Hello again! I hope you're enjoying this double upload and that it makes up for my hiatus. Also I just want to say one thing, Akali is... not gay this story. I'm sorry if it disappoints you guys XD
Anyhow, hope you enjoy!
Akali had never been in a limousine before, so riding in the somewhat costumed limousine of the K/DA was beyond exciting. She was seated beside Ahri in the very back with Kai'sa occupying another seat next to them. Shen, Riven, and Vi resided in locations closest to the doors in the event an overexcited individual tried to enter. Not that that was a common occurrence, but it wasn't out of the question either. The rapper wanted to start talking about how she was feeling, but she couldn't muster the ability to. There was so much going on in her mind.
When the limousine approached the studio, Akali noticed the three bodyguards started to shift into positions that were more alert. Their sunglasses hid their eyes and when Akali noticed Ahri leaning forward to look out the window, she heard the vixen say "Oh."
"'Oh' is right. Holy shit." Vi said with a chuckle. She glanced back at Akali with a playful smirk. "You might wanna stick close to me Akali. Got a huge crowd out there."
"Even Caitlyn's out there." Riven said.
Akali didn't know who Caitlyn was, but Riven sounded like she was concerned so it made the rapper's anxiety surface.
"I think me and Riven should go first." Shen said. He gestured to the three popstars. "You three should follow up behind us with Vi and Caitlyn covering the back."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" Vi whooped, cracking her knuckles to show she was ready and hoping to pummel a crazed fan or two. Ahri and Kai'sa agreed with Akali following their choice. They weren't experienced with this kind of work.
One of the security guards of the studio opened the door, the interior of the vehicle immediately filled with the overlapping shouts and squeals from the K/DA fans outside. Akali saw a dark-haired woman peek in who she figured was Caitlyn.
"Come on let's go! She barked.
Riven and Shen quickly got out, fanning out to cover any ground before forming the front of their protective circle. Ahri and Kai'sa left with Akali leaving afterward. She didn't have time to introduce herself to Caitlyn as the Head of Security quickly moved her close to Ahri and Kai'sa. Vi closed the door with her and Caitlyn forming the other half of the circle. The circle began to move to the studio slowly with Ahri and Kai'sa waving and greeting their fans as best they could. Akali looked all over the place, the never-ending screams of praise from the fans in her eardrums as she kept up.
Despite the overlapping shouts, Akali swore she could hear a few say her name, and when she looked in the guessed direction, she found a few fans looking at her and no doubt giving her the same treatment they gave Ahri and Kai'sa. The rapper's heart felt touched despite not having released or done anything for the group yet. People who gave praise tended to vary one would guess.
She then saw the select fans hold out their hands for her to presumably shake, and Akali, seeing no harm in it, chose to reach out to live up to the gesture. The rapper shook it, but them felt a plethora of hands quickly swarm hers, and then they started to pull.
"H-Hey!" She exclaimed.
The rapper's yell mixed with the fan's cheers, but it was enough to make Vi glance over there with Caitlyn following it.
"HEY!" Vi shouted.
The pinkette quickly moved to defend her client, Caitlyn barring her teeth as she put her hands on the rapper and pulling her back. Vi meanwhile got between the tug-of-war and quickly removed the rather scrawny hands of the fans from the arm of Akali. The pinkette glowered at them before joining the moving party of bodyguards and popstars.
The group then reached the entrance of the studio where they were greeted by some staff and security personnel. They quickly got inside, closing the doors and finally blocking out the screams of their fans. Riven and Shen spaced out to cover more ground again while Ahri and Kai'sa caught their breaths from constantly shouting greetings to their fans.
"Nice work people." Caitlyn said. "Vi, excellent work on handling that little scene with Akali."
Vi smirked as usual at the praise. "Well thank you for holding her back Cupcake." She said with a wink as Caitlyn rolled her eyes.
"Wait what do you mean by scene?" Kai'sa asked.
"Ah some fans tried to pull her out of the circle when she chose to shake their hands." Caitlyn answered. "Can't say I'm surprised though."
The woman's condescending tone wasn't unnoticed by Akali who furrowed her brows. "I'm sorry who are you?"
"Oh sorry, I haven't introduced myself." Caitlyn said extending her hand. "I'm Caitlyn, Head of Security for the K/DA, and if you do that again you might not be so lucky."
Akali's look altered into a slight glare. Caitlyn returned the favor without hesitation, making Akali back down slightly.
"Hey, go easy on her Cupcake." Vi said stepping in. "She's still got a lot to learn."
"That still doesn't mean I can't inform her." Caitlyn replied, looking at Akali sternly. The rapper stopped glaring, instead becoming flustered as she felt like she was in the wrong. Caitlyn then chose to leave the group without saying a word as she was needed elsewhere. Akali looked at Vi, and then at her popstars who were looking at her too.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asked.
Kai'sa winced with a shrug before answering the question. "Well it's not so much you did something that was bad as opposed to it being oblivious to what would've likely happened."
The way Kai'sa said that made Akali feel like a child. She wasn't that oblivious to greeting fans, but she'd never had some react the way the ones outside did.
"You'd be surprised by how fans can get when you're in their proximity." Shen said. "I've seen it happen with several clients of mine in the past."
Akali pouted. "I just wanted to shake their hands."
"I know it doesn't sound like a big deal Akali, but Caitlyn is correct on the term unfortunately." Ahri said sighing. "Look don't worry about it. It's a common mistake."
Kai'sa agreed while Akali kept frowning, feeling like she'd just blown an interview or something. The rapper followed her fellow bandmates to their destination with the bodyguards keeping up.
…
Culda was twiddling her thumbs as her interior was churning non-stop. Her mind kept playing these different scenarios about what would happen if Ahri discovered she'd harassed Akali. The woman was anxious and nervous while also mildly annoyed. What did Ahri or anyone in the group know how stressful being the manager was? Having to make frequent bookings, interviews, and basically a lot of other tasks. She'd done a lot for this group, and if Ahri did find out, she wouldn't dare fire her right?
Culda heard the door of her office open, the woman flinching and immediately looking up. She thought it would be Akali, but it wasn't.
It was Evelynn.
And the diva was glowering before she even set her eyesight on Culda. The manager audibly gulped but attempted to stand her ground. James was waiting outside, choosing not to question Evelynn's reason for barging into their manager's office.
"Uh, g-good morning Evelynn." Culda stammered, her voice not in her favor. "It's very nice to see-"
"Cut the crap Culda." Snapped Evelynn. The diva stepped inside the office, closing the door without taking her eyes off the woman. "You of all people should know trying to appear welcoming doesn't fool me."
Culda sighed, her annoyance rising from her pride that remained mostly buried. "Look I'm so-"
"If you were sorry, you'd have called Ahri and told her the truth." Evelynn snapped again, Culda shrinking under the diva's intimidating stance. "Yet here you are, sitting in your own pride and arrogance."
The words stung Culda as they were undoubtably true. Alas her pride came first, and she stood up from her chair, hands balled as she did her best to match Evelynn's posture.
"I'm trying to save this group Evelynn." Culda shot back. "And if telling a young woman that this isn't all sunshine and daisy's is wrong then I don't want to be right."
"You approached her, drunk I might add, at a party we were specifically throwing for her, and had the nerve to harass her." Evelynn replied. "It's ironic how you seem to be the one who might bring this group down."
