Dying to Live
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Caesar
Topic author - Chise GOAT
- Posts: 17037
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 10:47
Dying to Live
****Character List: https://dynastysports.net/viewtopic.php?p=69562#p69562****
-
Caesar
Topic author - Chise GOAT
- Posts: 17037
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 10:47
Dying to Live
The View
The student union buzzed with its usual midday energy with the added tension of finals approaching. Students crisscrossed the space, balancing trays of food, backpacks slung over their shoulders, their conversations weaving together into a constant hum. Royce sat at a table near the front of the building, arms folded as he scanned the crowded area. His phone buzzed on the table, and he pulled it out to see a text from Ashlee, Alix’s roommate.
‘She’s in there. Somewhere by the couches,’ the text read, followed by an eye-roll emoji.
Royce shook his head. Ashlee wasn’t exactly trilled about helping him find Alix, but she’d caved after he’d promised to hook her up with a couple tickets to a game next season. Sliding his phone into his pocket, Royce pushed himself to his feet and wove through the throngs of students, his broad frame parting the sea of people.
The familiar sight of Alix sitting in a far corner made him pause. She had her earbuds in, her head bent over a textbook as her pen scribbled notes into the margins of a notebook. Her hair was swept up into a messy bun, and her focus was so intense that she didn’t even notice Royce approach. For a brief moment, he hesitated. She looked peaceful, absorbed in her own world, and he wondered if he should leave her be.
But then he remembered why he was there.
“Alix,” he said, sitting across from her.
She didn’t hear him so, he cleared his throat and tried again, louder this time. “Alix.”
Her head snapped up, and she tugged out one earbud, her eyes narrowing the moment they locked onto him. “What do you want, Royce?”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Why ain’t you been answering my texts and shit?”
Alix scoffed, setting her pen down. “You know why.”
“If I know why, Alix, I wouldn’t be asking you,” Royce pressed. “Last I checked, we haven’t decided to end anything.”
Alix let out a humorless laugh, leaning back in her seat. “You decided when you made a scene at that party. Do you even understand how embarrassing that was for me?”
Royce sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “It was so embarrassing that you came to my apartment and we fucked that night. I’m supposed to think you moved on after that?”
The tension between them thickened, the noise of the student union fading into the background. Alix’s posture remained defensive, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at him.
Finally, she sighed, the anger in her expression softening just slightly. “What do you want, Royce?”
“I just got paid paid,” he said, his voice lowering. “Thought you’d want to celebrate. I’m heading downtown to look at some apartments. Come with me. You can come back and study after. It won’t take that long.”
Alix raised an eyebrow, her skepticism clear. “I’m waiting for Dominic.”
Royce’s lips twitched into a smirk, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper. “Alix, can you come with me? Please. It’ll just take an hour.”
The word hung in the air, and for a moment, Royce thought she might tell him to leave. But then she sighed, grabbed her bag and stood. “Fine. Let’s go.”
…
The car ride downtown began in silence. Royce tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as music filtered through the speakers, sneaking glances at Alix as she stared out the window. The streets of campus blurred past, giving way to Baton Rouge’s downtown skyline, the glass buildings reflecting the midday sun.
“You didn’t tell me you got a new car,” Alix said finally, breaking the quiet.
“It was a rental until the other day,” Royce replied, keeping his eyes on the road. “Got it from my agent.”
Her head turned toward him sharply. “You have an agent?”
Royce shrugged, his tone casual. “Guess there’s a lot of shit you don’t know that’s happened since you’re trying to replace me with corny ass niggas.”
Alix rolled her eyes and turned back to the window, her jaw tightening. Royce smirked, though the silence that followed carried a weight neither seemed ready to address.
When Royce pulled into the parking garage of one of the more upscale apartment buildings in the city, Alix’s curiosity visible piqued. She glanced around the sleek, modern structure, her expression a mix of intrigue and disbelief.
“I didn’t expect this when you said you were looking downtown. You can afford this?” she asked as they stepped into the elevator, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Royce chuckled, pressing the button for the top floor. “That’s what I’m trying to find out by looking at the shit, Alix.”
