#THANK YOU FOR THE ASK I LOVE TALKING TO PEOPLE

[cressidagrey]

White Horse - Chapter 32: September 2024 - Part 3

Pairing: Max Verstappen x Isabelle Leclerc (Original Character)

Summary:

Max Verstappen is a World Champion. Isabelle Leclerc is invisible.

She watched her family give up everything for Charles’ career—Arthur’s karting, their father’s savings, even her childhood horse. She understood. She never asked for more.

But Max does. He notices the things no one else does, listens when no one else will, and puts her first in ways she never imagined. With him, she isn’t an afterthought—she’s a choice. And for the first time, she realizes she doesn’t have to be invisible.

Warnings and Notes: 

we have now moved on from Charles bashing to bashing his whole family, Discussions of toxic past relationships, talk about loosing a childhood pet, toxic families, mention of the loss of a parent.

As always big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble

Text Messages: Emilie Abadie & Victoria Verstappen

Emilie: So I’ve decided i’m planning Belle’s baby shower. You in?

Victoria: YES god yes i thought you’d never ask

Emilie: i knew you were my people

Emilie: we are going to destroy her with love

Victoria: as it should be

Emilie:Belle said the nursery will be jungle-themed But like classy jungle. not neon animal prints. think: baby Tarzan but with better lighting

Victoria:So tasteful jungle. Earth tones? Greens? Wood accents?

Emilie: YES. I was thinking “woodland safari” vibes like if Paddington Bear took a gap year in Tanzania

Victoria:I know exactly what you mean

Emilie:We do green and gold

maybe some dried eucalyptus and baby’s breath??

wooden signs?? one that says “A little wild one is on the way” and makes me cry in public???

Victoria: That’s actually adorable. Okay: green, gold, maybe ivory or beige accents. Nothing with leopard print unless it’s ironic.

Emilie:Sent

 also we are getting little elephant sugar cookies

and a cake topper that’s a baby lion wearing a crown

and we’re doing a “write a wish for baby” station or i riot

Victoria: You know Belle’s going to sob, right?

Emilie: that’s the GOAL she deserves the most beloved jungle baby shower in history

Victoria:No jungle noises sound machine. I draw the line at simulated monkey shrieks.

Emilie: coward.

Victoria: Okay, next item: guest list. How big are we going?

Emilie: Small enough to keep it personal. Big enough to make Belle cry at the sheer volume of love.

Victoria: So like… emotionally intimate but logistically bold.

Emilie: Exactly. Also: I vote no gender rules. Men are absolutely allowed. Max is not escaping this with a handshake and a gift bag.

Victoria: Agreed. If she carried the baby, he can carry a platter of mini quiches.

Emilie: Yes. It’s 2025. Equal opportunity baby shower sobbing.

Guest List: First of all, Belle and Max. Obviously. 

Victoria: Obviously. Me, you.

Emilie: Oscar’s Lily? She will cry and also judge the dessert table with me.

Victoria: Oscar too. 

Emilie: oh definitely he and Belle have a weird soft sibling vibe.  Also he’ll bring snacks and quiet competence. I’m counting on him to make Lando behave.

Victoria: Speaking of: Lando?

Emilie: I don’t care if he pretends to be cool and unfazed. He’s coming and he’s writing a wish for the baby. But he must be emotionally supervised.

Victoria: GP + wife?

Emilie: 

He brings emotional calm. And probably good wine. But he has to promise not to bring team merch as a gift. This is not a Red Bull onboarding event.

Victoria: So… the Leclercs?

Emilie:

😬

Emilie:

I’ll message Alexandra and Charlotte and say they’re absolutely welcome—if they can keep their boyfriends leashed and emotionally housebroken for the duration of the event. 

Arthur is easy. He’s scared of me. 

Victoria: Reasonable.

Emilie: If Charles tries to do a grand gesture apology in the middle of Belle unwrapping a swaddle set, I will throw him into the dessert table.

Next name on the landmine list: Pascale.

Victoria: 

Easy. I’ll just have my mom deal with her. She’ll smile, say something cutting, and suddenly Pascale will be quietly eating a macaron in the corner reflecting on her parenting choices.

Alternatively:  And we’ll simply seat my dad near her.

Jos won’t say much. He’ll just… exist.

Stoic. Imposing. 

Any Leclerc who tries to stir up drama will get one look and remember their mortality.

Emilie: Jos Verstappen as emotional bouncer. I want that printed on a T-shirt.

Victoria: Exactly. You want passive-aggressive guilt spirals? Not with Jos around. He has no time for emotional mess unless it involves lap times or tire degradation.

Emilie: He’ll stand there like a wall of paternal disapproval and every problematic relative will instinctively behave.

Victoria: Perfect. Now back to the important question: Do we get little wooden animals as name cards or is that too cute?

Emilie: I’m literally crying. She’s going to feel so loved.

Victoria: That’s the point. This is her village. And it’s feral, organized, and absolutely ready.

Victoria: I’ll draft the invites. Do we want them printed or digital?

Emilie: Printed. On seeded paper. That turns into wildflowers. Because I’m an emotional menace and Belle will cry.

Victoria: You’re unwell and I love it. Okay, I’ll message the stationery girl I used for a friend’s baby shower. Prepare to be impressed.

***

Text Messages: Emilie Abadie, Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charlotte Di Pietro

Emilie:

Ladies 💚

so: I’m planning belle’s baby shower

You’re both invited

But

If you want to bring your boyfriends, please keep them on emotional leashes

Charlotte: Oh my god

Alexandra: Understood short leash or retractable?

Emilie:

I don’t want belle opening tiny socks while Lorenzo gazes into the distance like he just read a tragic poem, Charles makes it all about himself and if Arthur even thinks about giving an unsolicited speech, i swear—

Charlotte:

we’ll drug arthur with complimentary cupcakes

Alexandra:

I’ll sit next to him and kick him under the table if he starts twitching

Emilie:

Thank you. you’re doing the lord’s work.

Charlotte:

Where is the shower, btw?

Emilie:

Scouting locations

But probably… the restaurant where she and max had their first date

And also had their wedding reception 

Charlotte:

NO

Alexandra:

wait

ACTUALLY?

Emilie:

Iconic, right??

She won’t expect it

It’s sentimental, it’s beautiful, and Max won’t get lost trying to park

Charlotte:

You’re such a menace

I love it

Emilie:

Thank you

Now go warn your men.

This is not the time for family therapy. this is the time for jungle plushies and emotional overwhelm.

Alexandra:

Copy that.

I’ll handle charles.

May god help us all.

Charlotte:

I’ll handle Lorenzo. 

Arthur will be given a cupcake and a babysitter.

I’ve got this.

Emilie:

You two are the real MVPs

***

Text Messages: Emilie Abadie & Lily Zneimer

Emilie:

tell your boyfriend he’s babysitting Lando at Belle’s baby shower

Lily:

Excuse me???

Babysit Lando yourself.

He’s your boyfriend, Emilie.

Emilie:

He’s not my boyfriend. 

I’m on belle-duty

Full emotional concierge service. I don’t have time to stop Lando from stealing baby cookies or making jungle noises

Lily:

Honestly fair

But Oscar’s not a zookeeper

Emilie:

He’s calm. He’s emotionally balanced. He’s got that soothing energy that makes toddlers and unstable drivers relax

Lily:

You make my boyfriend sound like a sentient weighted blanket

Emilie:

am i wrong?

Lily:

No. Which is the annoying part.

Fine. I’ll let him know he’s on Lando-watch.

He’s going to ask if that includes snacks

Emilie:

it absolutely includes snacks.

preferably ones he can throw at Lando if needed

Lily:

God help us all

Let me know if you need any help. I am surprisingly good at calligraphy. 

***

Text Messages: Oscar Piastri & Emilie Abadie

Oscar:

So.

Apparently I’m your boyfriend’s designated babysitter at the baby shower?

Emilie:

Not my boyfriend. But yes. You are Lando’s designated babysitter. 

Level 3 supervision.

You may use snacks and Max glares as reinforcement tools.

Oscar:

Why me

Emilie:

Because he listens to you.

And you’re calm.

And I trust you not to join him if he tries to tape a “future world champion” sign to Belle’s bump.

Oscar:

You’re assuming I won’t be too busy hiding behind a fern.

Emilie:

You have won two Grand Prixs. You can handle one emotional jungle-themed social gathering.

Oscar:

Lando has already texted me a design for baby-sized racing boots. They have wings on them, Emilie

Emilie:

Do NOT let him give those to Max. Max will use them

Oscar:

He also wants to “casually mention” naming the baby after Senna. I told him to stop texting and go hydrate

Emilie: 

You see? This is why you’re perfect for this job

Oscar:

I hate how right you are

Emilie:

You love it. You love being the responsible one. you love keeping all of us feral little gremlins alive

Oscar:

I tolerate it.

Because I love Belle.

And because if Lando breaks something during a baby shower I will never emotionally recover

Emilie:

This entire event is going to be a mascara massacre and we are going to LOVE it.

Oscar:

I’ll bring tissues. And a tranquilizer dart. For Lando, not Belle.

Emilie:

I’m putting you on the spreadsheet as “handler: Norris, L.”

Oscar:

Add hazard pay.

Oscar:

Also, you should maybe tell Lando that he isn’t your “boyfriend” because he sure acts like you are his girlfriend. 

***

The Singapore humidity clung to everything like a second skin. Belle had given up on pretending her hair wasn’t frizzing and was now sitting with her feet up on a second chair, aggressively sipping her iced bubble tea and watching Lando Norris spiral.

“I swear to god,” she muttered, “if he sighs one more time like the ghost of heartbreak past, I’m going to throw this at him.” She held up the tapioca pearls at the bottom of her cup as evidence.

Lily looking far too put-together for how disgustingly warm it was, raised a single brow and followed Belle’s gaze.

“Oh. He’s doing the walk again.”

It was the third time Lando had passed the hospitality tent in the last twenty minutes. No pit stop. No purpose. Just dragging his feet like a heartbroken protagonist in an indie film. Sunglasses on. 

Hoodie in this weather. Hands in pockets. Pout firmly in place.

Belle deadpanned, “This is the emotional equivalent of when he lost that podium.”

“He’s not even trying to hide it,” Lily added, stirring her drink. “Oscar told me he’s been playing Emilie’s old voice notes like he’s crafting a scrapbook of despair.”

Belle just sighed. “He’s been like this since after Baku. He asked Max yesterday if emotional scurvy is a real thing.”

“I—what?”

“Apparently he thinks he’s developing ‘separation-related vitamin deficiencies.’” Belle mimed air quotes, then rolled her eyes. “Max offered him a banana. He said it wasn’t the same.”

Lily cackled. “That’s so dramatic.”

“He stared out at the water this morning like he expected Emilie to emerge from the mist on a gondola,” Belle muttered. “I can’t keep doing this. Max is getting secondhand annoyed.”

“Should we… check on him?”

“No,” Belle said flatly, pulling out her phone. “We’re escalating.”

***

Text Messages: Belle Verstappen & Emilie Abadie

Belle: I’m saying this with love. But your boyfriend is wilting.

Emilie: ??? What are you on about

Belle: Lando. He’s stomping around the paddock like someone took away his favourite toy. Or like he hasn’t been hugged in a week. Which, coincidentally, tracks.

Emilie: It’s been 8 days, actually. Not that I’m counting.

Belle: Well he is. By sulking in the motorhome and making Oscar fetch him snacks like a Victorian child in mourning.

Emilie: I’m— 😭😭😭 Not the Victorian child

Belle: He told Oscar he had a phantom pain in his chest when he saw a girl with blonde hair at breakfast.

Emilie: NO

Belle: Yes. Oscar nearly choked on his toast. Then offered to print you out and tape you to the door of Lando’s driver room.

Emilie: I hate this paddock so much 💀

Belle: Anyway. Come to Singapore. Save us from the sadness. And I want bubble tea.

Emilie: This feels manipulative.

Belle: It is manipulative. I learned from the best. Also I’m hormonal and pregnant and will cry if you say no.

Emilie: You weaponized your unborn child. Wow. I knew you’d be dramatic.

Belle: I prefer theatrical. You in?

Emilie: ...Send me your hotel info. I’ll book the flight.

***

Belle knew exactly what she was doing.

She sipped her mocktail with the air of someone completely innocent, despite the look Max kept shooting her over the rim of his glass. It wasn’t her fault Emilie’s flight had landed early. It also wasn’t her fault that Lando had spent the last week moping around the paddock like a Victorian poet with a tragic case of unrequited love. Honestly, Belle was doing the world a favour.

Max leaned a little closer, voice low and teasing. “You’re very pleased with yourself.”

She smiled, eyes following the familiar silhouette weaving through the crowd just outside the McLaren hospitality. “Maybe.”

Max chuckled. “Should I be worried you’re this good at scheming?”

“You should have been worried ages ago,” she said sweetly.

From across the terrace, Lando appeared — animated, arms waving in some exaggerated retelling of his qualifying lap to Oscar and a few mechanics. His curls were damp with sweat, his cap backwards, his smile wide. But Belle noticed the way it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Not like it used to.

Max caught the shift too, the smile slipping into something softer. “He misses her.”

“I know,” Belle murmured. “So I fixed it.”

Max huffed a laugh. “You really are dangerous.”

“Only when I care.”

Then, like clockwork, the front entrance of the hospitality tent shifted open — and there she was.

Emilie.

Hair pulled back into a low bun, sunglasses perched on her head, wearing a linen jumpsuit that somehow made airport fatigue look chic. She scanned the terrace quickly — eyes darting past engineers and drivers and sponsors — and then landed on them.

Belle gave her the world’s smallest nod.

And Emilie moved.

Belle barely contained her grin as Lando caught the movement out of the corner of his eye, turned—

And froze.

His whole body stiffened. Like seeing a ghost. Or a miracle.

“Holy—” Lando started, voice strangled.

Emilie reached him in a few strides and before he could say anything else, she threw her arms around him.

Belle watched as his whole frame seemed to melt. As if someone had taken the tension and twisted it loose. His arms went around her, one hand cradling the back of her head like he didn’t quite believe she was real.

“Hey, idiot,” Emilie murmured. “You didn’t think I was missing night race dumplings, did you?”

Lando made a sound that could only be described as emotionally overwhelmed baby giraffe. Belle saw Oscar smirk in the background, muttering something to a nearby PR rep that made them both laugh.

Max looked down at Belle, his voice warm. “That was very kind of you.”

Belle rested a hand on her bump, heart full. “They needed a win.”

“And what about you?” he asked, gently nudging her side.

She tilted her head up at him. “I’ve already got mine.”

Max’s smile softened, eyes flicking to her belly, then back. “You’re going to be a terrifying mother.”

Belle grinned. “I can only hope.”

Across the terrace, Lando and Emilie stood wrapped in each other, oblivious to the world. And Belle allowed herself a rare, smug moment of satisfaction.

Mission: Get Lando to Stop Sulking – complete.

***

It was the kind of heat that stuck to your skin like honey. The kind that lingered long after the engines had gone quiet and the fireworks had faded.

Singapore at night always felt like a fever dream. And tonight — with Lando Norris standing on the top step the podium for the third time this season, champagne-soaked and shining under the floodlights — it felt almost mythic.

Belle watched from the edge of the paddock chaos, tucked just behind the barriers near Parc Fermé, her hand resting on the curve of her belly. Max had pulled off a brilliant second place — not a win, not what he always wanted, but tonight it hadn’t mattered. Because Lando had driven like a man possessed. Like a man who had something — or maybe someone — to fight for.

And Belle had seen it happen in real time.

The checkered flag. The scream over the radio. The disbelieving, almost frantic way Lando had leapt from the car and paced like he didn’t know what to do with the adrenaline. Then — like gravity had found him again — he turned.

Emilie was already there.

She’d made her way down with the mechanics, badge flashing, heart in her throat. Belle didn’t know if someone had told her to go or if she’d just known. But the second Lando spotted her, the world shrunk.

No PR officials. No cameras. No team principals. Just her.

He didn’t hesitate. Not for a second.

One stride. Two. And then he was in front of her, grabbing her face like a man starved of touch, of home, of her. And kissed her.

Right there. In Parc Fermé. Helmet off, fireproofs half-zipped, shaking with emotion — he kissed her like she was the trophy. Like the whole damn weekend had led to this.

The crowd exploded. Screaming, cheering, wolf-whistling. Someone from McLaren hooted so loud Belle actually jumped.

And Belle?

Belle smiled.

Because Max had just pulled himself out of the RB20, sweat-slick and grinning like a man with no regrets. He walked toward her slowly, soaking it all in — the cheers, the chaos, the way Lando and Emilie were still wrapped around each other like teenagers in a romcom.

He reached her, pulled his cap off, and kissed her forehead.

He slid his hand over hers, resting it gently on the swell of her belly. “Think he felt that?”

“The baby?” Belle asked. “I think he just learned about true love and strategic PR in one go.”

Max chuckled. “Good. He’s ahead of schedule.”

Lando was still laughing, still breathless as he lifted Emilie off her feet and spun her once, like he didn’t care who was watching. And maybe for the first time all year, Belle thought he didn’t.

Because this wasn’t just a win.

It was his win.

And maybe — just maybe — it was the beginning of something more.

Belle looked at Max, his face glowing in the floodlights, proud and unbothered, hand still holding hers like he’d never let go.

Yeah. She thought, not for the first time that season, this is a good life.

***

Meanwhile on Twitter: 

@/F1TeaDaily 🚨 BREAKING: Lando Norris WINS the Singapore Grand Prix!!! 🧡 Also Lando Norris KISSES A WOMAN IN PARC FERMÉ AND IT’S NOT HIS MUM OR HIS DOG?! More at 11.

@/gridgossipgirl lando norris just kissed someone in parc fermé. I repeat. HE KISSED HER. ON THE MOUTH. this is not a drill.

@/dannyricssmile lando norris kissing someone in parc fermé with the confidence of a man who has been Wifed™ someone check if she’s wearing a ring I’m begging

@/padockcryptid don’t get me wrong I’m happy he won but WHO THE HELL IS THAT GIRL AND HOW DO I BECOME HER

@/emiliesarchive hi yes the girl lando kissed is named emilie and she’s been seen around the paddock Spain, and she hangs out with Lily and Belle and once max verstappen handed her a juice box while glaring at lando. I knew something was up.

@/mrsoscarpiastri lando: wins a race lando: immediately turns into a fanfic boyfriend honestly it’s disgusting. i’m obsessed.

@/alexdoesmemes lando norris kissing his gf like they’re at the climax of a 2000s romcom while max just chills in p2 like a supportive older brother who knew the whole time cinema

@/BelleLeclercUpdates the way belle verstappen SMILED when she saw them kiss 😭 mother knows mother approves

@/sunshinef1girl i don’t want a boyfriend. i want a lando norris singapore gp 2024 parc fermé kiss.

@/quadrantclown lando: “I don’t talk about my private life” also lando: plants a cinematic kiss in front of three thousand cameras and god himself 🧍‍♂️

@/F1FictionReal so you’re telling me:

he wins

he kisses the girl

she wore a sundress

belle verstappen plotted this

max just smirked like he knew all along this isn’t a race. it’s the finale of season 3 of a netflix romance.

@/F1Girlie999 Lando Norris winning Singapore and then KISSING HIS GIRL like he's in a damn romance movie? Yes. Inject that into my veins.

💥💥💥💥💥

@/padDOCKwives every time i think f1 can't get more cinematic... lando wins. the lights. the heat. the sweat. the kiss. and in parc fermé?? someone call netflix.

@/F1StatManiac i don’t know what’s more impressive — Lando’s racecraft under pressure — or the grip he had on his girlfriend’s waist post-race 👏👏👏

@/bitchyforboveralls that was not a kiss that was a statement that was a thesis that was a roman empire

@/mclarenmediaarchive i will be studying the footage of that kiss like it's the zapruder film frame by frame. hand placement analysis. full body language breakdown.

@/f1fanatic89 lando. norris. won. and then kissed a girl like he’s the lead in a wattpad fic. is this growth???

@/gridgossip THE WAY HE JUST— HE JUST— DROPPED THE HELMET AND WALKED STRAIGHT TO HER THIS IS A ROM-COM I AM NOT OKAY

@/softverstappen someone said he kissed her like a man unburdened by poor strategy and I haven’t stopped laughing

@/wheelsemotions lando norris. won a race. kissed the girl. looked like a movie. and you want me to act normal about it????

@/gridwivesanonymous is this the lando norris arc where he finally gets the girl and the trophy?? oscar and max fewtrell better be flower girl and ring bearer

@mclarencultleader I just know Max looked at Lando and said “about damn time” and Belle clapped like it was the season finale someone confirm pls

***

The city outside still buzzed with post-race energy — horns in the distance, neon lights flickering against the windows. But inside their room, it was quiet.

Belle sat on the bed, one hand resting on her belly, her other tracing the condensation down a glass of water. Max was sitting at the edge, still in a t-shirt, hair damp from the shower, staring at nothing in particular.

“They said it on the broadcast,” Belle said softly. “That this might really be it for Daniel.”

Max didn’t respond at first.

He just nodded, slowly.

Then: “Yeah.”

Silence stretched again.

Belle watched him, her thumb brushing slow circles on the curve of her stomach. “Are you okay?”

Max exhaled through his nose. “He was my favourite teammate.”

There wasn’t any hesitation in the way he said it.

Not the kind of fondness people say in hindsight. But the honest kind — the kind with real warmth, buried under everything else that had changed since 2018.

Belle tilted her head. “Why?”

Max’s lips curved slightly, a quiet little thing. “Because he made the team feel lighter. Like… we could actually have fun. Even when the car was bad. Even when the pressure was worse.”

He paused. “He used to laugh in the briefing room just to make the engineers smile.”

Belle smiled too, just a little. “That sounds like him.”

“He was fast,” Max added, almost defensively. “Like really fast. People forget that. But he made it look easy because he was always joking. Like it wasn’t costing him anything.”

“And was it?” Belle asked.

Max hesitated. “Yeah. I think it was. But he never let it show.”

The baby shifted under Belle’s hand — a tiny kick, gentle but certain.

“Do you think he’ll be okay?” she asked.

Max looked over at her. “I think he’ll be loved. And I think that’s better.”

He reached across the space between them, hand warm over hers, where their son stirred.

“He made F1 better,” Max said quietly. “For all of us. And I don’t think people say that enough.”

Belle leaned her head against his shoulder. “Maybe it’s your turn to be that person now.”

Max snorted softly. “I don’t think I’m the new Ricciardo.”

“No,” she said. “But you’re someone else’s favourite now.”

He looked down at her — at her hand over his, the baby beneath — and let the silence settle again.

“Yeah,” he said. “I guess I am.”

***

Text Messages: Belle Verstappen & Daniel Ricciardo

Belle: Hey. I just wanted to say — thank you.

For everything.

For being kind to Max when he was 19 and furious at the world. For making him laugh when no one else could. For being a teammate, but also a real friend — the kind that sticks.

I don’t know if you realise how much of an impact you had on him. But I see it every day.

(Also: thanks for not killing him when he was an arrogant teenager with a death wish. I know it was close sometimes.)

He’s really going to miss you. We both are.

Belle: Also. Don’t disappear off the face of the earth. You’re not allowed.

You still owe this baby hundreds of Max Verstappen stories that will one day horrify him. Preferably with impressions and questionable accents.

The baby needs to know the full lore of 2017 Max, and I feel like only you can deliver it properly.

Belle: You’re family. You always have a place with us.

Daniel: 😭😭😭 Mate you’re actually gonna make me cry right now. I love you guys. So much. Tell Max I’m not gone. Just… onto the next corner.

And tell the little Verstappen I’ll bring the snacks and the stories. Even the embarrassing ones. Especially the embarrassing ones. 😎

***

[emeraldserenade]

Heart Glasses ~ Robert "Bob" Floyd

synopsis: You meet your husband's new squadron one by one, all without them knowing who you truly were

tw: fem!reader, reader wears glasses, reader's mom's maiden name is Hearts, Bob's from Montana, suggestive, barely edited.

fic, ficlet, drabble, request

This was purely because I've been getting more strangers complimenting my heart shaped glasses

➽──────────────❥

Robert Floyd was a private person, everyone who meets him can attest to it. But, the one thing he could never keep quiet about, was his wife. The very same wife who the Dagger Squad had never met and had never seen a photo of.

"Are we even sure baby on board even has a wife?" Jake, stupidly, asked. The others ignored him, Bob wasn't one to lie and they've all seen the ring and heard the one sided phone calls.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

It was Natasha that met you first, you were in the same store as her and she had spotted your glasses from farther away.

"Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I love your glasses," Natasha said as she walked up, you smiled over at her.

"Oh, thank you! My husband got them for me because my mom's maiden name is Hearts," you told her. You noticed her uniform before speaking next, "Are you Navy?"

"I am," she told you, then recited her callsign. You smiled at her, told her that was a cooler call sign, and then you two said your goodbyes before leaving. As you walked away, you realized that had to be the Phoenix your husband was back seating for.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You met Bradley next, your dad was also an enjoyer of Hawaiian shirts and his birthday was coming up. You saw a man walking around the same store you were in holding the perfect one for your father.

"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, but where did you find that shirt?" You questioned the taller stranger.

"Oh, back there," Bradley pointed behind him snd your eyes caught sight of the shirt.

"Thank you!" You told him, racing off with a muted goodbye.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

Bradley and Natasha figured out their stranger interactions had been the same person at the Hard Deck a few days later.

"I ran into the woman who asked where I found this shirt at the mall the other day," Bradley told the group. "She had these heart glasses and it was like her whole face lit up when I told her," Bradley said, he was lamenting the fact that he never asked if she was single.

"Wait," Natasha cut in. "Did she have a black purse with a butterfly attachment and y/h/c hair?" Natasha questioned. y/h/c = your hair color

"Yeah, how did you know?" Bradley questioned, his face scrunched in confusion.

"That's the woman I complimented on her glasses! She's married, her husband got her glasses for her," Natasha told Bradley, her face twisting into disgust at his earlier words of wanting to take her out.

