#i will never be over this season honestly

[no-144444]

who's he?- l.norris

summary: you've always been more famous, but now jack whitehall has decided to address it

pairing: lando norris x fem! moviestar! reader

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You sat beside Lando, giggling beside him as the night went on, awkward and long. F175 was a good idea on paper, but it was also the most hunger games-esque things you’d ever seen, and every single person there could feel the awkward and uncomfortable air in the room. 

He reached over and grabbed your hand to play with while Jack Whitehall made his way through the tables as the Williams car was revealed. 

“You alright?” you asked, leaning in to him. 

He nodded and pressed a kiss to your cheek. “All good.”

He was doing great. 2024 had been the hardest season of his life, and he genuinely couldn’t have done it without you. Every time he came home and saw you there, taking time out of your own busy schedule to make him feel better, it meant the world to him. He was eternally grateful. 

Jack pulled up a chair beside the two of you, getting ready for the interview. “Evening guys,” he smiled, settling in beside you. The Williams reveal was over, the lights came up again, and the camera was turned to Lando, Jack and you. 

“Give it up for my main man James Vowels!” There was a break for cheering. “Now, there is only one person I want to talk to tonight,” he announced into the microphone and the crowd went wild. They thought he meant Lando. “Y/n Y/l/n!” 

The stadium erupted in laughter as Lando got cut out of the camera angle, zoning in on your and Jack. Beside you, Lando was laughing harder than anyone, squeezing your hand as he giggled uncontrollably. You were pretty famous, being a huge movie star. At the beginning of your relationship back in 2021, everyone was a bit confused on why you’d picked him, since F1 wasn’t huge back then. Ever since then there’s always been jokes about how he’s less relevant than you, or less famous, etc. Honestly, you find them hilarious.

“Y/n, how are you feeling about tonight, have you ever seen anything like this?” he asked.

“No, I have not,” you smiled, trying to hold in your own laughter. 

“How does it compare to the Oscars?” 

“There’s usually less drummers, for sure,” you joked and the crowd laughed. “But yes, I am very excited to be here.” 

“Do you think Lando’s taking it away this year?” 

You turned to Lando and he smirked, shaking his head. “I hope so,” you shrugged, turning back to Jack. 

“I won’t be famous enough if I don’t,” Lando added, giggling into the microphone. 

“Mate let’s be honest you were never famous enough for her,” Jack teased. “I hope you win this year for your sake,” both you and Lando were uncontrollably laughing now. “So, how was your break? Got a chance to Netflix and Chill?” 

A boom mic was lowered into your face. 

“We did, y’know,” Lando nodded, pushing the boom away. “Wankers.” 

“Please do not curse Lando,” Jack chuckled. 

“That's not a curse word,” he smiled cheekily. “But yeah, we had a nice break. We spent some time with our families and friends, and we went to see Daniel in Perth as well, which was great.”

“You and Daniel are quite close, aren’t you Y/n?” he mused. 

“Yeah, I’ve worked with his partner a lot before, so we’re pretty close.”

“And he introduced us,” Lando added and you nodded. 

“Wow! Daniel Riccardo the match-maker, will he be officiating at your wedding?” Jack asked, referencing the fact that there were a lot of engagement rumours over the break for the two of you. 

You looked down at your hand confused then held it up for the cameras, showing no engagement ring on your finger, then looking at Lando confused, who giggled. 

“It’s on my to-do list, alright?” he chuckled. 

“Better be soon, or else you’ll be too irrelevant to marry her,” Jack joked. “And now, we have the wonderful Kane Brown, give it up!” 

The cameras turned to the singer, and Lando smiled at you. 

“It’s a good idea,” he whispered. “Asking Daniel.” 

“I don’t see a ring on my finger, Norris,” you pointed out again. 

“Soon,” he nodded, sincerity in his eyes. “So soon.”

“I'll believe it when I see it,” you chuckled, but you knew he was serious.

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[dykepuffs]

This is why we can't leave the Disgusting Fantasy Havers out in the cold too.

Cut because this is a long rant and maybe people don't want to see it and if I wasn't on mobile I would have spawned this off into its own post sorry.

(I am deliberately picking an unpleasant, ugly, disgust-provoking topic, to prove the point, don't assume you know what I personally am into from this!) Because;

"They write stories about UNDERAGE and NONCON, so I bet they are real life child abusers, they should get the rope!" Being said about people who have never been near a child and have never shown any interest in them, can easily become-

"Him and his partner RP as Icky Daddy and Spoilt Stepson, and they're really *realistic* about it, they should get the rope!" Which becomes:

"Him and his partner call each other Daddy and Boy, you know what that means REALLY, they should get the rope," which becomes:

"Those two have an age gap, and the younger one dresses in cute bright colours and the older one is all serious, they're totally doing age play shit, they should get the rope." which turns into:

"Those two might be the same age, but when we raided their house we found a cuddly toy on the bed, which suggests they do ageplay, they should get the rope."

Which gets reported as "Local paedophiles evicted in raid, paraphernalia confiscated." Everyone is relieved when they get the rope.

When someone has already decided that queerness is quasi-incest (All the late-c20th horror over the concept of lesbian feminists calling each other Sister!), is unnatural, is always-coercive (because the Queer must have preyed on the Confused), they will always be able to make you - yes, you, your milquetoast vanilla bean relationship- look like abuse, and like the worst kind of abuse, the kind you should be hanged for. And anyone who defends you or says "oh hold on I don't think that's really proportional..." will also be called the worst kind of predator (after all... they're showing excessive sympathy for groomers and sickos... going out of their way to say these freaks aren't evil when idek i just think some fantasies are evil! Being horny about something harmful and gross doesn't make it morally neutral... seems sus idk idk...)

If you and your partner rent a house together, they will say one of you must have coerced the other by trapping them financially. If you met at school, the elder one corrupted a minor (That two month age gap is a lot to a seventeen year old who was just finding their way in the world!). If you met at a bar, you tricked them when they were too drunk to evaluate the risk. If you care for your disabled partner, you're sexually preying on a poor cripple... Or the devious deformed degenerate has perverted the natural caring urges of an innocent helper into something sexual and sinister. If you're in a long-term relationship it's a sign of incorrigible and unrepentant deviance, and if you are single it was only a matter of time before you preyed on an innocent passer-by.

Do not trust. ANY. Arrests for public indecency. Honestly, don't trust any arrest at all, the state isn't your friend and the carceral apparatus isn't "good" when it happens to chew up a murderer or an abuser, because those are just the seasoning that gives it license to also chew up all the "deviants" that are stumbling blocks for the project of fascism.

If they do start rounding queers up it won’t be with the gestapo, but the police, and the crime won’t be written down as being queer, but public indecency, the indecency being queer in public, but that’s the quiet part no one will say out loud.

[norrisainz33]

f175 || ls18

☆ summary: you and lance attend the f175 event

☆ pairing: lance stroll x reader

☆ fc & warnings: dua lipa and suggestive! you are responsible for the content you consume

☆ requested: yes!!! thank you for the request 🫶🏻

masterlist

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

ynuser has posted to their story

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user1: effortlessly gorgeous

chloestroll: pretty princess

ynuser: i wish you were here 😫

chloestroll: i’ll see you soon bb 😘

user2: OHMGMEKGKOEY ARE YOU GOING TO F175?!

astonmartinf1: can’t wait to see you tonight 💚

ynuser: promise to only get my good side in photos?

astonmartinf1: you don’t have a bad side y/n!

lance_stroll: that’s my beautiful girl 😘

ynuser: my handsome man!!! i can’t wait to see you in your suit 🤤😍

lance_stroll: and i can’t wait to see you in that dress and also….. out of it 😏

ynuser: could always see the second in your fancy dressing room at the O2

lance_stroll: don’t tempt me

ynuser: but what if i want to 🤨

lance_stroll: then by all means

user3: ho is you an angel

user4: watching the red carpet of that weird event for you and you only

ynuser has posted to their story

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user6: stunning!!!!!!!!

