𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐌 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐀. He pulled his car around back where employees entered and exited from, briefly quizzing himself. Because she revealed Sign language was her first language and what she was most comfortable communicating with, he had to be on it. There was so much he wanted to know about her and refused their language barrier to become a problem.

        He leaned against the passenger side of his car when receiving a message from his mother wondering where he'd run off to because his presence was needed. He simply replied he was out and she didn't pry any further, asking him to be safe and have fun. Must've known he was with Alyina because he was punctual and there when needed.

        Before Alyina came into the picture.

        His face lit up as Alyina exited the venue. She wore a maxi jean skirt slit up her thighs, showcasing the boots hugged up her calves. Paired with a white tank top shaped like a corset but with loose material, fitting her curves. She carried a mini backpack that carried her work clothes she was stuffing inside and a side purse drooping down her shoulder.

       Kareem couldn't help his eyes from devouring this magnificent view or the way his body reacted, nor washed the smile tugging his lips. They were matching in a sense. "Alyina," He signed her name to grab her attention though he already had it, but her eyes shifted behind him toward his car. An expensive ride.

        "This is you?" She questioned, almost like she couldn't believe it was something he could afford.

        Kareem nodded. "This is me." He even unlocked the door to prove it true. "How was work?" He practiced that sentence shortly after leaving the event.

        His accuracy took her off guard that she was no longer impressed by his car but by the mere fact she understood him without reading his lips. Because she certainly wasn't looking his way.

        "Tiring. And I'm hungry so there's that."

        He took note of the sign for hungry and opened the passenger door. "Lucky you done ran into the perfect man who'll feed you well. I might as well show you around Atlanta like I promised while we're out. Nothing too crazy, I swear." Kareem made sure she was comfortable before closing the door behind her and rushed around the car into the driver's seat.

        He grew nervous out of nowhere. Stuck in a car with his imprint who continued to blissfully suffocate him with a scent she had no idea she was producing, was a situation bound to distract him rather than focus on the road. And looking the way she does? He probably won't make it to their destination alive.

        Alyina found interest in something when Kareem started up the car. "What's this?" Her head motioned toward a tiny blue bag with gift paper sprouting out, resting at her feet.

        Kareem grabbed the bag before she was able to peek inside and placed it in the backseat behind her. "N-nothing. It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He stammered.

        But it wasn't nothing. It was a replacement for her cochlear he broke. He remembered the brand and color and brought it the next day after struggling to get his hands on it for multiple reasons. He'd been waiting for an opportunity to gift it to her since then.

        Alyina was very clear when she stated she didn't want any help, but Kareem was stubborn. He couldn't help himself. He had no choice but to disobey an order because he felt terrible about the whole situation and because of him, she had to suffer. He hoped this would make him feel somewhat better and planned to keep it in the bag until she directly asked for his help. A backup stash. But knowing he disrespected her wish no matter the intention, felt twice as worse.

        Kareem pulled into the parking lot where a variety of street vendors scattered along the closed-off road. The food choice was left to Alyina based on what she was feeling. It allowed him to weed out the foods she did and didn't like. She wasn't a picky eater but suffered from a severe peanut and shellfish allergy. In the mood for Mexican tacos after assuring no peanut oil was used, she ordered two beef tacos while Kareem ordered four fish tacos with mango salsa.

        Kareem carried both their trays since he'd heard the order while Alyina stood aside taking in their surroundings like someone was to jump out and snatch her. She hadn't said much during the drive here and as they were walking along the pathway toward the vendors besides answering whatever questions he inquired. He figured she was tired and forced herself to come, but that wasn't it.

       Though Alyina showed interest, she seemed hesitant whenever a situation required them to be alone. In public settings, like now, she's a radiant star and comfortable. But when alone, she's quiet and kept busy by fidgeting her fingers. Overall being nice about it. This was just an observation from their second meeting, but it was quite telling.

        Alyina's eyes widened with surprise when their orders came out. "Will you eat all of that?" She counted the many tacos he ordered not expecting him to eat so much.

        "I could probably eat more." Thanks to being a shapeshifter. "But I've been cutting back. Tryna balance my meals more."