"Damn, that's one lucky man then," Bradley mused, everyone missing the small grin growing on Bob's face. He had figured you were the one they were talking about.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

Mickey was the next to meet you, he had recognized your description from the others and wanted to double check you were you. You were just walking to your car from work.

"Hi, this may sound weird but did you ask a taller man with a mustache about a Hawaiian shirt and get complimented on your glasses by a woman whose call sign is Phoenix?" Mickey rushed out before you could run away from the odd question.

"Oh, yeah, why?" You had subtly taken a step back from him.

"I'm in their squadron! They will never believe that I met you," Mickey pumped his fist in the air and you relaxed.

"Oh, well, hello," you laughed gently, your smile easy. "What do they call you?"

"Fanboy, but my name's Mickey, ma'am," he offered his hand and you shook it.

"Nice to meet you Mickey," you offered your name before walking away, you got in the car and let yourself laugh even harder. These were definitely the people from your husband's squadron.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

Jake was next, he hit on you before you even looked at him.

"What's a darling lady like you doing alone?" Jake slid into your space, you were grocery shopping for breakfast while Bob slept in a bit.

"Mu husband's asleep," you told him, turning to face him.

"Wait, no way, you're the infamous y/n?" He perked up and you realized what was happening.

"Are you another from the group of people from the same squadron that I keep running into?" You questioned, a humorous smile growing on your face.

"I am, the name's Hangman," he offered his hand and you shook it.

"Well, I have no idea how many more of you there are," you lied. "But tell the others I'm excited to run into them as well," you bit him farewell while leaving, missing Jake pulling his phone out to text the Dagger Squad group.

Bagman: You'll never guess who I ran into Phoenix: Heart glasses y/n? Bagman: At the grocery store Rooster: You hit on her, didn't you? Fanboy: He most definitely did Phoenix: Did she bring up her husband? Bagman: She did Payback: I was supposed to meet her next! Coyote: I call next time

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You met Ruben next, much to Javy's dismay. You were at the gym and Ruben couldn't find his earbud case.

"Hi, sorry," Ruben automatically apologized when you slightly jumped. "I didn't mean to scare you, it's just that I was using this machine earlier and I can't find my earbud case. Have you seen one around here by chance?"

"Oh, is it blue?" You questioned, your glasses slowly falling down your face. It brought them to Ruben's attention and you saw him get excited.

"Yeah, it is, you wouldn't happen to be y/n, would you?"

"I am, are you apart of that Navy squadron?" You grabbed the blue earbud case you had seen under the machine earlier and handed it to him.

"That I am," he affirmed and you gave him a small smile. "Thanks for this," he lifted the case up just enough for you to see it.

"You're welcome,' you paused, waiting for his name.

"Payback or Ruben, ma'am," he told you and you nodded once. You two went your separate ways and as you left for the locker room, you texted your husband.

My Girl ❤️: I ran into another one of your friends My Cowboy 🤠 ❤️: Who was it? My Girl ❤️: Payback, he was nice. Called me ma'am and only approached me because he lost his earbud case My Cowboy 🤠 ❤️: You've got one left to meet My Girl ❤️: I know, they act like they're all meeting me. I'm meeting them My Girl ❤️: Also I'm very sweaty and it will be your problem when I get home. I'm going to be all over you My Cowboy 🤠 ❤️: I can't wait

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

The last to meet you was Javy, he saw you as you walked into the hangar. You were there to pick up Bob since you had to borrow his truck while your car was in the shop, and Javy recognized your description right away.

"Holy shit, you're y/n! I'm Coyote or Javy!" He practically shouted, causing many to look over at you. You were suddenly surrounded by the entire squadron, questions flying at you faster than you could process.

Your savior came in the form of your husband, as always. His hand wrapped around your wrist and gently pulled you to him, his hand slipping right to it's home on your waist. "Are you ok?" Bob lowly asked in your ear, you nodded with a bright smile on your face.

"Wait," Jake called out but his shock made him pause. "Your husband's baby on board?"

"Yeah, my husband's Bob," you told him, your eyes sharpening at the name Jake called him.

"How long have you known who we were?" Natasha asked.

"Since you, well, I didn't know who Bradley was until Bobby came home and told me. I'm sorry for never asking your name to properly thank you," you apologized to the man but he waved you off.

"I think that's ok, I did accidentally tell your husband how I was upset at myself for never asking you out," Bradley told you and you laughed at the feeling of Bob tightening his hold on you.

"He told me about that, while I appreciate two of you thinking I'm attractive, I am very happy in my marriage," you told them, it was enough to snap Jake out of his shock.

"How the hell did Bob bag you?" Jake exclaimed and you looked over at him again.

"He's got a huge," Bob cut you off with a tug away from the others.

"Ok, that's enough," your husband told you with ear tipped ears. You gave him a sweet smile as you heard the laughter from his squad. Bob led you away from them and out of the building and to the car. "You're going to pay for that," Bob told you as he started his truck, his hand landing on your thigh.

"I can't wait," you told him, your smile widening just a little bit more.

➽──────────────❥

Masterlist | Requests If you want to be added to the tag list, follow the directions on my masterlist

[suliigwp]

HIII omg i love your writings!! got this idea while i was in the bathroom blasting alchemy by taylor swift and you were the first writer i thought of that i know would slay this! Reader is a known singer but she doesnt really write love songs which charles is completely fine about. His friends ask and tease him about it and he brushes it off then one night on one of her tours she sings alchemy for the first time while charles is watching from the crowd. His whole world stops and maybe even tears up then he just goes on for days bragging about it. HUMOUR AND FLUFFF WHATEVER U WANT THANK YOU SO MUCH

WHERES THE TROPHY?

Charles Leclerc x Singer! Reader | fluff

SULI: hiii omg you have no idea how much it means remembering me first🥹 thank you soooo much!!!!! — very cool because I actually do have a singer!readers series coming up but none of the love interests is Charles sadly— but I really love singer au's and this was so much fun to write! Thank you so much for requesting, love you, hope you enjoy🫶

I'm absolutely obsessed with this song — stream "The alchemy" now!!!

Warnings: none, short and sweet, Twitter post at the end

Charles liked to think he had you figured out.

At least, the version of you the world didn’t get to see — the quiet one, the tired one after long studio nights, the version that wore his hoodie to bed and snuck kisses onto his shoulder when you thought he was sleeping.

He liked being the silent inspiration, the person behind the curtain. You were his in private — that was more than enough.

"She doesn't write love songs."

That was the line Charles Leclerc had come to know and love. He’d heard it in interviews, read it in headlines, and smiled through every late-night talk show where someone inevitably asked, “So, do you really not write about him?”

The camera would zoom in, the crowd would laugh, and you’d flash that sly little grin. “Don't worry, if I wrote a love song,” you always said, “you’d know it.”

Charles didn’t mind. In fact, he was fine with it.

You were his.

Even if the rest of the world liked to think you belonged to them.

The fans, the cameras, the interviews — they all wanted pieces. But Charles had long made peace with being the part no one else got to hear in the songs.

Because you didn’t write love songs.

Everyone said so.

You said so.

And Charles believed it. Until the night you didn’t.

...

back, first year of dating

“You still haven’t written a song about me,” Charles teased from the couch, bare feet on the floor, one arm lazily slung around your waist. His eyes were half-lidded, lips curled into that soft smile he only gave you when the world was quiet.

You rolled your eyes, brushing your fingers through his curls. “You say that like you’re not already in every other one.”

“Yes, but I want the main character treatment,” he said, dramatically pressing a hand to his chest. “The standing ovation. The bridge that emotionally ruins people.”

You just laughed, kissed his cheek, and said, “Maybe when you win Monaco.”

He groaned. “Cruel woman.”

...

He hadn't told you he was coming.

You were in the middle of a sold-out run through Europe, and Charles was drowning in simulator sessions and car debriefs. But when he saw the gap in his schedule, he booked the ticket quietly, packed light, and told his engineers he was leaving for “something more important than tyre degradation.”

Barcelona was a quick flight from Monaco. Your show there had been sold out for months, and he knew better than to try and sneak in through backstage. So he did what no one expected:

He lined up like everyone else.

He didn’t tell you. You were always happiest on stage, and he wanted to be just another face in the crowd that night. Just a quiet, anonymous dot in a sea of lights and sweat and noise.

Hood up, cap low, a simple black tee that did nothing to hide how gorgeous he was. He bought a pit wristband from resale (triple the price, but whatever), pushed into the crowd, and waited.

His heart beat harder the closer it got to showtime.

He didn’t know why. He’d seen you perform dozens of times. Hell, he’d watched you rehearse in sweats with a tea bag hanging out of your mouth. He lived with you.

But something about tonight buzzed different.

The lights dimmed.

The crowd erupted.

And then you appeared.

...

You always had a certain way of standing still — calm, rooted, like you didn’t need fireworks to be the most magnetic person in the room. Charles felt the shift the second you stepped up to the mic.

“This one’s new,” you said softly.

The crowd stilled.

“I wasn’t planning to play it live yet, but…”

You paused, and smiled.

“He’s here tonight.”

The girls around Charles screamed.

He went still.

No.

You’re not—

The opening chords were simple, soft. A rhythmic pulse like a heartbeat.

"Shirts off, and your friends lift you up over their heads, Champagne sticking to the floor"

The lyrics felt so close, so personal, Charles swore you were staring right at him, even though you couldn’t see him through the crowd.

"Cheers chanted, cause they said, There was no chance, trying to be The greatest in the league"

And then.

Then.

“Where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me.”

Charles’s knees nearly buckled.

The lyric struck him like a punch to the gut.

He didn’t even breathe for a second — chest tight, hands shaking, mouth parted in stunned silence.

You remembered.

Monaco.

That day.

The crowd, the flags, the win — his first home win. The one he had chased like a ghost for years.

He remembered the noise, the champagne, the cameras flashing. But more than anything, he remembered you, standing behind the barrier, tucked to the side — quiet and glowing and waiting.

He hadn’t even thought.

He just ran.

Straight to you. Through the crowd. Past everyone. Helmet barely off.

You caught him in your arms like you’d been waiting there your whole life.

“Where’s the trophy?” the reporter had asked him after.

And he’d smiled before glancing over at you.

...

By the time you hit the final chorus, Charles had completely given up pretending he was okay.

His eyes were glassy. His cheeks were damp.

A teenage girl next to him elbowed her friend and whispered, “That guy is, like, sobbing.”

He didn’t even notice.

When you sang the last line and let the guitar fall quiet, Charles couldn’t move.

The stadium exploded in sound.

You bowed.

The lights went out.

And he just stood there — one hand pressed over his heart, whispering the lyric under his breath like a prayer.

...

Backstage, everything felt like static.

You were mid-change when a tech knocked on the greenroom door.

“Uh… sorry, there’s a guy trying to come back here. He says he’s your boyfriend? Hoodie, cap, extremely beautiful—kind of panicked?”

You laughed, heart already racing.

“Let him in.”

Charles barrelled into the room like a man possessed.

“You—” he said, voice raw.

You turned, makeup still smudged, hair frizzing from sweat, and barely had time to open your arms before he was there — pulling you into him like he hadn’t seen you in years.

“Monaco?” he whispered.

You nodded against his chest.

He pulled back just slightly, hands cupping your face, eyes red-rimmed and earnest. “You remembered.”

“Of course I did.”

“You wrote about it.”

A breathless laugh. “You wrote about me.”

You shrugged playfully, nose brushing his. “Guess you’re the main character now.”

His grin cracked wide and helpless, and then he kissed you. Soft, slow, deep — the kind of kiss that says thank you and I love you and I’m never letting this go.

“You’re screwed now,” he whispered, grinning against your mouth.

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to brag about this forever.”

...

And he did.

The next morning:

And for the rest of the season, no matter how many podiums he earned, Charles had one answer to every post-race interview:

“Where’s the trophy, Charles?”

“She’s probably watching from home.”

Taglist, comment to be added;

@angstynasty @cryinghotmess @mits-vi @dramaticpiratellamas @mimisweetz @mrssaturday @chiara8104 @moonlight-girls-posts @linnygirl09 @rue-t @danielricroll @the-vex-archives @trees-are-books @blodwyn4u @yoruse @ccrickett-t @l-a-u-r-aaa @multifans-things @woderfulkawaii @azrinableuet @mayax2o07 @everyday-is-sunday365 @devilacot

Make sure you can be tagged!

[blueberrybirdsworld]

Out of frame 2/4

Summary : Y/N and Lando Norris have been together for three years. Their relationship is real, steady, and full of quiet love but always behind the scenes. While fans know they’re a couple, Lando has never posted about her, avoids public displays of affection, and never mentions her in interviews. At first, Y/N understood. She believed it was about privacy, about protecting what they had. But over time, being constantly left out of frame has started to hurt.

Genre : angst, SMAU

Pairing : Lando Norris x reader

Faceclaim : @suanbeiii

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

@landonorris 📍Tokyo, Japan

Incredible night. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. Big things coming 🫡

@_user1 he really posted all his friends but not his gf again... yikes

@_user2 is Y/N not in Japan with him? 😭

@_user3 nah this is getting embarrassing at this point. she literally always supports him and he can’t even tag her once??

@_user4 QUADRANT IN JAPAN LET’S GOOOO🔥

@_user5 the helmet is SICK omg 🔥

@_user6 weird how he never has a problem posting the boys 👀

@_user8 so hyped for this drop!! love seeing quadrant going global 💥

@_user10 where’s the queen?? y’all okay??

@_user11 y/n deserves a man who posts her like she posts him. period.

@your_username 📍Monaco

Girls can buy themself flowers too 💐

@_user1 wait. no japan trip for y/n this time?

@_user2 something’s off. they never miss a race weekend together 😶

@_user3 how is she real 😭😭 Lando you better be sending her flowers too!!

@_user4 the softest prettiest queen 🩷 Lando won the lottery and acts like he forgot

@_user5 Lando… be fr. how do you not post HER???

@_user6 she looks like a dream. if my gf looked like this I’d post her every 5 minutes lol

@_user7 you’re literally the prettiest person I’ve ever seen I can’t even hate you I’m obsessed 🥲

@_user8 i don’t care what’s going on but if he lets her go… we need to talk, Lando 😭

@_user9 okay but where do I sign up to be your girlfriend if Lando’s slacking??

@_user10 I hope he knows what he has. because the rest of us DO.

Texts messages

Lando You didn’t like the flowers I sent you?

Lando Seriously, Y/N? That post? What is that supposed to mean?

Y/N It means exactly what it says.

Lando So you ignore my apology and post something that makes it look like I did something wrong ?

Y/N You sent flowers. That’s not an apology, Lando. It’s a gesture. A pretty one, but not what I needed.

Lando You always want more. It’s never enough with you.

Y/N Because you don’t listen. I told you how I felt and you acted like I was being dramatic. I didn’t ask for a parade. Just for you to acknowledge me

Lando So you skip the race, don’t say a word for days, and make me look like an idiot online?

Y/N I said I had work.

Lando No. You said “don’t worry about it.” That’s code for “figure it out or I’m gone,” right?

Y/N You want to talk about code? Because not posting me, not bringing me up, not defending me when people speculate, THAT’s a message too.

Lando I thought keeping us private protected you

Y/N It doesn’t feel like protection, it makes me feel like a secret

Lando This again…

Y/N Yes. Again. Because you keep brushing it off like I’m asking you to tattoo my name on your forehead

Lando You want public affection. Fine. But maybe you could’ve talked to me instead of putting it on Instagram?

Y/N I tried to talk. You shut down. You always do.

Lando Because every time I mess up, you make me feel like I’m never enough

Y/N And every time I open up, you make me feel like I'm too much

Lando Right. Okay. Here we go.

Y/N Yeah. Here we go. Again. You don’t want to make the effort? That’s fine. Your loss.

Lando You know that’s not fair

Y/N Neither is loving someone who makes you feel invisible

Lando I have a race to focus on.

Y/N Enjoy it, Lando.

Lando Sure.

@F1LiveMoments 🎥Live interview moment of Lando at the Japan GP

Interviewer: “We didn’t see your girlfriend this weekend, is she not in Japan with you?” Lando Norris: laughs “Which girlfriend?”

@_user1 nah “which girlfriend” is CRAZY??? like are you trying to be single or stupid 😭

@_user2 he really said that on live TV… with a mic… and a camera… okay.

@_user3 and this is the man she’s been flying around the world to support in silence 💀

@_user4 he better deactivate, apologize and send 400 roses

@_user6 this girl has been nothing but quiet and supportive and he humiliates her like that? I’d be GONE.

@_user7 you can’t be “private” and also crack jokes like that… pick a struggle 😐

@_user8 and then men will say “why is she upset with me” like sir… you said WHICH GIRLFRIEND

@_user9 his media training just packed its bags and left the building

@_user10 @your_username deserves BETTER. we’re all saying it.

@_user12 this man’s idea of romance is “which girlfriend” I can’t breathe 😭😭😭

@your_username 📍Monaco

Sunday ritual 🧡

@_user1 she still supports him after that interview?? I’d be EMBARRASSED

@_user2 baby you didn’t see the clip, right?? pls say you didn’t

@_user3 I have to respect the loyalty but girl… the way he said “which girlfriend” like it was nothing 🤡

@_user4 wait… WHY is she still watching him like this?? I’m actually speechless

@_user5 this is such a sweet post but… after that live interview 😬

@_user6 girl did you see the interview from yesterday 💀

@your_username which interview?

@_user9 oh no oh no oh no 😭😭😭 she doesn’t KNOW

@_user10 this one comment just ended their relationship for real

@_user12 NAH IM SCARED. SOMEONE TAKE HER PHONE AWAY

@_user13 Lando better call her RIGHT NOW because this is about to go so bad

Texts messages :

Y/N “Which girlfriend?” Are you fucking serious right now?

Y/N Was that funny to you? Was humiliating me on live TV was what you needed?

Y/N You really went out there and said that like we’re nothing. Like I never existed.

Lando Y/N... Don’t do this.

Y/N Don’t do what, Lando? Get mad that my boyfriend made a joke like he doesn’t even know me?

Lando You didn’t want to come to Japan. You literally said you needed space What was I supposed to do?

Y/N NOT JOKE THAT YOU HAVE MULTIPLE GIRLFRIENDS ON LIVE TV MAYBE? Just a thought.

Lando It was sarcasm. The interviewer caught me off guard

Y/N No, what caught you off guard was the reality of being called out for once

Lando I didn’t mean it like that

Y/N You never do. That’s the problem.

Y/N Everything’s a joke or a deflection or a fucking PR-safe answer You don't even realize how much it hurt. You made me feel invisible

Lando You ghosted me for a week. You turned down my calls, ignored my flowers, and posted some cryptic caption like I never tried

Y/N Because sending flowers isn’t trying, Lando. It’s damage control

Y/N I was begging for real effort, for presence, for proof that I matter to you

Y/N And you know what you gave me? A joke about having multiple girlfriends ??

Lando It was a stupid moment. I panicked

Y/N God, do you even hear yourself?

Y/N You panicked and defaulted to disrespect. That says more than anything

Lando Okay well maybe if you were actually there we could have talked like normal people.

Y/N Don’t flip this on me.

Y/N I didn’t come because I was hurt, Lando. I needed space to breathe, not to be mocked globally

Y/N You know how hard it’s been? I kept telling myself you just needed time, that you were scared. Or shy. Or private

Y/N But maybe you were just comfortable keeping me secret, comfortable not choosing me when it’s inconvenient

Lando That’s not true.

Y/N Then prove it

Lando I’m trying to...

Y/N Trying would’ve been not letting those words leave your mouth.

Lando I messed up, okay? I didn’t think. I was tired and pissed...

Y/N No. You chose the words.

Y/N Enjoy the rest of Japan. Don’t worry about me.

Lando Y/N…

Y/N No. Fuck you, Norris.

Taglist : @angelluv16, @httpsxnox, @anunstablefangirl, @chocolatemagazinecupcake, @mayax2o07, @freyathehuntress, @verogonewild, @lilyofthevalley-09, @esw1012, @its-me-frankie, @linneaguriii, @ezzi-ln4, @rlbmutynnek, @actuallyazriel, @sofs16, @thulior, @sltwins, @henna006, @stylesmoonlight12, @lilaissa, @sideboobrry11, @l3thal-l0lita, @lorena-mv33, @ispywlittleeye-blog, @lesliiieeeee, @sageskiesf1, @adynorris, @curlylando, @rebelliousneferut, @justcharlotte, @secret-agents-stole-my-bunnies, @emneedshelp, @lando-505, @yukimaniac, @sashisuslover, @f1norris04, @hi26loveie, @bunnisplayground, @nina481, @reallifemermaidprincess, @cars-and-frogs, @delululeclerc, @txmhxllqnd, @lydia-demarek, @destinyg237, @rhaenyrasversion, @sarascabiosa, @readz4u, @tvdtw4ever, @mynameisangeloflife, @teti-menchon0604, @suns3treading, @op814kitty, @prettyboyroseberg, @willowsnook, @ariesandwolves, @clarksgf, @knivesdoingcartwheels, @pinklemonade34, @fat-meh, @tiaajosephin, @landosbabe4, @easy4, @jule239, @mercrussell, @skylandori, @ryuucollapse, @nickie-amore, @fairyjinn, @seonaw, @mattslovelygf, @strawberrylov-er, @linnygirl09, @dilflover44, @bell1a, @f1fantasys, @sillyfreakfanparty, @janonymus0, @taetae-armyyyyy, @charlesgirl16, @angstynasty, @jules-bea2308, @afternoonarchive, @itsbieberxholland, @rexit-mo, @chlmtfilms, @vampgege, @mochimommy2002, @budgetcupid, @lemon-stvrrr, @bell1a, @taebearyoongs, @hazzasmunchkin, @sainz0fthetimes, @didaaa4, @madelyn2000, @il0vereadingstuff, @march32nd, @chlmtfilms, @literallysza, @cheapdocmartens, @wolfstarsimpxx, @pretzelcat4-blog, @larya810, @6-noir, @urfavftoomie, @ficr3ccs, @strawberrylov-er, @wosof1, @behindmygreyeyes, @justheretoreadthxxs, @pinklemonade34, @ninass-world, @landosbabe4, @leclercdream, @raynetargaryan2

[dreamwritesimagines]

Declassified [8] - Diplomacy

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful support my loves, you are so amazing🩷 I hope you like this chapter as well! 🥰 And please let me know what you think! 🩷

Pairing: Congressman!Bucky x Female!Reader

Summary: The first day of work can be stressful.

Warnings: Explicit language, yearning.

Word Count: 4381

Series Masterlist

Well.

This was exactly what the first day of school used to feel like.

You couldn’t stop the sigh leaving your lips as you stared up at the Capitol Building, trying to ignore the anxiety churning your stomach. You knew you were supposed to go in, but somehow your legs refused to listen to you, so you exhaled slowly the way your therapist had taught you to get at least some sort of—

“It’s not too late to change your mind.”

You jumped out of your skin, then pressed a hand over your chest and glared at Bucky.

“What did I say about sneaking up on people?”

“In my defense, you looked pretty out of it already.” He shrugged his shoulders. “And as I said; not too late to change your mind. We can still leave.”

“Right,” you said with a laugh. “So we just forget about the Congress and everything and go away?”

He grinned. “Mm hm.”

“Where?”

“Brooklyn.”

You tilted your head. “Except that Brooklyn elected you as their representative, I feel like they’d ask what the hell you’re doing there.”

“You make a good point,” he said and thought for a moment. “Okay, new plan.”

“I’m listening.”

“We get new names and identities, move to a small town where no one knows us, and grow old and gray there in peace. We never check the news, ever.”

Your heart skipped a beat but you tried to focus. “Do we have to change Alpine’s name too?”

“I don’t think she’d let us,” he said, a soft smile pulling at his lips. “She missed you, by the way.”

This was not flirting.

This was just friendly. That was it. Two friends talking.

About running away together.

“I missed her too,” you said. “How does she like your new place?”

“She doesn’t,” he murmured before turning to glance at the building. “We’re gonna be fine.”

“Are you talking to me or yourself?”

“Yes.”

You repressed a laugh and bumped your shoulder against his.

“Come on,” you said as you started walking with him next to you. “Today is your day, and you’re gonna be very busy.”

“Yeah, the schedule was pages long,” he said. “I have meetings with people I don’t even know about.”

“Think of it like your debutante ball,” you told him. “They all want to see if you’re the right fit for them, how much dowry you have, and if they can bed you.”

“Please talk to me about something else.”

“Okay. “You shrugged your shoulders. “Onto some heartwarming news; I told Max to go fuck himself last night.”

Bucky frowned. “Hold on, he’s still calling you?”

“I called him,” you said. “He got the apartment after I prepared my boxes and stuff, and I paid the movers extra so that they would move everything without me being there, but apparently Max went through my boxes even if he refuses to admit it, because Blinky is not in any of them.”

“Who’s Blinky?” He paused for a moment. “Or what is Blinky?”

“Blinky is my childhood plushie,” you said. “It’s a fox plushie with one eye, the other eye fell off on the first day, that’s why I named him that. I took him everywhere I moved, and guess what? Max refuses to give him back.”

“Well, that’s interesting information.”

“I know, right?” you asked as you both walked into the building and held up your IDs to go through the security even if Bucky didn’t need to do that. “He claims he hasn’t seen him, but I’m so sure he hides him somewhere in the apartment.”

“You have a toy?”

“It’s a plushie.”

“It’s a toy.”

“It’s a plushie—you know what, I’m not going to stand in the Capitol hallway to argue semantics about my nostalgic childhood plushie with you,” you said while Bucky grinned at you. “You have one thousand things to do and so do I, so I’ll see you tomorrow.”

That wiped his grin off his face. “Wait, tomorrow? You’re not gonna be around?”

“I’ll be gone all day.”

His eyes widened and he shook his head.

