Lost File.

ok sooooo this is a repetitive situation that was originally gonna be somewhere in UL before I changed the whole thing up, lol. but here u go guys. enjoy.





"How the hell did we end up here?" Nicki said barely audible while aggressively slinging her purse into her lap. Her and Safaree were now sitting at the same therapist that her mom and dad went to see when things got rough between them. She was more of a family friend though to Nicki.

"You know exactly how we got here." SB said not looking over at her but instead looking around at the beige plain walls. 

"Thought you weren't speaking to me."

"Would be pointless since we're here now." SB said as he got up from the couch when the therapist opened the door. 

Nicki rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse, tossing it over her shoulder. She gave a fake smile to the woman who she knew all too well that was holding the door opened before she dropped it and followed behind Safaree into the room. Safaree sat on the far end of the couch and Nicki sat at the other. The woman walked into the room and took a seat in the chair across from them. She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. She looked between both Nicki and Safaree. Safaree was leaned back against the couch with his hat really low, as Nicki was on her phone.

"Okay, so I'll start." She said with a light chuckle. "I'm Tera, and you guys are..." She looked between the two were just staring at her ready to get this over with. "Okay, so Nicki." She gave a smile to Nicki. "Safaree." She gave a smile to Safaree. "Look, I know you guys know me on a personal level but I'm only here to help. Either of you want to talk first?"

There was a silence.

"Okay, well.. why do you two think you've gotten to this place?"

"My mother seems to think we're broken beyond repair." Nicki spoke up.

"True.. she did call me, but that's not what I mean. How do you think you've gotten.. to this place?"

"She has communication issues." SB said before he raised his hat up a little and licked his lips.

"No, I don't. When it comes to communicating with him now all we do is argue and yell at each other. It's straining and draining."

"What is the most.. common argument between the two of you? Because your mother hinted at something but didn't say much about it."

"Everything is a common argument now." Safaree said.

"Because you make everything a common argument."

"No-"

"Okay, okay.." She said trying to stop them before they got riled up. "I'm gonna assume that people do not openly know about you two's relationship, right?" She looked between them and they both gave her a nod. "So that's what the most common argument is about?"

"Yes." Nicki said.

"No." SB said. "It's because she acts like she's perfect when it comes to this."

"How do I act like I'm perfect, Safaree?" Nicki said with attitude before she licked her lips. She rolled her eyes and held her hands up. "No, this is the thing." Nicki said before she dropped her hands into  her lap. "Because of my personality and the way I deal with things, he looks at it as me like.. brushing him off or not..." she sighed. "I don't know, I guess speaking up within my actions more so than my words. And he'll bring it to my attention out of frustration. So with his frustration and me, it's like.." Nicki held her hands up and had them going at each other. "Errrrrrr!" she said before she quickly licked her lips again and dropped her hands into her lap. "It's that. And then, when I get it that way, I wanna defend myself." Nicki pointed to herself and held it there for a second before she dropped it again. "And then he takes.. me defending myself as me defending the situation and that's not the case."

"Yeah, but it's like.. she's naïve, she's not seeing what other people's intentions are. I feel like there needs to be a certain level of respect that is understood by everybody. Every outsider looking in, all her label mates, business friends, everybody."

"I feel like he's taking it the wrong way. Tera, you know..like, you know. I've been with this man for.. over ten years. Don't you think if I wanted someone else I would have went and got with the next one? It's like I can never do right." Nicki said as she licked her lips again and ran her fingers through her hair. "It's tiring. I'm tired of having to defend myself."

"If I did the same thing Nicki would.." he shook his head and looked off to the side. "Nicki would be going at me everyday."

"No I wouldn't."

"Alright."

"Safaree, you knew what you were getting into before we even got to this point! I'm tired of talking about this. It's like we're talking in circles."

"Okay, I have a question." Tera said as she held her hand up. "Because I don't follow Nicki Minaj the rapper, I'm just gonna ask..do people speculate that the two of you are together?"

Neither spoke up but Nicki nodded her head smally.

"So what's holding you back from coming out?"

"Ask Nicki."

"I just want my career to be about MY career. I don't want people all in that side of my life. I like to keep my private life exactly that. Private. If me and Safaree can't work it out when it's not in the media.. how do you think we will when it is? Do you understand what I'm saying? I feel like if we do this shit will only get worse. But he doesn't see that." she shook her head. "I just want us to get back to us. I want my best friend back. But it's like..." she shrugged. "I don't know what else to do."

"You don't have to do nothing. If you feel like you have to do something then that tells me everything." Safaree said. He said before he walked out of the room. Tera's eyes immediately fell on to Nicki who was now looking off to the side. Nicki and Tera made quick eye contact and she noticed Nicki's glossy eyes.

"Do you understand how this makes ME feel?" Nicki said before she shook her head and quickly wiped at a tear that had dropped. "It's like I have to choose between him and my career."

"I don't think that's what he's trying to do.You guys are both stubborn and you don't like each other telling you about yourselves. That's the main problem here." She looked at Nicki who had now pulled out her phone and had began messing with it. She assumed she was messing Safaree by the aggressiveness in her hands as she hit the keypad.

"Is this your first time seeing each other for a while?"

"It's been about 5 or 6 months." Nicki said before sniffled and tossed her phone to the side. "We saw each other when I was here in New York and that was it. He left as soon as I walked into the room." Nicki sighed and leaned back on the couch. "Every time I try he shuts me down." Nicki took a pause. "And it scares me.. it scares me because it makes me think.." she sat up and shrugged while trying not to let her tears fall. "It's just stressful."

"You need to go follow him." Tera said. "You know he loves you. You guys don't need me." She said shaking her head. "You need each other. Listen. Being away from each other does not help a situation. Ever. If anything it makes the problem bigger than necessary."

~

Nicki opened the door of the truck and was met by her driver. She gave a small smile.

"I'm fine. I got it." she said before she fully stepped out. He shut the door behind her and Nicki stood there for a moment pulling up her jeans. "Uhm." She looked over at her driver and he stopped before fully turning. "If you could guys could just park in the back. It might be a while." Nicki said before she ran her hands through the black wig and placed the hood to her hoodie on her head before adjusting her sunglasses as she stepped into the hotel. She walked up to the front desk.

"Can I have the room for Safaree Samuels?" she asked. The guy typed something on his computer and clicked a few things before looking back up.

"He's on floor 17, room B3."

Nicki gave a quick smile. "Thank you." she said before she turned and walked off.

She breezed passed people who were lingering around and in her way. She made her way to the elevator doors and before she could press the button the doors opened. She stood to the side and let everyone getting off the elevator pass her. As the last person stepped off she stepped into the elevator and immediately pressed the button for floor 17. She bit her lip as she waited for the door close. Nicki moved herself into the corner out of habit and the doors closed. She rolled her eyes at the fact that SB was on the 17th floor. Her phone buzzed and she pulled it out of the pocket of her hoodie. She decided to ignore it and placed it back in her pocket. She would get back to Candi later. The doors opened and Nicki stepped up as she was met by a crowd of people waiting for the elevator. She gave a quick smile before brushing through the crowd. She walked down the hall looking at the doors. As she made her way near the end of the hall, she found SB's on the right side. She sighed before she knocked on the door. She stood there for a minute. As she went to knock again the door opened. Safaree looked down at her and Nicki bit the corner of her lip. He moved to the side and Nicki stepped in. He closed the door and made his way over to the kitchen as Nicki took a seat on the couch.

"You want something to drink?"

"No, I'm fine. Can we talk?" Nicki's eyes followed Safaree as he made his way back over to the couch with a water bottle. He pulled up his sweats before he took a seat.

"I don't wanna argue."

"I don't either, Safaree." she sighed and took off her sunglasses. "I am so sorry, for everything. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart." she said before she pushed her hood back. "I don't wanna fight with you no more."

"I don't either."

"Then I don't understand..."

"Nicki, you gotta stop taking shit as me attacking you. That's not what I'm doing."

"But Safaree, you have to understand something. This is my job. I'm not really trying to..get to know these people, I'm just trying to get through the day." she said with a sigh. "It's like I feel bad for us even being here but I feel like you're not seeing my side." She stared at him as he just held a blank face.

"Alright. I don't see your side and you don't see mine. We'll fix it." SB said before grabbing the water bottle and gripping it. "We gotta fix it. This arguing shit is old.. we'll fix it."

Nicki gave a slight smile and stared over at him. Her smile turned into a pout as she stood up and dragged her feet over to Safaree. He smirked at her and moved his hands out of the way as she plopped down into his lap. She buried her face in his neck and sighed. As she went to wrap her arm around his neck her other grabbed at his chin. She pecked his lips before she placed her face back into his neck. She wrapped her other arm around his neck and locked her fingers.

"I love you." SB said.

"And I love you." She spoke up just loud enough for him to hear. "Come back with me. Please?"

"If you do something for me."

"What?"

He placed his hands on her waist and began to move her. She looked at him weird as he continued to stand her up. "Go get my bags." He said before he slapped her on the ass and laughed. She twitched her lip at him and rolled her eyes. She licked her lips and her dimples appeared. Safaree stood up and looked down at Nicki who was still staring at him. "I'll stay here." SB said and Nicki rolled her eyes again as she turned to walk off.

