#and think it’s sweet he wants a big family

[no-144444]

HI!!!! I am such a huge fan of your work, could i request something with charles where the reader is max verstappens sister but she's a pop star (think sabrina carpenter) and charles and her are dating on the dl but he goes to her concert and gets spotted and then everyone goes crazy with fan theories and they hard launch with the music video, and max is pissed because a, she's off limits to drivers. and b, why didn't they tell him.

anyways, that was just my thoughts, thank you girl!

don't dim your light- c.l

summary: you have a secret boyfriend and an album coming and you realise that hiding yourself and your life only makes you feel like shit.

pairing: charles leclerc x fem! verstappen! popstar! reader

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Being the sister of Max Verstappen meant two things: 

1: You were famous. 

2: You were off-limits to every single other driver.

Too bad that you’d fallen for your brother’s rival (/husband???). Charles was perfect, everything you’d ever wanted in a man. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, and most of all… fucking gorgeous. It had been months of sneaking around because, while Charles didn’t feel scared at all to drive a car around at top speed, actually risking his life, he was scared of your brother. Like, scared to death. 

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“Bebé,” he whined, holding you against him. “My love! Do not leave me here!”

You rolled your eyes, chuckling, as you pushed his hands off of you. “I have to catch my flight!”

“But if we don’t spend Christmas together I won’t see you until the summer!” he groaned. 

“The joys of dating a popstar, I guess,” you shrugged, grabbing your suitcase. You pressed a kiss to his cheek and smiled. “I’ll see you in Monaco, alright?” 

He frowned then pressed his lips to yours as hard as he possibly could. “I love you.”

“I love you too, you big sap,” you smirked. He rolled his eyes.

“You are so mean to me, you know that?” he huffed. 

“Bye Charles!” you called after yourself, leaving his Monaco apartment. 

It had been 7 whole months of bliss with Charles. Obviously, you’d met him prior to the first date, knowing him quite well from all the stories Max had told you, but shockingly, it took a Puma brand ambassadors dinner for him to make the first move. He was evidently very nervous, but you’d started to love his weird dorky qualities. He was sweet, and kind, and that’s all you really cared about. 

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“London, can we make some noise?!” you cheered. The stadium roared back to you. You had done it. You’d sold out the O2 for 4 whole nights. You were one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. “Are you guys ready for one last song tonight?” they screamed back at you. “Alright, this one is new, I hope you like it!”

The intro to Bed Chem started, and you knew everyone already knew it (it had been leaked a few months ago), but you danced and sang it exactly how it was meant to sound. One thing you loved about being on stage is how free you felt. All of those people were there to see you, which melted your heart. You loved every single fan you’d ever come across and appreciated every single one of them. They made you, they made your success. 

As the song finished, ‘new album out next week! xxx’ flashed behind you on the screen, and the crowd went wild. 

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You walked into your dressing room, exhausted from the night, and slightly hurt that despite offering to fly them out, none of your family came. You understood, Max’s career was important, and it was his last chance before the regulations changed to get the most out of the car. He wanted his fifth so badly, mostly because he wasn’t sure he was going to stay around from 2026 onwards. He had a family now. He had a baby and P to take care of. He didn’t like the media circus that F1 had turned into, or the fact that it was a popularity contest. Your entire family had been built around Max, and you knew why, but it didn’t make it hurt any less when you were reminded of the fact that you were just the second kid. 

“My love!” Charles cheered, wrapping you up in his arms, startling you. “You were incredible! You were amazing!” he pressed kiss after kiss to your neck and cheek as you hugged him back, ecstatic that he was here. 

He had taken the time out of his insanely busy schedule, on a race week, to come see you on the literal other side of the world. He truly was the best boyfriend in the world. 

“What are you doing here?” you chuckled, shocked by his presence. “You should be getting ready for Japan!”

He shrugged. “I’ll be fine in Japan, I wasn’t going to miss you performing!” 

You pulled him closer once again, pressing your lips against his. “I fucking love you,” you whispered, trying to make your voice sound steady. 

“I love you too,” you smiled, pulling back. The way he looked at you. All the love in the world. Like you hung the fucking stars just for him. He adored you, and you felt it. You felt  bathed in his light the second he walked near you, that’s how much he loved you. “Don’t cry,” he frowned, wiping the tears you hadn’t even noticed were falling, away. “I hope they’re happy tears,” he teased. 

You nodded, burying your head in his chest. “They are. They really are.”

He wrapped his arms around you and held you tight. “I’m glad.”

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y/nverstappen

liked by charlesleclerc, maxverstappen, and 8,983,837 others

y/nverstappen SHORT N SWEET OUT ON THE 6TH OF APRIL BITCHES!!!!!!! ROYAL COURT (with lady broski) OUT ON THE 8TH OF APRIL BITCHES!!!!

comments

user8: prepare to be SICK of me

brittanybroski: ROYAL COURT MENTIONED 💯💯💯💯💯💯 -> liked by y/nverstappen

user999: SHE'S GLOWING

user7: not the grinch picture 💀

maxverstappen: Congratulations Y/n! -> liked by y/nverstappen

user66: DID ANYONE ELSE SEE WHO WAS AT HER SHOW????? -> user92: LITERALLY! -> user933: charles what is you doing here loca?

calebhearon: SHE'S STUNNING -> liked by y/nverstappen

oliviarodrigo: and she's serving. as per usual. liked by y/nverstappen -> user88: LOCA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE -> user22: THE GIRLS ARE HEALING.

user09: now i need to know who bed chem is about... -> user44: thick accent... (charles leclerc) -> user94: officer it's this one! -> user88: on MY cellular device? -> user21: me when i'm delusional.

user802: BED CHEM ATE SO FUCKING HARD OMFG

user213: where is her family? she sold out the O2 for 4 consecutive nights AND is releasing her second album, and they're nowhere to be seen? jos 'i support my daughter' verstappen my ASS. -> user2342: right? It's so unfair, her entire life has been built around max and he couldn't even go see her on the biggest night of her life while pierre gasly and charles leclerc can? It's bullshit.

user90: she's so hot i cannot do this anymore.

user87: charles lurking in the likes...? -> user36: tbf a lot of the drivers follow her, it could be a coincidence.

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f1gossip

liked by pierregasly, landonorris, and 890,848 others

f1gossip Drivers Charles LeClerc and Pierre Gasly were seen at a Y/n Verstappen concert in London this week! They seemed to be enjoying themselves, though there was no sign of Max anywhere!

comments

user88: pierre and lando are messy

user99: WHERE WAS MAX? THIS WAS Y/N'S BIG MOMENT???

user929023: OMFG BED CHEM IS ABOUT CHARLES WTF -> user97437: no it's not she can't steal my husband -> user4: she can, and she did

user772: he looks so drunk in the last photo lmao

user942: WHAT A SUPPORTIVE BOYFRIEND!

user847: Pierre's sunglasses are taking me out rn 💀 -> pierregasly: what's wrong with them? -> user88: ARE CHARLES AND Y/N TOGETHER??? -> pierregasly: 🤷🤷🤷

user92: they'd be so cute together!!!!

user902: omfg max would KILL him if they're together

user935841: do we all remember the interview where max said he'd fucking shove any of the drivers off the track if they went for his sister? like does charles have a death with? is he not despressed enough?

user91234: charles when i catch you

user7: if he stole my wife, i'm going to be pissed (i've never met her and she doesn't know i exist)

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"People saw you today," you yawned, laying in bed with Charles. The concert was over, and Charles had surprised you with his presence, though it was more than welcome. You were both lying in the luxurious hotel bed as you settled down for sleep, his arms wrapping around you.

He nodded. "I know. I just thought people would assume we're friends though."

You rolled your eyes. Bullshit. “You’re such a bad liar,” you chuckled as his jaw dropped at the accusation. 

“I am not lying!” he stressed, but his smirk gave him away. 

“Charles LeClerc, you wanted people to find out, didn’t you?” you gasped, hitting him with a pillow. 

“I did not!” he hit you back.

What ensued after was a pillow fight that ended with you holding him down against the bed, and his lips on yours. The amount of alcohol you'd both consumed meant that the kiss was messy, but amazing all the same. It was all teeth and tongue, all passion, all Charles.

“You were so pretty up there,” he whispered against your mouth, completely at your mercy. “Felt like you were singing just to me.”

You chuckled, pulling back. “Oh yeah?”

He nodded, biting his lip. “So perfect,” he sighed. 

“I still think you wanted people to find out,” you argued, getting off of him. 

“Well of course,  but that’s-”

“Charles!” you squealed.

"My love!" he chuckled, holding you closer. "How in the world, do you expect me to try and hide the fact that I love you-?"

He was interrupted by your phone ringing. You groaned, he groaned, yet you got up and sat up, grabbing it, answering without looking at the caller id.

"Are you dating Charles?" Max's voice sobered you up pretty quickly. You stuttered for a moment, then laughed.

"W-what?" you questioned. "No."

He huffed from the other side of the phone. "Are you sure? What was he doing at your show?"

You rolled your eyes. "I don't know, maybe he actually enjoys my music and wanted to come see me? Is that so outlandish?"

"You know that's not what I'm saying."

"Yeah, you're not even interested in my life enough to ask. The shows were great, thanks for asking dickhead," you scoffed before ending the call and blocking his number. He was so... self-involved. He'd stopped caring about you and your interests when you were only kids, too focused on the plan to notice that fact that you were there, and that you adored your big brother. Nevertheless, he didn't care, so you had to stop caring too.

"Are you alright?" Charles whispered, wrapping an arm around you.

You nodded, too fragile to answer. You knew you'd break down crying if you answered verbally, so that would have to do.

"I'm sorry," he pressed gentle but grounding kisses to your neck and back as you gave yourself a moment to soak it all in. "I know how hard this is on you. I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to apologise for loving me," you whispered, your voice breaking.

He chuckled. "I'll never apologise for that," he smiled against your skin. "I'm just sorry that your family are... difficult."

You nodded, leaning into him. "They are."

"You were radiant up on that stage tonight," he beamed. "Don't let them dim your light, please baby."

You nodded. "You're right. No more dimming lights."

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The song was simple and from your next album, it could be your second single of the album, and you knew it was catchy and good. It was a good plan, a great plan, even. You and Charles would hard launch your relationship to the world with a music video appearance. Not only would it show the world your relationship, it would also be a great way to generate buzz for your upcoming album. Win-win. The idea was sexy and cool, and shooting it was as much fun as you'd imagined (aka, a lot of kisses, a lot of him touching you, and a lot of retakes), and by the end of the shoot you were convinced it was your best video yet.

You weren't going to tell Max before the video came out. You weren't interested in getting two different lectures, so you decided you'd prefer one long one. Charles supported your decision, and didn't tell anyone shit until the night the video came out.

By then, it was fair game.

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charlesleclerc & y/nverstappen

liked by pierregasly, arthurleclerc, oscarpiastri and 6,893,234 others

charlesleclerc isn't she lovely? please, please, please mv out now.

comments

user92: YOU'RE JOKING

user23: WHAT A PERFECT COUPLE

user9535: stood up and applauded.

user76: this is my niche and i'm so here for it.

brittanybroski: MY WOMAN, NOOOOOOOOO

user024: she's perfect. she is so perfect.

user924084208: can i be her when I grow up? (i'm 34)

user3: she's kind of a slut... -> user9: please please please for the love of god shut the fuck up

user45: idk who I want to be more -> user83: charles. -> user82: charles. -> user08424: charles. -> user36824: charles. -> user24: charles. -> user1: charles. -> user56: charles. -> user75: charles.

pierregasly: KNEW IT FROM THE START ->charlesleclerc: is that because we told you or...? -> pierregasly: trying to steal my thunder rn is CRAZY -> charlesleclerc: trying to make this about yourself rn is CRAZY -> y/nverstappen: BOTH of you are acting like idiots, please refrain

y/nverstappen: ilysm -> charlesleclerc: i adore you -> user923: sleeping on the highway tonight!

lewishamilton: :) -> charlesleclerc: thanks bud :)

user834: what does he see in her?

user2: what does she see in him?

user5: is she aware of his cheating scandals in the past? -> user34: it's almost like people can grow and change! hope this helps xxx

user645: she is about to get her heart broken

user2321: she couldn't have picked someone more... suited to her? -> user8: mate she's a popstar and the sister of Max Verstappen, what about Charles LeClerc isn't 'suited' to her?

francocolapinto: 😍😍😍 -> user830: what is blud doing?