The elevator ride was short but felt charged with anticipation. When the doors opened, they stepped into a spacious two-bedroom unit that felt more like a luxury suite than an apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the Mississippi River, the sunlight bouncing off the water in shimmering waves. The open-concept floor plan featured polished concrete floors, sleek countertops and high-end appliances that gleamed under the light. The décor and furniture looked like something out of a magazine.
“Holy fucking shit,” Alix said softly, stepping inside. She wandered toward the windows, her hand brushing the glass as she stared out at the river. “This place is fucking insane.”
Royce leaned against the kitchen island, watching her reaction with quit satisfaction. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a set of keys and held them up. “Glad you like it since I already got the keys and shit.”
Alix turned to face him, her eyes wide. “You’re serious?”
“As serious as the heart attack I ‘bout had when they made me pay two months rent in advance plus the last and the deposit,” Royce said, grinning. “I wanted to show you first.”
Her gaze flickered between him and the keys, her expression softening as something vulnerable flickered in her eyes. “Why me?”
“C’mon, Alix. You know why,” Royce said quietly, his voice steady.
The air between them shifted, the tension giving way to something deeper. Alix took a step closer, her eyes searching his face. Slowly, her hand reached for the keys in his hand, but instead of taking them, she let her fingers brush against his.
“Royce, I…” she began, but whatever she was going to say was lost as he leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met, the kiss slow and tentative at first but quickly deepened, carrying the weight of unresolved arguments and lingering feelings. Royce dropped the keys onto the counter as his hands settled on her waist, lifting her to put her on the counter. The space between them seemed to evaporate, leaving nothing but the unspoken emotions they’d danced around for weeks.
…
The sunlight had long faded by the time they lay on the plush sectional couch in the living room. The city lights twinkled outside the windows, their glow casting soft patterns on the walls. Royce’s arm draped lazily over Alix’s shoulders as she rested against him, staring out toward Port Allen across the river, the blinking lights on top of the smokestacks of the plants like dancing stars.
“You didn’t have to bring me here,” she said quietly, looking up at him.
“I ain’t gotta do shit but stay Black and die. I wanted to,” Royce replied, his voice low. “I wanted you to be a part of this. A part of what I’ve achieved in the last six months.”
Alix looked down for a moment before looking back up at him, her expression conflicted. “You know this doesn’t fix everything, right?”
“Who said there’s anything to fix?” Royce asked, his gaze steady. “I like this. I like you here with me.”
Her lips quirked into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed lingering doubts. “You’re still reckless, Royce. You make every fucking thing harder than it has to be.”
Royce smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Ain’t shit easy worth having. Isn’t that what them old folks be saying?”
She rolled her eyes, but her smile grew. “You’re so fucking dumb.”
“Maybe,” Royce said, pulling her closer.
They settled into a quiet, comfortable silence, both of them ignoring their phones vibrating in clothes strewn across the floor as the quiet hum of the city filled the room.
The student union buzzed with its usual midday energy with the added tension of finals approaching. Students crisscrossed the space, balancing trays of food, backpacks slung over their shoulders, their conversations weaving together into a constant hum. Royce sat at a table near the front of the building, arms folded as he scanned the crowded area. His phone buzzed on the table, and he pulled it out to see a text from Ashlee, Alix’s roommate.
‘She’s in there. Somewhere by the couches,’ the text read, followed by an eye-roll emoji.
Royce shook his head. Ashlee wasn’t exactly trilled about helping him find Alix, but she’d caved after he’d promised to hook her up with a couple tickets to a game next season. Sliding his phone into his pocket, Royce pushed himself to his feet and wove through the throngs of students, his broad frame parting the sea of people.
The familiar sight of Alix sitting in a far corner made him pause. She had her earbuds in, her head bent over a textbook as her pen scribbled notes into the margins of a notebook. Her hair was swept up into a messy bun, and her focus was so intense that she didn’t even notice Royce approach. For a brief moment, he hesitated. She looked peaceful, absorbed in her own world, and he wondered if he should leave her be.
But then he remembered why he was there.
“Alix,” he said, sitting across from her.
She didn’t hear him so, he cleared his throat and tried again, louder this time. “Alix.”
