#luka: WHAT did you do to her?!?

[vagun1ka]

more of this story

[bmpmp3]

its a shame the um. everything. about the piapro superpack overshadowed the demos because they were pretty cute and fun, i really liked rokka sanka specifically - its such a fun cartoon idol franchise-y full cast song and i still get it stuck in my head all the time. kimi no moto eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[noeldoesmusic]

got bored the other day and tried porting miss luka into utau

[written-and-readen]

The Odds Are Slim But Never Zero

Dan Heng, Luka, Blade x fem!reader (separate)

Part 2 (Jing Yuan, Sunday, Gallagher), Part 3 (Moze, Phainon, Sampo)

Summary: Someone walks in on you two

Warnings: nsfw (18+), established relationship, penetrative sex (Dan Heng, Blade), fingering (Luka), getting caught

Dan Heng

Dan Heng is usually a soft spoken person, keeping to himself in the Express’ archives. So how come his pace is so relentless that your breath is stolen every time he bottoms out?

Who can blame him though? The walls of your pussy grip him viciously and your legs are wrapped around his waist, only pulling him further in. He’s completely lost in you right now. The only thing that would make this better is getting to see the expression you make once he pushes you over the edge, eyes going slightly hazy and mouth falling open.

And the only thing that could completely ruin this moment is March slamming open the door to the archives. The moment she registers you both naked (and probably the fact Dan Heng is balls deep in you), she closes the door just as fast as she arrived before either of you can think of yelling at her.

Mood shattered, you sit up to come face to face with your now beet red boyfriend. Your hands reach up to hold his face, thumbs running across his flushed cheeks.

"We're locking the door next time," he sighs.

Luka

The minute Luka got out of the ring and into the back room of the fight club, he was on you. It was such an easy match that he had lots of energy left over. Once he saw your pretty face, he knew exactly how to spend it.

With your back pressed against the wall, he's sucking marks into your neck as both hands grope your ass. You can feel him smile whenever a whine of his name leaves your mouth, your fingers threading deeper into his hair.

Through your heated haze, you feel his left hand slip down your pants and past your panties. After rubbing a few circles on your clit that have your legs nearly buckling if it weren’t for his metal arm wrapped around your middle, two fingers push into your pussy.

“Luka-” you brokenly moan as his fingers curl against your walls.

“You doing okay?” His pace slows for a moment when your head falls against his shoulder.

“Mmhmm, keep going please.” Your wish is his command as he adds a third finger to the two pleasuring you. Your brain feels like mush at this point, but it’s abruptly cleared by a loud slam.

“Luka!” Seele barges through the door. It’s clear she was going to say more until she sees Luka hastily remove himself from your pants. A faint red rises to her face before she leaves, grumbling a “never mind” as she quickly closes the door again.

There’s a beat of silence where you’re both still breathing heavily from your previous activity. Despite the awkwardness now hanging in the air, Luka speaks up.

“So, did you want to continue?” He asks, rubbing the back of his neck. A laugh leaves you at his efforts to pick up where you left off. You lean over to press a kiss to his cheek.

“Let’s head back to my place first.”

Blade

You haven’t been able to form a coherent thought for a while. Blade just keeps driving his cock into your pussy, fast and deep. The mara must be acting up today.

Your fingers grip the long strands of his hair as you hear him occasionally grunt into your ear. Few words are spoken between you. It’s one of those times where you just let him use you, find what solace he can in the warmth of your body sucking him in.

“B-Blade, I’m close…” You warn him. The only thing you receive in response is a particularly sharp thrust into your sweet spot.

All of a sudden, the door to Blade’s room opens to reveal Kafka. Her eyes take in Blade absolutely ruining you, but she remains standing in the doorway. An embarrassed flush rises to your cheeks at having Kafka’s gaze on you. It’s only increased by Blade’s audacity to not slow down at all.

“What do you want?” He glances none too happily at Kafka.

“Silver Wolf asked me to go get her some snacks. Do you want anything while I’m out?”

“No.” He turns his attention back to you. You’re biting your lip, believing that any whines you let out would only exponentiate your shame, but you’re fighting a losing battle, especially when Blade reaches down to thumb at your clit. A long moan escapes you once he pushes you over the edge, continuing to fuck you through your high.

“Okay, let me know if you need anything.” You hear Kafka’s voice and the door faintly close before all your senses are consumed by Blade.

You feel his calloused hand holding your waist down as his cock still moves in and out of you. You smell the sweat from both of you as you breathe heavily. His fingers swipe up some of the cum that leaks out of your folds, bringing them up to your mouth for you to eagerly taste. His red eyes are intently trained on you as you swirl your tongue around his fingers. When his voice reaches your ears, a shiver runs down your spine.

“You can give me another one, right?”

[merlucide]

GIVING THEM A FLOWER CROWN!~ ♪

notes: aha… not my normal content! The alien stage brainrot has gotten to me and there is NOTHING for this fandom 😭

characters: Mizi, Sua, Till, Ivan, Luka, Hyuna

warnings: light curing, cringe but who gaf, not proofread

You carefully weaved the red flower stems together, fingers gently tugging on the petals to perfectly secure the crown. You examined your work, satisfied with the quality of your labor. You got up from the grassy shade you were sitting under and looked around for your s/o, whom you finally found in the cafeteria, sitting alone in a secluded corner munching on something to their liking.

Her eyes immediately brighten when seeing you hehe

She stands up from her spot and slams her hands onto the table

“Y/N! Guess what!! They’re letting me have sweets!! It’s just this once but still! Would you like some?”

To which you happily nod your head, letting her feed you a spoonful of strawberry shortcake.

“Isn’t it good? Ugh it’s amazing!” Mizi sighs happily, licking the frosting of her spoon.

“Everything all good though?” 

You fiddle with the petals behind your back, slightly nervous.

“Well, I have something for you, close your eyes!”

Mizi goes ‘😲’ to ‘😊’

She patiently waits for you give present her with whatever it is

You place the delicate crown onto her awaiting soft hands.

She blinks open her eyes and a bright smile adorns her pretty lips

“I- For me?! Really?! Oh wow!! It’s so pretty!” She gasps excitedly, her index finger hovering over the red petals barely touching the soft skin.

“How did you know these were my favorites?!” Mizi asked eyes wide

“Heh, well you’ve mentioned it to probably anyone who would listen, and they are the only flowers that grow freely in here,” You giggle, which a soft blush coats her cheeks. 

She whispers a soft “oh..!” 😮

You took the crown and place it on top of her pink hair

“So pretty, my princess,” you teased lovingly

She thinks something happened by the way you just speed past everyone straight to her lmao

“..Where you looking for me? Sorry, I should’ve told you where I was headed,” Sua softly said, wiping the corners of her mouth politely.

“Everything alright?”

To which you wave her off, saying simply ‘I just needed to see you,’ which makes her feel all mushy n’ loved ><

“Now! Close your eyes,” you playfully demand, which Sua obeys.

You take her hands and hold them out open for the crown

And then placed your creation in her palms

“Okay- open now!” 

Sua blinks her eyes, surprised at the sudden gift, a soft smile settles on her lips

“It’s so very pretty, y/n, thank you,” Sua beams, placing it upon her head.

“How do I look?” She asks

You look BEAUTIFUL Sua 🥹

You smile back at her, “Stunning as ever! Red is such a pretty color on you Sua.”

She then places a soft kiss on your cheek.

“I’m afraid I don’t have anything else to give you in return, I hope this will suffice for now,” Sua cheekily whispered. 

“Yeah, that took a lot of my time and energy so I’m gonna need a few moreeeee 😏”

Currently gouging little sandwiches down his throat lmao

He was scarfing it down like a starved man probably was ☹️

You’re unsure if he hears you or is simply in sandwich heaven because he isn’t responding to you calling his name ‘Till, Till, Till, TILL?? TILL?!?”

“TILL?” You almost yelled, tapping him

His head frantically shot up and distraughtly began choking and coughing.

Which you’re freaking out bc you though you just killed him somehow

You aggressively pat his back, flower crown long forgot on the floor lmao

His coughing fit calms down, and a tear slips down his red face. 

Just kill him now, he CANNOT look you in the eye after you just witnessed that

“Till?? Are-Are you okay?? Sorry- I didn’t mean to, scare you? Are you okay?” You awkwardly rub his back

“Fine.” He grunts out

He awkwardly clears his throat, fixing his gaze on the floor

“So um, didja uh, need anything..? Or something?”

“Oh yeah! Um, well I have you something, if that’s okay,”

Till blushed at the thought that you cared enough to give a gift to him

“Okay! Close you eyes!” You beamed

you bent down and picked up the crown.

He thought of every possible outcome it could be- his imagination likes the idea that the gift was a kiss >.<

Which has Till beet red, awaiting for a kiss that never came

“Alright- open your eyes!”

He peeled open his eyes, settling them on the flower headpiece you made

He was unsure what you had meant by this

Like?? You want me to wear it?

“What do you think? Hm?” You peered

“Y-you made this for me eh?” He awkwardly asked

You nodded as he took the crown from your hands and gave it a good look

“It’s very, ah, pretty..? Thank you y/n,” he gave a smile to you, putting the crown on the table

You softly frowned. “You’re not going to wear it?”

Oh Till wish he would have just shut his mouth-

“WHAAT? No!! Of course I am?! What the hell are you talking about!?” He scrambled to find something to say to make you happy again

Till aggressively put the crown on top of his head

“S-SEE?!” Till nervously yelled, causing a few heads to turn

You giggled at his reaction, oh he was so cute :3

“I’m glad you like it Till, mwah” you placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth

Till rn: 😳😦

Basically he’s broken yk

“Okay- I’m leaving now byeeeee!~” knowing what you just did left him a mess

“Out looking for me so soon?” He teased

“Oh hush would you,” you playfully snapped back, sitting beside him.