        "This is cutting back?"

        "Is this judgment I feel?"

        Alyina waved her hand, a laughter so warm and joyous created a nauseous feeling in his stomach. "No, no. Eat what you want. My friend Jacob eats just like you. Probably worse."

        Kareem placed their trays on the empty table that wasn't occupied by a family with annoying kids or a couple sucking on each other's lips, which he wished was what they were doing. Alyina sat across from him and slid her tray toward her, gathering the taco with her perfectly manicured nails and took a bite bigger than expected. She wasn't lying about being hungry.

        "Is Jacob a friend back in Michigan?" Kareem asked, free of jealousy but curious about her life before she moved to Georgia.

        As she ate, all he thought about was how pretty she was and how he still couldn't believe the woman he was to give his life for sat before him. Twenty-five years later to end up bagging a fine-ass woman. She had that 90s vixen look. Soft and salacious. Shawty probably had no idea how crazy and effortless her sex appeal was. Got a nigga nervous to look her in the eye and speak without stuttering.

        Alyina nodded. She lifted her gaze to Kareem who smiled when she'd caught him staring, yet never once broke their contact and waited for her to swallow down her bite. "Since middle school, we—me, him, and Kesha—were three peas in a pod. Inseparable. Of course, until I moved here." Her eyes narrowed to her taco when toppings spilled on her hand. A frown painted her features. "But unlike me and Kesha who's Deaf, Jacob's deaf with a lowercase D." She added.

        Kareem furrowed his brows. "There's a difference?"

        If he could re-ask this question to witness her excitement upon explaining the question, he would. For now, he chose to listen and understand her world better. "Deaf with a capital D refers to those who are culturally deaf, like me. I embrace the Deaf culture, its norms, beliefs and values as a member of the Deaf community. Deaf with a lowercase D identifies anyone along the spectrum of deafness, who usually doesn't associate themselves with the Deaf community which is Jacob. It's how he defines himself. Honestly, it can be confusing to outsiders and is a broad term where anyone chooses how they identify themselves, but I wouldn't put it past them. This country couldn't give a shit about education."

        Kareem took another bite of his taco. "Have you found yourself a Deaf community here?"

        "I know of some from my last visit. Haven't checked them out yet."

        "What's stopping you?" He asked and she shrugged.

        "Procrastination."

       "You learn something new every day." He chuckled at her answer. "I'm lucky I got you or else I wouldn't have known about any of this."

        Alyina washed her first completed taco with sparkling soda to hide her tinted cheeks. "Did you know Kareem means Generous in Arabic?" She mused.

        "Does it now?"

        "I only know because I checked shortly after my shift. I have a habit of searching the meaning behind people's names. My name has no meaning but if it was spelled with an E, it would mean Precious and Awakening. If the A and Y were switched, it'd mean God's Favorite." Alyina explained. "Sometimes people don't live up to the meaning of their names which is disappointing, but you. . .you live up to the meaning. At least, I think you do. The first time we met you were offering me money."

        Kareem didn't know himself to be generous. He wasn't evil or cold-hearted either, but he definitely wasn't the nicest kid on the block. Sure, he's a great helper, respectful toward his family, and available whenever someone needed him, but other than that, he minded his business.

        But for her, Alyina, he didn't want to disappoint.

        Kareem placed his second taco down to free his hands so he could ask the first question he'd been practicing. He saw how appreciative she was whenever he signed even if he knew nothing at all. "Tell me about yourself." He signed.

        "Where do I start?"

        "Anywhere. The beginning. How did you become you? What makes you, you? What are your interests? How did you get into animation? Tell me whatever you want me to know about you, which I hope is alot 'cause I wanna know everything about you."

        Her breath hitched. "Why?" The question felt skeptical of his intentions, like a layer no one considered to reach, and grew defensive.

        "Because you've piqued my interest."

        Alyina expected more but Kareem left his answer at that. Simple and to the point. There she go again, fidgeting with the taco wrapper. He wanted to reach out and take her hand to calm whatever nerves was attacking her subconscious but kept his hands to himself.