Her head snapped up, and she tugged out one earbud, her eyes narrowing the moment they locked onto him. “What do you want, Royce?”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Why ain’t you been answering my texts and shit?”
Alix scoffed, setting her pen down. “You know why.”
“If I know why, Alix, I wouldn’t be asking you,” Royce pressed. “Last I checked, we haven’t decided to end anything.”
Alix let out a humorless laugh, leaning back in her seat. “You decided when you made a scene at that party. Do you even understand how embarrassing that was for me?”
Royce sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “It was so embarrassing that you came to my apartment and we fucked that night. I’m supposed to think you moved on after that?”
The tension between them thickened, the noise of the student union fading into the background. Alix’s posture remained defensive, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at him.
Finally, she sighed, the anger in her expression softening just slightly. “What do you want, Royce?”
“I just got paid paid,” he said, his voice lowering. “Thought you’d want to celebrate. I’m heading downtown to look at some apartments. Come with me. You can come back and study after. It won’t take that long.”
Alix raised an eyebrow, her skepticism clear. “I’m waiting for Dominic.”
Royce’s lips twitched into a smirk, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper. “Alix, can you come with me? Please. It’ll just take an hour.”
The word hung in the air, and for a moment, Royce thought she might tell him to leave. But then she sighed, grabbed her bag and stood. “Fine. Let’s go.”
…
The car ride downtown began in silence. Royce tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as music filtered through the speakers, sneaking glances at Alix as she stared out the window. The streets of campus blurred past, giving way to Baton Rouge’s downtown skyline, the glass buildings reflecting the midday sun.
“You didn’t tell me you got a new car,” Alix said finally, breaking the quiet.
“It was a rental until the other day,” Royce replied, keeping his eyes on the road. “Got it from my agent.”
Her head turned toward him sharply. “You have an agent?”
Royce shrugged, his tone casual. “Guess there’s a lot of shit you don’t know that’s happened since you’re trying to replace me with corny ass niggas.”
Alix rolled her eyes and turned back to the window, her jaw tightening. Royce smirked, though the silence that followed carried a weight neither seemed ready to address.
When Royce pulled into the parking garage of one of the more upscale apartment buildings in the city, Alix’s curiosity visible piqued. She glanced around the sleek, modern structure, her expression a mix of intrigue and disbelief.
“I didn’t expect this when you said you were looking downtown. You can afford this?” she asked as they stepped into the elevator, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Royce chuckled, pressing the button for the top floor. “That’s what I’m trying to find out by looking at the shit, Alix.”
The elevator ride was short but felt charged with anticipation. When the doors opened, they stepped into a spacious two-bedroom unit that felt more like a luxury suite than an apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the Mississippi River, the sunlight bouncing off the water in shimmering waves. The open-concept floor plan featured polished concrete floors, sleek countertops and high-end appliances that gleamed under the light. The décor and furniture looked like something out of a magazine.
“Holy fucking shit,” Alix said softly, stepping inside. She wandered toward the windows, her hand brushing the glass as she stared out at the river. “This place is fucking insane.”
Royce leaned against the kitchen island, watching her reaction with quit satisfaction. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a set of keys and held them up. “Glad you like it since I already got the keys and shit.”
Alix turned to face him, her eyes wide. “You’re serious?”
“As serious as the heart attack I ‘bout had when they made me pay two months rent in advance plus the last and the deposit,” Royce said, grinning. “I wanted to show you first.”
Her gaze flickered between him and the keys, her expression softening as something vulnerable flickered in her eyes. “Why me?”
“C’mon, Alix. You know why,” Royce said quietly, his voice steady.
The air between them shifted, the tension giving way to something deeper. Alix took a step closer, her eyes searching his face. Slowly, her hand reached for the keys in his hand, but instead of taking them, she let her fingers brush against his.
“Royce, I…” she began, but whatever she was going to say was lost as he leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met, the kiss slow and tentative at first but quickly deepened, carrying the weight of unresolved arguments and lingering feelings. Royce dropped the keys onto the counter as his hands settled on her waist, lifting her to put her on the counter. The space between them seemed to evaporate, leaving nothing but the unspoken emotions they’d danced around for weeks.
