#being me is a slow and boring adventure

[teachablr-moment]

So I'm in CDL classes. Today just HAPPENS to be the day when we learned about this exact thing.

First of all, I showed this to my instructor and he got a good chuckle out of it.

Second, they are required to check and recheck the way that it's secured before they go, then within 50 miles, then within 3 hours or 150 miles. Things shift and you have to keep cargo very, very secure.

Third, those chains are made of carbon steel. They are stronk. Literally, those three chains together are required by regulations to be strong enough that they could lift at least half the weight of the cargo that they are securing.

...

That said, I do think it's kinda dumb that they don't have any edge protection between the rock and the chains. Imagine wearing a heavy backpack with no shirt on, how is your skin going to feel where the straps are rubbing against it? I see a huge potential for abrasion where the rock is in contact with chains that, again, will shift in transit. If one link in the chain breaks, you are now driving a Mad Max style death machine on account of the huge, whipping steel chains attached to either side of your truck bed.

Also, they should have probably used a tarp or something to catch any tiny pebbles that might flake off the boulder and hit people's windshields.

But what do I know. I'm just a student here and I'm sure these guys are hauling boulders every other day. Some people just prioritize doing it fast vs doing it the right.

I’m carpooling to a big meeting for work with my manager and my coworker Tyler. On the freeway manager goes, “Did you see that big rock?!”

I look around and see. Cars. Normal freeway sights.

“Over on the second road,” he clarified.

I looked farther out to where another freeway was merging with ours and just see a semi hauling a massive fucking boulder.

It was so heavy you can see the truck is almost scraping by and we were laughing and wondering why this rock was being hauled around when my manager goes, “Oh my god, look, there’s a second rock!”

And lo. Rock number two.

First time I’ve ever seen a rock go fifty miles an hour.

[whencartoonsruletheworld]

Hey so like many of you, I saw that article about how people are going into college having read no classic books. And believe it or not, I've been pissed about this for years. Like the article revealed, a good chunk of American Schools don't require students to actually read books, rather they just give them an excerpt and tell them how to feel about it. Which is bullshit.

So like. As a positivity post, let's use this time to recommend actually good classic books that you've actually enjoyed reading! I know that Dracula Daily and Epic the Musical have wonderfully tricked y'all into reading Dracula and The Odyssey, and I've seen a resurgence of Picture of Dorian Gray readership out of spite for N-tflix, so let's keep the ball rolling!

My absolute favorite books of all time are The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. Classic psychological horror books about unhinged women.

I adore The Bad Seed by William March. It's widely considered to be the first "creepy child" book in American literature, so reading it now you're like "wow that's kinda cliche- oh my god this is what started it. This was ground zero."

I remember the feelings of validation I got when people realized Dracula wasn't actually a love story. For further feelings of validation, please read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. There's a lot the more popular adaptations missed out on.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an absolute gem of a book. It's a slow-build psychological study so it may not be for everyone, but damn do the plot twists hit. It's a really good book to go into blind, but I will say that its handling of abuse victims is actually insanely good for the time period it was written in.

Moving on from horror, you know people who say "I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down"? That was me as a kid reading A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Picked it up while bored at the library and was glued to it until I finished it.

Peter Pan and Wendy by JM Barrie was also a childhood favorite of mine. Next time someone bitches about Woke Casting, tell them that the original 1911 Peter Pan novel had canon nonbinary fairies.

Watership Down by Richard Adams is my sister Cori's favorite book period. If you were a Warrior Cats, Guardians of Ga'Hoole or Wings of Fire kid, you owe a metric fuckton to Watership Down and its "little animals on a big adventure" setup.

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry was a play and not a book first, but damn if it isn't a good fucking read. It was also named after a Langston Hughes poem, who's also an absolutely incredible author.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a book I absolutely adore and will defend until the day I die. It's so friggin good, y'all, I love it more than anything. You like people breaking out of fascist brainwashing? You like reading and value knowledge? You wanna see a guy basically predict the future of television back in 1953? Read Fahrenheit.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee are considered required reading for a reason: they're both really good books about young white children unlearning the racial biases of their time. Huck Finn specifically has the main character being told that he will go to hell if he frees a slave, and deciding eternal damnation would be worth it.

As a sidenote, another Mark Twain book I was obsessed with as a kid was A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Exactly what it says on the tin, incredibly insane read.

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin is a heartbreaking but powerful book and a look at the racism of the time while still centering the love the two black protagonists feel for each other. Giovanni's Room by the same author is one that focuses on a MLM man struggling with his sexuality, and it's really important to see from the perspective of a queer man living in the 50s– as well as Baldwin's autobiographical novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain.

Agatha Christie mysteries are all still absolutely iconic, but Murder on the Orient Express is such a good read whether or not you know the end twist.

Maybe-controversial-maybe-not take: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is a good book if you have reading comprehension. No, you're not supposed to like the main character. He pretty much spells that out for you at the end ffs.

Animal Farm by George Orwell was another favorite of mine; it was written as an obvious metaphor for the rise of fascism in Russia at the time and boy does it hit even now.

And finally, please read Shakespeare plays. As soon as you get used to their way of talking, they're not as hard to understand as people will lead you to believe. My absolute favorite is Twelfth Night- crossdressing, bisexual love triangles, yellow stockings... it's all a joy.

and those are just the ones i thought of off the top of my head! What're your guys' favorite classic books? Let's make everyone a reading list!

[fishnapple]

The 5th house - What kind of lover are you

About me | Masterpost

As the 5th house is 2nd from the 4th house, it's the tangible manifestation of your core, the creation of your inner emotional world, your heart. From it, your heart connects with the world around you. From it, love is given out to the world. The 5th house is generally regarded as the house of "romance", I think more specifically, it shows your "part" or "role" in that romance, your side of the story, who you are in a love story, what kind of lover are you.

♥ 5th house in Aries/ Mars in 5th house - "The Ardent Lover"

The one who sees love as the purest principle, something that needs to be revered and pursued with dedication and passion. No mind games, no dirty tricks, no manipulation, no timid guessing, just an honest declaration of love. To be the apple in your eyes is to be placed upon a pedestal. Once you're in love, you put your all in, it will be their greatest focus and inspiration. Each heartbreak is followed by rising up with a new hope. Love never loses its lustre to you. You are direct, straightforward and impulsive in your advances. Your passion and desire rule your actions. Competitions and the act of chasing make your adrenaline rushing. You want to "win", victories, whether over other competitors or your own lover, is of paramount importance. The need to conquer can make you seek competition where it's not needed. Can turn indignant and defensive when your love and faithfulness are being doubted. You can be perceived as "aggressive" and "rough" by the more sensitive people. Physical intimacy and physical touch, in general, are key to keeping your love burning.

♥ 5th house in Taurus/ Venus in 5th house - "The Indulging Lover"

Love to you is like honey, natural, nutritious, sweet, fragranced, viscous. Something that you want to dip yourself and your lover in, indulge and sink deeper and deeper into it. Love is simple yet eternal, "never let you go". A true romantic, you breathe love to keep your heart alive. Everything looks more beautiful when you have someone to love, and that someone will be the object of your adoration. You don't go out of your way to pursue someone, has anyone ever seen Venus do the chasing? No, lovers come to you, willingly, because they know that it's futile to resist the lure of Venus. You attract, by being your most beautiful self, by subtly sending signals to all the senses of your person. It can be quite a sensory overloaded experience for your lover. It's not easy to please all of your desires, not easy to turn your heat all the way up, but once it's ignited, it's not easy to snuff it out, fierce devotion. To an impulsive lover, you can seem to be slow and passive, to a patient and passionate lover, you're the forest they want to get lost in.

♥ 5th house in Gemini/ Mercury in 5th house - "The Exploring Lover"

The one who loves with their mind, you can be confused all the time about whether you're attracted to someone simply because you have interesting conversations with them or if there is anything more to that person. Love is a mental pursuit, a chess game, a word play that you want to go on and on. Love is light and exciting. The longest conversation. You show your love by communicating with your lover, to keep the connection line going. Teasing, asking questions, about them, about everything that comes to your mind. "Is there anyone willing to look at my mind and be willing to let me look at yours?". A simple smirk, two hands brushing each other, entwined fingers, a sparkle in the eyes, a hearty laugh and then giggles, those things can melt your heart and in turn, you can melt other's hearts with those. You take your lover to a wonderland, where your minds can be free to play, but also calm enough to rest. Life and love is an endless adventure, and you need a companion who can tag along, who can play juggling with you. Being held down and bored, in any sense, are your greatest nightmares. You want to have sweet dreams only, but nightmares can grab you if you don't focus and pay attention.

♥ 5th house in Cancer/ Moon in 5th house: "The Enveloping Lover"

Love is like a flood that washes over both you and your lover. The shared experience of being enveloped by emotions of all kinds, both the highs and lows, nothing is spared. You search for a lover who can allow you to feel safe enough to experience a love that can feel so engulfing at times. It's that emotional safety, knowing that you can reveal your full heart to somebody, to be spontaneous and moody without being judged. Being loved by you is like being wrapped in nostalgia of a time when everything was simple and pure, when everything was safe and taken care of, there's a childlike playfulness and simple quality to your love. To someone who didn't get to have those actual memories, you can create that memory for them, as if you created an alternative past for them. "Love" is synonymous with "Protection", you want both of you to protect each other, from the harsh world, from the demons inside, to create a home so safe that one doesn't want to get out of, one yearns only for it wherever they go. It's hard for you to let go of a lover, and it's also hard for them to let go of you. The hold may wax and wane, but never disappears completely.

♥ 5th house in Leo/ Sun in 5th house: "The Shining Lover"

Love, the warm sunlight that nurtures your heart. You are like a tree when in love, while artificial light can sustain you. You truly thrive only when you can have the most natural light source, the strongest and purest of them all. Authenticity, a love that doesn't hide or shy away, no hidden motives, no twisted desires, just pure exhilaration, basking in the glow of love. The love you give is unfiltered, as if you're giving your own heart away. Not everyone is capable of taking care of it properly, you learn the lesson of protecting your own heart and be more discerning of whom you can let in. Even then, the natural impulse is to spread whatever goodness inside you, out into the world. Being in love makes your life feel more colourful and lively. And you, in turn, wish to inspire your lover just like how you're inspired, it pains you to see a sinking spirit. You instil vitality into your lover's heart, making their heart beat to the rhythm of life. Some can feel your love too bright and burning, shying away from it, trying to darken it. This leaves you puzzled, you might even attempt to dim your light, but your dignity won't allow you to do that for long. No tree stops blooming just because one or two humans didn't appreciate it.

♥ 5th house in Virgo/ Mercury in 5th house: "The Devoted Lover"

Love is the quiet thunder that rumbles beneath the cool, serene surface of your heart. You want to build a lasting love, yes, "build", love doesn't strike you like lightning that makes you busted into intense fireworks, love is like knitting, one stitch at a time, stitch by stitch, line by line, until you get a cosy sweater that keeps you warm for many years to come, it takes skill and dedication. You also extend that comfort to your lover. To love is to worry, to care, to be there for that person. You would want your lover to thrive, to be spared of the burdens of responsibilities, you're willing to take on those burdens for them, to make their life better. But a truly fulfilling love is when you can receive that same devotion from your lover. You also need to be cared for just as much as you care for them. But sometimes, your lover's love doesn't measure up to the "silent" standard that you have, in a way, no one can love you perfectly like how you want them to. While knowing that, you still choose to be by their side, because you accept their imperfections, their imperfect love, because that's how you love.

♥ 5th house in Libra/ Venus in 5th house: "The Ideal Lover"

Venus's mirror, love reflects back at you all the beautiful things about the world and yourself. You also want to reflect them back on your lover. You can find yourself mirroring your lover, encouraging their shining qualities, making them aware of their own virtues, and simultaneously erasing their vices. You can turn your lover into a prince charming, a lovely princess, because you're one. You want you and your lover to be two beautiful human beings, both inside out, to walk on this Earth hand in hand. The words "we" and "us" have enormous significance to you. You seek to beautify everything, everyone you touch, to let them see the goodness in this world, yes, you're an optimistic lover, never one to lose hope for an ideal love. Love is like a harmonious melody that plays soothingly everywhere you go, everywhere you look. Harmony, peace and indulgence, the gifts you offer your lover, uplift their spirit, inspire their creativity, soothe their soul, and spoil them rotten with sweetness. You find yourself more alive, more beautiful when you're in love. You can fall in love with love itself. You seek harmony with your lover, nothing should be one-sided, everything should be equal give and take, a delicate dance.

♥ 5th house in Scorpio/ Pluto in 5th house: "The Burning Lover"

The molten volcanic soil underneath the calm and cool lake, whose soul is brave enough to venture there? Love for you is an all-consuming force that sweeps away all commonsense. You want love to be a devouring force, swallowing whole both you and your lover into the pit of the unknown. You push for more, to feel more, to be more. The word "mild" can't find a long-lasting place in your dictionary. Everything, joy, pain, longing, existence, all have to reach a boiling point in order for you to feel truly in love. A love too safe, too soft, too peaceful might get ignored by you. You chase the extremes, sometimes along the way, get burnt yourself, but often, you leave behind burnt lovers. You want to be your lover's only one as they're to you. You want to be the only existence that your lover seeks. There can be the issue of who dominates who, who has the upper hand, love can feel like a power play. You're vigilant against betrayals, you need absolute loyalty, making your lover jump through endless hoops to prove their love to you. Sometimes, you could feel so exhausted by the all-or-nothing love, but you would rather be like that than to be content with a "good enough" affection.

♥ 5th house in Sagittarius/ Jupiter in 5th house: "The Expanding Lover"

Have you ever felt like there's an infinite well of love you can give? not just to your lover but to life. You love someone because they're part of life, to love is to live. Love for you is like a ray of sunshine that wakes you up in the morning, or the breezy wind stroking your hair when you're standing in the middle of a field or on top of a mountain, a piney scent that lures you wandering deep into the woods. Love makes you want to move, explore, enjoy, and celebrate. So you can't feel fulfilled in a relationship that makes you feel small, that shackles your feet, that makes you lose hope. "Potential" is the word, as long as you can feel a potential for a future, you want to give your all, to take a gamble. Fortune favours the bold, you will find your luck in love when you're free and adventurous, when you inspire others. A benevolent lover who wants to help, guide, to protect their lover. Grand romantic gestures, spontaneous expressions of love, laughter that makes your cheeks hurt, deep conversations that stirs your mind, those can be the secret ingredients to capture your heart and also what you use to capture others.

♥ 5th house in Capricorn/ Saturn in 5th house: "The Steadfast Lover"

The life investment you make with your heart, love seems like a tangible thing that you can touch, that you can nurture and turn into a masterpiece of a lifetime. Things of value should be able to last for eternity, that's your motto and your belief in love. Love for you is not fickle like the wind or soft like a cotton candy, love is the steady heartbeat, the more you take care of it, the healthier it is. Thrilling adventures, passionate proclamations of love, over adorned for attention, those things pass right out of your vision, what is that? definitely not what you expect from your lover. You expect commonsense and predictability, you expect constant loyalty and devotion, quiet touches and deep gazes, the hand that holds yours when you're in pain, the silent smile that says "I will be here for you, with you". You stoke your fire with unwavering effort, never letting the flame burn out of hands or die from neglect, just enough to keep both lovers warm and safe. Some say you're picky, that you should loosen up and just give yourself to love, but you're a visionary, you look for love that you can work hard for, that can last the test of time, so no rushing.

♥ 5th house in Aquarius/ Uranus in 5th house: "The Whimsical Lover"

"Love at first sight" probably was invented by you. The sensation of being pierced by Cupid's bow, being struck by lightning, being hit by love out of nowhere is not something you're unfamiliar with. Love visits you like a summer downpour, a breeze that sends fragrances from afar to your nose, a sprouting that grows overnight, a laughter that bursts out amidst deadly silence. Love comes to you unexpectedly, and you find love in unexpected places. To love is to be free, the greatest gift you can give your lover and yourself is freedom, to be yourselves, to find safety in the ever-changing current of life. Who can say staying still is safe and stable? For you, movement is what nurtures a connection. You don't let your love stay stagnant, the novelties are your stable diet. Your love is not for the stubborn of heart, though you can be pretty stubborn and rebellious yourself when you're in love, it's a contradiction that perplex and vex your lover, but it's also the allure that they want to get a hold of, not that they will be successful, but they will try anyway. Like trying to catch lightning, trying to grab light. The only way they will ever get close to you is to be themselves and hope that one day, you two will stumble upon each other as fate wills it.

♥ 5th house in Pisces/ Neptune in 5th house: "The Dream Lover"

This is someone who can elevate the experience of falling in love and being in love to the height of poetry, of songs that lovers sing together. Love is art, art is love, love is the soothing balm that erases all the pain, but also the blind that covers your eyes. Oh, the extent you're willing to go in the name of love. Everything seems to take on more vivid colours, music seems to accompany you everywhere you go, you hear your love through the songs that randomly play in the mart, through the absentminded remark of a stranger, through the flowers that sway gently in the wind. You hear your heart echo back at you through the eyes of your lover. While your eyes hold an ocean that promises blissful abandonment, endless treasure and a subtle warning of being drowned, but others are too busy getting mesmerised by you to stay lucid enough to heed your warning. How many lovers have you drowned? How many seas have you swum alone, longing for a rescuer who can take you to land and keep you warm? You need a love story that feels like a fairy tale, but you also need a love that is real.

[clare-875]

Dance With Me (Luffy, Sanji, Zoro)

_____ Pairings: Luffy x Reader; Sanji x Reader; Zoro x Reader Summary: How he would dance with you. Warnings: Fluff, Kissing in Sanji's, Jealous Zoro, Female Reader [One Piece Masterlist] _____

- Luffy - Wild and Free

When another party marks the end of another adventure in another foreign land you and your crew had saved, you are unsurprised when you instantly hear your boyfriend's voice, loud in his glee. "Meat!" Sure enough, there are tables lined with an endless supply of the country's best food, including Luffy's beloved meat. You hear your newfound friends from the island trying to extend their thanks but Luffy brushes them off as always, mouth full of food. You were often content by his side as you also had your share of the meal and were blessed by the sight of Luffy's joyous grin. "Hey [y/n], you tried this yet!? It's sooo good!" You laugh when you turn to your boyfriend who hands you some more meat but you accept it willingly, seeing as your partner had already inflated full of the food he devoured. The night was full of festivity and there was never a dull moment, the both of you enjoyed your food and enjoyed the company around you. But when you hear the sudden beat of music your gaze wanders to the familiar sound of an upbeat song. You hear Luffy's contentment from beside you as he yells out, grinning as Brook joins in on the musical festivities. You laugh at your boyfriend's wild movements as he finds himself enraptured in the music, however, you are surprised when sudden hands grip you tightly.

It takes you a moment to realise that it was Luffy's hands holding you, then making you fly through the air to him where he danced. You look up to see the proximity of his grin that you had admired from afar and feel the rush of heat reach your cheeks; you are enamoured. Whether Luffy noticed your sudden fluster was unknown to you, but knowing your boyfriend he probably paid it no mind, more interested in getting you to join in on his fun. "C'mon [y/n], banquet means music!" He swings you around him and you feel the warmth of his hold on your waist as he hoists you up and spins. You feel the flurry of movement as even when you touch the floor, he still swings you back and forth in somewhat erratic and yet somehow careful movements. Throughout it all you are laughing and adding to the grin that reaches Luffy's face. He feels his heart thrum faster at the sight of your permanent smile, and gleaming eyes boring into his. The feelings you ignited in him were so foreign before, and yet now he had learned to embrace them as you filled his heart. No adventure could be worth any happiness in the world to him if you were not by his side.

The night loiters on and you find yourself exhausted after having danced wildly with Luffy for several long moments. As you take a breath and sit, you watch your crewmates also become prey to drinking, feasting, dancing and overall the proper need of rest. Even Luffy, who had lingered in the festivities longer than you did found himself moving sluggishly to you in the end, asleep the instant his form fell to yours. Brook looked to you and despite being all but bones, you could see his smile as he slowed his violin to a more steady tune. You caressed the raven locks that hugged Luffy's face as he snored against you. However, it was not long before sleep came to take you too and you allowed the joyful memories of the night to wash over you, as you lay among your crew, next to your devoted boyfriend.

- Sanji - Slow and Sensual

The party had droned on for several long hours now, and as time passed you watched as your crewmates started to settle their initial rowdiness. Sanji had finally approached you and you gave him a weary smile as you witnessed tiredness lingering in his eyes. He had after all, being cooking non-stop for your comrades and crew. He easily takes his place next to you and you hear the flick of his lighter as he pulls out a cigarette. It was a habit you had tried to limit him to, but you relented this time as he deserved it after the long and tiring night; the long and tiring days rather. Being a member of the straw hat crew certainly meant not a moment's rest as somehow despite your Captain's luck helping him daily, it did not prevent the danger that somehow came wherever he ventured. This time was no different as another one of his impulsive adventures led to heinous enemies you had all somehow been able to put a stop to; again. Now in the small town you had eventually saved, crewmates linger but it is clear in their eyes of their exhaustion too, and Brook seeing the serenity that came from the late evening, changed the tempo of his violin. Now the upbeat tunes that had been playing the whole night were replaced by a slow and almost romantic violin piece and it made you smile as you closed your eyes to savour the peace. When you opened them, however, you were met with your partner on his feet, a hand placed out to you, forever the gentleman.

"Darling, would you care to dance?" You smile at his care that remains no matter how long the two of you have been dating, as you place your hand in his, and they mould together as though that was all they were made to do. His eyes light up at your willingness, as though still unused to having a partner return the love he usually spilled. Carefully, he holds you to him and slowly he starts to move, and it is like each step has been engraved in his mind as your form melts to him. You hear the thrumming of his heart under your ear as you place your head on his chest and he cradles your form closer to his, warmth enveloping you. "You're good at this." Your words are a whisper to his ears but of course, to him, they sound heavenly as you feel the soft rumble of light laughter laced with contentment. When you look up, he is gazing at you like you were what was pulling him to the Earth, and you can't deny the love you also feel. He brings you closer then, and though the music still lingers, suddenly it is muffled by his presence and his soft lips that meet yours gently. Instantly your senses are filled with the smell of smoke and the unmistakable scent of his collongue. He moves delicately before you part and he sees his loving gaze reflected in your eyes.

As the night drones on and members of the crew disappear from your sight, you and Sanji finally finish your slow dancing and make your way back to the ship. Though your crew would likely be asleep and scattered among the island you were still on, the both of you decided that you could deal with that in the morning. The two of you, however, deserved rest in the comfort of your rooms that awaited upon the ship. Your hand was still gripped strongly in his as the moon guided your path and the stars bore witness to the sight of your love. Your head was leant against his shoulder as you moved, and maybe it was tiredness that gartered your clinginess but Sanji could never complain of that, as the both of you approached your beds for sleep.

- Zoro - Reluctant and Inclined

When you and your crew find yourselves amid celebration after the long events of another tiring day, you are unsurprised at the series of events that take place from it: Luffy getting overly excited at the food that presents itself to him. Sanji, getting annoyed at said excited individual, as his Captain goes to devour an entire share of the food he prepared. Robin and Nami drinking and watching with annoyed and amused faces respectively, the sight of the crew. The list could go on, and when you turn to your left, you find your boyfriend doing what he would usually do too; nursing his fourth bottle of the night. You roll your eyes but smile, happy to be among your comrades and friends you fight tooth and nail beside, and share every brink of adventure with. However, when suddenly the music turns from an upbeat tempo to the rhythm of a song you adored, you suddenly wish that maybe there would be a change to the norm; but what were you expecting really? When you turn to your partner, he eyes you in passive question as he takes a swing from his bottle at your gleaming eyes. "Zoro, come on let's dance!" However, this is the proud and stoic swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates we're talking about, and he turns away before he even registers the rest of your words. "No way, I'm not like that idiot cook."

So, Zoro makes the mistake of outright refusing when you ask him for a dance and you huff in your pettiness, but he should know of your tactics in concurring him to the most unseemly things. However, maybe that is when you make your mistake. In your brief irritation, you leave him as he eyes you lazily from where he calls for another drink, but to his utter surprise you walk up to the very man he had mocked; his eyes gleaming at your presence. "[y/n]-san~" Sanji. The grip on his drink tightens as words spill from the love-drunk cook as he swings in circles around your form. "You want to dance with me? Well, of course, my dear. I knew that stupid marimo wasn't deserving of your love from the beginning-" However, Zoro reaches his final nerve when he actually sees the cook's hands start to roam to places only his should. Zoro growls under his breath, and before you can even register, or maybe creep away from Sanji's overly-excited form, you feel deathly movement and find yourself in another's arms. Zoro had basically knocked Sanji out completely with the harsh pound of his head, and now Chopper and Nami surrounded the unconscious cook in utter shock at the elevation of events. "Zoro, what were you thinking? You could've killed him!"

Despite Chopper's pained words or Nami's own punch to his head, your boyfriend pays them no mind as he turns to you, but you return his irritated gaze hesitantly. "L-look Zoro, I'm sorry, I took it too far, we don't have to-" But you are shocked even further when instead of dragging you from the dance floor he stays put, hands fumbling to grab your waist. "Zoro what-" However, his sharp words cut through yours before you can finish. "You wanted to dance, right woman? So let me." Your eyes are wide and his face flushes red in the embarrassment of him, a worthy swordsman, dancing. His hands move to your form and he rocks you awkwardly. However, when he looks down and meets your gaze sober of your teasing and laughter, and just the utter contentment of finally being able to dance with him, he feels his emotions relent. He would do anything for you. He would kill for you, he would protect you, he would look after you, he would knock perverted cooks unconscious for you. He would even maybe drink enough so that he could humour you in a dance and witness your loving gaze.

[hollaforlyla]

" FALLING TOO FAST " sonic, shadow & amy x gn!reader

overall; i got bored!! basically ; reader is clumsy and falls a lot, and gets hurt. here are sonic, shadow, and amy's reaction! if you want more characters, please lmk 🪽💌

SONIC

It was supposed to be a casual day. You and Sonic had been enjoying some downtime together after a particularly intense adventure. The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting its warm glow over the green hills as you both made your way back toward Tails’ workshop, chatting about anything and everything.

You had never been the most graceful, but today you felt particularly... off. Your feet tripped over each other more than usual, and you found yourself stumbling over small rocks and uneven patches of grass. Sonic, of course, was on his usual lookout, darting around and running in circles as he did, a lighthearted grin on his face as he teased you playfully.

"Careful there! You’re gonna make me look bad if you keep tripping like that!" Sonic laughed, his voice full of that confident energy you always adored. But despite the teasing, you couldn’t shake the sense that something wasn’t quite right. Maybe you were tired, or maybe you were just being more clumsy than usual. But it didn’t matter, because you were with Sonic, and his easy-going demeanor always put you at ease.

As you approached the entrance to the workshop, you took a few steps up the stairs, thinking it was just another simple climb. But your ankle caught on the edge of the first step.

Your body lurched forward, and before you could even react, you pitched downward, arms flailing uselessly in the air. The world seemed to slow as you saw the ground rushing toward you.

"Woah, no!" Sonic’s voice cut through the air, but it was too late. You crashed to the ground with a sickening thud, landing hard on your palms and knees. A sharp pain shot through your body, and your breath caught in your throat. You winced, immediately feeling the sting of scraped skin and bruises forming where your body had hit the pavement.

Sonic was by your side in an instant, his face a mixture of concern and disbelief. His usual carefree attitude vanished, replaced with a rare intensity as he knelt beside you, hands hovering over your body but unsure of where to touch. "Hey, hey, are you alright?" he asked, his voice unusually soft, eyes scanning over you to make sure you weren’t seriously hurt.

