#and part of me is thinking about changing

[brightblueflare]

No, you're right and you should say it.

Sometimes I feel like the only person who thinks daylight warriors are one of THE smartest ideas Skyclan has ever had, it’s honestly ingenious! Warriors you can count on to ALWAYS be well fed without even touching the fresh kill pile in the harshest of leafbares? Warriors who get the much more effective twoleg treatment like shots? Like Millie having shots was a HUGE deal in one of the books because it protected her from greencough! Could you imagine an entire battalion of warriors and even a medicine cat apprentice that no matter the disease can support the rest of the clan and protect the borders with no fear? That’s huge! That’s useful!

Some people/cats complain that it means they are at half strength at night, but I think that’s very glass half empty of them, I say if you account for the clan without the daylight warriors first then you’re DOUBLE AS STRONG during the day! Plus by completely getting rid of it you run the fact that a lot of daylight warriors may not stay! Any cat that leaves permanently because you got rid of daylight warriors is one less hunter, one less fighter, and I can’t imagine a majority of them would stay! Most of them clearly love their twolegs with how they keep collars and names, all that would happen by stopping it would be you lose a good chunk of your clan at once and make it harder for other cats to join!

If there are issues then similar to the medicine cat have some specific daylight warrior rules! Like have it in the code that daylight warriors eat last as they know they will always be fed and thus must make sure the entire clan is fed before they can eat the fresh kill the clan needs or something! A daylight warrior must help the apprentices with tasks if more help is needed due to the fact that know they have less responsibilities! Make them responsible for keeping up with twoleg place news and have to help collect herbs from it! While it may have needed some refinement because it was so new the base concept is sound and makes for a safer clan and more interesting stories!

[sweetshuga]

𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 ✧ 𝑪.𝑺 [+𝟏𝟖]

ⓘ 𝑺𝑴𝑼𝑻! ⋆ cursing ⋆ bsf!chris ⋆ pet names ⋆ Chris gets hard and tries (but fails) to hide it ⋆ backshots ⋆ degradation kink ⋆ dirty talk ⋆ spanking ⋆ (slight) manhandling ⋆ rough sex ⋆ creampie + more.

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒐����𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕... Your boyfriend broke up with you before you could show him the new lingerie you bought so Chris, your best friend, agreed to let you model for him.

You had just finished unpacking all the things you had bought from the intimate apparel shop you frequented. You were ecstatic to model the sexy pieces for your boyfriend of 2 months.

A smile plastered on your face when you saw your phone light up with a few notifications from your boyfriend, Jesse. You quickly took your phone from the nightstand and opened your messages to check what he had sent.

Your smile faltered almost immediately when you saw the messages. You could not believe your eyes.

"Hey, uh, I know we were supposed to meet up later today, but I don’t think this is working out. Let’s break up."

Did this guy just break up with you? Over text?

You groaned in annoyance as you threw your phone on your bed after replying with a simple "Okay". You plopped down beside your phone, face down and sprawled out. "And I had just bought new lingerie too… Asshole." You muttered into the bed, but before you could sulk any more, you suddenly sat upright, having remembered something.

"I can just model it for Chris, he’ll be fine with it… right?" You asked yourself, a hint of uncertainty creeping into your mind.

You weren’t sure if Chris would be up for it. It was something rather intimate, after all. "Only one way to find out." You mumbled to yourself as you took your phone from the bed beside you and clicked on Chris’ contact and pressed call, putting your phone up to your ear with bated breath as you waited for him to pick up.

On the third ring, a raspy voice picked up the call. "Hey, what’s up?" Chris mumbled, yawning afterwards — making it clear that he was woken up by your call. "Sorry if I woke you up, but um… Can I come over?" "Come over? Now? Why?" You looked at the digital clock on your nightstand beside your bed, seeing that it was in fact a bit late.

"It’s only 8 pm? Anyway, about the ‘why’ question... Jesse just broke up with me over text and I was gonna model some lingerie for him, but because of us breaking up I don’t have anyone to model it for-" "Fine, just shut up and come over." Chris interrupted you mid-sentence, not wanting to hear you ramble on about yet another breakup after just waking up.

You felt a sense of relief, hiding it with a scoff. "Changed your mind quickly huh? Whatever, I’ll be there in 10, don’t go back to sleep dumbass." You ended the call after hearing him chuckle and mumble a playful "yes ma’am."

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

You arrived at the triplets place, watching as Chris laid lazily on the couch, covered in a fluffy blanket. "At least you’re awake, but uh, where are Nick and Matt?" You asked, setting your bag – full of lingerie – down on the couch beside his head, making him look up at you.

"They’re out." Chris stated, ignoring your sarcastic comment. "Well, go on — model for me." He crossed his arms, still laying on the couch.

You rolled your eyes, mumbling about him being demanding as you rummaged through the bag and took out a light pink set — lacy, sheer lingerie. Chris’ eyes widened by a fraction as he took in the sheer fabric in your hands before you sauntered into the bathroom to change.

A few minutes went by and you emerged from the bathroom with the lingerie set on, your arms and hands covering the sheer parts. Chris had sat up while you were in the bathroom, his breath hitching softly when he took in your lingerie-clad body.

"Well, um, here’s this." You mumbled, suddenly feeling shy about how little the bra and underwear covered. "Um, that’s-that’s something." Chris stammered, silently trying to will his dick to behave as he adjusted his position, his eyes shamelessly tracing over your curves before snapping back up to your face.

"I’ll try the next one on." You quickly grabbed another pair and scurried off to the bathroom, but not before Chris caught a glimpse of your nipples through the sheer bra as you took your hands away from your chest to grab the next lingerie.

Damn, you were trying to kill him, weren’t you?

𓆩♡𓆪

You came out of the bathroom with a navy set on, modest and cute but also adorned with lace on the edges — adding a hint of allure. "Wow, this one’s really cute." Chris breathed out, trying to keep his voice steady and eyes on your face.

You hadn’t noticed it yet, but he was getting a full on hard-on just from you modelling the lingeries. His chest heaved slightly due to his breathing getting more and more ragged.

"Yeah? Right? I like this one the most." You grinned, feeling less shy as you took the next pair, a longer peach colored sheer top with matching sheer thong.

Damnit.

Chris was helpless as he watched you go back into the bathroom with the see through fabrics in hand, knowing he was probably going to get blue balls at this rate from the sexy shit you were modeling for him. He cursed under his breath and adjusted himself before you finished changing, making sure that the blanket covered his lower half well.

You came back into the living room with the set on, the flowy fabric of the top only making your body look mouth-watering, and the thong left little to the imagination.

Chris nearly groaned out loud at the sight, his dick twitching in his sweats before he quickly tried to remind himself that you were his best friend. Well, safe to say that his dick had other ideas — clearly.

"What do you think? I really like this one, it’s comfortable." You absentmindedly rubbed the soft fabric of the sheer top between your thumb and index finger, looking down at it.

"Yeah… it looks good — really good..." He mumbled, almost like he was in a trance as his eyes slowly raked over your body in an appraising way that you seemed to – surprisingly and naïvely – not have noticed yet.

𓆩♡𓆪

You were now standing a few feet away from Chris with the last pieces on, which was a three set lingerie. Red lace bra and underwear with a matching sheer robe that fell down just around mid-thigh.

Chris was sooo close to losing it.

He shifted in his seat and that’s when you finally noticed the tent on the blanket around his crotch area — you knew immediately what it was. A gasp fell from your lips, catching Chris off guard and making him look at you with a shameful look, probably having noticed from your expression and reaction that you’ve seen his boner.

"Are you…" You trailed off, not sure if you should say the word or not. Your eyes darted down to the bulge again before snapping back up to his face, watching as he slowly nodded his head. "I know-I know what you’re thinking and I know I’m not supposed to be reacting this way given our friendship… but I just can’t help it when you’re standing in front of me practically naked."

"So you’re blaming it all on me?" You huffed jokingly to see his reaction. Chris immediately shut himself up, his eyes widening as he realised how his words could be misinterpreted. "N-no, of course not!" He quickly denied, slowly standing up and towering over you.

"That’s not what I meant, c’mon… are you serious?" Chris groaned in annoyance, although his expression bordered on pleading. You burst out laughing, obviously amused at your own little stunt. "I’m just fucking with you, but seriously though, you’re hard just from me modeling those?" You questioned between giggles, gesturing vaguely at the pile of lingerie on the couch.

Chris sighed, his embarrassment eating him alive. "Fuck you." He mumbled, glaring down at your giggly figure, watching as your chest rose and fell, shaking slightly with your giggles. He swallowed thickly, feeling his dick throb with need.

He needed you so damn badly.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Your hands scrambled for purchase on the bed as Chris’ hips slammed against your ass with loud slaps, making your body jerk forward with each thrust.

Lewd, wet squelches could be heard from his cock ramming into your – absolutely wet – cunt over and over again.

"Haahh…" Chris breathed out, grunting as he fucked you into oblivion. "Can’t fuckin’ believe I hadn’t done this sooner, y’feel sooo good." He chuckled breathlessly, his hand coming down hard on your reddened ass before sinking his fingers in the supple flesh.

Your gummy walls squeezed his shaft when he slammed into your sweet spot and a loud moan of his name was muffled by him pushing your face into his pillow. "Here?" He slammed into that spot again, but with more precision this time, causing your body to jolt due to the sudden pleasure.

"Feels good huh?" He taunted, knowing you were too pleasure-drunk to think clearly. A smirk creeped onto his face as he kept your head firmly on the bed, arching your back sharply as he kept pounding into your sweet spot.

You were seeing stars.

"Fucking slut, and to think you said shit about me being like your older brother, ha!" He huffed out an amused laugh. "Best friends my ass, you can’t even stay coherent while being fucked by your best friend huh?" He mocked, his pace not faltering one bit.

His dirty words along with the taunts only made your mind blank with pleasure, your orgasm approaching terrifyingly quickly.

A few more brutal thrusts and you were cumming hard.

You cried out in pleasure and your inner walls milked his cock, fluttering rhythmically as your pussy tried to greedily pull him in deeper.

Your orgasm triggered his own.

The feeling of your pussy contracting around his length was too much for him and he came with a loud groan, burying his face in your hair as he bottomed out in you — his warm seed filling you deep inside. His hips jerked against your ass with each spurt of cum.

"Fuuuck, I might get addicted." Chris murmured into your hair.

˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆.ᐟ | 𝒘𝒄 – 𝟏.𝟔 𝒌 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖

𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 @nickgurl4life (sorry for taking so long TT)

[vrystalius]

I know i just requested with weird nicknames for squid game characters.

But I want to see their reaction to your wallpaper being them or being another person. Literally obsessed with what you write its so cute. Take my heart ❤️

Squid Game men’s reaction for putting them as your phone’s wallpaper.

They randomly check your phone one day and find a picture of themselves staring back. How will they react? What kind of wallpaper do they have?

Pairing: Recruiter, Thanos, Nam-gyu x gn!reader

Summary: You putting them as your phone wallpaper, them putting you as their phone wallpaper

Genre: Fluff, maybe a little angst in Nam-gyu’s part (mention of drug use)

Words: 800 per character

Note: I wrote this during my medicine and head concussion induced haze, forgive me for any inconsistencies or mistakes 😭🙏 Also, the middle pictures are a suggestion as what said wallpaper could be.

Gong Yoo // The Recruiter // Salesman

— Choosing you as your wallpaper. —

Mostly surprise and confusion spread swirled in his mind the first time he stared back at himself in the form of your phone wallpaper. He never thought you’d screenshot this picture let alone use it as your wallpaper because c’mon— let’s be honest, you could’ve chosen any other picture of him and yet you decided on this.

It’s weird. Gong Yoo feels a little watched as he tries to find the food delivery app on your phone while having his own eyes stare back at him.

Although he had grown more and more fond of it every time he opened your phone anew. He sees how you grin a little when turning on your screen, how you sometimes giggle when you stare at it for too long. Sometimes you show it off to him and complain about he barely ever wears any skincare masks anymore.

“So you can have a new wallpaper? I don’t think so. My skin is fine for now, thank you darling.”

To be really honest, he finds it incredibly endearing that you chose him as your wallpaper, especially a picture like this. He thinks of himself as a sophisticated, charming, handsome salesman that lures desperate people into a death game and messes with homeless people in his free time, but you seemingly just see him as your soulmate, the love of your life, your husband.

— Choosing you as his wallpaper. —

Two months into the relationship and after a couple of dates, Gong Yoo already set you as his phone wallpaper. It was nice to have a reminder looking back at him to text you, check in on you, give you a call or even come by for dinner. A reminder that he has a special someone to care and love for.

He switches his wallpaper up every few weeks or months, wanting to keep it updated to your appearance. His chosen pictures are mostly intimate ones, snaps he takes while you are being unaware of how cute, attractive or adorable you look.

Pictures like when you are asleep on the couch in his arms after watching a movie, you after waking up and sleepily brushing your teeth in the mirror, you showing your back to him while waiting for the microwave to finish heating up the cheap convenience food, maybe even you stuffing your face with ice cream after a long day.

Whatever picture he may choose (much to your dismay), it always makes him smile to himself no matter the situation. Even if another homeless person asks him for spare change or those two random mobsters tried to jump him in an alleyway and now he was forced to “get rid of them”, a quick glance on his phone and seeing a cute picture of you immediately forces a smile to break out on his face.

The sight of their kidnapper smiling at his phone so lovingly while they were tied up and playing rock-paper-scissors for their lives probably made the two men shit their pants more than feeling the barrel of a revolver being pressed against the side of their head.

Thanos // Su-bong // Player 230

— Choosing him as your wallpaper. —

At first, Thanos reeeaaaallly disliked the picture you chose as your wallpaper. It was just a random reaction picture he send you one day about something he doesn’t even remember, and you went ahead and chose this as your phone wallpaper? Seriously?! Can’t you choose something more handsome, flattering?

He even offered to pose properly for you so you have a better pic to use, but after Thanos obviously started mewing and tried his absolute best to look as attractive as possible (which he already is but shhh), your boyfriend got extremely offended when you started laughing at his posing.

Your boyfriend gave up after a few attempts of secretly changing your wallpaper and seeing you pout every time he did, changing it right back to the one before.

If you really like it that much, fine. Just don’t let anyone see that you have that as your phone wallpaper, or else his rapper persona will never be able to recover from being exposed like that.

You don’t even understand why he is being so dramatic about your wallpaper anyway.

“I look hella ugly there, c’mon baby! Work with me here!! Here, lemme pose for you real quick so you can change that thing.”

Although it does flashbang you in the middle of the night when you turn on your phone, the brightness of the picture vaporising your eyes in an instant. It’s not the most pleasant thing to look at first thing in the morning but you still think he looks kinda cute in the pic.

— Choosing you as his wallpaper. —

He was careful to choose the prettiest picture of you he can find and the proceed to show it off to everyone he meets. Thanos even showed you off to Nam-gyu multiple times, forgetting that he already showed his friend the same picture four times now. Nam-gyu is already totally looking forward to next week when Thanos shows you off again.

Your boyfriend grins like a child whenever he glances at his phone for too long, falling in love with your picture all over again.

He changes his wallpaper every week so he always has something cute to look at after performing at another underground club or while doing whatever, sometimes getting distracted from searching for a certain app and instead ending up scrolling through either your social media account or his photo library to search for more pics of you.

Whenever you catch Thanos grin at his phone again, your first instinct is to glance over his shoulder to check what exactly he is looking at, but he immediately closes his phone when you do. At first you thought he might be looking at some random girl’s profile or whatever, but when you open it up and find yourself staring back, you’re kind of surprised to be honest.

Although, he always denies that he really cares about his wallpaper. Your boyfriend is totally choosing it at random and totally does not match his lock screen with his homescreen and mostly chooses pictures of you two together, you kissing his cheek or him holding you. Not at all!

Nam-gyu // Player 124

— Choosing you as your wallpaper. —

You choose a rather cute picture as your wallpaper. You took it during one of your first dates where you dragged him to a festival that was being held near your home, dragging Nam-gyu there against his will. Back then he had shorter hair, wore his glasses more frequently. Back then he was a little shy believe it or not, at least when it came to romance.

He used more before he met you, being around alcohol and drugs at all times due to his occupation. It kind of came with his job and the circle of friends he was around, so before meeting you, there was barely any day he wasn’t high or having a hangover from some random drug.

Nam-gyu never noticed you had this picture as your phone wallpaper until he accidentally grabbed your phone, thinking it was his. Seeing this picture in particular gave him a brief jumpscare.

You took this picture after he managed to scrap out the star shape out of the sugar cookie he bought from a random stand during the festival. His hair was shorter back then and he wore his glasses more frequently, the mask a reminder of how times were 5 years ago. He struggled staying clean during that time and always felt like shit wich is why he didn’t want to go to the festival in the first place.

He didn’t even know you took this picture of him despite him fully looking at the camera. A small smile spread on his face at the thought of you really choosing a picture like this as your phone wallpaper.

Quickly putting your phone down, Nam-gyu quickly played off his reaction as he hard you come into the room.

“I’m smiling about nothing, shaddup. Go back to wherever you came from.”

With a dismissive hand wave, he tried to shoo you away. His attempts were futile as you instead pull him into a clingy hug, instead demanding cuddles instead. Who was he to deny your wish?

— Choosing you as his wallpaper. —

Nam-gyu likes taking 0.5x zoom pictures of you from above and choosing them as his phone wallpaper, pushing you away as you try to protest and stop him from putting them as his wallpaper because seriously, he can literally choose any other pic!

You can hear quiet, evil “hehe”s from the corner of the room whenever you two are together and he turns on his phone, briefly turning it around so you can see what he was giggling so stupidly at, only for him to giggle harder at the sight of your unamused face.

Even if he mainly chooses those pictures as his phone wallpaper to annoy you, he likes having a stupid picture of you always available to him.

Some shitty guy searching for a fight at the club? Quick glance at your face at a 0.5x zoom makes him crack a smile right after. Thanos called him Nam-su, Gyu-nam or literally anything else but his name again? Turning his phone on lightens his mood immediately.

Sure, a flattering or cute picture of you would have the same effect on him, but this is much funnier in his opinion.

💠

Author’s note. Thank you for reading!

HAPPY LATE VALETINES DAYYYYYYY!!!! Since tumblr limits your tags to 30 tags per post I always have trouble tagging all of the Squid Game men, so I decided to split this one prompt into two posts. If this gets enough attention / love, I’ll post a part 2 with Dae-ho, Gi-hun and In-ho! Also, thank you for requesting, I needed a break from writing my smut draft 😭

Anyways, make sure to EAT, SLEEP and DRINK enough!!

Take care of yourselves <33

[ohmygoly]

I dont typically like getting political on tumblr because I know the crowd of people who typically follow the fandoms I'm in. I know the crowd of people who usually pay attention to such fandom cultures in the first place, and I truly don't want to make myself such an enemy in anyone's eyes. But also, I don't want people irrationally scared that the new Hitler is coming to make their lives awful and oppress them in every way imaginable. Because to act like America is about to become Nazi Germany is to prove how out of touch you are with what other countries are doing and also just extra anxiety on your part that doesn't need to exist. I want your life to be less stressful, I really don't want anyone afraid for their life when it's unnecessary. Besides this "checklist" I want to comment on, remember that many changes aren't probably gonna feel very personal to you and while you might notice some slight differences, the day to day will probably be the same as it is through every presidential transition. Some things are cheaper/more expensive maybe, maybe your office or school has some slight alterations, but thats usually about it.

I don't hate anyone. I have met and become friends with more people I disagree with on a lot of important points than I do people I agree with on said issues. The scenarios in which I have met these people have allowed me to see how friendly, creative, and talented they are. It has also allowed me to see just how precarious and overdramatized interactions and relationships with them can be. This does not even include the internet or social media.

"Powerful and Continuing Nationalism" Americans value America first. A healthy country wants to succeed, and to want something to succeed you have to love it first. If you would prefer every other country over the one you live in, then don't live in it. But there is no logic in wanting a country to have influence and do better and actually progress whilst also despising its existence as a country. Plus, most of the "America first" sentiments don't pair with a "hurt other countries" sentiment. More like a "they can and should handle their own problems" one. If you can respect any amount of individual freedom, responsibility, or self pride, then you should be able to respect it on the national scale.

"Disdain For Human Rights" Its not that anyone in power at the moment disdains human rights. In fact, they know that within the government, every human has the right to pretty much everything. Anyone can run for office, vote, start a business, not be discriminated against as a potential employee or customer, and overall do pretty much whatever they like. What they don't want is those rights to be taken away because someone is offended or inconvenienced. Most republicans don't even actually mind trans people, they just dont want children permanently altered or women's safety threatened. If you have the right to sleep with whoever you want, dress however you want, and call yourself whatever you want then why shouldnt others have the right to live, be safe in their own spaces, consent to who gets to see their body, to their speech and opinions (offensive or not)? Those things can live side by side. In fact, the best you can do when it comes to human rights is not over manage speech. They should, however, manage some actions that can have harmful/permanent effects.

"Identification of Enemies as a Unifying Cause" This is clearly about illegal immigrants and trans people. Again, no one thinks trans people are the enemy. More so the ideology since overall it blatantly refuses the truth of sex, any self responsibility (you choose how you present yourself to people and how you manage your own thoughts and feelings), or any concern for others' feelings and safety that isn't a trans person. It would be like saying because someone hates depression they hate all depressed people. No. You as a person can still be good and deserving of all your human rights, but the ideas themselves aren't helpful to any society. Illegal immigrants aren't being threatened with mass genocide or really much violence at all. Rather, if they havent committed other crimes within the country that would deserve actual punishment they are simply facing return back to the country they came from. It is immoral to allow illegal immigrants in the country, not only for the safety of the citizens that the politicians swore to protect but also because it is exploitative. It's also dangerous to make it here, so why would you want to encourage people to risk their lives to come to a place where they can't enjoy all the rights of being a citizen?

"Rampant Sexism" As a woman, I can say with absolute certainty that I do not see one ounce of blatant sexism from the politicians coming into power and I certainly do not feel politically oppressed in any way. There are many other cultures where sexism is even worse, if you can even call anything in America actual sexism, but I'm sure it would be considered racist to make such a claim. Its not as if middle eastern women are fighting for their lives and education and equality or anything. Us Americans have it so bad because sometimes a man says something weird and gross. The most sexist thing I've ever come across on a societal scale within my life is the prioritization of men who say they're women over actual women. But we definitely don't see the new people in office supporting that sentiment.