"You are so lucky I love you."

Nicki said as she walked back to his room. Safaree walked the water bottle he really had no intention on drinking back to the fridge and closed it. He grabbed his phone off the bar and placed it in his pocket and grabbed his sunglasses. As he stepped around it he walked passed the couch and picked up Nicki's sunglasses before he stepped over towards the door and leaned against it. He checked his pocket to make sure he had both phones. Nicki stepped into view and he laughed at her looking like she was in so much pain from rolling one suitcase behind her and carrying his backpack.

"Safaree, what the hell do you have in here?" She said aggressively as she made her way over to him. He leaned off the door laughing at her struggle while handing her her sunglasses and grabbing at the backpack straps on her shoulders.

"Business." He placed the backpack on his shoulders and adjusted it. Nicki stared up at him for a moment. He laughed at her face and moved his arm around her and grabbed at his suitcase. He leaned up against the door and stared down at Nicki as she put the hood pack on her head. She ran her hands through the ends of her hair before she put her sunglasses on.

"What?" she said looking up at him.

"Nothing."

She leaned up against the door just as he was. She tilted her head at him. "So get off the door, Safaree." She leaned off the door and Safaree did the same before slowly shaking his head.

"I don't know why I missed your nagging." SB said as he opened the door and moved to the side letting Nicki go first.

"Because you love me." she said as she walked passed him

---

so the end is blah. excuse any typos.. and yeah u guys are probably over the sad and depressing chapters but it's just been sitting in my drafts so i decided to finish it. it's pretty blah and all over the place but whatever. i wanna give u guys a few more one shots before i get back into CL completely. sooooo if u wanna give me YOUR ideas or whatever u can just tell me in the comments. at me (@x_onikafaree) or DM if you don't want it all out there lol. and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAM! 

:)

Safaree opened the door and allowed the kids to step in first before Nicki followed behind with him falling behind as well with Grizz and their bodyguards on their heels. The kids looked back at Nicki and SB as they waited for them to approach the first counter. One of the workers stepped up to the register and smiled and Nicki instantly smiled back at her warm smile.

"Hey Nicki," she waved at Nicki before doing the same to SB. "Hey SB."

SB nodded at her and Nicki did a cute wave to her before speaking up.

"Hi pretty girl! What's your name?"

"Charity."

"Can I call you Chair-bear?"

"Sure, Bangs." She said referring to the black wig with the bangs Nicki was wearing. Nicki's smile grew causing hers too as well. Another worker came up and pointed the kids to the next counter so they can get their skates.

"How many?" Charity asked.

Nicki looked over to the side before speaking up.

"Four." She said as she quickly held up five fingers. "I'll pay for them too, if it costs for entrance." Nicki said as she pointed back to Grizz and her bodyguard that she nicknamed Stone Wall.

"No, they're fine." she said as she rang in five entrance fees and five skate rentals. As Nicki went to dig into her purse to pull out cash, Safaree pulled out a wad of money. "Your total is 20 dollars." she said. Safaree pushed Nicki's hand out of her purse before he flipped through his money and pulled out a 20 dollar bill.

She took the money from Safaree before she clicked the cash out button. She placed the money in the register before turning back to them and leaning on the counter, before pointing to the right.

"Just take off your shoes at the next counter and he'll get your skates for you."

Nicki and SB turned to walk to the next counter just as Nicki's nieces began to walk off with their skates.

"Stoney, sit with them and help them if they need it." He nodded and walked over to a table with the kids as Nicki turned around and grabbed onto Safaree's wrist. She bent down taking off one of her tennis shoes and placed it on the counter before she pulled off her other one and did the same.

"Size, ma'am?"

"Do you guys have half sizes?"

"Only in the old figure skates."

"Hmm....which ones help you skate better?"

"Well the newer ones have better padding."

"Okay, I'll take those! 7."

"You got it." He said before he turned and went to get her skates. SB kicked his shoes off before he bent down to pick them up. He placed them on the counter before he placed his hands on the counter and leaned on it.

"This is going to be so funny."

"Shut up, Safaree. If I fall, it'll be your fault."

The worker came back with a size 7 pair of skates for Nicki and slid them to her. She held them and looked over them.

"And what size can I get for you, sir?"

"Y'all got 14's?"

"Only in Hockey skates."

"Alright, that's fine."

"Alllllrighty." he said before turning to get SB's skates.

"I hope you fall."

"I bet you do." SB said.

"You'll fall before me." Nicki said confidently.

"You sure?"

"Mhm."

"Let's bet."

"Let's."

"Loser has to do whatever the other says for an entire day."

"Deal."

SB chuckled at Nicki and shook his head. She twisted her lips before rolling her eyes. The worker approached back with SB's skates and placed them on the counter. Nicki pouted looking over at his skates and then looking back at hers.

"Why do his look cooler than mine?"

"Because I'm cooler than you." SB grabbed up his skates. "Thanks man." He said as he nodded at the worker before turning around and heading to a table. Nicki's pout disappeared as quick as it appeared before she tilted her head at the worker and smiled.

"Thank you."

"No problem, ma'am."

She gripped her skates tightly and turned around. She headed for the table SB was sitting at and placed her skates on the table and took her purse off her arm, sitting it beside her skates. She pulled up her pants before she pulled out the chair and sat down.

"Kelise and Imani, are you guys' skates on?"

"Yeah." they said in unison.

"Do you guys wanna go out there or wait for me and Safaree?"

"Can we go, please?" Imani asked.

"Yeah." Nicki grabbed one skate and placed it on her foot. "Stoney, take them out there. Me and Safaree'll be there in a second. Grizz, get them on the camera."

Grizz followed behind Stone Wall as he followed behind the girls and lead them out to the rink. Safaree finished lacing up his skates and leaned back in the chair.

"I don't even know how to lace these." Nicki said before she leaned back in her chair and placed her foot in Safaree's lap. She grabbed her phone and scrolled through it while Safaree began to lace her skates. "I can't wait until you fall. I've been wanting you to fix my portraits in the dining room."

"Keep dreaming." SB said as he tapped her leg twice before she looked up at him. She dropped her foot down and placed the other leg in his lap.

"I want you to put all my portraits on one wall because I found this gorgeous clock I wanted to put up."

"I bet you did."

"I did. It's so pretty. It's black with these pretty crystals on it. It fits perfectly in that room. I need to get it sent to the house." Nicki looked up before looking back down at her phone screen. "Or maybe I'll just have you do that." She said before she looked up again and smirked down at him.

"Nah, you'll be doing that. You'll be making that call right before you clean my bikes." He said as he looked up at her, returning her smirk. He placed her foot on the ground and stood up. He pulled up his pants and Nicki placed her phone in the side pocket of her purse before she placed it on her wrist. Safaree placed his hands out for Nicki to take and she placed her hands in his. He pulled her up and stood to her feet and slowly turned around. They began walking towards the door and she tightened her grip on his hands. They wobbled their way over to the doors that lead to the rink before SB grabbed the handle and pulled it back.

"My money is on you, Bangs!" Charity yelled out to Nicki. Nicki looked back and smiled at her. Nicki winked before she turned back around and walked into the rink area with SB following behind her.

As soon as they entered SB laughed at the sight of Stone Wall. He still had his tennis shoes on but the bottom of them were very slippery. He was trying to keep up with Imani and Kelise without falling. Grizz stood off to the side with a quiet laugh as he held the camera. Nicki stopped at the door of the ice area and went to grab at Safaree's hand before stepping onto the ice. As soon their hands made contact SB moved his hand away. Nicki's eyes bucked and she looked up at him like he was crazy. SB shook his head.

"Nope. We had a bet. You not taking me down with you." He said before he stepped onto the ice. He looked back at Nicki over his shoulder and pointed and laughed at her as he skated off with no problem. Nicki made a pout and looked around.

"Stoney!" Nicki snapped with fingers and pointed to where she was standing. He slowly made his way over to Nicki. By the time he made his way over to her Safaree was passing by. She glared at him before she took Stone Wall's hand and placed a foot onto the ice. She took in a deep breath at how slick the ice was before she placed her other foot onto the ice. She let out a deep breath. "Okay. Now, walk me." He began to move walk slowly and Nicki gripped his hand tighter as they moved.

Kelise and Imani skated over to Nicki with their crates. They laughed up at her before they both stopped and stood up.

"How come Uncle Safaree knows how to skate but you don't?" Kelise asked.

"Because Safaree plays hockey with the guys." SB said as he skated passed them.

"Shut up, Safaree!" Nicki yelled out to him. She didn't even think about the fact that SB could have known how to skate. She cursed herself for making this bet but she was determined not to fall before him. So she would make sure she would do what she had to so he falls before her. The girls pushed off with crates and went back to skating.

"Aye Grizz." Safaree said as he skated up to Grizz. "Get Nicki over there." he said as he pointed to Nicki who was close to the wall with Stone Wall's hands gripped tightly. Grizz laughed and SB dapped him up before he skated off and Grizz made his way over to Nicki. Safaree skated over to the girls.