You groaned, sitting up and rubbing your sore palms. "Yeah, I’m fine... just... being clumsy as usual," you muttered, trying to brush it off, but the pain was a sharp reminder that this wasn’t something you could easily laugh off.

Sonic frowned, not at all amused. "That wasn’t funny, you know. You scared me." He carefully helped you to your feet, still checking you over with his quick, worried glances. "You really need to watch where you’re going, you could have seriously hurt yourself."

"I know, I know," you grumbled, feeling a little embarrassed. "I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I guess I just wasn’t paying attention."

He sighed, reaching up to ruffle your hair with a fond smile, though his worry didn’t fade. "You’ve gotta be more careful. I mean, I’ve seen you trip over your own feet before, but this... this was a new level." There was a bit of playful teasing in his voice, but it was clear it was his way of easing the tension.

"Yeah, well... what can I say? I’m a walking disaster," you said with a weak smile, trying to lighten the mood, though the pain still pulsed in your knees and palms.

Sonic gave you a concerned look, then immediately crouched down and pulled you into a gentle hug. "You're lucky I was here," he murmured, his voice unusually quiet. "Don’t go getting hurt just because you're too stubborn to admit when you're in pain."

You blinked in surprise at his soft words. Sonic wasn’t usually the type to get emotional, but the worry on his face told you everything you needed to know. "I’m alright, Sonic, really." You pulled back slightly to meet his eyes, but he just shook his head, his usual confidence returning in the form of a slight smirk.

"Just promise me you’ll be careful next time. I don’t want to have to carry you around all day," he teased, but his grip on your shoulders was firm, as if he was afraid you might take another tumble.

You couldn’t help but laugh a little, even though it still stung. "I’ll do my best, but no promises," you teased back, knowing full well your clumsiness was a part of who you were.

Sonic smirked, but the worry never left his eyes. "Alright, but if you trip again, I’m carrying you straight to Tails to get patched up."

You shot him a playful glare. "I think I can manage on my own, thank you very much."

"Right, of course," he said with an exaggerated eye roll. "But if you need anything, you let me know. Got it?"

You smiled softly, feeling grateful for his presence. "Got it, Sonic."

He pulled you into another quick hug, this one tighter than before, making sure you were steady in his arms. "Good. Now, how about we get you inside and let Tails take a look at those scrapes?" He began leading you toward the door, his playful teasing still intact, but it was clear he was keeping an eye on you, not willing to let you out of his sight.

As you entered the workshop, you couldn’t help but feel a warmth in your chest. Despite your embarrassing fall, Sonic’s concern and care made it feel like everything was going to be alright. After all, you had him by your side. Even when you were clumsy and scraped up, he would always be there to catch you.

SHADOW

The wind whistled through the trees as you and Shadow made your way across the tranquil forest path, the sound of leaves rustling underfoot blending with the occasional birdcall. You’d been out for a while, walking side by side with Shadow, though the two of you had barely spoken a word in the past hour. Sometimes, there wasn’t a need for conversation when you were with him. His quiet presence was enough.

However, your clumsiness never took a break, no matter how calm or serene the environment was. You had tripped over a tree root earlier, but you had managed to laugh it off, chalking it up to another one of your usual accidents. But the feeling of unease had settled in you again. Shadow had been quieter than usual, and you knew he wasn’t one to show his emotions easily.

You reached a small set of steps leading down a hillside, and for some reason, you felt like you were walking through molasses. The world seemed to move too slowly, your footing a little more unstable than normal. You tried to catch your balance, but your ankle twisted in a wrong direction. Everything happened so fast, your heart skipped a beat.

Your feet flew out from under you, and before you could even gasp, you hit the ground hard. The sharp sting of the impact sent a wave of pain shooting through your legs and wrists, and you instinctively reached out to break your fall. But it was no use. You lay there for a moment, stunned and breathless.

“Ugh...” you groaned, wincing as you pushed yourself up, your palms scraped raw. You had to bite your lip to keep from letting out a full-blown curse.

A soft, low growl reached your ears, and your heart sank a little. You knew that voice.

"Are you seriously okay?" Shadow’s tone was sharp, the sound of his boots approaching quickly. He didn’t sound angry, but his concern was evident in the roughness of his voice. You tried to sit up straight, but your vision blurred slightly, and you still felt the throb of pain in your limbs.

"I'm fine... it's nothing," you replied, trying to act nonchalant. But you could feel the heat rising to your cheeks from embarrassment. You knew you weren’t fooling him. Shadow wasn’t blind.

His expression darkened as he knelt beside you, eyes scanning your body with precision. "You’re far from fine," he muttered under his breath, inspecting the cuts on your palms and knees. His usually unreadable face was harder to read now, his lips pressed into a thin line.

You wanted to say something, to make light of the situation, but you found yourself struggling. Shadow... caring? It was rare, and you didn’t quite know how to handle it.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, his voice softer now, his gaze steady on you.

"Not that much," you lied, trying to mask the pain. You could see the skepticism in his eyes, the sharpness of his stare that spoke volumes.

He didn't respond at first, but you felt his gloved hand gently tug you up from the ground, supporting your weight as you tried to regain your footing. You winced again, and Shadow gave you an almost imperceptible look of irritation. "You're as stubborn as ever," he muttered. "Just admit that you need help. I’m not going to leave you out here to get hurt more."

You shook your head. "I’m fine, Shadow. Really," you insisted, but even you didn’t believe the words that left your mouth. You had always been clumsy, and it never really fazed you—until now.

He didn’t respond right away. Instead, Shadow carefully examined the damage to your palms, his sharp, red eyes narrowing. Then, in an unexpected move, he picked you up in his arms, ignoring your protests as he lifted you effortlessly.

"What are you—Shadow! Put me down!" you sputtered, your face flushing in embarrassment. This was so unlike him.

Shadow’s eyes softened a fraction, his jaw set in determination as he looked down at you. "I won’t put you down until I know you’re not going to collapse again. Don’t fight me on this."

You fell silent, your chest tightening a little. He was serious about this, wasn’t he?

"You're more fragile than you think," Shadow continued in a rare, quieter tone. "You might not show it, but you’re not invincible. I don’t want to see you hurt." The words were blunt, but they had a depth that you hadn’t expected. Shadow, for all his tough exterior, had a way of showing his care in ways he didn’t always express.

You swallowed, the words caught in your throat. "Shadow... I didn’t mean to be so careless."

He looked down at you, his eyes unreadable as usual, but there was a flicker of something softer in them. "You don’t have to apologize. Just be careful next time."

His grip around you was steady, and it wasn’t the possessive hold you might’ve expected from him. It was protective. For all the times he pushed others away, this side of him—this rare, caring side—reminded you that Shadow wasn’t as indifferent as he wanted the world to believe.

"Just don’t do anything like that again, alright?" he said, his voice still gruff, but the hint of concern was unmistakable.

You nodded, a soft smile tugging at the corner of your lips. "I’ll try my best," you replied, feeling oddly comforted in his arms. Even though you were clumsy and had just made a fool of yourself, Shadow was there. And in that quiet moment, you knew he would always be.

AMY

You had always been clumsy. It wasn’t a minor inconvenience either—it was the kind of clumsy where you tripped over your own feet, bumped into walls, and somehow managed to get hurt doing the simplest of things. Amy had caught onto this very quickly when she started spending more time with you.

It started with little things. She’d hold your hand when walking together, making sure you didn’t trip over cracks in the pavement. If you tried to carry something heavy, she’d take it from you before you could argue, giving you a soft smile.

“Don’t worry, love! I got it!” she’d say in her usual cheerful tone, expertly balancing whatever you had in your hands while you awkwardly shuffled behind her.

But even with Amy’s efforts, your clumsiness never ceased. One day, you had been helping her set up decorations for a small get-together when you somehow tripped over the air itself, sending yourself tumbling backward. Before you could hit the ground, Amy was there, catching you with surprising strength for someone her size.

She sighed, gently lowering you onto a nearby chair. “You really are accident-prone, aren’t you?” Her voice was full of affection, and despite the obvious concern in her eyes, there was also amusement.

You gave her a sheepish smile. “I guess it’s a talent?”

Amy chuckled before shaking her head. “It’s a talent I’d rather not see you practice so often.” She disappeared for a moment, only to return with a small first aid kit. “Alright, let’s see the damage.”

It was always like this. No matter how minor the injury, Amy insisted on taking care of it. A small scrape? She had a cute bandage ready. A bruise? She’d apply a cold pack while rubbing soothing circles on your back. A particularly nasty fall? She’d fuss over you for hours, making sure you were comfortable and not in pain.

“You have to be more careful,” she scolded lightly as she dabbed antiseptic on your latest scrape, her touch feather-light. “One of these days, you’re gonna get seriously hurt, and I won’t always be there to catch you.”

“But you always are,” you teased, watching as her cheeks turned a soft pink.

“Well, yeah,” she admitted, looking away as she placed a cute, heart-shaped bandage on your knee. “Because I care about you, silly.”

Warmth bloomed in your chest at her words. You reached for her free hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I know. And I really appreciate it.”

Amy smiled at you, her eyes shining with fondness. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

With that, she leaned forward, pressing a quick, feather-light kiss against your forehead before pulling back with a giggle. “Now, promise me you’ll try to stay on your feet today?”

You grinned, swinging your legs playfully. “No promises.”

Amy groaned dramatically before pulling you into a hug. “You’re gonna be the death of me, you know that?”

But even as she complained, she held you tight, her warmth a reminder that no matter how many times you fell, she’d always be there to pick you back up.

[gracexthoughts]

Seven

jacaerys velaryon x targaryen!aunt!oc

content/warnings; canon typical incest, slight talk of death/violence, Alicent being rude, angst and fluff

summary; Jacaerys and Aelyria were childhood bestfriends, inseparable and mischievous, until the princess Rhaenyra moved her family to Dragonstone, leaving her youngest half sister without her closest companion. Nearly a decade later, King Viserys has decided the feud within his family too far gone and declared the betrothal of Prince Jacaerys to his youngest daughter to help heal the rift. 

a/n; inspired by seven by taylor swift and jace’s talk with baela about fathers. I know this pairing has been done a lot but I really love it and hope I did it justice. about 4k words. 

Please picture me In the trees I hit my peak at seven feet In the swing Over the creek I was too scared to jump in But I, I was high in the sky With Pennsylvania under me Are there still beautiful things?

“Aely!” The young prince Jacaerys called after the princess as she sprinted off into the woods. “Slow down!” Even though he was taller, she was quick and had run off before he could even get ready. Her laugh rings out over the grass as she darts into the woods, Jacaerys on her heels. 

The entirety of the royal family, accompanied by many lords and ladies, had traveled to the Kingswood for a royal hunt in celebration of the Prince Jacaerys' 10th name day. As he is the future heir to the Iron Throne, the crown had spared no expense for the celebration. Jacaerys himself, however, was not at present interested in whatever creature was being tracked down in his name, his sights set on adventure with the young Princess Aelyria, the King and Queen’s youngest child. Having been born mere months apart, they had grown to be quite close; they trained with their dragons together in the Dragonpit, had discovered and begun exploring the passageways in the Red Keep, and Aelyria had taken to sneaking into the princes’ training sessions in her own desire to learn to fight along with her favorite nephew. And when she would inevitably get dragged away by her mother or the septa, Jace would sneak into her chambers later that evening with two training blades in hand to teach her what he had learned that day. 

As Jacaerys breaks through the treeline, he runs straight into Aelyria, who had stopped suddenly in the woods, sending the pair tumbling forward in a heap of limbs. “Jace!” the princess cried, a laugh in her voice as they disentangled themselves and their cloaks. 

“You’re the one who stopped!” Jace laughs in his defense. “Why did you? I thought we were racing to the creek,” he wonders, standing and extending his hand down to help up the princess, a princely boy even at his young age. 

“I thought I saw something but we must have scared it off now,” she says, taking his hand and standing, not bothering to brush the dirt off her skirts. The princess’ lilac eyes flicker with mischief as she looks around the woods surrounding them, her eyes settling on a nearby tree with low branches fit for climbing. “C’mon!” 

Before Jacaerys can respond, the princess is pulling herself up to the lowest branch, swinging her legs over with ease, not a care in the world for the preservation of her skirts. She was always quite boyish, never heading her mother’s lessons of ladylike manners and behaviors. The young prince has never minded though, enjoying her wildness and sense of adventure. A day with her was never boring. 

Soon the young royals were high in the treeline, standing on either side of the large trunk balanced on branches as they took in the view around them. Their breaths were labored from the climb, their cheeks flushed and smiles wide. The ruckus of the hunt was left far behind and below them, not able to reach them in the trees. “I wish we could stay here forever,” the princess sighs, sitting down on her branch, her legs swinging. 

“Why?” the prince asks, watching her curiously. 

“It’s quiet,” she says softly, looking up at the still standing prince. “And beautiful and here my mother can’t yell at me to be more ladylike.” She rolls her eyes and mimics her mother’s intonation. Jacaerys laughs, climbing over and sitting next to the princess on her branch. 

“When we are older, I’ll be King and I’ll command your mother to leave you be.” 

“Will you let me be a knight?” the princess asks, excitement in her voice. 

“If you’d like!” Jacaerys laughs. “You could be my sworn protector.” 

“I’d be a brilliant knight.” the princess declares, straightening her back and puffing out her chest and the pair fall into giggles. 

“Well I promise then, once I’m King I’ll make sure your mother can never tell you to be ladylike again!” Jacaerys declares, holding out his pinky to the girl, who smiles and links hers with his, thankful for him. 

Sweet tea in the summer Cross your heart, won't tell no other And though I can't recall your face I still got love for you

Jacaerys makes his way through the dark halls of Dragonstone, his footsteps echoing through the hall as he makes his way to the Great Hall. Nearing his destination, the voices of his mother and stepfather leak out through the ajar door. He pauses for a moment, not wishing to walk in on an intimate moment. 

“He says he wishes for it in the hope it will heal the rift between our families,” his mother says, her voice smooth and calm. 

“So he may fall prey to their vicious children? How do we know this isn’t a Hightower scheme?” Daemon challenges with clear disdain in his voice. 

“I cannot believe this idea came from Alicent nor Otto,” the princess responds. 

“Does not mean she won’t take advantage of it. She may be instructing Aelyn on how to best manipulate him at this moment.” 

“Her name is Aelyria, Daemon,” Rhaenyra corrects, peaking Jacareys’ interest further. His mother’s youngest half-sister was not a common topic of conversation in their home, even if she far preferred her half-sisters to her half- brothers. “They were friends when they were children; Jace doted on her even. It may prove to be a good match.” 

Daemon opens his mouth to respond but stops when he sees Jacaerys entering the room with a questioning look on his face. 

“Jace,” his mother says happily, smiling at him and motioning for him to come in. He obliges, his long stride carrying him through the room quickly to stand at the Painted Table with his mother and stepfather. “Apt timing. We just received word from your grandsire the King, he has suggested a match for you.” 

“A match? Who?” the young prince inquires, his gaze darting between Rhaenyra and Daemon, acting as if he had not been eavesdropping. 

“The Princess Aelyria. You are the same age, both unwed, and the King remembers how close you were as children,” his mother states, setting down the scroll of parchment in her hand on the table. “He thinks you would make a fine pair, and she a good Queen to have by your side.” Daemon scoffs slightly to her left, walking away to lean against the mantle above the hearth. Jacaerys stays silent for a moment. Marriage was something he knew would be coming but in truth, he hadn’t given it much thought. The princess he remembered was a small, spirited little girl with a quick wit and even quicker temper. She often snuck out of her own lessons to join the princes in their trainings, and trained in the Dragonpit alongside them for many years. He’d certainly held a boyhood crush on her then but Jacaeyrs struggles to imagine who she has grown into.

“What say you, Mother?” he asks finally, looking up from the Painted Table to meet her eyes. 

“I quite agree with my father,” she says after a moment. “It would do well to have our line of succession shored up, and the princess would make a fine match. While she has a reputation for being a little wild, I also hear that she has a good heart and a kind reputation among the smallfolk that would strengthen your reign when the time comes,” She says, moving closer to her son, “But it is your opinion that matters most in this.” 

“And of the Hightowers?” Daemon interjects from his place at the hearth, his eyes fixed on the flames. 

“Even they are not above the will of the King,” Rhaenyra responds, “We would have to go to King’s Landing for the wedding, but we needn’t stay.” Jacaerys holds his mother’s gaze for a long moment, mulling the idea of marriage, to someone he hardly knows any longer, over in his mind. “So?” 

“Yes, I accept,” he says with a nod, attempting to look more sure of himself than he feels. His mother smiles, raising his confidence slightly, and nods. 

“Then I shall write to my father,” she says, and kisses Jacaerys’ forehead before retrieving the scroll from the table and retreating from the room. Jacaerys lingers for a moment, watching Daemon whose eyes are trained on his wife’s retreating figure.

“The Hightowers are scheming and dangerous. You should watch this girl carefully,” he says to the young prince finally. 

“She’s not a Hightower, she’s a Targaryen,” Jacaerys responds quickly, already feeling protective over his betrothed. 

“Same thing for that lot,” Daemon responds darkly before grabbing his sword from the table and following after the princess. 

Your braids like a pattern Love you to the moon and to Saturn Passed down like folk songs The love lasts so long

The Prince grunts slightly as his feet hit the solid ground after lowering himself from Vermax’s back, stiff from the long ride. He and his mother have come to King’s Landing for the first time in many years so he and the princess can be reacquainted before their wedding in a moon. The rest of their family will come for the wedding but Rhaenyra wanted to avoid any repeat of the last time they were all together. 

Jacaerys would never reveal this secret but he was quite nervous. He could barely remember the face of the princess, let alone what she could look like or what her personality was now. Was she still as wild and rebellious and boyish as she was or has she relented to her mother’s will and become a lady? Jacaerys watches quietly as his mother speaks with the guards, requesting a carriage be brought to take them back to the castle, and as the Dragonkeepers escort Vermax and Syrax into the Dragonpit. Jacaerys wonders if Vermax remembers his first home still, the place they first bonded. He is quickly torn from his thoughts as a shadow passes over them and looking up, he sees a beautiful white and golden dragon making its descent to the ground.

The dragon and her rider’s backs are facing the prince once they land but the woman in front of him was undoubtedly the princess, for he’d recognize her dragon, Starfyre, anywhere. He watches as the princess pats her dragon on the neck, before leaping from the saddle and landing easily on the ground. She faces away from him still, speaking to the Dragonkeeper in High Valyrian but the prince finds himself taking in every detail he can. Her silver gold hair is intricately braided to hang down to the small of her back, her legs are long and wrapped in trousers made for riding, and a black riding coat accentuates her curves and hangs to her knees, her voice is melodic and sure in her High Valyrian. She nods to the Dragonkeeper and turns, pulling her riding gloves off with her teeth before her lilac eyes find Jacaerys and Rhaenyra. 

“Jace?” she calls, stepping away from her dragon and closer to him. She has the wide doe eyes of her mother still but everything else of her is Targaryen through and through, sharp features and high cheekbones, and her smile more beautiful than Jacaerys remembers it. 

“Aely,” he responds with a smile, resting his hands on the hilt of his sword, unsure of where else to put them. 

“I didn’t think you were arriving until later this evening,” the princess says, her eyes scanning the prince. Like Jacaerys, she has spent much time wondering how the boy she knew has changed into the man she’s been betrothed to and she is stunned at what she finds. His face is angular and handsome framed by long dark curls. He is tall and lean while still appearing strong, his warm brown eyes the exact same as she recalls. 

“We got an earlier start than expected,” Rhaenyra steps forward, “How are you, sister?” 

“I am well, and you?” Aelyria nods. Rhaenyra has always been her favorite sibling, even if they weren’t close. She looked up to the women as a child, and her mother’s distaste towards the princess made Aelyria feel a certain kinship with her half sister. 

“We are well. Are you headed back to the Keep?” 

“I am, would you ride back with me?” she offers, motioning to the carriage pulling up to the gates of the Dragonpit. 

“That is kind, thank you,” Rhaenyra says with a smile, and a wink for her son, and moves toward the carriage but Aelyria hangs back, her eyes trailing over her betrothed again. 

“You are much changed since I last saw you,” the prince says, stepping forward. 

“I can say the same for you, nephew,” she says, failing to keep her mischievous smile from her face. Jace had always hated when she called him that as children, but he can’t find the annoyance in him at the moment, too entranced by the sound of her voice. Instead he laughs and shakes his head, holding his arm out to escort the princess to the carriage so they can make their way back to the Red Keep. 

And I've been meaning to tell you I think your house is haunted Your dad is always mad and that must be why And I think you should come live with Me and we can be pirates Then you won't have to cry Or hide in the closet And just like a folk song Our love will be passed on

Jacareys wanders through the halls of the Red Keep, familiarity and strangeness battling in his mind. The castle has changed much in the near decade of his absence and yet, he could see it as it was in his youth: the halls the same he and his brother ran through, the Dragonpit the same as it was the first day he rode Vermax, the secret passages the same as when he and Aelyria discovered them as children. Jacareys found himself mindlessly making his way to the training yard, allured by the sound of steel against steel. 

Jacareys steps into the training yard to find Princess Aelyria and Prince Aemond sparing in the center. He remembers well how she would watch the princes in training, even picking up a sword and practicing herself before being run off by Ser Cristen or her mother or the septa. She’s grown much in the years since he last saw her, her skills far outpacing that of which he had imagined. Jacareys watches as she circles Aemond, striking, blocking and dodging with surprising speed and accuracy. Jacareys finds his gaze drawn to her legs, unhidden by skirts as she stands in trousers, the riding coat she favors tossed over a training dummy. 

Princess Aelyria’s laughter echoes off the walls of the yard as she stands up from her dodge of her brother’s blunted sword, having ducked and rolled under the blade to recover behind him. Aemond turns around in frustration, swinging again with his blade as Aelyria reaches up to block his attack before stepping under his reach and elbowing the prince in the side. With her small stature and lesser strength, the princess had learned that speed and agility were her friends in bouts and quickly excelled in her capabilities. Aemond grunts from the blow to his side, his steps staggering slightly as his sister circles him, waiting for her to recover. 

“Ready to yield, brother?” she taunts, her lips turned up in a smirk. 

“You’re the one running,” he bemoans, righting himself and raising his sword, readying to strike again but lowers his blade, his eyes fixed over Aelyria’s shoulder with a sly smile. “Come to train, nephew?” The princess turns, her eyes finding Jacaerys pushing off the wall, his brown eyes trained on the prince. 

“To speak with my betrothed,” he answers, his gaze shifting to Aelyria and softening for her. Aemond eyes narrow, upset at the match as much as his mother, leveling a menacing glare at his nephew before taking his leave without another word. “He doesn’t like me,” Jacaerys states, as the door to the yard slams, and turns back to Aelyria who chuckles. 

“Aemond likes no one,” she responds, leaning on the training blade, "He merely tolerates me as he has no one else to spar with save Cole."

“It may be,” the prince says, suddenly feeling uneasy under her gaze. “When did the Queen surrender to your training?” 

“Soon after your leave, if I remember correctly. They grew weary of disciplining me with no effect,” the princess smirks. 

“As you always hoped,” they chuckle, a hint of their old familiarity returning. The prince glances at the table of training weapons. “Care for another round?” 

“If you can keep up,” she smirks, tossing him the blade Aemond had left in his wake. Aelyria makes the first move, but Jacaerys quickly counters. He holds back at first, unsure of fighting with a woman, but he quickly learns that Aelyria is quite capable and a formidable opponent and he begins to let loose. They are well matched, meeting blow for blow until both of them are sweaty and panting. 

“You fight well,” the prince compliments, his chest rising and falling quickly and a curl sticking to his damp forehead. 

“Thank you, you do as well. Much better than when you would teach me in my chambers,” Aelyria laughs, wiping at her hairline where baby hairs stick to her skin. 

“You make it sound quite scandalous,” Jacaerys jests, setting aside the training blades. 

“It was to us then,” the princess points out, remembering how careful they were to not get caught. 

“True enough,” he laughs, his eyes lost in hers, the soft lilac of her irises beautiful and intriguing to him as ever. “You know, I’ve missed you, in truth. I never had as much fun alone as with you here,” the prince says softly, stepping forward and brushing a stray hair from the princess’ brow. The air becomes thick between them, their eyes locked together. 

“I missed you too, my brothers are poor company compared to you-” 

“Aelyria!” The voice of the Queen rings out over the courtyard, startling the Jacaerys and Aelryia who back away from each other quickly. The queen stalks over to her daughter, grabbing her arm roughly. Aelyria’s face sours and she yanks her arm from her mother’s grip, leveling her with a hard stare. “You have a dress fitting you are currently missing and you look a mess. I thought you could put away this foolishness for one hour. You would think this is my wedding for as much as you seem to care about it!” 

“Mother, I-”  

“I apologize, your Grace. The princess had finished near an hour ago but I stepped in. I don’t have many sparring partners save my brothers on Dragonstone. The fault is mine,” Jacaerys steps in, unable to ignore the anger bubbling in his stomach at the queen’s treatment of her daughter. 

“Price Jacaerys, it is good to see you again. I am afraid I cannot stay, but I hope you are settling back in well,” Alicent says to the prince, her face barely masking her distaste of him, before she turns back to her daughter. “Come, Aelyria.” Jacaerys watches as the princess takes a deep breath and, flashing him an apologetic smile, turns to follow her mother back into the castle. 

Please picture me In the weeds Before I learned civility I used to scream ferociously Any time I wanted

“Come in,” Aelyria calls softly at the knock on her door. Jacaerys steps into her chambers at her permission and smiles as he closes the door. “Hi.” 

 “Hi,” the prince says softly, moving to sit next to Aelyria at the table in the center of her room. “I wanted to apologize for earlier. I did not mean to keep you and I regret that I did.” 

“I do not. I could have been bathed and early and perfectly excited and she still would have found something wrong. The fault is not yours,” the princess assures, placing a hand over his and squeezing gently. Before she can pull her hand back, Jacaerys clasps his hand to hers, relishing the feeling.  

“I’m sure it is hard for girls and their mothers as it is with boys and fathers,” the prince says sympathetically. 

“Is it hard, with you and your stepfather?” The princess asks, her eyes on their hands. 

“Sometimes, it was strange at first but he’s been my father almost as long as my actual father was,” Jacaerys shrugs. 

“You know, I don’t think I ever got to tell you how sorry I was for you when your father passed,” Aelyria says softly.

“Oh,” the prince says, surprised by her and shakes his head. “Seems so long ago now but I was glad he passed on Driftmark, I know he missed it while away.” 

“That’s not who I meant,” the princess says, and Jacaerys, on instinct stiffens at the realization she means Ser Hardin Strong, and not Leanor Velaryon from whom Jace received his name. “I don’t hold it against you like my mother and brothers do. Seems a silly thing for them to care so much about,” Aelryia adds quickly, sensing his unease. 

“Really?” Jacaerys eyes find hers, shock shining in the dark brown of them. 

“You wouldn’t be you if you had another father and I’ve always quite liked you as you are,” the princess smiles, her thumb grazing against the back of Jacaerys’ hand as a slight blush colors his cheeks. “What was he like?” She asks after a moment. 

“He was gentle, and fierce… They called him Breakbones,” Jacaerys smiles, Aelyria along with him, but there’s a sadness in his eyes still. “He loved us, I think.” 

“Of course he did. Otherwise he would not have defended you so fiercely against Cole.” 

“You remember that?” 

“I do,” Aelyria nods, leaning back in her chair. “It was the first time I saw a true fight. I remember thinking that I had to learn how to fight like that. It felt so necessary, like it was all I wanted… Your father gave me that.” Jacaerys blinks at her for a moment, a strange smile on his lips. “What?” He shakes his head slightly. 

