Hello everyone! Welcome back to another Chapter of TDB! I'm very sorry for the delay. Life's been getting me down and tbh writing chapters these long is becoming disoreinting. I'm probably going to make them slightly shorter now if that's okay with you guys.

My upload scheduale has been hell as of late too XD

So just a fair warning, this chapter will... include some NSFW elements. That's right... the sexual tension is on ;)

I hope you all enjoy and fell free to review! They're most appreciated. Also thanks to TheDarkArrow for beta reading! :D


"Woo geez." Riven said wiping her temple. "I don't think I've sweat this much since training!"

"Does that make sense?" Shen asked, leaning more toward a sarcastic tone.

"Constantly walking up and down the stairs with boxes can differ from a bodyguard's training Shen." Riven replied.

"I call bullshit!" Vi shouted from the other room.

"Shut up Vi! This conversation is exclusive to this room!" Riven retorted with a humor-style tone.

"Now children." Kai'sa's voice sounded.

"Sorry mommy, we'll try to play nice." Riven said in a baby voice.

The dancer was heard chuckling as she helped Akali pack, taking hangers from the closet and respectively putting them into the box. Akali was not oblivious to the chatter of the bodyguards and she couldn't hold back a smile.

"Are they always this chatty?" She asked.

Kai'sa laughed warmly. "Vi and Riven usually are, but Shen, not so much."

"Well I felt guilty knowing that they were going to help me with packing, but I'm glad that they're having fun. Seems like that anyway." Akali chuckled. "Didn't know how they'd react."

"Regardless of how they would react, they'd have to deal with it anyway. Technically we're the ones that authorize their paychecks after all." Kai'sa said, folding another shirt in the process.

"Hmm, am I going to have a bodyguard?" Akali asked.

"Only if you want to." Kai'sa answered. "Before we usually had Shen and Vi trading shifts being Ahri's bodyguard as Evelynn, well you know, didn't want, or as she put it, need any protection."

"And yet she chose James." Akali said, curtly changing the topic to one of suspicion.

"Yeah, it's weird I know, but you know what, at least he'll be around as opposed to working as security in the studio. A bit of a better payoff if you ask me." Kai'sa said hoping to erase any suspicion.

Akali agreed with a hum. "I guess so. I really need to drop the whole thing. Focus on the positives."

"That's the spirit!" Kai'sa exclaimed. "Oh. I've also been meaning to ask you, and do forgive me if this is pushing it, but have you thought about your outfit?"

Akali looked up at Kai'sa, eyes locked on the purple haired woman. The expression was presumably shock given that Akali's eyelids weren't found.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, forget I ever asked that." Kai'sa said quickly.

"No, it's fine." Akali assured.

She should've thought of this from the get-go. The rapper knew she'd have to find an outfit, or even design one. She wondered what would suit her for being a popstar now. As Akali thought about this, she remembered something.

When she told her family about her choice to pursue a career in music, her parents objected the choice undoubtably. One would think that Akali would've caved in right there when the people who birthed her refused to support the choice.

However, she'd thought about this for a long time. She didn't feel like she belonged in school. Sure, every person at her age felt the same way, but Akali's mind was more interested in rapping than anything else in the world. When she sat in the class, the way the seats were aligned mixed with the ambiance of not being told to say anything until you were asked felt like a brick in the wall for her.

Akali wanted out, and she stood by her choice as she walked away from her home, down a path she believed was her true calling.

But she was stopped along the way, by a family member surprisingly. However, this wasn't her parents.

It was her aunt, Karma.

Akali drew to the conclusion that her parents had sent Karma to stop Akali as the two were very close, possibly closer than Akali was to her parents. Karma insisted that she was not there to bring Akali back, but instead, to give her something.

That's when it hit her.

Akali looked toward another closet that had yet to be open. Kai'sa followed her gaze, tilting her head with questionable curiosity. She stayed silent as Akali moved toward the door like she was in a museum. The closet had pull-apart doors and Akali moved them apart to reveal decently large wardrobe, but no clothes occupying it. Kai'sa narrowed her eyes for a better look, and then fell upon a purple, puffy hooded-jacket with a reflective surface that stood on a display.

Akali approached it, daintily taking it off the display like any movement would shatter it. She held it up as she exhaled. Kai'sa couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.

"What is that?" She asked.

Akali didn't answer right away.

"This was something that my aunt made for me, when I chose to drop out of school for my music career." She answered. "She designed it all by hand."

Kai'sa mouthed "Oh".

Akali turned the jacket around, revealing the dragon patch that'd been put in as well. She remembered why Karma had chosen to add that. She said it was a representation of their family and given that Akali had turned to a more punk-style attire at the time, Karma believed this would be a good way to show what the young rapper was.

Karma intended for Akali to wear that for wherever she'd rap, whether it'd be at clubs or on the streets, she'd wear it. Alas, that was something Akali hadn't done, and not for the reason one would think.

This was hand-made exclusively for her. Akali felt if she'd worn it on the streets during performances, it'd attract shady figures. She didn't want it to become dirty with blood.

Akali knew one day she'd wear it, but only when she truly made a name for herself that wasn't on the streets.

And now, that day seemed to be here. She was in a group that was based in the industry, and not on the streets, a K-POP group no less! Akali turned the jacket around, examining it solemnly.

She slipped it on, feeling the comfortable interior made up of fleece lining that provided warmth. Once on, Akali pulled it upward so the collar rested against her nape. She looked at herself in the mirror.

Akali thought it was a perfect look that mixed with the K/DA's outfits, but what caught her attention was Kai'sa. The dancer was examining her, hand on her chin with an approving smile and nod. Akali turned to Kai'sa.

"Yes?"

Kai'sa crossed her arms, still wearing that smile and chuckled softly.

"Your aunt and Taric must've secretly collaborated." She amusedly said. "This outfit is perfect!"

Akali did a double-take at the dancer, expression flabbergasted.

"W-What?" She stammered. "You're serious?"

"Are you kidding me?!" Kai'sa exclaimed. "This outfit is just… just… I can't even find the words for it! I just love it! Gives off a very… very punk style look. Perfect for rapping."

Akali's eyes lit up with excitement this time. "Really? That's actually one of the vibes my aunt was aiming for."

"Well she succeeded! Just like, holy shit I cannot get over how cool you look in that!" Kai'sa squealed. "You're probably going to become a fan-favorite very quickly!"

That compliment both excited and terrified Akali. She wasn't unfamiliar with crazed fans.

"Well if that's true I'll definitely be needing a bodyguard then!" She laughed.

"Oh, sorry if I scared you!" Kai'sa exclaimed playfully. "I just didn't know how else to express my adoration."

"Think anything's missing?" Akali asked looking at the mirror again.

Kai'sa wasn't exactly an expert on fashion but felt like she knew what Akali needed strangely. The rapper's hair complimented the jacket better in its unruly state as opposed to it being done up and silkier.

"Have any hats? Like a cap or something?" Kai'sa asked.

Coincidentally Akali believed that would be the appropriate choice too. She chose to put on the hat she'd worn in the "Lone Digger" video. When she looked in the mirror again, Akali did see improvement, but color of the cap, which was currently white, didn't blend well with her jackets color.

"Looks great, but the color of the hat could probably… well, be different color."

"I actually thought the same thing." Akali said with a laugh.

"Well great minds think alike!" Kai'sa whooped.