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y/nverstappen

liked by charlesleclerc, landonorris, pierregasly, and 4,873,933 others

y/nverstappen just 2 days until the album, here's so photos of yours truly to hold you over 💋

comments

user935: anyone notice how max has been MIA and angry since her London shows?? -> user5684: i'm employed what does this mean? -> user33: stop trying to stir shit up bro

charlesleclerc: beautiful girl liked by y/nverstappen

user88: max looked like he was ready to kill charles today lmao

user93940924: she's glowing

user6: not mentioning charles i see... -> user9: girl fuck off -> user4: they've been publicly dating for 2 days, calm down.

user09: sigh... i could treat you better y/n... -> charlesleclerc: no you could not. -> pierregasly: let's reel it in buddy ffs -> charlesleclerc: what??? is defending my honour cringe now? -> pierregasly: not just now, it always was.

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When the album launched, you were nestled in your apartment, alone. You were so excited for a night nice in, but of course, your plans were foiled by a knock on the door, and an outpour of dutch from your brother's lips.

"Fuck off Max," you shouted from your side of the door. "I don't want to talk to you."

"I'm missing a race for this," he sighed, his voice softer than you'd heard it.

You opened the door, and he did something unexpected. He hugged you. A full-blown tight hug, the kind he hadn't given you since you were a kid.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Why didn't you tell me?"

You shrugged, pulling out of the hug. "I wasn't interested in the lecture."

"But I know Charles, I could've... I don't know, helped?" he paced around your kitchen. "I just... I don't understand why you felt like you couldn't tell me."

"Max, you said you'd shove anyone off track if they went for me, so I don't understand your disconnect. I'm happy with Charles, like really fucking happy. He makes me feel great, and he cares about me. He loves me. And I'm so sick of trying to make myself smaller so that i can fit into your life. I adore you Max, genuinely, I do. You're my big brother and I love you, and you should be celebrated for your incredible accomplishments, but so should I. I'm not going to sit here and make myself any more unhappy just because it'll make your life easier. I-I won't do it. I want to be able to post my boyfriend, go support him at races, and everything else all the other girlfriends can do. I'm not going to hide him or myself to make you more comfortable," you pushed through the tears building behind your eyes, and stared him right in the eyes. He needed to hear that your life wasn't just about him.

He was quiet for a moment. "I'm happy for you, and I'm sorry that I'm not very good at... being there for you."

He looked uncomfortable. He'd never been very good with his emotions, so that was probably the best you were going to get.

"Thank you," you smiled. "And you really didn't have to miss a race for me, but thank you anyways."

He nodded. "I care about you. I want you to be happy," he explained, looking down.

You were both silent for a few seconds.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" you offered.

He looked up and smiled. Same old Max. Same old you.

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y/nverstappen

liked by landonorris, charlesleclerc, maxverstappen, and 6,243, 563 others

y/nverstappen: and she's out! thank you all so much for the love, mwah!

comments on this post have been limited

maxverstappen: Very proud!

charlesleclerc: i love you so much you're so pretty (please please please let me come over tonight)

landonorris: SHARPEST TOOL IS SUCH A BANGER liked by y/nverstappen

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navigation for my blog :)

ferrari masterlist

[angelltheninth]

Arcane Characters That Are Big of Heart and Dumb of Ass

Pairing: Vi, Sevika, Vander, Jayce, Loris, Ambessa x Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, dating, flirting, cuddles, kissing, sparing, muscles, protectiveness

Ko-Fi | Rules | Fandoms and Characters

A/N: This came to me today during my work break. I love himbos and whatever the female version of it is!

PURE OF HEART: She will do anything, put herself in any kind of danger to protect you. Vi is ready to get into a fight with anyone, stand up to anyone if they're bothering you. The bruises might be there after but she knows you'll help her get patched up. Depending on where the bruises are she might get some kisses.

DUMB OF ASS: Charges head first into any situation and that more often than not gets her hurt. One would think she learned to use hear head a bit more by now. And just in terms of headbutting her opponent. However she defends her attitude by saying that she's the muscle here, so you should let her take care of things her way.

PURE OF HEART: First of all she doesn't want anyone knowing she has a soft spot for you. She is very aggressive in her flirting both in public and in private but when you're up close, in her lap she will whisper sweet nothings into your ear. After which she will bite it. Don't blame her, she has an image to uphold.

DUMB OF ASS: Sevika has always been a badass in Zaun, but not for her brains. As respected as she is some also see her as a glorified bodyguard that's now dating her boss's cute secretary. She hears these rumors of course but they don't phase her when she's had a few shots of her favorite drink. Not her best moment.

PURE OF HEART: He is a family man to the bone. And he sees you as his wife even though you're not officially married yet. It won't stop him from grabbing you around the hips and pulling you into a kiss, his tongue tasting of tabaco and your favorite drink. Yes, your favorite, because he wants to taste good when he kisses you.

DUMB OF ASS: While Vander might be one of the de facto leaders in Zaun he's made his fair share of dumb choices. He's forgotten to lock up more than once, leading to the people thinking the bar open and he walked out in his underwear. What made it more embarrassing is that you were right behind him, wearing just his shirt.

PURE OF HEART: Everyone who met Jayce even once can see that he has a heart of gold. There isn't a challenge he won't try to take out, be it with brains or brawn. Knowing he's smart hasn't stopped you from visiting him a few times in the forge and appreciating the way the sweat rolls down his muscled body. He even flexes for you.

DUMB OF ASS: The amount of times he accidentally burned himself because he was too busy making out with you is astounding. He picks you up easily enough. But then backs up a bit too much, touching or stepping too close to the heat of the forge. Either that or he knocks important tools down when he places you on his table.

PURE OF HEART: No one's got your back like Loris has your back. He's is one of the most supportive boyfriends you could ask for, husband material really. Whenever he notices you're having a bad day he will beckon you over and scoop you into his big arms. You're not getting away from him or his cuddles until you feel better.

DUMB OF ASS: Among the Enforcers he has always been known as the muscle, and as more than a bit of drinker. But he also tells the best stories. He can be a little crude sometimes, flirting with you and forgetting there are other people in the room. The next morning everyone is smirking at him and he has no idea why.

PURE OF HEART: Ambessa will crush anyone who has anything bad to say about her, her family, or anyone in her army. Her strength is in her physique, strategy and loyalty of her people. But on occasion she can show her softer side, when it's just the two of you. It's one of her weaknesses, that cute smile of yours that she would do anything for.

DUMB OF ASS: One of her favorite ways to flirt, and have foreplay, is to spar with you. However that tends to attract more than a few eyes. She always acts insanely possessive over you in those moments, her head still in the fight but also getting in between you and her soldiers. it ends up looking a bit like a dance, much to everyone's amusement.

[pbaz7]

AGAINST THE TIDE: PART 13

paige x azzi

warning: sexual content

word count: 6.9k

A/N: This chapter took me a little longer than usual for some reason😭. I’m finally giving y’all what you want so be thankful 🤨. As always let me know what you think and let me know if there’s anything you wanna see before I close out the series!!

—————————————————————————

February 2023

Paige adjusted her tie in the rearview mirror before stepping out of the car, the faint crunch of gravel under her shoes grounding her as she straightened her shirt. She takes a deep breath and walks around to the passenger side calmly, her nerves bubbling just beneath the surface.

Azzi smiles at her as Paige opens the door, her soft brown eyes lighting up in a way that always made Paige feel a little steadier.

“You’re always so sweet,” Azzi teased, taking Paige’s outstretched hand and stepping out of the car.

Paige smirked, brushing off her nerves as best she could. “Only the best for you,” she replied, her voice low and confident, though her heart wasn’t quite as composed.

The restaurant was more formal than Paige had expected, the kind of place where the lighting was dim and the waitstaff wore crisp uniforms. She suddenly felt grateful that Nika insisted on the tie. As they stepped inside, Paige adjusted it again, sneaking a glance at Azzi, who looked effortlessly stunning in her dress.

They spotted Azzi’s family seated at a table near the back. Tim, Azzi’s dad, was the first to notice them, his face breaking into a grin that he quickly masked with a mock-serious expression.

“Well, well,” he said, standing as Paige approached. “Paige, I trust you’re taking good care of my daughter?”

“Yes, sir,” Paige replied, straightening up slightly. “You know me, only the best.”

Tim kept up the act for a beat longer, then his face broke into a laugh. He pulled Paige into a warm hug, clapping her on the back. “Good to see you again, kid,” he said warmly.

“You too, sir,” Paige said, her voice more relaxed now.

Katie, Azzi’s mom, was next, pulling Paige into a hug as well. “Always a pleasure, Paige,” she said, her tone just as warm as her husband’s. “You look great tonight.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Fudd,” Paige replied, her cheeks warming slightly under the compliment.

Next came Jon and Jose, Azzi’s younger brothers, who greeted Paige with grins and easy camaraderie.

“Sup, superstar?” Jon teased as he clasped Paige’s hand before pulling her into a quick hug.

“Not much,” Paige replied with a chuckle. “What’s up with you big man?”

“Trying to keep up,” Jose chimed in, grinning.

After greeting everyone Paige felt a small sense of relief as she settled into the rhythm of their banter. Azzi tugged lightly at her sleeve, pulling her toward the table. Paige, Azzi, and Jose sat on one side, while Katie, Tim, and Jon took the other.

Once they were seated, Paige took a moment to glance around the table. She’d met Azzi’s family many times before—holidays, over the summer and casual dinners when things were still murky between her and Azzi. But tonight was different. Now everyone knew they were officially together, and for some reason, that made her chest feel a little tight.

Azzi must have noticed because she leaned over and whispered, “Relax, it’s no different than anytime before.”

Paige shot her a look, both grateful and exasperated, as she adjusted her napkin over her lap.

As the server approached with menus, Tim glanced across the table, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You look nice Paige, someone must’ve helped you.” He teased, earning a soft laugh from Katie.

Paige laughed lightly, grateful for the lighthearted comment, even as she felt Azzi’s hand rest subtly against her knee under the table.

“You all look great, too,” Paige replied, her voice steadying as she glanced at the family, her gaze lingering just a little longer on Azzi.

…

The table had settled into a comfortable rhythm, everyone chatting easily. Unsurprisingly, the topic was basketball, which seemed to be the universal language in the Fudd family—and one Paige was fluent in.

“So, Paige,” Tim said, leaning forward slightly, “how are things shaping up for next season? You’re officially back, right?”

Paige nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. “Yeah, I’ll be good to go. It’s been a long recovery, but I’m ready. I’ve missed playing too much to sit out any longer.”

“You’ve been working hard,” Azzi chimed in, her voice soft but full of pride. “She’s already looking scary in practice.”

“Scary?” Jose teased, smirking. “You sure about that, Azzi? Or are you just hyping her up because she’s your girlfriend now?”

Paige smirked, leaning back slightly in her chair. “I don’t need hype. You already know what it’s like tryna guard me.”

The table laughed, and Jon shook his head. “Okay, okay, but for real,” he said, “what’s the vibe at UConn next year? Anything changing?”

Paige shrugged lightly, glancing at Azzi before replying. “Honestly, it’s not about changing—it’s about piecing things together. We’ve got the pieces; we just need to keep pushing.” Her tone softened slightly as she added, “If anyone’s taking us to the next level, it’s Azzi. Ms. National Player of the Year over here.”

Azzi’s cheeks flushed a little, and she nudged Paige’s leg under the table. “Stop it,” she said, though her voice carried a hint of a smile.

“She’s right,” Katie said, her voice warm with approval. “You’ve been phenomenal this season, Azzi.”

“She has,” Tim agreed, nodding firmly. “No argument there.”

Azzi ducked her head slightly, her smile growing wider despite herself. Paige grinned, savoring the moment. She loved seeing Azzi like this—happy and surrounded by people who appreciated her.

They’d ordered their food some time ago, so the conversation flowed easily as they waited. Paige found herself relaxing more with each passing minute. The light teasing between Jon and Jose, Tim’s occasional dad jokes, and Katie’s warm encouragement all created an atmosphere that always felt easy and welcoming for her.

At one point, Jose turned to Paige with a mischievous grin. “So, Paige,” he said, leaning in conspiratorially, “are you ready to deal with Azzi as a full-blown superstar? I can’t imagine what it’ll be like with two big ego’s in the house now, yours is already bad enough..”

Paige chuckled, glancing at Azzi. “Oh, if you think I’m bad you just wait. She acts like she’s better than me now, it's crazy I’m telling you.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, laughing softly. “You’re ridiculous,” she muttered, though the smile on her face made it clear she didn’t mind.

The easy banter continued, and Paige felt herself sinking into the warmth of it all. For the first time that evening, she let go of her nerves entirely, grateful to be here—with Azzi, with her family, with people who already felt like home.

As the conversation flowed around the table, Azzi found her focus wandering constantly. She tried to stay engaged, laughing at Jon’s jokes when no one else did and chiming in here and there, but her gaze kept drifting back to Paige.

