Hampton University, Virginia
Pillowtalk by Zyan
Sun. Dec. 16th, 2:10PM
"Bedroom Talk"
🏀

Every day was just a simple day. Nothing special. Today, especially, was a regular day. Even if it was her nineteenth birthday. There was nothing exciting or interesting about it, so she didn't treat it as such. It was just another day spent doing the most mundane activities. Her usual schedule of sitting around and being in the shadows of everyone else.

Before it would be a problem that she lingered behind people and didn't have the light. But she was fine with it now. It made it easy for her to fall into her own head space. But today was different.

From Mr. Grizzly Bear🐻💙
I'm heading back now. I'll be there around 4PM

Dess read the message that popped on her Lock Screen. She held the message bubble down to bring up the reply section and responded. She placed her phone down beside her, allowing the music to start back up, and went back to her book. She was chilling in the library, the only building opened on the weekends, as she waited for Shai's arrival.

The team was asked to speak at a community center for kids, taking Shai away from her for a few hours. She had yet to get used to being in her new home by herself, so she came to the only place where she could be alone yet surrounded by people. That was the only way she wanted things to go for now. She wanted her space but was fine with a few special people around to keep her mind afloat. Somewhat. Whatever she could get then she accepted it as is.

"Dessy bear!" She heard. Lifting her head up from her book, she seen Axel heading towards her with a jolly pep in his step and a box in his hand. She moved her feet out the way and he occupied the spot beside her.

"Hello, Dessy-Dess!" Axel eagerly greeted her, taking his bag off and resting it on the floor.

She gave him a wave that he didn't see because he was reaching in his bag. He pulled out a single rose, a card, another small box and rested it on his lap. He blew out a breath then leaned back, turning to Dess and smiled from ear to ear.

"Wassup girl?!" His shouting had Dess jumpy and scared to respond back.

"Hi," she said back lowly.

"Am I scaring you?" Dess nodded her head quickly after he asked.

"Sorry," he sincerely apologized. "I'm just excited to see my best friend and wish her a wonderful happy birthday."

Dess forced a smile when he started singing the Happy Birthday song to her while waving the rose and card in the air. She never knew what to do in the moment when people are singing to her. It was awkward and so embarrassing that she was uncomfortable. At least Axel had a good singing voice. That was the best part in her opinion.

"Happy birthday to youuuuu," Axel stretched the last note in a dramatic way. He finished then did a bow in his seat. It took a second but Dess softly clapped for him.

"Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate the love. Now, here are your gifts." Axel handed the rose and card to her.

Dess softly thanked him and took the items. She smelled the rose first then opened the card, revealing the cash that was inside. She reminded herself to count it later. Picking it up, she seen the handwritten note by him and skimmed through it. Once finished, she put the cash back and shut the card.

"That's not all," Axel said.

He handed over the big box he was holding, cheesing hard as he patiently waited for her to open it. Dess proceeded to do so, taking the top off the box and seen what Axel put inside. The first thing her eyes landed on was a beige embroidered Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirt. Under it was a collective of items. A candle, face masks, candy, lotion, perfume, a stuffed octopus, and Polaroid pictures of them.

"Do you like it?" Axel nervously asked. He wasn't too sure what to get her and used all the advice he could get from Heaven. She had suggested majority of the items, the sweatshirt being Axel's idea.

"I know you like the color yellow, so I tried to stay on theme. I definitely struggled." Axel chuckled to himself.

A genuine smile rested on Dess face. "I-I love it. Thank you," she thanked him. She placed the sweatshirt back inside the box, running her hands over the embroidery.

He wasn't done.

"I have one more thing for you," Axel mentioned. Dess raised her eyebrows while he handed the last gift to her, a small gift box.

"This one might come with tears, so I'm sorry ahead of time," he apologized.

Dess slowly reached her hand forward and took the gift box from him. She stared at the box, reluctant to open it. Recently, she was doing good with the crying. It went from being nonstop to only three times a day. Going to sleep was still difficult and sometimes added a fourth cry of the day. But she was getting better and didn't last too long. She didn't want that to be ruined over a gift. Even if it was from Axel.

"Axel, I don't know-"

"It's okay, I promise." He reached over and held her hand. He gave it a squeeze to assure her that it was fine. Sighing, Dess lifted the top off the box with her free hand. She took out the bracelet then looked at Axel for an explanation.