Approaching footsteps sounded and the two of them turned to see Shen and Riven currently standing at the doorway of the bedroom. Kai'sa waited for them to speak.

"We've finished packing the gaming systems." Shen said simply. "Is there anything else we can assist with?"

Riven turned to him with a stunned look. "What? Shen you told me we were gonna ask them about lunch!"

"You were too busy playing with a stuffed poro to hear me correctly." Shen replied.

"Well regardless of what you said, I'm starving!" Riven said, her stomach growling a second after to prove her point. "I'm actually hangry!"

"If I had some "Instant Ramen" to offer I would, but I've packed all of it up sadly. Sorry." Akali said with regret.

"No, no, no, don't apologize for that Akali." Kai'sa said. "Riven, you should've packed your own lunch."

"Hate to rain on your parade Kai'sa, but I'm also starving." Vi said entering the room.

Kai'sa groaned. She looked at Riven who had on puppy eyes, then at Vi who had her arms crossed, then at Shen.

"Shen…?"

The male bodyguard did a minor shrug. He was indifferent, but Kai'sa chose to label them with the same question.

"Why did none of you pack your own lunches?" Kai'sa asked.

"Because… um, w-well… huh." Riven said deadpanned.

"Because you made us breakfast… and we thought we could milk you for your generosity?" Vi asked.

It was a joke, but the pink-haired woman felt herself get nudged by Shen and then slapped on the back of the head by Riven.

"Okay, okay! Sorry!" She exclaimed.

One could think Kai'sa would've been annoyed by Vi's words, regardless of whether they were serious or not, but truthfully, the dancer got an idea which was the reason for her growing smile.

"Well, I do suppose it wouldn't be right for me to not only spoil you at breakfast, but also for lunch!"

"And dinner?" Vi asked. She was nudged by Shen again with Riven copying her previous reaction.

"Don't push your luck Vi." Kai'sa snorted. The dancer turned to Akali, exchanging whispers with a few questions. The rapper's eyes were narrowed but by the end, they were lit up.

"Sure!" She exclaimed.

Kai'sa smirked and got out her phone.


Evelynn had her elbow perched up on the arm-rest, her fingers on her lips as she watched the buildings pass by in a blur given the speed of the car. She'd said nothing to James who still had that lipstick stain on his cheek. He still hadn't wiped it off, and when Evelynn occasionally peeked over to see him, she felt a warmth when seeing that he still had it on.

A warmth that didn't make any sense.

When she stopped thinking about that, she looked at what part of James's face she could see. His expression was neutral, but it appeared to have faded toward more of a scowl. Evelynn's lips frowned in curiosity.

"You seem tense darling." She murmured while sitting upward correctly. "Something on your mind?"

"No." James replied simply after several seconds.

"It's not about what happened at the mall right?" She asked. "You did your duty as my bodyguard. Is it because of the smooch?"

"No."

"I thought so." Evelynn sighed. "I mean if you were expecting more, like maybe mouth-to-mouth, I'd be happy to oblige."

"No." James repeated for the third time. "It's got nothing to do with that either."

"So, there is something on your mind." Evelynn said smugly.

James realized he walked right into that one. He exhaled.

"It was how that… fan just… the way he acted."

"What do you mean?" Evelynn asked, taking an honest interest.

James forced out a chuckle. "Well if there's one thing that's kind of annoyed me, and this'll sound weird, but it's the way some people act around celebrities."

Evelynn's brow quirked up. She pulled down her sunglasses so show that her amber eyes were attentive on her bodyguard/driver. James didn't continue speaking as he believed Evelynn wasn't interested.

"Go on." She beckoned.

James looked at her for a moment.

"The way they act, or believe that you owe them something, or that they own you doesn't sit well with me." James said. "They think they're entitled for you to maybe sign something for them or take a selfie with. I know that's not what happened in the mall, but you know what I'm getting at right?"

Evelynn did indeed see what James was getting at, but she didn't know how to respond. This was the first timesomeone had been this way with her. Sure, James was her bodyguard, but sometimes even your professionalism can be fueled by the expectation of a reward. If a sane fan of hers intervened, they'd probably ask for a selfie or a signature in return which Evelynn didn't mind along with human instinct.

James didn't ask for any of that.

"The delusions of some people appall me. They need to know that you're a person too." James continued. "I also can't believe he expected you to like him because he was presumably a nice guy." He said with a chuckle.

Evelynn couldn't hold off a chuckle of her own as she felt warmer inside.

"People have to realize that you don't owe them anything." James finished. "And that they certainly don't own you."

The diva shot James an amused look. "Quite an interesting explanation from a bodyguard." She joked. "You're not just another pretty face darling."

"Isn't that the second time you've called me that today?"

"Keeping track, I see. Further proves my point." Evelynn snickered proudly.

The man felt more amused. He chose to play a little with her. "Then what does that make you?" He asked.

Evelynn's look was a head tilt with a questioning hum.

"You think highly of yourself, right?" He asked. Evelynn nodded half-assed. "Well if I'm a pretty face, then what does that make you?" He repeated.

Now the diva knew what he was getting at. She put her hand on her chin in thought as she narrowed her amber eyes at him, a gaping smirk on her features. When Evelynn drew to her conclusion, she leaned closer to James's ear.

"I'm a picture-perfect face darling." She whispered, seduction coating her words.

Evelynn then chose to lightly blow into his ear which made James flinch as Evelynn giggled and retreated. She found herself looking into the different colored pupils of James now, and this time he wasn't glaring.

Well he was, but it was playful. Evelynn found herself becoming a little… enamored with it shortly. The way he stared at her made her giggle… and blush. It didn't make any sense, but it made her insides tingle playfully.

James on the other hand found himself looking at Evelynn and enjoying it a bit too much. The way her face had these perfect curves and plains along with her beautiful yet eerie looking amber eyes. She was definitely a sexy woman.

As he looked back at the road, Evelynn grew uncomfortable with her seatbelt and started to fidget with it. A snap sounded.

"Ah shit." Evelynn said.

James looked over to see Evelynn now struggling with her seatbelt. She tried to snap it back in the buckle, but it didn't listen. The diva let out a frustrated sigh as she grew impatient with it. James turned on the blinker as he slowed the car down, pulling over and parking. Evelynn looked up with her hands still on the buckle.

"What're you doing?" She asked.

"I don't think it'd be very unprofessional of me as a bodyguard to drive my client around with a broken seatbelt." James said sarcastically.

Evelynn snorted with a smirk.

"Wanna get in the back?" He asked.

The diva let go of her belt. She thought about it for a moment. "No."

"Alright guess I'll ride in the back then." James said removing his seatbelt.

"Oh no you're not." Evelynn said.

James felt her lithe hand grab his wrist to stop him. The man looked at her before he suddenly felt a weight on his lap with it feeling immediately warm. He reacted with a weak grunt as he felt his legs get stretched apart before feeling something, again, warm press against his inner thighs. He caught a scent of roses that was heavenly. The man's body started to feel warm with blood, and when James realized what'd happened, that blood moved up to his cheeks.

Evelynn was sitting on his lap, or his waist to be exact. Her legs were protected by his with them being pressed together as she leaned back against James's chest with a coo. She was suddenly surprised when feeling just how hard the surface was. Evelynn had a hunch that James was muscular, but she didn't think it'd be at this level.

