𝐬𝐤𝐚𝐢'𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐯

"i can't deal with any of this bullshit because it fuckin' hurts how much i love you!"

for a moment, everything seemed to stop. the anger, the pain, the tension—they all seemed to freeze in place as her words hit me. my breath caught, and i could see the raw emotion in her eyes.

"and i love you." i whispered quietly, my heart racing so fast i thought it might burst. the words felt like a raw wound, exposed and aching, but there was a relief in finally saying them out loud.

dani's face softened, her eyes wide with shock and something else—maybe hope or vulnerability. the tension between us seemed to snap.

"dani, i—" i started, but she cut me off, taking a shaky step closer. her eyes were bright with unshed tears, and i could see the fight in her slowly ebbing away.

"i'm sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "i should have responded to your calls and messages, i was just too scared of being hurt again."

"i didn't want to hurt you either," i said, reaching out tentatively and closing the distance between us. "i just... felt like you didn't take me seriously. like i was just another person in your life who could be pushed aside."

"yeah i know" she says, pulling me into a tight embrace. "we both have our issues. but i want to work through this. i was serious when i said i need us to work, you're the only person i'd ever want."

i clung to her, the warmth of her body grounding me, making everything feel just a little bit better. "you're the only person that feels right for me too."

"we'll get through it. together." she murmured into my hair.

"i love you," i whisper against her chest, my voice catching in my throat. she tilts my chin up gently, guiding my gaze to hers. i can feel the warmth of her fingertips on my skin, grounding me in this perfect, fragile moment.

i smile up at her, tears brimming in my eyes again, spilling over as if my heart is too full to hold it all. "i love you, i love you, i love you," i repeat.

her eyes soften, a tender smile curling on her lips as she brushes her thumb across my cheek, wiping away the tears.

"i love you, i love you, i love you too, mama," she whispers back, her voice thick with emotion, her forehead resting against mine.

slowly, she leans in, her lips finding mine in a kiss so soft and delicate that it feels like the first breath after a long dive underwater. her mouth moves with mine, gentle yet full of purpose, a sweet promise sealed between us. i feel her hand slide to the back of my neck, pulling me deeper, and i melt into her touch, letting the world around us fade away.

our lips linger, tasting the salty mix of tears and the sweetness of love, savouring the closeness as if afraid to let go. the kiss is everything – a quiet whisper of forever, of hope, of two souls finally at home.

when we finally pull back, her forehead rests against mine, and we stay like that for a moment, just breathing each other in, soaking in the warmth and peace that only she can bring me.

***

i cradled the mug in my hands, the warmth seeping into my fingers as dani passed it to me. my thoughts were miles away, drifting back to memories i'd rather forget. she sat down beside me, her presence comforting as always, and gently lifted my foot onto her lap, her hands moving in slow, soothing circles. it was a small gesture, but it anchored me to the present.

"looking back at my past self," i began, my voice soft, but there was a quiet strength beneath it that hadn't always been there, "i can only pity her for how many times she let people overstep her boundaries." i glanced at dani, catching her gaze before looking down at the mug, the steam curling up in lazy spirals. "i didn't stand up for myself, or for the people i love. and honestly, dani, i am so sorry for that."

"hey," she said, squeezing my foot gently, drawing my attention back to her. "it's not on you. those nasty people are the ones who should be blamed."

i let out a soft laugh, more of a breath than anything, and shook my head. "yeah, that's true. my therapist had to remind me a lot to let go of some of that guilt." i took a sip from the mug, letting the warmth spread through me. "but i had a part to play too. when i first came into the industry, i wanted to make it so bad. sometimes that meant letting people walk all over me."

dani nodded, her hands still moving in gentle, comforting circles. "it's hard when you're trying to find your footing. especially when you're a pawn in a billionaire's playground. you get scared of pissing off the wrong people, or worse, getting blacklisted."

i gave her a small smile, but there was a sadness behind it. "exactly. take christian, for example. there were so many times i should have cut ties with him, out of respect for myself, and for you. but a part of me didn't want us to be on bad terms. being friends with him gave me access to connections, opportunities... it was hard to walk away from that."

"i get it," she said, her voice low. "the industry's tough. it's like you have to play the game or get played."

"yeah," i murmured, my gaze dropping to the mug again. "and jasmine... god, looking back at my so-called friendship with her, she wasn't a good friend. but i overlooked it because she made being in the industry easier. i put up with so much just to stay in the game. but at some point, i had enough."

i could feel the weight of those words, the way they lingered in the air like a shadow. dani leaned forward, taking the mug from my hands and setting it aside before pulling me closer to her.