“Birdie, no—”

“I have the orientation, I’ll have to meet everyone and stuff, and apparently there’s this tour… It’ll be chaotic. Kels will be with you though, and Caleb as well.”

“But it wouldn’t take you all day,” Bucky tried to convince you as if you were the one who planned the schedule. “What are they going to do, make you tour the place twice? Just tell them you have stuff to do.”

“This is my stuff to do.”

“So you’re leaving me alone with these people?”

You tried not to laugh at the look of betrayal on his face.

“These people are going to be your colleagues,” you reminded him. “So you need to make friends with them. You don’t need me for that.”

“I do need you for that, actually,” he argued. “I don’t…I don’t make friends.”

“Fine, don’t make friends with them, just be civil. You charmed half of Brooklyn, remember?”

“Because you were there.”

“You’ve been through literally the hardest things anyone can go through—”

“To repeat, none of those things required making friends. Or socializing for that matter.”

“You’ll be fine, and I’ll drop by the office if I can,” you assured him. “But remember. Diplomacy. That’s the currency here.”

Bucky took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah.”

You took a step to leave, then turned around again to look at him.

“I feel like this goes without saying when it comes to diplomacy, but do not glare at or threaten anyone.”   

Bucky stared at you as if you had just asked him whether Alpine could fly and you pursed your lips, then rolled your shoulders back.

“It’s gonna go great,” you muttered to yourself as you started walking again. “Diplomacy, here we come.”

                                      *

Okay, you expected today to be chaotic, but you did not know it would be this chaotic.

It felt like for the whole day you had been running to one place or the other, and by the time you had found some time to yourself, it was way past lunch time. You had about half an hour until the next item on the schedule so you figured you could drop by Bucky’s office to talk to Kelsey and Caleb and see how Bucky was doing so far.

When you entered the office, most of the team was busy with either their phones or laptops, but Caleb and Kelsey were watching Bucky’s closed door, having a discussion in whispers. You tilted your head, then made your way to them.

 “Is everything okay?”

“What are you doing here?” Caleb asked. “My orientation lasted all day.”

“Mine will too, I just got a break—what is happening?”

Kelsey licked her lips. “Guess who asked for a last minute meeting with Bucky.”

“Who?”

“Amos Drexel.”

Your stomach dropped and you gawked at her. “Sorry?”

“I think you guys are the only people who know this person.”

 “I’ve been memorizing everyone’s faces and names and titles since the election night,” she said. “And trust me, people know who he is. People in high places, if you know what I mean.”

“Kels, he’s just a consultant.”

Kelsey scoffed. “He’s not just a consultant, Caleb.”

“A lobbyist.”

“Lobbyists come and go, this guy has been bribing and extorting the politicians for like, decades. He has half of them in his pocket.”

“I feel like I would’ve heard about him,” Caleb said and Kelsey shook her head.

“He’s too smart for that,” she said. “It’s easier for him if the public thinks he’s just a consultant. But trust me, every single politician here knows about him.”

“What is he doing here?” you asked, your heartbeat getting faster as you stole a look at the closed door. “I checked Bucky’s schedule this morning, he wasn’t there.”

“As I said, last minute meeting,” Kelsey said. “What was I supposed to do when Drexel wanted to see him, ask him to reschedule? I squeezed him in.”

“If he tries to bribe Bucky, I feel like he might kill him.”

“Obviously but that’s not the point,” Kelsey said while you grabbed her penholder so that you could do something with your hands. “The point is, if Drexel is here, it means he wants to—”

You dropped the penholder as soon as the door opened, and you ducked under the desk to gather the pencils as he passed by the desk.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Barnes.” You heard him say as he walked out of the door and you put all the pens into the holder, then got up from under the desk, letting out a breath.

Bucky looked absolutely furious as he glared in the direction he had disappeared into before his eyes found yours, his gaze softening in a second. You gave him a tightlipped smile and put the holder on the desk—

And the rest of the room turned to the door again.

“Almost forgot.” His voice reached your ears, making your whole body tense up. “Honey? Your mom wants to know if you’re free for dinner next weekend.”

Oh.

Oh he had planned this.

Of course he did. He knew every schedule in this goddamn place, and he knew the moment you had a break, you’d come straight to Bucky’s office.

You forced yourself to ignore the whole team and Bucky staring at you, your cheeks burning in humiliation as you turned around to glare at your father who was standing by the door with a calm smile on his face.

“Make sure to text her please,” he told you. “Have a great first day.”

Then he walked away, leaving the whole office in a stunned silence.

You could feel the tears of frustration burning the back of your eyes but this was neither the time nor the place. You blinked a couple of times, clenching your jaw and then made a beeline into Bucky’s office with Caleb and Kelsey rushing after you. Kelsey closed the door behind her and you licked your lips, taking a deep breath.

“I can explain that—”

“He’s your father?” Caleb asked and you cleared your throat.

“Well…”

“Why is your surname different?”

“How is he your father?” Caleb and Kelsey asked at the same time and you cleared your throat.

“I’ve been asking the same question to my mother for ages now.” You tried to joke as you stole a look at Bucky who was just watching you with an unreadable look on his face.

“Your father is Amos Drexel and you still have roommates?” Kelsey asked, motioning at herself and Caleb, and you shook your head fervently.

“I’m broke.”

Caleb scoffed. “Oh come on—”

“No, I am.” You pulled your phone out to open up your bank app, then showed the screen to them. “See? Totally broke.”

That seemed to have snapped Bucky out of the haze he was in. “Wait, you need money?”

“Nope,” you said, shaking your head fervently. “No I don’t.”

Caleb stared at your phone screen. “How is that even possible?”

“I got myself a separate bank account when I was eighteen,” you said. “I wouldn’t touch his money with a gun to my head, I know where it comes from. And before you ask, I won’t touch it when he dies either, it will go straight to charity.”

“And he’s okay with that?”

“Not at all but he ignores it, just like he ignores how I’ve been begging him to disown me for years,” you said and turned to Bucky. “Please say something.”

Bucky just held your gaze for a moment before taking a deep breath.

“Your surname is different?”

“I changed it to my mother’s maiden name the day I turned eighteen,” you said. “You should’ve seen the paperwork.”

Bucky pointed at the door. “Birdie, I just told your father to go to hell.”

“You—” Kelsey’s eyes widened. “You told him to go to hell?”

“With different words.”

“What words?”

Bucky raised his brows, then motioned at her and you. “You two are here, I can’t exactly say what I said.”

“Bucky how many times must we tell you that people can curse around—” Caleb started but Kelsey cut him off, throwing her head back to look up at the ceiling like she was asking for help.

“Jesus, we’re not gonna last a term.”

“Would he assassinate him?”

Bucky rolled his eyes. “No one is going to assassinate me, Caleb.”

“Hypothetically, would it even count as assassination if he killed you?”

“No.”

“I was going to say who died and left you in charge of assassinations, but I think everyone in this room knows the answer—”

“Bucky, I don’t think you understand,” Kelsey insisted. “Let’s say you’re Aragorn, this guy is Sauron!”

You made a face.

“He’s not Sauron, his power does have a limit.” You paused for a moment. “He’s Saruman at best.”

“Thanks, that makes it so much better—”

“Can we have the room?” Bucky cut her off and Kelsey and Caleb exchanged glances, then left the office. You could feel the anxiety churning your stomach but you swallowed thickly, keeping your eyes on him.

“Bucky…”

“Why not tell me?”

You let out a bitter laugh. “Would you have hired me?”

He frowned. “Of course I would.”

“And how would that go? Here’s my resume, oh by the way, my father bribes and extorts politicians for a living?” you asked. “See, I don’t think you would.”

“So your solution was to keep it a secret? Even after we—” He stopped himself. “Even after we started working together?”

Your heart skipped a beat.

“I couldn’t just tell you,” you said. “Listen, I wanted to work in politics, and…”

“And you could’ve easily got a job here,” Bucky told you. “You didn’t have to wait until I got elected.”

“Do you think that’s why I’m doing this?” you asked. “Bucky, I don’t want to work for a politician who is only gonna hire me because of my father, he stands for the opposite of everything I believe in—”

“And it’s been like that from the beginning?” he asked, making you pull back. “From the first minute we started working together?”

When the realization crashed down on you, it tightened your throat like a fist.

“You don’t believe me,” you muttered, biting inside your cheek and he let out a breath.

“Birdie, listen—”

“No, you listen,” you cut him off. “The next time you accuse me of working for my father, or—or having anything to do with his corruption, I will walk away, Bucky. I’ll pick one of the many job offers being thrown at me from someone who’s not in my father’s pocket -surprisingly, there are still some of those- and I’ll go and work for them. So I guess the question you should be asking is, do you really want that to happen?”

With that, you stormed out of the office and made your way to the stairs without sparing anyone a glance, your heart still pounding in your chest.

                                                 *

Well needless to say, as far as first days went, that one was not so good.

You had gone straight home after work without dropping by Bucky’s office again. Caleb came home an hour after you, and Kelsey was the last one to arrive, and they had a lot of questions.

At least they had both brought booze and snacks.

And now, way past midnight, all of you were sitting on the floor, still drinking and snacking but the air felt much lighter.

“I just want to say, Birdie,” Caleb said. “Even if your father is a demon sent from hell to bribe politicians, we love you.”

“Aw, thanks Caleb.”

“Can I also point out that,” Kelsey said, reaching for some chips, “it sure is weird that we have a TV, a fucking gramophone—”

“No badmouthing my gramophone, Kels.”

“But we don’t have a couch?”

“We’ll buy a couch,” you said, throwing a piece of chocolate in air to catch it with your mouth. “Like, next month. When we can afford it.”

“Maybe we should let your father know his daughter doesn’t have a couch, so that he can send us a gold one.”

You shot her a look and she grinned.

“These jokes will continue, just so you know.”

“I know, I know…” you muttered and pointed at the TV. “Swipe left.”

“No, swipe right!” Caleb told Kelsey who tilted her head, still holding her thumb over her phone screen. You had connected her phone to the TV and for over an hour you were going over the ‘options’ for her as Caleb had put it, and even though you’d had doubts at first, this turned out to be much more fun than watching political news.

“I mean he does give off fuckboy vibes, Caleb.”

“I don’t give a shit, he has a dog,” Caleb said. “One of us has to find someone with a dog. Birdie already has Bucky, who has an asshole cat—”

“I don’t have Bucky, and Alpine is a pretty princess.”

“And I’m a dog person,” Caleb said, pointing at the picture on the screen. “Maybe he’ll bring over his dog.”

“You make a good point,” Kelsey said as she swiped right, and all of you made a face at the next picture on the screen.

“Left!”

“Do you guys think I’ll have to work for someone else?”

“I think Bucky would rather resign himself than fire you,” Kelsey stated and Caleb nodded, taking a fistful of jellybeans into his palm.

“She’s right,” he said. “Do you want the green ones?”

“Yes please,” you said and held out your hand so that he could put the green jellybeans in your palm, and you popped them in your mouth. “And if he doesn’t trust me anymore?”

“That’s why he looked like a kicked puppy when I told Kels you were already home within his earshot?”

You let out a whine and downed your drink. “It’s gonna be so weird when I see him tomorrow.”

“Just pretend nothing happened,” Kelsey said, making Caleb scoff.  

“I’m sure it’s a very healthy approach to disagreements in a relationship.”

“We’re not in a relationship,” you said sulkily as the roar of a motorcycle outside reached the apartment. “He’s in a relationship with Hazel fucking—swipe right on this one Kels—Brooks.”

“Who hates your guts because she knows Bucky likes you.”

“Right,” you said with a laugh. “Because Bucky would ever leave his hot, successful, billionaire girlfriend —who is, if I may repeat, super hot— to be with me.”

“That’s irrelevant.”

You flailed your arms. “We don’t even have a damn couch, Kels!”

“Then he fucks you on the floor, who cares?” Caleb exclaimed as he poured more wine into your glass, and your phone buzzed on the floor. You picked it up, sitting up straighter the moment you saw the text.

From: Winter Is Coming

Hey. Are you awake?

“What the…” you muttered and turned the screen to Caleb and Kelsey so that they could read the text. “Is this a ‘you up’ text? Is Bucky sending me a you up text?”

“The man has to google half of the things I text him, but he’s sending you a you up text, sure.” Kelsey scoffed a laugh. “See, told you things would work out. That’s gonna be an apology text, text him back.”

You sent a quick yes, your heartbeat getting faster as Caleb grinned.

“He’s so lying in bed thinking about you, aw!”

“He’s not doing that— ” You started but you were cut off when your phone buzzed in your hand.

Do you mind stepping outside for a minute?

“Holy shit!”

“Caleb, stop shouting!”

“He’s here?!”

“Oh my God, oh my God…” You jumped on your feet, fanning yourself. “What do I do?”

“Well, you calm down,” Kelsey said, getting up as well. “And you go outside.”

“How do I look?”

“You look great.” Kelsey pulled your top down a little and wiggled her brows. “For good luck.”

You took a deep breath, fixed your hair, and rushed out of the apartment to make your way downstairs, then you stepped out of the building to find him leaning against his motorcycle. 

Goddamn it.

You were supposed to be angry at him, but somehow the butterflies in your stomach refused to listen to you.

“To repeat,” you said as you walked down the stairs and approached him. “I have a doorbell.”

“It’s 2 a.m.” Bucky replied, his eyes fixed on you, making your heart skip a beat. “I figured Caleb and Kelsey would be asleep.”

“Nope, we’re picking guys for Kelsey,” you said. “So what brings you here?”

Bucky paused for a moment and licked his lips.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he said. “About today…”

“Listen, I know you’re gonna say I should’ve told you but you need to understand—”

“I’m sorry.”

That made you stop talking and your eyes snapped up to his, a confused frown pulling your brows together. Bucky gave you an apologetic smile and cleared his throat as if he was willing to get the words out.

“I don’t like it when people hide things from me, and I…” He rubbed the back of his neck, averting his eyes from yours for a moment. “I trust you a lot, so when you—”

You shook your head fervently. “Bucky, I would never betray your trust.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” you insisted. “Because I need you to know that. I would never go behind your back and do anything to—to hurt you in any way.”

That soft light appeared in his blue eyes. “I know.”

“It’s just not who I am.”

“I know, Birdie.”

You bit inside your cheek.

“And I’m sorry too,” you muttered, pressing your palms on your eyes for a moment before dropping your hands. “I swear, something evil comes out of me whenever someone so much as mentions me being anything like him. Especially when I spent years trying to prove that I’m not.”

“I get that.”

You looked down, shifting your weight from one foot to other, then raised your head to smile up at him.

“Do you want to come in?” you asked. “You can help us pick guys for Kels, and there’s wine and snacks.”

“Tempting offer,” he said. “But I’m actually here to drop something off.”

You frowned as he reached into the box behind his motorcycle. “What? I’m pretty sure I got all the files—”

You stopped talking the moment you saw what he pulled out of the box, a gasp leaving your lips and your hands shooting up to your mouth.

Blinky.

He held out the worn out plushie for you and you gawked at him for a couple of seconds before you reached out to take it.

“Wh—how?”

“It was on my way.”

You pulled your brows together, looking down at the fox plushie before raising your glances again.

“My old apartment, which is in New York,” you said slowly, “was on your way to your home, which is in DC.”

Bucky’s lips twitched into a mischievous smile.

“Well okay, it wasn’t,” he admitted. “I just got back to the city, that’s why I texted you at this hour.”

You could feel your heart melting in your chest. “You went all the way to New York to get my childhood plushie back?”

“I still think that counts as a toy,” he pointed out as if it was crucial information. “But you said it was important to you, so…”

Don’t kiss him.

You can’t kiss him. He’s your boss, he has a girlfriend, he does not see you that way, do not kiss him.

“And if anything, I’d been wanting to talk to Max for a while now, so the toy was basically just an excuse.”

“It a plushie—” You changed directions mid-sentence. “What do you mean you talked to Max?”

The look on his face was too innocent. “We just had a conversation, that’s all.”

“About?”

“About him not making anything difficult for you. Or something along those lines.”   

The warmth swirled in the pit of your stomach, making you feel lightheaded as you beamed at him, a giggle climbing your chest.

“Bucky.” You breathed out. “I don’t know what to say...”

“Oh it’s nothing, really.”

“It’s not nothing,” you said. “It’s—it’s amazing. You’re amazing.”

That made his head snap up, his eyes searching yours while a proud smile pulled at his lips like your praise meant the world to him. It could’ve been funny if you weren’t trying so hard to control yourself from kissing him; the deadliest assassin in the world, the infamous Bucky Barnes who barely smiled at anyone, who could strike fear in anyone’s hearts with a mere glare, now had the same expression of an excited puppy who was given a treat.

His throat bobbed and he blinked a couple of times like he was trying to pull himself together, then gestured at his motorcycle. “I uh, I should go.”

You were painfully aware that you were pouting. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he said. “And hey, I’m sure you’re needed inside too. Can’t have Kelsey choose the wrong guy.”

You huffed out a laugh, hugging a plushie to your stomach and nodded.

“See you tomorrow,” you said quietly and took a couple of steps but then turned around to look at him.

“And…” You cleared your throat, your heart pacing in your chest. “Thank you. It means more than you know.”

His voice was soft: “Good night Birdie.”

He waited until you were in the building to ride away and you pressed a hand over your chest before climbing the stairs to enter your apartment.

“Hey,” Kelsey said. “How did it—is that a plushie?”

“Bucky got you a plushie?” Caleb asked, confusion clear in his tone and you looked down at the plushie, then back at them.

“Guys, we have a problem,” you rasped out, your voice weak even to your own ears. “I think I’m actually falling for him.”

[luvkimi]

satoru "i love my wife" gojo.

the man was practically a puppy nipping at your heels. when you were dating, he attempted to be less clingy at times because he didn't want to scare you off, but since you're stuck with him forever now, he has no issue clinging to you.

you both could be in public, and his arm would be around your waist the whole time. if you're looking at something, he'll hug you from behind and rest his chin on your head until you're done looking.

and also, ever since you both got married, know that you won't be addressed as anything but 'my wife' for a while.

there's no more sweet names like baby, honey, or love. it's always 'my wife', but emphasize the 'my'.

he will literally scream the 'my' part and just normally say 'wife' because he wants everyone to know that you're his.

"do you want your usual?" satoru would ask as you both walked into a cafe, and you would nod in response while he just gave you a smile. his hand was currently interlocked with yours, and with how tight he was holding it, you knew you wouldn't be able to let go any time soon. the barista looked at you both as she gifted you a smile, and she turned her attention to satoru. "what can i get you two?" "i'll have..." satoru hummed before pointing at a coffee on the screen. it couldn't even classify as coffee—it mostly looked like foam and whipped cream with a bunch of sprinkles and mochi on it. "that one." the barista nodded as she tapped on the screen in front of her, "is that all?" "also, can MY—" the cafe fell quiet with satoru's shout, and the barista just quietly laughed once you smacked his arm. yet, the man only grinned before contiuing. "can my wife have that one?" he pointed to the screen that had your usual order, and the woman nodded. "your total is twelve dollars and sixty-seven cents." "can you write 'gojo's wife' on her cup?" the barista nodded at satoru's question, and you just frowned. yet, you didn't mean the frown. more than anything, you wanted to jump into satoru's arms and laugh at his stupidity. a few minutes later, your orders came out, and on your cup read 'gojo's wife.' when you finished your drink, you cleaned out the cup and stored it in a box with all the little trinkets satoru has given you over the years.

that's also another thing about being married to satoru—he gives you random things, and you can never tell what he's going to give you next.

one day, he'll bring you your favorite flowers, and then the next day, he'll bring you a random rock he found on the ground.

the best part about that, though, is the face he makes when he gives you the trinket.

he'll have a bright grin on his face while holding out the object in both of his hands, and if his blindfold is off, his eyes are practically shining with excitement and curiosity as to how you'll react.

and trust me, he memorizes how you react. that's one of the things you love most about him. he pays attention.

if you get really happy over one gift, he'll start bringing things like that around more. if you only smile at him and thank him for the gift, expect to find those things in the trash later.

he wants all your trinkets and gifts to be things that make you insanely happy—not just meh.

though, he doesn't just pay attention to how you react over trinkets. he memorizes everything about you.

he can tell your mood from the tiniest things.

if your eye twitches even the slightest bit, he knows you're irritated and will get rid of whatever is bothering you. if the corners of your lips fall down for a split second, he knows you're upset and will try to make you laugh. if you narrow your eyes, he knows you're mad, and will try to calm you down.

the reason he does this is because he wants you to know that he does pay attention, for he never wants you to feel neglected.

another thing he does is that he will have a serious conversation with you on the oddest topics.

his tone will make people think that he's talking about the earths issues or whatnot, but in reality, he's just talking about how it's stupid some birds have wings but then they can't fly.

"what do you mean ostriches can't fly because they're too heavy? are you calling them fat?" satoru frowned at you from where he sat—slowly resting his head on the kitchen island while you rummaged through the fridge for dinner ideas. "yes, i am calling them fat. they're too heavy to fly." your answer only made satoru pout. "then why do they have wings at all!? it's like false advertising for birds—can you even call them birds at that point if they can't fly!?" "birds are defined by their wings, feathers, and beak." "okay, first of all, you're a nerd." satoru commented as you walked over to the kitchen island, and you leaned against it while staring at satoru. "and secondly, that's stupid. wings are supposed to help you fly. like, why do penguins have wings?" "they're flippers, toru." "SHUT UP! THEY LOOK LIKE WINGS!"

now, satoru does a lot of random things, but a favorite has to be when your phone camera is on.

no, not just on him, but you as well.

your selfies? most of them have him in it. it's either his hand is in a peace sign, his arm is wrapped around you, or he secretly leans his head in frame and sticks out his tongue.

your mirror photos? his arm is wrapped around your waist with his chin on your shoulder, or if he's shirtless, he will step behind you and flex.

you complain, but you always end up looking back at those photos with a smile.

now, when the camera is on him, he does take it seriously. many think he would be funny with it, but satoru knows he's handsome.

so, he has to make sure all of your photos of him are good-looking so when you look back at them—he knows you look back at them—you remember how amazing he is.

but if you asked him to be silly, he just has to do it.

not because he wants to, but because you want him to.

he'd do anything for you, which is why he's satoru 'i love my wife' gojo.

he would legally change his middle name to that if it proved to you that he is hopelessly in love with you.

a/n : someone's reblog text of one of my other writings inspired this.

comments & reblogs are appreciated !!

[bu3ck3r]

tied together – part 7

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

warning: sexual content

a/n: hi guys so sorry for this delay my finals are killing me but anyways this chapter is basically 9k words full of moments that have been happening between paige and azzi during the rest of college. enjoyy

tied together – masterlist

it was one of those sticky summer evenings in storrs where the heat still lingered, even after the sun had dropped behind the trees. the backyard of their off-campus house glowed with hanging string lights, a speaker tucked on the porch playing a low r&b playlist. someone had grilled earlier, the scent of sweet corn still hung in the air.

the uconn girls had taken over the space, lounging on blankets across the grass, plates balanced on their knees, cups of lemonade in hand. azzi was curled up on one of the big outdoor cushions, her bare legs tucked under her, laughing at something caroline had just said. her head tilted back, curls falling over her shoulder, eyes bright.

paige, sitting behind her on a low chair, leaned in and tucked a loose strand behind azzi’s ear. “that laugh right there,” she murmured just loud enough for azzi to hear, “is the reason i’m completely ruined.”

azzi shot her a look, cheeks flushed and smiling, trying not to melt completely on the spot. “you’re so dramatic.”

“nah, i’m so in love,” paige said with a wink, leaning forward to kiss her temple, not caring one bit that the team was watching—most of them pretending not to watch while watching everything.

kk whistled. “okay, we get it. you two are disgustingly in love. can someone pass me another lemonade before i throw mine at them?”

“you’re just mad you’re not invited to the azzi and paige lovefest,” ice said, tossing her a can.

“actually,” caroline added, grinning, “i think it’s kinda adorable. they’ve been like this since the season ended. like, 24/7.”

“they’re in their honeymoon phase,” nika muttered, but she was smiling too. “every time i come into the kitchen, one of them is sitting on the counter with their legs wrapped around the other.”

“liar,” azzi said, laughing now, covering her face. “she’s lying.”

“she is not lying,” paige said proudly. “i can confirm. excellent makeout spot, 10/10.”

that made everyone laugh, the kind of loud, contagious laughter that echoed into the evening. azzi threw a balled-up napkin at paige’s head. “can you not expose me for one second?”

“never,” paige said, catching the napkin and tossing it behind her. “not when you look this good.”

and she did, azzi was wearing one of paiges tshirts that barely covered her shorts, skin glowing from the heat and the warm light. paige couldn’t stop touching her, hand resting on her knee, thumb brushing slow circles on her thigh, just because she could. they stayed like that as the night stretched on, playing uno on the blanket, sharing stories, swatting away mosquitoes, paige stealing bites off azzi’s plate without asking. they didn’t need to be front and center all the time. they just liked being close. they gravitated toward each other like magnets, even when surrounded by the people they cared about.

later, when most of the team had drifted inside for dessert or showers, paige pulled azzi closer, both of them sitting on the porch step now, watching the lights blink lazily overhead.

“this has been a good summer,” paige said softly.

azzi leaned her head on paige’s shoulder. “the best. you know, i still can’t believe we’re here. i’m starting my sophomore year already, you’re starting your junior year. it feels like yesterday we were just…”

“barely talking,” paige finished, grinning.

azzi looked up at her. “thank god we figured it out.”

paige kissed her slow, right there on the porch with the scent of summer grass and grilled meat in the air. “i’d fight through every awkward month again if it meant ending up right here.”

“you’re getting soft on me,” azzi whispered against her lips.

“only for you,” paige said.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

it was almost midnight during paige’s junior year when she finally kicked off her sneakers and collapsed onto her dorm bed, the game still humming in her blood. her jersey was half on, half off, sweat-dried and wrinkled and her hair was a mess from the postgame media chaos. she didn’t care. all she wanted was one thing. her thumb hovered over azzi’s name, pink heart emoji saved beside it and then the screen filled with the dialing sound.

it took two rings.

azzi answered, already grinning, bare-faced and beautiful, wrapped in a soft hoodie with her curls pulled back into a loose bun. “hey, superstar.”