        "I discovered my love for animation or anything visually entertaining when I was five. Because my mom used to work long shifts to the point she never was home, my mom's work friend had to watch me." Alyina thought carefully about what she wanted to tell him. "They were still adjusting to my deafness and didn't know what to do with me, so they turned on the TV and fed me when I was hungry, often forgetting to turn on the subtitles. I could never follow along the programs her at-the-time boyfriend would put on mostly because it was for him to watch and I happened to be there. The complex plot, heavy dialogue, exposed to explicit content at an early age—I fucking hated going over there. His friends were worse. But he was a fast sleeper and my mom's work friend was often gone, so I'd take the remote and press random buttons until I discovered Cartoon Network. Still didn't know a slick of what they were saying, but I didn't need words to follow along. The colorful, exaggerated action-pact movements made it so easy for me to understand and enjoy that I knew I had to do something like that. Create stories that'll connect to other kids like me to enjoy regardless of their disability. Still figuring out the path, but I love the whole process behind the scenes."

        Her story was inspiring and Kareem couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for Alyina. "What's your favorite movie or show?" He asked into another bite of his taco.

        "There's too many to choose from."

        "Three titles that come to your mind then. Whatever you're thinking, throw it out."

        "Mmm, Kids Next Door. Monster House. Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse."

        "Kids Next Door? You were watching the good shit and by chance." The answer took him by surprise since he pictured a different set of tastes, but her taste was various. "And you like horror too?"

        "You're kidding? I love horror. Nothing beats a good slasher or final girl moment. And because everyone dies, I don't have to understand anything besides figure out who's next." Alyina's laughter warmed his heart. That laugh. I love that laugh and I love making her laugh.

        "How about romance?"

        Of course, Kareem had to throw that in there and he wasn't ashamed about it.

        "I'm a sucker for romance too. Love Rosie. Bridgerton, season two is better. What a Way To Go is a classic. Love Jones. And Beyond The Lights which is the new bodyguard but The Bodyguard still wins, plus more."

        Her excitement whenever she spoke about her favorite movies was cute. Kareem loved it.

        "Speaking of romance, has anyone caught your heart?" He asked.

        Alyina shook her head slowly in a shy manner, all that enthusiasm about romance suddenly vanished. "Not yet, no. I'm currently single. Have been for a while."

        He scoffed. "I find that hard to believe."

        "Well, it's the truth. I'm not actively searching for love, but if it happens then it does. Are you," the question lingered, possibly finding the courage to ask it. She even avoided his contact. "Currently seeing anyone?"

        "I'm not."

        She gave a look. "Now I find that hard to believe."

        "What you mean?" Kareem laughed. "You think I'm lying?"

        "I didn't say you were. It's just that you're—I don't know." Alyina brushed off but Kareem wanted to know what she was about to say.

        "Nah, don't go quiet on me now. I'm what?" He prompted.

        She shrugged again. "I don't know. You just seem the type to never be single, like you have women lined up to be with you."

        "And what gives you that impression?"

        She shrugged again.

        Despite wanting to know, Kareem decided to leave it be. He had a feeling she didn't want to offend him anymore by possibly insinuating he was a fuck boy, which she wasn't because it's true many women were seeking him out. But he wasn't a fuck boy. Just a man who's been waiting for his moment to come.

        "Do you think yourself as a romantic?" Kareem wanted to know if her lack of interest in romance for herself meant she didn't want it at all. If she was comfortable with romantic gestures. He needed to know what he was dealing with to better navigate their relationship.

        Alyina didn't understand his question or his intent with where she stood romantically, and tried to rephrase his words to her understanding. That was on him again. "If you mean do I picture my life like the movies I watch, then yes. Who doesn't? It's nice getting flowers, dressing up to go on expensive dates or spontaneous trips; having someone devote their love to you in a Jane Austin way, and more silly fantasies any woman could dream of. But I have to be realistic."

        Now it was his turn to get defensive. "Why you talking like that? I don't like that. You deserve silly fantasies to become your reality."