Paige, sitting confidently beside her, was dressed in a crisp white shirt and a perfectly knotted tie that Azzi hadn’t seen her wear before. Her hair was slicked back into a neat bun, highlighting her jawline and the sparkle of her diamond stud earrings. A tennis bracelet caught the light every time Paige moved, drawing Azzi’s eyes to her long, graceful fingers adorned with rings on each hand.

Azzi swallowed, trying to keep her thoughts in check, but something about the combination of Paige’s polished appearance and the way she carried herself tonight tugged at something deep within her. The sight of Paige, so composed and respectful in front of her parents, made Azzi’s heart race—and warmed her core in a way she wasn’t prepared for at this very moment.

She tried to blame her eagerness on their busy schedules. Between practices, games, and traveling, they hadn’t had much time to themselves lately. It had been a little longer than either of them wanted, and Azzi figured her reaction was just pent-up energy. But that reasoning didn’t stop her from feeling a pull toward Paige that was a little too strong to ignore.

As Paige leaned forward, answering a question from Tim about next season, Azzi couldn’t stop herself. She shifted slightly, brushing her hand against Paige’s arm to get her attention.

“Paige,” Azzi said softly, her tone perfectly casual despite the way her pulse was racing. “Something in my dress is poking me. Can you come with me to the bathroom to help me fix it, please?”

Paige turned to her, her lips curving into an easy smile. “Of course,” she said, already moving to stand. “Excuse us,” she added, glancing at Azzi’s parents with her usual politeness.

Azzi stood as well, smoothing her dress as they stepped away from the table. Paige placed a light hand on the small of Azzi’s back, guiding her through the maze of tables toward the restrooms. Azzi could feel her heart pounding, her cheeks warming as she tried to calm the sudden rush of anticipation swirling in her chest.

They reached the hallway leading to the restrooms, the noise of the restaurant fading slightly as they stepped into the quieter space. Azzi cast a quick glance around the bathroom, ensuring it was empty. Once she was satisfied, she grabbed Paige by the tie, pulling her into the nearest stall.

“Azzi—” Paige began, but her words were cut off as Azzi locked the door behind them and crashed her lips against Paige’s.

The kiss was hungry, desperate, and left Paige momentarily stunned before she melted into it, her hands instinctively gripping Azzi’s waist. Azzi’s voice was a low murmur against Paige’s lips, a mix of frustration and desire spilling out.

“We can’t go this long without sex again,” Azzi whispered, her tone half-scolding, half-pleading as she tugged on Paige’s tie to pull her even closer.

Paige couldn’t help but smirk between kisses, her pulse racing at this bold side of Azzi. “Noted,” she murmured against her lips, before deepening the kiss, her hands sliding down to Azzi’s ass.

Azzi gasped softly as Paige squeezed, and Paige took the opportunity to lift the hem of Azzi’s dress slightly, her hands brushing against her thighs. “You’re something else,” Paige whispered, her voice thick as she pressed Azzi back against the wall of the stall.

Azzi pulled back slightly, her breathing uneven as she muttered, “Think you can do it in less than ten?”

Paige didn’t respond with words. She fixed Azzi with a look—almost offended by the question.

Azzi swallowed, her cheeks flushing as she nodded silently, a small smile tugging at her lips. Without another word, she grabbed Paige’s tie again and pulled her back into a searing kiss.

The stall grew warmer as their lips moved together, each kiss deeper and hungrier than the last.

Azzi’s hands wandered, finding Paige’s right hand and lifting it between them. She toyed with Paige’s fingers, as she began sliding the rings off one by one. Paige didn’t stop her, too lost in the way Azzi’s lips felt against hers, the faint press of teeth grazing her bottom lip making her shudder.

Azzi’s movements were unhurried, almost reverent, as she set the rings on the small ledge in the stall. The metallic clinks were faint, barely audible over the sound of their breaths and the occasional shuffle of fabric.

As soon as all the rings are off, Paige moves her hand in between Azzi’s legs pulling her underwear hastily to the side, slipping her fingers in with ease making Azzi gasp.

Paige’s lips moved against Azzi’s jawline, trailing kisses down her neck, her hand moving in and out of Azzi just the way she liked it. Azzi’s breath hitched everytime Paige curled her fingers, her hand tangling in Paige’s tie to keep her close, not wanting to mess up the blonde’s hair.

“I miss you so much,” Azzi panted, her voice trembling as she tilted her head back.

Paige paused, her lips hovering over Azzi’s skin as she whispered, “I’m right here, Az. You don’t gotta miss me.”

Azzi let out a soft whimper, her fingers sliding to Paige’s collar as she whispered back, “You look too good tonight. I’m sorry I couldn’t wait.”

Paige smirked against her neck, her voice low. “It’s okay, baby. You don’t gotta be sorry,” she murmured, her tone full of reassurance.

Azzi shivered at Paige’s words, her grip on Paige tightening as their lips met again, this time more fervent as Azzi felt a tightening in her stomach. Paige continued moving her fingers at a steady pace, her touch confident knowing Azzi’s body like the back of her hand.

As Paige quickened her fingers, Azzi didn't have a choice but to tip her head back against the stall, the feeling of this angle almost unbearable for her.

“Oh fuck..right there baby. That’s the spot…don’t stop.” Azzi whispered out her tone breathless but quiet.

Paige pulls Azzi’s jaw softly making her look at her, both of their pupils dilated now as Paige begins circling her thumb adding a little more pressure. Her lips brush Azzi’s ear, her voice low as she begins to praise her. “You look so fucking good like this Az. I can’t wait to have you later..take my time with you. Show you how much I miss you pretty girl.” Azzi’s breath hitches at each word, a rush of heat pooling in her stomach everytime Paige’s lips brush against her neck while she talks. “You’re so fucking perfect, baby.” Paige added quietly as she sucked on Azzi’s neck softly, careful not to leave a mark.

The combination of Paige’s words, her fingers working in and out of Azzi, her thumb pressing against her slightly is all too much for Azzi as she throws her head back against the cool stall wall, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she looks at the ceiling, her lips trembling.

She bites down on her lip hard, trying to stifle the sounds clawing at her throat, but the effort only makes her eyes sting more. A single tear threatening to slip free as she clenched her jaw. With a quick, almost desperate motion, Azz grabs Paige’s free hand and brings it to her lips, sinking her teeth into it to muffle herself as she comes undone on Paige’s hand.

Paige tightens her hold around Azzi’s waist as she feels her legs shake, letting her ride out the feeling as she steadied her body effortlessly. Azzi’s breath is uneven, her forehead resting briefly against Paige’s shoulder as she gather’s herself. Paige leans down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Azzi’s head. “You did so good for me, baby.” she whispers, her voice filled with warmth as she pulls her fingers out of Azzi. As soon as Azzi see’s this her lips are wrapped around them immediately, her tongue tracing every inch of them as looks at Paige. The sight alone make’s Paige’s heart race again, her chest tightening.

Before Paige could process the moment, Azzi was already straightening herself, smoothing her dress back down as she silently stepped out of the stall.

Azzi walked over to the mirror, turning on the faucet to wash her hands, her movements a little too calm for what just happened. Paige followed after a beat, stepping out of the stall and making her way to stand behind Azzi. The two didn’t exchange a word as their eyes met in the mirror. Paige adjusted her slightly askew tie, her lips twitching into a faint smirk, while Azzi calmly reapplied her lip gloss.

Just as Paige considered closing the distance between them, Katie popped into the bathroom. “Everything okay in here?” she asked, her gaze flicking between them.

Azzi didn’t miss a beat, flashing her mom a quick, reassuring smile. “Yeah, there was a piece of the tag still in there,” she replied smoothly, her voice steady and believable.

Katie nodded, satisfied. “Ah, okay. Just wanted to let you know the food’s at the table.”

“Thanks, Mom. We’ll be right out,” Azzi said, her smile unwavering as Katie disappeared back into the restaurant.

Once the door swung shut, Azzi turned toward Paige, stepping closer. She reached up to wipe a faint smudge of lip gloss from the corner of Paige’s mouth, her touch gentle but lingering. Leaning in, she gave Paige a quick peck on the lips, her voice soft as she whispered, “I love you.”

And without waiting for a response, Azzi laced their fingers together, her grip warm, before tugging Paige toward the door. Paige let herself be led, a subtle grin tugging at her lips as she squeezed Azzi’s hand in return.

When they returned to the table, they slid into their seats, now sitting noticeably closer than before, their thighs brushing under the table as they exchanged subtle, knowing smiles.

A couple of minutes later, as the family settled back into their comfortable conversation and began enjoying their food, the server approached the table. She carried a small collection of items in her hand, her gaze focused on Paige.

“I think you might’ve left these in the bathroom when you were washing your hands,” the server said with a polite smile, holding out the rings Azzi had taken off of her.

Paige looked up from her plate, her brows lifting slightly thinking about why she didn’t have them as she smiled. “Oh, thank you, I–”

Before Paige could finish or reach for the rings, the server continued, her tone becoming more conversational. “They’re really cool honestly. I only knew they were yours when someone brought them to us because I noticed them on you earlier. The designs are so unique”

The comment hung in the air for a beat too long as the table processed her words. Azzi looks up, her eyes locking on the server with a raised brow, the finest flicker of irritation crossing her face.

“Actually,” Azzi said, her voice smooth as she reached for the rings instead, “I can take those for her.”

The server blinked, her gaze shifting briefly to Azzi’s hand before hesitatingly handing the rings over. “Oh, uh—sure,” she said, her smile faltering.

Azzi accepted them with a polite but pointed “Thank you,” her tone making it clear the server’s conversation with Paige was over.

Jon and Jose exchanged knowing glances and immediately began snickering, their shoulders shaking with restrained laughter. Paige rolled her eyes at them but couldn’t quite hide the smirk tugging at her lips.

Across the table, Katie and Tim observed the interaction, clearly surprised. Katie leaned closer to Tim, murmuring something under her breath, and he chuckled softly in response.

Azzi, seemingly unbothered by the attention, turned back to Paige. Slipping the rings onto Paige’s fingers one by one with deliberate care, her touch gentle but lingering as her eyes flicked between Paige’s hand and her face.

“Thanks, baby,” Paige said softly, her voice low and intimate, meant only for Azzi.

Azzi didn’t respond immediately, but her faint smile and the glint in her dark eyes spoke for her. As she finished with the last ring, she lightly tapped Paige’s hand, her gaze holding Paige’s for a moment longer than necessary.

“You’re welcome,” Azzi finally murmured, her tone quiet.

The server, now seeming a bit flustered, quickly excused herself. Azzi watched her retreating figure for a moment before turning back to her food like nothing happened. Across the table, Jon and Jose exchanged another glance before bursting into barely contained laughter, earning an exasperated sigh from Paige.

“Y’all are obnoxious,” Paige muttered, shaking her head as she took a sip of her drink.

…

Later that evening, as the meal wound down, Paige excused herself from the table, claiming she needed to stretch her legs. Azzi’s eyes followed her, narrowing slightly at the bullshit excuse. She knew Paige was up to something, but didn’t stop her, choosing to finish the last few bites of her food instead.

When the server arrived, Tim instinctively reached in his pocket for his wallet, only to have the server inform him, “It’s already been taken care of.”

Tim blinked, surprised. “What do you mean, taken care of?”

Azzi’s gaze immediately shifted toward Paige, who was now sitting back in her chair trying to act way too casual.

“Paige,” Katie said, her tone holding a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Paige shrugged, feigning innocence. “What? It’s my treat. You guys have done plenty for me.”

“Still,” Tim started, but Azzi cut him off with a soft laugh.

“Don’t even waste your breath,” Azzi said, placing a hand on Paige’s arm and squeezing gently. “I’ve tried. Once she decides something, good luck changing her mind.”

Paige turned her grin toward Azzi. “You know me so well.”

“I do,” Azzi said, her voice warm but teasing. “Too well.”

After a few more moments they all stood to leave, Tim and Katie announcing they were heading back to their hotel for the night.

“Y’all coming back with us?” Tim asked Jon and Jose as they gathered their things.

“Nah,” Jon said, slinging an arm around Jose. “We’re gonna hang out with Paige and Azzi for a bit.”

“Yeah,” Jose added with a grin, “no games to play back at the hotel, so we’re thinking of running some Fortnite with Paige.”

Paige groaned, shaking her head. “You just want me to carry you to a win.”

“Exactly,” Jon said without shame.

Katie gave them all a playful look. “Don’t keep them up too late,” she said, directing her comment toward Paige and Azzi. “And, Azzi, make sure they don’t destroy your dorm.”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Azzi said, rolling her eyes but smiling.