“No one ever calls him my father, not even my mother,” he says after a moment, looking down to where their hands are intertwined on the table. “It’s nice,” he adds after a breath. 

“He’d be proud of you, of who you’ve become,” Aelyria says suddenly, sitting forward and using her free hand to lift Jacaerys’ chin. 

“He’d be happy we’re betrothed,” Jacaerys smiles, leaning closer to the princess. 

“Really?” 

“Yes,” he nods, “I remember one time, he happened to be watching training and you had just gotten dragged away by the Queen but you had put up a good fight before you left and he said, ‘There’s a warrior if I’ve ever seen one.’ I remember looking up at him and he just winked at me, almost like he knew.”

“I wish I had known him better,” Aelyria says softly after a moment and  Jacaerys nods, squeezing her hand. 

“Me too…” Jacaerys nods. For a moment, the pair sit in a comfortable silence, gazing at each other, taking in the fact that they’re together again after all this time. “Do you remember that hunt we had on my tenth nameday? When we ran off into the woods, hiding in the trees?” Aelyria laughs, the memory washing over her at his question and nods. 

“Yes, I do. Oh, what fun we had that day. We only got found because we could not stop laughing as they rode underneath us. Mother was so angry I ruined that dress,” they laugh at the memory together. Even though it had ended in a scolding for each of them, neither ever regretted that day. 

“I remember what I promised that day, and I swear I’ll keep it. Now that we’re betrothed, you are mine, and I am yours and once we’re wed, I’ll make sure you never have to heed your mother unless you wish to,” Jacaerys leans forward, intensity in his gaze as he makes this promise to Aelyria. “I quite like you as you are, and I won’t have her try to change you.” 

Aelyria smiles gratefully, wondering how she got so lucky as to be marrying this man; the boy she grew up with and loved as a girl, and the man sitting in front of her, with all his fierceness and devotion. Aelyria, too moved to speak, leans forward instead, pressing their lips together softly in thanks. Jacaerys doesn’t miss a beat, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek as he kisses her back. Her hand winds in his hair and their hands hold to each other tighter on the table between them. As their lips part, they don’t move away, instead connecting their brows together. They smile at each other, giddy in their love, hearts beating rapidly as one, as they always have and always will.  I, I Sweet tea in the summer Cross my heart, won't tell no other And though I can't recall your face I still got love for you Pack your dolls and a sweater We'll move to India forever Passed down like folk songs Our love lasts so long

[skiesuconn]

Lost in Argentina | Chapter 1

Pairing: Paige Buecker | Azzi Fudd WC: 12K Synopsis: The UConn women’s basketball team lands in Argentina for a training camp, but the real adventure? Paige’s last-minute packing disaster, Azzi’s snack obsession, and the endless chaos that follows. Between running from a rogue dog, getting locked in elevators, and arguing over coconut water, their Argentina trip becomes a mess—but in the best way. As the heat rises, so does the tension between Paige and Azzi, who are already more than just teammates. With every teasing remark and stolen moment, their bond deepens. It’s less about the training and more about finding love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos under the Argentine sun. Frankie's note: Appreciate the blurb idea! I definitely switched things up a bit, but still, big thanks. Credits to this blurb for the inspo. I love you anon. Let me know your thoughts loves, and yes, I'm aware that my masterlist is messy. i'll rework it this weekend.

The UConn women’s basketball team had been buzzing about this Argentina trip for weeks. It wasn’t just another overseas training camp—it was a chance to experience a new culture, eat amazing food, and bond as a team. Geno had called it a "learning opportunity," CD had called it a "chance to grow," and the players? They mostly saw it as an escape from Storrs' freezing winter.

Packing had been an adventure in itself. Paige, ever the last-minute packer, had thrown a chaotic mix of hoodies, basketball shorts, and an unnecessary amount of socks into her suitcase the night before. Azzi, on the other hand, had meticulously packed a separate bag just for snacks, because "you never know when you'll need fuel." Nika had insisted on bringing her own pillow, claiming it was the key to good sleep, and Caroline had made sure to bring an extra pair of sneakers in case of emergencies.

Now, stepping off the plane and into the scorching heat of Argentina, the contrast to Connecticut’s icy winds hit them like a wave. The sun bore down on them, a dry warmth wrapping around their skin like a thick blanket. Sweat began to bead at their temples almost instantly.

"Holy—it's like an oven out here!" Caroline groaned, fanning herself with her boarding pass.

"Bro we just escaped winter'' Aubrey exclaimed, adjusting her sunglasses.

"Welcome to my life," Nika said smugly, stretching her arms above her head. "This is nothing. Croatia in the summer? So muchh worse."

Aaliyah wiped her forehead. "How do you even function in this?"

"You adapt," Nika shrugged. "Or you melt. Your choice."

As they waited for the van, Paige pulled at the collar of her white thermal shirt, regretting her outfit choice. It clung to her lightly toned frame, her usual confident stance faltering as beads of sweat slid down her temple.

"Bro, why did I wear long sleeves?" she muttered.

Azzi, standing beside her, her mahogany-colored bodycon dress hugging every line of her figure, looked up from her coconut water with a small smirk. "Because you're bad at planning?"

Paige’s gaze flickered over Azzi, her jewelry glinting under the sun, her soft curls shifting with the warm breeze. "That’s bold coming from someone who packed an entire bag just for snacks," Paige shot back, eyeing Azzi’s tote full of protein bars and neatly stacked fruit containers.

"It’s called being prepared. Unlike you," Azzi replied smoothly, taking a slow, deliberate sip of her drink, her lips glistening slightly.

"Get a room," Nika chimed in, grinning. Paige shot her a glare, but her cheeks tinged slightly pink.

A commotion near the curb caught their attention. A small dog had somehow wriggled out of its owner’s grasp and was now zipping between people’s legs. Caroline took a startled step back, nearly knocking over Aaliyah. Aubrey, laughing, reached down to try and help the frantic owner, only for the dog to dart between her legs and send her stumbling forward. The entire team burst into laughter as Aubrey caught herself just in time.

"Yo, we’ve been here for five minutes, and we're already causing problems," Paige said, shaking her head.

"We? It's all you, P" Aaliyah corrected with a smirk.

Finally, their van pulled up, and they gathered their things. The inside was blissfully air-conditioned, the seats plush and comfortable. Geno slid into his spot near the front with a tired sigh.

"Alright, listen up," he started. "Don’t act like idiots, don’t get lost, and for the love of God, don’t make this harder than it needs to be."

"So basically, don’t be Paige?" Nika quipped.

"Exactly," Geno deadpanned.

The team erupted in laughter as Paige held a hand to her chest, feigning offense.

"Damn, y’all turning on me already? We haven’t even checked in yet!" Paige pouted.

"Oh, we’ve been turned," Aubrey teased, elbowing her.

The van ride was filled with chatter, jokes, and a couple of loud gasps when the driver nearly grazed a motorcyclist in traffic. By the time they arrived at the hotel, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The building itself was sleek and modern, its towering glass windows reflecting the city lights.

Inside, the air-conditioning was heavenly. The lobby was decorated with polished marble floors, plush chairs, and a massive chandelier that hung like a centerpiece, scattering light in delicate patterns across the ceiling.

A staff member approached with welcome drinks, small fruit-infused waters. Paige took a sip and immediately frowned. "Why does this taste… healthy?"

Azzi took hers without complaint, giving Paige a pointed look. "Because it is."

The team flopped onto the lobby couches, exhausted but still buzzing with energy. Paige took the opportunity to poke at Azzi’s arm. "Hey. You happy now that you got your coconut water?"

Azzi side-eyed her but nodded. "Very."

"Tragic. No Shirley Temples," Paige lamented dramatically. "And no Gatorade. What kind of establishment is this?"

"One that has coconut water," Azzi teased, taking another sip just to taunt her.

At the elevator, Paige dramatically insisted on being the one to press the button. She kept missing, hitting every floor except the one they needed. "Okay, okay, I got it now," she muttered before accidentally hitting the emergency stop.

The elevator jolted, and everyone screamed.

"PAIGE!" Nika yelled.

"SHIT, MY BAD" Paige yelped, frantically pressing more buttons. "This is why I don’t do responsibility!"

The doors finally opened, and the team stumbled out, some laughing, some shaking their heads. In their distraction, Paige and Azzi nearly entered the wrong room—536 instead of 535.

"Uh, I don’t think this is our room," Azzi mumbled, eyeing the door.

Just as Paige was about to argue, the door to 536 cracked open, revealing a confused businessman in a robe. "Can I help you?"

Paige threw up her hands. "Shit, wrong place"

Azzi tugged her away, barely holding back a laugh. "You're a natural, really"

Inside their actual suite, the view of the city stretched before them, lights twinkling in the distance. The suite was stunning—big windows, a sleek kitchen, a minibar stocked with weirdly expensive snacks, a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a balcony perfect for lounging.

Aubrey turned on the TV and was immediately met with an overly dramatic Spanish soap opera. The entire team stared at the screen as a woman slapped a man across the face, screaming something in rapid Spanish.

"This is already the best thing I’ve seen all trip," Nika declared, grabbing a seat.

"Yo, why are they all so stressed" Aaliyah added, squinting at the screen.

Aubrey rolled her eyes and reached for her phone. "I’d rather watch IG reels than watch someone dramatically fall down a staircase for five minutes."

"You have no culture," Paige sighed, shaking her head.

Azzi left for the bathroom as the team continued to bicker about whether or not the soap opera was a masterpiece. Paige stretched out on the bed, watching Azzi disappear with an amused smirk.

"That’s what I thought," she whispered to herself, her lips curving into a satisfied grin as she watched Azzi walk away, hips swaying just enough to make Paige rethink her definition of self-control.

The room had quieted after the flurry of activity, now just a soft hum of energy lingering in the air. Aubs, Lili and Nika had already finished getting ready and left the suite, leaving Azzi and Paige alone to finish their ''preparations''.

Azzi was still in front of the mirror, brushing through her tangled curls, the soft brush gliding through her hair as she pulled it into a messy bun. Her fingers worked carefully, but her mind wandered. She could feel Paige’s eyes on her even though she wasn’t looking. That feeling—warmth spreading over her skin—made her hands tremble slightly. Focus, Azzi, she told herself, but it was hard to ignore the way Paige’s presence made her pulse race.

The sound of the shower running stopped, and Paige finally emerged, the familiar scent of her body wash trailing in her wake. Her hair was still damp, a towel wrapped around her waist. Azzi caught herself staring for a moment, her eyes flicking quickly to the floor. Get it together, she thought, but her heart was already beating faster.

As Paige crossed the room, Azzi didn’t even notice she’d gotten so close until she felt warm breath on her neck.

Paige’s lips brushed her skin in a slow, lingering kiss. “You look too damn good right now,” she whispered, voice low and teasing. Azzi gasped, a soft tremor running through her body. She froze, brushing the thoughts of the outfit aside.

“Paige,” she whispered sharply, but there was no heat in her voice—just the familiar mix of teasing and slight panic. “Stop, we don’t have much time.”

Paige only smirked, her lips barely grazing the side of Azzi’s neck before she leaned in further. “I know, but you make it hard not to want to do…this.” She took her time, as though savoring every moment, letting Azzi feel every inch of her teasing touch.

Azzi let out a small laugh, but it was breathy, uncertain. Why does she always do this to me? she thought, pushing herself to turn around, her eyes locking with Paige’s.

Before she could react, Paige swept her into her arms with surprising ease, lifting her by the ass and dropping her onto the bed with a light thud. Azzi’s breath hitched, an involuntary laugh escaping her lips as she landed in Paige’s lap.

“See? Told you. You make this whole getting ready thing impossible,” Paige teased, her lips brushing against Azzi’s ear as she whispered something so cheesy it made Azzi roll her eyes.

“I swear, Paige,” Azzi said, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. “We need to wait until after dinner, we can't do this right now” she added with a playful tone, though her voice faltered slightly.

Paige grinned, but reluctantly pulled away. “Okay beautiful, I'll be patient.” she said, but the mischief in her eyes told Azzi it wouldn’t last long.

As Azzi stood up, Paige’s hand landed on her ass with a playful smack that made Azzi jump slightly. She turned back to face Paige, feigning shock. “Really?”

“Uh-huh,” Paige answered with a shrug, her smirk only growing. “What? You like it.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, turning back to pick her outfit for the evening. She chose a silk, creamy white skirt that fell elegantly to her ankles. The fabric shimmered in the light, giving off a luxurious feel. She paired it with a corset-style crop top that showcased just the right amount of skin. The back of the top revealed her smooth, athletic back, making her feel bold and confident as she slipped into the black sandals.

But Paige—being, well, Paige—wasn’t going to let it slide that easily. She crossed the room to Azzi, unable to resist. Before Azzi even realized what was happening, Paige kissed her deeply, pulling her in with the force of a storm. Azzi melted into the kiss, a sigh escaping her lips as she felt herself become weak under the heat of it.

Azzi pulled back, breathless but smirking. “You need to get dressed too,” she said, though her voice was softer, filled with something Azzi didn’t quite know how to name.

Paige pouted dramatically. “Can’t I just wear my bathrobe?” she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Azzi raised an eyebrow, trying to mask the sudden flurry of emotions. “Hurry up, Paige,” she said, voice just a little breathy, but not enough to give herself away.

Paige sighed, but eventually grabbed her clothes. She slipped on a soft, creamy white knitted button-up and matching shorts that looked effortless but still cute. Her white sneakers completed the look, and Azzi couldn’t help but stare, her gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary. Focus, Azzi, she reminded herself, but it didn’t seem to work.

“Do you like?” Paige asked, noticing the way Azzi’s eyes had gone soft.

Azzi didn’t answer immediately. Her heart beat harder in her chest, and she bit her lip, trying to hide the way her body was betraying her. “Yeah,” she said, though her voice was barely above a whisper. She turned away to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks, but it didn’t work.

Paige grinned, but then she did something Azzi wasn’t expecting. She picked up the infinity necklace she’d given Azzi and placed it gently in her hands. “Put this on,” Paige said quietly.

Azzi hesitated, but then she nodded, feeling the warmth of Paige’s hands still on the necklace before she moved to sit on the stool. She could feel Paige’s eyes on her, and her skin tingled. As she put the necklace on, Paige spritzed some cologne into the air, the scent filling the room as she headed to the bathroom.

When Paige returned, she caught sight of Azzi wearing the necklace, her eyes softening. “You look beautiful,” she whispered, her voice low and sincere.

Azzi smiled shyly, her heart fluttering at the words. But then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she teased, “Now, put on some rings.”

Paige groaned dramatically but indulged her, slipping the silver rings onto her fingers. Azzi, without saying a word, took her hand and started playing with Paige’s fingers. The soft touch sent shivers up Paige’s spine, and she found herself struggling to keep her cool. Focus. Just a few more minutes.

Azzi stopped playing with Paige’s fingers and eyed them for a moment. “You’ve been biting your nails again, haven’t you?” she asked knowingly, her tone light but playful.

Paige froze, not expecting Azzi to notice. “Uh, stress,” she muttered quickly, but Azzi was having none of it.

After a moment of quiet, Azzi’s lips curled into a smile. She kissed Paige’s cheek lightly, her touch almost making Paige forget what they were doing. “We need to hurry,” Azzi said, the softness of her voice sending a shiver through Paige’s body.

As they finally got ready to leave, the playful tension between them felt like it was about to boil over. Azzi was already heading toward the door when Paige reached out and grabbed her arm, halting her in place.

“Wait,” Paige said, her tone mischievous. Azzi raised an eyebrow, confused.

Paige glanced over her shoulder at a group of teenage boys standing just behind them. “You’re not going in yet,” she said, almost too seriously for how playful she was trying to sound. “Let them go first.”

Azzi blinked, still not fully understanding. “What’s wrong?” she asked, turning back to the boys who were oblivious to the conversation.

Paige leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Trust me,” she said. “I don’t want them looking at you like that.”

Azzi’s heart skipped, and she could feel the warmth spread across her face. She tried to laugh it off. “You’re such a dork,” she said affectionately, though the flutter in her stomach gave her away.

Paige puffed out her chest like a dramatic superhero. “What? I got my spidey senses”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, Spiderman, I’ll let you do your thing,” she said, stepping back to let the boys take the elevator first.

As the elevator doors opened and the boys filed in, Paige turned to Azzi, her grin wide and devilish. “Besides,” she said, her voice teasing, “it’s just a good excuse to be this close to you.”

Azzi’s heart skipped a beat. She loved how Paige could always turn any situation into something playful. “You’re so cheesy,” Azzi said, but her smile said everything Paige needed to hear.

As Azzi stepped inside, she felt the weight of Paige’s eyes on her, burning through every exposed inch of skin like a slow, deliberate caress. A blush crept across her cheeks, but she didn’t shy away. Instead, she lifted her chin, a slow smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched Paige—who was, quite literally, devouring her with her gaze.

Paige let out a low whistle, dragging her eyes over Azzi’s outfit, lingering shamelessly on the sloping curve of her back, the delicate dip of her waist, the way her silk skirt clung just enough before flowing down. She bit her lip, tilting her head as if she were truly contemplating something profound.

“You're sweet,” Paige said, grinning wide, but her voice had that low, rough edge that made Azzi’s stomach tighten.

Azzi hummed, stepping into Paige’s space, close enough that their noses brushed, her smile widening when she felt Paige suck in a quiet breath. Their eye contact was molten—charged, teasing, but something softer lingered underneath it, something that made Azzi feel like she was being seen in a way no one else had ever managed before.

Paige’s fingers found their way to Azzi’s sides, rubbing small, slow circles, her touch feather-light but sending a ripple of heat up Azzi’s spine. She leaned in further, breath warm against Azzi’s cheek, her voice turning into something that dripped sin.

"And so sexy."

Her hands slipped lower, barely grazing the soft fabric of Azzi’s skirt.

"Completely hot for me."

Azzi bit her lip, eyes half-lidded as she tilted her head just slightly, watching the way Paige’s gaze flickered from her lips to her throat and back up again.

"Oh, and did I forget to mention that you're sexy?" Paige murmured, her grin sharp, predatory.

Azzi, already feeling the warmth bloom over her skin, turned around just to glare at her—but the playful smile tugging at her lips gave her away. "You're so self-assured, it's almost too cute."

Paige smirked, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “Oh, I know. I get that a lot.” She winked, sauntering after Azzi into the elevator like she hadn’t just made the temperature in the room rise ten degrees.

Azzi shook her head, trying to compose herself, but it was impossible—not when Paige followed her inside and casually leaned against the elevator wall like she hadn’t just spent the past two minutes lighting her on fire. The doors slid shut, and suddenly, it was just the two of them, the soft hum of the elevator the only thing breaking the thick silence between them.

Paige sidled closer, their shoulders brushing. Her fingers found their way to Azzi’s waist again, this time pressing with just a little more intention. “Seriously though,” she murmured, her voice still teasing but tinged with something deeper, “how do you manage to make a simple silk skirt look like it belongs on a runway?”

Azzi let out a soft laugh, rolling her eyes. “It’s called having good taste.” She tried to sound unaffected, but her pulse betrayed her, hammering against her ribs.

Paige raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. “Oh, so it’s not because you’re a goddess in disguise?” She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Guess I’ll have to start calling you ‘Divine.’”

Azzi snorted, covering her mouth in a failed attempt to hide her laughter. “Did KK tell you to say that one?”

Paige grinned. “Maybe”

And then Paige did something—something that shattered the teasing, the pretense, the space between them. She lifted a hand, brushing a loose curl away from Azzi’s face, her touch slow, deliberate. Her fingers lingered just beneath Azzi’s ear, tilting her chin up slightly. The moment stretched, the air in the elevator crackling, until Paige finally leaned in and kissed her.

It was soft at first—just a press of lips, the kind that whispered a thousand unsaid things. But then Azzi made a small, breathless sound, and Paige deepened it instantly, her hand slipping to cup the back of Azzi’s neck, fingers tangling in her hair. Azzi melted into her, her hands fisting the fabric of Paige’s shirt, pulling her in. Paige tasted like warmth and something faintly sweet, and Azzi swore she could feel her smirk against her lips when Paige bit down, just enough to make her shiver.

The elevator dinged, snapping them out of their daze, but neither of them moved for a second. Paige’s lips hovered over Azzi’s, her breath a little uneven, her pupils blown wide.

“Well, damn,” Paige finally murmured, looking dazed and way too pleased with herself. “That was… something.”

Azzi swallowed, trying to collect herself. “Shut up,” she muttered, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.

The doors slid open, and before they could step out, a familiar voice cut through the moment.

“Look who’s finally here,” Aubrey called, arms crossed, her signature smirk firmly in place. “Took you long enough.”

Azzi groaned, covering her face with one hand. “We were just waiting for the elevator to clear out.”

Paige, still high off the moment, turned to Aubrey with a cocky grin. “Yeah, we were just being… considerate.” She waggled her eyebrows, crossing her arms like a proud little peacock. “Didn’t want to make a scene.”

Aubrey arched a brow, unimpressed. “Uh-huh, sure.”

Paige took Azzi’s hand, lacing their fingers together before tugging her toward the waiting Uber. As they climbed into the car, Paige greeted the driver with an over-exaggerated Spanish accent that made Azzi close her eyes and let out a deep, suffering sigh.

“Por favor, Paige,” Azzi muttered under her breath, covering her face.

Paige just laughed, reaching over to squeeze Azzi’s thigh. “What? I’m trying, okay?”

Azzi huffed but couldn’t hide her smile. “Better not talk the rest of the ride.”

Paige leaned in, voice dropping into a lower, silkier tone. “Oh, I’ll be quiet.” Her fingers trailed absently over Azzi’s knee, up her thigh. “But just so you know, I’ll be thinking very loud things.”

Azzi exhaled slowly, turning to look at her, meeting her gaze with something equally unreadable and heated. “Be patient,” she murmured, her voice smooth and full of promise.

Paige’s eyes darkened, her grip tightening just slightly.

As the Uber pulled away, the air between them remained thick with anticipation, every small touch and glance charged with what was to come.

--

As the Uber ride came to a close, the atmosphere inside the car felt strangely calm, but also electric, as if both Paige and Azzi knew something was brewing. Paige fidgeted in her seat, trying to come up with something clever to say. Her failed attempt to thank the driver in Spanish was met with an awkward chuckle from Azzi, who was doing her best to hide her grin.

“Uh, gracias mucho?” Paige said, her accent more like a bad impersonation than anything else.

Azzi couldn’t help but laugh, her voice dripping with amusement. "You are so bad at this."

The driver smiled kindly, barely suppressing his own laughter. "De nada."

Azzi grabbed Paige’s hand, tugging her out of the car. The touch was casual, but the way her fingers lingered against Paige’s palm sent a slow burn through her veins. "Come on, let’s get inside before you offend anyone else," she muttered under her breath, still laughing at Paige's Spanish mishap.

As they approached the entrance of the restaurant, Aubrey was already waiting outside, her black jacket gleaming under the streetlights. She turned, giving them a once-over with a smirk plastered on her face. “Took you two long enough. What were you doing? Making out in the backseat?”

Paige rolled her eyes, but Azzi just shook her head, a soft blush creeping up her neck. She squeezed Paige’s hand again, tighter this time, almost like a warning. "We were just…talking," Azzi said, her voice soft but amused.

Talking. Sure.

They turned toward the restaurant, a fancy Argentinian place with grand windows that let the soft glow of golden light spill out onto the sidewalk. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of sizzling meat and spices, the rhythm of tango music humming faintly in the background. It was romantic, charged, the kind of place where secrets slipped out between sips of red wine and stolen glances.

Inside, the restaurant felt like something out of a film. The dark wood of the furniture contrasted with the warm, amber lighting, creating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. Chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, their crystals reflecting the soft light and casting delicate patterns on the polished floors. The low murmur of conversation filled the space, punctuated by laughter, by the clinking of silverware against fine china.

Azzi adjusted the hem of her skirt, the smooth fabric hugging her hips in a way that made Paige's breath hitch. The movement was subtle, but deliberate, as if she knew exactly what she was doing. Her toned legs caught the light with every step, the bold brown lip color enhancing the sharp cut of her cheekbones. Paige wanted to look away, should have looked away, but she couldn’t. Especially not when Azzi turned, her eyes meeting Paige’s with that quiet, knowing smile that always managed to unravel her from the inside out.

Paige, in contrast, had a more laid-back look, but she still exuded an effortless sexiness. The cream-colored button-up she wore was unbuttoned just enough to hint at the toned muscle beneath, the knitted white shorts showing off her powerful thighs. There was something unfair about how easily she carried herself—relaxed, confident, like she had nothing to prove, even when she was actively unraveling Azzi with just her presence.

As they walked up to the long table where the rest of the team sat, Caroline glanced up from her phone, her expression unreadable before she smirked. A knowing smirk. Ayanna and Ice were caught up in conversation, but Aubrey? Aubrey was watching them like a hawk, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

At the end of the table sat Geno and CD. Geno, always impatient, already had a menu in his hand, looking mildly annoyed, while CD casually flipped through the wine list. As soon as they approached, Geno couldn’t resist commenting.

“Nice of you two to join us,” he said dryly, his voice laced with sarcasm. “I was starting to think you got lost on the way.”

Paige, still feeling the heat of Azzi’s lingering touches, just rolled her eyes. "Paige did. Her Spanish skills almost started an international crisis,” Azzi quipped, settling into her seat with a smirk.

CD snorted, clearly not surprised. “I believe that.”

Dinner was a blur of teasing and laughter, but underneath it all, there was something else. Something simmering just beneath the surface. Paige felt it every time Azzi brushed her fingers against her wrist, every time her leg pressed a little too firmly against hers under the table. And then there was the way Azzi watched her—like she knew Paige was squirming, like she was enjoying it.

Paige shot Azzi a playful glare but couldn’t help laughing. "Hey! I was trying," she protested.

“And yet, the effort is still embarrassing,” Aubrey chimed in, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

The team settled into their seats, and the ordering chaos began. Aaliyah, being vegetarian, carefully asked the waiter about meat-free options, which led to a bit of confusion. Ice stared at the menu with the focus of someone trying to decode an ancient manuscript, squinting at the options. Nika had an unintentional disaster with her attempt at Spanish, accidentally ordering a completely different dish than intended, much to her embarrassment. Paige’s attempt was so bad the waiter just blinked at her in confusion, causing everyone at the table to erupt into laughter.

Azzi sighed, her voice dripping with affection. “She’ll have what I’m having. And two Shirley Temples.”

Paige grinned, nudging Azzi’s leg under the table, her touch lingering. “That’s my girl,” she murmured, voice low, teasing.

Azzi rolled her eyes but didn’t fight the smile tugging at her lips. "I don’t know why I bother with you sometimes."

Paige smirked, shifting slightly so her knee pressed firmly against Azzi’s. "Because you love me," she whispered, her lips barely moving, but the words sent a slow burn straight to Azzi’s stomach.

As they waited for their food, the conversation continued flowing with ease. Nika teased Paige relentlessly about her failed Spanish, Caroline gossiped about a recent WNBA trade rumor, and Ice shared a ridiculous story about someone (probably Paige) tripping over their own feet during practice. Aubrey chimed in with a dramatic reenactment, complete with exaggerated gestures, making everyone laugh.

Then, unexpectedly, a small boy approached Azzi shyly, holding out his phone. "Excuse me, are you Azzi Fudd? Can I get a picture?"

Azzi smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she crouched down to meet the boy’s gaze. “Of course!” she said, her voice gentle, her presence radiating kindness.