Ivan curiously leaned to see what you were hiding behind your back-

Which you leaned back further so he couldn’t heh

“Abababa!- No peeking, you’ll see soon enough,” you grin

Ivan dramatically sighs and sits back, waiting for what you’ll do next

You exhale “Alrighty, close you eyes,” 

Which Ivan did as you told

After a few times of peeking his eye open to annoy you just a bit

You grabbed his hands and opened them flat, and then put down the crown upon them.

Ivan opened his eyes and made a ‘:o’ face

He moved the crown around, looking at all of the intricate braidings you did

“..It’s lovely, thank you y/n,” Ivan grinned

He installed it on top of his head, making sure it’s secure. 

“Now, did you make this all special for me?” He coyly asked, already knowing the damn answer 🙄

You scoffed, you felt your face warming up at his teasing

“You’re so annoying..” 

Ivan rn:  :3

“Yes stupid, I made it just for you, because I love you. Happy with that answer?” You mocked lovingly. 

Ivan was kinda caught off guard at your honest answer tbh

His face was dusted with a glowing crimson, and eyes slightly widened

“Mn, good,” he softly smiled “I love you too,” 

He pressed a soft kiss to your hand and offered to make you a crown in return :)

(Luka + Hyuna’s parts doesn’t take place in Anakt Garden 🗣️)

He was aware of you nervously tip-toeing around him, and he was rather curious to what you’ve been hiding

“So, what is it hm? What is it you don’t you want me to see?”

And you were kinda like ?!

You thought you were being sneaky, huh

“Well ah, I’m not hiding anything-“ “Really?” “Nope,” “Then why are you so nervous, hm?” Luka continued to press

He was soo annoying like this, ugh

You sighed, leaving the room for a moment and returning with something behind your back

Luka’s brows raised expectantly

“I wasn’t sure if you’d like it so ah,” you fiddled with the crown nervously. 

Luka could be very condescending and belittle your feelings, and just be a jerk yk

Which was a totally valid reason to be scared to give him a gift you made!

“It’s silly but um, here, I made this for you,” you said handing him the flower crown

Luka’s expression was unreadable, which kinda stressed you out more

Luka placed the crown on his head, “What do you think, hm?” He asked

“It’s rather suiting for the prince, don’t you think?” He mused, his purple fingers tucking a piece of your hair out of your face.

“My star, don’t be shy to spoil me with gifts, I won’t reject you y’know”

You all felt silly and embarrassed :> heh

“..mm right,”

“When did you even have time to make this?” He asked curiously

“Well, my ‘owner’ is less strict then yours,” you scoffed “I’ve been bringing good money n’ popularity with my photoshoots and other gigs . It apparently values ‘self expression’ , heh, so it let me wander a bit.”

Luka hummed in acknowledgement, continuing to play with you hair

“I’ll get you something pretty next time,”

She was like all stressed out because the gang was supposed to have already left the area and you weren’t anywhere to be seen 

She’s looking around everywhere for you, and Aliens and androids are starting to figure out what was happening- a raid

Right before she’s about to go rouge and take the motorcycle

She sees you running towards her 🙏 Which she lets out the deepest sigh out ever

She takes your hands and drags you into the jeep

Dewey slams the gas and everyone speeds off, luckily without anyone being caught

Nooow… as for what happens when you guys get back at base

She so pissed LMAOO

I mean she has every right to be upset, you done fked up dawg 🧍‍♀️

She scolding you for going off the plan and wandering off- especially during a raid!!

“What the hell were you thinkin’ huh?! What if they caught you? You wanna be forced back into that life?! Hyuna yelled, gripping onto your shoulders

You could only try to defend why you did it, but it would only fall to deaf ears

You knew she was right, and what you did was stupid- but you haven’t seen those kinds of flowers in what seemed like forever!

They were like a strange comfort, an odd memory of ‘home’

You also could see how overwhelmed Hyuna was by everything recently, the main plan was getting ready to be in motion

You thought you could give her the flowers, hopefully brightening her mood somehow.

“I really am sorry Hyuna, I just had to get it!” “Get what? Get what hah?” Hyuna pressed

You sighed and pulled out the squished flower crown from your bag

Hyuna’s eyes slightly widened as she watched you

“I found them, the flowers from the garden,” You paused. “‘Made it for you, Hyuna,”

She paused, slowly taking the crown and touching the petals,

He shook her head softly.

“You’re ridiculous you know that,” she scoffs, her lips curling into a soft grin

“Unbelievable, really, no sane person literally risks their life for flowers, babes,”

You smile “Heh, I don’t think anyone here is sane,”

She leaned forward to place a lingering kiss onto your forehead

“I really am sorry yun’,” You whispered

“It’s done now, please don’t do that again though. I can’t do this without you y/n,” She smiled at you

“I don’t think I’ve seen these since we left? I didn’t even know they grew out here!” Hyuna laughed

erm sorry for the cringe .. 🧍‍♀️ also sorry for the shortness of Mizi’s + Sua’s 😭 I had a brainfart w/ them

Made Nov 6th 2024

[pbaz7]

FINDING PEACE IN YOU: PART 6

paige x azzi

warning: sexual content

word count: 8.1k

A/N: I did my part in today’s preparation lmao. Y’all had me stressing I’m ngl😭 never locked in like this for a story before lol. Let me know what you tbink!! Happy game day 🤭

—————————————————————————

The next morning, the three of them were about to leave Paige’s house to take Lukas to play basketball before Paige’s game later. Paige’s keys jingled as they got ready to leave out the door. As soon as she swung the door open, a figure sitting on the stairs caught them all off guard.

The woman stood abruptly, her gaze snapping toward the three of them, like she wasn’t fully prepared to actually see them. Azzi froze, confused, as the woman’s presence seemed to take up the entire space. Paige’s face, however, was another story—every ounce of color draining from her face in an instant.

Paige’s entire body locked up. Azzi didn’t need to look to know something was wrong—she felt it in the way Paige stopped breathing for a second, how the color drained completely from her face.

Lukas glanced up, tugging at Paige’s sleeve. “Ma?”

Paige’s jaw flexed, her eyes still locked on the woman.

Then slowly, she turned her head to Azzi. “Can you take Lukas upstairs, please baby?”

Azzi didn’t question her in front of the woman. She just reached for Lukas’s hand, her stomach tightening slightly as she stole one last glance at Paige—still frozen, still staring at the stranger like she was looking at a ghost.

As Azzi and Lukas walked away Paige stepped on the porch and shut the front door behind her. She stood in front of the woman she never thought she’d see again—let alone on her doorstep.

Her heart pounded, but her face was unreadable. Cold.

“Paige, I—” the woman started.

“Why the fuck are you here?” Paige cut her off.

Jasmine—her ex—shifted slightly on her feet, clearly trying to stay composed. “We should talk Paige.”

Paige scoffed, her jaw clenching as she looked at her. “There’s really not shit we need to talk about.”

Jasmine hesitated, then tried a different tactic, her voice softening as she motioned towards the house. “He looks exactly like you. Spitting image.”

But that was the wrong thing to say.

“Don’t talk about my son.”

Jasmine’s eyebrows furrowed. “He’s my son too.”

Paige’s nostrils flared at this. “Excuse me?”

“I gave birth to him, Paige.”

Paige let out a dry, bitter laugh, stepping forward just enough for Jasmine to realize how dangerous her words were. “Right—and you left him when he was what? Two months old?” She shook her head, disgust clear in her eyes. “So no he’s not your damn son. So don’t mention him again.”

Jasmine didn’t respond—just stood there, her mouth set in a firm line like she was swallowing whatever weak excuse she was about to offer.

Paige took a breath, squeezing the bridge of her nose. “What do you want?”

Jasmine blinked like she was trying to find the right angle. “I miss you, Paige.”

Paige let out a scoff. “Bullshit. Just tell me what the hell you want so you can get out of my face.”

Jasmine's eyes flicked downward. “Why is it so crazy for me to say I miss you?”

Paige looked at her like she’d completely lost it. “You serious right now?” Her voice rose slightly, her words clipped. “You left because I wanted you to sign a prenup. You stole—what—fifteen thousand dollars worth of shit from me? Not including the seventy-five-thousand-dollar fucking car I had to report stolen.”

Jasmine opened her mouth to respond but Paige’s voice interrupted her, finally able to get out words the two of them never got to exchange. “You miss me? Or you miss the shit that came with being with me?”

Jasmine’s voice was softer this time, but no less persistent. “I miss you Paige. I miss what we had…you know before everything.”

Paige stared at her for a moment, then shook her head, laughing bitterly under her breath. “Well that’s too damn bad Jasmine.”

She turned like she was done—ready to walk back inside—but Jasmine’s next words made her freeze.

“How long are you going to have a stranger helping you raise him?”

Paige snapped her head back toward her. “The fuck did you just say to me?”

“I mean it, Paige,”

“Watch your mouth,” Paige snapped, stepping closer. “Don’t even think about mentioning her. You don’t know shit about her and she knows him better than you ever could.”

“And you think she’s just gonna stay forever?” Jasmine shot back. “That she’s really in it for you and not just—”

“Jesus please stop fucking talking,” Paige cut her off, her voice raised now. “You don’t get to come here and say shit about my life. You walked away.!”

“I didn’t walk away!” Jasmine yelled back. “I just needed space!”