His muscles were rippling planes. With just a measly shirt and a jean jacket contributing partially as blockage, Evelynn no doubt felt the hardness of his body.

It made her feel hot and she craved… more. The diva's hands carefully took a handful of the center of James's jacket, pushing it slowly off its owner's shoulders to reveal broad shoulders that probably had the same feeling as his chest. Evelynn slid the jacket down further with surprising ease despite the position. She darted her eyes left, then right between his biceps that reeked of fitness.

She suddenly heard James clear his throat. The sound made Evelynn snap out of her "undressing" of him, and she realized just how hot she was feeling now, even a bit sweaty. She looked at him.

"What're you doing?" He asked unamused.

The diva mildly glanced, seeing James's eyes with hers. She smirked sultrily as her flustered state was overwhelmed by her teasing.

"Oh, James darling, you don't seem to realize just how badly that little scene at the mall scared me." Evelynn said, sarcasm crystal clear in her voice. "I'm so scared of sitting alone in the backseat without you there to protect me! I feel sooooo much safer here." She finished with a seductive blink.

"What's the reason for slipping off my jacket?" He challenged.

Evelynn almost flustered again there but fought it off as she smiled deviously. "Your jacket was very uncomfortable compared to your body honey. It's a lot more comfortable now." She finished, laying her head on his chest as she sunk down deeper before doing an exaggerated snore.

James grimaced at her which caused Evelynn to giggle. "I don't think it's safe, or legal for you to be sitting on my lap when I'm driving." He countered.

"And?" Evelynn asked innocently.

The man's expression was exasperated. He begrudgingly gave up as Evelynn's mind clearly wasn't going to be changed. He hoped that she'd get off him soon, as the feeling of her on his waist was beginning to make James feel warm. He maintained control and pulled out of the spot

...


With most of her stuff being packed up in astounding record time, Akali wasn't sure what to do to until the order Kai'sa had placed would get here. They'd ordered from a place called Birdio's that Akali hadn't heard of until now. Kai'sa said that their pizzas were to die for, and the bodyguards backed her up on that statement. Riven was insistent on paying for the food, but Kai'sa threatened, in a playful manner, that she'd fire her if she dared to. Akali could only wonder why. The dancer chose to get some fresh air and was waiting outside currently.

The young rapper's mind suddenly remembered something; Vi saying that she was an old friend of James.

Akali hadn't thought about that too much as she'd been busy on packing, but with that now out of the way, she found her curiosity overwhelming her mind. Riven and Shen were sitting on the couch in the living room, the white-haired girl constantly going on about God knows what while Shen grunted in response. That only left Vi as the person Akali could talk to which worked well in her favor. The young girl found the pink-haired bodyguard leaning against the counter in the kitchen, using one hand on her phone with the other pressing itself on the countertop.

"Um, Vi?" Akali asked.

Vi looked up from her phone, her tongue against her cheek before straightening out.

"What's up!" She said energetically. "Something else you want me to lift?"

Akali chuckled. "Actually, I was wondering if I could ask you something."

Vi shrugged. "Sure!"

"Um, you said you're an old friend of James no?" She asked. Vi smirked and nodded. "If you don't mind me asking… um, what's your history together exactly?"

Vi's smirk slowly shrunk. She brought it back up when she answered the question. "Why? You jealous?" She asked grinning.

Akali's eyes widened as Vi burst into laughter for a moment.

"Sorry I'm kidding!" She laughed. "Me and him are just old friends. Our history together doesn't have any traces of bad blood if that's what you're wondering." She answered.

Akali breathed out a sigh. That wasn't something she wondered about, but it was good to hear, nonetheless. She didn't want to come off as nosy, but she still wasn't satisfied.

"If that's true… then why haven't you two been in contact for so long? He never told me about you." She said.

This time Vi's smirk faded quicker and indefinitely. She compressed her lips before looking at Akali.

"Well you know, shit happens in life." She said with a shrug. "Sometimes we just become distant from each other. Sometimes it's unintentional, other times it's the opposite. I'm sure you might know how it can be sometimes." She said.

Akali wasn't sure, but she had a feeling that Vi's voice held a bit of an accusation in that sentence. The pinkette didn't intend for it to come out that way, but Akali probably felt this because she had left her home after all, and that was for her own reasons. James and Vi's reasons for not seeing each other for so long were likely similar.

The only difference is that they were on good terms.

"Listen, I'm not so sure I should be the one to tell you this." Vi said with a sigh. "I think it's better if you ask James, if you have any more questions that is."

Akali felt guilty for caving into her curiosity. She didn't have the right to ask Vi this, apart from possible minor jealousy.

This wasn't the first time she felt jealous regarding James, though that was for different reasons.

"Yeah I… I think that's a good idea. Sorry about being nosy." Akali said.

Vi snorted. "Don't be! It's perfectly fine! I understand why you'd be curious."

Akali found herself smiling at the woman's words. For quite an intimidating appearance, Vi was friendly, though Akali felt like she could become the opposite in a second. She asked if she could say something else and Vi happily obliged.

"Hey Vi, Kai'sa told me earlier if I'd like to have a bodyguard." Akali said. "She told me that Shen and Riven are taken so… would you like to be mine?"

The pinkette huffed with a smirk. She curtly raised her hand to offer the quickest way to signal an agreement. Akali accepted the offer, taking Vi's hand that had a rough surface that told Akali she was more than capable of protecting someone. They shook on it with sincere smiles.

"I'll have to inform Caitlyn of that, but I have a feeling it won't be a problem. Happy to help out." Vi said smiling.

"Thanks." Akali replied.

"No problem at all!" Vi replied with energy. She then felt her stomach growl and she groaned. "Hope that pizza gets here soon. Starving here!"

"Preaching to the choir Vi!" Riven replied.

Vi chuckled and left the kitchen to join Riven and Shen in the living room. Akali leaned back against the counter as she looked up at the ceiling and then around the room. She sighed, feeling like she was permanently saying goodbye to this apartment. Both her and James had shared and done so much here, and while she could come back here if she wanted to, she felt like that wouldn't be a common option.

She shook off the negative thoughts and focused on the positives. She was going to a better place, and there was a lot more positives than negatives in that department.


Kai'sa really wanted to get some fresh air from the small apartment. Thankfully for her it wasn't chilly outside. She leaned against the wall of the builds entrance, examining left to right, the area that their newest member resided in. However, the dancer soon found herself growing bored, and took out her phone to do some browsing.

One thing that did entertain her were the Instagram's of her fellow pop-stars. Ahri would either post photos of herself in stylish outfits or one of her trying out a new tea. Kind of beverage and clothing porn to be precise.

Evelynn was the more entertaining of the two. The posts she'd make would always make Kai'sa chuckle or at least smile. The diva just had that kind of gift.

The dancer only had to type in a single word for the address bar to offer the link for the magenta-haired woman's Instagram. She pressed it and the most recent photo came up.

Kai'sa prematurely prepared a smile for a predicted laugh, but what she saw erased any possibility. She clamped her mouth over her hand with a confused, wide-eyed glare that was short-lived.

She blinked a few times before examining the picture closer.

"Gossiprazzi?" She read aloud.


James was glad the drive back to the apartment was almost over as Evelynn sitting on his lap was slowly taking its toll. She made sure she didn't interfere with his ability to press the pedals, but it didn't help as her hair was now contacting his face with it being mildly ticklish.

