"Riley! Hurry up I gotta pee!" Jazmine shouted as she banged her fists against the bathroom door while crossing her legs and bouncing from side to side to try and hold her bladder as best as she can.
"Go to the other 1!" He shouted back.
She rolled her eyes. "Caesar is in there!"
Jazmine turned around when she heard one of the bedroom doors opening. Caesar had poked his head out shirtless and with his dreads tied up high on his head. "Nah I'm out of there now."
She screwed up her face before running towards the bathroom door just as Ming tried to run to it too.
"Nope! This is mine!" Jazmine shouted as she shoved her friend out the way and made her way inside the bathroom. As she finally got to the toilet she heard Ming moan from outside.
"This is me and Cindy's bathroom!"
"Well Riley is in mine and I was desperate!"
"So was I!"
Jazmine sighed as she opened the door once she finished washing her hands. Ming shoved her way through and ran towards the toilet seat, just as Jazmine shut it behind her and walked to her room.
"You doing all that shouting, I'm surprised you haven't lost your voice."
Jazmine gave Huey a deep scowl. "Shut up."
He smirked as he put his arms behind his head, since he was shirtless, she could see his abs slowly peeking out from under the covers.
The days after Christmas was interesting to say the least. The home that was once filled with four dancers now had the company of four gang members. There were currently 8 people living under one roof and it was crazy every turn they took. The girls were used to sharing as well as having moments of invading each other's company. If one was in the shower, one would come in and use the toilet, not carrying and they even had assigned bathrooms. Cindy and Ming shared one while Royalty and Jazmine shared. However, that went completely out the window once the Freeman brothers, Hiro and Caesar had been staying since Christmas. At first, it was kind of fun but now it was getting a little crazy when they were mixing around each other. Everyone was everywhere and trying their best to not get in other's way but it was hard not to.
Huey, Riley, Caesar and Hiro were finding it difficult since they haven't had to share their apartment or space in years. They didn't have to wait for anyone because they had the one bathroom to themselves but now it was a fight and scheduling the night before for who and when they could use the bathroom. Besides that, the boys were working nearly every night while the girls were working all day. They were preparing for the New Year's party at the club so took time off to practice and would show out on the night.
It was now New Year's Eve which meant today was going to be very busy. One half of the house had to go to a warehouse and make sure they had all the product they needed because tonight was the night everyone wanted to get high while the other half were making sure their outfits were on point and had their routines aced.
"I don't know why you're telling me to shut up when you invited me over and basically held me hostage to stay here, even after I said let's just stay at my place when I went to get some things." Huey told her with a shrug.
Jazmine rolled her eyes as she flopped into the bed and then crawled into Huey's arms. "I just wanted all of us to be together. Plus I only invited you, not your brother and friends."
"You have a point but the first one still wasn't good enough."
"Whatever. It's too late to go back now, we're all roommates now."
Huey rolled his eyes. "Hopefully not for any longer."
"You don't like staying with me?" Jazmine questioned as she looked up at him.
"I like staying with you, just not with all the extra people next door. Especially Riley. I do not miss sharing the same household as him." He shook his head, getting flashbacks to him as a teen living with his brother. It was surely a stressful time for him.
Jazmine smiled at him, she moved herself so that half her body was lying onto of Huey's and reached up to hold onto his jaw. "You know for your birthday I wanted to do a whole bubble bath for us but you have a shower so i couldn't do it at your places. We have one here and I'm going to do it with you before you leave. It would be tonight but it's a busy night. Plus I'm probably going to be too drunk to even get in without slipping."
Huey couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of a drunk Jazmine tripping everywhere. "Don't worry, I'll look after you. Ill be your designated driver, I don't know about everyone else though."
Jazmine shook her head. "Nope! New years means no one drives. Straight uber. Everyone is drinking and getting drunk."
"Won't you be working?"
"Yup until like 2am. For the last 2 hours I'm off the clock so me and the rest of the dancers can just party and celebrate. Raven has allowed it for national holidays so we don't feel like were missing out on a normal night club. I really like her as a manager you know." Jazmine explained.
"Yeah, there's a reason I chose her to take over. Empire got better under her management and so will The Blue Moon. Shes bossy but smart. Perfect combo to run a business."
"Don't forget caring."
"Sure that too." He dismissed. "So when you gotta leave?" He asked as he started stroking her thigh, making her shiver.
Jazmine quickly checked the time on his phone since it was the closest to her. "In about 2 hours."
"Good."
He turned on his side so that Jazmine fell onto her back, looking up at him. She saw the look he was giving her and knew exactly what was about to happen. When he leaned down to kiss her, she wrapped her arms around his neck to get him closer to her faster. Once they locked lips, they helped each other remove the little items they had left to engage in their last moment of passion in the year.
Next door, Cindy laid on her bed watching her man get dressed.
"I feel like you need to close your eyes, I'm shy." Caesar joked as he saw Cindy staring.
"I'm just admiring..." She smirked.
Caesar shared a smirk back. "Well if you're admiring while don't you get a closer look?"
"Because my mouth wants to do the admiring and I haven't had the chance to brush my teeth yet, you know since we staying in a crazy house now."
He nodded in understanding. "Yeah shit has been crazy." He said as he pulled up his jeans. "What you got planned for today?"
"Practice for tonight, getting my outfits ready... I'm planning on leaving the club at the end of the month." She told him as she nodded to herself in thought.
Caesar walked over to the bed and sat in front of him. "It shouldn't matter anyway. You're a trust fund baby. You didn't need the club."
Cindy rolled her eyes, knowing how many times she has heard that before. "I mean at some point in my life but once I started dancing, my mom cut me off and I know forced my dad to. I had saved enough to support myself but the club was the first time I was earning for myself... it's crazy but I felt proud of myself. I wasn't relying on my parents and being as you said, a trust fund baby. If I did, I feel like I would useless. I would've been a basketball playing if I wasn't a trust fund baby, all that was important was the business, the business. I mean shit! A girl got another lifestyle she wanna live!"
"Sooo does this mean I never have to meet your parents?" Was the take away Caesar got from what she said. The look he gave her just gave him the answer he needed. "I will keep my questions to myself.
"Thats a good choice."
"Just remember that my family is your family, you don't need to stress yourself over blood that don't want you, it's cool." Caesar let her know with seriousness in his voice.
"I know... I bet I sound so spoiled right now."
"Yup!" Caesar said too quickly for her liking. Before she could slap him on his bare back, he jumped away laughing. "Too slow." He grabbed his hoodie and threw it over his head but just as he went to pull it down, he felt a slap on his abs, making him coil back. "Girl!"
Cindy burst out laughing as she saw the surprised look on Caesar's face. "You deserved it."
"Alright, then you deserve this."
"Wai- no!"
He scooped down and through her over his shoulder. "Huh!" He squatted down and threw the laughing blonde onto her bed. Before she could roll away laughing, Caesar playfully jumped on top of her elbow first. Once he did that, he reached around and grabbed one of her legs, holding it up. "3... 2... 1, ding ding ding!" He got on his knees and started cheering to the imaginary crowd while Cindy had to grab onto her sides from laughing so hard. "Yeaaahhh! I'm the winner baby! New York in this bitch!"
"Please... shut the fuck up... or else, I will die laughing... right now." Cindy spoke through her tears and laughter.
"Oh, you still got shit to say? We gotta sort that out." He flopped back onto of her and started to poke her all over her sides. While she squirmed under him in a bid to get away from him, he continued his poking attack with a large grin on his face, glad he could see the large smile on his girlfriend's face.
Across from Cindy was Ming who was tying her hair up into a smooth high ponytail while Hiro talked on the phone to his parents. She could barely catch onto anything he was saying because he was speaking so fluently and quickly. The two had taken the time to teach each other their language and culture which was become a beautiful experience. They were respectful and really tried to learn. To people on the outside, they saw their cultures as the same but it really wasn't which was interesting to learn.
What she did understand was him saying goodbye, making her look over at him in the mirror.
"Everything alright?" She asked.
He nodded. "Yeah, everything is good." He walked over and sat next to her on the floor in front of her mirror. "New years in a few hours."
"Yup, next year is going to be something, I can feel it... starting my business, being with you." She spoke casually.
