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For someone whose pretty plain life took a hectic and relationship-filled turn for the better, you gotta say: life is pretty good. You got a high-end job at one of the biggest companies in the world, so many partners and love in your life, and a nice home to live your days away.
You think about this as you plop down on your couch, having gotten done with a busy day of helping Chance with campaign ideas and performing another costume demonstration with Chairemi. Your week has been a whirlwind of activities with your many partners, with this weekend being the one time you have nothing planned, which is a rarity. Now all you had to do today was check your messages, grab some dinner, a bath, and…
Six unread messages. Great! All from only two people.
Tina and Tony.
Try as you might, you can't help the snort that escapes you when you open up Tina’s messages. Your phone lights up with three walls of text describing the latest failure that was their time on ‘Love on Triangle Island’, how Tony was this close to getting strangled, and she'd do anything you could name to have you join her instead. Which are similar to Tony’s own text in a way, except his argument was that at least he has a successful TV show, stardom, and a banging sweetheart to come home to; now all he needs is for you to join him on Love Island to give him a break from Tina.
Both compelling and amusing pleas.
You still aren't budging.
After taking up the role of tie-breaker for Curt & Rod’s shows, you found that you aren't exactly one for the spotlight. With 102 partners, you get about just enough attention in your life. So whilst you'd love to join your two reality TV lovers on their escapades, you politely decline every time with a teasing gesture.
‘Would love to. Think I need a little more convincing though lol’
---
What you weren't prepared for was the unexpected knocking at your door the next day. Poptart in your mouth and the newest of Heaven's Kitchen pulled up, you freeze in place with a prayer that the knocking was just your imagination.
Then the doorbell starts obsessively ringing. Damn it.
“Okay, okay, damn!” You call out, pulling the Pop-tart out of your mouth and tossing the remote on the couch. It’s always just as you manage to get comfy, every single time.
Quietly mourning your minutes of peace, you slug over to the door with a tired slump and lazily pull it open. Your look of discontentment quickly turns into one of surprise at the sight of the two lovers who were blowing up your phone yesterday.
“With how long it took us to get here, you'd think you'd be more excited to see us,” Tina snarks, eyebrow raised clearly at your previous expression. Hands on her hips, she stands in front of the door with a purse in hand and hair let loose from her usual bun.
Tony, standing behind her with bags in hand, shoots you a charming smirk, “Hey hey sugar, good to see ya!” His hair is a bit messy, and the top of his shirt is unbuttoned; he's ever so handsome as he always is.
Every time, you find yourself wondering how you managed to get such attractive lovers.
You blink a few more times than you meant to before shaking your head and stuttering, “N-No, I'm happy to see you two! It's just… Weren't you in LA just yesterday?” Sending at least 10 messages a minute to your phone, mind you.
Tina stares back at you, bored already, “Saw your message, talked about it, decided to convince you in person, caught some planes, now we're here.” She shrugs her shoulders, “Ain’t exactly brain science, dork.”
Rocket science, but whatever.
“We got some private rides, ya know, exclusive Hollywood perks and all that,” Tony adds, flashing his toothy smile at the mere mention of their fame. Though they're famous for nearly all the wrong reasons, fame is fame, and even you can't deny they're going places as a dynamic duo on screen.
Your bewilderedness at their appearance here aside, Tina makes grabby hands at you, “Now come here, baby!” She cups your face to feather it with kisses, your cheeks flaring up, but more than happy to accept the affection. You're pretty sure you're covered in lipstick stains by the time she's done. Planting one last firm kiss on your lips, the diva finally lets go and pats your cheek. “I miss this dumb face,” She coos before sliding her way past you into the house, “Been dealin’ with that dumber face for too long!”
Both you and Tony shake your head at the comments, instead turning to each other with equally bright smiles. “How ya doin’ sweetheart?” Tony hums, leaning down to softly kiss you after so long. The kiss lingers for a bit until you finally break away, satisfied grins on both of your faces. “Oh, I've been missin’ that right there,” Tony chuckles, allowing you to let him into the house and finally close the door.
Still a bit taken aback, you flutter your eyes and mouth aimless words to yourself, trying to gather the situation. Well, there goes your day off, but you're not really complaining.
You have a lot of questions. “So… What brings you guys around here?” You figure is a good question to start off with.