Finally, they reached the apartment, James pulling into the parking lot with a sigh of relief when he found a spot. The man took the key out of the ignition, letting his back rest further into the chair, eyes closed. He expected the weight sitting on his lap to be lifted a second after.

"…"

"…"

"…"

One of James's eyelids peeked open, the blurred vision making out a woman's silhouette as it became clearer that Evelynn was still sitting on him.

James had been focused more than half on the driving, but now that was over. Now he only had one thing to focus on. The thing he'd managed to avoid converging most of his mind during the drive.

Evelynn's fantastic butt.

The soft, toned, pampered flesh that resided on his waist was causing problems for James that'd surfaced ever since Evelynn took this position on him. Problems that he had to fix soon. He didn't want to force Evelynn off him as that would likely backfire. He inhaled sharply yet calmly.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat.

"Hmm?" Evelynn cooed.

"We're… we're here!" James said, trying to hide the irritation. "I think you can get off now."

"Why?" Came the sultry response.

James held off a growl, doing it inside his head as his fists clenched briefly. He should've grown use to Evelynn's teasing, but this was taking it to a whole new level. He calmly responded afterward.

"Because I'd like to stretch my legs, and I'm sure you would too."

"Mm, perhaps… but I'm quite more comfortable here. Think I'll start doing this everywhere you drive me." Evelynn cooed, teasing laced on her words. "It feels so safe."

The diva's words would've infuriated James to the point where a vein would bulge, but that was before he'd gotten to know her, and that she should know not to tease him. Sure, he'd slammed her on a damn table the first time, but that was different.

To make matters worse, the seductive tone made more blood flow in his body. James's heart began to race.

There was only one way out of this. He'd have to show Evelynn that he would respond to her teasing, but that he knew his boundaries. He took a deep breath.

"You asked for it."

James's hands planted themselves on the supple thighs of Evelynn, the diva letting out a slight gasp at the feeling of his hands on her flesh. He pushed them in deeper, and when having enough leverage, James gently lifted Evelynn off him.

The diva was frozen when she felt his hands on her thighs, her heartbeat echoing against her eardrums as she allowed James to handle her. He was quite strong, lifting the woman up like a feather and with a minor wince, placed her in the passenger seat. Those muscles weren't for show.

Evelynn exhaled like she'd been holding her breath when he did that, and she couldn't move several moments after he'd let her go. The diva slowly looked over to James who appeared to be in the same state.

She smirked.

"Now that's a vast improvement over your first time handling me darling." She purred.

James looked at her, smiling with compressed lips and a quick nod to show his agreement. Evelynn cocked a brow with a seductive smile, and then reached to the backseat to grab the bag that contained the clothes she'd bought for him.

"I'll take them inside. The least I can do." She said.

James offered the same response with a "Thanks" added for good measure. Evelynn chose to cease her teasing, hastily opening the door and stepping out of the car. James resisted the urge to glance at her.

The man then sighed and placed his hands firmly on his thighs. James's fingers curled up into his jeans before releasing them. His pants felt tight, and for good reason.

There was a hard muscle between his legs, but James was grateful it hadn't bulged against his pants.

The man opened the door to leave the car too, but he instantly regretted that decision.

James's eyes saw the ground first, quickly gazing up to see the apartment, but instead he saw Evelynn walking toward it.

And to make matters worse, he saw her shapely butt.

He told himself to look away from the plump and fantastic ass that belonged to the notorious diva. The jeans she wore made it clear what resided underneath and seeing her walk in a seductive way made James's eyes remain locked on. The way it bounced and mildly jiggled just cast a spell over him.

He didn't notice that the woman's movements had stopped, and when he saw the glutes flex underneath the jeans, James's mouth quietly exhaled.

Flex?

James blinked, his brows knitting together to look slightly upward to see, not Evelynn's hair, but her amber eyes instead.

Along with a smile that told him he'd been caught.

"Like what you see?" She asked sheepishly. "I do suppose you didn't see its full size before."

James's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment as he opened his mouth to defend himself, but he couldn't.

"You seem to like it a lot more now darling." Evelynn purred, placing her bag-free hand on the supple flesh. "But I think you'd enjoy it to its full potential without these annoying confinements."

James shot her a puzzled look that resulted in a heartfelt laugh from the diva. She gave her rear a pat before continuing her trek toward the apartment. James couldn't bring himself to look away until that fantastic rear became blocked by a parked car. After that, James closed the door out of embarrassment, exhaling and resting his head and hands on the steering wheel, eyelids closed as he tried to rid the image of the woman's backside from his mind.

This was futile as the muscle between his legs still had a hefty amount of control and James's mind started to recreate the walk Evelynn did, this time her having on black lace cheeky panties. He didn't want to envision it entirely bare as he'd love to remove the lingerie from her waist, dragging it down her thick, supple thighs he'd had his hands on not five minutes ago.

James's head had started to sink, and his chin contacted the horn that went off when they met. This alerted him as his shot up before quietly cursing.

"Alright, alright that's enough." He said to himself. "Just… don't think… about those… lovely legs…"

"What the fuck are you doing?!" His mind spat. "Stop fucking thinking about her legs James! Better yet stop thinking about her butt! Then again... why are butts so interesting?"

"Who's side are you on?" James retorted.

He closed his eyes, exhaling smoothly as his quickening heartbeat started to become audible as he cleared his thoughts of anything related to Evelynn until it became void. James felt more control of his thoughts, and more importantly what was between his legs.

James opened the door, inhaling the fresh air that filled the interior of the Dodge Charger. He got out of the car, doing several curt movements to help his eager body. When he finally claimed himself again, James chose to pace toward the apartment where he found Evelynn currently waiting for him. The diva had her arms crossed with a stance that had most of her weight leaning to the right which exposed her shapely lower body. James made sure not to stare at it this time.

"You were in there for a long time darling." She said. "I do hope you don't feel too guilty for staring at my ass."

Just hearing her talk about her backside made James's body copy the feeling from the car. He froze for a moment as Evelynn remained oblivious to what her words were doing to him.

"It could raise up a problem in you're going to be my bodyguard." She said, sounding serious and catching James's attention. The diva smirked. "How can I trust you not to stare at it instead of keeping me from being swarmed?"

James quirked a brow. Her teasing was starting to get deeper to new depths.

"Then again it might be beneficial. Staring at my ass will ensure that you never turn a blind eye." She giggled.

The man's face scrunched with his mouth agape. It made Evelynn snort.

"I'm just teasing honey… or am I?" She finished with a fake-gasp.

That action was enough to make James mildly glare at her.

"Let's just get back inside." He grumbled.

Evelynn agreed to his idea but halted him when he pulled back the door.

"Ladies first." She snapped. James nodded.

Evelynn strode into the apartment, James following her closely. When they reached the floor and the room, James opened it, gesturing Evelynn to walk in first which she thanked him kindly for. The sound of overlapping voices with some being incoherent was heard from the living room.

"Slow down there Riven!" Kai'sa's voice advised with a hearty chuckle. "You're gonna choke if you're not careful."

Riven replied to Kai'sa, sounding like she was trying to say, "You're not my mom!"

"Geez, you weren't kidding about these pizza's being something Kai'sa!" Akali said, having just swallowed a piece of pizza.

Evelynn and James walked to the doorway, seeing the group they'd left earlier indulging themselves in an extra-large pizza with Riven eating two at a time. Akali was the first to notice the presence of the two and greeted them with an incoherent exclamation.