“you watched?”

“duh.” azzi’s voice was sleepy and warm. “i screamed every time you touched the ball. my whole suite probably thinks i’m insane.”

“they’d be right.” paige laughed, shifting the phone to prop it against her pillow. “you look cozy. can i teleport there?”

“please do. i made popcorn and everything.”

paige rolled onto her side, chin in hand. “i miss you so bad it’s ridiculous.”

azzi smiled, eyes softening. “i miss you more, baby.”

they didn’t say anything for a moment. just looked. azzi’s camera caught the glow of her lights behind her, soft yellow against her skin. paige’s screen flickered from the light of her desk lamp, shadows casting long across her tired face.

“you’re so pretty it makes me wanna cry,” azzi whispered.

paige snorted. “you’re just tired.”

“no,” azzi said, quiet but firm. “i mean it. i don’t think i’ve ever looked at someone the way i look at you.”

paige swallowed. “don’t do this to me right now.”

“what?”

“i’m already five seconds from crying. i had the longest day, and then you show up on my screen like that and say that shit?”

azzi smiled, eyes watery now too. “sorry. but also not sorry.”

“god, i just…” paige groaned into her pillow, “i want you here. i want to sleep next to you. i want to wake up next to you. i want to brush my teeth while you’re hogging the mirror. i want everything. it’s annoying how much i want you, princess.”

azzi’s laugh was soft and dizzy. “you sound so down bad.”

“i am down bad.”

“same.” azzi pulled the hoodie tighter around herself. “you’re my favorite person in the world.”

paige smiled, cheek pressed to the pillow. “i’m so in love with you it’s pathetic.”

“you’re not pathetic. you’re mine.”

that did it. paige blinked fast, one tear slipping out. “i can’t believe we get to love each other like this.”

“me neither.”

the screen glowed faint blue against azzi’s face, lighting up the quiet dark of her dorm room. she lay curled beneath a thick gray blanket, one leg kicked free from the heat, eyes fixed on her phone screen. paige’s face smiled back at her, all warmth and tired joy from her apartment hundreds of miles away.

“you ever think about how weird this is?” azzi whispered, her voice sleepy and dreamy. “like… we’re in two completely different places. but i still feel you.”

paige smirked, adjusting the pillow under her head. “baby, we’re like… mentally glued. spiritually attached. soul-knotted.”

“soul-knotted?” azzi giggled. “is that a new one?”

“yeah, i made it up. sounds deep, right?” paige grinned, her eyes crinkling.

azzi bit her lip. “you’re so annoying. i miss your stupid face.”

paige sat up a little, adjusting the camera so azzi could see more of her bare shoulders, messy tank top, sleep-tousled hair. “well here it is. admire away.”

“trust me, i’ve been admiring,” azzi said, eyes scanning the screen. “you’re hot. like, i’m literally in love with your collarbone.”

paige burst out laughing. “what?! my collarbone?”

“yeah. it’s so underrated. like look at that dip right there. stupid sexy.”

“you’re kind of insane, baby.”

“you love it.”

“i really do,” paige said, her tone softening. “i love how obsessed you are. i love that you call me at 1 a.m. just to stare at me like a weirdo.”

“you’re my weirdo,” azzi mumbled, eyes fluttering shut for a second.

“you falling asleep on me again?” paige whispered.

“no,” azzi lied, clearly already fading. “i’m just… soaking in your voice. your face. everything. i feel better just hearing you.”

paige exhaled, slow and full of affection. “i’d hold you if i could.”

“i know. and when we’re done with this year, we’ll have each other all the time in the summer. no more screens.”

“yeah,” paige whispered. “i can’t wait.”

they lay like that for a while, screens between them, silence soft but full. azzi eventually started humming something under her breath, the same song she always played when they were in the car together. paige closed her eyes and just listened, breathing in rhythm with her.

“can you sleep with me on the phone?” azzi asked, voice slow now, melting into the moment.

“you don’t even have to ask beautiful,” paige said, already pulling the blanket up.

“leave the camera on.”

azzi set her phone beside her pillow, her face still barely visible in the shadows. “goodnight, p.”

“goodnight, az,” paige whispered. “dream about me.”

“i always do.”

the call didn’t end. the screen dimmed, soft light casting over both of them—two girls in love, in two different beds, but sharing the same quiet night.

and neither of them slept alone.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

after not seeing each other for two weeks, paige decided to visit azzi for a weekend before her senior year starts. the second azzi cracked open the door to her apartment, paige was already on her. she dropped her duffel bag with a dull thud and pulled azzi in, pressing her whole body close in a way that said she didn’t want even air to come between them.

“i missed you so bad,” paige breathed out, her lips brushing the sensitive skin under azzi’s ear. “like… every second we were apart felt like forever.”

azzi laughed, breath catching, and buried her face in paige’s neck. “same. you’re all i thought about.” she leaned back, eyes soft. “you smell so good.”

paige’s grin was crooked, the kind of smile that made azzi’s stomach flip. “shut up and kiss me.”

and she did. they kissed right there in the doorway, paige’s hands cradling azzi’s face, thumbs brushing her cheeks like she was memorizing every inch of her. azzi melted into it, let out a quiet sigh that said everything she didn’t have words for. they broke apart, breathless and grinning, foreheads resting together.

“come inside,” azzi whispered, voice warm. she grabbed paige’s hand, pulling her over the threshold.

the weekend slipped around them like a soft blanket. mornings were spent tangled in each other, sharing sleepy smiles over coffee. paige would steal sips from azzi’s mug and smirk when azzi scolded her, pressing kisses to her temple to make her forget she was annoyed.

“you’re such a menace,” azzi teased one morning, but the way her lips curved said she loved it.

“yeah,” paige said, eyes bright. “but i’m your menace.”

afternoons meant simple things: azzi in paige’s clothes, a hoodie that hung low on her hips, the sleeves falling over her hands. she made a show of twirling in the kitchen, teasing paige. “you like this? i might never give it back.”

“you look better in it than i do,” paige admitted, pulling azzi in by the hem of the hoodie and kissing her until they were both flushed and breathless.

they cooked together—or rather, azzi cooked while paige hovered behind her, lips pressing to her shoulder blades, hands warm on her waist. “this is domestic as hell,” paige said, low and teasing in her ear.

“you like it,” azzi said.

“i love it.”

at night, they curled up on the couch, azzi’s head resting on paige’s chest, the glow of a movie playing in the background neither of them really watched. paige’s fingers moved in lazy patterns on azzi’s shoulder, her heartbeat slow and steady.

“i love this,” azzi murmured.

“me too.” paige said, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

but the night that really carved itself into their hearts was the one on the balcony. after a long walk under the stars, the city humming low in the background, they sat on a blanket wrapped around their shoulders, the world hushed around them.

“i’ve been thinking,” paige said, voice soft, breaking the quiet. she twisted a loose thread in the blanket between her fingers. “about the future.”

azzi turned her head, the dim light catching the shine in her eyes. “yeah?”

“yeah.” paige swallowed, her thumb brushing over azzi’s knuckles, slow and deliberate. “i know the league’s coming soon. i know… it’s gonna be wild. but, az… i don’t care about any of it if i don’t have you.”

azzi’s breath caught, but she didn’t look away. “paige…”

“i mean it,” paige said, voice thick. “it’s always been you. since we were kids, since we first stepped on that court together. i want this, not just the basketball, not just the wins. i want you. no matter what.”

the weight of it pressed into the night air, thick and real. azzi blinked back the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

“you know,” she said quietly, her fingers tightening around paige’s hand, “i used to wonder if we’d be able to handle it. all the distance, the schedules… but i don’t wonder anymore.” she leaned in closer, forehead against paige’s. “because i know we’re worth it. and i love you. no matter how far we are, no matter how crazy it gets.”

paige smiled, and it was the kind of smile that could light up the whole city. “promise?”

“promise,” azzi said, and sealed it with a slow, lingering kiss that tasted like certainty.

they stayed there, curled up in the chill night air, their whispered confessions weaving a spell around them. nothing else mattered, not the long months of travel, not the pressure of the next season. just them, two hearts so hopelessly tangled up in each other, both of them knowing they’d choose this love a thousand times over.

“you’re it for me, azzi,” paige whispered once more, lips brushing azzi’s ear. “i don’t care about the rest. as long as i get to come back to you, i’ll always be okay.

and azzi, smiling through tears, whispered it back: “same. always.”

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

it was almost 2 a.m. paige and azzi were in new york for some separate brand shoots so they decided to stay in an apartment together. azzi was still editing a brand deal reel on her laptop, cross-legged on the couch in one of paige’s old t-shirts. the light from the screen lit her face soft and pale.

paige walked in wearing just a hoodie and socks, hair wild from sleep, rubbing her eyes. “you still working?”

“just about done,” azzi said, not looking up. “i’m trying to cut this clip so i don’t look like a robot.”

paige grinned and flopped onto the couch beside her. “you could look like a duck waddling and you’d still be the hottest person alive.”

“wow. inspiring.”

“come to bed,” paige whispered, dragging a hand slowly up azzi’s bare thigh. “or i’ll carry you.”

“you won’t.”

“ight bet.”

she moved over azzi in a blur, laptop scooped up and set gently on the coffee table before paige pinned her down against the cushions with a smirk. “you asked for it.”

azzi laughed breathlessly, flushed and breath catching. “paige—”

but paige was already kissing her—slow, deep, her fingers trailing under azzi’s shirt like she was memorizing her. azzi’s hands curled in the back of paige’s hoodie as their laughter turned into gasps. they didn’t stop until the early light crept across the window and their limbs were tangled together under the throw blanket. skin against skin, heartbeat against heartbeat.

“don’t ever leave,” azzi mumbled, half-asleep.

“never,” paige whispered back.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

it started with a missed facetime.

paige was two hours late calling azzi back, something that didn’t usually happen, not without a heads-up, not without a reason. but tonight, everything felt heavy. she was drained from practice, her knee sore again, her mind fogged from back-to-back film and barely enough sleep.

azzi’s name lit up her screen as she finally sank into bed.

5 missed calls. 2 new texts.

are you okay?

paige?

guilt pressed in on her chest. she sighed and called back.

azzi picked up on the third ring. her face filled the screen, tired, eyes guarded. she was in her dorm room, hair pulled up, hoodie too big for her frame. she looked soft and serious, and it made paige’s stomach twist.

“hey,” paige said, trying to smile.

“hey,” azzi echoed, flat.

paige rubbed at her temple. “i’m sorry. today was a mess.”

azzi stayed quiet for a second. “you could’ve said that. a text. something.”

“i know. i just… forgot.” the moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

azzi’s eyebrows lifted, her voice cool. “you forgot?”

“az, i didn’t mean it like that. i meant i got overwhelmed.”

azzi looked away from the camera, the way she did when she was trying not to say something she’d regret. “you’ve been overwhelmed a lot lately.”

“since i’m a super senior people have a lot of expectations and it’s hard for me sometimes, you know that, baby.”

“i’m not asking you for hours of your day,” azzi said, her voice tight now. “just ten minutes. one call. some kind of sign that i still matter even when you’re buried in all of it.”

that hit paige harder than she expected. “of course you matter, what are you even saying?”

“i don’t know,” azzi murmured, eyes still offscreen. “maybe i’m just tired of always waiting for you to make space for me.”

that did it.

paige sat up straighter, heart pounding. “that’s not fair.”

“isn’t it?”

“you think i don’t want to be with you every second? you think i don’t hate the distance just as much as you do?”

azzi’s jaw clenched, voice rising a little. “i think i’m trying, paige. and you’re shutting me out.”

the silence that followed was so loud it rang.

“i can’t do this right now,” paige whispered finally, swallowing hard.

“yeah,” azzi said, just as quietly. “me neither.”

and then she hung up.

three days passed.

three days of scrolling past her name. of typing out messages and deleting them. of paige staying late in the gym even when her legs ached, because thinking too long meant feeling too much. azzi, meanwhile, spent hours in the training room and at team events, never saying much, but always seeming one second from unraveling.

on the fourth night paige couldn’t take it anymore.

she typed.

i hate this.

“i miss you so bad it makes me feel sick.

please call me, baby.

fifteen seconds passed.

then her screen lit up. incoming facetime: azzi💗

she picked up instantly.

azzi’s face appeared in the dim light of her dorm. her eyes were red. she’d been crying. but her voice was soft.

“i’m still mad.”

“you’re allowed,” paige said, voice shaking. “i was an asshole. i get stuck in my own head and i take it out on the person who loves me most. and i hate that i made you feel like you don’t matter, because you matter more than anything.”

azzi wiped at her cheek, but didn’t look away. “i just need to know we’re still in this. even with the distance. even when it’s hard.”

“we are, az,” paige said. “always.”

“you promise?”

paige held up her pinky to the screen. “promise.”

azzi let out a breathy laugh through her tears, eyes crinkling at the edges. “i missed your dumb face.”

“i missed your dumb everything.”

“you’re lucky i love you,” azzi said, wiping her nose.

“i know,” paige grinned. “you gonna yell at me again, or can i tell you all the stuff i’ve been holding in the past three days?”

“depends,” azzi smirked. “how flirty are you feeling?”

“dangerously.”

azzi laughed, the kind that warmed paige through the screen.

they stayed on for hours that night, not trying to fix everything at once, but just finding their way back.

because they couldn’t not.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

azzi had a few days off so she planned a surprise to visit paige.

the door creaked open just past midnight, and paige’s heart nearly burst out of her chest. she’d just finished icing her knee when she turned and saw azzi standing there, duffle bag over her shoulder, grinning wide and tired and perfect.

“surprise,” azzi said softly.

paige dropped the ice pack and ran into her arms so fast, they nearly knocked into the wall behind them.

“how…what are you…azzi!”

“had a few days off. caught the last flight,” azzi murmured into paige’s shoulder, squeezing her so tight it was like she needed to convince herself it was real. “couldn’t go another week without you.” paige said into her hair, holding her just as tightly. “i missed you so bad.”

“you didn’t tell me—”

“i wanted to see your face when you opened the door.”

azzi pulled back just enough to grab paige’s face in both hands. her thumbs brushed over paige’s cheeks, and then their lips crashed together, fast and hungry and messy. it wasn’t soft, not at first, it was urgent. mouths open, breath caught between them, the kind of kiss that says i needed this, i needed you.

“god,” paige groaned, pushing her fingers into paige’s hair. “you’re real. you’re here.”

“i couldn’t wait any longer,” azzi whispered, hands already slipping under paige’s oversized t-shirt, tracing the warm skin of her lower back. “i was losing it without you.”

“same,” paige said, breathless as azzi pushed her gently back toward the bed.

they didn’t talk much after that, they didn’t need to. they moved in a rhythm, slow and full of intention. paige brought azzi to her bed, the dorm room barely lit, the air heavy with quiet need. they lay tangled under the covers, paige stroking her fingers through azzi’s curls, azzi tracing the line of paige’s jaw, both of them memorizing the details all over again.

“you smell like the plane,” paige whispered, nose pressed to azzi’s neck.

“shut up.”

“make me.”

they kissed like they’d been starving—like weeks of distance and stress had built to this one exact second. it wasn’t rushed,it wasn’t messy. it was deep, slow, emotional, and when they broke apart, their foreheads rested together like it hurt to be even an inch apart.

“i missed you so bad it made me sick,” azzi said.

“i know,” paige replied, brushing her thumb under azzi’s eye. “me too.”

they fell into the mattress, limbs tangled, lips pressed together again—deeper, more deliberate. azzi curled her legs around paige’s waist, hands roaming over her back, tracing the familiar muscles through the thin cotton of her hoodie.

paige pulled away just enough to yank the hoodie off, her hair a little wild, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. “you look so good right now,” she murmured, letting her hands roam over azzi’s waist, her ribs, her hips. “you’re driving me insane.”

“you’re not even trying to be subtle,” azzi laughed softly, pulling her shirt off in return, tossing it somewhere behind her.

“i’m not,” paige grinned, dipping down to kiss her collarbone, her shoulder, her throat. “i missed this so much. missed you”

they kissed again, slower this time—but no less intense. paige hovered above her, their bodies pressed together, her hands never still. fingers danced along azzi’s skin, teasing, trailing, pulling little sounds from her that made paige’s breath hitch every time.

“i thought about this every night,” azzi whispered between kisses, nails gently scratching down paige’s back. “how good your hands feel. how safe it feels when you’re wrapped around me.”

“you’re mine,” paige breathed into her ear, her voice lower, more possessive. “every inch of you.”

“then prove it,” azzi whispered back, tugging her close again.

they rolled together, kissing like they couldn’t stop—like time didn’t exist for them. hands explored and mouths tasted and neither of them wanted to come up for air. laughter spilled between the kisses too, and teasing words, and the soft sound of paige whispering “i love you” over and over like a prayer against azzi’s skin.

later, when they finally calmed, wrapped up in the sheets, faces close and bodies flush, azzi let out a long, contented sigh and pressed a kiss to paige’s cheek.

“this was worth every second apart,” she said softly

paige brushed a thumb across azzi’s lower lip, her eyes full of something deep and unshakable. “never again,” she whispered. “i’m staying as close as i can from now on.”

they curled into each other, legs tangled under the blankets, foreheads touching. and even though the world outside kept spinning, in that tiny dorm room, everything else fell away. they talked late into the night, about games and injuries and teammates and everything in between. but more than that, they just were. in each other’s space, in sync, wrapped up in a love that had only grown stronger since they first met.

it wasn’t just a visit. it was proof. proof they could survive anything.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

the gym was quiet except for the steady echo of sneakers on polished hardwood and the rhythmic bounce of a basketball. thick rays of golden summer afternoon sunlight streamed through the high windows, slicing across the court and making the dust in the air glow like flecks of gold.

paige wiped the sweat from her brow with the hem of her tank top, catching azzi’s eyes as she did. she smirked. “you staring again, az?”

azzi didn’t even pretend to look away. she stood at the top of the key, spinning the ball lazily, the neckline of her own shirt damp from their exhausting workout. “you wish. maybe i was just admiring your terrible form.”

“terrible?” paige arched a brow, jogging up to her with a slow grin. “is that what we’re doing today? lying on the court?”

azzi laughed and tossed the ball to her chest. “prove me wrong then.”

“bet.”

they slipped into one-on-one, both of them locked in—no cameras, no noise. just them, like it had been for years now. paige would pivot and azzi was already cutting her off. azzi would fake left and paige’s hand was there, playful, relentless.

paige finally scored, falling back on a smooth step-back jumper that arced high and kissed the net clean. she pointed at azzi, smug. “that’s called muscle memory.”

“that’s called getting lucky,” azzi countered, but her smile gave her away.

they both stood there for a moment, catching their breath, sweat beading down their temples. paige walked over and bumped azzi’s hip with hers. “admit it,” she said. “you love practicing with me.”

“maybe,” azzi said, drawing it out. “maybe i also love how you always smell like fresh laundry after.”

“romantic,” paige deadpanned, reaching out to brush a sweaty curl from azzi’s cheek. “you should write that in a card.”

azzi bit her lip, looking down at paige’s hand still resting lightly on her jaw. “maybe i’ll do something better.”

“oh yeah?”

“yeah.” azzi hesitated for a breath, and then looked up, her voice softer. “come on a date with me tonight.”

paige blinked. “wait, you’re asking me?”

“yup,” azzi said, leaning in, that confident smile returning. “i booked it already. dinner’s at seven. dresscode is casual but you should still look hot. for me.”

“you don’t think i always look hot for you?” paige grinned, heart racing in that specific way azzi always made it race—like even after all this time, she still found new ways to make paige fall harder.

“of course you do, honey,” azzi said, brushing their noses together gently. “but i want tonight to be special, just us. i missed being with you like this.”

paige’s smile softened. “yeah. me too.”

they kissed then, warm and slow, just a press of sweat-slick lips and the sun painting long shadows around them. paige’s hands settled at azzi’s waist, anchoring her, while azzi curled her fingers around the back of paige’s neck, holding her in place like she never wanted her to leave.

and for a while, they didn’t move. not until the sound of a ball rolling toward them reminded them where they were. they broke apart reluctantly, but their hands stayed laced.

“i’m not changing,” paige said, eyes still half-lidded and dreamy. “you’re taking me to dinner like this.”

“then you’re buying dessert,” azzi said, laughing as she pulled her toward the locker room.

“you’re my dessert,” paige muttered under her breath, smug.

azzi rolled her eyes, but her blush betrayed her. “i heard that.”

“i wanted you to.”

the summer air outside their place was thick with heat and the scent of jasmine from a candle they lit earlier. golden hour melted over the city touching the edges of every rooftop, every passing car, every heartbeat. inside, the apartment buzzed with soft music and the low buzz of a fan spinning in the corner.

paige sat on the edge of the bed, lacing her sneakers, already dressed in a clean white tee and soft light green cargos that fit her just right. her hair was still damp from the quick shower she’d taken after their workout, strands curling gently against her forehead. after she sprayed herself with a valentino perfume that azzi loved so much, she looked up from tying the knot on her laces and froze.

“baby,” she whispered.

azzi stood by the closet mirror in a soft, sleeveless olive green dress that clung to her skin like it had been painted on—hugged every line of her body, the neckline just low enough, the hem dancing mid-thigh. her curls were slicked back in a ponytail, silver hoops glistening and lip gloss shimmering with a soft sheen.

“what?” azzi asked innocently, checking her makeup. “is it too much?”

“too much?” paige stood, walked up behind her, their reflections now side by side. she placed her hands on azzi’s hips and leaned in close, mouth brushing azzi’s ear. “you’re gonna make us late. i won’t even make it out the door.”

azzi smiled, cheeks warming, but her eyes didn’t leave the mirror. “then maybe i’ll change.”

paige spun her gently to face her. “you’ll do no such thing.” she kissed her once, then again, a little deeper. “you’re perfect. dangerously so.”

azzi grinned against her lips, looping her arms around paige’s neck. “then let’s go before you ruin my dress.”

they were tucked into a corner booth of a quiet italian place—brick walls lined with flickering candles, ivy creeping up the edges of the windows, a warm orange glow spilling over the wine glasses between them. the place buzzed softly with couples talking low, clinking glasses, the smell of rosemary and garlic floating through the air.

paige was already halfway through a breadstick, watching azzi try to decide between two pastas. “you’ve looked at that menu for fifteen minutes,” she teased, dipping the bread into olive oil.

“because they both sound good and i don’t want to regret it,” azzi pouted, finally settling on the risotto—until the food came, and she changed her mind immediately.

“can we switch?” she asked sweetly, eyes wide.

paige blinked at her plate of linguine. “you already started yours.”

“please?” azzi leaned across the table, brushed paige’s hand with her fingers, lips curling just slightly. “you love me.”

paige sighed dramatically but swapped plates. “you’re lucky you’re my princess.”

“i know.” azzi forked into the pasta happily. “and i knew this one was better.”

“then why didn’t you order it?”

“keeps things interesting.” azzi said with a shrug.

they fell into that easy rhythm—slow bites between laughter and eye contact that lingered just a little too long. paige watched azzi twirl pasta, lips glossed and glowing, cheeks slightly flushed from the wine and the warmth.

at one point, azzi ran her foot along paige’s calf under the table.

“azzi,” paige warned, her voice already lower.

“what?” azzi blinked, teasing. “i’m just stretching.”

“mmm sure you are,” paige leaned in, fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. “keep doing that and i’m gonna pull you into the bathroom and make sure you know what stretching really feels like.”

azzi’s breath caught, her gaze faltering for the briefest second. “you wouldn’t.”

“try me,” paige said, smirking.

azzi bit her lip, clearly enjoying the tension, the game, how close they always hovered to that edge. she reached across and let her hand settle on paige’s knee, thumb brushing slowly back and forth.

“you make it really hard to focus on my food,” azzi murmured, eyes darkening just enough.

“then don’t,” paige said simply. “focus on me.”

outside, night had finally fallen. fairy lights wrapped around the restaurant’s small patio fence, casting soft glows along the sidewalk. and inside, in that quiet booth, paige and azzi leaned closer and closer, until their knees touched and their hands were tangled between plates, and all that existed was each other.

the car was quiet but full with tension. azzi sat in the passenger seat, her legs crossed, one heel dangling off her foot as she scrolled through the music. paige had one hand on the wheel, the other…well, the other kept drifting. fingertips skimming over azzi’s bare thigh. light at first, a brush. a graze. but she didn’t stop.

“paige,” azzi warned softly, voice already shifting—breathier, lower, laced with need. “you’re gonna get us killed.”

“i’m fine,” paige murmured, eyes on the road, but her mouth curved into a smile. her fingers traced higher, pressing just under the hem of the dress. “you just looked too good tonight. it’s your fault.”

“you’ve been touching me all night.”

“don’t pretend you don’t get off on me needing you this bad.” paige said, glancing over for just a second, enough to meet azzi’s eyes.

azzi bit her lip, thighs shifting under paige’s hand, chasing more contact without even realizing it. “pull over.”

“we’re five minutes from home.”

“then drive faster,” azzi said, her voice a near-whimper.

the door barely had time to close behind them before azzi spun, grabbing paige’s shirt and pulling her into a hard, desperate kiss. the kind that knocked the air from both of their lungs. hands all over—paige’s gripping azzi’s hips, azzi’s nails already sliding under the hem of her shirt, raking over her stomach.

“bedroom,” paige growled against her lips, her voice a low command that sent a shiver down azzi’s spine. azzi nodded breathlessly, fingers fisting in the fabric of paige’s shirt, and let paige steer her down the hall.

the bedroom was bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp, the air heavy with anticipation. paige paused, her eyes flicking to the mirror across from the bed, then back to azzi with a smirk.

“sit,” she ordered, her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned, pulling azzi with her until they were both lying on the bed. azzi found herself pressed against paige’s back, her breath catching as she realized they were facing the full-length mirror on the wall.