Before she could stand back up, Paige slid into the frame, grinning. "Can I be in it too?" she asked, her voice playful.

The boy nodded, and a quick photo was snapped. As soon as it was over, the boy ran off without a word. Paige couldn’t help but pout. "Wow. Guess I’m just a background character now."

Azzi laughed, her fingers trailing up Paige’s thigh under the table, her touch slow, deliberate. Paige’s breath hitched, her grin faltering just slightly. "Don’t worry," Azzi murmured, her voice velvety smooth, "You’re still my main character."

When the food arrived, the table quieted for a moment as everyone dug in. The team made a half-hearted attempt to thank the waiters in Spanish, though Paige’s attempt this time was miraculously correct, earning a proud nod from Azzi.

But Paige barely tasted her food, too focused on the way Azzi kept touching her—her fingers brushing against Paige’s wrist, her nails dragging lazily along the seam of Paige’s shorts, the way her lips curved into a smirk every time Paige shifted in her seat. It was intoxicating, the heat building between them with every glance, every accidental brush of skin.

Azzi leaned in, her lips just a breath away from Paige’s ear. “You’re squirming.”

Paige exhaled sharply, trying to act unaffected, but her voice came out just a little too breathless. “You’re playing dirty.”

Azzi tilted her head slightly, her cheek brushing against Paige’s, her voice nothing but a whisper. “And you love it.”

Paige swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around her fork. She did love it. And Azzi knew it. She always did.

Paige leaned in close, her breath warm against Azzi’s ear, voice low and dripping with intent. “Meet me in the bathroom. Now.”

Azzi didn’t respond right away. She didn’t have to. The look in Paige’s eyes was enough to make her stomach flip, her skin prickle with anticipation. She took a slow sip of her drink, waiting for the perfect moment before casually pushing back her chair. She didn’t need to look to know Paige was already walking ahead, the confident sway of her hips an unspoken command.

Inside the dimly lit restroom, Paige leaned against the counter, fingers tapping idly against the cool marble. The mirror reflected the flicker of mischief in her darkened gaze as she watched Azzi step in and quietly shut the door behind her.

“Took you long enough,” Paige murmured, voice thick with something deeper, something dangerous.

Azzi barely had a second to react before Paige grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into the nearest stall, locking the door with a sharp click. Their mouths collided, all heat and urgency, lips parting instantly as Paige backed Azzi up against the stall door. Azzi gasped into the kiss, fingers digging into Paige’s biceps as she felt the solid strength beneath her shirt. Paige’s hands were everywhere—gripping her hips, sliding up the curve of her waist, teasing just under the hem of her top before skimming over bare skin.

Azzi’s curls tumbled free as Paige yanked her hair tie loose, fingers threading through the soft, unruly strands. “God,” Paige murmured against her lips, voice breathless, reverent. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

Azzi smirked, despite the racing of her heart. “Oh, I think I have some idea.”

Paige groaned, her teeth catching Azzi’s bottom lip as she trailed open-mouthed kisses down her jaw. She pressed in closer, her knee slipping between Azzi’s thighs, the heat of her body sending a shiver down Azzi’s spine.

“You wore this just to torture me, didn’t you?” Paige whispered, lips brushing over the pulse thrumming wildly in Azzi’s throat.

Azzi exhaled sharply, nails dragging down Paige’s back as she grinned. “And what if I did?”

Paige’s grip tightened, hands sliding lower, fingers ghosting over the waistband of Azzi’s skirt. The teasing was excruciating, deliberate, every touch designed to make Azzi squirm. Her breathing hitched as Paige’s hands inched further, knuckles grazing her bare skin.

Azzi’s voice was low, commanding. “Take your rings off.”

Paige hesitated for a fraction of a second, then obeyed. She turned to the tiny metal table beside them, her fingers gliding over the cool surface as she slid the rings off one by one. The absence of them made her touch softer, more intimate as she returned her hands to Azzi’s hips, pressing her firmly against the door.

Each kiss was deep, slow, lingering, sending a coil of heat twisting tighter in Azzi’s stomach. Paige was thorough, mapping out every sensitive spot with lips, tongue, and teeth until Azzi was barely holding onto the railing for support. Paige’s hands were bold now, fingertips dragging up the inside of Azzi’s thighs, teasing just at the edge of where she wanted her most. Azzi let out a quiet, desperate whimper, hips canting forward as Paige smirked against her skin.

“You’re already this worked up?” Paige teased, voice thick with satisfaction. She nipped at Azzi’s collarbone, tongue following the mark she left behind.

Azzi let out a shuddering breath, grabbing Paige’s wrist and guiding her exactly where she needed her. “Shut up and do something about it.”

Paige chuckled, a dark, wicked sound, before obliging, her fingers slipping beneath fabric, touch deliberate and slow. Azzi’s grip tightened on Paige’s shoulders, nails biting into skin as she struggled to stay quiet, her breath coming in short, needy gasps.

Then, just as Paige’s fingers pressed deeper, the bathroom door creaked open.

“You two in here?” Ice’s voice rang out, teasing, entirely unimpressed.

Paige stilled. Azzi squeezed her eyes shut, biting back a groan.

Paige was the first to recover, clearing her throat as she called out, “Yeah, just—uh, fixing Azzi’s skirt!”

A pause. Then Ice scoffed. “Right. Try not to traumatize anyone, please.”

Silence settled between them as they listened to the door swing shut.

Slowly, Azzi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Paige leaned back, a wicked grin tugging at her lips. “We’re really bad at this.”

Azzi smoothed down her skirt, cheeks flushed. “Yeah, no kidding.”

Paige reached for her rings, sliding them back onto her fingers—except one was missing.

Azzi twirled it between her fingers, slipping it onto her own hand before Paige could take it back.

Paige raised an eyebrow. “You stole one.”

Azzi’s lips curled into a smirk, holding up her hand. “You didn’t seem to mind.”

Paige exhaled a laugh, shaking her head as she traced a finger over the ring now snug on Azzi’s hand. “It’s cute, though,” she murmured, voice softer now.

Azzi looked up at her, something unspoken passing between them. She didn’t say anything—she didn’t have to. Instead, she took Paige’s hand and intertwined their fingers, the stolen ring cool against her own skin.

They took a moment to adjust their clothes, trying to smooth out any signs of what had just transpired, but the energy between them was undeniable. Paige washed her hands, glancing at Azzi in the mirror. Their eyes met, and the connection between them felt even stronger than before. Their touches were softer now, but no less intimate.

They exited the bathroom, moving back to the table with a newfound sense of confidence, but there was an undeniable buzz in the air between them. CD immediately gave Azzi a once-over, a skeptical look in her eyes. “You okay? You look out of breath.”

Azzi, her cheeks flushed but her voice steady, cleared her throat. “I—uh—got caught up… with the toilet?” she said, trying to cover up the obvious.

Caroline snorted, eyeing the ring on Azzi’s finger. “Did you go shopping in there?”

Azzi tried to explain, but no one bought it. The teasing began, and the night carried on with more laughter and banter.

As dinner wound down, Paige took out her phone, pretending to be serious. “I need to do my Duolingo lesson,” she announced with mock-urgency.

Azzi rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. “That’s really what’s on your mind right now?”

Paige nodded with a grin. “Gotta keep my streak alive.”

Before they left, Paige casually turned to Aubrey. “Oh, by the way, don’t go into our room tonight,” she said, her voice light, but there was an unspoken promise behind the words.

Azzi couldn’t help but smile at the hidden meaning, the night ending with a perfect blend of teasing and desire.

With a gentle thud, the door to their hotel room closed, and the air was heavy with a tension that neither of them was yet brave enough to confront but that they could both feel in their veins. Everything felt a bit too close, a bit too right, because of the heat that twisted beneath the skin.

Paige tossed the key card onto the nightstand with a lazy flick of her wrist, stretching her arms over her head just a bit too dramatically, her shirt riding up to reveal a sliver of her toned stomach. She knew exactly what she was doing—knew how to work the room, knew how to make Azzi’s mind race without even trying. Azzi stood by the door, biting her lip, eyes glued to Paige’s movement. It was almost unfair how easy it was for Paige to command attention, even when she wasn’t trying. Her shirt was wrinkled from dinner, unbuttoned just enough to make Azzi want to reach over and pull it off, fingers itching for the excuse. Her baggy shorts clung to her hips, the way she wore them not out of sloppiness but out of knowing exactly how good it looked. The sight made Azzi’s breath hitch—Paige had the ability to look casual and sexy all at once.

Azzi couldn't stop staring. She felt exposed, despite being fully clothed in her tight skirt that fit her like a second skin. She was acutely aware of every single inch of her body, the way the fabric hugged her curves, the way the strap of her top had slipped off her shoulder, just enough to hint at what was underneath. She hated how much it made her want to crawl into Paige’s space, kiss her senseless, and let the tension boil over.

Paige caught the glance, that flicker of something raw in Azzi’s eyes. She smirked, a predatory glint in her gaze. "You look like you have something on your mind." Her voice was teasing, but there was something deeper in it, something that sent a rush of heat straight to Azzi’s core.

Azzi’s response was a scoff, but it came out breathy, almost like a sigh. "You’re annoying."

Paige took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking, and for a moment, Azzi was frozen in place. “Yeah?” Paige’s voice dropped low, teasing. She reached out, fingers grazing the exposed skin of Azzi’s shoulder, deliberately slow, a soft caress that made Azzi’s heart skip. Her touch lingered, trailing down the curve of Azzi’s collarbone, and Azzi felt a shiver run down her spine.

“Then why are you staring at me like that?”

Azzi bit her lip, fighting the urge to respond to Paige’s challenge. The problem was that Paige was so damn good at getting under her skin, and Azzi had never been able to resist her. "I—" Azzi’s throat went dry, and she cursed herself for not being able to form a coherent sentence. It was as if Paige was a magnet and Azzi was the iron, and there was nothing she could do but pull closer.

Before Azzi could recover, Paige leaned in just a bit more, close enough that Azzi could feel the heat of her breath on her skin. The faint scent of Paige’s cologne, sweet and warm, filled her senses. It was intoxicating. And the worst part? It made Azzi want more.

“Cat got your tongue?” Paige murmured, lips barely grazing the shell of Azzi’s ear, her fingers now tracing the strap of Azzi’s top, teasing her with that soft, barely-there touch. Azzi's pulse quickened, her skin tightening under the contact. It was torture. Pure, delicious torture.

Azzi’s voice was barely a whisper when she managed to speak. “Shut up.”

Suddenly, Azzi was unable to handle it any longer. She grabbed Paige's shirt collar and pulled her closer, planting a forceful kiss on her lips that was anything but tender. It was frantic and ravenous, and although neither of them was yet ready to acknowledge their desires, they both knew exactly what they wanted.

Paige's breath quickened, her hands pulling Azzi closer, fingers slipping beneath the hem of her skirt. The heat between them was undeniable, each kiss igniting something deeper, something that felt like it could consume them whole.

Azzi’s hands gripped Paige's shoulders, her nails digging in slightly as she pressed her body against hers, eager, desperate for more. Every kiss was a new rush, a wave they couldn't stop riding.

Paige broke away, her lips brushing Azzi’s ear, her voice low, filled with raw sincerity. "I want to make you feel everything," she whispered, the words soft but charged, a promise that both thrilled and calmed her. "Let me show you how much you mean to me."

Azzi’s breath hitched, her eyes closing at the sound of Paige’s voice, so tender and unwavering. It was the trust, the way Paige made her feel seen, like she could let go and still be safe. Her heart beat faster, not just from the fire between them, but from the depth of what they were sharing.

With a quiet gasp, Azzi tugged Paige back into another kiss, her hands finding the back of Paige’s neck, pulling her closer as if she couldn't get enough. Paige’s touch was gentle yet insistent, moving with purpose as she let her hands roam, each touch sending a spark through Azzi’s veins.

With her fingers pushing into the waistband, Paige pulled back just enough to rip her skirt off before Azzi was able to argue, throwing it away as like it were nothing. Paige's voice was raw and full of yearning as she exclaimed, "God, you're so fucking hot." Before her lips touched the delicate flesh of Azzi's inner thigh, she spent no time in sitting between her legs and sending scorching, open-mouthed kisses down Azzi's body.

Azzi's body shook with anticipation as her breath caught. She would have gone crazy just from the sensation of Paige's kisses on her skin. She whimpered, her hands clutching the covers underneath her as her body pleaded for more. "Paige…please."

With a sly smile, Paige drew back just enough to meet Azzi's gaze. "You know what you want, don’t you?" Her eyes, black with hunger, deceived her, even though her voice was playful. The unexpected, wonderful pressure caused Azzi's back to arch off the bed as she moaned and flicked her tongue against her clit.

Azzi moaned, her voice shaking, "Fuck, don't stop." Paige didn't need any more encouragement. She sucked her clit into her mouth, her tongue working in a rhythm that made Azzi see stars. The pleasure was so great that Azzi had to bite her lip to keep from screaming.

As Azzi gasped, her body clenched around her as Paige inserted a finger inside her, just as she was about to lose control. Azzi begged, "I need… all of you" Azzi pleaded, her passion haze preventing her from speaking clearly.

Paige, as always, was too slow for Azzi’s liking, taking her time, teasing her, savoring every inch of Azzi. She pushed her finger in and out, her mouth never leaving Azzi’s clit, and Azzi’s hands shot out, gripping Paige’s hair, pushing her closer, desperate for more.

The pressure was building, her body trembling with need. Paige’s fingers worked in perfect time with her mouth, sending Azzi’s mind spiraling into a frenzy of sensation. '' Fuck, you’re gonna make me—” Azzi cut herself off, her voice a strained moan as she felt the pressure building in her stomach, like a tightening coil just about to snap.

Paige pulled back just enough to look up at Azzi, eyes dark and lust-filled. “C'mon, tell me what you want'' she demanded, her voice husky.

Azzi couldn’t speak, her chest heaving, her body already on the edge. Instead, she just nodded, her fingers tightening in Paige’s hair, pulling her back down. Paige grinned, knowing exactly what Azzi needed, and dove right back in.

And just when it felt like Azzi was going to lose herself completely, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Both of them froze, hearts pounding in their chests, breath ragged.

Another knock, louder this time.

“Hotel service,” a muffled voice called from the other side.

Azzi groaned, her head falling back against the door as she stared at Paige in disbelief. “Are you fucking kidding me”

Paige, despite the situation, let out a breathless laugh, clearly amused by the timing. "Is it breakfast already?"

Azzi, desperate to get her bearings, shoved Paige off her, both of them scrambling to compose themselves. Paige straightened out Azzi’s top with a wink. “Guess we’re gonna have to pick this up later.”

Azzi shot her a look, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and desire. “You’re impossible.”

Paige just grinned, unbothered. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but the flush on her face betrayed her. With a dramatic sigh, she walked over to the door, pulling it open.

The hotel worker, a middle-aged woman with a knowing smile, glanced between them, eyebrows raised in amusement. “¿Interrumpo algo?” she asked, her Argentinian accent thick, but the playful tone was unmistakable.

Azzi, still reeling from the moment, tried to shake her head. “No, uh, just—”

The worker raised an eyebrow, stepping in with a tray. “Ah, bueno. But you two, much tension. Like telenovela. Hehe.” She winked. “Cuidado, the walls thin.”

Paige, catching onto the joke, grinned like a cat that just ate the canary. “Oh, I like her.”

Azzi, mortified, covered her face with a pillow as the worker left with a chuckle. Paige, of course, couldn’t help but smirk. "Looks like we have an audience,"

Azzi shot her a glare, but it was hard to stay mad when her heart was still racing, her body still craving more.

“Shut up,” she muttered, throwing a pillow at her.

The bathroom door clicked shut, the sound lost in the heavy humidity that clung to the air, thick and warm like the quiet between them. Azzi stood in front of the mirror, her hands hesitating at the waistband of her skirt. She could feel Paige’s gaze behind her, that knowing stare that felt like it was pulling her skin taut, like she was being seen in a way she couldn’t quite escape.

When Azzi let the skirt slip from her body, it fell with a soft rustle, brushing against her legs before it hit the floor with a light thud. The air felt different now—charged, like a spark waiting to catch fire. Paige didn’t move right away, but Azzi could feel her presence, could sense how her breath had shifted, how the rhythm of it became heavier, deeper. Azzi wondered if Paige was counting down the seconds until she crossed that line they both had been dancing around for too long.

But then, without warning, Paige’s laughter broke through the silence. It was warm, easy, that signature laugh of hers that always managed to make Azzi’s heart flutter. “Really?” she teased, her voice low and playful, but Azzi heard the edge beneath it. She heard the way Paige was fighting back something more, something deeper.

Azzi smirked, her lips curling with that tiny bit of satisfaction she always felt when she managed to get under Paige’s skin. “Yeah, really,” she replied, the words softer than she intended, carrying a weight she wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

Before she could think too much about it, Paige was there, her hands settling on Azzi’s hips, grounding her in a way that made her knees weak. Azzi’s breath caught in her chest, the heat of Paige’s touch seeping through her thin shirt, searing her skin. Her body was suddenly aware of everything—every brush of Paige’s fingers, every second that stretched between them.

Azzi reached for the collar of Paige’s shirt, pulling her forward with a quiet force. Her breath was uneven, her chest rising and falling with each shallow inhale. She wanted to speak, wanted to say something to break the tension that was wrapping tighter around them with every passing second, but all she could do was let her fingers trace the outline of Paige’s jaw, the same jaw she had spent countless moments staring at, memorizing.

Paige didn’t say anything. Instead, she leaned in, her lips brushing just below Azzi’s ear, sending a wave of shivers down her spine. “You’re always making me clean up your messes,” Paige whispered, the words so casual, so teasing, but Azzi could hear the tension simmering beneath them. She could feel it in the way Paige’s fingers tightened at her waist, how she was barely holding herself back.

Azzi’s heart thumped louder, and she didn’t know whether it was the proximity or the pull of desire that had made it so hard to think. She leaned into Paige’s touch, their bodies aligning, feeling the soft press of Paige’s chest against her back, the warmth that wrapped around them both. She wanted to say something, but words felt like they would shatter the moment, so she kept quiet, her mouth curving into a half-smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Maybe you like it messy,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with unspoken meaning.

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their breathing, the space between them charged with something Azzi couldn’t name. She felt Paige’s gaze burning into her, felt the way it held her, a weight that made her feel both exposed and more herself than she’d ever been.

Paige’s hands slid from Azzi’s hips to her back, strong and certain, and before Azzi could say anything, she found herself being lifted effortlessly, her feet leaving the ground in one smooth motion. Paige’s touch was sure, and yet Azzi could feel the smallest hesitation in her, like she was waiting for Azzi to pull away, to stop her.

But Azzi didn’t pull away. She let herself be carried, letting Paige place her gently on the bathroom counter, the cold surface beneath her a sharp contrast to the heat that still lingered between them. Azzi felt a flush crawl up her neck, and when she looked up at Paige, there was something vulnerable in her expression, something that made her stomach tighten with an unfamiliar emotion.

Paige bent down slightly, her forehead grazing Azzi’s, and in that moment, Azzi could feel the unspoken words hanging between them. Paige was so close, close enough that Azzi could taste the faintest hint of her perfume, could feel the warm breath on her lips. “Careful, you’re going to break something,” Azzi whispered, teasing to break the tension, but even in her words, there was something deeper, something she couldn’t hide.

Paige’s lips twitched with a smile, and Azzi knew she was trying to hide the way her heart was racing, too. “Well, you should’ve picked somewhere taller,” Paige shot back, the laughter in her voice thick with affection, her fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Azzi’s face. It was tender, deliberate, like she was touching something fragile and precious.

Azzi closed her eyes for a second, letting the softness of Paige’s touch sink into her skin, feeling the slow burn of desire and affection roll through her all at once. She wasn’t sure what it was about Paige that always made her feel both more alive and more vulnerable, but she wasn’t sure she cared anymore.

Her fingers traced the edge of Paige’s shirt, the fabric soft under her touch. It felt like a promise—like something she couldn’t quite keep her hands off of. "I don’t mind being close to you,” Azzi said quietly, her voice steady but her heart beating louder than ever.

Paige leaned in, brushing a kiss across Azzi’s lips—gentle at first, a sweet connection that deepened as the seconds ticked by. There was nothing rushed about it.

Azzi’s hands moved quickly, pulling Paige’s shirt off in a single motion, her fingers working with ease, revealing the skin she had grown to adore. She took in the sight of Paige’s toned body, her gaze lingering on her abs with something like admiration, but also hunger—something deep and unspoken.

Paige’s breath hitched, her eyes flicking up to meet Azzi’s. “Eyes up, pretty'' she said, her voice a little breathier than usual.

Azzi smirked but nodded, her gaze meeting Paige’s. “I can’t help it,” she said quietly, voice full of softness but teasing too.

Paige’s heart thudded in her chest at the sound of Azzi’s voice. There was something so easy about being with her, but at the same time, it was more complex than any simple connection. It was deep, a pull that Paige couldn’t quite explain, and maybe didn’t want to.

They kissed again, slower this time, the heat between them growing with each passing second. Azzi shifted slightly, her ass resting on the counter, and Paige noticed how her panties were almost slipping off, a small detail that sent a wave of awareness through her. She couldn’t help but reach down, her hand brushing over Azzi’s hips with a gentleness that belied the storm building between them.

Azzi’s breath quickened, and a soft moan escaped her lips as she tilted her head back slightly, giving herself to Paige completely. The connection between them was undeniable, electric.

Paige couldn’t help but grin, her voice soft but deliberate. “You know, we came in here to shower, right?”

Azzi’s eyes fluttered open, and her face softened, almost frustrated. “I don’t want to. I need you, all of you. I need to feel you, Paige,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, but the emotion in it was raw and real.

Paige didn’t say anything. She simply lifted Azzi again, cradling her in her arms as she moved toward the shower. She could feel Azzi’s hands on her neck, gripping tightly, and her lips against her skin, but all she could think about was getting Azzi to relax, getting her to feel taken care of.

Once inside the shower, Paige lowered Azzi onto the stool, brushing her hands over her arms in a gentle, reassuring motion. “Want the stool?” Paige teased, her voice light. “Your knees must be sore from all that princess treatment.”

Azzi laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “I’m not complaining,” she said, her voice a mix of playful and vulnerable. “But yes, I’ll take it.”

Paige turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature carefully. Azzi moved to press the button herself, but the water shot out too hot, causing her to yelp and pull back.

“Ow,” Azzi muttered, but before Paige could react, she was already there, hands gentle but firm on Azzi’s shoulders. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you burn yourself,” Paige murmured, her voice full of concern.

“I’m fine, just a little… surprised,” Azzi laughed, trying to wave it off, but Paige could see the way her body tensed. She smiled, brushing Azzi’s damp hair away from her face.

“I’ll take care of you, okay?” Paige said softly, her hands running over Azzi’s back in soothing motions.

Azzi nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned into the touch. “I know.”

After grabbing the upscale shampoo with a vanilla aroma and warming it in her palms, Paige started rubbing it into Azzi's scalp. She moved slowly and deliberately, as though she had endless time to take care of her.

Azzi sighed deeply, her tension slowly melting away under Paige’s touch. “I love you” Azzi whispered, her voice soft and filled with gratitude.

Paige smiled, her lips brushing against the back of Azzi’s neck as she worked. “I’ll always take care of you, Azzi,” she murmured, her words quiet but firm.

Azzi’s fingers slowly ran through Paige’s hair, soft and slow, her hands tracing the curve of Paige’s face, feeling the warmth of her skin. They shared a smile, small but full of meaning, the silence between them comfortable and full of trust.

Paige moved to Azzi’s legs, her hands working in gentle motions as she massaged more shampoo into her skin. Azzi’s legs stretched out, her body slightly arching to give Paige more access, and Paige took a moment to admire how beautiful Azzi was, the way her body responded so naturally to her touch.

“Is this okay?” Paige asked softly, her voice careful as she moved closer to Azzi’s knees.

Azzi nodded, her lips curling into a small smile. “More than okay” she whispered.

Paige kissed her legs slowly, each motion filled with reverence and care, and when she reached Azzi’s knees, she worked with extra caution. Azzi’s eyes fluttered closed, and she kissed Paige’s knuckles in silent appreciation.

The moment was sweet, but also electric, filled with the quiet understanding between them. Paige was lost in the rhythm of it all, in the beauty of taking care of Azzi, and in the trust Azzi had placed in her.

Azzi pulled Paige in closer, a small bubble of laughter escaping as Paige blew some foam into her face, and they kissed again, soft and slow, letting the warmth of the shower and the connection between them take over.

The steam from the shower lingered in the air as Azzi stepped out, her skin glowing, droplets of water tracing down her shoulders, the curls of her damp hair framing her face in soft waves. She shivered slightly, stepping onto the bath mat, her bare feet pressing into the plush fabric as she glanced over at Paige. Azzi’s eyes, soft and full of warmth, met Paige’s gaze with a mischievous gleam.

“Should I shower you too?” Azzi asked, her voice light and teasing, but there was something deeper in her tone—an unspoken affection hidden beneath the playful words.

Paige, just finishing up rinsing herself, shot Azzi a grin over her shoulder. “It’s okay. Your knees are begging for a break,” she replied, her voice a soft tease as she stepped out from under the showerhead. She grabbed a towel, patting it across her face, then tossed it over her shoulder.

Azzi tilted her head, smiling warmly. “I could still do it,” she countered, her voice light but insistent. There was something about taking care of Paige that she just couldn’t shake.

Paige shook her head affectionately, wiping the water from her neck. “You’re always trying to take care of me,” she said, walking over to Azzi, wrapping her arms around her waist. “ I’ve always got you in first place. Even before Shirleys, and you know I don't play about those”

Azzi’s eyes softened at the mention of Shirley Temples, a drink they always shared during their late-night hangouts. “You really put me before Shirleys? I'm flattered” Azzi teased, her smile both playful and touched by the sentiment.

Paige chuckled, her lips brushing against Azzi’s hair as she lifted her effortlessly. “ Yeah. And if you don’t stop with the teasing, I might just prove it again,” she whispered, lifting Azzi into her arms, her muscles flexing as she did. Azzi’s laughter filled the air, soft and full of affection as she wrapped her arms around Paige’s neck.

“Paige, you’re way too strong for your own good,” Azzi said between soft giggles, resting her head on Paige’s shoulder as she was carried.

Paige flashed a grin, her heart thumping at the simple touch. “I’ve got all the strength for you, you know that,” she whispered back, carrying Azzi to the bathroom door. “Just give me a minute, okay?”

Azzi nodded, her hands lightly gripping the back of Paige’s neck as she was gently set on the bathroom counter. Paige then walked off, disappearing into the bedroom before returning with a fluffy towel in hand, the one that had Olaf’s face on it. It was a soft, plush white towel, the edges trimmed with a light blue that matched Paige's eyes, and the image of Olaf smiling widely at the corner of the towel made Azzi’s heart skip.

“Your Olaf towel again?” Azzi said teasingly, arching an eyebrow.

Paige gave her a look, rolling her eyes but with a smile. “Not mine, that's yours” she replied. “It’s cute.”

Azzi couldn’t help but smile, her affection for Paige making her chest tighten. She loved the silly little things about Paige—the way she never cared about how others might judge her, the way she loved without a care. It was these details that made Azzi’s heart feel so full. Paige carefully wrapped the towel around Azzi’s shoulders, her fingers lingering on Azzi’s skin, soft and deliberate, as if she was savoring every second of the touch.

Paige then began drying Azzi’s skin, her hands gentle as she moved the towel over Azzi’s arms, chest, and legs. She was so careful, her touch deliberate but affectionate. The warmth from the towel was comforting against Azzi’s cool, damp skin, and Paige made sure each movement was slow, almost reverent.