"It's a Morse code bracelet," he told her.

"What does it say?"

"Until we meet again," Axel answered. Dess noticed his eyes were becoming glossy, making it easy for her to put two and two together. Looking back at the bracelet, she ran her fingers over the multi-colored beads.

Axel cleared his throat to keep himself from getting emotional. Then he spoke, "My dad gave it to me on my birthday and I-"

"No." Dess shook her head and sat up. She placed the bracelet back in the box and tried handing it back to Axel but he refused to take it.

"Dess, it's fine," he told her, declining the gift.

"I can't take this. Your dad gave it to you. This isn't for me." She kept trying to hand it away and Axel refused each time.

"Stop." He rested his hand on top of hers. "It's fine, I promise it is. I want you to have it. I wore it all the time after my dad passed and it helped me get through his death because I knew I'll eventually see him again. It's the same for you and your dad. It's going to be hard but you'll have this to help you along the way," he stated in hopes that she'll keep it for her own peace of mind.

Dess rested back against the couch, staring at the bracelet. She ran her thumbs over the beads and got teary-eyed at the significance behind it. She let out a deep and shaky breath trying to keep herself together.

"Here," Axel muttered. He took the jewelry out its box and grabbed her hand. Dess sniffled while he side the bracelet on her wrist, fixing it so the beads were facing her.

"Word of advice from one grieving friend to another..." he started, holding her hand and sincerely looking her in the eyes. "there's no deadline for when it comes to grieving, so be kind to yourself," he advised, meaning it wholeheartedly.

"Has it been working for you?" Dess asked, wiping her tears.

She was worried that giving herself grace would lead her into a deep depression. One that wouldn't end well and have her longing to be with her father more. Adding to that, she didn't want to become a burden for Shai either. It was technically his job as her husband but she didn't want to disturb his life. She noticed how relaxed and happier he's been recently. She would hate herself if she ruined his happiness with her own sadness.

Axel hummed, tilting his head side to side as he thought about it. "For the most part," he truthfully answered.

"But I also believe you need at least one person during the process that you know will support you unconditionally. I make sure I talk to my mom every night before I go bed just to hear her voice and hear her say she loves me. You have someone in your life that's the same way, right?" Axel asked even though he knew the answer.

Dess nodded, thinking about Shai. "Yeah," she answered.

"Yup, so talk to him about it or you can talk to me. I don't mind listening when you need me to," Axel let her know. Dess gave a tight-lipped smile, appreciating the support.

"Now!" Axel exclaimed, slapping her hand. "Let's cut the sentimental bullshit and talk about some real shit. How have things been shawty? I see the rock on your finger. You think you the shit," he joked, flicking her ring. He hurt his finger by how hard it was and knew it was real diamonds. He expected nothing less coming from his boy.

"I should be asking you that," Dess turned the conversation onto him. "I saw you have a girlfriend. Is it legit?"

Axel picked up her deflection but chose not to speak on it. He understood. "Uhh, yeah, it's legit," he answered.

Now, he was smiling while he thought about Heaven. It felt like he was dreaming when he said he had a girlfriend. He wasn't new to the dating world and had a fair share of situationships, as he likes to call them. He had hookups and crushes. He had interesting dealings, ones that sparked true feelings and others just sexual intimacy. But none of those past situations led to what he had with Heaven. He was grateful, even more proud of himself for getting to his point in his life. He wasn't going to take advantage of it and he wasn't playing around either.

"Ooh, that's nice," Dess cooed. "What's her name? How did you two meet? Give me the details." She was doing her best to avoid speaking on her own issues.

"Her name is Heaven and she's a singer, so we met at the studio. We've known each other for six months and just recently made things official. I'm not gonna lie, and I may sound like an asshole when I say this, but I had feelings for her for a good minute. Maybe while I was talking to you know who," Axel admitted, Dess humming at his confession.

"Really?" Axel bobbed his head. Dess hummed again and kept her comments to herself. Axel already knowing what she was thinking. She didn't have to say anything since he knew it was messed up.

He was unsure what his feelings were towards Heaven before, so he hardly acted upon them. A few side comments and thoughts here or there though about her attractiveness. Never any big moves of physical contact in his opinion. He may have held her hand and gave compliments but he never seen it as flirting. Just him being friendly towards a friend. He wasn't in a relationship either, so he was free to do what he pleased. He'll be a hypocrite, yes, but it didn't matter anyway. Neither of the other chicks were relevant to him. He had his very own girl now.

