Chapter Text
The burning sensation of yet another shot found its way tumbling down Saniya’s throat, her only reaction a slight wince before signaling for another from the bartender, who only thinned her lips and nodded in response.
Saniya exhaled, dropping her head into her hands. If she didn’t feel so unbelievably despondent she could laugh at herself right now. She was seriously sitting at the bar moping over a girl, who she should seriously just talk to about her feelings, while her friends were all dancing together. She let out another–possibly overexaggerated–exhale.
A hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality, turning to see Zaza standing there. Saniya blinked, “Why aren’t you dancing with us?’ She asks, Saniya shrugs, “Not in the mood.” her voice entirely avoidant of any emotion. Zaza frowned, rolling her eyes as she motioned at the bartender to bring her a shot as well.
The club wasn’t empty, not even close. But nearly everyone was dancing, or ordering from the bar that was attached to the dance floor. The bar Saniya had found herself sitting at was accompanied with her and two other men, sitting on complete opposite sides.
Zaza studied Saniya’s face, tossing an arm over the back of her chair, and offering a comforting squeeze to her shoulder. “Niya, what is up with you lately? I mean, usually you’d be on the floor making new friends, flirting with girls, basically just being the life of the club. But that hasn’t been you lately, you’ve spent every club trip just sulking at the bar…” She paused, “I mean this in the most respectful way, Niya, but you’re kind of being a major buzzkill.”
Zaza finished talking as the woman on the other side of the bar placed both shots in front of them. Saniya wasted absolutely no time downing hers, tilting her head back and letting the sting of the liquor linger. Zaza shook her head, her hand squeezing Saniya’s shoulder again as she stood up. “Look Saniya, I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re all worried about you… You know that we’re all here for you if you ever want to talk, right?” Zaza smiled.
Saniya nodded, returning the smile. “Thanks.” only barely audible over the music.
Zaza swallowed the shot sitting in front of her. “You coming?” she asked, although she already knew the answer. “No, go have fun. I’ll be here.”
Zaza’s smile faltered, but she didn’t protest, she just tapped Saniya’s shoulder in comfort before walking away.
Saniya let out a quiet groan, and picked up her phone, thinking maybe something, anything on this phone of hers that’s proven itself rather redundant would distract her from the constant flow of thoughts solely about Marina.
Every thought held Marina’s name.
What was Marina doing?
And she’d answer her own thoughts each time,
She’s probably at her apartment, or hanging out with her own friends.
Was Marina thinking about her too?
Probably not.
Opening tiktok, she began scrolling. A video of a dog reminding her of Charlie, a video of a chef reminded her of the hilarious ‘chef mabrey’, even a video of people simply dancing, reminded Saniya of Marina and her terrible dancing skills they’d been working on improving. Another scroll, and there was a video Marina had posted about an hour ago.
She was wearing a silk red dress, one that hugged each curve of hers perfectly, a leather jacket hooked around her finger, thrown over her shoulder. In the 15-second long video–that felt way longer to Saniya–Marina turned, her empty hand placed on her hip, and lifted a leg. Saniya bit her lip and opened the comments.
Wow Saniya is lucky
Marina you look amazinggg
Marina! 😍😍
Saniya tapped on the comment button and typed out “Riri you’re killing me 😫😩” and hit the red and white arrow button without hesitation.
She continued scrolling, beginning to feel the toll of the liquor she had consumed settle. She’d thought each shot she’d take would’ve helped her get a step closer to forgetting about Marina for the night, instead it only flooded her mind with more and more thoughts of Marina, questioning if things between them had ever actually been only platonic.
They hadn’t hooked up or anything, hadn’t even kissed. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t chemistry between them, that there weren’t stolen glances across the room, eyes lingering on lips, hands where they truthfully didn’t belong, actions for each other that would typically only come from partners, remarks that weren’t quite flirting, but definitely weren’t just friendly. Every interaction between them blurred the line of their friendship, pushing Saniya overboard into an overwhelming pool of confusion as to what they were, or rather, what they weren’t.