fernandoalo_oficial: sorry for stealing your man 😉

ynuser: i’ll forgive you but only this time!!

fernandoalo_oficial: lawrence is the better chauffeur anyway 😏

ynuser: hahaha i’ll tell him you said that

user9: no bc you’re gonna mog everyone so hard on that red carpet idk why anyone else is even bothering to show up

lance_stroll: goodness gracious you are stunning

ynuser: thank you babyyyyy!!

lance_stroll: i wish they would let me ride with you instead

ynuser: i know sweetheart but this evening is for you and nando to show off!!!

lance_stroll: and you know i hate it… these sorts of things make me so anxious

ynuser: i know baby but lawrence and i will be right behind you! you’ll only have to be without me for a few short minutes

flavy_barla: i’m going to start drooling

ynuser: thanks for helping me pick the outfit out baby girl

flavy.barla: happy to darling 🤍

user10: not them sending you in the safety car but ig they gotta keep the people’s princess safe huh

chanelofficial: beautiful! we are so glad you trusted us to make your outfit for this evening 🤍

ynuser: and thank YOU for the perfect outfit 🫶🏻

user11: is it wrong to say i’m more excited to see you than the liveries

peoplemagazine has made a post

liked by astonmartinf1, yourbff, alexandrasaintmleux, user12, user18, and 78,356 others

peoplemagazine: we had the pleasure of talking with y/n y/l/n and lance stroll tonight at f175. y/n talked about how excited she is for this season: “theres just so much to look forward to! lance and the entire aston martin team have worked so hard over the break and i am really looking forward to seeing that work pay off. i am so incredibly lucky to get to have a front row seat for all of this - from learning about the car back at the factory to supporting the love of my life in making his dreams come true - i am just so lucky.”

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user12: is someone cutting onions

user13: petition to make y/n the head of strookie nation

user99: Y E S

user23: petition signed. i want mother to represent us

ynuser: i’ve been summoned and i love that we’re calling ourselves strookies. i’m so in

user13: asdfghjkl she’s ONE OF US

user14: why is that so sweet i’m sick

yourbff: people magazine?! oh ynuser you’re famous famous

ynuser: dream come true for real

user15: the way y/n talks about all the people back at the factory so fondly 😭🫶🏻

user18: most supportive and kind partner award goes to y/n fr

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yourbff: y/n/n this is unhinged

ynuser: i stand with my cancelled wife (myself)

lilymhe: screaming how much champagne did they give you

ynuser: not enough honestly. this was all organic

lilymhe: never change y/n/n

lance_stroll: not the sirens and the gun shots

ynuser: the helmet and the suit have done something unspeakable to me

lance_stroll: noted 😏

ynuser: you know what tate said about sports cars….. i’ve been thinking…..

lance_stroll: y/n i’ve told you this! there is no way we can both fit in my f1 car

ynuser: one day i’ll get you to say yes to this proposition just wait lancey

lance_stroll: whatever you say princess

estebanocon: i watched you giggle and post this from 2 tables away

ynuser: you saw nothing pls 😔

alexandrasaintmleux: mon ami stand up

ynuser: i can’t 🧎🏻‍♀️

chloestroll: i’m gonna scroll now….

ynuser: yeah that’s fair

yourfriend1: and this is valid af

ynuser: THANK YOU!!

ynuser has made a post

liked by lance_stroll, boss, chanelofficial, alexandrasaintmleux, chloestroll and 453,234 others

ynuser: the amr25 is almost as hot as lance 😍🤤 thanks for an incredible night f1 and to my ladies at chanelofficial for dressing me!

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user18: the head of strookie nation has spoken 🗣️

astonmartinf1: she is a beauty 😉

ynuser: you got that right admin

user22: aston had the best reveal hands down

chloestroll: *almost as hot as you

ynuser: *almost as hot as YOU

user24: now let’s pray that she’s also fast 🤞🏻

lance_stroll: you flatter me

ynuser: just spitting facts!

estebanocon: simping on main now too??

flavy.barla: at least this was tamer

yourbff: definitely could’ve been worse

ynuser: guys please

user32: 👀

user33: you are so real for this y/n/n

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

a/n: sooo happy to be getting all these lance requests 😭😫 likes and reblogs appreciated!! thanks for reading 🤍

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

disclaimer: pictures are not mine and everything i write is fiction

© norrisainz33 || please do not rewrite, translate, or copy any of my works posted here on to any other platform

[pbaz7]

FLIGHT 2136: PART 7

paige x azzi

warning: mentions car accident

word count: 7.6k

A/N: I struggled with writing this chapter for some reason so I don’t know how I feel about it. Please let me know what you wanna see going forward because I honestly have zero clue. Leave live reacts and comments if you can please. I need em for motivation at this point 😭

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3rd Person POV - October

Paige’s room was quiet except for the soft hum of music still playing from Paige’s JBL, it was a playlist Azzi made a while ago to help Paige fall asleep on nights like this. Paige had struggled for a while, shifting and sighing in frustration until Azzi turned on the speaker for her and exhaustion won shortly after. Now, she was stretched out on her back, one arm thrown over her face, her breathing steady.

Azzi, on the other hand, was wide awake. She never slept well the night before the first game of the season—too much excitement, too much energy buzzing. Lying on her side facing the wall, she absentmindedly scrolled through Twitter, the screen's glow illuminating her face in the dark dorm room. She had the brightness turned down, not wanting to disturb Paige, though she knew from experience that nothing short of an alarm blaring would wake her up when she was tired like this.

Paige shifted beside her, exhaling a deep sigh in her sleep. Azzi turned over glanced at her, becoming momentarily distracted as she took in the way Paige's features softened when she was asleep. Even unconscious, Paige had a presence—an energy that made Azzi’s chest tighten when she looked at her.

Azzi put her phone down, suddenly uninterested in whatever was on her screen. Instead, she let herself admire Paige, her gaze tracing over the delicate slope of her nose, the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Even in the dark, the moonlight spilling through the window illuminated just enough for Azzi to see her. Paige always looked so peaceful like this—completely unguarded, all the weight she carried during the day momentarily lifted.

Azzi loses track of how long she lets herself enjoy the moment, a small smile on her face as she propped her head up on her arm.

But eventually, after a few minutes, her expression shifted when she saw Paige’s face twitch. Paige’s brows knitted together, lips parting slightly as her breath hitched. Azzi frowned as she watched her features contort here and there, subtle but noticeable.

Azzi sat up slightly before she reached out, fingers grazing Paige’s arm. “Paige?” she murmured softly, just loud enough to see if she’d stir.

Azzi’s frown deepened when Paige’s breathing changed, still looking unsettled. She ran her fingers lightly along Paige’s wrist.

“Paige,” she tried again, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, a little softer, “Baby.”

This time, Paige’s eyes snapped open.

She didn’t jolt upright or gasp—there was no dramatic startle—but the shift was immediate. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she stared up at the ceiling, blinking like she was trying to reorient herself. Azzi stayed still, watching her closely, giving her a moment to settle.

After a while, once Paige had calmed slightly, she gently touched her wrist. “Hey,” she murmured. “I’m right here.”

Azzi didn’t press for words. She just kept her touch gentle, her thumb brushing slow strokes across Paige’s wrist as she waited. Paige’s breaths were still uneven, her eyes trying to focus; she was trying to shake off whatever had pulled her from sleep.

Then, without any words, Paige turned into her.

Azzi barely had time to fully react before Paige was burying her face in her neck, her body pressing against Azzi’s completely. Not a second after Azzi felt the warm, damp trails of tears slipping down her neck.

Her chest tightened.

Without thinking about it, she wrapped her arms around Paige. One hand came up to the back of Paige’s head, fingers threading through her hair as she whispered, “I got you, baby. It’s okay. I got you.”

Azzi felt Paige’s breath hitch against her skin, the small tremble of her body as she tried to hold back her tears. But it seemed like the more she fought it, the more they fell against Azzi’s neck.