…
The sunlight had long faded by the time they lay on the plush sectional couch in the living room. The city lights twinkled outside the windows, their glow casting soft patterns on the walls. Royce’s arm draped lazily over Alix’s shoulders as she rested against him, staring out toward Port Allen across the river, the blinking lights on top of the smokestacks of the plants like dancing stars.
“You didn’t have to bring me here,” she said quietly, looking up at him.
“I ain’t gotta do shit but stay Black and die. I wanted to,” Royce replied, his voice low. “I wanted you to be a part of this. A part of what I’ve achieved in the last six months.”
Alix looked down for a moment before looking back up at him, her expression conflicted. “You know this doesn’t fix everything, right?”
“Who said there’s anything to fix?” Royce asked, his gaze steady. “I like this. I like you here with me.”
Her lips quirked into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed lingering doubts. “You’re still reckless, Royce. You make every fucking thing harder than it has to be.”
Royce smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Ain’t shit easy worth having. Isn’t that what them old folks be saying?”
She rolled her eyes, but her smile grew. “You’re so fucking dumb.”
“Maybe,” Royce said, pulling her closer.
They settled into a quiet, comfortable silence, both of them ignoring their phones vibrating in clothes strewn across the floor as the quiet hum of the city filled the room.
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Caesar
Topic author - Chise GOAT
- Posts: 17037
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 10:47
Dying to Live
All-Everything
Royce lounged on his couch, idly flipping channels on the TV while the hum of Baton Rouge traffic outside filtered through the windows of his apartment. A basketball game he didn’t particularly care about played on the screen, filling the quiet space with background noise. His phone buzzed on the coffee table, pulling his attention. He leaned forward and grabbed it.
’Yo, where you at?’, a text from Malik read.
’New spot. You in BR?’
’What new spot? Send me the addy’
Royce raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t seen Malik in the better part of a year since he’d headed to Waco early, and the last time they’d spoke, Baylor wasn’t exactly treating Malik the way they’d promised. Tossing his phone back onto the table, Royce stood and stretched. The buzzer to his apartment sounded a few minutes later, and he headed to the door to let Malik up.
When Malik arrived, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and exhausted grin on his face, Royce knew something was up. He looked like he’d just a run a marathon—physically and mentally drained.
“God damn, nigga,” Malik said as he stepped inside, taking a long look around the apartment. “Who the fuck you robbed to get this shit? Send me the drop.”
Royce chuckled, gesturing for him to come further in. “Man, this shit still don’t feel real. From where I was a year ago? Fuck, two years ago?”
Malik walked into the living room, his eyes scanning the sleek furniture and the view of the river through the windows. He let out a low whistle. “Fuck, bruh. This shit making me regret not trying to get on at LSU. I could be in some shit like this.”
Royce smirked, plopping back onto the couch. “Yeah, it’s crazy. I still think them motherfuckers crazy for putting me on the field so soon but fuck it worked out.”
Malik dropped his duffel bag by the kitchen island and walked over, sinking into an armchair. “So, I’m out that bitch, bruh. Hitting the portal.”
Royce raised an eyebrow but wasn’t entirely surprised. “Baylor wasn’t it?”
“Not even close,” Malik said, shaking his head. “They sold me some bullshit, and I bought all of it. No playing time, no respect, nothing. I’m out. They can suck a nigga dick for real.”
Royce nodded, leaning forward. “You thought about coming to LSU? With that shit we did down the stretch, probably mad motherfuckers gonna hit the portal. They treat us right here, even if you not a playing like that.”
Malik snorted, though there was a flicker of longing in his eyes. “Nah, I ain’t trying to go to now P4 right out of Waco. It’s just gonna be the same shit. I need to bounce back, show people I can ball. Thinking of going somewhere smaller where I can actually get on the field.”
Royce nodded, understanding but a little disappointed. “Where you thinking?”
“Not sure yet,” Malik said, leaning back and rubbing his eyes. “I got a few calls to make, see who’s interested. Called that boy Donovan to ask him about Nevada. I just know it’s time to reset.”