        What she's asking for wasn't difficult to have. Flowers weren't expensive. Kareem was able to afford expensive dinners and won't bitch about her ordering a ninety-dollar steak or that she didn't split the bill or came with no money in her account expecting a free meal. Spontaneous was in his blood. Expressing his feelings wasn't hard and he's written poetry before so becoming the new Jane Austin was a breeze.

        "I. . ." Alyina trailed, fidgeting with her napkin yet again. "I don't know. . .I. . ." Her muscles stiffened and Kareem heard her pulse spike as she searched for an answer to give, a question she wasn't prepared for. This was clearly a conversation she didn't want to have.

        Kareem sat up in his seat. "Alyina—" He attempted to change the conversation back to cartoons before Alyina beat him to it.

        "Do you have any favorites? A favorite movie or show, I mean?" She quickly changed the subject from romance completely.

        He regarded her quietly before clearing his throat. "I don't keep up with the media much besides whatever my sisters or my mom force me to watch. Sometimes I put on something for background noise. But if you got any recommendations, I'll watch them for sure."

        He'd already added what she mentioned on a mental list to watch the moment he got home. He pictured the many conversations he could start up with her, anything to defer whatever was on her mind and calm her speedy heart. It worried him and felt it was his fault he garnished out the reaction.

        "You have siblings? How many?" Alyina leaned on the table when halfway finished with her second taco. With her chin resting on her knuckles, forced her breast to push through the fabric of her shirt.

        Kareem held her contact religiously or on his food, not once breaking either contact. He'd already felt his erection squeezing against his pants by her scent alone, and the way she looked at him didn't help either despite due to reading his lips.

        Inhaling a calm breath to keep his thoughts under control, Kareem took a sip of his drink. "Including me, five. Three sisters, and a brother. I'm the eldest." He answered.

       There's Lauri, 17. Destiny, 15. James (JJ), 13. And Onira, 12.

        "Woah. You have a big family. I wasn't expecting that."

        "That's because my pop's pull-out game is weak as fuck."

        "Pull-out game?" Alyina questioned. "Is that a game? I don't think I've ever heard the saying before."

        Along with Kareem's isolated research, he learned to refrain from using slang and confusing jargon when it came to Deaf individuals who read lips. To use clear and simple language. Code-switching came naturally as a Black man in professional settings, but the thought somehow slipped his mind. He was comfortable being himself around Alyina and based on a handful of messages and conversations had, she grasped AAVE pretty well. This must've been a word she just wasn't exposed to. Next time, he'll be mindful that there were some phrases she didn't know or needed to be explained.

       Alyina scooted closer when Kareem beckoned her forward. Because he wasn't an advanced signer, still at the very very beginning stage, he created space for her to read his lips. A chill sent down his spine as she was inches from being kissed. To finally taste her breath along his tongue, her warmth against him.

        Focus, Kareem, focus.

        "It's when a man pulls out right before he cums to prevent pregnancy. But if his pull-out game is weak, kids start popping out like my siblings." Kareem explained. Then adjusted his septum piercing moving from smiling too much. "Soon enough we'll have a Nick Canon empire."

        She laughed when she understood the reference.

       A learned new phase, Alyina dragged out an 'ah' and backed away when Kareem fought his urges to pull her closer. "That makes sense. It's just me and my mom, but I have a lot of cousins. Most I don't keep up with so I guess, that means my uncle's pull-out game is weak as fuck too."

       Kareem couldn't contain the throaty laughter crawling up his throat. Not because they caught the attention of a passing friend group who overheard, but because Alyina was cute. Like a child cursing for the first time. The word was unnatural along her tongue but the emotion and energy was there.

        Alyina playfully smacked his elbow off the table with a pout even cuter than before. "Are you making fun of me? Did I use it wrong? Was it quiet and I spoke too loud?" Her eyes skimmed their surroundings in a panic.

       "Nah, you did good. It was just really cute."

       Kareem froze.

       Fuck did I say that out loud?

        Judging by the shaky breath of nerves, she knew exactly what he said. At least she wasn't against the compliment.

        "So," Alyina cleared her throat. "How old are you?"

        "Twenty-five. You?"