"Aye, listen up." Safaree leaned up against the wall. "I'll give you both 50 dollars to try your best and make Nicki fall."

The girls looked between each other and smiled before they both looked back at SB.

"Okay. But, I want my money now." Imani said as she stuck her hand out. SB shook his head before pulling out his money. "You can get half now." SB said as he handed them both 25 dollars. "The other half when the job's done. We good coons?"

"Yes." they said in unison.

"Alright, coons. Go have fun." SB said before he leaned off the wall and skated off.

---

Nicki was moving slowly but she had kind of got the hang of ice skating. She made sure to keep Stone close behind just incase she were to slip up. SB skated up to Nicki and slowed down to the same pace as her.

"You good?"

"Leave me alone, Safaree. You're a cheater."

"What?"

"You knew how to skate from jump that's why you made this stupid little bet in the first place."

"You sound mad."

She looked up from her skates long enough to glare over at SB.

"Leave me alone, SB. Why aren't you skating circles around me and being the little pro skater like you were two seconds ago." Nicki said as she looked back down and concentrated on her feet.

"Because you looked like you needed help." he said before she gently tapped her. Enough to make her shift but not enough to make her fall. He skated off and Nicki grunted angrily and gripped onto the wall.

"He's such a fucking jerk." she said under her breath. She shook her head as she got her balance back.

---

Nicki, Safaree, and the girls were all doing laps around the rink area together. Mainly because Nicki wanted footage of them all together as opposed to her struggling in the corner. Kelise and Imani looked between each other before they nodded their heads. They moved around them and made their way in front of them. They placed their hands tightly on the crates and rammed them into Nicki and SB. Nicki's hand immediately shot up and grabbed at Safaree's shirt while he tried to grab onto the wall. The girls burst out into laughs and giggles as SB and Nicki struggled to get their balance.

"Safaree!" Nicki yelled out. Before they knew it they were both sitting on the ground. The girls immediately skated off trying to avoid getting in trouble. Safaree leaned back and just laid himself on the ice not believing that they just played him. "This all your stupid fault, Safaree." Nicki said as she placed a hand on his chest to help her stand. As she got off the ground some she reached out to the wall and stood up. "Get up, Safaree! This is your fault."

"How the hell is this my fault? You don't see me on the ground too?" SB said as he sat up.

"Shut up." She huffed as she made her way to an exit in the corner of the rink.

---

Nicki and Safaree sat on the bleachers and looked down at Kelise and Imani on the ice. They were laughing and giggling while Grizz was getting footage for them. They had been laughing at the mad faces from Safaree and Nicki ever since they put their plan into action. Safaree opened a starburst and Nicki looked over at him.

"I cannot believe this."

"You?" he said before he put the starburst into his mouth. "I paid them coons. I want my money back."

"So this IS your fault." she said before she punched him in the side of his arm. She began to unlace her skates. "I can't believe this. My ass hurts so bad."

"My chest hurts." SB said before reaching up and rubbing the stop that Nicki gripped at when she was trying to prevent herself from falling. He stood up and placed the rest of the pack of starburst into his pocket before he grabbed up his pair of skates and walked off leaving Nicki to struggle with untying her laces.

---

Safaree sat at the table in the lobby of the ice rink with the girls waiting for Nicki to finish untying her skates. He knew for a fact it didn't take this long and that she was just being dramatic.

"Where y'all wanna go next? Y'all hungry?"

SB said as he put on his sunglasses and looked over his watch.

"Yeah." Kelise said.

"What's Auntie Nicki doing?" Imani said.

"Being bitter." SB said under his breath.

"I heard that." Nicki said as she stepped out into the lobby with her skates in hand. She walked passed him and slapped the back of his head and continued on past him. She took her skates to the counter and Charity came back into sight. Charity walked up and immediately laughed at the pout on Nicki's face.

"How'd it go, Bangs?" Charity said as she took the skates from her.

"Terrible." she said loud enough for Charity to hear as she was walking off. Charity grabbed Nicki's shoes and her skates to their previous place. She walked back up with Nicki's shoes and handed them to her.

"Don't tell me you let Safaree win this bet, Nicki."

"He cheated!" Nicki said before placed a hand on the counter and placed herself on top. "You don't mind if I sit here do you?" Nicki asked in a cutesy voice with a wide smile.

"No, it's fine with me." Charity said taking a seat with Nicki on the counter. "I'm on my 30 anyways."

Ncki laughed at her while she grabbed one of her tennis shoes and placed it on her foot. "Safaree paid the girls to push me down." Nicki said as she began tying her shoe. "And like an idiot, it backfired on his ass." she said as she picked up her other shoe and placed it on her foot. "We fell together and it hurt like hell." Nicki said as she aggressively tied her shoe. Charity's laugh roared out and Nicki slightly laughed. "It's not funny Chair-bear."

"So what are you two gonna do about the bet?"

Nicki bit the corner of her lip and turned to look back at Safaree and the girls who seemed to be annoyed with waiting for her. She rolled her eyes before she turned back around. "I'm sure we'll see." Nicki said as she hopped off of the counter. "Come here." Nicki said to Charity. Charity slid her legs over to the other side of the counter and hopped down. She walked into Nicki's open arms and Nicki held her tightly in the hug. She released her and ran her hands through Charity's hair before she placed her hands in Charity's hands.

"I'm gonna come back so I can talk with you."

"You sure about that?" Charity asked with a smile.

"I'm sure."

"Leave Safaree next time." she said loud enough for SB to hear. Nicki dropped one of her hands and laughed as she looked over at SB.

"I will."

"Hey, I was gonna tip you." SB said as he stood up. The girls stood up as well and Grizz and Stone Wall began to move. SB walked over to Charity and handed her a 50. "Be good, kid." SB said as he placed his hand on her head and messed up her hair before he nodded and walked off. "We'll be in the car." SB said.

"If you were to give this to me Nicki, I wouldn't be able to take this. But since it's just SB.." she shrugged and placed in her pocket. Nicki shook her head and laughed. She released her hands before opening them again.

"Okay, one more hug." Nicki said as they hugged again.

---

"Are you guys done?" Nicki said as she stood with her hands planted on the island while looking at her nieces.

"Yeah." they said in unison.

"Can we go watch a movie?" Kelise asked.

"Yeah. I'll clean up in here and then I'll be in there."

The girls turned and began to ran off before Nicki could object. "No running in here!"

Nicki stepped around the island and grabbed their plates off the table. She pulled out the trashcan and dumped their plates as Safaree came walking in. She placed the plates back down on the island and pushed the trashcan back in.

"You still mad, huh?" SB said as he pulled out the stool at the island and took a seat. She grabbed the plates off the island while glaring at him as she made her way to the sink and dropped the plates down into the sink. "You still ignoring me too, huh?" SB said knowing he just asked a rhetorical question. He smirked as he seen her move around and continue to ignore his existence. She went to walk past him to get into the pantry and grabbed at the belt loop on her jeans. He smiled successfully and pulled her back over to him and stood her in between his legs. He smiled at her still trying to play mad when her smile was fighting to be seen.

"Go ahead." SB said. She stared up at him with her smile appearing the longer she looked into his face.

"I hate you." Nicki said as she playfully hit his chest. "My ass hurts so bad, Safaree."

"I'll massage it." he said with a serious face. Nicki bust out laughing and leaned into him more.

"No, you can't touch my ass until you apologize." Nicki said placing her own hand on her butt and rubbed the spot where she fell. She made a pout before she leaned forward and SB met her lips. He gave her a quick peck.

"My bad." SB said. He went to give her another peck but she placed a hand on his chest.

"That's not how you apologize to me." Nicki said giving him a death glare. He smirked and a small smile appeared on her face. She grabbed at the neck of his shirt and stared at him waiting for an apology as his hands went down to her waist.

"I'm sorry." He said before Nicki smiled and pulled him into another peck.

"For what?" she said before she pulled back.

"Making you fall." He said before Nicki kissed him again. This time he pulled back. "You happy?"

Nicki shrugged. "About the bet..." Nicki looked off to the side before looking back at him. "You fell first Safaree."

"You don't even know."

"Yes, yes. You fell first Safaree." Nicki said through her laugh.

"We fell at the same damn time and you know it."

"No, SB. You fell first. And since you did," she said as she ran her hand over the side of his face before dropping it back into his lap. "You can start tomorrow."

"Only if you do it the day after. Because I know for sure we fell at the same time."

She stared at him and he continued to stare at her back.

"Fine."

"Deal?"

"Deal."

"Kiss on it."

"You just use me for kisses."

"You just use me for di-" she cut him off and placed a kiss on his lips before she placed another kiss on his bottom lip. She playfully slapped the side of his face. "Watch your mouth. We have kids in here." She said as she stepped out from between his legs. She turned around and picked up the girls cups from the island and walked them over to the sink. She turned on the water and grabbed a rag. "I want my massage first thing in the morning."

"Me too." SB said as he stood up from the stool. His laugh roared out and Nicki laughed before shaking her head.

"You're such a pig."