“Let me know if you need someone to make those calls for you. I can connect you with my guy Billy,” Royce said. He gestured around at the apartment. “Bro is the reason I got all this shit and you should see the new V.”
“Bet,” Malik said, nodding but not elaborating.
A brief silence settled between them before Malik broke it. “You still kick it with Alix?”
Royce hesitated, his fingers tapping against the armrest. “Nothing like back last year. We hang out every so often, but she’s doing her thing and I’m busy with football. You know how that shit go. A hundred miles an hour from sun up to sundown.”
Malik raised an eyebrow then nodded, not pressing that. “You right about that shit. It’s good to see one of us doing the damn thing, though.”
Royce grinned, leaning back against the couch. “Speaking of that, I’m having a little kick back this afternoon. The All-American teams and all are coming out, and Billy told me I’m probably going to be on that shit.”
Malik laughed, standing and grabbing his duffel bag. “That’s big shit, my nigga. You deserve it. But I’m gonna pass. Need to go see my moms before heading back to Waco to pack my sht up.”
Royce stood, dapping Malik up with the handshake they’d made up when they were still at UHigh. “Can’t get in the way of you seeing moms, but if you change your mind, you know where we gonna be.”
“I got you,” Malik said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Congrats in advance, brudda.”
…
By late afternoon, Royce’s apartment was buzzing with life. Tyrell, Rana, Roni, Arianna and Toni filled the living room, chatting and laughing as they helped set up for the celebration. Alix arrived shortly after, dressed casually but managing to steal Royce’s attention the moment she walked in. She offered him a small smile, and he returned it, feeling a weight he hadn’t realized was there lift slightly.
The announcements began on the TV, the room falling silent as everyone turned their attention to the screen. The first accolade came quickly: Second-Team All-American. The room erupted in cheers. Roni nearly jumping onto Royce with excitement. Tyrell clapped him on the back
Next came Freshman All-American, followed by First-Team All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC. Each announcement brought another round of cheers and congratulations. When Royce was named SEC Freshman of the Year, Tyrell let out a loud whistle, shocking Rana.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” Tyrell shouted, dapping up Royce and pulling him into a hug. “Best in the fucking conference, lil’ bro.”
Royce grinned, feeling a rush of pride and relief. The weight of the season, the doubts, the setbacks—they all felt worth it in this moment. As the accolades continued to roll in, Royce’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a text from Billy.
’Congrats, my man. Bonus just hit your account. Celebrate responsibly.
Royce chuckled, sliding the phone back into his pocket. Billy’s words felt like a cherry on top of an already surreal day.
As the celebration continued, Royce found himself standing by the kitchen counter, pouring another drink as he and Alix chatted. His gaze drifted across the room to where Toni sat on the couch. She was smiling, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Something about her seemed off, and when she shifted slightly, the light caught her cheek.
Royce squinted, leaning forward. A faint bruise marred the skin just below her eye, partially concealed by makeup but still visible. Anger bubbled up in his chest.
“Hold on,” he said to Alix. “I gotta talk to Toni right quick.”
Alix glanced over at Toni, noticing the change in Royce’s demeanor. She nodded, turning to make herself another drink.
Setting his drink down, he crossed the room and sat down next to her. “Toni,” he said softly, his voice low so only she could hear. “How the fuck you got a black eye?”
Toni’s smile faltered, and she shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
Royce wasn’t buying it. “Don’t start with that fell down and you fine shit, Toni.”
Before she could answer, Arianna appeared beside them, her arms crossed and her expression steely. She glanced at Toni, then at Royce. “Nigga, you know where that’s from.”
Royce’s eyebrows furrowed in frustration. His jaw tightened, and he looked back at Toni, who avoided his gaze. He forced himself to take a deep breath, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You know I’m gonna bat the piss out that, pussy ass bitch, right?” he asked gently despite the promise of violence in his words, his voice steady.
“Royce, no,” Toni said. “Don’t worry about me.”
“Look at your eye,” Arianna snapped through clenched teeth.
“I’m coming to Lafayette when we get back from Nashville,” Royce said. “We’ll talk more later.”
Toni nodded, her eyes downcast, and Royce stood, his fists clenching at his sides. He walked back to Alix and picked up his drink, downing it in one gulp. The joy of the celebration still lingered, but it was overshadowed by the growing storm in his chest.