"i can see that now," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "i can see how much you've grown since last time we were together. i should have not made any assumptions and came to you straight away to talk about it."

her words made my chest swell, a sense of pride and relief washing over me. "thank you," i whispered, feeling her arms wrap around me.

"and look at you now, you're a superstar who is under roc nation with a superhero team looking after you," she teased, nudging me as i couldn't help but beam at the thought.

"i know, right? crazy how life is." i looked down, a strand of my curly hair falling in front of my face, and dani reached out, brushing it away gently.

"so, how did you handle christian this time?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "because i know damn well he was trying to flirt with you."

a smug smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and i couldn't help the glint of pride in my eyes. "i told him straight up, i'm not interested, and i'm seeing someone."

dani chuckled, her chest swelling with pride at the way i handled myself. "that's my girl," she said, pressing a kiss to my temple.

"i'm not the same person i used to be," i whispered, feeling the truth of that statement deep in my bones. "i won't let anyone push me around anymore."

she held me close, her warmth enveloping me, and i felt the tension in my body melt away. "i know," she whispered back, her voice soft and full of love. "and that's one of the many reasons i love you."

i pulled back slightly, a playful glint in my eyes as i teased her, "i'm sorry, what did you say?"

she rolled her eyes, but the smile she tried to suppress was a dead giveaway. "i love you."

i raised an eyebrow, pretending to lean in closer. "hmm, didn't quite catch that. could you say it a little clearer?"

she huffed, but i could see the love in her eyes as she looked at me. "i love you. i love you. i love you."

my laughter bubbled up, soft and sweet, as i wrapped my arms around her neck, pulling her closer until our foreheads touched. "oh, that's what you were saying." i whispered, letting my voice carry all the love i felt for her. "well, i love you. i love you. i love you more, mi amor."

for a moment, we just stayed like that, our foreheads touching, our breaths mingling, the world outside forgotten. then i pulled back slightly, my expression shifting as a thought crossed my mind. "what about you though?"

"what about me?" she asked, tilting her head, her curiosity piqued.

"how have you changed? since we're relearning the new us."

she leaned back, considering my question, letting it sink in. "well," she began, searching for the right words. "about what i said earlier—how people don't trust or expect others to change—i'd say i've struggled with that a lot. maybe i still do. it's like no matter how much you try to move forward, there's always someone ready to throw the old story in your face, like they're determined to keep you chained to who you used to be."

"yeah, everyone's all about 'humans make mistakes' until humans actually make mistakes," i quipped, a knowing smile playing on my lips.

she chuckled, appreciating the cleverness of my words. "exactly that. i did some young, dumb shit, and i'm still trying to move past it and be better. you already know my past—drugs, the whole mess. and music has saved me more times than i can count. that's why i'm so passionate about it. in a way, it feels like it's the only way i can truly redeem myself."

"i hear you," i said softly, my voice full of understanding. i let my gaze drift into the distance, a small smile on my lips as i processed her words.

"i can't help but feel like we're meant to be," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, the honesty of the statement hanging heavy between us.

i looked up, meeting her gaze, my heart swelling at the way her words mirrored my own feelings. the soft glow from the lamp bathed her in warmth, making her look like a goddess, "right? like we just get each other."

before i could process what was happening, dani suddenly lifted my hand and bit it, her teeth gently grazing my skin. i squealed in surprise, yanking my hand back as laughter spilled from my lips.

"what the hell, danielle!" i giggled, clutching my hand dramatically as if i'd been mortally wounded. but she just smiled, the type of smile that never failed to make my heart flutter.

"you're very yummy lookin'," she teased, her voice low and playful as she leaned in closer. her lips brushed against the soft skin of my wrist, and before i could react, she planted another gentle bite there. it wasn't hard, just enough to make me giggle again.

"dani!" i half-laughed, half-protested, my voice shaking from the way my chest was tightening with affection.

"what?" she said, all innocence as she looked up at me, her pink lips quirking into a smirk. "can't help it if you look delicious."

she continued her playful attack, pressing soft kisses along my arm, up to my shoulder. each kiss sent tiny sparks dancing across my skin, her lips warm and teasing. her breath tickled my collarbone as she nibbled there, and i couldn't contain the soft sigh that escaped me.

"i bet you was a biter when you was a kid," i muttered, but there was no denying the way my body was melting under her touch. her affection, though playful, was tender, like she wanted to savour every inch of me, to make me feel loved in every possible way.

"shh, i'm not done yet," she whispered against my neck, her breath hot against my skin. she peppered more kisses, each one trailing with soft bites that made me squirm and giggle beneath her.