Paige laughed. “Space? You disappeared. For years. You didn’t just leave me, Jasmine—you left a baby. You left somebody you gave birth to. Don’t think it get’s more fucked up than that.”

Jasmine’s mouth opened again, but Paige didn’t give her the chance.

“You abandoned him and signed over your rights” she hissed. “So don’t show up at my door acting like you suddenly give a damn.”

“I'm serious, Paige,” Jasmine pressed, her own voice sharpening. “She’s not his mother. She’s just some girl you’re messing around with.”

Paige genuinely looked perplexed between her anger. “Didn’t I just tell you not to talk about her?”

Jasmine let out a laugh. “Why not? The whole internet’s already talking about her. Your little highlight reel of a life. Showing up to your games, fans obsessed with her, all those little couple edits like she’s perfect.”

Paige froze for a second, then let out a slow breath, like something had finally clicked into place.

“Alright I see,” she said. “So that’s what this is about.”

Jasmine didn’t respond, but the look in her eyes said enough.

“You’re pissed because she’s getting what you always wanted,” Paige said, her voice steady. “The attention. The spotlight. The life you thought came with being next to me.”

Paige let the words hang between them, before she continued. “You didn’t want me Jasmine—you wanted the perks. And now that somebody else got it, suddenly you ‘miss me’ right?”

Jasmine looked away, jaw tight, but Paige didn’t let up.

“She didn’t ask for any of it,” Paige said. “She has her own life, her own career, she just gives a fuck about me. About Lukas. And that’s more than you ever could say. So please”—her words turning final—“just get the hell off my porch.”

Paige turned back, her hand already on the doorknob when Jasmine’s voice rang out again behind her.

“I wanna see him.”

Paige let out a laugh, shaking her head as she opened the door. “It’ll be the coldest day in hell before I let that happen.”

“I’ll take you to court.”

That made Paige pause—but only to laugh a little more. “You know that shit’s not gonna work out. So don’t waste my time with bullshit.”

And with that, she stepped back inside, shutting the door behind her. The click of the lock echoed through the house.

Paige took a deep breath, letting the weight of the moment settle and then slowly dissolve before climbing the stairs. Her footsteps were quiet as she made her way toward Lukas’s room.

When she reached the doorway, the sight that greeted her brought a softness back into her chest. Azzi was sitting cross-legged on the floor, Lukas sitting in her lap, the two of them surrounded by crayons. Azzi was gently guiding his hand, helping him stay within the lines of his coloring book.

Lukas looked up at her, beaming. “Look, Ma! I’m in the lines!”

Paige smiled, her chest loosening. “Yeah, I see. It looks real good kid.”

Azzi glanced up at her, smiling too, but her eyes lingered—reading Paige the way she had learned to. Even in that brief moment, she caught something in Paige’s posture, the faint tightness in her jaw.

Azzi mouthed, You okay?

Paige gave her a small nod, but Azzi wasn’t convinced. She gave her that look—the one that meant talk to me.

Paige met her eyes and mouthed Later

Azzi nodded once, gently rubbing Lukas’s back as she turned her attention back to the coloring book, Lukas content in her lap, completely unaware of everything going on.

Paige let Lukas color for a little longer before glancing at the time on her phone and nudging him to get his attention. “You still tryna go hoop before I gotta get ready for my game?”

Lukas looked up and nodded eagerly, hopping off Azzi’s lap and bolting out of the room. “I’m putting my shoes on!” he called behind him as his footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Paige smiled, reaching for the coloring book to close it as Azzi began gathering the crayons and sliding them back into their box. Once everything was packed, Azzi stood up and walked over, slipping her hand into Paige’s, interlacing their fingers.

“You’re tense,” Azzi whispered, searching her face.

Paige gave a noncommittal “Mmm,” eyes cast a little downward.

Azzi tilted her head, her voice gentle. “That was your ex, right?”

Paige looked up at her. “How’d you know?”

“I heard you yelling,” Azzi said, “I went downstairs to get Lukas some apple juice.”

Paige sighed, running a hand down her face, the tension she’d tried to bury beginning to rise again.

Azzi squeezed her hand. “Are you worried about something?”

Paige shook her head. “No. I just know that’s not the last time I’m gonna see her. She can be a little persistent.”

Azzi didn’t say anything to respond—just watched Paige carefully, her thumb gently brushing over the back of Paige’s hand.

“You seem mad,” she said softly, not accusing—just observing.

“I’m not mad,” Paige replied, her voice quieter than before. “I’m just tired I guess. She showed up outta nowhere like she didn’t leave the way she did.”

Azzi nodded, still listening, letting Paige get it out.

Paige exhaled. “She said she wants to see him. Like she didn’t vanish when he needed her most. I just can’t let her–” Paige trailed off taking a deep breath.

Azzi leaned her forehead against Paige’s. “You don’t have to explain it to me baby, I get it. You raised him alone, you have every right to feel however you need to feel.”

That made Paige pause, her eyes flicking up to meet Azzi’s. “Yeah?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Azzi smiled. “Yeah baby.”

Without another word, Paige leaned in, kissing her. It started soft, but the tension Paige was carrying caused her to deepen it. Azzi responded, matching her urgency for a few moments—but then she pulled back slightly, breath catching.

Paige wasn’t ready to stop. She chased her, capturing her lips again, her hand curling around the back of Azzi’s neck to hold her in place. Azzi let out a soft sound against her mouth before she broke the kiss with a quiet, breathless laugh.

“Okay,” Azzi murmured, her forehead pressed against Paige’s as her smile lingered. “I was gonna say later… but damn.”

Paige grinned, eyes a little dark. “My bad.”

“I didn’t say stop,” Azzi whispered.

Before Paige could close the distance again, the sound of small feet on the stairs made them step apart.

Lukas appeared in the doorway, proudly holding up his basketball shoes. “I’m ready!”

Paige cleared her throat, still fighting a smirk. “Aight, let’s go then.”

Azzi gave Paige a slow once-over as they followed Lukas out, tapping her ass playfully when Paige stepped in front of her.

…

Later that night the arena buzzed with energy, the pre-game music vibrating through the stands as fans filed into their seats. It was a home game, and the crowd had already begun to swell with fans of all ages in Wings jerseys.

Azzi sat comfortably one row behind courtside, Lukas sitting beside her with a foam finger almost bigger than him. Drew sat on the other side of Lukas, mid-story about something wild that happened to him the day before, and Paige’s mom sat beside him, smiling at Lukas every time he looked up at her to proudly repeat something his mom told him.

“She said I’m gonna get better at my shooting if I keep squaring my feet,” Lukas announced, holding up his fingers for emphasis.

“You will,” Azzi said with a laugh, brushing his curls back. “You’re already dangerous from the corner.”

“I told you he was a lefty sniper,” Drew grinned, nudging Paige’s mom, who just chuckled warmly.

They were still mid-conversation when Drew sat up straighter, his voice cutting through the conversation.

“What the fuck—”

“Drew!” Paige’s mom scolded, while Azzi instantly covered Lukas’s ears.

“Sorry, sorry,” he mumbled, lifting a hand—but he was still looking across the court, nodding discreetly. “I mean—look.”

Azzi followed his gaze, her smile fading when she saw what he was looking at.

Just across the court, behind the Wings bench in the third row, Jasmine had taken a seat. She was laughing at something her friend said, looking like she came straight out of a porno with the limited amount of clothes she had.

Azzi’s brows furrowed, jaw tightening as Lukas wiggled out from under the makeshift earmuffs, oblivious to the sudden tension.

Paige’s mom looked stunned, lips pressed into a hard line. Drew just shook his head slowly, disbelief on his face.

As if on cue, Jasmine glanced across the court—and locked eyes with Azzi.

Neither of them looked away for a moment until the weight of a small hand tapping Azzi’s arm pulled her attention downward.

“Azzi,” Lukas said, leaning into her with wide eyes. “Did you see the shoes that girl on the other team was wearing during warmups? They looked like lava!”

Azzi blinked, her features softening as she looked down at him. “Lava, huh?” she smiled, brushing her thumb over his cheek. “We gotta tell your mom about them so you can wear them at practice.”

Lukas nodded, clearly excited about the idea, and started explaining exactly how fast he’d be in “lava shoes.” Azzi listened with all the focus in the world, nodding along, giving little responses that made his eyes light up with each one.

When she glanced back up, Jasmine was still watching from across the court.

Only this time, there was something different in her expression—something almost…sad for a second. But just as quickly as the emotion surfaced, it vanished. As she turned away, laughing at something her friend said as she looked down at her acrylics.

Azzi’s jaw ticked, but she didn’t let it linger. She turned back toward Lukas, fixing his hair as he continued rambling with Drew, the noise of the arena slowly growing as the game drew closer to tip-off.

The crowd roared as the Wings began to file out from the tunnel, sneakers squeaking as players jogged onto the court for warmups. Paige was the last to appear, warmups on as she jogged in slowly, taking in the packed arena.

Lukas was standing on his chair just behind the court-side row, waving both arms like he was trying to flag a plane down. Drew had one hand casually braced in front of him to make sure he didn’t fall, the other busy recording the moment. Beside them, Paige’s mom waved with a wide grin, proud as ever no matter how many games she’d watched.

And Azzi—well she was relaxed but locked in as she met Paige’s eyes.

Paige’s face softened. She gave Lukas a quick wave, then shot Azzi a wink, her grin tugging wider as she turned her attention to warmups, adrenaline already kicking in.

As the refs moved into position and the game prepared to tip off, Azzi leaned forward slightly in her seat, eyes scanning the court. Her gaze flicked instinctively to Paige—just in time to catch the exact moment Paige noticed Jasmine.