As Tim and Katie waved them off and headed to the hotel, Paige and Azzi lingered behind. Their hands brushed occasionally as they walked to the car, sharing soft smiles under the glow of the streetlights. Ahead, Jon and Jose were already bickering over who would get the first controller, their voices fading slightly as Paige and Azzi slowed their pace.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Azzi said softly, glancing at Paige.

“I wanted to,” Paige replied, her tone easy but genuine. “Your parents have been amazing. It’s the least I could do.”

Azzi smiled, her heart warming as she reached out, lacing her fingers with Paige’s. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Paige’s lips quirked into a grin, squeezing Azzi’s hand gently. “I try.”

…

They had been back at the dorms for maybe an hour and a half. Paige, Jon, and Jose were glued to the screen, deeply immersed in the game. Laughter and yelling filled the room as they argued over strategies and teased one another about their skills—or lack thereof. Azzi, however, was content to just sit back and watch.

Paige had changed into something more comfortable shortly after they got back. She’d traded her earlier outfit for just the tank top she’d been wearing under her button-up and a pair of Azzi's sweatpants that hung a little loose on her hips. The sight of her had Azzi’s mind wandering again far more than she cared to admit.

Leaning back against the couch, Azzi folded her arms and bit her lip, trying to focus on the game. But it wasn’t working. Her thoughts kept drifting to Paige. The way her arms flexed slightly as she leaned forward, controller in hand, and the way her hair fell messily around her shoulders—it was all too much. Maybe Paige was right. Maybe she was the horn-ball after all.

Azzi shifted in her seat, clearing her throat softly as if to ground herself. Suddenly, a memory resurfaced: a conversation she’d had with Paige a few weeks ago in the library. She had promised Paige something that, in the chaos of their schedules, she’d never actually followed through on.

The realization lit a spark in her. And without a word, Azzi stood and headed to her room making sure her movements were casual.

When she returned a few minutes later, Paige looked up from the couch, her smile easy and warm. It was Jon and Jose’s turn, who were now locked in an intense match, their yelling louder than ever.

“Where’d you go?” Paige asked softly, tilting her head as she met Azzi’s gaze.

Azzi ignored the question, her focus shifting to Jon and Jose. “Alright, time to go home,” she said, her tone firm.

Jon and Jose groaned in unison, their attention barely leaving the screen.

“What? Come on, Azzi!” Jon protested. “We’re just getting warmed up.”

“Yeah, we’ll crash here,” Jose added, clearly not ready to give up the game.

Paige got up from the couch, brushing past Azzi to try and mediate. “Baby, it’s fine. They can stay the night. It’s not a big deal—”

Azzi cut her off, her voice lower and softer now, but with a hint of urgency. “They can’t stay.”

The look in her eyes—and the subtle edge in her tone—was all Paige needed. Her lips twitched into a smile as she turned toward the guys.

“Alright, you heard her,” Paige said, grabbing her keys off the counter and tossing them to Jose. “You can take my car back to the hotel. I’ll pick it up in the morning. Please don’t crash.”

Jon and Jose groaned again, grumbling under their breaths as Paige ushered them toward the door.

“Man, you guys are no fun,” Jon muttered as he slipped on his shoes.

“Yeah, yeah,” Paige replied, already opening the door. “See you tomorrow.”

With a final nudge from Paige, the two reluctantly stepped out into the hall. As the door closed behind them, the dorm fell quiet, save for the faint hum of the game still running on the TV.

Paige turned back to Azzi, her smile widening as she leaned against the door. “Now, what’s this about, huh?”

Azzi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she stepped closer as she said, “Come find out.” Without another word, she turned and disappeared into her room, leaving the door open for Paige to follow.

Paige raised a brow, curiosity piqued, before pushing off the door and following her silently. As she stepped inside, she noticed the soft glow of candles scattered throughout the room, their warm light casting flickering shadows on the walls. The scent of something faintly floral hung in the air, and the usual space now felt intimate and inviting.

Azzi stood in the center of the room, waiting. Her eyes locked onto Paige’s as she slowly approached, every step intentional. When she finally reached her, Azzi’s hands moved to the hem of Paige’s tank top. She didn’t ask for permission, didn’t need to. She pulled the shirt up and over Paige’s head, the movement slow, almost reverent. Paige didn’t protest for a second as she just watched Azzi.

Azzi’s fingers trailed lightly down Paige’s stomach, the gentle touch making her tense under the sensation. The corners of Azzi’s lips curled into a smile as she felt Paige’s muscles react. Her hands moved lower, tugging at the waistband of the sweatpants Paige had borrowed. She didn’t say a word, but the gesture was clear.

Paige obeyed, hooking her thumbs into the waistband and sliding them down her legs before stepping out of them. Now standing in just her boxers, she watched as Azzi’s gaze roamed over her.

“Go sit on the bed,” Azzi said softly.

Paige’s throat felt dry, but she nodded, doing as she was told. She crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning back on her hands as she waited, her eyes never leaving Azzi.

Azzi took a step closer, her gaze never leaving Paige, as she said softly, “You remember what you found on my phone in the library?”

Paige’s brows furrowed briefly before the memory came rushing back. The realization sent a spark through her, and her expression shifted, her eyes darkening immediately at the thought. She nodded, swallowing hard, though she tried to keep her face neutral.

Azzi tilted her head, the corner of her mouth lifting into a smile. “I never got to wear it for you when it got here.”

Paige’s lips parted, her voice coming out a little rougher than intended. “Do you have it on?”

Azzi didn’t answer right away, letting the silence build as she held Paige’s gaze. Then, she gave the faintest nod, her voice just above a whisper. “Do you want to see?”

Paige leaned back on her elbows, her calm demeanor slipping slightly as her breathing quickened. She gave another nod, her eyes raking over Azzi with unspoken anticipation. “Show me,” she murmured, her voice low and almost commanding.

Azzi didn’t rush. Her movements were slow, deliberate, her eyes locked on Paige as she reached for the hem of her shirt. She pulled it over her head in one smooth motion, revealing the soft pink lace of the lingerie top. The delicate fabric clung to her perfectly, the intricate detailing highlighting her body. Her piercing caught the dim light from the candles, dangling just above her belly button, drawing Paige’s attention like a magnet.

Paige swallowed hard, her eyes tracing every line and curve. “Fuck, baby,” she murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Azzi’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her shorts. She slid them down slowly, letting them fall to the floor, revealing the matching lace bottoms that left little to the imagination. The way the set hugged her made Paige’s breath hitch audibly, a low sound escaping her throat despite herself.

Azzi’s smile widened as she caught Paige’s reaction. “Like what you see?” she teased softly, stepping forward, her confidence radiating with every step.

Paige nodded, her jaw clenching slightly as her hands twitched against the bed, like she was barely holding herself back. “You’re... perfect,” she said, her voice filled with desire, her eyes drinking Azzi in like she couldn’t get enough.

For a long moment, Paige didn’t say anything, her gaze roaming over Azzi’s body like she was trying to memorize every stroke of a painting. Her eyes traced the lines of Azzi’s toned abs, the curve of her waist, the strength in her long legs, and the soft pink lace that framed her so perfectly. Paige’s throat worked as she swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, “C’mere, baby.”

Azzi heard her, but a playful smirk tugged at her lips. She tilted her head slightly, feigning confusion. “What was that?”

Paige’s jaw tightened at this, and she spoke a little louder this time, her voice firm but still laced with affection. “Azzi, come here.”

Azzi finally moved, her steps slow, the sway of her hips only adding to the tension in the air. When she reached Paige, she stopped, standing just a breath away. She didn’t say anything, didn’t touch Paige, her smirk softening into something more tender as she waited.

Paige sat up slowly, her hands lifting to trace over Azzi’s body. Her fingertips brushed against the ridges of Azzi’s abs, skimmed the curve of her hips, and followed the line of her thighs. Her touch was gentle, almost reverent, as if she couldn’t believe Azzi was real.

“You’re so beautiful,” Paige murmured, her voice low and full of awe. “So perfect.” Her hands moved up, her thumbs grazing Azzi’s sides as her eyes flickered up to meet hers. “Do you know how lucky I am? How lucky I feel every time I look at you?”

Azzi smiled at Paige’s words, her chest rising and falling as Paige’s hands moved to rest on her hips.

“I’d do anything for you,” Paige continued, her tone soft but steady, like a vow. “Anything, baby. You mean everything to me.”

Azzi’s confidence faltered for just a moment, her expression softening as Paige’s words settled over her. She reached out, cupping Paige’s face gently, her thumb brushing along her jaw.

Paige’s hands slid from Azzi’s hips to her waist, her grip firm yet tender as she gently pulled her closer. Azzi followed Paige’s guidance, letting herself be drawn into her lap until her legs straddled Paige’s waist. Paige adjusted them with care, leaning back against the headboard to settle them comfortably on the bed.

Azzi’s hands found their place on either side of Paige’s face, her thumbs brushing along her cheekbones as their gazes locked. There was a moment of stillness, of silent understanding, before Paige tilted her head up and met Azzi’s lips with her own.

The first kiss was achingly slow, deliberate in its tenderness, like they were savoring every second. It reminded them both of their first kiss—how careful, how exploratory it had been. Their mouths moved together in perfect rhythm, soft and unhurried, each movement an unspoken declaration of their feelings.

Paige’s hands roamed gently up Azzi’s back, fingers tracing the delicate lace of her lingerie. Azzi’s lips parted against Paige’s, and their tongues met, sliding against each other in a slow, teasing dance. The kiss deepened naturally, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the moment.

Everything about it was messy yet perfect, their mouths searching, finding, and claiming each other again and again. Azzi’s fingers threaded into Paige’s hair, tugging lightly, while Paige’s hands held her securely, grounding them both.

As the kiss deepened Azzi’s breathing grew heavier, and without thinking, she began to circle her hips against Paige, her movements slow desperate for more closeness. Paige’s hands instinctively shifted to Azzi’s waist, guiding her rhythm as her lips left Azzi’s, trailing down to her jaw and then lower.

Paige’s mouth found the sensitive spot on Azzi’s neck, and she sucked lightly, her tongue soothing the area as Azzi let out a quiet whimper. Paige moving further, her lips brushing over Azzi’s collarbone before finding the top of her chest, her kisses warm and teasing.

Azzi’s forehead rested against Paige’s as her hands gripped her shoulders for support. Her voice was soft, almost breathless, as she mumbled, “Paige... it feels so good.”

Paige hummed against her skin. “Yeah, baby?” she murmured between kisses, her voice thick with adoration. “You like that?”

Azzi nodded, her lips parting as a shaky sigh escaped. “So much... don’t ever want you to stop.”

Paige didn’t need to be told twice. Her kisses grew more intentional, her hands sliding lower, holding Azzi in place as they moved together. Paige whispered, her voice barely audible but full of devotion, “You’re so perfect, Azzi. I could do this forever.”

Eventually, Azzi couldn’t resist anymore and pulled Paige back into a kiss, her lips capturing Paige’s with a renewed hunger. Their movements became more urgent, their shared breaths heavier as Azzi’s hips continued their slow, deliberate circles against Paige.

Paige’s hands slid up Azzi’s thighs, gripping her gently but firmly, as though grounding herself against the growing intensity between them. Feeling the shift in their dynamic, Paige adjusted her position, leaning back further until her shoulders rested against the pillows. Azzi followed effortlessly, her knees on either side of Paige as she settled onto her stomach.

The new angle brought them impossibly closer, and Paige let out a quiet groan feeling Azzi against her stomach, the thin fabric not hiding anything as her hands steadied Azzi as she moved. Azzi’s kisses trailed from Paige’s lips to her jawline, then to the sensitive spot just below her ear, her breath hot and uneven against Paige’s skin.

“You’re driving me crazy,” Paige murmured, her voice rough, as her hands skimmed up Azzi’s sides, fingers tracing the smooth line of her back.

Azzi smiled against Paige’s neck. “Good,” she whispered, her lips brushing the shell of Paige’s ear. “That’s exactly what I wanted.”

At this Azzi starts rocking herself against Paige’s stomach speeding up her movements as she throws her head back at the feeling.

Paige let out another low groan as Azzi’s movements against her stomach grew more deliberate, the heat between them undeniable. Her hands instinctively found Azzi’s hips, fingers pressing firmly into her skin to guide her, matching the rhythm Azzi had set.

“You feel so good,” Paige murmured, her voice husky and strained as she tilted her head back, her gaze never leaving Azzi’s face.

Azzi bit her lip, her breathing unsteady as she moved with Paige’s assistance. “So do you,” she whispered, her tone trembling but sincere. Her hands slid up Paige’s chest, fingers brushing over her collarbone before they curled around the back of her neck, anchoring her.

