#about how I thought the story was gonna go/what I thought was going on

[salemlunaa]

❀˚܀stop stalling and admit you’re afraid ❀˚܀

it’s okay to be scared but you gotta know how to deal with it.

❀˚܀ ACT I | Admit to yourself you’ve been stalling

no you’re not being productive while scripting every single detail, i get that can be satisfying but when are you gonna lock in. Do you feel accomplished when you sit back up for the fifth time “before i induce let me script this ONE LAST thing”, just to wake up in your unfavourable story? again?

Although scripting puts so much joy in creating and shifting awareness to your new story, you need to admit to yourself that spending more time scripting trivial stuff than actually trying to induce pure consciousness can be harmful.

܀˚❀ ACT II | Look at the law

at this point we all know the law of assumption tells us to “assume as if to be that which you want to be”.

so assuming you have your dream life, are you sitting there upset about your circumstances, begging for an instant method of you were there. Would someone who’s just baked a cake sit there and script what the cake would look like and what flavours it would have, would they cry and get desperate for an instant cake-baking method?

Would someone who has successfully manifested blonde hair be binge watching “i hAvE bLoNdE hAiR ✨✨” subliminals, or would they spend time gushing over their hair and how beautiful and blonde it is, which is basically reaffirming what’s true: they have blonde hair.

Instead of stalling and be miserable, gush over your new story, actually apply the new fact that you’re in your dream life, apply he fact that you are a master at inducing the “I AM” state. Use what you know to reaffirm what’s true.

܀❀˚ACT III | It’s okay to be scared, how do we deal with this?

Sure it’s comforting to reduce yourself to a “failure” even after barely trying. You fell asleep one too many times so you run back to stalling, you don’t wanna let yourself down again. You “failed” and woke up in an undesirable state. You don’t want to go through that again so you stall and tell yourself that doomscrolling on tumblr and adding “one more thing” to the script is way more important, and that you’ll “do it later”

But I must warn you, this will lead you down a path where more time is wasted. And although time is a concept do you really want to spend a day more in your unfavourable environment? you could’ve have everything, an hour ago, yesterday, a few minutes ago, IF YOU APPLIED.

“But it’s not that easy…” according to who? who is assuming the that?

“But I always fall asleep and fail it’s not that simple…” according to who? your subconscious doesn’t know that so who is perpetuating that assumption over and over again?

“scripting feels so good tho lemme just try tonight” TRY? the operant power doesn’t try! and yes scripting is so fun, but more fun than living the dream?

i thought so.

as you can see you can flip these thoughts, you don’t have to be afraid of failure if you know failure doesn’t exist for you. you don’t have to stall when you succeed at everything you do, there’s no point in it.

so get off your ass and apply loves, this community is lovely but don’t stay here longer than you need to

🐅🌀 don’t be afraid and apply what you know

[w1shfullthink1ng]

𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔…𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐈 𝐃𝐎

paige bueckers x cheer!fem!reader

DESCRIPTION/ at the wnba draft you & paige show up together finally debuting y’all relationship

WARNINGS/ none (use of y/n AHHH ik ik pls 😔🔫 i swear i only use it like once!! don’t shoot the messenger girl didn’t you write this? shhh )

YOU WHERE IN THE HOTEL BATHROOM GETTING READY….safe to say you where scared no terrified for tonight. You put on your best face but you where drowning in your own mind “what if this goes wrong” “the medias ruthless” “what if-“ and that’s when paige’s voice brought you out of your head and back to reality

“you almost ready baby?” you shoot her a soft smile trying the mask your anxiousness “yeah..” you try your best to sound put together but after a year of being together and being friends for 3 she knows you like the back of her hand. “Hey..” she approached you gently her voice soft and comforting “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours hm?” she cups your face and moves a stand of hair out of your face tucking it behind your ear

you sigh softy “just nervous about tonight” you admit “if your having second thoughts we don’t have to-“ “no no I’m not having second thoughts well..maybe but I want this I do but you know with the media knowing and how they are it’s just nerve wracking and I don’t wanna ruin anything with you I know you have your NIL contract and stuff-“

she has a look of slight disbelief on her face “woah woah woah. you don’t wanna “ruin anything with me” baby you’re the best thing that ever happened to me you could never “ruin” anything in my life ever. so get that thought out of your head and as for the media screw ‘em people are always gonna have something to say. Plus if you don’t got haters then you ain’t poppin.” she says with a soft smirk. “You got me, I got you we’re good alright?” you nod her words of reassurance easing all your worries “Now come on pretty girl we have a draft to get to, and I need my gorgeous girl with me” she smiles placing her hands on your hips “okay okay let’s go” you laugh softly

You guys arrive to the draft squeezing your hand “Come on ma, you got this keep your head up you look beautiful baby, i’ll be with you the whole time okay?” she kisses your forehead softly her words gentle and sweet easing all of your worries “here we go” you sigh plastering a soft smile on your face as you take paige’s hand and head inside

The walk to the building was filled with cameras & people. The camera snaps few photos of you & paige an interviewer comes up to you guys and asks a few questions to paige like “what are you wearing tonight?” “Here to support Nika Mühl?” “How are you feeling about possibly getting drafted next year?” the suddenly the attention was pulled to you “Paige we see you brought a new face as your plus one tonight care to introduce us?” the interviewer asks with a smile “This is y/n, she’s my beautiful girlfriend”

You smiled softly and wave. You weren’t used to this many cameras sure there was a lot of people & cameras at uconn games but nothing like this, and definitely not this up close and personal. Paige had her arm wrapped around your waist and squeezed your hip a silent acknowledgment that she was there for you. The reporter smiled at you and paige “Girlfriend? wow what a surprise, y/n you look beautiful how are you feeling tonight.” “Definitely a little nervous but I have paige with me so I know i’ll be alright and i’m so proud of Nika just came to show my support for her as well.” the interviewer smiled “Y’all are just adorable if you don’t mind me asking how did you two meet?” paige had that stupid smirk you loved on her face. She loved telling the story.

“Well this pretty thing here is Uconn’s sweetheart she’s a cheerleader and she was cheering with all the other cheerleaders at one of our basketball games and I made a shot but after it went in it somehow bounced over and hit her head-“ you shake your head in embarrassment and giggle “Gosh paige don’t-“ she just laughs and shush’s you “Shh baby let me finish. ahem. anyways as I was saying it hit her head so I run up to her and apologize but I look at her and it hit me when I looked in her eyes I was like woah this is genuinely the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen so yeah I found her after the game got her number.” she winks.

The interviewer laughs finding the story so cute but I bud in “Paige thinks she has so much rizz yeah she may have got my number that day but it took her a WHOLE YEAR for her to ask me out” paige rolls her eyes playfully “Aye chill good things take time” the interviewer smiled and was amused by you and paige “Y’all are just the cutest, thank you both so much for your time it was so nice to meet you y/n thank you paige for sharing her.” paige smiles and reply’s “Of course but don’t y’all get to comfortable she’s mine.”

After all the draft night the media fell in love with you just as much as paige did loving your hospitality and transparency. Sure they’re was a few homophobic assholes but there was more positive feedback and so much support from everyone. You could say that everyone adored you…especially paige.

A/N still haven’t gotten over paige’s draft fit it was absolute perfection she’s so beautiful. also I apologize for being so inactive with finals & then the holidays your girl has been BUSYYY (I wake up everyday & there’s always smth to do i’m sick of it😾) but thank you for the love & support on my last blurb it’s so appreciated also TYSM for 30 followers ily all from the bottom of my heart. My inbox is open for yap sessions, unlicensed therapy sessions (i will always listen to y’all but samantha jones once said “we’re as fucked up as you are it’s like the blind leading the blind”) & requests are open !!

thanks for reading, love you always

wish signing off 🪽

[sandraharissa]

s2 intro was so fire. and I thought like s1 it showed/hinted at the things that would happen during this season. but most stuff didn't happen or it didn't live up to the imagery used in the intro

Vi smudging the VI tattoo. it implies that she would struggle with her identity and the name connected with it and the legacy connected with it, like Jinx did in s1. maybe this could even be her going so far as to reject the name itself, like denying that she's The Vi to keep a low profile. like how Jinx would insist that she's not Powder in s1. but none of that ever happened. Vi never struggles with 'being Vi' or what it means to her or with being Vander's prodigy even tho he's brought back from the dead.

this shot implying that this was gonna be a story about the sisters, but also that Jinx is Vi's burden or her shadow or a demon on her shoulder. but to explore Vi's feelings on her sister and what she's become they'd have to try to explore Vi at all

this shot which implies to me 'Jinx being Jinx' cos it's a callback to when she does the finger gun in s1, but even more so to when she does it as a kid in the Enemy MV. in the scene she, when she still went by Powder, aims a finger gun at enforcers and as she pretend fires at them it flashes to Jinx standing there. so a 'Jinx was always Jinx' message. but it also alludes to her having a target like the firelight in s1 or the enforcers in the MV, who she always hated.

the two times we see Ekko he reverses time, which ig he technically does but the meat of his story is him going to a parallel universe, not going back in time. idk ig I thought that time travel would be more relevant to Ekko's story than parallel universe travel. in the end time travel is only meaningfully used for the timebomb angst scene even tho it's not really necessary there. ig I thought the powers would be more relevant to Ekko's whole character and arc. in an Ekko lol short he reverses time to defeat the bad guy and when he finally succeeds it's at the cost of the destruction of the mural for dead kids, and so he goes back in time again. that's more meaningful than anything they did with firelights in s2 (and arguably more meaningful than the timebomb scene). why did they drop the sick tree plotline? the firelights? his past with Jinx? his involvement in the revolution? the past vs present and saving the things we love? I swear they were teasing me with an epic time travel episode but delivered a parallel universe (derogatory) episode.

this type of shots made me think that Cait would actually struggle internally to an extreme degree with her actions and how the power corrupts her etc. that she'd become horrified of what she's become. and how she'd hate and struggle with maintaining her appearances to the public.

the first shot made it seem like, just like Cait, Jayce would struggle with public attention and maybe scrutiny, considering he was the head of the council in s1. but then the first thing he does this season is resign and that's that for him being a public persona and struggling with his reputation even tho s1 and his lol lore focus on that. like that stuff's so juicy don't get rid of that.

the second shot hints to me at him discovering smth grand/important connected to the arcane, which ig kinda happened but what it ended up being is that Jayce got transported to a bad universe and learned that arcane bad. meanwhile this shot evokes to me smth more awe-inspiring, idk like smth mystical and magical, arcane, you could say. with white bright light often being used in media to communicate divinity. wild runes mumbo jumbo and Jayce being transported to a bad arcane universe seem so pedestrian compared to like, heavenly lights ig.

both concepts for Jayce's story that were introduced in the intro and the eps delivered on neither.

I don't remember the french revolution ending with the ppl teaming up with the royalty. I also don't get the impression that there are any french revolution stories out there with the hero thinking the revolution is an irritating nuisance. this parallel is so extremely unwarranted and borderline offensive.

Viktor did turn out to be evil and he did get a cult as this shot implied but the mask obvs references his lol mech suit that he never gets. there was no reason for him to be designed the way he was, as an arcane deity with specifically a mask, outside of for the purpose of having the faintest similarity to his lol design. the mask, the cult, all that third arm imagery in s1? it all references his lol lore, for nothing, cos they took his character in a drastically different direction. talk about blue balls. and same thing with the light as with Jayce, the light coming from the mask implies Revelations connected to the mask but also loss of identity/being consumed by it. maybe a glorious evolution? idk it again just feels like someone knew what the fans wanted but it wasn't the writers. but someone still put all this in the intro. teasing a better story that we'll never get to see.

there's also all the Black Rose imagery that seemed important even tho they weren't in the end. it being connected to Mel (politician) and Ambessa (politician/warrior) made me think that they would focus on the Black Rose being a political organization that wants smth connected to Piltover and the PnZ conflict, with all the imagery of holding the rose/squishing the rose/being the rose/picking up the rose alluding to the political scheming between Ambessa/Mel/the Black Rose. but they went the route of out of nowhere making Mel magic. imagine if in a random ep of s1 they made Silco magic.

why? why why why why why?

the intro did more for all the character arcs than the episodes themselves

[pbaz7]

CROSSING THE LINE — PART TEN ♡

paige x azzi

warnings: sexual content (at the end)

word count: 9.8k

A/N: Alright this is the last chapter of the series 🥹. I really enjoyed writing this one honestly and this won't be my last story! I tried to combine the things people requested the most for the last chapter so it's honestly just a really cute chapter to wrap up their storyline. There is some sexual content at the end but if you don't like that kind of thing you don't have to read it and won't miss much as it's just the end of the series. But for those of you who do like it, it's there lol! Please leave live reactions and comments, thank you so much for reading this series 🫶🏼🤭.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 2029

Paige paced back and forth in her dressing room, her footsteps quick and uneven as she muttered under her breath. Nika, lounging on the couch, watched her with an amused expression, while everyone else was still getting dressed. 

“Twin, you need to chill and sit down,” Nika said, shaking her head. “You’re gonna get sweaty, and Azzi’s going to kill you and probably me for letting you do this.”

“How am I supposed to sit down?” Paige shot back, throwing her hands in the air. “I haven’t seen my fiancée all day! I have no idea what she’s thinking!”

Nika stifled a laugh. “Yeah, that’s the point. You’re not supposed to see her today. It’s tradition or whatever.”

Paige groaned, reluctantly plopping down onto the edge of the couch. She adjusted her button up carefully, making sure she didn’t wrinkle it. “This is torture, who came up with this ridiculous tradition anyway. Who wouldn’t want to see their wife before they got married,” she muttered.

A few seconds later, as if the universe was reading her mind, a knock sounded at the door. Nika stood up to answer it, sharing a quick glance at Paige whose face lit up a little bit. When Nika opened the door, Caroline stood on the other side, a playful smirk on her face.

“Azzi wants Paige to come to the door,” Caroline said, her tone light, “but she can’t look.”

Nika laughed quietly as she turned to Paige. “Come on, drama queen. Get up.”

With exaggerated reluctance, Paige got to her feet. Nika guided her to the door, positioning her by the wall so she and Azzi couldn’t see each other.

Paige felt a familiar hand slide into hers from the other side of the door frame, their fingers intertwining. Azzi’s voice came softly, almost a whisper. “Hi, baby.”

A wide grin broke out on Paige’s face. “Hi, mama.”

Azzi chuckled at the name, her thoughts drifting briefly to their son, who Geno had whisked away the moment he’d arrived.

“Have you seen him yet?” Paige asked, her tone softening as her thoughts turned to their little boy just like Azzi.

“Not since this morning,” Azzi replied. “But Geno promised he’d keep him entertained. I heard him say something about introducing him to everyone in the building before getting him dressed.”

Paige laughed quietly. “So basically, he’s spoiling him.”

“Of course,” Azzi said with a smile. “I think Geno likes being a grandpa more than he did coaching sometimes.”

Paige’s heart melted as she pictured her son’s bright blue eyes and laughter filling the building. “I still can’t believe we have him sometimes Az. He’s perfect.”

Azzi’s voice softened. “He really is. And he’s going to be so proud of his moms today.”

“Which is why you need to calm down goofball,” Azzi continued gently as she squeezed Paige’s hand.

Paige scoffed, trying to sound confident. “Psh, what are you talking about? I’m cool as a cucumber.”

A laugh bubbled up from Azzi. “I could feel your stress from the other side of the building, Paige and your hands are sweaty.”

At that, Paige tried to pull her hand away to wipe it on a towel, but Azzi held onto her firmly. “Nope, not so fast,” Azzi teased.

Paige sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. “This is so unfair,” she mumbled. “I can’t even see you.”

“I know,” Azzi replied, her voice warm. “But I’m here. We’ve got this.”

Paige exhaled a shaky breath, a grin tugging at her lips. “We’re getting married today, baby.” Her voice wavered with emotion, the reality of the moment hitting her all over again.

Azzi smiled on the other side of the door, her thumb gently stroking the back of Paige’s hand. “Yeah, we are,” she said, her voice filled with awe. “Can you believe it?”

“No,” Paige admitted with a small laugh. “Six years ago, I didn’t think I’d be this lucky.”

Azzi’s grip tightened slightly. “Paige, you deserve this. You deserve everything.”

Paige’s heart swelled, and she closed her eyes, leaning her head against the wall. “You’re everything, Az. I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle.”

“And I can’t wait to marry you,” Azzi whispered.

A moment of silence passed between them, filled only with the quiet sound of their breathing.

Finally, Azzi spoke again. “Okay, I have to go put my dress on now.”

Paige smiled, her head still resting against the wall. “I know you’re going to look so beautiful, Az.”

Azzi’s laugh was like a perfect melody in Paige’s ears. “I love you, P.”

“I love you, too,” Paige replied without hesitation, her voice soft and full of adoration.

Their hands parted reluctantly, and Paige went back to sit down, her chest lighter than it had been all day. She reached for a bottle of water, taking a long sip as a calmness settled over her.

…

Paige now stood outside the double doors, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a few deep breaths trying to steady herself. 

Behind her, Jayden squirmed in Ice’s arms, reaching out toward his mom with a determined pout. His little hands stretched forward, and his soft curly hair bounded as he wriggled in Ice’s arms. 

“Paige, he wants you,” Ice said with a grin, already moving to set the toddler down. 

Paige bent down as his tiny feet touched the floor, her hands immediately going to straighten his miniature suit. “Hey, buddy,” she said softly, her voice instantly calm as she smoothed the lapels of his jacket. 

Jayden beamed up at her, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement, “Mommy,” he said, his voice sweet and slightly wobbly 

Paige smiled at him as she booped his nose with her finger. “Hey, little man. Look at you in your suit. You look so handsome. Mama’s gonna love it.”

Jayden grinned proudly, then pointed to the doors. “Mama ‘dere?” he asked, his small finger jabbing in the direction of where Azzi was going to be eventually.

Paige’s heart melted as she nodded. “Yeah, mama’s gonna be in there. But she’s not there yet, she’s waiting for us.”

Jayden tilted his head, his little brow furrowed in thought. “Why?” he asked, the single word clear amidst his toddler babble.

Paige chuckled softly, fixing the curls that had fallen over his forehead just the way Azzi liked it. “Because today’s a special day Jay. Mama and I are getting married.”

Jayden’s eyes widened with the kind of awe only a toddler could muster. “Mawwy?” he repeated, his tone high and curious.

Paige nodded, her smile growing. “Yeah, married. It means we’re gonna be a family forever. You, me, and Mama.”