"Akali, what did I tell you?" James said smiling. "No talking with your mouth full."

The young rapper pouted, putting down her piece and swallowing another bite before hurrying toward James and embracing him. The man was taken aback by the action.

"Welcome back Eve, Holland!" Kai'sa said in a friendly manner.

"Kai'sa darling." Evelynn replied. She looked at the three bodyguards who gave nods that she returned. "Pizza? I take it you trust me not to tell Ahri?"

Kai'sa was about to eat another piece, but Evelynn's words made her stop mid-action. She rolled her eyes and sank her teeth into the bread. The diva smirked at the response. She heard a pitiful sound next to her, seeing that Akali was still embracing James. Evelynn's brows knitted together at the unusually long hug.

"Well… that was longer than usual." James said when Akali finally pried herself.

The young rapper twiddled her thumbs as she looked down slightly. "Sorry… I just feel like I don't give you enough hugs is all."

A kind smile came onto James as he sighed. "You're feeling nervous?" He said.

Akali sighed, shoulders slumping. Evelynn kept staring at her, finding the actions to be juvenile actions while simultaneously seeing it as adorable. She had to admire the closeness of the two. James chuckled softly as he put his hand on Akali's head, patting her a few times with the young rapper smiling. When Akali looked up, she looked at Evelynn this time. The diva cocked a thin brow as she hadn't grown used to being looked at by this young girl who was now her bandmate.

"Evelynn, there's something I want to show you." Akali said.

The diva blinked at the words. Luckily Kai'sa heard Akali's words and backed her up.

"She's right Eve! Go into the bedroom! I have a feeling you'll like it!"

The diva shrugged, placing down James's bag to find that Akali was already at her bedroom door. Evelynn chose to follow, not really interested in what the young rapper had to offer but chose to make a commitment to being more approachable. James had chosen to follow his friend out of habit.

The expression that James had on increased Evelynn's mild curiosity. The diva walked into the cleaned-out bedroom, seeing the youngest member of their group wearing a puffy jacket. The woman's eyes mildly widened in surprise. This was something she hadn't expected to see. Evelynn crossed her arms amusement and minor admiration in her eyes. Akali's stance was one of defiance, showing the diva who'd treated her as nothing but a child so far that she was stepping up. The rapper figured the best way to show Evelynn would be to have her K/DA outfit displayed in its peak.

Evelynn hummed as she strode toward the rapper, swaying her hips with James looking at her butt again, his mind forgetting specifically not to do that.

"Well, well, well… looks like you've done something right darling." Evelynn purred, coming in proximity with Akali who didn't break her posture. "Quite the draft outfit you have here."

The young rapper's brows knitted together as her blood became warm with slight anger. Did Evelynn just insult her aunt's work?

"I mean come now darling, I understand that you're aiming for a more punk-style attire, but you also have to have some proof that you're a pop-star." Evelynn said.

Akali's brows stopped knitting as her built-up annoyance began to shrink. Evelynn ran her hands along the sleeves of the coat, brows raised with astonishment at the feeling.

"This jacket meets my standards far more than anything I could expect from you. A few tweaks here and there should be able to fix these little issues." Evelynn said, doing hand gestures to various spots.

Akali wasn't sure how she felt about that, but if Evelynn liked the jacket, she hopefully had the best interests in mind without drastically altering the designs made by Karma.

"Taric should be able to handle that." Evelynn finished.

"Glad something meets your approval." Akali said with a smirk.

"Don't let it go to your head darling." The diva replied.

With a weight lifted off her shoulders, Akali looked at James with a smile. She then noticed something; A lipstick marking on his cheek. The young rapper's brow quirked up.

"Uh James, you got a little…" She didn't want to say it, putting her finger on her own to give him the hint.

James remembered the smooch Evelynn gave him, and he swallowed as he put his hand on the spot. Evelynn couldn't resist smirking deviously.

"That's just a little reward I gave him for protecting me from a crazed fan in the mall. Oh, it was so scary, but my knight in shining armor saved me!" She said, greatly exaggerating her distress. In fact, Evelynn threw herself backward purposely into James who quickly caught her out of instinct. He showed only grimace at her actions.

Akali on the other hand felt a churn in her stomach. She didn't let it affect her expression, but the young rapper's hands became fists for a few moments.

"Wait he did what?" A voice said from outside the bedroom.

Evelynn immediately removed herself from James's arms as she turned around with unmatched speed. She moved past him, seeing her four peers lurking just outside of the bedroom. Kai'sa and Vi were on one side with Shen and Riven on the other.

"What're you four doing out here?" She questioned, eyes darting to both parties while speaking.

"Seeing how you'd react to her outfit." They replied in unison, even Shen.

Evelynn rolled her eyes at the response from all four. She then shook her head with a bemused smile.

"So, is there anything we can help with?" She asked.

"Actually, there isn't." Vi replied. "You and James missed all the fun!"

Evelynn shrugged. James approached the door with Akali not moving.

"So, I suppose that's it then?" He asked.

Vi shot James a playful smile. "Why? You that eager to get rid of us James?" She teased.

As expected, James immediately denied the question which prompted a laugh from the pinkette. She nudged him.

"Only busting your balls James." Vi said. "We'll be seeing each other regularly so I can understand if you'd want to spend as much time away from me as possible."

Once again, James took the bait with Vi laughing and giving him a brief noogie.

"So, I guess we'll be taking the stuff to the house?" Riven asked.

"Well unless you want to unload everything, we just spent all afternoon putting into your Tundra Riv." Vi teased. The white-haired woman rolled her eyes.

"We get going. Can't imagine Ahri's enjoying her time alone at the house all by herself." Kai'sa said with a sigh. Mentioning their residence brought an idea to her mind. "Hey Akali, would you be interested in completing the move and joining us?"

Everyone waited for a response from the rapper who remained stationary. She hadn't said a word since seeing the little mark Evelynn left on James. The girl finally acknowledged them.

"Actually, I think I'll hold off on that." She said, moving toward the door with James stepping aside.

Kai'sa picked up the minor bitterness in Akali's voice. "Why?"

Of all the people present, Vi was the only one who saw Akali's fist clench when she briefly looked at Evelynn. The pinkette suddenly had a hunch of what was up.

"Perhaps she wishes to spend one more night in her abode before moving into a new lifestyle." A monotone answer came from Shen. It made Kai'sa smirk.

"Ah Shen, always with the play on words." She chuckled.

"That's exactly the reason why." Akali answered, the bitterness gone in her voice. "I'd just like to spend one more night here… before I move onto the next chapter."

The words made everyone's brows rise except Shen. Evelynn's only slightly changed.

"Well I think that's a very, very humble thing to do." Kai'sa said warmly. "I can't wait for you to arrive tomorrow!"

Akali gave the dancer a smile and replied with the same tone. Kai'sa clapped her hands together.

"Alright, we've got everything essential packed up. Riven, Shen, Vi, why don't you take Riven's tundra back? Evelynn, I'd like to ride along with you."

The diva shrugged.

"Alright then, let's go." Riven said, Shen following her. Vi chose to remain behind for a moment while Evelynn and Kai'sa quietly exchanged words.

"Hey, Akali." Vi said approaching the young rapper who looked at her, a look of boredom in her eyes. Vi sighed and put her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Listen, try not to be intimidated by Evelynn, alright?"

