Sensibilities | Deetranada AU

enmity

(A/N: Clarification that all things centered and italicized are flashbacks/memories or dreams. I'll always try to label them accordingly before it transitions to it but just wanted to point it out for future reference. Enjoy!)

The Next Morning

Dee lies on her bed, a small pillow over her face as she groans. 'That's not gonna change anything,' Jermaine says. He stands by his bed, arms folded as he watches Dee throw a tantrum. 'Why can't I just wanna stay hereee,' she complains. 'Because you not gonna be by yourself like this.' She sucks her teeth, moving the pillow. 'I'm fine,' she attempts. 'Crying in the middle of the floor is fine?' She says nothing, the memory of Jermaine finding her that night returning.

**

The door opens and Jermaine tries to enter but Dee doesn't hear him over her cries. He attempts to push open the door but she's blocked it with her body. When he hears her cries, he starts to panic. 'Diamond, move, let me in, it's just me.' He hears her cries get quieter but the door still doesn't budge.

'Diamond, please, I don't wanna hurt you with the door. Just move a little bit.' Finally, the pressure is removed from the door and he pushes it open just enough to get in. He sees her still behind the door, tears running down her face, eyes red and puffy with a jacket in her arms.

She stands and gives him a hug, dropping the jacket behind her. He's stunned but embraces her as she sobs. He can feel anger rising as he starts to assess the situation; Nova being here earlier, her crying by the door, what he knows isn't her jacket. He clenches his jaw, trying to calm and comfort her but his protectiveness kicks into overdrive.

**

'That was like two days ago, I'm fine now,' she explains. 'Doesn't matter, all the kids are getting together, we gotta finish our training and I'd rather you be around some friends than by yourself.' So you want me around that pineapple head ass—'And if he tries something, call me.' She rolls her eyes, putting the pillow back over her face. Never tellin' you anything ever again.

She feels a tap on her leg and peeks from under the pillow. 'Come on, the car's here.' She sighs deeply, taking her time to get up and grab her bag. She stomps her feet to the door, rolling her head around. 'All that ain't gon' stop nothing.' She frowns again, starting to open the door. 'Diamond,' he says. She turns and looks, his eyes full of concern. 'Behave. And don't be talkin' to him.' She nods, hurrying to open the door and get away before poppa bear takes over.

********

The Uber is packed. Dee sits on Mani's lap, the only spot left in their car. The car makes a sharp turn and she gets jostled, her head hitting the roof and her elbow jamming into the door. 'Aah, son of a bitch,' she cries out. Key laughs at her pain, shaking his head. 'Told Jermaine to get a van,' he says but Dee doesn't bother joining in his laughter, her elbow still throbbing.

'You should let me kiss it and make it better,' Mani whispers to her with a smirk. 'I will physically fight you, put them dry ass lips near me,' she responds. Key and Peach laugh at their banter. He replies but she doesn't hear it, noticing Nova's silence, his face stern as he looks out the window. 'Dee,' Key says, interrupting her thoughts. 'Huh?'

'Where was y'all going last night?' Mani chuckles, rubbing his non-existent beard and looking off, a smirk on his face. 'What was y'all doing last night?' she asks in return, Peach's face reddening. 'Exactly, now mind ya business.' She shifts, moving a bit further away from Mani's lap and turning forward, watching Nova.