the strain in his eyes. He was trying to find a way back into your head, knocking on every soft spot he could find but it was different this time. You were different this time.

Who knew? Maybe a part of you knew that one of these check ups were due because you were learning his game so well?

"That's just something about me you're going to miss, huh?"

Surprisingly, that shut him up. It didn't stop him from taking hold of your hand again. Your fingers wove through his from memory alone, but he didn't say anything as he tugged you to sit next to him on the couch.

His arm went around your shoulder, pulling you to lay on him despite the look you gave him.

"Don't be looking at me like that--It's like a fucking icebox in here."

You sucked your teeth on instinct at the automatic response. So he really hasn't changed too much...

For the first time, in a long time, your husband sat by your side to watch nonsense on the screen. He tossed the throw over you both and you couldn't help like you were relaxing on a tiger.

That was more than fine. You made it this far, you've built a life and actually began taking part in it. Alonzo was done with his games, but it wouldn't be for long before he'll tell you what he really wanted.

Until then, you laid your head on his chest and cuddled close. You'll give just a little, you told yourself, it was best to keep the beast purring.

Alonzo made a low noise, saccharine and so satisfied as he pressed a kiss to your hair,

"I know. I missed you too, baby..."

------

✨ending notes:✨soooooo guess who saw a gif set from Training Day and now her world is consumed with a slick smiling, leather coat clad psycho with little to no limits or respect for any personal boundaries 😌 ya'll i don't even know what to say, after that gif set and a very ahem interesting dream, i had to get this man out of my headand I'm not even sure what this is lmao! I'm thinking this may need a prt. 2 at some point to round things off Tell me what you think and thank you so much for reading!! 💕💖✨💕💖

💕taglist:💕 @megamindsecretlair @sageispunk @blackerthings @notapradagurl7 @theereina @miyuhpapayuh

No matter what Terry did, he couldn’t keep you off his mind. Terry ran 10 more miles than he normally would and decided then decided that it would be a good idea to figure out the soft clicking he thought he could hear in his motor.

After that, he just decided to take a good look inside of his car just to feel productive. 

Yet–his mind always wandered back to you. His next door neighbor. In all the time that the two of you kept to yourselves, it was you hopping his fence to capture another neighbor’s escaped cat that initiated your relationship. 

The next few seasons the two of you danced around each other, not yet finding a reason to cross that final line. All the while he felt his weakness for you growing, his need to have more of you becoming harder to ignore. 

If you invited him on a late night run to the ice cream shop, he would be going. A call for him to come over the fence to enjoy early morning barbeque–Terry is crossing over the fence and reaching for a plate. Whatever it was, Terry couldn’t think of any reason to not accompany you. When you challenged him to provide you with a playlist after sharing an earbud, he hopped to it that evening.

He didn’t expect to be given one in return. A good one, at that. In the way that Terry understood that his earlier fears of being too heavy-handed with his song selection we're unfounded.  

In the background, the next song played from his phone–the opening notes making him pause to check the name. Intergalactic Janet by Ley Soul, what would be the fifth or so song on the playlist that you sent to him the other night.

Terry was in the middle of checking his dipstick when his phone rang out. A quick glance at the name made him scramble to grab the device. He took a deep breath to calm himself and answered with a smooth greeting. 

“Hey, I hope it’s not too late…I saw the light on, so–

“No–it’s more than fine. What can I do for you, little lady?”

A laugh floated through the receiver, he imagined you switching your phone from one shoulder to the other.

“It’s so strange, I think you cursed my speaker.”

“Me?”

“Mhm. ‘Cause I was listening to the playlist you gave me and the last song, it stopped playing!”

Terry’s heart stomped in excitement but he hummed questingly into the phone. 

“I know. Since it’s been cursed–by your hand specifically…I would much appreciate it if you help me in finishing your playlist.”