"Controlled Mass Media" This is the only one I will give even the slightest ounce of credit, simply because I know the government would prefer Meta over other companies and they did ban tiktok/almost ban tiktok? In any case, if you can still get news from pretty much every political ideology, access any other social media website, shop at the "Banned Books" section of a book store, and access literally any other form of media that has existed throughout our history then your media is most likely not very controlled. The thing with social media specifically is that it is still so new so we will obviously need to figure out how to navigate that within our physical world but that isn't a sign of a fascist country, thats simply a sign that we are facing a rapid change in technology and don't know how to handle it yet. Its a great thing we have a constitution and hella rebellious citizens who will make finding the best, least oppressive solutions easier here than probably anywhere else on the planet!

"Obsession with National Security" The only reason there's a surge in national security is because there has also been a surge in threats against the security of this nation. Through many foreign nations and within our own borders. This country cannot be successful and cannot help any other country in the world if we are falling apart while we are doing it.

"Religion and Government Intertwined" There is a difference between politicians being religious and it actually being intertwined with our government. Most government policies made are based on our constitution and how we can best respect the rights given to us through it. The religion of any of the politicians is not going to become mandatory or oppressive to anyone not of that religion, because that is not the goal. Anyone can come up with the sentiment that they need to fix the way the government runs and protect the rights of their citizens. Yes, religion might influence some of their opinions on things and a few of their changes, but if you elect someone you have to accept that they have ideas about things. Thats just how it works. Overall, religion will not become permanently intertwined with the government or forced upon citizens.

"Labor Power Suppressed" Last I checked, you can get any job you want. Literally, you can quit any job you don't like, and just go find a new one. Not to mention they want to improve businesses and they know that the labor class is very vital to that.

"Rampant Cronyism and Corruption" Corruption is a vague word and a lot of the people in the new administration don't even agree on everything. The main thing they agree on is that they want to see America succeed and that they will respect the elected president's right to see that mandate through, as an elected official. How terrible of a president to hire people that don't hate him and won't sabotage the policy goals he was elected to see through.

Looking more like a checklist these days. I want off this ride. 😭

[yois2aki]

wc. 1.3k

caleb gives me tiktok bf energy.

btw reader has freckles in this... sorry i hate giving reader physical aspects but i think he'd be a sucker for freckles 😔😔😔

“this is a trap.”

caleb eyed you warily as you set up your phone, a mischievous smile playing on your lips. he had been through enough of your little social media games to know when something was dangerous territory, and this? this was a minefield.

“you realize there’s no way for me to win this, right?” he muttered, arms crossed.

you grinned. “oh, come on, it’s just for fun.”

“that’s what you said last time,” he grumbled. “then you pouted for an hour because i ranked going shopping together last.”

“okay, but that was an injustice.”

caleb groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose before sighing in defeat. “fine. let’s just get this over with.”

you clapped excitedly, hitting ‘start’ on the ranking filter as the first body part popped up.

1. hands

he barely hesitated. “fifth.”

you gasped. “fifth?!”

he side-eyed you. “do you want me to be honest or not?”

you huffed. “fine. but you better put my legs below that or we’re fighting.”

he smirked. “we’ll see.”

2. legs

he pressed fourth without a second thought.

“caleb.”

“what?” he said, completely unfazed.

you glared at him. “so my hands are below my legs?”

he shrugged. “it’s the truth.”

you groaned dramatically, flopping against the couch. “i don't want to play this with you anymore.”

he chuckled. “too late now.”

3. eyes

his expression softened slightly.

“first,” he said immediately.

your lips parted slightly, caught off guard by how fast he answered. “…really?”

he turned his head slightly, glancing at you, and for a second, his violet eyes held something softer, something quieter.

“yeah,” he murmured. “really.”

your heart did a little flip, but before you could dwell on it, the next body part popped up.

4. lips

caleb exhaled, staring at the screen like it had personally betrayed him.

you smirked. “what, struggling?”

“not struggling,” he muttered, pressing second after a long pause.

you raised an eyebrow. “so my lips are second to my eyes?”

he shot you a look. “you know how i feel about your lips. but i look into your eyes every day. that has to count for something.”

your cheeks warmed slightly, but before you could let it get to your head, the next one appeared.

5. collarbone

without hesitation, he pressed ninth.

you gasped.

“ninth?!”

“what?” he said, completely unbothered.

“my collarbone is at the bottom?!”

“there are ten slots,” he reminded you. “it could be worse.”

“oh, you're so sleeping on the—”

before you could finish, the next one appeared.

6. voice

his eyebrows twitched.

he pressed third.

you blinked. “…my voice?”

he shrugged. “it’s nice. i like hearing you talk.”

your heart did another weird little flip. you quickly masked it with a smirk. “so what you’re saying is, my voice is sexier than my hands?”

he groaned. “i regret this already.”

7. stomach

he looked at the screen for a second before pressing sixth.

you narrowed your eyes. “explain.”

he took a sip from his drink. “it's nice to nap on.”

you flushed slightly. “caleb.”

he smirked but didn’t say anything else.

8. back

he hummed in thought before pressing eighth.

you relaxed slightly. “okay, that’s fair.”

he arched a brow. “oh, so you accept this ranking, but not the collarbone?”

“obviously.”

he shook his head. “ridiculous.”

9. neck

he pressed seventh.

you side-eyed him. “you’re thinking of something, aren’t you?”

“not at all.”

“liar.”

he just smirked.

10. freckles

he pressed first.

your breath hitched.

“…wait.” you furrowed your brows. “but you already put my eyes first.”

he exhaled, shaking his head. “no. i take it back. freckles should be first.”

he tried to tap the screen to change it, but the filter locked in the ranking.

caleb stared at the screen. then at you. then back at the screen.

“…you planned this.”

you burst out laughing. “i didn’t! but i knew you’d try to change it!”

he groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “this is exactly why i said this was a trap.”

you grinned. “so, my freckles win?”

caleb sighed, rubbing his temples.

“…yeah,” he muttered. “they win.”

you leaned in, smirking. “told you this would be fun.”

“for you, maybe,” he grumbled, but the way he was watching you—like the freckles scattered across your cheeks had just ruined him completely—told a different story.

[holyblonded]

return of media day | stargirl

pairings: alexia putellas x teen!reader

summary: you are about to drop your first signature cleats with nike and they decide to do a joint shoot with alexia

warnings: rfef mentioned 😐

notes: this was extremely cute y’all. it’s a bit short but i couldn’t think of anything else to add. tell me what else yall want to see with this series!!

You were already half-asleep in the car on the way to the shoot, having just landed back in Spain after international break. Nike hadn’t given you too many details about today, just that it was important and you had to be there.

So naturally, you showed up in a hoodie, sweatpants, and slides, looking like you had just crawled out of hibernation. You walked onto set, rubbing your eyes, only to freeze in place.

“There’s no way,” you muttered, blinking rapidly.

You turned away, rubbed your eyes again, then looked back to confirm you weren’t hallucinating.

“ALE!”

Alexia barely had time to react before you full-speed sprinted at her and jumped, forcing her to catch you mid-air. Alexia let out a surprised grunt as you crashed into her, legs wrapping around her waist like some kind of overly excited koala.

Her first instinct was to scold you, but an involuntary smile spread across her face as she held you. “You’re so dramatic.” She huffed, adjusting her grip to keep you from sliding to the floor. “You do realize I’m not a crash pad, right?”

You ignored her, squeezing tighter. “I knew I wasn’t hallucinating.”

“You thought you were hallucinating?” Alexia chuckled, finally setting you down.

“I’ve been awake since five a.m., Ale. I didn’t even know where I was going today. Nike just shoved me into a car and told me to smile.” You pulled back slightly, holding her shoulders as if to make sure she was actually real. “And then I see you? My brain short-circuited.”

Alexia smirked. “Understandable. Seeing me is a life-changing experience.”

You lightly smacked her arm. “Don’t make me regret missing you.”

By now, everyone on set had stopped what they were doing, watching your reunion with varying degrees of amusement. A cameraman filming the behind-the-scenes content caught the whole thing, likely already thinking about how to turn it into a dramatic slow-motion edit.

“Wait—” Alexia suddenly furrowed her brows, looking around the studio. “Why are you here?”

“Why am I here?” you repeated, blinking. “Why are you here?”

Alexia gave you a deadpan look. “I work with Nike.”

“Well, so do I,” you shot back, placing your hands on your hips.

A pause. Then, ever so slowly, the realization dawned on both of you.

“Oh my god,” Alexia exhaled, eyes widening.

“No way,” you whispered dramatically.

“You’re the shoot?” Alexia asked, pointing at you.

“And you’re part of it?” you gasped, pointing right back.

“Did neither of you read your emails?” one of the Nike reps finally interjected, rubbing their temples.

You and Alexia turned to them, completely unapologetic.

“Absolutely not,” you said in unison.

Alexia shook her head with a fond smile, draping an arm over your shoulders. “Well, I guess this just got a lot more interesting.”

You grinned. “And a lot more chaotic.”

The Nike rep sighed, muttering something about “athletes and their aversion to reading”, before motioning for the crew to resume setting up.

Meanwhile, you leaned into Alexia, still grinning like an idiot. “Hey, Ale?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you miss me?”

Alexia rolled her eyes, pulling you closer. “Unfortunately.”

The interview started off smooth. Professional. Standard media day questions.

The crew had set up the cameras, the lights were bright, and the atmosphere was lighthearted. You and Alexia sat side by side, answering questions about the new cleats, the upcoming season, and your goals.

Then, someone asked, “How would you describe each other’s playing styles?”

Alexia hummed, tilting her head thoughtfully. You turned to look at her, fully expecting a compliment, maybe even some poetic analysis of your skills.

Instead, she casually dropped, “Estrella is… chaotic.”

Your mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

“But effective,” she added, holding up her hands like that softened the blow. “You never know what she’s going to do next. It’s terrifying.”

You scoffed. “Wow. That’s crazy. You know, I was gonna be nice, but now?” You turned to the camera, shaking your head in mock disappointment. “Alexia is a control freak.”

Alexia gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest like you had personally insulted her entire family. “I am not a control freak.”

“Oh, you so are.”

“I just like order,” she defended, crossing her arms.

“You demand order,” you corrected, smirking. “Everything has to go exactly how you see it in your mind, and if someone does something unpredictable, you short-circuit for a second before trying to control the chaos.”

Alexia opened her mouth, then closed it, then sighed. “Okay, maybe. But that’s a good thing.”

You snorted. “Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night, Capitana.”

Alexia narrowed her eyes playfully before turning back to the camera. “Well, since we’re being honest, I stand by what I said, chaotic, unpredictable, borderline reckless—”

“Hey!”

“—but effective,” she repeated, laughing.

You turned to the interviewer, pointing at Alexia. “This is why she stresses me out.”

Alexia raised an eyebrow. “You stress me out.”

The media crew was loving it. The interviewer barely held in their laughter.

“Alright, so if you had to pick one word to describe each other’s playing style?” they prompted.

Alexia didn’t even hesitate. “Unhinged.”

You let out a dramatic gasp. “That is so rude!”

“You’ve literally nutmegged someone while tying your shoe,” Alexia shot back. “I rest my case.”

You rolled your eyes, shaking your head. “Fine. If I’m unhinged, then you’re bossy.”

Alexia smirked. “I am your captain, you know.”

“And I am your problem,” you teased back.

The media crew burst out laughing as Alexia groaned, throwing her head back.

“You are a menace.”

“And you love me.”

Alexia sighed, shaking her head with a smile. “Unfortunately.”

The interview wrapped up, but the banter continued as you walked off set.

“Chaotic?” you muttered. “That’s crazy. I bring excitement.”

“You bring stress,” Alexia corrected.

“Same thing.”

“Absolutely not.”

You smirked. “Admit it, though. You love playing with me.”

Alexia gave you a side glance, shaking her head. “I tolerate it.”

You grinned, throwing an arm around her shoulder. “I’ll take it.”

Everything was going smoothly—well, as smoothly as anything involving you ever could—until it was time to officially start the photoshoot for your signature cleats.

You stood in the center of the set, cleats laced up, lights shining, the Nike crew prepped and ready to go. Just as they were about to start, you clapped your hands together.

“Wait, hold on,” you said, making everyone pause. “Before we do this, we need to discuss the name of my cleats.”

Alexia, sitting off to the side watching, sighed deeply, already sensing disaster.

The Nike reps exchanged nervous glances.

“Alright, so,” you began confidently, “I was thinking we call them The Menace Ones.”

A heavy silence settled over the room.

“No,” Alexia said immediately.

“Okay, okay,” you continued, undeterred. “The Chaos Touch?”

“No.”

“The Ankle Breakers?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Nutmeg 3000?”

“Please stop talking,” Alexia groaned.

You turned to the Nike crew, hoping for support, but they all seemed too afraid to challenge Alexia’s authority.

“Fine, fine,” you huffed dramatically. “I’ll be normal about it.”

Alexia narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced.

For the next twenty minutes, you behaved. You posed, dribbled, and shot dramatic looks at the camera like a professional. Everything was going perfectly.

Then came the first break and you disappeared.

Five minutes later, you returned, dressed head to toe in an Adidas tracksuit. The entire room fell into stunned silence.

Alexia’s eyes widened in pure disbelief as she stared at you. “No.”

“What?” you said innocently, adjusting the collar of the jacket. “We’re on break.”

“TAKE THAT OFF,” Alexia demanded, already storming toward you.

“I just thought I’d switch things up—”

Before you could finish, she grabbed your arm and started dragging you toward the changing room.

“You are going to get us both killed,” she muttered through gritted teeth.

“You have to admit it’s a little funny,” you said, barely suppressing your grin.

Alexia shot you a glare. “You are lucky Nike likes you.”

“And you are lucky I love you enough to go change.”

Alexia sighed heavily, releasing you with one final warning look. “If you come out in Puma next, I’m leaving.”

The camera zooms in on your cleats as you spin them in your hands, running your fingers over the details. The black leather shimmers slightly under the studio lights, gold speckles running along the sides like stars scattered across the night sky. The laces are a deep navy, and the sole glows with a metallic silver finish. A rich purple fades into the black near the heel, blending seamlessly like the sky at dusk.

You smile softly, tilting the shoe toward the camera.

“These are the Estrella 001s—my first signature boots with Nike,” you say, voice filled with quiet pride. “The name comes from my nickname, Estrella, which means ‘star’ in Spanish. But it’s more than that.”

You turn the boot over, showing the gold lettering on the back heel tab, where Estrella 001 is printed vertically in a clean script.

“For me, stars have always meant guidance. I used to look up at them when I felt lost, like they were the only things that stayed constant. They remind me of my past, my struggles… everything that made me me.”

The camera pans over the subtle red and yellow stitching near the tongue of the cleat.

“This is for where I come from. Barcelona, Spain,” you continue. “I might not play for Spain anymore, but it’s still my home. It’s where I fell in love with football. Where I met the people who shaped me. I’ll never forget that.”

You flip the boot back over, running your thumb over the inside, where a tiny phrase is stitched in white.

“It says, ‘Siempre pa’lante.’ Always forward. That’s something Ale taught me when I was going through a tough time. I didn’t always believe it, but she did. And now? Now I do too.”

You set the cleat down and glance toward the camera, a small smile playing on your lips.

“But I wouldn’t be here without my family. My real family.”

Your eyes flick over to Alexia, standing off-camera.

“When Ale took me in, she gave me something I didn’t think I’d ever have again. A home. A place to belong. Someone who loved me without conditions.” You pause, voice thick with emotion. “She didn’t have to, but she did. And I’ll never be able to thank her enough for that.”

The camera smoothly shifts toward Alexia, who is very obviously blinking back tears, her lips pressed together tightly as she tries (and fails) to hold it together.

You grin. “Are you crying?”

She sniffs, shaking her head. “No.”

You smirk, standing up and walking over. “She’s crying.”

“I’m not—”

Before she can finish, you wrap your arms around her waist, pulling her into a tight hug. She exhales sharply, but her arms immediately come up to hold you close.

The camera catches the soft, warm moment between you two.

“You took me in,” you murmured. “You didn’t have to. But you did.”

Alexia’s arms tightened around you. “You were mine the second I saw you.”

You squeezed her tighter, voice thick. “Thank you for loving me, Ale.”

She kissed your forehead, whispering softly. “Siempre pa’lante, mi niña.”

[bunny-jpeg]

you really thought you were a saint huh? it wasn't your fault, you just happened to be with someone in the program who shouldn't have been in there. simon riley was a bad man, but he showed promise. the prison threw him a bone and allowed him to be part of the pen pal program.

poor guy had no real connections on the outside. so of course you were a welcomed addition to his life. and maybe it was because you were too naive or simon was too cunning but, you really believed you were making a difference in this man's life!

too bad every letter you wrote often got stained with simon's cum after he masturbated to your pretty handwriting, delicate words and the little bit of perfume that lingered on the paper.

he told you all the pretty things you wanted to hear, about how he'd change for you, be the man that you deserved. that you made him better, more eager to right his wrongs. pages upon pages upon pages of promises.

but simon had no interest in that. why would he? he was a career criminal and good what he did, if it wasn't for graves he'd still be out on the streets. he was a ghost after all. he remembered the first photo he coaxed you into sending, you were even sweet enough to put it in a ziploc bag to keep it from getting ruined on its travel to him.

kept that little picture on his wall. he was eyeing it every day when he was in his cell. when he did his work-outs, when he was alone in his cell, especially when he was masturbating. within a few weeks he was asking for another because, the first one got a big ruined. his excuse was water damage in the cell, but the white stain across the printed image told a different story.

you were loyal to him, hung onto every word. you were so compassionate, loving and kind. you were an angel to his devil, you fixed him. you made everything better with kind words. simon liked the kind words, he also liked imaging breaking apart that little gag reflex of yours. re-shaping the virgin cunt to his liking. simon learned from a very young age that in order to keep something, he'd have to sink his teeth into it.

and you were easily between his jaws when you wrote, "you can put me down as a permanent address when you get out!" lucky, lucky simon, found himself a wife.

now that he was home. well, things were going to be a little different. his hand idly touched your middle while he stood behind you, you showed him around, but simon could only think about the future swell in your middle.

proper little wife. he didn't realize how small you were. fragile like butterfly wings. he didn't want to hurt his missus! no, no, never. but there would be some aches and pains in the next nine months. he didn't realize how easy it was to breed you. you let him have sex with you raw. he promised to pull out, but just like every other promise he made, it never really panned out.

"don't worry, lovie." he said after he finished inside of you, "we'll be a right family." his large scarred hand across your naked middle. promises. promises.

it wasn't your fault, it really wasn't! you tried to make a difference. but when they locked simon riley back up again for armed burglary, you were going to have his son only a few weeks later. <3

[plumefeline]

It’s not that I reject love, magic, or whimsy—I think I just struggle to believe they apply to me. I don’t see myself as pessimistic, but maybe I’ve grown too jaded, too accustomed to reality as it is, rather than as it could be. Maybe part of me feels unlovable, undeserving, or simply incapable of experiencing that kind of wonder. I don’t know if it’s something I can unlearn.

I truly try to be softer, happier, laugh more. But despite all that, I still feel as though I lack something essential, as if those qualities aren’t meant for me. The hardest part is that I don’t think losing weight, getting fitter, or improving my health would change how I feel about this. Wherever you go, there you are, right?

you should really get comfortable believing in love and magic and whimsy or you’ll continue to live a half-life for the rest of the time you have on earth

[coolemmasulivan2]

A Beautiful Mess | 2

Pairing: Lando Norris

Summary: Two neighbors who can’t stand each other, until an accidental kiss changes everything.

Word count: 3125

You can read part 1 here

Do we need somebody Just to feel like we're alright? Is the only reason You're holding me tonight 'Cause we're scared to be lonely?

It had been a week since you last saw Lando. After his visit to the school, it was like he had vanished. You knew he was home because, as always, he made sure you knew that, but beyond that, there was no sign of him.

The touch of your lips has haunted you ever since. You cursed yourself, telling yourself that you should have pushed yourself away the moment your lips met, you shouldn't have frozen.

"You're not getting it! Our lips touched." You practically yelled at your sister over FaceTime. She burst out laughing. "It's not funny. I hate him."

"If you hate him so much, why are you this worked up?" She teased you.

You frowned. "Are you implying I felt something?"

She shrugged. "Did you?"

"NO!"

At the same time, Lando was telling Max, who was stuffing clothes into his suitcase, since he was going back to Lonon, what had happened.

"It was an accident, dude!" Max said, watching his friend with amusement. "Just forget about it."

"I can't forget it!" Lando groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Our lips touched, Max. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it."

Max snorted. "Sounds like you liked it."

Lando spun around. "Are you insane? I meant goosebumps in a bad way. Like… I feel sick."

"Yeah, sure." Max smirked, barely holding back laughter.

You downed the last sip of your coffee, grabbed your bag, and stepped out of your apartment. Today was going to be a good day. You could feel it.

You had woken up early, gone for a run, had breakfast, and still had time to stop by your favorite bakery at the end of the street. Everything felt perfectly in place.

For once, Lando Norris was the last thing on your mind. Or at least, he was supposed to be.

You stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor, as you shifted your bag onto your shoulder, but then, just as the doors were sliding shut, a hand shot between them, forcing them open.

Your stomach dropped.

Lando locked eyes with you, before stepping inside. He didn't said anything and neither did you. The doors closed, sealing you both inside the small space. The building had a few years, so the elevator was not that spaceous.

He looked at his watch and run a hand through his curls. He looked like he was in a hurry.

Just five more floors.

Four.

Three.

Then... A jolt.

The elevator shuddered violently before coming to a stop. The lights flickered once, then settled into an unsettling dim glow.

You both froze. Then Lando sighed, pressing the emergency button. Nothing happened.

"You've got to be kidding me." Lando muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "Great. Just my luck." He let out a long sigh, pacing in the cramped space. If the elevator had felt small before, it felt suffocating now.

You, far too calm for his liking, pressed the emergency button a few times. "Can you stop moving?" You snapped, growing irritated.

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I bothering you?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

You shot him a look. "Yes, actually. You've been bothering me for a while now. Thanks for finally noticing."

Lando scoffed. "Excuse me if I'm not as relaxed as you!"

You could see he was nervous. "If you keep panicking like that, you're going to run us out of oxygen."

His head snapped toward you, eyes wide. "What--?! Aren't you supposed to be a teacher? That's not how you tell someone to calm down!"