Azzi didn’t mind. Not one bit. She just tightened her hold as she cradled Paige against her. Her fingers continued their soothing path through Paige’s hair. “You’re okay,” she whispered, her lips brushing against Paige’s head. “I’m right here, baby. Just breathe.”

Paige clung to her a little tighter at the words, like she was clinging to Azzi to ground herself, and Azzi let her. She didn’t rush her, didn’t ask questions—she just held her.

Paige kept trying to will herself to stop, but the tears wouldn’t let up. She had pushed this down for so long, refusing to let herself break, and now it felt like it was all pouring out at once, like she’d never be able to stop.

Azzi just kept whispering soft reassurances against her hair. “I love you,” she murmured, pressing the words into Paige’s head like a promise. “You’re okay. Just breathe, baby. Take your time. You’re safe I promise.”

Her fingers never stopped moving, running through Paige’s hair, tracing slow circles against her back—anything to remind her that she wasn’t alone. To keep her in the present moment. Paige, despite how much she wanted to stop, just let herself fall apart in Azzi’s arms.

Eventually, her tears slowed, her breathing evening out as the weight of exhaustion settled over her. She pulled back slightly, just enough to put some space between them, her eyes still glassy as she mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

Azzi didn’t even acknowledge the apology—because there was nothing for Paige to be sorry for. Instead, she brought her hands to Paige’s face, thumbs brushing away the lingering tears. “What’s going on, beautiful?” she whispered.

Paige shook her head almost immediately, the words on the tip of her tongue—Nothing. I’m fine. She was about to say it, about to brush it off like she always did.

But Azzi wasn’t having it.

She tightened her hold, her fingers firm as she held Paige’s face, making her meet her gaze. “It’s not nothing, baby,” she whispered, searching Paige’s eyes. “Talk to me please.”

“Dream.”

Azzi nodded, her thumbs still tracing soft patterns against Paige’s cheeks. “I know,” she murmured, her voice steady, patient. “But you gotta give me more.”

Even after all these months, she knew Paige needed a nudge—needed the space to talk at her own pace but also a reminder that she could talk. That she didn’t have to hold it all in.

Paige swallowed, her throat working around the words she wasn’t sure she wanted to say. “I was thinking too much before bed,” she admitted.

Azzi just nodded again, letting her take her time.

Paige exhaled shakily. “I just—” She stopped, pressing her lips together, then shook her head. She didn’t have the right words yet, so she started with what she could say.

“It was the accident,” she murmured finally. “After the truck hit us, everything just felt so fake but so real at the same time.” Her brows knitted together as she tried to explain it. “The pain… it was real. But everything in the car, it just—it felt like it was moving in slow motion.”

Azzi stayed quiet, letting Paige keep going.

“I heard Drew crying, asking for help,” Paige continued, her voice tight, like she was back in that moment. “But I couldn’t say anything. I tried, but nothing came out. My head felt like it was about to explode… my side…” She sucked in a breath. “I had never felt anything like that before Az.”

Azzi listened intently, as she continued her pattern on Paige’s back, offering the steady presence Paige needed to get through this.

“I kept trying to reach over to calm Drew down,” Paige continued, her voice distant, like she was reliving every moment. “But I think maybe I was slipping in and out of consciousness. I don’t know… I was just so disoriented. I couldn’t think straight so I was getting frustrated.”

Azzi nodded, encouraging her silently.

“When I finally got my bearings and reached over, I wished I had stayed still.”

Paige let out a quiet chuckle. “I let out this yell that woke my dad up. My side—God, it felt like someone was holding a torch to it.” She swallowed, eyes unfocused. “And I saw the panic all over my dad’s face when he looked back at me. He tried to calm Drew down but at the same time he kept yelling at me to stop moving. But Drew—he just kept panicking, and I kept trying to grab him even though it hurt like hell, and my dad was caught between telling him to calm down and begging me to stop moving.”

Her voice cracked slightly, and Azzi instinctively tightened the hold she had on Paige, rubbing slow circles against her back.

“It felt like that went on forever,” Paige murmured. “Like we were trapped in this loop of panic, pain, and yelling. It didn’t even feel real… not until I was passing out.”

Paige huffed out a humorless laugh. “Ironically, when I woke up in the hospital, it felt like I got hit by a truck.” She shook her head. “And my dad—God, he looked like he had seen a ghost. He was just sitting there, staring at me like he wasn’t sure if I was real. Like he couldn’t believe I was actually opening my eyes.”

They settle into silence for a while. Azzi lets Paige take her time, and share which portions she wants to share. It was always a random moment like this when Paige would talk to Azzi about the accident. Sometimes they were just laying there in the middle of the day and Paige would start talking about it, other times it came when Paige was having a hard day and just ranted about life. Sometimes it was like this, when Paige had a dream. Each time, Azzi learns a little more about the accident. How it affected Paige, how it made her feel.

Because of this Azzi knows there’s not much she can say to ease Paige’s emotions when she’s talking about the accident. She knows Paige’s thoughts will get stuck there, so she eases her into an easier conversation.

Azzi tilted her head slightly. “Were you thinking about it before you went to bed?”

Paige let out a small breath. “Kinda.”

Azzi gave her a small smile, and Paige sighed, already knowing what Azzi was silently saying.

“I was thinking about the game tomorrow, and it kinda just spiraled from there,” she admitted. “Because I’m finally here, you know? I was just in my head, thinking about all these expectations I have for myself now that I’m where I’ve always wanted to be. And then…” Paige swallowed, her voice softer now. “Then I started thinking about how I could’ve been here a few years ago if the accident didn’t happen. How different things might’ve been. How different life might be.”

Azzi didn’t say anything, just rubbed her hand over Paige’s back, listening.

Paige smiles softly for the first time since she’s woken up. “I would’ve been able to meet you a long time ago.”

Azzi knew Paige well enough to recognize when she needed a distraction, something to pull her out of her thoughts. So, with a teasing smirk, she said, “I don’t know… I might not have liked you as much at first if you were a chatterbox.”

Paige scoffed. “Oh, please.”

Azzi grinned. “The whole mysterious vibe is what drew me in.”

Paige let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head. “Yeah, right. You’d still like me even if I never shut up. You told me the other day you would date me if I was a worm.”

Azzi just smiled and rolled her eyes, because they both knew it was true.

Azzi ran her fingers through Paige’s hair, letting the silence settle between them for a moment. She could still feel the slight tension in Paige’s body, though she could tell the blonde was starting to relax.

Paige let out a quiet sigh. “M’sorry for crying all over you.” When she said it her voice was a little small, laced with something that almost sounded like embarrassment.

Azzi frowned, pulling back just enough to look at her. “Hey,” she said softly, cupping Paige’s face again. “You never have to apologize for showing emotions around me, baby. Ever.”

Paige blinked up at her, and Azzi ran her thumb along the curve of her cheek. “You’re human, Paige. And you’ve been through something that most people can’t even pretend to understand. So you’re allowed to feel however you need to, whenever you need to.”

Paige’s lips parted slightly, like she wanted to argue, but instead, she just let out a breath—one that sounded lighter than before. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and Azzi took that as a win.

She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Paige’s lips. Paige melted into it, her fingers curling into the fabric of Azzi’s shirt.

When they pulled away, Paige rested her forehead against Azzi’s. “Thank you, beautiful,” she whispered.

Azzi smiled. “Always.”

Paige let out another small breath, then murmured, “I love you.”

Azzi brushed their noses together a few times. “I love you too, baby.”

After a second Paige groaned dramatically, rubbing her eyes. “I need to go back to sleep, or I’m gonna play like ass tomorrow.”

Azzi laughed, already knowing Paige would play perfectly fine even if she got no sleep. “I know.”

Paige’s jaw dropped. “Wowww. No reassurance? No ‘Oh no, baby, you’ll be amazing no matter what’?”

Azzi smirked, tilting her head. “I mean… you probably will be amazing, buttt… at the same time you’re the grumpiest person I’ve ever met when you don’t sleep.”

Paige scoffed. “I see you haven’t met yourself then.”