Paige’s grip on Azzi’s hips tightened slightly, her thumbs rubbing soothing circles against her skin as their gazes locked. “You’re incredible, you know that?” Paige murmured, her voice softening just slightly as she took in Azzi’s flushed face, her tousled hair, the way her lips parted with every shaky breath.

Azzi’s laugh was quiet, almost shy, as she leaned forward, her forehead resting lightly against Paige’s. “You’re biased,” she teased, her voice barely audible over their shared breaths.

Paige’s lips curved into a lazy smile, her hands steadying Azzi as she shifted her hips again. “Maybe I am,” she murmured. “But it’s true, baby. Every single bit of you…”

Azzi’s breath hitched at Paige’s words, and she pressed her lips to Paige’s in a slow, lingering kiss, silencing her as she moved against her stomach harder, chasing her release.

Azzi break’s the kiss momentarily whining against Paige’s lips as she says “I’m so close baby.”

Hearing this Paige moves her hands lower to press Azzi further into her as she whispers, “I can feel you all over my stomach pretty girl.”

Paige’s words immediately make Azzi buck her hips into her as her breath hitches, her forehead pressed firmly against Paige as her movements become less controlled and more frantic. “I’m about to–fuck Paige,” she stammered, her voice shaky and raw as her nails lightly scrape against Paige’s shoulders.

“Shit, shit, shit…”

Paige’s grip on Azzi’s hips tightened, her thumbs stroking her skin in soothing circles as she murmured softly, “I’ve got you, baby. Let go for me.” Her voice was low and steady cutting through the haze.

Azzi’s response was barely coherent as she clung to Paige, her body tensing and trembling as she reached her peak. Paige stayed steady beneath her, holding her close, whispering words of reassurance and adoration that Azzi could barely hear over the pounding in her chest and the rush of her breaths.

When the tension finally ebbed, Azzi collapsed against Paige, her forehead still resting against her as she struggled to catch her breath. Paige let her settle, running her hands soothingly up and down Azzi’s back, her touch featherlight and grounding.

“You’re so damn perfect,” Paige murmured against Azzi’s temple, pressing a soft kiss there.

Azzi let out a breathless laugh, her voice muffled against Paige’s shoulder. “You’re not too bad yourself,” she teased weakly, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on Paige’s skin.

Before Paige could respond, Azzi sat up, her hands resting on Paige’s chest for balance for a moment. Then slowly, she shifted down, sliding herself along Paige’s body before she settled in between her legs pulling her boxes off with ease.

Azzi doesn’t bother taking her time knowing the state Paige is in from watching her so she immediately attaches her lips to her making Paige groan at the contact.

“Fuck Az.” Paige murmurs as she throws her head back against the pillows, her hands finding Azzi’s head immediately.

Azzi doesn’t say anything, just hums against Paige knowing she’ll feel it, smirking slightly when Paige pushes her head down further as she throws one arm over her face clenching her jaw at the feeling of Azzi’s tongue against her.

Azzi lifts her head slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips knowing Paige hates when she teases her, “I love it when you’re like this, you never last long.”

Before she can say more, Paige’s hand is pressing her head back down, her voice thick with need as she murmurs, “Azzi please.”

Azzi chuckles against her, her tone teasing as she says, “Always so bossy.” before attaching her tongue back against Paige, a little firmer this time making Paige moan out “Fuck you feel incredible baby.”

As Azzi continues working her tongue against Paige it doesn’t take long before Paige is pushing her hips against Azzi, pulling at her hair as she mumbles incoherently. Azzi just watches through her eyelashes, loving the way Paige’s body reacts to her, loving the way her blue eyes flutter closed despite her trying to keep them open. At a particularly aggressive suck Paige whimpers out saying “I’m close Az. Shit, I’m so close..don’t stop baby please.”

Not even two seconds later she’s falling apart with Azzi’s name falling from her lips over and over as Azzi makes sure she cleans every inch of her up until Paige’s hips still completely and her hands fall from Azzi’s head.

Azzi kisses up Paige’s body slowly and finds herself hovering over Paige again, her eyes softening as she takes in the sight of Paige, eyes half-lidded, clouded with satisfaction, lips curling into a lazy smile. Azzi leans down, giving Paige a slow deep kiss letting her taste everything.

As they part, Azzi chuckles softly at Paige, her voice warm. “I love you Paige,” she murmurs.

Paige’s eyes are still closed, her voice just above a whisper, but it’s steady. “I love you more.”

Azzi grins, settling onto Paige’s chest, resting her cheek against her as Paige’s hand instinctively moves to her hair. With gentle, soothing strokes, Paige starts rubbing her hair, mumbling through her heavy breaths, “Just... gimme a second. We’re not done.”

Azzi laughs quietly, the sound vibrating against Paige. “I know.”

[luvrodite]

ok wait i need to say something about the dick grayson thought i've been turning over in my head for a bit.

i unfortunately do like readers that are a bit tragic and don't get a happy ending. it's like poking at a bruise idk it's cathartic in its own way. anyway. i know the age difference between dick and jason isn't really that big but i think it's big enough for this to work?

anyway i'm thinking about the relationship you have with dick when he moves out of the manor. you guys fuck, sure, and sometimes you go out, but you're not his girlfriend. not really. it's casual, except it isn't at the same time because dick comes with a plethora of his own issues and for some reason you can't quite fathom, he's decided you're the only one that gets to see that side of him.

you see him like nobody else does. you get the good, the bad and the ugly. you hold him through his nightmares. you brush his hair back from his forehead when he stares at his phone a little too long. you come by when it's been a few weeks and you haven't heard from him.

somehow you kind of end up playing intermediary between him and the kid brother his dad/guardian/mentor/older brother picked up along the way. jason is sweet. and you can tell he longs for a relationship with dick but he's got so much going on. it doesn't matter. jason takes what he can get.

you wonder when you started getting involved in your hookups' lives. but then it feels reductive to call it that. what the two of you have spans beyond that. it's so much more than that. dick touches the lives of all that he meets and you aren't special for it, but you feel it. maybe to the others he knows, in their weird, dysfunctional world, it's normal.

but you're a regular citizen. you go to work. you come home and do the dishes. you cook, you clean, you curse out your landlord when he puts off fixing the heating for the nth time. dysfunctional relationships are alien to you – the weight of all dick gives you, it has to mean something. fuck the forehead kisses, it stopped being casual when he held your hand through a doctor's visit and the fibers in your pillowcase swallowed his tears after a run in with bruce.

you play intermediary. jason sees more and more of you than you think he should, but he doesn't complain. you even grow used to the little bugger. you don't have much in the way of your own family, and he becomes something like the kid brother you never had. you grow used to the inappropriate humour that shocked you the first time it came out of his mouth, blue eyes shining up at you mischievously.

his height gives off the impression he's more youthful than he is and sometimes you end up babying him a little more for it. sometimes, he lets you. you brush a hand over his curls like you do his brother and keep a hand on his shoulder when you go to the corner store. you tell him to pick out whatever he wants, and that it's on you. he looks up at you like you got him the moon when you toss him a copy of his favourite book after a while of not seeing him – yours is all beat up, kid, pretty soon you won't be able to read it anymore.

you don't know how to deal with it when he dies, not long after you and dick break things off.

15. only a baby.

it's violent. you get the news from the papers and the picture of the blast zone makes you stop breathing. dick doesn't pick up the phone – why would he? and you're not even sure if you're allowed to reach out.

the last you'd heard, he'd been pretty cosied up with a new co-worker of some sort. red hair, pretty eyes. more than you'd ever gotten from him. sure, you'd known dick – you knew him. you were the closest he'd ever been to anyone, but it had simply been because there was nothing to lose with you.

you hold his grief, hold his heart in your hands, but you are nobody and you will not ask for more because he sleeps in your bed and sometimes, he holds your hand in public when you're walking through a crowded street. you guys have good days and it's something.

but he’ll is not yours – will never be yours, not fully, not like he belongs to bruce and gotham and the titans and his team. you’re a girl who he comes to because you’re safe.

but his brother dies and he's gone and you're left with not only the heartbreak of losing something never named, but the grief of a real tangible friendship, the death of a brother.

you are nobody and nothing – you're not the one that gets the guy and you are not the one that gets to mourn. you see him at his lowest and love him at his worst but he is not yours, and neither is the little boy that dies much too young, alone and scared.

you fall between the cracks. nobody stops to think about the girl who'd sometimes been mentioned in passing at the dinner table, on the rare occasion dick ventured back home to the manor. how can they? not when bruce is driven near mad with grief, not when dick is god knows where and it's all that alfred pennyworth can do to keep his charge and himself together.

i don't know. i just think about how it takes you months to muster up the energy and courage to visit your friend's grave – because jason was your friend, too. the baby brother you'd never had, a kid you'd felt responsible for, like he was your own. the visit leaves you exhausted and it's of course then, that on your way out, you bump into the second half of your troubles.

dick stares at you like he's seen a ghost and all that happened between you lingers in the air, the weight of it oppressive in the cold winter air. frost in the air, frost clinging to your lashes, heartbreak colouring you blue.

you look at him and think of it – how much you had put up with from him. how dearly you'd loved him. stupid, to catch feelings, but you'd gone ahead and done it. worst of all, he'd known it, too.

there'd been a time, not so long ago, when you would have let him do anything he pleased. lay me down, strike me, hurt me, i will bear it because it is at your hand. and he'd known.

he'd known it was wrong but he was hurting and it’d been easy with you because you didn't ask for more than he’d give but you did hope. and he could see it in your eyes that you hoped he’d give himself wholly over to you but he just wasn't there. perhaps he never would be. and you deserved better but he couldn't let you go. his regret, one amongst many, is that he had not done it sooner. shielded you from more pain at his hand.

once, dick had something of a god to you. now he stands before you and you see him as he is, a mere man. a tired, grief-stricken, man.

the only mercy he grants you now, is to let you walk away.

blank blogs dni. minors dni. have your age in your bio otherwise you will be blocked!

[joeyspuckbunny]

୨୧ ‧₊˚ joseph's love languages ˚₊‧ ୨୧

pairing: j. woll x fem!reader summary: how does joe show his love ?? hmmmmm... i wonder.... word count: 620 warning(s): FLUFF, briefly hinting at 18+ content, not proof read notes: i'm a firm believer that some people have all the love languages and i think joe is one of those people !! i hope you enjoy baby !! xoxo

gift giving / acts of service (since they are very similar to me)

⟡ joe comes from a big family with many siblings and cousins

⟡ he is very used to everyone always giving everyone else something when they come for holidays, parties, and reunions

⟡ joe takes that into your relationship

⟡ less in a "here's a present" way and more in a "i'll take care of you way"

⟡ never lets you pay. for anything. ever.

⟡ kinda insulted when you suggest it early in the relationship

⟡ he plays pro sports. believe it or not, he can afford to pay for your taylor swift tickets and your vanilla cashmere lotion

⟡ he insists on it so much that you have his card in your phone

⟡ "joe, i really want this-" "put it on my card" "joe, can we get-" "on my card" "joe, i'm gonna ord-" "card, baby, just put it on my card"

⟡ he also buys you a personalized jersey from every new place he plays in

⟡ when he plays in NYC or LA and you are there, its shopping day for you

⟡ you buy absolutely anything you want and then. give him hauls

⟡ he calls them "shopping haul with joseph woll"

⟡ two dozen flowers every week and they are always your favorite while also matching the vibe of the season (red for christmas, pink for spring, yellow and blue for summer, etc.)

words of affirmation

⟡ believe it or not, joe is vocal as hell abt his love for you

⟡ talks about you non stop with the guys on his team

⟡ texts you as much as he can

⟡ "miss you like hell" "love you more than hockey" "gonna win for you, sweetheart"

⟡ he lovesssss pet names

⟡ his favs he calls you: baby, doll, sweetheart, princess, honey

⟡ might add babygirl into the mix when things get... heated

⟡ he likes to change it up and those are the most common ones

⟡ his favs you call him: joey, joe, babe

⟡ he loves how simple and personal they are

⟡ joe ends every phone call with an i love you because he wants it to be the thing you remember the most

⟡ loves the intimacy of whispers

physical touch

⟡ loves touching you but it's never pushy

⟡ hand holding is his favourite

⟡ have you seen this man's hands ?????? they are MASSIVE

⟡ he loves how delicate your hand feels in his

⟡ HUGS. FROM. BEHIND.

⟡ rests his chin on your head and watches what you are doing

⟡ forehead kisses and kisses on the cheek !!

⟡ thinks those are good for group settings

⟡ maybe a quick peck on the lips in public

⟡ has no problem with small amounts of PDA but he is a modest man

⟡ at home/in private, he loves long kisses and cuddling

quality time

⟡ toronto has lots to do. trust me.