Hiro watched her in the mirror effortlessly doing her makeup. He had the same though any boy would say to a girl, 'why do you wear makeup when you're already so beautiful?' well he knew better than to ask because that was none of his male business. He watched her hand steadily drawing the lines on her eyes which he had no idea the name of and was just in a trance.
"I love you."
Ming's whole-body shock like she got struck by lightning and she had to quickly steady herself from not messing up her makeup. Did she just hear what she heard?
"Uh?" She wasn't sure what noise she made but it was a noise.
The two locked eyes in the mirror. Hiro's eyes showed sureness and love while Ming had a more shocked look.
"I love you." He repeated without missing a beat.
"Uhmhuh." Another noise she couldn't place into words.
Hiro chuckled. "I'm going to keep saying it unless you don't want me to."
Ming opened and closed her mouth. She couldn't believe how casual he said it to her, it was almost as if it was on the tip of his tongue already. She had to be truthful with herself and say she felt the same way, she just didn't know if it was right to say it so soon. Her friends knew how she felt, she knew how she felt, why couldn't she tell the person she had the feels for how she felt? Her heart rate sped up as she felt the words on the tip of her own tongue.
"You don't-"
"I love you too, Hiro." She blurted out, cutting him off.
"Oh." He started out. "Ohhhhh..." He started to blush, strangely not expecting to hear it back.
"Are you saying it because I said it orrr?" He had to confirm. "Because no pressure and all."
She rolled her eyes. "You think I'm going tell someone I love them because they said it first? Hell nah, that's probably because I grew up on the lack of affection but still. The girls knew how I felt so it was only right I said it back."
For the first time since Hiro joined her in front of the mirror, the two made eye contact and smiled.
"Well I will fill the years of missing out on affection with my own. By the end of it you will be sick of me." Hiro grinned.
"Oh no what did I sign up for?"
"Love and affection." Hiro answered quickly. "Now come here." He wrapped his arm around her so that she was squashed up against his chest. Once he kissed her forehead he sighed. "By the end of next year, we will be married, I'm putting it into the universe."
Any normal person would panic but Ming just laughed. She lifted her hand to show the ruby ring he had given her that also just happened to have her tracker installed. "Well you did get me this ring... if you ever going to propose, just use the same ring so I won't end up with three rings by the time we're married."
Hiro nodded. "I like how you think."
"Thanks, I like to think I'm the smart one in the group."
He laughed and gave Ming a peck on the lips. "Ain't arguing with you there."
In one of the bathrooms, the two youngest had just finished up in the shower feeling pleased and refreshed.
"I'm surprised Jazmine didn't know I was in here." Royalty laughed as she stepped out first.
"Probably because you were too busy biting my damn shoulder like a damn vampire." Riley smirked at her as he handed her a towel to wrap around her body after he wrapped one around his waist.
"I didn't draw blood so we cool."
Riley stepped out the way to allow Royalty to walk past first before following her out the bathroom and into her bedroom. "You ready for tonight?"
She sighed. "I'm always ready. Are you? Wait, what are you even planning on doing?"
"Gang shit." He shrugged.
"You bringing more supply to the club?"
"Yeah, you know people wanna get high on new years."
"Including us." She smirked.
Riley smirked back at her. "You alright know. Only the good shit for my girl."
"Perks of being with a drug dealer I guess." She wrapped her arms around his shoulder so he automatically placed his hands on her hip.
"Baby I'm not just a drug dealer. Imma gangster."
"A sexy one that's all mine. I know these hoes are jealous."
"Of course, you took a real nigga out the game. Now they just sad and lonely." Riley pouted playfully, making Royalty roll her eyes and step away from him.
"You took a real nigga out the game too. I had my own hoes."
Riley shook his head but before he could say anything, her phone started to ring.
"Who that?" He asked her. When he looked over, he saw some named 'JJ' with a heart emoji next to it. "What nigga is face timing you?" He was about to go crazy as he saw her answer the phone especially since she was only in a towel. "Gir-"
"Woi yoi! Look pon pretty girl!" He heard a female voice on the phone.
"Yes girl! You look nice too!" Royalty shouted back in excitement.
"Sexy gyal where you deh?" The girl asked. Riley stood there in confusion wondering what was happening.
"Mi just ah get ready to do some tings still. Come look pon mi man." Royalty dragged Riley closer to her and held the camera up to his face so that she only saw his face and not his naked chest. "Ah di one mi ah tell you about. Him sexy don't?"
"Um hi." Riley slightly saluted in greeting, not sure about what was happening right now.
"Ehh him cute. Him treat you right?" Her friend JJ asked.
Royalty smirked as she wrapped her arm that wasn't holding the phone around Riley's waist. "You already know. Him cocky long and strong." She started to laugh alongside her friend.
Riley started to choke on his own spit as he didn't expect her to say that. She was really direct and blunt when she wanted to be.
"Goodie come tru!"
"Yes ma'am but mi haffi get ready so mi will chat to you later." Royalty waved goodbye.
"Alright, mi just wanted to see ya face so no worry yourself too much. Later!" Her friend waved back before hanging up.
Riley looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Is that how you usually talk with your friends?"
"From back home yeah. She's been my friend since we were 6. Not trying to lose my authentic self by being here in the states." She shrugged as she grabbed her coco butter. "You know you haven't even been using my coco butter for long but your skin is much smoother. Remind me to buy you one when I buy another."
"Baby I already done told your goofy ass before to not switch up on me. Be you in whatever accent or country you wanna be when you with me. Got it?" He told her seriously, going back to her answer to his question before.
She sort of felt ashamed of herself for code switch when around her boyfriend. She was so used to doing it with her old hoes that she forgot that she didn't have to do it anymore. She actually had a boyfriend that cared for her being her, flaws and all.
"Okay." She said shyly, peering through her lashes.
"Now come give your man some kisses." Riley stuck his lips out but instead of giving the man what he wanted, she laughed at him and slightly pushed him back. "What a nigga do to deserve this treatment?"
"We've done enough kissing in the shower. We need to actually get ready now."
Riley moaned annoyingly. "Not even a little more? Remember I go back to training in 2 days and I'm on a strict no sexual relations which I think is a load of shit but Jesse says I have to. I'm going to be dying to buss a nut, lemme get a little sum sum."
She moved out the way of his lips again. "You did and I'm sore now. You put all your energy when we were in the shower now my legs are shaking. I have a hard ass routine to do tonight and you done blown my spine out, not what a girl needed." She went to step away but he pulled her back and kissed her right on the lips.
She thought about making him suffer more and pulling away but she couldn't stop herself. They felt their towels loosening but didn't care. Riley cupped both her sides of her face as he couldn't stop kissing her. He's never held her like that before. The touch was making her legs feel none existent at this point.
He pulled away from her slowly, leaving a lingering feeling on her lips. When he looked in her eyes, he could see they were in a trance. "Where's that coco butter?" She couldn't form any words so she just pointed to the bed where the tub laid, forgotten. Riley winked at her before grabbing it and opening the top. "You know I'm going to need you to rub me down every time I finish training." He said casually.
Royalty huffed, still unable to think of a way to string a sentence together. 'He's worried about himself not having sex for weeks, I'm worried for myself at this point! Ugh!'
"Let's hope these rub downs don't lead to a baby." Was all she could think of.
Riley chuckled. "You know our baby will be the best so don't worry too hard about that."
"Well you already know I'm on the pill now after my implant ended. We gotta be extra careful." She reminded him.
"Yeah I know you already lectured me about that shit time ago."
"Good. You're listening."
"To you, always."
"Stop trying to sweet talk me and get ready."
Time went by and after some rushing around, the dancers had found themselves at the club which was busier than usual because of the crazy New Year's party that was happening tonight.
"Just the people I was looking for!" Raven sped walked over to them with a clipboard in her arms and bonnet still on her head. She looked a little stressed but the girls could tell she was holding herself together.
"Damn we just walked in." Cindy commented.
"Even better. I need you four to meet me in my office in an hour and a half, I have someone you need to meet with me and no I'm not telling you who just come through."
They were all confused but didn't argue against it. Satisfied with her answer, Raven went back to shouting orders to the people setting up. She knew New Year's meant a lot of money was going to be flowing through so she had to make sure everything was top quality.
"What do you think she's talking to us about?" Ming asked her friends as they walked into their dressing room.
They all shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine." Jazmine answered.
