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silver-roze · 2 months

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Recovery - Chapter 8

Eminem x FemReader (Y/N) fanfiction

Summary : Y/N reconnects with an old friend and her sobriety is seriously challenged.

Tags : Angst, Comfort, Fluff

CW : Bullying, Alcohol, Drugs, Mentions of nudity

TWO WEEKS LATER

To say you had a bad week would be an understatement. It was a terrible one : everything that could go wrong basically did, except for the moments you spent at the studio.

As it often happened, you missed Simon terribly. You were feeling touch-starved, and you just missed being in a relationship. Granted, you had amazing friends, but it just wasn’t the same. Work wasn’t a piece of cake either. You’d had to attend several faculty events and, as was often the case in academia, almost everyone over-indulged on alcohol. You found yourself missing the days where you could party and dance the night away. You had never been much of a party-girl, but now that you were sober, you missed it sorely. You were supposed to work on your doctoral dissertation but found no motivation to work at all.

Only three things were able to get you out of your bad mood : the few hours a week you spent at the studio, dinner time every evening with Talia and Jamal, as well as the perspective of seeing an old friend who was coming back to Detroit.

Two weeks prior, after Marshall brought you back from the studio, you had received a text from an old friend named Cassie. She was the first person you befriended at Michigan State University, four years ago, when you were an exchange student. Your friendship was the living embodiment of “opposites attract”, as she was everything you weren’t : funny, easy-going, sociable, the life of the party. It was also a good partnership : you helped her study and she helped you socialise. She was the one who took you to some parties and showed you cool places in the city. In a way, she was a good influence : she pushed you out of your comfort zone. Whenever you were with her, you found yourself to be more bold. Unfortunately, you hadn’t seen her in a while, as she moved to another state to follow her then-fiancé, now ex-husband. Cassie had texted you to tell you she was coming back to town and that she’d love to see you. Generous as ever, she offered for you to spend a couple of days in her suite at a fancy hotel, promising you a good time and some spa. You were extremely happy to see her again. When she left, you had tried to keep in touch, but she seemed extremely busy. Now though, she was considering coming back to Michigan after a divorce and was actually in town for a job interview.

Her offer for you to spend a couple of days with her was also a nice way to give Talia and Jamal some space. They would never admit it, but you figured they would appreciate spending some time at the house, just the two of them. There was only one drawback : Talia seemed a bit wary of Cassie. You knew she never liked her, but being the classy lady she was, she refused to drag you into their drama. She simply told you to enjoy yourself.

On Friday night, you joined Cassie at her hotel, after she was done with her job interview. She seemed ecstatic to see you.

Ma chériiiiiie, she shrieked as she took you in her arms. It has been so long !

I’m so happy to see you, you said sincerely.

I have planned the most amazing weekend for the two of us, she said giddily.

Really ? What do you have in mind ?

First, we’re going to have a nice five stars dinner brought up to our room, and tomorrow, I’m taking you to the Spa, shopping and then, I was thinking we could go to a party together, she explained.

That is a lot, Cassie…, you said.

My treat, she assured you. Let my divorce settlement money be useful !

I can’t accept that.

Of course you can ! You’ve done so much for me, baby, it’s time I paid you back a little ! Some people I know are throwing a party and you’re going to love it.

You hummed. Cassie was a ball of energy, as always. You half expected her to be depressed because of her short marriage that just ended, but she was beaming with happiness. At dinner, she explained that she caught her husband cheating with a colleague. She got a lot of money from the divorce and was ready to move on. She had always been like this : always seeing the positive side of things. During the conversation, the talk shifted to your breakup with Simon, although you didn’t go into much detail as to why the relationship ended. Cassie was your friend but you didn’t want to either bore or worry her by talking about your struggle with pills. If you were being honest, you also didn’t want her to think poorly of you. As amazing as she was, you knew she could be a little judgy, at times.

It’s a shame that you guys broke up, but maybe it’s better this way, she said. You can do better anyway.

Do you really think so ? you asked as you bit your lip.

Of course. I mean, he was great and everything, but I don’t know… You could probably do with someone a little more fun. He was always so serious, she said.

I don’t know… I liked that about him, you said with a sigh.

Of course you did, she continued. But I’m sure we can find you someone better. The party I’m taking you to tomorrow will be the perfect place for you to find a man.

I don’t need to find a man, you scoffed.

