Sensibilities | Deetranada AU

melancholy

The Next Morning

Dee awakens, the early sunlight irritating her eyes. She turns off her alarm, throwing the covers back and standing. She double checks the time, 7:35 AM. She groans, hustling over to the bathroom door and banging on it. 'Hurry up Jermaine! I know you been in there forever!' She listens for a response but none comes. Ughhh, so fucking annoying

She storms to her suitcase and grabs a pair of sweats, a tank top and her toiletries. She heads out of her room and knocks on the one across from her. Mama Key answers with a smile that Dee refuses to return. 'Can I use y'all shower? Jermaine still in there and I'm tryna get breakfast.' 'Yeah, come on, they just brought extra towels,' Mama Key says, her mood unfazed.

After showering, Dee sits in front of the mirror applying her eyeliner. Mama Key watches as she packs her purse, Dee's tense movements and refusal to speak unusual. 'You okay, Dee?' she asks. Dee says nothing at first, staring at herself with contempt. Finally, she sighs, 'Yeah, I guess. Just in a mood.' Mama Key nods, finishing up. 'It's a short day though so that'll be good.' Dee nods, still not speaking. 

Mama Key approaches, standing behind her and speaks to Dee's reflection. 'What's really going on?' Dee looks away, putting up her makeup. 'It's too many people, too much stuff, like sensory overload or somethin'.' Mama Key nods, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. 'It happens, love. Be on the outsides if you need too but don't stop. You're doing too good.' She smiles, thanking her. 

'You want anything? I gotta get Key some stuff for his performance,' Mama Key asks. 'Nah, I'll be good. Thank you though.' She nods, starting to the door. 'I'll see you later.' Dee waits for the door to close before placing her face in her hands. Why man, damn.

She stands and gathers her things, dropping them off in her room. Jermaine is still getting ready when she enters. 'Where'd you go? I thought I heard you when I was in the shower.' She rolls her eyes, grabbing her bar book and stuffing it in her bag. 'Surprised you heard anything over them trash vocals,' she mumbles. He stops, staring hard at her. She sucks her teeth, continuing to pack. 

She feels him watching her, analyzing everything she does. 'What, Jermaine?' she snaps. He sighs deeply, shaking his head. 'You can take the day off, Diamond.' The sincerity and concern in his voice annoys her. 'I'll tell JD--'  'We in the booth, I'm not 'bout to sit up here moping. I'll be fine.' He nods, returning to getting ready. 

'If you end up wantin' to step out, just let me know.' She nods, tying on a black bandana. She gathers her things and leaves quickly. A group stands by the elevator, laughing loudly. She quickly passes them, heading for the stairs. Why'd this have to happen here, of all times. Everything's been good, well, mostly good. She shakes her head, continuing down the stairs at a quickened pace. Come on, Dee, just push through. Six hours then you won't have to be 'round nobody.

********

(Nova POV)

Nova, Key, Jae, Peach and Roscoe sit huddled at a table, taking glances at Dee sitting alone, a grimace on her face. 'What you do this time, Nov?' Roscoe asks, his mouth full of pancakes. 'Nothin' man, I barely even spoke to her yesterday.' Roscoe shakes his head, not believing him. 'She prolly in a mood, she be havin' days sometimes,' Key suggests. Roscoe nods, taking another bite of his food. 'Aye, Peach, go handle that,' he manages through his food. 'Hell nah, I ain't gettin' cussed out.'