Azzi gasped in offense before flicking Paige in the forehead.

Paige blinked as if she couldn’t believe it, then narrowed her eyes. “Oh, you really thought that was a good idea?”

Azzi barely had time to respond before Paige moved, straddling her waist and launching a tickle attack. Azzi immediately shrieked, twisting under her, trying to fight back, but Paige had the upper hand.

“Paige—Paige! Stop—” Azzi wheezed between gasping laughter, squirming wildly as Paige’s fingers found all her weak spots.

“Ohhh, now you wanna beg?” Paige teased, relentless in her assault.

Azzi was breathless, barely able to speak through her laughter. “Baby please!” she managed to choke out, grabbing at Paige’s wrists in desperation.

Finally, Paige let up, grinning down at her as Azzi caught her breath.

Azzi huffed, her chest rising and falling. “You suck.”

Paige shrugged. “You started it.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop smiling, her hands settling against Paige’s thighs. “Go to sleep, big head.”

Paige leaned down, kissing her quickly before flopping beside her again. She reached over, turning off the music that had been playing in the background before settling back down.

Azzi immediately frowned. “Why’d you turn it off?”

Paige pressing her lips to Azzi’s forehead said, “You won’t be able to sleep if it’s on.”

Azzi huffed, knowing Paige was right—but she also knew Paige needed it tonight. “Yeah, but you will.”

Paige shook her head, her fingers tracing patterns along Azzi’s back. “I’ll be fine, baby. Close your eyes.”

Azzi exhaled, knowing better than to argue when Paige was being stubborn. She shifted closer, resting her head against Paige’s chest as she slid a hand under her shirt. Her fingers moved instinctively, tracing over the scar along Paige’s side.

Paige sighed softly at the familiar sensation, her body relaxing under Azzi’s fingertips. They didn’t need words, they never really did—Azzi knew exactly what Paige needed, just like Paige knew what Azzi needed.

Azzi pressed a gentle kiss to Paige’s collarbone, as she whispered against her skin. “I love you.”

Paige’s hand tightened around Azzi’s waist, holding her just a little closer. “I love you too, baby.”

…

The energy inside Gampel Pavilion was electric. From the moment the ball tipped, the crowd was deafening, fully embracing Paige’s long-awaited debut. It was clear that the other team’s game plan revolved around shutting down Azzi from the jump, face-guarding her at every turn, doubling her around screens. That left Paige—dangerously open. The most open she’s ever been in her life.

And she cashed in on it. Every single time.

She weaved through their defense effortlessly, draining threes, sliding into the lane, and kicking the ball out for assists when they finally decided to collapse on her. By halftime, she already had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. Fangirls screaming out her name every chance they got. Azzi couldn’t have been prouder, watching Paige in a UConn jersey like she was born for this moment. Like nothing in life could’ve stopped her from being here.

Azzi didn’t think the arena could get any louder, then came the moment that sent Gampel into a frenzy. Paige blocked a shot and game down the court and drilled a deep three in transition, barely breaking her stride as the net snapped. And as she backpedaled down the court, she raised her hand to her ear, smirking as if she was telling the crowd, I can’t hear you. The volume somehow doubled, and the student section lost their minds.

Azzi shook her head, laughing from the bench. Paige on the court and Paige in everyday life were two completely different people. The way she carried herself on the court was insane to witness.

By the time the middle of the third quarter rolled around, Geno had seen enough. With the game well in hand, he started pulling the starters one by one, giving the bench their moment. When Paige’s number was called, she jogged to the sideline and immediately locked eyes with Azzi, who was waiting with an outstretched hand. Paige jogged down the bench hitting everyone’s hand before returning to her spot next to Azzi.

As soon as Paige dropped into the seat beside Azzi, she draped her towel around her, covering the lower half of her face. Azzi smirked, mirroring the action as she leaned in slightly, her voice just low enough for only Paige to hear.

“Hm,” Azzi mused. “So that was a glimpse of the superstar everyone’s been talking about.”

Paige scoffed, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “Shut up.”

Azzi tilted her head, pretending to study her. “No, really. I mean…” She paused nudging Paige’s knee with her own before adding. “Had me feeling some type of way.”

Paige bit back a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

Azzi hummed, shifting closer, her knee pressing against Paige’s. “Ridiculous enough that you can’t stop smiling?”

Paige tried to school her expression, but the way Azzi was looking at her, with that smirk that Paige knew was there even though her mouth was covered. “Maybe I’m just flattered.”

Azzi grinned. “You should be.” She paused for a second before continuing, “But, uh… if you wanted to impress me, you should’ve probably gone for thirty.”

Paige shot her a look, tilting her head. “You know damn well I could’ve.”

Azzi smirked. “I know. That’s why I’m a little disappointed.”

Paige scoffed. “You’re lucky we’re on camera right now.”

Azzi chuckled, bumping her knee against Paige’s one more time before turning her attention back to the court. “Mhm. Just keep that same energy later, baby.”

As the final buzzer sounded and the team made their way toward the tunnel, the energy in Gampel was still buzzing. Fans were still yelling, cameras were still on, and Paige was ready to make a beeline for the locker room—until she felt a gentle tug on her wrist.

She turned, confused, only to see Azzi grinning at her. “Some people want your autograph,” Azzi said, nodding toward a large group of fans pressed against the barricade, waving posters and jerseys.

Paige glanced over, taking in the chaotic scene, and let out a small sigh. “Do I have to?” she mumbled, shifting on her feet.

Azzi laughed, squeezing Paige’s wrist before letting go, hoping things didn’t seem too obvious. “I mean… no. But you’re gonna have to get used to it again eventually.”

Paige exhaled through her nose, knowing Azzi was right but still feeling a little reluctant. Before she could overthink it, Azzi leaned in just enough for only her to hear. “I can’t blame them, you're really cute,” she murmured, smirking as Paige rolled her eyes.

With a quiet huff, Paige finally made her way over to the fans, signing posters and jerseys with a small, almost shy smile. It was different from before—before the injury, before everything changed—but as she glanced over her shoulder, catching Azzi looking at her with that familiar look of pride before going back to signing some things, she figured maybe getting used to it wouldn’t be so bad.

Paige’s awkwardness didn’t stop at the fan interactions. She and Azzi had been pulled aside for the post-game interview, and now they were seated in the media room microphones placed in front of them as questions rolled in.

Azzi handled the first couple of questions with ease, answering like she had done this a million times before. When asked about the team’s performance, she spoke confidently. “I think we came out with great energy tonight,” she said with a small smile. “We knew they were going to try and take away certain options, so we adjusted and trusted each other to make plays. Everyone stepped up, and I’m really proud of the way we executed and played together considering it’s our first game of the season.”

The next question was about Paige’s impact. “She was unreal,” Azzi said without hesitation, turning to glance at Paige for a moment. “I mean, we all knew what she was capable of when the transfer was announced, but seeing it actually happen tonight? Crazy. I think she had, like, what? Twenty-something points?” She looked at Paige with a grin, and Paige just shrugged, not sure of her exact stat line. Azzi let out a soft chuckle before looking back at the reporter. “Yeah, she was incredible. And honestly this is just the beginning so we’re all really excited to see what we can do this year.”

Then, the reporter turned their attention to Paige.

“So, Paige, how did it feel playing in your first official game at UConn?”

Paige nodded slightly, adjusting in her seat. “Uh, it was great,” she started, her voice a little quiet because she wasn’t speaking directly into the mic. “The energy in Gampel was insane, and I just—I don’t know, I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. It felt surreal, but it was amazing.”

As soon as she finished, she caught the soft chuckle beside her. Paige turned her head to find Azzi grinning at her. “What?” she mouthed, her brows furrowing.

Azzi reached out, gently pushing the mic closer to Paige. “Talk into the mic next time,” she teased.

Paige let out a small laugh, dropping her gaze to her lap as her cheeks warmed. She grinned to herself, biting her lip to hide her smile, but Azzi saw right through it.