⟡ joe is always planning fun little dates for you

⟡ often they include a sweet treat or a full meal and lots of walking

⟡ traffic in the city is bad and you both live downtown

⟡ walking anywhere takes max 20 minutes

⟡ even when you two stay at home, joe is doing what he can to make it feel special

⟡ loves slow dancing in the kitchen with you

⟡ one of his earliest memories is coming downstairs early one morning to jazz playing and his parents dancing in the kitchen

⟡ sits with you while you do work

⟡ enjoys watching you concentrate and the peace and quiet in the house

[scoonsalicious]

3/Unsized, Pt. 1

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Pocket!Reader

Summary: Family is complicated. Family is messy. Family is what you make it.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language, poorly translated Russian AND Italian (we're branching out!), Reak Talk, fluff, jealous!Bucky, mention of sexual situations.

Word Count: 3.6k

Previously On...: When it comes to a future with Bucky, you're still harboring some insecurities and one big secret.

A/N: This chapter had to be broken into two parts, as I let it get away from me. I wrote all you see before you without even gettitng to the point of what I wanted this chapter to be about, lol, so more to come!

Banner by my beloved @mrsbuckybarnes1917; poor recolor by me.

If you ever feel so inclined to support my work, hop on over to buy me a coffee; it's much appreciated! <3

NOTE! The tag list is a fickle bitch, so I'm not really going to be dealing with it anymore. If you want to be notified when new story parts drop, please follow @scoonsaliciousupdates

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

You strolled leisurely through the streets of Brooklyn, Bucky’s vibranium arm draped lovingly over your shoulder, his fingers entwined with yours. The morning had been spent running wedding errands—officially as Pepper’s Maid of Honor, but in truth, you were Tony’s errand-running bitch more often than not.

Not that you minded in the least. You’d do anything for Tony Stark (though you’d rather have your arm re-broken than admit it out loud). Spending the day outside in the sunshine with your boyfriend, dropping off the florist deposits, final invitation proofs, and sketches for the life-size chocolate Iron Man Tony had insisted on to the chocolatier, wasn’t a bad trade-off.

“I think the only reason Pepper agreed to that monstrosity in the first place,” Bucky said, licking his fingers clean of the last of the candy samples the chocolatier had sent out the door with you, “is so that she can ceremoniously chop its head off.”

You laughed in agreement. “He better be grateful that thing’s not anatomically correct, then.” You flashed Bucky a mischievous smile. “Who knows what might happen if she gets carried away? Lord knows he’s pissed her off enough times.”

“Don’t go gettin’ any ideas now, doll,” Bucky teased, pulling you closer planting a kiss on the side of your head. “I’ll have to start worryin’ about you choppin’ parts off a chocolate Bucky at our wedding.”

You pulled away, mock disbelief on your face. “Oh, our wedding, huh? Pretty presumptuous for a guy who’s never even properly proposed.”

Bucky grumbled good naturedly, sliding his arm from your shoulder to your waste. “How many times does a guy have to tell his girl he wants to marry her before she takes him seriously?” he asked, tickling your side through the thin fabric of your lavender sundress. 

Squealing, you tried to wriggle free, but he caught you, nuzzling into your neck. “He’s only gotta ask her once” you teased, wrapping your arms around his neck, “if he does it right to begin with.”

“Oh, I’ll do it right,” he promised, his lips brushing yours. “And trust me, doll, when the question comes, you’ll know it’s the real deal.”

You raised a playful brow, glancing pointedly at the empty ring finger on your left hand.. “You keep saying that, and yet…”

Bucky grabbed your hand and quickly pulled it to his mouth, nipping on the inside of your wrist. “Like I said, doll, you gotta trust me.”

The words hit you harder than you expected. Trust him. Once, you thought you’d be able to trust him again, but now…

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” you asked, studying his face. 

Bucky’s smirk softened. “Like a heart attack, sweets.” He hesitated, concern flickering in his eyes. “You still doubt me?” 

“No.” Your voice was quiet, but certain. You jostled into him as someone brushed by, and he steadied you with a hand on your waist. Guiding him off to the side, you leaned against the building, away from the bustling sidewalk.

“No, baby, of course not. I just…�� You blew out a puff of air as you took his hands in yours. “Wow. It’s just… Talking about it in the hypothetical’s been one thing, but knowing you’re actually making plans? That’s something else.”

He frowned as he gently extricated his hand from yours and reached up to brush a strand of hair from your face. “Is that a bad thing, doll?”

“It’s a great thing,” you clarified in a breathy whisper, leaning into his touch. “It’s the best thing, I promise. I just… I just don’t want to fuck it up. I’m so scared I’m gonna fuck it up.”

“Doll,” Bucky let out a relieved chuckle as he pulled you into him, wrapping his body so perfectly around yours, as though it had been made to fit. “Don’t you think I’ve already fucked up enough for the both of us? I think we’ve already more than met our fuck-up relationship quota.”

“Stop,” you pleaded, laughing into the hard plains of his chest. “I’m trying to be serious and vulnerable and shit.” 

Bucky’s hands ran comfortingly up and down your spine. “So am I,” he said, his tone warm. “I didn’t deserve a second chance from you, after everything that happened, but you gave me one. I wanna spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret that decision.”

You slipped your hands around his waist under the buttery leather of his jacket and squeezed gently. “I love you,” you told him. “I love you so much, and when you do ask me to marry you, I’m gonna say yes.”

Bucky let out a relieved exhale. “You mean that, doll?” he asked, his voice so soft you almost didn’t hear him. “You’ll marry me? For real?”

“Absolutely,” you leaned back so you could look up at his face. The smile he wore was absolutely breathtaking in its joy. You didn’t think you’d ever seen him look as unabashedly happy as he did in this moment. “Or, at least, I will when you actually propose to me,” you clarified, giving him a mischievous smirk. 

“Oh, shut up,” he said with a groan, leaning down to take your lips in his. The kiss flowed over and through you, warming you from the inside out, until your entire body was tingling with the heat of it, but before you could allow yourself to get caught up in it, a sobering thought came over.

“Oh my god, have you talked to Tony yet?” you asked, gripping the lapels of his jacket. While Tony and Bucky had been playing nice over the last year, you weren’t sure how he would react if he thought the two of you were actually going to get married.

Bucky grinned knowingly. “I didn’t realize you were such an old fashioned girl,” he teased. “Should I negotiate the terms of your dowry while I’m at it? Get us a couple of fat cows and a goat to start our life together?”

You gnawed on your bottom lip in a failing attempt to stave off your grin. “Surely you can convince him to throw in at least one pig with that,” you countered. “I know for a fact you can be very persuasive when you want to be.” You playfully nipped at the juncture of his jaw and his neck.

Bucky slipped his hands between your sundress and the denim jacket you wore, sliding his fingers along the line where the fabric met the skin of your back. “I doubt he’s as susceptible to my powers of persuasion as you are, doll,” he teased.

“Probably not,” you conceded, but your voice turned a bit more serious as you continued to speak: “but he’s the closest thing to actual family I’ve got,” you told him, a whisper of sadness on the edge of your voice. “I’m not saying I want you to, like, ask his permission or anything, because, you know… ew, but I really would like him to be onboard. To be happy for us.”

“Aside from Pepper, there’s no one on this planet more important to Tony than you,” Bucky said reassuringly. “If you’re happy, he’ll be happy. That’s all there is to it.”

“If you’re happy, I’m happy,” you told him, pulling him toward you until there was no space left between you. 

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “Then we don’t have anything to worry about,” he said, grinning. “Because I am happy. And I promise, I’ll make sure Tony’s happy, too.”

“Thank you,” you murmured into his chest. You’d had hopes, once, that Bucky and Tony might have been able to forge some kind of relationship– if not one born from any kind of affection, then from at least a mutual love of and respect for you, but that hope had been dashed after you’d gotten shot. 

“I’ll tolerate him for your sake, Kiddo,” he’d said to you when you’d told him you’d decided to work on rebuilding your relationship with Bucky. “But I’m not going to be able to just up and forgive him.”

“You managed to forgive him for your parents, though,” you’d said to him tentatively. “And he wasn’t even the one who pulled the trigger on me.”

Tony’d swallowed his gaze somewhere far away. “Yeah,” he’d said “but he wasn’t in his right mind back then. And they weren’t you.” 

“Not that I wouldn’t mind standing here holding you all day, doll,” Bucky said, taking you from your thoughts after a long moment, “but we’ve got to get to the jeweler’s before they close.”

You stepped back and looked up at him, a wave of panic coming over you that you were sure was noticeable on your face. “I thought you said you were making plans! Not that you had plans! Least of all jewelry store plans!”

“Calm down, sweetheart,” Bucky said, kissing the top of your head with a laugh. “Did you forget that last stop we have to make for Stark?” 

You exhaled, embarrassed at your mini-freakout. In all the talk of a future with Bucky, you’d forgotten the purpose of your current task for Tony– to have his mother’s wedding band set resized for Pepper. The ring was meant to be a surprise, and since you and Pepper wore the same size, you were the perfect stand-in for this little bit of subterfuge. 

“I very much did,” you admitted with a sheepish smile. “What can I say, Barnes? You’ve got me all twitterpated.” 

Bucky pursed his lips, taking your hand and leading you down the sidewalk again. “Doll,” he purred, “you know what you do to me when you use ‘40s slang. We’re in public, for cryin’ out loud.”

“Тебе нравится больше, когда я говорю с тобой на русском?” you asked him, your voice dripping into something sultry. Do you like it better than when I speak Russian to you?

Bucky shook his head, pouting slightly. “Нет, никогда.” No, never.

Arriving at the jeweler’s a few minutes early, you were greeted by a man behind the counter who invited you to browse while the jeweler finished things up on a piece he was currently working on in the back. The place was a hidden gem–an artisan’s studio/showroom run by the grandson designer of Tony’s mother’s ring. From the outside, it was unassuming, but inside, it showcased some of the most exquisite (and undoubtedly expensive) pieces you’d ever seen.

You hummed appreciatively as you traced your fingers over the glass of the display case, admiring the intricate filigree and glittering gemstones. Of course, nothing had a price tag. You’d been in Tony’s orbit long enough to know that if you had to ask, you couldn’t afford it.

“See anything you like?” Bucky’s voice was warm as he rested his chin on your shoulder and wrapped his arms around your waist. “Just, you know, in case I ever wanted to get you a Labor Day present or something.”

You turned to give him a skeptical look. “A Labor Day present?”

“Or something,” he repeated, nudging your cheek with his nose.

You snorted out a laugh that felt entirely out of place among such elegance. “Classy,” he teased, swaying you slightly in his arms.

“Everything’s beautiful,” you admitted with a wistful sigh, “but nothing here feels like me, you know?” Bucky hummed, his chin still on your shoulder. The sound vibrated pleasantly through you. “Yeah,” he agreed. “I get that. You play in Tony’s world, but you don’t live in it.”

“Exactly.” You turned to face him, smiling at how easily he understood you. “It’s like, I’m always gonna see myself as that girl from the trailer park in Ohio. Jewelry, fancy cars, designer clothes… it was all so far out of reach, I never even dreamed of it. It’s not what I grew up wishing for.”

Bucky’s face softened in understanding. Growing up during the Depression, he knew what it was like to see even the basics as unattainable luxuries. “What did you wish for, doll?” His voice was quiet, almost reverent.

You chuckled, though it came out a bit hollow. “Well, aside from the obvious…” Bucky nodded, understanding what you didn’t say–that you wished you hadn’t been trapped and trafficked. “I wanted things like getting a real education; not having to teach myself with whatever books I could get at the library. Being allowed to go to school. Having friends. God, I wanted friends so badly. Getting out and never having to worry about looking over my shoulder again.” 

You exhaled, steadying yourself. “When you’re just trying to survive,” you said, “shit like this doesn’t matter. It’s just stuff.”

Bucky pressed a soft kiss to the top of your forehead, grounding you. “If you had to have one piece of jewelry,” he said, a teasing edge creeping into his voice, “let’s say, a ring, just as a random, hypothetical example with no bearing in actual reality, whatsoever, what would you want it to look like?”

You smiled, happily leaning into the game. “Well, speaking strictly hypothetically,” you said tapping your chin in thought, “I think I’d want something vintage. Antique. Maybe Art Deco.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Why not?” You shrugged, reaching up to tweak his nose. “I happen to have a soft spot for old, worn down things.” 

“I’ll show you old and worn down,” Bucky said, his voice dropping dangerously low. Your heartbeat sped up as you stood on your toes, reaching for him with your lips. 

Before you could connect in what you just knew would be a fiery kiss, Bucky’s phone rang. 

“Fuck,” he murmured, pressing his forehead to yours. “Lemme let it go to voicemail.”

