#and i know it's a fictional character and all that

[cressidagrey]

Cricket Whites

Pairing: Oscar Piastri x Felicity Leong-Piastri (Original Character)

Summary: Oscar plays Cricket. Teenage Felicity is TOTALLY normal about it.

Notes: Don't leave me alone with a Google Doc for an hour, or this is the result.

Y'all can thank @llirawolf and @leodette for both sending me that picture of Oscar in cricket whites.

(divider thanks to @saradika-graphics )

Felicity Leong had always considered herself a composed person.

Even as a teenager, the age where everyone else was all hormones and impulse, she was the calm one. She planned things. She colour-coded her notes. She knew her boundaries. She once told a boy in Year 10 that “flirting is not a substitute for intellectual value” and walked away before he could reply.

So really, there was no excuse for what happened when Oscar walked onto the pitch.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, the kind where the Haileybury campus looked like a postcard: golden light spilling across the cricket green, the redbrick buildings glowing warm against a cloudless sky. A soft breeze lifted the edges of the white pavilion flags. It was all very idyllic. Very civilised.

Felicity had come prepared — not for the match, but for productivity. Her physics textbook was open on her lap, highlighters neatly lined up on a blanket, hair twisted into a no-nonsense bun. She had even brought a second set of flashcards to quiz Aarya during breaks.

She was there to “support her boyfriend” in an academically responsible way. Watch the first ten minutes, smile when he glanced over, then get through three chapters on oscillations and waves.

That was the plan.

And then Oscar walked onto the field.

In full cricket whites.

The trousers were unfair. The polo shirt was worse. And the cable-knit jumper with the school crest — God, the jumper — looked like it had been stolen from a Ralph Lauren ad and adapted by angels. He had the sleeves pushed up just past his elbows, exposing his forearms like it was no big deal, and his hair was ruffled from warm-ups in that exact way that made Felicity want to punch a wall.

She blinked once. Then again. Her hand twitched.

Aarya looked over. “You haven’t turned a page in five minutes.”

Felicity didn’t respond. She had just realised she had written the word cricket in the margins of her notes. Four times.

“I’m fine,” she lied, adjusting her glasses. “Just… distracted.”

Aarya leaned in, concerned. “Do you feel sick?”

Felicity let out a low, strangled sound. “He’s got the forearms out.”

Lara glanced up from her phone. “Yeah, that’s cricket for you.”

“He just adjusted his sleeve with his teeth.”

Aarya raised an eyebrow. “Okay. Are you… okay?”

“No,” Felicity hissed. “I’m sixteen and I’ve just discovered I’m shallow.”

To his credit, Oscar was entirely oblivious to the war crimes he was committing against her nervous system. He jogged into position with the easy grace of someone who’d grown up on a pitch, flexed his fingers in his gloves, and took a long drink from his water bottle — all very normal things that, unfortunately, now seemed deeply personal to Felicity.

He wasn’t even trying. That was the worst part.

He wasn’t peacocking. He wasn’t showing off. He wasn’t winking or smiling for the crowd. He was just existing — calmly, sweat on the back of his neck, school crest on his chest — like some private school boy dream sequence designed in a lab.

Felicity dragged a hand down her face and whimpered.

“Do you want me to splash water on you?” Aarya offered helpfully. “You know you’ve been staring at Oscar like he’s a final exam answer sheet for ten straight minutes, right?”

“I have not.”

“You have. It’s okay. Cricket whites do weird things to the female brain.”

“I’m going to die.”

“He’s literally your boyfriend.”

“Exactly! I’ve seen him with morning hair and mismatched socks. And now he’s out there looking like a fictional heartthrob, and I don’t know what to do with myself.”

Later — much later, after overs and innings and Oscar bowling a clean wicket — he jogged over toward her. Sweaty curls. Beaming like he’d just saved the world.

“Hey,” he said, voice warm and a little breathless. “You stayed the whole match?”

Felicity blinked up at him, suddenly aware that her cheeks were still flushed and her voice was definitely not going to come out normal.

“Yes. Obviously,” she said. But it came out more like a squeak.

Oscar grinned. “You were sitting with Aarya, right? I thought I saw you.”

Felicity nodded. “I, um. I was… taking notes.”

Oscar glanced at her closed textbook, still in her lap, the same page open as it had been three hours ago. “Right. Good notes?”

She looked down. Realized she had drawn a doodle of a cricket bat with hearts around it.

“Very good,” she said, stuffing the book into her bag. “Lots of physics.”

He laughed and leaned down, brushing a kiss against her cheek. “Thanks for coming, Fliss.”

And then he was off again, turning back to grab his gear, leaving Felicity to fan herself with a match programme and hiss, “I am in so much trouble,” under her breath.

Aarya just patted her leg. “You’re doomed. But like. In love.”

***

Oscar Piastri prided himself on being unflappable.

On the track, in exams, during surprise oral presentations — he was composed, methodical, ice-water-in-his-veins calm. His tutors loved to say he had “a natural temperament for pressure,” which was a nicer way of saying nothing ever seemed to rattle him.

That composure extended, usually, to his relationship with Felicity.

She was the one person who could throw him off, yes — but never in a bad way. She made him feel steadier. Like being with her made everything else make sense.

Which was why it took him exactly three seconds after sneaking into her room that night to realize something was different.

Fliss was standing by the desk in pyjama shorts and an oversized hoodie, hair scraped up in that messy bun she always claimed was an accident, even though he thought it was the cutest thing he’d ever seen.

“Hey,” he whispered, already grinning. “I had to wait till Mr. Bates turned his WWII documentary on. I think I know more about submarines now than I ever wanted to.”

Felicity didn’t roll her eyes. Didn’t smirk. She just crossed the room and kissed him.

Like, properly.

It wasn’t their usual soft goodnight kiss. This one was all heat and hands and startled noises in the back of his throat, and Oscar had just enough brain cells left to catch her waist and kiss her back before every single logical thought in his head short-circuited.

When she finally pulled away, pink-faced and breathless, Oscar just stared at her.

“Okay,” he said quietly, catching his breath. “Not that I’m complaining, but... what the hell was that?”

Felicity dropped her face into his hoodie-covered chest. “Don’t ask.”

“I’m going to ask.”

“You’re going to regret it.”

Oscar laughed, slipping his arms around her waist. “Was it the flash cards? Did I finally win you over with molecules?”

“You’re such a nerd.”

“You just snogged me like I came back from war.”

She groaned again, louder this time, and shoved him lightly. “Shut up.”

Still, she didn’t move far. And when he ducked down to look at her properly, he saw it — the pink blush across her cheeks, the way she wouldn’t meet his eyes.

Which meant he really wasn’t letting it go.

“Still not telling me?”

She sighed, then looked up at him, and it hit him again — how beautiful she was when she was flustered. “It was the stupid cricket whites, okay?”

Oscar blinked. “The… what?”

“The cricket match. Your uniform. The sleeves. The sun. Your forearms. I don’t know. My brain shut down. Aarya had to tell me how to spell ‘turbine.’”

Oscar stared at her, baffled. “You’ve been tutoring sixth formers since you were twelve. And cricket whites took you out?”

Felicity groaned and tried to walk away.

Oscar followed her, laughing. “No, no, I’m sorry, I’m just—seriously? That’s what did it? I’ve made you flashcards with little doodles. I learned ballet terminology for you. I literally memorised your favourite cookie recipe -”

“Yeah,” she muttered, dragging a hand through her hair. “And apparently none of that matters because your arms looked good in the sun.”

Oscar blinked again. And then—

“Oh my god,” he said, delighted. “You were checking me out at cricket.”

“I’m breaking up with you.”

“You love me in cricket whites.”

“I am not dignifying that with a response.”

Oscar was glowing. He couldn’t help it. Because the most brilliant, most put-together girl he’d ever known had just short-circuited over his stupid cricket whites.

“Tell anyone and I’ll key your laptop,” Felicity threatened him. 

Oscar bit back a grin and stepped forward, cupping her face.  “I won’t tell a soul,” he said softly. “But just so you know… I would’ve worn that stupid jumper a lot earlier if I’d known it had that kind of effect.”

Her eyes narrowed, but the corner of her mouth betrayed a twitch of a smile.

“I hate how smug you are.”

“I’m not smug,” Oscar said, all innocence. “I’m flattered. My girlfriend thinks I’m hot. In cable-knit.”

“God, you’re insufferable.”

And then he kissed her again — softer this time.

And he was still grinning when they fell asleep, tangled under her duvet, her fingers curled into the hem of his shirt like they always were — the same shirt she’d probably end up stealing the next day.

Cricket whites, he thought, smug and dazed and very much in love.

Who knew?

[hatethysinner]

papa remmick headcanons pleaseee 🥸🥺

ᴘᴀᴘᴀ!ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ ʜᴀɴᴅᴄᴀɴᴏɴꜱ

ᴀ/ɴ: these have been floating around in my head since i saw the movie so it'd be an understatement to say just how excited i am to share them! for simplicity's sake i only wrote about one daughter but let's be real remmick would have like 4. i genuinely have so many more ideas than this so if i get a lot of traction i'm def doing like 5 parts. tried to go in a chronological-ish order! if imagining hot fictional characters as fathers is my favorite pasttime does that make me crazy? i don't do taglists personally, so just follow me if you want to be updated when i post c:

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: none, enjoy the cutest vampire mass murderer as the most devoted father in the world! i even made the setting and time period very vague because i absolutely refuse to terrorize this adorable family.

first and foremost, ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ could only be a girl dad. it is physically, spiritually, and cosmically impossible for this man to have sons. don't argue with me, argue with the universe.

from the start, ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ was incredibly attentive. if his baby girl so much as shifted lightly in her crib, he was already standing over her before you could even stir.

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ insisted on skin-to-skin contact at every opportunity. didn't care if he had to stay still for HOURS. and he would too.

“she’s settlin’ her heart,” he'd whisper, “and mine’s the drum she’s gonna know first.”

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ took her babbling dead seriously. would fold his arms, listen with furrowed brows, and nod as if absorbing the meaning of life.

talked to her constantly. about everything. you'd catch ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ engaging in full-on conversations with an infant.

“this right here’s nutmeg. we don’t touch that, ‘cause it’s strong. like your mama. now this is thyme. it teaches ya patience.” (he was very proud of that joke)

best believe ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ is singing to her if she won't go to sleep. real songs, not lullabies. low and soft. a little off key. a little too slow. and always with her name in the chorus.

if she trips over air, ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ's already crouched beside her like a medic on a battlefield.

“where’s it hurt, baby? show me. papa’s got you.”

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ let her paint his nails. once. now it’s every saturday. sits there dead serious with one hand outstretched and the other holding a towel so she doesn’t drip.

says “gentle, baby” every time she pets a flower, every time she touches your face, every time she hugs his neck. because that’s how ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ taught her. love is gentle.

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ never hid his vampiric features at home. she adores them. pokes at his fangs, tugs at his claws, stares into his eyes with not even a hint of fear. because there's no need to.

if she calls for ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ in the night, even once, he’s at her side with a glass of water, a fresh blanket, and at least four “ya okay, sugar?” before he even sits down.

when she gets sick, ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ holds her all night with one hand pressed to her forehead and the other on her back like he can make her feel better just by staying still enough.

do not ever ask ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ to discipline his daughter. ten minutes later, you'll find the two of them on the porch swing sharing a pint of ice cream and laughing like nothing happened.

“i talked to her,” he’d say, mouth full of rocky road (🤭). “we came to an understandin’.” they did not.

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ is a constant bragger. constant. mentions her name in every single conversation, so avoid casually talking to him at all costs.

“my baby just got straight a’s. first grade, top of her class. can ya believe that?”

does not play when it comes to styling her hair. to learn, ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ sat on a little wooden stool for an entire afternoon under the careful eye of mama, focused like it was life of death. now he does them every sunday morning, and always ends with three sweet kisses.

“prettiest girl in the world. prettiest head of curls, too.”

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ felt left out of not having a bonnet (literally made this :( face) so he wears one too. unironically loves it.

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ always needs a picture of his family. first day of school, new dress, vacation, playing in the yard, doesn't matter. wallet’s full of folded photos and his side of the bedroom’s a shrine. framed memories everywhere. his girls, always.

y'all ain't never met a man who throws down in the kitchen more than ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ does. bakes, grills, fries, sautés, and seasons like nobody's business. he's been alive for over a millennium, so half the meals he makes have long been forgotten by the world. and of course he's teaching his baby girl all his skills.

girl ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ runs the pta like it's the navy. absolutely zero tolerance for slackers. despite his authoritarian, almost hivemindlike (🤭) style, every event and fundraiser ends up being a major success

he's never and will never miss a single recital, play, spelling bee, science fair, honor roll ceremony, or any other event involving his baby. ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ will fight his way to the front row if he has to, and records the whole thing with his favorite video camera. every tape is labeled, dated, and stored with care. if the house is too quiet, he'll be watching reruns.

ʀᴇᴍᴍɪᴄᴋ ends every night the same. “ya know who loves ya?” he asks, real low.

and she says, every time, “you do, papa.”

and he answers, “damn right i do.” with his hand over his heart.

[creatingblackcharacters]

I've discussed this before in a prior lesson, but I think maybe a visual will help with this idea.

So when y'all ask me, "hey race doesn't exist in my fantasy/sci-fi/alternate society world, so how do I write characters that would otherwise be Black?" I want you to realize that no one looks at your humanoid dwarves that are written/look like this:

And goes "oh man, without race, I just can't tell who looks like who!!"

(If that were the case, we wouldn't have to deal with the nonsense of racists being mad that Black people exist in literally anything that breaks their white fictional fantasy.)

We all see it. WE ALL SEE IT! It's not a bad thing! We all know full well that even though no one within the narrative is gonna say "look there's the Black lady dwarf", that we as folks existing in the real world consuming this piece of media are gonna recognize that this dwarf lady... is Black. 🤷🏾��♀️

Describe as usual!

The same way I've seen white people compared to everything from the ice in a glass to the moon, there are plenty of ways to describe a Black character without the concept of race as we know it in reality, in your story. It just means you have to actually know what we look like 👀

[azzishands]

Fan of a fan - Chapter five

Paige x Azzi

Word count: 11.8k

Warnings: sexual content

Author’s note: I just really want to stress that the characters in this story are NOT a reflection of the real people they are based off of. There’s gonna be mentions of family members from now on and I just wanna point out that I do not know these people, so just keep that in mind, that these are fictional characters that just share the same name as the real life people. With that being said, hope you like it!<3

—

Azzi was walking out of the airport with her bags in her hands, looking for a sign of the blonde woman who was gonna pick her up. 

Two weeks had gone by fast. Azzi had been busy with shooting and Paige with ending the North America tour. They had started to exchange a few messages during the two weeks, which then led to a couple of phone calls, which in turn led to multiple facetimes. It just came naturally to them. 

It started with Paige sending Azzi a photo of the band watching Ricochet, telling her that she had convinced them to watch it. And then Azzi called her, wanting to see what exact dates she should set aside in her schedule for Minnesota. And eventually, Paige facetimed Azzi a random night after a concert, just talking about everything and nothing. And after that, it had become some sort of routine to talk or facetime every day.

Paige had quickly learned during the last two weeks that Azzi Fudd was a very calm person in general, but way more goofy than she would first imagine. She would catch Azzi do random TikTok dances in the middle of their facetime sessions, or sing with a weird voice in another language. Her favorite moment was when Azzi was baking cookies one time on facetime, and she started to sing one of Paige’s songs out of nowhere, just belting it out, while she was taking the cookies out of the oven. Azzi had not even realized what she was doing until she saw Paige smiling like a fool on her phone. 

“Oh shit,” Azzi had slipped out, covering her mouth instinctively. 

“That sounded really good,” Paige had teased her. “You should follow us to Europe and be our background singer.”

“Shut up,” the actress blushed. 

Azzi on the other hand, had learned how extremely loving Paige is towards everyone around her. The way she treats her bandmates as not just her band and friends, but as her family. The way she treats her fans so respectfully. And the way she’s always trying to be the best version of herself, and always gets disappointed in herself when she feels like she could’ve done better. That’s another thing she had caught on to - the way Paige was afraid of doing anything wrong.

“It’s impossible to see every single one in a crowd,” Azzi tried to reassure Paige one time on a phone call after Paige had accidentally not high-fived a fan when the band had exited a restaurant. A fan had taken a video of it, pointing out how Paige had ignored the fan.

“But it really looks like I actively ignored her,” Paige sighed. “I should try and find her, see if I can fix some free tickets to a concert or something.”

“Paige,” Azzi had said so softly. “It was a high-five. I promise you the fan was just excited to see you all. If she’s really a fan of yours she knows that you would never purposefully ignore her high-five.”

“I guess so,” the singer had said. “Thank you.”

And now here they were, finally getting to see each other again. 

According to the text message Paige had sent earlier, Azzi should be looking for a white pickup truck. And it didn’t take long until she spotted one, along with the blonde waving at her. 

“Hey you,” Paige hugged the actress tightly. “How was the flight?”

Azzi greeted the blonde by melting into the familiar arms before Paige took Azzi’s bags and put them in the car. 

“It’s cold here,” the actress stated and turned up the heat in the car as Paige drove the car out of the airport’s parking lot. 

“I told you to bring a winter coat,” Paige chuckled while driving. 

“I know,” Azzi groaned. 

“It’s alright, I got an extra at home.”

At last, they arrived at Paige’s apartment in downtown Minneapolis. It was a very lowkey apartment building who you would never guess a rich famous singer would live in. The inside of the building on the other hand, was definitely something a rich famous singer would live in.

“Welcome to me,” Paige said and opened the door for her guest. “Want a tour?” 

The apartment consisted of three big bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a living room, a small home movie theatre, an office and a cozy home studio. Azzi peeked in every corner of the apartment, trying to spot all the small things that made the place Paige’s. Like the photographs of her family in the bedroom, and the Grammy standing so proudly in the studio, and the little stuffed husky in the movie theatre. But her favorite thing she saw was the bookshelf in the office, which was filled with all kinds of books. There was something very intimate about walking through Paige’s place. Maybe because she’s a very private person to the public, which makes it a contrast to how Azzi was getting to know her, getting to see every little corner of her home. 

“Damn, this place is huge,” Azzi said as they finished the tour of the place.

“Yeah it’s spacious,” Paige nodded. “But I just felt like I wanted a place where my family could stay when they’re here. And it’s convenient when the band is here as well, to be able to be in one place, you know?”

“I thought your family lived here in Minnesota?”

“My dad and my stepmom and my little brother live here, but my mom and two younger siblings live in Montana,” the singer explained. 

“Oh I see,” the actress said. “Are you close with your siblings?”

“Yeah, I try to see them as much as I can, but me and my mom have a little more… strained relationship than me and my dad, so I see my little brother Drew, who lives here, a lot more than Ryan and Lauren. But I try to fly them out here often, and have a lot of sleepovers and stuff,” Paige explained further. 

“That’s cute,” the actress smiled warmly. “Are they much younger?”

“Yeah, they’re all almost teenagers,” Paige said. “But I still see them as my babies.”

“I get what you mean. I have two younger brothers who are in college now, but I still see them as the small kids who used to run around in the house playing tag all day,” Azzi said.

“You’re the oldest too?” Paige asked.

“I mean, yeah, but also no,” Azzi said and scratched the back of her head. “My dad is not my biological dad, but he’s the one who raised me and everything. I don’t have any contact with my biological dad, but I do have an older brother from him. We don’t talk that much but we’re cool. So yeah, I’m the oldest sibling in my house, but not, biologically or whatever.”

“Yeah, family is kinda complicated sometimes,” the singer said with a sigh. 

Azzi nodded and hummed in agreement. 

“Anyway, I was thinking that we were gonna cook something for lunch,” Paige said. 

“Cook? Do you know how to cook?” Azzi asked.

“Um, yes? I’m an excellent chef, thank you very much,” the singer stated with sass. “Do you not?”

“I consider myself much more of an eater than a cooker,” Azzi replied. “But I’ll watch you.”

“Nah, you’re gonna cook with me, you don’t have a choice miss Fudd,” Paige protested and grabbed her hand to drag her to the kitchen. 

Even though Azzi’s really not into cooking at all, she secretly loved the fact that Paige wanted them to cook something together, and she couldn’t wait to see Paige doing her thing in the kitchen.

“So, I was thinking we’re gonna do lasagna,” Paige brought her hands together as if she’s some kind of motivational speaker while Azzi sat by the kitchen island, looking at her amused. “Do you like that?”

“I love lasagna,” Azzi nodded. 

“Okay good, so you can start by chopping up some onion and garlic,” the singer instructed and took out a cutting board and a knife for the actress. 

“And what are you gonna do?” 

“I’m gonna watch and make sure you don’t hurt yourself,” Paige teased. 

In the end, Paige actually had to watch over Azzi when she was cutting the onions, because she did not have the right technique at all.

“Oh my God, have you never done this before?” Paige almost shouted at the actress as she walked over to her and put the knife down. “You’re a danger to yourself.”

“Shut up, I’m not that bad,” Azzi argued. 

“You literally are. Here,” the blonde took a step towards the actress and stood behind her, wrapping her arms around her body to put her hands gently on top of Azzi’s.

“Now let me guide you,” she said softly. Her head was resting on Azzi’s right shoulder, and it was really distracting for the actress to focus on cutting the onions when Paige’s face was that close to her own. 

“See?” the singer said as she guided Azzi’s hands with the right motions. “How much easier it is when you do it like this.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” Azzi said, not having paid attention at all, just leaning into the feeling of the singer behind her, almost holding her. 

Paige could tell Azzi didn’t pay attention. So she put the knife down, still having her hands on top of Azzi’s, and just stood there for a few seconds. She let go of Azzi’s hands and instead wrapped her arms around the actress’ stomach softly and nuzzled her head into the actress’ neck. Being hugged from behind by Paige Bueckers was instantly one of Azzi’s favorite feelings.

Azzi relaxed into the singer’s body, leaning back with her head, turning it towards the blonde hair and inhaled the scent of Paige’s shampoo. 

“Fuck it, maybe we should just order something and then take a nap,” Paige murmured into Azzi’s skin, giving her goosebumps from feeling the singer’s breath on her neck.

“Hmm, that sounds great, but I don’t want to ruin your plans,” Azzi said. “Besides, now I really want to eat lasagna.”

“Are you sure?” Paige leaned back from the hug to look at Azzi, still with her arms wrapped around her.

“Yes,” Azzi smiled brightly. Their faces were so close that their noses were almost touching. Those piercing blue eyes always did something to Azzi. They’re completely irresistible. She’s certain that if Paige would ask her for anything and look at her like that with those eyes, Azzi would not be able to say no, ever.

Paige licked her lips out of habit, and Azzi’s eyes darted down. This time it’s Paige who leans in. She stopped just before their lips met and looked at the actress, then lightly pressed her lips onto Azzi’s. 

Azzi sighed contentedly into the gentle kiss. She carefully turned around and wrapped her own arms around Paige’s neck, as they kissed once again, this time more firm. Paige’s hands were on Azzi’s lower back, pulling her closer. The singer lightly swiped her tongue on the actress’ bottom lip, asking for entrance, and Azzi opened up her mouth to meet Paige’s tongue with her own. The butterflies were going wild in Azzi’s stomach at the sensation. She could easily make out with Paige for hours if she could. 

That’s why Azzi broke the kiss abruptly and way too quickly for Paige’s liking. “If we don’t stop now I don’t think we’ll ever finish the lasagna,” she breathed, resting her forehead against Paige’s. 

“We don’t have to,” Paige smirked.

“Paige,” Azzi rolled her eyes with a big grin and gently pushed the singer away. 

Paige just smiled and gave Azzi a quick peck on her cheek before she took the knife in her hand and started cutting the onions and garlic.

One hour later, the lasagna was in the oven. Paige had done most of the work, but Azzi had been right beside her, helping as much as she could without being a hazard to her environment. That included stirring the meat, placing the lasagna sheets when they layered it, and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Oh, and putting it in the oven of course. 

Now they were laying side by side in Paige’s bed, having to wait another forty minutes for it to be done. The plan was to take a nap while they were waiting, since Azzi was a little tired from the flight, but none of them closed their eyes. How could they, when they were right next to each other.

“You can sleep with your eyes open?” Paige joked, as she turned to lay on her side, facing the actress. 

Azzi turned to face Paige as well. 

“Guess I’m not that tired anymore,” Azzi said.

It’s only their knees that are touching, but Paige could feel it through her whole body. It seemed that the actress could never be close enough. 

“Tell me about your dreams,” Paige said. 

“My dreams?” 

“Yeah, in life.”

“I wanna win an academy award for best actress. I want to star in a series. And I know it’s a bit cringe maybe, but I want to be a part of a film remake of a classic,” Azzi mused out loud. 

“All of it sounds like valid dreams, and really doable ones too,” Paige smiled. “It’s just a matter of time, really.”

“I don’t know,” Azzi blushed shyly. “I’m trying not to stress about it, but I feel like I’m not that young anymore and the pressure is getting to me for every day that goes by in this industry.”

“You mean you’re not a teenager anymore,” Paige stated. 

“Yeah, exactly. The age of people who are breaking through in the industry is becoming younger and younger, and even if I’m only twenty-two, it feels like I’m a middle aged woman compared to these new sixteen-year-olds, judging by the media. And don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for being where I’m at and how I got here, and I know that my career doesn’t have to end just because I’m getting older, but it’s just that… feeling.”

“I get that,” Paige said. “I think it’s a bit different in the music industry, since we don’t have to be a certain age for a role, or have a certain look. But there’s definitely some kind of pressure to attain accomplishments as young as you can.”

“Right? Even though it really doesn’t matter, it's an underlying incitement in the whole industry that seeps through in how everyone treats you and looks at you. Everything feels so rushed,” the actress agreed. “But what about your dreams?”

Paige’s eyes wandered for a bit, thinking to herself what she’s gonna say.

“Hmm, I think my dream is to live a peaceful life, continuing to write songs, playing with the band, but not always being the center of attention I guess. And maybe start a family one day,” Paige said at last. 

“Oh wow, my dreams were really shallow compared to yours,” Azzi laughed. “Was it ever a dream to win a grammy?”

“Not really, I’m not that award oriented,” Paige told her. “But I’m super grateful for it, now that I have one, it’s something I’m really proud of. It’s like a statue for how strong our bond is in the band. At least that’s what it stands for for me.”

Azzi smiled brightly. “You’re so humble.”

Paige shrugged and tucked away a strand of hair that got in Azzi’s face behind her ear, her fingertips brushing against the actress’ cheek. Azzi shivered by the faint touch. 

“Do you judge me for wanting to win an Oscar?” Azzi asked honestly. 

“No, of course not,” Paige immediately answered. “Music is too subjective for me, one might like it, one might not, it depends on who sits in the jury after all. I guess it goes the same with movies, in a way, but not with acting. At least not in my opinion. It can be a really bad movie, but the acting can still be good. Acting is a skill, and there is good and bad acting.”

“I guess so,” Azzi mumbled. 

“I like that you’re ambitious,” the singer told her. “You’re a hard working woman with big dreams you’re not afraid to chase. There’s like nothing more attractive than that.” 

Azzi let out a puff of air, feeling her cheeks starting to heat up. 

“I can think of a few things more attractive than that,” she said as she looked into those blue eyes intently.

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Paige whispered back.

“Like, being a humble superstar,” she said. “And, I don’t know, having… blue eyes. And blonde hair. And a really cute smile, with the biggest heart, and even bigger hands.” 

“Hands?” Paige laughed and looked at her hand in front of her, flipping it back and forth, inspecting it. “You’re into hands?”

“No, just yours,” Azzi said and put her hand on Paige’s. 

“Your hand is almost as big as mine,” Paige stated as they’re having palm against palm. 

In the blink of an eye, Azzi intertwined their fingers, rolled them over and straddled Paige while pressing her hand down onto the mattress, using her other hand to press down Paige’s other wrist.

“Oh,” Paige chuckled in the new position she’s suddenly found herself in. 

Azzi leaned down and kissed Paige on the lips. It's strange, how their bodies just seem to flow together as if they were one. As if they weren’t meant to be anywhere else but on each other. 

Paige got her hands free from Azzi’s and let them stroke her sides, earning a soft grunt from the woman on top of her. She let them go further down Azzi’s body, down to her hips and then on her butt. 

The actress just tried to keep holding herself up with her arms on either side of Paige’s head, but the feeling of her hands on her butt makes Azzi just wanna melt down and collapse.

Azzi moved her hands to Paige’s chest, gently palming her breasts. The singer groaned while her hips jerked up a little, which in return made Azzi let out a soft moan. She started to grind down on Paige, which resulted in Paige raising her hips a little bit, helping her movements with her hands.

They’re both panting into each other’s mouth while still dancing with their tongues. Paige moved her hands to Azzi’s back, running them up and down, then caressing her sides, making Azzi feel tingles all over her body. God, Azzi loved feeling Paige’s hands on her. 

The actress started to kiss down Paige’s neck, licking and biting everywhere on the space she’s given when Paige leaned back with her head. Azzi felt tempted to leave a mark, but decided against it and moved onto the collarbone, licking along it. Paige was writhing under her touch, and Azzi could hear low whimpers coming out of her mouth. 

Paige was going insane. The kisses on her neck, the licks along her collarbone, suddenly hearing Azzi moan in her ear? It’s all just too much for her to handle. She felt as if she could come undone right there and then. Her body was moving on its own by now, just reacting to whatever Azzi Fudd was doing to her.

And then Azzi moved her leg to settle it in between Paige’s, and suddenly there’s pressure on the one place that’s been aching. Paige arched her back from the surprise and slightly gasped. Azzi’s gasping too because when Paige arched her back, she bent her knees and suddenly Azzi was practically riding her thigh. 

The actress brought her mouth to Paige’s once again, and kissed her passionately. Their clothes were still fully on, but their hands were beneath the fabric of their shirts. Paige’s fingertips dragged along Azzi’s abs while Azzi’s fingertips were caressing Paige’s sides. 

Paige can feel something start to build in the pit of her stomach. Her boxers are absolutely soaking and the stimulation she’s feeling from Azzi’s thigh is unbelievable. But it’s Azzi’s kissing that’s getting her closer and closer. The way she’s kissing her with so much passion and need. 

The singer moved her hands down Azzi’s stomach to the hem of her pants and was just about to undo them, when the alarm for the lasagna set off. 

Azzi broke the kiss and collapsed on top of Paige, letting out a frustrated groan. 

“Oh my God,” she murmured.

Paige wrapped her arms around the relaxed Azzi, and she could feel her heartbeat beat as fast as her own against her ribcage. 

“I know,” Paige whispered, equally as frustrated. “Talk about bad timing.”

“I was close,” Azzi confessed in a whisper as she removed herself from the singer. 

Paige smiled like a fool hearing that, sitting up on the bed as well.

“I’ll take care of it later,” she said and rubbed the actress’ back as comfort. “I promise.”

“You better,” Azzi looked at Paige with a serious look, and Paige could only laugh. 

Something about them already felt so familiar and domestic, and she has a feeling the rest of the remaining time together will only develop their connection.

—

It was the second to last day together in Minnesota for the two women. Azzi had been there now for two days, having two more days to enjoy together. She would’ve wanted to stay longer with Paige, but it had required a lot of planning and detailed scheduling for her agent Caroline to arrange four whole days off. Azzi couldn’t possibly ask for more when Caroline had done everything and a little bit more to make it possible. 

Yet here she was, wanting to ask Caroline if she could just stay one more day in Minnesota. Of course she knew it would never work, but in a desperate attempt to prolong her visit, she sent a text. 

Azzi Fudd: There’s no way I can get one more day off, is there?

Caroline Ducharme: No honey, I don’t think there is. You have a movie to film.

Azzi Fudd: Figured. Just wanted to double check. Thank you Caroline<3

She put away her phone and looked over to the sleeping blonde right beside her. Azzi didn’t hesitate to scoot closer and put her arms around her. She loved being the big spoon just as much as being the little. 

The last two days had been simply amazing. Azzi hadn’t really known what to expect before she got there, but she hadn’t expected them to be so… coupley with each other so fast. It came naturally of course, but when she thought about it, it was almost strange how natural and easy everything had flown between them, considering the limited time they spent together prior. 

It was the way their fingers would brush against each other every time they were beside one another. Or the way they would look at each other like they didn’t need words to communicate. Or the way Paige would just kiss her out of nowhere, so innocently, so full of affection. Or the way Azzi would curl up next to Paige when they watched a movie, and play with her hair. It was the way everything was said and done with so apparent yearning for each other. As if they had waited long enough already to not care about being obvious with what they want.

She thoroughly enjoyed it. And the fact that it all was happening with the Paige Bueckers? Sometimes Azzi had the urge to pinch herself to see if it’s all just a dream, because it was really too good to be true. 

She was in awe of the way Paige carried herself, but also just the way she looked at the world. She was always humble, never took anything for granted and did everything with love and respect. Azzi looked up to the singer in so many different ways already. 

Paige started to stir in Azzi’s arms, and she turned around and lazily swung her arm around the actress’ waist.

“Good morning,” Azzi whispered, having the blonde’s head under her own.

“Morning,” the newly awake Paige mumbled back into Azzi’s chest. She nuzzled her head closer to the actress’ neck, wanting to be even closer. Azzi just held her tighter and gave her head a peck.

“What time is it?” the singer asked.

“It’s 9 am.”

“I could set camp right here for the rest of my life,” Paige mumbled sleepily. 

“I think you’re sleep talking now” Azzi stated amused. 

“I’ve never been more awake,” Paige replied back and sighed contentedly in Azzi’s arms. 

She loved the way Azzi held her. She loved that it felt so safe to be big, small, strong, weak, confident and insecure with the actress. In the past, she would often meet girls who only wanted her confident and dominant side, and even though she was all that, she’s not only that. With Azzi, it feels like all of her fits in. Nothing is too feminine or too masculine, Azzi just sees her as Paige, and that’s enough. Being herself felt so easy with Azzi.

“I’m not used to being held like this,” Paige confessed. “But I love it.”

“I can’t imagine that, you’re very holdable,” Azzi stroked the blonde hair and started to massage her scalp softly. “You’re just a baby.”

“I’m older than you, you’re the baby,” Paige protested. 

“Shh my baby,” Azzi cooed and just kept on stroking her hair as if she was comforting her. “Don’t start crying now.”

Paige would normally keep the bicker going, but not this time. Hearing Azzi call her her baby did something to her, even if it was play pretend. Feeling this way shouldn’t be possible when they’ve barely known each other for a month, but here she was, feeling big feelings for the actress already. Hearing that possessive pronoun made her heart flutter. 

The singer leaned away a little from Azzi’s embrace to look her in the eyes.

“I really appreciate you being here Azzi,” Paige said dead serious.

“I really appreciate being here,” Azzi answered. “With you.” 

“Kinda don’t want you to leave tomorrow,” the singer mumbled before nestling her head under Azzi’s head once more. 

“Me neither,” Azzi breathed, her heart beating fast at the way Paige had just looked at her, so full of affection, so full of admiration and… care. 

Yesterday had been a day full of adventures. Paige had been driving them around, showing Minneapolis. They had been shopping, going to a museum, eaten at a fancy restaurant at night, then gone to a movie theatre to catch some random movie. Every single second spent together the last 48 hours had been simply amazing. There was never a dull moment with the two together. Azzi felt like she could do laundry with Paige, and it would somehow be fun. Paige felt like she’s never experienced Minneapolis the way she had the last two days with Azzi. She had never realized how romantic the city really is. 

Paige’s favorite moment was when they were at the Minneapolis institute of art, and Azzi always dragged her to another painting or photography and said: “Look, look, this one’s really cool. I like the colors here. And this one! Oh my God, how do you even capture this? Kinda gives me the creeps but in a good way.” It was so cute how Azzi was so excited to show Paige all things she found beautiful. It made Paige feel special, like Azzi wanted to share all the beauty in this world with her, eagerly. 

Her reminiscing came to an abrupt end when her phone started to ring, and Azzi opened her arms to let her go so she could answer the phone.

“Morning kid,” her dad answered the phone.

“Hey Dad."

“I know you said you’re gonna be busy having company these four days, but Drew is really impatient and he wants to play some basketball with you like right now. How about you and your company come over tomorrow night and eat dinner with us?” he asked. 

“I don’t know…” Paige looked over at Azzi who was looking at her curiously. “Let me think about it and I’ll call you back.”

“Yes, think about it,” Bob, her dad, said. 

They hung up and Azzi rose from the bed and started to get dressed. 

“Your dad?” she asked while putting on some pants.

“Yeah, he um… he kinda invited us to eat dinner with them tomorrow night,” Paige scratched the back of her head. 

“Oh,” Azzi stopped what she was doing. “I mean, I don’t mind. Do you want to?”

“The question is, do you want to?” Paige chuckled. “It’s our last moment together before you gotta fly home, you wanna spend it with my family?”

“As long as you’re there, I don’t see why not,” Azzi smiled. 

Paige’s lips curved into a smile. “Really?”

“Really,” Azzi nodded. “It’ll be fun to meet Drew too.”

“He wanted to play basketball with me, that’s why we even got invited,” Paige scoffed. “Dummy.”

“You know, I played basketball in High school, and could’ve gone to college if I wanted to” Azzi said. “If he wants to play with a real hooper instead of… you.”

Paige let her jaw drop in disbelief. “Excuse me, I also played in High school and was close to being recruited, but then our band started to take off so I didn’t pursue that career.”

“Oh really?” Azzi challenged. “Did you also get to meet Steph Curry for being such a great three-point shooter?”

“Um, no?” Paige said with an attitude. “I was more of an unselfish player, letting my teammates shine.”

“You mean they carried you.”

“Nah what the hell is this,” Paige protested. “Tomorrow imma show you videos of me playing and then I dare you to say that again.”

“Or, we can just play against each other and settle it that way,” Azzi suggested. “That is, unless you know you can’t win against me and would rather have me watch a video.”

“Bruh, you’re on,” Paige said. “Get ready to be humbled tomorrow.”

“Likewise,” Azzi said with a smirk. 

The two women got dressed and hopped into the car to drive to a “place with a view”, as Paige had called it. They had packed two sandwiches for lunch and had put on warm clothes for some light hiking. Apparently Paige loved to be outside in nature. 

“This is like my favorite spot ever,” Paige said as they had parked the car somewhere near a forest and had started walking. 

It was still winter and a bit chilly in the air. Their boots left prints in the snow and Azzi could see steam from her breathing through her mouth as they walked. The sun was shining, and the snow on the ground was glittering all around them. It was truly beautiful.

“Wow, it’s so still out here,” Azzi said as they had walked up the hill to a more sparse part of the forest. They had walked so much upwards that they now could see the city from a distance, from above. It could’ve might as well have been a ski slope, the view, the snow, the altitude and the lack of trees around them. 

Paige sat down by a bench that was thoughtfully placed where you could see the view the best. Azzi joined right beside her.

“I love to hear the nature around me, like the birds or the wind. Or just the silence. God, I love hearing the silence,” Paige told Azzi while looking out over the view. “I used to come here a lot when I had fought with my mom growing up.”

Azzi looked at Paige with a sad smile. “What about now?”

Paige’s blue eyes met her brown ones with that, and gave her a small smile. “Not that often anymore. Now I go here to just wind down in nature, not necessarily to escape anything.”

“It really is a breathtaking view from here,” Azzi said, still looking right at Paige. The singer nodded slowly, holding the eye contact carefully, not wanting to break it. 

“You like being in nature?” Paige asked. 

“I do, although I’m not hiking or anything, but I love to be outside in general. My grandparents have a cabin near a lake, so we used to be out on the water, fishing or swimming, and it’d be the best time of summer really,” Azzi reminisced. 

“That sounds like the best kind of summer,” Paige said. 

“It was,” Azzi nodded with a smile. “But I don’t make that much time now to be out in nature, unfortunately.”

“It’s a bit hard to do that in LA perhaps,” Paige mused. “You like LA?”

“I do,” Azzi answered. “It’s convenient and Hollywood is where the industry’s at. But I wouldn’t mind spending a year or two somewhere else, like going to a foreign country and film a foreign movie.”

“What kind of country are you interested in? I can be on the lookout on the Europe tour for you,” Paige asked. 

“Somewhere with a totally different culture than here. And aesthetically pleasing views, or beautiful nature. With lots of history to it,” Azzi mused out loud. 

“That’s… a lot,” Paige laughed. “Not very specific. I think you would like most countries.” 

“I haven’t traveled a lot, because I’ve been working mostly, so I wouldn’t really know,” Azzi admitted. 

“You should come to one of our concerts on the tour,” Paige said. 

“You’re inviting me everywhere,” Azzi laughed. “I’m gonna get fired for neglecting my job.”

“Is that a yes?” Paige smirked. 

“No,” Azzi snorted. 

“Is it a no?”

“...No.”

“I’ll see you in Europe then,” Paige said with a grin, knowing that Azzi most definitely wanted to come see her on tour. 

Azzi just rolled her eyes with a smile, gently shoving Paige’s arm. 

They just sat like that, next to each other, looking out at the view for the next few hours. The conversation flowed effortlessly like always. 

The rest of the day was spent in Paige’s apartment. Azzi had to read through her script and have a meeting online, and while Azzi worked, Paige cooked dinner for them. 

“I could get used to this,” Azzi said as she entered the kitchen after having ended her meeting, and saw the homemade meal of pasta alfredo. It smelled incredible.

Paige raised her eyebrows with a smirk. “Oh yeah?” 

“Yeah, getting spoiled like this,” she nodded and sat down at the table. “Having a private chef.”

Paige lit some candles and put on some chill jazz music in the background. 

“Romantic,” Azzi commented. 

“It’s our last dinner together, just us,” Paige shrugged and sat down across Azzi. “I wanted it to be special.”

And it was special. It was special in the sense that it felt like a date between a couple who had been together for years. The way they would share funny stories from their childhood with each other and laugh so loudly. But mostly it was the fact that there was no nervousness surrounding them. It felt safe. It felt familiar already.

Paige could see it. She could see them in the future, just like this, spending their days together like this one - Azzi rehearsing her script, having online meetings in one room, Paige being in the other doing her thing, cooking for them, to at last join together for dinner. It was a vision she was steadily desiring more and more. Just more of Azzi in general in everyday life. In the big and small things.

Azzi was secure in their newfound connection. She didn’t doubt for a moment that they were on the same page with each other. She found Paige very consistent with her words and actions towards her, she felt no need to talk about where they were headed or clarify what they were doing. She felt safe in the unknown with Paige. And it meant everything.

—

“You ready?” Paige asked as she buttoned the last of her white button up shirt. 

Their final day together had arrived, and the two women were getting ready for the Buecker’s family dinner. 

“Yeah,” Azzi replied, giving herself one last look in the mirror. 

“Wow,” Paige said as she turned around to see the actress. Azzi was wearing a long black bodycon dress that was hugging her figure tightly with an open back. She had her curly hair down with silver earrings, necklace and rings. 

“You look absolutely stunning,” Paige blinked, not believing what she was seeing. 

“You think?” Azzi smiled innocently and gave a little twirl for Paige to see the whole thing. “Is it too much for a family dinner?”

“No,” Paige answered immediately, not being able to tear her eyes away from the other woman. “You should definitely wear that.”

“You know, you don’t look so bad yourself,” Azzi said and walked up to the blonde, wrapping her arms around her neck. Paige’s hands instinctively landed on Azzi’s lower back, pulling her in.

“Is that so?”

“Mhm. Kinda starting to regret us going somewhere where I can’t touch you like I want to,” Azzi whispered, her eyes hooded with mischief. 

Paige could feel her knees go weak with that. Azzi’s eyes were driving Paige mad, the way she was looking at her like she couldn’t wait to devour her. 

“Believe me, I’m gonna try and make it a short dinner,” Paige swallowed hard. 

Azzi just laughed and embraced the singer. “You know I packed my bag because I have to go straight to the airport afterwards.”

“Nothing’s impossible,” Paige just said and hugged her tightly. 

The car ride to Paige’s dad’s house was unbearable for Azzi. The way Paige was gripping the steering wheel in a white button up shirt and a jacket stirred something inside of her. She was practically squirming in the passenger seat. All she could think about was unbuttoning it, and feeling Paige’s chain against her skin, amongst other things. 

“You okay?” Paige asked, concerned with how shifty Azzi was being next to her. 

“Uh-huh,” Azzi just said, trying to play it cool. 

“Why are you… squirming like that?” Paige raised her eyebrow, still with her eyes on the road, and to Azzi’s misfortune, her hands still on the steering wheel with her veins popping. “Are you cold?”

“No no, I’m just… nervous, I guess,” Azzi lied. 

“Don’t be,” Paige smiled and put her hand on Azzi’s thigh as a supporting gesture. But that was really the cherry on top for Azzi.

“Oh God,” she blurted out at the contact. 

This time Paige turned her head for a second at Azzi with both her eyebrows raised suggestively. She saw the look on the actress’ face and finally understood what was going on. She snorted quietly to herself, not letting her hand go off Azzi's thigh. 

“What’s the matter?” Paige asked, pretending to not notice how worked up the actress was. She started to rub her hand up and down Azzi’s thigh as a sign of comfort. 

Azzi was trying to calm herself and steady her breathing. If she was gonna survive the night she was gonna have to become composed. But how could she, when Paige was rubbing her thigh like that, driving like that, being dressed like that?

“You can’t- I mean, I-” Azzi stammered and put her hand on top of Paige’s to make her stop moving it. 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Paige said and withdrew her hand completely.

“No I-” Azzi stopped herself from saying anything.

Paige turned her head towards the younger one with a smug smile, revealing that she knew what was up. She placed her hand between them with her palm open, inviting Azzi to intertwine their fingers. 

“Is this better?” she asked. 

Azzi let out a breath and held her hand. “A little.”

Azzi was convinced Paige was one of the most precious human beings on this earth. Her gestures were always the cutest and pure. Azzi was sure that this woman right next to her could never hurt a fly. She was gentle, caring and loving in everything she did, she learned more and more everyday. The confident lead singer was still there, but it was really not the main characteristic like Azzi thought it would be in the beginning. 

Paige’s dad’s house really looked like any other house in the suburbs of Minneapolis, and Azzi was looking forward to meeting the people that raised the kind soul she had gotten to know. Paige parked the car in the driveway and the two women exited the car and entered the house.

“Paigey!” a young boy ran up to them and jumped up in Paige’s arms as soon as they walked in. 

“Hi Drew,” Paige held the boy who looked about eleven years old or something, Azzi couldn’t really tell. “Drew, get down, you gotta say hi to our company.”

Drew reluctantly let go of his big sister and looked at Azzi. 

“Oh wow,” he blurted out. “Hi.”

Azzi gently chuckled. “Hi Drew, I’m Azzi. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“I know who you are,” the boy deadpanned. “You’re that actress that Paigey loves.”

“Bro,” Paige facepalmed herself while Azzi gave her a smug smile. 

“Thought I heard someone at the door,” a man walked into the hall with a big smile. 

“I’m Bob, and this here is my wife Cathy,” he introduced the woman next to him. 

“Hi, I’m Azzi, it’s so nice to meet you.” 

“It’s so nice to meet you too,” Cathy said. “Wow, you’re very beautiful, Azzi.”

Azzi gave a kind smile with a “thank you” and follows the family into the kitchen where everything is set up. Paige gently put her arm on her back, leading her to one of the chairs to sit down by the table.

“Dig in,” Bob said as they all sat down around the table. 

“So Azzi,” Cathy spoke. “Congratulations on your Golden Globe.”

“Thank you,” Azzi slightly blushed, not having expected them to know about the recent award. 

“I remember last year when you were nominated, and we were watching it here because Paige made us, as the movie fanatic she is, and she got so upset when you didn’t win,” Bob told her with a smile. “Said something about being robbed.”

“Oh?” Azzi looked over at the blonde with an amused grin. “That’s sweet. Although I do think Lily Gladstone truly was the worthy winner, so I didn’t feel robbed at all. But thank you.”

“Perhaps,” Paige said, a bit embarrassed about her dad revealing her enthusiasm about the actress a year prior. “But I’m happy they got it right this time.”

Azzi smiled at the singer, and Cathy and Bob exchanged a knowing look. 

“Azzi, who’s the most famous person you know?” Drew suddenly asked. 

“Dude,” Paige just chuckled. 

“I bet it’s someone more famous than all of Paige’s friends,” he continued. 

“Hmm… Maybe Zendaya or Emma Stone,” Azzi answered. “And Paige Bueckers of course.”

“Paigey isn’t even that famous,” Drew commented. 

Paige snorted with a frown. “I’m not trying to be.”

“You’re doing pretty well for someone who’s not trying,” Azzi said.

“I know,” Paige shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m a natural.” Azzi just playfully rolled her eyes at that, finding Paige’s confidence to be stupidly charming. 

“Well Paige has been talking about you for years Azzi, so I’m glad we finally get to meet her friend,” Cathy spoke. 

“I’m glad to meet you too,” Azzi said, smirking on the inside with the knowledge that Paige’s parents probably thought that they had been friends for years just judging by how much the singer has talked about her. Paige on the other hand felt exposed everytime a family member opened their mouth. 

The dinner moved on steadily after that. Bob and Cathy were inviting people who made an effort to get to know Azzi with natural ease. The actress felt like she could be herself around the family and even joke with them. Azzi could see how this environment had shaped Paige into being the kind soul she is. 

“Thank you so much for this dinner, it was delicious,” Azzi said as they had finished the meal. 

“No problem honey,” Cathy answered. “If you’re ever in town again, you’re always welcome here.” 

Paige looked at the younger woman and nodded happily. 

“Are we gonna play basketball now?” Drew asked impatiently. 

“Yeah, let me and Azzi change clothes first,” Paige said and grabbed Azzi’s hand to lead her somewhere else. 

“Oh wow, is this Paige Bueckers room?” Azzi said as she looked around the small room with posters of artists and basketball players on the walls. 

“Here,” Paige tossed a hoodie and some sweatpants to Azzi. “You can wear that.”

Azzi started to take off her dress, but not without seeing how Paige was just unashamedly staring at her as she did. 

“Seeing something you like?” she teased.

“Let me help you with that,” Paige just said and approached the actress. She pulled the dress up, lightly caressing Azzi’s thighs in the process. They stood face to face, looking deeply in each other’s eyes.

Azzi lifted her arms up as Paige removed the dress completely from her. 

“Oh my God,” the singer exhaled at the sight of Azzi wearing a black lace lingerie set. “You did this on purpose.” Paige tossed the dress somewhere in the room and put her hands on Azzi’s waist and pulled her in closer, and Azzi snaked her arms around Paige’s neck.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Azzi answered, before planting a soft kiss on Paige’s lips, barely touching. “You like it?”

“I love it,” Paige nodded and leant in again to give her a proper kiss. Azzi sighed into it, feeling Paige’s hands roam freely over her body. The way she caressed her sides, her butt, her stomach, her back - it drove Azzi crazy. She let out a soft groan into Paige’s mouth. 

“Paigey! Azzi! Are you done changing soon or what?” a very impatient little brother shouted from the other side of the door, and Paige broke the kiss with a sigh. 

“Relax, we’ll be out soon!” Paige just shouted back, her hands still on Azzi, not letting her go. “Now where were we?”

Azzi gently pushed her away with a chuckle. “Let’s not make him walk in on us.” 

Paige threw her head back with a groan, clearly not happy with the interruption, but knew that they had no choice but to stop there. Azzi put on the sweats Paige had given her and Paige put on some as well. 

It didn’t take long for Azzi to see that Paige was indeed a very good basketball player. She was just observing the two siblings going at it one-on-one for a while, not wanting to interrupt their sibling quality time, even though both Paige and Drew insisted on her playing with them. 

“No, you guys play first, I’ll just watch for a while,” she had said. 

“Hm, I know what you’re doing,” Paige had smirked in response. “You’re checking out the competition.” 

“What competition?” Azzi had challenged. 

And now Azzi realized, that was exactly what she was doing. 

Paige clearly didn’t play all out against her little brother, but Azzi could tell that she was fast enough and shifty with the ball to make it hard to guard her. Drew really had no chance against his big sister, but the few times he caught the ball, he was pretty good as well.

“Why don’t you let Drew start this time,” Azzi suggested after about twenty minutes of just Drew not being able to get the ball from Paige. 

“Nah, he’s gotta learn defense,” Paige just said. 

“Paigey!” Drew let out a frustrated shout after another failed attempt to steal the ball. 

“Come on little dude,” she just replied. “Take it.”

“I’m done,” he answered, all tired from having spent the majority of the time just running around chasing the ball. He walked straight into the house and didn’t look back.

“You’re a menace,” Azzi said. 

“Well that’s usually how our hoop sessions end,” Paige shrugged. “Besides, I wanted to have time to play with you too.” 

Azzi shook her head as if she couldn’t believe Paige’s ways of getting what she wanted. She stood up and approached the woman.

“Give me your best shot,” Paige said and threw the ball to her. 

And Azzi did. But it didn’t take long for Paige to read her plays, being able to steal the ball a couple times. Since Azzi had observed the older girl’s game for a while, she had an idea of how she would defend against her, but now actually playing against her, she realized how wrong she was. Paige was unpredictable. 

“10-10,” Paige said after they had played for a while. “You’re not that bad, I’ll give you that.”

“It’s a tie,” Azzi deadpanned. “You can’t say that I’m good or bad without calling yourself that.”

“Okay, first one to reach fifteen wins,” Paige decided. 

None of the women held back. They were playing as if their life depended on it. Paige had learnt early on in their game that Azzi was a killer at shooting, and did everything in her power to not give her any open space to shoot comfortably. That didn’t really help though, as Azzi was just as good at dribbling the ball past her, finishing with layup after layup. 

But Paige was not far behind, and in the end, her speed and ability to score pretty much from anywhere paid off. 

“15-13. What can I say, still undefeated,” Paige smirked at Azzi who was breathing heavily. “Do I get a prize?”

“Hell no,” Azzi snorted. 

“I didn’t peg you as a sore loser, Azzi,” Paige said and teasingly pushed her. “I pegged you as a loser, sure, but as a sore one? Well, you should just get used to it from now on.”

“This is literally one of the worst losses in my life,” the actress said. “You’re so annoying.”

“That’s not what you said last night,” Paige continued the teasing. 

Azzi rolled her eyes and started to walk in again without waiting for the singer, but Paige quickly ran up to her and put her arm around her shoulders. At that moment, it really hit Azzi that this was their last moment together, and she sunk into Paige’s touch, snaking her arm around her waist holding her closer. 

It didn’t feel right to leave. She could already feel how much she was missing the older girl. She should be worried how attached she had become just in a matter of three weeks. 

“We’re gonna go to the airport now,” Paige announced to her family as they entered the house. 

“No!” Drew exclaimed. “Are you leaving now, Azzi?”

“Yeah, unfortunately,” she answered with a sad smile, feeling touched with Drew’s reaction. She gave him a tight hug and promised to play more basketball with him next time, without Paige. Then she hugged Cathy, who wished her a safe flight and told her that it was a great meeting her. 

And then there was Bob. He hugged her tightly and whispered: “Thank you for making my daughter so happy.” Azzi’s eyes widened. The way he had said it was as if it was a secret he was letting her into. It was clear that he didn’t want anyone else to hear it, just Azzi.

Azzi let go of the hug and nodded slowly but surely. She didn’t really know what to respond to it, considering she felt like she should be the one to thank him for raising someone so amazing like Paige. 

“Thank you guys for everything, I’ll hopefully see you again soon,” Azzi said a final goodbye and exited the scene with Paige. 

The moment Azzi sat down in the passenger seat, she felt that something had changed inside of her. What Bob had said to her had stirred something. She had never doubted their connection, never doubted Paige’s intentions, but now she somehow felt more sure than ever. Almost as if she had a new realization, a new conviction. 

“Take me home,” she blurted out to Paige as Paige started the car. 

“What?” Paige asked, confused. “You are going home,” she stated.

“No, I mean take me home to your apartment,” Azzi said with a serious tone. 

“Did you forget something?” Paige asked, still confused. “You’re gonna miss your flight if we go home, I could just send whatever you’ve for-”

“I can’t go home just yet,” Azzi said quietly. “I’ll take a flight home in the morning.”

“Azzi… I mean, are you sure?” 

Azzi just nodded, not really meeting Paige’s eyes, because she had a feeling that if she did, she would fall apart. 

“Then I’ll take us home princess,” Paige smiled widely and took Azzi’s hands in her own, giving the back of it a sweet peck before driving out the driveway. 

The ride home was quiet. They barely spoke to each other. Azzi was too occupied feeling everything all at once. It was quite overwhelming, how much she felt, and she couldn’t even name what exactly it was. It was as if her body hadn’t been able to feel the difference between leaving Paige or being chased by a lion. Her heart was beating fast and all she could focus on was trying to breathe steadily and the safe feeling of Paige’s hand holding her. 

Paige’s head was occupied too, replaying what Azzi just had said and what it meant. Azzi wanted to stay as long as she possibly could, and it meant everything to Paige. Seeing the younger girl being so reluctant about leaving made Paige realize how real this was, how raw it was. It was starting to become something more.

Once they entered the apartment, Azzi wasted no time. She knew what she wanted, and it was Paige. All of Paige, as long and as much as she could. She pushed the singer against the door and crashed their lips together. Her hands were already at the hem of Paige’s hoodie.

Slowly and deliberately, Paige moved her tongue against Azzi’s. She could feel the urgency from the actress but had no intentions of rushing through the night. She grabbed Azzi’s hands from underneath her hoodie and spun them around, pinning the younger one against the door. 

After having spent the last three nights with the actress, Paige had learnt that Azzi was not afraid to take control and take initiative. It was something Paige valued a lot, considering her history with passive and submissive girls, so having Azzi being so assertive was quite refreshing and liberating for her. Of course she had seen a submissive side to Azzi, and it was clear as day that girl was a switch, but this night, she wanted to evoke that side of her to a new level she hasn’t seen yet. 

This time, Paige was done with letting Azzi take control however she wanted. She wanted to treat Azzi the way she deserved to be treated - spoiled with pleasure.

Moving her hands to the actress butt, she slightly bent down and lifted her off the ground. Surprised by it, Azzi’s eyes shot wide open and she flung her arms around Paige’s neck, holding onto her. Paige had one arm under her butt and the other on her back as she carried her to the bedroom while sucking on Azzi’s neck. 

Azzi threw her head back with a soft moan from the sensation. Paige removed her lips from her neck and let her down on the bed, hovering over her.

The actress swallowed from seeing the way Paige was looking down on her. Those blue eyes piercing through her very soul. She could see the hunger and the unadulterated lust in them. It sent shivers right through her. Paige made her feel so desired. 

“Have I told you just how beautiful you are?” Paige whispered.

“A couple times,” Azzi smirked. 

“Hmm, not enough then,” she stated. “And have I told you how fucking sexy you are? The thoughts that ran through my mind tonight during dinner were unspeakable. God Azzi, the things I wanna do to you…”

Azzi let out a desperate breath, almost a whimper, from hearing Paige speak like that. 

“And the way that dress clung onto you,” Paige groaned and lowered herself so she was right by Azzi’s ear. “Just wanted to tear it off of you right then and there.”

“You have no idea what you’re doing to me,” Azzi breathed into Paige’s ear. 

“I think it’s the other way around, pretty girl,” Paige took off her old hoodie that Azzi was wearing and flung it on the floor, to then immediately take off her pants as well, leaving her in her matching set of lingerie.

“Fuck,” Paige groaned and felt her breathing starting to become heavier just by the sight in front of her. 

Azzi was just about to reach out her hands to touch Paige, but Paige just pinned them down onto the mattress and said: “You’re not in charge tonight, princess.” Azzi just swallowed hard at that, feeling her center ache by the words, getting indescribably turned on. 

Before Azzi knew it, Paige flipped her over so she was lying on her stomach, head buried in the pillows.

“Paige!” she flinched surprised when she felt the singer’s hand give her butt a firm slap. 

The blonde placed her legs on either side of Azzi’s butt and leaned down so she could whisper in her ear. 

“Kinda want to take you like this,” she said and massaged the younger one with her hands on her back. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

Azzi didn’t say anything, just trying to catch her breath from everything.

“I said, wouldn’t you?” Paige tugged on her hair so she could look at her face. 

“Yes,” Azzi let out with a soft moan. Her eyes clouded with lust. Paige smirked at seeing Azzi like that. She knew that they hadn’t been drinking at all, yet she looked like she was on another planet. 

“Good girl,” Paige praised and started to kiss down Azzi’s shoulder blades, gliding her fingers delicately down Azzi’s sides to her hips and thighs. Azzi’s body was reacting on its own, hips jerking at every touch, legs squirming trying to get some sort of friction. 

Paige then lifted her hips so her ass was up while her upper body still was down in the sheets. 

“Look at you,” Paige murmured, caressing Azzi’s butt. “You’re soaked.”

Azzi moaned at the remark. 

“Please,” she whispered desperately. She just wanted Paige to touch her where she needed it the most.

“Aw, babygirl needs it badly huh?” Paige asked almost mockingly. 

“Paige,” Azzi pushed herself back against Paige’s soft touch, wanting more, but Paige removed her hands from her completely. But before she could protest, she felt Paige pull her panties down and took them off. 

“You’re dripping,” Paige groaned and couldn’t wait to touch her anymore. She leaned in and flattened her tongue against Azzi’s wet pussy, softly dragging it from the clit to the soaked center. 

“Oh God,” Azzi moaned loudly at the first contact. 

Paige gave another long lick to then detach herself from the actress. 

“Paige please,” Azzi whined, already too impatient. 

“Sit up,” Paige said, and suddenly Azzi felt two hands on her stomach, pushing her upwards. She did as she was told and saw Paige’s face between her legs, waiting for her to sit on it. 

Azzi didn’t waste any time and grabbed Paige’s hair while lowering herself down on her tongue. 

“Fuck,” Azzi moaned and started to grind herself on Paige’s tongue, but really, she was riding on her face. Paige’s hands were roaming Azzi’s front, pulling her bra up and playing with her nipples. 

“You’re so desperate, princess,” Paige mumbled. 

“Shut up,” Azzi breathed out as she felt herself getting closer and held onto Paige’s head harder and grinded even faster.

But Paige was not pleased with that, and flipped them over once again. Azzi’s back hit the mattress. Paige detached her tongue from the actress’ clit and stood up from the bed. 

“Paige, what the fuck!” Azzi exclaimed, extremely frustrated. Paige didn’t listen and just walked over to her closet. Azzi didn’t have to wait long to realize what Paige was doing. 

Before she knew it, Paige was standing before her with her clothes off and strap on. 

“You gonna be good for me now, or are you gonna talk back again?” Paige pushed Azzi’s legs apart, positioning herself. She grabbed a pillow and put it under Azzi’s butt to give her better access. 

“I’ll be good,” Azzi swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest at the sight. 

Paige nodded, satisfied with her answer. She leaned down and kissed the actress on the lips, still being wet from having her face ridden on just a moment ago. Azzi could taste herself on Paige’s tongue. 

Even though she loved making out with Paige, this time it felt unbearable. She could feel the strap against her clit with Paige hovering over her. 

She moaned into Paige’s mouth at the sensation between her legs. 

“Please,” she groaned. 

“Please what?” Paige looked down at her. 

“I need it,” she breathed out and put her hands on Paige’s hips. 

“You need it?” Paige just repeated. 

“Need you so, so, bad,” Azzi practically moaned. 

“That’s it, baby,” Paige smiled and grabbed the dildo with one of her hands and slowly entered Azzi. 

“Oh my God,” she arched her back as Paige was slowly but steadily entering her. She wrapped her arms around her neck, holding onto her for dear life. 

“Such a good girl,” Paige whispered into her ear as she had fully eased the dildo into her. 

Azzi wanted to tell her to start moving, to do something instead of just staying still like this, but she knew better now than to start being bratty. Instead, she just started to lightly buck her hips up, feeling the dildo hit the right spot. She moaned into Paige’s ear, and Paige just kissed her neck.

At last, Paige started to move her hips. Azzi’s eyes rolled back in pleasure, her hands holding onto Paige’s back, wanting to be close to her. It felt so intimate, having Paige on top of her like this, fucking her like this. 

“Feels so good,” she whimpered. “You feel so good, baby.”

“Nothing feels better than you, princess,” Paige whispered back and gave her a kiss on the lips. There was something so pure with the simple kiss that was more than just lust. There was trust, there was care and there was admiration in it too. 

“Wish I had a mirror in the ceiling so you could see just how pretty you are, getting fucked like this,” Paige said. “You’re doing so good for me.” 

Azzi could feel herself getting close with those words. 

“I’m gonna cum,” she moaned. “Please.”

“Cum for me baby,” Paige groaned and fucked her even deeper.

And Azzi did. It was as if her body was waiting for Paige’s command, because as the words came out of the singer’s mouth, her body was taken over by pleasure. She arched her body into Paige’s, holding on for dear life while throwing her head back with a loudest moan yet.

Paige slowed down and gently pulled out when Azzi had completely unraveled underneath her. She carefully laid down onto the actress and rested her head on her shoulder, her lips right by her ear. 

“You’re incredible,” she whispered and gave Azzi a sweet kiss on the cheek. 

“You’re, you’re the one to talk,” Azzi panted, trying to catch her breath. She caressed Paige’s back and peppered kisses on her shoulder. 

“I’m glad you wanted to stay a little longer,” Paige leaned back to look into Azzi’s eyes.

“You sure made it worth it,” Azzi smiled. 

“And there’s still so much left of this night,” Paige winked.

“You gotta give me a minute,” Azzi laughed. 

“Want some water?” Paige got up from the bed and headed to the kitchen.

“Yes please.”

Azzi could hear Paige in the kitchen with the tap. Even if they had just finished having sex, the fresh memory of it made Azzi shiver and get goosebumps all over her body. The anticipation of what the rest of the night had in store for them made her tingle all over again. 

So when Paige returned with two glasses in her hands, Azzi threw herself at her, almost making her spill water all over the floor.

“That didn’t take long,” Paige mumbled against Azzi’s lips, smiling like a fool, quickly shutting up to reciprocate the kiss. 

—

“You look like hell,” Zendaya said as she gave Azzi a hug as she entered her trailer. “How was Minnesota?”

They were just about to go to hair and makeup to start the day, but Zendaya wanted to interrogate her friend first. 

“I have barely slept,” Azzi deadpanned. “I flew in this morning, literally just came from the airport. But, it was worth it. Minnesota was amazing.”

“Uh-huh, Minnesota, or Paige?” Zendaya teased.

“Both. Mostly Paige, but Minnesota was actually very beautiful as well.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I think I’m… starting to really like her,” Azzi carefully said to her friend. “Like, for real.”

“Girl, I could’ve told you that two weeks ago,” Zendaya smirked. 

“But isn’t it way too early for that? For feelings and stuff?” Azzi asked. “I feel like I don’t want to mess it up by expecting us to be too serious too fast.”

“Don’t think about that, just let things happen and you’ll see that it’ll get there naturally,” her friend said. “You’re allowed to have feelings. Hell, you have some great feelings. Enjoy it.”

“You’re right,” Azzi smiled. “You know, we were up all night, and I just felt like everything made sense. Being with her makes sense.”

“Up all night huh?” Zendaya winked. “Doing what exactly?”

“Having sex,” Azzi shrugged. “And talking. And then more sex. And then talking. And then cuddling. It just felt like we couldn’t get enough of each other in any way. It was literally heartbreaking to leave. I love being around her.” 

“Aw, that’s adorable,” her friend wrapped her arm around her. “I’m so happy for you Azzi.”

“Yeah. But she’s going to Europe soon and we have the press tour coming up, so we won’t be able to see each other that much now,” Azzi sighed. “And I already miss her.”

“You have your whole life ahead of you to be with her, don’t stress,” Zendaya stated casually, while Azzi just flinched at the mention of “whole life”. It kind of overwhelmed her how this could potentially end up being the best or the most hurting thing in her life. But she quickly tried to comfort herself by thinking that everything in life was a risk, and this was no exception. Except the fact that Paige felt like a piece in her life she wasn’t willing to risk losing. Not even a little bit. 

“Let’s go to hair and makeup now. I can’t believe we’re almost done shooting,” Zendaya stood up to exit the trailer. 

They had approximately two weeks left of shooting the movie before a short break to then go out on a press tour. It wouldn’t be a big press tour, since the real one would start closer to the premiere which would be some time next year. 

Azzi had always loved acting. Ever since she was a kid she was in every school play, every local theatre play and her mom always helped her get small background roles. It was her way of expressing herself, her outlet of emotions. She was grateful her parents were so supportive of that dream, since she understands that most parents would want their children to reach for more stable jobs than acting, but they never stopped believing in her. 

It was only five years ago she felt like she entered the real movie industry and the big Hollywood scene when she was starring in a Christopher Nolan movie amongst other big names. It really happened over night, the difference between being just an actress, to suddenly becoming a celebrity. 

Of course she had been known before, especially internally in the business, and there were some fans here and there. But the mainstream media never covered her like they started to after that movie. The paparazzi were always waiting outside of her home for the whole duration of that movie premiere and then some more months afterwards. Mostly because she was rumoured to be having something with her at the time co-star Maya Hawke, and they were seen leaving together more than once.

And truth be told, Azzi and Maya hadn’t been platonic at all. But they were never officially together either. Maya never wanted to be. She wanted to focus on her career. And it’s not like Azzi didn’t want to focus on her career, but she didn’t feel like she had to make a choice between her job and her love life the same way Maya wanted to. And so after one big fight, they just cut everything off. 

The moment Maya stopped being seen with Azzi, the paparazzi started to simmer down. They didn’t go away completely, but she wouldn’t get blinded every time she would go out at least. 

Azzi had never confirmed her sexuality to the media. She never felt the need to. She was well aware that the majority of her fanbase were queer, who were also hoping that she was queer too, and that they still shipped her with Maya and tagged her in edits every single day. She loved them deeply and appreciated every single one of them. If she would ever officially come out, it would be to them, to share the experiences they all had in common - to proudly be a part of the community. But for now, it was enough to be a part of the community without having to declare it, but without hiding it too. 

Hopefully, Azzi thought, it would happen naturally hand in hand with Paige Bueckers. 

—

[linedbycaro]

୨⎯ 𝐫𝐞𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 ⎯୧

These are my fic recs :) I will put them under categories as i read more. Currently I've been consuming almost exclusively Pazzi (hehe)

𝚸𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐢 💗

Everything- and I mean everything- by @hcneymooners (like even including her non Pazzi works). While she writes in a way that is so distinctly Paige and Azzi, she takes the characters as we know them and molds them into figures that reflect our own real, brutal struggles and internal conflicts. Each one of her stories makes a point or reflects a theme that goes way beyond fan fiction. Her work is so uniquely, vividly descriptive — so deep and intimate and tangible — dark and light at the same time. She writes with a maturity earned not just from talent (which she has plenty of), but also from experience, hard work, and passion.

I began reading @bucketsorbueckers for her work No Hard Feelings. It was incredible. So then I started her ongoing second work, Wishing you the best (In the worst way)- which is just INSANE. And THEN, while waiting for her to finish WYTB, I began reading her latest work, Trouble, and let me tell you: I'm floored. I haven't been this entertained, this captivated, in a long time. She's insane. She's a flirt. She knows how to write tension right. Her IQ? Off the charts. And she's funny as fuck- like Azzi Fudd level funny. And apparently she's machine because she's been cranking out chapters like nobody's business. It's fun over on her page, a great sense of community, truly.

@azzibueckers5 's two part Pushing it Down and Praying series: i wanna know peace again (wanna sing a different song) and i want you to need me (need to want something more). Ella cross-posts on ao3, but I'll just link her masterlist here. This series is SO GOOD. She posted IWKPA first, and it literally cried, and then I screamed (really screamed) when she posted IWYTNM as a second part. She needs to write more asap.

Slow falling by restlessnights04 on ao3. WARNING though- it's incompleted... and hasn't been updated since July of last year. I'm devastated. However, I still love it so much and i feel that it's worth the read. It's just so good and I'd literally give anything for the author to complete it.

Motion Sick by @wbbfannnnnn13 is insane. Like so good. All of her works are incredible, honestly. I love a good homoerotic friendship trope. If you like angst and drama, this author is for you! I'm hooked. K is extremely talented and has me on the edge of my seat.

Anything and Everything by @luvergirl-535!!! She is the Pazzi GOAT. I especially love her one-shots not a lot, just forever and i don't see what anyone could see in anyone else (but you) Just the normalcy of it, the fluff. Ugh. Tew good.

This time it'll work fr by @loeysoi !! It's cross posted on Ao3, is hilarious and funny and smutty and delicious.

Oh and I just dropped my first one shot! Check it out if ya feel like it! Love - Keyshia Cole

[sithbelle]

I was 16. Our German class was a joke; the teacher would teach for maybe 10 minutes of the allotted hour, and we were allowed to do whatever for the remainder of the time.

Most days, my friends and I would play cards and talk about all kinds of things, very little of which involved the language we were studying.

One day, the subject of slash came up (what we called it before yaoi) for some reason. I had never heard of such a thing, and upon making said confession, my friend got the most evil grin on her face and told me I would love it, but dropped the subject.

The next day, after our ten minutes of required attention were up, a packet of paper was slammed on the desk in front of me, along with a single command:

"Read it."

So I did. It was a one shot of Harry/Draco where Harry discovered he was gay in front of the whole class. You know, a classic trope and all that. Nothing terribly spicy.

But you have to understand: I was raised in an incredibly sheltered, very Christian household. Being gay was a terrible sin of course, and the concept of fictional characters being used outside of their stories was something I literally did not think was allowed.

And I. Fucking. Loved. It.

That night, I started looking up other kinds of fan fiction (of course I started with Star Wars), and over the next couple of weeks, I learned so much about the world of slash. Eventually, I found myself hanging out on foreverfandom.net, where I stayed for years.

So I guess the answer to the poll is "paper", because I have no idea where my friend got that one shot from.

And look how much I've grown as a person because of it.

Please participate in my research (also, if you say other, please put it in the tags/comments !)

[incaseyouart]

thank all the gods in the world jayvik isn't canon

Oooooh ohohoh, what a way to jumpstart my day! I could have just ignored this and deleted it, or written something like "lol sucks to be wrong", BUT, instead, I am delighting in a lengthy response as I sip my coffee, whether you read it or not. Because y'know what, Jayvik isn't just a ship to me; these two characters represent a bond that *literally* redefines a universe. So many people look to their fictional relationship as a hopeful guide for their own real situations, and I'm not gonna let some cowardly anon dismiss it. I didn't survive the Klance trenches to just ignore this.

Also, I'm an aethiest, so I neither thank nor blame any Gods.

First of all, have you seen this show? Have you truly watched it? Or did you just consume it shallowly, only once, not taking in any of its deeper meanings? Have you absorbed the level of compassion and love these two fictional men hold for each other? If one of these two had been a woman, perhaps you wouldn't have visited my blog and left this little gift, anon. I mean, I don't want to assume, but you haven't given me much to go on.

MANY creators contributed to this beautiful fandom, launching thousands of pieces of cosplay (notably BBN0$), fanart, fanfic (it ballooned on A03 after S02). Pinktea_san on Twitter made this timeline:

Have you watched any of the BTS of the voice actors? Harry Lloyd (VA for Viktor) gives a beautifully crafted answer about whether or not Jayce and Viktor are platonic.

Oh yeah, Harry also freakin signed one of the top kudos'd Jayvik fics. Pretty big win for the author!

Here also is Jayce's VA signing a beautiful piece of fanart:

Do you know the ending is left open for interpretation, but a largely agreed-upon ending for Jayce and Viktor is that they're happily existing in companionship somewhere, in a little cottage by a stream, with their four children, baking each other cupcakes?

Christian Linke actually signed an iconic Jayvik meme~

There's actually a whole Twitter thread here: "jayvik being supported by arcane staff (and other silly details in the series) — an endless thread"

There was also a gallery event at Gallery Nucleus wherein merch was sold (screened by Fortiche and Riot), including Jayvik-themed stickers:

I think at this point, dear anon, you've either left or blocked me lol, but I will conclude this essay with this piece from Amanda Overton, a writer, co-producer and executive story-writer:

I want to highlight this line: "Oh, well maybe there is hope [for] these guys to have some future beyond what the show intended."

All this to say: the show's ending is LEFT OPEN FOR INTERPRETATION. Your comment catalyzed me to spend my limited free time compiling these lil fandom-bits (flashbacks to composing scientific papers, oh man), because I truly believe Jayvik is a powerful and beautiful ship, in one of the healthiest fandoms I've ever been in. It's canon to a lot of people, including the freakin staff of the show, and it's canon to me. I won't force the ship on anyone, and if you want to think it's not canon, freakin' go ahead I guess. It's a goddamn multiverse of options. At this point, this response is for me, and anyone else who finds beauty in Jayvik.

Jayvik Nation, never die.

[yes-no-maybe-soo]

This is legitimately insane, guys... Sylus is on the cover of China Newsweek together with all these famous characters.

From what I've read the purpose of the publication is to highlight influential people (whether real or fictional) in a variety of fields. Mind you, Sylus hasn't even been out a full year yet but his popularity is already such that not only did they put him on the cover, but they put him right in the middle.

If this isn't a testament to his power and peakness I don't know what is. It's unmatched.

My Kinglus. My Goatlus 🫶🏻💖

[paintedrecs]

ONE:

The reality is that most people in fandom won't even notice. Or if they do, they won't care as long as you're writing something they enjoy reading.

I can't even express the amount of time I've spent researching and rewatching and checking dialogue and trying to get everything as canonical and in character as possible...and then when I was done and looked at other fics in the tags, some of the popular ones were like "I didn't know how to spell this character's name so I just made something up based on what I thought I heard."

The name they made up was...incorrect. Wildly so. And clearly it didn't matter at all to all the people reading and leaving kudos! I didn't leave a comment pointing it out, either, because it was clear they weren't interested in being told if it was wrong, and therefore it was not my business.

Which is to say, if you're afraid to write or post something because of rocks...there really aren't that many of them flying around. I promise. Write whatever you want as long as it's bringing you joy. Someone else out there is gonna like it, too.

TWO:

It is true, though, that the more you write the less you care, partly just because you're churning away into so many AU ideas at that point it'd be a little boring to write the same thing over and over and over?

With Sterek, I obviously had certain things that were important to me to keep as accurate to the characters as possible, but there was also an element of like...look, if Derek Hale didn't lose his entire family in a fire when he was young, due to events he considered his own fault...then he is going to act a bit differently from how he did in the show. Or if it's a human AU, he's not going to stalk around sniffing things and acting like a werewolf.

Also the show was stupid, after the first 3 seasons, so it genuinely hardly matters.

Writers can do whatever they want, it's fiction and there are a million fics that shouldn't all sound alike anyway. That's what made that fandom so good and so popular and so long-lasting.

first time writing fanfiction of a character : uughh i hope this is all canon accurate... it cant be canon innacurate at all or the enitire fandom will throw rocks at me...

10057th time writing the character: heres them working at a mcdonalds

[the-secretary-of-baker-street]

How Dr Watson fooled a nation: And why we continue to hide his secret

Everyone has heard of Mr Sherlock Holmes: within the same breath, we are usually moved to mention his companion, and the man who we have to thank for narrating the famous detective's life, Dr John Watson. One only has to mention a terrifying hound, perhaps relate to a watery death by the Reichenbach falls, or even (for more dedicated readers) discuss retirement in Sussex, for the name ‘Holmes’ to come to mind. Who out of us has not responded to a blasé statement with the phrase ‘No shit, Sherlock’? Who out of us does not link the deerstalker and pipe to the familiar detective? Who out of us hasn’t watched a single adaptation, in which the malicious Moriarty or mysterious Mycroft are referenced? It is highly improbable one has never heard of this detective duo, even if one hasn’t ever been moved to read any of the sixty stories produced over a forty year time frame. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson are icons, arguably cemented into the fabric of the nation.

But how much of it is true?

Obviously, it is fair to state that no, none of the fictionalised work penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century is real, aside from occasional real-life inspiration (such as Sherlock Holmes being influenced by Sir Doyle’s deductive teacher, Dr Joseph Bell, or John Watson feasibly being a stand-in for the author himself). Although, it is worth mentioning that in a 2008 study, 58% of British teenagers believed Mr Holmes to be a real detective (whereas 23% thought Winston Churchill was a fictional character), so it is worthwhile to first and foremost clear up this grey area. 

However, for many Sherlock Holmes fans (often called ‘Holmesians’ or ‘Sherlockians’) we take our reading a few steps further. Perhaps Dr Watson was fictional, but are his narratives also fictional within his reality? We, as readers, are only able to read what he writes (apart from the select few cases in which Holmes has his say, or the elusive tales where the narrator is unknown… more on this later), so how do we know if he is telling the truth? 

Personally, I have a hard time believing anything Watson tells us, as he is proven to alter the truth to fit his own preferences on multiple surface level cases. Famously, he creates quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding his wife, introducing her as Mary Morstan, the orphan in need of rescuing, then including her visit to her mother’s in The Five Orange Pips- and this is only the beginning of his falsehoods. Watson shapes the narrative to suit his needs, contradicting himself through many ‘mistakes’, which could be attributed to his (or, more believably, Sir Doyle’s) forgetfulness. After all, many people have minced up the dates of events in their life, or forgotten the name of their landlady, or been called the wrong name by their wife…supposedly. Can we not forgive Watson/Doyle for mild absent-mindedness?

Admittedly, this is the easiest and more likely option. Over the forty years, Sir Doyle’s attentiveness for chronology understandably dwindled, given that his dedication to the detective eventually waned. Sir Doyle wanted to explore different aspects of life and his career outside of serial ‘penny-dreadfuls’ which required new and updated twists and turns every week, and can we blame him? But, I ask you, dear reader, to suspend your disbelief momentarily (committing to death of the author), and imagine a reality in which Sherlock Holmes and John Watson actually lived and worked in 221B Baker Street, solving crimes and going on adventures in and around London, whilst the detective’s ‘Boswell’ dutifully wrote-up and published their time together on The Strand. 

Now, I reiterate my initial question, how much of it is true?

In whichever adaptation you have watched (as I highly doubt you have never glimpsed any), whether it be an exciting action movie version; a modern-day update which rose to fame as quickly as it… disappointed; a more faithful television series that pulls direct dialogue from the canon; a movie series clearly laced with war propaganda but still beloved; or any adaptation produced over the past century, one element is essential to any retelling of these well-known stories- the topic of Holmes’ and Watson’s relationship. To joke about two close men living in close quarters with each other potentially being gay is a tale as old as time (although this joke can have serious real-life implications) but to believe it? To say that, yes, Holmes and Watson were in a loving, homosexual relationship with each other and were incredibly happy together- this is not taken seriously. It is attributed to the recent surge of ‘over-homoerotisicing’ male friendships and not allowing men to just be friends; or, dismissed as usual ‘fangirl shipping’ without any real understanding as to why many believe this to be a fact. (I should point out, the phrases I have written between apostrophes should be read with both sarcasm and tiredness, as I do not believe it is fair to state either of those occurrences as lesser than, or something to mock). 

When I first approached the canon at the ripe age of eleven years-old, I came from a background of murder mysteries suitable (sometimes unsuitable) for young eyes, all under the shadow of Sherlock Holmes, and was beginning to watch a certain infamous television series which probed at ‘gay’ jokes like a bear sticking its paw inside of a bee’s nest and surprised when it is stung. Of course, I was learning about this new and interesting ‘fandom’, where people viewed pages and scenes under a microscopic lens, searching for intertextual clues or meta thematic elements that might just hint that the two main male leads, known for their intimate association, might, maybe, potentially be more than friends. I took it all with a grain of salt. I knew what ‘gay’ meant, and knew I was likely gay myself (I told myself that was a ‘problem’ for later), but I had hardly ever seen it respectfully depicted in the media. Sure, the odd mention of a gay man was possible, but for it to be treated the same way as a heterosexual couple might? Doubtful- I wasn’t holding my breath. 

I read the Holmes books with a sense of glee, like I was being accepted into some sort of ‘community’- one of iconic detectives and the ability to off-handedly reference exactly how Holmes deduced Watson’s brother was a drunk (scratches around his pocket-watch keyhole, a mistake a sober man would never make) and to say ‘elementary, my dear Watson’ whilst wearing a deerstalker and smoking a pipe… all in my young imagination, of course. 

I was obsessed. From the start- Watson’s direness to find a suitable flatmate, indicating a life of misfortune, followed by a miserable descent into adulthood, only to find Holmes, a light in his darkness. Their adventures full of action and twists and turns and fear, at times, all parenthesised by breakfast at Baker Street and supper at Claridge’s, or a visit to the music hall. All of it felt comfortable, familiar- baring Watson’s unreliability to tell the whole truth, which, at the time, could be ignored. 

As I’ve grown up, I’ve revisited these stories multiple times, ‘silly’ detective stories which might not have the same depth and subtext as Dostoyevsky or Dickens. 

Slowly, I lost faith in that belief.

Led on by like-minded people who also agreed that Holmes and Watson (in whichever universe they existed) were more than friends, I began to invest in the evidence, which I hadn’t realised had been glaringly staring me in the face all along. Whereas before, I told myself that Holmes and Watson were never intended to be together, it was impossible and merely a light-hearted misreading of the text, I started to join the dots. How I solidified my belief?

1895.

‘Here dwell together still two men of note’, so begins Vincent Starrett’s poem, titled ‘221B’, where he claims ‘it is always eighteen ninety-five’, often cited as Holmes’ most successful and ambitious year of solving crime. Watson tells us specifically which cases happened in this notable year, without any need to search for intertextual clues that the cases of The Solitary Cyclist, Black Peter, The Bruce-Partington Plans and The Three Students all occurred in 1895. Surprisingly, we are given specifics: respectively, we are told these cases happened on the 23rd of April, July and November, although he wasn’t as precise with The Three Students. In fact, in this case, Holmes and Watson have left London, for reasons he doesn’t care to indulge.

What else occured in 1895 which has so convinced me Watson was cleverly concealing the true nature of his and Holmes’ relationship? The shocking Wilde trials. 

The celebrated author and playwright who bolstered the aestheticism movement, or ‘art for art’s sake’, was found guilty of gross indecency and imprisoned for two years- this led to many homosexual couples evacuating London, for no given reason. Why on Earth would Watson specify a year (which, as many readers know, dates are not spared lightly in a Watsonian narrative) only to refuse to provide information as to why he and his close, intimate associate decided to leave London? Why specifically 1895, a year apparently not short of mystery and intrigue for the detective duo? Why else but to hint to knowing readers of the Victorian/Edwardian period that there was something more to the stories he told? And this, dear reader, is why I (finally) state my case: Holmes and Watson were a homosexual couple in a time when their mere existence was vilified and criminalised, so to protect themselves, Watson began to publicize their life under carefully constructed narratives- one big lie wrapped in truths so it is deemed believable. The cases might be real at times, as Sherlock Holmes was still a detective and Watson a doctor, but could be reflective of other events in their life, or Watson’s own imaginings to fill up a gap where they were, for example, out of London for reasons Watson ‘need not enter’. Those inconsistencies and mistakes? The elusive wife who might be an orphan or might be at her mother’s or who might have passed? The shifting chronology which is near impossible to pin down if we believe everything Watson tells us? Breadcrumbs.

Watson is lying to us, and he hopes that one day ‘the true story may be told’. 

Therefore, I have attempted to construct my own order of the published cases, both when the events occurred and when Watson wrote them up (somewhat like William Baring-Gould, but with a very different mindset) to establish where he has told us the truth, or where he truly takes on the title of ‘unreliable narrator’ to hide his and Holmes’ romantic relationship. In doing so, I’ve wilfully ignored much we have been told directly, often creating my own lines to read between, but trying to gauge the mindset of the biographer turned doctor to understand the reality of this piece of fiction and faithfully reproduce an order of events. I will add, Watson is a complicated man, too humble to admit that in his own narrative of course, and should these stories all been written by Holmes (unlikely), I might have found it easier since I understand his mindset better. Whilst connecting these cases, I felt like Holmes on a case, but grasping the human nature, the human errors behind them? I needed a Watson.

Reader, I admit, I have taken liberties. But all, I believe, are justified. Again, I ask you to suspend your disbelief as we return to the very beginning: the Criterion Bar, 1881. 

[queen-of-hawkins-why-ler]

I stg people would have an easier time accepting Byler and queer Mike if they didn’t have such a narrow-minded, stereotypical view of how gay people look and act. When they say, “Mike isn’t gay” like that should be obvious, what they really mean is, “Mike CAN’T be gay—he’s too masculine and not flamboyant enough.”

They can’t accept that your average Joe could be queer. Queer men have to look and act hyper-feminine, ESPECIALLY in fiction, otherwise, how are we supposed to know which characters are gay?? They applied the same logic to Will, even, before his sexuality was confirmed. Will is a young boy who acts like a young boy and has young boy interests, so he can’t possibly be gay. He’s too “normal.” That’s why, even now, they have such a difficult time accepting that Will is canonically queer.

But Mike??? No way he could be gay, he’s literally the “knight-in-shining-armor,” traditionally masculine hero character who is supposed to be the anchor of the group. The “main” one of the kids, and the main female character’s love interest. Forget it, he could never be gay. He looks masculine, talks masculine, wears masculine clothes, etc. he CAN’T be gay.

These people still think it’s 2007 and that every queer man on television must wear makeup and be sassy and care about fashion lmao. They literally can’t reconcile with the idea that, no, actually, gay people are just people who happen to be gay, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and personality types. Mike is way too “normal” and your standard, run-of-the-mill hero character to be queer.

Anyways, they are in for a rude awakening come s5 lol.

[ilkkawhat]

[crazy-1201]

PREACH!

I fully endorse this. I have no intention of pretending Canon is come kind of bible when it’s also written by people who are flawed and can make crazy choices. Just because they thought of a concept doesn’t mean they can execute it well or understand the emotional/moral themes that can tie in.

Any fictional work can be interpreted differently by audiences, or portrayed differently by someone else. Sometimes there are people who have lived through something a character is going through that the author may not have, and would understand the subject better.

It’s not just ‘well this is how it is.’ It’s “that’s how it is from ‘THAT’ persons perspective, but ‘I, think logically they should be have this way-“

And I get it, sometimes there’s a character or series that’s pretty solid and you don’t want to mess with it, that’s fine. Superman is who he is because of his qualities- but even characters like Superman have had different writers and inconsistent portrayals. So I approach things from a comic point of view.

Which is along the lines of what Stan Lee said regarding people trying to power scale- which is whoever wins in a fight is pointless because whoever he wants to win, wins. They’re just throwing out comics and canon is all over the place depending on what you’re picking and choosing half the time. You do what you want with it.

Fiction is all about justification. If you can write your way around something it doesn’t matter worth a damn what someone else thinks would happen. And that includes the author. Yes, we know the original source material may be a particular way, no one’s gonna debate a series of events happened (~usually,) but that doesn’t mean the reasons,or methods, or emotions behind them, or the reality of the audience, or even the rationality of the writer aren’t questionable. And if I want to imagine a world where a character does something differently or something else happened to skew their path, then I’m going to do it.

I have seen a massive chunk of fanon works and thoughts that are just outright better than the source material, and honestly we should celebrate that fact and allow people to enjoy it to the fullest potential. Because we aren’t limited by budget, or time constraints, and we have a lot of resources to study and a lot of people to collaborate with to come up with ideas, and we are trying to make the series new and enjoyable in a way we and others might like or want to explore. And that’s a good thing.

The second you publish something it’s not yours anymore, it’s an idea anyone can interpret.

[thedragonlair77]

Deltarune Chapter 3 broke me.

This is more of a personal ramble that I can’t keep it contained anymore. It does contain spoiler for Chapter 3 if you haven’t finished it yet so be warned!!

Okay so.. at the final scene before you battle Tenna, he explains his reasons why he forces the fun gang to continue playing his games and how he doesn’t want the show to end. We get a flashback to Kris and his family and friends all surrounding the TV in Kris’ house, having fun together. But overtime, people started to leave, no one was watching TV that frequently anymore, which of course it upsets Tenna.

It was obvious Tenna loved to be watched, it was his purpose pretty much, as a TV itself. I mean, way before the final battle, he drops hints on how much he knows about Kris and his family and friends, for example, mentioning how Kris’ favorite food was his mother’s pie, Toriel watching the cooking programs, Kris and Asriel playing console games and even Asriel’s favorite fighting character.

Even dropping a subtle hint that he has seen the divorce that Kris went through…

That being said, it’s clear Tenna doesn’t want to become irrelevant. He KNOWS time is progressing and new technology is happening, he KNOWS he’s considered “junk” and “old-fashioned” but still tries his best to continue being fun and show that he’s still a cool TV, not worth throwing away. Makes sense why he kept Toriel safe in a plastic prize ball and made sure she’s still asleep so she wouldn’t make the decision to throw him away.

That being said, I could go on even further but my point has been made clear. Now for the personal memory part:

After beating Tenna, he then said “I don’t want to be thrown away.” I don’t know why, but that line really got me.

It reminded me of when I was a kid, and I had my own CRT TV. It was big and perfectly sized to fit in the corner of my room and I watched all my movies on it. It was the best. Now imagine how I felt when one day, it stopped working… my parents made the decision to throw it into a junkyard. I was devastated and begged them not to. But as a kid, I had no say in this.

We all drove to the junkyard. I was the only sad person in the car. It didn’t feel like I was throwing trash away, it felt like I was going to a funeral… I didn’t want to see my TV getting thrown out so I think I stayed behind, but I did hear the sound of a big TV making a loud thud sound against other broken appliances. And it echoed…

I cried on the way home, and my family tried to comfort me saying they’ll buy me a new TV soon. But I was still sad… it’s like saying goodbye to a friend you were so close with.

For years, I forgot about that TV and moved on with a flatscreen now. Still sitting in my room.

But then Tenna came along…

And reminded me of my old friend……

And now imagine my shock when I saw Tenna die in front of me… that was the moment the game broke me.

Not a joke, I cried and cried so much over a fictional TV character. Sounds insane, I know. Call me crazy.

Of course, thankfully he’s safe and sound in my Castle Town but… now I’ll never get over my old TV.

My first TV……

I now have thought of getting a CRT TV once I move out into my own place with my partner. It’ll be my Tenna.

I have the extreme urge to hold and hug and caress Tenna, keep him safe, and clean, and protected so he’ll last forever…

I love him. Goddamn it, I love him. 💙

[godricgryffinsnore]

If you’re taking requests can I have a Harry Potter x reader with a pregnancy scare during hogwarts pls? And reader proper freaking out cause they’re so young and not ready so Harry is soft and calming and soothing and turns out not preggo but they both think one day

The Bump That Wasn’t ♡ : A Harry Potter Fan Fiction.

pairing : Harry Potter x fem!reader

summary : When an unexpected situation sends tension rippling through Hogwarts and later the Burrow, Harry and the reader navigate the chaos with love, patience, and a dash of humor. With their friends awkwardly supportive and family more involved than expected, the couple learns that even the scariest moments can lead to the sweetest promises.

warnings : Mild suggestive content, Pregnancy scare (may be triggering for some), Light panic/anxiety themes, Flustered characters and secondhand embarrassment, Over-involved family members (humorous), Lots of emotional fluff and teasing. Please let me know if I missed any.

author's note : English is not my first language, so please forgive me for any grammatical errors or spelling errors. Re-blogging is completely fine with me, but please don't copy my work. I love you all. Enjoy <3.

della's note : Thank you so so so much for requesting, babe!!!

word count : 1.1k

main master list

banners : @ithemes and @cafekitsune

Setting: Seventh Year, Gryffindor Tower, post-battle era but Hogwarts is rebuilt.

You sat perched on the edge of the Gryffindor girls’ dormitory bathtub, clutching a potion bottle like it was a bomb.

“I’ve ruined my life,” you whispered.

“No, love, you haven’t.” Harry crouched beside you, his green eyes soft but mildly terrified.

“Oh yeah?” you hissed, “You say that now, but wait till McGonagall finds out I might be growing a baby in her castle!”

Harry held up both hands like you were a frightened unicorn. “Okay. Okay. Deep breaths. We don’t know anything yet. Maybe you’re just late—stress, hormones, you know, school, war trauma—remember? We died last year, literally.”

“I didn’t die, Harry.”

“Well, I did, so I win. Now please, sweetheart, drink the potion.”

You stared at the bottle. “What if it turns blue?”

He gently tucked your hair behind your ear. “Then we handle it. Together. Like we always do. I love you.”

“Don’t say sweet things to me right now, I might cry and vomit.”

“Valid.”

── .✦

Two Hours Earlier:

Ron dropped his toast as you sprinted out of the Great Hall, face pale as Nearly Headless Nick’s knees.

“I… I think she’s going to hurl,” he said, alarmed. “Did someone feed her a Fanged Frisbee?”

Harry went after you. Hermione leaned in. “She’s late, Ronald.”

Ron blinked. “Late for what? Oh. OH.”

“Don’t look like you’re about to pass out—you’re not the maybe-father!”

── .✦

Back in the dorm bathroom, you finally drank the damn potion with your eyes squeezed shut.

“…It’s pink,” you breathed, peeking one eye open.

“Pink! That’s good, right?” Harry said, practically hugging the toilet in relief.

“Yes, pink means not pregnant,” you sighed, falling against the wall, limbs limp with dramatic despair. “Thank Merlin.”

He sat beside you, hands laced with yours. “Well. That was… terrifying.”

“Do you think this is karma for all that snogging in the Room of Requirement?”

“No, that was good karma.”

“…Harry.”

“Okay, okay,” he chuckled. “Look, we weren’t ready. You were right to freak out. But I meant it—I’d have done it with you. All of it. Nappies. Sleepless nights. The whole Weasley-nursery package.”

You turned your head toward him. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious.” He leaned in and kissed your forehead, then mumbled against your skin, “One day, yeah? I’d like that. With you.”

You sighed, melting into his side. “You’re too sweet. I should marry you before someone else tries.”

“You better,” he said smugly.

── .✦

Later That Night:

The four of you were curled up in the common room. Ron was feeding you sweets like you’d run a marathon. Hermione was watching you like she was ready to knit baby clothes just in case.

“I googled—I mean, researched—baby potion side effects,” Hermione said.

“Yeah?” you asked warily.

“Turns out if you are pregnant, you sometimes taste chocolate like cabbage. You gagged earlier when Ron handed you that cauldron cake.”

“She always gags when I hand her food,” Ron said, wounded.

“You once offered me a Liquorice Wand dipped in ketchup.”

“That was an experiment.”

Harry kissed your cheek and whispered, “Still negative.”

You smiled tiredly, hands curled in his jumper. “Yeah. But someday, yeah?”

“Someday,” he whispered.

Ron, from the couch: “Oi, not too soon though! I’d like to graduate without becoming Uncle Ron the Diaper Master.”

Hermione smacked him.

Harry chuckled, pulling you close.

You whispered, “I think we’d make cute kids.”

“Obviously. You’re the hottest witch in the castle.”

“You’re so full of it.”

“I’m full of love. And panic. But mostly love.”

── .✦

Setting: A week later at The Burrow. Post-Hogwarts. You and Harry are visiting the Weasleys.

The scent of cinnamon and warm bread filled The Burrow as you sat politely at the table, sipping tea and pretending not to see the suspiciously tiny knitted jumper folded neatly beside the biscuits.

You nudged Harry with your foot under the table. He looked at you, then followed your eye line—and promptly choked on his tea.

Ron looked up from buttering his scone. “You alright, mate?”

Harry, wheezing: “M’fine. Died once. This is worse.”

“I knew something was off,” Hermione muttered. “Molly’s been humming lullabies and bought baby booties in Diagon Alley yesterday.”

You leaned forward, voice as casual as you could fake it: “Mrs. Weasley, what’s the jumper for?”

“Oh, this?” Molly beamed, patting the tiny blue thing with golden snitch embroidery. “Well, I heard—and I do apologize if I’m being forward, dear—but I heard you two might be expecting?”

You made a noise that was somewhere between a cough and a mouse being hexed.

Harry’s eyes were wide, hands frozen around his mug like it was a lifeline. “Who told you that?!”

Ron raised his hand slowly like a guilty schoolboy. “I may have mentioned you two were acting weird last week.”

Hermione groaned into her hands. “Ronald, you don’t mention things like that unless there’s an actual baby.”

“I didn’t say there was one! I just said they looked like they were either about to faint or propose!”

You turned to Molly, cheeks burning. “Mrs. Weasley, I swear we’re not pregnant.”

Molly’s smile didn’t fade. “Not yet, dear.”

Harry made another dying noise.

Ginny appeared from the living room with Fred and George’s enchanted baby toy (which farted glitter) and whispered, “You lot know Mum already picked out a nursery theme, right?”

“Murder me,” you muttered, sliding slowly down your chair.

── .✦

Later That Night:

You and Harry lay in the cramped attic room, limbs tangled and faces still crimson from the Dinner of Doom.

“She knitted a jumper, Harry.”

“She said she’d keep it ‘just in case.’”

“Just in case?!” you sat up, exasperated. “Are we cows now? ‘Just in case this one births something in spring, best knit early!’”

Harry tried to stifle a laugh, but you glared. He immediately sobered. “No, no, you’re right. Terrifying. Very traumatic. Please don’t hex me, little one.”

You flopped back down beside him. “…Do you think she’s disappointed?”

He rolled onto his side to face you, tracing your knuckles with his fingers. “Maybe. But she’ll be overjoyed when we are.”

You gave him a side-eye. “You sound very sure of yourself.”

“I mean, I’ve seen your baby pictures. Can you imagine a little version of you with my glasses? Or your eyes and my messy hair?”

“…I’m not crying. Shut up.”

Harry leaned in, kissed your tear-damp cheek. “Someday.”

“Someday,” you whispered, curling into his chest. “But first, please stop letting Ron talk.”

“Deal.”

── .✦

Meanwhile downstairs:

Molly placed the jumper back in the drawer with a soft smile.

Arthur peeked in. “No baby?”

“Not yet,” she said.

Arthur kissed her temple. “Should we tell the twins to stop making that baby toy that sings 'It’s a Boy!' every time someone sneezes?”

Molly grinned. “Let them keep it. I have a feeling we’ll need it soon enough."

[punch-love]

Can we have a part 2 of your fic recs? u have the best taste🙏

Well, since you asked so nicely.

Playing with fire - HolisticMistake

This is a new all-time for me. Everything this author writes is genuinely brilliant but this one in particular is my dream cocktail of erotic violence + adrenaline junkie Peter + flirting through fighting work. I don't think there was a single thing about this work I didn't like. I feel like this is the most "if you liked love-punch...you'll like this" rec on this list.

Good deeds - HolisticMistake

Deadpool saves Aunt May from a deadly accident creating the opposite of a meet-cute with her standoffish, openly hostile nephew. This turns a lot of tropes on it's head in ways that I love while still being so fun and lighthearted. This author really has no misses!

a common thread by niðavellir (KingPreussen)

Wade and is trying to get with an autistic coded, non-verbal asexual Spider-Man and uses sex as a trap for temporary positive attention. This one hurt my feelings. I always talk about loving an asshole Wade but this Wade in particular just feels like a knife digging into a wound. a really good asexual/asexual work which is not something I run into a lot in this fandom.

New Tricks by @farmhandler

The best "Wade as a dog" work in the fandom, hands down. I have read them all. (I love that guy being leashed.) It's hot, emotionally interesting, lighthearted while still having stakes. Wade never stops feeling dangerous when he's being submissive and Peter's reasons for enjoying being his "owner" feel very grounded and human. Just an excellent work all-around!

Feeling Yourself by redasinradishes

Peter loses his powers and gets (temporarily) kidnapped by Deadpool. Also gets a job at Target. This is a one-of-a-kind, objectively perfect work that also has a objectively perfectly written trans Peter. It got me out of a reading slump and there's a scene in here that my friend cockroachwars illustrated that I truly will never forget.

yours to skin - Uppity_Cough

Anyone who knows me or my reading preferences knows that I have a hard limit on stripper AUs. This is the only work that has ever been an exception to that rule! It's very grounded, Wade feels dangerous and haunted and Peter feels so human in a way that hurts. There's a lot of glitter. It's an absolute tragedy. You should check it out.

the clean burn by three-fingered (@calciseptine)

Peter meets Wade at a bar. They have an incredibly erotic pool-game about it. This one is just hot. It's so hot. There's eroticism dripping off of every interaction between these two. So well written. It's a no-powers, modern-day AU but it still feels so them.

descend down on silken thread by @thistleraven

A Hades!AU where Peter is sent to the underworld every night to fight for the soul of his uncle. Wade is a guardian tasked with keeping Peter from ever making it through the night. It's very hot and compelling. I would love to read more about these specific versions of them.

morning in the burning house by antivenom

I feel like this ends up on everyone's rec list but that's because it's very good and I consider it required reading. An immensely complex and human character-study on Wade. Just a great piece of fiction. You should check it out if you want to feel a little changed by something.

a mutually beneficial agreement by DottieBlue

Peter thinks he's having an anonymous hook-up. Wade thinks they're doing some sort of funky roleplay bit. It's fun, it's great, etc. It's also everything I mean when I say that I can only see them as interchangeable switches.