The reporter, having noticed Paige’s previous quieter response, now asked, “Paige, you had an incredible performance out there tonight. How did it feel to make such an impact in your first official game for such a powerhouse?”

This time, Paige made sure to lean in, speaking directly into the mic with a smirk on her lips when she glanced at her girlfriend. Azzi, catching on to the playful defiance, simply rolled her eyes with an amused grin, nudging Paige’s knee under the table.

The contrast between them was stark—Azzi, poised and used to the media, effortlessly answering questions with confidence, while Paige, still getting back into the groove, showed flashes of her charm in between moments of awkwardness. It was something Azzi adored about her, and judging by the way Paige was starting to ease into it, she was getting more comfortable, too.

As soon as Paige and Azzi stepped into the locker room, Azzi was briskly moved to the side and chaos erupted. Before Paige could even react, streams of cold water hit her from multiple directions.

Paige groaned, throwing her hands up to shield herself, but her teammates weren’t letting up. They surrounded her, laughing and shouting as they dumped water from their bottles over her head, pushing her around playfully.

“Best player in the 2020 class!” Jana yelled, shaking her shoulders.

“Best player in the nation, period!” KK added, dousing her again as the team yelled in agreement.

Aubrey clapped her hands, grinning. “Paige Buckets is officially back!”

Paige let out a dramatic sigh, her clothes damp, her hair dripping—but the giant smile on her face gave her away. “Y’all are annoying,” she muttered, but she couldn’t stop laughing as she wiped the water from her eyes using a towel someone handed her.

Azzi stood off to the side, thankful that she was pulled out of the way. “You kinda deserve it.”

Paige shot her a look. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

Azzi shrugged. “Nope, I fully support this.”

KK bounced up to Paige, gripping her shoulders and shaking her excitedly. “You did it, P Boogers!” she yelled.

Paige groaned, trying to keep her balance as KK practically rattled her. “Alright, alright, enough,” she huffed, though the smile on her face betrayed her.

With a sigh, she peeled off her soaked jersey, wringing out some of the excess water. The moment the jersey hit the ground, Ice let out a sharp dog whistle from across the room.

Paige’s head snapped in her direction, her glare sharp. “Really Isuneh?”

Ice just shrugged, smirking. “What? Just showing my appreciation.”

The whole locker room burst into laughter, and even Paige couldn’t help but shake her head, muttering, “I hate it here,” before grabbing another towel.

…

Later that night, the team found themselves at Ted’s, upholding their long-standing tradition of celebrating the first game of the season. The bar was packed with UConn students.

When they were getting ready to leave for Ted’s back in the dorms, Paige had joked, “You ever think maybe some of the alumni had a little alcohol problem? Every tradition somehow ends up at Ted’s.”

KK snorted. “Listen, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Ice grinned. “Besides, after the game you had? You gotta let the people celebrate you.”

Paige just shook her head with a chuckle, following the team out the door.

Now, inside the familiar bar, the atmosphere was loud. The team was greeted with cheers and pats on the back from students and friends. Paige, still adjusting to the overwhelming attention, stuck close to Azzi at the beginning of the night, who effortlessly navigated through the crowd, exchanging greetings like she had done this a hundred times before.

Azzi glanced over at Paige, smiling. “Still think it’s just an alumni problem?”

Paige scoffed, taking in the scene around her. “Nah, I think it’s a UConn problem.”

After saying this Paige opted for water while the rest of the team indulged in a few drinks. Of course, some of the team had been on her case about it all, playfully pestering her to loosen up.

“Come on, P, one drink won’t kill you,” Ice teased, nudging her shoulder.

Morgan leaned in. “You’re at Ted’s. After your first UConn game. And you’re drinking water? That’s criminal even for you.”

Paige just shook her head with a laugh, taking a slow sip of her water to emphasize her point. “Y’all act like I’m not the reason we’re even celebrating.”

KK gasped, clutching her chest. “Wow. You’re so humble.”

Azzi, standing beside Paige with her drink, smirked. “She’s got a point, though.”

KK saying, “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You’re still lame.”

Paige just laughed, completely unbothered, knowing they weren’t going to let it go anytime soon.

A bit later that night Paige was sitting at the table with Ice, KK, and Aubrey, watching as the three of them got increasingly animated over whatever ridiculous debate they had started. Unlike them, she still hadn’t touched a drink, so while their voices got louder and their gestures more exaggerated, she remained calm, leaning back in her chair.

“I’m just saying,” Ice said, tapping her fingers against the table for emphasis, “if aliens did exist, don’t you think they’d have already made contact? Like, they’d be here, living among us.”

“Exactly!” KK yelled, pointing at Ice. “Like, what if they’re disguised as people, and we just don’t know? Aubrey, tell me Paige wouldn’t be the perfect alien.”

Paige raised a brow, unimpressed by her addition to the conversation. “What?”

Aubrey nodded dramatically as she agreed with KK. “She’s way too good at basketball, like freakishly good. It’s real suspicious sometimes.”

“Oh my god,” Paige groaned. “Y’all needa stop drinking.”

KK ignored her. “Also, she rarely drinks. What if it’s because her alien metabolism won’t let her digest it?”

Paige rolled her eyes but couldn’t hold back her laugh. “Right, because choosing not to drink during the season automatically makes me a different species.”

“I’m just saying, if anyone on this team was an alien, it’d be you,” Ice added.

Paige sighed, grabbing her water. “I hate it here.”

The three of them erupted in laughter, and despite the absurdity of the conversation, Paige was completely at ease in their company.

A few minutes later Azzi was mid-conversation with Caroline and Jana, nodding along to whatever story Caroline was telling, but she kept finding her gaze drifting across the bar. It wasn’t intentional—at least, not at first. But Paige was there, sitting at the table, her expression relaxed, a smirk tugging at her lips as she sipped from her water. She wasn’t even doing anything, just existing, and yet Azzi felt warmth bloom in her chest like it always did.

It was getting ridiculous how easily Paige could distract her.

Azzi forced herself to refocus, pretending to be fully invested in Caroline’s words, but it didn’t last long. Her eyes naturally flickered back toward Paige—only this time, something was different.

Ice, KK, and Aubrey had drifted off to the bar and in their place Q had settled in front of Paige, her body language way too relaxed, her expression too intrigued. Azzi couldn’t make out what was being said, but she didn’t need to.

Paige, for her part, didn’t seem to share the sentiment. She was responding, sure, but she wasn’t leaning in, wasn’t giving Q any indication that she was invested in whatever conversation they were having. If anything, she looked confused by it rather than engaged.

Still, that didn’t stop the flicker of irritation from settling in Azzi’s chest.

She wasn’t jealous—not really, she had no reason to be. But she also wasn’t stupid.

On the other side of the bar Paige was a little surprised when Q settled in front of her. She had noticed Q glancing her way here and there throughout the night, but they hadn’t talked much, they never really did.

“So… you and Azzi, huh?” Q started.

Paige blinked, caught off guard by her introduction to the conversation. “Uh, yeah..?”

Q tilted her head, with a shrug. “I mean, I figured, but besides that one night at the Truth or Drink you never said much else about it. Didn’t really know if it was a drunk accident or something.”

Paige let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “We’re not really the announcing type.”

Q hummed. “Makes sense. You’re both kinda lowkey.” She paused for a second, then added, “But like… how did that even happen?”

Paige frowned slightly, not out of annoyance but genuine confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know,” Q shrugged, eyes flickering over Paige’s face. “It’s just interesting. Y'all are so… different.”

Paige raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. “We’re alike enough.”

Q laughed, taking a sip of her drink. “How’d it even happen? Did you know each other before your visit or something?”

“Attraction.”

Q blinked, slightly caught off guard by the bluntness of the answer. “That’s it?”

Paige shrugged, a small smirk tugging at her lips as she thought about that first night in her hotel. “That’s all it takes sometimes.”

There was a slight pause before Q tilted her head slightly, watching Paige carefully. “Can I ask you something?”

Paige shrugged. “Go for it.”