"You're not a kid, are you?"

Lando let out a fake chuckle. "Fuck. Why did I have to get stuck with you?"

You crossed your arms. "Trust me, I'm wondering the same thing."

He let out an amused breath, shaking his head. "Please! This is probably going to be the highlight of your day."

"You really think you’re that special? You're just an idiot, Norris." You said, crossing your arms over your chest.

Lando smirked, taking a deliberate step closer. "Well, then it seems we're not that different, princess."

"Don't you have anything better to do? Grow up, please. That pretty face of yours isn't going to get you out of everything forever."

"Oh..." He tilted his head, his smirk widening. "So you think I'm handsome?"

You exhaled sharply. "That's the only thing you got from what I said? You're impossible."

Somehow, the space between you had vanished. You weren't sure who had moved first, but suddenly, he was close. Closer than necessary.

Lando's gaze flickered down to your lips, as he licked his own. The air grew thick. The bickering stopped and he elevator fell into silence.

Your breath caught in your throat. Every logical thought screamed at you to move, push him away, to say something, but you didn't. Neither of you did.

Lando's hand twitched at his side like he was debating whether to reach for you. His chest rose and fell in deep, controlled breaths, but you could see it. He was just as caught in this moment as you were.

Then, just as his face leaned closer and your lips were about to touch, the elevator jerked back to life.

You stumbled slightly, as you immediately took a step back away from each other. He run a hand through his hair and you looked away from him. The air was thick, but neither of you acknowledged it.

The doors slid open and without hesitation, you stepped out, ignoring the concerned doorman who asked if you were okay. You didn't spare him, or Lando, a single glance as you strode out of the building.

Lando watched you go, jaw clenched, hands on his hips. He let out a breath and muttered under his breath: "What the fuck just happened?"

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Even surrounded by a classroom full of energetic kids, you couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in your head.

Why hadn't you pushed him away? Why hadn't you moved? Had you actually… wanted to kiss him? The questions run in your mind, each one making you more frustrated than the last.

By the time you got home, you felt exhausted, not physically, but mentally. You barely made it to the couch before grabbing your phone, dialing your friend number without hesitation.

"Let's go out tonight!" You blurted before she could even say hello.

A beat of silence. Then, suspicion. "Go out as in... clubbing?"

It had been a while. You weren't exactly the party animal type, so your sudden enthusiasm was unexpected.

"Yes!" You confirmed, already sitting up. "I need a distraction. Let's get dinner and then let's go out. Call the others."

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my responsible and sensible friend?"

"Just be ready."

Determined to wipe the morning from your mind, you took a long shower, letting the heat ease the tension from your shoulders. Then, you dug through your closet, finding a dress you barely remembered owning: it was a red dress that hugged your body in all the right places. Paired with black heels that made your legs look like they belonged on a runway and a swipe of bold red lipstick. You felt powerful and it was just what you needed.

Lando leaned against the DJ booth, his drink on his hand as his friend, Martin Garrix, animatedly talked about his upcoming tour dates.

The club was packed, people moving to the heavy bass, neon lights flickering across the dance floor. It was the perfect place to blow off steam, to forget about the week.

Or at least, it was.

But the moment you walked in with your friends, all thoughts of relaxation evaporated.

Lando stiffened, nearly choking on his drink. "Oh, for fuck's sake."

"WHAT?" Martin shouted over the music.

Lando gestured toward the entrance. "Do you see that group that just walked in?"

Martin followed his gaze, spotting a group of friends laughing as they stepped into the club. "What about it?"

"The girl in the red dress. It's my neighbour!"

Martin's eyebrows shot up. "Wait... The neighbor? The one you kissed?"

Lando rolled his eyes. "We didn't kiss."

"Yet!" Martin smirked, clearly enjoying himself seeing Lando's annoyed face. He turned back to glance at you again. "She's beautiful."

Lando made a face, scoffing like the idea was ridiculous. "She's a nightmare, that's what she is." Martin chuckled, seeing right through him. "And she's a kindergarten teacher, bet it's gonna be real awkward for some parents to see their kid's sweet little teacher dressed like that."

Martin laughed, draping an arm over Lando's shoulder. "Dude, you're so jealous already."

"Shut up. What the hell are you talking about?"

"It's obvious!" Martin smirked. "You like her. And you hate that every guy in this club is about to spend their night looking at her. I can practically see smoke coming out of your ears, mate."

"Fuck off."

Your feet ached, but you didn't care. You were having the time of your life. Hours had passed in a blur of music, laughter, and drinks, and you and your friends hadn't left the dance floor for more than a few minutes at a time.

The alcohol had done its job: Lando hadn't crossed your mind all night. (Well, except maybe now. But that doesn't count.)

Leaning against the bar, you waited for your drink when a man approached you. Tall, broad shoulders, very handsome. And exactly your type.

He flashed you a smile. "Do you come here often?"

You blinked at him before bursting into laughter. "Oh my god. That pick-up line does not match your face."

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, that was terrible. I panicked."

You smirked. "I can tell."

"Not much of a flirt, I guess." He admitted, laughing along with you.

"Clearly."

He stuck out his hand. "I'm Eric, by the way."

You shook it, still grinning. "Y/n."

Lando leaned against the railing, beer in hand, eyes fixed on the bar. He told himself he was just people-watching, just casually scanning the room, but his gaze kept landing on you.

And the guy standing way too close to you.

The guy who looked like he'd stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. Tall, charming, and irritatingly good-looking. The kind of guy who knew exactly how to play his cards.

Lando took a sip of his beer, jaw tightening as he watched you laugh at something the guy said. You were drunk and from the way the guy leaned in, so was he. Too close. Way too close.

"You look like a creep." Martin shouted over the music, snapping Lando out of his glare. "Stop looking at her."

"I'm not looking at her."

Martin snorted. "Right. You're just analyzing the guy she's with." He nudged Lando's shoulder. "Worried she might take him home?"

Lando scoffed, tearing his eyes away. "I don't fucking care."

"Sure." Martin smirked, taking a sip of his drink. He didn't press further, letting his friend drown in jealousy.

You stumbled outside, the cool night air hitting your flushed skin like a slap. Eric followed closely behind, his hand steady on your back as he helped you sit down on a nearby bench as you waited for the cab.

"You're really nice, you know that?" You mumbled, tilting your head to look at him as he sat down beside you.

Eric smiled. "Thank God. I was worried I screwed up my chances with that terrible pickup line."

You laughed softly, resting your head against the cool metal of the bench. "You saved yourself."

"I'm glad!" He admitted, his voice warm. "I had a good time tonight."

"Me too." You sighed, your stomach swirling uncomfortably. You cleared your throat, barely above a whisper as the words slipped out. "I wish you were him."

Eric frowned. "Who?"

Before you could answer, a voice interrupted you. His voice.

"Y/n?" You and Eric both turned, and there he was. Lando. Hands in his pockets, his gaze locked onto you.

Eric's eyes widened in recognition. "Wow. Lando Norris?" He sounded excited, most likely a fan.

But you barely registered his reaction. Your stomach twisted again, and before you could stop it, you shot up from the bench, turned away from them both, and emptied your stomach onto the pavement.

Lando instinctively moved toward you, but Eric was faster. He was by your side, gathering your hair in his hands and rubbing slow circles on your back.

Lando clenched his jaw, watching the way Eric took care of you. It shouldn't bother him, but it did. The guy was too perfect. A walking green flag.

"Are you okay?" Eric asked gently. "Think you can stand?"

You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, groaning as you nodded. Eric helped you to your feet, keeping you steady against his side. "Where's that damn cab?" Eric muttered under his breath, glancing around.

"I'll take her home," Lando said suddenly.

Eric turned to him, brows raised. "What?"

"We're neighbors. She's most likely going to pass out on the way back."

"Yeah, we drank quite a lot." He looked between you and Lando. "Y/n? You okay with that?"

"Hm?"

"Are you okay with going with Lando? Is he your neighbour?" He asked you, and Lando could almost hear himself rolling his eyes. The guy was seriously too nice.

"Yes!" You confirmed. Lando took a step forward and stretched his hands. You blinked up at him, your head heavy. "You're so annoying. Why are you always everywhere?" Despite your grumble, your hands slowly found his.

Eric's lips twitching into a sad smile. He gently let you go as Lando pulled you closer, steadying you against him.

"Thanks for taking care of her." Lando said.

"It was my pleasure." Eric replied, his gaze soft as he looked at you. "She's something special. And I just met her, so…"

You chuckled. "I like you, Eric."

He smiled. "I know, Y/n." Then his expression flickered, just for a second. "But I'm not him, right?"

Lando frowned, watching as you only groaned in response.

Eric let out a small breath before leaning in and pressing a kiss to your cheek. Lando's grip on you tightened.

"It was nice meeting you." Eric said. "Call me sometime, yeah?" He turned to Lando, extending a hand. "Big fan, man. Nice to meet you."

Lando shook it briefly. "Yeah. You too."

Eric gave you one last glance before walking off.

Lando glanced down at you, your body leaning heavily into his side. "Come on, let's get you home."

You hummed, already half-asleep. "Still annoying."

"Yeah, yeah."

Lando pulled into his parking spot, turning off the engine with a quiet sigh leaving his mouth. When he glanced to his right, he wasn't surprised to see you fast asleep, just like he'd predicted.

Your head rested against the window of his McLaren, your mouth slightly open, breaths slow and steady. One of his Quadrant hoodies was draped over you.

Lando exhaled, leaning back against the seat as he stared at you. He'd never really taken the time to look at you before, not like this. You looked… peaceful. And you were indeed a very beautiful woman.

His fingers moved on their own, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face, tucking it gently behind your ear.

"What the hell am I doing?" Lando muttered to himself, running a hand down his face, he groaned under his breath. "I must be crazy."

Shaking off whatever the hell that was, he reached over and carefully pulled your head away from the window. Then, he stepped out of the car, circling around to your side and pulling the door open.

"Y/n?" He called, his voice quiet but firm as he nudged your arm. "Wake up. We're home."

"Hm?" You groaned, keeping your eyes firmly shut.

"Wake up. Come on."

He turned your face into the seat, snuggling deeper into the warmth. "Let me sleep!"

Lando huffed, crossing his arms as he glanced around the dimly lit garage. "If you don't wake up, I'm leaving you here." Nothing. "I cannot believe her." With a sigh, he leaned down, sliding one arm beneath your legs and the other behind your back. He hesitated for a second before carefully lifting you into his arms.

You instinctively curled into his chest, your face pressing against the crook of his neck, a small sigh leaving your lips. Lando froze for a split second, his heart racing in his chest.

Lando stepped into the elevator, shifting you slightly in his arms to press the button for his floor. You were still dead weight against him, your warm breath fanning against the side of his neck. He clenched his jaw, doing his best to ignore the way you seemed to fit perfectly against him.

When the doors opened, he carried you down the hall, stopping in front of your apartment.

"Alright, time to go home." He muttered, adjusting his grip. "Where's your key?" You mumbled something against his neck, your lips brushing against his skin. Then, before he could even react, you wrapped your arms around him, holding him close. "Y/n." He tried again, shaking you gently. "Where's your key?"

Another muffled murmur. He sighed, dropping his head back against the door in frustration. Since you refused to answer him, and since he couldn't exactly rummage through your purse while holding you, he had no choice.

"Alright, you're coming with me." He muttered, carrying you across the hall to his own apartment.

He walked straight to his bedroom, gently lowering you onto his bed. As soon as your back hit the mattress, he exhaled, running a hand through his hair. But just as he moved, you reached out, your fingers curling into the fabric of his white shirt, right where it gaped open.

"Stay." You murmured, eyes still closed.

Lando froze. "You're drunk!" He reminded you, gently prying your fingers off him. You groaned but refused to let go, gripping his shirt again, this time tighter. His breath hitched as your fingertips brushed against his bare chest. "Y/n!"

"Lando!" You snuggled against the pillow, your grip unrelenting. "Stay." You whispered.

Lando clenched his jaw. He should go. He needed to go. But the way you held onto him, the way you looked so small and vulnerable in his bed… it made something twist inside his chest.

With a heavy sigh, he gave in. "Fine! But just until you fall asleep." He told himself that.

And yet, as he laid down beside you, feeling the warmth of your body so close to his, he had a sinking feeling that this was only going to make things a lot more complicated.

Tags:

@lilorose25 @downsideup1989 @anayaverse @ln4-cl16-world @chlmtfilms @444-leqz @joannaln4 @notarshia

[darknight3904]

All Too Well

Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your tension with Joel comes to a head as you make a confession that will change your relationship with him forever.

Warnings: Smut 18+ Langauge, oral (F receiving) , one thigh slap, p in v, Joel being super into boobs

Word Count: 3.5k

Previous Part / Series Masterlist / Main Masterlist

July 2024

Joel stands a mere five feet from you. His chest heaves a bit, like he's dashed out of the bar to catch you. His hands rest on his hips as he leans on one leg.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to leave a man on the dance floor?"

You look down at the grass and rock back and forth on the balls of your feet.

"Sorry." You say earnestly, "Just needed some air."

Joel shakes his head, "It's alright, sweetheart, Y'just scared me it's all. Thought you might've been getting sick or something."

You shake your head. No, you're not sick. He's considerate to ask though. Ellie had a nasty stomach bug a week and a half ago, you had become her in-home nurse and spoon-fed her thin chicken broth until she could eat solids again.

"You gonna tell me what's wrong then?" Joel asks

You curse him. He always seems to know when something is off with you. Even here in the low light of the streetlights in Jackson, he could see you were thinking.

Yeah, thinking about him.

"It's nothing." You brush him off, "I think I'll just go back home and take a shower. You should go back to the party, though, I bet Tommy misses you."

Joel catches you by the elbow as you go to turn away from him again.

"Now, hold on. It's clear I've upset you, tell me what's wrong." He prods, "Lay it on me, I can handle it."

You scoff. Yeah right. He couldn't handle it in 2003, what made him think he'd be able to accept it now.

"Just let me go." You huff, pulling at your arm

"No, Not 'til you tell me what's wrong." Joel's grip tightens, not enough to bruise, but firm enough so you feel his fingers leaving indents in your skin.

You struggle again for a moment before relenting. Fine, if he wanted to know, he was going to know. No sense in hiding it until one of you dies or gets munched on by a Clicker.

"It's you, Joel." You say

"Me?" He asks, dropping your arm, confusion taking over his stupidly handsome face.

"You're the fucking problem." You point your finger into his chest for good measure, "Giving me all these nicknames and letting me sleep in your bed. You're under my fucking skin and I can't get over you."

Joel is looking at you like you've lost it. Good, maybe if he thinks you're crazy, he'll leave you alone, and you can get over him.

"You don't like it when I do those things for you? Want me to stop, cuz I will." Joel says, his anger beginning to rise to meet yours.

You groan, deep down, you really don't know what you want. Maybe you do. God, it was all so fucked up, falling for him again, you were losing it.

"No! I just...I don't..." You huff, wrapping your arms around your body, "I can't keep going like this. Pretending like it's all platonic because it's not."

Here goes nothing, no taking this one back.

"I'm in love with you, Joel. I'm fucking obsessed with you, and your nicknames, teasing, and constant worry over me aren't helping."

Joel is quiet as he takes it all in, you can practically see the gears turning in his head. You squeeze your arms around your body, digging your fingers into your arms til it burns.

"I-I know you dumped me for a reason, I get it, I do." You stammer, "I can get over my feelings again, I'll do it again, I swear..."

Joel finally finds his voice as he gives you a one-word reply, "No."

You ignore him and continue your warpath, "Look, let's just pretend I never said any of this, okay. I'll move back to my house and we can keep being friends."

Your voice practically dies in your throat as you add, "Please, just don't...leave me again."

"I'm not goin' anywhere." Joel sighs deeply and takes a step forward. His natural scent invades your nose as he takes your face in his hands.

"You're crazy, y'know that, girl."

"If you're gonna ridicule me, you can let go and do it further away." You huff in annoyance. You'd just laid your soul bare for this man, and the first thing he does is call you crazy. The audacity he had.

"Now, let me finish." He says sternly

"You can't take your confession back," A small smile plays on his lips. "Because I am just as fucking obsessed with you, baby."

You scoff, yeah, right, he was fucking with you. Joel's thumb runs a soothing path across your cheek,

"I'm not lying, scouts honor." He says

"You weren't even a boy scout." You remind him. thinking back to what you knew about Joel's childhood.

"Hmph, you're right about that one," Joel gives you a coy smile, "Guess I'll just have to show ya then,"

His voice drops a bit and you swear your heart skips a beat,

"Let me show how fucking in love with you I am, baby..."

Before you have a chance to blink, his lips are brushing yours. Your eyes flutter shut, and you tilt your head a bit to deepen the kiss. Joel lets out a deep groan when your hands come up to brush through the hair at the back of his neck.

Joel pulls back to rest his forehead against yours, "Still think I'm lyin' to ya?"

A giggle escapes your lips as you shake your head, and he steals another kiss from you.

"I was in love with you again the moment I saw ya shoveling horse shit when I first got here." He confesses, "Couldn't believe you were still alive."

You snort and pull back from him to look him in the eye, "Cuz the overalls and rubber boots I wore are so attractive. Besides, if you were so into me again, why'd you say you didn't know me to Ellie?"

Joel's eyes soften as he takes in your determined look, you want the truth, not some half-assed excuse.

"I dunno," Joel mumbles, his eyes dropping down to the neckline of your dress.

You scoff as he looks away, here he is not owning up to anything.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Joel? You're a fuckin-"

"I'm sorry." He blurts out, "For all of it. I'm sorry for dumpin' ya before the world ended, I was a real dick, baby. Mailing your shit back like that. I shouldn't have done that."

You hum, in acknowledgment, looking up into his deep brown eyes.

Joel leans in and presses a kiss to your forehead, "Shouldn't have said I didn't know ya to Ellie when we got here either, don't know what I was thinking."

"I get it, if ya change your mind. I'll let you go, just say the word and I'll let you go, I swear. You deserve better than I can offer anyway, I had my chance and blew it already."

You shake your head, no you don't want that.

"What part of I'm fucking obsessed with you, don't you get?" You breathily ask, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

Joel smiles, basking in your forgiveness. Here you were, finally standing in front of him, your feelings laid bare to each other. It's a small step, just letting your fears of the past go yet you feel infinitely lighter now, wrapped up in him.

Your hands fiddle with the buttons on his shirt and curl into the soft fabric. You suddenly feel unbearably hot but you get it now, why love drove so many people mad. Joel's soft gaze on you had your chest buzzing with and excitement you couldn't quite name.

"You wanna go back to your house?" You ask hopefully

"You mean our house?"

"Right, our house." You softly correct yourself

Joel gives you a nod and a smile, Course I do, darlin' lead the way."

You and Joel nearly faceplant three times as the two of you fumble your way up the steps to your shared bedroom. Joel catches you after you stumble over a pair of his discarded jeans from earlier.

"I'll clean that up," Joel says apologetically, kicking them to the side.

"Later." You breathe as his lips tickle the soft skin on your neck

"Later." He parrots with a smile into your skin

You let yourself fall onto the bed, welcoming it's softness and the way it smells of Joel. Before you can miss him, he's hovering over you, stealing kisses from your lips and letting his hands begin to wander across your form.

"Fuck..." Joel sighs as his hands squeeze at your chest.

"You alright up there?" You tease, he sounds so utterly wrecked and you've barely begun.

Joel gives you a playful glare, "You don't fucking know how long I've been waiting to feel these, baby. Been thinking about it since we went to that Macy's."

"My bra shopping got you going, huh?" You tease

Joel grumbles in annoyance and presses a kiss to the skin of your collarbone,

"You're real mean, y'know that."

"You poor baby," You laugh, throwing his nickname back at him, "You'll be alright."

You want to tease him some more, he's so easy to make fun of like this. Your words die in your throat when Joel presses his knee against your core through your dress.

"Not laughing anymore," Joel notes as he fixes his attention on your neck, his hands pulling your cardigan off your body.

Your hands undo the buttons of the shirt he's been teasing you with all night, and you push it off his broad shoulders. Finally, at long last, his torso is all yours to admire.

"Quit staring." Joel orders, "Nothin' there to admire."

"I beg to differ." You smile

Joel scoffs as he leans down to let his lips capture yours as hands roam up your back, searching for the zipper to your dress. Your resolve loosens as your hands curl against the soft skin of his chest, fuck you were really going to do this.

The loud hiss of your still zipped dress as you break the kiss, your eyes begin to swim with fear. That's right, sex with Joel also meant being naked with Joel.

"You want me to stop?" Joel asks, freezing

"No, I don't." You honestly say, "I just..."

"Take your time," Joel says, pressing a chaste kiss to your lips, and then to your cheek

Your breaths come out shaky as you speak again, "Just scared you won't like what you see. I don't look like I used to."

"Are you fucking with me?" Joel laughs

"No." You groan, thinking of how your scars ruined your skin, and how age had filled your curves out.

"Baby, you could be neon green under this dress, and I wouldn't care." He presses a kiss to your cheek, "l love your scars, I promise."

Your face warms in embarrassment, how did he say stuff like that so easily, "You haven't even seen them yet."

"Don't gotta," Joel promises, "They're a part of you, I know I'll love them."

It isn't much just a simple sentence, but that's all it takes for fear to be banished from your mind as you smile up at him.

"Take my dress off, Joel." You say

"Yes, ma'am." Joel teases as his fingers find the zipper once more.

Joel pulled your dress from you, delighting to see that you'd forgone a bra with said dress. His hands ran over the raised pink lines and gently caressed your hips and soft belly.

"Even prettier than the last time I saw ya." He assures

Your clothes disappeared onto the floor as Joel disappeared from above you, only to reappear between your thighs, kneeling in front of you. One big hand snuck between your legs as he teased you through your panties. His fucking mouth locked onto the skin of your thighs whispering dirty things into the skin there.

Bold as ever, he slipped his hand under your panties and let his thumb brush over your sensitive clit while two fingers slipped lower and teased your hole.

"Fucking soaked." Joel comments as you blush, "Can I take these off?"

You nod, eager to get out of the suffocating underwear.

Without the restriction of clothing, he was able to latch his mouth to your needy clit. His fingers teased your slit as he ran them along the soft flesh there, teasing but never entering.

"Joel..." You gasp, your hand wrapping around his wrist, unsure if you want him to stop or keep going.