“It's been like, what, two seasons of our show since we last saw ya?” Tony wonders, attempting to take off his boots without dropping the bags in his hands. Watching as he carelessly kicks one free boot to the side, thanks so much Tony, you let him continue, “And we've been missin’ ya, so we figured-”
“-That since you won't join us on the show cause you clearly don't love me, we'll just come see you and try to drag you back with us!” Tina finishes off, her heels already put nicely to the side by the door. She notices Tony’s messy attempt and elbows him in the side, hissing, “Don't be a fuckin’ slob, straighten up your boots!” Which gets her a surrendered look as Tony better takes his time.
You ignore Tina’s comment on not loving them. Even still, you can't help the roll of your eyes and the affectionate smile on your face at the two’s reason for being here. You're honored, really, but you're set on your decision still. “While I'm sure I'd be smothered in your love and drama every day on that show with you two, spotlight just isn't for me, babes,” you shrug apologetically, “Besides, I wouldn't be interesting enough for the show anyways.” As if you didn't have a maxed-out stat personality.
Tina waves you off, clearly hearing none of that, “Yeah yeah, we'll talk about it after we finish eatin’ dinner.”
It’s just curveball after curveball with these two. “Dinner?” You blink in confusion.
Once finished with his shoes, Tony raises up the bags of groceries in his hands, “Had to stop by the store real quick before comin’ here. Tina insisted she's makin’ chicken alfredo.”
“You're cooking, like for real?” You question with a raised brow.
Tina side eyes you then rolls her eyes, “Of course! I'm hungry from the trip and I ain't lettin’ Mx. FoodFetch or the one who somehow always ends up setting water on fire cook my meal!” Her look quickly drops down to the Poptart in your hand as if making a point.
Fair enough.
Taking a bite of your wonderful strawberry-flavored pastry out of spite, you roll your eyes at the diva, “Kitchen's all yours, chef, be my guest,” as you make your way to the room. There, you put the Poptart between your teeth and go to find the pots that you believe one would use for Chicken Alfredo. At the same time, you can't help watching Tina put her hair up in a bun with her signature triangle beater and Tony start unbagging the groceries on the counter.
It's been a while since you've had one of your lovers over for dinner, that being with everyone having busy lives and schedules. You usually just find yourself at someone else's house or going out for dinner.
Nice to be back in your own kitchen for more than just you now.
Once you've set the pots on the stove, Tina begins to take control of things from there. You lean against the counter, arms crossed and finishing your pastry, as you watch her work, “So when exactly did you learn how to cook?”
“Uh, I always knew?” Tina scoffs, as if stating the obvious.
Tony, finishing up bagging the groceries, pipes in, “She's a wiz with the spoon, I didn't think we were gettin’ a two in one deal here either. Sexy and good cookin’, heh.” He just barely manages to dodge a wooden spoon Tina grabs to swat him.
“I'm just saying,” You stifle a laugh, “You never seemed like the cooking type. Then again, back when you were in my room, most I caught you ever doing was doing this-” You hold two fingers against the sides of your temple and close your eyes, mimicking your girlfriend’s past fantasizing of Love Island fame.
Tony doesn't even try to hide his cracking up at your impression while Tina gives you an offended gasp. “I did not look like that! I was lookin’ a lot prettier than you remember, thank you very much!” She sneers at you, threateningly pointing the spoon weapon she holds at you.
You don't back down, leaning towards her with a teasing smirk, “Just as delusional as you always have been.” The two of you have a stare off, unblinking until you wink at her and Tina rolls her eyes, barely hiding her smile.
“Shut up and be a dear, go fill this up with water,” She taps one of the pots with her spoon.
“Yes ma'am,” You hum, picking up the pot and briskly walking to the sink to sit it in. Once you got the water on and running, Tony follows and leans against the counter next to you, a cocky grin lacing his face, “So, been holdin’ up well by yourself? Haven't gotten any calls from ya bout fixin’ anythin’.”
Eyes closed, you purse your lips mockingly, “I'll have you know I'm doing just fine. In fact, one of the chair legs was acting busted the other day and I fixed it myself.” It was a very proud moment for you.
Tony raises his hands in mock defense, “Woooah, look at the pro here! I stand corrected, been takin’ my teachings to heart then?”
“If you mean pretending like I know what I'm doing and flashing a cute smile to solidify it, then yes, I do know,” You tease, turning to peck Tony’s lips with a shit eating smirk.