Q hesitated for a second before nodding toward her torso. “Your scar… what’s the story with that?”

Paige’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Her fingers tapped against the table as she exhaled slowly through her nose. “I don’t talk about that.”

Q immediately held up her hands. “Got it. Sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep.” She quickly tried to pivot, offering an easy smile. “So… you and Azzi. How serious is it?”

Paige barely had time to part her lips before she felt a familiar warmth at her side. Azzi’s arm draped around her shoulders, her presence instantly grounding. Paige glanced up to find her girlfriend looking down at Q.

Paige smirked, wrapping her arm around Azzi’s waist and pulling her in slightly. “Hey, drunkie.”

Azzi rolled her eyes playfully at the joke but leaned into Paige’s touch anyway. “Whatcha talking about?”

Paige, completely innocent, gestured toward Q. “Oh, she was just asking about us, actually.”

Azzi, already aware of Q’s crush on Paige, raised both eyebrows, her expression shifting slightly. “She was, was she?” Her voice was light, but there was an edge to it, one that made Q shift slightly in her seat.

Paige glanced at Azzi, slightly confused by her sudden shift in demeanor, but Azzi wasn’t looking at her—she was focused entirely on Q.

“Why are you so curious?” Azzi asked. Her tone was still casual, but there was something underlying it, something pointed.

Q shrugged, her expression remaining neutral. “Just making conversation.”

Azzi hummed at that, though Paige could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced. There was a slight tension in her posture, a flicker of something in her eyes that Paige recognized all too well—Azzi wasn’t exactly thrilled.

Q held up her hands in mock surrender. “Didn’t mean anything by it.”

Azzi let out a short breath. “Uh-huh.” Her arm around Paige tightened slightly, pulling her in closer. Then, shifting her attention away from Q, she looked down at Paige, her tone softening. “Well, baby, were you gonna answer her question?”

Paige, still slightly confused by Azzi’s demeanor but deciding not to say anything about it right now, licked her lips before glancing up at her. “Well, I was gonna say we’re pretty serious.”

Azzi smirked at that—at the way Paige was looking at her, eyes warm, like she was the only person in the world. It was a look Azzi had grown used to, one she craved more than she’d ever admit to anyone.

Q looked between the two of them before giving a tight smile. “Got it. Message received.”

Azzi hummed, tilting her head slightly. “Did you, though?”

Q let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah, I got it.” She lifted her drink to her lips before adding, “Loud and clear.”

Azzi nodded, satisfied. “I’m glad.”

Then, to really drive her point home, Azzi turned back to Paige. She slipped a hand around Paige’s waist, pulling her closer. Paige barely had time to react before Azzi was kissing her—deep and slow. Paige felt her breath hitch, her fingers instinctively clutching at the fabric of Azzi’s shirt as warmth spread through her chest.

When Azzi pulled back, Paige was left slightly dazed, her lips parted, eyes blinking up at her in surprise. Azzi grinned at the sight, brushing her thumb over Paige’s cheek before murmuring, “Well, I’ll let you get back to your chat baby. I love you.”

Paige frowned slightly, her grip around Azzi’s waist tightening before she could pull away. “You don’t have to go.”

Azzi chuckled, squeezing Paige’s shoulder. “I was talking before I came over here. I’ll be back,” she murmured. Then, with one last smile in Q’s direction, she walked off, leaving Paige sitting there, eyes following her like a lost puppy.

After that moment Azzi truly thought the situation was handled. But a little later that night, it seemed like Q still hadn't gotten the hint. Maybe it was the alcohol clouding her judgment, or maybe she just simply didn’t care, but she was still in Paige’s orbit. Always a little too close, always a little too happy to have Paige’s attention when they were talking.

Azzi’s jaw tensed as she watched Q lean in slightly, saying something that made Paige chuckle. It wasn’t that Azzi didn’t trust Paige—she knew exactly where Paige stood with her. But that didn’t mean she had to like watching someone else try to get too comfortable.

Azzi set her drink down and made her way toward them, weaving through the crowd with a calm, easy stride.

Sliding in beside Paige, Azzi didn’t acknowledge Q at all. Instead, she hooked a finger through the belt loop of Paige’s pants, pulling her in until there was no space between them.

Paige barely had time to react before Azzi dipped her head, lips brushing just below her ear. “You good, baby?” she whispered, voice low enough that only Paige could hear.

Paige hummed in response, tilting her head slightly as if silently asking why she was asking. But Azzi didn’t explain—not with words, at least. Instead, she turned her head slightly, finally giving Q a glance, her expression a little tighter than before.

“Qadence, I really don’t want this to be a problem.”

Q gave her a confused look in response. “We don’t have one.”

Azzi nodded slowly, but her tone was flat. “Right. We don’t. But we will if you don’t get over this crush of yours on my girlfriend.” She let the words sit for a second before casually correcting herself. “Well, actually, I don’t care what delusions you churn up in your head. But let’s not act on them, yeah?”

Q scoffed, shaking her head. “You’re reading into things too much, I'm just talking to my teammate.”

Azzi chuckled at Q’s words, but there was no real humor behind it as she was truly starting to get pissed off. “Sure you are.”

Paige, sensing the tension between them, didn’t let it escalate. Instead, she threw an arm around Azzi’s shoulders, pulling her in close. “Let’s go over there, mama,” she murmured.

Azzi exhaled slowly, gaze lingering on Q for a moment longer before finally letting it go. She turned toward Paige, the tightness in her posture easing. “Yeah, okay, baby,” she murmured, her hand naturally finding its place at Paige’s waist as they walked off, leaving Q standing there.

Paige didn’t say anything about the interaction as they weaved through the groups of people, but the way her fingers traced slow circles against the back of Azzi’s neck as they walked told Azzi that Paige knew she was upset.

Paige guided Azzi toward an empty bar stool, pressing a steadying hand to her hip before nudging her down to sit. Once Azzi was settled, Paige stepped between her legs, her hands finding their place on Azzi’s face. Her thumbs brushed over her cheekbones as she looked down at her with a soft smirk.

“What was that?” Paige asked.

Azzi exhaled, her hands naturally settling on Paige’s waist. “I’ve let her little crush go on for too long,” she mumbled. “I’ve been ignoring it since you got here, but she’s doing a lot now.”

Paige chuckled, shaking her head as her thumbs continued their, soothing strokes across Azzi’s cheeks. “You’ve been ignoring it since the summer?” she repeated, amusement clear in her voice. “Baby, I don’t think you’ve ever ignored anything a day in your life.”

Azzi huffed, her hands toying with the ring on Paige’s finger. “I tried,” she mumbled, tilting her head slightly into Paige’s touch. “But she keeps pushing it. It’s like she thinks she has a chance. Or like she’s trying to piss me off.”

Paige hummed, pretending to think about it. “Well…I am pretty decent looking.”

Azzi scoffed, giving her a look. “Paige.”

Paige grinned, leaning in just a little, her voice dropping. “I’m just saying, you can’t blame her. But it doesn’t matter, she doesn’t get to do anything you get to do.”

Azzi’s grip on her waist tightened slightly, and her eyes flickered to Paige’s lips before meeting her gaze again. “Yeah?” she mumbled.

Paige nodded slowly, her smirk softening into something a little more tender. “Yeah beautiful.”

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the noise of the bar fading into the background. Then, Paige tilted her head down, brushing her lips against Azzi’s in a touch that was barely-there.

“You done being jealous, mama?” she whispered against her lips.

Azzi exhaled, her fingers flexing against Paige’s waist. “No.”

Paige grinned, letting herself sink just a little closer. “Good.”

Then, she pulled Azzi into a kiss.

It was slow and a little messy—Paige letting Azzi take whatever she needed to ease the jealousy still simmering in her chest. Azzi took full advantage, her grip on Paige’s waist tightening as she pulled her closer.

Her tongue slid against Paige’s, drawing out a soft sigh that only made Azzi press closer. She didn’t care that they were still in the bar, didn’t care that people might be watching. The only thing on her mind was making sure Paige felt exactly who she belonged to.