"All mine." He whispers as you cry out, your orgasm washing over you quicker than you expected, your hips nearly flying off the bed. It'd been so long since you felt pleasure like this.

Joel straightens up and rejoins you on the bed, lying beside you as he runs a hand across the scars on your belly, murmuring something about them being beautiful.

"Can we keep going?" You ask breathlessly, looking over at his handsome face

"Course we can." He smiles, sitting back up

You hum in delight as his hips lift and he pulls his pants off, finally exposing the rest of his body to your greedy eyes. The softness of it all, god you fucking loved him.

Joel shook his head a bit as you pulled his boxers down, letting his cock out, "Greedy."

"Can you blame me?" You giggle

The hiss he let out when you ran your fingertips along the head had you dizzy with lust. Joel repositions so he's above you and his lips ghost over your nipples, teasing them with his tongue as he lifts you up so he's notched at your entrance.

"Wait." You say as he pauses above you

"What's wrong?" Joel asks, concerned, his eyes never leave yours

"I just, um," God, this was embarrassing, but he had a right to know, "Dr. Hill did an exam on me a few years back. Said I have a lot of scar tissue inside, so don't be upset if I can't y'know...cum."

"We'll go slow, alright. If it hurts or something is off, you tell me and I stop, okay?" His voice laced with concern

You nod and grip at his forearms, grounding yourself to him.

"Words, baby. Let me hear 'em," Joel says softly, refusing to move without your permission

"I wanna keep going." You say honestly

A gasp escapes your lips when he enters you. He was big, you knew it, you had seen it just seconds ago, yet it still surprised you as he pushed forward, just barely inside

"Fuck..." Joel gasped above you, his hands gripping the pillows beside you

You grimace when he shifts again, pushing more of him into you. Fuck, the doc told you this would hurt, but this bad?

"Need me to stop?" Joel asks worriedly when he sees your face

That's the last fucking thing you want.

"Keep going." You say, determined to see this through.

Joel looks at you, concerned yet he inches forward, letting out ba soft groan under his breath.

Slowly but surely you get there, letting him inside as pain slowly becomes pleasure. His fingers toy with your clit as you squirm under him. What he does next though, it has you nearly passing out from how hot it is. Joel fucking Miller leans down just a bit and actually spits on his cock.

"You're insane." You comment

"You love it," Joel says, stealing your lips in a kiss that's nothing but spit and teeth.

Joel begins to move, soft and slow at first before you demand more from him. You moan as you feel yourself growing even wetter, between his spit and your own arousal, it's actually begun to feel really fucking good.

Joel's hips slam into yours as he finally gives in to your begging for faster and harder.

"This what you want, huh? Is it?" He asks, leaning down to your ear, pressing your thighs up towards your chest a bit.

"Yes!" You yelp when his hand smacks at your inner thigh

"Such a good fucking girl..." Joel mutters as his hips begin to stutter when you tighten around him

"Joel!" You warn, fuck your stomach feels tight, no way is he actually going to get you to cum.

His hips backward, and your jaw drops into a silent moan as he enters again, this time with his thumb teasing your clit.

"C'mon, let go." Joel coerces, "Know you wanna."

You groaned as your orgasm rolled over you, your eyes slammed shut as Joel sucked a hickey onto your chest.

"Fucking hell!" He gasped, freeing himself from you before cumming all over your tummy.

Joel presses a kiss to your damp forehead before dropping himself onto the mattress beside you. Your heart squeezes when he scooches towards you, resting his sweaty head in the valley between your breasts.

"You okay?" You ask softly

"Am I okay?" Joel laughs into your skin, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay." You smile, running a hand through his greying curls atop his head.

Joel lets out a soft hum and presses a kiss to one of your nipples,

"Hungry? Thirsty? Sore?" He asks, apparently ready to provide a world of aftercare despite looking exhausted himself

You wiggle your hips a bit, testing the waters. A twinge of pain shoots through your belly, and you grimace. It had felt so good, yet your body was punishing you anyway.

"Sore." You softly admit, kissing his head, "And kinda sticky."

You motion to the cum that is drying on your body

Joel shifts so he can get a better look at you, examining the way your face is pinched together as your thighs shift again before looking down at your dirty skin.

"I'll run us a bath. " He offers, "Get us some food while I'm at it too."

You nod as he disappears, naked as the day he was born, to run you a bath and get food.

You snort when he returns, clad in your bathrobe you had hung up in the bathroom on your hook, he wipes at your stomach with a warm wash cloth.

"I look good, no?" He asks gesturing to his body

"It's up for debate." You laugh

Joel scoops you up, bridal style, and walks towards the bathroom, "Well, I happen to think I look fabulous."

The bath is perfectly warm, even smelling like the lavender bath fizzes you keep for special occasions. Joel lowers you into the tub before turning to sit on the closed toilet, a plate with crackers and cheese balanced in his hands

"Get your ass in here." You say before he has a chance to sit down fully

"You sure?" Joel asks

"You just fucked me for the first time in two decades and now you're asking to take a bath with me?" You say

Joel sets the food on the edge of the rub, unties the robe, and climbs in. He fidgets nervously as you lean back into his chest.

"You nervous, Miller?" You ask, feeling the way his breath stutters a bit.

"We've never done this before." He points out, "Not even back then."

You hum in acknowledgment, "Lucky you, I guess."

Joel laughs a bit as he links his arms securely around your middle, hands brushing the underside of your breasts, "Lucky me, indeed."

"Would you leave them alone?" You laugh as he squeezes the flesh

"Can't. " Joel mumbles, pressing a soft kiss on your neck, "I missed them."

"Pervert." You say softly

You and Joel sit in the bath til it goes tepid, feeding each other crackers and cheese, and basking in each other's company. Then, he coaxes you to your feet and washes both of you under the steam of the shower.

Now, you were wrapped around him in bed, listening to the crickets chirp. Your eyes are beginning to droop when he speaks,

"I'm sorry," Joel says

"I'm not hurting that much, Joel." You say sleepily into his bare chest.

"No not that. Well, yes that. But I'm sorry for dumpin' ya before the world ended."

You hum, "Mmm. It's alright, I forgive you, remember?

"I know, I just..."

"I forgive you." You softly say, scooting closer to him

Joel presses a kiss to your forehead, "You're too good to me. I'm an ass, I know that."

Joel yelps when you pinch his side.

"Glad you're self-aware." You laugh

"I got real scared back then. Thought I was fucking your life up by sticking around." He admits

"Right, cuz dating a 35-year-old at 24 was the worst thing to ever happen to me" You joke

"No!" Joel protests, "You know what I mean."

You nod, you do know what he means.

"Don't have to be scared anymore." You say quietly

Joel hums and chuckles a bit, rubbing a soothing circle into your back as you lay here with him under the covers.

"No, I don't. You're all mine." He declares

You shift a bit, shuffling so you can look him in the eyes, and press a kiss to his lips. Your voice comes out confidently, as you say something you've wanted to say for so long now,

"Yours."

Here we are...at the end. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am very busy right now, but I may write more for these two later.

Thank you all for reading and following this story as it progressed. If you'd like, leave me some comments with feedback!

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Tags:

@lunaticgurly  @orcasoul  @snowlycanroc  @freythecrazyfae

@person-005 @greenwitchfromthewoods

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[bbadandboujee]

RANDOM ASTRO OBSERVATIONS CUS IM SEXY! ₉⁹₉

it’s like 1 a.m here and life been lowk so good..so a nigga just had to make this, plus its bhm and almost a yn bday! these observations will consist of randomness, drunken thoughts, and just real raw realness babe. sit back and relax, grab the yarts and the weed too!

don’t copy..or do..idgaf tbh

OBSERVATIONS:

edit: i’ve been lowkey into scary movies lately, lmk if y’all want me to dive DEEP into a character..and recommend some books pls!

✟ jupiter 5h in the solar return chart: PROJECT X SUMMER. that’s it, literally prepare for an extremely fun year, doing activities, stepping out of your comfort zone, making hella connections, and most importantly having fun, you literally feed the soul with how much fun you’re having! i feel like with this placement since 5h rules children you’ll most likely meet hella younger people, or just people that bring out your inner child. you’ll most likely have luck in your creative passions, whatever you set your mind to really! if you wanna start that clothing line, nail business (especially if its in gemini), or anything of the sort, do IT!! we believe in you! also with this placement you’ll have a LOT of suitors ofc if you put yourself out there, the sign its in can give you a sense of who they are.

how this manifested for me:

so like i’m going to a party in atl for the summer! ☺️ i’ve been going out more, traveling this year, and just getting out of my comfort zone, putting myself out there too and i’m actually making connections lol, got instagram back, and also i’ve been changing my music taste?? like i like a bit of everything now! i’m also getting a new job YUP!! and OVERLY making money for the fun of it.

✟ pisces risings in the natal chart: NOBODY TALKS ABOUT HOW GOOD Y’ALL LOOK TATTED UP WITH PIERCINGS?? like omg i be wanting to eat this one person UP!! but seriously, y’all beauty is like no other, and i have the feeling that some of you may have features that many get surgery for? for example big lips. also, i’ve never seen a short pisces risings before? usually y’all are like 5’6 and above, maybe thats just me though..but back to y’alls beauty, i feel like you guys look good in anything since your looks are always changing, y’all can adapt to any style really! i find you guys overly cool though.

✟ mk so i have a little theory about saturn in the 7h, i do feel like y’all do get married late but only to the right person, since saturn does give you rewards after a long period. i also feel like your past partners were NOT IT, especially since saturn gives you lessons to prepare you. i also feel like once you do get married there’s no going back, like sticking till death do y’all part, you do tend to marry your partner until old age.

✟ mars conjunct sun synastry: have this with my #bf, the physical attraction is there and depending on the sign, say Capricorn, could last forever. you’ll be so physically attracted to this person to the point where you and them are the only person in the room! this is oddly specific i feel like physically you’ll sweat when you’re near them a lot? mk but also, this is specific too but this person may not like your dad too, but anyways, yeah hot and heavy placement seriously. i feel like you’ll feel confident when your with them if you’re the sun person obviously, and i do think mars could stare at you a lot since sun rules over identity..but anyways you get the point lol.

✟ generational curse breakers are so special to me, not only are they tuff asl, but they’ve been thru some deep dark shit that i can’t even imagine. i’ve noticed people who usually prosper from this is pluto in the 4h, north node in the 4h & saturn in the 4h. they usually have to endure the storm before the victory so they can pass down their wisdom down to their generations, i also feel like this could be a wealth placement hear me out..cus yk saturn don’t play about their people!! but anyways you obviously don’t need these placements to become a generational curse breakers, it depends on the entire chart.

✟ venus positively aspecting mars: #meandyou WERE A BLESSING! we attract both genders as well, and we get along with everyone, we’re social butterflies, like what’s not to like about us?? never ever seen someone with this placement who wasn’t serving kunt!! like..

✟ mercury in the 10h in the natal chart: best book writers ever!! i feel like any genre we adapt to it so fucking well!! like, and technology too!! it’s like we were born with it in a way? lol. i feel like with this placement also this is good for people who want to be an influencer, and i feel like this could be a fame placement for them. i was lowkey famous on tiktok, but then my page got deleted 💔 but you catch my drift, also a good placement for nail artists too.

✟ omg i have to know whats in a chart of a tattoo artist??! the most i can think of is neptune in the 5h..like yoo how tf do they be doing ts? like ik it took YEARS, but to master such a beautiful skill like that is very impressive.

✟ mk! thats enough for now..i’m sleepy lowkey but yeah! lmk if you guys liked this! ☺️

[reiding-writing]

i love ur writing sooo much, kicking my feet giggling as i reread your entire cold!reader masterlist

i think it'd be interesting to see some sexual tension between them 👁️👁️

THE CONVERSATION. — SPENCER REID!

after the hotel incident, you and spencer avoid the inevitable conversation until you can't anymore.

spencer reid x cold!reader | 2.4k | ?? | cold!reader masterlist.

main masterlist.

a/n — not really sexual tension, but definitely tension

The flight back to Quantico is suffocating.

Spencer sits across the aisle, book in hand, but you know he’s not really reading. His eyes flick over the words too slowly, the way they do when he’s using them as a shield rather than taking them in.

You don’t blame him. You’re doing the same thing—staring at the report in your lap, eyes skimming over the same paragraph for the fourth time, pretending you don’t notice the weight of his silence.

He’s quieter than usual. That alone is enough to unnerve you.

You should say something. A joke, maybe. Something dry and dismissive to shove things back into place, back into before. But your body betrays you, tense and unwilling to bridge the gap.

So you sit in it. The not-quite silence, the too-loud hum of the jet’s engines, the unspoken weight pressing into the space between you.

But things have changed.

It’s in the way he looks at you—just a second too long, like he’s cataloging every flicker of your expression, waiting for a signal he’s not sure will come.

It’s in the way you look at him, catching yourself watching the way his hands move when he flips through case files, when he tugs at his tie absentmindedly.

You hate it. The awareness, the sharp pull in your chest when he leans forward to adjust his bag and his knee barely brushes yours. The warmth that lingers too long. The way your own body responds before your mind can shut it down.

He doesn’t push. Of course he doesn’t.

Spencer is patient, careful in the way only he can be. He’s waiting—for you to say something, anything, to acknowledge what happened in that hotel room. But you don’t. You can’t. Because if you start, you don’t know where it ends.

And then there’s the team.

Emily teases, because of course she does. Some offhand remark about how you and Reid have been acting weird ever since the case wrapped up. JJ gives you quiet, knowing glances that make your stomach twist.

And Morgan—well. Morgan just smirks and says, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say there’s something you two aren’t telling me,”

You brush it off. Pretend you don’t see the way Spencer stiffens beside you, or the way your face feels unnaturally warm.

It’s fine.

Everything is fine.

Except it isn’t, and you both know it.

There’s an awareness between you now. A charged undercurrent in every glance, every movement, every second you spend in the same room.

It starts small. The way you feel his presence before you even see him. The way his gaze lingers when he thinks you won’t notice. The way your body tenses when he gets too close—not in fear, but in anticipation, in something unspoken and unbearable.

So you do what you do best: you bury it.

Your tone stays sharp, clipped, practiced in its indifference. You keep the distance, keep the edge, because that’s easier than acknowledging the way his fingers linger when he passes you a case file. The way they brush against yours, fleeting but deliberate, like he’s testing the boundaries of whatever this thing is.

You pretend it doesn’t affect you.

But it does. It does.

He doesn’t push. Spencer never pushes. But you know he’s waiting.

Waiting for the moment you slip up. Waiting for you to let the mask crack, even just a little. Waiting for you to admit what he already knows—that you feel it, too.

And the worst part?

You almost want to.

The tension is worse when it’s just the two of you.

It sneaks in during the in-between moments—when the rest of the team is occupied, when there’s no buffer, no reason to pretend the air between you isn’t thick with something unspoken.

In the conference room, you hand him a report, your fingers brushing his for the briefest second. He inhales sharply, a quiet thing, barely audible over the rustle of paper, but you hear it. Like it’s the first breath he’s taken all day.

You ignore the way your own breath catches.

In the break room, you’re pouring sugar into your takeout coffee when he walks in. You don’t look at him, don’t acknowledge the way his presence shifts the entire atmosphere of the room. But you feel him. Standing just close enough to press at the edges of your space, just far enough to keep it appropriate.

When he speaks, his voice is softer. Careful. “You should try decaf in the afternoons. Too much caffeine can increase cortisol levels, and you already don’t sleep enough,”

You roll your eyes, sip your coffee anyway. “Noted.”

It’s clipped, controlled. Everything about you is controlled.

But the silences are getting longer.

The pauses between words stretch too thin, stretched tight like a wire pulled to its limit. Every unspoken thought, every question neither of you dares to voice, hangs between you.

One day, something’s going to snap.

—

A week passes, and the tension becomes unbearable.

It’s everywhere. In the hallway, when you walk past each other just a little too close. In the team meetings, when your eyes meet across the table and neither of you look away. In the casual brushes of hands—when your fingers touch for a fraction of a second, a spark you both feel but don’t acknowledge. Every accidental touch lingers too long, and every word is too charged with meaning, too heavy with what’s unspoken.

You hate it. You hate how easily you fall into this strange, uncharted territory with him, how you can't seem to escape the gravity of what happened. And yet, every time you think you’ll address it, every time the words almost slip out, something pulls you back into the silence.

It’s late, way past normal office hours. The rest of the team has long gone home, but you’re still here, hunched over case files with Spencer.

There’s a strange, muted quiet to the space between you, and for once, it’s not just the weight of all the cases you’ve been working on. It’s the weight of this—the silence that surrounds you both, thick enough to choke.

Spencer doesn’t say anything for a long while. You’re both too immersed in the reports, in pretending to focus on the paperwork instead of whatever's hanging between you. But then he puts the file down, leans back in his chair, and the words come, simple and deliberate.

“Are we ever going to talk about it?”

It’s quiet. Too quiet. And the air in the room shifts. You freeze for a moment, caught off guard. Your mind instantly races to shut it all down, to run from the conversation you’ve been avoiding for days.

You open your mouth, prepared to deflect, to push it all back into the vault of things you don’t talk about. But then you meet his gaze.

His eyes are earnest, softer than you’ve ever seen them. There’s hope in them, and maybe something else—something fragile, something vulnerable. He’s not pushing you, not demanding anything. Just waiting.

And suddenly, you realise that you don’t want to run anymore.

You feel it in your chest, that sharp pang of wanting to bridge the gap between you, to close the distance that’s grown between you both over the past week. Maybe you don’t have the right words. Maybe you never will. But for once, you’re not afraid to try.

You swallow hard and finally speak, your voice quieter than usual, rough with the weight of everything unspoken.

“Yeah,” you murmur. “Let’s talk.”

The silence that follows isn’t empty. It’s thick with everything you’ve been holding back. And then—something shifts. The air between you crackles. You both lean in slightly, but neither of you makes a move. Not yet.

And then, without another word, Spencer stands, stepping toward you with that same quiet intensity. It’s a move you didn’t expect, and for a moment, you freeze. But then he’s closer, his breath warm against your skin, and you realize that he’s waiting for you.

Your heart races, but you don’t pull away. Instead, you let him close the distance, and this time, there’s no hesitation.

The kiss is slow. Tentative at first, like both of you are afraid to shatter the fragile moment. But it deepens quickly, and it’s everything—everything you’ve been feeling without knowing how to express it. His lips are gentle but insistent, a soft pressure against yours that makes your pulse spike.

You kiss him like it’s the only thing that matters, because in this moment, it is.

The kiss lingers in the air, charged and unresolved, as you both pull back just enough to catch your breath. You’re still close, too close, your faces a breath away from each other, and the space between you hums with something different. Something new.

You break the silence first, your voice tinged with that familiar edge of sarcasm that you use to shield yourself. “That’s not exactly us talking.”

Spencer freezes for a moment, his expression shifting from confusion to a slight grimace. He knows you’re not exactly serious about it, that the tone you’ve carried throughout the whole exchange has been more about self-preservation than actual disappointment.

But the weight of it still settles on his shoulders, and he winces at the mild reprimand, even though he understands it’s more a defence mechanism than anything else.

“I’m sorry,” Spencer mutters quickly, the apology falling out of him without hesitation. His eyes are a little wider than usual, like he’s bracing for something more, but he also knows it’s not really warranted. You’re not angry with him. You never were.

But the words are enough to make you exhale sharply, and you roll your eyes as you shift back slightly, breaking the proximity just enough for your mind to catch up with everything that’s just happened.

You study him for a moment, watching how his hands twitch slightly at his sides like he’s trying to keep himself together. His eyes are wide, darting between yours, looking for some kind of confirmation.

“I like kissing you… sorry—” he blurts, his voice cracking slightly as the words tumble out in a rush, and then he keeps talking, his words pouring out like he’s finally letting go of the tight grip he’s been holding on everything.

“I’ve wanted to for so long, but I was scared that you wouldn’t be into it. I mean, I’ve seen how you act with me, and I get it, I do, I just—” He stumbles over his own thoughts. “I didn’t want to ruin things between us. You’re—well, you’re you, and I’m me, and I didn’t know if you’d even want that, you know?”

You blink at him, trying to process the flood of words, and for a moment, it’s overwhelming. He’s still standing too close, so you take a step back, crossing your arms defensively as you try to steady yourself.

“Spencer,” you start, your voice gentle but firm, “you need to breathe.”

His eyes flicker at your words, and you see the immediate tension in his face relax a fraction, but only a fraction.

“Listen,” you continue, your voice steady now as you push past the weight of the awkwardness. “I’m not exactly a romantic person, okay?” You can feel the vulnerability creeping in, but you don’t let it overwhelm you.

“I don’t—” You sigh frustratedly. “I don’t know how to do this, or what I’m supposed to say, but… I don’t want you to think I’m rejecting you. I just— I need to know where we’re going with this. And I need to know what you want.”

Spencer opens his mouth to say something but falters, clearly still unsure of how to navigate this strange, new territory with you. You take a deep breath, feeling the space between you growing thicker with every second.

“I need you to be straightforward, Spencer,” you say, softer now. “Just— tell me what you want from this,”

For a moment, Spencer just stands there, eyes fixed on you, as though trying to read between the lines of what you’ve said. And then, finally, his shoulders relax as he nods.

“I don’t want to pressure you,” he says quietly, his voice earnest, “but I do want this. And I want you to know that, even if I’m nervous and all over the place, I’m not trying to make things difficult. I just want to— be with you. If that’s something you’re open to.”

You chew on his words for a moment, and the weight of them hits you all at once. He’s not asking for anything more than what you’re willing to give, and he’s not rushing you, either. The idea of having someone like Spencer—someone who isn’t expecting perfection from you, who’s patient enough to understand your walls—feels almost… safe.

You take a deep breath.

“I’m not good at this. But I don’t want to screw it up either.” You step forward a little, trying to meet him halfway. “I can’t promise all the right words or the grand romantic gestures, but if you’re okay with that…” You pause, meeting his gaze squarely. “I’m willing to try.”

Spencer exhales slowly, his eyes lighting up just slightly, the weight of relief crossing his face. He doesn’t move closer, but the air between you feels a little less tight, a little less heavy.

“That’s good enough for me,”

The words settle between you, and for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s no tension—just the quiet understanding of what comes next.