The diva smirked when seeing the rage in Culda's eyes. The manager couldn't talk back though as Evelynn's words held nothing but the truth. She was just under so much stress, but that wasn't a viable excuse. Culda just wasn't familiar with the act of apologizing.
"So, what're you gonna do?" She asked, refusing to admit she was wrong. "Are you gonna tell Ahri? Are you gonna get me fired? The person who's the best shot at bringing this group back to the top?"
Now it was Evelynn's turn to play the annoyed one, but she was much calmer in her demeanor. The woman did have a point. Until they found someone else, Culda was, unfortunately, their best bet.
"No, I won't, because that'll be up to you Culda." She said assertively. "I'm not that cruel. I have a plan to fall back on if this group doesn't survive, but I know you don't. You'll be out on the streets given your reputation."
Culda's eyes twitched with annoyance, but she was thankful, somewhat, that Evelynn wasn't going to say anything. The manager inhaled firmly, slowly sitting back down.
"Alright then." She said smoothly. "Now, if you could please leave, I'd appreciate that very much. I'm expecting Akali to be along soon and I don't wish to raise anymore suspicions or tension between us. Okay?"
Evelynn narrowed her eyes at the woman, Culda slowly leaning back into her chair as her emerald eyes were locked onto Evelynn's amber orbs. The diva finally turned around, leaving her manager alone and closing the door on her way out.
When she was back in the hall, Evelynn looked to her right to see James, but he had his back turned to her. The diva then heard a woman's whine that was fake to the average ear. Evelynn recognized some of it and she walked up beside James, seeing the busty redhead that had been flirting with him the night before.
Miss Fortune didn't notice Evelynn as she kept persuading James. "You're certainly something else Mr. Holland… maybe we could discuss this further over a drink?" She cooed.
The diva was deaf to James's reply and she grabbed his arm, drawing Miss Fortune's attention to her along with her bodyguards. Evelynn had both her hands on James's arm, silently marveled at how hard his bicep was and she rubbed it for a moment before looking at Miss Fortune challengingly.
"Mmm, James darling, is this woman bothering you?" She asked with seduction.
James looked at Evelynn, her magenta hair the only part he could see before looking at Miss Fortune who'd shifted her attention to the diva. The redhead's flirty attitude seemed to be gone, uncomfortableness filling the seat as she decided to back off. Miss Fortune smirked and spun her heel around, leaving the two when she turned a corner. Evelynn glanced up at James finally, eyes fluttering as she smiled innocently.
James felt his cheeks become warm. "Thanks…" He grumbled.
Evelynn's body filled with butterflies when he said that, and without thinking, leaned to give him a quick peck on the cheek. James jerked his head quickly, eyes wide and confound.
"Anytime darling." Evelynn whispered; her mouth still dangerously close to where she'd kissed him.
James shuddered momentarily when she whispered to him. His cheeks became warmer, and he slowly turned his head to his client who continued to smile warmly. Given that he was taller, James was allowed to see Evelynn's ample cleavage more clearly. He exhaled and slowly smiled back as the longer he looked at Evelynn's smile, the more peaceful James felt.
Evelynn's cheeks felt warm when he returned the look, and her smile twitched a little bit. Footsteps echoed off the walls and Evelynn turned around, seeing one of the studios employees wandering around. They appeared to be glad to see her with some exasperation.
"Ah Evelynn, there you are!" They said. "Ahri sent me to come find you. You're late for your promotional photoshoot. The make-up artists are getting a little impatient."
Evelynn's brow rose as her expression became playful and yet a pinch of glowering. The employee's lips compressed as his posture stilled. The diva crossed her arms in a confident stance.
"Darling, you seem to be forgetting, I don't need anyone to do my make-up." She mused. "Also, I'm not late, I'm just early for tomorrow."
The employee rolled his eyes with a closed smirk. Evelynn had a feeling the photographers and the make-up artists along with Ahri may be annoyed, but that wasn't unusual for her.
"Be a dear and tell them I'm on my way." She cooed.
The employee nodded and hastily left. Evelynn exhaled before walking, James following her with a good distance between them, but now, he seemed to be feeling a bit… different.
Evelynn's peck had, understandably, lightened James's mood. The bodyguard's view of Evelynn personality wise had done almost a 180 from this morning. The way she'd apologized and her offering to take him out for a drink to make up for it was heartwarming for him strangely. The kiss was the icing on the cake now, and James found himself looking down lower at, surprise-surprise, Evelynn's butt.
Her skirt left little to the imagination of what was underneath, and James's focus increased, the image of Evelynn laying on the floor last night flooding his mind. She was wearing a thong again today, and James swore he could make out the shape of it interfering with the skirts surface. How it was on a never-ending journey to get further between those pert, alluring cheeks.
"Fuck." He thought.
…
"Should just be down here." Vi said leading Akali through the halls.
The rapper stopped dwelling on how Caitlyn made her feel, more focused on the meeting with Culda. Akali was nervous as she didn't see Culda as the kind of woman who'd apologize without the other person giving her something in return. The rapper inhaled when they reached the door. Vi looked at Akali with a smile.
"You nervous?" She asked a little playful.
Akali huffed with a forced chuckle. "Yeah… I am."
Vi kept smiling and patted Akali's shoulder a few times. "Go show Culda what the dragon on your back stands for kiddo."
Those words made Akali feel warm with ease. She hesitated before knocking on the door.
"Come in!" Culda's voice said.
Akali opened the door, stepping into the manager's office with Culda quickly getting up. She put on a greeting smile. "Ah Akali! Nice to see you! Please, do sit." She beckoned to the chair on the other side.
"So far so good." Akali thought. She sat down as Culda did too.
The manager's smile remained, but the unspoken tension of the unresolved encounter surfaced within moments between the two women. Culda was going to speak but realized she couldn't keep that smile on with the words she was going to say. Akali saw her smile slowly disappear, Culda having on an awkward look as she played with her hair.
"Alright look, I'm uh… I'm very sorry about last night." She said, her voice lower and holding shame. "I had a lot to drink and I shouldn't have approached you like that. It was your party, and I am sorry."
Akali rose a brow while at the same time feeling relief fill her stomach. The rapper waited to see if Culda would say anything else, but the woman didn't speak. Akali was going to ask if that's why she wanted to have this meeting, but Culda beat her to it.
"Of course, that's not entirely why I wanted to see you either." Culda spoke up. Akali sunk back into her seat. Culda sighed again and stood up. "Look, Akali I'm going to be frank with you. While what I did last night was uncalled for, what I said wasn't too far from the truth."
Akali's brows rose simultaneously. The rapper's mouth parted lightly as Culda mildly grimaced. She started to walk around the desk as she kept speaking.
"The K/DA is on the decline, and at the rate we're going, this group will be done before the year is up." Culda said grimly. "I'm sure by just hearing those words you may find it odd why I was so persistent in adding you."
The rapper compressed her lips, hoping to stifle a chuckle to lighten the mood and herself, but Akali could already feel the pressure. Culda turned around to her as if she sensed it. When she saw Akali twiddling her thumbs, Culda didn't see any playfulness she'd seen the night before. While that was blatantly understandable with the present circumstance, it made Culda feel relief, nonetheless.
"Tell me Akali, when a band's failing and a few months from closing its doors, what should they do?" She asked, arms crossed in a smug posture.
Akali looked at her, trying to come up with an answer, but Culda softly laughed and dismissed it. The manager waved down any chance of a response.