As her hands moved down Azzi’s arms, Paige paused for a second, leaning in to place a soft, lingering kiss on Azzi’s bare chest. Her lips were warm against the soft skin, and Azzi’s breath caught in her throat. Paige’s touch was always like this—careful, attentive, as if she was trying to memorize every curve, every line. The soft sound of the towel against Azzi’s skin was the only noise in the room, and Paige’s gaze was fixed, her eyes filled with admiration.

“You’re beautiful,” Paige whispered, not even realizing she said it aloud. But the words felt natural, like they were meant to be spoken, like they were true in every sense.

Azzi smiled at her, the blush that had crept onto her cheeks now feeling more like a warmth from within, rather than embarrassment. She could feel Paige’s hands as they continued drying her off, each move making her feel more at ease, more cared for. When Paige wrapped the towel tightly around her, ensuring she wouldn’t be cold, Azzi let out a small sigh of relief, feeling a bit lighter from the care she was receiving.

Paige then moved to get a stool for Azzi, placing it by the sink. “Here, this should help,” she said, gesturing to the small wooden stool that was just tall enough for Azzi to sit comfortably and dry her own hair. Azzi nodded, giving Paige a grateful smile before sitting on the stool.

“I’ve got my routine,” Azzi said with a wink, her voice soft but teasing, as she ran her fingers through her hair, untangling the curls.

Paige stepped away from her, heading toward the shower. She turned the water on, feeling the heat rush over her body, washing away the last remnants of the day. The water cascaded over her, steam rising around her as she let herself relax. Paige took her time, her fingers running through her own wet hair, shampooing and conditioning it slowly.

After a few minutes, she stepped out, grabbing her boxers from the drawer. They were a soft, faded navy blue, and they were a bit worn in the waistband. She tugged them on quickly, feeling the familiar, cozy fit against her skin before slipping into her plush, white robe. The robe had a soft, velvety texture, almost like the towel, and the sleeves were long and cozy, brushing over her hands as she adjusted it around her waist.

Paige walked back into the bathroom, noticing Azzi was still sitting on the stool, her damp hair now tangled in soft curls, her towel still loosely hanging around her shoulders.

“You’re killing me, Azzi,” Paige said with a grin, her eyes softening when she saw Azzi’s relaxed expression. “You know that?”

Azzi smirked but kept her gaze gentle. “I know, Paige,” she said softly, almost as if the teasing had taken a backseat to something more meaningful in the air between them.

Paige leaned down to kiss Azzi’s temple, the softest brush of lips against warm skin, and Azzi let out a small, content sigh. It was moments like this—soft, quiet moments—that made her heart swell.

Azzi then reached for her toothbrush, her eyes bright. “Can you put some toothpaste on for me?”

Paige smiled, her hands moving quickly to grab the tube of toothpaste. “Of course,” she said, squeezing the perfect amount onto Azzi’s brush. Azzi’s smile was soft, thankful, as she took the brush and began brushing her teeth. Paige did the same beside her, the two of them standing together, side by side, brushing their teeth in comfortable silence. The sound of the bristles against their teeth filled the air, but there was a peaceful stillness between them.

When they were finished, Azzi, ever the thoughtful one, looked over at Paige. “Can you put some lotion on me?”

Paige nodded, moving to grab the lavender-scented lotion from the counter. The creamy lotion smelled faintly of flowers and calm, and Paige warmed it in her hands before applying it slowly to Azzi’s skin. Azzi stood before her, her towel now dropping to the floor, the soft sound of the fabric brushing the tiles making Paige’s heart skip.

Paige’s hands moved carefully over Azzi’s body, starting from her lower legs, the soft pressure of her touch lingering as she worked the lotion into Azzi’s skin. She moved up slowly, her hands rubbing the lotion into her thighs with tender strokes, the scent of lavender filling the air as she kissed Azzi’s legs, each kiss soft and lingering, a quiet act of affection.

As Paige moved higher, she kissed Azzi’s stomach, placing a sloppy kiss over her belly button piercing. Azzi smiled at her, the playful teasing from before melting away in the heat of the moment. Paige chuckled softly. “You know, that piercing’s kind of cocky,” she teased, the words playful yet affectionate.

Azzi smirked. “It suits me,” she replied softly, her smile wide and full of warmth.

Paige finished applying the lotion, and Azzi stood before her, her body fully revealed, glowing in the soft bathroom light. Paige’s gaze lingered for a moment longer before she wrapped Azzi in a soft towel again, making sure she was warm. The moment hung between them, peaceful and full of affection.

The warm, dimly lit hotel room buzzed with the soft hum of the air conditioning, cooling off the heat of their hectic day. Paige and Azzi had finally settled into the cozy bed, the blankets tangled around them from the chaotic moments they’d shared. The air smelled faintly of lavender and fresh sheets, a calm contrast to the wild adventures they’d experienced together in the past few hours.

Azzi was propped up against the headboard, her dark curls tumbling over her shoulders, the light from the bedside lamp casting a soft glow on her skin. Her robe, the fluffy white one with tiny pastel pink flowers that Paige had gifted her, was draped around her like it always was when she was trying to relax. Azzi’s fingers absentmindedly played with the delicate tie of the robe, twirling it between her fingertips as her eyes focused on the balcony beyond the open window.

Paige, lying beside her, stretched out lazily, her fingers brushing against Azzi’s knee. The faintest smile played on her lips as she studied her. "You know," Paige started, her voice low and teasing, the mischievous glint in her eyes making it clear she was about to say something bold, "I could fuck you on that balcony."

Azzi rolled her eyes, clearly tired but with that sarcastic edge she always had. She let out a sigh, her voice a mix of exhaustion and amusement. "Sure, Paige, right after I finish climbing Mount Everest." She glanced at Paige, her lips curling into a half-smile. "Really thinking you can convince me after all this?"

Paige chuckled, the sound deep and rich, and flopped back onto the bed beside Azzi. She didn’t even wait for a response before sliding under the covers, dragging Azzi down with her. Azzi huffed but let herself be pulled, her body curling into Paige’s, resting her head on her chest. She reached up, tugging at the lapel of Paige’s robe, clearly needing something to distract her from the exhaustion that was slowly creeping in.

Paige, not one to ever miss an opportunity for affection, already had her hand slipping between Azzi’s legs, the soft touch of her fingers trailing dangerously close to where Azzi’s body had already started to warm up.

Azzi tensed instantly, swatting Paige’s hand away with a sigh. "Seriously, Paige?" she muttered under her breath, though her voice held no real anger—only the slight irritation that comes from being teased too much when you just wanted to rest.

Paige smiled to herself, slightly annoyed at the rejection, but still, the playful spark in her eyes didn’t fade. She gave up for now, lifting her hand to check her phone when it buzzed against the nightstand. Azzi, ever the curious one, reached for it before Paige could even react, grabbing the phone and handing it over with a soft chuckle.

Paige took it from her with a raised brow. “Ice,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I wonder what she wants now."

She opened the text from Ice, rolling her eyes as she read aloud, "The waiter found a ring on the bathroom floor. Figured it was yours."

Azzi snorted. "Of course it was. A ring? Really? That’s what they’re bothering you with?"

Paige, still amused, fired back a quick response. "Yeah, those are mine. Tell them to give them to Aubrey, please. I don’t need any more reminders of my less-than-classy behavior."

Azzi laughed at that, but Paige’s voice turned serious for a moment. "Seriously, though, they’re yours, Azzi. But let’s never talk about this again."

Before Azzi could say anything, Paige’s phone buzzed again. "Ugh, Ice again," Paige groaned, rolling her eyes. She opened the new message to find a teasing remark from Ice.

"Well, if you didn’t just leave your rings on the bathroom floor… honestly, I'm still mentally recovering from whatever happened in there. Sleep well, though."

Paige’s lips twitched into a smile, her fingers typing a reply with a smirk. "Go to sleep, Ice. You’re starting to sound like Kamorah"

Azzi, her head still resting on Paige’s chest, could barely contain her laughter at that, her eyes lighting up at the back-and-forth banter between Paige and her friend. But before she could comment, another buzz interrupted them. Paige glanced at the new message, her expression shifting to one of slight annoyance before softening into understanding.

"It’s Aubrey," she murmured, quickly reading the message aloud. "Aubrey wants to come in to grab her charger."

Azzi, still nestled on Paige’s chest, mumbled something unintelligible, clearly too tired to care about Aubrey’s arrival. Paige glanced down at her, brushing a strand of hair away from Azzi’s face as she typed her response to Aubrey. “Yeah, she can come in. We’re not doing anything.”

After a moment of silence, Azzi finally fell asleep, her breathing soft and steady. Paige watched her, her chest swelling with a mixture of pride and love as she gazed at the woman she’d spent so much time with. Her body was still, her chest rising and falling with every gentle breath. Paige smiled softly, taking her hand and kissing each knuckle lightly, the tenderness of the gesture almost making her heart ache.

Azzi shifted slightly in her sleep, her legs instinctively finding their way over Paige’s waist, making her body settle deeper into the bed. Paige shifted uncomfortably under the weight, but she didn’t mind. If Azzi was comfortable, so was she. She couldn’t help but admire the peaceful expression on Azzi’s face as she rested.

For a moment, Paige forgot about everything else, just letting herself enjoy this moment of quiet with Azzi. The world outside was distant—nothing mattered except the soft warmth of Azzi’s body pressed close to hers.

That’s when Paige remembered. Her Duolingo streak. She groaned inwardly. Azzi’s even breathing was almost lulling her to sleep, but Paige didn’t want to lose her streak. She grabbed her phone, trying not to disturb Azzi’s peaceful rest, and opened the Duolingo app.

Just as she started to focus on her lesson, Aubrey quietly entered the room, her soft footsteps barely making a sound on the carpet. She paused by the bed, glancing at Azzi, then at Paige. With a knowing smirk, Aubrey gave Paige a quick dap, clearly aware of what had transpired.

"I don’t wanna know what happened in the bathroom," Aubrey muttered, almost to herself. She handed Paige the ring that had been found earlier. "But here’s your ring. The waiter was pretty traumatized, by the way. Poor guy probably won’t ever look at another bathroom the same way again."

Paige could only laugh softly at Aubrey’s words, grateful that her friend was never one to judge. Aubrey grabbed her charger from the table, then turned to leave. As she headed for the door, she stopped short when she noticed something on the floor by the bed.

Aubrey’s eyes widened a little. "Uh, Paige… your girl’s bra is on the floor. Do you, uh… need to handle that?" she asked, her voice tinged with both amusement and confusion.

Paige, still half-laughing and half-dazed from everything, didn’t even move. Azzi’s body was sprawled over her, and she couldn’t shift without disturbing her. “Just leave it. I’ll get it later,” Paige said, grinning sheepishly.

Aubrey gave her a quick, knowing look, then turned to leave. "You two are lucky. Goodnight.'' She paused at the door and added, "By the way, don’t forget to take care of that ring situation."

When the door clicked shut behind her, Paige let out a deep breath, looking down at Azzi again. Her heart swelled, and she couldn’t help but think to herself how lucky she was. How blessed she felt to have Azzi in her life, someone she could grow with, love with, and share her life with.

After a moment, Paige reached for her devotional book from the nightstand. She flipped it open, finding a page titled Growing Together in Love. She read the scripture aloud quietly to herself, her voice soft and reflective.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Paige closed the book with a sigh, her heart full as she prayed silently, asking for strength in her relationship with Azzi, for guidance and growth as a couple. When she finished, she gently brushed another curl away from Azzi’s face, letting her fingers linger for just a moment longer than usual.

With one last look at Azzi, now softly curled into her, Paige turned off the light and closed her eyes, drifting into a peaceful sleep herself.

[citieskyes]

astro observations: Venus edition

I do $15-20 birth chart readings so message me if you want yours done <3

🌸 Aries Venus: Aries Venus’s are super passionate and romantic due to that fiery aspect of Aries. This can make them intense and enthusiastic. As such, they’re forward and quick with their approach to love. However; they’re constantly on the go. They need constant stimulation to be interested in someone. They want someone spontaneous who they can have a lot of fun with. If not, they get restless or bored. They get impatient quickly as they require constant adventure and excitement in their relationships in order to function.

🌸 Taurus Venus: Taurus Venus’s are ruled by the planet of love itself! As such, they can have an eye for aesthetics and beautiful things. However, they can be slow to open up at first. They prefer the slow and steady approach to love. As Taurus is a fixed sign, it takes Taurus Venus individuals a lot to truly get over someone they love. That’s where this fixed energy comes in. It’s troubling for them to move on from people and situations. Taurus’s Venus individuals are incredibly devoted and passionate. Above all, they value stability and security in their relationships.

🌸 Gemini Venus: As Gemini is ruled by the 3rd house of communications, these people prefer someone witty that they can banter with. As such, they require mental stimulation in order to stay interested. This is why they get the stereotype that they’re constantly on the go and are hard to commit. That’s not actually true; rather, they get bored if their relationships feel like a routine as they require excitement and variety. Gemini is an air sign so these people can be very flirty and social! People are drawn to their childlike charm and their charisma! With that being said, it is true that Gemini Venus’s can take a while to commit due to that restless air energy.

🌸 Cancer Venus: Cancer Venus’s are the sweethearts of the zodiac. Cancer Venus’s are in love with the idea of love. A lot of Cancer Venus’s are super maternal. In fact, they may want a lot of kids and a big family. They are very loving and devoted, but sometimes they get too infatuated with people and fall in love with the idea of them. They tend to have rose tinted glasses when it comes to love. Cancer Venus’s tend to be nostalgic and constantly yearn for the past, so it’s hard for them to move on from people. They never let go of people/situations because they try to see the good in everyone. As Cancer is ruled by the moon, Cancer Venus’s can feel the fluctuations of the moon when it comes to their personal relationships. They require partners who can adjust to their moodiness.

🌸Leo Venus: Leo Venus’s love dramatic acts of display when it comes to love. They want someone to scream their love for them from the top of the rooftops. They need constant praise and compliments to stay interested as they have high expectations. One of their main love languages can be gift giving as they’re super big on giving back. As Leo is ruled by the 5th house of love and art, Leo Venus’s have a playful and fun-loving approach to relationships. Since Leo is a fixed sign, Leo Venus’s can be possessive over their romantic partners. They want someone who is only about them. This makes them incredibly loyal and passionate. However, pride can become an issue in their partnerships.

🌸 Virgo Venus: Virgo Venus’s crave stability and reliability in love as Virgo is an earth sign. Due to the 6th house energy of Virgo, Virgo Venus’s can be perfectionists in love. This can make them hypercritical and can drive potential lovers away. However, these individuals are very slow to open up and can be reserved in love. This is why one of their love languages can be acts of service. They love giving back to the people they care about. They’d rather small acts of service than big gestures of grand love. They show their love through being thoughtful and caring.

🌸 Libra Venus: Libra Venus’s can be highly sociable and can get along with people from all walks of life. Due to the 7th house energy, Libra Venus’s are highly devoted and relationship oriented. They thrive when they have a partner who they can share their life with. As Libra is an air sign, these individuals are incredibly flirty and charming! They can attract a lot of people due to their romantic and charming nature. However, they may be people pleasers when it comes to maintaining their relationships, so they can come off as pushovers sometimes. This is because they strive for balance and peace in their partnerships. As Libra is ruled by Venus, these individuals may have a special eye for detail and aesthetics.

🌸Scorpio Venus: Scorpio Venus’s desire a passionate and transformative love. This placement screams “ride or die”, you are very protective over the people you love. Giving very much Bonnie and Clyde. As Scorpio is a fixed sign, it takes a very long time for these individuals to move on from past relationships. This Venus sign is prone to jealousy and obsession. This Venus sign can be overly possessive over their partners as they want to “own” them. Often told that they are too “intense”. They can be very seductive and magnetic individuals. Scorpio Venus’s crave intimacy and passion above all. They’re not into superficial relationships; that want something real and long lasting. When they fall for someone, it’s something deeply felt.

🌸 Sagittarius Venus: Sagittarius Venus’s approach love in a playful and fun manner. This is why they prefer their partners to be witty and humorous. They’re optimistic and joyful in love. Due to that 9th house energy, Sagittarius Venus individuals usually fall for those from different cultures and backgrounds. They’re incredibly open minded and prefer dating someone different to them in a way. However, they do get the stereotype that they’re “noncommittal”. This stems from the fact that they value their independence and can get restless if their relationship feels stagnant. They seek a partner who they can experience adventures with and grow together spiritually. Above all, they value their freedom and independence so they need a partner who is willing to accomodate that.

🌸 Capricorn Venus: Capricorn Venus’s can be slow to open up at first as they dislike showcasing their vulnerability. They are the most likely Venus sign to be private about their love affairs. This is due to their shy and reserved nature. As Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, these individuals may prefer traditional forms of relationships; or relationships that are stable and secure. One common trait of Capricorns is that they are practical, so Capricorn Venus’s take on that role as well. This is why acts of service is one of their main love languages. They like to show up for those they care about in practical ways. As Capricorn is an earth sign, these individuals are loyal and trustworthy. They value stability and responsibility in their relationships. They have no tolerance for flaky individuals.

🌸Aquarius Venus: Aquarius Venus’s are open minded above all. They are drawn to people from all walks of life. They prefer the friends-to-lovers trope. They’d rather get to know someone on a friend level than to just jump straight into a relationship. They fall for quirky individuals who are unique in a way. Aquarius is an air sign so they make take a while to open up, but it is a fixed sign after all, so they are still incredibly devoted when in love. Due to the airiness of Aquarius, these individuals value their freedom and independence in relationships. They dislike possessive and clingy partners as they really value their own space. This is why they get the stereotype that they’re emotionally detached, which is untrue of course.

🌸Pisces Venus: Pisces Venus individuals are the hopeless romantics of the zodiac. They can have rose tinted glasses when viewing their potential partners, which can lead to them being taken advantage of or hurt. Pisces Venus individuals spend a lot of time fantasising about their idealised version of love. Their head is always in the clouds! As such, they tend to ignore red flags in relationships as they’re too preoccupied with using fantasies as a form of escapism. They have the tendency to place the needs of others before theirs. Due to that 12h energy, Pisces Venus’s seek a spiritual connection with their partner. As such, they may be drawn to partners who have a similar belief system to them. As Pisces is a water sign, they can be very compassionate lovers! They have the ability to understand what’s going on underneath the surface and they are highly sensitive individuals.

[sillyandsensibleheart]

I am a writer.

Full stop.

I knew a lot about myself already, but until about a year ago, I did not know this critical aspect of my self. The most wonderful thing about being a writer, is that it needs no further qualification. I write, and therefore I AM a writer. A hard concept to grasp for someone who feels like an imposter in nearly everything they do.

Let me tell you how I got here:

Postpartum depression.

It is a strange thing. Hard to put into words if you haven't lived it, but so much changes when you have children. Even when you love them with all your heart, there is a part of you that has to be put aside for your children. I would do it a thousand times over , but it doesn't take away the grief and loneliness that comes along with it.

Those long, sleepless nights blended together as my son grew strong and happy, but still felt like such a shadow of who I was—active, adventurous and always on the move.

If you haven't had children, I can tell you that parenthood is slow. And I mean-- very slow. And most especially in the beginning.

Those first months, I felt so trapped. Bored and stale. I was colorless entity, slave to the wonderful sunbeam I had created.

Just a big, fat, bland mom.

Then, out of the blue a story hit me. A fan fiction idea, to be exact.

But I told the idea that I wasn't the right person. I wasn't a writer after all and I didn't know the first thing about how to craft a story.

But, the idea was persistent.

This stupid little thing didn't care that I was in shambles. It just kept showing up, and telling me about itself—as if I had the time, energy or patience to hear it.

"you're the only person who knows me." it whispered, as I rocked my baby in the middle of those long sleepless nights.

So at last, tired and messy as I was, I began to write.

Here and there, and on my phone at first as I was holding my fussing baby with my other hand-- but I wrote, nonetheless.

Some nine months later, Ive just crossed 100k words, and this idea is now 80% complete. I am prouder than I can even express because even if it is terrible, it is mine.

And I realized that In the end it was more than just an idea. It was that lost piece of me,trying desperately, to be seen.

To be me.

So, I'm just here to say-- you are always the right person to tell your story. And it really isn’t about how good it is, because the truth is, we write for us because—writing is us.

Anyway-- if you’re interested, here's a summary of that story:

After accidentally overhearing a conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Charolette Lucas at the Netherfield ball, Darcy is forced to admit that he has made an embarrassing misjudgment. Elizabeth Bennet detests him. The trouble is, she might be the very person he needs most to help his sister out of her depression. Darcy must overcome his pride to ask a woman who does not even LIKE him to befriend his lonely sister, while Elizabeth must open her heart to a young woman in need.

Darcy and Elizabeth learn to know each other in broken pieces through letters sent to a mutually beloved girl.

Elizabeth Bennett and Georgiana Darcy become 'pen pals'.

Link to that story:

PC: Kilmit Sonian

[marlowetudor]

The Maze & the Minotaur

Male Minotaur x female reader

Spice Level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️- Picante

Word Count: 1740

“This is what you signed up for,” you reminded yourself as you darted around another corner. The travel brochure had promised an “authentic Greek myth experience” when you booked the day trip to see the newly discovered labyrinth beneath the palace at Knossos. Your friends had begged off, claiming the “high adventure package,” which boasted a run through the maze while chased by an actual, live minotaur, was a bit too adventurous for them.

At first, the idea was thrilling. Ever since you'd read the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur in grade school, you’d been fascinated with the idea of being chased by one. Even after meeting the minotaur chasing you, a tall, handsome male named Andreas with soft, wet brown eyes, a warm smile, and acres of well-defined muscles, you were still excited for the chase. He chuckled when he told you that a surprisingly high number of human women opted for the high adventure package.

But, with your heart pounding louder in your ears than your feet on the stone floor of the maze, you were starting to think your friends may have been right. Every so often, a roar would come floating over the maze's walls, sending you into a fresh sprint. You knew one loose stone, one wrong turn, one pause in the wrong spot could mean being caught. And then, if he caught you, well, anything could happen.

It happened before you realized it. You had been running full bore down a straight-away that ended in a T-junction. You hadn’t realized how much speed you’d built up until you went around the corner and couldn’t slow down enough to make the turn safely. You slammed into the rock wall of the maze, bruising your shoulder and forearm hard enough to make you stop running. In the second it took for you to cradle your arm to your side, big arms closed around your torso from behind and lifted you off your feet. A rough palm closed over your mouth, cutting off the scream just as it was bubbling up from your throat.

“Gotcha!” came the deep, breathless voice at your ear. “You gave me quite the chase, sweet girl,” he murmured. You could feel the heat of his breath, cooling the sweat on your neck and brow.

“Damn,” you muttered. “I thought I was going to make it.” You wriggled in his arms, making him laugh.

“You almost did,” he said, tightening his grip. “But I think you deserve a consolation prize for that run.”  He set you down on your feet and spun you around to face him. “Would you like that, sweet girl?” You fought hard to keep your face neutral, even as the low embers of desire burning in your core since the start of your run leaped up to spread a delicious heat through you.

“What’s the prize?” you asked, looking him up and down. His long tongue ran out to lick his lips as he mimicked your lingering gaze.

“I think you know,” His eyes lingered on the valley between your breasts that led down into your sports bra. “Girls like you don’t sign up to be chased by a minotaur for our sparkling conversation,” he said.  

As if he needed help proving his point, his arms wrapped around you again, hoisting you off your feet. Your legs wrapped easily around his trim waist to settle your hips against his. “Besides,” he grunted, one large hand cupped your ass, supporting you, while the other slid up your ribs, roughly grabbing your breast. “I could smell how wet you were from almost ten meters away.”  It made you shift your hips, pressing your sex against him. There was no sense in hiding any longer. He could feel the squirming movements of your hips, seeking the length of his cock stiffening through the thin fabric of your running shorts. He ground up against you, making you whimper with need.

He kissed and licked along your neck until he reached your ear. “You want this cock, sweet girl?” he asked. “You want me to give you your prize?” You nodded, practically writhing against him.

“Say it,” he hissed against your ear. “Tell me how much you want it.” His big hand wrapped around your hips, pushing your wet cunt against his cock through the thin fabric that separated you.

“Please,” you moaned, barely above a whisper. He slid one hand down to explore the damp gusset between your thighs. His thick fingers prodded up and down along the seam of your pussy through the fabric.

“Louder, sweet girl. I want to hear you beg for what you want,” he groaned. You held on tightly to his neck with one arm while you pushed the fingers of your other hand into the curls at the nape of his neck. You kissed eagerly along his long jaw to his mouth, his tongue meeting and twining with yours.

“Please,” you whined between kisses. “Please fuck me.”

He chuckled, tasting your mouth with his tongue. He dug his thick fingers into the fabric of your shorts, pressing hard on your throbbing clit before releasing his hold. You slithered down his body with a frustrated whine as he guided you to your knees with gentle pressure.

“First, you’re going to taste my cock,” he said. His hand undid the clasp holding his loincloth up and let it flutter to the floor. Though the light in the maze was dim, you could still clearly see the girthy length of his erection as it bounced free. Without having to be told, you nuzzled against the base of it, licking over his heavy balls as you made your way up toward the tip. Taking all of him in your mouth was out of the question. He was too thick. Too long. But you could certainly squeeze and lick and suck as much as you could manage. You could run your tongue along his weeping slit, lapping up the sticky beads of precum. You loved hearing him groan, feeling his fingers wrap around your ponytail to guide your head where he wanted it as you tried to fit him into your mouth.

He pulled your head back, pulling your mouth off the head of his cock with a lewd pop. In seconds, he pushed you down onto your back, yanking your sports bra over your head, nearly tearing your shorts as he ripped them down off your hips. His long, thick finger ran between the sopping wet lips of your cunt to gather some of your slick and rub it over your clit. Your hips bucked upward, following his hand as he teased you open for him.

“I think you’re ready for my cock, sweet little human,” he said, pulling you up into his lap. You could only nod as you looped your arms around his neck again. He guided your shaky legs around his hips with one hand while he dragged the thick head of his cock over your sensitive little bud. You thrust against him, trying to coax him to your entrance.

The stretch of him as his cock pushed into you was incredible. You’d heard people talk about being split in half but had never really appreciated what it meant. He tried to hold you up, to let you sink slowly down onto him and adjust to his girth, but the feeling of him filling you was too much to resist. You pushed down with a guttural moan until he was fully rooted deep within you.  

He let you rest for a few moments, holding you still with both hands on your hips. You felt so satisfyingly full that you could hardly feel yourself twitching and clenching around him, but he definitely could, if his breathy little moans were any indication. Slowly, he lifted you up by your hips, savoring the desperate moan you made before he let gravity drag you back down. He tilted you back as you rode him to watch himself disappear into your tight folds, to watch the outline of his glans push against your abdomen each time he reached the end of your channel.

The rough pounding almost overwhelmed the tightening sensation that built in your gut with each velvet drag of him over every tender spot within you. But soon enough, as both of your moans grew louder, as he worked your body up and down on his long shaft, it became impossible to ignore the feeling of getting closer to the precipice. He must have been close, too. He roared again, pulling you down hard and bucking up into you at the same time. Your hand scrabbled across his taught, straining stomach, looking for any kind of purchase to hold onto as you tumbled over the edge into orgasm with him. His hands caught and cradled you, rocking with you as your clenching pussy milked load after heavy load from his cock.

At last, your tired muscles couldn’t hold you upright any longer, and he chuffed out a soft laugh as he bundled you down against his chest. “I take it back,” he muttered as he nuzzled against your sweaty brow. “I think you won, after all, sweet girl.”

