Paralyzed

warnings: angst, fluff (slightly suggestive)

summary: the tension between you and riri finally dissipates after weeks of it.

author's note: hey yall! this was something short and sweet that i really wanted to write. its been a minute since ive posted anything, and i didnt wanna leave yall hanging. can you tell i get all my inspo from music? lmao, enjoy!

taglist: @koffeesfancy @bubbleblowinggirl @pvnks0ul @solanaszn @onyxstones-world @blacksapphhicmaddonna

The car ride home was completely silent, an uncomfortable one to say the least. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, leaving you to question how to potentially break the silence between you two. Three weeks had passed since you and Riri had the disagreement that started it all. That damned job. Every argument you two had stemmed from it. If Riri wasn't coming home hours late, she stood you up on plans you two had made days, if not weeks, prior. The house was at a standstill. Your home that was once filled with comfort and intimacy, was now quiet and cold. The bed you two shared went half empty most nights, the other side barren without your wife.

Your heels clacked against the shiny hardwood floors as you entered through the front door. Sitting through an exquisite dinner that her job hosted, playing the picture perfect couple everyone had made you out to be took a toll on you. The only thing that got you through the facade was the stinging of the multiple drinks as you downed them. Deep down you were tired of fighting about the same thing, leaving you feeling empty and lost. All you wanted was your wife back.

You plopped on the large green sectional in the living room, a sigh left your lips as you peeled the stilettos off of your aching feet, slowly starting to massage the arches of them. Riri on the other hand had made her way up the stairs to your bedroom, clearly tired and not in the mood to argue. On days where you two weren't fighting she would cling to your side, covering every exposed piece of skin in light kisses. Nostalgia clouded your judgement, causing you to follow far behind her. The stairs creaked as you walked up each step, the knot in your stomach growing tighter and tighter the closer to the bedroom you got.

You stopped at the doorway, taking time to admire the shorter woman. Her neatly braided cornrows pulled into a bun at the back of her head, and the array of jewelry that adorned her ears. Although her back was turned she could feel your presence, or the aroma of the perfume you wore daily that filled her nose. She turned to face you, loosening her tie off her neck.

"Yea?" she asked gently, taking off her blazer and throwing it on the bed.

One thing you admired about Riri was her ability to stay graceful and gentle with you in the midst of turmoil in your relationship. It was an ability you were grateful that she had, even if you didn't deserve it at times.

"Can we talk?" You breathed out. Those were the three words that threatened to spill from the tip of your tongue for weeks. The phrase that could have laid this to rest from the start. You walked further into the room, desperately wanting to close the gap between you two.

Riri sighed, more so of relief. This rough patch in your relationship was playing a huge toll on her too. From not getting enough sleep due to the lack of your presence next to her, to being constantly distracted at work. As much as she wanted to make up and smooth everything over, the words that would make that happen would never come out.

"I know we've been in this weird space," You came a step closer, your body aching to feel her warmth. "But I'm tired of it. I need you to talk to-"

Before you could finish your sentence she pulled you in, your back to her front. A wave of relief washed over you, your shoulders you had no idea were up to your ears slouched. Being in her arms eased the pull that you've felt on your heart for so long. Her breath was hot on your skin as she sunk her head in the crook of your neck.

"You got no idea how much I needed to hear that." She hummed into you. Her cologne filled your nose and her hands made your skin grow hot as she let them roam on your body. "I missed being next to you, feeling you-" Hot, soft kisses were placed on your neck and shoulders as she slid the thin straps of your dress off you.

"Ri-"

Her fingers found the zipper of the cocktail dress you were wearing and slowly undid it, letting it drop to the floor and leaving you bare. "Shh, let me show you how much I missed you ma."