Alix took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb over his clenched knuckles. “Everything okay?”
“It will be,” Royce said as he made another drink.
As he glanced around the room, the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders like never before.
Royce lounged on his couch, idly flipping channels on the TV while the hum of Baton Rouge traffic outside filtered through the windows of his apartment. A basketball game he didn’t particularly care about played on the screen, filling the quiet space with background noise. His phone buzzed on the coffee table, pulling his attention. He leaned forward and grabbed it.
’Yo, where you at?’, a text from Malik read.
’New spot. You in BR?’
’What new spot? Send me the addy’
Royce raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t seen Malik in the better part of a year since he’d headed to Waco early, and the last time they’d spoke, Baylor wasn’t exactly treating Malik the way they’d promised. Tossing his phone back onto the table, Royce stood and stretched. The buzzer to his apartment sounded a few minutes later, and he headed to the door to let Malik up.
When Malik arrived, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and exhausted grin on his face, Royce knew something was up. He looked like he’d just a run a marathon—physically and mentally drained.
“God damn, nigga,” Malik said as he stepped inside, taking a long look around the apartment. “Who the fuck you robbed to get this shit? Send me the drop.”
Royce chuckled, gesturing for him to come further in. “Man, this shit still don’t feel real. From where I was a year ago? Fuck, two years ago?”
Malik walked into the living room, his eyes scanning the sleek furniture and the view of the river through the windows. He let out a low whistle. “Fuck, bruh. This shit making me regret not trying to get on at LSU. I could be in some shit like this.”
Royce smirked, plopping back onto the couch. “Yeah, it’s crazy. I still think them motherfuckers crazy for putting me on the field so soon but fuck it worked out.”
Malik dropped his duffel bag by the kitchen island and walked over, sinking into an armchair. “So, I’m out that bitch, bruh. Hitting the portal.”
Royce raised an eyebrow but wasn’t entirely surprised. “Baylor wasn’t it?”
“Not even close,” Malik said, shaking his head. “They sold me some bullshit, and I bought all of it. No playing time, no respect, nothing. I’m out. They can suck a nigga dick for real.”
Royce nodded, leaning forward. “You thought about coming to LSU? With that shit we did down the stretch, probably mad motherfuckers gonna hit the portal. They treat us right here, even if you not a playing like that.”
Malik snorted, though there was a flicker of longing in his eyes. “Nah, I ain’t trying to go to now P4 right out of Waco. It’s just gonna be the same shit. I need to bounce back, show people I can ball. Thinking of going somewhere smaller where I can actually get on the field.”
Royce nodded, understanding but a little disappointed. “Where you thinking?”
“Not sure yet,” Malik said, leaning back and rubbing his eyes. “I got a few calls to make, see who’s interested. Called that boy Donovan to ask him about Nevada. I just know it’s time to reset.”
“Let me know if you need someone to make those calls for you. I can connect you with my guy Billy,” Royce said. He gestured around at the apartment. “Bro is the reason I got all this shit and you should see the new V.”
“Bet,” Malik said, nodding but not elaborating.
A brief silence settled between them before Malik broke it. “You still kick it with Alix?”
Royce hesitated, his fingers tapping against the armrest. “Nothing like back last year. We hang out every so often, but she’s doing her thing and I’m busy with football. You know how that shit go. A hundred miles an hour from sun up to sundown.”
Malik raised an eyebrow then nodded, not pressing that. “You right about that shit. It’s good to see one of us doing the damn thing, though.”
Royce grinned, leaning back against the couch. “Speaking of that, I’m having a little kick back this afternoon. The All-American teams and all are coming out, and Billy told me I’m probably going to be on that shit.”
Malik laughed, standing and grabbing his duffel bag. “That’s big shit, my nigga. You deserve it. But I’m gonna pass. Need to go see my moms before heading back to Waco to pack my sht up.”
Royce stood, dapping Malik up with the handshake they’d made up when they were still at UHigh. “Can’t get in the way of you seeing moms, but if you change your mind, you know where we gonna be.”