Terry had to put hand over his heart, looking up at the ceiling of his garage to call upon all of the charisma in his bloodline. Your tone betrayed no broken speaker, no hardship at all–in fact, he might have heard music. 

“Of course–it’s only right that I take care of it. Hm?

“Mhmm.”

“Yeah. So, how about this? Give me 15 minutes to get this work off of me and I’ll come to help you finish listening.”

“Thank you, Terry, I’d really appreciate it.”

Terry shivered at the tones of your voice, all coy and agave, “Of course. See you in 15.”

Once he was sure the phone call ended properly, Terry whooped and clapped his hands before taking off for the shower. He smelled like car grease and sweat, Terry wouldn’t dare offend you with his stench. He scrubbed himself and tried to keep calm but could only imagine what was waiting for him.

Terry exited through his side door. For a moment, he took in the cool silence of the block. There were cars going a few blocks over, nearer the main street. He could hear conversation a few doors over, the elderly couple wine on their back porc most likely. Terry walked your shared fence line, peeking through just to see the strings of lights you’ve draped over your bushes. 

He easily hopped the fence into your yard, behind your garage. Terry was careful of your planted flowers and little trees as he followed after the glow of  the strongest light,  coming from above your back door. Terry saw the muted light coming from the curtains in the room above, he believed it to be your bedroom.

The sound of the door opening drew his attention to the darkened back porch. Terry didn’t even hesitate to come into your space, closing the door behind him gently and locking up.

“Terry? That you?”

“Yes, ma’am.” 

Anyone else would be buried in his backyard come dawn. Terry knew his way around your first floor by now and soon arrived in your living room. Terry took in the sight of you waiting for him in the recliner nearest he troubled speaker. It was charming, retro fashioned but equipped with modern capabilities.

“I just can’t figure it out.” 

“That so? And you said it played through until the last song?”

“That’s right–darndest thing. I think I heard a little bit of it before it went out–

He grinned as he watched your eyes ran up his form, “And then you called me.”

“Exactly. Then I called you.” 

“Let’s see if I can find your problem, then…”

Terry could smell vanilla when he approached the stereo–your brown skin glistening, your dark hair shining. He touched the top of the radio as he couldn’t take his eyes off you, off the spread of your thighs in the recliner or the incline of your head as you looked up at him. 

You stood to watch Terry as he tried to figure out what you did to the poor radio. The shadow of your body was at the center of the caftan you wore, the sight too much for him to linger on.

“I think I found your problem,” Terry cleared his throat as he bent down to plug in the stereo. The bluetooth’s light flashed for only a moment until going into a victorious chime. Terry turned the knob, the smooth melody filling the living room.

You put a hand to your cheek, “Oh, goodness! I feel so silly now…”

“No need for that. Glad to be neighborly, as always.”

/ I've been looking at you all night

Oh, baby, I've been thinking 'bout you (thinkin' 'bout you)

And all of the things I want to do

Once the day becomes the night /

Space lessened and Terry was offering his hand. When your hand slid into his, you were pulled into a tender sway. The two of you tucked closer together, your hand to his chest and his lips near your ear. The ache that the tension between you finally eased. Being ‘neighborly’ was good and all, but it was clear that the two of you couldn’t just stop there. Terry, for one, could see himself knocking down that fence that separated your two properties.

October’s bridge filled the room and Terry’s other hand spanned across your lower back. You took your hand away to put your arms around his neck. Terry’s hands wandered lower, caressing and rubbing as you grinned into the skin at your lips.

“You know how to make a mean playlist, Mr. Richmond.” You said softly, “I can safely say it has no skips for me.”

“Hmm, that’s good. Especially after I tried my hardest to impress you.”

/ Oh, I've been waiting, baby

Waiting for a long time (waiting on you)

For your heart to be mine /

“You wanted to impress little ol’ me?”

/ Oh, before someone else comes to mind

But when you (ooh-ooh)

Oh, when you told me /

“I’ve never wanted nothing more.”