As they walked inside, they saw the other dancers moving around the room with music playing in the back.
"Happy New Year hoes!" Diamond shouted to everyone.
"Happy New Year!" They shouted back.
Going off their energy, she got more hyped. "We finna turn the fuck up and get hella cash flowing through our panties tonight, am I right?!"
"Yes girl!"
"Only way!"
"That's what's up!"
They cheered again before the four went over to their section of the room. They started to take their outdoor clothes off to be left in workout clothes so they could practice some more for tonight.
"Caes told me that they are bringing in a shit ton of product tonight." Sapphire informed them.
"Well nothing has been selling here for about a month now." Emerald pointed out.
"Yeah they said they were stocking up just for tonight."
Ruby laughed. "Aww you guys talk about business together."
The blonde rolled her eyes. "Whatever, let's just go out there."
Once they were ready, they went to the main stage and had the DJ go through everything with them to make sure nothing was messed up or out of place. Emerald had thought long and hard about what to do tonight because this was showcasing more of her dancer roots. She wanted to see how this played out tonight with a crowd and she hoped it went smoothly.
"I think when the chorus comes back around, we should swap places so that I am higher. It gives you more room to work." Emerald analysed as she thought through the steps. Even at the very last minute, if it didn't feel right, she was going to change it.
Diamond nodded before climbing up the pole to the same level Emerald suggested she change to. As the selected song started to play, she broke out into the routine while her friend nodded in approval. Once it ended, she changed her position so she wasn't hanging upside down. "Yeah that's better, I will less likely kick you in six-inch heels."
"See, I can work my magic on a pole to a song that you wouldn't hear in a strip club which just shows how genius I am." She gloated.
"I helped too." Diamond pointed out as she slide down the pole with ease and grace.
"I know I know." Emerald held out her arms for a hug which her friend happily accepted. As they pulled apart, they looked around the room. "I can't believe Cindy and Ming are leaving next month and we will be leaving soon. I gained so much confidence on this stage."
"And I gained so much dollars on this stage." Diamond stuck her tongue out playful making Emerald laugh. "Nah but foreal tho, imma miss it when I leave but we gotta let the curtains close at some point."
"Yeah, most people would expect us to jump for joy about leaving but its bittersweet."
"That it is."
Before they could continue their conversation, Raven popped up from nowhere and called the two into her office.
"Damn its time already?" Diamond asked shocked. "Well, at least we get to find out what's happening." Emerald nodded in agreement before they walked side by side to Raven's office, just as Ruby and Sapphire joined them from being over at the bar.
They walked inside and sat around the desk. Once Raven saw they were listening, she began to talk. "So, you know how I mentioned how the strip club not far from here had a whole shoot out then got burned down?" They nodded in recognition. "Well, after some thought and discussions, I believe the best option is to expand The Blue Moon and the best way to get it on the right track is to merge it with the other club. Plus, I have my four best dancers leaving soon so I need to think of a way to grab customers attentions once you leave. I know the two main dancers are staying longer but it still doesn't matter. I still need people that can at least match you."
"Well Cotton is here and Star and Charm are working their way up." Emerald pointed.
Raven nodded and leaned back in her chair, giving off pure boss bitch energy. "I know and I see it but I need a group act which is wh-"
"Which is where I step in!" A man burst into the room making everyone turn towards his direction.
"Was you ease dropping?" Raven asked annoyingly, even though she knew the answer.
"Of course." He grinned, showing off his sliver caps. "Let me introduce myself, the name is Rackz, a pleasure to meet you."
The four dancers looked the man up and down. He was a good few years older than them but it was still hard to tell from his clear brown skin and lean body. What threw them off was his blazer jacket that was money designed. The Gems turned to Raven with a raised eyebrow.
The manager rubbed her eyebrows in irritation. "He may look like a stupid motherfucker but he knows how to make money."
"Imma ignore that comment and reply with the last part of that sentence by saying, that's why they call me Rackz baby."
"So Rackz, you think you have what it takes to make this club even better than it already is?" Sapphire asked with her arm crossed.
Rackz smirked. "Of course Sapphire." They looked at him shocked, not expecting him to know them by name. "Why so shocked? How was I not meant to know about the famous Gems? Everyone in town knows them and I've been here a few times myself... Sapphire, the blonde white girl that got moves, making people question if she has some black in her. Ruby, the slim and sexy Asian who looked too dangerous to touch, making everyone want a piece of her even more. Diamond, the fine ass island girl who moves her body in such smoothness like never seen before. Last but not least, Emerald. The clear professional dancer who moves with grace and traps every man just by the look of her gem eyes."
"Well damn." Diamond muttered. They did not expect that.
"What can I say? I know what to look for and I like what I see. Sad that we won't be working with each other for long." Rackz sighed.
Emerald shrugged. "You know how it is, girls gotta move on."
He nodded. "Yeah so while you move on, let me introduce you to my dancers."
Raven rolled her eyes at how dramatic he was making everything.
"You brought your dancers with you?" Ruby questions.
"Yup! Especially to important meetings." Rackz answered.
Sapphire lightly smiled. "This should be good."
"Up first, let me introduce you to Spring." He held his arm out and in walked a woman at her name. She was small, even in the high heels she had on with caramel skin. "Summer." In contrast to the Spring, Summer was a tall slim dark skin woman who resembled a runway model. "Autumn." This woman looked to be of Latin heritage with lightly tanned skin and long curly hair. "And last but not least, Winter." In walked in a white girl with dark brown hair and green eyes. "I present you, the Seasons."
The Gems all looked at each other then back at the Seasons.
"They look like knock off versions of us." Sapphire couldn't stop what came out her mouth, making Ruby and Diamond burst out in laughter. Emerald tried to get them to stop but she couldn't help but snicker a little.
Rackz chuckled. "Now, I won't lie and say I didn't get inspiration from you girls-"
"But we're just the better version." Spring smirked.
The Gems shared another look.
"Oh, the weathers speak." Diamond raised an eyebrow. "Baby you guys were made because of us, don't even try it. I guess that makes us your mothers."
"I guess you're a little slow because we're the Seasons, not the weather, that doesn't make no sense."
"Alright fall, I mean, Autumn." Sapphire yawned, making Autumn have an annoyed look all over her face.
Rackz stepped up. "Ladies ladies, why can't we all just get along?"
"Maybe because these washed-up dancers think they're all that when they're really not." Winter looked them up and down with disgust.
"It's sad really. We would've had fun scrapping in more money than you every night." Summer carelessly shrugged.
Ruby snorted. "Unless you're robbing people at gun point, there is no way you're beating the Gems."
"This is our club, we run shit here. You just gotta get with the program, Seasons." Emerald took her turn to look the other dancers up and down in disgust.
Raven stood and walked in the middle with a smirk on her face. "You know I love it when people fight but we all know it's not a fun fight unless there is a winner and a loser."
"What do you suggest?" Rackz moved in front of her, liking where she was going with this.
"Your girls versus my girls. Tonight. After the countdown, start the New Year with more than just bangs from the fireworks."
Rackz nodded. "Bet. Sounds perfect."
"Well it's not a true bet without money." Sapphire held her hand out.
"I like the way you think... we all put 100 each. Which means winners get 1000." Rackz suggested and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Damn, imagine starting the year $100 shorter. Never me and it won't be." Diamond smiled hard in a mocking way.
"It has to be someone and that ain't going to be us." Winter rolled her green eyes at them.
Emerald laughed, rolling her own green eyes. "Sadly, it will. Don't worry, once we leave, you can earn the money back."
"Anyways, we got shit to do. Until we meet again, which will be us wiping the floor with your asses." Ruby threw up a peace sign before making her way out the door, her friends follow suit, not giving the others a second glance as they did so.
"I do love a friendly competition." Diamond snorted as they walked back into the main room. "At least we don't have to smack any hoes to put them in their places, all we gotta do is get more money than them which is easy."
The rest nodded. "Right. So, let's get ready."
Before they knew it, the club was packed out with people drinking and smoking already, all waiting for that count down to have a feeling of new beginnings. The music was blasting while the girls were making their rounds around the room to entertain the customers in the meantime.
"A reminder, if the dancers are wearing white, they are no longer working so leave them to enjoy their New Year's with yall. If they in purple, then they will be happy to show you a good time as today is Purple Night." The DJ spoke to the crowd.