        He prayed she was legal. She didn't appear older than him and definitely not underage, but Kareem couldn't be so sure with how advanced makeup had become in a woman's world and Blackness could trick anyone.

        She nodded. "I'm twenty-three."

       Thank god. Now he doesn't feel guilty for thinking about her in the way he did, or about the actions he wanted to do to her body, thoughts even he couldn't control. Usually imprints were around the same age as the imprintor, but there had been rare cases of huge age gaps reported around the country.

        The two walked along the sidewalk of the well-lit pond after finishing their tacos. Kareem tried his best to communicate with Sign Language as he showed her around the city and sent multiple asked locations to her phone to visit with him whenever she had time. He fucked up a lot. Most times had to resort to his phone as she encouraged. Even signed 'I'm horny' instead of 'I understand' —which wasn't far off from what he was feeling, but she had a good laugh and that was an accomplishment in itself.

        Kareem kissed his lips and rolled his eyes at another failed attempt to answer her question about the area in Sign language, only to gain a look of confusion from Alyina. He walked backward so she wouldn't have to strain her neck reading his lips, aware of his surroundings to know when an object interfered with their path. Alyina didn't know that and he appreciated her watching out for him.

       While keeping her eyes forward, "You're not that bad for self-studying so don't beat yourself up. It's a little all over the place, but mistakes happen. It's normal." Alyina chuckled at his hopeless expression that fell sullenly. He wasn't actually sad, but he was frustrated with himself failing to meet her halfway. "Learning a new language isn't easy and it takes a ton of practice, but I see you're determined. You're motivated and you're trying. It's the effort that counts. Like I said before, you can enunciate better or text me or use notes. I'm very patient."

        "I get that, but I don't like feeling behind."

        "Behind what?"

  You.

        "Effort isn't enough; I wanna be perfect. I'm tryna communicate with someone I know and get to a point where they can understand my poor use of signing." Mistakes were bound to be made and there's no such thing as success without failure, but still. . .Kareem wanted to be perfect on his first try. It's in his nature, in his blood.

        Alyina smiled weakly. "I believe you'll get there in no time."

        Kareem lifted his head as an idea lit above.

       Their shoulders were brushing when he spun so he was walking alongside her. "I mean. . ." He dragged purposely to execute his plan, balling together his hands. Alyina knew by the mischief on his face, that there was more to be said. "You not offering lessons are you? It could really help a nigga out if you were."

        Alyina stared out into the pond before meeting his gaze. "It never crossed my mind."

        "But would it if I needed the help? Would you tutor me in ASL so I'm as fluent as you?"

Say yes. Say yes. Say yes.

        Kareem nibbled on his bottom lip when Alyina grew quiet in thought. She didn't appear completely against the idea of tutoring him, but her silence made clear it was an offer she'd have to consider before responding.

        But after a short moment, Alyina gave her answer. "Since you saved my life, I might be open to the offer. Keep in mind I'm no teacher so be patient with me."

        A smile stretched his lips and Kareem felt his heart thudding with both anticipation and success. All fears of rejection thrown out the window. "I have all the time in the world. Not a problem."

        Alyina stopped walking and pulled out her phone. Scrolling around, a calendar filled her screen. "I'm free the afternoons during weekdays and mornings on the weekend. So you don't kidnap me—" It's now their inside joke. "—public places only until I'm comfortable with you in my place and me at yours. Is that okay?"

       "Your help, your rules, your call."

        Kareem had no problem with her schedule and the boundaries she set. After all, he's to accommodate her. But now that he'd imprinted, he finally understood the anxiousness witnessed with all his packmates. The over-thinking and over-analyzing her words.

        She wasn't comfortable with him yet.

        He couldn't help but wonder if she had a history with men linking up with to fuck so she naturally categorized him with the rest. It would explain her hesitation whenever a situation required them to be alone. Or maybe she didn't trust him enough to be trapped in a stranger's home with no witnesses despite getting in the car with him. Then again, she could jump out. She can't jump out of a thirty-story building.