Paige, for her part, let her. She let Azzi kiss her like she was staking a claim, let her hands roam freely over her hips and up her shirt slightly to lightly scratch at her back, let the warmth of Azzi’s body seep into her. And when Azzi finally pulled back, lips swollen and eyes dark, Paige licked her own lips and smirked.

“Feel better, mama?” she whispered, her voice just slightly breathless.

Azzi exhaled through her nose, her hands still gripping Paige’s waist like she wasn’t ready to let go just yet. “Not yet.”

Paige chuckled, leaning in to nip at Azzi’s bottom lip before pulling her into another kiss—once again letting Azzi set the pace, letting her take control.

Azzi wasted no time, deepening the kiss immediately. Her fingers dug into Paige’s waist as her tongue slid against hers. But when Azzi sucked on her tongue—deliberate, slow, and so damn cocky—Paige had to pull back with a breathless laugh, her forehead resting against Azzi’s.

Paige huffed, a smile tugging at her lips as she steadied herself. “You tryna start something, pretty girl?”

Azzi licked her lips, her grip on Paige’s waist still tight. “Nothing I’m not ready to finish.”

Paige chuckled, brushing her thumb over Azzi’s cheek. “That right?”

Azzi hummed, tilting her head slightly into Paige’s touch. “Mhm. You just looked like you needed a reminder.”

Paige raised a brow. “A reminder of what?”

Azzi smirked, her voice dropping lower. “Who you belong to.”

Paige bit her lip, shaking her head as she let out a soft laugh. “You’re something else, you know that?”

Azzi just grinned in response, her dimple showing in the process.

Paige rolled her eyes at Azzi’s cuteness running her fingers through Azzi’s curls, leaning in just enough for their noses to brush. “You done being jealous?”

Azzi exhaled, finally easing her grip on Paige’s waist—just slightly. “Maybe.”

Paige laughed, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of Azzi’s mouth before stepping back just enough to grab her water. “You’re cute.”

As they made their way back to the table, Azzi felt the subtle weight of Paige leaning her head against her shoulder when they settled. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for Azzi to notice. She glanced over at Paige, brow furrowing slightly. “You okay?”

Paige let out a quiet breath. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Azzi frowned. “Let’s go home then.”

Paige shook her head slightly, offering a small smile. “S’okay, baby. You’re having fun. We can stay.”

Azzi huffed, clearly unimpressed with the answer. Without another word, she stood up and turned to the group. “We’re heading out.”

There were a few playful groans and smirks from their teammates who thought they were heading out for other reasons. Azzi ignored them, already pulling Paige toward the door.

…

When they got to Azzi’s room all they had to do was brush their teeth and change into their pajamas considering they showered after the game.

Azzi was just finishing up slipping on her shirt when she turned to find Paige leaning against the wall, eyes closed. A quiet laugh escaped Azzi as she walked over, reaching for Paige’s wrist.

“C’mon, you big baby,” Azzi teased, giving her a gentle tug.

Paige cracked one eye open, a lazy smirk forming before she pushed off the wall. Without protest, she let Azzi pull her toward the bed, flicking off the light as they moved.

As soon as Paige settled into bed, she instinctively reached for Azzi, draping an arm around her waist and nuzzling closer. Azzi shifted, adjusting so Paige could comfortably rest her head on her chest.

“You good now?” Azzi murmured, running a hand up and down Paige’s back.

Paige hummed in response, her eyes already fluttering shut as she nestled deeper into Azzi’s neck. “Mhm… always when I’m with you.”

Azzi smiled at that, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Paige’s head. “You’re a simp.”

Paige let out a tired chuckle but didn’t argue. The steady rhythm of Azzi’s breathing, easing her into sleep almost immediately. Azzi stayed awake just a few minutes longer, playing with Paige’s hair, before finally letting herself drift off too.

[yanderedrabbles]

Letter from your Yandere Valentine

You. You. It's always been you. Tempting, treacherous you.

God, I hated you at first. Always so pretty, so put together, so fucking alive. You had it all - the friends, the good grades, the effortless charm.

Every damn day I would spend hours imagining what it would be like to have just one day in your body. Just one day where I could be... perfect. Or as close to it as one person can get. You don't get it. You've never had to long for something as much as I have. Never had to be the loser, the kid at the back of class, the one person without a Valentine's card in their locker.

I know you had your own problems too. But it's total bull to say all problems are created equal. What did you have to worry about? Denting daddy's Mercedes?

I hated you. But... I wanted you. I still want you.

We ended up at the same college. I don't think you know that. Thousands of undergrads, why would you notice me? Even if we did go to high-school and elementary together, I was probably just a face in the back of your mind. As unnoticeable and unimportant as any background character.

I thought college would dim your sparkle somehow. Maybe you'd be one of those people who peakin high school and then it's all down hill from there. Chain smoking and cheap liquor and payday loans. I wanted that, honestly. To see you ripped down.

But no. You thrived. Had the picture perfect college experience. When I was stuck working two jobs to cover my tuition, you were studying in some fancy café and going out every weekend. When I was so haggard with stress that I could barely see straight, you were at pilates or out hiking or lounging in a sauna.

How is that fair? Hmm? I put in the work until my hands were fucking raw and all I got for it was minimum wage and leftovers.

And don't get me started on Valentine's. Fucking Valentine's. I'm almost glad they beheaded the guy way back when. I'd do the exact same thing if I could.

Every Valentine's day, you'd have a date. Rarely ever the same person, but somehow all of them had a propensity for huge gestures. Do you remember the one guy who hired a whole horse and carriage for you? Or the girl who took you on a late season ski trip?

Do you want to know what I got for Valentine's? Cafeteria mashed potatoes and mandatory overtime. Romantic, right? I'm swooning at the memory.

I tried to work on myself. Tried to overcome the differences in our birth and get on your level. What an education in disappointment that was. Turns out it's pretty fucking hard to spend two hours at the gym and three in the sauna when you're scheduled to work fifty hours a week and still attend lectures.

You graduated with honours. With a dozen glittering trophies for volunteering and leadership and student organising. You couldn't even hold them all.

I think that was the day I hated you the most. I couldn't stop thinking that should be me.

I thought I was rid of you after that. Thought I could finally go about my life without constantly comparing myself to an impossible ideal. Ha! As if I'd get so lucky.

I saw you again on at the start of February. Newest hire at the office, bright eyed and busy tailed despite the miserable fucking weather.

What are the chances of that? We're both working at the same company, in the same department.

I expected to hate you all over again. But then you introduced yourself to me. Actually shook my hand.

And oh, how I understand those idiots and their grand gestures. Their desperate need to please you.

All my life I've watched you from afar. Seen other people dazzled by you and never fully understood why. Always wondered why I seemed to be the only person bitter and jealous towards you.

I get it now.

You sparkle. You look in my eyes and I feel like I'm part of your world, like I belong in your fancy country club and at your VIP table. When you look at me, I don't feel insignificant anymore.

How do you expect me to let that go? I've spent decades watching from the sidelines and now I finally get a taste. How am I supposed to be normal about it?

I can't let you go. I don't care what it takes, I'm going to be part of your life.

It was always supposed to be me. Not your parade of dates, not your one night stands, none of them. It was always supposed to be me.

Why else would our lives run parallel? Why else can I always find you in a crowded room?

You're meant to be mine. I'm meant to be yours. I don't care what I have to do to make it happen.

Your Valentine,

X.

[neahtrix]

The way this scene showed his trauma over the apocalypse but was never addressed or shown again is honestly their biggest mistake.

They humanised Five loads in S1 then gave up on the later seasons, using him as a way to kill off characters.

That massacre in S2? He would NOT be enjoying that (unless you implement the altered DNA plot line) Why was his ass so joyous during it?

We get that short scene between him and Viktor in S3 where he tells him about it but even then he didn’t seem too bothered by it, more bothered by how they failed to use the briefcase.

He literally said right after the S2 scene that he was done with killing yet they didn’t show how his past targets affected him, never humanised him and showed his guilt.