Emerald and Diamond walked side by side through the room in their clear heels. Emerald had a purple halter top that stopped just below her breast and purple short shorts. Diamonds outfit was all purple too but her short shorts was held by strings on the sides which showed her skin and a halter top that also stopped just below her breast with string in the middle, showing her cleavage. Their makeup was on point as well as long wigs they had on, curtesy of Diamond.
"How you feeling about the routine?" Diamond asked.
"Confident. We got this in the bag." Emerald told her.
She smirked. "You know that's where I like to be."
Emerald went to laugh but stopped when she spotted a specific afro making its way towards her. "Oooo my man is here."
"Remember we can't be kissing all up on them because that will get the customers upset." Diamond felt as if she was trying to remind her friend but it was more for herself once she laid eyes on a smart and sexy dressed Riley in all his jewels. He was not playing tonight. "Damn he looks good."
Emerald nodded, even though she knew they wasn't talking about the same person. Huey's outfit was a little more relaxed than Riley's but he still had his chain and watch on which was a subtle flex on its own. To believe this man was all hers was insane.
"Evening ladies." Riley smiled as he slid over to them. "Looking nice tonight."
"Nothing new." Diamond stepped into his arms and hugged him tight. They agreed on a rule which was that when they were at the club, they could hug each other but not kiss as they had customers that would see it and that can cause unwanted and unnecessary problems.
Huey looked Emerald up and down, making sure his eyes traced every part of her body, not caring that any other boyfriend would flip seeing his girl dressed the way she was. His girl looked good and he knew it too. Plus, this was how they met and that wasn't going to force any changes that aren't necessary.
"You're a little early." Emerald spoke first because Huey's watchful eye was making her feel shy.
He shrugged. "We finished up what we needed early so we came here to start selling."
"Can I see?"
Huey pulled out a bag to show her. It had their signature on the front with the green herb behind it.
"You selling?" A man popped up next to the two as he eyed the bag in Huey's hand.
"Watchu need?" Huey switched the way he spoke once the man addressed him.
"What can $30 get a nigga?"
Huey dug in his pocket once he took the money and handed the man what he paid for who happily walked away sniffing the product.
"So, where were we?" He asked Emerald.
She smiled and shook her head. "Nothing. I gotta get back to work so I will see you when I see you." They hugged again and the brothers moved to the VIP section while the dancers made their way around the rooms. As Emerald and Diamond gave two of their customers lap dancers, they saw not far from them were The Season seeming to try and get customers familiar with them.
"Ion like that." Diamond read Emerald's mind.
"Right? There hasn't even been a set agreement that they will be working here, they must've lost their damn mind."
"Just wait until later and we can show them hoes how the Gems do it. Mi nah play today."
Emerald stuffed the last note the man had in her shorts before standing up. "Neither am I."
"Alright alright alright! The moment you all have been waiting for." The DJ paused the music to speak. There was only 7 minutes left until midnight and the room was buzzing from weed, alcohol and anticipation. Everyone was enjoying themselves, even Huey. He was planning on getting high for the rest of the night but at least wanted to hang with Jazmine a while before he did so. He sat in VIP with his friends and brother sipping on the drinks they ordered which was brought over by Sapphire who was more than happy to stop and talk to her boyfriend. Now that midnight was creeping closer, he knew it was time for his girl to shine on stage and he was ready to see the dancer in her jump out on stage. "You already know what these fine ass girls can do but for tonight, they made it extra special for the Purple Night. I would say they need no introduction but if you're new here, you would want to know their names so ladies and gentlemen, please get your cash out and eyes glued on the stage for Emeraallddd and Diamoonddd!"
The room went black before it all turned purple, setting the mood. Then, Darling Nikki by Prince started to play.
As the song started, they slowly stepped out onto the stage, taking a careful step each time. They started circulating the pole as Prince's voice started to sing. Once the guitar kicked in, they started to grind against the pole before climbing their way up to the top of the pole. Once there, Diamond and Emerald pulled out their tricks. Using one leg, one arm, spinning, everything which just caused more money to flood the stage. When the song broke down, the lights started to flash, making their moves that much more intriguing. People wondered if the girls were not dizzy from how hard they were shaking their hair while also doing other things. It was a certain type of talent to do what they were doing now.
As the song came to an end, they spun down the pole, their hair still shaking everywhere. They laid in their final position which was on their backs with their legs behind them. Everyone started to clap and cheer as they threw some more money on the stage. After a few seconds, the two got to their feet and bowed, trying to catch their breaths. Raven joined them on stage in a tight purple dress, heels and microphone in her hand.
"You all just witnessed some bad bitch shit right now." She started out, making the crowd applauded in agreement. "Now, we have 2 minutes left until the new year so I am going to make this quick. Soon, we will be starting the year off with a battle. If you're familiar with the club that just burnt down then you may not the Seasons, well, they were inspired by the one and only Gems but their egos are a little big." Everyone started instigated as they looked around the rooms, trying to find the other dancers. The four of them stood annoyed as people started to laugh and point over to them while Rackz just chuckled. "So, my girls have to show them who they are and why they rob all you nigga every night you come. They just that good." Diamond and Emerald flirted towards the crowd, causing them to cheer for them again. Raven checked her phone. "Oh shit, the count down is starting! 10... 9..."
"8... 7..."
The dancers and the gangster frantically searched for their partner through the crowd of people, trying to grab their eyes as the time went down.
"6... 5... 4..."
This new year was going to be the year of a lot of first which they were all looking forward to. They couldn't think of a better person to spend it with than the partner they had now.
"3... 2... 1! Happy New Year!" Everyone, besides Huey, screamed at the top of their lungs. Confetti dropped from the ceiling as the DJ loaded up a song and started blowing it throw the speakers. People hugged, kissed and popped bottles with their friends, ready for the real night to start.
Emerald blew a kiss to Huey, desperate to run over to him and give him a real one. He nodded and lifted his glass in response, making her giggle. As soon as she finished wiping the floor with the other dancers, she was rushing back to get changed and to be with her man.
"Yes yes yes! Happy New Year everyone!" Raven lifted the glass in her hand that Diamond and Emerald just saw. "To all the people who unfortunately wasn't able to see the New Year." Everyone lifted a glass with her. It was kind of ironic consider she contributed to some people not seeing the new year but the person she had in mind was her cousin, Andrea. Oh how she missed her. "Now, without further ado, introducing Rackz's Seasons and my Gems!"
Ruby and Sapphire, both dressed in their own purple outfits, joined the other girls on stage looking sexy as ever. The Seasons arrived not long after, glaring at their competition.
"Ready to get your ass beat?" Summer was the first to speak.
"You must be crazy if you think that was going to happen." Sapphires competitive side jumped out of her with quickness.
The DJ started to play a random mix of songs that got the girls dancing. Winter stepped up first so Sapphire decided to go against her.
"Oop, battle of the white girls." The DJ commented. "The white-on-white crime is about to be serious!"
Sapphire used the pole to grind against while keeping a sexy look on her face. Winter seemed to be trying to do a lot to a song that didn't require a lot which just made everything look out of place. The song changed which was when Ruby stepped up so Spring followed. As they danced, they glared at each other the whole time but not one of them broke.
"Who's next?!" The DJ shouted as he changed the music which was Diamond favourite song so she immediately jumped into action. She jumped up onto the pole and made her way to the top, Summer not far behind her. The two were fighting for dominance but there was clearly one winner. The DJ switched it up again so the two made their way off the pole and made room for Emerald and Autumn took centre stage. Emerald didn't even think about the other girl and did what she needed to do and brought quality performance as she did every night. It was nothing new, now she just had someone working against her instead of with her. That's when she thought of an idea.
"Diamond!" She called out from the pole. Diamond looked up and saw Emerald's hand outstretch, with a smirk, she reached around Autumn and grabbed her hand. She helps Emerald pull herself up and started to climb. Once Diamond was higher than Emerald, she reached out further to grab Sapphire and Ruby. As the last two dancers climbed up, Autumn was forced to jump down, frustrated that she was pushed away. The crowd went wild at what they just witness as the Gems continued to spin and dance on the pole, know they easily won the fight.
One by one the gems placed their six inch heels back onto the stage floor and was met with more cheers and the screwed up faces of four girls, glaring daggers in their faces.
