Sensibilities | Deetranada AU

apathetic

The Next Day

Dee takes a deep breath, preparing herself before entering the ballroom. Through the cracked door, she can hear his voice, followed by her high-pitched one. 'Unbothered, boss ass bitch,' she says to herself. She repeats it, a mantra.

**

Dee styles her hair, her phone propped up against the mirror. On it, Latto speaks. 'He just tryna get on yo good side, don't be fallin' for that.' Dee sighs, 'I know, man. Like, I'm not even gon' hold you, I was dumb after he left. But then...' She pauses, finally getting her hair into a bun. 'His lor girlfriend posting talmbout 'oh look what my man did for me, he so sexy and so sweet' all on his InstaSnap with the SAME DAMN GIFT LATTO.'

Latto's camera shakes, curses flying as it turns dark. It quickly returns, her face covering the entire screen. 'Are you fucking serious?!' 'Swear ta God, look at it when we get off.' Dee gives herself a once-over, dusting off invisible dust and applying more Carmex. 'I'm not 'bout to keep playin' these games with him.' 'Nah, play 'em better. Shit, let that unbothered, boss ass bitch out.'

Dee laughs, picking up her phone and exiting the bathroom. 'What?' 'Stunt on that lil' nigga and when he get mad, tell him I said do it!' Dee laughs, putting on a jacket. 

**

'Unbothered, boss ass bitch,' she says one final time before opening the door and entering. Inside, there are different camera set-ups, backdrops  and mirrors. She looks around, taking in the new environment. She spies Peach and Mani and walks to them, smiling brightly. 'Ayeee, damn suh, you lookin' good!' Peach says, giving her a hug. 'Damn good,' Mani adds, still staring at her. She blushes, looking away. 

She can still hear two unwelcomed voices behind her but she ignores them, instead staring back at Mani. 'Um, somethin' you want over here, sir?' He's caught off guard, her response unusual. 'The whole damn store, ma,' he replies. She giggles, covering her face. 'I'm sayin' though,' he starts again, inching closer, his game face on. 'What I gotta do to get the whole thing?' Dee rolls her eyes, 'Move, Mani.'

Peach laughs as Dee maneuvers past him, examining each photo area for the scene that she wants. Each one is unique, from mock buildings to plain black ones. She sees one with a long line, a wall of hip hop greats in black and white. Waiting in line is Nova and Nia, whispering to one another. Ugh, these niggas. She continues walking, finally finding one that she likes. 

There's only one other person there so she stands to the side, trying to figure out where she wants to position herself. 'You should go over the graffiti, then your shirt pops out,' Mani says, approaching her. She considers it, examining the spot he mentions. He's right though. 'Good look,' she says, nodding at him. 'No problem, gotta make sure you lookin' good outchea.' She tries not to laugh, his game failing to land. 

The other person leaves the scene and Dee approaches, giving her ticket to the photographer. 'Alright, whenever you ready, go ahead,' the photographer says. She nods, positioning herself over the graffiti and starting to pose. She gets in a few frames before switching, rapping to the camera. A few more frames go by and she smiles, genuinely. 'Good, good, do a few more smiling then switch it up.' She does, tilting her head and finding her angle. 

'That angle though!' Mani says. She laughs, the camera flashing. She takes off her jacket, adjusting her crop top. She stoops low, pointing at the camera for a shot. She shows her fronts, trying to stay balanced. She tilts her head a bit too far and feels her bun come loose. 'Ah shit,' she says. As it continues tumbling down, she can't help but laugh, the camera going off again.