Of course you do, she giggled. It’s been months since the breakup. And knowing the good girl you are, you probably haven’t got any action since. You don’t want spider webs to grow in your vagina, now, do you ?

You almost choked on your water. God, she could be so straightforward when it came to sex. Or any other topic, for that matter. Once again, she was the complete opposite of you. Anyway, you didn’t bother responding to her comment about the good girl you were. And you were absolutely not going to mention your movie night with Marshall. Thankfully, the conversation shifted once again to another topic. After all, the two of you had a lot of catching up to do.

You barely got any sleep that night. Not that you weren’t tired from your week - you were actually exhausted - but you spent the whole time talking to Cassie and catching up on her life. This girl had a talent for making life seem exciting and glamorous. She always had things going on, always being the one with the most amazing stories to tell. You felt a little dull, next to her.

The next day, you started by having a fancy breakfast in bed before she dragged you to do some shopping. The department store is where you noticed she was seriously intent on spending money. She kept on grabbing items, not even bothering to look at the price. Meanwhile, you failed to find anything. You either didn’t like it or it was out of your price range. Eventually, she decided to take matters into her own hands and initiated a makeover session with the pretext that you needed to look fancy for whatever party she wanted to take you to. Of course, it was Cassie, so you weren’t exactly surprised when she told you it would be extra. She insisted that you try on a Sandro black dress, even though you weren’t convinced. It was on the shorter side, with sequins and definitely showed a lot of skin. Not to mention that it was extremely expensive. You liked shopping and dressing up as much as the next girly girl, but you didn’t come from money, so spending $300 on a dress wasn’t something you considered. However, to her, it seemed like it was no big deal. She didn’t even blink when the sales assistant told her about the price. “We’ll take it”, she simply said, before asking for bags and shoes to match the dress. Once again, she spared no expenses. The shoes she selected for you to wear were from Jimmy Choo, costing almost $800, with a matching clutch that was just as expensive. She even went the extra mile and selected a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings to complete the outfit. She was extremely happy with the outfit. So much so that you didn’t really dare tell her that you felt ridiculous in these clothes. It was the least “you” outfit ever. “If Talia could see me, she would laugh in my face”, you thought. But at the same time, Cassie was so generous and confident that you wanted to give it a try. After all, maybe you needed to get out of your comfort zone. After the shopping spree, you went to get pampered at the hotel spa. You both got your hair done, as well as beauty treatments for the face and body. You had to admit it felt good. Plus, she seemed to enjoy giving you the princess treatment. To be fair, you also enjoyed getting it. It wasn’t every day that you could get a massage, a facial and a new hairdo.

The both of you went back to the room to get ready for the party. You didn’t know much about it, other than the fact that Cassie was extremely excited to go. It was supposed to be held in an exclusive location, with “only the best people, food, music and drinks”. When you stepped out of the bathroom, she clapped and shrieked in excitement.

You have never looked so sexy, Y/N !!! If I had your ass and your breast, I’d dress like that everyday !

You were glad she liked it, although you thought you resembled a Bratz Doll. You hardly ever wore makeup anymore, but there you were, with eyelash extensions, foundation, bold lipstick and, hell, even highlighter on your cheeks. Not to mention the outfit. “The dress is too tight, too short, and the heels are definitely too high”, you thought.

Are we sure about the heels, Cass ? You asked nervously. I might break an ankle, here…

You’ll be fine, she said. Plus, God knows I’m not one to criticize, but… You’re way too short to wear anything lower anyway.

And there was the thing you liked the least about Cass : the way she would sometimes ignore your insecurities and dismiss them. Back when you were in school together, you couldn’t count the times when she would comment on your acne scars, your hair or even your weight. But she was your friend and you knew she meant well. It was her own way to care for you. She had your best interests at heart and she wanted you to be nothing but the best version of yourself. Besides, you knew that she was just as hard on herself. She was constantly under her own pressure to look good, do good and be with good people. But that was what made her thrive, so you figured that, maybe she was right.

You look stunning and those basketball and NFL players are going to get in line to get your number, she said as she placed a strand of hair behind your ear.

You look amazing too, you said with a shy smile.

I know, she giggled.

But wait… You mentioned… sports players ? Who exactly is going to be there ? Do you know them ?

You’re getting in your head, baby, she chuckled. I know a few people. As for the others, it’s just a few friends we haven’t made yet. Anyway, I have something for you.

She grabbed her handbag and took out a vial.