Tina mumbles a low, “Got his ass,” that you manage to catch.
Tony clicks his tongue, “Haha.” Catching a glance down, he points at your pot, “By the way, ya pot overflowin’”
“SHIT!” You scramble to turn the water off and pour out the excess water, sticking your tongue out at your cackling boyfriend as you bring the filled pot back to Tina.
The previous triangle has already gotten started on prepping ingredients and putting them into the pot. You find yourself staring in wonder before asking, “Who did you learn the recipe from?”
“My ma’s cousin’s great grandma’s sister's son’s sister’s nephew’s aunt. Call it a passed recipe or somethin’ like that,” Tina hums, seemingly proud of her knowledge.
“That's a… Really big family tree.”
“Percussions for you, baby.”
You're kinda glad you don't have to go to a family reunion.
As Tina progressively gets the dinner going, you find yourself lost in catching up with your two lovers. Whether it being proud of Tony getting a deal for a second season of his show he's been working so hard for or pretending to be jealous of this one “really sexy and smokin’ third that they nearly had in their grasps” that Tina was eyeing last season; that always nails you a great flurry of kisses. Entertainment, dumb arguments, and laughs that make your cheeks hurt, your heart is full with their thrilling presence.
Eventually, the sauce gets going and the pasta is boiling. You're listening to Tina ramble about some type of trigonometry in relation to dating advice when Tony uses your conversation with Tina to try to sneak a finger swipe of the sauce. The former triangle is quick to sense it, swatting at his hand with her spoon before pointing at Tony, who shakes his smacked hand, with a sharp glare. “Hands out the sauce,” she sneers, staring at the man who stares back at her with a challenge in his eyes. A minute goes by before Tina puckers her lips and Tony quickly plants a sweet kiss on them, a smile taking over his face. Tina says nothing when she goes back to stirring, but her burning blush speaks volumes and their hidden tenderness makes you chuckle to yourself.
Considering the way Tina groans in response, you weren’t as quiet as you intended to be. Whoops. “Will the two of you get out of here before I burn this sauce and we all go starvin’!” She frantically waves the two of you off. You and Tony share a mischievous gaze, taking the opportunity to plant two simultaneous kisses on either of Tina’s cheeks before scurrying off to the living room, harmoniously laughing together. Another groan and click of her tongue echoes from the kitchen; you got her good.
The two of you crash onto the couch, sitting next to each other side by side with carefree smiles on your faces. A moment goes by where you only hear the sounds of Tina working in the kitchen. This silence doesn’t last long before you hear Tony start,
“Ain't gonna lie, I never thought I'd make it out this house, let alone that cramped up ol’ closet.”
You raise a finger, “First off, rude, I kept that closet nice and clean for you.” You raise another, “Second off, I'm guessing Hollywood is doing you great?”
“Oh ya better believe! Imagine what the boys would think if they could see me now! Bigger workspace? Ha! I got my own show now!” Tony practically beams at you. You quietly hum in response, naturally leaning over to rest against Tony’s shoulder like he’s a magnet for you. You’re more pleased when you feel his arm move to wrap around your shoulders and bring you in closer.
“I'm glad you two are enjoying life, really, I am. Spotlight may not be my thing, but watching you two in it is always satisfying.”
“Yeah, well… We’d still like ya there with us…”
Here we go.
“Tony…”
His hands raise up defensively, “I know, I know, ya don't wanna do it. Just know it'd make our days better with you there. Seriously, I love Tina, but sometimes I feel like she's gettin’ closer and closer to tearing my head off.”
“Can’t help that we both love crazy.”
“Tell me about it.”
You shift slightly, wrapping an arm around his midsection, “It's not like I'm an exciting person. I wouldn't really add anything special…”
“Babe, you being you IS what's special. And you know I mean it cause I don't go around bein’ mushy like that.” You hold back a snort at that. Past events would prove otherwise, but you digress when Tony places a kiss on your cheek. “Don't get me wrong, the fame is outta this world. I'm makin’ big bucks, baby! But being back in the quiet and borin’ with ya? It can't be beat.” The low grumble in his voice directs your attention to look up at his suave smile. You return it, almost enough to make you fluster…
“Did you seriously just call me boring?”
Tony blanks.
“In a, uh, domestic way!”
“Mhm, cute.” You grab his face with a hand, bringing it in for a quick kiss. Tony moves to deepen it, his spare hand cupping your cheek as yours trails up his body slowly. Taking in each other, the kiss lingers until you need to pull away, smitten smiles on both your faces.