The Meeting

Nicki put her phone down and climbed out of the bed. She walked over and picked up the pair and jeans that she had tossed to the ground just seconds ago making herself think she was actually going to bed. She put on her jeans and buttoned them up. She grabbed her cute pink hat off her dresser and put it on her head. She grabbed her shoes and put them on before she grabbed her phone and turned off her bedroom light. Walking down the hall, she tried to be discreet. Safaree was sleep and she couldn't dare let him hear her sneaking out to go see Webb. She had to be sneaky.  She walked passed the room where SB was sleeping and a cutesy little giggle released itself. She covered her mouth, smiling into her hand at how he was sleeping. Spread out on the bed and all with the cover on the floor. She smiled one last time at him and walked off into the living room.

She threw her leather jacket on and zipped it up. She grabbed her keys off the table and walked towards the front door. She opened it before turning the lock and stepped out of her apartment. She closed the door lightly and jiggled the door knob to make sure it was locked. She walked down her steps slowly as she placed her phone in her pocket. She looked around the busy New York streets. Even at 1:40 something in the morning. She looked back at her apartment before she continued down the block to meet Webb.

----

She walked up to the black truck and opened the door to the passengers side. She rolled her eyes the moment she opened the door and saw that smirk on Webb's face. She sat down at continued looking straight ahead in the parking lot while she rested her head back on the headrest.

"It's been a long time, baby."

"Webb, please." Nicki said as she looked over at him. "Make the call." she said with her heavy queens accent.

"You really tryna be done with this, huh?"

"I'm done. I told you this."

"You here though." He said as he looked out the side of his window.

"I need that deal. Make the call so I can go." Nicki said becoming irritated. She pulled out her phone and sighed of relief that she had no call or text from SB. If he would've realized she was gone at this time he would know who and where she was with. It's not like she's sneaking around. They're not together. He's just tryna protect her from him and she understood that. But she has to do what she has to do in order to get what she wants. And that's why she's here. She looked over at Webb who pulled his phone out. He dialed the number of his client.

"We here." Webb said. Nicki couldn't here the conversation fully but she knew whoever the client was asked who would be delivering the drop when Webb spoke up and said "I got her here with me." Nicki shook her head and pulled her hat down on her head more as Webb finished up the call. "10 minutes." he said. He looked over at Nicki. "So you got a man now, huh?"

"No." Nicki said sternly. "I'm lesbian." she said before she rolled her eyes and looked out of the passenger side window. "You were so fucked up you pushed me to girls." Nicki said convincingly but she was just playing around.

"Damn."

"They please me better anyways." Nicki said as she looked over at him and winked. Nicki rolled her eyes and her nostrils flared quickly when she seen him shift uncomfortably while adjusting his pants. "Pig." Nicki said before she placed her elbow on the windshield and rested her head on her now balled up fist.

"You know I need you."

"I know you need me way more than I need you." she said as she turned to look over at him to make sure he was clear on what she was saying.

"Business will drop."

"Fuck business. You care more about that damn business than you cared about me."

"Nic-"

"No. Let's be real, Webb. This whole 6 years you have used me to get what the fuck you want. It was always about you and this fucking business." The more she sat here the more she became mad. More so at herself than him for letting him bring her right back into this position. Dangling her prized possession in front of her to get her to do what he wants. "You know what..." Nicki grabbed her keys that were in her lap and clutched her phone tightly in her left hand. She opened the door to his car and climbed out. Webb threw his hands up and huffed. Needless to say, Nicki was DONE with Webb. The moment those words, "Business will drop" followed by "You know I need you" made things even more clear in Nicki's eyes. He was even more selfish than Nicki thought.

---

She walked into her apartment and took off her shoes by the door. She tossed her keys on to the table not caring if she makes any noise at the moment. She immediately unbuttoned her jeans ready to get out of those pants. She walked down the hall and peeped into the room where SB was sleeping. She laughed the covers still not being any where close to being on the bed. She leaned off of the door and stepped into the room and bent down picking up the covers. She threw them up and let them fall as they covered his body. She grabbed the t-shirt that she handed him earlier in the living room off of the nightstand and held it. She turned and walked out of the room before quietly shutting the door.

She walked into her room and dropped the t-shirt on her bed before sliding out of the jeans. She adjusted her thong before she grabbed at her hat and took it off of her head. She grabbed at the bottom of her shirt and raised it over her head before she tossed it not even caring where it landed. She grabbed the 'I Wanna Minaj' t-shirt and put it on as the huge t-shirt slid down her body. She grabbed her hat and walked it over to the dresser before she walked over to the light switch and flicked it off. She climbed in and sunk in to the bed as she got comfortable.

---

Nicki opened her eyes at the flickering lights before she closed her eyes again. She raised her head up and looked over at the door to see SB standing there flickering the lights on and off to get her to wake up.

"Nic."

"Stop." Nicki whined while laying there cuddled up to her pillow. She closed her eyes again whimpered into the pillow.

"Get up." he said as he continued to flicker the lights while his other hand was beating on the wall.

"Safaree, if you don't stop when I get up..." Nicki trailed off as she opened her eyes and glared at him. She sighed before she sat up in the bed and glared up at SB again. "Safaree."

"Aight." He said as he stopped hitting the wall and flickering the lights. He crossed his arms and stood up straight as he stared back at her with a smirk on his face.

"Why are you smiling?" Nicki said annoyed as she rolled her eyes and threw the cover back. He ignored her and remained standing there.

"C'mon. You know it takes you 3 hours to get ready."

"I'm up." Nicki said as she sat there and closed her eyes for a minute. She let out a pout and whined. "Safaree."

"What?"

"Carry me to the bathroom."

"Nah."

"Please?" She said as she opened her eyes and looked over at him. She made the pout face again that she knew he couldn't resist and held her arms out. Her pout slowly transformed into a successful smile as she seen him walking towards her.

"Every time." he said before he shook his head. He leaned down and Nicki tossed an arm around his neck. She laughed when he picked her up and she wrapped her other arm around his neck before she locked her hands.

"Shit." SB said.

"Sorry." Nicki said referring to the fact that her long nails scratched him when she went to lock her hands.

"Cut that shit." He said as he walked out of her bedroom and carried her into the bathroom. "Where at?"

"Just sit me on the side of the tub." he walked over towards the bathtub and sat her down on the edge.

"Anything else before I try and chill?"

"No. I don't want to bother your ever so busy ass." Nicki said as she stood up. He looked her over at chuckled at his t-shirt being a dress on her. She turned and turned on the shower. "Close the door." she said as he was walking out of the bathroom.



"Okay. Let's go." Nicki said as she walked into the living room while looking down. She looked up and her jaw opened at the sight of SB. "This nigga." She said as she walked over towards SB stretched out on the couch. She put her phone and keys down on the table and looked down at SB.

"Safaree." Nicki said as she placed a hand on his arm and shook him. "SB. Get up." she said as she continued to shake him and he didn't even budge. She pushed her nails into his arm and his eyes immediately bucked open.

"Shit, Nicki."

"Get the hell up, Safaree." Nicki removed her hand and SB's hand immediately shot up and took its place. He rubbed his hand over the area that Nicki dug her claws into and stood up from the couch. He shook his head at her smiling as she grabbed her phone and keys off the table. SB walked over to the front door and began unlocking it.

"You driving?"

Nicki shook her head as a way of basically telling him that he now is. She walked over towards SB. "Lock up." She said before she stepped out of the door. He followed out behind her and shut the door. Safaree turned the knob making sure it was locked before he licked his lips and continued down the steps.

"Where'd you-"

Nicki cut herself off when SB directed her to the right. He stepped off the curb and walked around to the drivers side of his car before he climbed in. He hit the button to unlock the doors and Nicki climbed in soon after.

"Aight. Seat belts."

SB said as he put on his seat belt. Nicki glared over at SB before she placed her phone and her keys in her lap. She reached back for her seat belt as SB began to pull off.

"Where to?"

"Uhm.." Nicki grabbed her phone and went to her messages. She pulled up the message from Fendi that had the address of the building. "You know where it is. That big building was across the street from where I sat on your bike?" Nicki said with a slight laugh.

"How could I forget." SB said putting on his turning signal. Nicki dropped the phone in her lap and leaned her back on the headrest. "Nervous?"

"Tired." Nicki said before she took a moment to blink for longer than usual.

"How you tired?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Yeah." SB said before he licked his lips. "Webb doing good?" Nicki's eyes quickly opened and she snapped her head in SB's direction. He turned his head in the direction out of the window. "Still ain't stopped."

"Not now."

"Uhn huh." He said as he continued looking forward driving.

"Stop treating me like a fucking child."

"I'm not treating you like nothin'."

"You're sitting here-"

"Doing what you asked. And getting cussed out for it."

"Can we-"

"Don't ask for my help if you don't want it."

"Let me talk!" Nicki yelled trying to get it out before he could open his mouth to interrupt her again. She sighed and rolled her eyes not feeling like having to explain herself to Safaree right now. "I'm not back with him, I just-"

"Better not be."

"Safaree, you have one more time. I'm so fucking serious right now. Let me talk."