[scorpieuns]

BED CHEM | SIM JAEYUN

anon request: “a jake drabble inspired by sabrina's bed chem... i cant stop thinking of jake whenever that song plays!!! like imagine meeting a shy and polite jake at a party but a few shots in he becomes a completely different person. getting so flirty, and sexy, and just oozing with confidence around you... and soon leading you up the stairs of his apartment, stumbling along the way bc he couldn't wait to get a taste of you.”

word count: 2.9k

warnings (18+): smut. swearing. alcohol. kissing. nipple play. protected sex. switch!jake. pussydrunk!jake. switch!reader. a bit of fluff.

MINORS DNI!!!

A/N: I canNOT write a “short” drabble to save my life, I’m just a serial yapper atp. Anyways, anon I hope it’s to your liking!

The air was thick with the scent of salt, spilled liquor, and cheap vanilla perfume, blending into the heady haze of a spring break party in full swing.

Music throbbed through Jay’s beach house, shaking the floor beneath your feet as bodies swayed in time with the bass.

Out on the patio, half-drunk couples tangled under string lights, while inside, groups gathered around beer pong tables, their laughter bubbling over the music. It was the kind of party where inhibitions dissolved like sand under high tide, where the night stretched endlessly, ripe with possibilities.

You were invited by Jay, much to your chagrin. But he had insisted, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he pleaded with you a few days ago, promising just a few drinks and a little fun.

So here you were, smiling involuntarily as you chewed on your bottom lip, laughing every now and then—mid conversation with Jake, one of Jay's (devastatingly attractive) friends from astrophysics class.

Your breath caught slightly each time those honey-brown eyes met yours, framed by impossibly long lashes that cast subtle shadows on his cheekbones.

You had caught him watching you earlier, his dark gaze lingering with something that made your skin tingle before flickering away, as if he wasn't supposed to be looking. His plump lips would part slightly whenever your eyes met, as if there were words caught in his throat.

It was endearing, really—the way he would rub the back of his neck when you laughed, or how he stammered through your introduction, his cheeks tinged with something close to nervousness. That beautiful smile of his would flash briefly, making your heart skip.

"I'm, uh, Jake," he had said, his voice a low, velvet rumble that seemed to resonate in your chest, his gaze dancing between you and the floor as if he couldn't quite decide which was safer.

But there was something about him that pulled you in like gravity itself. Maybe it was the way he listened—really listened—his focus entirely on you, as if the rest of the party had dissolved into static.

Or maybe it was how, under the soft-spoken words and shy smiles, there was something else that made your pulse quicken whenever he leaned in closer to hear you better, his cologne a subtle, intoxicating presence that made it hard to focus on your words.

And then, somewhere through the night between failed beer pong attempts and a few too many shots, something shifted in the air between you—undeniable, inevitable.

Maybe it was when his hands found your waist, gentle but sure, as he pulled you onto the dance floor. Or maybe it was the way he looked at you now—different, darker, like a switch had flipped and all his earlier hesitation had burned away into something more.

“You’re really something else, you know that?” Jake’s voice had changed—deeper, silkier, his lips brushing against your ear in a way that made your heart stutter.

You blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

He leaned in, and your breath hitched as his lips grazed your jaw, his breath hot against your skin. “You. You’ve been driving me crazy all night.”

Something warm curled low in your stomach. This wasn’t the sweet awkward Jake from the living room. This Jake was bold, unwavering, and so sure of himself that it made your heart race.

His scent—clean, sharp, with the faintest notes of cedar—wrapped around you, drowning out everything else.

“I can’t believe Jay would hide such a pretty girl from me.” His fingers traced absent patterns along your waist, his touch deliberately featherlight but addicting all the same.

You laughed softly, threading your fingers through the soft hair at his nape. "Maybe he was trying to protect you from trouble."

Jake's answering laugh sent vibrations against your skin as his hands skimmed up your sides.

"Trouble looks good on you.” His gaze traveled down, appreciating how your dress hugged your body, before meeting your eyes again with an intensity that made your breath hitch.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as gorgeous as you,” he murmured, lips curving into something dangerously close to a smirk. “It’s almost unfair, really.”

You laughed as your pulse stuttered. “Jake, are you drunk?”

“Maybe,” He replied, tilting his head—then, with deliberate slowness, his fingers traced up your arm. “But,” he spoke up, finding the fallen strap of your dress and sliding it back into place with a softness that beautifully contrasted with the look in his eyes.

“That doesn’t make it any less true.”

The touch was nothing. A simple gesture. And yet it sent a thrill coursing through you.

So this is what they mean by liquid courage, huh?

“Who are you,” you teased, running your fingers through his hair, just firmly enough to earn a low groan that made your stomach flip, “and what have you done with the shy guy from earlier?”

Jake’s hand found your waist again, drawing you against him until there was barely any space left. The air between you was thick, his lips hovering teasingly close to yours.

Close enough to taste the promise in his smile, close enough to make you ache.

“He’s in there somewhere,” Jake murmured, his grin slow and devastating enough to make your knees weak.

And then, just as you leaned in to close that maddening distance, he pulled back slightly, leaving you chasing the phantom warmth of his almost-kiss.

But you could grumble in disappointment, he lifted his gaze to yours, eyes dark with unmistakable desire and something deeper, more tender.

“Wanna get out of here?”

The answer tumbled from your lips without hesitation, “Yeah.”

—

There was something both thrilling and torturous about being so utterly, maddeningly consumed with sexual frustration.

From the heated, borderline shameless makeout session in the back of the Uber (which, judging by the driver’s stiff posture, was definitely unwelcome) to the way Jake stumbled his way up the stairs, his grip on your hand tight and desperate—it was a slow, agonizing burn.

You weren’t sure how much longer you could take it.

Jake groaned as he struggled with his keys, his breath uneven, his hands not nearly as steady as they should have been. “You know,” he murmured, voice thick with frustration, “what you’re doing is really distracting.”

A slow, teasing smile spread across your lips as you pressed another soft kiss along his jaw, feeling the way he tensed beneath your touch.

“(Y/N)” He warned and you sighed dramatically, letting your head rest against the door as you murmured, “Then what am I supposed to do when I can’t kiss you right now?”

As if the universe itself had taken pity on you, the lock finally gave way with a soft click.

And then you were stumbling inside, barely making it through the doorway before Jake spun you around, his lips crashing into yours with a need that sent a shiver down your spine.

The door slammed shut behind you, but you barely heard it over the pounding of your heart.

Jake pulled you close, his touch sending a buzz through your veins as he gripped your hips, fingers digging into your skin.

You moaned softly against his lips, and his response was almost instant, his kiss growing more fervent, mouth moving against yours with a need that had you panting.

He was so good.

Jake tugged you closer, pulling you down the hall, trying to make it to his bedroom without tripping or running into anything. Not that it was an easy task when he was kissing you like this.

But finally, after what felt like an eternity, you were falling back onto the bed, the soft mattress catching you as Jake climbed on top of you.

There was something almost intoxicating about having him above you, his broad body looming over yours, his dark brown, heavy-lidded eyes raking over you as if he wanted to devour you whole.

Your lips parted, and Jake leaned down to kiss you, his tongue pushing past your lips to brush against yours. He pulled away without a second breath, grazing kisses along your neck, recklessly marking you from your neck to your collarbone as your head fell back.

The feathery feeling of his lips seemed to cloud your mind, soft moans emitting from your lips as he nipped at your skin.

You squirmed beneath him, and you could feel his growing arousal pressing against your thigh, making your breath hitch.

He continued his trail of kisses down your body, only breaking away as you pulled your dress over your head, leaving you in nothing but your underwear.

Jake’s lips immediately met yours again in feverish measure as his hands trailed down your neck, curving over your sternum and landing on your tits.

You moaned into the kiss when his hands began to cup the soft flesh—pressing your thighs together, scouring for some sort of friction that would dull your painful desire.

“Fuck, you’re so hot.” Jake panted as his hand grazed over your tit, nipple pebbling against the cold sensation of his rings making you whimper.

He squeezed the soft flesh with a lewd groan, arching into him with an involuntary moan as his tongue flicked over your nipples. You were so sensitive, the feeling sending a jolt through you, gasping as Jake grinned against your skin.

Your fingers meet his dark locks at its own accord, gripping the messy strands as you arched your back with a cry, the feeling of his teeth scraping against your nipple causing a spark of pain mixed with pleasure.

His other hand snaked down between your legs, brushing the damp spot that had formed on your underwear as you bucked into his hand with a whimper.

“Fuck, you're soaking wet for me, baby.” He groaned at the feeling of your arousal coating his fingers, lips meeting yours once more in a hungry, feverish kiss.

Jake broke away from your lips, swiftly lifting his shirt off his body as he discarded it somewhere in the room, the sound of his belt unbuckling shooting right to your core.

“Wan’ you so bad.” You whined.

Jake smirked as he hovered over you again, hands meeting your jaw as his other hand travelled to your inner thigh—hooking his finger under the hem of your panties, stroking your clit and eliciting a gasp from you.

His voice was deep and raspy as he murmured, "Tell me, baby."

You could feel the flush creeping up your neck as his touch sent a shiver through you, your thighs trembling with desire.

"Please..."

"Please, what?"

His thumb swiped across your clit, the sudden friction causing you to moan, the sound muffled by his lips.

Jake pulled away slightly, his lips brushing against yours as he murmured, "Be good, (Y/N), and tell me."

The way his voice seemed to drop an octave had your heart hammering against your chest, the heat pooling in your stomach.

"Fuck me, please."

Jake wasted no time pulling your panties away from your body, discarding them somewhere off the side of the bed. He pulled his pants and boxers off with a few swift motions, his cock springing free from its confines.

“Fuck.” you whispered, marvelling at just how pretty his dick looked, clenching around nothing.

Jake grabbed a condom and slipped it on, his gaze never leaving you. "God, you look so fucking good."

Jake moved over to your lips, brushing against them as his tongue tentatively darted out, tracing the swell of your lips. You let him in, tangling your tongue with his and sucking hard.

You both simultaneously moan at the feeling of his cock grazing your clit. He moved again, lining himself up with your entrance.

"Ready?" He asked, his voice raspy and thick.

You nodded, biting your lip.

"Use your words, princess." he tapped his tip along your glistening folds warningly, whimpering at the contact.

"Yes! Yes– please. Fuck me."

He pushed the tip of his cock into your heat, teasingly rubbing it against your folds. He kissed your jaw, his tongue brushing against yours.

Jake groaned as he pushed his length inside you, your body tensing up at the feeling. Your head tipped back at the sensation of him entirely inside you, moaning when he took the liberty of moving.

"Fuck, princess."

You bit your lips as you moaned with every thrust if his hips–nails digging into his back, the slight pain driving him wild.

"God, (Y/N), you feel so fucking good."

You were a moaning mess, his cock filling you, stretching you, as his thrusts sped up—the sound of skin slapping filling the room.

"Fuck, Jake. Don’t—don’t stop." you cried out.

Jake kissed your neck, his breath warm on your skin. He was whispering sweet nothings to you, but you couldn't cohere any of it, only his groans and moans.

You whimpered, his thrusts hitting all the right places, your hips rocking against him.

You whimpered, his cock hitting a particularly sensitive spot inside you, over and over again as your moans grew louder, your cries filling the room—digging your nails into the skin of his arm as the pleasure overwhelms you.

"You’re so hot-so good for me." Jake moaned, eyebrows knit in pleasure as whimpers slipped past his pretty lips.

You were getting close, his beautiful moans and the pornographic sounds of skin slapping together sending you off the edge—the pleasure threatening to make you fall apart.

"M’ so close, please, don't stop." You beg.

Jake thrusts into you faster and harder, and you cry, feeling yourself teeter over the edge. Your hands reach out to grip his arms, his muscles flexing beneath your fingertips as you arch your back with a loud moan.

You squirm under him, screaming his name as your orgasm crashes into you, almost seeing stars as he continues to thrust into you.

He presses sloppy kisses against the blooming marks on your neck, hands squeezing your tits—as though he can’t get enough of you.

The way his cock disappears inside your pussy makes him groan, the sight alone egging him on as he snaps his hips into you making your breath hitch as you involuntarily clench around him.

His mind was mushy, thoughts jumbled, too consumed with pleasure to form any coherent idea besides you.

“Such a pretty pussy.” He slurred, sliding your thigh under his arm as he lifted your thigh over his shoulder, high on the feeling of your cunt hugging him with each hard thrust.

“Jake shit-“ you let out a choked moan, the new position sending your sensitive walls into overdrive, equally impressed and shocked that he was still going.

Jake leaned in to kiss you, his desperate moans muffled by your lips until he couldn’t kiss you back anymore, mouth falling agape.

The feeling of you around him was so intoxicating, so mind blowing, so good. You were so sweet, so beautiful—so so fucking pretty.

You brushed back his damp strands, hand traveling to his pink cheeks as your thumb toyed with his bottom lip.

A smirk found itself on your lips as you gazed at him, lust blown eyes looking at you with adoration as he continuously whimpered your name.

Pride couldn’t help but swell in your chest as Jake’s newfound boldness seemed to wilt away…all to being pussydrunk.

“You are such a pretty mess for me aren’t you, baby?”

Jake nods without hesitation or second thought.

"Fuck, princess. I'm so close." He drops his head into the crook of neck with whiny moans.

His voice was strained, his breath coming in shallow gasps, his body trembling.

“I'm gonna cum. Fuck, I'm gonna cum.”

“Then come for me, baby”

Jake's eyebrows knit together as bites his lip, his cock twitching in you as his orgasm washed over him.

You watched as his head fall back, his eyes rolling back into his head, a long, drawn out moan escaping his lips.

"F-fuck." Jake groaned, his eyes squeezing shut, his body shaking.

"That's it." You cooed as his hips jerked erratically, thrusting into you a few more times before you felt his warmth fill you.

"Fuck, (Y/N)." Jake breathed, his voice still ragged.

You giggled, the sound causing Jake's heart to skip a beat.

Jake took a moment to catch his breath before he rolled off of you, removing the condom and tossing it into the trash bin next to his bed.

“That was…” he collapses back into the bed, raking his fingers into his hair.

“…Amazing?” You tease, leaning over to rest your chin on his chest.

“Yeah.” But after a moment, the dazed look in eyes finally disappears as he sits up in a panic, “but was that okay—are you fine?”

You press a kiss to his lips, “Jake, I’m fine, relax.” You laugh, “I liked it, I mean…clearly”

He cracks a smile of his own, leaning in to kiss you this time, hand caressing the side of your neck as he deepens the kiss, much sweeter than the ones before.

You softly bite his bottom lip as you briefly pull away, smirking at the groan that leaves his throat.

“Are you free next week?”

[pbaz7]

FLIGHT 2136: PART 6

paige x azzi

warning: drinking, sexual content (don’t say i didn’t warn you)

word count: 11.6k

A/N: I didn’t get much sleep so I’m beat and don’t have much to say today lol 😭. I think people will like this chapter and maybe it’ll make you leave me alone about heat check part 2 😒. Leave live reacts and comments if you can. I also want to know what you guys want to see going forward 🫶🏼

—————————————————————————

The morning after Ted’s, Paige and Azzi laid tangled together in Azzi’s bed, the room was silent besides the hum of the fan that Paige insisted they turn on after they got out of the shower. Azzi’s fingers were tracing feather-light patterns along the scar on Paige’s torso, the touch absentminded but still deliberate.

Paige’s eyes were closed, her breathing steady, and for once, she looked completely at peace. Azzi watched her for a moment, then used her other hand to brush a few stray strands of hair from Paige’s face.

“What are you thinking about?” Azzi whispered.

Paige’s lashes fluttered slightly, but she didn’t open her eyes. “Surprisingly… nothing,” she mumbled.

Azzi smiled at that, finding an odd sense of warmth in Paige’s answer. She didn't say anything back, just let her head rest back against the pillows, closing her own eyes as she continued tracing soft patterns along Paige’s scar.

A moment passed before Paige’s voice broke the silence. “That feels nice baby.”

Azzi’s eyes opened again, meeting the now familiar blue ones staring up at her. Paige was watching her now, her expression completely tender. Azzi felt her heart tug, a slow and steady ache that had nothing to do with pain.

“You’re so beautiful,” Azzi murmured as she gazed into Paige’s eyes.

Paige let out a quiet hum, a smile growing on her face. “You’re gorgeous, angel.”

Azzi exhaled a soft laugh. “You ever gonna just accept a compliment?”

Paige’s smile widened. “Can’t help but give you one back.”

Azzi’s fingers stilled for a moment before she spoke. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

Paige’s blue eyes softened as she looked up at Azzi. “I’m glad I’m here too.”

Azzi let her fingers go back to tracing patterns across Paige’s torso before a smirk tugged at her lips. “You’re a little rusty on the court though.”

Paige scoffed, lifting her head off of Azzi’s stomach slightly. “Excuse me?”

Azzi laughed. “Just a tiny bit.”

Paige narrowed her eyes, propping herself up on one elbow. “C’mon, Az, you know that’s a lie.”

Azzi looked like she was about to argue, but before she could, Paige shifted, slipping from between her legs and rolling off the bed. “Nah, c’mon. Let’s go play.”

Azzi groaned dramatically, flopping back against the pillows. “Baby, please, it’s Saturday.”

Paige shook her head no as if not going wasn’t an option. “You called me rusty. I can’t let that slide.”

Azzi still didn’t move, looking way too comfortable in bed. Paige knowing how to get her up raised a brow as she said, “What, you scared I’ll prove I’m better?”

Azzi’s eyes widened, her head snapping toward Paige. “Excuse me?”

Paige smirked. “I’m better than you, Azzi.”

Azzi scoffed, sitting up. “Paige, baby… no, you aren’t.”

Paige just gave her a look with a smirk on her face. That was all it took. With a dramatic sigh, Azzi threw off the covers and got up, grabbing a pair of sweats.

Paige chuckled, shaking her head as she watched Azzi get dressed. “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

Azzi pulled on her hoodie. “I’ve seen you in practice this week. Yes, you’re good…great actually—but you’re not better than me.”

Paige just shrugged. “We’ll see.”

With that, the two of them headed out of Azzi’s room, making their way to the gym.

After stopping by the locker room to grab their shoes and change, Paige and Azzi stepped on the court, both in shorts and T-shirts.

Azzi had a ball tucked under her arm, spinning it once on her palm before bouncing it toward Paige. “Shoot for ball.”

Paige caught it easily, dribbling once before shooting. The ball swished cleanly through the net.

Azzi playfully rolled her eyes. “Of course.”

Paige smirked as Azzi walked toward her, meeting her at the top of the key. “First to eleven. Ones and twos.”

Azzi nodded.

Paige checked the ball, bouncing it to Azzi, who quickly returned it.

Paige jabbed left—not too hard, just enough to gauge Azzi’s reaction. Azzi shifted slightly, staying balanced, eyes locked on the ball. Paige smirked, repeating the jab, this time dragging her dribble before shifting between her legs, one quick bounce to the right.

Azzi stayed in front of her, cutting off the drive, but Paige was a slight step ahead. She created just enough space, fading back from the elbow of the, the ball rolling off her fingertips smoothly.

Swish.

Paige walked back to the top of the key, her smirk growing. “1-0.”

She checked the ball with Azzi again, who bounced it back, this time playing a little further off. Paige noticed the adjustment immediately.

Without hesitation, she pulled from the top of the key. The ball barely grazed the net as it fell through.

Paige’s smirk deepened. “3-0.”

Azzi huffed, rolling her shoulders as she locked in.

Paige checked the ball, and Azzi bounced it right back—this time stepping in closer, a soft hand resting on Paige’s hip.

Paige smirked. “Oh, we hand-checking now?”

Azzi mumbled out,“Shut up.”

Paige chuckled, trying to shift past Azzi with another move. Just as she went to explode forward, Azzi’s hand was quicker—stripping the ball.

“Damn,” Paige muttered.

Azzi cleared the ball beyond the three-point line, keeping her dribble low. She hit an in-and-out, between-the-legs, before stepping back—just enough space.

Azzi flicked her wrist perfectly.

Paige didn’t even have to turn around to know. The sound of the ball snapping through the net was enough.

Azzi smiled as she jogged forward. “3-2.”

Paige licked her lips, eyes shining with challenge as she picked up the ball.

Azzi held out her hands, nodding. “Check up.”

Paige grinned. This was going to be fun.

…

The game had stretched on for who knows how long. What started as something that was supposed to be a quick matchup had turned into a back and forth game. At some point, they agreed to win by two, causing them to blow past eleven.

Paige’s shirt had been discarded a while ago, her skin glistening in her sports bra. Azzi’s shirt clung to her in patches, damp with sweat, her toned arms slick as she wiped her face with her shirt.

Right now, Paige had the ball, Azzi locked in on her, close enough that Paige could feel her breath. Azzi was hand-checking again, her palm pressing lightly against Paige’s hip.

Paige huffed a laugh, pushing it off.

Azzi put it right back.

Paige knocked it away again, sweeping the ball low as she exploded into a right-handed dribble. Azzi followed immediately, but her defense had gotten… handsy. More than what regular defense allowed.

Not that Paige was about to complain.

She read Azzi’s movement, baiting her into thinking she’d pull up, hesitating just enough to freeze her. The second Azzi’s weight shifted, Paige was gone, blowing past her toward the rim.

Azzi recovered fast, but not fast enough.

Paige got the layup off clean, the ball rolling off her fingertips.

Breathless, she backpedaled, smirking at Azzi. “18-17.”

Azzi shook her head, laughing under her breath. “You really think you’re winning this?”

Paige just grinned. “Check up and find out.”

Just as they were about to check up again, the sound of the gym doors opening caught their attention. A few of their teammates strolled in, KK’s voice ringing out first.

“Why y’all didn’t tell us y’all were hooping?”

Azzi chuckled, shaking her head as she took the interruption as an opportunity to walk over to the sideline. She grabbed her water bottle, twisting the cap off and taking a swig. Paige followed her, still breathing a little heavy.

Azzi extended the bottle toward her without a word. Paige took it, their fingers brushing as she brought it to her lips, tilting her head back for a long sip.

“Y’all been going for a while, huh?” Ice said, nodding toward Paige’s discarded shirt and the clear sheen of sweat on both of them.

Paige wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, smirking. “Just proving a point.”

KK raised a brow. “Who’s winning?”

Azzi shot Paige a sideways glance before she could answer. “We’re not done yet.”

KK laughed, shaking her head. “Well, y’all mind some company? Since you decided to sneak off this morning and not tell anybody.”

Azzi looked at Paige, wordlessly asking if she was cool with it. Paige shrugged, a small smile forming on her lips. “You sure you wanna get embarrassed, too?”

