Audri
It was hot. So freaking hot. I needed air. With a groan I opened my eyes slightly, only to make direct eye contact with a nipple. Fred's nipple; he slept shirtless apparently, which added to the heat I felt. Though, when I realized it was him, I didn't want to move. His arms were wrapped around me, to hold me in place. I was slightly on top of him, and our legs were entwined. There was definitely no more room in the twin XL bed.
I peered up at the man who was asleep. He looked peaceful. His long lashes coated his cheeks, his lips parted slightly, taking in deep breaths. He was so handsome. I grinned, then rested my head back on his chest. He was here with me. I could feel him, I could kiss him. It was everything that I wanted. I felt at peace, even if just for a moment. As I hugged his form, I realized I wanted to always be at his side. He made me feel alive like I could do anything; he encouraged me to do anything and to put my best foot forward. I was falling for him, and I didn't want to stop.
A wave of heat went over my body again, as if to remind me of how hot it actually was. With a sigh, I decided to get up and use the bathroom. I sat up slowly to not wake Fred, then slipped out of bed. I fixed my pajama shorts as I do, then put on my slippers. I stretched as I walked to the door, then out the room. The living room was empty besides Jacob being knocked out on the couch. He let out a snore before turning to face the pillows. I crossed my arms as I walked into my shared bathroom. I guess Ashley decided not to sleep with him. I was shocked, I was so sure she was going to go for it.
After I peed and washed my hands, I debated on whether I should brush my teeth or not. I really just wanted to just go back to sleep. I wasn't sure what time it was, but that would decide if it was time for me to wake up or not.
I quietly entered my room, only to be greeted by Fred, who was sitting on the side of my bed. He was just in his boxers and holding his phone. His hair was wild as he lazily looked at his phone. He looked up when I walked in. I smiled without showing teeth, before closing the door silently.
"Goodmorning," He greeted softly. His voice was full of sleep, as well as his face. His eyes looked closed, though I knew he was looking at me. I walked to him and hugged him gently. He held me, then rested his head on my shoulder. He yawned softly. I half smiled.
"Goodmorning, how'd you sleep?"
"I mean, it was hot but fine." He smiled at me when I pulled back.
"Same! This bed is made for one person." I laughed.
"Right, are you going to lay back down?" He asked with hope.
"Are you still sleepy?" He nodded eagerly.
"I just got up cause I heard the door open." He replied. "Plus it's 8, and I never get to sleep past 8. Today, I can." He smiled excitedly. I chuckled and patted his cheek gently.
"My poor Kpop Idol is tired," I cooed at him. He rolled his eyes, then gave me a look at my tone. I ran my fingers up his defined chest until I get to his shoulders. "Let's stay in bed then handsome." I pushed his shoulders back. He laid back, getting fully into the bed. Once he got comfortable, he smiled and opened his arms to me. I crawled in next to him but faced my TV so I could watch it. He wraps his arms around me, getting comfortable. I didn't even get a chance to say anything before he was asleep again. I peek over my shoulder to see his face buried between my shoulder blades, breathing softly. I smirked, then watched The Amazing World of Gumball on my TV.
____
I walked into my room dressed wearing high waisted black skinny jeans and a black off shoulder floral shirt that showed a little of my midsection and hugged my breast to give them support. My hair was wrapped in a towel since I washed it in the shower. It had curled right back up. Fred sat up when I walked in. He took a shower before me, and was in ripped designer jeans, with a white shirt. He had a silver chain around his neck, and his permed hair was pulled back with one of my thin hair bans.
"You look beautiful," He looked me over. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. He stood to walk over to me.
"Thank you," I replied in a soft voice. He tilted my chin up gently, to capture my lips with his. Not that I minded. I wanted all the love I could get before he left tomorrow. "I have to straighten my hair." I replied when he pulled away. He frowned.
"Why? Your curls are nice." He said the moved his hand to pull at one that didn't get the memo to stay in the towel. I look away from his perfect face.
"Well, I just noticed that a lot of Asian women have straight hair so, I thought I'd stick with the treads." I turned away from him, looking in the mirror as I took the towel out my hair. Fred walked up behind me, silent as if he was processing what I said. I grabbed my olive oil to spray on my scalp.
"Well, you're not Asian, so you don't have to straighten your hair just because theirs is. I like your hair the way it is." He decided to say. He pressed his lips together as if he wanted to say more, but didn't.