I NEED in that writing room I stg, let me have a… civil… conversation with the writers :)

#tuahiatusmeme + favorite sad scene

number five + ptsd (1.03)

[darklinaforever]

So...

I don't understand people who sincerely think that Loumand could have worked and that Louis was really sincerely in love with Armand in season 2.

There was a form of love and affection from Louis side, of course. But Louis in love with Armand ?

I wonder if people saw the same show as me ?!

Louis would never have gotten over Lestat. I don't understand people who really think that Louis could have stayed with Armand forever, if he hadn't done what he did to Claudia.

Loumand was destined to fail at one point or another. It's not a relationship that would have lasted.

I don't even think we can also say that Armand was really in love with Louis as well ? Again, a form of love and affection, yes. But in love ?

Clearly, as much as Armand is not made for Louis, Louis is not made for Armand either.

These two don't go together in general, and their mutual affection doesn't amount to much honestly.

[dennisboobs]

:) i certainly have no issue dressing in drag :)

^guy who has no issue dressing in drag btw

glenn said that dennis' drag name is victoria von hemen btw

(Source)

[christinaroseandrews]

Oooh! Oooh!

This is literally what I have a degree in (Earth Science) from a university in Michigan. And I actually took specific coursework in this over the summer one year. So seriously this is my jam.

So in Michigan climate change isn't having as dramatic of an effect as it is in places like California or Colorado, but it is absolutely having an effect.

OP mentioned later freezes and earlier thaws... But that's only part of it. First off one of the biggest things that is happening is we are not having consistent hard freezes that are reaching down into the soil as much as we used to. This means that insects like mosquitoes and emerald ash borers and spotted lantern flies aren't being killed off and so are thus spreading further northward. This is actually really harming our local forests and increasing our risk of wildfire.

Also as the climate warms our planting zones are changing. There were plants that used to never be able to grow here in Michigan because it got too cold that are now present in the state. Like the insects, these plants are migrating northward.

OP also mentioned that instead of getting snow we are getting rains which can lead to flooding. This is sort of true it's a little more insidious than that. So one of the main things that's happening is Michigan used to get a lot of snow in the winter and it would stay. Not only would it freeze over the little lakes but you get a good chunk of the Great lakes freezing over as well. And as the weather warmed in the spring the snow would gradually melt. The key word in there is gradually. What's happening now is we'll get storms that dump a huge amount of snow on the region and then it will very quickly melt. What this means is that the snow is not permeating down through the ground and refilling the aquifers particularly the aquifers that are in the center of the state. So there are wells in areas like Mount Pleasant or Midland or Clare that have gone dry because the aquifers have gone down so much. It's not as bad as it is out west but it's not great. Because despite what people think, a lot of the inland part of the state gets their water from aquifers as opposed to surface water from rivers or the Great lakes themselves. Additionally when the snow melts quickly it all rushes into the rivers causing greater scope flooding. If you've lived out in the west you understand flash flooding you can go from having a trickle in the morning to up to your rafters in just a few hours. That's honestly happening here. The Grand River has had more severe flooding in the last decade and it had in the previous 50 years. There are areas of downtown which never used to flood that now have to have flooding systems in place.

Another thing that is happening is that we are actually getting less precipitation. We're not at drought levels yet, but we are definitely having less snowfall in the winter and less rain in the summer. This late summer/early fall, for instance, we went for almost 5 weeks without any measurable precipitation. That's pretty much unheard of... And yet it happened. Again the biggest thing that's happening is we are getting so much less snow in the winter which are environment depends on. Last winter we came in at 43 inches of snow, that might sound like a lot but when our average is 77 inches of snow you can see the deficit.

And everything is just getting warmer. Last year was the warmest year on record for Michigan and like a lot of Europe Michigan's houses are built to keep the heat in and the cold out. Several houses around here do not have air conditioning. My house for instance did not and I had it installed several years ago. But many of my neighbors still don't have AC; we haven't needed it.

The climate change is also really affecting our crops. Particularly our fruit crops. This was one of our worst years for cherries for instance. This is happening in a couple of ways. The first off is that we're getting thaws earlier in the season which is causing trees to wake up sooner and then we're getting a really hard freeze that ends up killing the trees themselves or if we're lucky just the flowers. Second, we're getting weirder weather in the spring and summer. We're getting more intense storms so things like hail are destroying crops. But also we're getting rains at the wrong time which leads to the fruit rotting on the tree. And come winter we're actually getting more ice storms which is really harmful for our trees. So no matter how you look at it, we're getting fewer fruit crops.

The thing is the lakes shield us some, but it's not enough. Our climate is becoming more and more like that of Missouri or Kentucky... Or at least the weather that they used to have. We are getting more droughts. We are getting more wildfires--last year we had more wildfires than I can ever recall us having. We're getting more severe/extreme weather.

And each year it is getting worse.

Aaa as someone with very little understanding this is probably a vague question, but how does Michigan and its Glorious Scary Lakes fair with climate change? I live in California and it’s just dry and so so so hot and on fire a lot, which is making picturing zora’s domain tricky!

Ty :)

Same as pretty much everywhere, Michigan is seeing effects of climate change, but it's not the same effects you're probably seeing out west! The Great Lakes do insulate us a bit, though.

Even within my own lifetime, we're seeing less cold winters with freezes happening later. Anecdotally, warm temperature spikes mean that snow thaws during the winter and doesn't really accumulate in the same way. Increased temps means we get heavier rains, which can in turn result in flooding--much of lower michigan is very flat so we don't really get mudslides so much but flooding is still very not good. Ice coverage on the Great Lakes has decreased in the winters, which means a longer traversable shipping season but also negative ecological impacts--and also thin ice on the Great Lakes means you can't do things like drive to islands over the naturally-forming ice bridges, which is not crucial but is fun.

We do get tornadoes, which have increased with severity and frequency. Overall, though, we're still not at risk from hurricanes; we're usually too wet for widespread wildfires. The thermal battery of the Great Lakes does insulate us a little from temperature swings and droughts. We get blizzards but we're prepared for blizzards, so while it can be dangerous, it's generally a hunker-down-at-home problem, not a evacuate-at-risk-of-your-life problem.

[kori-senpai]

pov you're looking for the love of your life and hear rumors that he is terrorizing the Caribbean while sporting a new flag with a bleeding heart

[wackydoggs]

season 2 of clone high might have killed joanfk and spat on its corpse but i still love this ship with all of my heart, even if the show does not LOL

[rynnthefangirl]

I love how Fire and Blood shows time and time again how Targaryen women are passed over, usurped, abused, killed, raped, and slandered, all building to Daenerys, a Targaryen woman who rises to great power while seeking justice and salvation for all those crushed beneath the oppressive systems of her world... just to be usurped and killed so that we can place a man on the throne again.

[mermaidteeth1111]

Honestly y’all, it was bad.

Like you can just tell that they wrote the first 3 seasons and then got a deal to make more and they were like “Fuck! What do we do now?”

After season 3 they just never came up with a clear ending and kept writing until they reached a sort of conclusion.

Idk I know it’s a kids show but I was like damn. To have 2 non main characters save the day in the last episode and like no other big change or character development for ANY of the main characters, other than Ezran and Callum getting over their rift, which was also a rift that started like two episodes ago.

I wanted more for Rayla :/ I’m glad she got her gay dads back and all, it doesn’t really make sense for the story.

Rayla’s character has pretty much stayed the same the past 3 seasons. and SHE DOESN’T NEED THAT MONKEY to EMOTE FOR HER, like my Goddddd they overdid that.

Idk guys let me know if you agree or if you think I should die because of my opinion I guess.

Guys I haven’t watched the new season of The Dragon Prince yet, is it gonna deeply hurt me?

[geekyanglophile]

[3416]

thanks to @nhldraftbust for bringing this to my attention and this random ig user for publicly posting but... LOOK AT THEM!!!!!!! LOOK . AT . THEM .

[mochasucculent]

SOLID video, highly recommend