You giggled, gently twisting your fingers in the longer fur that ran down between his clavicles like a downy cravat. “I think we both won,” you teased.

After a few moments, he helped you stand and handed you a towel, cleverly concealed within his discarded loincloth. “I’m not really supposed to do this,” he said, suddenly shy as he looked away to give you some privacy while you cleaned up. “I’m not supposed to do any of what we just did. A lot of the guys do, but...” He trailed off, shaking his large head.

“No, I would think railing the clients is probably frowned upon. Great customer service, though. Five stars,” you said, laughing with him as the two of you made your way toward the maze exit.

“Nooo,” he said, still chuckling. “Definitely not supposed to do that.” He ran one of his big hands through the curls that spilled down between his horns, over his brow. “I’m not supposed to do this either, but, uh,” he continued. If he hadn’t just screwed you within an inch of your life, you’d have sworn he was nervous.  “I’d like to see you again. Can I get your number?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments if you like longer fics like this, or if you prefer shorter ones!

[taystarotoverload]

WHO is your Future Spouse?

‼️WARNING‼️: some 18+ & looooottttssss of detail 😮‍💨

☆ this is JUST a general reading so take what resonates leave what doesn’t. we’re going to be diving into 9 different topics about details on who your future spouse is, and some extra little goodies at the end😉

☆ how to PICK A PILE: Breathe in deeply for 3 and out for 5. Meditate on each picture continuing this manual breathing. Ask spirit out loud or in your head “who is my future spouse” and meditate on it. You’ll hear a number or see a number pop into your head, or maybe you’ll feel drawn to a certain pile. whatever works for you go for it! if you’re new to pick a piles this may be difficult at first, but as you read and watch them more and more the process becomes much easier! 😊

☆ DECKS USED:

Tarot:

A.E. Waite Tarot (pile 1) Cat Tarot (pile 2) Wild Unknown (pile 3)

Oracle:

Fairy Wisdom Oracle, Wild Mystic, Romance Angels

☆ lastly thank you thank you to my guides and your guides for offering me and providing me the energy, knowledge, and guidance to do this reading. 🤍

PILE 1

your energy check in:

these are clarifying cards for you and your currently energy, this helps me connect to you further and also makes sure this reading is right for you! <3

the fool - the world - ace of wands - page of swords

so what i’m seeing is you’re 100% a leader. you also love going out, you love the outdoors, you love nature and seeing life for what it’s truly about. i see you’re somebody who doesn’t let the hardships of life run you down and ruin you. i see you’re somebody who is a go getter and isn’t afraid to be adventurous and courageous and step out of their comfort zone. you like being the person you are and you’re not going to let anyone stop you. i’m also seeing that right now you’re in a transition. your life is transforming alot right now, you might be given many job opportunities or travel opportunities and you’re just thinking “wow when did i get so lucky?” lol i’m also seeing that you ?recently? just got out of a really rocky situation or part of your life and this is why your energy is so bright and vibrant. i’m viewing you as the sun pile 1 you seem very extroverted at times. again with the leadership this is what is leading you towards these amazing opportunities. you’re a big helping hand to others and people appreciate you greatly.

oracle: Magic Frog

so even though pile 1 you seem very bright and good energy, you have a bad problem overworking yourself and giving yourself a hard time. i’m seeing that when it comes to your work and the time you spend creating these ideas and being a leader you never seem to put in time for yourself. it’s always “i need to do this i need to do that” spirit is asking you to just chill. that’s a cool way of putting it but relaxing is good for you. especially for right now i’m seeing you just need a nice hot bath, some oils, some wine (if you’re of age😉) and some slow gentle music. don’t be afraid to have fun and have a good time! you don’t have to live in an endless boring cycle where you feel like you’re going nowhere in life, because the universe has so much to offer!

other messages: childlike, green eyes, brown hair, olive skin, pisces, leo, taurus, aquarius, scorpio, white cloth, yellow, sun, golden retriever

Their Energy:

2 of swords - 5 of pentacles - the empress - page of pentacles

so basically this is very much opposite energy here lol. i’m seeing for you pile 1 your future spouse has been through a LOT. they have faced many battles and challenges physically and mentally. in the physical world i’m seeing that they have been perhaps stabbed in the back by people closest to them. or they were manipulated in some way? something to do with friendships here but im seeing that they are someone who has been through a lot. and they’re currently going through their own battles right now but it’s starting to cool down. they may be somebody you’d associate with the rain?? only cause i keep seeing like grey rain clouds and then like the calm after the storm type of thing. your future spouses energy is very introverted which is definitely opposite to yours, because even if you pile 1 are introverted they take the crown lol. they are somebody who doesn’t open up to people quickly and is very very protective of their energy. but do not be mistake because they aren’t weak in any way. they are very strong person. they don’t need your protection or others they know how to protect themselves when needed. they may be a little bit hard headed but it’s not big deal lol… i’m seeing that they are working towards a better future for themselves. they don’t want to stay stuck dwelling on the past but they can’t seem to help it sometimes. they are in dire need of shadow work lol. also off topic but y’all have similar energy in some ways. they’re a very creative person aswell and i was just getting that you could meet them through creative projects.. perhaps through work or some sort of activity. i’m also getting that their energy seems very feminine??? but take what resonated obvi!!

oracle: bubble rider

this is just confirming what i said previously. spirit wants to give your person a helping hand and a push of wisdom. they need to start thinking about themselves in the moment because they’re so worried and fixated on other people that they don’t make time for themselves!!! this is something that they really really need to work on and work through because life is going to throw challenges at them and they’re going to have to learn from it. the picture illustrates a girl looking defeated on a bubble and seems to be curled up towards herself. and this is your future spouse's energy. they need to just open up and be apart of the moment be apart of the world. they need to not be afraid of a little bit of challenge in their life because they will come out stronger.

other messages: feminine, wounded, trauma, fake friends, badass, blonde, curves, aries

your fav things abt your fs:

3 of cups: they are somebody who seems to love close relationships with friends and family. they cherish those close connections. i think when they become comfortable with you they open up a side of them you didn’t know existed. they are honestly a totally different person behind closed doors and it’s something you admire. especially how they treat their family and friends you’re just like ‘where have you been all my life?????’

6 of wands: even though your fs isn’t somebody who is really out there and super extroverted they have these really amazing creative ideas and projects that they bring into light and offer to whatever work they’re putting in. and im seeing that people around them are extremely grateful towards them for it because it offers a lot of things and opportunities for others and also benefits the project. this is something that you admire about them is that they’re just extremely intelligent in what they do.

the lovers: i’m seeing this person has a really good balance between feminine and masculine? like it's honestly pretty attractive to you because you’re like “wow i didn’t know it did that” type of energy haha

10 of cups: they’re very grateful for what people give to them and how they receive things. they aren’t somebody who is stuck up, and is childish in things that they want. i’m seeing that especially when it comes to you they’re very protective towards your emotions and feelings because they cherish you greatly. i see that this relationship will be very new to them or it will be different from what they’ve had in the past.

king of cups: wow okay they’re big on protecting. i'm not seeing overprotective but i’m just seeing that they’re very careful with you. like you’re very precious to them and they just never want to hurt you in any way. very black cat energy if i’m being totally honest haha

their fav things abt you:

knight of swords: so like i said earlier you’re go getters if you want something you’re going to get it and there is no stopping you. i’m seeing that you can be assertive and very blunt and they really like that about you. they really like that you don’t give up easily and can stick up for yourself.

7 of wands: again with the assertiveness. your leadership really shows up when it’s needed and you aren’t afraid of change and making change. you’re somebody who likes to bring facts to the table and defend yourself and what you believe in because to you, that’s what is right. your fs really does admire this about you, and it might influence them a little bit to be as strong and confident as you are. i’m seeing that you might be somebody who is big in being an activist and you really like change. maybe in the work place, your daily life, or just the world. it’s something that you strive to do.

ace of swords: when you are given an opportunity you will take it, but not before you sit and think about it. you aren’t the type to just go into an idea blind, you sit and analyze the outcome to things (this is where overworking could come into the picture) and your future spouse again is influenced by this and intrigued and it’s something they admire about you because in their eyes you’re strong.

ace of cups: you are somebody who is able to express lots of self love and practices self love. this is something you and your future spouse might even do together is practice self love. because again you don’t let the hardships of life run you over and ruin you, you get up and live.

the chariot: you’re probably a very spiritual person and if not spiritual it is something intrigues you. and this goes for any religion but it is something that you defend but also aren’t afraid to express and acknowledge. i think your future spouse could find this to be very educational and often asks you about and it’s something that you’re very willing to sit down and talk about. your interests are always extremely interesting to your fs.

their personality:

2 of wands - page of swords - queen of swords - 5 of cups - 3 of cups - 10 of cups

i’m just getting that this person has alot of love to give. like a lot. they might be really romantic or cheesy at times….?? so they are somebody who can very passionate about their interest and would want to tell you all about it. if they have a creative idea they want to be able to fulfill this desire and treat it in any way. i’m seeing that they’re not so much of a go getter like you, but they aren’t afraid to take action towards the things they want. i am seeing though that they don’t open up well and again are very protective of their energy’s. they aren’t quick to tell you what’s wrong with them and it may have to be something you ‘force’ out of them. sometimes they bottle up their feelings wayyyy too much you have to kind of show them the brighter side of things. i do see that they may struggle with mental health issues and this negatively effects them but it isn’t something that effects the relationship. they don’t let their mental health get in the way of the relationship, which is probably why you will probably have to poke them a little bit to hear what’s the matter lol. I really do feel like their weak spot IS family and friends though. this is probably the biggest influence to what they’ve dealt with in the past and so i’m seeing that close family and friends are deeply cherished and respected. they’re somebody who can have a very cheerful and bright attitude around people they’re closest to. it’s a side that you do really like to see because they’re the type to put on a mask in public ykwim?? they’re very good at hiding that side of them.

how they will make you feel:

5 of pentacles - 8 of wands - the lovers - knight of swords - 3 of pentacles

so what i’m getting is that you may feel very confused at times on how your fs feels. i’m seeing this is because they don’t open up, but since you’re very unaware of it you can feel very left in the dark. i’m seeing they don’t intend to do this and you may ask them “did i do something wrong?” it honestly like breaks their heart lol. this is something that they definitely would need to work on. however they’re easily able to redeem themselves. i’m seeing here that they can be very busy but they’re able to make time for you. when they say something they mean it, so if you guys have a planned date and something comes up they are not rescheduling it. they are doing it that day lol. also i’m seeing that they seem to be more of a listener than a talker and this makes you feel very heard. you may be more of a talker and so you think “oh my god i’m talking their ear off” but they love hearing what you have to say. i’m also seeing that they’re very very protective of you. and this makes you feel very grounded and nurtured. maybe you haven’t felt this way in the past and this person just brings you lots of comfort and joy. they also make you feel confident asfffff. i’m seeing at times you can be very insecure and when you express this to them they’re like “excuse me???” because in their eyes you’re the most perfect human being they’ve ever laid their eyes on. this could also be from them being a romantic they show you how beautiful you are to them… iykwim.

their looks:

the hermit - 10 of swords - the hierophant - 7 of cups - 8 of cups - the tower

so immediately i thought abt their eyes. they might have very sleepy looking eyes or they might look “dead”. their eye color too might be a dark dark brown color. i’m seeing that they could have king eyelashes. their eyes are very prominent. i’m seeing that they could bleach their hair? maybe they have naturally dark hair but they bleach it to be white or blonde. im seeing that their hair could be mid length or could be slightly long. guys could be a bit on the longer side and girls could be a little bit shorter. nothing too short or too long. i’m seeing that they might have very very pale skin… like ghost white. 😭 i’m not seeing dark skin. i am seeing them being fairly short. they’re def shorter than you lol. this person skin is also so??? they for sure have a skincare routine. they have this thing where they have to look good. i’m seeing their style might be a bit edgy but it’s a very unique style. they’re not very alternative or gothic just sort of edgy, but they put together their outfits well. i’m seeing they like to at least look nice wherever they’re going they don’t look ‘musty’ or like they don’t shower. they might be the total opposite of you tbh??? like this is a person people are quick to make assumptions about. and you’re sooooo quick to defend them lol. i’m seeing them as very skinny too. i don’t see them working out so much so they could very skinny and scrawny lol. they’re definitely someone people look at, some people find them to be attractive and some seem to assume a lot about them. but at the end of the day you know them for how they truly are. your fav thing abt them is their eyes tho like it won’t leave my head. tbh they’re kind of intimidating to people.

their love language:

the lovers - wheel of fortune - the empress - 8 of swords - the tower - death

your fs might be a bit of gift giver. they like showering you with gifts. they think about you 24/7 and they want you to know that. i do see acts of service being a big one too. they love helping you, they love being there for you. but pile 1 you are a very independent pile. i’m seeing this might be very annoying to you at times cause you’re like “i got it it’s fine” and your fs is like “no no let me help” this might be something you have to tell them annoys you or makes you feel a bit incompetent BECAUSE you feel like you’re being babied or it comes off as them thinking you can’t do it yourself. which is definitely NOT what their intentions are at all. im seeing words of affirmation being another one too; they love giving you compliments they love making you feel better. they are your shoulder to cry on whenever you need it. they just want to be there for you 24/7 365. they’re so down bad it’s making me sick lol

how they will comfort you:

the hermit - 7 of pentacles - 6 of swords - 8 of wands

i’m seeing that whenever you’re going through something in your life mentally you aren’t the type to seek out help so much. and your future spouse understands this and is very patient with you. also when you’re sick too?? i’m seeing you might be a bit of a crybaby when you’re sick lol and it doesn’t bother your future spouse because all they want to do is protect you. i’m seeing that if you were struggling mentally they wouldn’t bother you with questions but they’d let you know they’re there whenever you need them. they understand more than anyone how it feels, so you can go to them and they will listen. they are honestly an amazing listener. they are really good at giving you guidance and offering you good advice when you need it. i’m seeing they’re the type of person who likes to be very factual and blunt without hurting your feelings, and it’s something that does help you grow and learn especially in the relationship.

First Times:

First Meet: 7 of pentacles - Strength

so the setting is outdoorsy?? i’m seeing something again with work and an activity and i’m seeing that your fs may already work there and this is a transition from your old work to working there. i’m seeing that the energy is very tense with this person. i don’t see you two meeting each other immediately i think it’d be one of those you see then from across the room??? you’d make the first move im seeing lol. i’m also seeing that you immediately find them so incredibly attractive and may ask around about them and to them you don’t catch their eye as much. they could be single when you first meet though but they aren’t really thinking about a relationship.

First Date: 8 of wands - 8 of swords

so i’m ngl i’m getting such awkward energy hahaha i’m seeing that you’re going to feel very excited but also very anxious. this date may be all your idea and so you’re trying your best to woo them lol. i’m seeing also that your person might come off as uninterested at first but believe me they’re just as nervous as you are. i’m seeing they’re trying to impress you as best they can but they’re so awkward lol you’re going to find it very cute. i’m seeing that this date will be very intimate but it will be in a social setting. so i’m seeing that a nice little restaurant. i’m also seeing this could be a thing you guys do at the end of the day?? tbh something you’d see on tv. so a little cliche but also very very romantic. also i’m just seeing so many smiles and love eyes???? y’all are cheesy stop it

First Kiss: Ace of cups - 3 of pentacles

this is so funny to me because both of y’all will initiate the kiss. yk how and please try to understand this, you know how sometimes with first kisses one person initiates the kiss and it’s either a hit or miss. you and your fs will be so down bad that y’all will just feel the energy. like good lord just make out already pls i can’t take this tension. i’m seeing that one of you will start to lean in and the other person is like “hell yea” and they lean in too. like y’all can read each others minds istg y’all are so in tune with each other. your first kiss can be when y’all are alone together?? maybe when yall are having a deep conversation and you guys just bond over something. y’all are so in love at this moment i’m just… wow.

their shadow side:

page of cups - 6 of wands - page of pentacles - 2 of wands - 3 of cups - king of pentacles - knight of pentacles - 9 of swords

i’m seeing that this person can be very selfish. i’m only seeing that this selfish side comes out during conflict. i’m seeing they can be a major know it all about things and can be very “i’m right youre wrong” they can be very childish in the way they think and can be very hard headed. i’m seeing that they have this energy especially when they’re stressed out too, that you really can’t get them to stop thinking like this unless you really humble them. i’m seeing when they’re angry it’s just them acting very childish and very selfish and this can be something that you talk to them about. they’re not necessarily like it towards you but they can definitely be that way towards other people. im seeing they can very childish in what they say if they get into an argument with you, but it’s one of those things where you talk to them like an adult and it snaps them back to reality. they definitely need a reality check from time to time ngl…

Extra Messages!!:

Shaman: keyword: Teacher

trust in divine timing. trust that things are working out towards you and your future spouse. don’t try to rush things, and definitely don’t try to undermine any of spirits work. the universe is working in your favor, so remember to thank the universe everyday. you and your future spouse will be able to heal each others energy and heal that inner child. don’t lose this once in a lifetime connection.

Memory: your past life may be very battled and torn. try to reconcile with your past self and find what parts of you do really need the healing. don’t be afraid of feeling those emotions you buried deep down, they are meant to find you in this lifetime.

Very Soon: You may meet this person very soon or in a matter of a few months. don’t rush this connection. this person will make their way to you when you BOTH are ready. disappointment will only lead you to failure, be grateful for what the universe has to offer you.

what chakra is their weakest: Heart Chakra

what chakra is their strongest: solar plexus chakra

extra key: earth sign, lilac, quartz, past life regression, outside activity, gold, aventurine, yellow jade, yes, african american, you already know them, white, black, foreign, green eyes, 1111, 5555, 9999, street style

your song: let the light in - lana del rey

thank you so so much for allowing me to give you this read and offer guidance on your future spouse! i hope this reading brought you some clarity and opened your eyes about this person. good luck on your journey with love and please like + repost !! <3 feedback is greatly appreciated 🤍

PILE 2

your energy check in:

these are clarifying cards for you and your current energy, this helps me connect to you further and also makes sure this reading is right for you! <3

knight of pentacles - queen of swords - king of cups - the sun

i’m getting that you are a very mature pile. i’m seeing that you’re very intelligent as well. in school you may be honor roll or have been offered many scholarships. i’m seeing that you have a lot of emotional stability. you’re very wise in how you talk to others and people often find themselves coming to you for advice. i’m seeing you may be a bit of a therapist haha i’m also seeing that you could be very wealthy or come from a wealthy family?? or you are just really good with money?? some of you want to be a lawyer…? you’re such a balanced calm energy pile 2 i feel so safe in your presence. you could be very attractive too?? like i see a lot of people have their eyes on you. you’re not afraid of expressing your boundaries to people as well, and i see you’re very careful with who you consider close friends. you have a very positive outlook on life. you’re very good at manifesting too.

oracle: too many dragons

you may have been drawn to pile 1. i see you are a very hardworking pile. you are somebody who is constantly busy constantly doing something. i see that you live off a routine and a schedule, and you’re the type to not be so big with change and getting out of routine. i think this can often scare you and stress you out. don’t be afraid of a little change once in a while. change is good! spirit wants you to be able to express sides of yourself without fear and without embarrassment and disappointment. it’s okay to be a little silly at times, you don’t always need to be serious.

other messages: leo, dark hair, brown hair; freckles, sharp brows, curly hair, tanned skin, dark skin, long fingers, muscles, working out, 1212

their energy:

ace of swords - five of wands - seven of pentacles - the sun

i’m seeing that you and your future spouse are honestly very similar in ways. i’m seeing that’s how you two really bond and connect is because you both have shared interests and can connect on things like that together. i’m seeing your fs can be a little… sassy. they have a little bit of an attitude to them and tend to get into conflict easily. i’m seeing that you might actually really like this about them because you find it cute. it’s just small things they do. they may make sassy remarks that makes you turn your head like “what did you just say?” this person also might be opposite to you when it comes to money. i see they may like a little bit of a shopping spree… and aren’t so good at saving money like you. this is something that you could easily teach them and help them work out. i’m also seeing that your future spouse could be very spiritual. i’m seeing they could be into tarot and astrology and if not that they are big on religion. this could be something you two bond over as well.

oracle: when fairies go bad

i’m seeing that your future spouse is somebody who hides alot of things. this might be a bit of a shock when they mention something that has negatively affected them in the past. they’re somebody who can put up a front and seem like they’re absolutely perfect and then they open up to you and you’re like “i would’ve never expected this” and this is exactly their goal they hate when people try to read them. i’m seeing that they are very protective over themselves and their energy and so theyre not exactly willing to open up completely. this is something they need to work on and control because keeping secrets and hiding things especially from you could cause conflict and issues in the future. even if they have no bad intentions.

other messages: leo, earth sign, green eyes, dark skin, white teeth, vampire fangs???, childlike

your fav things abt your fs:

the fool: your future spouse is able to get up and have fun. it’s never a dull moment with them because they’re just full of so much energy and they’re able to have fun wherever they are. if you have an idea or want to go out with them they are more than willing to do it. i see that they love adventures and love seeing what the world has to offer them. they may be really connected with nature.

temperance: again what i was saying earlier i’m seeing that your person could be very spiritual or very religious in some way. i see they love to talk about their beliefs and offer guidance, and they’re not annoying about it at all. but when you ask them questions about it, they become very passionate and go on little rants and tangents lol. i’m seeing that to you this offers you lots of wisdom and knowledges you in many ways because you see the world differently in their eyes. they may be a pisces?? or have pisces in their chart.

eight of wands: i’m seeing that your person is very extroverted and very social. i’m seeing that they have alot of friends and this is because they’re able to bond with a lot of people and this is how they keep friendships. they’re really good at carrying conversations and even starting them. they aren’t afraid to take the lead in things. you are often wowed by how well they’re able to connect with complete strangers, and this is just like mind blowing to you. i see you may be a bit of an ambivert (some of you) so this person takes the lead in some convos. sometimes you can’t even get a word in! lol

the star: your person is so so so confident and comfortable in their own skin. the card illustrates a cat knocking over a glass full of water, and this to me resembles how they just don’t let stuff get in their way. they don’t let the bad parts of the world negatively affect their way of living. they take this as a way of growth and they take this as a challenge. they love the feeling of adrenaline they get when they do something. but you will admire how this person carries themselves. because they have no care in the world. they put themselves first because they know that the world will never stop for them. this person is just wow their energy is so healing and so balanced. they’re literally the definition of the sun.

the tower: this is just continuing from what i was saying previously. change is possible. to you, you need to follow a routine and if something changes it may feel like the end of the world to you. but to them. they love change. they admire change. change is what keeps them going. they like to live on the wild side a bit, they like to step out of their comfort zone, they’re the type to say yolo (😭) they aren’t afraid to be a little dangerous because they find routines and schedules to be boring. they honestly might have gotten into trouble at school sometimes??? just got that little message there haha

their fav things abt you:

(i wasn’t going to do it but y’all got an extra card lol)

four of cups: your person honestly loves that you have a routine and a schedule you follow. to them it makes you seem very intelligent and mature. they also like the differing aspects of you hating change and them loving it because… they want to spice up your life a bit. you might be very bored in life when you meet this person that you step out of your own comfort zone and let them lead the way. they want to show you the world in a totally different perspective.

six of swords: you’re somebody who isn’t afraid to show your sensitive side and be emotional. since you are very comfortable with yourself and aren’t afraid to open up. this person isn’t so comfortable with showing their vulnerable side because they like to put up a front at times, but you don’t. you don’t people judge you for how you’re feeling because they’re feelings. they really like when they see all these sides of you because it reminds them of how human you are.

ten of pentacles: like i said previously some of you may be very wealthy and some of this could be inherited from your family. and if you aren’t wealthy i am seeing for a lot of you, you’re good with saving money and spending money correctly. im seeing that your fs really loves how well you take care of your money and don’t spend it all in one go (unlike them…😬) i’m seeing that you’re also very humble and not cocky at all. especially with how some of you may be very wealthy or just because you can take care of your money well, they like how you don’t shove it down people’s throats. you’re a very humble person.

ace of wands: i’m seeing you coming home to your spouse and just telling them about your day and all of these ideas and opportunities you were given and you telling them your input that you thought about and at the end of it they’re just jaw dropped. like you’re so intelligent in their eyes because you see the world in such a unique way. they would have never thought of it like that, iykwim.

knight of cups: you’re literally their ideal type. you’re everything they’ve ever wished for and more. i’m seeing that when you come into their life they’re just astounded on how somebody like you actually exists. like in their mind they manifested you cause there’s no way lol. i’m seeing that you’re just somebody they’ve always wanted and so some of you they may be lowkey obsessed cause they don’t want to lose you, but others of you they’re just so madly in love haha

the chariot: i’m seeing that you’re somebody who likes to move fast. you don’t stop for anybody, and this is one of the many things that you and your spouse relate to is you both just keep on moving. this is often because of your routine that life just begins to be one endless cycle so obviously the world moves a lot quicker, but either way you don’t slow down you like that when an idea or opportunity happens you take it.

their personality:

the lovers - queen of swords - king of cups - eight of swords - five of pentacles - four of cups - page of wands

they are big on standing up for themselves and others. they are the type of person who isn’t afraid to say anything, which is why they tend to get into a lot of conflict. i’m seeing that this person tends to be loud and isn’t the type to secretly talk crap abt somebody behind their back. they say it to their face. your spouse is confrontational fs. but they do this for the ones they love. it isn’t attention seeking or trying to be center of attention, it’s them protecting their loved ones from any evil energy’s. they hear one bad thing about you and they’re either trying to find out every little detail abt this person to ruin their life or they’re face to face abt to fight. they’re not intimidating but you really don’t want to get on their bad side lol. they also can have such a soft side to them. besides the extroverted behavior they are capable of relaxing and really listening into others feelings and energy. it might come as a surprise but they have a lot of wisdom of their own to share. they again aren’t big on opening up and tend to hide their feelings from you and others, they hate being perceived as weak. they are very adventurous and very impulsive at times, but they know how to have fun.

how they will make you feel:

knight of pentacles - the hierophant - ten of swords - four of pentacles - the hanged man

i see that you may often be discredited for your work and can feel very unheard and unseen by people around you. i see that your ideas are often extremely important and extremely helpful to your community but it’s seen by jealous eyes. this is why your work is pushed down. your spouse is so supportive in everything you do. i see that they will listen to every.single.idea. you have. i see that they will make you feel very heard and seen, and at some point their opinion is the only one you care about. they will make you feel secure and understood, i’m seeing that they are one to validate your feelings. they don’t ever want to make you feel invalidated and often try to understand every side to an argument. i’m seeing that they are somebody who will definitely make you surrender these dark thoughts and trade them into more hopeful feelings. i’m seeing that they might even offer you shadow work ideas… they will bring you lots of faith and i see this will benefit you greatly.

their looks:

the hermit - the fool - death - five of swords - queen of pentacles - nine of swords

so i’m seeing dark skin and hair. somebody who may have hair that is pretty short. so maybe girls are short guys are a bit long but both prefer their hair shorter. some of you they may like to dye it a dark color. mostly seeing dark brown. i’m seeing they have a very innocent look to them, they look very youthful? they may be younger than you or they just take really good care of their skin and their body. again i was seeing they like to work out and may have some muscles to them. sleeper build?? i don’t see their style being very edgy, unlike pile 1 they’re very into brighter colors. and even then they might like very toned colors. especially colors that compliment their skin and hair. i’m seeing that they may have a bit of an rbf. suuupperrr strong aura people are attracted to this person because of their aura. i’m seeing that they may also look confused all the time (???) like the lights are on but nobody’s home haha. i’m also seeing that they could have a large nose or their nose is very prominent? nice smile. good cheekbones too. i’m seeing that they could be fairly feminine or they are more comfortable in their feminine side. i’m seeing that they’re short asf tho definitely shorter than you. actually some of you might be the same height…. they will never be taller than you that’s for sure. so either same height - shorter. their neck???? something abt their neck you really like i- idk. some of you really like their legs too, they don’t skip leg day. could have a noticeable scar somewhere??? on the face or arms… they look so innocent and cute to people but then they open their mouth and people are wishing they never thought that lol you love your fs though this doesn’t bother you ahsha could also be younger than you. pouty lips too? their chin might be a bit prominent aswell. slim face.

their love language:

the tower - four of wands - queen of cups - 2 of wands - ten of swords

physical touch 110% this person love love loves touching you. hugging you, kissing you, etc they have to have their hands on you 24/7. they try not to be annoying but they can’t help it they’re so down bad for you. i’m ngl i’m seeing ‘that one couple in line at the fair’ iykyk … they love physical touch im seeing them wrapping their arms around you when you’re doing something. some of you they hold onto your waist when out in public, they let people know you’re taken that’s for sure. words of affirmation. this is especially seen when they notice you’re stressed or something is bothering you, they shower you with affirmations to make you feel better. they try to cheer you up by making you laugh… some of you this will not work but i’m seeing that they try anyways haha. theyre very into flirting with you too, i see any chance they get they flirt with you. they like to make you flustered in public. i’m seeing they whisper things into your ear when you’re out and it catches you off guard, they like to see you looking red in the face or shocked because it makes them want to do it more lol.

how they will comfort you:

five of wands - 2 of cups - queen of pentacles - six of cups

again with the words of affirmation, i’m seeing that you can overthink really badly over things and can feel very overwhelmed and your fs will do everything in their power to cheer you up. they love to tell you everything they love about you, everything they cherish about you etc. i’m seeing that literally NEVER want to see you get hurt. in their eyes you’re the most precious thing to them, and if anything were to happen to you they will feel like it’s the end of the world. like you stub your toe or something and suddenly they’re carrying you to bed, making your favorite dinner, etc. like they’re so down bad this is sickening. lol. i’m also seeing that they are very blunt to you about things, they let you know if you’re in the wrong abt something, they might be a tough love type of person. they want to make you feel secure and keep that positive mindset but they also don’t want you to get too in your head about things. i’m seeing that you will feel so much better after you rant to them about something because they’re just so good at correlating their words.