/ That I was the one, girl (oh, baby)

I took every hour and minute, babe

Just to make sure that everything is right (ooh) /

“What will you do now, then?”

Terry licked his lips as he watched yours sweeten into a smile. Oh, he couldn’t go too long without that now that he’s seen it so close. Back lit by the lamp’s glow, complimented by your eager gaze. He reached out to put a thumb to your plush bottom lip. Your eyes 

“Now? Now I keep up the streak.” Terry paused to shut his eyes as you ran your nails lightly along the back of his neck, “Is there anything else you’d like for me to help you finish? Before we get…sidetracked?”

“Oh no, the side track is what I’m trying to finish next…”

Emboldened by your wink, Terry purred out a laugh and lifted you into his arms. Following your directions between kisses,  he navigated the two of you upstairs. 

/ Take me, oh, take me, baby (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Oh, baby

Take me back to your place" (your place)

Ooh, your place of residence (oh, your place, baby) (ooh)

So, she said (ooh)

"Take me, oh, take me, baby (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Oh, baby

Take me back to your place / 

---------

✨ending notes✨: this song pulled out a couple of fics out of me 🤣 this was the one finished the fastest lol! Tell me what you think! I'm still getting a feel for Mr. Richmond but I think we're getting to know each other now 😌 please comment and reblog! Thank you so much for reading!!! 💜💕✨💜💕💜💜💕

💕taglist💕: @megamindsecretlair @sageispunk @blackerthings @notapradagurl7 @theereina

It felt like dating again.

Alonzo sneaking over when the house was empty, parking his car a few blocks over and only making himself known once the kitchen was the only thing glowing in the dark. He came quietly through the back door, brushing a kiss to cheek before settling down whatever offering he had to pay for his next few moments.

The two of you agreed that it was too soon to tell the boys. A few good nights wasn’t enough for you, there was still too many knots to untangle in your heart. Many of which stemmed from your finally admitting that it was...sort of nice to have Alonzo around.

After checking once more that your boys were safely in their beds, the closet and under-beds beasts were banished and last questions answered for the night-- you lingered at the door. Your eldest may have been on to you as observant as you were, but his temperament much more like Alonzo’s. That boy would wait until the perfect corner came along to put someone against it if it meant a little extra for him or his brothers.

Knock-knock!

Your thoughts broke on the sound, turning to see Alonzo making a face through the small window leading to the back porch. You motioned him in and held your robe together at the gust that followed him. He grinned and those eyes did a familiar sweep and of course you knew he liked what he saw. You wore your finest ratty-tatty lounge-dress, though it never deterred Alonzo in the past.

“Smells good in here.” Alonzo said quietly, reaching out and teasing at the tail of the satin scarf around your hair. He looked good under the low lights, his du-rag matching yours amazingly. You turned and motioned to the kettle and the mess on the counter.

“You missed dinner but I’m trying something new. Sister Williams comes by sometimes and shares what she’s into,” you held up and shook a small jar of blended leaves, “Right now she’s really into tea.”

Alonzo’s brow jumped and his interest made you chuckle. Handing over the jar for his inspection, you turned to grab another mug and decidedly ignored the fondness niggling at the back of your heart.

You missed these moments. Where Alonzo and you were quiet and so in sync that those early mornings were wordless but blissful. There was no memories like that here, in this new home, and parts of you warred on how to feel about that.

That’s all it ever was with Alonzo. A war of all the best and worst things you could love in a person.

Presently, you poured the water into the mugs. Alonzo leaned back against the counter, wanting to ask you something but thought he could stare you into asking. You went to the cabinets instead and pulled down the sort-of bland butter cookies that would probably go well with the tea.

“I want to ask you something.”

“And what’s that, Lonzo?”

“How did you find out?”

The tea water looked darker but it couldn’t have been steeping for that long. Were you doing it right? You couldn’t really mess up tea, right?

“I told you. She came by the house.”