I know how nervous you can get in social settings. This will help you relax. We are going to have the best night ever, she said with a wink. All you have to do is inhale this.

She placed the vial in your hand and you looked at her, intrigued.

What’s that ? You asked. Essential oils ?

Almost, she hummed. Just trust me, ok ?

Do you promise it’s nothing weird ? You asked as you bit your lip.

I would never give you anything dangerous, she said as she rubbed your shoulder. You trust me, right ?

You nodded with a smile. Of course you trusted her.

Now, let’s have a glass of champagne, just the two of us before leaving, ok ? We didn't even toast to our reunion last night !!!

I shouldn’t drink, you said as you avoided her gaze. I’ll have water but go ahead.

Don’t be a boring, Y/N, she giggled. God, you can be such a dud sometimes. One glass, it won’t kill you. I’m going out of my way for you to have a great time, here.

You felt your heart strain. You didn’t want to be ungrateful. After all, she was more than generous to you and she did go out of her way for you to have a memorable weekend. You didn’t want her to think you were a dud. Besides… One glass of champagne was ok, right ? It wasn’t as if she was handing you some pills or offering for you to snort cocaine in her hotel room. Plus, it was Cassie, of all people. You took a deep breath and sighed.

Right. I’m sorry. Champagne sounds lovely, you said.

She smiled and ordered champagne from room service. When it came, it wasn’t just two glasses : it was a whole bottle. Cassie laughed it off. You had your first sip of alcohol in months. You were never a huge drinker, but you had to admit you sort of missed it. You made small talk as you sipped on your glass and she told you that one of her motives to go to the party was to see a guy she had a small crush on. Some Pistons player, apparently. This made you smile. Cassie had always been quite the seductress, even though she got engaged and married quite young. She was the flirty type, even with you. This was part of her persona, and people were here for it. She was the very definition of irresistible. The girl you befriended, that you knew you could never be. You knew there was nothing wrong with you and, most of the time, you were ok with who you were. As years went by, you had come to appreciate being the rather shy, sometimes dorky girl next door who could be seen as quite cute when she made an effort. You would never be an ethereal beauty like Cassie and you were fine with it. Before you knew it, you were on your third glass of champagne.

We’d better go, you said with a giggle. I’m on my third glass already.

You’re right, we’ll have plenty of bubbles to drink when we get to the party anyway, she said.

Not quite what I meant, Cass…

Just enjoy the evening, baby ! Now, time for you to use that vial. Just put it close to your nostril and sniff, ok ? she directed.

You nodded and did as she said. After you were done, she did the same. Less than a minute later, you were filled with a sensation of euphoria and relaxation.

I don’t know what it is, but this is the shit ! You giggled.

I know right ? If you feel anxious, just do that again. I promise, you will have a great time !

A car took you to the party. It was definitely a fancy event. You didn’t know anyone, but Cassie did, and she introduced you to some people. You ended up discreetly sniffing the magic vial a couple of times, taking some time to relax. Before you knew it, you were standing alone as your friend was in deep conversation with a handsome gentleman who, you guessed, was her crush.

I can’t believe such a beautiful woman is standing here without a drink, a man said as he placed a glass of champagne in your hand.

Thank you, you giggled.

The stranger was quite handsome. He was tall, blonde, with gorgeous hazel eyes. He was dressed in a tux and arbored a charming smile. At that point, you were just a little tipsy and definitely relaxed. You greeted him with a smile and thanked him for the drink.

May I say you look absolutely stunning, he complimented you. That’s quite an outfit.

Thank you, you said with a smile. You don’t look too bad either.

I don’t believe we’ve been introduced, yet. I am Jared.

Nice to meet you, Jared. I’m Y/N, you said as you extended your hand.

You expected him to shake it but he took you by surprise by kissing it, which made you all giddy. You made small talk and he told you he actually played for the Detroit Lions, taking no offense when you confessed that you had no idea who he was, and that you didn’t watch a lot of football.

So, what brings you to this fundraiser for the Detroit Sports Teams ? he asked.

Oh, is that what the event is ? you chuckled. I had no idea. Actually, my friend Cassie brought me here. I was promised champagne and a great time.

I’ll be honest with you, this fundraiser is mostly an excuse for people to drink and dance, he said as he winked.