"Sorry I can't expect you to answer that." She chuckled. "What do you think they should do? Give up hope? Go their separate ways and never see each other again?" She asked, giving Akali more pressure. "Or should they fight for it?"
Akali's mouth opened to speak as she had a better feeling about this question, but Culda again waved it off.
"Of course they should fight for it." She scoffed. "But the question is how do they do it? How do they make a comeback without knowing what they want?" Culda asked.
Akali's mind began to slowly pull the pieces together. Culda smiled as the girl's eyes showed wonderment.
"The answer is simple child." Culda said. "They start fresh. They start with something new. Something that will change their image and bring them back to the top 10." She said, her voice becoming less grim and more optimistic, slowly shifting to positive. "And do you know what that something is?"
Akali's eyes became mildly wide as Culda slowly grinned. The manager put her hands on the girl's shoulders, hinting her to sit up and then guiding her to the window of her office. Akali could only remain immobile as Culda's face was an inch from her left shoulder.
"It's you Akali. You are the start of the K/DA's comeback. You are the best hope for this group." Culda said, her voice emphasizing each word smoothly. "Your style, your lyrics, and most importantly, your passion for music will lead this group back to the top, starting with a hit single that will be written by you and you alone."
The rapper's heart had doubled its beat with each word Culda was saying, but when she mentioned the single with Akali writing it on her own, the girl's heart tripled its beat for a moment before abruptly stopping. She blinked a few times, hoping she'd misheard Culda, but when she felt the woman turn her chin toward her, Akali couldn't see any joking matter in Culda's eyes.
The woman was dead serious.
"W-What?" Akali asked.
Culda's grin slowly shrunk, but the manager wasn't deterred. She'd just given probably the most inspiring words she'd ever say in her life to this girl, and Culda would damn herself if she dared to ease off because of this girl's nervousness.
"Akali, you knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park, right?" She asked, mildly irritated by how Akali seemed to be letting the pressure get the better of her. Alas, Culda didn't want to push it too far. "Listen… I can understand why you feel this way, but remember, no pressure, no diamonds." She said, brows elevating to further add meaning to her words. "Pressure is a part of success, but tell me Akali, what's better? Reading 6 months from now how the group disbanded, or reading about how you were the result of one of the biggest comebacks in industry history?"
More pressure for Akali, but she'd by lying if she said she didn't care. The thought of being praised and well-known for a hit single she wrote that put the K/DA back was overwhelming and exhilarating infused with her personal promises.
"Think of the profits. The merchandise." Culda said, waving her hand outward to help Akali envision it.
For the rapper, it was partially for the profits, but for her, it was how she'd wronged everyone who doubted her, and lived up to the expectations of those who stood by her side.
That was enough to make Akali figure out what she'd say to Culda. She gave some room between the woman and turned around. Culda watched her tensely, her head titled back to possibly prepare for a refusal.
"I'm happy to start right now." She answered.
Culda kept her relief subtle, smiling leisurely as a substitute. The woman went to her desk, pressing the intercom's button. "June send Taric in please."
Akali was confused and heard the door open, veering around to see a handsome man with long, chocolate hair stepping in. She recognized him from the party.
"Ah, Miss Akali!" Taric greeted eagerly. "Nice to finally have your acquaintance!"
He extended his large hand, Akali taking it and immediately finding out that Taric's masculine appearance wasn't a façade. She returned the kindness to him. "Nice to finally meet you as well. I've heard you're uh, a fan of my jacket."
"Oh you have no idea." Taric said, his voice charming and charismatic. It made Akali feel comfortable for some strange reason. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since the party last night!"
Akali laughed in response. Culda stepped in, putting her hand on Taric's shoulder. "Akali, Taric here, as I'm sure you're aware, is probably one of the best designers I've had the pleasure of working with during my career in management. I'm going to have him be in charge of making changes to your jacket here."
The rapper's excitement diminished almost entirely when she heard Culda say that. She looked at the manager, mouth open to ask the simplest of questions, but it was difficult for her.
"What?"
Culda heard the displeasure in Akali's voice; something she loathed in this industry. She didn't want to make a scene in front of Taric, however.
"W-Well I… see, what I meant is that…" Culda stammered.
The two women heard the hearty laugh from Taric, and the man chose to wave Culda down a bit, the woman's brow quirking as she crossed her arms.
"No, no, no, not like that." Taric said reassuringly. "What Culda means is we are going to add changes to your jacket without compromising anything that would affect what your aunt made."
Akali still wasn't convinced. Luckily, Taric could see it within her.
"Don't worry we're going to put together something that's excellent." He said. "What I have planned will involve the use of blacklights. You like those, no?"
Akali lit up briefly. She nodded like a child and earnt a chuckle from the man.
"Well I have a hunch you'll like what I have planned for you. Would you like to discuss it in a more comfortable environment?" He asked, knowing that'd get a reaction out of Culda even though he didn't do it purposely. "I just find it a little stuffy in here. We need a more relaxing and casual environment to talk in. Assuming you're up for it."
Akali smirked. Of course she was up for it. "Lead the way Taric."
…
James was standing on the left side of the door with Riven opposite of him. He'd looked around the room that was filled with several leather couches, wardrobes with countless shirts on hangers. At the far end of the room was where most of the staff had gone to, including Shen as Ahri wished to have him close by. This left James and Riven doing routine checkups of the unoccupied side they were on. To the common ear, a photoshoot didn't sound like a big deal, and to a bodyguard it was just another day on the job.
For James it wasn't that.
When the man routinely looked over to the far side, he checked to see if Evelynn was almost ready or about to do her photoshoot. He could feel his cheeks catch fire when he heard the photographer inform that the diva was almost ready, and James glanced over to see Evelynn putting on her make-up with her full attire worn.
James couldn't look away when Evelynn stood up, the curve of her rear visible to his eyes with the distance not changing the ability to make it out.
"Stop." He muttered.
"What's that?" Riven asked.
"Oh uh, sorry, talking to myself." James said, not looking at the woman.
Riven let out a single laugh. She glanced down at the on-going photoshoot that had just finished with Kai'sa's. Riven looked back at James who was looking a little right of where she'd been looking. The woman remained oblivious that he was looking at Evelynn.
"So how do you like it so far?"
James took a moment to answer the question as he snapped out of his gawking. He looked at Riven a moment later. "Like what?"
"This." Riven said, gesturing her hands apart to refer to the room. "Being a bodyguard?"
"Oh." James replied. "Well, it's certainly something I couldn't have seen myself doing when I was younger, but honestly it's opened up some new doors for me."
Riven took an interest in this. She leaned in a little. "Like what?"
James shrugged. "Well, when I was younger, I always had this mindset that being a celebrity meant you had an easy life or something. That you've got this kind of personality by the way you look and stuff. But in the incredibly short time I've been a bodyguard up to this point, I've learned that underneath the façade that most people paint celebrities with, they're an entirely different person." He explained.
Riven nodded with a pensive look. She glanced back at Evelynn who was in the middle of her photoshoot, doing poses that would make anyone feel warm. The woman smirked and looked at James again. "And you learned that from her?" She joked.
James stared in Riven's direction, his mind on autopilot before it figured out who she was referring to.
That was a mistake.
His eyes made everything but Evelynn blurry, and James saw the diva in a side-pose. Her hips were thrust mildly forward, allowing the curve of her buttocks stand out more than it already did. Her back was arched, allowing the shape of her neck to be seen clearer as well along with her ample chest puffed out mildly, Evelynn's right hand on her head and hidden as her left hand traced the thigh closest to the camera.