        Kareem reminded himself that in her eyes, whatever the reason may be, he was still a stranger to her. Good vibes aside, Alyina didn't know his intentions were pure; that she was safe with him. He would never harm her in any way and he was forever hers to use.

        It was his job to differentiate himself so she'd gain to trust him gradually.

        It was getting late and Kareem felt it was appropriate to take Alyina back to her car parked at the event. Her yawning fit was rubbing off on him. She'd been fed, happy, and enjoyed learning about Atlanta. He felt he made a better impression than the first. Certainly a good first date, hopefully up to her standards and not the last.

        As they approached the car, Kareem also felt good about revealing the gift. It was to be a backup, but after learning more through their conversations, it was something she needed eventually.

        He pushed out the negative thoughts before gaining the strength to tell her as they approached his car, "I wanna give you something before we head out. Stay here." His lifted hand motioned for her to stay put.

        Alyina gave a nod and waited patiently for his quick return. Her interest grew when Kareem revealed the blue gift bag she first discovered, her heart thudding in anticipation.

        "I thought you said this was nothing?" Her brows furrowed, trying to make out whatever was in the bag still held in his hand. Her tone held nervousness that was masked by her chuckle.

        "I know you said it wasn't my responsibility to replace your cochlear, but—"

        Alyina gasped. "You didn't."

        "I did."

        "Why?"

        "I. . ." Because I needed to. Because I wanted to. Because I have to money too. "Because I'm a fucking idiot who disobeyed your wish and got it anyway." Kareem motioned toward the bag she hesitated to take. "Open it. Please."

        Alyina took the bag and navigated through the thick paper tissue. I knew it was too much. Kareem had never gifted a woman outside of his family a gift, so yeah, he was nervous as fuck about her reaction and how he went about it. His family never expected much and was easy to please even with gifted money. But she wasn't the women in his family, and this wasn't something she could blow up in a month or wear once and shove in the back closet—it's essential.

        She shot him a glance revealing a black box and opened it. A brown-colored sound processor just like the one she owned. "I. . ." Alyina started but was cut off by the overwhelming emotions crashing at the same time.

        Kareem took her reaction as a good response but wasn't sure anymore when tears colored her eyes red, yet nothing drained. "I'm sorry I overstepped." He spoke into his phone which typed out in his notes for her to read when failing to get her attention. "It weighed heavy on my mind 'n just ain't feel right leaving it be. I had to do something to make it right."

        Alyina shook her head with a frown. "I told you it was okay. You didn't have to."

        "I know."

        Kareem held back from wiping streams of tears escaping no matter how hard she tried to stop them or wipe them away. "I-I don't know what to say." Alyina's voice was small and shaky. He assured she didn't have to say anything, but words melted off her tongue. "Thank you. I don't—I don't know how I can repay you."

        Kareem shook his head. "It's a gift."

        "These are expensive and they're brand new. I mean, why the hell would you spend this much money on me? Are you crazy? I-I have to pay you back. I don't have this kind of money on hand but I—"

        His lifted hand stopped Alyina from finishing her sentence. Seeing that, Alyina grew quiet.

        Kareem didn't expect her to protest about receiving a gift or the need of not being spoiled and taken care of, despite going against her. He wanted to tell her this very moment, inching on the tip of his tongue, bleeding through his pores, spelling out the words with each breath, that she was his imprint. That there were no limits to using him for her needs. But clearly, it was too soon. She wasn't ready for the truth and he liked the pace they were at now.

        Still with his hand raised, Kareem thought of another solution so Alyina wouldn't feel burdened and he was still doing his job as her man. "Pay me back by teaching me your language." He proposed. "We'll still accommodate your schedule and our lessons are within your control. But I need you on your A-game—determined to make me fluent as quickly as possible. I've got quotas to hit."

        Alyina tilted her head, brows furrowing as she struggled to process his request or figure out his mind. "That's it? That's all you want?" She still doubted his intentions and that part was evident.

        "That's all I need."

        Alyina agreed to the proposal. Without speaking, she made the gesture of a 'K' and threw it out once in a circle. Kareem had no clue what it meant although but was willing to learn enough to figure it out.

        "Generous." She answered his confusion. "That is your sign name."