There was no dramatic reaction, nothing obvious—Paige was too seasoned, too aware of the cameras. But Azzi caught it anyway: the tight clench of her jaw, the slight shake of her head before she refocused.

The ball tipped and the game began.

For Paide it was like someone had flipped a switch. Azzi didn’t know all the nuances of Paige’s pro career—had only been to a handful of games—but she could tell she was different tonight. There was an edge behind every move.

She scored the Wings’ first thirteen points herself—stepbacks, drives, threes in transition. Every bucket came with a shake of her head, a mutter under her breath about how “they can’t guard me.”

The Mystics couldn’t keep up.

Azzi didn’t realize she was holding her breath until Washington was forced to call a timeout, their coach visibly frustrated as the team huddled.

Paige barely glanced at the bench as she jogged toward the Wings' huddle, jaw still tight, eyes locked in.

The timeout didn’t slow her down. If anything, it only added fuel.

As soon as play resumed, Rickea and Arike started getting in rhythm too, riding the wave Paige had created. But Paige—she was still the engine. Every touch felt electric. She was talking shit the whole time, barking out “And one!” after muscling through contact for a bucket, flexing as she jogged back on defense. When she drilled a deep three in transition, she shook her head like it was too easy, like they should’ve known better.

It wasn’t just on offense either.

Twice she timed layups perfectly to get a hand on the ball, her voice ringing out across the arena with a loud “Get that weak ass shit outta here!” The crowd roared, and Lukas was practically bouncing out of his seat, eyes wide, laughing and cheering, pointing every time Paige made a big play like it was his win too.

Azzi glanced at him with a smile, then back at the court, heart swelling as she watched the woman she would do anything for completely take over the game.

By the time halftime rolled around, the scoreboard showed Wings: 52, Mystics: 39.

Paige had 26 and she hadn’t even broken a sweat.

It was more of the same in the third—if not worse for the Mystics. Everyone on the Wings was feeding Paige, clearing out, setting screens, doing whatever they had to do to keep the hot hand going. Paige picked apart the defense like she’d written the scouting report herself, eyes scanning the court, feet light, talking shit the whole time.

After draining a deep three right in front of her family, she turned toward Azzi—three fingers still in the air—and blew her a kiss with a cocky smirk on her face. Azzi just shook her head, biting the inside of her cheek, while Lukas clapped and shouted, “That’s my ma!”

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Wings were up by so much that Paige didn’t even need to touch the court again. She sank into her seat on the bench, towel draped around her neck, legs stretched out in front of her, her chest still rising and falling a little quickly. Sweat clung to her skin, her jersey slightly untucked as she leaned back, watching her teammates close it out.

She was still locked in. Still talking shit from the bench. But finally letting out a smile.

At one point her gaze drifted toward the crowd—and as soon as her eyes found Azzi, everything else faded for a second. A smirk curved Paige’s lips as her eyes shamelessly raked over her, lingering way too long as she traced her way up. Azzi’s body reacted almost immediately—her pulse quickening, warmth creeping up her neck. Paige's stare was heavy, intense, like she was thinking thoughts no one else needed to know.

Azzi raised an eyebrow at her from her seat, trying to keep her cool despite the heat spreading beneath her skin. Paige tilted her head a little, tongue poking at the inside of her cheek as she smirked at Azzi. Before Azzi could stop herself, her lips curved into a smirk of her own, matching Paige’s energy, her eyes locked on the girl who hadn’t stopped showing out all night.

Paige licked her lips before shaking her head and turning her attention back to the game.

…

The final buzzer sounded, the crowd thinning as the Wings closed out the win. Paige was already tugging her jersey loose, her eyes were locked on the section where her people sat.

As she walked over, fans leaned in for high-fives and shouted her name, but her focus didn’t drift to them. She reached the row, dapping Drew up and pulling him into a quick hug.

“Had the whole gym rockin,” he grinned, shaking his head.

“You know I had to,” Paige smirked, before turning and wrapping her arms around her mom, who kissed her cheek and held her tight for a second longer than usual.

“You were on fire out there, baby,” her mom said, pride all over her face.

Paige smiled, murmuring a soft “Thanks, Ma,” before her gaze drifted over to Azzi, standing just a few feet away with that familiar smile tugging at her lips. Paige stepped in, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into a quick hug before giving her a soft kiss—brief but charged. The kind of kiss that said I saw you the whole time.

Azzi smiled against her lips, whispering, “Show-off.”

Before Paige could answer, tiny arms wrapped around her waist, and she looked down to see Lukas staring up at her with wide, excited eyes.

“Ma! You were dunking on everybody!” he yelled, bouncing with excitement.

Paige laughed, crouching down to his level and scooping him into a hug. “I wasn’t dunking, bud, but I was killing 'em, huh?”

Lukas nodded quickly, launching into a play-by-play of all his favorite moments, as Paige listened with her full attention, eyes soft, the intensity of the game replaced by something completely different. Azzi watched the two of them, with the biggest grin on her face, her hand brushing lightly against Paige’s back.

Lukas was still recounting every bucket like it was the game-winner when Drew leaned in, tapping Paige’s arm twice. She turned slightly, following his nod toward the court.

Jasmine was making her way down the sideline, weaving through lingering fans, eyes locked on them.

Paige’s jaw ticked, her posture stiffening for a half-second before she exhaled through her nose and shook her head. She scoops Lukas into her arms, his small arms wrapping easily around her neck.

Paige adjusted Lukas on her hip, then stepped toward Azzi, slipping her arm around her shoulders. “C’mon lemme get the keys for you,” she said, tugging her in with a little grin.

Azzi leaned into it, looping her own arm around Paige’s waist—and with Lukas perched on Paige’s other side the sudden shift in balance made all three of them stumble a little. Paige let out a laugh, steadying them while Azzi laughed into her shoulder.

Lukas laughed the loudest, his head thrown back as he shouted, “Ma, you almost dropped me!”

Paige grinned, leaning over to kiss the side of his head. “You’re good. I got you.”

They kept walking, bumping into each other on purpose now as they disappeared down the tunnel—laughing like they hadn’t just left a ghost standing in the past behind them.

Jasmine stopped in her tracks, her jaw tight as she watched a camera following them and a few people snapping pictures of the moment.

…

Later that night, the house had settled into a soft quiet. Paige was in Lukas’s room, the glow of his nightlight casting warm shadows across the walls as she helped him tuck his favorite stuffed dinosaur under the covers beside him.

He wiggled around to get comfortable, his eyes fluttering a little as he settled in. Paige sat on the floor beside his bed, the book already open in her lap when his voice came out small and a little hopeful.

“Ma… can Azzi read my story tonight?”

Paige glanced up at him, smiling as she gently closed the book. “You can go ask her.”

Lukas’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. He tossed the covers back and scrambled out of bed with a gasp, sprinting toward the door in his pajama set.

“Make sure you ask nicely!” Paige called after him, grinning as she heard his eager feet slap down the hallway.

Lukas slowed just before he reached Paige’s room, taking a deep death. The door was slightly open, and inside, Azzi sat comfortably on Paige’s bed, her laptop open in front of her, glasses perched on her nose.

He knocked gently on the doorframe. “’Scuse me,” he said.

Azzi looked up, sliding her glasses off as a warm smile spread across her face. “Hey. You okay?”

He nodded, shifting his weight and scratching the back of his head like he was trying to work up the courage. “Was wondering if you could read my bedtime story, please?”

Azzi’s expression softened even more as she closed her laptop and set it aside. “Of course I can,” she said, already getting up.

Lukas beamed, then surprised her by reaching up and slipping his small hand into hers. Azzi blinked for a second, touched by the simple gesture, before gently curling her fingers around his.

“Let’s go,” he said cheerfully, leading her out of the room like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Azzi followed with a smile, her heart steady, completely at ease.

When Azzi and Lukas walked back into the room, Paige’s eyes instinctively drifted down to where their hands joined a soft smile forming.

Lukas climbed back into bed, tugging the covers up to his chin as he got settled. Azzi gave Paige a little smile as she lowered herself to the floor beside the bed. Paige returned it, her eyes lingering as she handed Azzi the book Lukas had picked out earlier.

Azzi took it, adjusting her legs underneath her as she glanced at the title. She let out a quiet chuckle. “Classic,” she murmured with amusement before flipping it open.

Lukas tucked himself in tighter, already grinning. Paige slides back against the wall, arms loosely resting on her knees as she watches them—Azzi’s soft voice filling the room, Lukas hanging on to every word, occasionally giggling or pointing to the illustrations.

Paige just sat there, quietly taking it all in. Randomly at that moment, it hit her—she was watching two of her favorite people in the world. The way Azzi read with gentle inflection, how Lukas leaned toward her like he’d known her forever… it wasn’t just sweet. It felt like home.

Paige realized she loved her.

Not in the abstract, not in the distant-future kind of way where she could see them being more. Not in the selfish way. Right here, right now. She loved Azzi Fudd in the way she’d unselfishly give her whatever she asked.

And when her mind flicked back to the coffee shop—the smirk she wore, the one track mind she had when Azzi walked up to her that day—Paige couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.

The sound pulled Azzi’s eyes up from the book, her brows lifting a little in a silent question.

Paige shook her head, and smiled. “Nothing.”

Azzi gave her a look saying she didn’t believe her, but she let it go, her eyes lingering on Paige for a second longer before turning back to the book to finish reading.