You chortled and kept on talking to him. He was easy-going and very sociable. You could tell he was flirting with you and you liked it. It was very flattering to have such a handsome man take an interest in you. You also began to feel more confident in the outfit Cassie had chosen for you. Some people joined the conversation. Apparently, they also played for the football team. All of these men were good-looking and you found yourself considering getting a season ticket for the games. You would have been more interested in sports if you’d known how great the players looked. Eventually, the conversation turned to sports and you took it as your cue to leave, figuring that if Jared wanted to talk some more, he’d find you in the crowd. You sniffed the vial again and found Cassie. People were starting to dance and she dragged you to the dance floor. Had you been completely sober, she wouldn’t have had a chance, but you were far from it now. Whatever potion she had you inhaling was working its wonders when it came to deprive you of your inhibitions. You were more confident in your moves than ever and you danced with her. The both of you were soon swarmed by an army of suitors and you gladly obliged them when they offered to dance. You were having a great time and it was the magic of Cassie : she managed to turn you into a lovable, sociable creature. Hell, you even gave your number to Jared who had found you on the dancefloor and begged for a dance. He promised to call but, unfortunately, he had to leave. You were having yet another drink and talked to Cassie when her face suddenly changed.

Holy shit. How do I look ?! she asked.

You look gorgeous, as always, you giggled. Why ? Is your crush here ?

Better, she grinned. Look, it’s Eminem !!!

You turned your head in a dramatic move and saw Marshall talking to a couple of people. He was wearing black jeans, sneakers, a black tee-shirt and the Saint Laurent jacket you liked so much. Far from the tuxedos some men were wearing, but definitely an improvement compared to some of his daily outfits and usual sweatpants. As always, you thought he looked amazing. You were shocked, though. He was the last person you expected to see here.

He is even hotter in person, she squealed. I have to introduce myself. Come with me, she said as she dragged you across the room.

Your heart was pounding but you didn’t have time to protest. He saw you arrive, hand in hand with Cassie and his eyes seemed to widen, not that you could be so sure because, at this point, you were drunk. But thankfully, you were also too relaxed to care, thanks to the stuff you had kept on inhaling.

Hey, Y/N, he said as he gave you a quick hug, looking suspicious.

Hey handsome, Cassie said seductively. I didn’t realize you knew our beautiful friend here. I’m Cassie.

Hi Cassie, he said as he politely shook the hand she extended. Yeah, I know Y/N.

“Or at least, I think I do.”, he added in a lower voice, still staring at you. You smiled at him but his comment left you puzzled. Of course he knew you. You were friends. Why would he say that ? You looked at him as Cassie talked to him, complimenting his music and telling him how insanely talented she thought he was, though you couldn’t remember her listening to hip-hop. Ever.

Now that I know that you know Y/N, we simply have to hang out. Don’t we, ma chérie ? she said.

Of course, you said shyly - somewhat uncomfortable that your friend was flirting with your Marshall.

Sure, he said with a blank face.

I have to go to the bathroom, she said. Y/N, hold my glass, will you ?

She quickly disappeared and you were left alone with him. You smiled shyly.

I didn’t know you’d be here, you said in an attempt to make small talk.

I didn’t know you would be here, he replied. What are you doing here ?

Same as you, I guess, you giggled.

I’m here for work, he clarified.

Oh well, I’m not, you shrugged with a smile. Cassie took me here. By the way… She thinks you’re hot.

You weren't too sure why you were telling him that. Probably because you did not have much inhibitions anymore. You couldn’t help but chortle at the absurdity of the situation.

Good for her. Now… Care to explain why you’re clearly drunk and dressed like a ho !? He groaned.

You opened your mouth to reply but found yourself unable to say anything. Did he just insult you ?! You were about to retort something when Cassie returned from the bathroom.

Now, Marshall, she said as she took her glass from your hand without even glancing at you, I happen to be free for a dance.

Yeah, he said. I…

He was cut by someone who came to him before he could even continue. You were still a bit stunned. Cassie, however, shrugged off and took you to the dance floor.

You’ll have to get him to call me, she giggled as she resumed dancing.

Y-Yeah, you said, still a bit stunned.

Dance with me, baby, she said as she took your glass and placed it on a table.

She took your hand and you soon forgot about Marshall’s insult. You were rolling your hips to the beat of the music. A man placed a hand on your waist and danced with you. It was very sensual and you found yourself a bit giddy and turned on, not too sure why. Cassie was doing the same with another man. At that moment, your soul had left your body. Or maybe you just experienced being raw and free for the first time in forever ? It felt like you were on fire. Cassie gestured for you to come closer.