Safaree huffed and looked out the side of his window with his free hand rest on the door, propping up his chin.

"Webb was trying to fuck up this deal for me and I couldn't have that, Safaree. So I met with him, but he pissed me off and I left anyways. I just..." Nicki sighed. "Stop making me feel like shit."

SB laughed and she looked over at him.

"I hate you so much."

"You tell me every day."

"Well at least you know."

"Man." SB shook his head. "I get disrespected around here."

"No you fucking don't. Shut up."

"There you go again. And how you go from snapping on me to being playful?"

"Shut up."

"You finish that verse?"

"Yup. Recorded it on my phone and sent it to him."

"You think you got this?"

"I prayed about it." Nicki said with a sigh.

"You got this."

"Promise?" Nicki said unsure. He could tell the nerves were kicking in now. He glanced over at her before turning his attention back to the road. He turned on the radio and turned up the music. He knew Nicki couldn't focus on her thoughts with noise distracting her so that's what he did. He drowned out the silence of the car with the radio as he drove them to the building.

---

"He's ready for you." A man said peeking out of the door. Nicki stood and looked back at SB before looking back at the man.

"Can he come?"

"Nah. You good." SB said encouraging her to do this on her own. She turned to look at him before they shared a look. He nodded his head in the direction of the door and Nicki turned to walk off. The man fully stepped out and held the door as he let Nicki walk in. She stepped in and Fendi stood up, making his way around his desk. Nicki tried to flush her nerves and she extended her hand when he extended hers.

"Hi." Nicki said in a cute nervous voice.

"How you doin'?"

"I'm good, how are you?"

"Good, good. Sit down."

He pointed Nicki to the chair across from his desk and Nicki turned to take a seat. She sat down and looked around his office while he took his seat. She looked around at all the framed covers of the Come Up DVD's.

"So let's get down to business." He said. Nicki nodded. "That verse you sent me was hot. I need a female for this next DVD and I think you would be a dope fit."

Nicki released a deep sigh  as a big smile appeared on her face.

"I mean you got it. You got the look. You got the talent. Ya delivery is on point."

"Well thank you." Nicki said with a cocky smirk as the nerves began to go away.

"Ya delivery on that 16 bars track you sent me was crazy. That's what I'm looking for. That raw talent. So..." he grabbed a small stack of papers and put them on a clipboard. He placed them on his desk and placed a pen on top of them. He slid it to the other side of his desk and Nicki leaned forward grabbed the pen. "The deal is yours.

***

Safaree looked down at his phone and pressed the answer button when he seen that is was Candi.

"Yeah."

"So what's happening? Where is she? She get it?"

"I don't know, she's still in there right now."

"Was she nervous?"

"Yeah. Never seen her that nervous before. It didn't even kick in until we got in the car to come over here. I don't know why she worried, she got this."

"You know how she is."

"Yeah."

"Have her call me later."

"Gotcha."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye."

***

Nicki signed the last page on the clipboard and smiled. She pushed the clipboard back over to Fendi and he took it, placing it to the side. He leaned back in his chair.

"In 5 months, we starting shooting for the DVD and all that. So I need you to be on some heavy writing shit for these next 5 months. No playing around."

Nicki nodded.

"We'll have another meeting with the producers and all that shit some time next week. Just giving a run down. It'll probably be held here." He looked down at a piece of paper. "That's it. You got any questions?"

"No."

"Alright. Well." Fendi stood up and Nicki did the same. He stepped around his desk and walked towards the door. "I'ma hit you up about that meeting. You know, any questions just hit me up."

"Thank you so much for this opportunity. Really."

"Nah, it's nothing. You helping me out." They shared a common laugh before he extended his arm out to the door. He extended his free hand out for a hug and bent down a little to Nicki's level. She embraced him for a hug before she said bye and stepped out of his office.

SB stood when he seen Nicki step out of the office while he placed his phone in his side pocket.

"How'd it go?"

"Safaree, he fucking signed me!" Nicki did a cute little happy dance before she grabbed at SB's hand that he extended. She looked up at the cocky smirk on his face before he nudged her.

"Told you."

"You did, huh?" Nicki laughed before she pulled at his arm leading them out of the door.

"So you got the spot on the DVD and everything?" SB said trying to get the details while Nicki still seemed to be on a high. She released his hand as they made it outside. A chill from the wind hit them but Nicki seemed to remain unbothered by it while her grin remained plastered on her face.

"Yes. Everything!"

"Alright, let's go! Celebrate time! We in there!" SB reached out to open the door to Nicki's side as he waited for her to climb in. He closed the door when she got in and jogged around to his side of the car before climbing in. "Where you wanna go?"

"Hmmm..." Nicki twisted her lips letting her dimple appear before she spoke up. "I'm in the mood to drink."

SB pulled off and began driving to Nicki's favorite bar when she was always in the mood to drink or celebrate something. Nicki turned and playfully punched SB in the arm.

"Aye, what was that for?" He looked at her like she was crazy before turning his attention back to the road.

"Thank you, jerk."

"No problem, bubz."

The Beginning

k so this blog is for oneshots. Basically all of these are around Nicki's underground days. Might turn it into a story, might not. Don't really know. Just going to write the ideas I have over here and post them. But some might be present day ideas. You never know.  anyways, here you go.

-----

Nicki took off her apron and tossed it on top of the box.

“It’s time to get the fuck outta here.”

“I know. You make any tips tonight?”

“Mhmm.” Nicki dug her hand in her pocket with her long nails and pulled out a wad of money.

“Ha!” Sherika said before pulling out her wad of tips and her and Nicki high fived.  “You work til closing tomorrow?”

“No. I have a meeting with Fendi.”

“I thought you was scared to meet with that guy.”

“I still am. I just need to get this music shit started. I can’t with Red Lobster anymore.” Nicki said as she stuck the money in her work pants. “You need a ride home?” Nicki asked Sherika while pushing her big black and pink crimps over her shoulder.

“Nah, I got one. You going straight home?” Sherika said as she pulled her keys out of her pocket.

“Yeah, I need to write some shit. If Fendi thinks I’m good I might get that last spot on the Come Up DVD.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, now I need get in my zone.” Nicki grabbed her leather jacket off of a box and put it around her. She grabbed the keys out of her jacket pocket and waited for Sherika to fully put her jacket on before walking towards the back exit. She turned off the light and they walked out of the back of the Red Lobster building and Nicki flicked through her keys. “What the fu…” Nicki said right before she found the key to lock up.

“Alright. I’ll call you?”

“You better.”

They hugged before Nicki walked over to her car and Sherika walked over to hers. Nicki opened the door and climbed in her car and her phone rang. She stuck the key in the ignition before digging through her purse. She cursed herself for always needing a big ass purse at times like this. “Just hang uuuuuuuuuuup.” Nicki said out loud.  The phone stopped ringing and she smiled successfully. She put on her seatbelt and drove out of the parking lot and off to her apartment.

“I’m starving, yo.” Nicki said out loud. She closed her refrigerator and walked out of the kitchen and into her living room. She picked up her phone and dialed SB's number. Her best friend that she called at anytime for any reason and he came to the rescue. She put the phone to her ear and held it there with her shoulder and played with her nails for a quick second before she grabbed her notebook and her pen.

"Hello." SB said.

"Fuckin some random bitch?" Nicki dropped the notebook to the side on the couch and stood up.

"Don't start that."

"I'm joking." Nicki said with a laugh while walking down the hall to her room. "Bring me something to eat, SB." 

"I know you got tips today."

"Nigga, don't act like that."

"I'm not coming over. You told me you had to write today."

"You play too fuckin much."

"Nah. You need to write."

"Then bring your ass over here and help me write."

"No."

"Pwweeeaaasssee Faree." Nicki said in a baby voice while she walked over to her dresser and grabbed her lotion off the dresser.

"I hate that shit."

"Just bring me some fucking food, I'm starving."

"I thought you went to the store?"

"I forgot. I had to work."

"That's tough."

"SB."

"Aight. Damn. I'm coming. What you want?"

Nicki smiled successfully before pouring the lotion into her hand.

"Anything."

"Aight.

---

"Police! Open up!"

Nicki hopped up from the couch and went to open the door.

"SB, shut up."

"Aye. I brought you food."

"Did you ride your bike over here?" she said as she moved to the side and let him in.

"Nah, I drove."

"You knew I wanted to take it for a ride." Nicki said with an attitude.

"Get over it." he said walking into the kitchen and dropping the bags of food on Nicki's counter.

"Which one's mine?"

"That one right there." SB said nodding his head at the back that he just placed to the right. Nicki's phone rang as she went to dig in the bag and she sighed. "I got this. I'll bring it in there." He said as Nicki turned to walk away. Nicki went and grabbed her phone off the couch and bit her lip before shrugging it off and answering it.

"Hello."

"Wussup, baby."

"Stop."

"Come make this drop with me."

"No, I told you I'm done with that shit Webb." Nicki said as she took on the couch. She sat in the corner of the couch and tucked her feet underneath her.

"C'mon, baby."

"No." Nicki said in a baby voice. She looked up at Safaree who placed the food on the coffee table that sat in the middle of the living room.