And then Evelynn just had to put her hand on her ass.
"Hello? Earth to James?" Riven asked.
James blinked into reality, softly sighing and shuddering.
"You feeling alright?" Riven asked.
The man slowly nodded to hopefully end this conversation. When she resumed her routine inspection of the room, James realized how warm he felt inside, and worst yet, at his waist.
What the hell was going on?"
…
"Yo, Taric! I'm sorry I missed you at the party last night!" Vi exclaimed as she followed behind Taric and Akali through the studio's halls.
Taric laughed at the woman's words. "Don't fret it Vi. I'm more disappointed that I didn't see Caitlyn there. It's always a treat to see the two of you out and about."
Vi grinned at his words and nudged him in a friendly manner. The trio finally arrived at a door with the word "Lounge" implanted above in the wall. Akali's brow rose with interest before Taric opened the door, revealing a lounge that, unknown to Akali, was the first place where James and Evelynn happened to meet.
The only difference is there was a bartender currently on-duty.
"I've got a feeling you'll be spending a lot of time here for the next little while Akali." Vi snickered. "It'll probably be the best way to cope with all the stress." She joked.
Akali rolled her eyes while hoping Vi's words wouldn't be true.
"Now that you mention it Vi, a drink does sound nice." Taric said. "I always did enjoy talking business over a drink or two. I don't think you'd want to have one, right?" He asked Akali who nodded in return.
"Oh come on Akali!" Vi said looping an arm around the rapper. "It'll be your first drink as a pop-star!"
Once again Akali's eyes rolled. She'd just have a glass of water, but she offered to order it for Taric as a small return for his kindness toward her and her attire. The man said he'd take a simple drink; Classic Margarita.
Akali paced toward the bar, the bartenders back turned as he rummaged and sorted liquor bottles. She cleared her throat before speaking which got his attention. When he turned around, Akali immediately became dumbstruck. His handsome, clean face put a spell under Akali that didn't allow her to speak properly.
"Oh, hello again." Kayn said, his lips immediately turned into a smirk when he saw her. It was déjà vu all over again for Akali, minus her not spitting anything on the man. He crossed his arms with a playful smile now, Akali's nose threatening to spill blood. "How pleasant to see you so soon."
Akali was still under effect from Kayn's presence. Her brain was screaming to stop blushing and speak English, but it was impossible.
"Uh, you can talk right?" Kayn asked, narrowing his eyes while holding that smile. Akali was sweating now, looking away from him. "Or are my eyes still dreamy?" He asked teasingly.
That made Akali huff and she finally looked back at him, taking a deep breath that was shakier than ever. Kayn actually felt his cheeks become a little warm as she kept looking at him. She looked adorable right now all flustered.
"Why are you here?!" She said, not intending to sound loud. It made Kayn laugh a little.
"I work here." He replied smoothly. "Do you really think the K/DA would have me as a bartender for their parties if I wasn't here?"
Akali only pouted.
"Um uh, I'm not sure if we've been properly introduced." Kayn said, now feeling a little flustered himself. "I'm Kayn." He extended his hand.
Akali could see he was blushing a bit now and it made her feel less embarrassed. "Um, I'm uh, I'm Akali." She said slowly. The rapper took his hand and shook, feeling how warm his touch felt. The hand-shake strangely put Akali's mind into a hive of inappropriate thoughts. She blinked herself out of that, realizing that she was still shaking Kayn's hand longer than usual. "Oh I'm sorry!"
Kayn smirked with an amused huff. "Don't worry about it. So long as you don't mind not spitting your drink all over the bar again." He teased.
Akali's body flooded with embarrassment. She took another breath, finally ready to uphold the reason why she was here. "Can I get a Classic Margarita… and a tap water?"
Kayn's brow rose with his smirk. "Of course you can. I'm assuming the tap water is for you?" Akali nodded and Kayn got the glassware. "That's good to hear. I'd hate to see such a pretty girl have a drink this early. Easy to become a bad habit in my opinion."
The rapper's eyes widened when hearing the 6-lettered word leave his lips. To have someone handsome like Kayn say she's pretty even if it was a light compliment made Akali's inside swirl with butterflies. Akali's face turned redder as she drifted off to space.
"Ay Kayn!" Vi's voice said. The interruption got Akali out of her daydreaming and into reality. She looked right to see Vi leaning against the counter, smiling at Kayn who poured the finished Margarita into a glass, topping it with a lime. "Didn't think you were in today! Riven's gonna be disappointed to see you here instead of Maddoc."
"He called in this morning; got the flu or something." Kayn answered. He looked at Akali for a moment. "At least she seems happy to see me." He said gesturing to Akali.
Vi had momentarily forgotten Akali mentioning how she, presumably, had a crush on Kayn. Regardless, the bodyguard drew to the conclusion that she did based on Akali's face being a tomato. Vi put her hand on Akali's shoulder, getting the girls attention.
"Akali I think Taric would like to have his drink and get right down to business. Don't wanna keep him waiting any longer eh?" She said, lying through her teeth.
The rapper was at a loss for words, but Vi's words were true. Taking both glasses in her hand, she tried to give a farewell to Kayn, but failed miserably. She walked away, not daring to look back as Vi started to have a little talk with Kayn. Akali's stomach no longer had butterflies, instead it only churned with regret and embarrassment. She sat opposite of Taric in one of the several unoccupied tables. The man thanked her for the drink but noticed her gloomy expression.
"Why so down?" He asked.
"It's uh… it's nothing." Akali muttered, not wanting to look at anyone until her face stopped being red.
"Oh come now, you can tell me." Taric said warmly.
Akali still didn't talk, but she heard some approaching footsteps and looked up to see Vi standing beside her, a glass of water in her hand. Her friendly smirk was on and Akali's brows furrowed.
"What?" She asked.
Vi chuckled, putting a small note beside Akali's drink. "Anytime you wanna find Kayn, just give him a call. I got him to write his number on there." She said, tapping the note with amusement in her voice.
Akali was taken aback and grateful she wasn't drinking her water at that very moment. Vi's smirk turned into a grin as she gave her a wink and walked to a better location where she had a view of the room and her client. The rapper looked back at Kayn who'd resumed his checking of inventory, then at the note. She took it and placed it in her pocket.
"Well, that's what I call a true bodyguard." Taric's voice said, amused like Vi's. The ninja's face turned blood-red as she looked at Taric who was smirking. "Protects you and sets you up with a handsome stud like Kayn."
"I d-!" Akali exclaimed. "It's not like that! I haven't even known him for 24 hours!" She huffed.
Taric laughed heartily. "That's the beauty of young love. It's always at first sight."
…
The remainder of the day went smoothly without any incidents. Akali found herself spending the whole afternoon in the lounge with Taric, discussing his design plans for her K/DA outfit. During their meeting, Sarah Fortune chose to join them, telling Akali that she, like Taric, albeit in terms of visuals and scenes, had a scene in her head that she'd been thinking non-stop about ever since Culda asked for her services. The rapper rose a brow at the mention of it being on a subway, but Sarah said it would all come together perfectly.
Akali would've been more focused if she didn't glance back at Kayn every five minutes during that time.
