Mother universe was either messy or just wanted the shame to marinate so deep into Miguel's soul, because for some reason that slap landed accurately at the same time the music ended, leaving the room quiet enough to send the echo spiralling on each corner of the walls, this was an epic humiliation that came with a suspicious discount promo.
People literally dropped what they were invested in, just to decipher what caused such a disturbing loud noise, and when they finally caught a grasp on the actual picture, the room went quieter than usual, except for the constant gasps that flew off dropped jaws from utterly bewildered eyes.
Tyra and the rest of the clique, noticing that their friend had put his drunk ass in another mess, all stood to their feet, ready to intervene if things decided to go south.
The main performers didn't even as much as flinch, both of them stood stiff in their individual positions, like characters paused on a TV screen, this whole thing went so fast for Fedora as he took a few steps backwards, and the slap was something that happened out of reflex, before he could process it all, he genuinely didn't intended for the impact to cause this hell of a show, he felt the need to quickly de-escalate the whole thing, 'No!, this man deserved it! ' a part of his mind yelled.
As for dearest Miguel, he was dazed and dumbstruck at the same time; the world in his eyes was already bleeding, and his face was still twisted sideways to the effect of this unforgettable experience.
He ran his fingers gently on his jaw, then up to his red, stinging, hot cheeks, totally dazed.
Then came the hot flood of rage , fueling him, Fedora took another step back already feeling the heat radiating from the Miguel who vibrated in rage, he wasn't good at defending himself 'Fedora' wasn't really that good at defending himself physically, plus he was drunk and it doesn't look like those petty techniques he learnt from his karate class can do numbers on this man.
Fedora had started bracing himself, already imagining what a hospital bed would feel like, because from the way things were gradually unfolding, if this took a violent turn, only one of them was ending up there ' I mean.... With the rising cases of GBV, anyone could be a victim '
Miguel codedly lifted his fingers, a signal he sent directly to his boys who were already standing on their feet, probably ready to pounce, but the command had been issued, softly, quietly, but firm enough to put them in check. He obviously didn't want to stir more attention to the already existing one, he just wanted to handle this crazy situation in his own way, probably in a cooler way.
Fedora's gaze swept the room as quick as his foggy brain could catch on, heart pounding loudly in his ears, his body temperature suddenly skyrocketed in comparison with the solar system, he could barely see the blurred out images of all the turned nosy necks, and the dread and concern that etched on each of his friends face, the tension was growing stronger and thicker and that was when a little sting of regret slowly began to claw its way up his throat.
One thing was clear now: nobody, not even the security guard, was ready to move an inch or even do as much as lift a finger; it felt like everyone had come to the understanding that it was better to let Miguel handle it.
The show has been created , and intervention would probably ruin the fun.
Miguel finally stood upright and proud, flexing his broad shoulders gently, and that Ego and arrogance were nowhere to be found in his face this time; it had all been slapped out, precisely.
Miguel wasn't able to say a word, still in shock and amazement, but that silence was enough to intimidate Fedora. He opened his mouth to say something, but gulped hard, and for some reason, that threatened a smile on Miguel's lips.
Honestly, the "the Miguel" Miguel himself knew about would have already flooded this club with a tsunami of chaos, whether he was at fault or not, the regular Miguel would have choked this tiny chalk so hard, giving him no chance to breathe at all and yes dragged him to that Escalade and so whatever he pleased.
Miguel studied the room swiftly; the tension wouldn't hold on much longer, and out of the blue, his face melted with a wide smile.
Fedora's face twitched slightly, what kind of weirdo is this? That smile looked genuine and real. To him, it felt like this man had a switch in his head, because why does he suddenly look happy again???.
"Okay, I've seen enough!!, Mama's calling, it's time to go" Fedora murmured, Miguel's eyes never left the boy again, Miguel too was confused, why wasn't he able to go rogue, even the slightest thing like looking at him the wrong way could make him light up a place, and now here he was receiving a smile and all he could just do was laugh?... his cheeks still burned like hell, he muttered inwardly, using his tongue to poke poke it and then finally he let out a deep exhale, almost in a very seductive and gratifying tone.
" Ouch! " He let it out, half-teasing, half-moaning, but finally able to break the deafening silence and also smoothening the tension that hovered in the air like gasoline waiting for the tiniest spark of flame.
"Nice impact for those small hands", Miguel started. Fedora shook his head, trying to come up with words, but kept failing the process.
"It's okay… just know I would have my retaliation one day, and I won't come for your cute face " Miguel leaned in sharply as he whispered those words to Fedora, his lips slanting upwards, eyes stripping down Fedora's low-rise jeans.
Fedora caught that, as a grimace flashed onto his face as he addressed back in irritation, it seems the slap wasn't enough to set boundaries.
"You pervert!!" Fedora spat in disgust and, without a second thought, this time fully aware of his actions, he grabbed a drink from the barman's counter and flung it directly towards that idiot!!! This caused Miguel to hunch backwards in an attempt to dodge the liquid, but it was too late; the liquid was already all over his face and body.
The whole building erupted in shock, but this time around, Fedora wasn't going to stick around and find out what happens next, the man was still in complete shock and that's where Fedora saw a chance 'it was either now, or wait for your retaliation when the club ends' he slid past the man drenched in wine and humiliation and without even trying to think anything through he ran towards his seat to grab his little pause, yanking himself free from the careful grip of his concerned friends and with that 'as his legs could carry' he dashed out into the streets like a man being chased by stray dogs. Actual stray dogs.
To him, this was survival; he even ignored his friends who tried to call for him," Not today, Satan, I rebuke!!" He fired as he made his way.
Meanwhile, Miguel still maintained his position, one of his boys was already on his way with a towel, this night really had a lot of surprises "Unforgettable surprises"
After some pity looks from people, it was all good now, Miguel's boys had covered him now, with waves of murmurs.
The night had to continue, music slowly began again, and everyone went back to their respective businesses.
But that wasn't the case for Miguel, as his boys dappled him up. He stared daggers at the exit; he didn't know this boy, and for some reason, he wanted to know him more despite the humiliation.
Both parties had subconsciously woken 'Mrs Fate' from her nice little nap, and now she has no option but to punish them…with what began as rivalry, friendship and obsession that got out of control.
To be continued....