"I think we have clear winners here, I didn't expect anything different. Give it up for the Gemmmss!"
Raven strutted onto the stage happily with Rackz slowly applauding next to her. She waved the money they all put in before handing it over to the dancers. Once she did that, she turned to Rackz and his dancers.
"You may join us, especially now you know The Gems and the other dancers run shit here. Until you show me otherwise enjoy watching the talent while they're here." She winked at them before strutting off the stage.
Rackz grinned, glad he was getting back in business. "You girls killed that shit. Now I'm going to discuss some things with Raven so I'll see you later."
With that, he walked of the stage and with one last glare, the Seasons followed too.
The Gems cheered and hugged each other before walking off stage passing through the congratulating crowd.
"Let's give Raven her share then get changed. We got a party to get to!" Emerald said, which they all easily agreed to.
"Man they taking fo- oh never mind." Riley went to complain after waiting 20 minutes for his girl to come out the changing room after leaving the stage but he could see her coming towards him now.
Hiro smirked. "Now the party can really start." As Ming came over to him with open arms.
Caesar walked up to each girl hand handed them a cup. "Yes yes Happy New Year's. You're late to the party so I need you to down that drink right now!"
Each girl shrugged before doing so. "Happy New Years bitches!" Cindy shouted after her drink.
Jazmine grinned as she went up to Huey who was calmly sipping his drink. "Happy New Years."
"Happy New Year." He replied back. He reached down and gave her a light kiss on the corner of her lips, still keeping in mind they were at her work place. "So, how you plan to end your night, drunk or high?"
She laughed. "Drunk and I'm already behind on that. I will take some of that premium weed though."
He smirked at her before taking the blunt he had on his ear. He lit it, inhaled it and blew the smoke out before handing it over to Jazmine who took her own pull then handed it back.
Caesar once again handed out drinks but this time, it was to everyone in their group. "Alright alright! Everyone grab a drink." Once everyone did, he held his glass up which everyone followed with. "To a year of making money, moves and love. To the new year!"
"To the new year!" They shouted along with him. Once they all clicked glasses, they downed the contents in their glass.
"Let's get this shit started!" Riley cheered before refilling his glasses which triggered the friends first nightclub outing which was definitely one to remember, if they could.
A few hours later... not one of the eight friends had a sober mind.
"Oh no! I lost my car keys." Ming shouted as she searched through her purse.
"Bae... you didn't drive today." Hiro told her.
"Oh yeah..." She realised. The two looked at each other and burst out into laughter, drunk out of their minds.
"Ay yo! A nigga is hungry. I need sum to smack on." Riley commented as he stuffed his hands into the front of his jeans, both high and drunk but mainly drunk.
Royalty walked up to him smiling hard. When she smiled, it looked as if her eyes were closed since her long eyelashes didn't help her. "I got something you can smack on." She leaned into his side, the liquor taking over more than some of the weed she had.
"Oh, what about that- um- that, um. What's it called?" Cindy looked around lost but then started giggling to herself, her blue eyes looking very delirious from how drunk she was.
"You talking about the place that's not here?" Caesar answered with half red eyes. He sat down on the curb as a way to stop the liquor from traveling anywhere else on his body, as that only made sense in his head.
Jazmine burst out in drunken laughter. "We! Just had the night of our fucking lives and you talking about food?! Well, I could go for some- oohhh waffles!" She held her hand out for Huey to take but didn't wait for him and started walking away to who knows where.
Huey was higher than the sky with bloodshot eyes that it took him a good few second to realise that Jazmine was asking for his hand. By the time he moved to grab onto it, she was already gone.
"Waffles?! I want wafffleeess!" Cindy cheered.
"Waffles! Waffles! Waffleesss!" Hiro joined in.
Jazmine turned back around and marched over to her friends. "Let's get waffles then!"
They all agreed and started walking, except Huey. He just stood there, staring at the street light like a moth.
Jazmine gasped. "I forgot my boyfriend!" She turned and ran back over to retrieve the froze Huey. "I am such a bad girlfriend! Huey why didn't you moveee?"
He looked down at her slowly. "I did."
The two looked at each other.
Jazmine couldn't contain her laughter so she let it out loudly in the early morning, winter air.
Huey just had a crazy grin on his face, still seemingly unable to produce laughter even when he was higher than the moon.
It took the group about 10 minutes to get to somewhere that should've taken them less than five because they kept stopping to do some stupid things such as a random arm wrestle between Cindy and Riley. There was no clear winner since they both dropped over the wall they were using to rest their elbows on which Caesar recorded but none would remember until later on that day.
Once inside the shop, they all stood and stared at the menu.
"Ohhh should I get chicken or should I get syrup or should I get milk- wait why would I want milk?" Royalty laughed to herself.
"You so fucking drunk." Riley laughter at her.
She pouted at him. "I am not drunk!" As she said that, she laughed. "I defo am because I just said I'm not."
"I am so... fucking high right now." Huey whispered to himself, or so he thought.
"Nigga why is you shouted?" Caesar asked him.
"What?" He looked at him lost.
"Um, are you ready to order orrr?" The cashier asked. She could tell the group enjoyed their New Year's party but they had been in the same spot for nearly 20 minutes and they wanted to close the store.
"Okay okay okay." Jazmine bounced over bubbly. "Can I get a waffle with strawberries, strawberry syrup and some whip cream. Then my boyfriend will have, um, get him the same, he needs some excitement in his life. Oh and add some Hershey's!"
"I want Hershey's oooo." Royalty commented behind her.
"You have to wait your turn." Jazmine swatted her at. "And then a sprite for both."
Hiro rolled his eyes. "Your order is boring, move." He shoved her out the way and looked at the menu. "Yeah, this is gonna be gooooooood!"
Now this night was definitely one to remember but that was, if they remembered it.
It was just passing 1pm on the first of January when Jazmine began to stir in her sleep. She expected to be covered in her warm blanket in her nice and cosy bed but she was wrong. She was laid on the floor with her body tangled up with some that had half cornrows and half an afro.
Her heart picked up in pace. 'This better not be Riley!' She thought. She looked for any type of familiarity and quickly found one of the tattoos that belonged to none other than Huey Freeman. 'Oh thank fuck! That would've been some shit wouldn't it?'
Huey must've felt her panicked self shifting because he started to wake himself. "Damn." Was the first thing that escaped his lips as he stretched his limbs. "Wh-?" He was confused as he looked up to the ceiling but turned to see Jazmine looking at him.
"Sup." She lifted her head in greeting.
He looked at her strangely.
"Are you still drunk or am I still high?"
She wanted to scream in laughter so badly but her friends were laid out everywhere in the room in a deep sleep. "No, just very hungover and hungry. Wanna cook?"
"For someone who says their hung over, you're still your energetic self."
"According to my stomach, I already threw up a little earlier so I will be cool for a while."
Huey raised an eyebrow but didn't question her, instead, he slowly got to his feet, helping Jazmine as best as he could. The two slowly walked into the kitchen and went straight to the fridge to retrieve a cold bottle of water. She handed him one and they clenched their thirst quickly.
Huey pulled the half full bottle away from his lips. "Damn, you ain't got any milk in here?" He asked Jazmine, feeling to have cereal.
"Huey... you're looking in the cupboard full of glasses... the fridge is over here." Jazmine told him with an amused look on her face.
He turned and saw Jazmine holding the milk in her hand which she just took out the fridge door that was open.
"Shit, I'm still high." He realised.
Jazmine walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Yes you are. Don't worry, I'll make you your breakfast before you burn down the kitchen." He was confused at how he would burn down the house making cereal. "Trust me, your high self will find a way."
"Man you guys are making so much noise." Hiro moaned as he walked into the kitchen, going straight for a bottle of water for himself.
"Good afternoon to you too."
He waved at her in dismissal, too focused on hydrating himself.
Jazmine shoved Hiro out the way and opened the fridge, taking out all the juices and water bottles because she knew that everyone will be thirsty when they woke up.
"Has anyone thrown up yet?" He asked once he finished his water.
"I did before I went sleep, I know that for sure." Jazmine answered. "I don't know if I wanna cook breakfast or should I just order."
"I thinks its best if you order. The smell of food being cooked is not what I need."
"Good answer because I am not bothered to cook."