For the original trio of the K/DA, things were rather… relaxing oddly enough. Ahri thought they'd have a busy day with Culda calling them in, but it seemed like the manager had exaggerated on that. Maybe she meant it'd be a busy day for Akali.
Nonetheless, Ahri wasn't complaining either. The photoshoot had taken hours upon hours to complete with the photographers doing re-shoots left right and center. Repetitive, but it's gotta be done.
Of course, the word relaxing couldn't be applied to the bodyguards of the three, or to be more accurate, one of them.
James's mind didn't listen to him. In fact, from what it was doing, he felt like his mind was giving him the finger.
The man hadn't been able to stop thinking about Evelynn in the most unclean ways. He knew her figure well before this started, but now he couldn't stop going deeper into the more unprofessional thoughts.
And why was this happening now? Why did he have this attraction to Evelynn all of a sudden? Because she showed him a gentler, charitable side of her? It didn't really make any sense to him. On one hand he knew how much of a pain in the ass she was, but on the other hand, the facts about her weren't wrong. She had a nice side to her, and James always had a knack for those.
He considered canceling her offer about going out for drinks, but James knew she wouldn't accept that without a fight, and he wasn't in the mood for it.
The popstars and their bodyguards paced through the studio that'd become less busy with the employee's hours up. Less than half of the staff had gone home and allowed the group to walk through halls easier. Ahri and Shen were up front with James and Evelynn in the back.
"Well I'd say that was a very, very successful promotion shoot." Ahri said.
"Except we'll have to do it all over again once Akali finally gets her outfit ready." Kai'sa groaned.
"Kai'sa darling, I thought you knew how repetitive photoshoots can be. I'm sure even our little kitten Akali would know that." Evelynn said.
Kai'sa pouted when being corrected. She stuck her tongue out at Evelynn before smiling.
"Wonder how she's handling her first day here." Riven wondered.
James, whose mind was still being uncooperative with him, realized that he hadn't thought once about Akali. How she'd be doing the first day on her road to stardom didn't cross him once. He hoped she was alright for the most part.
"If there was anything amiss, I'm sure we'd know about it." Kai'sa said. "But if it didn't work out, at least she's got her brother Holland here to make it all better!" She said with glee.
James only smiled with a shrug. He'd be doing that for years with her and he'd have no problem with it now. Only thing was…
"That reminds me darling." Evelynn interjected. "I forgot to tell you all; tonight I'll be taking James out for a few drinks."
Everyone, including Shen, stopped when hearing those words. Eyes fell on Evelynn, small appalment in them with unique reactions as well. Ahri's brow rose as she eyed the diva suspiciously. Evelynn shrugged it off easily with a scoff.
"And why exactly are you doing that?" Ahri asked, putting up a little barrier as opposed to this morning.
"Because I'd like to show him the nightlife of a celebrity." Evelynn answered calmly. "I'm sure you can understand why. Nightclubs are where having a bodyguard truly shines if you ask me." She reasoned. "So why not give him the hands-on experience?"
Ahri's eyes narrowed with Kai'sa copying her motions. The leader was far more skeptical of this request but at the same time kind of believed her friend. Evelynn showed no intent to do what she tried to do with James in the studio not long ago. Ahri sighed in a reluctant defeat.
"Alright. I can't see any harm in that." She said. "Just try not to drink too much okay?"
Evelynn rolled her eyes while also showing some appreciation for Ahri's concern. The diva turned to James who looked down immediately.
"Come." She said with a gesture.
James let Evelynn walk past him, giving the four people a look before turning around to follow his client. His heart began to beat quicker now, being left alone with Evelynn who remained in front.
"Is that really the reason why?" He asked, Evelynn's head turning so she could see him in hindsight. She smirked as she corrected it.
"Would you prefer to tell them the reason why I'm doing it?" She asked. "For it to be an apology for almost giving you the time of your life last night?"
Those words made James's cheeks blood red; Evelynn unaware of what her words did to him.
"No I would not." He grumbled.
"Good." Evelynn replied. Her smile began to shudder a bit as saying the words about last night herself made Evelynn's stomach feel warm mixed with a churn.
And once again, those foreign feelings came up.
…
Akali was huffing audibly as her mind was in complete disarray of excitement. She appeared exhausted, but she was the opposite on the inside. She was beyond ecstatic about what she and Taric had discussed in a few hours. The rapper didn't know where to start, but she'd be sure to tell everyone about it, especially James.
"You alright there, kiddo?" Vi asked keeping her distance and pace with Akali. "You seem exhausted."
Akali glanced back at her bodyguard, Vi's smirk fully shown for the infectious ability it had to make others smirk back.
"I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind from what me and Taric talked about." Akali answered.
Vi laughed gently. "He's a good guy, isn't he?" She asked, knowing that Akali was nervous about what he planned to do with her jacket before she found out. "Are what you guys discussed a good thing? I didn't really pay attention as I was more focused on counting how many times you looked at Kayn." Vi grinned.
Akali's face became warm, but she didn't dare give Vi the reaction she was baiting. Regardless Vi laughed and put her arm on Akali's shoulder. "You're welcome by the way." She winked.
The rapper pouted, but deep down was eternally grateful for Vi's assistance. "Thank you…" She mumbled.
They turned a few more left and right corners before meeting with their colleagues. Akali was greeted immediately by her bandmates with Kai'sa approaching to ask the obvious question.
"So… how was your first day as a popstar Akali?" She asked, eager to find out with sincerity.
Akali had no idea where to begin, but before she could even speak, she realized that, yet again, James was nowhere to be seen. This diminished her excitement immediately, but only by a small amount. As if Kai'sa saw it within her, she answered Akali's unspoken question.
"If you're looking for James, he's with Evelynn. She's going to take him out for a drink or two, get the experience a bodyguard would have in his client's situation basically." Kai'sa said.
And just like that, Akali's excitement crumbled even more. The rapper's smile disappeared, and it wasn't unnoticed by her bandmates or their bodyguards. Kai'sa's brows puckered as she leaned closer.
"Everything okay?" She asked.
Akali's stomach contradicted what she knew she'd say. It would seem and sound silly, but without James around, Akali no longer felt the urge to share the details on what she and Taric talked about. She knew she should be happy and excited, but not having him here, along with knowing he was spending time with Evelynn, made Akali feel empty.
…
Many Years Ago
The trio had trekked from the sight of the brutal, but short brawl. It wasn't exactly a brawl per say, more of a beating for Sejuani's gang. Ekko had on this smug smirk as Vi checked to see if she was bleeding anywhere. James was the opposite of Ekko, albeit his expression wasn't a complete scowl, he wasn't feeling as enthusiastic.
"I almost wish I could've been the one to handle Tryndamere." Vi commented. "Can't count the number of times I've wanted to send my fist into that stupid smile of his."
"It probably should have been you." Ekko replied. He looked over the shoulder at James. "I'm pleased to see you've still got it James."
James looked at Ekko for only a moment, a glare on before looking down. Ekko didn't need to ask about the resentment he felt from James. He snickered.
"Look just because you didn't get to spend all night with your little sister doesn't mean you have to be a downer." Ekko said. "If anything, you should be glad. A change on one's routine is good!"
James didn't respond. He was already ticked with Ekko before the fight, and with the discovery of Sejuani's group now making the use of hextech guns, James felt his anger surge further.
"Did you know?" He asked.
Ekko glanced back at James. "Know what?"
"That they use guns now?"