"You know you get the job done. I need you to come back."

"Well you fucked that up when you screwed me over."

"That was almost a year ago."

"So."

"Come see me. I miss you."

"No. Is that all you called for? I gotta go."

"I'm coming over."

"No you're not. I have company."

"Whose over there? You got a man, now? So you replacing me? Nobody can treat you better than me, baby."

"Bye, Webb."

Nicki said before she hung up the phone. She looked over at Safaree who was shaking his head and eating his food. She knew what he was thinking and she hears enough from her mom and people on the streets, she doesn't want to hear it from him too because she knows. She just has to get the strength to finally cut him off after 6 years. She doesn't have feelings for him anymore. The moment he fucked up everything was dropped. But she felt bad because she knew Webb didn't have anyone. No family or anything.

"Don't say it." Nicki said.

"I'm not." Nicki stared at him being annoyed because she knew where this conversation was headed. She remembered that the stuff she ordered for SB came in the mail and got up from the couch. She walked back to her room and grabbed the shirt that she had on her bed. She walked back into the living room and he looked up.

"Here, grumpy." she threw the shirt at him and it landed on top of his head. She laughed and he dropped the fork down to his plate. He took the shirt off his head and looked at it.

"Yooooooooo, these are dope. These for the shows?"

"Mhmmm." Nicki said. Well, whenever I can book a fucking show. I just want to be a successful female rapper already, she thought. She laid down on the couch and stretched out behind him since he was sitting back much. She rolled her eyes think about the fact that she was laying on her hair right now and messing it up. She looked over at her food not feeling hungry anymore. "I got you a whole bunch of them back in my room." Nicki said while she raised her hand up and pointed it to her room.

"Red?"

"Even in red." Nicki said as she stared at him as he looked over the t-shirt that was black with purple and white letters that read 'I Wanna Minaj'. "You'll be my hypeman. I'll need you at every show."

"Aight. I guess I could work around my schedule." SB said as he put a hand on his chin. 

"So you're gonna do this with me?"

"Yeah." he said with a shrug. "Since Hoodstars got fucked up. Might as well help you with your solo career." he said before she stuffed a fork full of food into his mouth.

"You think that was my fault?"

"I ain't say nothin like that." he said chewing his food. "I know it was Webb the whole time. I ain't know he had connects with Lou but I figured it out. Told you to leave his dumb ass alone."

"How many times are you going to remind me that I fucked up?"

He ignored her and continued eating his food. He placed the shirt on the edge of the couch and grabbed his cup taking a drink. Nicki rolled her eyes and played with the crimps in her hair. She was over everyone telling her about her mistakes and her biggest mistake ever, Webb. He ruined her shot at finally being able to do what she wanted to do. When Nicki broke it off with Webb he went to the one thing that meant the most to her at that point in time. Her music. He reached out to Lou and filled his head with lies about both Nicki and SB that resulted in the whole group just breaking up. They were so close to getting a deal and then DOOM! He came through and ruined it.

Nicki sighed feeling a headache coming on. She raised her foot and tapped it on SB's back. He looked over at her.

"SB, rub my head."

"Whoa, pauz."

Nicki laughed before closing her eyes. "Please. Just rub right here." Nicki said pointing to her temples.

"Why can't you do it?"

"My nails."

"Told you to get rid of those." he scooted down some closer to Nicki and took his first two fingers and massaged her temples. "Can I stop now?"

"You just started."

SB said stared at her and looked her over. "When you put this pink back in ya hair?"

"After you told me I should keep it."

"How was work?"

"Hell. That's why this music shit needs to work."

"About that. Get up."

SB removed his hand from her temple and slapped her on the thigh. Nicki opened her eyes and sat up leaning back on the couch.

"I can't write at night. I have to do it in the morning."

"You always got an excuse." SB shook his head and went back to eating his food. "You need to eat."

"I'm not hungry anymore." She played with her crimps while looking at SB.  "I'll give you your stupid money back if you want it. You're a horrible best friend."

"I'm the best best friend ever."

"Are you coming with me tomorrow?"

"When?"

"To meet Fendi."

"Yeah. Ion trust this guy."

"This needs to work."

"What?"

"This music shit."

"Can't take it no more, huh?"

"No!" Nicki unintentionally shouted. "Red Lobster is Hell. I need to be doing what I love...in more ways than one." Nicki said looking off.

"You talked to your mom today?" SB asked.

"No. Why?"

"She called me."

"Why didn't she called me?"

"She said she's trying to give you your space and independence since you decided to move out. She just told me to make sure I check up on you."

"My mom loves you." Nicki said folding her arms across her chest and staring at SB. He turned and looked at her with a smirk.

"Who doesn't?"

"You know she calls you her son."

SB chuckled before he put the lid back on his takeout box of food.

"Yeah, I know. Jelani told me."

Both of them looked toward Nicki's window when they heard a loud roar of thunder.

"Yo, is that thunder?"

Nicki stood up and walked over to her window. She rolled her eyes and dropped her hands down from her curtains.

"Yup."

"Shit. I need to go then."

"Why?" she sat back down on the couch while she stared at Safaree as he stood up and grabbed his take out box while heading for the kitchen.

"I ain't tryna be stuck in the storm on my way back to Flatbush."

"Stay here." Nicki said loud enough for him to hear in the kitchen as he threw away the takeout box.

"All night?"

"You do it all the time, Safaree."

SB walked out of the kitchen and Nicki stared at him when he grabbed his keys off the table. She grabbed his jacket that he was reaching for and put it behind her.

"Stay." she began to play with her hair again. "Please. I'm lonely and I'm scared of thunder." Nicki said in a baby voice. He shook his head. For someone as hard [pauz] as Nicki she sure does still love to be babied. "Please."

"Aight." He huffed and sat back down on the couch. He took his shoes off getting comfortable and turned his hat forward laying his head back.

"Thank you, jerk."

"Yeah. Start writing." he said as he tossed Nicki her pen and notebook.

"Fine." Nicki took it out of his hands and looked over at her phone when it went off. "Hand me that."

SB raised up grabbing Nicki's phone off the coffee table and handed it to her. She opened her messages and read the message from Webb.

Come make this drop with me baby and I'll make sure you get that deal from Fendi. I'll see you at 2 a.m. if you want that deal

Nicki bit her lip staring at the message before she closed it and tossed her phone beside her. She looked up at SB who was all into the movie before she began writing letting the words that were in her mind out onto a page.

We Should Make This Work...

Nicki walked out of the bathroom and tugged at the bottom of her shirt. She rolled her eyes feeling irritated as she passed SB's empty room. Since everything blew up the day after New Year's, Nicki hasn't talked to SB since and she was angry about it. At him, and at herself. When she realized she made almost the biggest mistake of her life she called SB wanting to fix things but he didn't answer. Instead, he continued working on his mixtape and doing things for himself. It was hard to say what he wanted to do. He wanted to answer her calls or texts. He felt bad treating her this way even though he was just giving her the same treatment she gives him.

But Nicki couldn't deny it or play it off any longer. It was getting to her. How did things get so bad in just a little matter of time? She didn't like it and was regretting her decision. She walked into her bedroom and walked over to her phone not rushing at all at the sound of it ringing. For what? It wasn't him... She picked up her phone and pressed answer while taking a seat on her bed.

"Hello?"

"Cheer up." Candi said.

"I am." Nicki said not changing the tone of her voice at all as she got up from the bed.

"Still no answer?"

"No." Nicki walked down the steps making her way to the kitchen.

"He'll come around."

"He won't. I fucked up." Nicki said the last part with a weak and half broken voice. It was true. She fucked up. Big time. And she was terrified that this time was permanent. She let go of the rail as she walked down the last step and into the kitchen.

"He always comes back. Just give him time. How do you know he doesn't miss you too?"

"Everything he said was right."

"Ohhh, don't say that."

"No, it's true. I guess that's the shit everyone keeps telling me about."

Nicki huffed. She was irritated at the fact that she was feeling sorry for herself. She was irritated that she didn't think of the outcome when she decided to put her plan mixed with someone's input in motion. She was irritated that her world was crumbling down right in front of her and at this point in time it was out of her hands. The people who she realized she needed the most she let go and now they want nothing to do with her.

"Don't be so sad. You want me to come over? We can watch Set It Off and I'll bring some Chicken and Hot Sauce to make you happy."

Nicki slightly laughed. "No, I'll be fine."

"You sure? Cause I already ordered Popeyes and if you don't want it me and TT are about to demolish it."

"Bye Candi. I love you, thanks for everything."

"You know you my girl. Love you. Make up with him!"

"He doesn't want to talk to me!" Nicki said hanging up. She placed her phone down on the island and walked over to the pantry. Time to eat my feelings, Nicki thought. She grabbed the bag of Goldfish off the shelf and closed the pantry behind her.

---

[Safaree]

"Aye, that's dope. Lemme see." Just then Safaree was interrupted by his phone. "Hold up. Lemme take this." He pulled his phone out and held a hand up to engineer and walked out of the studio room.

"It's Fengali, wuddup."