You licked your lips, gently pushing him back. “Answer it,” you told him. “Could be ‘Very Important World Saving Business’. Besides…” You leaned in conspiratorally. “If we got started, we both know it’d only be a matter of minutes before you had me bent over one of these display cases, fucking me raw on top of all these diamonds.”

Bucky swallowed hard, the tips of his ears turning a delightful shade of red. “And now I have to take this outside,” he muttered, retreating with his phone in hand, “because I definitely can’t look at you and talk to someone at the same time with that image in my head.”

You grinned, waving cheerfully as he stepped out the door, his phone already to his ear. Was it mean to tease him so badly? Yes. Did you enjoy the fuck out of seeing him get all worked up? Also, yes.

No sooner had he left than a voice from behind the counter called out to you. “You are the Stark appointment?”

Turning, you found yourself face-to-face with an impossibly handsome olive-skinned man emerging from the back room. Italian, if you had to hazard a guess. He had a messy head of black curls that seemed to keep falling into a pair of hazel eyes with thick, dark lashes that gave him an effortlessly suave air, accentuated by a slightly aquiline nose that looked like it might have been broken once before; and his lips were sensuously full, with a pronounced cupid’s bow that would meet even Hawkeye’s exacting standards. 

You admired him the way you would admire a slice of Tiramisu– it looked positively delicious, and perhaps you would be tempted to take a bite… if you hadn’t already been utterly satiated by the most decadent, rich layered dark chocolate mousse you’d ever hope to have in your entire life. Thank you, but you couldn’t possibly; you had already overindulged.

“Hi, yes.” You extended your hand. “I’m Pocket.” You retrieved the box with Tony’s mother’s ring from your bag. He’d offered to send you with a full security detail but, you figured, if the Winter Soldier couldn’t protect the ring from would-be thieves, nothing could, especially when it was being transported by something he found infinitely more valuable. “I’m here to have this resized.” 

The man ignored the box and took your hand instead. “Marco Palombini,” he offered, his accent rich and lyrical.

“Italiano?” you asked excitedly. It wasn’t very often you had the opportunity to practice this particular language skill set of yours. 

Marco’s eyes lit up. “Sì! La mia famiglia è di Sabina, appena fuori Roma. E la tu?” Yes! My family’s from Sabina, just outside of Rome. Yours?

“Oh, no,” you replied with a laugh. “Sono americana.” I’m American.

“Davvero?” He looked skeptical. Really? “Allora ci sarai stata parecchio, no?” You must have spent a lot of time there, then, yeah?

You shook your head; it was one place your business responsibilities had yet to bring you. “No, non ci sono mai stata. Però ho sempre voluto andarci, soprattutto a Roma.” No, never. But I’ve always wanted to, especially Rome.

Marco’s gaze softened. “Beh, sono sicuro che Tony Stark non negherebbe alla sua fidanzata bella una luna di miele nella Città Eterna.” Well, I’m sure Tony Stark wouldn’t deny his beautiful fiancée a honeymoon in the Eternal City.

“Dio, no!” you snorted. God, no! “Non sono la fidanzata di Tony. Sono qui solo perché io e lei abbiamo la stessa misura di mani.” I’m not Tony’s fiance. I’m just here because she and I have the same sized hands. You opened the box with Tony’s mother’s ring and slid it across the glass countertop, suppressing a laugh at the absurdity of being mistaken for Tony’s betrothed. The thought was hilariously, ludicrously gross.

Marco’s expression lightened considerably as he tilted his head, a sly smile forming. “Beh, non è una fortuna, allora?” he asked, taking your hand and tracing the lines of your palm with his fingers. Well, isn’t that lucky, then?

Before you could politely extract your hand, a familiar, steadying presence loomed behind you. “Everything good, sweets?” Bucky’s voice held a subtle edge, a clear sign of his displeasure at the sight of Marco’s hand lingering on yours.

“Hey, baby,” you said, fighting the smile that threatened to break through at his obvious jealousy. Sliding your free hand around Bucky’s waist, you rested your head against his side, silently reinforcing that you were unmistakingly his. “Mr. Palombini was just about to measure my finger for the resizing.” You flashed Marco a friendly smile and nodded for him to continue.

Marco’s expression faltered briefly at Bucky’s towering presence, but he recovered quickly, resuming his professional demeanor. He retrieved a set of finger-sizing gauges, slipped one onto your finger, and adjusted it a few times to ensure a perfect fit before jotting down notes in his ledger.

“Should take about ten days,” he said briskly. Moving to the register, he typed up a form, signed it, and handed it to you along with a pen. “Sign here and bring your copy when you pick up the ring.”

“Anyone who has the receipt can come pick up the ring, right?” Bucky asked, his tone pointed as he leaned slightly closer to the counter. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be her?”

You pinched his side lightly, though it was a challenge to find anything but solid muscle. “Behave,” you murmured under your breath.

Marco didn’t flinch, handing you the signed receipt with a calm, professional smile that bordered on smug. “No,” he said, his gaze flicking briefly to Bucky. “We will only release the ring to the person who signed the receipt. Company policy.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow as you tucked the receipt into your wallet. “So, you mean to tell me,” he began, “that if Tony Stark himself showed up with his receipt, you wouldn’t give him his own ring back?”

Marco leaned casually against the counter, arms crossed. “We will only release the ring to the person who signed the receipt,” he repeated, his smirk faint but unmistakable.

You rolled your eyes, deciding you’d had enough machismo for one afternoon. “Great,” you said, taking Bucky’s hand in yours. “Let us know when it’s ready, and we’ll be back to pick it up.”

As Bucky held the shop door open for you, Marco’s voice rang out behind you. “Bella donna!” he called, a mischievous lilt in his tone. You glanced over your shoulder to see him wink. “Quando torni, magari potrei interessarti a un tour privato di Roma!” When you come back, maybe I can interest you in a private tour of Rome!

Shaking your head with a mix of exasperation and amusement, you stepped outside, Bucky right behind you.

“What did he say to you?” Bucky asked, his tone deceptively calm.

“Oh, nothing much,” you replied lightly. “Just invited me to run away to Rome with him.”

Bucky frowned as he took your hand in his. “Not funny, doll.”

“I’m totally serious,” you told him. Bucky stopped abruptly in his tracks, pulling you to a halt. “Hey–” you began.” 

“That son of a bitch!” Bucky growled, turning slightly as though he were about to march back inside. “I’m going to–”

“You’re not going to do anything,” you said, gently  tugging on his hand to redirect him forward. “He was being a shameless flirt. He’s Italian. It’s practically in his DNA.” Your attempt at humor didn’t seem to land, judging by the dark look on Bucky’s face. “The only thing that matters,” you added more seriously,  “is that I’m not into it. I’m into you.”

Bucky sighed and ran a hand haphazardly through his hair. “I know, sweets,” he said. “I’m just not…”

“Not used to being the jealous one for a change?” you teased, swinging his hand in yours as you walked. “Trust me, I know, it’s no fun, which is why I’m being nice and not letting you stew in it.”

Bucky huffed, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Well, thanks for that, I guess.”

You grinned, leaning into him as you walked. “You’re welcome, Barnes. Besides, you’re prettier to look at than he is, anyway.”

The small, satisfied smile on Bucky’s face as he pulled you closer was all the reassurance you needed.

<- Previous / Next ->

[demolitionistic]

kant is so so so tragic. he is trapped and he is so aware of it but it doesn't fix a thing. he just gets dealt situation on situation and he cannot do anything but moving forward.

he is a brother. not only a brother, but the big brother of a kid who is his only family left. they have no one else, kant is all that babe has. kant has to take care of him. [parallell: fadel] why? he and their parents were in a plane accident, where their parents died. kant did not. kant survived.

he grows up, simultaneously raising babe. does so by the best of his ability. he steals some cars, he get caught. if he doesn't do this one thing, he will go to jail. kant can't go to jail, he has to take care of babe. he says yes, he'll help turn in this pair of hitmen, brothers. he falls in love with one of them. he gets style to hit on the other- but style also falls in love.

he's in so deep at this point. he was never meant to care for them. style was never supposed to care for them. but he can't stop. he can't risk babe. and the guilt is eating him alive, he doesn't *want* to hurt them. he doesn't want to hurt bison. and every little sweet thing about bison makes kant torture himself more, because he doesn't want this but doesn't know how to stop. and style is in his fairyland of hope and optimism that kant simply cannot share. he knows that it won't end pretty, no matter what.

and so he's scared. terrified of bison finding out, of babe being hurt, of everything really. and bison is getting scarily sweeter, and the guilt is eating him, and the pressure just grows and grows and g-

bison gets hurt. bison gets hurt fending of a stranger's ex. bison has to become hospitalised. and he cannot do this anymore. he can't stand seeing bison hurt and no matter how afraid he is of the captain he is afraid of bison being hurt more. and bison takes him before he can say anything.

bison is murderous, furious and worst of all- hurt. he wants kant to be the same, because he doesn't think kant actually loves him. how could he? and now kant is at gunpoint by a man he knows is sadistic and hurt and he is held at gunpoint on a boat. in the ocean. because he told bison that was his greatest fear. and now he has to choose to jump in the water after the necklace [the plane crashed in the water. he is bound by the hands. he will not survive] or stay and either get shot by or pushed in by his lover [he cannot bare the thought]. he is terrified, he is traumatised, he is panicky and despaired. he tries to see if maybe, just maybe, bison will show him mercy and not force him into the water. he understands, he sees that, bison won't. he cannot be up there on the boat any longer. the situation is as such. he can't do anything. he can jump.

he jumps.

[jechristine]

Hi! I know we’ve probably all moved on, but I am only now getting to all the engagement confirmations and wanted to investigate what details we actually learned and where we likely learned them from.

I think these were all the firsthand reportings. Let me know if I missed any.

First to confirm was TMZ:

TMZ 1/6/2025 8:27 AM PT

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... the "Spider Man" star popped the question between Christmas and New Year's ... dropping to one knee in a very intimate setting in one of Zendaya's family homes in the United States.

We're told Tom didn't make a huge show of the engagement -- it wasn't a big, over-the-top proposal -- instead, it was very romantic and intimate.

Our sources say the family wasn't there ... it was just a sweet moment between Tom and Zendaya.

We get the rough timing (between Christmas and New Years), details about the place (one of Zendaya’s family homes in Cali), info about who was present (just Tom and Zendaya), and details about what the engagement was like (very romantic and intimate).

TMZ lists “sources close to the couple.” These were among the most concrete details we got.

———

TMZ 1/6/2025 9:45 AM PT

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... the 'Spider-Man' star met with the "Euphoria" actress' dad, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, "months ago" in order to ask for Zendaya's hand in marriage.

We're told this was an important step for Tom ... as he's very traditional and felt it was important to secure Kazembe's blessing first.

Kazembe, obviously, accepted ... and we're told Zendaya’s family is very excited for this next chapter in her relationship with Tom. In fact, sources say Zendaya's family just loves Tom ... and thinks he's "a class act."

For those wondering, we're told Tom waited months to actually propose as he was waiting for the right moment.

We learn a concrete detail that Tom asked Kaz’s permission a while ago and then a bit about Tom’s traditional mindset. We get a direct quotation about Tom: “a class act.” I think this had to have come from Kaz, right?

———

PEOPLE Published on January 6, 2025 01:32PM EST

After news of the couple's engagement broke, a source told PEOPLE that the Crowded Room star, 28, had been "wanting to propose [to the Challengers actress] for a while now."

"He's always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one," the source said, adding, "They have something very special.

The source said "everyone close to them knew the engagement was happening," just not when. After Holland got down on one knee over the holidays and asked Zendaya to marry him, he was eager to share the news, telling friends about the engagement around New Year's.

As for their future wedding plans, the source said the two want to take some time to simply enjoy their engagement first.

"They will just enjoy things for now and won't rush a wedding. They are both busy with work projects," the insider explained.

The source said Holland could not be happier, noting, "Tom's always had this sweet way of letting the world know that Zendaya is his. Now, it's official — she really is!"

Most of the details here are what I would consider fluff. There’s nothing new about timing, setting, or the actual proposal. The article gestures to “over the holidays,” but that detail is not inside the quotation marks and seems to mimic the wording of the TMZ article, suggesting it’s transposed from there. We get something about not rushing the wedding, but that sounds kind of vague and generic to me. Most of the rest of details are about Tom’s mindset (what he’s been wanting, what he’s known), which could have been sourced to Tom’s previous interviews or just like, observation. They’re generic and not really verifiable. They list “a source.”

What we learn from People here is that Tom told friends over New Year’s.