"I just don't want you to...uh, never mind," I shook my head. Haruhi and him looked so good together the other day. I wanted him to stay with me. I won't change who I am, but straightening my hair wasn't that bad. I only saw him every now and again, so it's not like it would get damaged that much. I grabbed my big tooth comb, as he grabbed my hand.
"You don't want me to what?" He asked softly, he turned me around gently. He took the purple comb out of my hand and made eye contact with me. I sighed softly, at the curiosity in his eyes. "If it's bothering you, I want to know what it is. Maybe I can help." He leaned down slightly so we were eye to eye. I wanted to look away. The intimacy was too much, it made my heart beat faster. I couldn't hide my feelings from him. It was like he was the key to making all of my emotions run wild.
"I just want you to stay attracted to me ok. If my hair is straight, then you know," I shrugged, when I said it out loud it sounded stupid. I looked away, setting my jaw. I was turning into one of those girls that I annoyed. Those girls that would do anything and everything to keep their man. Even if it changed them a bit.
"Audrey, I'm always gonna be attracted to you," Fred replied. I looked at him to see his stupid half smile. "You're gorgeous, with or without straight hair. I really like you, because you're Audrey. A beautiful brown skin, curly head, big eyes, freckled face Audrey," He laughed cupping my face as a small smile came upon my lips. "I don't care that you're not Asian. If you try to change yourself for me, then I might as well get that double lid surgery for you." I shook my head.
"Don't, you look fine the way you are." I reached up to touch his eyes gently. He smiled.
"Then you don't either. Ok?" He asked. "Not unless you're doing it for you." He kissed my forehead.
"Ok." I replied gently, feeling the warmth of love radiate over my body.
____
Fred
"What movie are we seeing?" I asked as Audrey parked her car in the movie theater parking lot. The building was big and white. It had been trimmed with gold, and light bulbs, making it look like a stereotypical theater. Not to mention the giant popcorn that sat on of it. Though something about it seemed welcoming, and I was excited to go in it.
"Whatever movie is playing," She laughed as she turned her car off. "It's about to be 11:30, so something should be about to play," She pulled the visor down to look in the mirror attached. She looked at her eyes, then made sure her lipstick looked nice. I watched, just as I did earlier for 45 minutes. Though, I didn't mind watching her. She was interesting to watch. The way she looked at every detail as if it had to be perfect. It was cute.
But I didn't know why she went all out today. She put on all of her make-up: Foundation, Concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, different powders - everything. All I did was do my skin routine; which I had to do to keep up my appearance. However, I didn't shave today, so I have a shadow going on.
I blinked out of my trance as she closed the visor, then looked at me. She smiled at me and asked if I was ready to go.
"Yeah; I haven't been to the movies in a long time," I opened my door, then went to open hers. She smiled up at me. "I'm excited." I finished, then grabbed her hand. She swung our hands happily as we walked to the box office. A small smile played on her face, letting me know she was happy. She suddenly stopped slightly, pulling me back a bit. I looked back at her to see what was wrong. She had a confused look on her face.
"Really? You should go to the movies more often. It's pretty fun." She replied hella late. I chuckled at that, then continued to walk to the box office. I pulled her closer to put an arm around her shoulder. She looked up at me as we walked.
"It's not that simple," I replied, then stopped in front of the movie showtimes, but far away enough that someone would know we weren't in line yet. "I can't just go to the movies. I'm always working. Plus when I do get a day off, I want to just sleep," I looked at her. She frowns slightly as she listened to me. "Plus, I don't really wanna go when my fans might spot me, then I'm stuck. You know?" I looked back at the showtimes overwhelmed with the thought that Audrey truly didn't understand the life that I lived.
The time that I had to myself, was cherished. Everything I did had some sort of schedule to it. Especially since UNE got a board that Un had to answer to. Everything has become stricter because of them. My diet, my hair, the dating policy- it was honestly ridiculous. It's a miracle that one of the board members didn't decide to come with us to America. If they did, then I wouldn't be able to spend my free time with my woman. L.Y.F.E and I probably would have had to work on our new album, or they would have found some magazines or news places for us to talk to.
I sighed softly. I was definitely happy they weren't here. I'd much rather vlog random moments of my life for Un, than have a bunch of interviews set up by the board.
"Even Holidays aren't free?" She asked softly.