Akali's expression didn't change.

"She has a habit of teasing people and even straight-up insulting them." Vi said with a serious tone. "You may think she's rude, but she actually does it for your own good."

Akali finally spoke. "How could that possibly be for anyone's good?"

Vi chuckled. "She's got a lot of experience in the industry. People will try to bring you down and do shitty things, but Evelynn shrugs it off, because she knows she's above them. I like to think it's her way of toughening you up."

The rapper cocked a brow, but it did also make sense. Evelynn's treatment of her so far hadn't been the kindest. Where she offered praise, she followed up with either a tip or a tease. Akali felt less intimidated regardless.

If only that'd been what made her fist clench when looking at Evelynn.

"Thanks Vi." She said.

The female bodyguard gave her shoulder a few pats while smiling. "You're gonna do just fine kid. You've got your big brother right there." She said pointing to James. "And if he's not around, your big sister's right here." She pointed to herself.

Akali slowly smiled at the woman's sincerity. James had been listening to the conversation and he had his arms crossed with a smile of his own. Vi approached him while holding that smile.

"Nice job handling that crazed fan by the way. I bet Evelynn must've been really thankful given what you have on your cheek." She snickered.

James snorted while his cheeks flushed. Vi chose to give him a fist-bump and she began to walk away.

"See you soon James! Hope you're ready for some serious drinking!" Vi hollered, breezing past Kai'sa and Evelynn. The latter looked at James and Evelynn.

"We're gonna take off, but we had a lot of fun helping you! We'll see you both soon!" Kai'sa said before leaving.

Evelynn glanced at James, and then Akali. Her lips curved into a teasing look, and she gave Akali a flirty wave. When she looked at James, she did the same thing, but moved her fingers one by one before… blowing a kiss.

Akali felt her stomach churn and didn't exhale until the door to their apartment was closed.

The rapper looked up at her best friend, seeing the flush on his cheeks before falling upon the lipstick mark of Evelynn. The rapper twitched.

"James, can we go into the kitchen please?" She asked, though it was more of a command.

He looked at her with no signs of puzzlement. "Sure."


"And that should about do it!" A charming voice said excitedly.

"Ah Taric, once again you work your magic." A feminine voice said with a sigh.

"I thought you learned that when we launched Foxy Cosmetics last year Ahri!" Taric said laughing. The blonde laughed too as a response.

It'd taken the whole afternoon, but compared to how long it would usually take, Ahri had gotten the planning for Akali's welcoming party all done with Taric's help. The man wasn't kidding when he said that he had a thing for blacklights and that he was very excited to work on them for the music video.

Hell, he'd even gotten the guest list made up!

Parties at the household weren't uncommon with the group having a team on speed-dial that handled all the maintenance and basically setting it all up. This was going to be a different setting, but they were confident in handling the plans.

"So, I'd say that's a wrap?" Taric said putting his hands together with a forward posture.

Ahri exhaled. She looked at the time, realizing that it was a quarter past five. They'd accomplished so much in the span of time and it made her smile. Ahri smiled warmly at the man.

"Oh Taric, you're a true gem." She murmured.

Taric did a shrug with an agreeing shake.

"Thank you Taric. Thank you for everything. Is there anything I can do for you? Make you dinner or something?"

"Oh no I wouldn't dream of it Ahri." Taric answered. "Having the ability to work with you on this music video is all I need!"

The blonde smiled again. "I could imagine you being our manager one day."

"Well in that case I'll have to train Ezreal day and night for a whole year before I can do that!" Taric said laughing again. "But thank you Ahri. It's always a pleasure to work with you."

Ahri felt warm and positive. She'd been upset this morning, and now that seemed like it was made-up.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to get started on selecting my outfit for the party." Taric said getting up. "It'll be absolutely outrageous."

The blonde giggled with them having a brief embrace before Taric took his leave from the household. Ahri fell back into the cushions of the couch, sinking as she sighed with relief. So much weight lifted off her shoulders felt fantastic, and she chose to celebrate.

The artist paced into the kitchen, taking a bottle of white wine out of the fridge and pouring it into a glass. She gulped down a healthy amount with a sigh of pleasure afterward. The blonde figured refilling it to near-fullness couldn't hurt and poured some more in. Ahri began to pace around the kitchen, her body still feeling positive energy from the progress. While it was nothing short of goodness, the singer soon felt bored without her other bandmates in the house. She opened her phone and out of habit, chose to visit Evelynn's social media and it was too late before she could stop herself. Ahri was going to swipe back, but when she saw the very photo that Evelynn had taken earlier of her and James, that action vanished. The leader of the K/DA felt that frustration with Evelynn resurface.

But at the same time, it didn't seem to be close to the levels she felt earlier. Ahri chose to examine it closer, taking note of what Evelynn had written as a caption. She could stop a little smile appearing regarding "Gossiprazzi". The blonde knew that she should've felt angry, but she didn't. Evelynn was doing what anyone (probably) would do in that situation. Share it with the world possibly for the hell of it or as a publicity stunt.

Ahri didn't want to explode all over Evelynn again as it hurt them both, though Evelynn was likely less affected. Maybe this could be a good thing as the K/DA's popularity was dwindling and a stunt such as this might bring them into the spotlight again, and of course, take some heat off the rumors of Akali.

That last conclusion made the knot in Ahri's stomach loosen. Perhaps she was overthinking this, and if there weren't any abrupt, controversial updates of Evelynn and James, then what did she have to worry about? James seemed to be onboard with this whole thing regardless of how he'd gotten there in the first place.

Ahri looked at the photo again, and instead of grimacing, shook her head with a heady smirk.

"You'll be the death of me Evelynn." She chuckled.

The blonde suddenly heard a knock on the door, pacing toward it with her wine glass and taking a sip along the way.

She looked through the peephole to see Riven, Vi, and Shen all outside with boxes in their hands. She raised a brow before opening the door, greeting the three of them with a question. "What're you guys doing here?"

"What's it look like? We got the packing done!" Vi answered, mildly strained.

"Already?" Ahri asked, sounding mildly unconvinced.

"Ahri, you seem to be forgetting one thing; it's us." Riven chuckled. "Besides, I used to do this for a living and you know how quick Shen is."

"That's what she said!" Vi added with a laugh. Ahri's cheeks flustered as Shen rolled his eyes. The three of them started to carry the boxes inside, getting more from Riven's tundra.

"Where's Kai'sa and Evelynn?" Ahri asked.

"They're going to be along soon. Kai'sa chose to ride with Evelynn. Guess she only likes riding in my truck every blue moon." Riven replied with a chuckle.

"Speak of the devil, I think I hear them coming." Vi said as she unloaded another box.

The pinkette was indeed correct as the roar of the Dodge Charger Evelynn didn't dare to drive sounded at the bottom of the long driveway up to the household. Ahri crossed her arms as the car sped up the driveway with alarming speed. She mildly chuckled as she could only imagine that Kai'sa was likely screaming for her to stop. The car pulled into the garage, Ahri still smirking before she began to pace toward it. Shen was unloading another box as he saw Ahri make her way toward the garage. He hadn't forgotten about how she'd been upset earlier, and he chose to follow her after setting the box down.


"If you think little reckless driving's going to take my mind off the photo Eve, you're greatly incorrect!" Kai'sa said laughing as she calmed herself down.