Paige stayed there, still smiling as she thought about all the little moments that made her fall for Azzi. It was never just one thing—it was the way Azzi calmly talked to her when she was spiraling, the way she always showed up without needing to be asked, the way Lukas trusted her so easily, like his heart knew from the jump what Paige’s would come to know.

She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t even notice when Azzi stopped reading. Didn’t notice that Azzi had closed the book, turned her full attention to her, and had just been watching her—soft-eyed and quiet—for the last few minutes.

Until something small hit her—one of Lukas’s little plush toys bouncing off her shoulder.

Paige blinked, head looking up. “What the—?”

Azzi grinned. “You back with us now?”

Paige looked at her, a smile slowly tugging at the corners of her mouth again. “Wassup?”

Azzi crossed her arms, leaning a little to the side as she teased Paige, “What you been thinking about over there?”

Paige tilted her head, her voice unfiltered as she said, “You.”

Azzi’s stomach flipped, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she teased Paige saying, “I’ve been done reading for like five minutes.”

“Ohh, so you were just being a weirdo, staring at me for five minutes?” Paige asked.

“Says the one who was staring into space thinking about me for who knows how long,” Azzi shot back, lips twitching.

Paige let out a laugh. “Fair.”

She glanced over at Lukas, now completely knocked out—his chest rising and falling in the soft rhythm of sleep.

Azzi stood up first, brushing off her hands before reaching out a hand for Paige. Paige took it, groaning a little as she stood up, her body still sore from the game.

“Oof,” she muttered. “I’m too young to be feelin’ this old.”

“That’s what happens when you play like a maniac for three quarters.”

“You liked it though,” Paige said with a chuckle as they quietly stepped out of Lukas’s room slowly closing the door behind them.

Once they were back in Paige’s room, she closed the door like usual, but paused when she saw Azzi walking straight into the bathroom.

“What you doing? Though we was finna cuddle” Paige asked, following her into the bathroom.

“You need to take a bath,” Azzi said simply, opening the cabinet and pulling out the jar of Epsom salt she’d put in there when Paige’s season started.

Paige laughed, leaning against the doorframe. “Why?”

Azzi didn’t even look back as she twisted the cap open. “You fell earlier.”

“That’s it?” Paige asked, raising an eyebrow.

Azzi just put some of the salt into the hot water, still not looking at her. “That’s enough. You’ve been grimacing since it happened.”

Paige grinned, already knowing better than to argue when Azzi got like this. She stepped further in the bathroom and leaned over the large tub, eyeing the water. “Fine. But you’re getting in with me.”

Azzi glanced at her from the corner of her eye. “No I’m not.”

Paige gave her a dramatic pout, her lips pushing out just enough and her eyes softening into their most sad shade of blue she could muster. She blinked a few times, staring up at Azzi through her long eyelashes.

Azzi narrowed her eyes, trying to fight the way her mouth twitched.

“Don’t do that,” she said flatly.

“Do what baby?”

Azzi huffed, rolling her eyes and muttering under her breath, “Fine whatever.”

Paige’s grin only grew. “Works every time.”

Paige peeled off her pajamas, tossing them into the hamper before stepping into the large bath, sighing as the hot water immediately soothed her aching muscles. She sank down slowly, leaning against the back of the tub, then looked up at Azzi expectantly.

Azzi rolled her eyes, but it held no real weight. Her lips were already curving, her dimple giving her away as she muttered under her breath, “You’re so spoiled.”

Paige just grinned wider. “Only with you.”

Azzi shook her head but reached for the hem of her shirt anyway, tugging it off, followed by the rest of her clothes. Paige didn’t even try to be subtle about the way her eyes followed her movements, admiration written all over her face.

Azzi stepped into the bath carefully, the water rippling as she lowered herself down between Paige’s legs, her back settling against Paige’s chest. Paige let out a soft hum, arms immediately wrapping around her waist and pulling her in until there was no space left between them.

Azzi relaxed into it, head falling back slightly against Paige’s shoulder. Paige tilted her face down to nuzzle against her cheek, her voice barely above a whisper. “Definitely think this is my favorite way to recover.”

Azzi laughed. “You mean with me doing all the work.”

Paige chuckled. “Nah, just existing with you like this. Feels like everything stops. Real peaceful.”

Azzi didn’t say anything at first, just let the silence stretch for a second before reaching for Paige’s hand under the water and intertwining their fingers. “I like stopping time with you,” she said softly.

Paige just smiled and kissed her temple resting her head on Azzi.

They stayed like that for a while, the water around them warm and still, the only sounds being their soft breathing and the occasional shift of water as one of them adjusted slightly. Paige's arms remained wrapped around Azzi’s waist, her chin resting lightly on Azzi’s shoulder. Both of their eyes were closed, not asleep, just existing in a kind of peace they rarely got.

Eventually, Paige’s lips brushed against the shell of Azzi’s ear as she whispered, “What you thinking about?”

Azzi didn’t answer right away. When she finally did, her voice was quiet, but direct. “Truthfully?”

Paige hums and Azzi says, “Is your ex gonna be a problem?”

Paige sighed gently, her eyes still closed as she pressed a soft kiss to Azzi’s shoulder. “No.”

Azzi turned her head just slightly toward her. “She showed up at your front door today. And at your game like it was nothing.”

“I know,” Paige said, her voice lower now. There was a pause, long enough that Azzi could tell that Paige was gathering her thoughts.

“She’s not interested in me. Not for real. If that’s what you’re wondering.”

Azzi laughed a little. “It kinda seemed like she was tonight. Didn’t take her eyes off of you one.”

Paige shifted behind her, wrapping her arms tighter around Azzi’s waist. “She wants attention. She let it slip this morning…She’s around again ‘cause she sees the attention you’re getting. Not ‘cause she wants me.”

Azzi let that sit for a second, her thumb gently tracing over Paige’s forearm, the warmth of their bodies easing some of the tension she didn’t realize she was holding.

Eventually, she spoke, her voice softer now, almost a little hesitant. “So you’re telling me I don’t have anything to worry about?”

Paige lips brushing along the curve of her neck, pressing a few slow, reassuring kisses there. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you, beautiful.”

Azzi exhaled, her heart doing that fluttering thing she could never quite control around Paige. “I’m serious P. I’m not going to—”

Paige interrupted her gently, “Hey… I got you. I promise. Stop worrying.”

Azzi let out a quiet breath, her thumb now resting still against Paige’s arm. “I’m trusting you.”

Paige smiled against her skin, pressing one more kiss to Azzi’s shoulder before whispering, “I know, baby.”

They settled into another peaceful silence after that.

Then Paige leaned forward, brushing her lips along Azzi’s neck again, this time with a little more intent. The kisses were open-mouthed and slow, dragging heat across Azzi’s skin from her neck to her shoulder.

Azzi sighed, eyes fluttering shut, as she tilted her head to the side, giving Paige more room. “Paige…” she warned, though her voice lacked any real protest, her actions saying something completely different.

Paige hummed against her neck, still kissing her. “Hm?”

“You’re supposed to be relaxing.”

Paige smiled as she nipped gently at Azzi’s skin. “This is me relaxing.”

Azzi let out a soft breath, trying to keep her composure. “How is this relaxing?”

Paige grinned against her skin, clearly not fazed. “It’s muscle recovery,” she said matter-of-factly. “Like… targeted therapy.”

Azzi laughed under her breath. “That doesn’t even make sense baby.”

“Does to me,” Paige murmured, just before pressing a warm, gentle suck to the base of Azzi’s neck.

Azzi’s breath hitched, a soft hum escaping her lips as her head tipped back against Paige’s shoulder. “I don’t have concealer, baby. Be careful,” she whispered.

“I got you some,” Paige said.

Azzi huffed out a quiet laugh. “Of course you did.”

Without thinking, Azzi reached behind her, threading her wet fingers into Paige’s hair and gently pulling her head closer, her body pushing further into Paige’s embrace. Paige didn’t need any more encouragement, her lips moving back to Azzi’s neck, slower this time.

The warm water curled around them only added to the heat that was growing, as Paige’s lips ghosted down Azzi’s neck. Her arms stayed wrapped around Azzi, palms pressed against her chest, holding her like she never wanted to let go.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” Paige whispered against Azzi’s skin. She kissed just below her ear. “You’re perfect, baby.”

Azzi’s breath caught, her back arching slightly as Paige’s fingers toyed with her nipple.

“I mean it,” Paige said, mouth brushing over the curve of Azzi’s shoulder now. “You ask me for anything, and it’s yours. Anything, I swear I’ll give it to you.”

Azzi sighed her name, soft and shaky as she curled her hands a little tighter in Paige’s hair.

Paige’s lips didn’t stop. She kissed along every inch of Azzi she could reach, slowly, worshipfully, her voice still low in her ear. “You don’t even know what you do to me. Don’t know how much I want you all the time.”

Azzi’s breathing shifted, just slightly uneven now, her head tipping back, giving Paige more space, more access. Her hand tightened around Paige’s arm.

Paige nipped at Azzi’s earlobe, biting it gently as she whispered, “I got you. Always.”

Azzi turned her face slightly, her cheek brushing Paige’s. “You mean that baby?”

“I never meant anything more.”

Azzi was quiet for a moment, her fingers gently stroking along Paige’s entire arm, like she needed to feel her in more than one place. Then slowly, she tilted her head, turning just enough to catch Paige’s mouth with her own. Azzi's hand reached back to cup Paige’s jaw, pulling her in, trying to feel every word Paige had said through the kiss.

When they finally pulled apart, their lips still brushing, Azzi whispered breathlessly, “You can’t talk to me like that right now.”

Paige smiled against her mouth. “Mmm, why not?” she said, teasingly dragging the tip of her nose along Azzi’s cheek.