"If its a holiday we celebrate, then we have it off. For example, Gun doesn't celebrate Christmas, so he will probably have something to do that day. They try to give us holidays off though." She looked a bit sad, then she squeezed my waist.
"I'm sorry." She replied. I kissed her head.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," She blushed but cuddled to my side. Her body fitted perfectly with me. Every curve, her height, her body heat, everything was perfect. I loved having a girlfriend.
But she could be hella annoying as well. I held the entrance door open for her as I set my jaw. When we had finally settled on a movie, and assigned seats; we went to pay for it at the same time. I wanted to pay for it, because I wanted this to be a proper date. The traditional chivalrous date; where I'd open her door, take her out, and spoil her like the Princess she was. However, she was not impressed with my chivalrousness. Instead, she debated with me about who should pay, then when I was just gonna give the box office person my card, she pretended to wave at someone. I turned because I wanted to meet one of her friends, only for her to hand her card to the box office person. It was annoying.
"I'm buying the snacks." I stated once inside. The smell of popcorn hit me like a ton of bricks. She laughed at my serious statement. I could just feel my irritation rising, but I remained quiet as she said "We'll see Li. You're pretty gullible you know." She laughed as if it was so funny. I rolled my eyes, not seeing the amusement. So, I simply walked ahead of her. I pick one of the shorter concession lines, then stood. I crossed my arms while I looked at the menu.
I was slightly impressed with this theater. It had actual food like pizza, burgers and even turkey sandwiches. I was pretty hungry, and could probably eat a turkey sandwich; but when I looked at my watch, I decided against it. I wanted to take Audri for lunch or dinner. That is if she'd let me.
As I look at the menu to decide what I wanted. I felt two pokes on my back, then Audrey moved in front of me. Her perfectly arched eyebrow was raised. She crossed my arms as she looked up at me. I pressed my lips together looking at her.
"Are you seriously pouting over tickets?" She asked. Pouting? Was I pouting? I shifted on my feet, then uncrossed my arms and stuffed my hands in my pocket, then simply said "I just wanted to treat you and pay for everything, like a proper date." She scoffed.
"Proper date? Because I'm a girl I can't treat you?" She asked glaring up at me. I stared at her blankly. I didn't really want to argue, especially not in public. She huffed at my lack of response. "Just because you're a guy doesn't mean you have to pay."
"I wanted too." I replied. This made her roll her eyes at me. Then glared harshly at me. I set my jaw at the look not breaking eye contact.
"Whatever, get your pride out of here so we can have fun together." She turned from me and I bit my tongue as I glared at the back of her head. If I had to choose my battles, this was one I chose not to fight. If she wants to pay for her stuff, fine. I was just trying to be a good boyfriend! She didn't have to bite my head off for it. Jesus.
I sighed heavily, then looked away from her for a bit. Maybe this wasn't going to work out. I mean, I really liked her. I liked her more than I liked any other girl. Hell, I was risking my job for her, but what if our arguments get worse than this? I know there will be fights, we're only human; but damn. She was so stubborn.
I looked back at her to see her shoulder slightly sagging. She sniffled, then looked around. My eyes soften. Was she crying? I moved slightly, then looked out of the corner of my eye at her. She had a deep frown on her face, but wasn't crying; thank god. She looked upset; damn. I had to fix this.
"Next customer," The concessionist said. We walk up to the register. I stood behind Audri as she greeted the worker, and asked how she was doing. After the short talk, we got quiet. I moved my lips to the side as I thought if I should ask her if she wanted anything. She probably wouldn't let me pay for it. But I still wanted to treat her; I still wanted to be with her. I had to make her feel better; but also apologize...about something I'm not sorry for, but whatever.
Taking a chance, I moved my arms around her waist, pulling her to me in a backward hug. She stumbled into me, but then leaned back, resting on me. Good sign. I rested my chin on her shoulder gently.
"Princess," I spoke sweetly. I watched her cheeks turn a bit pink. Another good sign. "Do you want to share popcorn with me?" I asked. She looked thoughtful, then nodded.
"Ok," She said softly looking at me. She looked slightly relieved as her big brown eyes still glimmered. I pulled her closer to me, kissed her temple, then looked at the concessionist who was looking at her nails with interest.
"Can we order a large popcorn, then I will also like a large water please," I ordered looking at the ginger. She nodded as she pressed a couple of buttons.