Ekko stopped walking, looking over his shoulder at James who returned the favor with more emotion. His hands were at his sides, mildly balled into fists. Ekko's brow rose and he sighed. Vi watched the two carefully.
"How would I know if they did?" Ekko asked.
"That's not the point." James snapped back. "The point is whether you knew they had guns, or not." He growled this time.
The young boy heeded a chuckle, crossing his arms to appear more casual. He clicked his tongue. "Well I might've possessed some knowledge, but I personally see no harm in it."
"No harm in it?" James repeated, his voice shock and anger. "Ekko, I think you'd know how deadly it is for a gang to possess even a single gun in Zaun right?"
"Only if they know how to use it." Ekko replied. "And I'm fairly certain they didn't do that tonight." He snickered.
"You're missing the point." James growled.
Ekko's smugness went away. He stepped toward James, Vi getting closer in the event she'd have to break something up.
"No James, you're missing the point." Ekko stated. "Have you realized how much you've changed in the last few years? You used to have this desire for danger! You used to be like Vi here! The mere mention of a gang having guns wouldn't even make you churn. And now look at you." He said. "Terrified to the bone of such a weapon. It's almost funny to me."
The next thing Ekko felt was his shirt get grabbed by James's hands, the young man too quick for Vi to stop him and James slammed Ekko against a brick wall.
"Yeah funny. Real fucking funny huh?!" James snarled, his body hot with hostility toward the person he had against the wall.
"Hey, hey! That's enough!" Vi exclaimed, coming between the two boys and breaking it up. Ekko remained against the wall, shocked by James's actions while James held that voluptuously resentment toward him. He probably would've attacked Ekko if Vi wasn't in front of him. "Guys… calm down. Alright?" She soothed.
Ekko wanted to rile James up even more now, not approving of his behavior, but the look Vi gave him kept his mouth shut. Despite her loyalty to Ekko, the boy knew she'd always have more to James. Ekko sighed and chose to stand down.
"I'll talk to you later." He said, only acknowledging Vi before choosing to walk into an alley and out of their sight. Vi kept watching where Ekko had vanished to before putting her focus on James. Her sternness turned to compassion that was rare, Vi brushing James's arm and patting his shoulder. "You good?" She asked.
James exhaled, wiping his hand across his face with a sigh. "I think you know I'm not." He replied.
Vi put on a sad smile. "James, you know I understand right?" She asked. James solemnly nodded. "But even if you're having a personal issue, that's not a reason to attack someone else who's just trying to help."
James gave Vi a stunned glare. "You call what he's saying help?"
Vi realized her mistake and laughed a little. "That came out wrong. What I meant is-"
"I know what you meant." James said waving her off. He sat down on the sidewalk, Vi taking a seat beside him to loop an arm around his shoulder, pulling him closer to her. They didn't say anything as the ambiance did the talking. Eventually, James broke the ice.
"I need to get her out of here Vi." He glumly said. "I need to get her out of Zaun. I have to."
Vi sighed. She loosened the hold on him but didn't pull away fully. "I know how important she is to you James, and I fully support your choice for wanting to get her out of this hellhole."
"Then why don't you come with us?" James asked immediately after Vi spoke like he'd been wanting to say that for years. The pinkette's mouth gaped, but she closed it firmly. She looked away. "Vi, me, you, and Jani; we could get out of this hellhole if we worked together."
Vi sighed. "And what if we did James?" She asked, sounding irritated now. "What if we did make it out of here? What then would we do? How would we survive? And I'm not talking about living on our own, because I do that myself and you're basically raising your sister. How would we afford it without resorting to our old ways? I'm assuming you'd want to raise Jani without having to steal."
James lowered his head at her words. Vi had a point. He hadn't really thought that far ahead yet. Sure he'd been saving up money for a while now, but that would barely get them through a year in a place other than Zaun.
"I d-… I don't know…" James sighed.
Vi did the same, patting his back. She looked around before pinching the back of his neck to get his attention. "Look, it's late James. We're both tired, and the encounter with Tryndamere didn't help one bit. Why don't you go home and rest? Be with Jani you know?" She advised, smiling sweetly.
James agreed, and it made him feel better honestly. Vi always knew what to say. He nodded and Vi smirked, the two sharing a tight embrace before getting up. James waved Vi goodbye as he began to walk home, hands shoved in his pocket.
…
The sun was setting as the city lights began to gleam and glow. A familiar pink Lamborghini was speeding through the streets, passing cars whenever it had the chance. The driver had a confident smirk with her amber eyes locked on the road as her passenger held onto the grab handle.
After about five more minutes of this driving, the vehicle approached a high-end looking nightclub that was called "Rift's Dome", every word illuminated so you could see it from the farthest location. The outside was filled with a seemingly never-ending line-up of party-goers ready to have some fun, the club's security the only obstacle.
Luckily for the pair in the pink Lamborghini, they didn't need to wait. The car stopped in front of a VIP section of the club's exterior which wasn't out of sight of the lineup. A woman stepped out of the driver's seat; amber orbs free to gaze upon the night sky that'd become filled with lights from the city. From the passenger seat, a well-dressed man with a handsome jawline and scruff emerged. He glanced around, taking in the various sights and sounds occurring not ten feet away!
James felt out of his element immediately leaving the car. He wasn't foreign to being at nightclubs, he just didn't like them that much. The man remembered the amount of times he'd seen a fight break out or overall just get harassed by some drunk. He was still in his outfit, except his jacket was unbuttoned to let some form of casualness overtake his appearance.
"You scared darling?" Evelynn's voice seeped.
James flinched from the close proximity, taking in the diva's perfumed scent. He turned his head to see her closer than expected to him. James then realized that her chest as partially contacting his back and arm. To make matters worse, the lighting of the club and the setting of the outside put Evelynn in a colored spotlight he'd seen with her only one other time in; at the studio.
"Shit." He mumbled.
"What was that darling?" Evelynn asked. "Are you really, really scared?" She teased. "I'll hold your hand if you want."
That made him snort while meekly annoying him too. James didn't get to reply as Evelynn grabbed his arm, and he couldn't find the ability to yank his hand from hers. The diva led her bodyguard, ironically, into the club. Along the way, they got some surprised looks from the handful of people that recognized Evelynn. The diva wasn't ignorant of that, and she felt her cheeks become warm lightly.
James was like a lost puppy, having no idea why his mind turned into a vegetable as he was guided through the halls until reaching the main room where a rhythmic beat of techno music was originating from. There were flashes of lights happening outside the entryway and when they entered in, James blinked a few times from the abrupt lighting.
The floor was filled with dozens upon dozens of party-goers, dancing to the irresistible tune that the DJ was responsible for. There were two bars located in the room along with several occupied booths.
Despite all the ongoing activities around him, James's mind oddly focused on only one thing.
Evelynn was still holding his hand, and it'd become tighter.
"Come James darling." Evelynn softly ordered.
He was pulled against his own will, and James registered that Evelynn was leading them to a flight of stairs. He looked at the second floor, taking note of its prestigious appearance.
"No way." Were the only words he could come to.
"Way." Evelynn replied smoothly, tugging James's arm as he followed her in an airhead fashion.
The diva was oblivious to James's current state, but she herself was in a sort of similar situation. Her hand holding his started off as a playful option, but strangely enough, holding his hand for this prolonged period was weird to Evelynn… in a warm way.