"What's this I hear about cooking?" Ming asked when she stepped into the room.
"We were just saying we're going to order breakfast." Hiro told her.
She raised an eyebrow and lifted up her phone. "It's afternoon, there's no breakfast."
Hiro and Jazmine moaned in annoyance while Huey sat silently eating his cereal. "I just want fooooood."
"And now I refuse to cook. We're ordering lunch then."
Ming nodded in agreement. "Yeah and we can order for the other guys too, they can get it when they wake up." She slowly turned towards Huey who was staring into space and scraping the last piece of cereal he had in his bowl but he wasn't paying no mind to what he was doing. "Is, is he okay?"
"He's still high." Jazmine and Hiro said at the same time.
"Oh I see." She turned away from him, slightly concerned but moved on either way. "Let's order some food."
The three of them ordered food as Huey was slowly coming down from his high. He felt like he didn't smoke a lot last night but he guessed he did. He felt good too. If he didn't have to be on high alert all the time, he would most likely smoke like he did last night.
Once the food arrived the last of the sleeping people jumped up out of their sleeps once they smelt the food. They ate quietly due to the headaches and nausea as well as a couple of throwing up moments during their lunch but they eventually got through it. Everyone showered and made their way downstairs to the living room to relax for the rest of the day.
"So, does anyone remember what happened last night? Because I have no clue. I was white girl wasted." Cindy started off once they picked something to play in the background while they talked.
"Nope. Guess I was white boy wasted too." Caesar snorted to himself.
Royalty rubbed her face as her memory of last night started to play back in her head. "I just remember eating waffles man."
"Yeah we went to that place not far from the club... I also remembered that Caesar was recoding nearly everything." Hiro turned to his friend whose eyes grew wide.
"Wait, I did?"
"Oh no did you post any of them?" Jazmine asked panicked. She knew she could be a sloppy drunk sometimes and she hated that, she didn't want Caesar to catch any of those moments if she had any.
"Nah he didn't. I looked over everyone post before I went in the shower, we cool guys." Ming reassured everyone.
Riley laughed to himself. "Maannn niggas got fucking lit last night! I ain't never been so high and drunk in forever."
"Well this one over here is still high." Jazmine lightly nudged Huey who was sitting quietly next to her. "What the fuck did you put in the weed Caesar? I think you broke my boyfriend and I just got him"
He tapped his nose and smirked. "Mr Krabs holds onto his secret formula for a reason."
"I just need another 5 minutes and I'll be good." Huey told her as he still stared into space.
"Alright..." She said, even though she didn't agree with him.
"Well, I don't know about you guys but I wanna see what the hell I was recording last night."
"Yeah just connect your phone to the TV so we can all see." Cindy told him which he did.
He scrolled all the way to the beginning of the night and pressed play.
"Happy New Year! We finna get drunk as fuck, ain't that right babe?" Caesar turned the camera over to Cindy who grinned.
"Yes we are!"
The music changed to another upbeat club song which is where Ming popped up out of nowhere. "This my shit!"
*Next video*
Caesar zoomed into Ming and Hiro making out on the coach as if they couldn't breath without the others lips on them. "Someone is gonna make a baby tonight." He commented.
*Next video*
Riley and Royalty had their eyes locked in with one another as they rapped along perfectly to Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill without missing a beat. They were feeding off each other's energies the whole time as everyone around hyped them up. You could see the excitement and seriousness in their faces as they did so too.
*Next video*
When I see you by Fantasia was playing and all the males, besides Huey, was singing from their diaphragms.
"Yess sing it!" They guessed Jazmine was recording since that was her voice behind the camera.
"You're always on my mind (Hey baby)/When you come around I get shy/When I see you!"
Jazmine turned to Huey who was surprisingly bopping his head to the music. It was as his high self-wanted to belt out singing but his sober mind said no.
*Next video*
Now it was the girls turn. Keysha Cole – Love came on so they all sang along. They held onto each other and sang with their eyes closed but was interrupted when OT Genasis version which caused Caesar and Riley to jump into action and start singing along.
The passion in their voices and actions just showed they were waiting for this moment.
*Next video*
Jazmine was giving a full lap dance to Huey who was just smirking at her the whole time with his eyes barely open.
"Ayyy get it bitch!" Cindy hyped her up as Royalty walked over and started slapping her ass as she danced. Ming just stood and danced happily in front of her as another form on encouragement.
"If he wasn't so fucking high he would have a baby too." Was commented behind the camera.
*Next video*
All the girls were twerking.
Standing up, on the floor, on the couch, all in their section.
That was all that needed to be said. Everyone knew it was a good sight.
"Man we did a whole lotta shit." Riley scratched the back of his neck and he recalled all the singing and dancing he did. He guessed he wasn't as high as he thought.
"We had a good bloodclaut time thoughhhh!" Royalty laughed as the videos continued to play. There was even embarrassing and hilarious videos from after they left the club, really making it a night to remember. Caesar sent the videos around and they started to post it on their social media which came with a lot of different comments and likes.
A couple of hours and episodes of Martin later, it was dark outside but that was only because on the season but still.
Jazmine was comfortable in Huey's arms which she had found herself snuggled in all day. He was finally high free so she could interact with him more. She was glad he wasn't staring into spac-
*Knock knock knock*
Everyone in the room froze. Hiro was quick to pause the tv and they all sat still.
"You guys expecting anyone?" Huey asked quietly.
They all shook their heads. They had no clue who it may be because anyone that wants to come over lets them know first and it's not often people come to their place anyway. The boys were the most frequent guests they have ever had.
"I'll answer it." Cindy said as she stood up. Caesar wasn't going to let her go alone so he found his gun which none of the girls knew he had and walked behind her.
As the girls turned away from the door and looked at their boyfriends, they saw they all had their own pistol ready in their hands.
"Where in the hell was that?" Royalty whispered. She was laying on him the whole time and didn't even feel it.
They heard some muffled voices before footsteps got closer. That's when a shocked Cindy and confused Caesar walked back into the room... followed by more people.
"Guys, my dads here." She informed them but her facial expression didn't match what was happening. Behind her walked her father looking happier than ever.
"Hey how you forget about us?!"
"Yeah that's cold man."
The girls eyes grew wide.
"Ed?" Ming spoke first.
"Rummy." Royalty's mouth dropped open when the blonde walked in after, making Riley give her a sideways look.
"Oh it gets worse." Cindy mumbled.
Lastly, in walked the very last people Jazmine expected.
"Mommy? Daddy?"
"Hi sweetheart." Her parents waved but that's when Jazmine saw the sideways glance to something next to her... or under her. Huey.
"Shit." Jazmine mumbled. She remembered on Christmas they both agreed to fix their relationship but she at least expected to have some type of fair warning. Especially when she was in a state from last night events. They all looked a mess.
"I see we interrupted your evening." Sarah pointed to the paused tv and everyone looking cosy together.
"Um yeah... why didn't you call me?" Jazmine asked as she stood from Huey's lap and gave them both hugs.
"We got called for a case in Chicago for an old resident of Woodcrest." Tom explained, causing eye contact to be exchanged around the room.
"So who are these white boys with you?" Riley asked. They were the only ones that hadn't been claimed yet and since Royalty knew who they were, he wanted to know too.
"That's Ed and that's Rummy. I'm sure we've told you guys about them before. They like our crazy older brothers, helped us when we went back to Woodcrest." Ming explained. "Still doesn't explain why they're here though."
Cindy turned to her father who was standing there with a smile on his face. "Dad I love you and all but how does the Dubois case have to do with you being here?" She added.
"It doesn't." He smiled. "I just heard they were coming so decided to join. These two are trying to lay low, you know how they are."
"Laying low from what?" Royalty dared to ask.
"That's a conversation for another day, so you not going to introduce us to these motherfuckers you girls are cuddled up with." As soon as Ed referred to their boyfriends as motherfuckers, the girls arms outstretched in front of them, knowing full well that an argument would start.
"Yo who the fuck-" Riley went to jump out of Royalty's arms but she pushed him back down. She knew how protective he was but he took the word out of context.
"Baby chill, that's just how they talk. They talk like you actually."
"So how long are you planning on staying?" Jazmine redirected, trying to bring the conversation back down.