“She’s just a friend. We’re just friends.” She whispered to herself. The bartender approached her, “another?” She questioned, as if she could sense the emotions Saniya couldn’t place. She nodded her head and slightly smiled at the woman who began preparing another shot for her.
Saniya looked back at her phone, resuming her stride of scrolling. A couple funny videos, a few dancing, and then a notification.
“Marina Mabrey
Live now: with the girls”
Saniya smiled and clicked on it, opening the live. Marina was laughing at something presumably said by one of the people in her surroundings. Saniya recognized a few voices—although they were all muffled—she typed in a quick “hiiii” and sent it.
Immediately the comments began.
NIYAAAA
Saniya is here
Hi saniya
Saniya smiled. Marina was now reaching across the screen to retrieve something from out of frame. Her shoulder mere inches away from the screen, Saniya watched as the strap of her dress fell gently down her arm.
Once she was settled back in frame, and had propped her phone up she began reading comments and answering questions.
“Guys yes we’re going out soon. Not sure where though yet.” Marina explained, squinting to read more comments, “Oh Niya’s here? Hi Niya!” She grinned. Saniya bit her lip again, watching Marina.
“Niya request to join please!” Marina dragged out the please. And like always, Saniya was mercifully compliant, immediately requesting to join the live.
“Hi Riri.” Saniya hummed, loud enough to be heard over the music. Marina smiled at her, “Hi Niya. Where are you?” Just as she had asked, the bartender slid a shot across the bar towards Saniya, who smiled and nodded her head once as a thank you. “Uhm, not important. What are you guys up to?” Saniya coaxed, attempting to change the topic.
Marina’s brows furrowed, but she still answered, “We’re just chilling, wanna say hi?” Marina asked, Saniya nodded, “Yeah.” She said, tilting the phone so she was just out of frame, swallowing the shot.
Marina stood with the phone, walking to each girl in the room. Although they were at Unrivaled together, they had found each other accompanied by different groups, sometimes finding themselves at the same hangout at someone’s apartment, the same dinner, or even the same party.
“Hi!” DiJonai smiled, waving at Saniya. “Hey!” Saniya chirped. A conversation sprouted between the two, and at some point, Marina had handed the phone to DiJonai. “Are you at the club right now?” DiJonai questioned, laughing. “Possibly…” Saniya grinned. DiJonai laughed harder, “Which one?” She paused, “Text Marina the name.”
Saniya nodded, and opened her texts with Marina, typing the club's name and tapping send. DiJonai smiled at the text. The club Saniya was at was notoriously known to be the favorite amongst Unrivalved players.
Saniya frowned, “Where’s Rina?” She asked, DiJonai smiled, turning the camera to Marina who sat next to her, head slightly tilted whilst propped on her hand, watching the phone.
Marina perked up, smiling. “Hand me to her.” Saniya requested. DiJonai, who was barely in frame, rolled her eyes and passed the phone to Marina. Marina set the phone against a half full cup of some mixed drink one of the girls had handed to her earlier. “Marina.” Saniya dragged out the end of her name.
Marina smiled in response, eyes flickering to the comments Saniya hadn’t even been paying attention to. “Marina.” She repeated, this time more stern. “Stand up, show me your dress, I wanna see.” Saniya softly demanded. Marina complied, getting out of her chair, and slowly spinning. The same dress Marina had been wearing in the tiktok, Saniya’s thoughts were a mess of lewd filth.
The dress was short, it covered hardly enough skin, they were in Florida after all. The neckline had dipped the perfect amount, showing just enough cleavage to encourage the thoughts Saniya was already having. She bit her lip as she watched Marina show the dress, she’d honestly forgotten they were on live at this point, the liquor had completely taken control of her. She was still composed, wasn’t slurring her speech, but her eyes lingered where they didn’t belong, a soft smirk plastered on her face, and in all honesty, she was no longer in full control of the words coming out of her mouth.
“Well, you think I look good?” Marina joked, Saniya released her lip, but her tongue followed, sliding across her bottom lip. “Marina. Fuck, you look amazing.”