"I know it looks bad," he mentioned.

Dess held her hands up. "No judgement."

"Thanks. Anyway, I really want you to meet her, so I'm thinking maybe we do a double date kinda thing. If you're up for it, I don't want to rush you," Axel suggested while tapping her knee.

"A double date?" Dess needed clarification.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm bad at planning things. Asking Heaven would defeat the purpose. Shai is no help either..."

"So, I'm the only one left," Dess finished for him. Axel snapped his finger then pointed at her.

"Yes, you are. I also know if I rely on you then it'll get done pronto," Axel said.

Dess bobbed her head then accepted it. "Alright, I don't mind setting something up. Any specific time and places you'd like to go?"

"Doesn't matter where we go but around seven or eight is fine."

Dess nodded again and grabbed her phone when she felt a vibration. She seen another message from Shai letting her know he'll be home at five now because of traffic. She checked the time at the top of her screen then remembered what time the library was closing soon. She would have no other choice than to go home and be there by herself. Something she wasn't ready to do just now.

"You alright?" Axel asked when she noticed the frown that came on her face.

"Oh, it's nothing." Dess raised her phone. "It's Shai. He won't be home until five," she answered.

Axel flicked his wrist to look at his watch for the time. "It's two-thirty. Do you wanna hang out until then? We can get something to eat," he suggested.

"No, it's-"

"Don't wanna hear it!" He cut her off. He stood to his feet and grabbed his things, putting his bag on his shoulders.

"We're going out to eat. Another gift for you. What are we thinking? Brown Chicken? Farmers Table? Smitty's?" He started naming restaurants that were around for Dess to choose from.

She shrugged and got her stuff together with the help of Axel holding some other things. He held his hand out which she grabbed and had his assistance in getting off the couch.

"I'm thinking we head to Farmers Table," Axel said.

"You don't have to take me anywhere, Axel. You already done enough as is. I don't need you wasting your money," Dess tried getting him to change his mind.

She wasn't expecting to do much of anything on her birthday actually. All she wanted to do was chill at home and catch up on her reading. No party. No gifts. No celebration of any sort. Just herself in her own home and her favorite book.

Axel blew a raspberry then threw his arm around her shoulder. "As long as you're my best friend, I'm going to always waste my money on you. Now, come on we're getting food, Dessy-bear!" He shouted her nickname out loud then started singing the Happy birthday song again. Dess hid her face, embarrassingly, while they walked together out the library.

Norfolk, VA

"This...smells...so freaking good," Shai said after each whiff of the fragrance oil.

He rested the large measuring cup on the table and stared ahead. She sat across from him, stirring her own mixture of oils in another cup. He was confident, more than, that this birthday gift was the utmost best it's ever been. It hit all the right marks of simple, cute, fun, and easy. Everything that she wanted this time around. Even though he wanted to go all out with a fancy dinner and possibly a trip out the country for her nineteenth birthday. This was just as good.

"What does yours smell like?" Shai asked, gaining her attention.

She's been quiet since they arrived at their location, a local candle making shop, and he wondered what was on her mind. He knew this wasn't what she was expecting today. Her wishes were to stay home and read, something Shai refused to let her do. Though she didn't see her birthday as special, he thought otherwise. This was a good moment, if not the best, for them to spend quality time together. There was nothing else better than that.

Dess grabbed her cup and smelled it. She placed it back down then spoke, "Strawberry kiwi."

"Does it smell good?" Dess nodded.

Shai stared at her, waiting to see if she'll respond with more. She didn't. He hummed, leaving it at that for now then grabbed the measuring cup and poured the oil slowly into the small glass container for their candle. Dess doing the same in her much larger glass container. Once they were finished, they pushed the container to the side and allowed it to rest for the three hours they needed to. Another perfect moment to talk.

"Question time," Shai said, tapping the space in front of her.

"Do we have to?" Dess asked, resting her cheek in her hand.

"Yes, we do. How was your day?" Shai started. He reached for her free hand, interlocking his fingers with hers.

"It was like any other day. I went to the library because I didn't want to be home then Axel came to take me out. That was all," Dess answered, giving him what she figured he'll want. Even if she didn't want to do much talking currently.