“I got you,” Malik said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Congrats in advance, brudda.”
…
By late afternoon, Royce’s apartment was buzzing with life. Tyrell, Rana, Roni, Arianna and Toni filled the living room, chatting and laughing as they helped set up for the celebration. Alix arrived shortly after, dressed casually but managing to steal Royce’s attention the moment she walked in. She offered him a small smile, and he returned it, feeling a weight he hadn’t realized was there lift slightly.
The announcements began on the TV, the room falling silent as everyone turned their attention to the screen. The first accolade came quickly: Second-Team All-American. The room erupted in cheers. Roni nearly jumping onto Royce with excitement. Tyrell clapped him on the back
Next came Freshman All-American, followed by First-Team All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC. Each announcement brought another round of cheers and congratulations. When Royce was named SEC Freshman of the Year, Tyrell let out a loud whistle, shocking Rana.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” Tyrell shouted, dapping up Royce and pulling him into a hug. “Best in the fucking conference, lil’ bro.”
Royce grinned, feeling a rush of pride and relief. The weight of the season, the doubts, the setbacks—they all felt worth it in this moment. As the accolades continued to roll in, Royce’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a text from Billy.
’Congrats, my man. Bonus just hit your account. Celebrate responsibly.
Royce chuckled, sliding the phone back into his pocket. Billy’s words felt like a cherry on top of an already surreal day.
As the celebration continued, Royce found himself standing by the kitchen counter, pouring another drink as he and Alix chatted. His gaze drifted across the room to where Toni sat on the couch. She was smiling, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Something about her seemed off, and when she shifted slightly, the light caught her cheek.
Royce squinted, leaning forward. A faint bruise marred the skin just below her eye, partially concealed by makeup but still visible. Anger bubbled up in his chest.
“Hold on,” he said to Alix. “I gotta talk to Toni right quick.”
Alix glanced over at Toni, noticing the change in Royce’s demeanor. She nodded, turning to make herself another drink.
Setting his drink down, he crossed the room and sat down next to her. “Toni,” he said softly, his voice low so only she could hear. “How the fuck you got a black eye?”
Toni’s smile faltered, and she shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
Royce wasn’t buying it. “Don’t start with that fell down and you fine shit, Toni.”
Before she could answer, Arianna appeared beside them, her arms crossed and her expression steely. She glanced at Toni, then at Royce. “Nigga, you know where that’s from.”
Royce’s eyebrows furrowed in frustration. His jaw tightened, and he looked back at Toni, who avoided his gaze. He forced himself to take a deep breath, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You know I’m gonna bat the piss out that, pussy ass bitch, right?” he asked gently despite the promise of violence in his words, his voice steady.
“Royce, no,” Toni said. “Don’t worry about me.”
“Look at your eye,” Arianna snapped through clenched teeth.
“I’m coming to Lafayette when we get back from Nashville,” Royce said. “We’ll talk more later.”
Toni nodded, her eyes downcast, and Royce stood, his fists clenching at his sides. He walked back to Alix and picked up his drink, downing it in one gulp. The joy of the celebration still lingered, but it was overshadowed by the growing storm in his chest.
Alix took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb over his clenched knuckles. “Everything okay?”
“It will be,” Royce said as he made another drink.
As he glanced around the room, the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders like never before.
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Captain Canada
- Posts: 8018
- Joined: 01 Dec 2018, 00:15
Dying to Live
Boy gonna end up shot up again huh
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djp73
- Posts: 13272
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Dying to Live
Staccolades!
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Caesar
Topic author - Chise GOAT
- Posts: 17037
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 10:47
Dying to Live
Hear the Music
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Captain Canada
- Posts: 8018
- Joined: 01 Dec 2018, 00:15
Dying to Live
That's a lot more like it 
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Caesar
Topic author - Chise GOAT
- Posts: 17037
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 10:47
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djp73
- Posts: 13272
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Dying to Live
Royce and 2 look like they having a dance off
Really good freshman season!
Really good freshman season!
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The JZA
- Posts: 9445
- Joined: 07 Dec 2018, 13:10
Dying to Live
Can only imagine what 2025-2026 seasons going to look like for Royce 