"what are you doing baby," i sighed, though i couldn't keep the smile off my face. my fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer as she nuzzled into the curve of my shoulder.

she grinned against my skin, her lips brushing against my earlobe now. "markin' my territory."

finally, when she reached my jaw, she paused, her face so close to mine that i could feel the heat of her breath mingling with mine. her eyes flickered up to meet mine, dark and full of something more than just playfulness. for a moment, we just stared at each other, the air between us thick with unspoken words, heavy with the kind of connection that made my heart ache in the best way.

"what do you say we watch a movie and order in?" she asked, her voice softer now, a warmth that made me want to curl up against her and merge with her.

i nodded, my fingers still tangled in her hair. "yeah, that sounds good."

she smiled and pressed one last lingering kiss to my lips before pulling away, leaving me breathless and wanting more. as she grabbed the remote and settled back against the couch, she opened her arms, inviting me to curl up against her.

grabbing my phone, i didn't hesitate, snuggling into her side, my head resting against her chest as her arm wrapped protectively around me.

the movie started, but i barely registered it. all i could focus on was the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the warmth of her body against mine, and the way her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on my arm. i feel safe, loved, and completely at peace.

***

"dude this is fire right here." natalie's voice broke through the music as she bopped her head to the beat, the bassline vibrating through the studio. mike, our long-time producer, grinned at her enthusiasm from behind the mixing desk.

"literally," i chimed in, already feeling the spark of inspiration ignite. "i'm already thinking of lyrics." i began to hum along, creating a melody that played over the track.

"i'm getting deja vu." natalie laughs.

mike paused the track and chuckled. "same here. last time all three of us were messing around in the studio, we ended up with a number-one billboard hit."

"true," i nodded, excitement building, "and it's been a while since we released music together, nati. what do you say?" i glanced between her and mike, a teasing smile playing at my lips.

natalie scoffed, hopping off the table she had been perched on and sauntering over to the snack bar. "please, i'm too busy to add promoting a new single to my schedule."

"isn't that what she said last time?" dean piped up, his voice teasing from the other side of the room. we all laughed, but just then, his phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call, leaving natalie and me alone.

i slid over to the couch where she was lounging, taking a packet of cheetos with me. "so~" she sung, shuffling nearer, "what's new in your life?"

"mhm, nothing much. same old. but i'm really happy you came to visit me today." i twirled a cheeto between my fingers, glancing at my best friend as she grabbed a strand of my hair, twisting it absentmindedly between her fingers.

"of course, i had to. i mean, everyone's anticipating this new album, and being besties with you means i get to hear it before the whole world does. it seems like being friends with you actually has its perks after all." she grinned as she flicked the hair back into place.

i gasped dramatically, clutching my chest. "girl, from the moment our moms introduced us in nappies, i've made your life ten times more interesting, so please."

"whatever," she snorted, snatching a cheeto before i could even get one. "but seriously, just because i'm always overseas filming this movie doesn't mean i should be left out of the loop. spill the tea. anything."

i laughed at her desperation, shaking my head. "so what? london doesn't have enough tea for you?"

"not the kind i like," she shot back with a grin.

i tapped my chin, pretending to think. "well, let's see. pretty sure solána might be seeing someone new, but let's all pray this one actually goes well. and oh—gio told me she saw offset blatantly flirting with some instagram model at a nike afterparty."

natalie grimaced, shaking her head. "damn, he's still out and about cheating again?"

i nodded in agreement. "again."

her eyes narrowed slightly, and i could feel her honing in on me like a hawk. "okay, but what about you? why do i feel like you're avoiding my actual question?"

"i'm not," i said quickly, my voice a little too high-pitched, feeling my nerves slightly spike. "there's just nothing to tell. i've just been work, work, working."

"true, you are always posting yourself at the studio." she says, tilting her head, studying me. i started to feel myself sweat, scared that she'll use her best friend senses and detect that i was lying to her face. it's just that everytime i tried to tell her, i felt something stop me. "i'm glad you used the catastrophic dani situation to inspire you and turned it into something beautiful."

"yeah." the word came out flat, as i stared at the cheetos in my lap, my chest tightening.

"you're over it now, right? it's been, what, eight months?" she asked, and i nodded, though the truth was a knot tangled deep in my chest. "good," she said, her tone firm. "life's too short to be hung up on weird-ass people like dani."

i suddenly felt a wave of nausea wash over me, partly from lying to my best friend and partly because of the way she was talking about dani. my stomach churned, and i opened my mouth, ready to set things straight.

"natalie, i actually—" i started, but mike walked back into the room, cutting me off.

"sorry about that," he said, running a hand through his hair. "there were some issues with another artist. now, where were we?"

natalie immediately shifted her attention to mike, hopping up to join him by the desk, diving into her suggestions for the track. i sat there, swallowing my words, my palms slick with sweat.

i'll tell her soon... right?

𓏲𝄢 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝!