𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝘢.𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯

𝐢. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠

☾︎ 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾 ☽︎

March 28, 2016

Brooklyn sat on the edge of her bed in her Orlando apartment, her gaze lost on the floor, her arms wrapped around Blue, who rested peacefully on her lap. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and the weight of frustration seemed to crush her.

She had just heard Kanye West's new song. Again. Another provocation disguised as a rhyme. This time, it implied that her fame was thanks to him, as if every achievement in her career bore his signature. Brooklyn closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, trying to contain the emotions that threatened to overflow. It wasn't the first time Kanye had lashed out at her, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

She remembered their first public clash. 2009. MTV Video Music Awards. Their night. Their moment. Until Kanye burst onto the stage and, in front of millions of people, interrupted her acceptance speech. "Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time," he had said, as if Brooklyn didn't deserve to be there. She had stood frozen, humiliated and with a lump in her throat, forced to smile and bear it.

It had been years since that incident, but it seemed Kanye wasn't willing to leave her alone. This new song was further proof. Not only was he trying to claim credit for her success, but he was also looking to take away something she had worked hard to build.

Blue shifted a little and rested his head on her leg, as if she could feel the weight Brooklyn was carrying on her chest.

The door opened softly, and Brooklyn looked up just as Alex entered the apartment. Her training bag hung over her shoulder and tiredness was reflected in her eyes, but seeing Brooklyn and Blue together, a smile spread across her face.

"Hey, babe."

Brooklyn tried to smile back, but the sadness was still there, reflected in her gaze.

"Hey, Al." she stroked Blue's head absentmindedly as she spoke. "How was training?"

Alex dropped her bag on the floor and walked over to the bed, dropping down beside her without hesitation. She put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"Tiring as always," she sighed. "But seeing you makes it all worth it."

Brooklyn leaned in for a quick kiss, but Alex didn't miss the shadow in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked, gently running her fingers through her hair. "I can see something's bothering you."

Brooklyn was silent for a few seconds, carefully choosing the words that would explain what she was feeling.

"Kanye dropped a new song…" she began, feeling the mere act of saying it out loud make the knot tighten in her chest again. "And he's not exactly nice to me."

Alex immediately tensed. Her arm around Brooklyn tightened slightly, as if she wanted to protect her from something she couldn't see.

"What did he say now?"

Brooklyn explained, pausing and laughing bitterly as she recounted the lines that had hurt her the most. When she finished, Alex was silent, but her lips had pressed into a thin line.