"Would you like to try some nachos? Or Almond M&M's?' She asked, looking at us. Audrey perked in my arms. I feel her excitement over the snacks. It was unbelievably cute.
"Order what you want," I spoke softly in her ear, hoping she'd let this money issue go. She licked her lips.
"Can I have the supreme nachos? Also, a large coke and blue raspberry icee mixed?" The concessionist, whose name tag said Tammy, nodded.
"Anything else?" She asked.
"You want candy?" I asked peering back to look at the candy case.
"Do you want candy?"
"I'll eat some with you." I agreed with her, she smiled.
"And Milk Duds." Audrey bounced slightly, excited. I chuckled pulling out my card as the woman repeated our order.
"Your total will be $42.56, would you like to round it up to $43, and donate to charity?" She asked.
"Sure," I handed her my card. She swiped, then handed it back.
"On the supreme nachos, did you want everything?"
"No olives-"
"Wait, can you put the olives on the side? I like olives." I blushed slightly, I looked at Audri. She looked amused.
"Ok, olives on the side. And no salsa though. Just chili, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream." Tammy nodded then walked away. When she did, I hugged Audrey closer.
"I'm sorry I hurt your feeling. I just want this to be a great day, and help you out you know. I know you're on a budget, and if I can help you anyways I can, like pay for movies, then I want too." I said softly to her. She turned in my arms looking up at me.
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you. I just don't want you to feel like you have to pay for everything." She placed her hands on my waist.
"Well now I know," I laughed. She leaned against me. "But honestly, I remember you telling me your mom only gives your money rarely. Let me take care of you while I'm here. Heck, we can go grocery shopping later. I just wanna make sure that my Princess is taken care of," I cupped her loveable cheeks, then kissed her forehead. She let me, but looked conflicted. She finally sighed.
"Just, don't go overboard. I don't need anything but you," She leaned up and pressed her lips to mine. I sighed happily. I definitely wanted to keep her in my life, even if we had our spats. She was strong, beautiful and the type of person I wanted to be with.
____
Fred
The movie was pretty good, we ended up seeing some horror film. I don't know if I'd buy it on DVD, but it was good enough to entertain me for the moment. I yawned softly as we sat in a Chinese restaurant. It was pretty nice, and the food smelt of home. I was pretty excited to try the food. I wondered what Audrey would get. I know she wasn't the biggest Asian cuisine consumer, but I was happy she was willing to try the food.
When the waiter came over, he spoke broken English, so I just decided to order in Chinese. He seemed a bit happy about that. I ordered myself a fruit punch, then looked at Audrey.
"What did you want to drink?" I asked her softly. She smiled.
"A sprite." She looked at the man. His name was Johnny. Classic.
"Do you want any appetizers?" Johnny asked me in Chinese after he smiled at Audrey and wrote down her drink order.
"Uh, let me talk it over with her first, then I'll let you know. Thank you Johnny." I smiled at him. He nodded then walked away. I looked at Audrey who was smiling at me.
"You made his day," She said. I chuckled, then looked slightly in the direction he went. He was talking to another waitress.
"If it's easier for him to speak in our language, then," I shrugged. My eyes moved back to the beautiful woman in front of me."Did you want any appetizers?" I asked her. She flipped her curls over her shoulder, looking thoughtful.
"Uh, what do you suggest?" She asked. I looked over the menu.
"You don't eat pork," I said more to myself than her. "Have you ever had dumplings before?" I looked up at her.
"No, I just had shrimp fried rice," She said and I wanted to tell her how cute she was for trying that basic meal. "See, you're here to make me more cultured." She said to my amused face.
"Ok, so we'll get the dumpling sampler as appetizers. It comes with two of each filling: pork, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. I'll eat the pork ones," I licked my lips as I felt ready to eat. She nodded.
"That's fine. I feel like I should learn how to cook pork,"
"Why?" I asked curiously.
"Well, you can't cook, what if you want some sort of pork dish? I can cook the basics but no clue on pork," She shrugged. Johnny walked over with our drinks.
"Xiexie," Audrey spoke shyly. I smirked at her, then looked at Johnny.
"We decided to get the dumpling sampler," I said to him.
"Ok, what about your entries?" He asked while writing. I gasped.
"Oh, I forgot about that," I looked at Audri who sat there looking slightly clueless. It was adorable. "Can we order later?"