First times:

First Meet: Ace of swords - the high priestess

so i feel like most of pile 2 might meet their fs online. on a dating app or some type of social media. it could be you who finds them first, or them who finds you first idk. but i am seeing that you guys will immediately hit it off. like the energy is very calm and relaxed. this brings me back to saying y’all have shared interests because you definitely do. and you two will probably bond really quickly like “oh you look this too? let’s meet up rn” like LMAO y’all are just both certain this is the right person for you. i see you both will be laughing a lot when you meet and alot of smiles. you might find your fs to be really funny?? like they’re probably a naturally funny person and it’s a plus to you. like green flag for sure.

First Date: judgement - ace of cups

so for your first date i’m seeing somewhere outdoors OR an arcade or somewhere where you can do lots of things. i’m seeing that the energy here is very vibrant and fun. you both will be smiling alot and having a great time and it’s just an overall fun experience. i do see there being major tension between the two of you and i think it’s because you two just know you’re meant for each other. like i wouldn’t be surprised if y’all started dating after your first date because the love is just there. y’all will find out so much about each other because you guys just feel so comfortable in each others energy.

First Kiss: The magician - the emperor

so definitely seeing you initiating the kiss. the emperor card literally screams “do it” like i see you hesitating to kiss them but spirit will be screaming in your ear “do it do it do it” like chanting LMAO. i see that you might catch them off guard when you kiss them, you might have your hand on their cheek/jaw. or they will. i’m seeing that they could have been talking about something or busy and then boom you give them a big ol smooch. i see the energy and feelings are mutual and they will kiss back cause in their heads they’re saying “hell yea” LMAO. like they’ve been waiting ages for you to kiss them, they def weren’t going to make the first move lolz.

their shadow side:

temperance - king of cups - six of cups - the lovers - five of cups - queen of pentacles

i’m seeing your future spouse can honestly be extremely childish and immature. i keep hearing the word ‘mean’. they can say things that make you go “why did you just say that?” cause it could have been disrespectful or just something incredibly hurtful. i’m seeing that they are mostly this way towards themselves tho. you will often see them being extremely ill towards themselves and saying mean things about themselves and you’re like “why are you saying this about yourself?” because on the outside they like to be seen as happy and perfect but behind closed doors they can be insecure. pile 2 some of you do want to have a family and kids, but your fs may have a hard time coming to terms with this. i think they may have some generational trauma and so they’ve grown into this person now and they may be exactly like the person who gave them this trauma. iykwim. they either 1) don’t want to be a parent just because or 2) don’t want to be a parent because they know they’ll be just like the person who raised them. not all of you but some of y’all’s fs may say things in spite of the moment. during arguments they can be extremely childish and immature and say things to hurt your feelings. (this is a really unhealthy thing in a relationship so definitely if this is happening talk to them about it. y’all don’t deserve that type of energy from anyone.)

Extra Messages !!:

The Oldest Fairy: so i’m seeing that you might be afraid of losing this youthful side to you, and you may be afraid of getting older. im seeing that spirit wants you to know that you shouldn’t be afraid of getting older and maturing, your fs will be put into your life so that you don’t lose this childish side to you. they will show you parts of you that you’ve never seen before. don’t be afraid of getting older.

Love: y’all are literally the cutest. i’ve been cheesing this entire reading because you two are inseparable. y’all are meant to be. y’all are perfect for each other. this love is once in a lifetime. this love is infinite. even after death your love for one another will stay known. you guys may have had a past life together because you two are so familiar and so in tune with each others energy it’s insane. you might not have been in many or any relationships pile 2 so this relationship is very new it feels very new and very raw and it will show you the world in such a magical way. y’all are precious stop.

Let Go of Control Issues: allow this situation to unfold naturally. i didn’t put this in the shadow side but they might have some control issues. but you also. i’m getting that you’re really urging and pulling this relationship to happen NOW but spirit says it needs to wait. don’t rush things pile 2 the universe knows that when you receive this love you won’t be disappointed.

what chakra is their weakest: heart chakra

what chakra is their strongest: crown chakra

your song: nervous - Shawn Mendes

extra key: water sign, rose, rose quartz, opal, aventurine, clear quartz, 222, blonde, brunette, dyed hair, air sign, earth sign, few years 1-5, green eyes, twin flame, lives close to that area, from that area, 666, 555, 1212, 3333, 9999, 5555, street style, no, gemini, scorpio

thank you so so much for allowing me to give you this read and offer guidance on your future spouse! i hope this reading brought you some clarity and opened your eyes about this person. good luck on your journey with love and please like + repost !! <3 feedback is greatly appreciated 🤍

PILE 3

your energy check in:

these are clarifying cards for you and your currently energy, this helps me connect to you further and also makes sure this reading is right for you! <3

eight of wands - mother of swords - the sun - eight of swords

you seem to be a very optimistic pile 3. i’m seeing that you went through intense struggles in your life, you went through soooo much in the past and you’re finally transitioning into this happier and more sustainable way of living. i’m seeing a lot of you are divinely protected. whether you realize it or not you are protected. and not just from the divine but people around you, you have a whole army behind you pile 3. i’m not saying it’s impossible for bad things to happen to you, but it will take a lot of work because the universe is not letting this energy come back into your life. pile 3 you feel so comfortable in your skin. you feel so balanced and you feel finally understood and finally seen. you don’t feel broken, and forgotten about, and misunderstood. people are finally seeing you for who you truly are. you are able to get up in the mornings and actually live life. i do see you still struggle with having to live with the memories of what happened to you in the past. it seems that though you’ve healed or are currently healing you still live with this haunting memory or you just find yourself reliving those moments again. remember that spirit is always with you and you will always have somebody there. you aren’t alone 🤍

oracle: reflections

pile 3 shadow work is so beneficial for you. in this time you are feeling stuck, confused, lost, drained at moments. and this is because there is something within yourself that you need to change. change is your best option. don’t be scared to let go of things that no longer serve you. they’re in the past. they hold you no greater good. they formed you into the person you are today, but that doesn’t mean it needs to stay in your life. sticking with the original plans is a good idea, but don’t be afraid to switch things up. you control this part of your life now, nobody else. let this ego go.

extra messages: dark hair, eyeliner, pigtails, full lips, leo, trauma, mama, gothic, curvy, earth sign, fire sign

their energy:

daughter of pentacles - father of cups - three of pentacles - the devil

okay like. let me go on a rant really quickly. pile 3 y’all are one tough bunch. y’all have been through SHIT. and guess what? so has your future spouse. pile 2 i was talking about how they will bond over personal interests like music, hobbies, etc. pile 3 y’all are sooooo different. i see that it’s one of those things where nobody else understood you except each other. you have grown through hell and back, and so has your future spouse. you will find yourself so amazed that somebody like this has gone through so much, and they’d think the same thing. y’all might meet through group therapy tbh but that might be stretching it. anywho your person is definitely an empath. they feel everyone’s emotions x10. they can read people sooooo well?? they can read people like an open book. i’m seeing they might be very masculine and you might be very feminine. they’re very sensitive and can take things personally lol. bad coping mechanism ngl. i see that they can have a very toxic mindset towards things and be seen as pessimistic, this can be a turn off to you when you meet them. i think you can understand why they feel this way once you get to know them better.

oracle: fairies

i’m seeing your future spouse can have a very unique look to them. their style may be odd to strangers, something about the way they present themselves could be perceived as weird or ‘different’ to people. i’m seeing to you this person is very different from your past. they aren’t so much your type, but i do see that you connect with them in some way. i see maybe their personality is what makes them more attractive to you andddd they are so sweet?? like they’re absolutely precious lolz they could be a hippie tbh… or something similar to it.

extra message: long blonde hair, no sleep, pale skin, water sign, pisces, cancer, capricorn, scorpio, 1212

your fav things about them:

five of cups: this card is normally a very sad card but the energy im getting is that you love how far theyve come. you love that they never gave up and theyre here with you now. i’m seeing that they open up to you about alot of things they struggle with and they tell you when theyre not feeling their best and you appreciate that. you look up to them pile 3.

the hanged man: you like how they like to view every perspective of a situation. i see that theyre somebody who puts time and effort into things, and when things don’t work out people can’t tell them “they didn’t try”. your future spouse loves to put in effort into things and relationships.

four of pentacles: you enjoy how theyre they are. it gives you some hope for the world. you’re really good at working with others, and can be somewhat of a people person. (might even say post people pleaser??) they might be big multitasker, and this is like somewhat amazing to them cause youre like “whatttt…???”

two of cups: they treat you so well. they make you feel so loved and appreciated. you’ve never felt this way about anyone before. they show you what true love actually is. you may have been betrayed in the past by someone who you thought you could trust (who you might have been dating). i see you are very protective of your energy and when they come into your life they show you that the love you had before wasn’t real. you feel very safe with them.

six of pentacles: they like to spoil you tbh. i don’t see them being somebody with alot of money, but they do try to gift you things. i just saw somebody plucking a flower and gifting it to their spouse. them with you tbh. you love how well they treat you (like i said before) they just want to give you the world is all i’m seeing because they hate hate hate seeing you down. they’re soooo protective of you.

their fav things about you:

king of cups: when you meet them you will be very grounded and this will stay. you may already be very grounded but i’m just seeing like… you have so much balance in your life once you meet this person. this person honeslty is the cherry on top. they will love how you’re able to include them into your life, but also be very independent. i see they may struggle with being a tad bit dependent at times, and so they view you as sort of their grounding.

nine of swords: pile 3 do you like to journal or write?? i see some of you that could be a hobby of yours. your future spouse adores this. they will never overstep your boundaries, but if you ever wanted to share a little bit of your knowledge/hobby with them they are zoned in. they LOVE hearing about your special interests.

the world: pile 3 arent y’all some dreamers. i swear y’all live in the clouds. you also are a very grateful in a lot of things. you may have close relationships with family and they enjoy it. they love seeing this nurturing side of you. they love seeing how careful and gentle you can be.

son of pentacles: you’re very wise in the sense of finances and business? some of you might be really good in your work or you are just extremely wise in the way you handle situations. i see you guys can receive lots of luck. you may be very lucky. you future spouse actually really likes this lol. they like how lucky you are cause they believe that you deserve it.

son of swords: pile 3 yall might be a little intimidating…. but your future spouse??? tbh. it turns them on a little bit. like. they love seeing this scary side to you??? they love when you get defensive and protective. they might be very deer in headlights and you're very saber tooth tiger (literally just a random animal i thought of ngl??) they like feeling protected and safe with you, and likes seeing that darker side you have.

their personality:

the sun - six of pentacles - daughter of wands - three of swords - the tower - the lovers

okay so first off i heard they might be a bit of a hoarder… that goes for some. anywho. this person is such a damaged energy. they’ve gone through so much shit in their life. the three of swords makes me think that they were betrayed by close friends?? and this is because your person really loves helping people. they love being there for people. they might do charity work? or they do some type of fundraiser? it brings them bliss, joy, it warms their heart to see people getting the help they need. goodness pile 3 your future spouse is suuuppppeeerrrr sensitive. i literally just seen them in the verge of tears 24/7. like you’re somebody who’s really tough and might hide your emotions well… yea not ur spouse. they are so close to breaking down lolz. they love hugs by the way. i’m seeing they just have so much love to give? they are the type of person to put others happiness before their own, which is probably why they were betrayed in the past. they are def a people pleaser at times, this is something they need to work on. they really just want to be there for everybody, and is just an extreme empath with a lot of big kid emotions. i don’t see you finding this annoying, but i do see them crying over cute animal vids and you’re just looking at them confused haha

how they will make you feel:

the magician - death - the empress - two of pentacles - three of wands - seven of cups

pile 3 let me just say i love y’all’s connection. everything about this relationship has my heart melting. i didn’t do this for the other two piles but i felt the urge to read bottom of the deck energy and when i flipped it over boom the wheel of fortune. pile 3 your connection will feel too good to be true. you’ll feel like you’re in a dream. some of you might lucid dream a lot im seeing. this connection will feel so unreal, so close, so intimate. when i saw the magician card i thought “oh they balance each others energy” book the two of pentacles came out. sooo many clarifications from spirit. when i saw the death card i heard your future spouse literally saying “change is good for you”. you guys are tied together. i was getting twin flame energy but tbh i feel like y’all are lowkey soulmates. y’all are meant to be together in this time and many times after that. you two only understand each other. i see that you guys are so raw and authentic and real. pile 2 their fs keeps secrets from them, not you pile 3. you and your fs lets you see every single side of themselves. y’all aren’t afraid to be human. this connection has lasted lifetimes, you don’t care how angry or how dramatic the other person can be because this love you two have is strong. yk how some people it’s an ick when somebody acts a certain way??? yea you guys literally don’t care. you will love each other just as much as you did yesterday and more. you make each other feel so complete. you make each other feel so balanced. you open up to each other and break down these walls y’all built up all those years ago. you are so real with this person and it makes you feel so emotional because you know that only they could understand you. i love this pile so much stop

their looks:

three of swords - temperance - eight of pentacles - six of swords - ace of wands - the magician

so i’m seeing if they have light skin or pale skin their hair is darker, and if they have darker skin their hair is lighter?? and not even just white or blonde hair like they probably dye it a brighter color. im seeing they have pin straight hair or really loose curls. some have wavy hair but it’s mostly straight hair vibes tbh. i’m seeing that in the winter they may wear brighter colors, but in the fall,spring, and summer they wear darker colors lol??? okay so listen to me on this, but im seeing that they look lowkey dead. like pile 1 i was talking abt how their eyes look like dead/sleepy your person lowkey looks like a zombie. (and no nothing bad to why they look like this, some of them just look like that) but this isnt saying they don’t take care of themselves. they do take care of themselves 100%. im seeing that their nose might be fairly big? their lips might be very small too. some of them have piercing blue eyes. like bright blue. others have honey or hazel. nothing too dark i’m seeing. could be super super skinny. long fingers?? they’re tall too? might be taller than you. people aren’t intimidated by this person at all, i see people think they look very innocent and nice. like they just have this very sweet look to them tbh. i see people can tell this person has gone through stuff too, i see they might be a bit of a target at times and other times people are really careful with them. i see this is definitely odd one out energy, people perceive this person as different.

their love language:

the sun - nine of cups - the moon - father of swords - daughter of cups

acts of service for sure they want to GIVE TO YOUUU. they want to help you out in any way they can. literally will give you foot rubs(??) i’m seeing they will cook for you. so gift giving by be one too. i’m seeing they just want to help you out in any way. definitely loves quality time as well. this is somebody who will find comfort in just complete silence with you. they will hold you while they watch tv or read, and while you’re doing something else. they just want to be in your presence. i see them being a really good listener to your rants too. but it’s balanced cause you listen to them really well too. y’all are so comfortable with each other this is adorable. they also know all of your favorite things??? you might idk like to crochet and this person will find something for you to crochet, or they will buy you a crochet pin or like a magnet that says something abt crochet on it idk LMAO they want to let you know that they do actually care what you have to say to them. they are really good at showing it haha

how they will comfort you:

three of pentacles - six of swords - nine of pentacles - the magician

they want to try and take you out if you’re not feeling good mentally. you may want to stay inside and not do anything and your fs is like “uh no? you’re going to get your butt up and we’re gonna cheer you up” they know keeping you cooped up won’t make you feel better. if you’re sick this person will treat you like a god/goddess. they will make sure you are being fed well, you’re getting the right medicine at the right time, etc. when you’re sick it’s like terrible to them. some of them might be a germaphobe tbh. i’m seeing that they do like to take care of you. you feel like you’re burdening them but remember they love to help people. when you’re feeling under the weather or not good mentally they’re here for you 110%. they also might try and spoil you a little bit to make you feel better. they will literally do whatever you want haha

First Times:

First Meet: four of swords - mother of cups

i saw a museum? somewhere very calm and relaxed and where your emotions can run freely. somewhere where art can be or is expressed. could meet in a garden? or somewhere extremely colorful there is a lot of color. im seeing that you two will be very drawn towards each other but you both will be too nervous to come up and say anything lol. i am seeing you may be introduced to each other by a friend? that might be how you kick off the convo and then boom y’all are obsessed with each other. i think your spouse might offer a date idea near the end of the convo… 👀

First Date: two of wands - the moon

ok ok so im gonna take the moon card literally and say that y’all might stargaze on your first date. but this would be after the actual start of the date. y’all will definitely go somewhere outdoors. y’all might meet around the summer time. a lot of fairs happen in the summer time and im just seeing that happening ngl. y’all will go somewhere where a lot of people are present, but it feels like it’s just the two of you. this date will be soooo nerve wracking to both of you. so many awkward giggles and awkward movements. this is like teenage love, like holding their hand for the first time. you’ll feel very young with this person. i do see y’all not wanting this date to end so you go stargazing… some of you not all. but you both really just want to stay in each others energy for ever.

First Kiss: the chariot - mother of swords

okay i’m not going to lie, i wasn’t going to say it but i felt like you were going to have your first kiss on your first day and these cards kind of clarified that. i do feel like this relationship might move a bit fast for you pile 3 but there is so much passion between you two. like i am seeing you two lowkey having your first kiss really quickly if not on your first date. i’m seeing this doesn’t scare either of you because you both have so much love for each other. it’s honestly extremely intimate, i’m seeing that this kiss will last a long time and you both won’t really stop kissing hahah. i’m not seeing you two getting into a relationship immediately though… some of you yes others of you it will take just some time. but i do see this first kiss happening fairly quickly and neither of you are disappointed. tension tension tension.

their shadow side:

four of swords - ten of wands - son of wands - the star - the magician - eight of swords - daughter of pentacles - the empress

okay so this is somebody who can be very conflicting?? they might confuse you sometimes on how they’re feeling and this can annoy you. this person has alot of blockage in their life. they are stuck right now and will continue to be, in seeing that they have a lot of people against them? they might be somebody who uses their emotions as an excuse sometimes. and this can be really hurtful cause it can be seen as very manipulative. they are somebody who is extremely emotional and extremely in tune with you and nature but they just have this really dark side to them. they are somebody who doesn’t really change alot about themselves. it’s ironic cause they tell you that change is a good thing and that change can help you, but they refuse to change themselves.

Extra Messages!!:

Book Fairy: don’t be afraid to go out and try something new don’t be afraid to try new things and do something different in your life. something that challenges your intellect and makes you really think. change change change. you and your fs will explore these types of changes together. they’re i’ll definitely be the type to show you the world in many different ways.

Joy: you’re able to view the world in a positive way. you are able to go out and have fun. don’t let people places or things stop you from living life. the only person that should matter to you is you. be open to receiving joy and happiness in your life.

Worth Waiting For: divine timing is at work in your love life. this relationship is something that will change your life for only good reasons. i am seeing that this will bring you lots of abundance and clarity and you will feel at home with this person. there is no i’ll energy towards this connection, you two are meant for each other.

what chakra is their weakest: root chakra

what chakra is their strongest: heart chakra

your song: I Hear a Symphony - Cody Fry

Extra Key: 333,444, air/earth/water, marigold, carnelian, dioptase, sunstone, red jasper, aventurine, white, green eyes, grey hair, from that area, 444, 5555, 777, 2222, casual style, street style, NO, fire sign, gemini, in a while 5+

thank you so so much for allowing me to give you this read and offer guidance on your future spouse! i hope this reading brought you some clarity and opened your eyes about this person. good luck on your journey with love and please like + repost !! <3 feedback is greatly appreciated 🤍

[bloomzone]

GLOW UP DIARY#6 : ROMANTICIZING YOUR LIFE

"Another day ahead, don't wanna leave the bed you're looking at the mirror, see the tears covered in redI know that you've been cold this whole time but now I'm here to make it end"

-straykids (track : youtiful)

hi blossoms it's been so long since I posted. . . 🥹 miss you... Anyway I want to inform that I opened my study motivation/daily life account follow me there if u want ! ( @bloom-diary )

’-Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

© bloomzone

🍒: Boring days can feel endless and uninspiring, but they hold the potential for something special. By shifting your perspective, you can uncover the magic hidden in the mundane. Embrace the challenge of transforming those dull moments into opportunities for joy and creativity. Together, we'll explore simple ways to romanticize your daily life, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Remember, even the most uneventful days can become cherished memories with the right mindset. Let's make every day a little more magical!

#6.HOW TO ROMANTICIZING EVERYDAY LIFE

u can take your journey of romanticizing life to the next level embracing meaningful practices that can transform your everyday experiences into moments of joy and inspiration(remember that no matter how life get bad u can start again:) ). Start by creating rituals that bring calm and intention to your daily routine—whether it’s a peaceful morning routine or a relaxing evening wind-down. Allow yourself to explore new places and embark on mini-adventures to break free from routine and discover the beauty around you. Connect with your creativity through personal projects and let your imagination flourish. Remember, nourishing your well-being with mindful eating and enjoyable activities can elevate your mood and bring satisfaction. Embrace the changing seasons by celebrating them with special activities and fresh décor. Build a cozy personal sanctuary where you can reflect and recharge, and deepen your connections with others through meaningful gatherings. Practice gratitude regularly, and seek out beauty in both the big and small moments of life. Embrace these practices with an open heart, knowing that each effort you make will enrich your life and help you find joy in the ordinary.

FIND BEAUTY IN THE SMALL THINGS :

Romanticizing life involves finding beauty and joy in the everyday moments. Here’s a guide to help you embrace this mindset:

# 1.Slow Down and Be Present

- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

- Savor Daily Routines:Turn mundane tasks into rituals. For example, enjoy making your morning coffee or tea,make ur bed in the morning..

# 2.Create a Cozy Atmosphere

- Decorate Your Space: Add personal touches to your living space, like lights, plants, or cozy blankets it will give u motivation to have a productive day

- Ambient Lighting: Use candles or soft lighting to create a warm and inviting environment

# 3.Indulge in Simple Pleasures

- Nature Walks: Take walks in nature, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells.

- Reading: Find a cozy spot to read books that inspire and transport you.

- Enjoy a Homemade Dessert: Bake cookies, brownies, or a cake and savor each bite try new recipes

# 4.Cultivate a Sense of Wonder

- Explore: Visit new places, even if they are in your local area.

- Learn: Pick up a new hobby or skill that excites you new languages....

# 5.Embrace Your Senses

- Music: Create playlists that uplift or calm you.

- Creating a Sensory Jar: Fill a jar with items like sea shells, dried flowers, or colored sand for a visual and tactile experience or just memories from break days..

# 6.Practice Gratitude

- Journaling: Keep a gratitude journal to note down things you’re thankful for each day.

- Appreciation: Take time to appreciate the little things, like a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.

# 7. Dress for Joy

- Wear What You Love: Dress in clothes that make you feel good, even if you’re not going anywhere special. (Ikr wasting a good outfit in a boring day is suck 😔)

- Accessorize: Use accessories that add a touch of elegance or fun to your outfits.

#8. Nurture Relationships

- Quality Time: Spend meaningful time with friends and family.

- Thoughtful Gestures: Show appreciation through small, thoughtful gestures.

#9. Celebrate Yourself

- Self-Care: Regularly engage in self-care activities that rejuvenate you.

- Achievements: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

# 10. Capture Memories

- Photography: Take photos of moments that make you happy.

- Scrapbooking: Create a scrapbook or digital album to look back on fond memories.

─ㅤ⊹ㅤ𓈒 May this guide inspire you to see the beauty in your daily life and cherish every moment.

© bloomzone

[knoxic]

You're not so special.

summary: Lucien catches a fish and reader is unimpressed

wc: 782...... this is new to me

a/n: I was watching Flow and this happened... is also weird to post a drabble after so long without posting anything lmao

Sound of water flowing, gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers, warm sunlight. You could fall asleep, if it weren't for the hypnotizing view, keeping you fully awake and aware.

Lucien crouched down, his breeches a tight fit at his bottom, the muscles of his bare back shifting as he moved his… delicious arms. You were outright salivating, what you wouldn't do to have his arm wrapped around your neck, to sink your teeth in his tanned skin… you'd beg to have his thick thighs squeezing your head, and you weren't one to beg for anything.

You'd happily spend the rest of your life staring at him—at how he seemed to glow, his reflection in the water was brighter somehow, like the sun casted a special shine on him—if it weren't for his cocky smile, showing off the big fish he'd just caught. 

It'd been weeks since you planned this, he wanted to go camping, but with his emissary work and you helping rebuild and re-establish the villages, there wasn't much time to do it. So when he came home last night buzzing with excitement, you could barely sleep through the night, waiting impatiently for the morning to come so you two could go on this little adventure.

But Lucien just had to show off. He needed to remind you that he could provide for you, that even though you could take care of yourself, you didn't have to. It probably had to do with the way he was raised, he had to prove he wasn't and would never be like Beron.

You loved him for being so caring, but his teasing still made you roll your eyes, he chuckled at your reaction, the fish in his hands fighting to get out of his grip. It didn't work, but Lucien still placed it back on the water, turning back to catch another.

You scoffed, an idea popped into your mind and you stood, walking slowly towards him. With his hair tied into a bun, you could see his pointy ear twitching, no doubt hearing you approach him. Like a good little prey, he kept still, waiting for you to pounce him. But it never came, instead you shed your sundress and underwear, walking behind him and shifting, the flicker of magic flowing through the air.

Your brother preferred his beast form, tough looking with claws and fangs, but you always took a liking to simple felines. Big ones, small ones, it didn't really matter, but your favorite was a common kitty. It earned you many loving pettings, it was fun wandering through villages while in your cat form, some faes were incredibly cozy to you, but you always had a favorite lap to cuddle in.