Tom took a deep breath, not one to like confrontation which is weird for a lawyer. He also saw the guns that was slightly on display so he did not what to leave a victim or witness to a gun shot wound. "Well, we should be finished with the case mid-February earliest."
"But we plan to take some time off so we can spend some time with you and celebrate your birthday since we haven't in so long." Sarah finished with a grin which meant they would be there for 2 months.
"Oh." Jazmine said but the way she said it caused her to jump up. She remembered she's suppose to be mending their relationship and should be grateful they're actually keeping their word to it. "I mean oh! As in now I have to plan something extra for us to do. I can't wait!" She said more dramatically than she expected. She felt a foot hit hers and looked down to see who it belonged to. "Right right! Introductions. There's Caesar, Cindy's boyfriend, Hiro, Ming's boyfriend, Riley, Royalty's boyfriend and his brother Huey, my boyfriend."
At his name, he slowly stood and suddenly became a tower over everyone. Even though he was about the same height as Tom, his afro that was fully back in his original state, stood a couple more inches taller but it was also Huey's presence alone that was menacing when he wasn't trying to be. Tom presence was just not enough for someone like Huey standing in front of him. He looked small.
"So, you're the one that's has our daughter smitten over... and the one Jayden warned us about." Sarah looked him up and down which caused Jazmine to turn red. She forgot about her ex.
"I guess that is me." Huey shrugged, not caring that they mentioned her annoying ex. He was a serious problem but as long as he didn't cross Huey's path again, his bones will still be in place.
"I wasn't sure what I expected when Jazmine told us she had a boyfriend... this certainly was not it." Tom commented, making Jazmine want to slap her forehead. Her parents sometimes didn't say the right things in the right way at the right time.
Huey raised an eyebrow at him slowly but didn't say anything about the matter.
"Um, so where are you guys staying, it is getting late?" Jazmine asked with a strained smile.
This allowed the attention to turn from everyone watching Huey's watchful eye on her parents as he was waiting for another slick comment.
Sarah smiled nervously as she took her eyes off Huey. "Well we're staying in one of the nice hotels in city, we already checked in and everything but you're right, we should be getting back."
Jazmine hugged both her parents' goodbye. "We will catch up soon, just tell me when your schedule is clear."
"That would be perfect. Then we can arrange a dinner with Huey and his parents." Sarah smiled.
"Oop." Was heard in the background but Jazmine had no idea who made the noise because her eyes were locked on her parents.
"Huh?"
Tom slowly nodded. Not really sure if it was a good idea but having to go with it anyway. "Right yeah... we can all sit down and have dinner to get to know the family our daughter is dating into. It shouldn't be so bad now should it?"
"Um, well, I will talk to the Freeman's first to see if they're up for it and we can arrange it here." Jazmine didn't want to go to a fancy restaurant because she was pretty sure that was where they were going to go for her birthday now that they were here and she didn't want to invade the Freeman's private space, especially with the conflicting lifestyles between the parents. She didn't want them to feel integrated in their own home so if they feel that her parents were too much, which they may possibly be, anyone can leave meaning minus the extra awkwardness of someone getting kicked out.
"Great! As we said, we will check our schedule and let you know. Goodnight sweetheart."
After the kisses and hugs, the parents, Ed and Rummy all left to go to the hotel while Jazmine let out a sigh of relief.
"Well ain't that some shit." Royalty snickered to herself but Riley joined in with her.
"Look, I'm cool with my dad being here. Jazmine is the one going through it." Cindy shrugged. "I'm glad I get some time to spend with my dad away from mother. Surprised she even let him go... she's probably having an affair." She thought. It wasn't something she would put past the woman sadly.
"Wow, I'm really the only one whose parents couldn't give a shit about them. Nice." Ming shook her head and laughed. It sounded sad but she came to terms with it a long time ago.
"You know I share my dad. You can join us." Cindy invited, just like how they did when they were teens.
"Aww so nice."
"You know I gotchu... well let's deal with our problems tomorrow. I wanna watch more episodes." Everyone agreed so Caesar pressed play and everyone's eyes glued back to the screen.
As the show played, Huey tried to concentrate but he couldn't. He could feel how stiff and agitated Jazmine was because she couldn't make herself comfortable since her parents left. He knew seeing them caught her off guard and now she couldn't let that guard down.
The arm that was around her neck moved to around her waist as he brought her closer. It seemed to have woken her out of some sort of trance because she was startled by the sudden touch.
"Oh sorry, I spaced out a little." She apologised for a reason he didn't know why.
"You've been quiet since your parents left. You alright?"
She nodded but it wasn't believable. "Yeah, just getting a little tired."
"Hm sure."
Jazmine looked up at him in confusion. "I'm not lying."
"Maybe not, but that's not the whole truth." He pointed out.
She bit her tongue before she tried to convince him otherwise. He saw straight through her lie. "Well I'm just a little annoyed at the abrupt meeting. I wanted our families to come together when we both wanted to, not when they wanted to but I guess that's my parents for you. Always believing they can dictate everything I do."
"But they don't. You believe they do but they don't. We are going to do this stupid dinner and you will control everything that will happen. As much as it pains me to say this but... I will help you in whatever way I can." He offered.
Jazmine looked up at him with a big grin, changing her mood completely. This was not something she expected him to say but she was glad he did because he knew she needed some weight lifted off her shoulder and here he was, carrying some of the load. She reached up to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you."
He didn't need to say anything else because she knew what he would say. She snuggled into his side and turned her eyes back on to the show. This new year was going to be different. She could feel it.
"Are you sure you know how to use this?"
"Of course I do."
"Sure sure? I mean, this is difficult."
"And dangerous, don't forget dangerous."
"Right, thank you Jazmine."
Huey shook his head at the two women lecturing Hiro. Hiro decided he wanted to purchase a motorbike so Huey, Ming and Jazmine decided to join him. Everyone else was meeting them later.
"I hope you're not thinking about getting one. You already have 2 cars. Why would you need a bike?" Jazmine questioned him.
"Because you can get places quicker on a bike." Huey shrugged.
Hiro held his arms out in joy. "See! He gets it. It's not like I don't know how to ride one. I learned how to ride a motorcycle before I learned how to drive a car. I got this."
They walked over to one of the bikes that caught Hiro's eyes. It was a black and green bike that had a pitch black helmet sitting on top of it. "Yeah... this the one."
"How you know?" Ming crossed her arms at him.
"Because." He lifted the helmet and took a seat on it. "Not only does the bike look good, I look good on it and it feels good. Everything about this is... perfect." He sighed in comfort.
Jazmine leaned closer to Ming. "Careful, he might replace you."
Ming swatted her friend away from her ear who began to laugh.
"I see you've made a very comfortable decision." A sales man walked over with his routine charismatic smile.
"Yeah, yeah I hav-" Hiro stopped himself as his eyes caught something outside. "Ay Hu." He got his friends attention before nodding his head in the direction of outside so everyone who saw the signal turned.
There was 2 of the Panther workers on the corner, looking like they were in a confrontation.
"I'm going to go see what is happening." Huey told them. He stuffed his hands in his pocket and started walking towards the door.
Before he could get outside, gun shots went off, making the people inside scream and run. It was in an area where there wasn't much gun shots so they had no clue what to do.
Without hesitation, Ming and Jazmine dropped to the floor.
"Fuck!" Huey shouted as he watched his people drop to the ground. He quickly threw off his large coat before sprinting towards the direction the two men ran off to.
Hiro pulled his second phone out and threw it to Ming. "Password is my birthday! Call Alex and tell him to get down here now!" He placed the helmet on his head before finding the key to the motorcycle and starting it. It roared to life and Hiro didn't hesitate to drive it out the shop.
"Hey get back here!" The salesman tried, and failed to call him back. "Dammit!"
Ming and Jazmine didn't even give each other a look before running out the shop to the fallen people outside. Ming did her best to run and dial while Jazmine picked up Huey's coat and ran.
"Why did your friends have to follow us again?" Caesar asked from the drivers seat. He looked in the rear view mirror at Ed and Rummy driving behind them.
"Because I wanted to show them Chicago. My dad had to go to a video conference so couldn't come. I'll take him separately." Cindy reminded him.
"Right..."
"They're not bad." Royalty told him.
"Hm they look like they pop pills." Riley commented from the front seat.
Cindy and Royalty took quick glances at each other.
"Well-"
"I mean-"
Before either could attempt to defend their friends. Gun shots rang out.
The girls ducked in the back while Caesar and Riley did their best to while also keeping their eye out. They were coming up to the bike shop to meet the rest of them so they were concerned that it was Huey or Hiro that had to pull the trigger.
When they turned the corner, they saw two men running then Huey sprinting past them.
"Fuck." Riley swore. He unzipped his coat and jumped out his car, sprinting to catch up to his brother.
"Riley!" Royalty shouted after him.
A motorcycle sped past them and Caesar had a feeling it was Hiro. He needed to catch up.
"Girls I hate to say this but I need you to get out and go to the shop. Find Jazmine and Ming and stay with them until otherwise!"
They nodded without hesitation and jumped out the car. Within seconds, Caesar turned the car around and pushed his foot on the gas to follow.
"It's only our 3rd day out here!" Cindy shouted to no one in particular before running to find their friends.
In the rental car behind, Ed and Rummy watch their friends boyfriends all going off in one direction.
"What the fuck is happening?" Ed shouted. "Follow them!"
Rummy was already turning the car around and sped up to follow Caesar's car again but this time it was in a high speed chase.
"Move out the fucking way!" Rummy shouted to the other drivers. This was the type of things they loved but it was also the reason they had to leave Woodcrest for a while. They loved the adrenaline running through their veins.
Huey could feel his heart beating in his chest as he chased after the two shooters. He could hear a motorbike behind him and had a strong feeling it was Hiro following. That's when he saw a set of cornrows running next to him. He didn't need to look over to know that was his brother, he had a feeling Caesar was not far behind in his car. This is why he liked his people in the ranks just below him, without question, they followed him and they needed to catch these guys.
He saw the guys turn right which was down an alley way so they turned too. He watched them climb over a fence and continued sprinting.
Without a stumble, the brothers did the same.
Riley didn't expect he would be able to keep up considering all the hard training he started but right now, he was side by side with his brother like nothing had changed. When it came to sprinting, Riley was the one to call.
They made it back on the main road where Hiro was on the stolen motorcycle. He saw the guys looking to cut down another alleyway so he decided to beat them. He picked up speed to cut around the block to stop them from exiting the other side. "Come on. Come on." If the bike didn't get him there in time, he was not about to purchase it. He leaned to the left and turned the corner sharply but he managed to gain control. He pulled out his gun as he got to the end of the exit.
The two men stopped when they saw the motorcycle and gun blocking their exit. They cursed out loud before turning back to try and find a different route but that was a no go. Huey and Riley was there.
One of them men with a hat looked up to see a ladder. He ran towards it, thinking he could escape but Huey was quicker. He ran over and sent the man flying across the floor after kicking him in the side.
"Ah!" He groaned in pain.
"Get your fucking ass up." He scrunched his mouth together as he grabbed the mans jacket and pulled him off the ground.
Riley grabbed the other and they walked over to the dark connected alleyway that was a dead end. By now, Caesar had exited his car and walked over to Hiro.
"Nice bike." He complimented.
"Thanks. Thinking about getting it." He laughed. Hiro smile dropped when he saw a car behind his friend. His finger moved towards the trigger. "Who that behind you?"
Caesar's hand went towards his gun as he turned around. He sighed just as the people got out. "That's our girl's friends. They ass must've followed us." They walked up to the two guys. "Ay man you can't-"
"Damn that shit was fun! Ain't had a chase like that in a minute." Rummy sighed blissfully.
"Yeah remember that fucking time when we was chasing some motherfuckers and blew their shit up?!" Ed laughed.
"Yeah that fucking shit was fire! So were they." Rummy laughed with his friend and they casually walked towards where Riley and Huey had the shooters cornered.
Hiro and Caesar looked at each other but refused to even speak on it and followed behind them after making sure no one else was around.
Huey and Riley stood side by side as they glared at the two men. Riley still wasn't sure why he just had to sprint but he knew he would find out soon.
"You was not going to give up was you?" One laughed humorously even though nothing about coming in terms with your death was funny.
"You just shoot two of my people, in front of me at that." Ghost knotted his eyebrows together.
"Oh you really fucked up huh." Reezy snorted.
The other man glared at the brothers. "They were on our corner, we had to teach them a lesson."
"Ain't no motherfucking corner in this city is yours." Ghost let them know sharply. He looked around the area for something to use. That's when he found 2 metal poles sitting by the side of some garbage bins. He grabbed one and handed another to his brother.
He saw at the corner of his eye Ed and Rummy coming over but he wasn't concentrating on them, he had bones to break.
"Now this is how I wanna see Chicago." Ed laughed to his friend who agreed wholeheartedly.
HO and MC walked up behind them and went straight to the brothers.
"So what, you're gonna just kill us?!"
Ghost shrugged. "If the beating kills you then sure." He winded up the pole before swinging it straight into one of the mans jaw while Reezy slammed his into the mans chest.
The man doubled over in pain so Reezy took the chance to hit him across the face, sending him crashing onto the floor next to his friend. They repeatedly hit them with the metal poles over and over again, their cries of pain falling on death ears.
Ghost phone began to ring so he stopped and looked at who was calling him. He walked over to Ed and held the pole in his reach. "Welcome to Chicago."
Ed grinned as he took a hold of the pole and immediately copied Ghost's actions.
"Hello. Are you okay?" He asked quickly.
"Yeah yeah we're fine. Ming called Alex and he picked us up by tracking our jewellery. We're okay but... one of your guys is dead. I'm sorry. The bullet went straight through his heart." Jazmine explained to Huey.
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. He moved further away from the scene so that she couldn't hear the beatings happening in the back. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"Huey, it's okay, you don't have to stress yourself out. Did you catch the guys?"
Huey turned around to see what was happening now. It seemed like Rummy wanted a turn because Riley was standing off to the side as the two white men beat up the shooters that killed one of his people. He smirked. "Of course. Look, I have to go now but keep me updated. Call if you need me. Tell Pedro I said to arrange a drop of for you 4, wherever you want to go to. Let me know what you decide."
"Okay. Be safe." She agreed.
"You too." They hung up . Huey looked at his friends who all had smirks on their faces.
"Did you guys say 'I love you'? If you did that was a shit way of saying it back but aww." Caesar teased.
Huey rolled his eyes. "We didn't."
Hiro decided to step in. "I mean, its alright if you did. I said it to Ming New Years eve and I couldn't be happier."
"We know gay ass Huey isn't gonna say that shit. He too gay and a bitch to say it." Riley laughed.
"Have you said it?" Huey shot back, making his brother get quiet. "Thought so." He dismissed. "Anyway, we're not there."
"Yet." Hiro threw in.
"You know, I can't even say shit because I haven't even said it to my girl but it will happen." Caesar smiled to himself. He looked over at the two shooters and saw they were no longer fighting or screaming from their beatings. "Imma check if they dead." He walked away with his two friends following behind while Huey stayed in his place, thinking.
Was he there yet? To say he loved Jazmine? She was the most amazing woman he has been with and he already felt like a better man being with her but was it too soon? They have been through the worse and she still stuck around, did he even deserve her? No, he didn't but here he was, pulling out his phone to check on her again. It was really hard to separate the two lives he lived as seen today but the way Jazmine was so supportive was crazy. However, out of respect, he will always do his best to separate the two.
Huey: You got a ride yet?
Jazmine: Yeah, we leaving in 5. Going to go back home x
Huey: Good. Let me know when you get home.
Jazmine: Will do. Remember what I said before, be safe x
Huey: Will do x
He put his phone away and sighed. He gave himself a moment before his eyes turned to slits, letting Ghost slip through.
He strolled over casually to the men on the floor, making everyone step out his way. Ed handed him back the pole.
"I guess it's up to me to finish you guys off." He sighed. "Let's see how long you last."
He lifted the pole and slammed it right into the one of the mans temple. And again. And again.
It wouldn't be long until Ghost would call the clean-up crew.
FINALLY. I posted, I know people have been waiting for me to post, I am sorry. I legit started two jobs as soon as the year started.
There is more moments where Ed and Rummy are going to mix in so stay tuned for that. Hope you all liked the little couple moments I threw in there. A lot of things are going to happen so hopefully I don't keep you all waiting all the time.
Thank you for all the love and support. Love to hear from you all again.
Until next time
-TBG