Jayden clapped his hands together, clearly pleased with the idea. “Jayden, too?” he asked, his words slightly jumbled but unmistakable.

“Of course, Jayden, too,” Paige said, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. “You’re the most important part of this family, you know that?”

Jayden giggled, his small hands reaching up to pat Paige’s cheeks. “Love you, Mommy,” he said suddenly, his little voice bursting with affection.

Paige felt her throat tighten as she pulled him into a quick hug. “I love you, too, Jay. So much.”

From behind her, Ice cleared her throat. “Alright, ma’am, time to stand up. You’ve got a wedding to get to.”

Paige laughed, releasing Jayden reluctantly. She straightened up, brushing off her suit and taking another deep breath. Looking down at Jayden, she gave him a reassuring smile. “You ready?”

Jayden nodded eagerly, excited to see his mama finally. 

With one last deep breath, Paige straightened her shoulders, feeling calmer than she had moments ago.

…

Paige stood at the end of the aisle, her hands nervously crossed in front of her as she waited for Azzi. The soft murmur of the audience faded into the background, and all she could feel was the weight of the moment. On her side of the aisle stood Nika, Ice, KK, and Drew, each of them smiling at her with proud, knowing looks. On Azzi’s side were Caroline, Jon, Jose, and Jana, equally as proud, their faces radiating warmth as they stood together, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Each of them wore the same light magenta in their respective styles, the magenta represented the union of their lives, the perfect balance between purple and pink, of Paige and Azzi.

The guests in the audience were a mix of family, friends, and basketball royalty, each one a piece of Paige and Azzi’s shared journey. Paige could see familiar faces scattered throughout the crowd: their families, their old UConn teammates, UConn alumni, some of their WNBA teammates–old and new–even some players they had never played with but had grown close to, all of these people supported Paige and Azzi through different phases of their careers and their relationship. The room was a true reflection of their journey. The air felt heavy with history and yet it was brimming with hope for the future.

All of a sudden the orchestra began to play, its soft melodies filling the air and soothing the nervous tension in the room. At the front of the aisle, Paige couldn’t help but smile as she saw the first person of the day making his way down the aisle. With his little legs, he moved slowly, but with an adorable determination. He was wearing a little suit that mirrored his uncles, and he was holding his aunt Lauren’s hand. Every now and then, Lauren would hand him a few flowers to toss down the aisle which he thoroughly enjoyed. The crowd cooed at the two-year-old as he made his way toward the front, taking in all the attention with the charm that Paige swore he got from her. 

Jay was their perfect miracle. Paige and Azzi had adopted him as soon as both of their rookie contracts were up, and they were finally able to play for the same team in Washington. It had been nothing short of hitting the adoption lottery. With his blue eyes and blonde hair, he looked like a perfect blend of both his moms somehow. His blonde hair was curly like Azzi’s, and his dimples were almost an exact replica of her’s. As he threw flowers along the aisle, occasionally getting distracted by familiar faces in the crowd, Paige couldn’t help but beam with pride.

When Jayden reached the end of the aisle, he attempted to walk toward Paige, his arms reaching out to his mommy. But before he could take another step, Lauren scooped him up, and his pout deepened. The crowd couldn’t help but chuckle at the little boy’s dramatic expression as he was whisked away. Despite the momentary disappointment, he was soon settled in the arms of his grandmother, Katie, who had been eagerly waiting to hold him.

Paige smiled at the adorable scene. Jayden was just like his moms in every way. And Paige felt her heart swell as she watched him interact with the family, knowing this day, this moment, was just the beginning of their future together.

The laughter from the wedding party gradually faded, settling into a peaceful silence that seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. The music, once soft and light, swelled into a more solemn, heartfelt melody. It was time for Azzi to walk down the aisle. As the first few notes of the song filled the air, the entire audience stood in unison, their eyes instinctively shifting toward the doors.

Paige’s heart was pounding in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears as she fought to steady her breath. This is it, she thought, her palms damp against the fabric of her pants. Her heart swelled with love, nervous excitement, and a deep, overwhelming joy. She glanced at her family and friends—Nika, Ice, KK, Drew—all standing at her side. Her gaze then flicked to the guests filling the rows, each face radiating love and warmth, all of them there to witness this monumental moment. Azzi is about to walk toward me. The love of my life is about to walk towards me.

Then the doors opened.

Azzi’s presence filled the room like a wave, drawing every eye, yet somehow the world seemed to narrow. There she was—walking slowly towards Paige, glowing with a quiet confidence, her every step in perfect harmony with the music. The lighting caught her white dress just right, casting a soft, ethereal glow around her. She looked like something out of a dream—angelic, breathtaking.

Paige’s breath hitched, and her heart raced faster as her eyes locked with Azzi’s. Her legs almost gave way beneath her and Drew patted her shoulder chuckling slightly, but she stood tall, transfixed by the sight of the woman she loved. The woman she had waited for. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision, but all she could see was Azzi, walking toward her as if the world had led them here, to this moment.

At the same time Azzi’s thoughts swirled as she took each step. This moment is everything I’ve dreamed of. Fuck she looks so good. My heart beats for her. It always has, always will. Her pulse raced as she scanned Paige’s face. I’ve fought for this love, for her. I’ve seen everything we’ve been through, and it’s been worth it. Every moment, every struggle—this is the culmination of all of it.

Her eyes were locked on Paige as if nothing else existed in the world. There was so much emotion swirling within her—gratitude, awe, love—but most of all, there was a profound peace. This is where I belong. Right here, with her.

As she walked closer, she couldn’t help but smile at Paige’s teary eyes, her heart swelling at the way she was looking at her. She’s everything to me. How did I get so lucky? Her legs felt like they were moving on their own, carried by the sheer force of the love between them.

When Azzi finally reached the altar, Paige’s hands, which had been tightly clasped in front of her, suddenly felt empty. She reached out instinctively, her fingers trembling as she tried to follow through with the practiced firm handshake she was supposed to give Tim. But before she could, Tim pulled her into a tight, heartfelt hug. It was unexpected, but so full of meaning—so full of everything he felt about the woman who was about to marry his daughter. Paige’s arms wrapped around him as she smiled through her tears. She had grown so close to him, and in that moment, it felt like all their shared memories—good and bad—were coming together.

Azzi’s eyes softened as she watched the embrace, her chest tightening with emotion. Her lips curled into a soft smile as she finally took her place beside Paige, her hand sliding into Paige’s like it was meant to be there all along.

Paige helped Azzi settle in front of her, taking Azzi’s hand in hers, feeling the familiar warmth that had comforted her for so long. Azzi handed her flowers to Caroline, a fleeting moment of lightness before their attention fully turned to each other.

They stood there, face to face at last. The weight of the moment settled in their hearts, and the world seemed to slow. As their eyes locked for a few precious seconds, it was as if the room had disappeared. Everything faded away except for the two of them, standing together, ready to begin the rest of their lives.

Azzi’s voice, soft but clear, broke the silence, carrying a tenderness that only Paige could feel. She whispered, so only Paige could hear, but it felt as if the entire room was listening. “You look beautiful P.” Her fingers gently brushed a tear from Paige’s cheek, her touch as delicate as the moment itself.

Paige’s heart swelled, and she blinked away more tears as she whispered back, her voice slightly trembling, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, baby.” She swallowed hard, trying to steady herself, but the emotion in her chest was overwhelming.

Before the intimacy of the moment could envelop them entirely, Jayden’s voice rang out from the audience. His little voice echoed with excitement as he saw Azzi standing in front of Paige. “Mama!” he shouted, his chubby little arms reaching for her. He was so happy to see his mother, and his pure joy filled the room, drawing smiles from every corner.

Azzi’s heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, and she winked at him, her eyes softening with affection. Jayden, always a mama’s boy, blushed furiously at the attention from Azzi and immediately hid his face in Katie’s neck. The crowd couldn’t help but laugh, touched by his shyness and his love for his mom.

Paige and Azzi exchanged a glance, their faces breaking into smiles at their son’s antics. They shared a quiet laugh, the kind that only they could understand, before turning back to each other. Their love for Jayden, for each other, was tangible in the air around them—an unspoken bond that only deepened as the moment passed.

The ceremony continued, but the two of them were lost in the love they shared, the life they had built, and the promise of all the moments yet to come.

Paige hadn’t really heard a word CD had said as she officiated the wedding. All Paige could do was stare at Azzi in awe, her heart swelling in her chest. In that moment, everything around her faded—the audience, CD’s voice, the sound of the light music—all she could see was Azzi, standing there before her. Azzi, the woman who had become everything to her. Even after all these years, Paige still looked at her the way she did the first time she realized she loved her—like she was the most beautiful thing on this earth, like she would do anything, give everything, to the girl standing in front of her.

It was now time for the vows, and Paige took a deep breath, steadying herself as her heart raced in her chest. Her voice wavered as she began, but the words came from the deepest place inside her, raw and honest. There were no rehearsed lines, no prepared speeches. She didn’t need them to tell Azzi how much she loved her, how much she meant to her. 

“Azzi,” Paige began, her voice trembling slightly, “To put it simply you’re everything to me baby. I didn’t realize it at first, but... when you got to UConn that summer, I thought I was just being a leader, you know doing my job—helping the new girl get comfortable and fit in. But you weren’t like anyone I had ever met.”

Paige paused, her eyes locked with Azzi’s, the love in her gaze unmistakable. “You were this constant, steady presence. And without even trying, you made me trust you more than I’ve ever trusted anyone in my entire life. You had this way of getting under my skin and somehow, you did it without me even realizing what was happening. You became someone I couldn’t imagine life without before I even realized it.”

Paige’s eyes softened, remembering a moment that had changed everything. “And then... you made me watch Frozen for the first time. The movie had been out for like... eleven years at that point, and I’d never seen it because, honestly, who would want to waste time watching a Disney cartoon? I needed to be in the gym. But there you were, trying to put it on because it was your turn to pick the movie, and I looked at you like you were insane.” Paige chuckled softly at the memory, the love in her eyes only growing. “But then... you gave me this look. We were on my bed sitting too close to be just friends, and for the first time, I really saw you. Your eyes. God, your eyes. My breath caught in my throat, and I think that’s when I first really noticed how breathtaking you were.”

Paige’s voice softened as she spoke of that pivotal moment. “Your dimples, your smile, your laugh—everything about you. That was the moment I think I knew. I didn’t admit it to myself then, but something clicked that day. And before I knew it, you had me watching Frozen every week.”

A bittersweet smile crossed Paige’s face. “And then, we fought. God, we fought, and we hurt each other in ways I didn’t think were possible. But even then... even when we weren’t speaking, even when I thought you’d broken my heart and left me, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I’d wonder if you’d eaten, how you were feeling, if you were getting enough sleep, if you were icing your knee or taking care of yourself. I couldn’t stop caring even when I wanted to.”

Paige’s voice faltered for a moment as she fought to control the tears threatening to fall. She looked at Azzi, who stood before her, looking at Paige with such intensity that it made her heart ache. “You’re so beautiful, Azzi,” Paige whispered, her words faltering slightly as she lost herself in the depth of Azzi’s gaze.

But she didn’t stop there. “But it’s not just the way you look... You’re so smart, so much smarter than you give yourself credit for. And you’re so damn stubborn. You fight me tooth and nail for what you believe in, even if it’s something as small as what Jay’s going to wear that day. And I love that about you. You make me feel safe, but you also push me to be better. You call me out when I’m being an idiot, but you do it with so much love. I’ve never met anyone who made me feel like I’m enough just as I am. You taught me that I don’t need to be perfect all the time. That I don’t always need to be in control.”

Paige’s voice cracked a little as she continued. “You’re my balance, Azzi. When I’m all over the place, loud, and impulsive, you ground me. You’re patient when I’m not, calm when I’m chaotic. And somehow, you push me to be better, to be a better version of myself for you and Jay, every single day, without ever making me feel like I have to change who I am.”

Tears brimmed in Paige’s eyes, and she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Baby, you’re not just someone I love. You’re my home. My heart. And I thank God every single day that he brought you to me the way he did.”

The room fell silent, and as Paige finished her vows, the emotion in the air was almost tangible. Her eyes never left Azzi’s, and both women had tears glistening in their eyes. The guests, who knew Paige as the composed, often reserved leader, were stunned. This side of her—this vulnerability, this raw, open love—was something most of them had never seen. This moment, though, was different. It was soft, delicate, and full of so much meaning. It was the clearest, most heartfelt expression of Paige’s love for Azzi.

Azzi, her heart swelling with emotion, fought to hold back the tears. She looked at Paige, struggling to find her words. After a long pause, she laughed softly, a slight chuckle escaping her lips despite the tears pooling in her eyes. “I have no idea how I’m going to follow that,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, the crowd chuckling lightly at her attempt to regain composure.

Azzi’s laugh broke the tension, and for a brief moment, it felt like everything had slowed down, as though time itself had stopped to allow them this perfect, unspoken connection.

Azzi takes a deep breath, still a little shaky from the weight of Paige's vows. "Okay," she starts, her voice soft but steady. "First of all, Paige, you're so incredibly annoying."

The crowd chuckles, and Paige rolls her eyes playfully, her smile wide. Azzi glances at her, her teasing grin softening. "But you also have the purest soul I've ever seen. You're selfless, generous, forgiving, and so incredibly caring. And every single day, I hope we’re able to raise a son who has even a fraction of those qualities."

Azzi pauses, her eyes flickering with emotion. "The night you walked into our suite when I moved in... I knew I was done for," she admits, drawing laughter from the audience. "You had this confidence, this charm, this energy that just pulled me in immediately. And, honestly, it almost got me in trouble a few times. Because I had these thoughts and all these feelings I wasn’t supposed to have for my best friend, for my teammate—especially my teammate who had a bit of a reputation."

The room erupts in laughter, and Paige mock-glares at Azzi, who shrugs innocently before continuing. "But the more I got to know you—not Paige Bueckers, the golden girl, but just Paige—the more that attraction turned into something I couldn't even put into words. I saw a side of you that no one else did. You weren’t just cocky and larger-than-life; you were thoughtful, attentive, and so incredibly soft. You showed me sides of yourself that I don’t think anyone else got to see. And those parts of you—they were the ones I fell in love with."

Azzi’s voice trembles slightly as she goes on. "With everyone else, you were carefree, like nothing could touch you. But with me, you let me see your heart. You were vulnerable in a way I know wasn’t easy for you. You trusted me with your fears, your insecurities, the things you tried so hard to keep hidden from the world. And that trust? It means more to me than I could ever say."

Azzi glances at Paige, her expression softening even further. "You made me believe in a kind of love I didn’t think was possible. The kind they write about in poems and movies. The kind of love that doesn't just show up—it stays, no matter what. You never stopped dating me, even after we were together. You used to bring me flowers every week—every single week—and when you couldn’t be there to give them to me in person, you had them shipped to my door. You made sure I never doubted how much I meant to you."

The audience murmurs softly, some wiping away tears, as Azzi’s voice grows steadier. "And it wasn’t just the big gestures. It was the way you made me laugh when I didn’t think I could. The way you remembered every little thing about me, like how I hate the dark but love the gloominess of rain. You made me feel seen in a way I didn’t even know I needed. You loved me in ways I didn’t know were possible."

Azzi pauses to collect herself, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. She lets out a watery laugh. "And somehow, through all of that, you still kept surprising me. You never stopped pushing me to be better, to dream bigger. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and you stood by me every step of the way. You were my biggest supporter, my safe space, my everything."

Her voice softens even more, and she looks directly at Paige, her gaze unwavering. "You’re not just someone I love, Paige. You’re my best friend, my soulmate, my home. And I thank God every day that he brought you into my life. Because with you, I have everything I could ever need."

By the time Azzi finishes, slow tears are streaming down Paige’s face, her lips trembling as she tries to smile. Azzi steps closer, her thumb brushing the tears from Paige’s cheeks.

In the quiet room, their son Jayden’s sweet little voice pipes up again, breaking the silence. "Mama, Mommy crying!"

The crowd laughs warmly, and Paige lets out a watery laugh of her own, "Yeah, buddy. Happy tears."

After their vows, CD steps forward with a warm smile, gently pulling everyone’s attention back to the ceremony. "Alright," she says, her voice calm yet celebratory. "Now, if you’ll both repeat after me, we’ll make this official."

Azzi and Paige exchange a brief glance, their hands still joined, both visibly brimming with anticipation. They go through the official readings, their voices steady yet filled with emotion, each word cementing their commitment to one another.

When it’s time for the rings, CD turns to Azzi first. "Azzi, do you take Paige to be your wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Azzi doesn’t hesitate. She nods, her voice clear and sure. "I do."

Taking the wedding band, she gently slides it onto Paige’s left ring finger, her touch lingering as she finishes. Her eyes meet Paige’s, filled with love and certainty.

CD then turns to Paige. "Paige, do you take Azzi to be your wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Paige’s breath catches for a moment, her lips curving into a smile as she says, "I do." Her hand shakes slightly as she picks up the ring, her fingers brushing Azzi’s as she slides it onto her left ring finger. Her voice softens, barely audible except to Azzi. "Forever."

CD looks at them both, her own smile growing as she says, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your wife."

Before Azzi can fully process the words, Paige is already moving, pulling Azzi toward her. Their lips meet in a deep, heartfelt kiss, a culmination of everything they’ve been through and everything they’ve been waiting for. Both of them sigh into the kiss, their arms wrapping around each other as the world melts away.

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, their families and friends celebrating the long-awaited union. But for Paige and Azzi, in that moment, nothing else matters but the person in their arms—their forever.

As they pull back from the kiss, a ripple of laughter runs through the crowd, drawing Paige and Azzi’s attention to a small commotion near the aisle. Jayden, who had somehow managed to wiggle free from Katie’s grasp, was clumsily making his way up the altar, his tiny legs moving with determined speed.

"Jayden!" Katie whispered out, trying to catch him, but he was already halfway there, his little face beaming with excitement at his mothers.

Paige chuckled, bending down to meet him as he reached the top. "Hey, buddy, what are you doing up here?" she asked, scooping him up effortlessly. But as soon as he was in her arms, Jayden leaned forward, his small hands reaching for Azzi.

"Mamma!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with pure joy.

Azzi laughed softly, stepping closer to take him from Paige’s hands. "You just couldn’t wait, could you?" she murmured, cradling him easily.

Jayden nestled into Azzi’s arms, his tiny fingers brushing her face as he babbled happily, completely oblivious to the significance of the moment. Paige leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jayden’s temple, her heart full as she took in the sight of their little family.