"I'm not counting on it darling." Evelynn replied taking the key out of the ignition. "I just got tired of you frowning for the whole drive."

Kai'sa chuckled and then sighed. She daintily put her hand on Evelynn's wrist. "Look, just try not to snap at her again. It isn't unreasonable if she does you know."

Evelynn sighed. "Bokkie, I already told you not to worry about it." She assured. "Just remember, and be grateful, that you have nothing to do with this."

The dancer rolled her eyes. "You could avoid this if you weren't so turbulent Eve."

"Who said I want to avoid it?" Evelynn asked with a snicker.

Kai'sa rolled her eyes and opened the door, getting out of the car. When she stood to her full height, she saw Ahri walking into the garage and she immediately forgot what Evelynn had said. The dancer wanted to stop the presumed drama as she hated it in general, but when she saw Evelynn get out of the car with look that told her to leave, the dancer chose to obey. She and Ahri greeted one another as she left the garage with Ahri going deeper in until she reached Evelynn who was standing at her Dodge Charger. The diva anticipated she was likely in for another lecture as Ahri got closer, but this hypothesis was proven false when Ahri's gaze was gentle. The two of them were silent for a few moments as the sunset illuminated their shadows in long shapes.

Evelynn broke the ice.

"So, what is it you're going to lecture me about now?" She asked sardonically.

The tone made Ahri glare, but she erased it without a trace. The leader put her hand on Evelynn's shoulder, looking at her with a regretful, and seemingly pleading look.

"I'm sorry about earlier, alright?" She said simply.

The diva raised a questioning brow. "What?"

"I'm sorry." Ahri repeated. "I shouldn't have exploded on you right there."

Evelynn actually snorted. "No Ahri, you were right to do so. I should've expected that, and I shouldn't have snapped at you before slamming the door on your face."

"No you shouldn't have." Ahri chuckled. "But you know… just what we've been enduring lately, well it's just brought me down, and with J-"

"I know, I know, last thing you need on your plate is to worry about me eating him and scaring off Akali." Evelynn said. That was kind of what Ahri was going to say. "I know you mean well Ahri and I don't mean to take that for granted. It's just who I am sometimes."

"Yeah… Yeah…" Ahri sighed. Evelynn was correct, she'd never try to hurt Ahri. The blonde was just under so much stress, but today a hefty amount had been taken care off. She really just wanted to clear things up with Evelynn. "I saw the photo of you and Holland."

Evelynn mildly became firmer with her stance. "And…?"

Ahri's mind wanted to give Evelynn a bit of serious advice about her actions, but with her mind no longer clouded, she chose to lighten it further. "I never thought I'd see you let a man drive you around."

The diva scoffed with an eyeroll. "I thought it'd be a good test run of him being my bodyguard. Driving me around and stuff. I took him shopping actually and we had a little incident at the mall."

Ahri's eyes widened with her head reeling back mildly. "Incident?!"

Evelynn could've worded that better, but she was quick to clear it up too. "Only with a certain fan! He approached me obviously with malicious intentions, but my knight in shining armor saved the day!" She exaggerated.

Ahri rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Alright then, glad it's nothing serious."

"So, how'd the party planning go?" Evelynn asked, quickly shifting the topic.

Ahri was really excited to tell her with her beginning the sentence with it being done, but that was all Evelynn needed and wanted to hear.

"That's terrific!" She said sarcastically. "Why don't you just relax Ahri? You must be exhausted." Evelynn said as she paced away.

Ahri shook her head while smirking, but she felt lighter as well. The guilt she felt, while it was reasonable, for snapping at Evelynn this morning had faded. Not to mention that James had proved to be, well capable so far of doing his duty despite being Evelynn's bodyguard. Handling fans anyway.

"Nice to see you and Evelynn are on good terms." A monotone voice said. It startled Ahri who jumped lightly. The blonde saw her bodyguard Shen standing at the entrance of the garage, arms crossed and his stance tall. She breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Shen, you scared me!" She said playfully.

Shen let out a rare chuckle. "My apologies Ahri, I was only curious about your choice to enter the garage."

Ahri smiled. "Good to know you're on your toes of my whereabouts Shen."

"It is my duty." He replied.

The blonde felt warm as she started to walk toward Shen. She reminisced how he comforted her earlier when she was troubled. The blonde was grateful for his service but couldn't remember if she thanked him. Ahri put her hands together and moved them to her waist, looking like a shy schoolgirl about to ask her crush out. Shen didn't move from his spot.

"Shen?"

"Yes?"

"I um, I don't think I got to say thank you." Ahri said, blushing a little bit. "You know… for earlier?"

Shen let out a hum. "There's no need to thank me Ahri. You're my client, and I saw it fit as a bodyguard to ask you what was wrong." He said.

Ahri sighed and slowly shook her head. Shen raised a brow, but then felt a soft feeling against his cheek. Ahri had given him a little peck on that area as she shyly smiled and blushed greatly.

"I mean it Shen, thank you." She said softly.

Shen's cheeks mildly became warm… and then… he smiled at his client who returned it sweetly.


With the worry of Ahri exploding all over her, Evelynn was able to relax. In fact, she felt quite relaxed as she strode through the household of the K/DA. She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, consuming it after running some water.

As she kept pacing, her body began to feel... warm again. It was the same warmth she'd felt with James when she sat on his lap in the car, and it left her baffled as she traversed up to her room. Even the cool fruit she was consuming had no effect. With Evelynn starting to be a little sweaty actually, the diva took off her coat, holding it under her arm as she walked to her bedroom.

When she reached there, the warmth had reached new levels that made Evelynn's brows knit. She felt unclean suddenly, her clothing tight and uncomfortable. The diva finished off the apple before choosing to strip entirely, throwing her clothing unceremoniously on the floor as she walked fully nude to the bathroom.


"Uh Akali, what're you doing?" James asked as Akali ran a warm cloth under the faucet. The water was warm from the steam that was rising from the sink.

Once it was warm enough, Akali gave the cloth a squeeze to release some of the water. She then paced toward James who sat in his seat with a hand on his knee. He reeled back when Akali aimed to put the damp cloth against his cheek. She exhaled with narrowed eyes.

"Just hold still." She said.

"Why?"

Akali rolled her eyes, and James chose to let her wipe the area with the cloth. What he knew was that Akali was applying the cloth to the area Evelynn had kissed him on. The lipstick wasn't permanent, so it came off with a few back-and-forth motions. James sighed in annoyance as Akali kept rubbing it and she then walked back to the sink, running water under the cloth again.

James leaned back with his arms crossed as Akali took her seat opposite of him. When she sat down, her posture was shy. Her legs were glued together as her hands lay flat on her thighs, her head mildly hung forward. James had a feeling she wasn't going to say anything, so he took action.

"Well, aren't you going to tell me what's up?" He asked.

The rapper's eyes looked upward, but her head was unmoved. Akali took a deep breath and sat up correctly.

"James, I have to tell you something." She said seriously. "I'm feeling overwhelmed."

"Well what else is new?" James snorted.

"James." Akali said sternly, her face scrunching into a scowl for a moment before she exhaled to calm herself. The man felt guilty, remembering how terrified Akali likely was feeling despite the smoothness of the move.

He leaned forward to show his support. "What is it Akali?"