Marina’s tongue darted to the side of her cheek as she lifted an eyebrow. Of course she knew Saniya hadn’t intended to say that, and of course she knew Saniya still meant it. The comments were flooding, and now Saniya glanced at them, remembering they were live.
Hey guys we’re still here
Are we interrupting something
Damn Niya, you’re looking at her like she’s a whole snack
Saniya hid a laugh, the back of her hand pressed against her mouth. Marina smiled, “So.. Guess I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Saniya squinted before she remembered telling DiJonai where she was, “Yes, yes. Hurry up.” She said.
“So excited to see me, aren’t you?” Marina flirted. Saniya lifted a brow, “Yeah, I am. So get here fast.” The comments exploded the moment the sentence left her mouth.
SERIOUSLY DID THEY FORGET WE’RE HERE?
The flirtingggg we see you
SANIYA? MARINA? HELLO!?
This time, they both laughed. “Okay, okay. I’m going to leave. But I’ll be watching you, alright?” Marina nodded, “And seriously, get here fast.” Saniya maintained. A soft blush blossomed under Marina’s makeup as she nodded. “I’ll try.” She answered quietly.
Saniya left the live, and like she said she would, she continued watching. She watched Marina step out of frame to take a shot, she watched Arike step in frame and answer a few questions, reading every comment out loud. “Are Saniya and Marina..” She stopped herself before scratching her head and wrinkling her nose, “Uh, I don’t know the answer to that.” She said, obviously holding back a laugh, a hand from out of frame swatted at her. “Sorry.” She laughed, stepping away from the phone. Saniya bit her lip and let a quiet groan fall.
DiJonai had now found her way back to the phone, and Saniya took it as her opportunity to remind them to head over, “Naiiii you guys need to get here now” She commented, DiJonai read the comment out loud while laughing, “You’re girl wants you!” One of the girls off screen joked, the sound of more laughter and a playful slap followed.
“Okay guys! Seriously, let’s get going.” Marina yelled from off screen, laughter erupted as they filed out the door. Marina grabbed her phone and followed behind the small crowd of girls.
The reason the club they were headed to was the most favorited was unarguably because it was within walking distance of the apartment complex nearly all of the players were staying at.
Marina handed the phone to Lala so she could lock the door, and of course, Lala just muted the live and lingered next to Marina, talking to her about something. “Can anyone read lips” Saniya commented, “Lala unmute please” She commented again.
Finally, Lala unmuted the live and lifted the phone to an angle where both her and Marina were visible. Marina was slightly bent over, fiddling with a key. “Damn old locks.” She mumbled, Lala laughed at Marina struggling.
Saniya glanced at the time, 10:56pm, the walk was hardly even ten minutes, and she still felt like she couldn’t wait any longer. “Hurryyyyyy” She commented again. “Saniya, if you have so much to say just get your ass back on here.” Lala needled. Saniya rolled her eyes.
The lock clicked and Marina practically jumped, “Finally!” she cheered. Saniya smiled at her. Marina looked at Lala, then looked down the hall at the rest of the girls who seemingly hadn’t even realized the two weren’t with them, and jokingly frowned. “You think they’d even notice if we went back inside?” Marina retorted. “do not do that” Saniya commented, Lala snorted in response, “Yeah, your girls not a fan of that idea.”
Marina rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving a laughing Lala alone in frame.
Lala spent a couple seconds laughing at herself, then realized that the hallway was nearly empty besides Marina and Arike who were now engaged in conversation. She frowned, and practically ran to catch up with them.
“You know, waiting is a kind thing to do.” Lala rolled her eyes, handing the phone back to Marina, who just laughed at her.
Marina flipped the camera to show everyone gathered in the lobby of the apartment complex, Nalyssa had her arm thrown around DiJonai’s shoulders, their fingers intertwined as they talked with Jackie and Tash. Kahleah was standing to the side, half engaged in whatever it was they were conversing about.
Marina read a few comments as the group began walking to the club. “Oh my god, yes I’m going to Niya right now.” she exasperated. The camera was pointed towards the ground, Marina had forgotten to turn the camera back to herself, so Saniya couldn’t see a facial expression, but she still knew Marina was slightly annoyed by fans constantly asking about Saniya’s whereabouts.