"Boy, bye." Candi said. SB huffed knowing where this was headed before it even got started.

"Whatchu want?" SB said before he licked his lips.

"You and Nicki need to fix things."

"For what? She fired me." He adjusted his hat on his head.

"Yeah and she regrets it."

"Then why she do it? All that listening to other people and shit."

"Look. I know she fucked up. She knows she fucked up. And right now I can bet you she's eating her feelings away and watching depressing ass love movies. Go to the house cause I know you in LA. And sit y'alls dumb asses down and talk."

"Whatever man. I'm wasting studio time."

"No, you're wasting my time. Both of y'all! We all know Nicki made a bad decision but don't give up on her. You knew she was stubborn as fuck from jump. Now put that shit on hold and go fix it. And if I call Nicki tomorrow and ain't shit changed, I'm fighting both of y'all."

Candi hung up the phone and SB shook his head. He pressed end and placed the phone in his back pocket. He stared up at the ceiling for a second with his hands on his head. He sighed and turned around opening the studio door and walked in.

"Yo, I got some things to take care of. I'll hit you later."

"Aight man, be careful."

"Always." SB said before waking out of the door and making his way out of the studio. He hopped in his car putting on his sunglasses and sat there for a minute. He looked around the empty parking lot before he put his keys in the ignition and pulled off.

---

Nicki wiped her face for the 3rd time in less than a second. She hated that she was sitting here feeling sorry for herself and she just wanted everything to magically come together and everything to be okay...including him be here... with her... and WANTING to be there. She grabbed her phone when it buzzed and a lump formed in her throat at the sight of what was on her screen. She was hesitant to open the message from him. She opened the message and stared at it for a moment.

I'm coming by. We need to talk. On my way.

After moments of re-reading the message she sat her phone down beside her and got up from the bed. She was nervous. Was he coming by to fix things? Or was he coming by to reassure her of the decision she made and continue to show her just what she lost? Shaking her nerves she tried to be cool. She didn't want to keep thinking negative, have her guard up when he gets here, and make yet another decision that she'll regret in the long run. She walked down the steps and made her way to the front door. Since SB gave her back his key, she knew she had to go unlock the door for him. She stepped to the door, placing one hand on the door while using her other hand to unlock all the locks. When it came down to the bottom lock on the door knob it twisted and Nicki quietly gasped stepping back. Another lump formed in her throat when the door opened and tears filled her eyes the second she saw him in the door way. She folded her arms across her chest and tried to avoid looking into his face.

SB stepped in closing the door behind him and debated whether or not he should step any closer. He shrugged it off and placed a hand on her arm. Nicki wiped at her face and slowly turned her head to look up him. His heart broke looking into her face. Her eyes said a million things in this moment and right now.. he didn't care about the situation. Looking into her face and seeing her like this, he knew she cared. Finally. Behind the mask she put up and everything he saw the care behind the hurt. And that's what made him forget about all the shit she's put him through 10 times over.

Nicki broke the longer she looked into his face and she couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed his wrists and led him behind her to the living room. He sat on the couch at one end and Nicki sat down at the other end of the couch wanting to give him space. His face was emotionless and she didn't know if that meant he was still angry or here to make things better because she really didn't think she could take another day of this.

"I'm no-"

"Just let me talk." Nicki said first while still not looking in his direction. "I messed up. And everything you said was right." Nicki said as she shook her head and wiped her tears. "You were right. I put business before you and I didn't care. It's just like... everything is out of my control and I don't like it. It's scary. And I pushed you away, this time for good. So if you're here to tell me that I'm a selfish bitch, go ahead. I deserve it. If you're do-" Nicki tried to regulate her breathing that began to speed at the thought of what she was about to say. "If you're done with me for good then I'll take it."

"Nic, I'm not-"

Nicki held her hand up and stopped him shaking her head. "No. Just do one thing for me, please?" She said as she wiped her face. "Please?"

"Anything."

"Forgive me? Please?"

SB threw his head back resting it on the couch. It was hard for him to see Nicki like this. He's never seen Nicki like this.

"I'll always forgive you."

Nicki gave a quick little smile before she continued wiping at her face she went to get up from the couch and SB stopped her.

"Come here." He said as he raised his head up. Nicki walked over to SB and hesitantly put her hand in his. He pulled her onto his lap and she made herself comfortable in his lap trying to stop her cries. She sighed into his chest feeling herself so happy in this moment whether or not it was just for this moment.

"I'm sorry." Nicki said. "I'm so sorry. I was so stupid to make that decision. I need you, SB. I really do." She stated never breaking from his chest. "Just, please..." she said in between heavy breaths. "Don't make me do this alone. I realized I messed up, just come back."

SB rubbed Nicki's back as she talked and moved his hands back placing them on her thighs.

"I'm here no matter what. You gotta stop though. Stop treating me like I'm against you, I'm not, Nic. For real."

"Is it over?"

"What?" SB said looking down at the top of her head. Nicki sat there for a moment before she pulled back and sat herself up.

"Do you still love me?" Nicki said barely audible while looking away not really wanting to know the answer. She sat there for a moment and felt her body becoming weak to his silence. She looked at him and he answered.

"I told you... this is forever."

Nicki smiled and wiped at her tear stained face. She grabbed his sunglasses and took them off his face wanting to look in his eyes. She wanted him to see that she was sorry. She wanted him to see that from this day forward she was going to make a change. No more of treating him how she treated him in the past because she saw where it was headed and it wasn't for her. She wanted him to see that she really does love him. That she really does need him. He removed his hands from her thighs and grabbed hers and she locked their fingers falling into his chest.

---

[Later that day]

"No, come lay with me." Nicki tapped the spot that was beside her and threw the covers back. SB walked around the bed and took that spot. "Hold me." Nicki was needy for his affection now that he was back and she was going to make sure she cherishes every single moment with SB. Every good moment and make sure they never have another HORRIBLE moment. She couldn't deal with another one of those.

"I need to tweet my barbz."

Nicki pulled up her twitter app and hit the compose new tweet button.

BARBZ!!!!!!!!! WATCH JAY LENO TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD STUFF!!!! LOVE U!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!!!!!!

She twisted her lip and composed another new tweet.


HEAR ME BARBZ!?!?!?!? WATCH JAY LENO TONIGHT!!!!! K, BYE

She went to sit her phone down when she remembered one more thing.


AND WATCH ELLEN TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!! =)

She looked over her timeline and laughed at them going in on her caps lock and smiled at the ones still talking about the fact that her and SB had made up. They always know, she thought. She snuggled into SB more and put her phone down. "The barbz wanted me to stay and talk to them." Nicki said as she ran her hand down SB's arm before she locked their fingers.

"Why didn't you?" he said not taking his eyes off the screen.

"I have something more important to give my attention to." Nicki said raising her head up and kissing his cheek. "I love you so much, babe. I mean that."

He took his attention off the screen and looked down at her. "I love you too, Nicki." he bent down and kissed her forehead and Nicki smiled and rested her head on his chest.

"You make me happy...you just being here." she said talking more so out loud than to him.

"I'll always be here."

"Thank you, babe." Nicki said as she unlocked their fingers and wrapped her arms around his body tightly and sighed into his chest. She missed him so much and she learned her lesson. If you love somebody, you have to let them know. Tomorrow's never promised together, you have to let it show.

When Did Things Go Wrong?

"How are you, baby?"

"I'm good."

"No, you're not."

"Hm?"

"Onika, I know when something's wrong. You can tell me."

"I don't want to talk about it right now, ma."

"Okay, but remember you can always call me."

"I know."

"Alright, baby. I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Call me later."

"I will."

Nicki hung up the phone and sighed. Just then she heard footsteps coming up her stairs and a smile grew across her face. Candi and TT walked into her room and her smile grew even bigger.

"How did you guys get in here?"

"Oh, you left the front door unlocked."

Candi and TT walked around and sat on the opposite side of Nicki on the bed.

"Still depressed?"

Nicki glared at both TT and Candi before she grabbed up her phone and stood up off the bed.

"I'm fine."

"You're not. How could you be?" TT said.

Nicki placed her phone down on her dresser and began looking around.

"Where the fuck is that charger?"

"Nope. She's not." Candi said. Nicki stopped in her tracks and glared over at Candi before continuing to look around her room.

"Have you guys seen my charger?"

"We just got here." Candi said.

"And you can just leave too." Nicki said looking back at Candi with a sarcastic smile. TT laughed and got comfortable sitting on Nicki's bed. Candi rolled her eyes and waved Nicki off.

"We're not here to give our opinion. We're just here for support."

"Really? The one time I need you guys to tell me if what I did was right, you guys don't want to give your opinion?" Nicki said as she bent down finding her charger in the corner of her room right before you enter her closet. She picked it up and turned around to them.

"If you think what you did was right then it was right." TT said.

"And if you think it's wrong..." Candi said before cutting her sentence off shortly.

"Whatever. You guys are useless."

Nicki grabbed her phone off the dresser and walked over towards the socket in the wall.

"Has he came and got his stuff yet?" TT asked.