"Sure," Johnny put his notepad in his pocket then looked at me seriously. "Are you Fred, from L.Y.F.E?" He asked. I paused. How the hell? I thought I was safe here. Shit.
"Yeah, you know me?" I asked, and sat a little taller as I looked at him. Audri looked at us, curiosity all on her face.
"My sister knows you, she's a big fan," He smiled.
"Oh, well after dinner, we should take a picture for her." I replied in hopes of him not going crazy, or calling anyone.
"Sure, thank you! I'll put your order in," He grinned, then walked away quickly. I cursed softly when he was gone. Audrey raised a brow.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"He knows me," I leaned back staring at her. She looked back, then back at me. "Dang..welp, don't do anything unbelievably cute ok?" I smirked at her. She blushed and sipped her drink. The way her cheeks filled up with the liquid made me want to smile. Instead, I groan, placing my hand over my heart dramatically. "That right there, is what I'm talking about. Cuteness." She laughed at me.
"You're stupid," I laughed as well looking at her. Then I remembered I was supposed to see what she wanted to eat.
"Oh! What did you want to eat?"
"Shrimp fried rice," I gave her a look of 'really' "What? I like shrimp fried rice," She pouted.
"Look, no judgment," I shrugged at her. "I kinda want some Duck,"
"Duck??" She said shocked. I laughed at her face.
"Yes, Duck. It's pretty good,"
"Uh...nah fam, I'm just gonna stick with my basic, probably Americanized, shrimp fried rice." I laughed more at her statement.
"Nobody makes duck like my mom though. So maybe I'll get something else so you won't be tempted to try it. Your first experience of duck should be from her." I hummed thinking of the woman who gave birth to me.
"Is she really super traditional?" Audrey suddenly asked. I frowned slightly just as Johnny came back over with the dumplings.
"Here you go," He said in English. "Ready to order?" He asked.
"Yes, can I have the shrimp fried rice?" Audrey spoke softly looking up at Johnny.
"Yes, very good," He wrote. "What about you?" He asked me in Chinese.
"Can I have the Kung Pao Chicken please? Extra spicy if the cook can," I said, closing my menu. I looked up at him with a smile.
"Of course, I will let her know," He said, putting his notebook up. "I take these," He said, taking the menus from us, then smiled nodding. We both watched him leave as I thought of my response. Should I tell her how my mom tried to instill in me to date an Asian, preferably a Chinese woman? Or how every time she saw an interracial couple, a peace of her got closer to a meltdown? I sipped my fruit punch, hoping she just forgot her question. But from the worried look, she was giving me, she hadn't.
I sighed, slouching slightly. "I mean, she just has her ways. I'm not saying they are right, but she uh, is different," I bit my bottom lip.
"Do you think she could change?" She asked softly. I nodded.
"Maybe, she got over my cousin. She's married to a white guy,"
"A white guy," She scoffed and drank her Sprite. I scratched my head not knowing how to help this.
"I think she'll eventually get over it. She has me and my two sisters. I'm the only boy, I can persuade her," I grinned. She looked even more defeated.
"Gosh Freddy, you're the name barrier. It's over for me." She shook her head. I frowned, then reached over and grabbed her hands.
"Audrey, it will be ok. When I decide to tell her, I'll talk to her. She'll love you," I smiled softly. "She will." I kiss her hands gently. She sighs softly.
"If you say so Freddy," She half smiled. "So, these dumplings?" She looked at the platters of dumplings, changing the topic.
____
The rest of the day went by without a hitch. We got her a new controller, played some video games at her dorm, and then ate pizza for dinner. Then the hard part came. Saying goodbye. I held her close as we stood outside of my hotel room. She decided to drive me and walk me to my room. Luckily nobody was in the hall.
"I'm gonna miss you," She sniffled softly. I felt my stomach drop and my heartache. I wanted to stay, so badly. I didn't want to leave. I could feel my eyes water as well. This was so much harder than I thought. Everything about her I cherished. Her smile, her scent, the way her body felt against mine. She was starting to become something I didn't expect. Home.
"Don't cry Princess," I said softly, pulling her closer to me. She cuddled closer to me. I looked down at her, then tilted her head up to kiss her. I didn't care if the guys were watching us through the peephole. I didn't care if someone walked into the hallways. I just wanted her. So I kiss her a bit longer, keeping her with me, for just a while longer.