"He told me that. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"It was cool and I appreciate everything he gave me."

"Alright, are you enjoying this date?" Dess nodded.

Shai pulled her finger. "Words baby. I wanna hear words," he told her.

"Sorry," Dess apologized.

"It's cool. You've been quiet and I wanna know-"

"I don't wanna talk about that," Dess stopped him from repeating that aggravating question.

"Not even a little bit?" Shai pinched his fingers together.

"Not even a little bit," she stated. Shai accepted her wishes of not wanting to speak on the situation. He was just trying to get inside her head and assure that her thoughts were the same as her feelings.

"I respect it. Just know that you can talk to me whenever about whatever. I'm always here for you." Shai pulled her hand close to her lips and the back of it. "Always," he finished. He received a small grin and figured that's all she'll get. He kissed her hand again then rubbed it while gazing in her eyes.

"What do you want to do after this?" He softly asked. Dess picked up what he was putting down and playfully rolled her eyes. She smacked his forearm, making Shai laugh.

"I'm kidding..." Shai paused as he thought about his answer. Then he shook his head. "I'm actually not."

Dess snickered at him but caught herself when she noticed how serious he was being. She rolled her eyes again, hiding the grin that was presented on her face. Even if she wasn't a fan of her birthday this year, her man knew how to make it right.

🏀

Newport News, Virginia

His brown eyes gaped at her alluring naked body that crawled to him. He licked his lips. putting his arms out while she was positioned herself on top of him. His hands caressed her warm thighs as he stared deeply in her eyes of passion and love. He would never get enough of peering into her beautiful eyes and seeing how body exposed like it was now. Every curve, every stretch mark, every patch a different shade of skin, every mole, and more. He was obsessed with all of it and took his time to embrace everything he adored about her.

Shai licked his lips again, his hands going from her thighs to holding her waist. His dick pulsating from anticipation of being inside of her, feeling how warm she was, and her wetness that'll have him struggling to pull out. He smirked as his thoughts were flooded with his intimate doings. He no longer could contain himself. His arms wrapped around tight and he pulled her close to him, Dess letting out a small chuckle from the gesture.

"Damn! You look so good," Shai contimplented while giving her kisses on the neck.

Dess upturned her head to give him more room to continue loving on her. She raised herself up and reached behind to grab his dick, taking her time while she inserted his tip inside her. Low groans came from both as Dess slowly sat herself on him, taking all of what he was giving. He was a perfect fit inside of her pussy, not one bit of loose.

Shai continued kissing and sucking on her neck, his intentions were pure, to give her as many hickey's that he could. He was making his mark, rightfully claiming what was his. With his hands tight on her waist, imprinting his fingerprints in her skin, he choose not to take his time. He was waiting for this very moment and couldn't pace himself any longer, having her bounce on his dick fast.

"Mmm," Dess moaned, throwing her head back further than it already was. Her bottom lip tucked between her top teeth and her moans getting louder.

"Shit," she muttered under her breath.

Shai seductively grinned and watched as her boobs bounce up and down in his face. His hands gripping her ass tightly while he lifted her up on his dick. Feeling her pussy clinch each time he slammed her on his dick had him grunting lowly. Her moans and whimpers being heard, her eyes fluttering to stay open as he hit the right spot. Her body falling under his complete control, melting against his, and being vulnerable to every touch. His kisses leading down her bare chest to her boobs. His lips attached to her hardened nipple, sucking on it and twirling his tongue around her areola.

"Mhmm, baby," Dess whimpered, gripping more of his hair. She pressed her forehead against his and stared in his eyes while he pleasured her nipples with his tongue, kisses, and love bites. Each one intensifying the need for him.

Shai moved back and pressed his lips against hers for an aggressive yet passionate kiss. Dess taking over by easing her tongue in his mouth and turning it sloppy. Shai allowed her to have control with the kiss while he handled down below, holding her ass while steadily lifting her up and down on his dick. He easily slid in and out of her in a breeze. Her pussy was already leaking, his dick getting wet at every entrance, her juices dripping down the sick of his dick. In the heat of the moment, there was only thing resting on the both of their minds.

Pulling away from their kiss first, Dess breathing and heartbeat picked up. She cuffed Shai's face and stared intensely in the eyes. For a second, nothing had to be said as they communicated silently to each other. But Dess needed it known.

"I'm ready."

🏀

Thoughts?