"Mhmmm." Nicki bent down plugging the charger into the wall and plugged the charger up to her phone. She stood up and laid her phone down on her nightstand.

"Well...did you talk to him?"

"You mean did he talk to me?" Nicki walked over to the corner of her room and took a seat in her chair. She reclined it back just a little and leaned her head back against it.

"You guys are so stubborn." TT said.

"Fuck him."

"Just difficult." Candi said.

"Whatever. Instead of being mature about it he wants to ignore me and act like that so whatever. He's gone. I don't have to see him."

"This is crazy." Candi said rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

"Never thought this day would come." TT said.

"Yeah, well..." Nicki started but drifted off getting caught in the memory.

"I'm tired of having this fucking argument with you!"

"You don't have to. You keep yelling and shit. It's not gon change nothing."

"Well that's fucking ridiculous and sad. You don't even fucking care, it's just sick." Nicki said holding her hand up to him and looking away shaking her head trying to prevent the tears that she felt were on the verge of breaking into a flood. 

"I do care. I care a lot."

"You don't show it." Nicki spat back.

"You don't show it either."

"How the fuck is this always being turned back on me? We are BOTH wrong here. I'm so sick of this shit."

 "I'm sick of it too." 

Nicki felt herself raging with anger at how calm SB was appearing to be. Actions speak louder than words and right now... they're saying he doesn't care. But for SB, that's not true. He's devastated. Seriously. But showing it isn't going to do much for him or work in his favor. He didn't want to keep pretending with Nicki. They both know they're hurting. They both know things aren't right. The littlest things have been blown up into such situations and they're causing everything to fall apart. And that's exactly what's happening right before their eyes... everything is falling apart. 

"So you're putting this over me?"

"How am I doing that? I'm still here."

"SB. Let's not play fucking stupid alright?! You haven't been around lately at all. What the fuck are you talking about? You would rather be doing your own thing than being with me. So that's showing you care?"

"You treat me like I'm invisible anyways, what you need me for?"

Nicki grunted and rolled her eyes getting even more angry. 

"Don't fucking-"

"Yo, you need to chill, forreal." SB said standing up finally letting his attitude show. "This shit is ridiculous."

"It is, huh?" Nicki laughed and walked back and forth trying to calm herself. 

"You think we both putting this shit over each other, that's the problem." SB said smacking his hand in his other hand. "But let's be real about this shit."

"Now you wanna be real about this shit? Don't give me that fucking attitude, Safaree!"

"Nah, you wanted to keep arguing so let's do it."

"Let's do it." Nicki said with anger. 

"This argument of me not being there for you is getting tired." Safaree said turning to walk out the door. 

"You're NOT there for me!" Nicki said shouting and following behind him."Where the fuck have you been the past few days? No, the past few months! Huh? Not here with me!"

SB sighed shaking his head and continued walking towards his room. He walked into his closet and grabbed a duffle and began throwing random clothes in it. 

"Leaving again. What a fucking surprise!" Nicki threw her hands up. "You keep showing you don't give a fuck about me anymore."

"You show you don't give a fuck anymore either." SB said turning and walking right passed her and out of his closet and into his bathroom.  "You're making this shit bigger than what it is." SB grabbed his toothbrush and tossed it into his duffle.

"How?! Huh?!"

"You let this nigga talk you into firing me." SB said with a chuckle. "This that shit that everybody was talking about when they said he can't be trusted."

"SB, don't act like I haven't said that before. I've always said I was going to but still have you around. Now that it actually happened you want to leave me?!"

"What's the point of me being around?" SB walked passed her again out of the bathroom door and back into his room. He tossed the bag on the bed and walked over to his shoes that were lying in the corner of his room. He picked them up and sat in the chair. "You don't need me for shit, anyways. It's all about Nicki." he said as he put on his shoes. 

"Is that why you're trying to do your own thing so you don't have to be tied in with me anymore?"

SB ignored Nicki's talking and continue putting on his shoes.

"Answer me!"

He continued ignoring her. Nicki stomped over to the bed and grabbed his duffle. 

"You're not getting this until you fucking answer me."

SB stood up and grabbed his jacket off the bed and put it on. Nicki stared at him with rage and Safaree adjusted his hat. He put on his sunglasses and turned to face Nicki who now had tears running down her face at a rapid pace. In all honesty, his heart broke seeing that Nicki was broken right in front of his eyes. But he was fed up. He was sick and tired. Nothing was the same. 

What happened? What changed? WHEN did things change? How did things get this far? They've always had their moments and they bounce back from them but this was different, no this way COMPLETELY different. The feeling of somewhat resentment and anger they had towards each other was now becoming crystal clear and it scared both of them. It's been building up and building up.

Nicki didn't want to fire SB. Why would she? But she saw the way things were headed business wise which was interfering with her personal and she didn't need it. So she thought it was the best move when Manny suggested it. She still wanted SB around regularly just like he was before, she didn't know that when she told him she wanted to let him go that that would be the breaking point that caused all of this. 

And now... it was too late. SB felt like he was in a never ending boxing match that he could not win. He was restless and tired. Everything was affecting him though he didn't choose to show it. He cared. He still cares. More than Nicki or anyone could ever know. But right now in this moment, he was done. He had to hang up his boxing gloves and go. 

"So you're done?" Nicki said lowly with tears. He sighed and grabbed the bag out of her hands that she didn't even have enough strength to put up a fight with. He ignored her and turned to walk out of his room and Nicki on his heels.

"You're really done?! You always give up on me, always."

"Shit, I been trying for 13 years with you." he said walking down the steps. Nicki stared at his back following behind him as the tears continued to fall. "13 years for nothing I guess." They made it to the bottom of the stairs and SB continued walking, never stopping until he hit the front door and heard Nicki's voice.

"You're throwing away 13 years over this?!"

"Nah, YOU threw away 13 years, Nic. You did that the moment you chose all this fame shit over me. The passed few months you haven't paid me any attention. As soon as I do stuff for myself and I'm not around anymore, I'm selfish."

Even more so, SB felt like he has been trying for years, months, weeks, days and Nicki never once tried with him. He felt like he since he's been doing all the work, now it's time to see. Now it's time to see who cares for who more. He felt like Nicki knew this was coming, he knew it was coming, everyone knew it was coming. The problems were obvious. But did Nicki ever try? No. When he tried to talk to her about it did she care? No. She brushed it off. Just like she's been doing to him since things have been getting rockier. Brush it off and act happy. So why should he care when she doesn't?

"Safaree, it's not about you wanting to do your own shit! Stop saying that!" Nicki said now shouting. "You're doing all this cause you want my attention?" 

SB threw his head back finding himself angry for arguing with her now. 

"I know it's not. It's about you being all about work. You being all about business. You being all about yourself. You didn't give a fuck about me until I went away. It's not about your damn attention either. It's about you not caring."

"That's not true." Nicki said as she wiped at her face. 

"It is. You put everything before me, so chill out. You don't even want me around because you really want me around. Only for you. Everything for you. I hope this shit goes perfect for you now that I'm out of the way." Before he could even grab the doorknob he stopped hearing Nicki's voice again.

"How did we get here?" Nicki said through heavy breathing and tears.  

"I told you. When you chose business over your "family." He said right before he opened the door and walked out.

"I just have a question, and then you can shut me up and get angry or whatever you want..." Candi said.

Nicki sighed. "Say it."

"Do you still love him?"

"Of course."

"So what's the problem?"

"Everything. Every little thing, every big thing."

"It really is true what they say..." Candi said.

"What?" Nicki and TT said at the same time.

"No matter how good you think you are, or you think things are between you and your loved ones, fame will always test that."

"It just doesn't make sense." TT said. "13 years. 13 years. THIRTEEN. You're just going to let it go like that?" she snapped. "Just like that?"

"He let it go, too."

"But he tried to fix things. You told us that. And you ignored it and wanted to continue being mad about it."

Nicki sighed deeply and wiped at a tear that she wondered when the hell go there.

Nicki grabbed her phone and braced herself opening the message from SB. 

I'm having a show if u wanna come...

I don't. Good luck with it.

Wow...

What?

I was right.

Right about what?

You really don't care. Ha...

I have other things to do, SB. I'm a busy person, you know that. 

But you're gonna be in NY at the same time working on Brinx's mixtape...but you got other things to do. Aight

Nicki ignored his messaged and tossed her phone in the corner of the room. 

"Don't cry, Nic. Forreal." Candi said.

"We're trying to help." TT said.

"I know." Nicki said as she wiped at her face. "Everything's just falling apart."

"If you want things to get better than you have to fix it. I don't care what Manny says, I don't care what your fans say, and I don't care what the media says. If you feel like you made the wrong decision letting SB go then you need to fix it." Candi said.

"Nicki not only did you lose your hypeman, you lost your best friend. I mean your BEST friend. Not only your hypeman and best friend but your boyfriend. Fix it." TT said.

"You guys just don't get it."

  Candi and TT sighed feeling like they were getting nowhere.

"Fine. We're gonna stay out of it but you really need to think about it." TT said.

"When all this fame and shit goes away... remember who was there for you from the beginning and wasn't trying to use you to get where they want to be."