When reaching the second floor, James could see more booths, but they were far more high-end looking than the ones on the main floor. Only a few were occupied by patrons who raised their glasses when seeing Evelynn. The diva smiled as a reply and waved at them while passing. She led him to a booth that had an overview of the dance floor, and that's where she finally let go of his hand.
James sat in the booth opposite of Evelynn who kept her eyes on him. The man still seemed to be a bit uncomfortable, and it made Evelynn smirk.
"You know darling, if you're going to be scared of being in a nightclub, perhaps I'll have to be your bodyguard." She teased.
This earned a brow from James with a little scowl. Evelynn smiled this time as James grumbled.
"Is there really anything wrong with feeling like you're out of your element here?" James asked, leaning back.
Evelynn playfully pouted. "Aww, you really are scared." She cooed.
The man rolled his eyes. James started to remember why he didn't really like Evelynn in the first place. She could be annoying at times and even downright bitchy. Funnily enough, James was relieved to figure that out. He didn't seem to be feeling the way he did earlier.
A young looking woman walked up to their booth, her outfit similar to what James and Vi and worn at last night's party. Evelynn smiled sweetly at her.
"Evelynn! Welcome back!" The woman greeted. "Been quite some time since we've had you here!" She said before looking at James. Her expression became one of sultry shock. "And you've brought a very, very handsome friend."
James blankly looked at the server while Evelynn's breathing turned heavy for a moment. The waitress was no doubt checking James out, but she looked back at Evelynn.
"So what can I get for you Evelynn? The usual?" The waitress asked.
Evelynn chose to scoff with a nod. The girl thanked them with a smile before leaving. This left James alone with Evelynn, the man not sure of what to say or do. Eventually, James started with the basic icebreaker.
"What's the usual?" He asked.
Evelynn grinned this time, James glowering at her in return. "I hope you can hold your liquor darling. I never did get to see how much you drank last night, but you seemed to be almost as drunk as me." She said.
James let out a stiff chuckle. Evelynn leaned forward, her chin on her entwined hands as she sultrily smiled at her bodyguard. James rose a brow. "What?"
"Is this enough to make you forgive me for last night?" She asked, leaning back to gesture to the nightclub's interior. "Or are you still mad?"
"I stopped being mad when you apologized this morning." James snorted.
"Oh?" Evelynn said. "So all it takes to earn your forgiveness is to simply apologize?" She asked. James narrowed his eyes as Evelynn giggled. "I do suppose it'd be hard to stay mad at a woman like me."
The man shook his head with a heady laugh. "You've got quite the ego it seems."
"I thought you learned that the first night we met." Evelynn replied.
James laughed this time and Evelynn did too. The server finally returned with a tray consisting of mojito mix, a bottle of tequila with a few mixing ingredients. The man felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and he took it out. He opened it to see there was a message from Akali. He meekly smiled and opened the message.
Akali: Hi 😊
James began to type back.
James: Hey you. How was your first day as a popstar?
Akali: Overwhelming, and I mean REALLY overwhelming. I was going to tell you about it, but you weren't around
James mildly frowned. His brows knitted as he slowly typed back, thinking about his words.
James: Yeah that's my bad haha. I forgot to mention that Evelynn was taking me out for drinks tonight. I'd love to hear about it tomorrow! 😊
After that, James was greeted with the icon of the other person typing, but it seemed to stop for several moments, then it started up again, then stopped. James felt his stomach roll for some reason at this. Then, Akali finally answered.
Akali: I'd like that
James exhaled with relief. He never did enjoy it when people were writing a prolonged text, and while Akali's answer was short, James eased down.
"Don't get too comfortable now darling." Evelynn's voice cooed.
James shifted his attention to Evelynn, the diva having two mojitos in her hand with one extended to him. James almost smiled when given the kind gesture and he took it.
"So who were you texting?" Evelynn asked, her eyes fixed on him as she drank.
"Akali." James answered, seeing no harm in it.
Evelynn hummed. She took another sip of her drink, and James mirrored it, though he twitched a little after tasting it. The diva giggled softly.
"So, aren't you going to tell me about yourself?" She asked.
James only looked at her. His fingers tapped the drink one at a time before raising it to his mouth. "I thought you said this wasn't a date."
Evelynn snorted as James drank. "Darling, you do know that women asking you a question doesn't automatically mean they want to get with you."
"I know, but given the circumstance and your reason for this, I see no harm in making a little joke." James replied. Evelynn smirked deviously at his playfulness. James figured he could give Evelynn a detail or two about himself. "Well, I'll keep it simple; born and raised in Zaun, got the hell out of there. The end." He said sarcastically.
Evelynn was going to ask for more, but the mention of Zaun made her brows rise. "Oh, Zaun you say? Were you the leader of a fearful gang of killers?" She teased.
James's hand froze when she asked that. She obviously meant it in a sarcastic demeanor from the smirk and head-tilt. James played it cool, snorting and gulping down more. "I think we both know I wouldn't be here if I really was." He said.
"I don't know about that dear." Evelynn purred. "To be honest, I feel rather frightened now, sitting here with a possible killer and all!" She exclaimed, her mouth an "O" with her hand covering up half.
James gave Evelynn an exasperated stare, the diva laughing at her own humor. "Oh come now darling, don't turn into a grumpy prude like this morning."
He shook his head as he blinked a few times like he couldn't believe this woman. She could turn from sweet to pain-in-the-ass just like that. Well, she wasn't exactly being a pain right now, perhaps James just didn't like how she seemed to laugh at everything he said. James took another drink and realized that he'd finished the glass. Evelynn was quick to take action.
"Allow me darling." She said snatching the glass from him. James could do nothing but watch her make him a mojito. This puzzled him for some strange reason, and when she offered him the glass, he chose to drink it after saying "Thanks".
The man choked on his drink when it went down his throat, and he coughed a bit with some of the drink spilling out. James sputtered a few moments before his breathing returned to normal. He winced, and then looked at Evelynn who was giggling.
"What was that?" He asked, not amused at all.
Evelynn burst out laughing. "I made more than half the drink Tequila James! I'm sorry I couldn't resist!"
James groaned. "And why did you do that?"
The diva wiped away a tear of hers from the constant laughing. She eventually calmed down. "Because I heard that Zaunites love their liquor." She teased.
For a moment, James looked like he wanted to stab her, but that faded away immediately. His smirk grew more confident, and he took the glass that would make him very, very buzzed in a matter of moments. James made sure Evelynn was watching him, and with a sigh, he brought the glass to his lips, rearing his head back and chugged it all down in one fell swoop.
Evelynn's brows went higher than normal, her eyes wide with shock and her smirk becoming a grin. James set the glass down, twitching and wincing from the intake of the alcohol, but he didn't choke on it.
The diva returned to her smirk, and she daintily took James's glass, refilling it again with the same amount of Tequila most likely.
The two conversed for a while, both laughing with their banter and appearing to enjoy the other one's company immensely. With James being more inebriated, he was less annoyed whenever Evelynn would crack a joke with him, and Evelynn was a bit tipsy too. After James told a joke that made the diva laugh harder than when she overpoured his drink, Evelynn got an idea. She stood up from the booth, walking to the railing to look at the dance floor of the club. James followed her out of curiosity, the diva glancing at him to find her closer than expected. She quickly ignored that and put her hand atop his. James looked over as predicted.
"Care to dance?" She asked, smirk sultry with her buzz.