“She didn’t.” He was sure.

You opened the plastic containing the cookies with a slow pull, it’s soft whine and cough being your answer for a while. Alonzo pulled a plate from the drying rack, coming a step closer to be of use. A few shakes, a few cookies fell onto the plate.

You didn’t look at him as you asked, “She tell you? Sarah?”

“No. Not all of it, I’m sure..”

“I was at a grocery store. Not one I’d normally go to—but, whatever, out running errands. A kid came up to me…” She looked at him as calm as frozen water, “He looked at me and said, ‘You’re in my Daddy’s wallet’. "

The satisfaction of Alonzo’s blank-frozen face, the shock he must have felt at hearing your words. You laughed for some reason, “She made that face too. I asked her questions, she wouldn’t answer them but she told me her name. I couldn’t get a hold of you—so I just…got a little hazy after that, no lie.” You didn’t need to finish, really. If he knew to ask, all he needed to know was that you found her.

You stayed circling the parking lot until you saw her walking out. She seemed agitated, nervous maybe. They walked to a bus stop and from there you coasted in your car, alternating between screaming and crying as you followed them the rest of the way home.

He said nothing for a long time. The cookies kept your mouth busy as your thoughts churned your feelings. You broke first, this time.

“Did you ever intend for me to find out?”

“In a perfect world, no. I knew it would happen—I didn’t want for it to be that way. I had a plan.”

“A plan? When would you have told me?”

“When Little was older.”

You had to hum that one out, sugaring your tea with a perfect little spoon, “What’s ‘older’, ‘Lonzo?”

Alonzo crunched into a cookie and looked to where the crumbs fell onto his shirt, “Was shootin’ for double-digits.”

What was this conversation? It you weren’t yourself—the shock waves of his honestly made you want more, even if would make you hate yourself later. As always, the ugliest part of you wanted the hurt—no one could be hurt by Alonzo like you could. Who knew if that was still even true?

“You said you didn’t want it to be this way,” You swirled your tea and felt his eyes on you, “Did you want it from the beginning? Did you...do it on purpose, is what I’m asking. Did you—do you..”

Fuck, you couldn’t ask the question again. You already knew the answer, you hadn’t meant to ask it in the first time—because he told you.

Of course he loved her. Loved, love, loves—it didn’t matter. In the end, whatever it is was enough to pull him away from you. It didn’t make you cry anymore, or not as much, but there was still a leak of sadness that spread throughout you.

The warmth of the tea cup grounded you. You focused on the fact that sharing tea can be enough—will be enough. You made yourself swerve.

“Has she ever been around the boys?”

“No. Never.”

That's a strange tone, “She’s going to have to be eventually--

A creaky door from the end of the hallway made you flinch, the two of you froze as you heard your youngest call out for you. Alonzo turned towards the sound, searching.

“What are you doing up, Little?”

“...You’re up.”

You couldn’t fight the smile, “I’m up reading. Do you want to come sit dow--

The sleepy voice broke in with all of the impatience of a child passing off the madness of adults, “I just want water. Please.”

Without looking at Alonzo, you fled. You got the glass and filled it with water, brushing past him to your son. You stayed until glass was empty and the lip smacking was over, until Little was good and sleep and your heart has wrapped itself again.

Yeah, it was a lot like dating. Dancing on tiptoes and hoping to see the dip when it comes, getting dizzy and spinning out anyway when it happens. Finding a moment to be still, to breathe and figure out why you ached.

You hoped that your kitchen would be empty when you returned.

You were not disappointed.

----------------------------------------------

✨ending notes✨: Saved by the baby!!🙏🏾 I'm getting somewhere with Alonzo, just don't know where yet! Definitely gonna need a part 3 😅 He's a character that's hard to pin down, he'll tell you everything but you should not not all of it is the full truth smh 🤣 thank you so much for reading and showing this fic love! Tell me what you think with a comment and reblog! 💓✨💓✨🤣✨