You’re having a great time, she laughed. Look at you, all sexy !

I feel great, you giggled. I’m super horny, too.

That’s the poppers, she chuckled. Wanna drive them crazy ?

Poppers ? Is that what she gave you ? Before you knew it, she was kissing you. You were a bit taken aback but returned the kiss anyway. You liked women as much as men, for sure, but you had never thought of your friend like that. Yet, you found yourself kissing back, because you just felt like it. You were turned on, having a great time, and she was gorgeous, so why not make out with her ? You were laughing as you broke the kiss. Before you knew it, the guy you were dancing with was kissing you. You giggled as you danced with him some more. You had never felt more beautiful and desirable. Your thoughts were interrupted when someone in the crowd grabbed your wrist. Marshall. He didn’t look too happy.

Come with me, he said firmly.

Not a chance, you giggled. I’m dancing here.

No shit, he groaned. Just come, Y/N.

So that you can insult me again ? I hardly think so, Em, you said as you rolled your eyes.

That’s not a fucking question, he groaned on your ear as he pulled you closer to him.

Before you could protest, he was holding your hand, walking you out. Cassie followed you.

Where are the two of you going ? She asked.

I’m taking her home, Marshall said curtly.

Oh… then why don’t you take us both home ? She offered with her seductive signature smile.

You were stunned and you looked at the two of them. Was she offering… a threesome ?! Your eyes were wide open wide and you felt like a deer in headlights.

She needs to sleep, Marshall said.

I’m fine, you groaned as he shot you a death glare.

Whatever, Cassie said. We can figure out who does what when we get to your place, she added with a wink.

Oh, I have it all figured out, he assured her. I’m taking Y/N home. You can catch a ride to… wherever it is that you’re going.

You were about to say something but the room was starting to spin and you almost lost your balance. The heels were definitely too high.

Careful there, Marshall said as he placed a hand on your waist to secure you. Come on, I’ll take you home.

Whatever, Cassie sighed. Call me tomorrow, chérie ?

You nodded and walked out as Marshall was holding you firmly by the hand. The cold, fresh air made you shiver and he sighed before placing his jacket over your shoulders.

I think someone’s following us, you slurred.

Yeah, that’s my security, he groaned. Look down, now.

What ? You asked, a bit lost.

Fuck. Just look down, he repeated in an annoyed tone.

You did, as you thought that maybe he was going to show you something, but you saw a flash from afar. Someone was snapping pictures as you got out of the event. Your head was still ducked as Marshall led you to a van that was waiting. He helped you get in before entering the car as well, followed by the two security guards. You felt insanely small, as they were huge and took a lot of space in the car. He told the driver to go to his place.

You’re not taking me home ? You asked.

I’m taking you where I can keep an eye on you, he grunted.

That’s totally unnecessary, you said blurringly as you rolled your eyes.

That wasn’t a question.

You sighed and looked outside the window. You threw a glance at Marshall, who was fuming, his fist clenched into a ball. Your head was still turning and you didn’t feel too good.

I need to get out of here, you mumbled. Can you stop the car ?!

Will you just shut up for one fucking second ?! He snapped.

I’m gonna puke.

Shit. Stop the car now, Marshall said to the driver.

Immediately, the vehicle piled and you hit your head on the window. One of the bodyguards opened the door and you ran outside before puking on the side of the road. Marshall followed you and stood next to you. You were doubled up as he held your hair. When you finally stopped puking, you looked at him with teary eyes.

I’m sorry, you mumbled.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head before leading you back to the car.

Do you hate me ? You whispered.

No, he groaned. We’ll talk about it when we get home, alright ?

God, my head hurts, you croaked.

He sighed and gently pulled you so that your head rested on his shoulder.

There.

Thank you, you whispered.

The rest of the drive was silent and you were almost asleep by the time the car dropped you at Marshall’s place.

Can you walk ? He asked.

You nodded and took a few steps but almost collapsed. These damn heels had you feeling like a baby giraffe taking its first steps.

Come here, he sighed before carrying you bridal-style.

As you walked through the door, he carried you upstairs to a bathroom.

You need to shower, ok ? There’s a bit of barf on your dress…

Ok, you muttered. Marshall, I-I’m sorry.

You were on the verge of tears and your bottom lip was quivering. His look softened a bit.