Together, the three of them turned to face their guests, who were still applauding and cheering. Paige reached for Azzi’s free hand, lacing their fingers together, while Jayden waved excitedly at the crowd, basking in the attention he thought he was getting.

As they began their exit, walking down the aisle as a newly married couple, Jayden’s laughter filled the air, a perfect counterpoint to the joyous celebration around them. The three of them moved in sync, a seamless unit, their love evident to everyone watching.

As they reached the dressing room, Azzi gently shifted Jayden in her arms before setting him down on the carpeted floor. "Alright, Jay," she said with a grin, ruffling his hair. "Go burn off some of that energy while Mommy and I get ready."

He didn’t need any more encouragement. He immediately toddled over to the vanity table, his tiny hands reaching for a brush and a bottle of lotion, his curiosity piqued at their shapes.

Azzi shook her head with a soft laugh. "He's always into something," she said, turning toward Paige, who was already stepping closer.

"Let him," Paige murmured, her voice low as she reached for Azzi's hands, pulling her gently toward her. Without hesitation, Paige leaned in, her lips capturing Azzi's in a slow, deliberate kiss. Her hands slid up Azzi's arms, pulling her closer as her body pressed against hers.

Azzi exhaled softly, her resolve melting as she got lost in the kiss, her hands instinctively resting on Paige’s neck. For a moment, everything else disappeared—their surroundings, the noise from outside the dressing room, even Jayden’s little voice humming in the background. It was just them, tangled in each other, the weight of the day momentarily forgotten.

But then, a soft clattering noise from Jayden’s direction pulled Azzi back to reality. She broke the kiss reluctantly, her forehead pressing against Paige's as she laughed breathlessly. "Paige," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and warning, "We can’t. Jay’s right there, baby."

Paige grinned, her lips brushing against Azzi’s again in a teasing peck. "He’s busy," she said, her tone playful.

Azzi shook her head, stepping back slightly but not releasing Paige’s hands. "I know, but if he turns around and sees anything, we’re going to have to explain why Mommy and Mama are glued together."

Paige smirked, her thumb brushing over the back of Azzi's hand. "Fair point," she conceded with a soft laugh, stealing one last quick kiss before stepping back.

They both turned toward Jay, who was now intensely focused on trying to twist the cap off the lotion bottle now. Azzi crossed her arms, shaking her head. "We should probably intervene before he figures out how to make a mess."

Paige chuckled, walking over to scoop Jayden up in one swift motion. "Come here, troublemaker," she said, peppering his cheek with kisses as he giggled and squirmed in her arms.

Azzi watched them with a smile, her heart full as she took in the sight of her wife and son. "Alright," she said, grabbing the garment bag hanging on the nearby chair. "Let’s get ready for the reception before mister here decides to redecorate the room."

With laughter and lighthearted teasing, the three of them prepared for the next part of their perfect day.

…

The reception was in full swing, a joyful whirlwind of music, dancing, and heartfelt laughter. Azzi and Paige had been glued to each other all evening, their newlywed glow impossible to miss. Jayden had been whisked away earlier by Geno, who proclaimed his role as babysitter with such conviction that even Katie and Tim had no choice but to relent, laughing as they handed over the toddler and his overnight bag. 

As the night progressed, Paige’s affection toward Azzi grew bolder, fueled by a steady stream of drinks courtesy of Jon, Jose, and Drew, who had made it their personal mission to keep her glass perpetually full for whatever reason.

Earlier in the evening, as they moved through the crowd, Azzi mingled effortlessly, stopping every so often to chat with family and friends. Paige, however, was focused entirely on her wife, trailing close behind and using every opportunity to whisper suggestive comments into Azzi’s ear.

“Baby, do you realize how good you look tonight?” Paige murmured as they paused near the bar. Her lips brushed against Azzi’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Azzi tried to keep her composure, offering polite smiles to those around them. “Thank you, love. So do you.”

“Hmm, you think so?” Paige teased, her hand resting on the small of Azzi’s back. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “Because I think this dress is unfair. Do you know how hard it is to keep my hands to myself when you look this good?”

Azzi blushed, shooting her a look. “Paige, behave. We’re not alone.”

Paige grinned, unbothered by the warning. “Doesn’t matter. I’m your wife now. Pretty sure that gives me the right to tell you exactly how much I want to peel this dress off you later.”

Azzi’s cheeks burned as she bit back a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re insane.”

“And you’re irresistible,” Paige countered smoothly, her lips brushing against Azzi’s neck just enough to make her catch her breath before lightly smacking Paige’s stomach.

By the time they made it back around to the table, Paige’s teasing had reached new heights. They sat among a group of their old UConn teammates—Nika, KK, Ice, Aubrey, Caroline, Jana, Sarah, and Morgan—all of whom were thoroughly entertained by Paige’s antics.

Azzi was trying her best to engage in the lively conversation about their time in college, but Paige was making it nearly impossible. She kissed Azzi’s arm, then her shoulder, her lips trailing up to her neck as Azzi squirmed slightly in her seat.

"Paige, baby," Azzi whispered softly, attempting to pull back.

"Shh," Paige murmured, brushing her lips against Azzi’s ear. "Just let me kiss you. I’ve been waiting all day for this."

"She’s been waiting all day, Azzi," Nika quipped, laughing as she caught sight of Paige’s antics. "Let the girl have her moment."

Azzi shot her a playful glare. "You’re not helping."

"She’s a lover, what can we say?" KK added with a smirk.

"I can’t help it," Paige declared dramatically, wrapping an arm around Azzi’s waist. "Have you seen her tonight? She’s perfect."

“Okay, Paige, we get it,” Ice teased, raising her glass. “You’re married now. You won.”

"Exactly," Paige said, her voice dropping as she leaned closer to Azzi again. Her hand slid to Azzi’s thigh under the table, her lips brushing against her ear. "And later, when we’re alone, I promise I’m going to show you just how much I love you."

Azzi’s breath hitched, and she gently pushed Paige’s hand away. "Paige," she murmured, her voice firm but affectionate. "Not here baby."

Paige pouted, but the glint in her eye remained mischievous. "You’re no fun," she teased, resting her head on Azzi’s shoulder as the table erupted in laughter.

"You would think after all these years Paige wouldn’t still be this horny," Jana remarked, grinning from ear to ear.

Azzi laughed, her shoulders shaking as she responded, "I knew I was never going to get a break from day one, but I’ve learned to accept it," she added, looking at Paige.

"She’s going to tear into you," Aubrey said, shaking her head with a grin.

"You don’t say," Azzi replied dryly, though the fondness in her tone was unmistakable.

As the conversation continued, Paige remained firmly attached to Azzi, her lips brushing against her neck and cheek whenever she thought no one was looking. Azzi did her best to stay composed, but her teammates saw through it, exchanging amused glances.

"Azzi," Caroline teased, raising an eyebrow. "How are you even still upright right now?"

Azzi laughed, giving Paige’s hand a light squeeze. "It’s not easy, trust me," she replied, her gaze softening as she looked at her wife.

Paige grinned, pressing another kiss to Azzi’s cheek. "Good thing you’re strong, then," she murmured, her voice low enough that only Azzi could hear.

"Good thing I love you," Azzi replied, shaking her head as Paige beamed at her, utterly unapologetic.

…

The two of them had drifted away from the group trying to get a moment alone amidst all the chaos. They were now tucked into a quieter corner table, the low lighting casting a warm glow over their entwined figures. Paige was still draped over Azzi, her lips brushing against her neck and collarbone as her hand rested possessively on Azzi’s thigh. By now, Azzi, having indulged in her fair share of drinks, was no longer holding back. She leaned fully into Paige’s affection, a soft, pleased smile tugging at her lips.

Azzi leaned into Paige’s touch, her breath quickening as Paige’s fingers gently tugged at the fabric of her dress. She let out a soft, pleased hum, feeling the heat between her legs intensify. Her hand found its way into Paige’s hair, gently pulling her closer, encouraging her to kiss the sensitive spot just beneath her ear.

“You’re killing me, you know that?” Azzi whispered, her voice thick with desire as she tilted her head, giving Paige more access.

Paige’s lips brushed over Azzi’s skin, her voice low and urgent. “I can’t stop,” she murmured, fingers lightly tugging at the fabric of Azzi’s dress again, her touch sending sparks through Azzi’s body. “You feel so good, just like this.”

Azzi’s breath caught, and she leaned in, her lips brushing against Paige’s ear. “You make me feel good, too,” she purred, the warmth of her breath sending a shiver down Paige’s spine.

Paige’s eyes darkened, the intensity of her gaze never leaving Azzi’s. Her fingers moved higher on Azzi’s thigh, inching dangerously close to where they both wanted her touch the most. “You’re so perfect,” Paige whispered, her lips grazing the side of Azzi’s neck again, her words dripping with want. “I can’t wait to feel all of you in my hand.”

Azzi’s body responded immediately, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths as she bit her lip, fighting the urge to close the space between them completely with them still being in public. “You’ve been teasing me all night,” she murmured, her voice coming out breathlessly as she met Paige’s eyes. “I don’t know how much longer I can stand it.”

Paige’s lips found Azzi’s neck again, this time lingering there, pressing slow kisses along the skin. Her fingers traced the hem of Azzi’s dress, slipping under it just slightly as she tugged the fabric again, a subtle but clear request for more.

Azzi let out a low moan, her hand gripping Paige’s shoulder as she gave in to the temptation. “Paige...” she whispered, her voice rough with desire. “I can’t wait, baby. I want you. Right now.”

Paige’s breath hitched at the sound of Azzi’s words, the intensity of her longing for her wife growing. “God, Azzi,” she murmured, her lips brushing against her wife’s ear again, voice thick with need. “You have no idea what I wanna do to you.”

Azzi purred softly, her fingers now threading through Paige’s hair, tugging her face closer, her lips meeting Paige’s in a desperate, desperate kiss. “I think I do,” she whispered between kisses. “And I love every second of imagining it.”

Paige responded with a hum of satisfaction, her hand sliding higher on Azzi’s thigh, pulling her even closer. Their bodies moved against each other, the urgency of their desire palpable in their kiss. Neither of them could get enough.

But just as their kiss deepened, the air around them changed with a loud laugh echoing from the main reception area, shattering their intimate bubble. The sound cut through the haze of desire, pulling their attention back to reality.

Azzi broke the kiss, her eyes flicking to Paige, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “Guess we’re not alone after all,” she murmured, reluctantly pulling back just enough to meet Paige’s gaze.

Paige let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers still tracing the curve of Azzi’s thigh. “Too bad,” she said, her voice low and husky, though there was a playful spark in her eyes. “I was just starting to enjoy myself.”

Azzi chuckled softly, resting her forehead against Paige’s for a brief moment before pulling back to glance toward the reception. “Me too,” she agreed, though the fire in her eyes remained undiminished. 

Both women groaned softly, reluctant to return to the party. Paige rested her forehead against Azzi’s again for a moment, her voice quiet but firm. “This isn’t over,” she murmured, her lips brushing against Azzi’s.

Azzi smirked, her thumb brushing over Paige’s cheek. “It better not be,” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Their stolen moment left them both buzzing, hearts racing as they turned their attention back to the lively reception, counting down the moments until they could finally be alone.

…

When they finally reached their hotel room, the door had barely clicked shut before Paige spun Azzi around and pressed her firmly against it. The force of the move drew a startled gasp from Azzi, her back hitting the wood as Paige’s long fingers wrapped possessively around her throat.

Their lips immediately collided in a messy, passionate kiss, all restraint from earlier completely gone now. Paige’s movements were uncoordinated but intense, her need for Azzi clear as their tongues tangled. Azzi moaned into her mouth, her hands gripping Paige’s shoulders for balance, completely lost in the moment.

Paige didn’t waste a second. Her knee slid between Azzi’s legs, pressing up just enough to draw a sharp inhale from her wife. Azzi panted against Paige’s lips, her head tipping back slightly as Paige broke the kiss and began trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck.

“You look so good like this ma,” Paige whispered against Azzi’s skin, her voice a mix of slur and desire. Her teeth grazed Azzi’s collarbone before her lips followed, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. “Do you know how long I’ve been thinking about this? About making you mine like this?”

Azzi shuddered, her hands clutching the fabric of Paige’s shirt as she let out a soft laugh, her voice shaky but teasing. “You’re acting like you haven’t already had me a million times,” she murmured, her words broken by a gasp as Paige’s knee pressed harder against her.

Paige smirked against her neck, her grip on Azzi’s throat tightening ever so slightly. “Not like this baby,” she murmured, her voice thick with intent. “This is different. You’re my wife now. Forever mine.”

Paige’s words hung in the air, thick with promise, but before she could fully process the weight of them, Azzi’s hands were on her shoulders, pulling her in for another kiss. This one was frantic, desperate—a reflection of both their needs, the alcohol still thick on their breaths as they kissed wildly. Their lips barely met before they pulled away, only to crash together again. The kiss was messy, unrefined, but that was the point—it was as if neither of them could get close enough, couldn’t have enough of the other after today.

Azzi’s fingers tightened in Paige’s hair as she broke the kiss, panting against her lips. “You’re mine too, Paige,” Azzi breathed out, voice ragged. “Forever.”

Paige’s heart raced at the sound of Azzi’s declaration, but Azzi wasn’t done. She pushed gently against Paige’s shoulders, urging her to kneel before her. Paige didn’t hesitate, following the command without question. She sank to her knees in front of Azzi, eyes dark with desire as she looked up at her wife.

Azzi took a small step back, then looked down at Paige, her own eyes dark and needy. Without missing a beat, she ran her fingers through Paige’s hair, guiding her forward. Paige’s lips trailed up Azzi’s legs, leaving kisses as she went, the sensation sending tremors through Azzi’s body.

Azzi’s breath hitched with every kiss. “God, Paige,” she gasped, her voice shaky as Paige’s lips pressed against her thighs as she pushed her dress up, leaving marks in their wake. Each kiss made her more vocal, unable to hold back the sounds of pleasure bubbling up from deep within her. Her fingers tightened in Paige’s hair as she pulled her closer, desperate for more.

Paige’s lips moved higher, leaving teasing kisses up the inside of Azzi’s thigh. “Imma make you feel so good baby,” Paige muttered against her skin, the words almost reverent. She wasn’t just speaking, she was showing it—the pressure of her lips and hands as she kissed Azzi’s thinly covered center, fueling the desire that had been building since the moment they stepped into the room.

Azzi’s body shivered with each kiss. “Fuck, Paige,” she breathed, her voice raw. She ran her fingers through Paige’s hair, pulling impossibly closer to her as she looked down at her wife. “You don’t even know how much I need you right now.”

Paige responded with a low groan as she pushed her underwear to the side, her lips and tongue brushing against Azzi, this time slower, more deliberate, as she gazed up at her wife through her hooded blue eyes. “Nah baby I can tell. You taste so good for me.” 

Azzi’s breath catches in her throat, her chest rising and falling with each labored inhale. She runs her fingers through Paige’s hair, tugging her closer, as if desperate for more. “You make it so hard to think, Paige…” Azzi whispers, her voice shaky. “Every time you look at me like that, I forget everything. I forget who I am.”

Paige smiles, as she continues her work as Azzi grinds her hips into Paige trying to create more friction despite Paige lapping at her like she hadn’t had Azzi in years. “Baby, fuck, you feel so good” Azzi whimpers. Paige simply hums at this as she drapes Azzi’s leg over her shoulder to drive her tongue in deeper.

Azzi throws her head back against the door, gripping Paige’s head and anything else she can to steady herself. With her voice low and breathy and tinged with awe she says, “Mmm I knew you’d be like this tonight–Fuck baby don’t stop–I love it when you fuck me like this baby. Feels so good.”  

Azzi’s words spur Paige on more as she continues her work expertly, knowing exactly what Azzi likes after all these years. The pressure of Paige’s tongue makes Azzi’s breath catch, her eyes fluttering closed as she becomes overwhelmed with the feeling but she leans into it, pushing her hips towards Paige as the tension coils tighter in her stomach. 

Azzi is basically riding Paige’s face as Paige looks up at her mumbling, “You gonna come for me baby?” 

She makes the mistake of looking down at Paige whose mouth is wet and her pupils are completely dilated. Azzi immediately throws her head back as she starts making pornographic sounds with her throat, “Mmm fuck Paige baby–No…no not yet baby. Fuck I don’t want it to end you’re doing so good.” 

This only spurs Paige on more at her wife not wanting to come undone for her so she drives her tongue deeper as she works her thumb in circles. Azzi’s body trembles, her eyes now watching Paige despite every instinct inside her wanting her to look away. She’s fighting the pull of pleasure that wants her to come undone right at this moment even though she knows Paige doesn’t like that. 

Azzi’s eyes are blurry now as she tries to keep herself under control for a few more seconds but Paige curls her tongue a certain way and Azzi finds releasing the tension in her stomach, “Yes…yes right there baby… don’t stop baby. Right there please. I’m ready to cum for you baby” Azzi gasps her body arching off of the door as she feels a wave of sensation crashing through her as her mouth falls open in pure bliss, her legs shaking as Paige holds her up.  

Before Azzi can fully recover Paige is kissing up her body leaving open mouth kisses in Azzi’s favorite spots. Once she reaches her lips Paige immediately pulls Azzi in for a kiss, putting her tongue in her wifes mouth so she can taste herself causing Azzi to moan. 

As their kiss deepens, Paige’s hands slide down Azzi’s body, one of them drifting behind her, fingers grazing her spine. And with a slight tug, she unzips Azzi’s dress, the sound of the zipper scraping against the fabric filling the air between them. Azzi moans into the kiss as the fabric loosens exposing her back to the air, before Paige pulls it down with ease, revealing the purple lingerie beneath. The sight makes Paige’s breath hitch, her eyes darkening further if possible as she gazes at her wife standing in front of her.

Azzi's hands press firmly against Paige’s chest, gently pushing her back toward the bed, her lips swollen and flushed, her breathing ragged. "Get on the bed for me, baby," Azzi demands in a voice thick with need, her hands already moving to the buttons of Paige’s shirt before she just pulls at the fabric with urgency, the buttons flying off in every direction, scattering across the floor.

Paige lets out a breathy laugh, the moment only spurring her desire. She stands still, letting Azzi remove the shirt, her skin now exposed except for the tight-fitting tank top she’s wearing underneath. Azzi runs her hands over Paige’s bare skin, her fingers grazing over her ribs, before locking eyes with her and dragging her hand down her torso. “You look so good, baby,” Azzi whispers, her voice low, full of hunger and admiration.

