Sensibilities | Deetranada AU

persistence

The Next Day

Dee tosses another shirt on her bed, joining the six others she's already tried on. She takes out a thick button up and puts it on over her crop top. She steps back, examining herself in the mirror. Still not all the way there. A knock on her door startles her. It's Jermaine. 'Yo, hurry up. I got class in ten.' 'I got a ride,' she replies, sitting in front of her mirror to apply her eyeliner.

'Who?', he asks quizzically. 'Don't you got class to go to?', she retorts, tilting her head to get a better angle. 'Who this lor boy trying to take you to school? I'mma tell mama.' 'Oh my gooodd. Shut up Jermaine!' She stands, finally ready. 'It's Key friend. I'm tired of being rushed by you or walking all the time.'

She packs her bag, avoiding eye contact as he studies her for a lie. 'Aight..don't be late though.' 'Uh huh,' she says. He leaves her doorway and she returns to the mirror, checking herself one last time. She hears a car horn and gathers her things.

She rushes down the stairs and past Jay and her mom. 'Bye Ma, love you.' 'Where you rushing to?' she asks. 'To see some lor boy taking her to school.' 'Shut up damn!' 'Diamond!' her mother yells. 'Sorry ma! See y'all later.' She closes the door before they can respond, taking a breath before walking calmly to Nova's car.

As promised, Key is there, waiting for her by the car. 'Meatball!!' she laughs, giving him a hug. 'What up, nugget?' he responds, a smile on his face. 'Nun much. Ready to get outta here.' She looks back and sees her mother and brother looking out of the blinds at her. Of course. She makes a face and they close it. 'Hurry up, I got stuff to do,' Nova says, rolling the window down.

They oblige, Key getting in the back and Dee hesitantly getting in the front. Key automatically puts on his headphones and zones out, leaving them to their own discussion. It's silent at first, both unwilling to speak first. Finally, she breaks the silence. 'Thanks for picking me up.' He nods, a small smile growing. 'No problem, mami.' She tries to stop herself from making a face. 'Don't do that.' 'Do what?'

'Do I need to remind you what happened yesterday?' He reddens at the memory. 'Exactly, so chill with the slick talk and we'll be good.' 'Slick talk?' 'You always poppin' slick like you don't got a girl attached to yo hip.' He sucks his teeth, speaking angrily. 'Why you gotta keep bringing her up?' She looks back to Key. He's still zoned out, his eyes closed.

'First off all, I'mma need you to chill with the attitude. Second, I'm bringing her up to remind you that this,' she says, motioning between the two of them. 'Ain't gon' happen. Point blank period.' 'Who said anything about us?' She stops, attempting to recall the earlier conversation. Shit. 'Whatever man. Just chill.' She folds her arms, turning her attention to the approaching school.

They say nothing as they reach the school, parking. 'Wake up, meatball!' she yells, shaking Key. He does, struggling to get out and stretch. 'Thanks, man. I'll catch y'all, I gotta meet somebody.' He walks quickly, leaving them alone, again. They start toward the school, the space between them getting smaller as the crowd starts to thicken.

She looks around, hoping to find someone and she does, waving Latto and Mani over. They greet each other but as she hugs Latto, Latto pulls her to the side. 'I see you, boo!' 'What?" she starts before realizing who she was standing next to. 'Nah, you bugging.' Latto shakes her head, 'I saw ya'll all close. Can't fool me, Dee.' 'Stop. Like for real.'