KK scoffed. “Man, check ball.”

The gym was alive with energy after that as KK, Ice, Paige, Azzi, Aubrey, and even Sarah played a game of queen of the court. They’d barely noticed how much time had passed—just caught up in the back-and-forth.

At some point, Ayanna and Jana showed up, making it a full-on team affair when they told everyone else to come, though not everyone was playing. Ayanna and Caroline were on the sidelines, watching, making sure they chime in here and there to instigate.

Paige and Azzi found themselves staying on the court for longer stretches, each one pushing the other in ways that only they could. Paige, who seemed to always have some energy stored away, was relentless, while Azzi—despite her competitive spirit—was starting to feel the weight of how long they’d been playing.

She gave one more glance at Paige, who was too focused to notice, and made the call to sit down for a bit.

She jogged over to Caroline and flopped onto the chair beside her, grabbing her water bottle and sighing in relief.

Azzi leaned back in her chair, her eyes following Paige as she moved around the court, effortlessly making shot after shot. There was something about the way Paige played that made it hard for Azzi to look away. It was just so smooth, so effortless, yet still entertaining. Her hair was in a low bun now, strands of it sticking to her forehead with the sweat glistening on her skin. Paige was completely in her element, her chain dangling over her chest with each movement, catching the light perfectly each time. The sight sent a jolt of heat through Azzi, and her mind wandered to a few things she’d rather not be thinking about in the middle of the gym.

Azzi crossed her legs, trying to shift her focus, but once she got started it was impossible. The way Paige moved, the sheer confidence and grace she exuded when she played—it was sexy in a way Azzi hadn’t figured out how to explain just yet. Her thoughts drifted back to last night when they got back from Ted’s, her body so close, the chain swinging over her face as Paige—her thoughts were interrupted by Caroline, who snapped her fingers in front of Azzi’s face a few times.

“Earth to Azzi,” Caroline said.

Azzi blinked, snapping out of her trance, her eyes meeting Caroline’s. “Hm?” she mumbled, trying to hide the flush creeping up her neck.

Caroline raised an eyebrow, her gaze following Azzi’s flicking over to Paige, who was still showing off on the court. “Checking her out again, huh?”

Azzi felt a nervous laugh bubble up, but she quickly cleared her throat. “No, I—No.”

Caroline laughed. “It’s kind of obvious, you know.”

Azzi mumbled, trying to brush it off, “No, it’s not.”

Caroline raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Sure, whatever you say.”

She leaned back in her chair, her gaze flicking between Azzi and Paige, enjoying being able to tease her best friend. “I will say though, you’re not the only one enjoying the show,” Caroline said, her voice carrying some amusement.

Azzi’s attention snapped to Caroline, her eyebrows furrowing as she processed the words. “What do you mean?”

Caroline subtly nodded towards Q, and Azzi followed her line of sight. She saw Q, who was sitting off to the side on the floor. Her eyes were locked on Paige as she moved around the court. The intensity and intrigue in her gaze was clear as day and Azzi couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw it.

“Yeah, I noticed the other day,” Azzi replied, an amused grin forming as she looked at Q.

“So, you’re not gonna say anything?”

Azzi’s laugh that followed was lighthearted. “Nah, not really worried about that.” She said, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes.

Caroline tilted her head, watching Azzi for a moment before asking, “You think it’ll pass?”

Azzi shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze drifting back to Paige. “Haven’t really thought about it, honestly.” Any attention Azzi was paying to the conversation vanished when she looked back at Paige. Paige had just scored on Morgan, a smirk on her face as she chirped about nobody being able to guard her. Azzi couldn’t help but admire the ease with which Paige played, the way her confidence on the court seemed larger than anything in the world.

Paige caught Azzi’s eyes from on the court and smirked, a playful glint flashing in her blue eyes. Without looking away, she tossed the ball to Aubrey. “Alright, I’m done,” Paige said, walking off the court.

Some of the girls on the court playfully started celebrating, knowing they’d have more time on offense now. Paige strolled over to where Azzi was sitting, dropping down beside her with a sigh as she laid on the floor.

Azzi couldn’t help but smile, her eyes softening when she looked down at Paige. “You finally done?” she teased.

Paige groaned, letting her head rest on the floor. “Yeah, I’m tired,” she admitted, closing her eyes for a moment.

Azzi stayed quiet, simply watching Paige for a second. Paige’s skin was dripping with sweat at this point, her muscles were relaxed but still toned from playing. Azzi’s gaze wandered for a second longer, tracing the lines of Paige’s body.

Azzi smiled gently at how comfortable she looked. When Paige had first taken off her shirt in the locker room, she knew people would notice, but no one on the team had said anything. There was sort of a quiet, unspoken agreement that Paige would explain the scar if she wanted to—no pressure. Them doing that allowed Paige to feel comfortable enough to be shirtless around them, which was pretty often considering she just didn’t seem to like wearing shirts for some reason.

Azzi’s thoughts were interrupted when Paige broke the silence. “I won, by the way.”

Azzi immediately turned her head. “No, you didn’t.”

Paige smirked, throwing her arms behind her head. “It was 18-17.”

“Yeah, and it was win by two. So no, you didn’t win.”

Paige chuckled, leaning back onto the floor with her hands behind her head. “Whatever you say, Azzi.”

Just as they were about to settle into yet another back and forth, Caroline spoke up. “I realized something,” she said, a slight smile tugging at her lips. It was the kind of smile Azzi knew all too well—it meant Caroline was up to something.

Azzi groaned, already bracing herself. “What?”

Caroline’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. “We haven’t fully integrated Paige onto the team yet.”

At the mention of her name, the blue-eyed guard sat up, her attention now fully on Caroline. Before Azzi could stop her, Caroline shouted across the gym, “Truth or drink tonight in my suite!”

The other girls, scattered around the gym, stopped what they were doing. A few exchanged excited glances while others groaned. Caroline always had a way of turning truth or drink into a game that had everyone black out by the end of the night.

Paige looked at Azzi with a confused expression, raising her eyebrow. “Is this how you welcome people to the team?” she asked, leaning closer to Azzi.

Azzi shook her head. “This is a Caroline thing and a Caroline thing only.”

…

About an hour later Paige’s room was quiet except for the sound of pages turning and Paige’s steady breathing.

Azzi was propped up against the headboard, her back cushioned by pillows as she held a book in one hand, the other lazily combing through Paige’s hair. It was something she did absentmindedly, her fingers threading through the strands, tracing small patterns against Paige’s scalp.

Paige had barely made it five minutes after her shower before exhaustion took over. The moment she crawled between Azzi’s legs and rested her head against her stomach and thigh, she was out, her arms loosely wrapped around Azzi’s waist.

Azzi glanced down for a moment, her eyes softening at the sight of Paige curled up against her. She felt the rise and fall of Paige’s breathing against her, a small reminder of just how comfortable they had become with one another. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she turned another page, letting herself enjoy the quiet moment, knowing they wouldn’t have many like this once the season was in full swing.

For now, though, she just kept reading, her fingers still moving through Paige’s hair, the quietness and the warmth between them easing her into her own sense of calm.

A few minutes later, a knock at the door broke the quietness. Azzi hesitated, glancing down at Paige, who was fast asleep between her legs, arms wrapped around her waist. Paige had only thrown on a sports bra and sweats after showering, her body completely relaxed against Azzi’s. Azzi, in her short pajama shorts, suddenly became aware of how…compromising this looked.

She considered not answering, it wasn’t even her room, but the knock came again.

“Who is it?” she finally called out.

“Ice.”

Azzi exhaled, knowing Ice already had a pretty good idea about them at this point. “Come in.” She set her book down as the door opened.

Ice stepped inside, took one look at the scene in front of her, and smirked, crossing her arms. “Well, well, well.”

Azzi rolled her eyes. “Yes, Ice?”

“Well, I was about to ask Paige something, but I see that’s a lost cause.”

Azzi chuckled, glancing down at Paige, who was still dead to the world, her breathing slow. “Yeah, she’s out.”

Instead of leaving, Ice made herself comfortable, dropping onto the bean bag in the corner of the room. She stretched her legs out and looked at Azzi with curiosity. “So… how’d this actually happen?”

Azzi took a page out of Paige’s book and just shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ice leaned back in the bean bag, arms still crossed as she studied Azzi. After a beat, Ice arched her eyebrow, smirk still in place. “So, she just knocked out on you like that?”

Azzi barely looked up from where her fingers absentmindedly played with strands of Paige’s hair. “Yup.”

Ice scoffed, shifting in the bean bag. “Right… the same Paige that won’t let anyone on the team touch her outside of a high-five or a pat on the back?”

That got a laugh out of Azzi, her stomach moving with the motion. Paige groaned at the disturbance, burying herself deeper against Azzi as she tightened her grip around her waist. Azzi smiled down at her, rubbing slow circles against her back to soothe her before glancing back at Ice who had an amused look on her face.

“Yeah, that same Paige,” she mumbled.

Ice huffed dramatically. “Bro, when are y’all just gonna admit you have something going on?”

Azzi blinked at her, feigning confusion. “We do?”

Ice booed, grabbing a small pillow from the bean bag and throwing it at Azzi. Azzi moved, trying to bat it away, but instead, it hit Paige.

Paige grumbled in protest, shifting again but not fully waking up. She tightened her hold on Azzi’s waist, her face now completely buried between Azzi’s stomach and thighs.

Azzi shot Ice a glare. “Seriously?”

Ice held up her hands in surrender, but she was still grinning. “My bad, my bad.”

Paige mumbled something incoherent against Azzi’s skin, which sounded a lot like a “stop moving baby,” before settling again, completely unbothered.

Azzi sighed, shaking her head as she ran her fingers through Paige’s hair again, trying to keep her relaxed. “You’re lucky she’s too tired to care.”

Ice smirked. “Oh, I know. But don’t think you’re off the hook.” She tilted her head. “So, what were you saying?”

Azzi just smirked back. “I wasn’t saying anything Ice.”

Ice stood up, stretching slightly before smiling. “I think you forgot—we’re doing truth or drink tonight.”

Azzi tilted her head, the corner of her lips curling. “Hm. Should be fun then.”

Ice chuckled, shaking her head as she mumbled, “Sure will.”

She made her way to the door, casting one last glance at the two of them—Paige still completely wrapped around Azzi, sleeping peacefully, and Azzi looking more than comfortable with it. Ice mumbled something to herself before shutting the door behind her.

Azzi sighed softly, glancing down at Paige, who was still fast asleep.

“Truth or drink, huh?” she mumbled to herself.

…

Later that night the whole team was gathered in Caroline’s suite, sprawled out in a loose circle on the floor. Paige sat with her back leaned against the couch, her usual composed demeanor on display as she sipped from her red cup, though the positioning of those around her told a different story.

Azzi was comfortably settled on her left side, their proximity unmistakable—Paige’s arm was casually draped along the back of the couch behind Azzi, fingers occasionally brushing against her shoulder discreetly. On her right, Qadence sat, though there was a noticeable gap between them, one that subtly contrasted the ease Paige had with Azzi.

Everyone had shot cups in front of them, some of them opting for more casual drinks in red cups as well, their fingers lazily wrapped around them as they settled into the game. Ice was grinning like she had been waiting for this moment all day.

Caroline clapped her hands together. “Alright, y’all know the rules. Truth or drink. You answer honestly, or you take a shot. No skipping, no backing out.”

Azzi smirked, glancing at Paige. “You ready for this?”

Paige just chuckled, shaking her head. “Not at all.”

The game had started off light. The more seasoned players—Ice, Caroline, Aubrey, and KK—had eased the freshmen (Morgan, Allie, and Sarah) and newer members (Paige and Kaitlyn) into the game with safe, easy questions. Simple things like, What’s your guilty pleasure song? or What’s your favorite thing to do outside of basketball? Everyone laughed as Morgan admitted to blasting country music in her car when no one was around, and Allie’s favorite pastime turned out to be baking cookies while binge-watching crime documentaries. Kaitlyn joked about being “uncoordinated” when she first started playing basketball.

But as the group settled into their rhythm, it became clear that Caroline was ready to take things up a notch. She leaned forward with a grin, her eyes scanning the room as she clapped her hands together.

“Alright," she said, her voice filled with excitement. “Time to spice things up a little.”

Everyone exchanged glances, some of them smirking, others letting out nervous laughs as they felt the tension shift in the room.

Caroline started with Ayanna. “So, Yanna…you’ve been a little MIA at night lately. You wanna tell us where you’ve been going?”

Ayanna’s lip twitched as she smiled but without hesitation, she grabbed her shot glass, filled it to the brim, and downed it. She then chased it with whatever was in her red cup, leaning back on her hands. “What can I say?” Ayanna shrugged, “I like my space.”

The room buzzed with laughter as the others took turns asking questions that they knew would have someone taking a shot. Once Ice took her own shot she turned to Paige, her gaze settling on her with a smirk. “How many people have you slept with?”

Paige, though slightly surprised by the inquiry, didn’t flinch. Her response came quickly, “Seven.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Paige had never really hinted at anything regarding her relationship status or past, so her answer intrigued them all. Most of them were just curious to learn more about their teammate, get more ammo to tease her, but Azzi didn’t miss the way Q sat up a little at this information.

Paige, feeling the eyes on her, shrugged nonchalantly. Not knowing who to ask next, she turned her gaze to Caroline. “What about you?” she asked, looking for a little distraction.

Caroline grinned, answering the question with an easy “Five,” before turning the tables. Her eyes flicked over to Qadence, a smile spreading across her face. “Q, who's your crush?”

Azzi couldn’t help but snort at the question, knowing full well what Caroline was trying to do. Azzi’s eyes flicked over to Paige, who seemed momentarily confused by Azzi’s reaction. Azzi just shook her head, Paige raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it.

Meanwhile, Qadence, who was already a little flustered from being put on the spot, quickly reached for her shot. The alcohol burned as she swallowed, and she took a deep breath before scanning the group for her next target. Her eyes landed on Paige.

“Paige,” she started, hesitating only slightly before continuing, “when’s the last time you kissed someone?”

Paige’s lips parted slightly, as if considering whether or not she wanted to answer. Her fingers toyed with the shot glass in front of her before she finally poured herself a shot, lifting it in a silent response.

A mix of groans and cheers filled the room as Paige tossed it back, the liquor burning a familiar path down her throat. She didn’t even flinch, simply grabbing her red cup to chase it down with a sip of her vodka and juice.

Caroline was the first to break the silence, leaning in with a knowing grin. “Ohhh, so it must’ve been recent, huh?”

Paige just shrugged, setting the empty shot glass down with a casual clink. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

Qadence narrowed her eyes. “That’s such a cop-out.”

Paige only smirked in response before saying, ”Somebody else ask a question.”

Caroline grinned at the invitation as she turned toward Azzi. “Alright, alright. Since Paige wants to be all mysterious, let’s spice it up. Azzi,” she challenged, “when’s the last time you slept with someone?”

The room went silent for a second as everyone processed the question, and a quiet snicker came from Ice. Paige bit the inside of her cheek to stop from smirking. Azzi arched an eyebrow at the question, taking her time as she leaned back further into the couch.

“Yesterday,” Azzi answered nonchalantly, her voice completely calm despite the waves of attention it immediately drew.

The reaction was instantaneous. The whole team erupted with questions, all talking over each other.

“What?!” Morgan exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief. “Who was it?”

“Wait, wait, wait—yesterday?” Aubrey yelled.

Caroline just smiled with a wide grin, clearly enjoying the chaos she’d sparked.

Paige was fighting to keep a straight face, her cheeks flushing slightly at how the conversation was unfolding. She glanced at Azzi, trying to gauge her reaction. Azzi remained cool, despite the attention. She smirked, clearly unbothered by the sudden influx of questions. “Next question.”

The game continued like usual, the alcohol loosening everyone up. Most of the team took continuous shots as they got more specific with their questions, digging into each other’s secrets. The laughter started to get louder, and occasionally someone would answer between all the boos.

When it came around to Paige again, Caroline leaned forward with a grin, clearly enjoying the opportunity to mess with her again. “Paige, when's the last time you slept with someone?”

The room went quiet, and all eyes turned to Paige, who chuckled. She knew there was no easy answer to that, and Azzi shot Caroline a quick glare, silently warning her. Paige filled her shot cup, downing it,, but her reluctance to answer questions like this didn’t go unnoticed. Suspicion hung in the air, and the team began to lean in a little closer, eager to get to the heart of the matter.

“Paige, come on,” Morgan said, “don’t be so mysterious. We know you have something going on.”

But Paige didn’t budge. She simply said, “Next question,” with a slight smile on her face.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple. The moment she asked someone else a question, it was immediately thrown right back at her.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” KK asked.

Paige answered this one. “Yup.” Her response was quick, but it only seemed to fuel the growing curiosity.

“Where is she from?” Aubrey asked, and Paige took a shot this time. Each time Paige asked someone else a question they threw it right back at her. Everyone trying to figure out what she was hiding.

“How did you meet?” came the next question, followed by Paige taking yet another shot.

“Does she play basketball?” Sarah asked, and this time, Paige answered with a grin. “Yup.” It was the easiest question yet.

As Paige continued to drink the alcohol had her feeling a little more carefree, and she found herself laughing and joking with the team more freely. Her usual calm, guarded demeanor was slipping away as she playfully went back and forth with her teammates, teasing them just as much as they teased her every time someone asked her a question.

Caroline deciding to switch things up a little tossed the question Azzi’s way, a playful grin forming on her face. “So, Azzi, you seeing anyone these days?”

Azzi paused for just a moment as she thought about her next move.

She could answer truthfully.

But where was the fun in that?

Instead, she smirked, lifting a shot to her lips saying, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” before throwing it back.

Caroline raised an eyebrow with a smile tugging at her lips as she leaned back on her hands. Even though Caroline didn’t press for an answer, the rest of the team was now curious about Azzi’s lack of answer.

Paige, still sitting in her original position, shifted slightly. Her gaze looked around the room for a moment before turning her attention to Azzi. She leaned in close, her lips brushing Azzi’s ear as she whispered something no one else could hear. All eyes landed on the pair. Paige’s words were soft, too quiet for anyone to pick up, but Azzi’s smile widened at whatever was being said. Both of their actions were fueled by the alcohol in their system and the fact that most of the team had already pieced together that they were at minimum sleeping with each other.

As Paige pulled back, leaving Azzi with parting words, Azzi’s smile faltered slightly, her teeth catching her bottom lip instead. The others in the group couldn't help but watch in stunned silence, some eyes wide, others trying to piece together what they were witnessing.

Aubrey’s voice broke the quiet, it was a half-laugh, half-statement. “Ya’ll are definitely fucking.”

Ice, wanting to stir the pot and mess with Paige at the same time, leaned forward with a grin. "Paige, are you sleeping with Azzi?"

Paige smirked a glint of amusement flickering in her eyes. She grabbed the bottle of liquor, poured a hefty shot into her glass, and threw it back with ease. She followed it quickly with a swig from her red cup before she smiled at Ice.

Caroline, of course, couldn't resist chiming in. She glanced over at Azzi with a raised eyebrow. “Azzi care to comment?”

Azzi, leaning back in her seat, shook her head with a playful smile. "It’s not my turn to answer a question.".

Caroline wasn’t having it. “All in favor of Azzi answering?" she called out. Almost every hand shot up, almost all of them with eager grins. Azzi glanced around the room, her smile widening at the overwhelming response. She let out a small chuckle, clearly entertained by how quickly the team had caught on.

“Alright, alright,” Azzi relented with a dramatic sigh, pouring herself a hefty shot. Azzi too threw her shot back. Then, with a grin, she reached for Paige's red cup, taking a generous sip from it to chase the burn of the shot.

The room was full of snickers and raised eyebrows, everyone now fully invested in what was unfolding between Paige and Azzi..

As the game continued, they let off of them for a while, aiming for teammates who they thought weren’t drunk enough yet. Until Q, seemingly trying to figure out if it was casual or serious, says, “Paige, how long have you and Azzi been messing around?”

Paige leaned back and glanced at Azzi. She whispered to Azzi under her breath, “If I don’t answer, Imma be messed up. Can’t do another shot.”

Azzi, barely suppressing a smile, simply nodded. “It’s fine,” she replied softly.

With a sigh, Paige lifted her head again, then looked around at the group before answering. “November,” she said, the word slipping out easily enough, but the moment it did, the entire room seemed to erupt with cheers. Caroline and Ice, the only ones who didn’t seem completely shocked by finally getting an answer.

Aubrey, her eyes wide, looked between the two. “Y’all knew?”

“I did,” Caroline admitted, leaning back casually.

“I had my suspicions,” Ice said.

The room was filled with surprised laughter as the rest of the team processed the information. The game, at that point, took a brief pause as everyone let the new piece of the puzzle sink in and they all started talking amongst themselves.

Azzi chuckled, watching as Paige let her head fall back against the couch, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment. Azzi nudged her gently. “You good?”

Paige let out a soft mumble, barely moving. “I’m drunk.”

Azzi smirked, shifting closer and leaning her weight against Paige, her head resting lightly on her shoulder. “Me too,” she admitted. “Just a little bit.”

Paige, still slouched against the couch, cracked one eye open and turned her head slightly to look at Azzi, her lips quirking up in amusement.

“What?” Azzi asked, feeling Paige’s gaze on her.

“If I’m drunk, you’re definitely drunk.”

Azzi scoffed, sitting up just enough to look at Paige properly. “You took a few more shots than I did,” she argued.

Paige hummed, eyes twinkling as she tilted her head to look at Azzi. “Yeah, but you chased all of yours with my drink,” she pointed out.

Azzi blinked, then glanced at the red cup in her hand. “I thought it was only juice,” she muttered.

Paige shook her head, a grin tugging at her lips. “Vodka too.”

At this, Azzi’s eyes narrowed slightly, she reached over, softly pulling the cup from Paige’s grasp. “Yeah, you’re done.”

Paige just chuckled, letting her head tilt back against the couch again, her gaze trailing over Azzi in a way that didn’t go unnoticed. She licked her lips, her eyes hazy with something that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

Azzi sighed, shaking her head with a smile. “Don’t start.”

Paige’s smile widened slightly. “I didn’t even say anything.”

Azzi arched an eyebrow. “I know that look.”

Paige shrugged. “So?”

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “So no.”

Paige just smirked. “Yeah, alright.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly to create some space. “You think I’m lying?”