Paige smiles, her heart racing, as she climbs onto the bed, pulling Azzi along with her. Azzi follows, crawling up to her in the most seductive way as she moves with an almost hypnotic rhythm that makes Paige want to take her right there again and again. When Azzi finally straddles Paige, the sight is enough to send Paige’s heart into overdrive. Her breath catches as she whispers, "You have no idea what you do to me. Even after all these years.” 

Azzi’s lips curled into a teasing smile, her confidence radiating as she leaned down to press her mouth against Paige’s neck. She moved slowly, her kisses deliberate and sensual, each one igniting a trail of shivers that coursed through Paige’s body. Azzi had perfected this art over time, each touch an unspoken testament to how well she knew Paige—every sensitive spot, every little weakness.

Her long hair tumbled to one side, the strands brushing against Paige’s skin and adding to the electric intimacy of the moment. Azzi kissed her way lower, unhurried, savoring the effect she was having as Paige’s breath quickened, her body instinctively arching into Azzi’s.

When Azzi’s hands found their way to Paige’s belt, her movements were smooth and practiced, each motion deliberate, carrying the weight of countless nights like this, where Azzi had mastered the balance of teasing and taking control. With a flick of her fingers, the belt came undone, her slow pace almost maddening, a silent assertion of her dominance in this moment which started as soon as she had Paige on her knees for her. Paige’s breath hitched, a sound that sent a satisfied smirk spreading across Azzi’s lips.

The way Azzi carried herself now, every kiss, every touch, was brimming with the ease of someone who knew exactly what she was doing. Their years together had transformed their intimacy into something deeper, richer—a choreography of passion honed by countless nights of exploration and learning each other’s bodies.

“Still with me, baby?” Azzi whispered against Paige’s skin, her voice velvet-soft but dripping with confidence, knowing full well that Paige was at her mercy.

Paige throws her head back in pleasure, her hands gripping the sheets. In that moment, she realizes how completely she’s fallen into Azzi’s orbit—how grateful she is that she crossed that line with her all those years ago. That night, when she had first given in to Azzi's pull, back when they were just friends, and how it changed everything between them. Now, after everything they’ve been through, after their wedding, this moment felt like the perfect culmination of everything they had built together. She’s never been this sure, this needy for someone in the way she is for Azzi.. 

“God, Azzi,” Paige breathes out, her voice raw with desire as she lifts her hips slightly, giving Azzi more access.

Azzi grins, pulling the belt free with a soft tug before gliding her hands under the waistband of Paige’s pants. The anticipation is almost unbearable, and yet, Azzi takes her time, savoring every second. “You’re my wife now,” Azzi murmurs, her voice low and full of intention, as her hands slowly inch the fabric down.

The words send a rush of heat through Paige, and for a split second, she’s left wondering how she ever lived without this intensity, this connection. The thought lingers, and she shivers in anticipation as Azzi finally pulls the pants down, exposing more of Paige’s skin.

Azzi runs her hands over Paige’s legs, feeling the warmth of her body, the soft curves beneath her fingertips. The contact is electric, and it’s almost too much for Paige to handle. "God Azzi, I don’t know how you make me feel like this," Paige manages to gasp, lifting her hips again, silently begging Azzi to take control, to take her.

Azzi pauses, her gaze locking with Paige’s, her eyes dark with desire. “Let me show you,” Azzi whispers, leaning down to kiss her again. But this time, it’s slower—deeper. Azzi’s lips trace the curve of Paige’s jaw, down her neck, stopping to leave a trail of heated kisses that make Paige’s pulse quicken.

Each kiss is a promise, each touch a question Azzi asks without words. Paige can’t help but respond, her hands reaching for Azzi’s bra, unclasping it free from her body, desperate to feel her bare skin against hers. The fabric falls to the floor, and Paige’s fingers wander to the skimpy waistband of Azzi’s underwear, mimicking the way Azzi had undressed her moments ago, eager to return the pleasure.

Azzi’s lips find their way to Paige’s ear, where she whispers, “You want me again, don’t you? Want me as much as I want you?”

Paige nods, her breathing ragged as she pulls Azzi closer, wrapping her legs around her waist. “More than anything,” she whispers back, her voice trembling with the intensity of the moment.

Azzi pulls back just enough to meet her eyes again, her gaze softening for a moment, a glimmer of affection mixed with the raw desire between them. “You have me, Paige. All of me…forever.” Then she kisses her deeply once more, taking the time to savor the connection between them, each kiss a declaration of everything they’ve built, everything they’re about to share.

The weight of everything settles in as Paige pulls Azzi close, the years of being apart, of growing their family together, and the joy of finally, fully being together. This moment is everything they’ve worked for, everything they’ve fought for. And as their hands trace each other’s bodies, as they continue to lose themselves in each other, Paige realizes that this is it—the final chapter. Their journey, their story, culminating here, in this moment of complete love and understanding. It’s not just the start of a new life together; it’s the closing of a long, beautiful journey.

As the kiss lingers between them, soft and filled with everything they’ve learned about each other, about love, the two of them finally fall into the peace that only being truly with each other can bring. There are no more games, no more uncertainties, just the two of them, completely and utterly intertwined in a love that has lasted years, and will continue forever.

[ramp-it-up]

You’ve Got Me Thinking

Summary: James Bucky Barnes WAS an avowed bachelor and one night stand artist. You came along and knocked him on his face. It's the holidays. What happens when Bucky seems to skip out on going to your parents home for Thanksgiving? Does he really care about you like he says he does?

Pairing: Art Dealer (mob boss) Bucky Barnes x Reader

A/N: I know that I've been awol, but life has been lifing lately. This story is about Thanksgiving; A Christmas/New Year's fic featuring Steve Rogers will be posted BEFORE New Year's eve. Thank you for continuing to rock with this story. And let me know if you like it (knocking the rust off, and I hope you do!)

This fic is connected to the Knock You Down AU, and comes immediately after Dessert or Disaster. It is in answer to this ask.

Warnings: 18+ Only, Minors DNI. Read at your own risk. Smut directly below the cut! Oral (female receiving) implications of a blow job, cancelling plans, hurt feelings, traveling to family for the holidays. Bucky is full of surprises, sneaking around, voice kink, humiliation kink, praise kink, use of Daddy, sex in a game room, fingering, a light slap, slight choking, backshots on a pool table, breeding kink, creampie, raw p in v (wrap it up, folks), use of google translate Romanian. Not Beta'd. All errors my own.

I no longer have a taglist. Please follow @rampitupandread and turn on notifications to learn when I post! 😘

I Do NOT Consent to my work being reposted, translated or presented on any other blog or site other than by myself.

-----

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Bucky Barnes feasted on his favorite food. 

You.

“Remember. Let me hear your sounds, Frumoasă.”

Bucky murmured it against your thigh, inhaling your rich scent. 

His thumbs were at your apex, separating your wet, swollen folds and marveling at the way the moonlight highlighted your body.

“These lips glistening in the moonlight. So, so, so, beautiful.”

You arched your back as Bucky delivered kitten kisses up your thigh with each ‘so.’ You clamped your lips together and moaned, causing Bucky to reach up and tug your chin down, momentarily shoving his fingers inside your mouth. 

“Do you want me to eat this pretty pussy out or not?”

His voice made you shudder.

“Yessss. Please Jamie!”

You reached down and tangled your fingers in his hair, grinding on air, trying to entice him to finish his meal.

“Then let. Me. Hear. You.”

Buck slapped your jaw lightly, squeezed your throat momentarily and flicked each of your nipples as his hand journeyed back down to hold you open for him.

“Okayyyy. Yes, Daddy…”

Bucky’s heart started beating faster and his cock jumped, spilling more precum onto the sheets. His long fingers gripped your hips as he shook his head and descended toward your empty, clenching cunt.

His tongue slid through you, separating your lower lips and causing your hips to buck up off the bed.

“Ohhhhhhhh!”

Bucky stopped and smiled down at your pussy.

“That’s it,” He pinned your juicy thighs down with his large hands. “Give me your sounds Baby Girl.”

You started keening as he suckled your clit. You brought both hands down to grip his hair as he thoroughly and skillfully ate your pussy.

“Taste like fucking heaven. Every single ti—.”

He mumbled it against your cunt until you cut him off by mindlessly grinding your pelvis in his face. At this point, you were all feelings, no thoughts.

“Fuck, Jamie! I’m gonna—”

Just then, Bucky inserted two fingers inside you and curled them just at the right angle to have your thighs trembling around his head. 

“Oh shit… Jamesss, I—”

All of a sudden, you tried pushing him away as you started squirting, but he was immovable, continuing to lick, suck, and sip at you until you were a screaming, sobbing mess.

Bucky moved and lay beside you to take in your blissed out face and play with one of your curls as you came back to earth. He was catching his breath, and marveling at your beauty and how much he loved you. Yes, he was hard as a rock, but he would take his pleasure soon. 

He was determined to be worthy of this love. He needed to tell you his plan.

Your eyes fluttered open and you grinned up at him.

“That was too much. You’re so mean to me.”

Bucky grinned, chest puffed out because he knew that you meant the opposite. 

“Unh hunh. So why are you smiling?”

You tried to stop. 

“I’m not…”

“Sure. Whatever you say. C’mere. I gotta tell you something.”

“Why don’t you let me tell you something? I’ll speak into the mic.”

You reached for his cock and well, who was Bucky to argue with your perfect little hands taking hold of him?

—--

Later, after getting cleaned up and on fresh linens, Bucky finally told you what he’d been meaning to all night.

“Frumoasă, There has to be a slight change of plans. I can’t fly down to Hilton Head with you tomorrow. I will try to make it for Thanksgiving…”

You froze in his arms, the contented vibe you shared shattered. You leaned up on your elbow, the raised eyebrow making Bucky stop talking. You looked pissed. 

“You promised…”

It was all planned out. This was the big “meet the parents moment.” Your parents had retired to Hilton Head after years of Brooklyn winters. Holidays had been spent in South Carolina for the last 10 years. 

In your mind, this was the next big step. In Bucky’s mind, he still had work to do.

Your anxiety spiked sky high. You began to doubt that Bucky was as into you as you thought. Maybe he was just selling you a dream after all. 

Bucky sat up, sheet pooling around his waist and the moonlight which streamed in from his floor to ceiling windows highlighted the ridges of his abs. Your eyes followed those muscles up to his handsome face, the rueful look on it, and his disheveled curls.

He was so hot. Instead of caving, you shook yourself out of your lust for him to sit up and cover yourself with the bedclothes. 

Bucky glanced at your arm holding the bedding against you like a shield and frowned. He knew that it was the beginning of shutting yourself off from him. 

He sighed.

“Frumoasa, I know that I promised I would go to your parents home for Thanksgiving, and I will try to still be there. But I also promised that I would go legit. For us. That is more important right now.”

Bucky’s own anxiety had increased the closer the holidays came. He wasn’t good enough, not clean enough to meet your parents yet.

“Steve and I are speeding up the timeline to divest of as many… unconventional businesses as we can…”

“So that’s why he’s in Atlanta? What kind of business is he offloading there?”

Bucky was silent and you just nodded, pulling the sheet off of him and standing up to wrap it around you, not allowing him to see your nakedness, nor caring about his.

“I’ve got to go pack.”

You tried to swallow the lump in your throat as you got dressed and you stiffened as he came behind you and tried to touch your arms. He dropped his hands when you did that and although you couldn't see it, you knew that his face fell.

It was evident in the way his voice cracked.

“I’m not abandoning you, Frumoasă; I love you.”

You turned and looked at him then. Bucky’s sea blue eyes bore into yours. You almost melted. Almost. Instead you wiped away a tear and Bucky’s wrecked look turned into devastation. You lifted your chin.

“I love you too, James.” 

You sighed. 

”Maybe this is good. We need some space.”

Bucky didn’t try to touch you again, even though he just wanted to take you in his arms again. Instead, he just moved to pull on some sweats and a hoodie.

"I don’t ever need space from you. But I'll give it to you if you need it." 

You were in Bucky’s arms before you knew it. 

"In a minute."

You tried not to register how good it was by closing your eyes, as if that could erase all of the emotion and love you felt for Bucky in such a short time. But you were doubting if he truly felt the same way. He kissed you on the cheek and his fingers trailed along the side of your face to turn it toward him.

"Listen. This is me and you. I know you don't want to hear this right now, but you are number one. I'm just trying to get my life right for you before we go further. You are everything to me."

You tried not to drown in the deep pools of Bucky’s eyes.

"You and me both being stubborn as fuck help the situation, but something's gotta give."

You felt like the room was spinning around you two.

“I just wish that you would trust me and give me you."

“You have me.”

Bucky smiled and gave you a chaste peck on the lips.

“Okay… We’ll talk about that later, but now, let’s get you home so you can pack.”

Your outrageous pride prevented you from changing your mind and staying. His prevented him from asking you to stay. 

So Bucky drove you home.

—--

On the flight down to the island, you couldn’t help but think of the private jet you were supposed to fly in with Bucky. You had hoped for some private mile high times, but Instead you flew commercial, first class thanks to Bucky.

Your man was crisscrossing the country to tie up loose ends. Sam and Steve and Nat were doing the same. They all seemed to have a renewed sense of urgency.

You looked down at your phone at the numerous texts from your Bucky. You sighed and felt bad at your attitude. He was doing this for you. 

You still missed him like hell, though.

—--

Your mood lifted as the balmy air of the barrier island greeted you at the airport. When you saw your cousin waiting for you at baggage claim with a giant sign with your name on it, you couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face.

She almost knocked you over with the force of her hug.

“I’m so glad to see you! It’s been foreverrrrr!”

She looked around you as you gave her a bear hug.

“Where is the hunk? Rabbit?”

You cocked your head at her.

“Rabbit? Do you mean Bunny? What the fuck is wrong with you! It’s not Bunny, its Bucky, Bitch!” 

You couldn’t breath, you were laughing so hard.

“He’s good. Gotta work. But we’re back together now. Let’s go get something to drink before I face the parentals.”

Your cousin laughed and shook her head, then headed to your favorite spot on the island.

—-

"What is Bunny doing now?"  

You rolled your eyes at your cousin’s joke.

"I do not know. He's all the way in Chicago. The last time he texted me, he told me he was grabbing some food. I'm gonna let him live..."  

You tried to play it off, to seem unconcerned.

"Ummmhmmm.  And when was the last time he texted you?" 

The question came as your phone buzzed.

You blushed as you grabbed your phone. 

"Well, before this,10 minutes ago."  

you looked down at her phone at a pic of Bucky with his mouth full of shawarma and silhouetted by Lake Michigan.

Next time I see you I’m going to eat you like this.

You smiled down at the pic. You wanted to text him back, but hadn't in a couple of hours.  He'd kept texting, determined to keep communicating with you. You loved this man.

"What...?" 

Your cousin was saying something to you but you weren't paying attention.

"Are you mad at him?"  

She had that look on her face. Damn, she’d known you too long. Your entire life.

"I don't know, maybe a little bit? Disappointed is what I am. I wanted him to be with me. I miss his stupid face!"  

“When is the wedding?”

“Shut up!”

You smiled down at his pic again.

“No one is even thinking about all that.”

Except every night that you fell asleep in his arms. And every morning when you reached for him, whether he was with you or not. Bucky had you thinking about your life, your house, your kids. You cleared your throat.

“Enough about me. What is up with you? You look good. And relaxed.”

She looked deeply into your eyes and smirked. She knew you too well. You might as well have been sisters rather than cousins, the way you grew up so close. But she didn’t press you at the moment. 

“Yeah, well. I’m not working two jobs anymore. I can concentrate on dancing and teaching.”

“What? Did you get an angel investor or something?”

Your cousin’s dream had been dance, but after she was injured, it was to open a dance studio. It had been a struggle for a while to find the funds.

A look flashed across her face.

“You could say that. Let’s just say I received a one time donation to the Peach Preserve Dance Studio.”

“What are you even talking about cousin?”

She just grinned back at you, as circumspect as you were.

"Nothing at all except I'm about to fuck this creme brulee french toast and bottomless mimosas..." 

“Now you’re speaking my language!”

—-

Four days later, Bucky’s hand hovered over the door to your parents’ expansive beach house at the hour Thanksgiving dinner was to be served, but he didn’t make contact. He started to turn around, but Steve was blocking his escape route.

“Don’t be such a fucking jerk. You can do this.”

“I’m gonna. Punk.”

Bucky glared at Steve over his shoulder. 

Steve raised his eyebrow at his best friend. He nodded at the door. 

“Go get your girl and talk to her parents, asshole. Get started on your life, jerk.”

Bucky’s heart was hammering against his ribs. Years of mob life, fights and worse, and he was sweating like a teenager about to see his crush and meet her parents. Just the thought of forever with you made him feel faint. 

He wasn’t scared of wanting it; he was scared that you wouldn’t want it too. 

Bucky took a deep breath and decided to man up just as the door swung open before he could knock. An older man’s grinning face appeared. 

“Well what do we have here? You two gentlemen lost?”

Bucky’s response caught in his throat, but Steve caught the gleam in the man’s eye. He had a feeling this man knew exactly who Bucky was.

Steve was right, Ray and Karen had thoroughly researched James Buchanan Barnes when you told them about him. They weren’t impressed with what they found out, but Ray thought that the fact that he was standing in front of their house at this moment took balls. Mostly because he knew his stepdaughter.

“Hello Mr. Y/LN. My name is Bucky.”

“What the hell is a Bucky?”

Steve had to laugh at Ray rattling his best friend’s cage, but was rewarded with another glare.

“Let me start again. My name is James Barnes. Bucky is short for Buchanan. My middle name. My friends call me Bucky.”

Bucky had straightened up and extended his hand although at this point, Ray was leaning against the doorframe, letting Bucky twist in the wind as he rambled. Then, the door opened wider.

A gorgeous older woman appeared beside what must have been her husband. Steve looked her up and down. She must have been your mother. He elbowed Bucky in the side. Bucky wanted to beat him over the head with the flowers in his hand, but your mother began to address him.

“Barnes? So you are the young man who has our little girl all caught up? Are those flowers for Y/N?”

Bucky gave one of his gorgeous smiles, finally remembering how to charm a woman.

“No ma’am. They’re for you.”

Karen’s exacting gaze took in Bucky and Steve, but especially Bucky. A gleam came into her eyes as he handed her the bouquet.

“Thank you James. Nice touch. It’s about time you came to get her. I was beginning to lose faith in you.”

She grinned and winked at Bucky while pulling him into the house where Bucky and Steve were enveloped in the warmth of your parents home and the smell of turkey throughout the house. All of Bucky’s senses sharpened when he heard your voice. 