“Because apparently I’m easy now.”

That made Paige grinned smugly, the kind of grin Azzi normally rolled her eyes at. But this time, she barely had the strength to say no to anything Paige asked for. Paige hummed as her hand slid back up, palming and massaging Azzi’s breast with just enough pressure to make her breath catch. “Not easy,” Paige whispered, nipping at Azzi’s bottom lip before kissing her again. “Just mine.”

Azzi didn’t have time to respond—not when Paige’s mouth was already on hers again, this time deeper, messier. Their tongues met messily like neither of them wanted to come up for air. Paige’s hands roamed deliberately, dragging wet patterns across Azzi’s chest, taking her time giving each one attention.

Azzi moaned softly against her mouth, her hand sliding up to cradle the back of Paige’s neck again as she kissed her back harder, letting herself get lost in the feeling of her mouth—because God, Paige knew exactly what she was doing.

Paige’s hands continued to move deliberately across Azzi’s chest, her body, fingers spreading warmth with every pass. Their kisses turned more frantic, messy, lips parting and reconnecting as their tongues moved in perfect rhythm.

Azzi bit down on Paige’s bottom lip, just hard enough to make her groan. The sound vibrated from Paige’s chest as she palmed Azzi’s chest firmer, squeezing her like she couldn’t get her close enough. That only made Azzi bolder.

She pulled back slightly, their lips parting with a soft wet sound, a thin string of spit still connecting them. Her eyes were heavy, her voice wrecked when she whispered, “I want you so bad.”

Paige’s gaze darkened immediately, as she smiled at Azzi, “I know, baby.”

Paige moved her hand lower between Azzi’s legs, her fingers beginning to trace slow circles over her clit—barely there but warm. Azzi let her weight sink fully back into Paige’s chest, her head nuzzling into the curve of Paige’s neck. Her breath caught slightly as Paige’s touch dragged across the sensitive spot, her voice barely a whisper as she exhaled, “Mm…”

Paige smiled. “Mmm, what was that, baby?”

Azzi’s lashes fluttered closed, the sensation grounding her and building her up at the same time. “Feels good,” she whispered a little breathily.

Paige hummed, continuing her gentle movements. “I make you feel good every time.”

Azzi hummed in agreement, her lips brushing against the side of Paige’s neck now, trailing light, open-mouthed kisses as she sighed between kisses, “I’m gonna miss you when you leave for your road games.”

Paige pulled her closer, her lips against Azzi’s ear. “Don’t worry about that. I’m right here now, mama.”

Azzi whimpered into Paige’s neck, her breaths hitching each time Paige’s fingertips circled over her bud. The circles were still gentle—but they’d become more intentional, almost hypnotic.

“You wanna stay in here?” Paige asked.

Azzi nodded quickly, unable to fathom stopping what she feels right now. “Yes, baby.”

Paige tilted her head, brushing her lips over Azzi’s temple before connecting with her mouth again as she slid two fingers into her causing Azzi to moan into the kiss. When she pulled back, she didn’t go far—just enough to make Azzi open her eyes and meet her gaze.

Azzi blinked up at her, her lashes low, lips parted slightly as she bit down on her bottom lip, trying to keep herself quiet.

Paige exhaled, shaking her head slowly like she couldn’t believe what she was looking at. “You’re so damn perfect,” she praised.

Azzi’s only response was a soft sigh when Paige curled her fingers perfectly, her body melting into Paige’s orbit, eyes still locked on her like she didn’t want to look anywhere else.

The two of them stayed like that, in the warm water and the dim glow of the bathroom light. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the water as Paige moved in and out of Azzi and the soft, breathy whimpers Azzi couldn’t hold back—the kind that made Paige ache with how beautiful she sounded.

Paige stayed wrapped around her, lips brushing along her shoulder, her temple, her neck, never in a rush, just present.

“You’re doing so good for me, baby…” she whispered, pressing a kiss just below Azzi’s ear. “I got you. Just relax for me.”

Azzi moaned a little loudly in response, her back arching as her hands clung to Paige’s arms, her breathing unsteady as she started to push herself into Paige’s fingers. Paige only held her tighter, keeping her chest flush against Azzi’s back as she held her still.

“You don’t gotta do all that mama,” Paige whispered, as she added another finger into Azzi. Pulling all three of them out each time before pushing them back in slowly as she curled them. “Stop thinking…just breathe.”

Azzi let out another quiet moan, her lips parting as she tilted her head, offering more of her neck—her silent way of saying please. Paige licked and sucked at the space she gave her, again and again.

“Keep breathing for me, gorgeous,” Paige whispered. “That’s all you gotta do right now.”

Another shaky exhale from Azzi. Another quiet sound that let Paige know she was starting to unravel in her arms.

“I got you,” Paige said again, firmer this time, her voice like a promise. “You hear me, baby? You’re mine now I swear I got you.”

Azzi nodded, her voice nearly lost beneath her moans as she whispered, “Paige…”

“I know, baby,” Paige said softly, her lips brushing along Azzi’s jaw. “I know.”

Azzi’s hands moved to grip Paige’s wrists, pushing her in deeper. Her breathing grew louder, faster, like she couldn’t keep up with the pace her body wanted to set.

“You’re so beautiful, Azzi,” Paige whispered, her words flowing off of her tongue easily, wrapping around Azzi. “Everything about you…I can’t get enough of you.”

Heat pooled in Azzi’s stomach, her whole body humming with need. She lifted her gaze, meeting Paige’s blue eyes. The look Azzi gave Paige only spurred her on, a smirk growing on her lips as she quickend her pace. Azzi moved forward, crashing her lips into Paige’s in a desperate kiss, Paige swallowing every sound Azzi let out as soon as their lips met, the kiss matching Paige’s movements.

When they pulled apart to catch their breaths, their chests were heaving, eyes locking again. Paige’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of Azzi—completely exposed for her. Her hair was damp, strands sticking to her flushed skin, and her eyes were blown wide, hazy with desire.

Paige’s voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of it hung in the air. “Fuck I love you, Azzi.”

Azzi tightened around Paige’s fingers at the words, her eyes fluttering shut at the impact, and her legs began to tremble. Her chest constricted as the weight of those three words settled.

“Fuck, say it again, baby,” Azzi begged, her voice shaky, needy.

Paige’s heart thudded in her chest. She tightened her grip on Azzi, pushing deeper into her—lips brushing against Azzi’s ear as she whispered, “I’m in love with you Azzi.”

Those words seemed to send Azzi over the edge, her hands grasping at Paige as she let out a slew of whimpers and moans unraveling completely as Paige helped her ride out the sensation. Eventually Azzi’s body went slack in Paige’s arms as she fought to catch her breath.

Azzi’s eyes opened again, this time a little wider, filled with emotion as she locked eyes with Paige. In that moment, Paige felt like she could see everything — every piece of Azzi, every piece of her heart.

Paige swallowed, thickly her own body trembling as she looked at Azzi. Before kissing her gently for a few moments as Azzi caught her breath.

Once Azzi’s body relaxes against Paige’s, her breath finally even, she mumbles, “I’m so fucking easy.”

Paige chuckles softly, her lips brushing against Azzi’s ear. “It’s okay, baby. I tend to have that effect.”

Azzi narrows her eyes before she pinches Paige’s side, making Paige yell in pain.

“Ow! What the hell?!” Paige cries, rubbing the spot with an exaggerated pout.

Azzi laughs, shaking her head at Paige’s reaction as she steps out of the bath.

Paige continues to pout, still rubbing the sore spot on her side. “You’re so mean,” she whines dramatically.

Azzi rolls her eyes and leans back over the tub, her lips pressing against Paige’s gently. “Better?” she asks.

Paige hums in response, a smile forming on her face as she nods. “Yeah, much better,” she says with a satisfied sigh. Paige climbs out of the bath, wrapping a towel around herself, letting the fabric settle over her body as she turns to look at Azzi.

Paige catches Azzi already looking and raises an eyebrow. “What?” she asks, amusement in her voice as she raises an eyebrow.

Azzi smiles softly, her voice playful but sincere as she steps closer. “You love me?”

Paige laughs quietly. “I do.”

Azzi’s heart skips a beat and she steps into Paige’s space, wrapping her arms around Paige’s neck. She looks into Paige’s eyes, a faint blush creeping over her cheeks. “I love you,” Azzi whispers.

Paige tilts her head slightly, her eyes searching Azzi’s face. “Yeah?”

Azzi nods, her hands slipping into Paige’s hair to pull her a little closer. “I was waiting for you to say it first,” she admits, a grin tugging at her lips.

Paige laughs, shaking her head. “Of course you were,” she mumbles under her breath, amused by Azzi’s unspoken expectations.

Azzi begins walking backwards towards Paige’s bed, gently pulling Paige with her. Her voice is lower now. “I want you to show me how much you love me, P.”

Paige grins, licking her lips as her eyes slowly roam over Azzi’s bare frame. “Yeah?”

Azzi bites her lip, stopping at the edge of the bed. “Mhmm,” she hums. She sinks back onto the mattress, propping herself up on her elbows for a moment, just long enough to watch the way Paige’s eyes follow her. Then she lays all the way down, exposing herself completely as she spreads her legs looking up at Paige with the kind of anticipation that blows Paige’s mind.

Paige just stares for a second before she mutters under her breath, “Thank you, God.”

Then she’s dropping her towel and climbing onto the bed, eyes never leaving Azzi as she moves between her legs, hands already reaching for her like she’s something sacred.