“look at us,” paige murmured, leaning to brush her lips over azzi’s neck. “look how perfect you are.”

azzi’s cheeks flushed as she glanced at the mirror, seeing their reflections intertwined. paige’s blonde hair contrasted sharply with azzi’s dark curls, their bodies pressed together in a way that felt both intimate and raw. paige’s gaze was hot and possessive, her hands sliding down azzi’s arms, then back up to toy with her dress.

“i love you so fucking much.” paige whispered, her breath hot against azzi’s skin as she began to kiss her way down her neck. azzi gasped softly, her hands tangling in paige’s hair as she tilted her head back, exposing more of her neck. paige’s lips left a trail of hickeys, marking azzi as hers, and azzi couldn’t suppress the moan that escaped her lips.

“paige…” she breathed, her voice trembling with need.

“shh,” paige murmured, her hands roaming over azzi’s body, tracing the curves of her breasts, the dip of her waist. “i got you.”

azzi’s eyes fluttered closed as paige’s touch became more insistent, her fingers teasing the hem of azzi’s dress. but before she could pull it off, azzi grabbed her wrist, her voice urgent. “i need you, paige. now.”

“this dress is dangerous,” paige muttered, yanking it up.

“you’ve said that like three times,” azzi whispered.

“and i’ll say it again. now take it off.” paige whispered, a single word that had azzi’s pulse stuttering.

azzi didn’t hesitate. she shimmied out of the dress, baring smooth skin to paige’s greedy hands.

paige’s palms were warm, firm, gliding over her shoulders, down her arms, then up again to cup her jaw. she tilted azzi’s head slightly, lips brushing her ear. “keep your eyes on the mirror, baby. i want you to see how good you look for me.”

azzi swallowed, a soft sound escaping her as paige’s hands slid down to her waist, thumbs tracing teasing circles. she could see it all in the mirror—paige behind her, tall and steady, azzi’s own body leaning back into her touch, lips parted in a silent plea.

“you’re so pretty,” paige murmured, fingers slipping just under the edge of azzi’s bra, teasing the skin there. “and so damn responsive.”

azzi whimpered, hips shifting instinctively, seeking more. paige just chuckled, the sound warm and low. “be patient, mama.” she said, even as her hands drifted lower, knuckles brushing the tops of azzi’s thighs.

“paige,” azzi breathed, her voice shaky, needy. paige met her eyes in the mirror, a wicked glint in her gaze.

“eyes on me,” she ordered softly, her hands slipping around to undo the clasp of azzi’s bra, letting it fall away. “don’t look away.”

azzi bit her lip, her breath quickening as paige’s hands explored—fingers skimming up her stomach, over the soft swell of her breasts, teasing her nipples with feather-light touches that had her squirming. in the mirror, she could see it all: the way her own body arched into paige’s touch, the possessive look in paige’s eyes, the soft flush spreading across her skin.

paige’s lips found her neck, sucking a mark just below her ear. “so perfect,” she murmured, her hands sliding lower, fingertips tracing the edge of azzi’s panties. “so mine.”

azzi let out a shaky moan, her hips lifting in silent plea. paige’s touch grew more insistent, one hand pressing azzi’s hips down while the other teased, each brush of her fingertips sending sparks through azzi’s veins.

“paige, please,” azzi gasped, her voice ragged. paige’s eyes met hers in the mirror, and she smiled—a soft, tender smile that made azzi’s chest ache.

“look at yourself,” paige said, her voice a soft command. “look how gorgeous you are like this. i want you to see everything i’m giving you.”

azzi’s eyes locked onto her reflection, and she watched as paige’s fingers moved rhythmically, her touch sending waves of pleasure through her body. paige’s other hand moved to azzi’s clit, rubbing it in slow, circular motions, and azzi’s breath hitched. “oh god…” she moaned, her head falling back against paige’s shoulder.

“that’s it,” paige murmured, her lips brushing against azzi’s ear. “let it build. i’ve got you.” azzi’s moans grew louder, her body arching into paige’s touch as the pleasure intensified. she could feel her orgasm building, a coil tightening in her core, and she knew she was close. her moans were loud, unrestrained, and she froze, her eyes widening in panic.

paige seemed to sense her hesitation, her hand moving swiftly to azzi’s throat, holding her gently but firmly. she whispered, her voice commanding. “mhmm let me hear you, cum for me, princess.”

azzi’s breath caught, her eyes locked with paige’s in the mirror, each movement pushing azzi closer to the edge. her reflection was flushed, lips parted, eyes wide and wild.

“stay with me,” paige murmured, her breath warm against azzi’s neck. “let me see you come apart.”

azzi’s hands gripped the edge of the bed, her body trembling, gasps turning into broken moans as paige pushed her higher, harder, until she was right there—on the cusp, falling, her name a desperate cry on azzi’s lips.

azzi collapsed back against paige’s chest, breath ragged, body trembling. paige held her close, one hand stroking her hair, the other rubbing soft circles into her hip. the pressure of paige’s hand on her throat, combined with the relentless rhythm of her fingers, sent azzi over the edge. her body trembled as she climaxed, her moans muffled but no less intense. she watched herself in the mirror, her face flushed, her eyes closed in ecstasy, and she felt a deep connection to paige, to this moment.

when she finally came, it was with her eyes locked on paige’s in the mirror, the world narrowing to just them—the heat of paige’s touch, the possessive grip of her hands, the soft words she murmured over and over:

i’ve got you. you’re mine. so beautiful.

as her orgasm subsided, azzi collapsed against paige, her breath ragged. paige’s hand released her throat, and she turned azzi to face her, kissing her softly, tenderly. “you’re incredible,” azzi murmured, her fingers tracing paige’s cheek.

“good girl,” she whispered, kissing azzi’s temple. “you did so good.”

azzi pulled back just enough to whisper, “my turn.” her voice was soft but laced with hunger, her eyes dark and steady. paige swallowed, her heart thundering in her chest at the promise in those two words.

paige let azzi guide her back onto the bed, her shoulders sinking into the mattress as azzi leaned over paige, her hands were already working at paige’s shirt, fingers quick and eager, pushing it up and over her head. paige let her, skin prickling under azzi’s touch, breath hitching as azzi’s fingertips traced along the edge of her bra.

azzi paused, sitting back just enough to look down at her, her lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. “you’re so beautiful like this,” she said, her voice husky. paige felt her pulse skip at the heat in azzi’s gaze, at the way she looked at her like she was something to be worshipped. azzi leaned down, pressing soft kisses to the hollow of paige’s throat, then lower, teeth grazing lightly against her collarbone. paige let out a shaky breath, her hands coming up to tangle in azzi’s hair, needing something to hold onto as azzi’s mouth mapped a slow, deliberate path over her skin.

“azzi,” paige murmured, her voice rough with need. azzi just smiled against her chest, her breath warm and teasing.

“shh,” she whispered. “lemme take care of you.”

her hands slid lower, skimming over the curve of paige’s waist, thumbs pressing into her hips with a possessive firmness. she kissed her way lower, every brush of her lips sending a spark through paige’s veins, until paige was arching up into her touch, a low moan slipping out.

azzi smiled, her shyness returning slightly, but she nodded, determined to return the favor. she shifted positions, kneeling between paige’s legs as paige lay back on the bed. paige’s eyes darkened with desire as azzi’s hands moved to her boxers, pulling them off slowly, her fingers brushing against paige’s bare skin.

azzi took her time, every movement deliberate, every touch electric. she pulled back just enough to look up at paige, her eyes dark and warm. “look at me,” she said softly, her hands resting on paige’s thighs. “i want you to watch me.”

paige met her gaze, her breath coming in shallow gasps as azzi’s fingers began teasing along the inside of her thighs. azzi leaned in, her mouth finding the sensitive skin at paige’s hip, pressing kisses that made paige’s breath catch and her back arch off the bed. azzi’s hands were sure and confident, her touch both tender and demanding. she moved with a slow, deliberate rhythm, drawing out every gasp, every tremor. paige let herself sink into it, her hands fisting in the sheets, her body alive under azzi’s touch.

“take your time,” paige said, her voice low and inviting. azzi leaned forward, her lips pressing kisses along paige’s thighs, her breath teasing her core. paige let out a soft gasp as azzi’s tongue finally made contact, her touch gentle but purposeful. “oh shit—fuck” she moaned, her hands tangling in azzi’s hair.

azzi’s tongue moved slowly, savoring every inch of paige’s body. she listened to paige’s guidance, her moans, her whispered encouragement, and she felt a surge of pride as paige’s pleasure became her own. paige’s hands gripped the sheets, her body arching off the bed as azzi’s mouth worked its magic. “that’s it, baby,” paige breathed. “don’t stop.”

azzi didn’t stop. she continued until paige’s body shook with her orgasm, her cries of pleasure filling the room. when paige finally tipped over the edge, it was with a soft cry, her eyes locked on azzi’s as pleasure pulsed through her in waves. azzi held her through it, her touch gentle, her mouth soft against her skin. as paige’s breathing slowed, azzi leaned up, kissing her softly, their lips meeting in a tender embrace. “i love you,” paige whispered, her eyes locked on azzi’s.

“i love you too,” azzi replied, her voice soft but sure.

after, azzi climbed back up, kissing her slow and deep, her hands cradling paige’s face. paige let out a shaky breath, her arms wrapping around azzi’s waist, pulling her close.

“you’re incredible,” paige murmured, her voice still husky with the remnants of her climax.

azzi just smiled, pressing her forehead to paige’s. “you’re mine,” she whispered back, her lips brushing against paige’s with each word.

paige let out a soft laugh, breathless and content, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on azzi’s back. “always.”

they lost themselves in each other—fast, deep, and burning. every kiss, every breath, every shift of hips and whispered word said one thing louder than anything else:

i missed you. i need you. i love you.

the room smelled like sweat and something warm, alive. azzi lay stretched across paige’s chest now, both of them sunk into the cushions, skin damp, bodies humming. paige traced lazy circles along azzi’s spine. azzi nuzzled into her neck, kissed her collarbone just because.

“if you keep dressing like that,” paige mumbled, “we’re never making it out in public again.”

azzi laughed sleepily. “you love it.”

“i love you.”

azzi smiled, eyes fluttering shut, hand resting over paige’s heart. “i love you more.”

“impossible,” paige whispered. “but you’re welcome to try and prove it again tomorrow.”

azzi just sighed, content, letting herself sink even deeper into paige’s arms.

the years sped by in snapshots, each one cementing their bond, shaping the women they were becoming. draft day was getting closer, the moment they had worked for, dreamed about, and fought to reach.

it all started during usa basketball u16 tryouts. the air was dry, thin, and buzzing with nerves. paige walked into the gym with that calm confidence, the kind that made heads turn. she had her bag slung over one shoulder, eyes scanning the courts like she already knew she belonged. and she did.

azzi was already shooting on one of the side baskets, locked in. her jumper was smooth. too smooth. paige noticed immediately, not because she was flashy, but because every shot looked like it had been taken a thousand times. it reminded paige of herself.

they were put on the same team for the first scrimmage. it didn’t take more than five possessions for them to start reading each other like a book. no-look passes, perfectly timed cuts, backdoor reads. they played like they had grown up on the same block, like they had been playing together for years. by the end of practice, coaches were raising eyebrows. one of them even said, “those two play like they’ve got some type of telepathy.”

afterward, sweaty and still catching their breath, paige tossed a water bottle over to azzi. “you hoop like you’re in the league already,” she said, half-grinning.

azzi laughed. “you too. i was trying to keep up.”

they sat side by side on the bench, shoulders brushing, not really talking for a few minutes. just existing in the same space. their chemistry on the court had spilled off of it in the quietest, most natural way.

that week was long. drills, scrimmages, meetings, but they always found each other. not in a forced way. it just happened. and they were always laughing and leaning into each other like they’d found something rare and didn’t want to let go. it wasn’t romantic back then. it was just easy. it was trust. and maybe a little awe.

on the last night, before cuts, they sat outside the dorms under a flickering streetlamp. paige had her knees pulled to her chest. azzi was stretched out next to her, staring at the stars.

“no matter what happens tomorrow,” azzi said, “i’m really glad we met.”

paige looked over. her heart thumped, just once, a little harder than usual. “same. i think we’re gonna see a lot of each other in the future.”

and they would—just not in the ways they imagined.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

paige and azzi sat side by side on the worn leather couch, the hum of new york city buzzing faintly beyond the windows. it was quiet here, a calm pause in the storm of their lives.

“can you believe it?” paige whispered, tracing the edge of a photo where they both smiled. “four years. it feels like yesterday we were just two kids figuring everything out.”

azzi’s eyes glistened with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. “yeah. and look at us now. from those early days of barely talking after i committed, to this… this crazy beautiful life we’ve built.” she reached for paige’s hand, squeezing it gently. “i’m so proud of us. of you.”

paige smiled, leaning into the touch. “me too. all the late nights, the injuries, the pressure, you were always my anchor. the reason i kept going.”

they sat in silence, the weight of their shared memories settling around them. games won and lost, championships fought for, setbacks faced, and breakthroughs celebrated. four years of growth on and off the court. four years of building a love that only grew stronger through every challenge.

“the draft’s tomorrow,” azzi said softly, breaking the quiet. “i keep thinking about what comes next. new city, new teams… what if we get separated?”

paige shook her head firmly, eyes locking on azzi’s. “we won’t. no matter what happens, we’re in this together—none of it matters if we have each other.”

azzi smiled through the tears gathering again. “promise?”

“promise,” paige whispered, pulling her close.

the moment stretched, filled with unspoken vows and fierce love—the kind that no draft pick or city could ever touch.

[el4ise]

I’M GONNA SHUT YOUR MOUTH, PUNK!

feat. ⤷ lads li’s x reader

genre / cw’s ⤷ fluff, swearing, lads guys get MAD esp caleb :'p

✦ you were just mindin’ your own business when someone calls you out. oops.. bad idea!

𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗹

you were at the beach with rafayel, he offered to take pictures of you since you were wearing the bathing suit he’d bought you, which he thought you looked insanely good in. he told you to just be yourself, and instruct him if you needed to—he knew he wasn’t the best photographer. this wasn’t his form of art anyway.

“raf, could you tilt the camera a ’lil? yes like that! okay... now uhm, move to the side a bit- okay good.” admist your small instructions, rafayel’s eardrums bang to the sound of a man commenting. “gosh, that woman’s a commander. it’s just a picture why try that hard? ha! so annoying.” you wondered why rafayel suddenly stopped and dropped the camera down.

the voices of the waves covering the man’s inappropriate comment. suddenly, rafayel storms at his way. the man turns around, confused as to why a sudden purple haired boy is marching at him, before he could react, his ears were suddenly pinched & twisted— hard. his comrads could barely react either, not knowing what to do.

“for your information— her instructions are clear and precise. photography is a form of art that isn’t made with just a few simple clicks. I suppose you don’t know that since your brain is too fogged up meddling with others. bastard.” he lets go of the guy’s ear, looking painfully red.

he then grabs your wrist and gently drags you away. “c’mon cutie, i’ll mame thomas set a schedule for us. I’ll do a whole photoshoot of your beauty.”

𝘀𝘆𝗹𝘂𝘀

he took you to a shoe shop, letting you pick whatever heels you wanted. though he wonders why you wouldn’t just tell him to buy everything. all of it looks good on you anyway. still, he lets you pick the right one.

“what do you think about this one, sy? it has a red bottom which I love, but this other one.. has the higher heel I was looking for! but not the red bottoms. I don’t really know what I should pick.” you show him both the heels, he gives out his opinions. “why not get them both, sweetie?” you pouted. “I don’t like having many shoes.. it’s hard to pick for a certain occasion. so I just want one.” he nodded.

“jeez. indecisive people are so annoying. why can’t you just pick one? it’s not that hard.” he hears the saleslady speak, and he suddenly gazes to her, one that doesn’t need any words. she stills in her spot, a sudden shiver runs down her spine.

“the way your mouth runs is like cutlery grinding on a plate. it irks me how brash you talk about my wife yet you can’t even afford one of these even if you wanted to.” you gasp at sylus’s sudden defense, you sigh though— he defends you without a doubt. “let’s go, kitten. this brand was far too cheap for my liking anyway.”

𝘅𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿

he booked a 5-star hotel for the both of you since there was a day-off at the hunter’s association— and the next day is a saturday. you were politely asking for some things to be added in your room.

“uh yes, we’d like an extra comforter on the bed, a few more bathroom amenities, since he forgot his. and a pair of home slippers. oh and we’ll order our dinner a little later. thank you so much!” you then go and check your purse, checking if all your stuff are there. the front desk lady then sighs, mutters something under her breath, among the lines of, “jeez so many requests, how annoying.” one that went unnoticed by you— but definitely not xavier.

“excuse me, is there a problem?” xavier speaks up, catching the attention of both you and her. “from what it looks like you’re the person at the front desk. so, it’s your job to tend to our requests and why are you acting like this is your first time? my girlfriend told you politely and I ask for you to attain to that nicely as well..” his speech made the lady freeze in her position. unable to act. “..or we’ll find some other place that’ll treat us well– and i’ll have a word with your manager.”

𝘇𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲

you were waiting for zayne to finish up some documents at the hospital. phone on speaker as he listened to you talk. “..just please hurry up, okay? I miss you.” he lets out a hum, “mhm. I miss you too, darling.” suddenly he hears one of the interns mumble. “pfft. that kind of clingyness is annoying.” thankfully the sound was too quiet to be heard on call by you, but zayne wasn’t having it. “.. actually, I’m done here, honey. I’ll be home in five. love you.” he says before hanging up, hearing your quick “wait, huh-” reaction. as he packed his stuff and marched towards the door, his eyes glanced to the intern with a cold glare. one that made him shiver.

when he got home, he showered you with so much affection. it made you curious. “why the sudden affection, zayne?” you giggle as he peppered your cheek with light kisses. “mm, nothing. I jus’ love your clingyness s’much.. thought i’d return the favor.”

the night went on with zayne spoiling you. the next few weeks the intern wasn’t to be seen around akso ever again.

𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗯

he treated you to an arcade date after finally becoming caleb-the-boyfriend and not caleb the big bad colonel. you’ve spent around 5 minutes on the same claw machine— trying to get the green & red apple plushie that was holding hands. it reminded you of him and you.

you were already pouting, sulking because of the amount of tokens you’ve spent attempting to get that damn plushie. you whine, “ugh! I’m so upset claw machines are so rigged! I hate this.” you hear a man scoff from not far out, “god girls and their silly tantrums these days are so annoyi—” before he could continue, he felt a strong force pull his lips shut. “god ignorant strangers these days are so annoying. don’t ya think, pips?” he glances at you, then back at the guy with a dark gaze. you could only gulp and grip caleb’s hand, gesturing him to stop. he then stops his evol, the man rubs his mouth in relief. he pulls your wrist and drags you. “c’mon pipsqueak. I’ll treat you to ramen.” you nod, thankfully you didn’t see the last look he spared to the guy. muttering “you should be lucky my girlfriend told me to stop or else, you wouldn’t be able to talk for the rest of your life. "+

© el4ise ✦ do not repost or translate.

tags ──── @nishikio, @jeondyy, @ruenaie

[lazysoulwriter]

what we see in him – pedro pascal .✦

requested! thank you. content: fluff, emotional vulnerability, bonding with Lux Pascal, soft Pedro mentions, loving family energy

---

It was one of those slow afternoons in Pedro’s apartment — the kind that smelled like old books and warm coffee, with the distant hum of traffic outside and the softest music playing in the background.

Pedro had gone out to pick up pastries. You and Lux were left alone on the couch, your knees tucked under you, a warm mug in your hand. You weren’t nervous, not really — but there was something about being with someone who knew Pedro better than almost anyone in the world that made your chest flutter.

Lux leaned back against the cushions, eyes flicking toward the window. “He talks about you a lot.”

You smiled into your cup. “He talks about you a lot too.”

She laughed softly. “Of course he does. He’s a sap.”

You both chuckled. There was a beat of silence, and then Lux tilted her head toward you. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“What do you see in him?” It wasn’t accusatory. It wasn’t teasing. Just... gentle curiosity. Sister to lover. One woman to another.

You paused, breath catching a little. Then looked down at your mug, gathering the words that always swirled in your chest when you thought about him.

“He’s...” you started, then bit your lip. “Kind. But not in a performative way. It’s like—he sees people. He feels everything. Even when he’s tired, or hurting, or carrying the weight of the world, he’ll still ask how you’re doing like you’re the most important person alive.”

Lux was quiet, listening. Her eyes didn’t leave yours.

You continued. “He loves so deeply. Quietly. With his whole body. And he’s funny, in this stupid, self-deprecating, charming way. And... I trust him. Like I’ve never trusted anyone.”

There was a warmth in your voice now, and you could feel your cheeks burn. But Lux smiled. Her eyes shimmered.

“That’s him,” she said softly. “You see him the way we see him. That means a lot.”

You blinked at her, suddenly emotional. “He’s... everything.”

“I know.” She reached over and squeezed your hand. “It makes me happy. Knowing he has someone who doesn’t just love the idea of him. You get him.”

You squeezed back. “I love every version of him.”

And just like that, the front door opened — Pedro’s voice echoing into the room: “Okay, who wants guava pastries and who wants to kiss me first?”

Lux rolled her eyes fondly. You grinned. And both of you called out at the same time: “Me!”

---

✦ please do not copy, repost, or translate this work. © lazysoulwriter // i write with a lot of love and care, so please respect that.

---

taglist: @sarahhxx03 @lloydmustache @lolareadsimagines @greenwitchfromthewoods @silksepia @pascalswiftie @itstokyo-cos @mani-pedro @llsister @authorbriannarae13 @introvrtedjellyfish @aj0elap0l0gist @spencercmlover @cixrosie @cherrqbaby @cup-half-full-of-anxiety @joelmillerpascal @freakbobcult @sunlightpleasure@barnes70stark @mooniscrying @ohnaurshayla @croissantbakerylws @nellispunk @kasienka @taylorswiftsrep-blog @emerencedaily @byzyz @noovaarq @kristend512 @alltounwell @libbyaller @beaagiannelli @broad-shouldrs @oceanmcu @kysosa @melloispunk @jollycupcakeblizzard @angvlicsoulll @needz1nk @daddypascal17 @agustdpeach @mrsbilicablog @k4t13ispunk @hotdadlvr95 @lnnysnts @pedropascalfan221 @queenofklonnie22 @christinamadsen @ilovecheriies @stvr-bloom

[keeryhours]

don’t say you love me - chapter one

Masterlist Series Masterlist Tag Lists

Eddie Munson x Hopper!reader, Billy Hargrove x Hopper!reader

Summary:

You get yourself into a situation with two guys you should have absolutely nothing to do with.

Warnings:

Smut (18+), unprotected and protected p in v, creampie, oral (f receiving), fingering, weed use, angst, pregnancy, love triangle

Word Count: 7.8k

A/N:

Thank you so much @feral4youu my love for the idea for this fic! Your mind never ceases to amaze me.

You loved your dad.

As far as parents go, he was the best you could ask for. Loving, kind, not too terribly strict despite being the police chief. And he really, truly did love you.

Your mother had always been distant. When she left the two of you with nothing but a note, it hadn’t even been that big of an adjustment. It had always been you and your dad, and as long as you had him, you knew things would be alright.

You’d always had the type of relationship where you felt you could tell him anything. He’d come home from a long day at work and sit in the recliner with his beer, happily listening to you tell him the latest gossip in your friend group. He would listen with full attention, every now and then a genuine reaction - raised eyebrows, “Tina did what? With Carol’s boyfriend?”

The only things he could be strict about were grades, and boys.

You weren’t allowed to date until you were 15. And even then, any guy who wanted to take you out had to go through such rigorous questioning, they felt it wasn’t worth the effort. You were popular - head cheerleader, friendly, friends with the right people, smart and head of your class, and beautiful, according to the Hawkins population. So it’s not like you had a shortage of guys willing to take you out.

But your dad was having none of that.

“You don’t understand,” your dad would say. “Men are dogs, sweetheart. You’re better off without ‘em.”

Things changed your senior year.

You properly met Eddie Munson, first of all. He was a Super Senior, on his second attempt. And it’s not like you didn’t know of him before - everyone in Hawkins knew of Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson. Most of your friends had been buying weed from him for years.

Eddie always flirted with you. He’d act like a total gentleman any time you were around, making space for you to walk, holding doors open for you, pulling your chair out when you sat down during class. When you’d go with Carol and Tina to buy, he’d single you out specifically, call you beautiful and make eye contact with only you.

“Think the Freak has a crush on you,” Carol laughed as the three of you left with your stash of weed.

“You think?” you asked with hope in your voice and butterflies in your stomach.

“Oh please, don’t tell me you’d consider it?” Tina said, her eyebrows raised.

“No, of course not,” you said. “I just…didn’t think he liked me like that.”

“He’s obsessed with you,” Carol said. “It’s obvious. He’s got a major hard-on for you.”

You blushed. “I don’t think-“

“Oh, he totally does,” Tina added. “So gross.”

“And you know Jason Carver has been into you for years-“ Carol said, but you cut her off.

“You know my dad doesn’t let me date,” you reminded her, mostly just to get off the subject of Jason.

“Which is so dumb,” Carol said. “Does he want you to die alone?”

“Probably,” you mumbled.

The next time you saw Eddie, you were both alone. You had been sitting out on the picnic table in the woods behind the school, wanting time alone. The sound of Eddie’s footsteps had startled you.

“Sorry,” Eddie said, a friendly smile on his face as he held his hands up. “Didn’t expect anyone to be out here.”

“Me either,” you said, putting your feet back on the ground to get up. “Sorry, I’ll just-“

“No, stay,” Eddie had said. “I could use the company.”

Eddie was easy to talk to. He was funny, he was nice, he made you feel comfortable. And when he ended up standing between your legs, his lips on yours and his hands gripping your bare thighs, well, you couldn’t say it was totally unexpected.