You can barely stand so I’ll help you with the shower and the undressing, is that alright with you ?

You nodded. He made you sit on the floor before helping you undress. You grunted as he freed your feet from the shoes. He fumbled with the zipper of your dress, which was apparently stuck.

Fuckin’ zipper, he muttered. I should cut this thing.

Don’t, you whined. It’s new.

He groaned as he finally managed to unzip you. You were finally naked on the cold floor of the bathroom. The dress didn’t allow you to wear any underwear. You noticed his surprise, but he didn’t comment. In any other circumstance, you would have felt embarrassed, but you were too drunk to care. You were actually thankful he was able to help you get out of these clothes, as you wouldn’t be able to undress on your own.

Alright, now let’s get you to the shower, he said softly.

You nodded and tried to stand. Although it was easier without the heels, you weren’t too secure. He helped you stand and led you to the shower.

I’m going to take my clothes off. It’ll be easier. Are you ok with that ?

You nodded silently, not really daring to look at him. As minutes went by, you were feeling more and more ashamed of yourself.

Hold still. Don’t fall, he directed before taking his clothes off, staying in his boxers.

He went back to you and held you firmly so that you wouldn’t fall before turning on the shower. The water was flowing on your bodies. You tried your best not to fall but Marshall had to hold you with one hand while helping you wash with the other.

Fuck it, he grunted as he turned off the water. I’ll just draw a bath, ok ?

He drew a bath and helped you settle in the huge bathtub.

Are you alright ? He asked gently, concern all over his face.

You hummed and he started to wash your back.

You’re not getting in ? You asked.

Don’t worry about me, he said. Try not to drown, alright ?

I’m just saying, you might as well get in. You’re all wet already.

He shrugged and finally joined you in the bathtub, settling right behind you so that you rested between his legs, while holding you tight so you wouldn't slip.

You know you could have taken your boxers off, right ?

We’re not doing that, he sighed.

Just saying… I know what your dick looks like, anyway.

He scoffed softly and resumed helping you wash. It was actually easier now that you were in the bathtub.

Marshall ?

Mmmh ?

Do you hate me ? You asked under your breath.

Yes. I loathe you. That’s why I’m taking care of you right now, isn’t that obvious ? He asked sarcastically. Of course I don’t hate you, Y/N. Why do you even ask that ?

You said I was a whore.

I didn’t say that. I said you were dressed like a ho, he corrected.

You turned your head to look at him.

What ? You’re going to deny it ? He asked with an eyeroll. You weren’t even wearing a fucking thong.

That’s mean, you said. You can’t wear underwear with that kind of dress. Otherwise, it shows.

Oh so that’s what makes it not a ho-dress ? He mused as he lathered your arm with soap. My bad, sorry. You definitely looked like a nun, then.

You rolled your eyes.

Why were you even wearing this thing ? He asked.

Cassie said it looked good, you shrugged. I mean, obviously, you disagree, but…

Never said so, he said.

You said I looked like a ho !

Once again… no one said hoes can’t look good, he chuckled. I mean… you sort of have to, if you’re a ho, I guess ? Otherwise you’re not a very good one.

You let out a drunken giggle.

So you think I looked good ? You asked.

Yeah, the prettiest ho I’ve ever seen, he grinned. It’s just… it doesn’t look like you, you know ?

Maybe it should look like me, you shrugged.

What the hell do you mean ?

I look better like this, you said.

Nope, he replied as he shook his head. You don’t.

You don’t think so ?

I think you’re beautiful as is, and that you don’t need to look like a whore, a ho or whatever. Or to act like one, for that matter, he said.

Hey !

He shrugged as he stared at you.

Was I acting like a ho ? You asked sheepishly, suddenly unsure about the whole evening.

I don’t know. I guess, sort of, he said. Seriously, though…What was with all the kissing and grinding like you were in heat ?

I don’t know, you admitted. Cassie gave me that vial to sniff. It made me all light and happy and…horny.

Seriously ? Poppers ?! He sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

You swallowed dryly.

She told me it wasn’t a big deal, you said.

Let me guess, this genius is also the one who convinced you to have a drink ?

… yes, you admitted.

He groaned and shook his head. You looked down in embarrassment.

I just wanted to have a good time, you said sheepishly.

Yeah, because breaking your sobriety and making out with people is the only way to do that, right…?

The comment about how you had failed to stay sober caused you to break into tears.