Then People revised a bit:

PEOPLE Updated on January 6, 2025 01:33PM EST

The Spider-Man costars, both 28, are engaged, a family source confirmed to PEOPLE. TMZ was first to report the news. According to the outlet, Holland proposed at one of Zendaya's family homes over the holidays.

A separate source told PEOPLE that "everyone close to them knew an engagement was happening" — just not when. The source said Holland had been keen to propose to Zendaya "for a while."

“He's always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one. They have something very special," the source said, noting that Holland shared the happy news with friends around New Year's.

In the meantime, the pair are soaking up the special moment. "Tom's always had this sweet way of letting the world know that Zendaya is his. Now, it's official — she really is!" the source told PEOPLE.

It sounds to me that People has a second source now, “a family source,” who simply confirmed the news of the engagement. I have to mention that the vague comments about the future wedding are omitted, the only other detail to have been changed in this update (👀).

———

US Weekly January 6, 2025

“Tom figured the holidays were the best time to propose in a very low-key way,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly shortly after news of the couple’s engagement broke on Monday, January 6. “She didn’t want anything over the top.”

According to the insider, “Zendaya tried to keep it a secret but was very excited to show off her ring. She didn’t think people would notice but didn’t care either way.”

The source went on to note that both felt the timing was right. “Tom wanted to propose because he feels he is at the right time in his life and feels ready to settle down.” The insider said. “They had many conversations over the years, but there was never any pressure. Zendaya is giddy and excited. She knew it might have been coming but never put pressure on it.”

Here we get a bit of Zendaya’s mindset (what she wanted the proposal to be like, that she wanted to keep it a secret, and that she was excited to show off the ring but DiDn’T thInK aNyOnE woULd NoTiCe.) We also get the same info about Tom’s mindset, and we learn that Tom & Zendaya have had many conversations without pressure. This is another set of “details” that are super fluffy and generic. They apply to just about every engaged couple who’s dated for years prior to their engagement.

———

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT January 6, 2025

Tom Holland and Zendaya are engaged to be married and are “ready and excited for this next chapter,” a source tells ET.

“Tom wanted to propose to her over the holidays, says the source,” adding that the 28-year old actor is looking to start a family with his ‘Spider-Man’ co-star. “He really wants to have kids and to settle down.”

First bit is fluffy, generic padding. Everyone who gets engaged is “ready and excited.” Second part is more on Tom’s mindset that could have been sourced to previous interviews he’s done.

———

PAGE SIX Published Jan. 6, 2025, 3:39 p.m. ET

Tom Holland managed to surprise Zendaya when he popped the question, a source tells Page Six exclusively.

“Tom and Zendaya had discussed marriage over the years, but Zendaya had no idea he was planning to propose,” the insider says.

“They both value their privacy, so the proposal was something Tom wanted to keep private as well.”

The “Spider-Man” star “asked Zendaya’s dad for permission to marry her, but also asked her mom as well,” according to our source.

“Tom and Zendaya’s families are ecstatic,” the insider tells Page Six. “Zendaya’s mom and sisters can’t wait to start planning with her.”

We’re told “there is no wedding date or plans set yet,” with the source adding, “It’s far too soon to start thinking about any of that yet. They’re still celebrating the exciting news.”

More details re: privacy, now from Tom’s mindset. We learn that Tom asked Claire for permission, too, and how Claire and “Zendaya’s sisters” feel, albeit the fact that they’re excited is fluffy and generic, too. This is sounding to me like it came from Claire?

———

DAILY MAIL UPDATED: 17:25 EST, 7 January 2025

When reached for comment about his reaction to Zendaya, 28, getting engaged to Tom, Kazembe told DailyMail.com that it was 'a bunch of crap' that was reported.

That was a bunch of crap dealt out by TMZ,' he said before adding, 'I don't know what you're talking about.'

When pried by a DailyMail.com reporter for more answers, he refused to comment further.

All we get here is that Kaz refutes TMZ’s reporting, and the Daily Mail implies with its headline that Kaz is refuting the part about Tom asking dad’s permission. But if you look at the actual quotation, it sounds like Kaz is just saying “TMZ is full of shit. Bye,” with an emphasis more on the fact that TMZ didn’t have insider info rather than on the content of the story itself.

———

What do you all think?

I think that there were three “sources” total. First one was Amy Pascal or someone like her/from her team, going around to the tabloids to push out the engagement story to gin up interest in her cash cows. She didn’t have many concrete details, so she just said some generic, obvious stuff from previous Tom Holland interviews. She may have thought the engagement just happened, or was told as much, so that’s what she passed on.

I think the second, “family source” was some combination of Kaz and Claire. Kaz confirms the engagement to TMZ and gave some details that he thought he had. Kaz or Claire confirms to People. Claire tells P6 that Tom discussed the proposal ahead of time with her, too, because Kaz isnt the only special parent or whatever. And Kaz refutes TMZ on the record to the DM so that he can save face or rectify his mistake after Zendaya told him he was acting like a fool with his initial leaks.

[acourtofthought]

Omg your last post is so TEA. It made me want to rant (Sorry)

Anyways, another thing I have realized with SJM . Is that the conflict between her endgame pairings are usually internal conflicts with the parings themselves.

Yes external factors might play a role, but in the grand scheme of things they don’t really matter. 

What matters is their internal battles, which leads to growth, because their endgames, whoever it may be; forces them to actually acknowledge and tackle their problem.

Like for example Feysand. Tamlin was a big factor but when it came down to it he was just an external factor. Her main problem was the fact that she felt powerless after the trauma she experienced UTM. So Rhys helped her feel powerful. Another problem, was that he knew they were mates from the beginning and did not tell her. All the above is internal conflict.

Even with Nessian. Their problem was Nesta self harming with sex and alcohol, because she didn’t want to let anybody in, including Cassian. Yes they had other external factors like Nesta hating the IC but in the grand scheme of things that didn’t matter.

But look at Elriel . Their only problem is Elains mating bond and Rhys( if that can even be a problem)

If they get rid of that and Elain doesn’t confront anything, she remains stagnant. 

Azriel doesn’t even let her scry, how will let her be his spy. She remains sweet boring Elain, the damsel in distress, that can only be protected by Azriel.

But with Lucien, she would be forced to come to terms with her new reality; including her powers and her passive aggressiveness. 

It’s also obvious he would encourage her to train her powers considering he is one of the only persons that acknowledged she stabbed the king 

It’s also ironic that her passive aggressiveness mainly comes out with Lucien or when Lucien is around . He is legit the TRIGGER of her internal conflict it’s almost comical.

Same with Gwyn. Azriel will come have to terms with his unhealthy attachment to unavailable women because he doesn’t think he deserves love. She would also make him softer and reduce his anger, not in a way that he has to diminish his true self, but in away that his true self shine. Also, Gwyn would never let herself be his damsel in distress. Knowing SJM she will be the one saving and protecting him. And he will be shocked because he has always considered himself the protector.

10 / 10. No notes.

(Kidding, I want to keep chatting, but your anon was still perfect).

Sarah's books are NEVER "We're so in love but our family is keeping us apart!" or "We're so in love but I think I should hide it from my respectful mate who has never done anything but give me the space to be with whoever I want!"

Sarah's books are ALWAYS "FMC internally struggling with the destiny that has been brought upon her so she fights it by trying to live a small life where she doesn't have to confront the things that are scary to her until her endgame person comes along and forces her to face the things she's been scared of".

Which is why I especially love this line:

It’s also ironic that her passive aggressiveness mainly comes out with Lucien or when Lucien is around . He is legit the TRIGGER of her internal conflict it’s almost comical.

Because that's exactly it. Elain is standoffish towards Lucien because he is the one that forces her to face all the things she's not ready to face. He is the mirror to all her internal conflict. With Lucien she can't hide from the things she's trying to hide from so of course she withdraws in his presence. Dude literally forces her to look deep into herself and it's clear that she's not fully come to terms with everything that's happened since being made (which is completely understandable - broken heart, death of her father, being turned into a new species, stabbed a man, forced to live in the NC when she originally wanted to return to the human lands, complete shift in her relationship with Nesta, etc). I think after all that, most of us would not be ready to run into the arms of a stranger who had a direct link to our soul and a magical connection that brought out our primal instincts. Elain needing a breather is A-OK and it's not a big deal that she's not ready to open up the box labeled "forever" just yet.

The story of an epic fantasy is not "we can't share in our love because external forces are keeping us from one another!" (not to mention Lucien and Rhys are NOT external forces, they're literally just two guys waiting years for Elain to make a decision which she has not yet done). Epic fantasies are, "Me, myself, and I, and the trauma's / obstacles I've personally faced are the things holding me back from achieving my destiny."

Yes, Sarah is a fantasy romance author but as stated above, it's the protagonists internal conflicts that drive all of her stories, the internal conflicts are what prevent her from being ready to dive head first into the arms of her love interest.

Her stories are not "my loyal brother of centuries is a big meanie because he doesn't want me to be with the girl I want, booo hoooooo".

[shigarakisdumbwhore]

The Visit - Todoroki x Reader

A/N: this has been sitting in my drafts since FEBRUARY 21, 2022 Y'ALL. why did I wait so long omg

Summary: Your ex, Todoroki, visits you in the hospital after a traumatic car accident.

Warnings: mentions of car crash, hospital, angst, hurt/comfort ig

Words: 735

"Did you only come because it reminds you of the guilt from your mommy?"

You had heard the door open and looked over. It only took you a second before you realized who it was. He wasn't even out of his school uniform yet. His hair was glued slick to his forehead with sweat and his jacket was around his waist, dress shirt barely tucked in and wrinkled.

He didn't say anything, not even a reaction, as he made his way over. He didn't ask to take the seat next to you, probably didn't care what you wanted anyway. He appeared to be on a mission. His face was expressionless and too blank to read.

"No."

The answer was so simple and short. There was little to no emotion behind it, but it was comforting to you. It made you think about how he came here all by himself, despite knowing how snippy you could be. Todoroki wasn't completely innocent. He had his moments where he could be disrespectful, you both did. However, he knew he would have to deal with it upon arriving at the hospital and he did it anyway. Even though you two believed the relationship was far behind, there were still some lingering feelings. A part of you wished you'd never see him again and the other part was glad he came.

An awkward silence was instilled between the both of you. You looked out straight again, too hurt to look at his face once again. The memories of how he made you feel still lingered fresh in your mind. Looking at him would only bring them back, and that would do you no good.

"What are you watching?" Your gaze focused on the laptop in front of you, sitting on the rolling desk that hovered above you. Your friends and family came to visit as often as they could, but during the hours they couldn't it was lonely. You asked to keep your laptop available so you could play games or watch movies. The one Shoto was asking about happened to be your favorite, one you felt giddy about when someone asked. You couldn't help yourself. As soon as he asked, you answered with excitement. A long ramble filled the silence. It was just like old times.

For the first time in a long time, he was smiling at you. It was a small smile, a Todoroki type of smile. You never saw Endeavor with a big grin so you assumed it was a family thing. Regardless, it was an image that lived in your mind with vivid detail. Then it hit.

Upon this realization, you turned to look at him with a wide grin, but it began to fade when you noticed his did too. It must've clicked at the same time. The two of you were always known for having synchronized minds. Old times. They were called old times for a reason.

"I'm sor-"

"Please, just," you interrupted, "let's just... pretend none of that happened, like we're still together, like we're happy... please."

Shoto sat in silence as he stared at you. His face was so hard to read. So blank and emotionless, but you knew a million things were going on in his mind. You could only imagine what could have been running through his head.

"I never wanted to leave. Things were so complicated with school and my father... I took that out on you and for that, I'm sorry. I'm sorry it took your injury for me to figure that out. I promise, when you recover, if you give me a chance, I'll do better." His tone was sweet and sincere. Shoto never really had any reason to lie and he usually was very loyal to his word. But the hurt that he caused you, was this apology enough to just forgive him so easily? To forget everything before and act like it never happened, like it never bothered you. Like it still didn't bother you.

Despite all of it, you still loved him. That's why it still hurt. That's why you still held on. And that's why you secretly felt so relieved when he walked through that door like he traveled through hell just to see you.

"I missed you... I missed you every day you were gone."

"I know," he stood up and pulled you into his arms tightly. "This time, I'll make it right. I love you."

[buddiesronance]

THOSE people in the fandom will see the most uncomfortable look on nancy’s face when steve’s talking and be like "yeah she definitely wants him"

[demonkinguwu]

Late night Van doodles

[wayfinderships]

Gamers this Yakuza crush is crushing! You know it's bad when I'm already trying to make an s/i

[cerealbishh]

"I can't leave, Maria."

"... I understand."

[aro-aizawa]

seemingly the only way i can ever get into any new thing is if i spontaneously decide to watch/read it

[trashbatistrash]

,