Author's Note: Partly dedicated to keiathegypsy. It's time for more El Debarge because he doesn't seem to get as much focus in this series. I've also uploaded a Vanity 6 "Soul Train" performance. Finally, what do you think of El and B as a couple? Enjoy!
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1982 – "Soul Train"
EL DEBARGE
After another great episode, I'd planned to visit Brenda in her dressing room. Vanity 6 had performing "Nasty Girl" this time. A few more segments pushed on before cameras halted for the day. With a bodyguard standing either side of me, I marched down the hall. Just when I moved close to the door with these fellas on patrol, I rolled my eyes.
For once, the guards cracked smiles and even snickered. Denise (Vanity) and Brenda rocked in an enthusiastic hug while her bandmates giggled nearby. They'd even formed this united circle, grinning widely for each other. After a while, I cleared my throat and Brenda turned around. Her quiet gasp filled this hallway at the sight of me. We hadn't see each other in some time thanks to the madness of our careers.
Brenda excused herself from Denise and her bandmates. I folded my both arms, but smiled and the bodyguards stepped away to give us privacy. The ladies all noticed my intention and disappeared through double doors leading to the parking lot. The engine of a limousine churned outdoor just before the exits slammed.
"What was that?" I questioned almost shyly and rubbed the back of my neck. There was only silence between us in the nearly vacant hallway. Most of the other dancers seemed to travel on the opposite end of this building. We were now all alone.
Brenda turned her eyes away from me for a second. "Nothing. Those girls are my sisters."
I rolled my eyes again, but couldn't help laughing. "Says the woman who kissed Denise."
My lady dropped her jaw at this point. I soon chuckled again when she reached over to nudge me. I even stumble a little "That was one time and we were both drinking that night. Stop playin'."
"Okay, fine." I shook my head, opening my arms to hold her closely. "I'm sorry. Now kiss me before someone sees, girl."
"Alright," she grinned. I'd wrapped my arms around the tight black spandex that hugged her waist. A loose-fitting crop top somehow covered her chest. I pressed my lips together, anxious. Before long, our lips met. Cold but salty taste from her almost forced me to roll my eyes. In a word, I felt sprung.
I somehow pulled away from her lips, breathing hard. She chuckled deeply for a second and I barely fought the need to kiss my lady again. Her dark skin brightened under this florescent light, spreading a glow. Her brown eyes looked down at me while my selfish just rested in those legendary curls.
Prince didn't own her this time.
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The Penthouse, California
During our movie night, the phone rang. I rolled my eyes and let B scoot out of my arms. In flickering light of the televsion, I watched mute sound just before sitting back on the couch. But after a third time, the ringing clicked over to her answering machine. We exchanged looks and she scooted back into my arms, looking right up my nose. I nearly snickered out loud while failing to hide a grin.
The moment that automated voice sounded, I paid attention for some reason. A piercing beep had already echoed through the living room. "You have one message. First message..." I didn't think much of this while holding her shoulders, but the voice that followed puzzled me.
Someone cleared his throat. "Mo? Monty?"
Brenda almost jerked away from at this point. My eyes widened moments later. Who was Monty in the first place? I knew Prince called the wrong number. In total silence, we continued listening to that man on the answering machine. When "my girl" looked at me, I could only narrow both eyes. I could never win thanks to Prince.
"Mo? I miss you, mama. How was the show? Just call me back when you get a chance, all right? Love you. Good night, babe." At that moment, he hung up.
I glared at Brenda after turning my head. My worst nightmare came into view when she didn't even say anything in the beginning.
"What's wrong?" she questioned.
I folded my arms within seconds. "Who's Monty? Prince just talked about the show too. What's going on? I'm only asking because you didn't even hang up the phone."
Brenda lied to my face. "No one you should worry about."
"You know who it is." My patience grew thin at this point. "Just tell me."
"No." Brenda asserted. Flickering light of the televsion died down. "You've always been jealous of Prince, but this has nothing to with you, El. If you're gonna sit there and judge me, get out."
I shook my head once more and didn't know what to think. "Babe, I'm just really confused right now. Prince just called some random person through you. Isn't that strange?"
Brenda stood up from the couch and started walking away from me. I soon followed. "Whatever. Let's get ready for bed. I've had a long week, anyway."
Fed up, I shut my mouth for the rest of that night.
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PRINCE
I missed my darling after a groupie one-night stand.
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Black Rose || The Outtakes
FanfictionI'll never let you part. For you're always in my heart. Will You Be There? [1992]