“Ma, where do you want these—” 

You froze in the kitchen doorway. 

“Holy–.”

Bucky didn’t bother to hide his reaction to you. Steve smirked, Ray rolled his eyes and Karen beamed while you melted. Bucky had an audience but he didn’t give a damn.

You were absolutely gorgeous. Your light sweater dress hugged every lush curve of you. Hair was escaping your messy bun and those eyes went wide, your lips parting in surprise. 

“James?”

 “Hey Frumoasă.” 

—-

You very nearly dropped the bowl of food in your hand when you saw Bucky standing in the foyer. Here he was, with his broad shoulders and lean muscle under a black leather jacket.

His jaw was dusted with that sexy black and grey stubble that you loved to feel between your legs so much and those eyes made your knees go weak. You sighed, nearly whimpering.

This was your man. And he came for you.

What a man. 

 “Hey Frumoasă.” 

Before you could stop yourself, you handed the food to your cousin and ran to Bucky. He caught you and wrapped his strong arms around you. 

“I can’t believe you’re here,” you managed to whisper into his neck, trying not climb him like a tree in front of everyone. You felt him shiver and you pulled back to gaze into Bucky’s eyes as almost everyone else stared at you two. 

“You look good, Baby.”

To Bucky, that was the understatement of the year. You looked amazing and all he wanted was his lips on you but given the circumstances, he reverted to kissing your hand, the move that made you fall for him. It was your turn to shiver, which caused him to grin, then make space between you two as he looked at your parents and the rest of your family who were watching the scene with rapt attention.

Except for one cousin and Steve, you had an audience but Bucky was more concerned about making his own impression. 

“Is the invitation to dinner still open?” 

You just smiled in response as your mother cleared her throat. 

“Of course the invitation is still open. You and your friend have a seat at our table any time.”

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. YLN. I really appreciate it.”

“Where is Steve?” you asked, looking around. 

Your cousin was missing as well. Before anyone went to look, Steve entered from the hallway, looking a bit flustered.

“Needed to use the facilities.”

Your cousin entered from the kitchen with a too-bright smile. You narrowed your eyes at her as she entered with another dish. Before you could say anything, Bucky grabbed your hand to head to the dining room.

—-

“Can you pass the turkey? Y/N?”

You were busy clenching your thighs together under the table. Bucky hadn’t even touched you, but just the sight of his shoulders in the black cashmere sweater and of that tongue poking out to lick his lips periodically was causing your pussy to drip.

Not to mention the fact that the way your man was now charming the socks off your parents was the sexiest thing ever.

Bucky’s thighs spread and touched yours and you glanced at him.

“Y/N?”

Bucky was staring at you like he owned you as he rolled his sleeves up on the black sweater he was wearing. Those forearms got you even wetter. When you looked up at his piercing eyes and his ticked jaw, you were about to ask him to fuck you over the table. 

Those lips quirked up into a half-smirk, reading you like a book. You squirmed and licked your lips.

“What? Oh. Sorry, Ma…”

You passed the plate to your mother as Bucky continued to stare at you. His lips moved and your head felt swimmy. 

“Huh?”

Your cousin scoffed and Steve grumbled; your mother tittered and Bucky repeated himself.

“Pass the potatoes?”

Bucky’s voice was pure sex, and he may have well said, ‘suck my dick?’ because now you were ready to hit the floor. 

Lord, you needed to get it together.

You passed the dish to Bucky and the way the electricity jolted you when your fingers touched was about to set your clit on fire.

“Thanks, Frumoasă.”

“Now, what exactly does that mean, James? What are you calling my baby?”

Bucky chuckled and began to explain what the pet name meant and went on to talk about his childhood in Romania. While he engaged in genteel conversation with your parents, his hand dropped under the table, landing on your leg. He grasped it, firm and demanding. He pulled your leg away from the other, opening you wide for him.

Evil, evil man.

His hand moved higher, as you checked to see if anyone noticed anything. Your cousin looked sullen, moving the food around her plate while sneaking glances at Steve, who mirrored her countenance. 

You are about to ask a question as Bucky’s fingers move even higher, his thumb becoming dangerous. His fingers reached the edge of your panties and that’s when you realized that this man’s plan was to make you cum in front of your family. 

You coughed to cover a moan as you checked for your parents, who seemed to be listening intently to Bucky. 

He, your devil boyfriend, was smiling in their direction, but you knew that it was meant just for you. You decided to fight fire with fire and move your hand down to his thigh, fingernails scratching through his black slacks.

Bucky hesitated, then cleared his throat as he shot you a look. You smiled angelically at him and took a bite of food. He cleared his throat and went back to his story just as you found what you were looking for. 

The steel rod in Bucky Barnes’ pants.

Bucky dropped his fork and bent over toward you to get it.

“Behave, Frumoasă.”

“I will if you will.”

Bucky shook his head and straightened up, taking his hand away as your mother appeared at his side to trade his dirty fork with a shiny new one. Bucky smiled innocently yet kept his leg pressed up against yours. 

He turned your way again and whispered, “Later.”

It was one word, but it held volumes of filthy promise; so much so that your appetite changed instantly.

—--

Bucky was fitting right in with your loud, loving family. And you were loving it, because it allowed you to see that he was really trying to fit into your life. As dinner was ending, your mother extended another invitation. 

“Why don’t you and Steven stay here until you leave Sunday? You are staying until Sunday, aren’t you, James?” 

Your mother’s arched eyebrow was just like yours, and Bucky couldn’t help but smile. 

You looked between the two and then at Ray when both of your shook your heads; your mom loved James Barnes. You bit your lip to think of the harassment you would receive if you ever broke up.

Bucky looked at you when he was offered and he read your eyes. Something about being under the same roof with you 24/7 was intriguing to both of you.

“Yes, we are staying until Sunday.”

Bucky reached for your hand. You smiled wide at him.

“I’d love nothing more, Karen, but Steve and I have booked rooms at the Surf Song Inn…”

Steve caught Bucky’s glance and shrugged.

“Seems like staying here might be fun.”

You thought you saw your cousin make a face out of the corner of your eye, but when you looked more closely, her face was normal. But she wasn’t happy.

“All the rooms are taken!”

Karen cut her a look.

“My niece is right, but of the 8 bedrooms, we can make space. She can bunk with Y/N, and you and Steve can bunk together.”

“Fantastic,” your cousin intoned, sagging in her seat.

“Wonderful,” Steve deadpanned.

You just giggled nervously. This was going to be interesting.

—--

It was after midnight when you creeped downstairs. Every creak in the hallways made your heart race. Everyone was asleep, including your cousin/roomate, so there should have been nothing to worry about. But when you reached the bottom step of the basement stairs landing, you were grabbed and pulled against a hard chest and a hand clamped over your mouth.

“Gonna have to be quiet, Y/N.”

Bucky growled it against your ear.

“Think you can do that while I fuck this perfect fucking pussy?”

You whimpered in response and nodded your head.

“Good girl.”

But he didn’t release his hold on your face, instead his other hand traveled down your body and inside your sweats to cup your cunt.

“No panties, huh? ”

Your nipples were sharp, aching tips of nerve endings at this point. 

“Been hard as fuck, thinking about you in that dress today, Frumoasa. Love this body, your ass, these tits.”

He nuzzled your neck, inhaling your scent. 

“I love how wet you get for me, the smell of you, everything about you. Fuck!”

Bucky lifted his now wet fingers to his face to taste you, then slipped them into your mouth. You obediently accepted it, proceeding to wantonly suck your juices off Bucky’s fingers.

“Suchhhh a good, naughty little slut for me. In your parent’s house. You are mine, aren’t you?”

You whimpered again as you nodded vigorously, as his other hand squeezed the sides of your throat and his finger fucked into you again.

“You’re fucking soaked, sweetheart. Who did that to you? Wanna cum for me?”

“You Daddy. Yes, Daddy…”

Bucky moaned quietly at your furtive whisper and slipped three fingers inside you, fucking you expertly. You were almost lifted off of the ground.

“Love the sounds you make, Frumoasă, but you’ve got to stay quiet.”

He moved his hand back over your face, which ignited your blood even more.

“Just like that. Cum for me. But not a sound.”

You started shaking all over and Bucky sped up, unrelenting until he achieved his goal.

“Give it to me.”

You felt all of your joints lock up as you moaned and cursed behind his hand. Your lover held a bucking bronco in his arms as you rode over that crest and then came down again.

“Holy shit, Sweetheart. That was so hot.”

Bucky kissed the side of your neck and then whispered, “Ready for more?”

“Fuck yes…”

He walked you to the pool table and bent you over it, which allowed you to rest your head on your arms and watch him pull his sweats down so that his fat cock sprung free. You licked your lips as he started stroking.

“D’you see? I’m so gotdamn hard for you, Baby doll. Spread those perfect legs for me. Gotta get into that tight, wet, cunt.”

You did as you were told and went up on your tiptoes because of Bucky’s height.

“Ah, yessss. That fucking…archhhhhh…”

Bucky’s ardent whisper was in sync with the time it took him to plunge into your wetness in one stroke.

“So. Fucking. Big, Jamie!”

Bucky covered you with his torso as he leaned over you with steady, relentless strokes.

“It’s cause I know how warm, how tight, how fucking good this pussy is. Got so much cum for you Frumoasa….fuckkkkkk….”

He leaned back and bent his knees, causing his cock to brutally brush your g spot on the way to your cervix. This time you put your own hands over your mouth.

“Fucking right. You know what’s about to happen. I’m about to cum inside you so hard and so much. It’s gonna drip out of you.”

He leaned back over you again.

“What if I get you pregnant in your parent’s house?”

You choked on the possibility and your vision went white as your pussy clamped down around his cock. You hoped that no one heard the frantic sounds of skin slapping on skin as Bucky chased his high, and both of your muffled groans.

You practically passed out on the pool table as Bucky slumped into one of the theater chairs.

You opened your eyes, looked over at him and then burst out into giggles which you tried to stifle as you lead him to the gameroom restroom. You got as cleaned up as you could.

Bucky raided the bar refrigerator and handed you a water bottle. 

“This is for your thirst, ma’am.”

You rolled your eyes, but took the bottle.

“Fuck you, Bucky.”

“Hey! That’s the first time you’ve called me that.”

Bucky folded you into his arms, his grin blinding.

“Well, Now that you’ve met the folks, something’s a little different. I feel that we’ve turned a corner? I feel more at ease? Y’know?”

Bucky just stared and you looked down and shook your head.

“It sounds silly. All the things we’ve done.”

His fingers lifted your chin and allowed him to look deep into your eyes.

“Not silly at all. It’s what I’ve hoped for. That you would trust me completely, feel this comfortable with us. And it happened just in time.”

“Just in time for what?”

Bucky was now pulling you toward the stairs.

“Nevermind that now, time to get you back to your room before your mother gets the shotgun out.”

“But, Buck—”

Bucky cut you off with a finger to his lips and you shut your mouth. You were perturbed, but when he kissed you goodnight in front of your door, you kinda forgot about that a little bit.

Turns out your cousin was awake.

“You whore.”

You threw a pillow at her on the way to the bathroom, a giant grin on your face.

—--

The next morning, you rose early to make breakfast. As you descended the stairs, you found Steve in the living room on his laptop.

“Morning, Friend.”

“Morning.”

Steve practically growled it. You wondered who harshed his mellow. But before you got to ask, your parents came down the stairs, dressed to go out.

“Where are you two headed?”

Karen and Ray looked at each other. 

“We have a coffee date.”

You grinned at them.

“You two are so cute. Even after 25 years!”

The older couple shared another look. Bucky came downstairs, ready to go.

“Morning.”

He came over and gave you a chaste kiss on he forehead, as if he hadn’t delivered you immaculate backshots in the basement last night.

“Morning! Where are you going?”

You glanced at Steve who smirked and shrugged.

“I’m taking your mom and Ray to coffee.”

You crossed your arms and cocked your hip.

“And I’m not invited?”

“No. You are not.”

Bucky kissed your cheek this time and winked as he went out of the door. Ray grinned at you and your mother squeezed your shoulder.

“We won’t be long, honey.”

And just like that, your boyfriend stole your parents from you. You gaped at Steve who just stared at his laptop screen.

“What just happened?”

The voice came from behind you. Your cousin was descending the stairs, still in her night clothes.

“You know what just happened. Why would the man you’re dating want to talk to your parents alone? I think you know the answer.”

It hit you like a freight train. Bucky was going to ask your mom and Ray… Holy shit!

“I need some air.”

“I bet you do.”

You hurried to the back patio, gulping air to fend off a coming panic attack.

----

Please reblog if you enjoyed it!

[bonefall]

Any thoughts about how you're gonna approach moons sis def being a fading kit? How would this work in your world?

I've gotten this question a few times and it's honestly really simple; she can be a Fading Kit who refused to fade.

Fading Kits are extremely common to the point of not being a thing that is mourned. Clan Cats believe that they're StarClan spirits who come down to deliver the souls of the rest of the litter, and sometimes "fall in" either by accident or to briefly visit.

So, Moon's parents would believe she was just a normal occurance, until they were wracking their brains trying to figure out what's happening and realize the description fits what should have just been a StarClan visitor.

But that's as far as I'm going with it for now. I need to see where this arc goes, because I might end up deciding that it would fit the story better to do something different entirely. You know how the writing team is about having 6th books that are massively disconnected from the tone and themes of the 1st one.

It's just too early to be making plans-- but the idea that Moonpaw's sister would be a Fading Kit in BB's cultural overhauls isn't even slightly hard to work with.

[hannahbarberra162]

Will EP omega reader meet the whitebeard pirates? How would shanks react?

Hi Nonnie!

This was originally the trajectory before I decided to take it in a different direction. Not all the WBP since this story is set after the Paramount Wars and they’re disbanded but I was going to have the Reader meet Marco….

This is an alternate ending so not as proofread / edited. This is set after Reader has come to from the heat (you’ll get that scene in the next chapter - which, yes, I am writing). Shanks is a bad boy in this one, don't come for me.

I'm not gonna do the tag list for this (except @mfreedomstuff ) since it's not a chapter of the main story. I do have a few more ideas / scenes I thought of for this maybe I'll write them eventually.

All the actual chapters

~

Shanks POV

Your first heat had gone well by Shanks’s estimation. The physical demands were rough on you, you had been sleeping and eating in excess since it ended to make up for the days on end with little of either. He’d also had to recuperate after your heat but because you began heat in a worse state it was taking you longer to get to your baseline. He checked on you every hour or so as you slept, bringing you food and water as you needed it. You protested with a groan as he checked your temperature and breathing but allowed him to move you as he pleased like a limp rag doll. 

There was one thing that bothered him though - the bite mark from Kid still hadn’t healed. He’d given you his word during the heat that he wouldn’t claim you but he didn’t like seeing the bite from your former Alpha. He’d already spoken with Hongo about it already but the doctor said there wasn’t anything to do except wait.

Unless.

Shanks had known Marco the Phoenix since he was a child, the former Commander slipping in and out of his life like the tide. They weren’t friends exactly but Shanks had offered Marco the opportunity to join his crew many times. He’d slept with Marco a few times over the years and Shanks deeply enjoyed the experience - though they sometimes fought for dominance.

But there was something in Shanks that had always wanted to bring Marco to heel. Marco acted like he was above Shanks, like he was better than him. He always had too, enjoying being the golden child of Whitebeard for years after Shanks had to watch his own Captain publicly executed by Marines. Even after Whitebeard’s death Marco hadn’t joined Shanks’s crew which stung his ego. It didn't help that Marco’s Zoan form had an ethereal beauty like no other and it only elevated his charm and charisma. Marco was powerful, strong, handsome and well respected outside of his piracy for his skills as a physician. Unlike others, Marco wasn't fooled by Shanks's games and lackadaisical attitude and saw right through him. No, Marco needed to be shown his place in the world but the opportunity hadn’t arisen. 

Regardless, Marco could heal the bite on your neck in seconds if he visited the ship. Mulling over the idea, Shanks decided to call and see if Marco could fly out. The ship wasn’t that far from Sphinx, Marco could make the trip quickly if he so chose. Grabbing his snail off his desk, he dialed and waited.

“Oi, Marco. How are you?” Shanks asked the calm looking snail as the call was picked up.

“Shanks, to what do I owe the pleasure yoi? What do you want from me?” Marco responded dryly, already anticipating a request. The snail was looking over at something else as Marco continued to work through the call.

“Maybe I just want to see how you’re doing, call up an old friend,” Shanks teased before turning serious. “I am happy to hear you’re doing well, but you’re right, I need a favor. I have an Omega on my ship and she has a wound that’s not healing -”

“Is it not healing or not healing fast enough for you yoi?” the Phoenix interrupted, still not giving Shanks his full attention as he continued to read. Shanks’s irritation was rising but he buried it deep, he wanted Marco’s help.

“It was an infected claiming bite that didn’t take. She just went through heat and it was bothering her, she kept rubbing at it until it was raw. I had to Command her to stop before she left it alone. She’s still recovering - her previous Alpha beat the shit out of her, she was barely alive when I found her,” Shanks said with a frown on his face. Marco was a lot softer than people knew - he was sympathetic to weaker people suffering at the hands of those who were stronger. Shanks knew adding in the bits about your status would tip the scales in his favor. The snail sighed and looked at Shanks with its heavy lidded stare.

“How is she now?” Marco asked, the doctor in him rising to the surface. Shanks gloated internally as he knew he had Marco hook, line, and sinker.

“She’s sleeping a lot, eating when she wakes. It was her first heat - she’d been taking suppressants for years on end so it was particularly rough. I think she’d return to normal faster if she wasn’t also healing the bite,” Shanks mused aloud, knowingly ensnaring the former Commander further.

“Hm. And I suppose you want me to come heal her despite the fact that Hongo likely told you to wait it out yoi,” Marco said with a frown. Shanks smiled brightly, Marco correctly guessing the desired outcome.

“Well, if you’re offering…” Shanks said, letting the sentence dangle. He waited in silence, knowing Marco was going to accept.

“Where are you?” Marco asked in a huff, crossing his arms.

“Not too far from Sphynx, maybe a day’s flight away,” Shanks said jovially. 

“Fine. Head towards the island, I’ll get the coordinates from Benn. You owe me.” Marco said with finality before hanging up the snail. Shanks’s smile widened even further.

Your POV

You heard an unfamiliar male voice near the entrance of the cabin. New men weren’t something with a positive association for you but this voice was melodious, almost like a bird song, the person speaking with soothing calm. Listening in, you heard the Emperor speaking to the man like they were old friends. A knock on the cabin door alerted you that they were about to come in so grabbed the blankets and pulled them up to cover your nakedness. You hadn’t worn clothes since before your heat and all that you had were the Emperor’s.

“We’re coming in,” announced the Emperor brightly. As the door opened you saw a man as tall as Benn standing behind the Emperor. His teal eyes met yours and the world stopped for a moment. You’d never seen someone so beautiful in your life, his wanted posters not capturing his true essence. You knew it was Marco the Phoenix but you couldn’t bring yourself to say a single word. You nearly uncovered yourself to walk to him but stopped yourself at the last moment. He wasn’t speaking to you either, standing in shocked silence by the doorway with a stethoscope wound around his neck.

The Emperor looked between you and Marco and started talking but you weren’t listening. All you wanted to do was talk to Marco, to bare your soul to him, even though you’d never met before. He smelled like coconut, pineapple and a touch of spiced rum. You had the urge to lick his scent glands, to bask in the glorious smell of this Alpha. You’d never felt this way with any other Alpha - certainly not with Kid but also not with the Emperor. He walked towards you hesitantly, like you’d bolt if he moved too quickly. You watched his graceful movements as Marco approached, entranced by his very being. The Emperor suddenly put two fingers under your chin and tilted your face to his own. 

“Have you met Marco already?” he asked with a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. You noted his stiff shoulders and dominant body language. The Emperor was annoyed and in a dangerous mood, you thought to yourself. Marco forgotten for the moment, you nuzzled into his hand - an act that he’d praised you for before.

“N-no. I was just distracted,” you said quickly, afraid to admit you were staring at the handsome stranger. Your proactive touch mollified the Emperor somewhat as he dragged his thumb up and down your cheek.

“I apologize for startling you yoi. Like Shanks said, I’m Marco. I’m a doctor -”

“And a pirate,” Shanks added, giving Marco a smirk. Marco gave the Emperor a disdainful look.

“Yes, and a pirate yoi. I used to be Whitebeard’s First Division Commander, but that’s in the past. Now I’m just a doctor,” Marco said with a calm smile. 

“I’m not so sure, maybe we can finally convince you to join our ranks after all,” Shanks continued, giving Marco a strange look. Marco returned Shanks’s look with one of his own. You weren’t sure what was being communicated between the two men but you didn’t want to be in the middle of it. Cringing backwards, you covered yourself up further with the blankets. Marco’s gaze flicked to your face and his countenance softened. 

“It’s alright, I’m going to take a look at you yoi. I heard you have a wound that isn’t healing, is that right?” Marco said, pulling a pair of gloves from the pocket of his doctor’s coat. He sat down next to you on the bed, still towering over you with his tall frame.You nodded, moving your hair to the side so Marco could see the wound still left from Kid. He sucked in a deep breath through his nose and put on the gloves.

“I’m going to touch you now, just around the bite, OK?” he said to you softly. You nodded again and shifted towards him in the bed to allow him easier access to your neck. The Emperor moved and leaned against the opposing wall of the cabin, watching Marco’s every move with barely concealed interest. You weren’t sure what he was thinking but you hoped nothing bad came to Marco because of it.

Marco moved his fingers along the stitches Hongo had given you, pushing on the wound in a few spots. His assessment was clinical but it was the most caring anyone had touched you in a long time. He hummed to himself before placing the buds of the stethoscope in his ears. 

“I’m going to listen to your heart and lungs yoi. I’ll press the bell of the stethoscope against your skin a few times and listen, OK?” You nodded eagerly, waiting for the contact to continue. You knew what stethoscope usage entailed but it was thoughtful that Marco described what he was going to do anyway. You pulled the blankets down further than you needed to give Marco access to your chest and back.

“How’s she doing?” Shanks interrupted, sitting himself next to your other side on the bed and putting your hand in his own. Marco removed your hand and returned it to a resting position.

“Shh. I’m listening,” Marco said, dismissing the Emperor. You were sure Marco was hearing your heart beating fast from Marco rebuking the Emperor. You’d never heard anyone speak to him that way - even though his crew were relaxed and casual they always maintained an air of respect towards him. Marco on the other hand was irritated with the Emperor and didn't hesitate to make his feelings known.

Marco placed his fingertips on your back, his warm touch gentling you to the sensation of the cold stethoscope. As he listened, you saw his eyes rove over your well loved body from the heat. Your gaze dropped and your cheeks heated as you looked over all the hickeys and bite marks over your front from your heat with the Emperor.

“One more deep breath, there we go,” Marco said soothingly, rubbing a small circle on your back. You did as he said and he removed the stethoscope from his ears.

“I can heal the wound yoi. Like I already said, it was healing just fine on its own. You were too rough with her during her heat. Look at her, she’s covered in bruises and bites. If she’s already healing wounds you shouldn’t add more. Control yourself,” Marco continued, giving the Emperor a dirty look. You hugged your knees with your arms and ducked your head for the ensuing confrontation.

But none ever came. Instead you heard the Emperor’s laugh ring out in the cabin.

“Eh, it was more difficult than I thought. Would you care to find out?” 

Marco POV

There was no doubt in his mind the cowering little Omega was his fated mate. He wondered if you could feel the connection too but given your acute distress and prior experiences he doubted it. He felt a pull to you, he was drawn to you like a moth to a flame. It was like some missing piece of him had settled in his soul and he was finally complete, after looking for something he didn’t know was gone. You were absolutely breathtaking, even littered in the evidence of harsh treatment by other Alphas. His first instinct had been to whisk you away on the wings of the Phoenix far from Shanks, back to his home on Sphynx where he could claim you and keep you safe. Alas, things would not be so simple in the real world.

Your scent soured as Shanks extended Marco a crass invitation to have sex with you. Marco highly doubted that he’d shared you before - Shanks was covetous and jealous by nature. Even now while Marco was attending to you as a medical professional Shanks was inserting himself unnecessarily to gain your attention. Shanks hid his true colors under the guise of an easy going and amicable nature but Marco knew better. He was cold and calculating, always seeking what he didn’t have. Which is why he’d never joined Shanks’s crew despite the many offers or dallied with him more than a few times. Shanks never let something that he wanted slip through his fingers and Shanks wanted Marco.

Marco’s hackles rose but he pushed the feeling down. He needed to play nicely with Shanks and think his plans through before he acted. No matter what Shanks did or said, Marco wasn’t strong enough to take him on. He’d lived with an Emperor for long enough to know that Shanks was in a class of his own and even the Immortal Phoenix could be killed by his hands. Instead, Marco put his hand on your shoulder and stood up, inserting himself between you and the Emperor.

“I’ll heal her now then let’s chat outside for a few minutes yoi,” he said to Shanks with a neutral expression. He turned to you and gave you a warm smile, trying to convey his love and kindness in a single facial expression. He thought he saw the flicker of a smile on your sweet mouth.

“I’m going to use my Devil Fruit powers to heal you. It won’t hurt so you don’t need to worry,” Marco said, already trying to heal your growing anxiety. You nodded at him and your shoulders relaxed slightly, revealing the ugly bite on your neck. Something part of him was pleased you weren’t claimed by Shanks but Marco didn’t think it was due to benevolence on Shanks’s part. Marco knew you’d be claimed in the next heat whether you wanted it or not. His gift worked best on skin to skin but he didn’t want to make you too uncomfortable. 

“I’ll be on the deck. Don’t enjoy yourselves too much,” Shanks said with a wink. Marco wanted to throttle him right there - couldn’t he smell what his remarks did to you? How afraid and small they made you feel? But even so Marco was thankful for the reprieve from Shanks’s presence. The Captain swaggered away after patting your head like a beloved dog, slamming the door to the cabin behind him.

“Nothing is going to happen that I haven’t already told you. I’m going to heal you with my powers and that will be all. I do have to touch you and it works best if it’s nearest to the injury. May I heal your neck?” Marco explained in a calm and patient voice. Giving you expectations of what he would do might quell your anxiety. You nodded once more, still not speaking. Marco reached slowly for your neck, one of his hands large enough to wrap around nearly the whole thing. The other he placed on your upper back to steady your erratic breathing. In his heart he wanted to pull you in for a soul searing kiss but he’d have to deal with Shanks first.

“Easy, easy. I’m going to begin, alright? It might feel strange but it doesn’t hurt,” Marco said as his flames began to rise over your neck and upper chest. Your eyes opened wide and you tried to swivel your head as you were engulfed in his power but Marco kept you steady. “It’s alright, shh, it’s alright. Relax, just relax, nothing bad will happen yoi,” Marco cooed at you as you ceased looking around like a frightened rabbit. He didn’t want you to struggle against him, nothing in him could ever hurt you. You soon allowed him to heal you without worry, closing your eyes and leaning into his touch.

Marco focused first on the bite but extended the flames to the rest of your body as well. He healed all the marks Shanks had left until there was no sign that you’d ever been intimate with the Emperor. Before removing his hand from your neck he felt something unusual.

“Do you have an old injury here yoi? To your larynx perhaps?” Marco asked quietly while palpating the area, not wanting to alarm you. You looked down and nodded again. 

“Would you like me to heal it? I’m not sure it will work completely but it may help,” Marco offered. He’d learned over the years that some people preferred their scars and marks to remain as momentos or as badges of honor. Though injuries like the one you had to your throat were rarely something worth remembering. 

“Yes, please,” you rasped. Marco tried to heal your broken vocal chords and damaged neck to the best of his ability, sending wave after wave of healing flames to the area. All too soon, the healing was complete and he had to go deal with Shanks.

“How do you feel now?” Marco asked, removing his hands completely from you. They itched to remain on your skin but he wanted to give you the space you needed.

“Much better, thank you,” you said, reaching to touch the now healed bite on your neck. He’d only heard your voice briefly when you were trying to soothe Shanks’s ego but it sounded smoother already. 

“Unfortunately it did scar a bit due to the age and severity of the injury but the scar should fade somewhat over time,” Marco said as your nimble fingers probed the area. You stretched your limbs and gave him a ghost of a smile, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Thank you Marco,” you said softly. Marco had so much he wanted to say and do but the Emperor was waiting for his audience.

“I’ll be with Shanks if you need me,” Marco said, rising from the bed. He felt your eyes watching him as he crossed the messy cabin and left, closing the door softly.

Shanks was sitting at the circular table on the deck, his ochoko filled with sake. His calves were resting on the table and his arm was behind his head in a relaxed pose as he watched the sea. To most, it would look like he didn’t have a care in the world. But Marco knew Shanks was toying with him, like a cat would a mouse before the death blow. Benn was reading the paper next to his Captain and gave Marco a pleasant nod when the two made eye contact. Marco returned it. 

“We have a lot to talk about,” Shanks said, still gazing at the sea. Benn took that as his cue to leave, folding his paper in half and tucking it under his arm. He gave Marco a clap on the shoulder as he passed.

“She had greater injuries than you told me yoi,” Marco complained as he sat down in the now unoccupied chair. 

“Yeah, she was pretty busted up when I found her. I took her from Kid - not sure if you knew him, I didn’t before then -” 

“She’s my fated mate,” Marco cut off Shanks, wanting to get to the heart of the matter. He was loath to play Shanks’s games but for now he’d have to endure. Shanks grinned a toothy smile and lifted his feet off the table, planting them on the deck. He crossed his legs at the ankles and sat up, picking up his ochoko.

“Hm, fate is a cruel mistress. Since the Celestial Dragons interfered with the mating process, fated mates have become an old wives tale, a bedtime story for children. They say when an Alpha finds their mate they would do anything to stay by their side and keep them safe. That a bonded Alpha and Omega share the same lifeline, their chests beating with the same heart. So how fitting that a myth should become real for someone so mythical,” Shanks said, swirling his sake in the small cup. The Emperor’s eyes danced with mirth as Marco watched him take a drink from the ochoko. Marco felt like a snare was tightening around his ankle, like a wild animal stuck in a trap it would never be able to get out of. 

“You’re not going to release her yoi. Are you going to claim her?” Marco asked, already knowing the answer to both questions.  

“No, she’s staying with me. As for claiming,” Shanks said before draining his cup, “I will during her next heat. But so can you.” Marco didn’t react outwardly, keeping his face still as his heart threatened to burst out of his chest. Shanks refilled his glass to the brim with sake.

“I did some research and it seems Omegas can be claimed by two Alphas. But I found out something even more interesting. Did you know Apex Alphas can claim other Alphas?” Shanks said, pouring sake into an empty ochoko. Picking it up, he extended it to Marco. The implication was clear - Marco would be able to claim you if Shanks claimed Marco. Marco would never be able to leave Shanks though he was unsure of other possible ramifications.

“We’ve had fun before, eh Marco? I think adding an Omega would be beneficial for both of us. You’d be able to stay with her, tend to her, care for her…along with my help, of course. What do you think?”

Marco knew he had only a few moments to consider the proposition or Shanks would revoke it and think of something worse. Marco tried to engineer a solution to his problem in the short time frame but Shanks had him backed into a corner. The Alpha in him couldn’t leave the Omega on the ship, he needed to be near her and protect her like he needed to breathe air. He wasn’t strong enough to challenge Shanks for her and win. He couldn’t leave her and he couldn’t take her. Marco’s eyes met Shanks’s triumphant gaze and broad smile.

Shanks had finally won.

Marco extended his hand and took the ochoko from Shanks. Every moment spent with Shanks further sealed his fate but it also brought him closer to you. 

“Welcome to the Red Haired Pirates,” Shanks said, draining his cup with a cold smile.

[luvsyouaria]

Late nights. Pt.1

Frat!Rafe x gf!reader

Pls look up “Frat” on Spotify nd play the first playlist 🙏 istg it’s soo good at like immersing yourself in the story.

Having been there for 3 hours so far, your feet started cramping from you standing continuously. “Was’ up, baby?” — you feel a sickly hand snake around your waist. You quickly turn around only to realize it’s the infamous, JJ. “Just great..” you mumble, allowing your eyes to meet his. “Have you seen Rafe? I saw him early but I guess he just disappeared.” JJ says, removing his hand from your waist and glancing around over the crowd. “Yeah, he’s getting me a drink. He should be back in a sec, why?” You spoke, glancing down at your feet. ‘God they hurt like a bitch bro.’

“ah, I see him..oh- uh, hey y/n just stay here for a sec” JJ spoke, a sense of urgency in his tone. He keeps his eyes on rafe as he snakes through the crowd. Unbothered, as you typically are, you squat down and begin unstrapping your heels. “Fuck me man..g- Get the fuck off me.” You mumble as you undo the lace straps of your heels, finally popping up and holding your heels high. Happy you got them off. In the midsts of you celebrating getting your shoes off, you begin to hear mumbles from the people around you. “Woah.” “Is that Rafe?” “Is that kemper?” “Yo..” “why does Rafe have those?” “Fight!”

“oh shit..” A sternness if your tone. You turn around and begin pushing through the crowd. “Shit shit shit” you said under your breath. As you get to the front of the crowd, you notice the amount of people who circled around Rafe and kemper. Rafe is standing in front of kemp, that look of possession and fury in his eyes. You couldn’t help but lowkey find him crazy attractive in this moment. You knock yourself out of your thoughts and listen to what the two are saying. ”why the fuck..where these in your room kemper?” Rates stern tone sent shivers down even your spine. You watch kemper throw his protective nonchalant persona on. “No idea, Rafe. I don’t know how they got in my room.” He spoke, shrugging his shoulders cockily. You watched rafes semi-calm expression turn to anger. “No idea my ass. Kemp, I swear to god if you don’t tell me how you got these I-“ He stops himself, crumpling the underwear in his hand and bringing his hands up to rest behind his head. “You’ll what, Rafe? You won’t do shit while your girls watching.” He laughs, that sickly smirk creeping onto his lips as he turns to point at me. “Aey, don’t fucking pull me into this shit.” You voiced, raising your hands in defense and taking a step back. Rafe looks up at you. ‘Fuck.’

“You know what? You’re so right, kemp. Cmon. Follow me outside.” Rafe says with a slight chuckle, almost maniac like, he places his hand on kempers shoulder. You notice the slight confusion on his face as he follows your boyfriend out the door. “Alright well that’s that guys! They’re gonna go make out! Get back to the party!” You said, your voice slightly raised. The music begins to play again and you starts gently pushing people away from the door and windows back to the main area. Knowing what your boyfriend is capable of when he’s in that state, you don’t want anyone to have to watch that go down.

Around 20 minutes later, you notice everyone’s heads turning. Again. Rolling your eyes, you turn around and you’re now face to face with your..sexy ass boyfriend. His fists red and bloody, sweat pooling at his forehead, breath heavy. “What the fuck? Are you okay?” “Yes, baby, I’m fine. You ready to go home?” He spoke softly, his eyes never leaving yours. He gently places a firm hand on your lower back. There was something about this state he’s in that never fails to make your stomach fill with butterflies, wishing it was being filled with something else… (tehe)

You nod. He smirks at you, looking down at your feet. “Where are your sh-“ he spoke, interrupted by your best friend, Kaylee, tapping his shoulder and holding out your heels. “Thanks Kay.” You whisper as he takes the shoes from her, grabbing your hand and making your way towards the front door.

(kk guys im so sorry, ik this absolutely sucks fat cock but it’s because I’m fairly new to writing fan fics / oneshots 😔🙏 I’ll be practicing more and trying to improve. If you can give me tips, PLEASE feel free to lmk.) REMINDER: this is only part ONE!

[miss-tc-nova]

With Reckless Choices - Leona Kingscholar x Reader Pt 10

Happy Starlight everyone! My gift to you! We're gonna switch POVs for this one. I just wanted to show a bit of how Leona's handling things.