[httpsleclerc]

the second date

pairings: Charles Leclerc x Single!Mom!Verstappen!Reader, Charles Leclerc x Romy Verstappen (BABY!OC)

summary: A peak into yours and Romy's second meeting with Charles

warnings: none for this part!

word count: 1.7k

a/n: I really love this little part I think its so cute! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment here or in my inbox!

series masterlist // main masterlist

The sun beamed down on Monte Carlo, an accurate symbol of how you had been feeling in the days since your first meeting with Charles. Talking to and with him, you felt like you could almost forget everything that had happened with Lukas - Almost. You were well aware that you would always have constant reminder of your ex, but that was in no way Romy's fault, you had spoken to Max and Kelly, proposing the idea to them that until or if she asked, you wouldn't tell your daughter about her father, and even then, depending on her age, you would only tell her the appropriate parts - That at some point he had been a good man, and that there came a point where you did what was best for her.

Max had laughed, saying that you were being too polite by calling Lukas a good man - Claiming that that would have been like calling Jos father of the year. Kelly had elbowed him after that, telling you that that sounded like a good plan.

You looked down, smiling at Romy as she curiously eyed all of the trees and greenery above her, giving you a gummy smile as she saw your face in her vision. You adjusted the umbrella to cover her face, protecting her sensitive skin from the harsh rays of the sun - You and Kelly had laughed as you asked Max if he could help you try and apply a layer of sunscreen onto Romy, which you two had known would be no easy feat. However, your older brother, seemingly the baby soother, had managed to apply not one, but two layers of heavy duty sunscreen onto your daughter.

"I see you, Romy," You spoke to her, fondly smiling as she babbled back to you. "Oh you're very talkative, I think you know who we're going to see." You said, scanning for the brunette Monegasque, waving over to him as you saw him sitting on a bench.

It had been Charles' idea to meet you in Romy in a more secluded park in a beautiful area of Monte Carlo, Max had told him that you would most likely need worked up to going to busier areas, especially with Romy. You had always been anxious, your older brother knew that better than anyone did, but he couldn't imagine how you would be feeling having been isolated for so long and going back into such busy environments, never mind adding the single most precious thing in your life into the mix. So, Charles had thought of the small, yet beautiful park that his parents had brought himself and his brothers to as children.

He was trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach he got when he saw you make your way over to him, smiling as he heard Romy babbling from within her stroller. He knew that it would be wrong to propose a relationship to you right now, considering the relationship you had just come out of - He understood if you just wanted to be friends for a bit, he loved both you and Romy too much to miss out on anything.

"Hello you two," He greeted you, a charming smile on his face. You had to admit, Charles was incredibly handsome, but you had always known him to be.

"Hi Charles, nice to see you again," You said cheerily, putting the brake on Romy's stroller so you could lift her out and on to your lap, settling down on the bench beside Charles. "You picked a beautiful day." You told him, smiling as you placed your daughter on your lap, letting her play with the rings on your fingers. 

"I know, you know my parents used to bring me and my brothers here? I thought that maybe it could be something we could do with Romy," He said, only to stumble over his words as you looked at him, your eyebrows furrowed. "Nono, I-I didn't mean like a date or anything like that...not that I don't want something like that with you! I think you're really pretty and Romy is the most perfect little girl and-...I am making a fool of myself, aren't I?" He held his head in hands, his cheeks heating up as he realised how much he had been rambling.

You giggled, placing your free hand on Charles' back as a means to try and comfort him. He looked up at you, a blush creeping over his cheeks as he made eye contact with you.

"I'd love to do this with you as a tradition, Charles, I um...I just don't think that I'm quite ready for anything more than friends right now," You told him - Charles was at least happy that you could be honest with him, instead of dating him out of pity for his inability to shut up. "I really like being friends with you, Cha, Romy loves you too. You really make me feel listened to, in a way that Max and Kelly don't really get - they look after Romy and I but you..you're different, but in a good way." You assured him, smiling as you ran your hand up and down his back.

As if sensing his sadness, Romy started wriggling in your arms, babbling as she reached for Charles, who immediately perked up as the small girl reached out for him.

"Can I?" You nodded, you loved how he asked before taking your daughter out of your arms. You softly smiled, seeing how content both him and your daughter were with each other - You had seen Charles in interviews, talking about he had wanted 3 children, you could see him outnumbered by girls, begging their daddy to do their hair and play princesses and tea parties. It was funny, you had never imagined yourself having kids, especially not one at 22, but now that you had Romy, you couldn't imagine your life without it, it felt like her being here with you, she completed you - She was your baby and you were her mother, nothing could ever, and would ever change that. "She's so cute, and I see that she let you put her socks on her this time." He recounted, making you laugh as you remembered the day that you had first met up with Charles, more specifically you remembered the 15 minute battle you had with Romy about putting her socks on.

"Max actually got her sorted for today, you would be surprised at how good he is with babies," Charles nodded - He, more than anyone, was probably most familiar with how you and Max were raised, so hearing you talk about how great that your older brother was with your daughter, was almost a shock; Two people who he had expected to want nothing to do with children, had become in closest contact with them, with you being a mother and Max having such a close bond with Penelope. "I'm going to go get something to drink, do you want anything?" You offered him with a smile, watching as Romy, who normally screamed and cried any time you left her, remained perfectly happy in Charles' arms.

"Just a water please, cherie," He responded, gently bouncing Romy on his knee as he watched you nod and walk away, over to the small concessions stand. "Such a pretty girl, aren't you Romy? Just like your mama." Charles spoke to the baby girl on his lap, grinning as she giggled and clapped her small hands together, babbling to him. He sighed as he sat back against the bench, Romy resting against him as she settled down - Charles was thankful he hadn't made a complete fool of himself, although disappointment did weigh on the fact that you weren't looking for a relationship at the moment; However, he understood, and would continue with your friendship.

You made your way back over to the bench where Charles and your daughter sat, Romy having settled against him, almost asleep on his chest. 

"Oh, she um...I think she's asleep, Charles," You said quietly, placing a hand on your daughter's small back. He looked down, noticing that Romy, had in fact, fallen asleep on him. He looked up at you, clearly never having had a baby fall asleep, judging by the almost bewildered look in his eyes. "It's okay, just relax, I'll put her in the stroller so she can sleep with the sun umbrella covering her." You told him, lifting your sleeping daughter off of his chest so he could move without fear of waking her. Making sure that she was in securely, you sat back down, handing Charles the water you had bought him.

"She's so calm, I don't think I've seen a baby sleep so much or fuss so little," You chuckled at Charles' thoughts on your daughter. "Uh oh, that tells me otherwise." He grinned, prompting you to tell him more.

"She's cute, but she uses it to her advantage. She's got her uncle Max wrapped around her little finger already, Kelly and I told him off the other day because she was being fussy because Max had a stroopwafell and she wanted some," You told him, smiling as you remembered the look on your brothers face as Kelly told him off, while you attempted to take the sweet treat out of your daughter's tight grasp. "Getting her onto solids has also been a nightmare, she's a fussy little monster sometimes."

"I bet you wouldn't change her for the world," Charles smiled fondly at you, watching as you studied your sleeping baby carefully. You shook your head, turning to look at the Monegasque once more.

"Absolutely not, I wish I could change her father, but the only plus from him was that he gave me her...my baby girl," You smiled widely, your heart beaming with nothing but adoration for the life that you created. He also smiled, watching you with the same adoration, even if you didn't share the sentiment right now, Charles was almost certain you shared the same feelings, and he would wait until you were ready.

<3

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[violetarks]

hello hello!! congrats on 3k. i love your work so much so you deserve it!! ^_^

if it’s okay could i request luka from alien stage with miscommunication & high school au? ( ´ ▽ ` ) and if it’s okay could the reader be amab? thank you!!

congrats again!!ヽ(；▽；)ノ✨✨💖💖

“but we can’t take back all the words that we said!”

show: alien stage

character: luka

summary: you overhear luka tell his friends that he missed being in ‘the single league’.

warnings: g/n! reader, no pronouns used (i didn’t end up put any gender indications at all, i hope that’s okay!!), miscommunication, high school! au, hurt/comfort, angst/comfort, reader is very self-conscious, established relationship, popstar! luka, he’s nicer in this au LMAO

"are you kidding me?" luka laughs out from inside the classroom.

you recognised that sound from anywhere. it was lunch time and you had told your boyfriend that, as class president, you had to prepare some things for the upcoming school festival during lunch, so you wouldn't be able to eat with him. he was a bit whiney and teasing, but soon let you go. you thought he'd be with some of his friends from his choir class, but no; he was in the classroom with a few of his peers.

you stop before you enter to talk to him for a bit. you were wondering what he was doing here.

"i mean, it's a bit hard, isn't it?" someone says.

"i wouldn't say it's hard," luka sighs out, "it's just a bit of a hassle trying to work around other people."

you're even more curious now. you hold your clipboard to your chest and wait to hear more.

"do you ever miss it? being on your own?" another person asks.

you stop, even halting your breathing in case he would stop talking because you were there.

dating someone as popular as luka was hard, but it was worth it. he was such a handsome guy and had an even sweeter voice. it was hard not to fall for him. you felt lucky enough that he loved you too. he was always on tv or always in the studio, and he brought you along too. you wondered the same thing sometimes; did he miss not being in a relationship?

you weren't a jealous person, but you didn't enjoy luka having a partner in music videos or anything. you had told him such, and he told you that he could fix that. maybe he didn't like the hassle.