Eddie was your first, and you were his. But once you’d had sex, he was feral for it. You hooked up near constantly, any time he could pull you away without suspicion, he would.

You had been scared at first. You knew it would be a disaster if your dad found out. Not only were you not supposed to be doing anything with guys, but this was Eddie Munson. Your dad knew perfectly well what Eddie did for extra cash.

You had a few particularly close encounters. You always either rode the bus or got a ride from a friend home after school - your dad worked late and never had time to pick you up. So, you started spending your time with Eddie after practice.

“Fuck, baby,” Eddie panted from behind you. His hands gripped your hips tightly, light bruises appearing beneath his fingers. He didn’t even notice, too lost in his own pleasure he was chasing inside of you. “Always so tight. I’m gonna fuckin’ cum.”

“Please,” you gasped out. “I want you to.”

Eddie groaned, his hair tickling your back as his head dropped forward on his shoulders. His hips were rutting into you desperately, pumping his entire length into you. You could feel every ridge and vein of him - but you knew his shape by heart at this point.

He wrapped his arms around you and pulled your body flush against his own. He thrusted hard into you a few more times, then, with a cry of your name, he came, filling you deeply.

When he pulled out, he could see his cum dripping out of you. He watched with wide eyes, wanting nothing more than to dive back in, his cock already twitching back to life-

There was a banging on the side of the van.

“Munson!” your dad yelled. “I know you’re in there, and it better not be with my daughter.”

You both froze. “Fuck,” Eddie whispered, jumping into action and pulling his boxers and jeans back on. “Fuck!”

You pulled your dress back down, then searched all around you. “Eddie, where are my panties?”

“Oh, shit, sorry,” he said, a sheepish grin on his face as he pulled the thin lace material from the pocket of his jeans and handed them over. “Just thought I’d keep a souvenir.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t wipe the smile off your face as you put them back on. There was another loud banging and then Eddie threw open the back doors just as you straightened out the skirt of your dress.

Hopper looked into the vehicle, looking very pissed off. He said your name. “What are you doing in here?”

You wished you had thought of an excuse before this moment. “We have a project together.”

“Oh yeah?” Hopper didn’t sound like he believed you at all. “Where is it?”

Eddie met your eyes, like, you started this one, it’s on you. “We were just brainstorming. We just got it assigned today.”

Your dad sniffed the air- no doubt searching for the smell of weed. You just hoped he couldn’t smell the sex. When he didn’t recognize anything that set off alarms, he looked at you again. “Well, come on. I’m driving you home.”

You bid Eddie an awkward goodbye, then followed your dad to his car. You avoided looking at him as you buckled your seatbelt - you did just get your back blown out by Eddie in the back of his van, after all.

“Don’t hang out with him,” your dad said as he drove you home. “I’m serious. Anyone but him. Munson is trouble.”

“Dad, he’s not a bad guy-“

“Oh, come on,” he laughed. “I know what he does. And you’re too good to get involved in any of that. You have such a bright future, I don’t want to see it wasted on some loser.”

“Dad, Eddie is not a loser-“

“Sure,” he said. “But my point stands either way. Don’t waste time with him.”

You could still feel Eddie’s release between your thighs the whole way home.

Billy Hargrove came crashing into your life all on his own. He had come to Hawkins his senior year, taking over as the most popular guy in school. 

“He’s a fucking asshole,” Steve had said, slamming his locker shut to make the point. “Seriously. Stay far away from him.”

It seemed like that had always been a personal challenge for you.

You actually met Billy when he joined the basketball team. You spent a lot of time with the basketball guys, being head cheerleader. It was his first game with the team, and you had to admit, he impressed you. Billy was really good. Your eyes stayed glued to him the entire game, and he definitely noticed with the way he kept smirking in your direction every time he’d do something cool.

“I think Billy’s looking at you,” Chrissy leaned over and said with a huge grin on her face.

You found yourself smiling back. Sure you’d heard the rumors about Billy already, but it’s not like you needed him to fall in love with you. You were down to just have some fun.

Billy loved that about you. You caught his attention the first time he ever saw you, but once he realized you were down for no strings attached hookups? You became his favorite girl in town.

He approached you after that game as everyone was running to the showers. He was a smooth talker, that was for sure. He gave ladies man vibes the second you saw him, but hearing him talk, you could really see it. It didn’t take a lot of flirting before you were sneaking into the men’s locker room with him after everyone else had left, letting him undress you and then take you against the wall while the steam and heat surrounded you.

Billy couldn’t get enough of you once he’d had you. And once he found out you wanted to keep things secret because you were the police chief’s daughter? That made you even more irresistible.

“You’re hooking up with Billy?” Eddie said, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Hargrove?”

“Um…yeah,” you’d said awkwardly, as Eddie was naked between your legs. He was kissing across your inner thighs, nearing where you needed him the most.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I like him?” You sat up on your elbows, looking down at Eddie. “He’s not the worst guy ever like everyone says.”

“Only he is.” Eddie moved in and licked a stripe along your folds, making you gasp. “He’s a huge fucking asshole.”

“Well, I like him,” you defended as strongly as you could while Eddie was eating you out, groaning as he devoured you. He always knew how to get the last word of an argument.

“Why don’t you stop thinking about him and let me take care of you, baby?”

You were putting the last of your books away in your locker for the day when you felt a set of muscular arms wrap themselves around you, pulling you close into the owners’ firm body. Carol, Tina, and Chrissy gave you a mischievous look - it wasn’t hard to imagine who it was.

“Hey, baby,” Billy whispered into your ear. “What are y’doing?”

“Just getting ready to go home,” you said. “Carol’s driving me.”

Billy looked over at your friends as if noticing them for the first time. He gave them a wolfish grin before looking down at you. “Yeah, I think you’re gonna have a change of plans.”

“Oh yeah?” you laughed.

“Yeah,” he said again easily. “I think I’ll bring you home tonight.”

“Have fun, you two,” Carol said, then you watched as your friend group left you with nothing but a knowing look on each of their faces.

Billy was already kissing down your neck, his large hands sliding beneath the hem of your cheer skirt. “Need you so bad.”

You leaned back into his touch, nearly forgetting yourself and where you were. “Let’s go.”

You spotted Eddie on your way out, smoking a cigarette in the parking lot. You gave him a nod and he watched as you walked off towards the Camaro with Billy’s hand on your ass. For once, he thought it would be pretty funny if the police chief just so happened to be here.

Billy opened the passenger door for you, his hand trailing up your thigh as you slid into the seat. He was being needier than usual. Once he was seated himself, he started the car, his hand coming to rest on your bare thigh as he pulled out of the parking lot and sped off.

You always loved it when Billy drove with one hand like this. His fingers pushed up your skirt, playing with the hem of your panties. You were wet already, pushing down against him.

“Needy slut,” he hissed, although he was the one nearly begging for it. “Wait until I can get my hands on you.”

You expected him to take you to Lover’s Lake as usual, but instead he pulled up in front of his house. At least you assumed it was his house - a single story home with a screened in porch. No cars were outside. Billy had never taken you home before.

“Is this your place?” you asked him.

“Yeah,” he said. “But my dad and step mom went out of town for the weekend, so…we’re good.”

“What about your sister?”

“First of all, she’s not my sister,” he said. “And she’s staying with her friend. She won’t bother us.” He leaned over the seat towards you, placing a kiss on your lips. “We’ve got the place to ourselves all weekend. You could…even stay, if you wanted to.”

Billy was really asking you to spend the whole weekend with him? “Maybe.”

Billy smiled. He kissed you one more time, then the two of you climbed out of the Camaro. Billy unlocked the front door and you followed him inside. The inside of the house was much different than you expected. It hardly even looked like a family lived here. Billy’s weights were set up right off the living room with a tiny TV next to them. There was a closed bedroom behind it that you assumed was Max’s, then a hallway with more rooms to the right.

He dropped his denim jacket on the couch then opened the fridge and grabbed a beer, popping it open and taking a long drink. He was wearing a tight white t-shirt underneath the jacket, his even tighter jeans hugging his huge thighs. You could never say he wasn’t easy on the eyes.

He finished the beer and tossed it in the trash can, then turned to you. “D’you want anything? A beer, a soda, water…”

“I’m good,” you said. Billy smiled softly at you and then he spun you around, leading you down the short hall with his hand on your lower back. He opened the last door, revealing a bedroom that was definitely Billy’s, yet neater than you had been expecting.

His plaid bed sheets were tucked neatly, the bed made. There were no dirty clothes strewn across the floor. His cassettes and record collection were organized and put away. There weren’t even clothes poking out from his drawers. He had posters on his wall, Metallica you recognized, as well as some you didn’t know and some posters of girls.

Billy stepped around you, closing the door. “‘s not much,” he mumbled.

“It’s nice,” you smiled. He returned it.

“Now,” he said, “I’d like to see you on my bed.”

“Yeah?” you giggled as he wrapped his arms around you again, kissing all over your face and neck, down to what was exposed of your chest.

“Fuck yeah,” he said. His hands slid up your skirt again, grabbing your ass. He slapped it, making you gasp. 

“Billy!”

He groaned. “I can’t help myself, baby. Every time I get my hands on you, I can’t fucking help myself.”

He pushed your skirt down your legs so it pooled at your feet. You stepped out of it, kicking it away. Billy was already working on your cheer top, pulling it over your head.

His hands roamed your body, left in nothing but your bra and the tiniest pair of panties that left little to the imagination. Billy was losing his mind at the sight of them, his hands rubbing over your ass, up your sides and to your tits, nipping at your neck and chest.

“Gonna mark you up real good,” Billy grumbled against your skin. “Let Munson see what he missed out on.”

You playfully slapped at him- “Billy, don’t be an asshole.”

“What?” he asked innocently. “If I have to share, I can at least send you back with the proof of what I did to you.”

You gasped out a moan as he bit down particularly hard on your neck, sucking on the skin and running his tongue over the bite. “Fuck, I need you right now.”

Billy pushed you down onto his bed. You bounced slightly as you watched him watching you, eyes never leaving your body as he kicked off his shoes, tossed his shirt and worked his belt open. You were practically drooling as he revealed more of his incredible body to you. You had never been too concerned with muscles or build before, but Billy’s body was something else entirely. He was hot.

He was already rock hard as he undid his jeans and shoved them and his boxers down. He wrapped a large hand around his shaft, tip flushed red and glistening with precum. You could see his hand shuddering as he stroked himself, eyeing you like he could eat you alive.

“Fuck,” he whispered. He crawled over your body, pulling your panties down and tossing them anywhere. He placed his hands on your knees and slowly spread your legs, groaning as he finally saw your pussy, so wet and ready for him.

He made quick work of your bra, getting rid of that and immediately wrapping his lips around your nipple. You arched into him, bare pussy grinding against his cock, desperate for him to stop teasing and fuck you already.

“God, you’re such a needy little slut. And everyone thinks you’re this good girl.” He nuzzled against the side of your head, lips brushing your ear as he whispered. “What would your daddy think if he could see you like this? Desperate for my cock?”

“Billy,” you whined. “Please don’t talk about my dad right now.”

Billy chuckled, pulling back to drag his cock through your folds, teasing your hole every now and then. “I bet he thinks you’re off somewhere studying right now. Gonna get into a real good school, right? Following the rules, never lying…” His tip slipped inside and you gasped, fingers gripping onto his sheets. “Definitely not letting guys like me fuck you stupid.”

He sunk fully into you with a roll of his hips, his entire thick length splitting you open. He moaned as he began thrusting into you quickly, the sound of his skin meeting yours filling the room. You held tightly onto his shoulders.

“Billy,” you moaned, fingers threading through his mullet of dirty blonde curls. You pulled on them slightly - he always loved when you did that. This time it earned a stutter from his hips, a weak “H-oh,” from him.

Billy never liked to admit weakness, but he was weak for you. You knew all the right things to do, the places to touch, the things to say. What was he supposed to do?

He buried himself in you with every thrust, each one powerful and strong, rocking the mattress. He would never admit it to you, but he never fucked the other girls the way he fucked you. He loved to take his time with you, to feel every inch of you, to savor it. He loved fucking you slow, watching the cute faces you’d make every time he hit your g spot with the head of his cock. He just loved looking at you - especially when your face was twisted in pleasure he was giving you.

“Pretty, pretty girl,” he hummed, looking down at you. Your eyebrows were drawn together, cheeks flushed, the slightest bit of sweat across your forehead, lips parted. You looked so beautiful like this, he thought.

He grabbed onto your thighs and pushed them up, spreading you wider and giving himself a better view. He was able to get deeper like this, pound into you faster, and he took advantage of that.

“You feel how deep I’m in you?” he grunted, hand resting on your lower belly.

“M-mmhmm,” you attempted to hum in agreement, but then he was pushing down, groaning as he could feel the pressure against his cock, and you were- oh god-

“Billy,” you cried, “I’m gonna cum-“

“Yeah, shit, yeah, cum for me,” he panted, fucking you faster, his own release imminent. He hiked your leg up over his shoulder and leaned over your body, kissing you hard as he nearly bent you in half.

Your orgasm hit you, but every thrust of his cock was still hitting that spot and making it feel like it was lasting forever. You tried to tell Billy it was too much, but the way he was laying on you made it impossible. A few actual tears slipped from your eyes.

Billy noticed immediately. “Holy shit,” he said, and then he dropped his head into your neck and cried out as he came, pumping his load into you, thrusting in as deep as possible to make sure you got every drop.

His trembling body remained on top of you for a bit longer, then he rolled off, pulling out and laying down next to you. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close, nuzzling his face into your neck. Billy Hargrove was not a cuddler after sex - usually it was okay thanks, bye. But with you…he never wanted to let you go.

You didn’t question it. You weren’t sure you wanted to go down that path.

Billy played with your hair as you laid there. He thought - about you, mostly. Should he actually ask you out? He’s been playing this cool guy who only does hookups role for so long, he’s almost forgotten how to initiate a relationship. Did he want one? With you, yes. Absolutely. So why didn’t he just ask? It drove him crazy that he knew you still slept with Munson. He had stopped sleeping with other girls. Sure, he hadn’t exactly told you that yet, because wouldn’t that make it too real? Would you even like that? Or would it scare you right back into Eddie’s arms? But if there’s one thing Billy knew, it’s how he felt about you.

You liked Billy. You really did. But could you even be together if you wanted to be? Your dad certainly knew of Billy, too. He’s just as high on the stay away list as Eddie.

But you let Billy cuddle you. You let him twirl your hair, trace your skin with his fingers, pepper your body in kisses and affection, whisper sweet nothings in your ear. 

Maybe it was wrong of you. Maybe you just wanted to feel loved. Maybe you really could love him back. Or maybe you never would.

You spent that weekend with Billy, with a promise to your dad that you were at Chrissy’s. You felt horrible lying to him, but there’s no way he would have let you stay otherwise. The thought was laughable.

You had never lied to your dad before this year. It felt horrible, like grime stuck to your skin you could never wash away. And to lie so you could sleep with guys? Who even were you becoming?

You didn’t dwell on that thought for the weekend. You allowed yourself to be spoiled by Billy - you fucked, you watched movies, fucked some more, cooked together, slept in bed cuddled together, fucked again. When you finally left Sunday evening, Billy had a perfectly sated smile on his face, leaning against his bedroom door in nothing but a pair of boxers, smoking a cigarette as you packed your stuff.

You heard the door open as you were zipping up your bag, then- “Ew, gross.”

You smiled as Billy scrambled to throw some sweats on. “Hey, Max.”

“Hey,” she greeted you. She always liked you, the times you’d been in the car while Billy drove her home or to the arcade. At least you were nice and didn’t totally ignore her.

“You sure you don’t want me to take you home?” Billy asked gently as you headed for the front door with your cheer bag. His hand rested on your cheek, looking into your eyes like you held the secrets of the universe there. “I don’t like you walking alone.”

“That would kind of give away the lie,” you said, with a forced playfulness. You didn’t exactly want to walk all the way home either, but you weren’t going to pull up at home in Billy Hargrove’s Camaro.

“Let me at least take you part way,” he said. “It’s a long walk.”

Eventually, you agreed to that. Billy put a shirt on and escorted you out to the car. He drove you most of the way home, stopping half a mile from your cabin. “You sure you’re good from here?”

“Yes, Billy,” you said. You were already climbing out of the car with your bag slung over your shoulder. “Thank you. For everything. I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah,” he said. “See you.”

Billy watched you walk as far as he could see, then found a spot to turn around and go back to his own house. He knew he needed to be there before his dad and Susan got home.

When you saw your dad was already at home, you breathed a sigh of relief that you hadn’t let Billy drive you all the way. You knew it was unlikely, but it was still a possibility. You walked up the front steps and let yourself inside.

Hopper looked up as you walked in, a smile on his face. “Well if it isn’t my beautiful daughter I never see. How was Chrissy’s?”

He didn’t sound suspicious at all, which was a good thing, but only made you feel a million times worse. “Good. We had fun.”

“Good,” he said. He took another sip from his beer. A pause. “That Munson boy called for you again.”

You almost rolled your eyes. You had told Eddie time and time again that you would call him. “Oh yeah? Probably just about the project.”

Your dad hummed. “You know I don’t want you spendin’ time with him-“

“-anymore than I have to, yeah I know,” you said. You tried not to let visions of things you and Eddie had already done flash through your mind, but you were powerless to stop it.

“He’s bad news, honey,” he said. “We’ve had him in the station a lot. Him and that…new Hargrove boy.”

Your cheeks flushed. Of course your two hookups were the entirety of the list. “I won’t, dad. I hardly even know them.”

“Let’s keep it that way,” he said. “You’re a good girl. You’re not dumb. Don’t do something dumb.”

“Where were you all weekend?”

Eddie’s voice purred in your ear as he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close into his lean body. You giggled, letting him hold you, touch you.

“Billy’s,” you said, like it was nothing.

Eddie froze. “You were at Hargrove’s all weekend?”

“Well, yeah,” you said, turning around in Eddie’s arms. “His parents were gone for the weekend, so he asked me to stay over.”

Eddie was looking at you with his brows furrowed. “That’s serious.”

“No it’s not,” you said dismissively, waving that idea off. “He just wanted to get laid all weekend.”

“I’m telling you,” Eddie said, looking at you seriously. “It is. If Hargrove asked you to play house with him all weekend, it’s because he feels something for you. More than just sex.”

“Eddie, do we have to do this right now?” You played with the curls at the bottom of his neck, the ones that always drove him crazy. Eddie groaned, the fight leaving his body.

“Jus’ don’t want you forgettin’ about me,” he mumbled.

Your heart sunk. “Eddie, that’s not gonna happen.”

Much like Billy, Eddie also had constant thoughts of why he didn’t just ask you out. You were everything he wanted. The only thing he wanted. He didn’t look at other girls at all. He knew the thing with your dad would be an obstacle, but it didn’t have to mean there couldn’t be anything, right?

And he thought you liked him, too. That was until Billy came into the picture. Before Billy, you and Eddie just hooked up with each other, no one else. It was just a few words away from being official - at least that’s how Eddie saw it. When he learned you had started sleeping with Billy, he had to pretend to be a lot less phased than he was.

Because he had been hurt.

“What if Billy asks you out, huh?” Eddie asked. “What would you do?”

You looked up into Eddie’s big brown eyes. “Why haven’t you asked me out?”

Eddie didn’t know what to say to that. His lips parted, but no sound came. Before he could think about it too much, you connected your lips to his. Any thoughts that had been in his head swiftly left as he felt your tongue prodding against his bottom lip.

“Take me somewhere,” you whispered, and Eddie’s grip tightened on you like he was scared you’d drift away.

“Let’s go to my van,” he said.

You and Eddie practically ran out of the school hand in hand, giggling as you sprinted for his van. You got some strange looks from other students - even your friends didn’t understand your weird flip-flopping between Eddie and Billy - but you didn’t care. You never had. And you were well liked enough that no one was going to go tattling to your dad.

Eddie started up the van and drove off. He could and would have fucked you right there in the school parking lot where everyone could see the van rocking as he pounded into you, but he thought you deserved more than that.

So Lover’s Lake it was.

He pulled to a stop in front of the familiar lake, killing the engine. He nodded back towards the back, and you didn’t have to be told twice before you were climbing between the seats and to the large open space behind them. Eddie was right behind you, and then he was all over you.

He felt every inch of your body, like he couldn’t get enough of touching you. You kissed frantically, hands and lips everywhere. Eddie groaned, his pants even tighter than how they began. He shuddered when you ran your hand over the bulge in his jeans.

“Please,” he gasped. “Need you.”

Eddie could be dominant, but for the most part he was much more submissive than Billy. He had no problem begging, or letting you take control. Billy was different. He liked pushing you down, taking what he felt belonged to him. Eddie was all sweet touches and pleading and looking up at you with his doe eyes while he begged to cum.

You began undoing his belt and jeans while Eddie’s hand slipped beneath your dress. He stroked you over your panties, feeling the material soaked from your arousal. Nothing got Eddie off like seeing how badly you wanted him.

Just as you shoved his jeans and boxers down enough to free his cock, Eddie pulled away from you, pushing you back and making you gasp as he dove in between your legs. He buried his face against your cunt, breathing in your scent, nose pressed against the wet material of your thin panties. You gasped again when his tongue came out and licked you over the fabric.

“Need to taste you,” he begged. “You’re so fuckin’ sweet. Can’t resist this pussy.”

You whined. “Please.”

Eddie didn’t need to hear anything else. He slipped his ringed fingers beneath the waist of your panties and pulled them down, wasting not a single second before he was burying his face in your bare pussy. His long tongue licked along your folds, then he really dove in, two fingers slipping inside of you until you could feel the metal of his rings against your skin.

He thrusted his fingers as he worked that talented tongue over your clit, making your head absolutely spin as you writhed on the messy floor of his van. But how many times had he fucked you back here already? Eddie had fucked you lots of places, to be fair.

“Eddie, I’m- oh!” 

You cried as he sucked hard, your thighs trembling around his head, fingers tangling in his curls. You pulled on his hair, making him moan against your pussy. He was thrusting against the blanket beneath you, his dripping cock rubbing against the material providing some kind of relief.

He just needed you to cum for him, at least once. He didn’t think he could survive without it, didn’t want to cum inside you without the taste of your own release still on his tongue.

You were going to give him exactly what he wanted. You could feel it building deep in your belly, your chest heaving faster with the speed of your breaths. He sped up the pace of his fingers, his tongue working over you exactly the way he remembered you loved.

“Eddie!”

Eddie groaned as you tightened around his fingers, cumming all over his hand and mouth. He fucked you faster through your release, until you were covering your face and telling him to stop. When you couldn’t take anymore, he pulled back and placed a final kiss against your clit.

“Always taste so good,” he said with a wicked grin, like he’d gladly do it all over again. If he knew how Billy had made you cum so hard you cried, he would take it as a personal challenge.

He kissed you, pushing your dress up your body. You could fully taste yourself on his tongue, and it excited you. The first time Eddie had kissed you after going down on you, you weren’t sure you liked it - but it grew on you. He slipped your dress off over your head and threw it to the side.

“You’re the most beautiful girl in the world, you know that?” he asked quietly as he nuzzled between your tits, kissing over every bit of exposed skin he could get to.

“That’s not true,” you said, like the natural reaction to being called beautiful was to shut it down as soon as possible.

“But it is,” he said. He looked down, then back up. “Do you see what you do t’me?”

“That’s not that hard to do,” you teased, and Eddie smiled.

“To this level, yeah, pretty hard to do.” He kissed you. “I only get this hard for you.”

“How romantic,” you giggled. Your laugh turned into a gasp when he bit down on your neck, covering a hickey Billy had left over the weekend.

“I can be romantic, if that’s what you want,” he said. “I just thought you liked getting fucked like a whore.”

“I do,” you said quickly. “I like both.”

Eddie smirked down at you. “I could be slow and gentle sometimes too, y’know.”

“I like when you fuck me,” you pouted.

Eddie chuckled. “I like fucking you too. I just, I don’t know…sometimes I wanna take it slow. Really look at you. Really feel you.”

Your heart was beating faster. “Yeah?”

Eddie was kissing across your chest now. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Can I do that?”

You thought about it. It seemed like it was awfully close to catching feelings, which you had promised yourself you wouldn’t do, for either of them. But the way Eddie made your heart beat, the way you wanted him to make love to you, wanted him to love you-

“Okay,” you said. “Just this once.”

Eddie smiled. He unhooked your bra and let you pull his t-shirt over his head. He kissed all over your body, taking his sweet time working his hips back between your legs.

“Don’t wanna use a condom,” he mumbled. “I wanna feel you. All of you.”

“You don’t have to,” you said. “I’m on birth control, you know that.”

Eddie knew that very well. He was paranoid about the consequences, though - usually he used a condom every time anyway, just to be safe. But sometimes…

“No fucking condom,” he said. He kissed you hard again as he lined himself up at your entrance, pushing just barely inside. He sunk into you with a slow roll of his hips, your body turning to pure electricity as you felt every single inch of him inside of you.

He was slowly grinding his hips into you, carefully thrusting at a pace slower than he’d ever used. It took everything in him not to pound you into the floor, but he was loving the feeling of savoring your body. He could really feel every inch of your velvety walls, the way you clenched around him, holding his cock tightly within your warmth.

“You’re perfect,” he murmured, whispering right in your ear as he made love to you. “Feel so fuckin’ good. Always so tight for me, like your body was made for me. Only me.”

Eddie always got a little possessive, especially if he knew you had recently been with Billy. He would never say it, but it was obvious that it drove him crazy. He needed to claim you for his own.

Eddie’s lithe body rolled as he pressed his cock into you over and over, holding your body close to his. You could feel his heart beating against your own chest, and you wondered if he could feel yours, too. Eddie kissed your neck as he fucked you, covering every mark Billy had made.

He reached in between your bodies and rubbed against your clit. You whimpered, something had already been building just from the feeling of the way he was fucking you, taking you apart.

“Eddie,” you whined, “I’m…I’m gonna cum again.”