Paige licked her lips again, before leaning in just a little closer, eliminating the space Azzi created. “Definitely.”

Azzi didn’t want to admit it—not out loud, at least—but Paige was right. Because the way Paige was looking at her right now, with that dark, lazy gaze, had her feeling warmer than she should. And with the drinks still settling into her system, that warmth was only spreading.

Azzi swallowed, shifting slightly. “You’re so full of yourself,” she muttered, trying to take Paige’s attention off of her.

Paige, deciding to push Azzi’s buttons a little, smirked before whispering, “You look good, baby.”

Azzi huffed, shaking her head at the sudden compliment. “Thank you.”

Paige’s smirk only grew. “I don’t look good?”

Azzi sighed, already seeing where this was going. “You always look good.”

Paige leaned in just slightly, eyes flickering to Azzi’s lips. “So tell me I look good then, mama.”

Azzi sucked in a breath, the name making her stomach flip. Paige only ever used it when they were having sex, most of the time it slipped out unintentionally. Having it paired with that look Paige was giving her, that smirk, it was dangerous.

Azzi shifted again, trying to keep her cool, but the way Paige was watching her—like she already knew she had her—made it damn near impossible. “You look good, baby,” she finally said, her voice quieter now.

Paige hummed, tilting her head. “How good?”

Azzi clenched her jaw slightly, feeling the warmth of the drinks settling in, mixing with the heat Paige was so effortlessly igniting in her.

“Paige.”

Paige licked her lips, closing the small space between them just a little more. “C’mon, mama. Be specific.”

Azzi let out a quiet breath, glancing away briefly in an attempt to collect herself. But when she looked back at Paige, she knew there was no getting out of this one.

“You look so good,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “Too good.”

Paige’s smirk widened. “C’mere.”

Azzi swallowed hard, keeping her expression neutral despite the fire Paige was so effortlessly stoking inside her as she scooted closer.

Paige, still leaned back against the couch, let her lips hover dangerously close to Azzi’s ear. “I want you,” she whispered, like she wanted Azzi to feel every word.

Azzi exhaled sharply through her nose, tilting her head just slightly, pretending to stay relaxed even as her pulse betrayed her. She knew the team wasn’t paying too much attention to them right now, but she also knew Paige had no business talking to her like this in front of everyone.

“You’re drunk, baby,” Azzi whispered back, keeping her voice steady, even though her hands flexed slightly against her thighs.

Paige shrugged lazily, completely unbothered.

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “No not,” she murmured, mimicking Paige’s shrug.

Paige only smirked. “I’m sober enough to know what I’m tryna do to you.”

Azzi clenched her jaw, inhaling through her nose as she fought the urge to react.

“I know you’re warm for me Az,” Paige whispered.

Azzi bit her lip, shifting again, suddenly hyper aware of how her body was reacting.

“Can’t wait to have you mama,” Paige continued. “Imma have you screaming for me.”

At this point the alcohol was fueling the words falling off of Paige’s tongue. She meant every word she was saying, the alcohol simply making it easier for them to roll off her tongue in the middle of Caroline’s suite. Every word Paige whispered had Azzi’s control slipping.

Azzi felt her resolve cracking, her body leaning further into Paige before she could stop herself.

Slowly, Azzi turned her head, hovering just above Paige’s lips, ready to whisper something back—ready to give in just a little.

But before she could—

"Alright, y’all are way too comfortable now, take that shit somewhere else.” Ice’s voice cut through the tension, making Azzi freeze for half a second before she turned toward them, schooling her expression.

The whole team was watching. Some were smirking, some shaking their heads laughing, one of them wishing it was them.

Azzi exhaled, forcing a chuckle as she leaned back slightly. But Paige? Paige didn’t move.

Didn’t look away.

Didn’t even acknowledge the interruption.

Her eyes stayed locked on Azzi, gaze steady, amused—like she hadn’t just been caught whispering the filthiest things in her ear in front of their entire team.

Azzi opened her mouth to say something, but Paige was already moving.

With an easy confidence, Paige stood up, her fingers gently wrapping around Azzi’s wrist as she tugged her up with her. There was no hesitation, no explanation.

Azzi, still holding Paige’s basically empty red solo cup, glanced at it for a brief moment before tipping it back, downing the rest of whatever mix of juice and vodka was left. She set the cup down with a soft thud and turned back toward the group, throwing up a hand as she called out, “Bye”

The team barely had a chance to respond before Paige was already leading her out the door.

As soon as they stepped into Paige’s suite, the door barely clicking shut behind them, Paige was on Azzi. With a soft but insistent push, she pressed Azzi against the door, pressing her body flush against hers.

Paige’s warm and eager lips found Azzi’s neck, her teeth grazing over the sensitive skin before her tongue soothed the spot, leaving marks in her wake. Azzi let out a quiet whimper at the contact, her breath catching as if she’d been waiting—almost aching—for this.

Paige hummed at the sound, her hands settling on Azzi’s waist as she continued working her mouth against her neck, sucking lightly before dragging her teeth over the same spot, repeating this process all over her neck. Azzi shivered, threading her fingers through Paige’s hair, holding her close, wanting more.

Then, suddenly, Paige pulled back.

Azzi let out another soft whimper at the loss of contact, her grip tightening in Paige’s hair to pull her back in, but Paige didn’t move forward just yet. Her breath was warm against Azzi’s skin as she exhaled.

"You good, right beautiful?" The words were quiet, but the meaning was clear. Paige was checking in, making sure Azzi wasn’t too drunk, making sure they were on the same page.

Azzi swallowed, her heart pounding as she met Paige’s gaze. "I’m good," she nodded.

Almost immediately she feels Paige push inside of her. She doesn’t even know when Paige dipped her fingers inside her sweats, didn’t know when she pushed her underwear to the side. All Azzi knows is she feels Paige pumping her fingers in and out of her and she feels perfect.

Before Azzi even knew it, her head was falling back against the door, her breath hitching as something loud and unrestrained left her mouth. Paige just smiled at the sound, watching Azzi’s reaction with dark, hooded eyes. She looked so damn proud of herself, so in control.

Azzi felt like her soul was leaving her body, floating somewhere outside of herself, completely lost in the moment. But every time Paige curled her fingers—every brush of her lips, every press of her body—Azzi was yanked right back to reality, her senses drowning in Paige.

They had never been like this before.

So needy. So desperate.

So completely all over one another.

Paige had never been this dominant, never taken control like this, and it was making Azzi’s head spin. She could barely think, barely breathe.

Azzi surges forward, crashing their lips together in a messy, desperate kiss. She bites down on Paige’s lip, tugging slightly until Paige let out a low groan, parting her lips in surrender.

Azzi doesn’t hesitate when Paige grants her access, sliding her tongue into Paige’s mouth, deepening the kiss as Paige groans against her. It was all-consuming—hands gripping, bodies pressing closer, the taste of alcohol on each of their lips.

Paige easily slides another finger into Azzi causing her to let out another unrestrained sound, her head falling back against the door as Paige’s fingers bury themselves further into her. Azzi’s grip in Paige’s hair tightens, her breaths coming out in short, shaky exhales as she completely loses herself in the way Paige is fucking her against the door.

Paige watches her–really watches her. The way Azzi’s eyes are half-lidded and hazy, her jaw slightly slack, her lips parted like she’s trying to catch her breath. Paige smirks, licking her lips before leaning in near Azzi’s ear. “Fuck…you’re taking my finger’s like such a good girl baby.”

Azzi’s reaction is instant–a sharp inhale, a soft, needy sound slipping out before she can stop it. Paige immediately grins, her smirk widening because damn–Azzi likes shit like this.

And now that Paige knows, she isn’t about to let it go.

She brings her hand up to Azzi’s throat, wrapping her fingers around it just tight enough—not restricting, just enough for Azzi to feel it. Paige watches Azzi’s eyes flutter, her breath hitching as her body reacts, heat rolling off of her in waves. Paige tilts her head slightly, as she murmurs, “Oh, you like this shit, huh?”

Azzi's chest rises and falls with shallow breaths as she fights to keep herself grounded. Her eyes lock onto Paige's, her lips parted as she breathlessly responds, "I... I do." Her hands grip tighter in Paige's hair, tugging her closer as she leans into the pressure of Paige's touch, desperate for more.

Paige smirks at her reaction, clearly enjoying the power she has over Azzi. "Good," she breathes against Azzi’s neck. "Then work for it."

The words cause all thoughts to leave Azzi’s head as she starts grinding down on Paige’s hand. An almost pornographic moan escaping from her throat—she’s never been so grateful that her teammates were probably drunkenly passed out in Caroline’s room. Paige pushes into her with a little extra pressure, a little faster as Azzi follows her pace completely. Azzi’s able to keep the rhythm for a few seconds before her eyes are rolling back.

Paige sucks on her neck whispering, “Mmm that’s it baby. Keep working for it just like that mama.”

Azzi gasps as she says, “Oh my God…please.” There’s a pause before she’s whimpering again saying, “Fuck please baby.”

Paige murmurs against Azzi’s neck, “Please what.”

“Please I need it baby. I’m right there.”

At this request Paige is curling her fingers perfectly, mumbling incoherently at how good Azzi feels. But every word brings Azzi closer and makes her push harder against Paige.

“Paige, fuck. I’m right there baby. Fuck, please…please baby.” Azzi sounds almost desperate as the pleas leave her lips, Begging Paige to give her more, to let her come undone.

But then Paige is pulling her fingers completely out of Azzi causing her to whimper out, “please no.”

Paige chuckles as she gently shushes Azzi saying, “I got you baby, just hold on gimme a second.” She begins tugging Azzi toward her room. She walked backwards, a small smirk tugging at her lips. Her eyes never left Azzi. Watching with a quiet intensity as Azzi’s gaze flickered between dazed and hungry, every inch of her body on fire with anticipation.

Paige’s steps were measured, each one pulling them closer to the bedroom. She walked backwards, a small, smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyes never left Azzi’s, watching with a quiet intensity as Azzi’s gaze flickered between dazed and hungry, every inch of her body aching with anticipation.

Something about Paige’s presence made everything feel charged, like the weight of the room had shifted. Her energy was commanding, but smooth, like she owned every inch of the space between them, her confidence practically radiating off her. It was a kind of energy from Paige that Azzi had never experienced to this extent before.

Paige's smirk grew as she felt Azzi’s gaze following her every movement. She leaned in, her voice just above a whisper but filled with the same confidence. “Come on, baby,” she murmured. She tugged gently at Azzi’s hand.

Azzi took another step forward, the space between them narrowing until she was almost pressed up against Paige as they walked. She could feel the pull, could feel her heart racing in her chest as Paige’s energy swirled around her.

This was different. This was different from anything they’d shared before.

When they get to the room, Paige gently pushes the door closed making sure she locks it. She gently tugs on Azzi again, pulling her completely against her.

Azzi expects to be led to the bed, but instead, Paige gently moves her toward the desk.

She gently bends Azzi forward, pressing Azzi’s chest against the surface of the desk. Azzi inhales sharply at the sensation, feeling her heart race as Paige’s presence wraps around her like a second skin.

The room feels smaller now. Azzi’s breath catches as Paige leans in, her lips close to Azzi’s ear. “Stay right there,” she whispers. Azzi’s body responds before she can even process the words, warmth pooling in her stomach.

Paige nudges her legs apart slightly before she’s pulling Azzi’s sweats down and getting on her knees, her hands resting on the back of Azzi’s thighs as she leans into her center.

The moment Paige connects her mouth to Azzi, she’s letting out a quiet moan.

Paige hums into Azzi as she lets her tongue move all over her, making sure she doesn’t miss an inch. She’s sucking and licking, pushing herself into Azzi, gripping on her thighs and Azzi feels like she’s about to fall apart.

Azzi feels the heat from her stomach rise to her chest, getting stuck in her throat as she lets out another whimper–the only sound she can muster as she rocks herself forward. Paige encourages the movement, humming against Azzi silently telling her to keep going. It doesn’t take long for Azzi to return to where she was just moments ago near the front door and her leg’s start to slightly tremble.

Paige notices it, and she immediately adds her finger to the mix, circling Azzi’s clit as she swipes her tongue across her completely.

Azzi let’s out a breathy moan, “Paige…P, please–”

Paige smirks as she mumbles against Azzi center saying, “I know, it’s ok baby you can let go. Lemme taste you.”

This is all it takes for Azzi to let out a loud cry as she releases on Paige’s face and Paige is lapping all of it up, like she’s desperate for Azzi, like it’s the best thing she’s ever had. The pleasure is crashing over Azzi over and over again and at one point she feels like she isn’t even on earth anymore as Paige cleans her up.

Even though Azzi finishes it doesn’t seem like Paige is going to stop anytime soon. Her mouth is still on Azzi, tongue still working all over her–just fast enough, just firm enough. Azzi thinks she sees stars when she squeezes her eyes shut, grasping at the desk for something to hold onto.

When Paige pushes her tongue back into Azzi she thinks it becomes a little too much, the warmth in Azzi’s stomach returning immediately. “Baby,” she whispers out, one of her hands reaching back to try to push Paige away. Paige immediately grabs her hand, trapping it with her own as she continues. Azzi whimpers saying, “I can’t…baby…it’s too much.”

Paige pulls back just enough to speak to Azzi saying, “C’mon baby I know you got one more for me. Please…you taste so good mama.”

Azzi’s breath catches when she hears the tone of Paige’s voice, when she hears her pleading to keep going. Azzi simply nods as she drops her cheek back to the desk as Paige immediately dives back down her mouth moving against Azzi again, perfectly swirling her tongue.

Azzi’s voice cracks as she whimpers out, “Fuck.” This time instead of reaching behind her to push Paige away she’s trying to push herself further into Paige’s face. In response Paige pulls Azzi closer leaning back just slightly to admire the wetness dripping down Azzi’s leg before she’s diving back in. Azzi’s eyes rolling back into her head as she lets out another moan.

Paige hums against Azzi whispering, “You sound so pretty Az.” The praise has Azzi whimpering again, her legs trembling as Paige brings her to the edge again. Her entire body feels like it’s on fire, she feels like her brain is going into overdrive, her nerves firing in every direction. Then Paige is speaking again saying, “Fuck I can’t believe you’re all mine.”

Azzi nearly sobs out, “Oh my fucking god,” at the words, at the feeling of Paige, her chest pressing harder against the desk as her back arches slightly. Paige doesn’t respond. She just hums against Azzi as she continues eating her, seemingly enjoying this more than the girl sprawled out over the desk.

Azzi’s second release catches her completely off guard. It shocks her entire system like a cold plunge and her entire body convulses, seeing white as her soul leaves her body, choked gasps escaping her lips.

Paige helps Azzi ride out her high, holding her up against the desk, cleaning her up completely as waves of pleasure continue crashing through Azzi’s body. When Paige pulls back Azzi is all over her face. Her nose and lips are wet, there’s liquid dripping down her chin and Paige looks like she just won the lottery with the way her eyes are sparkling.

Paige gently helps Azzi over to the bed, her hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary, as if savoring the way Azzi’s body reacts to every touch. She guides Azzi down slowly, making sure she’s comfortable before standing above her. The sight of Azzi lying there, all flushed and needy, makes Paige’s breath hitch just for a moment before she leans down, her lips capturing Azzi’s in a kiss that’s deep and slow. Azzi hums in response, her tongue swiping all over Paige’s lips as she tastes herself, sending more heat pooling in her stomach.

Paige pulls away after a long moment, her lips curling into a faint, smile as she whispers, “Take off your shirt, baby.”

Azzi doesn’t hesitate. She doesn’t need any more encouragement. She reaches up, her fingers trembling slightly as she pulls off her shirt and bra, her eyes never leaving Paige’s as she does. Paige watches her for a few moments, her gaze dark, before turning and walking toward her closet.

Azzi watches her, breathless, completely dazed and in awe at the way Paige is making her feel right now. Paige leans over in the closet rummaging for something for a second before she stands up.

When Paige stands up she says, “You wanna do something different, baby?”

Azzi’s heart skips a beat when she sees what is in Paige's hand, without a second thought, she almost breaks her neck with the speed of her nod, her body reacting before her mind can fully catch up. Her eyes are wide, glossy, reflecting the anticipation that’s swirling inside of her.

Paige watches the reaction with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she’s already driving Azzi wild making her grin even more. She takes a slow step toward Azzi, her eyes not leaving her as she answers, “I thought you might like that.”

Paige unwraps the new packaging before ridding herself of her clothes. Each time she takes off a layer Azzi feels the anticipation growing in her stomach. Once all of her clothes are off, Paige just stands there for a moment, completely open in front of Azzi. Azzi watches the entire time completely in awe as Paige slowly puts the strap on, making sure everything is perfectly in place before she’s moving back toward Azzi.

Paige climbs back on the bed moving slowly, carefully, like she’s savoring each moment with Azzi. Their lips meet in a kiss that starts soft and tender but quickly grows messy, desperate. Their mouths find each other like it’s the only thing that matters, the rhythm of their kisses erratic as their bodies draw closer.

Paige eventually pulls away, her breath shaky as she looks down at Azzi, her thumb gently brushing over Azzi’s cheek. The softness of the touch contrasting with the intensity of the moment, and Paige’s voice is barely a whisper, heavy with a quiet concern. “You gonna be okay?”

Azzi’s eyes lock with hers, her breathing shallow as she nods up at Paige, the trust clear in her gaze. It’s enough for Paige to lean back down, her lips brushing Azzi’s a few more times before she pulls away again, her eyes filled with affection and an unspoken hunger.

Paige licks her lips slowly, eyes never leaving Azzi’s face. The thought of what comes next makes her pulse race, but she keeps her tone soft, controlled, as she adds, “Tell me if you need me to stop.”

The weight of her words lingers in the air, an unspoken promise that she’ll be attuned to Azzi’s every need, ready to pull back if needed.

Paige swipes it across Azzi a few times and Azzi who's still sensitive whimpers at the sensation. Then Paige is easing into Azzi, slowly. Paige only goes in enough to allow Azzi to adjust to the size. Azzi bites her lip at the feeling, her eyes fluttering slightly as she gets herself used to the stretch. Once she adjusts she nods up at Paige and Paige pushes in deeper, still not completely but enough to give Azzi a sense of how much she can take.

Azzi whimpers out a delicate sound as she looks up at Paige who’s studying her intently.

“You like it mama?” Paige asks as she looks at Azzi softly.

Azzi nods, reaching for Paige’s waist pulling her into her completely– moaning loudly at the feeling.

Paige’s breath catches when she does this, her eyes never leaving Azzi’s as she studies her with a mix of awe and desire. She takes in every detail—how Azzi’s chest is rising and falling, the way her lips are parted. Paige mumbles out, “Jesus, you’re so perfect.” As she says this she starts rolling her hips into Azzi. She starts off slow, being careful with every thrust initially, but when she sees the way Azzi is taking it, the way Azzi’s lips are parted as she looks up at Paige with hooded eyes she can’t help but to pick up her pace.

Azzi can’t help but whimper every time Paige pushes into her, her movements causing Azzi to naturally rock into her, only adding more to the feeling. Paige is completely spent as she watches Azzi and she can’t help but sing her praises. “Fuck you’re so incredible, baby,” she whispers, “feel so good...every inch of you, so perfect.” Azzi lets out a loud slew of loud moans in response, Paige’s voice always doing something to her body.

“You’re all I want, baby. Make me lose control... so fucking easily mama.” Paige continues, her voice a little raspy as she works in and out of Azzi, her hands on Azzi’s hips, keeping her still as she works into her. “I’ve never seen anyone like you. So beautiful, so fucking perfect... you drive me crazy.”

Azzi feels like she’s in heaven. She can’t even manage to find words as heat spreads through her body, her breath ragged. Everything Paige is doing right now feels perfect. Azzi feels like it’s too much and like she can’t get enough at the same time. Like Paige is too deep but not deep enough. Azzi reaches up, pulling Paige by the shoulders to bring her closer. “You feel so fucking good P,” she whimpers out, her voice breaking halfway through at the pace that Paige is going.

At the confirmation Paige only speeds up, as she works in and out perfectly, Like she knows exactly what Azzi needs, exactly how much her girl can take. The sound of Paige moving in and out of Azzi fills the room and Paige can only groan at the sound, knowing it’s all for her. “Damn baby, that shit is crazy. You hear that?”

All Azzi can do is nod as her nails dig deeper into Paige’s sides.

Paige keeps talking, the words leaving her mouth naturally. Like she’s been waiting to have Azzi like this. Paige smiles against Azzi's skin before mumbling, “This shit’s all mine Azzi.” She leans down again, kissing Azzi's neck as she savors the sound of Azzi's breathy whimpers near her ear.

Azzi's hands tremble as they grip Paige’s skin, her breath shallow and quick. "I'm all yours," she says with a strong sense of submission, her voice shaky but filled with certainty. "Only yours baby."

Paige licks her lips at the admission, her pupils completely blown as she rocks into Azzi. She slides her hand in between them two of her fingers finding Azzi’s bud as she begins circling her fingers in rhythm with her movements.

This addition has Azzi screaming out a moan her body bucking into Paige as she squeezes her tighter, “Fuck Paige, Oh my God you’re amazing.”

Paige whispers in Azzi’s ear, “I want you to finish for me baby. I wanna see you shake for me, pretty girl.”

Paige’s voice is enough to send Azzi over the edge and for the third time that night she’s coming undone. This one feels impossibly better, her legs wrap around Paige’s waist to pull her deeper as she shakes underneath her, her vision blurring as she lets out a series of unrestrained moans, screaming Paige’s name for any and everybody to hear.

Paige doesn’t stop, she only slows her movements making sure she lets Azzi feel every bit of pleasure she possibly can as she whimpers under her. When Azzi’s breath subsides slightly Paige is pulling out and flipping her over and fuck Azzi feels like she’s about to pass out when Paige slides back into her.

Azzi looks back at Paige whispering, “I can’t do anymore baby.”

Paige, who is still breathing heavily, licks her lips as she looks at Azzi. Usually she wouldn’t hesitate to listen to Azzi’s words, she would be sliding out immediately. But she doesn’t miss the way Azzi slightly pushes herself further onto the strap, the way she sighs at the feeling. So Paige smirks saying, “Lemme get one more beautiful.” Then Paige is chuckling because Azzi immediately nods as she arches further into Paige.

Paige knows Azzi won’t last long so she savors the sight. Azzi’s chest pressed into her mattress, her back arched—it’s all so perfect, Azzi’s perfect. She begins pushing herself into her. In this new position she’s pulling out completely before pushing back in, admiring the view each time.

Once she gets a nice rhythm she reaches forward, tangling her fingers in Azzi’s curly hair and tugging just slightly. Azzi immediately lets out a whimper and Paige smirks saying “You want me to pull it?”

Azzi whimpers out, “Please.”

Paige obliges, tugging Aziz’s hair with a little more aggression as she picks up the pace of her hips. At this point Azzi is already close, her jaw is slack and she can’t bring herself to make any sounds, just feel the way Paige is pushing into like nothing else matters.

Azzi never knew how much she liked rough sex before this moment. She loved how Paige hadn’t given her an inch to make a decision—the moment they walked into the door, Paige was on her, doing what she wanted to her. She gets so lost in the feelings, in the way Paige is hitting something deep inside her over and over that she sobs out a broken, “Fuck I love you baby…please don’t stop.”

Paige catches this and she feels like her chest is about to explode. Paige licks her lips, her fingers tightening in Azzi’s hair as she tugs harder, pulling Azzi up towards her slightly. “You love me, pretty girl?”

Azzi’s breath was ragged, her throat dry as she nodded, her body betraying the warmth of her confession. It was a truth she hadn’t meant to say out loud—not like this, not with the world spinning around them, but it was there now.

Paige’s grip tightened. “Show me,” she whispered, her tone a velvet demand that sent a shiver down Azzi’s spine. “Put on a fucking show for me, Az. Show me how much you love me mama.”

It’s like the words ignite something in Azzi as she starts throwing herself back against Paige, her eyes watering at the feeling. Paige throws her head back at the feeling of the harness pressing against her. “Shit baby, just like that. Feels so fucking good,” Paige mumbles out as the tension in her stomach grows.

Azzi keeps going, her pace relentless as she holds off on her own release knowing Paige is close.

Paige decides to meet Azzi’s pace with her own thrust causing both of them to be a moaning mess, both of them letting out incoherent words and desperate sounds as they meet one another. Paige mumbles out, “Fuck I love you Az. I’m bouta cum baby. Keep going for me please baby.”

All it takes is one more push from Azzi before they’re both coming undone together. A mess filling the sheets as they ride out their high.

After a few seconds Paige slumps next to Azzi, both of them completely spent, their bodies still buzzing with the remnants of everything that had just unfolded between them. The room was still, the only sound filling the space was their heavy breathing, both of them trying to catch their breath. Azzi felt like her body had turned to jelly, every muscle was heavy and warm, while Paige felt like she’d just run a marathon. There was a peaceful stillness between them, a quiet that had settled in, as they both tried to regain their bearings.

With their eyes still closed, Azzi spoke first. “That was different,” she said, her words a bit breathless, a slight tremor still in her voice.

Paige chuckled lightly, her chest still rising and falling with each deep breath. “Yeah, I know.” She didn’t even need to see Azzi’s face to know she licked it.

Azzi nodded, though Paige couldn’t see it. “I liked it,” she admitted..

Paige’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. “Yeah?” she asked, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Azzi nodded again. “Yeah,” she repeated, feeling her heart race as she lay there in the quiet, her chest feeling tight from the confession she hadn’t quite intended to make.

The silence hung in the air between them for a moment, the silence was peaceful, but it didn’t last long before Azzi spoke again, her words more hesitant this time.

“I didn’t mean for that to come out like that,” she murmured, feeling a small wave of insecurity wash over her, unsure if the words she’d let slip were too much, too soon.

Paige turned her head toward Azzi, even though neither of them were looking at each other. She reached out, her hand finding Azzi’s, her fingers lacing together.

“Neither did I,” Paige murmured, her voice low,

She paused, gathering her thoughts, feeling the weight of her own admission. After a beat, she whispered, “I meant it though, Az.”

Azzi’s breath caught at the sincerity in Paige’s voice. She slowly opened her eyes, her heart pounding as she processed the words. For a moment, everything felt suspended in time. She reached over, her hand gentle as she rubbed Paige’s cheek with her thumb, savoring the softness of her skin. Her thumb moved higher, trailing over the scar near Paige’s hairline, something so familiar, something that had always been there. Azzi traced it slowly, memorizing the curve of it, the way it marked Paige in a way that was all her own.

Azzi’s voice was barely above a whisper, the words slipping out like a secret she couldn’t keep any longer. “I love you, Paige.”

Paige’s chest tightened at the confession. Her heart raced, and before she even realized it, her eyes opened to meet Azzi’s. Paige’s blue eyes searched Azzi’s brown ones, filled with something deeper than she had ever realized before. A smile tugged at the corner of Paige’s lips as she replied softly. “I love you.”

Azzi leaned down to kiss Paige softly, her lips pressing gently against hers, savoring the moment, committing it to memory. When she pulled back, her smile was tender, but then her gaze shifted to the sheets beneath them and she realized just how damp they were.

"We're not sleeping in here," Azzi mumbled,

Paige chuckled, her lips curling into a grin. "Figured."

The two of them carefully climbed out of bed, Paige removing the harness. They quickly agreed to take a quick shower in Paige's room before heading over to Azzi’s. The water was warm and soothing, washing away the remnants of their night as Azzi completely leaned against Paige, not able to fully stand on her own. They didn’t speak much in the shower, just sharing soft glances and quiet smiles as Paige cleaned both of them.

Once they were done they both threw on sweats and a hoodie. Azzi jumped on Paige’s back and Paige carried her a few doors down to her room, both of them giggling along the way. When they entered Azzi's room, they both let out a quiet breath of relief, sinking into the softness of the bed once they tugged off the hoodies.

Paige pulled Azzi against her chest, her arms wrapping around her tightly, holding her like she never wanted to let go. Azzi snuggled closer, breathing in Paige’s scent, her head resting against Paige's chest as she whispered softly, “I love you.”

Paige smiled softly at this as she pressed a soft kiss to the top of Azzi’s head, her voice barely a murmur. “I love you more, beautiful.”

With that, Paige felt a sense of peace wash over her, her mind quieting and her chest light, like all of the weight she’d been carrying for years had simply melted away at the words. Her eyes fluttered closed, and soon enough, she easily drifted into a deep sleep, the warmth of Azzi in her arms filling her with a sense of calm and contentment she had never known before.

[voyaging-too]

#there's a tolkien post that's the bane of my fucking existence -#it's something like 'wwi was normal for me anyway here's a book about how war changes you forever'#and i don't know why you'd think 1. that he didn't know wwi was painful for him#2. that those themes are *unintentional*#anyway it comes up lots of other places -#the 'naive' or 'artless' work is Truer & so This Happened Accidentally#not 'someone thought about this and did it skillfully so it's good'#i'm spiteful today sorry#god i have so many mean thoughts about this tendency vs. the way people talk about ai art

There's a 20% chance that the post in question was one of mine, so I want to officially cover my ass: I was being flippant, I'm aware that the extent to which WW1 (and WW2) haunts the LOTR books was intentional on Tolkien's part, and that autobiographical and historical experiences aren't the only things that informed his portrayal of war, for example he probably folded in all his favourite sad Old English war poetry but I can't be sure because I haven't yet read Beowulf.

there's this horrible school of attempted literary criticism on here that holds that 1. everything in any given author's work is autobiographical, especially if it seems "real" and 2. those themes seeped into the work subconsciously, revealing something about the author that they're either trying to hide or unaware of themself. it drives me up a wall, since it seems to deny the fundamental skills that make people good writers: the empathy to imagine and portray experiences that one hasn't had oneself and the ability to take one's personal emotional experiences or worldview and fold them, consciously, into the unworked clay of a narrative.

[minniesfiles]

PEOPLE LIKE ME

Jeonghan loved you. He loved you in a way that terrified him, in a way that made him selfish and silent and a coward.

❧ PAIRING; jeonghan x reader

❧ GENRE; angst

❧ TAGS/WARNINGS; strangers to lovers to strangers, heavy angst, timestamp, oneshot, emotionally unavailable jeonghan, major character death, implied depression, smoking, alcohol consumption, grumpy x sunshine with tragic ending, inspired by the song ‘Angel’ ft Jimin

❧ WORDCOUNT; 3.2k

𐚁₊⊹

▍18 OCTOBER 2021

It was autumn the first time Jeonghan saw you.

It was a late afternoon, where the sky was a faded blue, and the golden leaves settled on the ground in a final display of warmth before winter’s icy touch.

You were standing beneath a rust-coloured oak tree, watching a flock of birds taking off into the sky. And there was something about the way you watched them with your head tilted slightly and lips parted like you were whispering a wish only the wind could carry. It was like you wanted to follow them.

It was as if you had wings yourself. Something untouchable and too delicate for this world.

As another cool breeze blew, it tangled through your long, dark hair, lifting stray strands and sending them floating like silk ribbons around your face.

You had no jacket on and your oversized blue sweater had slipped off one shoulder. Jeonghan wondered why you’d wear something like that on a cold day.

He was sitting on a park bench with a cigarette dangling between his fingers, watching you the way someone watched something they know they shouldn’t want.

Then, as if you sensed him, you turned and met his gaze.

Most people looked at him and saw trouble. Some saw a lost cause.

But you? You just smiled.

It was the kind of smile that could undo a man. And maybe, just maybe, that was the moment you undid him.

And perhaps it was also the moment you started ruining him.

Jeonghan saw you as someone who belonged in the sky. Someone who wasn’t meant to stay tied down to the earth like he was.

▍8 DECEMBER 2021

He learnt your name without you even telling him. Kim Y/n.

He wasn’t supposed to, but the name-tag you dropped when you were rushing to work was what got you and him at his point.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” you asked him one day as you stirred your coffee absentmindedly.

It was his first date with you — or whatever counted as a date in his world. He took you to a dingy little café in the corner of Gangnam, which had the kind of scent that smelt like burnt espresso and nostalgia to him.

“Not much to say” he shrugged.

You smiled and rested your chin on your hand as you studied him. “I think you just don’t know what to say to me.”

That should have been Jeonghan’s first warning. You were right.

You had this way of looking at people like you could see all their secrets. Like you could unravel them without even trying.

And for some reason, Jeonghan wanted to be unraveled by you.

You were all light and warmth. Laughter that filled a room. The kind of person who danced barefoot in the rain just because it made you feel alive. You would drag him into old record stores, press play on songs you swore could change his life.

You had a way of seeing the world that made one believe in magic. You believed in love, in fate, in the kind of things he stopped believing in years ago.

Jeonghan, on the other hand, was the kind of guy people warned a girl like you about. He had a past filled with bad decisions, hands that had held too many things too tightly and ruined them in the process. He had walls so high no one ever dared to climb them.

Except for you.

You climbed them without hesitation.

─────

It was past midnight, and both of you were lying on the roof of his apartment building, staring at the stars.

“I used to think I was meant for something bigger,” you murmured. “Like I was supposed to be something more.”

“You are,” he said without thinking.

You turned to face him, the city lights reflecting in your eyes. “You don’t even know me.”

He did, though.

Jeonghan knew the way you hummed to yourself when you were lost in thoughts. The way you always smelt like lavender and old books. The way you could fill up a space just by being in it.

You were the kind of person one could not help but notice. The kind of person who made the world feel less empty.

And Jeonghan knew, deep down, that he didn’t deserve you. Because in his world, Y/n and Jeonghan weren’t supposed to happen.

But God, he wanted you anyway.

▍12 FEBRUARY 2022

One night, Jeonghan laid tangled with you in his bed while the city lights casted shadows on the ceiling. You traced lazy circles on his pale skin with your soft fingertips while humming a song under your breath.

“Tell me something real,” you whispered.

He exhaled smoke as he watched the way the glow from the bedside lamp made your eyes flicker like candlelight.

“I don’t deserve you,” he admitted.

You smiled, that soft, knowing smile of yours, and kissed him like you didn’t believe him.

Like you thought love could save him.

Jeonghan always reminded himself how he wasn’t like you. That he came from shadows, from a past filled with darkness.

But you — you weren’t afraid of the dark in him.

You leaned into it and traced your fingers over the rough edges of his life as if you could smooth them out.

▍27 MARCH 2022

Jeonghan tried to warn you.

One night, when you fell asleep beside him, he brushed a strand of hair from your face, “please angel, don’t fly so close to me” he murmured.

You didn’t hear him.

Or maybe you did, and you just ignored it.

Because you were also the kind of girl who didn’t believe in warnings.

You believed in love. And love, you thought, could fix anything.

He should have let you go sooner.

Jeonghan knew how this would end. He knew that he would only ruin you, that people like him don’t get to keep something as pure as you.

He told you again, and then again.

“Don’t fly so close to me angel” he’d mumble against your skin on a usual Saturday morning.

But you would simply laugh, tucking your head against his chest. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s true.”

You lifted yourself up on your elbows and looked at him with those wide, trusting eyes. “You don’t get to decide what I do with my wings.”

He sighed. “Y/n…”

“I love you,” you whispered.

Jeongan wanted to believe that love was enough.

But love doesn’t change what a man is.

And people like him? They break beautiful things.

▍10 JUNE 2022

It started the way all things break — slowly, and then all at once.

Jeonghan had a habit of disappearing. Not physically, but emotionally. Some nights he would pull you close, whisper things in your ear, let you think you had all of him. And then, without warning, he would shut down. He’d go out, stay late, drink too much, lose himself in the noise of the city so he didn’t have to feel the weight of what you made him want.

Because you made him want things he didn’t deserve.

And you — you deserved someone whole.

The first time you cried over him, it was because he didn’t come home. He found you sitting on the sofa with your arms wrapped around your knees.

“Where were you?” you asked with a small voice.

“Out” he simply shrugged, like it was no big deal.

“Out where?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

You shook your head while your hands trembled. “It matters to me.”

Jeonghan wanted to tell you the truth. He wanted to tell you that he was afraid, that loving you made him feel like he was standing on the edge of something too high, too terrifying.

Instead, he kissed you.

And for a while, you let that be enough.

Until it wasn’t.

It then started becoming too frequent. Small fracture, things that seem insignificant at first. Another night where he didn’t come home. A fight over nothing that turned into something. The way you would look at him sometimes, searching for something he couldn’t give you.

“You keep shutting me out,” you whispered one night, hugging your knees to your chest.

He lit a cigarette and avoided your gaze. “I never asked you to stay.”

You flinched, and he hated himself for saying it.

You should have left then. You should have ran before the darkness in him swallowed you whole.

But you stayed.

Because you always saw the good in people. Even when there was nothing left to see.

“Why do you do this?” you asked with a shaky voice as tears rolled down your cheeks, breaking the long silence.

“Do what?” he muttered, lighting another cigarette after the first one finished in a flash.

“Push me away.”

Jeonghan exhaled smoke, still avoiding your gaze. “Because one day, you’re going to leave. And I’d rather it be now than later.”

You stared at him for a long moment before whispering, “You really believe that, don’t you?”

He didn’t answer.

You sighed, standing up and walking closer to him. “I’m not leaving Jeonghan” you said as you reached for his hand. He wanted to believe you.

But people like him didn’t get to keep people like you.

▍23 JULY 2022

The night you and Jeonghan ended, it was raining.

You both stood outside his apartment, neon lights from a nearby diner reflecting in the puddles at your feet.

“Tell me the truth,” you pleaded with your trembling voice. “Do you even love me?”

Your voice broke on the last word, and something inside him cracked. Your hair was soaked, raindrops clinging to your long lashes like unshed tears.

He should have told you what you wanted to hear. Maybe it would have saved you and him. Maybe it would have saved you.

But the thing about Jeonghan was, he destroyed everything he touched.

“You don’t wanna lose those wings because of me Y/n,” he said with a hollow voice. “People like me break beautiful things like you.”

You let out a soft, broken laugh, shaking your head. “I don’t care,” you whispered. “I don’t care if you’re broken. I love you.”

His hands curled into fists. “You shouldn’t.”

He saw the way your breath hitched. “Then tell me you don’t love me. Look me in the eyes and tell me, and I’ll walk away.”

He should have told you the truth — that you were the only light in his life, that without you, he was nothing.

But if he loved you, he had to let you go. So he gave you the lie that would set you free.

“I don’t love you.”

The moment the words left his lips, he wanted to take them back. You inhaled sharply, as if he had struck you.

And then you turned, walked away without uttering a word, disappearing into the rain.

And he just let you go, no matter how much it destroyed him inside.

▍25 JULY 2023

Jeonghan received a phone call two days later from an unknown number. His heart dropped before he even answered. Like there was an unshakeable dread filling up in his chest. Something felt wrong. There was a hollow pit in his stomach he couldn’t explain.

When the shaky voice spoke, his whole world shattered.

A drunk driver. A car that never stopped. The impact was instant. No chance to say goodbye.

You were gone.

The phone in his hand slipped and fell on the floor with a thud. His knees gave out and he collapsed to the floor, numb and breathless.

His breath hitched, but no sound came out.

Memories flooded in — when he first saw you, the warmth of your hand in his, the way you chased away his darkest days with your light. He could almost hear your voice, but it slipped away like a whisper in the wind.

The sun crept through the window as the new day began, but it felt cold. How could the world continue to turn without you in it?

Just like that, the light you carried — his light — was gone, snuffed out.

▍30 JULY 2022

He went to your funeral. It was raining heavily that day.

He made sure to stand in the back where he was hidden in the shadows like he always was, drenched in the downpour.

His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, nails digging into his palms. It was as if the pain would keep him grounded and keep him from shattering completely.

Jeonghan watched as your family and friends wept for you. He listened as they spoke of you — how vibrant you were, how you lit up every room you stepped into, how you had dreams bigger than life itself.

Someone whispered about how unfair it was, how someone so full of life could be taken so soon. Someone else wondered if you knew how loved you were. He swallowed hard at that because he knew the truth. You didn’t.

Because of him.

No one knew that you died thinking he didn’t love you.

No one knew about the nights you stayed awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering why he kept his distance, why he always seemed just out of reach.

No one knew about the unanswered messages, the half-written replies he never had the courage to send. They didn’t know about the way he had watched you from afar, longing to reach out but never daring to.

And that was the worst part.

Jeonghan loved you. He loved you in a way that terrified him, in a way that made him selfish and silent and a coward. He thought there would be more time. More chances to say the things he had locked away in his chest. More moments where he could turn around and run to you instead of away.

But life had stolen those chances. Death had taken away the possibility of redemption.

And now, as he stood there, his heart breaking under the weight of words left unsaid, he realised something far worse than his own grief.

That you had left this world believing a lie.

That you had gone thinking he never cared.

And no matter how many sleepless nights Jeonghan spent whispering apologies into the dark, no matter how many times he wished he could trade places with you, the truth remained. He had lost you. And you never knew the depth of his love.

Perhaps the cruelest thing about regret is that it changed nothing.

And so, as the final words were spoken and the casket was lowered into the earth, he turned and walked away — back into the shadows.

The only place he ever truly belonged.

▍15 AUGUST 2022

Jeonghan never stopped seeing you.

It wasn’t just in his memories, though they haunted him endlessly. It wasn’t just in his dreams, where you stood just close enough to touch but always disappeared the moment he reached for you. It was in everything.

In the blinking street lights that reflected on the wet pavement, your laughter still echoing down empty streets, just like the nights you used to walk home together.

In the sound of a song playing on an old record player, static crackling between the notes that reminded him of the way you used to hum absentmindedly. How your voice blended with the world around you.

In the scent of lavender that sometimes drifted through his apartment, even though you were gone, even though he threw away the candle you left on his shelf months ago.

It was maddening.

He drank to forget. Bottle after bottle, glass after glass, burning his throat, numbing his mind. But even in the haze of intoxication, you were still there, slipping into his thoughts like you had never left.

He smoked to forget. Let the smoke fill his lungs, let the world blur around him, hoping that maybe it would drown out the echoes of your voice in his head. But it never did. The memories clung to him that made it impossible to wash away.

But nothing worked.

Because the truth was, Jeonghan had never been so afraid of loving someone before. He never let himself feel something so deeply, never allowed someone to carve their name into the walls of his heart. And yet, you did it easily, without even trying.

He was afraid of losing you. So he kept his distance, kept his heart guarded, kept his love hidden behind silence and stolen glances. He thought that if he didn’t hold on too tightly, it wouldn’t hurt as much when you were gone.

But in the end, he lost you anyway. And the pain was unbearable.

Because now, there were no more chances. No more time to fix things, to tell you the truth, to hold you just once without fear. There was only regret. Only the ghost of you, lingering in the spaces you used to fill.

And Jeonghan knew, with every aching part of him, that he would never stop seeing you. Not now. Not ever.

▍18 OCTOBER 2022

He found your journal two months later which was tucked beneath the old record player you left in his apartment.

The irony wasn’t lost on him. It was the same day he first saw you, a year ago, standing beneath a rust-coloured oak tree, looking like something out of a dream.

Jeonghan never believed in fate, but this? This felt cruel.

The pages were filled with you. Your thoughts, your feelings, the little fragments of poetry you loved so much. Lyrics scribbled in the margins, quotes that must have meant something to you, tiny doodles in between sentences. It was chaos, yet somehow, it was unmistakably you — warm, messy, alive.

But then, his fingers hesitated as he reached the final page. There, written in your delicate, familiar handwriting, was a single line.

“Even if you break me, I’d still choose you.”

His breath got caught. A sharp, unbearable ache spread through his chest which pressed against his ribs and crushed him from the inside.

His vision blurred as he read the words again and again, as if they might change if he stared long enough. As if there might be some other meaning he could twist them into, something that didn’t feel like a knife to his heart.

But the truth was undeniable.

A lump formed in his throat that was suffocating him. His hands trembled as he clutched the journal closer, as if holding it tightly enough might somehow bring you back.

And for the first time since you left, Yoon Jeonghan wept.

He cried out loud as he fell to his knees. He screamed as he held your journal to his chest, feeling himself break the last of him completely.

Because you were never afraid to love him. And he was too much of a coward to love you back.

You were always fearless. You ran headfirst into love, into life, into everything. You were meant to fly. And maybe he was the one who clipped your wings. Maybe, all along, he was the weight dragging you down, like a storm that pulled you under.

Maybe he was always meant to watch you fall.

Because the thing about people like him?

They don’t just break beautiful things.

They destroy themselves in the process.

And as he sat there, drowning in the words you left behind, Jeonghan realised that he never truly feared losing you.

He feared what it would mean to love you completely.

And now, it was too late.