Premise: Leona after the break up

Words: 729

Music Inspirations: Monsters - All Time Low Feat. Demi Lovato & blackbear

~~~Vices~~~

               Leona glares at the ceiling, his empty chest keeping the lion from escaping the waking world. Cold morning light rains through the window onto his lonely bed. A savanna breeze whispers through, bringing with it hints of the world he never wants to see again.

               Nothing has been the same since the event that led to the biggest blowup of his life. He finds no light anymore and barely finds the motivation to even breathe. Even the naps he used to escape the world bring him no solace. Instead, the world just passes by as he confines himself to his room waiting for the moment all this pain will finally end. Having tasted life, he finds no reason to go on without.

               A jingle pricks at his ear. Lazily, his head lolls to look at the device he’s surprised still has any battery left. Reaching out, his hand acts without his head’s permission.

               That’s Ruggie. Heaven knows how he’s still on the team with how much practice he’s missed.

               Still…

               How dare his heart still hope.

               It’s been nearly a full year since he last saw his love—on the day of the Briar Prince’s wedding. He made the mistake of thinking he found someone that genuinely cared about him. He thought that, for once, he would be the first pick. Leona Kingscholar had fallen so deeply in love that it blinded him to the real world and now he’s paying the price. Reality firmly put him back in his place and snubbed him for even daring to think he could be happy.

               But no, he never had a chance. Instead he was insulted, screamed at, and told to stay away. Right in his face, his heart was torn to pieces and stamped into the ground even though he wore a snarl the entire time. Leona was never meant to win. Especially against that damn dragon. 

               Despite all the pain it caused him, Leona kept his mouth shut about what happened. He could’ve spilled the truth and thrown the illustrious Draconias under the bus for all the heartache caused. Yet every time he so much as considered revenge, his heart quashed the idea. He couldn’t bring himself to destroy their reputation, all because of his stupid feelings. No matter how he cursed himself, there was no changing his decision.

               To make matters worse, his family insists on trying to help him through a problem they’re grasping at straws to understand. He wants none of it and acknowledges no effort—hell, he barely even acknowledges their existence anymore. Leaving his room is a rare occurrence, so they often sit with him. Sometimes they have their own conversations or talk to him without answers, sometimes they simply sit in silence as they go about their own tasks, but the worst of all is when they turn on the television. Oftentimes, it’s his nephew watching some silly show. However, Falena and his wife like to watch the news. The news is always filled with ridiculous stories that are easy to ignore. It’s the ones that mention the Draconias that always stab at his chest. Where they were seen dining, where their honeymoon had been, the event they attended, what they were wearing. Of course he can’t help peeking at the screen when that happens, but even just hearing about them brings fresh lashings against his wavering stability.

               Those are the nights the sand grates against his skin. He doesn’t know any other way to drown out the grief.

               “Unca Leo! Unca Leo!”

               His door bursts open without even a knock. The mattress shifts beneath the excited jumping of the cub despite the lack of response from the elder prince.

               “Guess what?!”

               The family chamberlain is quick to follow.

               “Prince Cheka! Don’t bother your uncle!”

               That does nothing to deter the young lion from shaking his family by the shoulder.

               “Papa says we’re going to a birthday in Briar Valley!”

               Leona’s body tenses.

               No.

               “Cheka!”

               Faster than he has in a long time, the elder lion reaches for his phone. Scrolling through messages he shamefully re-reads, he feels the vice in his chest. His grip creaks around the device as his hand shakes.

               No.

               He knows better. He knows he shouldn’t. But he’s so pathetically helpless.

               “When are we leaving?”

               Fuck.

~~~~~

Part 11 (Coming Soon)

Nova’s Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

[weareallgonnaliveforawhile]

In an AU where Astyanx lives, Eurylochus would have a much bigger role in taking care of him than people think.

Personally?

Eurylochus is the second in command on a ship that's full of men doing their best to go home. That is to say, Odysseus would be very busy whether he wanted to be or not. In an au where Astyanax's identity is being hidden, then there's the thing of Ody can NOT be hiding in his room constantly raising this kid because if he is, then the rest of the men don't know where the fuck he is. If his identity isn't being hidden, then it'll still fall to Eury to do a decent amount of child rearing as one of the people Ody trusts most in the world.

After the ocean saga, I imagine Eury tries to make up for the fact he nearly got all of the men killed and latches onto Astyanax a bit tighter. Him being willing to leave behind the pig men on Circe's island was him being like 'Yeah, I don't think it's possible to save them, let's get the fuck out of here' just like in canon with the only change being him tightly clutching onto Astyanax while this is happening.

If Astyanax was somehow turned into a pig then I imagine during the entire conversation Eury is holding onto this tiny piglet for dear life and treating any stray animal or plant for that matter as if it's gonna kill the baby.

Narratively?

Eurylochus is the voice of the crew and the representation of Odysseus's humanity. He's willing to sacrifice men at the start when Ody isn't and that's something that swaps further into the musical (I will go on a whole rant about Eury being Odysseus's humanity, the thing that makes him human). All of this is to say that as Odysseus gets crueler with his morals, Eurylochus gets kinder. Where he'd once be fine with sacrificing someone else if it meant more got to live, he becomes aghast at the thought of killing one of the men that's fought so long to go home.

This is seen in his treatment of Astyanx. If he was brash to the kid at first, he becomes softer, caring. Maybe he sits with him and tells him stories of the war. When Odysseus is charting out his maps or having an episode (which is to be expected on a ship full of war veterans), he sits beside Astyanx. Maybe they talk and maybe they don't. But it's VERY important that they get closer. Close enough that on a ship where traditional family dynamics get skewed very fast, since it's entirely full of traumatized middle-aged men who have questionable ideas on how to interact with kids, Eurylochus becomes almost a second dad of sorts. It takes a village, after all, and some villagers get closer to the child than others.

During Mutiny, Eurylochus is the voice of the crew. And the crew is starving. Not just hungry, but a true type of starving that eats at your stomach and blurs your vision until you know nothing but the desperation of needing to eat. It'd be worse than in canon. Eurylochus would give any last rations he had to Astyanax. Not just because he'd do that as a person at this time. But because it'd parallel Odysseus in a sense. Ody let other people hurt so he could get home, so he could live (not saying this is a bad thing, just saying this is what he did) and Eurylochus let someone else take something they needed despite the fact that he would hurt, that if he didn't eat the ration he might not get home (at least to his hunger ailed brain). So yeah, I don't imagine Astyanax would be visible for Mutiny because Eury would've had him tucked away somewhere. Why force the boy to watch his uncle father Eurylochus betray his father?

Either way, long story short, Eurylochus would be a central part in Astyanax's life. From a reluctant uncle, to a protective uncle to a peusdo second father to a ghost, he is a very important figure in Astyanax's life that can't be underestimated.

[protect-namine]

it's interesting that yingdu E1 is gonna be the episode that really tells you if you like S1 story structure more, or S2 story structure more.

I thought yingdu would be more like S2 but I'm actually pleasantly surprised it starts more like S1? and I already knew this about myself but I really loved the episodic, slice of life nature of the first half of S1 (and the chibi shorts). I loved S2 and all, but the first time I fell in love with link click it was because of the day-to-day kind of issues they face before they started playing mind games with other people who have abilities like them. and I think I wouldn't have enjoyed S2 or even the back half of S1 if the show didn't start with episodic, low stakes cases. of course, I think they'll probably mix both storytelling styles this special season.

but idk, I really missed that vibe. shiguangling being domestic is sweet. I did like the cosplay story more than vivian's story, though I think them trying to set up the scammer parallel to lu guang was funny. I think cheng xiaoshi shines a lot in these kinds of moments because he's very empathetic even with the little things. lu guang is the one dealing with a lot of big picture stuff (time and death itself) but cheng xiaoshi? he just wants to set up a photography studio and maybe help a couple of people out when he can. play basketball. find a cosplayer to return her paintings. help their student council president to not get scammed.

he's just a little guy! look at him! he thrives in low stakes situations!! give him milk tea and he's happy 🤗

I think the most surprising details in this episode were:

lu guang is in the anime club :o

lu guang kept a detailed notebook of the past?? damn. I feel like he spent one timeline just memorizing and noting down events, down to the last minute.

"your eyes remind me of two people I knew" holy shit. time traveler parents possibly true. what if cheng xiaoshi's parents are lost to the time stream? like, they faced the consequences lu guang said you'd face if you stayed more than 12 hours into a picture (notably though, lu guang doesn't seem? to have this issue when he dives? or I guess past 12 hours you get "stuck" in the past and aren't able to come back to your "present")

what is up with cheng xiaoshi always wanting lu guang to be his partner "for life" asdfghjkl. my guy. you're so sweet

lu guang moves into the photo studio during their university years and bridon happens right after. and he's wearing cheng xiaoshi's summer clothes...

cheng xiaoshi did not clap when he activated his powers with the bridon picture (his hands were holding the envelope and the picture). which is... weird? how did that happen? also he went there as himself which means this picture was... not taken by a photographer? because otherwise he should've possessed someone like normal

finally: lu guang didn't have a watch in the beginning. idk why I always thought he had a watch. anyway, I think we can use the placement of his watch as a signifier of which timeline we're in

no watch: original timeline. when lu guang dives back here, I guess he buys a watch afterwards

watch on the left hand: either the og timeline (after he buys a watch) or the first time he dives? the timeline with cheng xiaoshi's first death? the style of the bedroom makes me think this happened in the first time they go to bridon (which isn't necessarily the same timeline we're seeing in the donghua right now).

edit: actually, scratch that. now I think this might have been lu guang's bedroom lol. the date is 4/12 which is the day cheng xiaoshi reads the 👌 text from lu guang about playing basketball again

it's also consistent with the flashback to cheng xiaoshi's death in S2E1 — watch is on the left hand.

watch on the right hand: S2 finale dive / yingdu E1 dive. which means vein showing up in the photo studio happened sometime during our "current" timeline.

lu guang keeps his watch on his right hand during S1 and S2 as well (catguang in the chibi shorts also has a watch on his right... paw).

there's probably other details I missed but anyway. welcome back link click!! I'm already one square away from getting a bingo in my yingdu bingo card lmao

[its-crowning]

Found out I got pregnant on accident today, have been jumping between breaking down crying and scared and cumming hard to your stories, knowing it's going to be me soon. I'm passing as a guy but not for long, this baby is gonna wreck everything for me and I never thought that would turn me on so much. I don't even know who the dad is. I'm so excited to have my life fall apart and watch my body betray me to grow a baby I don't want.

I'm already planning to hide it the whole time as long as possible, and give birth unassisted at home. You literally might be the only person I tell that I'm pregnant, if everything goes well. I don't want anybody to ever know I screamed out some jerk's brat and abandoned it at a shelter. I just want to carry this thing until it's due, give birth, and go back to my life like it never happened. But I had to tell someone, and admit how much I hate this, but love it at the same time.

(anon, for the sake of horny i’m going to assume this is rp. if this is true, please consider at least getting some medical help, even if just at the birth. my stories/posts are horny fictions and are not to be replicated irl if you can help it. if you need abortion resources, i’d be happy to try and help you find them, too.)

now that i’ve recused myself of responsibility…

I understand the impulse to get bred by randoms. But you’ve marked yourself as a slut…hide it though you may try, your belly will swell and round out with life. it’ll settle in your hips. you might bind the belly, or wear layers, or slouch to try and hide your spherical gut, but your burdened waddle will give you away. any reaction you have to the baby’s movement will give you away. there will be at least one passerby that knows what’s become of you. man though you might look, there’s only so round you can get before it stops being passable as a beer belly. before everyone knows the truth—you’re going to have a baby.

you know it too. the weight seems to increase day by day. you’ll never be able to not think about what has been done to you—and you don’t even know who to blame. whose cumshot it was that led to this thing kicking you from the inside.

i can only imagine the dread you’ll feel as you enter labor. scared and alone, not wanting the baby, just wanting to go out and enjoy life like everyone else, without heavy, hard-headed consequences stretching out your genitals. but you won’t be able to—you’re paying the price for letting those men inside you. birthing one of their bastards like a broodmare.

and god knows you won’t learn your lesson. i imagine you’ll find yourself swelling again within the year.

[deezee112]

The worst ending 8 : Broken by Love

The worst ending 7 | The worst ending 9

Yandere!Jack Howl x GN!Reader

A/N : I finally finished my exams!!! I'll be back to finish the ending. I confess that I'm very into Floyd's story and I haven't updated for a week.

If it looks weird now, I apologize. I drafted it before the exam.

Warning : This story contains themes of obsessive and possessive behavior , emotional turmoil , and a tragic ending.

Tags :

@iris-arcadia

If you want me to tag you please tell me.

English is not my first language.

The first thing you noticed about him was the sharp glint of his golden eyes. He was smaller then, no more than a scrawny wolf pup with ears that twitched nervously and a tail that tucked between his legs at the slightest sound.

“ You don’t have a name, do you? ” you asked, crouching down to his level.

The boy stiffened, his claws digging into the dirt as he avoided your gaze.

“ That won’t do. ” you continued, offering a warm smile. “ Everyone deserves a name. How about...Jack? ”

At the sound of his new name, his ears perked up, his tail wagging hesitantly behind him.

You reached out, gently ruffling his hair. “ It suits you. Strong, dependable...and a little stubborn, I bet. ”

His face flushed, and though he quickly looked away, you caught the faintest flicker of a smile on his lips. His tail wagged a little harder.

From that day forward, Jack became your constant companion.

Jack grew quickly, both in size and strength. By the time he was a teenager, his broad shoulders and muscular frame a testament to his wolf heritage. But despite his imposing appearance, he still carried the same puppy-like loyalty that had first endeared him to you.

He was always by your side, watching over you with an intensity that was both sweet and a little unsettling.

“ You don’t have to follow me everywhere, you know. ” you teased one afternoon as you tended to the garden.

Jack, who had been standing a few feet away with his arms crossed, scowled. “ What if something happens to you? ”

“ In the garden? ” you laughed. “ Jack, the only danger here is getting dirt under my nails. ”

But he didn’t budge. “ It’s my job to protect you. ” he said firmly, his golden eyes gleaming with determination.

You sighed, shaking your head. “ All right, Mr. Bodyguard. Just don’t scare the neighbors with that scowl of yours. ”

Jack’s ears twitched, and for a moment, you thought you saw his tail wag ever so slightly.

Jack wasn’t just protective—he was playful, too. Sometimes a little too playful.

One evening, after a long day of chores, you collapsed onto the couch with a groan. Jack, who had been lingering nearby, suddenly leapt onto you, pinning you beneath his weight.

“ Jack! ” you gasped, struggling to push him off. “ What are you doing? ”

He grinned down at you, his sharp canines flashing. “ Playing. ”

“ This is not playing! ” you protested, swatting at his chest. “ You’re crushing me! ”

He barked out a laugh, his tail wagging behind him. “ You’re just weak. ”

“ Oh, you’re gonna regret that. ” you muttered, managing to free one arm. You reached up and flicked his ear, earning a startled yelp.

Jack recoiled, rubbing his ear with a pout. “ That’s cheating! ”

“ All’s fair in love and war. ” you quipped, sitting up and ruffling his hair. “ Now, go set the table for dinner before I flick your other ear. ”

Despite his grumbling, Jack obeyed, his tail wagging all the way to the kitchen.

As Jack grew older, his playfulness took on a darker edge. His games became rougher, his grip stronger, and his laughter more feral.

One evening, after a particularly rough game of tag in the yard, you found yourself pinned against a tree, his claws digging into the bark on either side of your head.

“ Jack, that’s enough ” you said, your voice firm.

He stared down at you, his golden eyes glowing in the fading light. For a moment, he didn’t move, his chest heaving as though he were holding himself back.

Then, with a sharp shake of his head, he stepped away.

“ Sorry.... ” he muttered, his ears flattening against his head.

You touched your arm, wincing at the faint bruises forming there. “ You’ve got to be more careful, Jack. You don’t know your own strength. ”

He didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the ground.

The final straw came on a stormy night. The rain pounded against the windows, and the house was eerily quiet save for the occasional crack of thunder.

You were in the living room, reading a book, when Jack appeared in the doorway. His clothes were soaked, his hair plastered to his face.

“ Jack, what happened? ” you asked, setting the book aside.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he crossed the room in a few long strides, stopping directly in front of you.

“ You’ve been spending a lot of time with them ” he said, his voice low and tense.

“ Spending time with who? ” you asked, confused.

“ Them. ” he growled, his claws flexing at his sides. “ The people in the village. You laugh with them. Smile at them. You never look at me like that anymore. ”

“ Jack, that’s not true— ” you said gently, reaching out to touch his arm.

But he jerked away, his golden eyes flashing with hurt and anger. “ You don’t need them. You only need me. ”

“ Jack, you’re scaring me.... ” you said, taking a step back.

“ I would never hurt you. ” he said quickly, his expression softening. “ But they’re trying to take you away from me. ”

“ No one’s trying to take me away. ” you said firmly. “ You’re imagining things. ”

But he didn’t believe you.

Later that night, as you prepared for bed, you heard a knock at your bedroom door.

“ Come in. ” you called, expecting Jack.

He entered slowly, his ears flat and his tail tucked between his legs. In his hands, he held a small bouquet of wildflowers.

“ I’m sorry. ” he said quietly, his gaze fixed on the floor. “ I didn’t mean to upset you. ”

Your heart softened, and you offered him a small smile. “ It’s okay, Jack. Just try to control your temper, okay? ”

He nodded, his tail wagging slightly. “ I will. I promise. ”

You reached out and took the flowers from him, brushing your fingers against his. “ Thank you, Jack. These are beautiful.. ”

But as you turned to place them on your nightstand, you felt a sharp pain at the back of your head.

The world spun, and you collapsed to the floor, your vision blurring. Through the haze, you saw Jack standing over you, his eyes wide with panic.

“ I’m sorry. ” he whispered, his voice trembling. “ I didn’t mean to play so rough... ”

But it was too late.

As the darkness closed in, you heard the faint sound of his tail wagging behind him.

Jack never left your side. Even after your lifeless body grew cold, he stayed, his head resting against your chest.

“ You’re still my good girl. ” he murmured, his voice broken. “ You’ll always be mine. ”

And in the quiet of the storm, the only sound was the mournful howl of a wolf who had lost everything.

[awardenandacrow]

FANFIC SNIPPET 19

NOTE: for those of you who don’t know, my husband and I share an XBox and been th play Dragon Age. He has now finished his first playthrough (which is why I know things) and consistently was ahead of me in the story even though I started before him (I’m a SAHM of two kids under 4 — for another couple weeks anyway). He romanced Taash, so in his playthrough what was my commitment scene to Lucanis was Lucanis making dessert for Neve. I didn’t ✨know✨ at the time that that would be my commitment scene, and I was FRESH off the almost-kiss, and I was like oh man, if he makes Neve dessert now, Naimy is gonna ✨loooose it.✨ Anyway, I got Inner Demons (which he did not, because we made different decisions at The Choice), and then the commitment scene, and breathed a sigh of relief. Then I thought, BUT WHAT IF THO. And so we have this snippet, which I thoroughly enjoy, and hope you will too.

[Lucanis makes a special dessert to welcome Neve back to the Lighthouse, and Naimeryn maaaaay have some feelings about it…]

CW/TW: strong language

——————————————————————————

“Oh! And Harding says gooseberry pie is Neve’s favorite, so I made that for dessert.”