He groaned. “Yeah, baby, I want you to. Got to taste your cum on my tongue, now I wanna feel you make a mess on my cock.”

You whimpered again as Eddie began to lose himself, his hips speeding up back to a normal pace for him. His hips were snapping against yours, his moans becoming shaky and weak. You were throbbing around him as your orgasm built and built.

When it snapped, your mouth dropped open in a wide O, your nails digging into Eddie’s back and scratching down his skin, leaving bright red marks. You cried out his name again and again like a prayer, and the feeling of your pussy clenching around him combined with the look on your face pushed Eddie over the edge.

He came hard inside of you, grunting your name until it turned into more of a whine, a plead. He shook as he held onto you - Eddie always came so hard, so much. You could feel him filling you, feel the way he came so much it was dripping out from around him.

When he pulled out, he inhaled sharply, eyes glued to the mess he left behind. His favorite part, the part he didn’t get to enjoy when he used a condom. This was worth the risk.

“Fuck, look at you,” he remarked. “That’s so fuckin’ filthy.” His eyes remained glued to you, taking in the view, until a lightbulb went off in his head. “Shit, wait! Don’t move.”

You watched him curiously as he reached under his seat. He came back out holding a polaroid camera - and your eyes widened.

“I got it for us,” he said sheepishly. “Can I…?”

“You want to take a picture?” you asked, incredulous.

“Well, yeah,” he laughed. “I’ll be looking at this one every night.”

You weren’t sure how comfortable you were with this exactly, but he seemed so excited, you didn’t want to tell him no. “Okay. Just don’t get my face in it.”

“You got it.” Eddie moved back between your legs and lifted the camera to his face. He lined up the shot and took the photo. When it came out of the bottom of the camera, he held it up, waiting for it to develop. You knew it had when a wolfish grin spread across his features - “Oh, that’s a good one.” He looked up at you. “Do you wanna see?”

“I’m good,” you said, scrunching your nose up. You weren’t sure if you wanted to see yourself in that way - he could keep that to himself. He certainly seemed to love it, though, the way he kept staring at the image.

“Gonna cherish this,” he said with a smile. He stuffed the photo in the back pocket of his jeans. He grabbed a towel from the floor and cleaned you up with it, then handed you your clothes. You both redressed in a comfortable silence - you’d been here many times before.

“What do you want to do now?” Eddie asked. He pulled a cigarette from his pack. “I don’t really want you to go.”

You shrugged. “What do you think?”

Eddie lit the cigarette and brought it to his lips, taking a long drag. “We could smoke,” he offered. “We could make out. We could go back to my place and listen to music, smoke, and make out.”

You laughed. “Alright. Your place it is.”

It took you too long to realize something was wrong.

Being on birth control, you didn’t always get your period - so that didn’t set off any alarm bells for you at first. It was when you started getting sick after breakfast, when your clothes felt like sandpaper against your boobs, when you had to pee 50 million times a night. That’s when you got scared.

“What’s wrong with you?” a wide-eyed Tina asked at school when you showed up dressed in a hoodie and sweatpants, hood pulled over your disheveled hair and dark circles beneath your eyes. “You look like shit. Like actually.”

“Yeah, are you okay?” Carol asked. She put the back of her hand against your forehead.

“I’m pregnant,” you said.

The girls froze.

“…What?” Carol asked, sure she hadn’t heard what she’d just heard. Her, Tina, and Chrissy leaned in. “Say that again.”

“I don’t know for sure, but-“

“No, say what you just said again,” Tina said. “You know, the thing you said just a minute ago.”

You looked up, willing the tears brewing in your eyes not to fall. “I’m pregnant. I think.”

The girls just blinked at you.

“Did you take a test?” Chrissy finally asked.

“No,” you said. “I haven’t…I’ve been scared.”

“Well, don’t just go around telling people you’re pregnant when you don’t even know,” Tina said.

“Oh my god,” Carol said, shoving her books back into her locker. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Carol led the way out of school. No one stopped the four of you as you walked out with confidence, like you were exactly where you were supposed to be. No one ever questioned the four of you.

Carol drove you all to the pharmacy. You had a whole entourage with you as you went inside, picking up one of the results in 30 minutes! tests. Minutes later you were shut in your downstairs bathroom, grateful your dad had such a set work schedule, and taking the test while the girls bickered outside.

“If she’s pregnant, I’m the godmother-“

“No, she would pick me, we’ve been friends longer-“

“Yeah, but she likes me best, so-“

The chatter stopped when you walked out. Your friends looked at you with concern. “30 minutes,” you said, as if that wasn’t a potential death sentence.

They tried their best to keep you entertained and your mind off things as you waited the 30 minutes, but it didn’t work. The seconds ticked by like hours.

When the 30 minutes were up, each of your friends squeezed your hand, offering their silent support as you went inside to see the results. You looked down, and, sure enough- blue. Positive.

You choked out a sob. The girls rushed to your side, looking down at the results and then pulling you into a group hug.

“Oh, honey,” Carol said, stroking your hair. “It’s gonna be okay.”

“You’re not in this alone,” Chrissy said. “We promise. You have us.”

“Do you…” Tina began awkwardly, like she knew she shouldn’t ask what she was about to but couldn’t help herself. “Do you know who the dad is?”

It occurred to everyone at that exact moment. No. You didn’t.

Something broke inside and the tears began flowing freely. You covered your face as choked sobs escaped your lungs - you were scared.

The girls did their best to calm you, to assure you everything would be okay, but you didn’t believe them. This was a fucking disaster. A baby, and no idea who the father was. There were two very possible options.

And what the fuck happened to your birth control? Useless, apparently.

The girls stayed with you all day. No one cared about skipping school, even though it was the first time you’d really done it. By the time the school day was over, you had come up with somewhat of a plan.

“Can you take me to Billy’s?” you pleaded with Carol.

She raised her brows. “You want to tell him? Now?”

“Yes,” you said. “I just…he’s…you know how Billy is.” You twisted one of your rings around your finger. “He…gets upset. So I just want to get it over with. I don’t want him to find out through a rumor or something.”

“We’re not gonna tell,” Carol said. Her eyes darted over to where Tina stood across the room. “Well, I’m not gonna tell. But yeah, I’ll drive you.”

You insisted Carol drop off Tina and Chrissy before taking you to Billy’s. The nerves were in place, and you admitted you were putting it off. Once the girls were gone and Carol’s car idled in front of the Hargrove residence, you just stared at the front door. Billy’s car was here - he was home. You didn’t see any other cars.

“You sure you want to do this today?” Carol asked, her face full of concern. “You don’t have to. You can wait.”

“There’s no point,” you shrugged. “He has to find out. I might as well…get it over with.”

Carol watched as you got out of the car and walked the sidewalk to the porch. You’d only been here the one time before, but you knew you were at the right place. You raised your fist - and let it hover over the door. You stood there - god, what would you even say? Would Billy be pissed? Would he blow up? Would he do something?

Your hand came down against the door.

as always, comments & reblogs are so appreciated!!

tag list

@rincallistis @emxxblog @loserboysandlithium @kellsck @jaybbygrl @lissssaarae @jeangeniex

[beaureveries]

ONE SHOT : RATHER BE

paige x azzi

(this is inspired by the song “rather be” by GIVEON)

First time writing a pazzi fic, let me know what you think ! 😉

trigger : nothing but fluff ❤️‍🩹

- 1.2k words

——————————————————————————

It’s been three weeks.

THREE whole weeks gone by without Paige seeing Azzi and needless to say, she’s been going through it.

Paige has been out of her last 2 games with the Wings ever since she had the concussion protocol and the headaches were starting to really get to her, but her heart ache for Azzi was worse.

Way worse.

She missed her so bad.

But it wasn’t like she wasn’t talking to her. Paige would always video call and text Azzi every chance she got, and azzi would always answer.

But talking and looking at her over the screen just made her miss azzi even more.

She was feeling kinda lonely and she wanted azzi to take care of her, but of course she wouldn’t tell azzi that. She was busy with her own thing and with the UConn summer training coming up, there’s no way they can link up their schedules now. And she didn’t want to make azzi worry, so she just tried to hide it for a while.

Of course that didn’t last long.

It’s azzi we’re talking about, the girl she had eyes for ever since they were sixteen.

and the person who knew her better than anyone else.

Paige was lying lifeless on her bed, scrolling through Instagram while her ipad was on with the WNBA match up across from her.

Her speaker faintly playing in the background “Rather be” by Giveon

“Now Im in this room, wishing you would settle down and come around, I’ve been listening to all the songs that you loved all along, lost in the dark cause you stole the sun.”

Paige groaned, the lyrics to the song wasn’t really helping her situation right now.

And just as she was blankly spacing out in the dark room, a notification from her phone popped up, her favorite notification.

Az 💗 : hey p, what u up to?

Paige immediately opened the message, grinning ear to ear like she’s been waiting for this all day.

she was totally not.

P 💗 : nothing mama, just in bed. Missing u bad.

Az 💗 : I miss you too babe, how’s ur headache?

Paige shook her head giggling, the pain of her headache suddenly vanished from the face of earth.

P 💗 : gone, once I saw your message

Az 💗 : 🙄 whatever

Paige chuckled, she always loves to annoy azzi.

Az 💗 : wanna call babe?

Paige didn’t waste a second and immediately clicked the call button.

The soft sound ringing once, twice before she saw the face she’s been missing the most.

“Hi” azzi smiled through the screen, her dimples visibly showing.

And all the tiredness and boredom Paige had went off the roof.

“Hey pretty girl” she grinned.

“Have you eaten dinner yet?” Azzi asked immediately.

Paige smiled sheepishly.

“Of course you haven’t.” Azzi rolled her eyes.

“I ordered DoorDash to your apartment, it’s coming in 30”

“What did you order for me mama?”

“Wisconsin Mac and cheese with grilled chicken and a side salad, cause I know you’ve been skipping your vegetables whenever Im not there” azzi replied in an obvious tone.

“You know me so well babe” Paige chuckled.

“Thank you Az, you didn’t have to order it for me. You could’ve just reminded me”

“Like you would listen if I told you to get vegetables” Azzi said sarcastically but failing to hide her smile while doing so.

Paige smiled, her heart suddenly felt light and easy, like the weight of the past three weeks suddenly lifted off her shoulders.

“Did you see Twitter?” Azzi suddenly spoke.

“No babe, I haven’t. Y’know I don’t really like being on there, why?” Paige furrowed her eyebrows.

“People are thinking you cheated on me with your Wings manager when you guys went out for lunch together” Azzi teased.

“That’s bullshit and you know it” Paige replied almost immediately, her tone suddenly went an octave lower.

Azzi laughed lightly “of course baby, I just thought it was hilarious for people to assume that you cheated on me a week after I posted the tiktok of us together, I thought I made it obvious but I guess people are just that dumb”

“I won’t cheat on you ever. What kind of dumb idiot would do that” paige clearly annoyed with this subject.

“I know P, I trust you more than anyone and you know that” azzi said softly reassuring her upset girlfriend.

“This is why I don’t like posting anymore, people make dumb ass rumors, it’s annoying as fuck” she replied back.

“I know P, I know….” azzi calmed her down.

Paige took a deep breath and just took a minute to stare at her beautiful girlfriend. How could anyone, ANYONE. Assume something so disrespectful, the audacity to even assume she would cheat in the first place was insane enough but the AUDACITY to assume she would cheat to the one woman she loved, THE AZZI FUDD was just crazy.

Paige closed her eyes and tried to calm down.

The room slowly turning into a comfortable silence.

“Are you alright P?” Azzi suddenly asked out of the blue, her tone soft as ever.

“Um yea, I mean Im annoyed but I won’t fuss about something I know isn’t true” Paige replied.

“Not about that P, about you…” azzi trailed off.

Paige twisted her browns in confusion “me? what about me?”

Azzi stared at her for a second before saying “you… just seem off these days, I mean we do chat and video call almost everyday but I feel like there’s something you’ve been hiding from me” Azzi said slowly.

Paige heart sank, of course azzi would know whenever she felt off, she always knew.

“I mean… my concussion protocol?”

“Not that P, try picking a better excuse. I know whenever you hide things, other people might not notice, but I do. I notice Paige.” Azzi responded more seriously.

Paige lips thinned out for a second, her throat suddenly felt hard to speak.

“Talk to me baby, I know whenever you feel off” azzi smiled softly, reassuring her girlfriend that she was there for her.

Paige sighed softly, she knew she couldn’t hide it from azzi for long

“I just… miss you so much- I mean I know you’ve been busy with training and ads- and I didn’t want to seem clingy and worry you, since we met not even that long ago… but I just- I don’t know, it’s kinda lonely here and I don’t really know what to do when I get out- and I miss your touch, our cuddles, annyoying you and uh im rambling-

“Paige.” Azzi cuts her.

“Do you want me to come over?”

“Azzi it’s a 4 hour flight and you have summer training soon-

“Do you want me to come over?” Azzi cuts her again more seriously this time.

Paige stared at her, a few seconds of silence before she dropped her head low, nodding slowly as a response.

“Words baby” Azzi said over the phone.

“Yea… that would be nice” Paige made a small smile, her eyes a bit glassy, emotionally drained after trying to hide it for the past three weeks.

“Okay baby, I’ll find a way” azzi stated, smiling at her suddenly emotional girlfriend, which she thought was adorable.

“I love you” Paige sheepishly smiled as her cheeks flushed pink, thankful for the understanding and loving girlfriend.

“I love you too baby, and don’t say three weeks was short cause it also felt like an eternity for me” azzi continued.

Paige stared at her through the screen with her heart eyes that she only ever laid on azzi, “really…?”

“Really.” Azzi smiled.

Paige nodded at that, her heart suddenly felt full from all the love azzi gave her.

She knew. that no matter what happens in the future.

They will always be alright.

Always.

They talked over the phone for what felt for hours (which was really for hours) before finally deciding they should both go to bed.

But before Paige fully decided to go to sleep, she opened the chatroom of her and azzi

P 💗 : you know I’d rather be with you than the other half of someone who’s not even the half of you.

Paige sent it without hesitation, grinning proud of herself.

Az 💗 typing…

It took 3 minutes of azzi typing back and forth before finally sending back a reply

Az 💗 : is that a lyric to a song…?

Paige smiled instantly dropped as her face flushed with embarrassment, she quickly send another text.

P 💗 : what… no?

Az 💗 : you know we share a playlist right p?

As soon as Paige read that message, she locked her phone real quick, staring at the ceiling out of pure embarrassment.

Five minutes went by, paige eyes were already heavy from the lack of sleep.

But she checked her phone again.

Az 💗 : I’d rather be with you too, always.

Az 💗 : goodnight baby, sweet dreams.

Paige smiled, as she lazily typed a reply before sleep slowly caves over her

P 💗 : goodnight baby, ily.

And that sleep was easily the best sleep she had in over the last three weeks.

[lucy-literates]

Well, Lewis would be possessive of his girl 🤭

Next idea is again with a younger reader (28 years old) and she is Roscoes nanny and they fall in love :)

Greetings :)

A/N: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Hopefully, you enjoy this one too! Ibox is open :)

The Heart He Didn't See Coming

You were hired to take care of Roscoe. That was it.

Just a temporary gig—two months, max—while Lewis figured out travel schedules and recovered from back-to-back races. You’d been recommended by a friend of his physio, and your background in animal behavior and gentle energy made the decision easy.

Still, Lewis hadn’t expected you.

He hadn’t expected the way Roscoe took to you almost immediately, curling at your feet within twenty minutes of meeting you, snorting contentedly as you scratched the perfect spot behind his ear like you'd known him for years.

And he definitely hadn’t expected the sound of your laughter in his kitchen to feel like something he’d been missing.

“You sure you’re not feeding him treats under the table?” Lewis asked one morning, as Roscoe followed you around with that adoring, bulldog loyalty that had taken even him months to earn.

“I only give him carrots,” you replied, turning to him with a grin. “You’re the one sneaking him bites of your toast, champion.”

His smirk deepened. “Can’t help it. He looks at me like I hung the moon.”

You tilted your head. “So do you, sometimes.”

Lewis blinked. You didn’t even realize what you’d said—or maybe you did, because you turned away quickly to refill Roscoe’s water bowl, humming like it hadn’t just made his chest go tight.

That was the beginning of the ache.

It wasn’t supposed to be romantic.

He was older. Busier. Constantly surrounded by people and noise and cameras. You were quieter. Sunshine and calm. Someone who moved through life like it didn’t owe you anything, and still, you chose joy.

But when you walked Roscoe through the paddock at Silverstone—laughing as he tried to chase a golf cart—and handed Lewis a little cloth-wrapped lunch you’d packed for him, just in case the catering was late, he’d stood there for a moment too long, something warm rising in his throat.

“You’re ridiculous,” he’d said softly.

“Is that your way of saying thank you?”

He smiled. “Maybe.”

After that, things got blurry around the edges.

One evening in Monaco, the sky cracked open unexpectedly.

You and Roscoe had gone for your usual walk along the waterfront, but the rain hit faster than forecast. By the time you got home, soaked and laughing, Roscoe was a damp loaf of contentment at your side.

Lewis opened the door before you even knocked.

“Jesus, you’re drenched—get in, quick.” He grabbed a towel and gently rubbed Roscoe down while you toed off your wet sneakers.

You were dripping in the hallway, mascara smudged slightly, Lewis���s hoodie shoved into your arms without him thinking twice.

It was warm. Soft. Smelled like cedarwood and whatever expensive cologne he wore sparingly but perfectly.

“Go change,” he said, “you’ll catch a cold.”

You returned a few minutes later, barefoot and wearing the hoodie over your leggings. Roscoe was curled in his usual spot by the couch, and Lewis looked up at you with something unreadable in his eyes.

“You should’ve called me,” he said. “I would’ve picked you up.”

You blinked. “You were busy. Besides, it’s just rain.”

He shook his head, then patted the spot next to him on the couch. “Come sit. You’re always running around after my wellbeing. Let me return the favour for once.”

You hesitated—but then sat.

You didn’t mean to fall asleep. Not really. But the hoodie was warm and Roscoe was snoring and Lewis’s hand moved gently over your shoulder while you listened to him talk about his next race strategy in that low, rhythmic tone.

When you woke up, your head was on his chest.

And his arm was around you.

Things changed after that.

Not drastically. Just... quietly.

Lingering glances. Soft touches. A new depth to your late-night conversations. He started asking you questions that had nothing to do with Roscoe: What did you want from life? Had you ever been in love? What scared you?

You didn’t ask him the same things out loud. You didn’t need to. You watched the way he talked to his team, how gently he moved around people, how he stood on the edge of the ocean sometimes like he was still searching for something.

One night, as you handed him a mug of peppermint tea, he said it—so softly you nearly missed it:

“You make this place feel like home.”

Your breath caught.

“It’s because you finally stopped running,” you whispered.

There was a pause. Then his hand found yours.

“No,” he said. “It’s because I found something worth staying for.”

You kissed him a few seconds later.

It wasn’t rushed. It was the kind of kiss that built over weeks. Careful. Reverent. Your fingers slipped into his curls, and he hummed softly against your mouth like the moment had been waiting for you both.

Roscoe snorted in his sleep. You both laughed.

The next few weeks were a blur of quiet touches and shared mornings.

He kissed your shoulder while you prepped Roscoe’s meals. You slid handwritten notes into his travel bags. You didn’t go public—not right away—but his team knew. And they all smiled when you were around, like you were exactly what he needed.

But then the press found out.

Photos. Speculation. Headlines: “Roscoe’s Nanny, Hamilton’s New Flame?”

It wasn’t cruel—but it was invasive. You panicked. You didn’t want to be seen as a trophy, or someone temporary.

“I never wanted to be a scandal,” you said one night, eyes shiny. “I didn’t want to be a story someone clicks on.”

Lewis shook his head and crossed the room to hold you.

“You’re not a scandal,” he said firmly. “You’re not a story. You’re the person who brings Roscoe his toy at bedtime and sings along to my awful shower playlists. You’re the one thing in my life that feels real.”

You blinked. He tucked a hand beneath your chin.

“And if the world can’t see that… then I’ll show them.”

Three days later, he posted a photo.

No caption. Just you, Roscoe, and him on a balcony, wrapped in blankets, sipping tea. Your head on his shoulder. Roscoe snoozing across both your laps.

It went viral in seconds.

But the response shocked you.

“This is the softest thing I’ve ever seen.” “I want what they have.” “Protect this trio at all costs.”

Your inbox flooded with kindness. People saw you. And more importantly—they saw the love.

A few months later, Lewis took you to a beach on your day off. It was quiet. Peaceful. Roscoe ran in wide circles, barking happily at the waves.

You sat on a blanket, his arm around you, sun low in the sky.

Then he called Roscoe over.

There was a velvet box tied to Roscoe’s collar.

Your heart skipped.

“It’s not a ring,” Lewis said quickly. “Not yet. I just... wanted to ask if we can keep doing this. You. Me. Roscoe. All of it.”

You opened the box. Inside was a small gold charm: a tiny dog paw next to a heart.

“Yes,” you said, instantly.

He kissed you again, deeper this time.

Roscoe barked once. Loudly. Offended at being ignored.

You both laughed against each other’s mouths.

And maybe love hadn’t come in the way you expected. But it arrived exactly when it was meant to.

With muddy pawprints, fresh tea, and the softest man you’d ever known.

[lov3notts]

amora congratulations on 1k babes!! i’m so happy for you and your celebration is so pretty ♥️!

i was thinking cupids arrow w/ theo nott + "i think it's time we take a break." (feeling all the angst with theo lol)

1k Celebration!!! ;Navigation

i missed writing angst!!! thank you for this brooke😽

You sat on the edge of your bed, staring at your phone—at yet another unread message, another unanswered “Are we still on tonight?”

You stared for a while. Then stood.

Because you had grown tired of his games.

But by the time you found him, he was in the common room, backlit by firelight and hunched over a book he clearly wasn’t reading, something inside you snapped.

He didn’t even notice you at first.

That used to be impossible.

You stood there for a second too long, waiting for him to look up, to say “hey, love” to smile like he used to.

He didn’t.

You finally spoke. “So, are you going to keep pretending I don’t exist, or is that just how things are now?”

He sat back slowly, eyes narrowing. “Okay. What’s going on?”

“You tell me,” you snapped. “Because I’m tired of guessing.”

Theo blinked. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You’ve been distant, Theo. You barely speak to me, you cancel plans without a word, you act like I’m bothering you just by being here.”

He closed the book sharply, standing. “You’re being dramatic.”

“No, I’m being honest,” you said. “Do you even care anymore? Or are you just too much of a coward to tell me you’re done?”

His jaw tightened. “I’ve got a lot going on, alright?”

“So say that!” you shouted. “Say something! You just shut me out like I don’t matter anymore—like we don’t matter. And I’m sick of making excuses for you.”

“I don’t know, alright?” His voice rose. “I don’t have some neat answer to make you feel better. Maybe I’m tired. Maybe I’m overwhelmed. Maybe I just need some space without being accused of falling out of love with you every five seconds.”

That hit you like a slap.

Then he moved closer to you, tension sharp in his shoulders. “You don’t get it.”

“Then talk to me, Theo! Let me in! That’s what people do when they’re in love!”

His mouth opened—then closed again.

And that silence burned more than anything he could’ve said.

You laughed bitterly, wiping at the tears starting to slip. “Right. That’s what I thought.”

He looked away, jaw tightening. “I didn’t say I don’t love you.”

“You didn’t have to.”

A beat passed, heavy and quiet.

Then Theo muttered, “Maybe I just need time.”

You stared at him like he’d grown a second head. “Time? Theo I’ve been giving you nothing but time.”

“Well, apparently not enough,” he snapped.

You nodded slowly, chest burning, eyes stinging. “Fine.”

You turned, this time not waiting for him to stop you. Not hoping.

Because you had lost hope a long time ago.

At first, he thought it would help.

Space.

It sounded reasonable when he said it. He told himself he needed air, time to think—some distance to quiet the noise in his head. He hadn’t meant to hurt you. He just… didn’t know how to explain what was going on inside him. And you were always there, asking, worrying, caring—and he couldn’t live up to it. Not then.

But now?

Now it was too quiet.

You stopped walking with him to class. Stopped waiting for him outside the library. Stopped sliding into the seat next to him at lunch like you always used to, shoulder brushing his, warm and familiar. He didn't even realize how much he'd relied on those moments until they disappeared.

Now there was an empty seat beside him. Every. Single. Day.

And that seat was louder than any fight you’d ever had.

At first, he tried to pretend he was fine. He shrugged it off when Mattheo raised an eyebrow and said, “You look like a kicked dog.”

He ignored Blaise’s snort when he muttered, “Mate, you asked for this.”

But he saw the way they looked at him when you walked past without sparing him a glance. He felt it—the hollow ache when you smiled at someone else down the corridor, your eyes never even flickering in his direction.

He thought he’d feel lighter. But he just felt lonely.

So one afternoon, he found you alone by the edge of the Black Lake, where you used to sit together and talk for hours about everything and nothing.

You were sitting on the grass, picking absentmindedly at the hem of your sleeve. The sunlight caught the side of your face, and for a second, it hit him all at once—how much he missed you. Your voice. Your warmth. Your presence.

He cleared his throat softly.

You looked up.

Theo hesitated, hands shoved in his pockets. “Hey.”

“Hey.” It wasn’t cold. But it wasn’t warm, either. It was… careful. Like you were building a wall and choosing not to let him through.

“I, uh…” He shifted. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

You nodded. “Okay.”

He hated how polite you sounded. He hated that he didn’t know how to fix it.

“I know I said I needed space,” he started, eyes locked on the water, “but—”

“But now you’re ready for me to be here again?”

His head snapped to you.

You weren’t angry. That’s what made it worse. You were calm. Resigned.

“I gave you space, Theo,” you said softly. “And in that space, I had time to think too.”

He swallowed hard. “Think about what?”

You shrugged, still not meeting his eyes. “About how much of our relationship was me trying to hold it together while you pulled away.”