She bit her lip. "Tomorrow I'll be moving into what I can only guess is a mansion compared to here." She said, looking around the room as she spoke. "It's scary for me, and while I know I have you by my side… it still doesn't feel like enough."

James wondered what she could possibly be referring to. What else could he do besides offer his unconditional love as her brother? The only level he could think of was…

His eyes widened at the realization. James took in the vulnerable look of Akali's eyes. One could sense her arteries pumping at an alarming rate.

"What're you saying Akali?" He asked, trying to make sure this wasn't something he was just making up.

"I'm saying James…" Akali began as she moved one hand up to the table, placing it at the half-way point in order for James to meet her evenly. He hesitantly brought his hand up and made contact with hers. James could feel her heartrate in her wrists. "…that when the going gets tough, I may need something more than my brother by my side. Someone who I know will be there when I wake up in the morning. Someone I can… love."

Those words touched James's heart, but it soon sunk into oblivion as that soft touch turned into a knot. To make matters worse, Akali moved her other hand up and placed it over his in comforting warmth.

James didn't dare to look at Akali, not right now. This was something that made the knot in his stomach churn to the point where one would think it'd snap and just tear him apart. James felt like that wasn't too far-fetched.

He took a deep breath as his eyes closed, imagining just how Akali must've felt right now. James's next words would either break her or make her stronger. He also hoped that she could see that those words would hurt him more than it'd hurt her. James moved his other hand up toward Akali's, the rapper keeping her expression cool and collected, but on the inside, she felt like she'd have a heart attack. Akali felt it stop when James touched her hand.

"Akali…" He said with somber. "…this pains me to say… but I am not that person."

James almost choked when he said that. He felt like he'd just been stabbed in every part of his body briefly before the blood began to leak out. He fought on though, his hand gently prying Akali's from atop his with no resistance.

That just made him feel worse. She must've felt broken now.

James became defiant after releasing a few tears. "Akali, you are my best friend. You're practically my sister… but I cannot think of you in the same way. I love you, but only as that."

He finally looked at Akali. Her face was blank, void of any emotion. The waterworks wanted so desperately to come out, but Akali held them off… for now. The rapper closed her eyes before opening them. Her lower lips began to quiver, but she smiled weakly.

"Thank you… James." She said slowly.

And now the waterworks finally won.

James got out of his seat with such force that it fell backward with a clang. He hurried over to Akali who didn't have the chance to get out of her seat, not that she could. She began to whimper as she released the tears that would've come out whether James accepted her or not. He embraced her tightly, Akali taking solace in his actions. At least he loved her in some form, even if that form wasn't what she desired most.

He pressed his head against her neck as Akali rested her chin on his head, arms draping over him given that James had mildly crouched. Akali's sounds were muffled as she moved to his shoulder, exhaling and inhaling jaggedly.

James wanted to return those feelings to her. Akali was really a great friend and girl. She was energetic, cute, funny, and above all caring for those close to her. He could've said yes, but truthfully, James could never see this working in the long run. Akali would be false love. It'd be sweet for a while, but eventually, James would yearn for someone else's warmth that wasn't Akali's. He wouldn't dare hurt or use her like that. She would find that special someone eventually. Whether it'd be a man, or a woman, James only knew he wasn't that special someone.

When she exhausted the waterworks, Akali felt lighter. Her mind felt clearer, and she pulled back from James who looked up at her. The rapper exhaled with a sincere smirk. She was still sad that he wouldn't return those feelings, but at least she had her answer. Akali had felt this way about James for some time, but she supposed it wasn't until this sudden shift in life made those pent-up feelings finally come out. She took his hand again with only one.

"James?"

"Yes Akali?"

"You're not going to see me as... different now, are you?" She asked with anxiety.

James's grip on her hand dramatically tightened. "Absolutely not Akali." He assured. "You're still my best friend from yesterday, and you'll be that same best friend tomorrow, and in the future, though it'll be on a stage instead." He chuckled.

Akali chuckled too and they shared a gentle embrace, Akali's breathing back to steady and normal. James wanted to say one last thing to her to show his support. A silly gesture to some, but to them, it was the opposite. James raised his pinkie to Akali who giggled and followed the action.

Their pinkies entwined as Akali sighed.

"I can't promise to fix all your problems..." James started.

"...But I can promise you won't have to face them alone." Akali said, finishing up their make-shift friendship vow.

James gently stroked her hair, Akali smiling from his touch.

...


Evelynn was drenched to the bone with the shower's glass doors being fogged with steam. She'd taken a short shower that was steamy of course, but that's what she intended to happen. The diva's warmth had reached levels where it began to form outside of her flower. The diva had opened the shower door to let the cool air mix with her body, but despite the shiver she did, the feeling between her legs hadn't stopped.

Being aroused wasn't foreign to Evelynn, but what WAS unusual for her was how she was feeling now. She'd drawn to the conclusion that she was feeling that state, but what she couldn't wrap her head around was why.

She'd felt this when she sat on James's lap, but that was it. It was normal for someone to feel that way when sitting on such a handsome man's waist.

But for Evelynn, she'd also had him lift her off his legs ever-so-gently. This was like when he'd slammed her on the table when she seduced him; she loved it, and hated herself for doing that.

Evelynn began to indulge in a fantasy she rarely... well never thought about.

She stepped out of the shower, entirely nude with her shapely body having a sheen over it, her damp hair sticking to her skin. The diva strode to the marble sink, planting her hands firmly on both sides as her cleavage hung from their position. She could feel herself become wetter from just doing that which baffled her and almost shook her out of her fantasy.

Evelynn took several firm breaths, and she moved one hand down to her belly button, starting to make circular motions around her toned midriff as she let out small gasps. The action itself was enough to have more pre essence expel from her nether regions, and Evelynn closed her eyes as she began to trail her hands down to her flower. She felt the heat emitting from it, and she repeated the same action with her hands doing a circular motion. Evelynn let out a hum of satisfaction.

"Ah." She sighed.

The diva slipped her digits inside, rubbing ever-so-gently as she started to let out audible sounds of pleasure. The pace of her rubbing started to increase as her fantasy went to new levels. The diva, in a rare moment of letting her dominance slide as her mind created ever more realistic scenarios of this fantasy.

The woman's climax then began to surface, and as her smile became a grin of lust, her mind went to the next level.

"Ah... James..." She cooed.

And just like that, she stopped.

Evelynn's eyes shot open with alarm. She was staring at herself in the mirror, her position almost making her feel shameful given her now-perched leg on the counter.

However, her mind had other things in mind with her aroused state, and Evelynn pictured herself in this same position... only this time, a man was behind her, nude like she was. Chiseled body and a sharp chin with little stubble along with different colored pupils. His hands on her curvaceous figure, trailing up and down her wide hips.

Evelynn immediately got out of the position, looking at her reflection like she was guilty of murder. Evelynn looked at her coated finger, and shook her head furiously.

The woman went back into the shower, not bothering to close the door this time as she ran the water with it being cold. She stood under the chilly water as she clenched her fists.

"What the hell are you doing Evelynn?"


I hope you enjoyed it! I know the James x Akali moment would seem strange, but to me it'd be like her boost to help her become more independent and overall turn into that confident rapper we see in the video. The next chapter's not going to take as long as this one (probably) and it will probably end with... James and Evelynn in bed... playing bingo XD

Nah, but stay tuned ;)

Don't worry I'll have more of James's past revealed steadily next chapter

Reviews are most appreciated!