Lies and Lullabies (Rodrick Heffley x Black Fem MC!!)

Chapter 10

      The private plane ride to California is fairly comfortable, at least for Deja given she has her eye mask and headphones on as she sleeps on Rodrick. They sit across from Ernest who's perched next to Jun-Su, with Ryan and Luna behind them. Rodrick is grateful since they offered a space for him and his manager, but he's hating the staring contest with Ace. Every few seconds they exchange glances from their seats. Ernest insisted it would be rude if they declined, and he was not going to miss an opportunity to not have to pay for air fare.

     Jun-Su was on the phone the whole flight sending Luna emails to respond to on his behalf. This is the most anyone has seen her work; it's amusing watching her try to keep up. "The hotel is sending shuttles for us when we arrive, and I made dinner reservations," Jun-Su announces after he hangs up his phone.

     "Thank you again. We are happy to be here," Ernest schmoozes as he turns to Jun-Su.

     "Business is business. Rodrick. How is your project coming along?" the label executive asks while typing on his laptop.

     "Fine, we're almost done," He lies.

     Jun-Su looks up from his screen to the drummer. "And this new song. 'Lace and Leather', I anticipate a clean roll out. It will be out on Thursday, yes?" his command comes out in the form of a question as his eyes glare over the sleek silver computer.

     "Yes. You will love it," Ernest answers quickly, then stares at Rodrick, who smiles in agreement. without noticing Ace standing in front of them.

     Jun-Su is the only one to notice that Ace moved to stand in the conversation and seems to physically react with a scowl. "What could you want now?" he says before looking back down at his laptop.

     "Just making sure we have a set schedule, without extras," Ace emphasizes his point with a side-eye glare at Rodrick, who did the same.

     If Rodrick didn't promise Deja to be on his best behavior, he would have already put Ace in place. Holding her close is the only way he can keep his hands occupied. Still, the tension in the room is palpable as the two continue to glare at each other.

     "I am going to the bathroom," Ernest gets up to avoid the oncoming conversation.

     "Please, sit down. We are about to land; I have no time for this." Jun-Su closes his laptop sharply, causing Luna to jump and wake Ryan.

     "Why does he get sit over here, let alone fly with us?" Ace asks with a bothered tone. It's a good thing Deja's asleep or she would've thrown a pillow or worse at him for being so annoying, but Jun-Su looks ready to do that himself.

     "I was invited," Rodrick answers with a stupid grin.

     Ace looks at Jun-Su. "Did you hear something?"

     "Sit down!" the label executive raises his voice while pointing at a seat.

     Ace rolls his eyes and pouts, but he takes his seat. Jun-Su is over his arrogance, and it's only Monday. They finally arrive at LAX and the hotel an agonizing twenty minutes later, and to get away from crowds Luna thought it was best if they stay in Beverly Hills.

     Ernest leads the couple to their room, and as she looks at the singular bed inside Deja realizes she forgot to ask her manager to book them separately. A week alone with Rodrick is a bit much for her to fathom, but she keeps her cool as they begin to settle in and place their luggage down. He makes sure to remind them of the dinner reservations before leaving, since Jun-Su only calls big meetings if he has something important to discuss. Deja just hopes it's good news.