Marina continued walking along with the group, and Saniya found herself requesting to join again. “Let me in” she commented repeatedly till Marina accepted the request. “Hi, again.” Saniya smiled. Too enamoured with her phone, or rather who was on it, she didn’t realize Zaza was approaching till she showed up in frame. “Are you live right now?” Zaza scoffed before adding “Oh! And with Marina too?” Saniya thinned her lips and replied with a quiet “Yes..”
Zaza laughed, and turned to the bartender to order more shots. “Oh, Marina’s coming.” Saniya informed her. Zaza turned back to her, resting against the edge of the bar top “I figured.” She shrugged, Saniya cocked her head, “What’s that even mean?” She questioned. Zaza laughed, then glanced at the live. “I think you know.” She spoke, mindful of the fans watching. “Alright.” Saniya gulped in response.
“How much longer?” Saniya sighed, Marina was engaged in her own separate conversation,but Saniya was too drunk to care at this point. “Soon, Niy.” Marina laughed. Saniya glanced at the time again, 11:05pm.
“Alright guys, we’re like a street away, so we’re gonna go.” Marina turned the camera back to herself. The soft glow of street lamps and stores still open reflected in her eyes, and Saniya could’ve sworn it was just the liquor talking, but she was positive that in this moment, it’d take an entire army of men to pull her out of the trance Marina had her in.
Saniya waved to the camera before Marina ended the live. She only had to wait about a minute–that felt like an hour–for Marina to walk through the doors of the club. Saniya looked up, meeting Zaza’s eyes. “What?” she squinted. Zaza shook her head in response. “Are you guys hooking up?” Zaza asked.
Saniya felt her face heat up at the question, but instead placed the blame on the concerning amount of liquor running through her body. “What? No. Why? What?” She stuttered. Zaza pressed her lips together, and nodded. “Yeah, so that tells me all I need to know.”
The bartender handed the pair two shots, and they both drank without hesitation, placing the empty shot glasses on the bar top. ”We’re not hooking up.” Saniya admitted. Zaza fought a smile, “But you wish you were?” Saniya rolled her eyes, turning her head to look at the door. “I guess.” She whispered. The second she said it, she regretted it. Zaza laughed at her. “You’ve never been one to not chase after what you want.”
Saniya shrugged, and Zaza continued. “Why aren’t you going for her?” She questioned. Saniya pursed her lips. She knew why. She knew she didn’t want to risk ruining their friendship, knew she didn’t want to risk the rejection. To her, it felt safer not telling Marina about her undying feelings for her.
The door to the club swung open, and the girls piled in. Sure, everyone was dressed nicely, but Saniya’s eyes couldn’t leave Marina’s body. How she looked so good was beyond comprehension to Saniya, especially in her current state. Marina’s eyes met Saniya’s from across the room, and to Saniya, the world must’ve slowed at that moment. Marina smiled, and picked up her pace walking towards Saniya.
Marina approached her, and Saniya flung her arms open, embracing Marina in a hug. “How ya doin’ pretty?” She smiled into her neck, “Good, missed ya.” Marina answered, “Missed you too.”
They pulled away from each other, and Saniya moved on to greet everyone else, laughing at Tash’s energy, making a joke with Arike, quickly hugging DiJonai and Lala, and dabbing up Kahleah and Nalyssa.
After Saniya had said her hello’s, she made her way back to Zaza, who was conveniently enough standing next to Marina. Saniya decided against sitting this time, so she stood in between the chairs Zaza and Marina sat at.
“Did you dance at all?” Marina asked. “Nope. She just sat at the bar doing nothing.” Zaza answered for her, “I wouldn’t say I was doing nothing.” Saniya rolled her eyes. “Okay well, you weren't dancing… At a club.” Zaza shot back, “Well, we’ll just have to change that won't we?” Marina interrupted with a slight laugh.