Naimeryn’s heart sank like a rock into the pit of her stomach.

“That’s so… thoughtful of you,” Naimeryn forced out a smile. Neve’s. Favorite. For dessert.

“I just want to make sure she knows she was missed while she was gone,” Lucanis looked a little sheepish. The same expression he’d had after picking the dress for her at the shop in Treviso.

“Right, right,” Naimeryn nodded. It was just dessert. That didn’t mean anything. But then… this was the first time he’d made a special dessert.

“Are you all right?” Lucanis asked her, frowning.

“I just…” Naimeryn felt suddenly as though the Fade were closing in around her. She’d upset him. He was being sweet, and she was being weird. And if he liked Neve… of course he liked Neve. There was very literally nothing *not* to like. “I, I just… remembered. I completely forgot something I have to get done. Tonight. Right now. Um. Dinner really does smell delicious. I hope everyone enjoys. I mean, I’m sure they will. Everyone loves your cooking. Especially me! Oh — not *especially* me, I just meant — I’m upset I’m going to have to… Miss it. Um. I’m sorry. I’ve gotta go.”

Naimeryn turned and hurried to the door, but hesitated as she reached it. It wasn’t official, but this was Neve’s welcome back dinner — or at least, that’s what Lucanis had created. She and Neve had a long way to go before their relationship was repeaired. Was she really going to skip out on Neve? Would Neve see it that way? Would she see it as just another let down?

Her mind conjured an image of Lucanis serving Neve *gooseberry pie* and how excited she would be, and him wearing an expression of pride and admiration. The two of them, making eyes at each other across the table. She balked. She couldn’t sit, straight faced, through that. She pulled the door open and headed back to the library.

“Dinner ready?” Harding called from her door as she was coming down the stairs.

“Almost,” Naimeryn said, forcing a smile. “It smells amazing.”

“Then where are you gong?” Harding wanted to know. “You’ve been sneaking to the kitchen for a little alone time with *him* before dinner for weeks.”

“I haven’t,” Naimeryn shook her head with a strangled attempt to keep the smile plastered on her face. “I just head there when I’m hungry and wait is all. I just have… missives and things to catch up on.”

“And those can’t wait until after dinner?” Harding laughed.

“No,” Naimeryn shook her head. “I’ll find something to eat once I finish up. Go enjoy though! See you later.”

…

Naimeryn woke with a start, a crink in her neck, and a missive stuck to her face. She sighed, pulling the paper away. She hadn’t *meant* to fall asleep. But then, she’d been tired a lot more lately. Maybe it was good for her.

Her stomach rumbled, and she remembered the smell of the dinner she’d skipped. She was starving. How long had it been, she wondered? Would it be safe to sneak back and see if there were any leftovers? Maybe Harding had saved her a plate.

She sighed again and unfolded herself from the floor, straightening the missives on the table before standing fully upright and stretching. She was stiff. She hadn’t even finished all the missive work. She sighed a third time. Maybe she should just crank out the last few first? But no, she was almost unbearably hungry. When had she eaten last? Breakfast? Had she eaten breakfast?

Naimeryn hesitated a few more minutes, contemplating if she could get away with *not* going back to the kitchen. But then, if she didn’t, she’d have to go somewhere to get something, and she suspected it was too late into the night for that. So long as everyone was asleep, it should be fine.

Lucanis didn’t sleep, though. Not really. Could she sneak in and out without having to face him?

She snorted at herself. She, Naimeryn, clumsy mess that she was, getting in and out of the kitchen without the assassin who lived there — the Demon of Vyrantium, no less — knowing she was there? Fat chance.

She could apologize again. And nonchalantly ask how dinner… and dessert… had gone. And if it turned out she was right…

Naimeryn swallowed thickly. Neve deserved him — someone reliable, and thoughtful, and strong, and sweet. Someone she could count on. She was far more deserving of that than…

Naimeryn cut off the thought before she could make herself cry again. She wouldn’t be able to face him if she was crying again, and she was so hungry.

Naimeryn didn’t bother putting her boots back on, padding quietly around the Lighthouse. It was quieter this way, anyway, and she didn’t want to wake Taash or Emmrich. She slipped out of the Library, thankful the doors were noiseless. Solas had certainly gotten that right.

Only Neve’s room and the kitchen seemed to be lit. So, everyone else was certainly asleep. Her stomach churned. Maybe he was with her. That would save her having to see him, but… she also didn’t want to think about it.

He deserved someone as pretty, and as smart, and passionate, and caring as Neve was. Not someone clumsy, and inexperienced, and who had no idea what she was doing and just got lucky sometimes.

Naimeryn almost turned and went back to her room, but her stomach growled more earnestly. She sucked in a steadying breath, and started across the courtyard. She’d expected the stones to be cold, but just like everything else here, the temperature was constant, and neither hot nor cold to the touch. Even though she was pretty sure most everyone was asleep, she found herself tiptoeing and moving quickly. Her heartbeat sounded far too loud in her ears. She took another deep breath, then opened the kitchen door just enough to squeeze through. As she’d hoped, the room was empty. She did her best to move soundlessly across the floor, and around the table.

Someone *had* left a plate for her, piled high with Lucanis’s pasta dish. A small plate was also next to it with a sliver of the pie.

Forgetting herself, Naimeryn sighed.

“Rook?”

*Fuck.*

“Yeah, it’s me,” she did her best to sound cheerful. “I’m sorry, I was trying to be quiet.”

She turned to him as he exited the pantry. He looked… worried?

“Did you get your work done?” He wanted to know, closing the distance between them to come stand uncertainly by the fire. She thought she heard Spite whisper something, but Lucanis’s lips didn’t move, and she didn’t quite catch it. Something in his expression changed for a moment, but it was gone so quickly she thought maybe the lack of sleep was affecting her more than she’d initially believed. Seeing *and* hearing things. That couldn’t be good.

“Almost,” she admitted sheepishly, “I kind of… fell asleep. I’ve got a couple more missives to reply to.”

“It’s good you took a break to eat,” he said gently, slipping his hands into his pants pockets.

“Yes, I’m starved,” she said, picking up the plate of pasta and leaving the pie, “I’m sorry, again, for not getting to have it fresh. Do I have you to thank for the plate?”

“And Neve insisted you get a piece of pie.”

Naimeryn forced a smile and reached for the offending dessert. She’d never had gooseberry pie, but he’d made it. Everything he’d made had been delicious.

“That was really nice of her, since it’s her favorite.”

Lucanis took a few more steps closer to where she stood, slowly reaching and taking the plates from her. He set them at her spot at the table, never taking his eyes off of her face. Naimeryn reminded herself to keep breathing. Play it cool. Everything was fine. Her mind was not racing. Her heart was not beating out of her chest.

Oh, no. Were her eyes red? No, definitely not. Not red. Not puffy. Creators, please let that not be why he was peering at her so earnestly.

“You should stay and eat,” he said quietly. “I was hoping you wouldn’t skip dinner entirely.

I made a pot of coffee for you just in case you came back.”

Naimeryn’s heart fluttered in her chest. “You did?”

He nodded, stepping around her. Their shoulders brushed, ever so slightly, and she heard him pouring her a cup. She turned in time to accept the drink from him. He hesitated for a moment, as if he were thinking of saying something else, then seemed to think better of it, and simply handed it to her.

Naimeryn took a sip, expecting his usual brew. Her eyes flew open wide as the sweet taste of honey and the richness of lavender cream floated across her tongue. She gripped the cup tightly and stared at him in shock.

“This — this is…”

A small smile which did not overpower his concerned expression curved the corners of his mouth. She sucked in a breath as he tentatively reached up, brushing a wayward strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her mangled ear.

“Good,” he said softly, “you *do* remember.”

*I remember everything you say to me.*

Say it.

*Say* it.

But her mouth refused to comply. Lucanis seemed to remember himself, and quickly pulled his hand away.

“I’ll let you eat. You have to remember to take care of yourself, Rook. You don’t have to work so hard.”

“Thank you,” was all she could manage. He smiled, and headed back to the pantry. Naimeryn bit her lip. Now was not the time to be a coward.

“Lucanis?” She asked, spinning and setting her cup next to her plates.

“Yes?” He asked, stopping and turning partially back towards her. For a moment, Naimeryn was struck by just how handsome he was in the firelight glow.

“It’s just… I really hate eating alone,” she told him honestly. “I know I did it to myself, but… would you stay with me?”

His smile was warm, genuine, and it took her breath away, just a little.

“Sure, Rook.”

[thekoalapastriesbakery]

drivers with a partner whos feeling rlly bad impostor syndrome?

(omg im self inserting again wowwow whos shocked)

-bear 😔❤️

i got ya bear <3 (you're a great writer and your fics always always always make me smile)

arthur leclerc:

will immediately attempt to do whatever you're having imposter syndrome over

it's not a very well thought out idea bc if he is better than you then he's only making it worse

but luckily for you your boyfriend has one talent and it is Car

he fails spectacularly

claims it was all part of the plan to make you see how good you are

he's lying

he did not mean to fail that badly

only reinforces his point

kimi antonelli:

he'll be telling you how wrong you in two languages

maybe three

he's the child of the brocedes divorce he's definitely picked up a few german words from nico

"that's so stupid" mainly

anyway

if talking doesn't work he'll make you pasta

he's definitely gonna kiss your face until you laugh and agree with him

lando norris:

his kneejerk reaction is to just agree with you

he can't help it it's his humour

but then he'll actually process what you said and he'll get SO offended

acts like you're a hater on twitter

"who the fuck are you to talk about my boyfriend like that??? 🤨"

would probably start a stream for the sole purpose of asking the chat if you're bad at whatever it is

will verbally fight anyone who says you aren't because they're wrong

his pr team hate it but lando is very much of the opinion that people can hate him all they want but they CANNOT hate you

which includes yourself

(you always scold him when he says people should hate him, because he's wrong)

logan sargeant:

confused puppy

genuinely does not understand why you think you're bad

you could do literally anything and logan will still think you're the coolest person on the planet

will get genuinely upset if you talk badly about yourself

he hates it

eventually he'll just be pouting so much you stop bc you don't like making logan sad

he'll make you say at least 5 nice things about yourself before he stops pouting

ollie bearman:

will find a *LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER* to beep at you

will use it every single time you try to say something negative about yourself or your work

uses laughing at you for thinking you're bad as a strategy to switch what you think is embarrassing

i can't say if it works or not

but eventually you'll actually second guess your doubts because it feels sillier to think that than to think that you did a good job

oscar piastri:

he'll bring up something you did (drawing, piece of writing, whatever) from a while ago that he knows you've forgotten about and show it to you

when you say it's good (bc of course it is) he'll get the smuggest grin on his face

"exactly. it's yours. you're wrong. you're good."

will also go over several of your latest attempts at whatever it is you're feeling imposter syndrome over and ask you to point out what you think is bad

oscar will then explain how you're wrong and it's good

end of story

in a stubbornness contest i can guarantee that he will win

yuki tsunoda:

"that's stupid."

genuinely thinks you're dumber for thinking you're bad

would probably check for signs of a concussion or something just to make sure that's not why you're clearly not in reality

would probably leave it for a while after that

just long enough for you to think he's forgotten about it

then he'll start pretending to get imposter syndrome over his driving

you'll say everything you need to hear until you realise yuki's not actually upset

and he's just tricked you into comforting yourself

you grumble about making him sleep on the couch

but you both know you're bluffing

[claritys-silly-things]

I forgot I ever wrote this so imma give it to you now outsiders tumblr. It’s unfinished and also I haven’t read through it so whatever typos are there are just there ig

Ponyboy stumbled through the front door of his house and collapsed on the couch. Today had been busy.

It was the end of his freshman year, so there were lots of tests, and he had a track meet right after. Not to mention he had stayed up studying and barely ate anything because his anxiety over testing was too much for him to keep anything down.

Needless to say, Pony was exhausted. But he wasn’t able to rest just yet.

“Ponyboy, is that you?” he heard Darry call from the kitchen.

Pony groaned and stood up. “Yeah. Coming.”

He walked into the kitchen and leaned against the doorway. “Whatcha need?”

Darry looked up from the vegetables he was cutting. “Some help with dinner would be nice.”

Pony looked at the ingredients Darry was using and came to a conclusion the older boy was making soup. He checked the potatoes in the pot and decided they were cooked enough and drained them.

They finished the dinner, mashing all the veggies and mixing them with milk and seasoning. Darry cut a few slices of bread and started to portion the soup into bowls. Ponyboy went to set the table.

As he was readjusting the napkins for the fifth time, Pony heard the front door open and shut. He watched as Johnny walked inside and peeked around the corner to see if anyone was in there. Then he saw Ponyboy and walked over.

“Hey Pone,” he said. He sounded about as tired as Pony did.

“Hiya, Johnnycakes,” Ponyboy said, trying to wake himself up a bit now that Johnny was here. “You hungry?”

Johnny paused for a minute before nodding. Pony gestured to a chair and went to fetch more stuff to set his spot at the table.

As he walked into the kitchen, Pony said, “Johnny’s here,” in Darry’s general direction before grabbing more silverware and walking back out to the dining room.

“So,” Pony started as he placed down the spoon and fork he had grabbed on the table, “What brings you over this time?”

Johnny looked up at Ponyboy. “Same shit as always, man…”

Pony sighed sadly and walked behind Johnny. He grabbed his shoulders from behind.

“It’s okay Johnnycakes. One day you’ll leave those wretched people and we can go live out in the country or something.”

Pony leaned forward and turned his head to look at Johnny. “Won’t we?”

Johnny chuckled. Pony always got more cheery and loose when he was tired. He placed his hand over one of Pony’s.

“We will.”

Pony smiled and stood up straight again, shaking Johnny’s shoulders as he spoke.

“Yesss, it’ll be so fun. The scenery will be so nice, and we could put flowers on the windowsill—“

“And you could read us stories, and outside we could have a garden! We just wouldn’t work too hard!”

Pony laughed as Johnny joined in his fantasizing. He leaned forward and hugged Johnny’s shoulders from behind, sighing.

“It’s real nice talking to you, Johnny…”

Pony was so relaxed he could fall asleep standing up at that point. And he just might’ve if Sodapop hadn’t walked in.

“What, uh- Whatcha doin’ there, Pone?” Soda said, voice faltering. He was trying not to laugh.

Pony shot up so fast he almost fell over.

“Whaddya mean?” He shook his head and sat down in the chair next to Johnny.

“Y’know what? Never mind,” Sodapop said, taking the seat across from Pony. “So. What’s for dinner.”

“We made cream of potato soup and there’s some bread to eat with it,” Pony said, telling both Soda and Johny because he realized he never told Johnny what they were gonna eat.

“Oh, hell yes.”

Pony snorted at Soda’s response before turning back to Johnny.

“You staying the night, Johnny?”

Johnny thought for a moment. It was nice enough weather that he could stay in the lot, but honestly, he didn’t want to.

“Yeah, I’ll stay tonight. I can sleep on the couch,” he decided.

“Naw, I’ll just sleep in the spare room or somewhere else,” Soda replied.

Pony raised an eyebrow at how quickly Soda decided.

“So quick to get away from me, huh brother?” Ponyboy bantered.

“And what if I am,” Soda said back jokingly. They met each other’s eyes with mischievous grins for a second before Soda broke eye contact and shrugged.

“But actually, I don’t want Johnny sleeping on the couch, cause he’s obviously tired,” Soda gestured towards Johnny’s disheveled look, “And I know he’s more comfy sleeping around you.”

Ponyboy reddened slightly at that. “O-okay.”

Thankfully, Darry started bringing out servings to everyone and they dug in. Well, Pony prayed first, a habit he’d gotten from his parents, and then he ate. After basically not eating all day, the soup tasted like the most delectable thing ever.

Darry sat down at the head of the table and ate a few spoonfuls of soup before asking, “So how was everyone’s day?”

Soda was the first one to speak up. “It was good. Some girls came into the DX today. There was this one girl named Sandy, she seemed really nice.”

Pony looked over to see Soda a little dreamy-eyed and sighing. He scoffed.

“What? Can’t a guy have a little crush on a chick every now and then?”

Pony snickered and rolled his eyes. Darry was stifling a laugh as well.

“What about you Ponyboy? How was your day?” Darry cut in before they went on any longer and it turned into a back and forth.

“Eh, it was fine. Tiring as hell, but there wasn’t really anything too special about the day I guess,” Pony answered between bites of food.

Darry hummed in acknowledgment. There was a silence while everyone ate a few bites of food. Finally, after a minute or two of quiet, Darry asked Johnny, “What about you, Johnny? Anything noteworthy happen today?”

Johnny looked up from his bowl, spoon halfway to his mouth. He put it down and thought for a minute.

“Um…I basically did the same things as Ponyboy. Lots of tests and stuff. I’m sure they were different because uh…we’re in different grades. I don’t think I did too well. I just hope I don’t get held back…”

Johnny paused for a moment and everyone waited.

“I- uh… Got kicked out of the house again. Same ol’ same ol’ I guess.”

Everyone looked at Johnny with empathy and a bit of pity. Johnny didn’t like being pitied, but it happened anyways.

Darry spoke first. “One of these days we’ll get you out of those monsters’ care and you can come stay here or wherever else and never have to deal with them again.”

Johnny nodded. He heard a similar sentiment pretty much daily from different members of the gang and just accepted it every time. He knew them meant it, and it felt nice to know someone cared.

Suddenly he felt Pony squeeze his hand from under the table.

“Don’t forget you can still stay here now. You don’t gotta be scared that you can’t,” Ponyboy said, looking at Johnny.

“Yeah, I know, I know,” Johnny said with a small smile.

Eventually, everyone has finished their dinner and started to clean up. Once the table was cleared and he dishes were washed, everyone started to get ready for bed.

Ponyboy lent Johnny some pajamas and they sat together on Pony and Soda’s bed. Darry came in to say goodnight to the two.

“Don’t stay up too late, boys.”

“You really don’t gotta worry, Dar,” Pony laughed, already getting under the covers. “I am spent.”

Darry chuckled and turned the light off. “Goodnight, Pony. Goodnight, Johnny.”

“Goodanight, Darry,” they both said before Darry shut the door.

Within a few minutes, Pony was already asleep. He could be the heaviest sleeper in the world. He’s out in seconds and will stay out until the person he’s sleeping with leaves.

Johnny was the complete opposite, a result of the household he grew up in. The slightest noise would wake Johnny up, and it was hard for him to get to sleep in the first place. And he seemed to be having that problem right now.