I’m sorry, you murmured as you sobbed. I… I thought it wouldn’t count ?

What ? He asked, confused.

I mean, I figured that, it’s not pills, you explained as you kept sobbing.

That’s not how sobriety works, Y/N, he said as he shook his head. You know better than that.

Tears kept on flowing. It felt like you would never stop crying.

I fucked up. Everything. I’m a failure. I’m so sorry, you cried.

Come here, he said as he pulled you in his arms.

He held you and you rested your head in the crook of his neck, as you kept on crying. After a few minutes, you managed to calm down.

Better now ? He asked.

Yes. I’m sorry, you muttered.

It’s ok to cry, he said as he stroked your hair. Now let’s get you dressed, ok ? I don’t want you to be cold.

He got out of the bathtub first and helped you up. You were a bit more level-headed and managed to stand up. He wrapped you in a towel and told you not to move before disappearing for a minute, coming back wearing sweatpants.

Put these on, he said as he gave you some clothes of his to wear. Let’s get ready for bed, ok ?

You’re not taking me home ? You asked as you yawned.

It’s late and Talia and Jamal are either asleep or having sex, he shrugged. So I don’t think we should disturb. Plus, you’re still shit-faced so I should keep an eye on you.

You nodded and got dressed. His clothes were comfy. You also enjoyed the smell of his detergent - it was a smell you associated with him. You looked at yourself in the mirror.

I look like a house elf in your tee-shirt, you pointed out.

Come on Dobby, he chuckled as he shook his head. To bed, now.

I can’t sleep in my makeup, you said. Do you have anything I could use to remove it ?

He opened the cabinet door and managed to find some makeup removing wipes. You were wearing so much makeup that it took a while for you to take it off.

You don’t need to use that much makeup, he pointed out. You look better without it anyway.

I hate wearing it, you confessed.

So… why the fuck do you look like a stolen car that’s been painted over ?

I don’t know. I wanted to look pretty. Cassie convinced me. I mean, I know I’ll never look as good as her, but…

That’s true, he said.

He looked at you and inspected your face, his fingers tracing your cheeks.

You look better than her, he added.

You felt yourself blush. You could tell he was being honest. It was the first time anyone ever mentioned that you looked better than Cassie.

You don’t think she’s pretty ? You asked.

Nah, she looks good, for sure, he said. But she looks too… whatever. Doesn’t matter anyway.

It kind of does, though, you replied.

Why is that ?

She likes you.

He scoffed and rolled his eyes.

No she doesn’t, he said matter-of-factly.

She thinks you’re hot and she wants you to call her, you replied.

She likes Eminem, he explained. She has no idea who I am. I know she’s your friend and shit, but she basically threw herself at me, just because I’m famous. If I’d been a random guy, I’m not even sure she would have given me the time of day.

You’d still be hot, you pointed out.

He shook his head with a smile.

Doesn’t matter, he said softly. I’m used to it, you know ? I can tell this type of thing from a mile away. Not to mention she was ready to drag her drunk friend into a threesome…

It’s probably a misunderstanding, you said to defend her. I mean, she’s my friend, she wouldn’t…

I know it sucks to hear it, Y/N, but you became an afterthought for this girl as soon as she saw a possibility to suck my dick. That’s not what friends do.

He sighed and rubbed your shoulder.

Also, friends don’t give their sober friends poppers and champagne, he pointed out.

To be fair she didn’t know I was sober, you said. I didn’t have the heart to explain that to her… I guess it’s my fault.

He hummed and shrugged.

We’ll talk about that tomorrow. I’m tired, you’re exhausted, and it’s time for bed, he said.

You almost giggled when you heard the unintentional rhyme. He led you to the adjacent guest bedroom. You felt a bit sobered-up but he was right, you were exhausted. You settled under the covers as he sat next to you.

Thank you Marshall, you said as you stared into his blue eyes.

Oh so you’re calling me Marshall now ? He said with a grin.

Well, that’s your name, you said confused.

You called me Em, at the party, he said.

Well people also call you that, you pointed out.

You don’t.

You shrugged.

Yeah, so ?

I don’t like it, he said. Not in your mouth. It doesn’t feel right. I don’t mind about the others, but… For you, it’s Marshall.

Ok, you chuckled. I won’t call you Em if you don’t call me a hoe or piss me off, then.

Deal, he said with a smile.

Marshall ? You asked.