“Need anything?” The bartender asked, acknowledging the group of people now accompanying Saniya. “I’ll take another shot.” Saniya chirped. Marina raised an eyebrow, “I’ll take one too.” She smiled. Marina turned to Saniya, “How many have you had so far?” She asked. Saniya blinked, then shrugged, “I dunno.” Marina now furrowed her brows, “Oh?”
Saniya offered a half-assed smile as an apology, but Marina waved her off, turning to speak to DiJonai, who sat to the opposite side of her. Zaza took this as an opportunity to continue the conversation with Saniya they were having before everyone else arrived, “You know she wants you too right?”
“What? No she doesn’t.” Saniya answered, “You sure?” Zaza smirked, “Za, I’m not even sure if she’s into girls like that.” Saniya’s statement made Zaza double over in laughter. Saniya stared, “Why are you laughing?” Which of course, only made Zaza laugh harder.
Eventually, Zaza stopped laughing, “Saniya. She’s definitely into girls.” Saniya pursed her lips, “Sure she is.” Just as the words left her mouth, she felt a hand grab onto her wrist, turning to be greeted by a smiling Marina, “Who are you talking about?” She questioned, “No one.” Saniya swiftly answered.
Marina shrugged, dragging her hand beneath Saniya’s leather jacket, and up her forearm. Based on the cold for Florida weather, Saniya dressed accordingly--even though Marina did in fact not–a leather jacket on top of a pro club, and slightly oversized black pants.
Saniya’s gaze shifted between Marina’s eyes and lips, “Wanna dance?” Marina asked, “Can you even dance?” Saniya questioned in response, “Probably not, but that's not stopping me.” Marina shrugged again. Saniya nodded her head, and grabbed Marina’s hand, leading the way to the dance floor.
It was extremely crowded, so Saniya’s hand didn’t leave Marina’s, even when it could’ve. They found their spot in the midst of the crowd, but still remained close enough to the small flight of stairs that would easily get them away from the crowd. “Here, go like this.” Saniya guided Marina to stand in front of her, both of Saniya’s hands placed on either side of her waist. “Lean into me.” Saniya commanded, and Marina obeyed.
Marina’s back was pressed against Saniya’s front, and her hands wrapped around the back of her neck. They moved together to the beat of the music, whether it’d be slow paced, or the opposite.
After a couple songs, Marina turned to face Saniya, “Hey.” She spoke. “Hi.” Saniya replied, her hands remained on her waist, drawing soft patterns into the silk of her dress. Marina’s hands also found their way to where they once were behind Saniya’s neck, “You look so perfect tonight.” Saniya bit her lip. Marina leaned closer to Saniya, “Do I?” She smiled. Saniya nodded with a barely audible “Always do.”
Marina heard it, of course she did. She brought Saniya closer as her hands slid from the back of her neck to each side of her face, neither girl dared to speak. The tension had suddenly grown thick. That’s how it’d always been between them. One moment it’d simply be playful banter, or playful flirting, and the next moment they’d be inches away from each other’s lips, but of course, one of them would always turn away, laughing it off.
It was never a game of if they were going to kiss, but rather when. And it seemed like Marina had realized that. Saniya knew this already though, knew the tension would break them eventually. What she didn’t know was how it would break them, if it would turn into a messy end to their friendship, or if it’d be the start of something more.
Marina’s lips fell open, a soft exhale followed. Saniya’s eyes darted down to Marina’s lips and back to her eyes. Both girls leaned in closer, their lips brushing. Saniya closed the distance. She couldn’t wait any longer, couldn’t brush off the desire to kiss Marina that had been subtly growing since the day they met.
Saniya’s grip on Marina tightened, making Marina gasp into the kiss. Which resulted in Saniya deepening the kiss. The kiss wasn’t sexual, it was soft, in a desperate way that wasn’t lustful. Marina pulled away, her eyes vulnerable as they met Saniya’s.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” Saniya admitted, finally breaking their silence. “I think I have an idea. You’re not as subtle as you think, Niya.” Marina joked, Saniya smiled. The tension between them was still thick, but it had shifted. It was quieter now, wasn’t loud, wasn’t screaming, wasn’t weighing them down. Instead it had settled softly, morphed around them, contorted to comfort.