Theo’s chest tightened.

“You said you needed time, but you never said why. You didn’t trust me enough to let me in.” Your voice cracked, just a little. “And maybe that was my answer all along.”

“I do trust you—”

“Do you?” you asked, finally looking at him. “Because it didn’t feel like it.”

Silence settled between you. Cold and final.

He didn’t know what to say. He’d thought the distance would give him clarity—but all it did was show him how much he’d taken you for granted. And now… now he wasn’t sure if there was anything left to come back to.

“I’m not mad, Theo. I just… I don’t know if I can keep trying for someone who won’t meet me halfway.”

You took a shaky breath, fingers digging into the sleeves of your jumper.

“I think it’s time we take a break.” The words tasted like betrayal in your own mouth.

Theo’s breath caught. “No. Don’t say that. Please.”

“I’m tired,” you whispered. “I’m so tired, Theo. Of chasing after someone who keeps running.”

“I’m not running,” he said quickly. “Not anymore. I’m here—I’m here. I messed up, but we can fix this. Just—don’t give up on me.”

You looked at him, eyes glassy and throat tight. “I didn’t give up on you. You gave up on us. I just finally listened.”

He reached for your hand, and for a moment, you let him take it.

“I love you” he said, with every ounce of fear and hope in his chest.

You gave a sad smile, eyes dropping to the place where your hands touched.

“And I…..loved you.” You stood slowly, gently pulling your hand away.

He didn’t stop you when you walked away.

He wanted to. God, he wanted to.

But maybe this time, he didn’t deserve to.

ᥫ᭡reblog's & comment's are appreciatedᥫ᭡

©lov3notts ,do not copy, translate or claim any of my writing or works as your own.

[linedbycaro]

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 - 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞

𝐇𝐞𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨… 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨 𝐈 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝚸𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐢 𝚸𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲. 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 :)

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 2.6𝐤

Paige's great idea starts the way most of them do: with Azzi. 

Tonight, they are tucked under the familiar sheets of Paige's dorm bed, scrolling on TikTok. Warm bodies gently molded together, tired but still awake, they soak in their last bits of normalcy in Storrs before the tournament. 

Having just won the Big East and with an entire season behind them, their bodies are worn with the kind of bone-deep exhaustion you know you aren't allowed to acknowledge yet. Fatigue you can't let set in, not with their biggest feat ahead, not when it matters most, not when they have a shot at the natty—the endgame. 

Paige's last chance. The one thing Paige has wanted since she got to Uconn. And now she has one more shot. They have one more shot to do it together. The reality of it makes Azzi realize how little time they have left. 

Neither has really talked about how different things will be in the coming months. Of course, they will always be Paige and Azzi, but to some capacity, their relationship will look different. Very different. And natty or not, it will happen in a mere month. 

No more dorm sleepovers, no more practices together. And they'll evolve, of course- adapt, as they had in all the other stages of their lives and new levels of their relationship. But Azzi just loves how perfect everything is now. How perfect they are now, inseparable, tangible, present, unbreakable. She buries her face deeper into Paige's hoodie at the thought, breathing her scent in deep, her nose nuzzling into the soft fabric. She audibly sighs. 

"What?" Paige asks then, with a waiting smile, eyes narrowing. She knows that Azzi's over-emphasized sigh usually means, "Something's on my mind, and I want to talk about it, but I want you to ask me first."

"I'm just thinking about how much I'm gonna miss you next year," Azzi says dramatically. "Not even next year, next month," She groans. She means it humorously, but they both know it carries weight.

"I know, baby. I know." Paige says consolingly. And then, after a beat, her words catching ever so slightly, "I'm going to miss you too… More than you know." 

"Oh, I know," Azzi smiles sweetly, ever the princess. She reaches up to pinch Paige's nose lightly. "It just won't be the same," she whispers after, "as being here." Her finger lingers on Paige's face, brushing light circles on her cheekbones. 

"No," Paige replies quietly, "it won't be." She grabs Azzi's wandering hand with her own, squeezing it gently. "But it'll still be us. Y'know?"

"Yeah," comes the quiet reply. 

They are silent for a minute, just looking at each other and being ridiculously sappy. It isn't like Paige was disappearing, but still. 

"I'm so proud of you, you know," Azzi says, resettling on Paige's chest. "You are going to kill it in the W. Like kill it. As much as you know I'll miss you, I hope you know how happy, proud, and excited I am for you to live out your dreams."

"Thanks, baby," Paige says shyly, grinning at her.

"I'm serious," Azzi says, eyebrows shooting up defensively. "I can't wait for my WAG debut. I'm going to sit courtside decked out in #5 Bueckers merch."

Paige laughs lightly. That's another thing they haven't really talked about: making it official—or at least more public. They'll be able to do as they please after Paige leaves Uconn, but still. 

"People'll know we're dating then." Paige says carefully.

"People already think we're dating, P," Azzi raises her brows, "'least our fans do."

"And I love that they know. I want people to know, like really know," the blonde replies, pausing mid-thought. But…

"But the tabloids and the press will exploit shit like that and then it's no longer about either of us or basketball anymore." Azzi finishes for her. 

"Yeah." Paige pauses. "But I think, I think after the natty, we shouldn't hide it at least. Even if there's no announcement, I don't want to hide us anymore."

Azzi grins into Paige's hoodie. "How would we do that?"

"I mean," Paige thinks for a moment. "I think we just exist. The draft is coming up, if- I mean, I dunno how carpets work but if we go together, we shouldn't have to say it for people to know. They can think what they want, but I'd want you there by my side anyways." Paige finishes somewhat shyly. 

"Yeah?" Azzi says, heart blossoming with affection. And then, "I’m honored, but I wouldn't want it to take away from you though. It'll be your night. And you deserve to have it that way."

"It wouldn't. I mean, we've been selling the best-friend thing since forever- not that even it's untrue, but" Paige pauses, "I think people will think what they think regardless, and I don't want that to get in the way of us sharing a big life moment as what we are to each other- best friend and also girlfriend. We should at least think about it."

Azzi giggles and says, " Yeah," in agreement. "I like that idea." And then, "I love you," she says softly. 

"I love you," Paige replies easily. "Forever and always."

They are both abnormally sentimental and mushy tonight, probably due to how real the end of this era feels, like time slipping through fingers. Paige gives Azzi a soft kiss on the head, and they return to scrolling. 

About fifteen minutes later, or maybe it's an hour (doom scrolling is a time trap even D1 athletes fall into), Azzi gasps. 

"Paige, look!" She exclaims, hand shooting up without really looking and tapping the blonde a little too enthusiastically to get her attention. 

"Ay, ay, that's my face Az." Paige swats her hand away, feigning irritation with a grin. "You're annoying." 

"Okay, yeah, but look," Azzi says, showing Paige her screen. "It's a promposal of us."

Indeed it is. Paige smiles at the screen as she watches a video of a tall blonde girl "promposing" to a brunette with flowers, two giant cutouts of Paige and Azzi's faces, and a poster that reads, "You're the Azzi to my Paige. Prom? It's just adorable. The brunette says yes, they hug, and their classmates cheer. The blonde gives the "Azzi" girl a shy peck on the cheek. Paige's heart warms. It's so them coded. "Look, they even used our special pink heart emoji. So they know, know."

"Told you the real ones know." Azzi says, grinning at her girlfriend. 

"10/10 promposal," Paige says, settling back down. "I guess proposing is pretty big these days. You keep getting them on your fyp."

"These days? Promposing has been a thing since before we were in high school. And also my algorithm knows me well. I think they're cute."

"Oh. So did you ever get proposed to?" Paige asks.

"No. But I kinda wish I did." Azzi yawns.

"I never did either, if that makes you feel any better." 

"It doesn't, actually. but thanks." Azzi rolls her eyes sarcastically. 

Paige boops Azzi's nose. "You tired?" 

Azzi nods, yawning again, and then Paige kisses her deeply, slowly. Without breaking them apart, she reaches over to flick off the lights.

And then their phones are forgotten as they melt into each other lazily. It's the kind of make-out thats slow, and savored, and known.

It’s not until after they break away, eyes closing and waiting for sleep, that Paige's great idea pops into her mind. 

Azzi never got a promposal, but maybe, just maybe, she can get a draft-posal. A proper, goofy, right of passage-posal. Paige is determined to make the most of their last few real days in Storrs together.

Good thing they are going to Ted’s tomorrow. 

The next morning, after a light recovery practice and shooting, the team heads to breakfast. Paige waits until Azzi saunters off to use the bathroom before turning to the group.

"Hey, fam," Paige stage whispers, glancing over to make sure Azzi is out of earshot. I need y'all's help with something." Everyone turns to her, expectantly waiting. "I wanna draft-pose to Azzi."

"You wanna do what now?" Kk asks, giving her a look.

"Draft-pose," Paige tries to explain sheepishly. "Like prompose. But for the draft."

"Shut up, that's cuuute," Jana gasps.

Caroline drops her fork dramatically. "Okay. That's so insanely adorable."

"Paige, you're whipped." Sarah makes a slightly disgusted face, laughing. Paige cocks her head, narrowing an eye at her. "Yeah, and what about it?"

"Look at you being all romantic, P. That's sick," Ice shakes her head, fake gagging.

But after they finish trolling Paige for being a simp, Kk asks, "But what do you need us for?"

"Let me just show you," Paige says, pulling out her phone to show Kk examples of big promposals out on TikTok. 

"OKAYYY, I SEE YOU," Kk says, excited now. "Sure, we'll be your wingmen."

"Everyone just meet me at 2:00 pm at our apartment. Carol, maybe you and Azzi can do something and distract her?"

"On it," The brunette replies.

"I have a plan, I swear. Tonight at Te-" Paige is about to finish her sentence when Jana nudges her, nodding to the door as Azzi walks back in. They all quiet down and finish their food.

After a few hours of uncoordinated practice and a quick run to Party City, they are ready—sort of. The plan is for everyone to head to Ted's before Azzi, who will come in late with Carol, so the rest of them can set up. 

That night, when Azzi finally gets to Teds, she is slightly annoyed that Paige left without her- without even a text’s notice. And of course, Carol's car breaks down on the way there (Carol panicked when they were already en route and Paige sent an emergency "we need fifteen more minutes, the speakers aren't connecting to the mics" text, so she pretended the engine had a problem- lifted the hood and everything). But now it's late, and Azzi honestly just wants to get drunk. 

When Azzi walks through the door and doesn't see anyone except Morgan in a corner, suspiciously filming, and Ashylnne adamantly typing on her phone the minute she spots Azzi’s arrival, she's even more annoyed and confused because how?—oh. 

Azzi hears the familiar bars of Keyshia Cole's Love filter through the speakers. That's her and Paige's karaoke song.

And then, walking out in single file onto the small bar stage that's sometimes used for live music is Kk, Ice, Kaitlyn, Jana, and Paige, right in the middle, holding a mic. 

And- Azzi squints her eyes and steps forward. Do they have sunglasses and matching tuxedo shirts on? Their backs are now turned to the audience. Is this some kind of weird performance? 

Azzi turns slightly to Caroline, hoping for some explanation, but her friend only smiles wildly at her, filming. Azzi turns back to the stage with the realization that, this is for her. She’s still confused, but now she’s smiling, cautious, yet broad like one does when everyone sings “happy birthday” to you and stares. 

"I used to think that I wasn't fine enough." Ice turns first, awkwardly, singing low and unsure.

"And I used to think that I wasn't wild enough." Kk turns on the other end of the line, like she was born for this very performance.

"But I won't waste my time trying to figure it out," Jana turns next.

"Why are you playing games? What's this all about?" Kaitlyn comes in, turning beside Kk.

The four of them start swaying, laughing but committing to the bit with the next bars, "And I can't believe you're hurting me, I met you girl (they change the lyrics from your girl to you girl so it makes sense) what a difference. What you see in her you ain't seen in me, But I guess it was all just make believe." 

And then Paige turns around, finally taking the chorus. Loud and goofy, she unashamedly points at Azzi with a proud grin. "Oh love, never knew what I was missing, but I knew once we start kissing, I found Love." Paige continues completely off key, but everyone is cheering, and Azzi can't believe it. Her hands cover her mouth in disbelief.

The performance continues with a few dance moves (choreographed by Kk, obviously), And then when Paige takes a solo on the second, "Rainy days fade away when you come around, say you're here to stay, with me, girl. I don't want you to leave me, I, I need you" her backup dancers reach down and hand her a folded poster. Sarah appears, (also wearing a tuxedo shirt), and walks toward Azzi with the most enormous bouquet of flowers she has ever seen in her life. Caroline gently prods Azzi forward, still stunned. And then, Paige opens the poster as the last chorus begins. Azzi’s jaw drops. 

It reads: "My LOVE… I never knew what I was missing- until I imagined Draft Night without YOU 💗" and then in smaller letters, "You are the Azzi to my Paige, will you be my date at the draft?"

It is perfect. The poster displays carefully crafted block letters—something Azzi imagines Paige had help with (most likely Kaitlyn or Jana's artsy work), and Azzi's heart is exploding. Paige is giving her the biggest smile. She looks pretty as ever. Her blonde locks loose and flowing past her shoulders in the way she knows Azzi likes, held back only by the goofy sunglasses that are now atop her head. Her blue eyes are big and adoring. Her skin glows softly under the lights, and her cheeks are flushed, long lashes swiped lightly with mascara, casting shadows on her cheekbones.

After accepting the flowers from Sarah with a smile, Azzi rushes up to her girlfriend with a breathless "Oh my goodness, Paige," And throws her arms around her in a big hug. They stay like that for a long second, only pulling away to look at each other.

 "So, is that a yes?" Paige asks, voice warm and cracked from all the singing, "I know we talked about it last night, but I wanted to ask you for real. Ya know, a promposal n' all."

"YES. yes. Oh my gosh. Yes," Azzi says happily, nodding, and still very much in shock. She gives Paige a lengthy kiss. Deep, Open mouthed, uncaring. Heat rises to the blonde's cheek, tugging Azzi impossibly closer, their teammates groaning at the PDA.

"I'm gonna kill myself now," Jana says, looking away.

"They're just so damn cute," Kk gushes, jumping around them like their happy child. "The way they jus look at each other, ugh!" Ice looks at Kk with disgust. "I know you're running one of them pazzi shipper accounts on the down low." 

"Girl boo, let me be happy for them," Kk retorts, slinging an arm around her teammates and guiding them away from the couple to give them some space. “That was kinda disgusting though,” She admits, as they walk away. “They real nasty.”

“No, it’s elite,” Jana smirks. “Peak simp behavior.”

Paige and Azzi both giggle, truthfully loving their teammate’s teasing.

"I'm seriously the luckiest girl in the world," Azzi murmurs, embracing Paige again. "I don't even know how you managed to pull that off."

"You deserve it, princess," the blonde replies, squeezing her tight. They hold on to each other a minute longer and then, after a chaste kiss, join the rest of the squad. 

After Azzi profusely thanks everyone for their performances and help, they watch the recording of the draft-posal multiple times, laughing at their own tomfoolery. And then, when everyone gets a bit more drunk, they decide it's a great idea to perform it again, this time with Azzi on stage.

[loveqnai]

Can you please write a military! Reader x f1 driver like she came back and surprises driver at the grand prix or something I would prefer Lando but you can write whoever is your favorite

we'll meet again | ln4

-the one with the emotional reunion

-pairing- lando norris x military!fem!reader

-use of y/n, slight angst, fluff.

-a/n- thank you sm for the request!! i love this idea sm! i hope i did it justice.

lando and you had been in a relationship for three years. the first two years were amazing. lando was an incredible boyfriend. you had been to some of his races, and his fans knew of you. alas, good things don't last forever.

you were in the military and had been deployed for the past 8 months. your relationship with lando turned into a long distance one. communication was sparse— you could manage only letters or scheduled calls. lando was constantly worried about your well-being, which reflected in his career as well. he had not been able to focus and everyone had noticed, yet no one held the courage to speak to him about it.

you had informed lando that you wouldn't be able to make it until the end of the season, which didn't ease lando's worries at all.

monaco grand prix. one of the most important grand prixs for lando. yet he was distracted.

"mate, you alright?" oscar asked his teammate, who seemed to be lost in his own world.

"hmm? yeah, yeah i'm fine." lando snapped out of his daze, prepping himself for the race which was about to begin in a few hours. oscar didn't believe him, but he didn't pester him further.

all lando wished was for you to magically appear in front of him and hug him tightly, let him know you're okay. lucky for him, his wish was about to come true.

you had been cleared earlier than you expected. overjoyed, you thought of calling lando and telling him immediately. but where's the fun in that? instead, you lied to him and said you wouldn't be able to make it until later.

you were in disguise (a cap and shades, really) as you entered the paddock. the mclaren team already knew of your arrival. they had helped you plan the surprise.

you were leaning against the wall, trying to be discreet and hidden from everyone, when you felt a tap on your shoulder. you turned and saw a glimpse of the papaya suit, your heart jumping to your throat. no way your surprise just got ruined.

"y/n?" but that wasn't lando's voice. you turned fully to face the person— it was oscar. lando's teammate.

"oh my god— i thought you were lando!" you laughed in relief.

"when did you get here? does lando not know?"

"nope, i'm surprising him." you smiled cheekily at the thought.

"i'm really happy for him. he's been moping all these months." oscar sighed. i nodded.

"he won't anymore."

after a while, you heard commotion. lando had arrived. he was talking to someone on the team.

"yeah— why is everyone so smiley today? like, i don't know, every person i walk past looks at me as if they know something i don't." you overheard him talk and snickered. you were having too much fun with this.

you had planned to surprise him before the race began, and you went with it.

as lando was walking and talking with someone, you snuck up on him.

"hey, can i have a picture?" you asked, trying hard not to laugh as you held out your phone to click one. lando leaned into the frame and for a second he didn't notice. only for a second.

"wait a minute—" he turned to look at you fully and his jaw fell. he cupped his mouth as he registered your presence.

"y/n?" he whispered and pulled you into a tight hug. you wrapped your arms around his body, soaking him in. god, you had missed him so much.

"holy shit— i can't, what?" he whispered in confusion, not letting go of you. you felt people taking pictures and videos and admiring you both, but you couldn't care less about them at the moment. the only person that mattered was lando. your lando.

he finally pulled away after a few minutes.

"you— you said you wouldn't be able to make it until the end of the season!" he said, cupping your cheeks. he couldn't believe you were right in front of him, safe and sound. tears of joy were brimming in his eyes. you felt your own running down your cheeks.

"well— i lied." you shrugged and laughed. the entire world had blurred for the both of you. no one existed in that moment, only you and your lover.

you leaned in and gave him a peck on his lips. he stared at you with so much awe and admiration, you could melt just from his soft gaze.

slowly, everything returned back to normal. the world came into being again. cheers and 'aw's could be heard. but lando could only stare at his world.

as if you were his good luck charm, lando won the race. after months of bad races, he finally won. the sun shined down on monaco, the mclaren team jumping with joy.

lando didn't wait for any interviews or meaningless 'congratulations'. he ran up to you and hugged you. you were ecstatic. you kissed his helmet where his lips were supposed to be and hugged him again, jumping as you do.

"this one is for you." you heard his voice through his helmet, and you couldn't help but cry again. after the race, lando took you back to his place.

he was telling you random stories about other drivers and you listened intently, your fingers running through his hair. his head was on top of your chest, his arms around your waist. you lay there in a comforting silence, which communicated everything words couldn't.

"how much longer till you go back?" he asked, his soft eyes looking at you.

"don't worry about that right now." you assure him.

"i can't help but worry, y/n. you're so important to me. when you leave it— it feels like you take a part of me with you. i'm constantly worried about your health, and i hate the fact that i can't even check up on you. i just wish i could be by your side at all times." he hugged you tighter, burying his face in the crook of your neck. your heart broke when you felt wet tears on your neck.

"lando— look at me." you urged him. he finally looked up at you, tears staining his cheeks. his eyes were slightly swollen from the amount of times he had cried.

"i'm right here, okay? i'm right here with you. nothing will happen to me." you kissed him gently, as if he would break at the slightest discomfort.

"i know, it's just been so long since i saw you." he sighed. you smiled and kissed his cheek.

"you're glowing. you look so beautiful." he whispered as he pulled you onto his lap. you wrapped your hands around his neck.

"and you look as handsome as ever" you dragged your thumb along his lower lip, leaning in. your lips were almost touching.

"i missed you so fucking much. please don't leave yet." he whispered, staring at your lips.

"even if i do, we'll meet again." you closed the gap between his lips and yours, savouring the moment forever.

the end.

[crushpunky]

drew and actress!reader attend tudum

masterlist | actress!reader masterlist

enjoy this requested fic <3

Bulbs flashed brightly as y/n stepped a high heeled foot onto Netflix’s red carpet. The attention of the crowd shifted to her, everybody’s eyes falling on her black minidress and dazzling, camera ready smile. From the opposite end of the carpet, an exceptionally loud holler caused y/n’s head to turn, her gaze locking with the familiar blue eyes of the holler’s source.

“There she is.” Drew murmured, his voice inaudible over the crowd, but y/n could tell exactly what was going through his mind. Y/n felt her cheeks warm as Drew’s eyes raked over her, a cheesy grin spreading across his lips as he noticed the details of her outfit. Y/n winked at him before returning her gaze back to the crowd of onlookers, their hands full of cameras and microphones and their voices all clamoring for her attention.

“Y/n!” An excited reporter waved at her, a wide smile on her face. “Do you have a minute for an interview?”

Y/n smiled back at the reporter before stepping to the side of the carpet to greet her. The fans crowding the barricade around her screamed excitedly, y/n letting out a chuckle as she waved at them before standing in front of the reporter and her camera.

“Y/n, it’s so good to see you here back with Netflix!” The reporter smiled.

“It’s so great to be back here with everyone.” Y/n nodded, gesturing to the Netflix stars that lined the red carpet.

“You look absolutely amazing— of course— could you tell us a bit about your look?” The reporter asked.

“Aww thank you.” Y/n cooed, laughing bashfully as she glanced down at her outfit. “Well,  I wanted to keep it nice and simple. You can’t go wrong with a little black dress, of course.”

“Oh, of course.” The reporter agreed, her attention catching on a ribbon of familiar fabric adorning y/n’s hair, the same fabric tied into a bow on the back of y/n’s dress and on her heel. “I love the little bow details… the pattern looks a little familiar to somebody’s suit.”

Y/n felt her cheeks warm, letting out a little giggle as she glanced over her shoulder towards where Drew posed on the carpet, the gray plaid of his suit the exact pattern of y/n’s bows. She had wanted to surprise him, so she coordinated with his stylist to get some excess fabric to use in her own outfit. Judging by the smile on his face when he saw her, he most definitely noticed.

“Haha, yeah.” Y/n grinned. “I thought it’d be fun to coordinate.”

“Well you guys both look stunning.” The reporter grinned. “But I have to ask about the reason you’re here today: Knives Out. What can you tell us about that?”

“Oh jeez, I’m not sure what all I can say, you know?” Y/n laughed. “I mean it’s a mystery with lots of questions and twists— the classic Knives Out elements— but it also is something so different and unlike anything else we’ve seen before.”

“That sounds so, so exciting.” The reporter said. “Now, as I’m sure you know, you’re not the first Outer Banks alum in the Knives Out franchise. Your costar Madelyn Cline was in the previous installment, did you two talk at all when you found out you’d be joining the world of Knives Out?”

“Oh yeah.” Y/n nodded. “Right after I found out I got the part I immediately called up Madelyn and she was so excited… she might’ve been more excited than me.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” The reporter said. “How was it working with this absolutely star studded cast?”

“A-ma-zing.” Y/n said dramatically, a wide smile on her face. “It was so surreal to get to act with these people who are the absolute best of the best when it comes to their craft.”

“I can only imagine.” The reporter said. “There were so many new amazing faces, to the franchise but we have to talk about the Daniel Craig. I mean you’d met him before when your husband, Drew, had worked with him previously in ‘Queer’, but it has to be so different actually acting next to a legend, right?”

“Oh, it was amazing getting to work with Daniel.” Y/n said. “I met him about two years ago when I went to visit Drew on the set of ‘Queer’ and—”

Y/n was interrupted as the crowd exploded into loud cheers and excited screams.

“You talking about me?” A voice whispered behind y/n, causing her to jump before turning around to see Drew’s grinning face. Y/n immediately relaxed, her eyes rolling playfully. Drew chuckled, resting his head atop hers as he squeezed her in a hug before pulling away, but keeping his hand draped around her waist.

“All good things, I promise.” Y/n grinned up at Drew as he smiled back at her.

“Well, Drew, this is just perfect timing because I was just about to ask y/n about the next season of Outer Banks.” The reporter said. “How are you guys feeling about this being the last season? Sad? Excited?”

“A mix.” Drew said. “This has been such a huge part of my life— of all of our lives— I mean, I grew up on this show, I got married on this show, so it’s definitely bittersweet.”

“I agree.” Y/n nodded. “I’m so excited to see what they do for this conclusion but I’m definitely gonna miss it.”

“So, with this being the finale, I think everyone is wondering if Caroline will be making an appearance in this last season.” The reporter asked, mentioning y/n’s character from the show. After leaving at the end of season three, fans had been clamoring for more of the romance between Rafe and Caroline that had been cut short far too soon.

Y/n laughed, Drew turning to look at y/n with an inquisitive quirk of his brow.

“I don’t know, I guess fans will just have to tune in and find out.” Y/n said coyly, shrugging her shoulders. Drew let out a playful and dramatic groan, which caused y/n to giggle.

“Well, y/n and Drew, it was so nice to talk with you guys and we can’t wait to see Wake Up Dead Man and the final season of Outer Banks!” The reporter said gleefully.

“Thank you for having us!” Y/n said, waving to the camera, Drew joining in before planting a quick kiss on her cheek and leading her away with his hand around her waist. Drew leaned down to whisper something in y/n’s ear that caused her to laugh, the two of them continuing down the red carpet side by side.

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