Her words were inviting, and with James's alcohol consumption, he felt his cheeks grow warm. Evelynn took it as a sign of his state, and she gestured down when he didn't answer. James compressed his lips before slowly shaking.
"I'm uh, I'm not really a dancer." He said.
Evelynn laughed. "It's okay darling! I'll be with you every step of the way!"
With that, the diva grabbed his arm and pulled. James was no one to resist her wishes despite the anxiety of dancing. When they walked down the stairs, James glanced at the dance floor to see what moves from the guests he could mimic. He really didn't wanna dance, but Evelynn's persistence overshadowed that.
The diva kept her hand on James until they were on the dance floor, and immediately James's hesitation surfaced. Evelynn didn't notice he remained behind and some guests on the floor made room for her.
James remained a fair distance from the diva who wasted no time beginning her dance. He considered walking away right there, but when the woman started to work her magic, James was a standstill.
Evelynn twisted those shapely hips of hers, and soon enough she was a unique sight on the floor. Some patrons stopped dancing to watch her, and Evelynn garnered the attention. The diva hands pressed against her scalp, continuing to twist those hips and work those thighs.
James didn't know what'd gotten into him.
When Evelynn looked in his direction, she frowned for a moment before mixing her dancing with signals for him to come to her. She beckoned with her index finger, smirking alluringly, and James couldn't stop what he did next. He walked toward her, and Evelynn met him more than half-way, pulling him into a close equal to when he'd lifted her in the garage the other day.
"Come on darling! Don't be a prude!" Evelynn whooped.
James lightheartedly laughed, giving some room from her as Evelynn resumed her dancing, albeit her gaze remained on him. The man felt rather inspired by the diva's attention, and without realizing it, he found the anxiety of dancing go down the drain.
He couldn't describe it, let alone his brain being able to comprehend why he was feeling this way. James never was an outgoing person, even when drunk. But with Evelynn, he didn't feel like that person. The woman was a mystery, and through his dancing, James felt himself wanting to get closer to her.
Coincidentally, Evelynn felt the same way, but only in terms of getting closer. She and James started to close the distance, dancing all the while before they finally met.
Evelynn put her hands on James's waist, still performing her moves. James flinched at the touch, but that wasn't noticed from the never-ending movements. James and Evelynn's eyes met, and the diva smiled before she began to turn around, still dancing as James started to feel warm, his heart racing at triple the speed!
Who was this woman? Why was she so hot and cold with him?
"Come on, get down with me!" Evelynn exclaimed.
The two of them now faced the same direction, and James could feel Evelynn's rump inches away from his waist. The man's mind screamed not to look down, but that was hopeless. He gave one look at her butt, and without giving it a thought, James moved his hands down to Evelynn's hips, the diva feeling it but not minding in the slightest either.
Then, James's hands went to her abdomen, and he pulled her closer.
Evelynn gasped as she was spooned into him, her rear on his waist with her nape against his chin. The diva wanted to say something with this new territory, but the thought of that made her stomach churn.
What the fuck was she doing?
The diva started to grind against James's waist, her hands going down where he had her abdomen and pressing them firmly over, giving him the message not to let go.
"What's gotten into you Evelynn?" She thought. "What're you doing?"
The two of them moved as one now, looking like a couple as Evelynn began to feel her dancing falter. James's warm, strong hands over her stomach were so comforting, and his exhales topped it off. His embrace grew more relaxed.
James's mind was in a frenzy. He had no idea what he was doing or why he was doing it. He had Evelynn's plump ass against his waist, his hands on her toned torso, and his nostrils were flooded with her scent.
He felt uncomfortable.
His body was hot, but not the way it was this morning. James felt his pants grow tighter and tighter, and he began to silently panic.
Evelynn was enamored with James holding her. He felt like a brick wall she could lean against for hours. The diva then felt something press against her backside, and she froze for a moment.
The amber-eyed beauty's head faltered from its position, and James figured out why. His heart threatened to explode out of his chest, and when Evelynn turned her head to look at him, he froze as well.
They both looked at one another, expressions stoic for a change, the only sound being heard were their rapid heartbeats.
Evelynn leaned closer, and James did too.
A mutual, soft kiss happened. It was short-lived, but Evelynn found herself desiring more. She leaned further this time, kissing James who returned it with equal effort. Their dancing began to slow down as their attention became focused on exploring the other one's mouth. James let go of Evelynn's stomach, cupping her chin as Evelynn ran her hands up James's broad shoulders.
Soon, Evelynn's thoughts of how crazy this was, went out the door, replaced with desires she wasn't foreign to this time. James didn't know what he was doing, or why he was doing it, but at this very moment, his mind focused on one thing; Evelynn.
Without saying a word, Evelynn ended their make-out session, pulling James like a puppy as her interior was overwhelmed with desires she needed to be quenched.
The only words Evelynn spoke was the insistence that she could drive. She got in the driver's seat of her Lamborghini, and James sat silently in the passenger seat.
She didn't know where to go, but one thing was for certain;
Somewhere private.
…
Many Years Ago
The young man returned to his house, opening the door and closing it after with a lock. He braced himself against it, letting out an exhale of minor frustration and exhaustion.
James rubbed his eyes before walking into the kitchen, turning on the light and checking the time.
2:14 AM
He rubbed the small wounds he'd gotten from the fight, and his throat felt dry. James opened a cabinet, taking out a glass and filling it with water from the sink. He gulped it down with a pleasant exhale afterward. He then set aside the glass, looking in a mirror to see the damage done to him. Wasn't too bad; a bruise here and there with no serious injuries.
James left the kitchen with another glass of water, walking into the living room where he could smell the remnants of drugs his mother and Austin probably did. As he lingered there, James started to feel, or sense something to be more precise. Like another person's presence in the room with him. He looked around; eyes narrowed as his certainty grew further.
He heard a whimper in the far corner, and James squinted to let his sight become clearer. He moved to the area, setting aside the water as he crouched down.
His mouth gaped when he found his little sister Jani hiding under a small table.
"Jani? What're you doing up?" He asked, tone authoritative yet caring. "Are you hurt?
Jani appeared to be in shock. She looked terrified and her whimpering formed a knot in James's stomach. He put his hands on her to show she wasn't alone anymore. She didn't have any wounds of bruises on her so that's a plus.
"Jani, what's wrong?"
She shakily pointed upward, James looking at the ceiling as he came to the realization. Immediately, he felt his blood boil.
"Austin…" He growled.
"Y-Yeah." Jani whispered, shuddering while doing so.
James's hands clenched so tight he'd have drawn blood if his nails were sharp. He felt anger like no other, and he exhaled heavily. Before going upstairs, James gave one last look at his sister.
"Stay here." He ordered, giving her temple a peck and then heading up the stairs.
Now I know what you may or may not be thinking; But... Slow burn :(
Well don't fret my dear readers! there is a slow burn this story no doubt, but I also intend it to be lust at first sight instead of love. Evelynn's always been this kind of heartless, one-night stand person (literally) and I find my portrayal of her in HIY could've been better.
Regardless, the next chapter will be a lemon exclusively, but it's not going to be like she falls in love with him because he's so good in bed. That's the burn, and what better way to add tension than to have a bodyguard sleeping with his client? ;)
Also about Kayn and Akalis relationship, don't worry it'll get the appropriate build-up and treatment it deserves :)
Anyhow, I hope you guys enjoyed this. Reviews are appreciated and I'll see you in the next update :D