Dusting her hands off (from what, you don't know), Tina walks into the living room with an unamused look in her eyes at Tony. “Hey, I ain't lettin' you leave me with all the work,” She snarks, snapping her fingers towards the dining room, “Go make yourself useful and set the table!”
“And that's my cue,” Tony breathes, kissing your cheek before heading towards the kitchen. As quickly as Tony leaves your side, Tina replaces his presence by sitting sideways on your lap, arms crossed and head resting in the crook of your neck and shoulder.
Your gaze on Tony leaving you two to your lonesome, you stifle a snort and instead bury your nose against Tina’s hair, breathing it in. “Still haven't gotten any easier on him?” You tease, the attempt at hiding your laughter getting worse at the audacious look Tina gives you.
“Course not!” She scoffs, glancing down to check her nails, “Any chance I give him and that ego of his is gonna be bigger than the fucking pyramids.”
As much as you would love to contradict, you can't deny that she's right in some capacity.
The two of you let the silence take over, only noise echoing through the house being the clinking of Tony’s work. This quiet moment between you two is… Abnormal. Usually, Tina is already talking your ear off about her time in Hollywood by the time she sat down. But right now, you notice that she's tense in your hold, like something's bothering her.
A light sigh leaves your nose.
Fingers finding their way through the base of her lazy bun and beginning to scratch her head, you place a soft kiss on the side of Tina’s head, “You know I love you, right? You two with my whole heart.”
“Then why won't you join us?” She mutters back, leaning into your touch slightly, but otherwise unmoving.
“Because with a ton of lovers, a high position job, and a schedule that rivals our great president, Sinclaire’s, I think TV and Hollywood fame attention on me just isn't for me,” your fingers must have found her weak spot because you feel her tension ease up a bit, “Told Curt and Rod the same thing.”
“I should sock their pretty faces next time I see ‘em. They stole you on TV before I could even get a share,” Tina huffs, a certain grit in her voice telling that she means what she said.
Something akin to a snort escapes you, “I'll be sure to deliver the threat.” You lower your face to place butterfly kisses on her cheek, “I'll still be here for you two to come around anytime you feel, just like now.”
Tina tries to resist with her usual scrunched-up face, but eventually caves in and grumbles, “Fine. You'd better stock up on my favorite foods,” She pushes your face away dramatically when you don't let up, “And keep the bed warm for me.”
“Yes ma'am.”
Just in time, Tony strides back into the living room, pointing a thumb back at the dining table, “Tables all done! Caught myself makin’ jokes at Abel again, heh.” You swear he has an obsession with that cowboy.
“Finally, we can eat!” Tina huffs, pushing herself off you without a care in the world. Not that you complain, you get a nice view of her hips as she walks away. So does Tony. The both of you smirk at each other, following after Tina to your dinner.
After your plates are made, you're all fitted together along your dining table, compliments going to Tina on her cooking and her incredibly humble responses of “I know, keep em comin’.~” Tina and Tony make themselves busy with small talk, not being ones for the silence, while you begin to lose yourself in your head. There's a constant thought that's been nagging you for a bit now today and now… You think you've finally come up with an answer.
“You know…” You start, garnering the attention of your lovers. As you stir around your food, you finally sigh, “Screw it, just let me know when the next season is starting. Don't come complaining when I don't attract the views you want, though.”
Unexpectedly, you're met with immediate silence from both of them, and you're starting to think you may be too late on their offer.
“Oh THAT'S what I love to hear, baby!” You jolt at Tina’s sudden squeal, gazing over to her both excited and somewhat mischievous expression.
“Ayyy, don't worry sweetheart, ya goin’ to have all eyes on you just like ours! Just glad to finally have ya on board!” Tony chuckles, leaning over to smooch your cheek and managing to get sauce on your face. You wipe it off and flick it right back at Tony’s laughing expression, all while Tina is already going off about how her dreams are finally coming true.
The two are fast to start figuring out a game plan for next season, well, more Tina with the planning and Tony attempting to jump in here and there. You allow them to go crazy while you enjoy a home-cooked and surprisingly love-filled meal. And you figure that with Tina sitting on your left as her leg brushes up against yours and Tony sitting to your right with his free hand finding your knee, you feel perfectly fit in this triangle.