Lucien. 

He knew what you were up to, of course, but he guessed you'd just sit close to him and observe the water flowing. He wasn't expecting you to hop on his back, walking to his shoulder just to jump straight into the water.

It was cold, and your wet fur was a strange thing, still you swimmed around looking for a fish worth catching, you didn't want a boring fish, you wanted a pretty one. In your centuries long life, you never bothered to memorize names of different fish, so you'd never be able to say what fish that was. Its scales had a tiny glimmer of gold on the edges, and as silly as it was, it reminded you of Lucien. 

So you were quick to bite into it, swimming back to the surface and making your way towards Lucien, who was sitting back on the grass, watching you with a smile. His legs were spread wide, and you fought to keep your eyes on his while you walked towards him. Stopping only enough to show him the fish before throwing it back into the water, then you continued your slow walk, your pupils dilating until it swallowed your irises. 

His eyes were glazed, patiently waiting for you to reach him. He was indeed a good prey.

The magic reached his nose and with a swift glow you were back in your human form, towering over him in all your naked glory. Lucien thought you resembled a Goddess, though he'd never seen one. His eyes slid down and took in every detail on your body, outlined by the sun. 

Your voice was music in his ears, “You're not so special.” 

He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief, pulling you down by placing both hands on the back of your knees, making you fall and push you both into the soft grass. A giggle escaped you, but it was muffled by warm lips.

dividers by @anitalenia

[apricitasart]

Just because I'm bored and a bottomless pit when it comes to Charles and Erik.

Headcanons!

Starting with Erik.

- he sleeps closest to the door when given the option. Especially in hotel rooms while on their road trip.

- one of the first things he does when entering a room/building is reaches out and feels for all the metal in the room. Then he maps out any possible exits.

- he enjoys a drink, as seen with Charles, but Erik almost never drinks enough to sway him. He has to be in full control of himself. Being drunk means the possibility of making a mistake. So while he enjoys a drink, he often just sips at it to lure those around him into a false sense of comfort.

- in stark opposite of Charles, Erik feels rather comfortable in a cheap motel room. The hard, uncomfortable bed keeps him alert (the whole PTSD scenario where people with PTSD will sleep on the floor because they're afraid of sleeping through danger). He never stays one place for long, so a hotel is perfect for him. The mansion was the first place he began to feel a sense of belonging and comfort in.

- he runs on a rather strict schedule, a creature of habit. He rises early.

- he's very obviously not used to being around people often, especially for anything less than his revenge mission, so he lacks a lot of social etiquette. (This man screams autism to me 🧍) If you're not blunt and straight forward with him, he may not understand your intentions.

- goes hand in hand with the above statement - he's rather shameless. Is perfectly content to strip down Infront of someone else. A body is just a body to him and he has nothing to be ashamed about.

- he takes pride in his appearance, he knows he looks good.

- sex isn't something he thinks about often. He's got a perfectly normal sex drive but sex with other people has usually just been for the purpose of his 'job' or a means to an end. Quick tumbles in the sheets or in dark alleyways and then never to see each other again. So, he has plenty of experience, but he tle and slow is not something he knows.

Charles!

- Addictive personality disorder. I think that's likely a fact rather than a headcanon but I'll throw it in anyways. Substance abuse can be genetic.

- A big part of why Charles is so outwardly kind/generous/forgiving is not just his desire to be loved and accepted- but he wants to be better than his family had been. He is a product of his childhood, but not in a bad way. He wants to break that cycle.

- He isn't nearly as naive or arrogant as people take him for. He's been privy to the darkest, most heinous corners of people's minds. He just chooses to remain optimistic rather than let the cruelties of the world tear him down.

- Charles is a slut™. Very adventurous throughout college. He knows what he wants/likes and he isn't afraid to go after it.

- Before Hank figured out the serum, he genuinely considered ending it all. The humiliation of having no independence/not being able to walk, his heartbreak, his powers, it was all too much. The serum was the only thing that pushed him past those suicidal thoughts.

- A big part of why he lost control over his telepathy after Cuba was because he was in Shaw's head when Erik killed him. He could have simply let go, but, despite not agreeing with Erik's quest for revenge and murder, he wasn't willing to risk Erik getting hurt or missing the opportunity. After that, his fear became overwhelming.

- in DoFP, when Logan asks Hank what happened to Charles, he explains the serum and how he simply takes 'too much'. I could just be misinterpreting the facts of how the serum works- but what are headcanons for? I like to think, if Hank can hide his physical mutation AND still use it, then Charles logically can have both his telepathy and his legs. He simply has an addiction and is too afraid. When it comes time to use his powers again, he knows himself to have addictive personality and to be weak willed. He has to set an example for his students and everyone else too, so he chooses to just eliminate the serum all together. It wasn't worth the risk just to walk.

[lilithlounge]

The Secret Sexual Desires of Each Zodiac Sign (That No One Talks About) part two

Libra – The Temptation They Can’t Resist

They crave the slow, excruciating build-up. The teasing glances, the almost-touch, the game of seduction where neither of you makes the first move until you can’t hold back anymore.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Forbidden desire. Affairs, secret trysts, the thrill of knowing you shouldn’t—but doing it anyway.

Scorpio – The Soul-Destroying Obsession

Sex with them is not just physical, it’s spiritual, emotional, consuming. They don’t just fuck, they merge, possess, claim. They want a lover who isn’t afraid to descend into the abyss with them who can take it, crave it, and beg for more.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Being completely at their mercy. Or having their lover at theirs. No in-between.

Sagittarius – The Wild, Untamed Fantasy

They crave adventure in every form. Sex should feel spontaneous, thrilling, like an experience they’ll never forget. Routine? Boring. They want a partner who grabs them in the middle of a conversation and fs them against the wall.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Public sex. The risk, the thrill, the idea that someone might see them? Exhilarating.

Capricorn – The Power Play CEO

You think they’re cold? That’s cute. Behind closed doors, they are primal, commanding, relentless. They don’t just want pleasure, they want control over it. They want to see their lover lose composure, beg, shatter beneath them.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Total dominance. They need a lover who can either submit completely or match their intensity.

Aquarius – The Unconventional, Mind-Blowing Experimenter

They don’t just want sex. They want an experience. They crave the unusual, the unexpected, the "why the hell are we doing this and why do I love it" kind of thrill. They get off on breaking taboos, pushing boundaries, trying what no one else dares to.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Anything experimental. They’ll try anything once, twice if they like it.

Pisces – The Addictive Escape

I made a mistake in the first post by placing Rihanna under Aries💀 totally forgot that she is a Pisces, thanks to her Aries Venus 🐥🖤.

They don’t want sex, they want transcendence. They crave the blurred line between fantasy and reality, between the body and the soul. Their kink? Getting lost in you so completely that nothing else exists.

🖤 Secret Fantasy: Sex so deep it feels like a dream. They want to lose time, space, and themselves in you.

Ready to Uncover Your Personal Sexual Astrology💦?

Curious about your Venus, Mars, or Lilith placements and what they say about your deepest desires?

I offer detailed, personalized readings on your sexual energy, soulmate markers, and karmic relationships. If you’re ready to explore the astrology of seduction, passion, and power—DM me or check my Buy Me A Coffee, Ko-fi for a private reading.

[void-my-warranty]

Nooner (18+) Part 2

Pairing: Darth Vader (Anakin)/Fem Reader (she/her) Content Warnings: Dub Con, Prostitution, Aphrodisiacs, spanking, Forced Orgasm, Overstimulation, hand on throat, degradation, hate fucking, squirting, PIV Word Count: 4.4k

Part 2 (Part 1 here)

It has to be the drug.

That’s the only logical reason that you’re going through with this, because you absolutely should be getting out of here, and you’re not even trying. You haven’t even begun to try, at any point in this adventure.

The Perfect Man might as well be a droid for how much you want to fuck him – that is to say, not at all – but he’s hovering over you on the bed, and you’ve got your knees up so he can keep shoving his perfect fingers inside you, and it feels good.

“Yeah? You a little slut for my fingers?” he goads, making you gasp and clench around them — not in desire, but in anger.

You hate that fucker.

He won’t stop saying things like that, and it’s absolutely murdering the vibe. With how wet and achy you are, you probably would have cum by now if he wasn’t so set on being a jerk for no reason. It’s one thing to withhold the hookup with the masked man that you thought you were going to get, but it’s entirely something else to be treated like this by some gorgeous freak of nature. 

The Perfect Man pulls his fingers out to trap your clit between his knuckles, and you swear there isn’t a single emotion behind those eyes. Bland and selfish and uncaring, they bore into you while the drug forces your pussy to respond to his touch. You get wetter and more swollen, and you practically glare up at him, letting him know with your eyes that you don’t like him, not one little bit. 

“You know,” he says, releasing your clit to rub it a little softer with his thumb, “I get paid whether or not you pass.”

“So do I,” you retort, because you’re pretty sure that’s what you’ve been told. 

“Oh, come on.” He tilts his head and slow-blinks at you like you’re being stupid on purpose. “Everyone wants to be in his bed for this cruise. Don’t tell me you don’t know how much it pays to fuck him.”

No, no you don’t.

“Of c-course,” you stutter breathlessly. You’re clenching your cunt and trying not to cum because fuck this guy, even though you can’t seem to tell him to stop, since your body does like this quite a bit.

“Then you know—“ The man winds his hand back and gives your ass a sharp smack that hurts. “...that you’d better cum.”

You lock your jaw shut after the initial gasp of shock, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much that spank affected you. He must see it in your eyes a little, though, that flash of humiliation that you couldn’t hide. That beautiful pain in your ass narrows his eyes at you, running his gaze over your clenched fists and braced body.

“You’re supposed to be submissive.”

And he’s supposed to be a scarred man in a mask. 

“Guess I’m not feeling submissive,” you grit back, pushing your knees closer together because you don’t like the way he’s looking at your pussy.

“Too bad.” His fingers wander up between your legs again, making your cunt flutter when he pushes them inside. “You’ll fail the test.”

Okay, that’s actually feeling really good. He’s pushing up nice and tight against your g-spot, and Maker you need to cum. You’ve never been this wet before, so turned on that every bit of your flesh feels alert and flooded with arousal. 

“Yeah,” he purrs, when you surrender and open your knees wide again. “Yeah, you like that, you little slut.”

So, you’ve never broken anyone’s nose before, but you’re sorely tempted now. You could just whip your foot up and crack your shin bone across his face, and it would feel better than any orgasm this slimeball could give you. 

He uses his other hand this time to slap your ass, smirking when you yelp and go tight around his fingers. 

“Aww, what’s the matter? You’re almost there, I can tell. Cum for me. You can do it.”

You won’t. 

Smack. “C’mon.”

No.

Smack. “I know that pretty cunt’s gotta be feeling so uncomfortable, with the juice you took. Let it happen.”

You’re grateful for the spankings. You focus on them, letting the pain distract you each time so you don’t accidentally give him the satisfaction of pleasing you. It’s bad enough that you find yourself whimpering and tightening up for him every time he hits you. It’s bad enough that you’re dripping down his fingers and going hazy with how good each thrust feels.  

You cannot let yourself cum.

The Perfect Man’s eyes flick up to a display you never noticed before, and you’re too upside down and far away to tell what it says. But when he glances back down at you, there’s ugly determination in his face. That’s all the warning you get before he’s wrapping his hand around the front of your throat and pinning you to the bed with it.

“Hey–” you sputter, clasping your hands around his wrist, but all of a sudden your mind whites out with the feeling of a finger rapidly working our clit. 

He’s not choking you, but there’s a definite gleam of competition in his eyes while he smirks down at your startled face. Your eyes widen with a new kind of horror, when you realize he’s going to force you to cum now. You don’t want to cum for him, but the drug is pushing you towards it despite everything, and the hand on your neck makes you forget every other option you have. 

All you’d need to do is snap your knees closed, or kick him, or literally just tell him to stop, but now all of your mental energy is narrowed onto that inescapable stimulation on your swollen clit. He’s apparently hell-bent on making you submit to him, and the fingers around your throat have your brain clicking into that space all on its own. All you can do is whine pitifully up at that disgustingly beautiful stranger, and mentally beg him to stop rubbing your clit like that, beg him to spank you again or deny your release or literally anything but make you cum like this when you don’t want to.

Everything goes tight and hot inside you, and your eyes slide shut so that when you cum, you at least don’t have to be looking at someone you hate. 

But then a twittering couple of beeps sounds from somewhere behind you, and to your shock, The Perfect Man instantly stops moving. His hand unlocks from your neck, and his fingers disappear from your pussy.

He sighs, wiping his fingers off on your stomach as if he’s bored now. “Time’s up. Too bad for you.”

Wait, you did it?

You failed the test. 

You lay there panting and weak and dripping your arousal onto the bed, and somehow you talked yourself into not cumming, and that means you failed the test. 

“I’ll have your clothes sent in.”

That… that means… this was all for nothing. 

You watch that chiseled torso turn and disappear out the door – notably with no tent in his pants – and straighten your legs back out because you didn’t cum, and that means it was all for nothing. This entire excursion was just a chance for you to get called a slut and fingered by the prettiest person you’ve ever seen, and then not even cum.

You still need it, so, so bad.

You find yourself thinking about it, as you sit up in the empty room. Picturing the orgasm you were supposed to have, with that masked guy. The voice you were supposed to have talking you through it, maybe even telling you nice things about your body or performance. It’s not fair that you didn’t get it. You went through the wringer just now, and you deserve that orgasm. 

Automatically your head turns to the door the masked man left through, and before you know it, you’re following your impulses again. It’s your pussy guiding you now instead of your loneliness, but you listen. You put your hand on the controls and somehow find it completely unlocked, swooshing open for you and revealing a dim room.

There isn’t a single display visible here. No glowing lights of electronic panels, no clocks, no buttons or switches to speak of. It’s a plain, rustic sort of bedroom, with one large bed low to the ground, a wide chair, and a large window looking out into empty space beyond. 

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

You don’t jump at the sound of his modulated voice, you barely even twitch. It’s like your body was just expecting it, prepared for the difference in timbre from the too-beautiful man before. 

“I know,” you admit, turning your head to find him as just a shadow in the corner. “I just — I failed the test.”

“Disappointing,” he muses, taking a step towards the middle of the room, where there’s more light to see him. “You may have a higher tolerance for Jucinthe than most.”

Your tolerance is just fine, judging by the way your cunt is grinding into itself and your arousal is currently dripping down your left thigh. But you don’t want to insult him or his stupid, unnecessary drug.

The masked man does that thing again, where he appears suddenly right in front of you, and this time it feels good. It feels like he’s supposed to be this close to your body, like it makes sense that he’d come here to talk to you and touch you. 

But that’s the thing, you’re not certain he will. You feel like he’s a second away from escorting your naked ass out of here, and you can’t let that happen.

“Give me another hit,” you rush, pussy throbbing unbearably. “I— I can perform.”

The man doesn’t even blink, just goes absolutely motionless and stares down at you. Then he turns his head, takes a few steps to the side to find a drawer, and returns with another dose. 

You don’t complain when you feel that pinch in your arm again. You’ve got your eyes locked into his face, without an ounce of uncertainty existing in your body this time. You’re too horny to be shy. You got past all that with his ridiculous test, and now it’s just time to fuck who you came here to fuck.

Only, the man drops your arm, and then takes a seat on the lone chair, and just watches you without a word.

“Aren’t you going to fuck me?” You ask desperately, trying not to touch yourself like a pervert.

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?” You’re getting upset now, raising your voice and turning your head to glance at the perfectly serviceable bed right over there. “Why would you inject me again if you weren’t going to fuck me?”

There’s a bit of a smile in his voice, somehow. “You demanded it.”

Oh, Maker, this is bad. This is the worst, this is— and your pussy— And there’s nothing you can— 

“Please.” It comes out in a little whimper, as you stand there and flex your thighs together, rubbing at the sting in your arm. 

“You think I want someone who needs two doses of Jucinthe to fuck me?”

“I didn’t even need one dose, asshole.” 

Shit. 

You clap your hand to your mouth in shock, uncomprehending how you just heard those words come out of you, in your own voice. They just poured out before you could stop it, with how overworked your nerves are right now, and that weird, fuzzy feeling in your brain when you’re around him.

There’s such a heavy silence then, it makes you want to die. Maybe taking two doses and then not getting to cum will kill you, actually. It’s not like you know anything about that drug.

“Do you know who I am?” The man finally asks, getting to his feet. 

“Uhh…” your eyes track over him frantically, searching for clues. “A… m-mayor… of some… war zone?”

That makes him laugh, for some reason. He turns his face away and barks into his mask, his shoulders shaking a little with it. 

And with how robotic his voice sounds through the mask, you absolutely cannot tell if it’s a happy laugh, or an I’m-about-to-kill-you chuckle.

“Go lay down,” he finally says, inclining his head towards the bed. “You’re a terrible prostitute.”

But he’s shrugging off his outer clothes, and that means you won. 

With mortifying eagerness, you race to the bed and sprawl out on it, soaking in the sensation of cool satin under your flushed skin. It’s like every possible nerve in your body is awake and getting feedback from even the air surrounding you. Your pulse is a discernible throb in your clit, and you swear your nipples feel good just for existing right now, contracted tight as if they’re being touched. 

You only exist to be fucked right now. That’s what your body’s for, soft and dripping and swollen for it. That’s what your mind is for, blank and stupid and uncaring of how you’re handled now. You don’t care at all, when it’s him.

You’re watching your masked man without realizing it, as he removes the last of his clothes. Your head is turned and your eyes are lingering on the lean muscle, the fine-tuned physique that doesn’t typically exist in the occupation of mayor. He looks like a fighter more than anything, with so many scars and large areas of grafted skin, you can’t even comprehend how badly he was hurt.

It’s not until he approaches that you wrench your gaze back up to his face, and away from the definite hardness between his legs. Your brain goes fuzzy again when he wraps his hands under your hips and drags you to the edge of the bed. 

“Why did you fail the test?” He asks quietly, running the underside of his shaft forward and back through your messy folds.

“Um—“ Your eyes flick back and forth between his face and your disgustingly needy pussy, mesmerized by the sensation of getting pushed towards an orgasm just from that minuscule contact on your clit. “I wasn’t attracted to him.”

“Really?” He stops moving to frown down at you. “What do you require, the Maker himself?”

“N-no, I—“ your words cut off to a whine, when you feel him slipping lower, teasing the head of his cock slightly into your pussy. 

You’re gonna cum. The instant he pushed that into you, you’re just going to start cumming on it. The realization has your toes curling and tears springing to your eyes, as you helplessly lay there and wait for relief.

“Tell me,” he prompts, wrapping his hand around the back of your thigh to push your knee up and out. 

That stupid fuzz infiltrates your mind again, and all you can do is confess in a rush, “I like s-scars. And— hnnggh— masks— and scary blue eyes.”

You don’t even really register that he’s penetrated you, you just know that you’re cumming. Your head flexes back and you gasp and pant and practically yell it into the quiet room, while your cunt spasms so hard it almost hurts. 

“Stars,” the man mutters, thrusting carefully, just enough to prolong your perfect agony. “Scary blue eyes. You really are the worst prostitute.”

“I’m not a prostitute.” It comes out before you can stop it, and by the time you’ve clamped both hands over your mouth, the damage is already done. 

The masked man goes motionless above you again. He ignores your damp, pleading eyes to grab your wrists and pry them away from your face, pinning them to the bed on either side of your head.

“What did you say?” he practically purrs, boring those scary blues into your soul until you can’t even stand it. 

There must be some kind of truth serum in that aphrodisiac, because even though you’re lifting your hips in an unconscious bid for more fucking, it’s literally impossible to shut yourself up.  

“I’m just some nobody on the cruise,” you babble. “I accidentally wandered in here, and I have no idea what happened to the prostitute you hired, and I only wanted to fuck you, and—“

He cuts you off with a firm roll of his hips, making your fingers curl themselves in pleasure above each of his fists. “And?” He prompts again.

“I’m going to cum again,” you admit in a small voice, just as the orgasm starts licking through your pelvis. 

It’s not fair. He’s making you blab, and cum, and there’s nothing you can do because he’s still holding you down, and you like it. You accept that crackling fire in your bloodstream, enjoying the way it’s a little sharper than the first time you came, pushing you a little more out of control with each wet spasm.

When you return to your senses again, he’s released your wrists and pulled out. You have a split second moment of panic that he’s going to leave you now, but he just tucks his hand under your lower back and tosses you to the middle of the bed, like it’s nothing. 

Your legs are shaking and weak, but you still hold them open for him when he settles himself over you. You still gasp and flutter around his cock when he gives it to you deep and hard, and to your absolute shock you just start cumming again. 

There’s a muttered curse above you, and you can’t tell if he’s mad at what your body is doing, or intrigued, but it humiliates you all the same.

“I’m sorry,” you gasp between breaths, once your head clears, “I didn’t mean to cum.”

The man sighs, and pulls almost all the way out of you, glancing down your naked bodies to see all those sticky lines of your arousal connecting to your skin. “You’ve made a mess on me.”

“Sorry,” you whisper again.

“Hmmm.” His eyes wander back up to your face, your sweaty hair sticking to your neck, and whatever fucked-out expression you have on. And then you feel his thumb sliding over your clit, beginning to rub a relentless circle there while he begins to fuck you in earnest. 

“W-wait—“ you whimper, shoving your hands down your stomach, but stopping there because it suddenly feels too good to pull his hand away. 

“It’s okay,” he tells you, as if he can pick up on the conflict in your mind. “No one else knows, it’s alright.”

Your stomach tightens with something unfamiliar and vicious, and you feel an actual tear slide into your hair with the way your eyes are watering all on their own. Your knees tremble on either side of him, while he tilts his head to watch the emotions flash across your face. 

But whatever he sees melts away into absolute pleasure, as your eyes roll back with that thunder clap of an orgasm. It feels good at first, and then it hurts, and then—

You’re squirting. All over him. You can hear it, and you can feel it, alongside a fresh wave of sensation you can’t escape. You can’t escape it, because he won’t stop rubbing your clit and fucking you, even when it turns into raw overstimulation.

“I’m sorry,” you wail, “Oh, m-maker, I’m so sorry— fuck.” Your voice trails off into an overwhelmed whine, and your knees clamp into his hips.

And then you squirt again. 

You’re not even sure if you’re cumming this time. You’re not sure that it matters. He’s not trying to make you cum, he’s trying to make you humiliate yourself in every way he can come up with. 

He’s breathing hard, when you’re finally able to blink the water out of your eyes and focus on his face again. “What the fuck,” he mutters to himself, running his hand down your damp body. “What the fuck.”

You’re too exhausted to process anything new. All you can do is let him keep rolling his hips into you, and just be grateful he’s leaving your clit alone. Both of your lower bodies are wet with what just happened. The bed is wet. There’s an obvious sound of something slick and slutty getting fucked, and there’s nothing you can do but tilt your pelvis up to get him a little deeper, and try not to be embarrassed by it. 

“I like you,” he says, for some reason, resting his eyes on your face. “I really like you.”

And that has a completely different sort of warmth expanding inside you, filling your lungs with something soft and pink. 

You’re doing a good job, and he likes you. 

“Thanks,” you say stupidly. “I like you too.”

He exhales heavily, bringing his forearms down to frame your shoulders, and smoothing his hand over your hair. “You gonna cum again?”

“I’ll try not to,” you offer.

“Don’t need to do that. We’re going to go slow now, okay? If you need to cum, just let it happen.”

You blink stupidly up at him and whisper, “Thank you, sir.”

“Mmmph.” You can feel his cock jump a little inside you. “Do not call me that.”

“Sorry.” You’re starting to not be able to tell when you’re about to cum. You’re quite afraid it’s just going to slam into you out of nowhere, so you close your eyes to try to concentrate on what you’re feeling. 

A thumb swipes that little trail of wetness on your temple, stroking it into your hairline. “Oh, you are so pretty.”

You gasp out a startled cry, your face screwing up as you begin to cum again. 

“Shh, it’s okay.” He slow-fucks you through it, grinding in deep to make your toes curl at the pleasure-pain in your cervix. “You’re doing so good. There you go. Aww, there you go.”

You just start convulsing around him again because he won’t stop bullying himself against your cervix. Your eyes spring open with a fresh wall of water blocking your vision, panting through the aching shockwaves. 

Finally your gaze focuses on his face, blinking the tears away and just staring up at him like he’s some force-blessed entity you never knew existed. 

“Do you have one more for me?” he asks, dragging his thumb alone the line of your jaw. 

“No,” you lie.

“Yeah, you do. Come on, you’ll feel better. Just one more.”

You shake your head slightly, fighting your body, even though you know he’s right. You really do need to cum all of that stuff out of your system, but you feel so vulnerable right now. You feel like you want to kiss, but he’s got that metal thing on, so all you can do is blink at him and focus on every place where your bodies are connected. 

Your clit keeps getting smushed with every drop of his hips, and even though you feel like the next orgasm is going to flatten you, it’s coming whether you like it or not. He’s being relentless with his thrusts, and it’s starting to feel warm and gooey between your legs again. 

“Thank you,” you whisper, finding his fingers with yours, and stroking them gently. 

His eyes lower to watch that touch you’re doing, but you soon lose track of them when your tired pussy begins to pulse again, and a little dribble of liquid comes out of you, onto the bed below. 

“Good girl. That’s going to feel better, isn’t it?”

Fuck, it won’t stop. That orgasm clings to you, raking through your pelvis and continuing to ruin the sheets every time he bumps your clit. 

“Please,” is all you can manage to communicate, clamping your hand into his wrist and tilting your hips up for something deeper.

So he gives it to you. He shoves his elbows higher on the bed and fucks you hard. Makes stars explode in your vision while he grunts and gasps his release into your body. 

It’s over. Finally, you’re finished.

He seems to have some trouble meeting your eyes after that. You both do, if you’re being honest. You catch your breath while he climbs off you, because between Quorl and what just happened, you’re practically disabled in the leg department. You just stay there, sweaty and twitching, while he efficiently puts his clothes back on. 

“Stay there,” he orders, accessing a door you didn’t notice before. 

And then he’s gone.

And the fucking weight of what you just did settles like a stone in your gut.

You spring to action, stumbling to the other door you came through, and you practically sob in relief to see your clothes folded there on the small couch. You don’t even bother putting shoes on, just throw the necessary things haphazardly on your body, and then roll the rest into a ball and tuck it under your arm. 

The entry room is empty, when you peek your head in. There’s no sign of that hateful pretty guy, or the droid, so you just take your opportunity for what it is, and book it.

You race through the rich people hallway and back to the transport belts, and then there’s this euphoric rush of relief when you wedge yourself in with all the other unimportant life forms. 

You did it.

_________________________

“How was your nooner?” Your friend asks brightly, turning all the lights on as she walks through the room.

Groaning, you toss your arm over your eyes and try to bury yourself farther in blankets. Exhausted, you had just managed to fall asleep when she came back. 

“It was fine,” you grumble, blinking and squinting at her. “Did you win?”

“Seventy-third place,” she gripes. “I think they were cheating.”

“Well, that’s Quorl. You lose some, you lose some.”

“Ha-ha,” she returns, planting her ass on your bed and ruffling your hair. “You definitely won’t win if you never try.”

“Yeah, but it’s a lot safer that way.”

There’ll be a lot fewer warlord beds you find yourself in, when you stick to your normal life and never try anything new, ever again. 

Now you just have to never show your face on this ship, and stay anonymous, and forget the afternoon ever happened. You can do that, you’re good at staying hidden. You’re nobody, remember?

Except, you can’t be late.

That’s the only thing, you can’t let yourself be late again.