"oh, of course," he replies far more quicker than you'd like, "i'd much rather be a single idol. i could do whatever i want, but now… i always gotta’ think of others. such a pain…"

the others around him begin to ask questions about why, but you only stand still. hearing it for yourself only confirms it; luka didn't really want to be with you. it only made his life harder. you somehow always knew that.

he probably didn't want to be rude in fear that you might spread something around to everyone that he was a bad boyfriend and ruin his reputation. or maybe he was just bored.

after all, you weren’t a popstar like him. you were just another student.

“y/n, hey,” mizi and sua turn the corner to see you. the pink-haired girl holds out a pamphlet to you with a smile. “here, this is what we came up with for the concert. is it okay?”

you take it from her and try to ignore the tears threatening to spill. you don't care to stay and listen to more. instead, you turn around and walk away with the girls at your side. you couldn't let him know that you knew, not until you were ready.

after school, luka is waiting at your locker. he is leaning against the wall and scrolling on his phone with his bag on his shoulder. once you're close enough, he tucks his phone away and smiles.

"hey, pretty thing," he greets you as you put your books away, "how was your little presidential duty?"

"it was fine," you retort shortly as you pack up your things, "don't you have a recording today?"

"oh, uh, yeah," he says as he watches your face, "it's later though, i can walk you home."

"it's okay, luka, i need to do some things before i go home anyway," you state as you shut your locker. you look back to him and his pretty face that tilts at you. it takes everything in you to not show that you’re upset. “i’ll see you on monday.”

“hey, wait,” he grasps your wrist as you try to walk passed him. he’s a music sensation, he knows when people are upset and when people are angry with him. you have both of those looks on you. “what about…?”

you two are supposed to go out together on sunday. you had organised something this time — a nice picnic by the lake. the both of you were so excited for it. until now, that is.

“oh, right,” you sigh out. he freezes as you lean closer to him and press a kiss to his cheek. “have fun.”

with that, you slip out of his grasp and leave. luka doesn’t call out. maybe you were just not in the mood, or it slipped your mind and you would come to your senses later.

he texts you when he gets home, when he leaves two hours later for his recording session, and when he gets home. he even sends you photos of his dinner with him and his new band. you only heart the photo and reply dryly. you’ve never acted like this.

you just want to make it easier for him to break up with you. maybe if he realised how little you added to his amazing life then he’d finally agree to let you go.

saturday comes and goes, and finally sunday does too.

sweetheart

sorry, can’t come today, i have some things to organise before the school fest next week

luka stares down at the text with his other hand holding the picnic blanket. he stands outside his door in dismay. at this point, he’s had enough.

love

seriously? whatever.

there, you think, he’s finally done with you.

he's gotten annoyed with this change of pace. you weren't acting like yourself, and he hasn't had any good time to ask you about it properly. you just shrug it off and then leave.

he tries to think about what he did, if he did anything, and nothing comes to mind. maybe he forgot to pick something up for you? or maybe he made you miss an important meeting? he couldn't think of anything.

monday comes around and you’ve prepared yourself. you two haven’t spoken since sunday morning and you’ve found it a bit hard to do so.

luka is upset with you, and you feel unable to be enough for him. so you put your things away, attend homeroom and explain the plans for the festival that runs from wednesday to friday, and head off to help your peers.

“y/n,” a voice calls from the doorway. you glance up from painting something. luka stands there with crossed arms. “can i talk to you for a sec?”

you stand up and and follow him out to the school yard. everyone else is planning their things for the festival, so nobody would be out yet.

“okay, out with it,” he grumbles with furrowed brows, “what’s going on with us? you’ve been totally gone and i have no idea why. did something happen?”

you don’t say anything, despite what you want to say. and that makes luka a bit more upset.

“y/n, seriously. can you just talk to me? i really wanted to see you yesterday and…” he holds his breath as you continue to stare at the floor, “why are you being so distant? you act like you want nothing to do with me! and instead of talking to me, you just—”

“you’re the one who wants nothing to do with me,” you grumble out with a hot face. luka stops. “you and… you just want to be by yourself, you don’t want to be with me anymore, luka.”

“what are you talking about?” he questions, now even more confused.

“i heard you!” you say as you jab a finger into his chest, “you told your friends that you missed being single and—and you didn’t like having me around. so i… i just thought that if i stopped being around you so much, that you would break up with me. at least then it would make sense.”

you have tears pricking your eyes. luka is almost the same, simply by looking at you. he knows what you’re talking about.

“i know it’s impossible, but i sometimes wish you and i were the same,” you mumble out, “it’s hard for the both of us, i guess. i’m sorry.”

he lets out a small sigh to himself before a smile dawns on his lips. he pushes his hair back and tugs you closer, gently.

“c’mere,” he mutters out. you’re reluctant, but seeing him with a sorry smile makes you step forward and wrap your arms around his waist. he holds you around your shoulders and presses a kiss to the side of your head. “oh, you poor thing. that must’ve been holding you down all weekend.”

“luka…” you say against his shoulder as tears stain his blazer.

“i know, baby, i’m sorry,” he shushes you, “i didn’t know you were nearby when i said that, i confused you. i wasn’t talking about you, sweetheart. i was talking about how much i missed being a solo idol.”

you blink and slowly lift your head from him. with slightly puffy eyes and an embarrassed look on your face, you stare at him.

“solo idol?” you repeat.

he chuckles and reaches a hand up to brush away the tears from your cheek.

“yes, i was talking about music,” he states, “not you, my love. i’m sorry that i said it that way, i didn’t intend on making you feel that way. i would’ve never said something like that if i knew it would make you feel like this.”

you can’t even look at him anymore. you cover your face with your hands.

“ah, i’m so sorry, luka,” you mumble into your hands, “i made a big deal out of nothing.”

“it’s okay, i understand, sweet thing,” he replies to you, “you can make it up to me with that picnic date if you feel so inclined.”

you nod your head at him before luka begins pressing chaste kisses to your tear-stained cheeks.

“aw, look at you, my poor baby,” he says to you, “don’t ever think i’d say such a thing. you’re my favourite person in the world, okay? don’t want you thinking otherwise.”

you wipe away your tears and nod your head again with a smile. luka grins as well at your return of personality. he leans forward and finally presses a sweet kiss to your lips.

“now c’mon,” he says after he pulls away from you, “let’s skip the planning stuff and go get something to eat.”

“no, luka," you chuckle out as he tries to drag you away. he forgets that you take your job as class president seriously. "i need to talk to class c's representative about their event."

"ivan's such a bore," he groans, "hang out with me instead."

you have to pull him by his blazer back to his classroom as he sulks behind you. you were glad that things were back to normal, at least.

[valeriele3]

𝒮𝑒𝓁𝒻-𝒜𝓌𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓃𝓀𝒶𝒾 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇 𝑅𝒶𝒾𝓁

✎ Sorry for the somewhat rushed ending! ^^;

Messages.

Idle chats.

You were answering them like normal. Sometimes even giggling on the messages

✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲

You log in, check your messages, answer them if there's one, do daily tasks, and maybe farm, then log out. That was your daily routine in HSR.

However, you begin to notice how much more frequent the chats are. After assigning an assignment, you get a new message. 'Oh well. Free jades," you thought.

Every time you beat an enemy, boss, or do anything in the game, you will notice a new message.

'Maybe it was an update? Or a bug?' You brushed it all off and thought nothing of it.

You would answer all of them wholeheartedly; after all, you also noticed that if the character liked what you said, you'd receive more Stellar Jades.

You'd talk about it with your friends, but they'd respond with "I wish", "Oh shut up~ Don't make me hope", and "Hm? Is your game bugged?? Or is mine bugged? I don't get any of those benefits..So unfair."

You try to check the dev logs to see if there was an update regarding the messaging feature, but whenever you try to look at them, your computer freezes.

'No matter, I can just check using my phone.' No luck; it also freezes.

'Maybe my tablet?' Still the same.

Frustrated, you ask one of your friends to look into it. "There's no update or any fixes on it, Y/N. Maybe you should report it; your game might really be bugged."

✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲

Deciding to report it, you open up Bug Report, but then your screen freezes again.

It then opens up the messages, and you read the following words:

| Hey

| Please don't do it.

| It took such a long time to break the code, you know.

| Hey

| Are you still there?

| Oh

| Right

The messaging bubble pops up.

| You can type now.

"W-What.." You stare at your screen dumbfounded.

Reaching out to your keyboard, hoping it won't work and choices will pop up, you press a random key, and it works

Startled, you immediately plugged out the cables on your computer, causing it to shut down.

You grab your phone and start messaging one of your friends. Before you could hit send, the screen blackened, and then in the next second, it lit up with a notification.

"Hey, we were in the middle of a conversation."

"Why did you suddenly leave?"

Your hand trembles. 'Shit, how..How did it get to my phone too..'

"I know I like reading self-aware au's but I didn't want it to actually be true!" You scream, throwing your phone across the room.

You can hear it dinging with new message after new message.

You decide to leave your room for a bit to calm down.

✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲

"Ok..Be calm..I'm probably dreaming, right?"

"There's no way this kind of thing will actually happen in real life."

"I need to think about this rationally. I could try to get my phone and computer fixed..Maybe I accidentally got a bug."

"Oh, my tablet too..It probably has the same bug.."

"Then, uhm, should I tell them about this? No, maybe..Agh! This is so frustrating..!"

After going back and forth, you decided to sell your gadgets instead of trying to repair them. Buying new ones is much cheaper than trying to get them fixed.

✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲

The first month was alright. You also stopped playing HSR just in case something of the sort would happen again.

However, everything changed when you awoke to your notifications going off like crazy.

【Luka】

| Hey! Y/N, wanna come watch my tournament this week?

【Qingque】

| Y/N

| This is urgent. Come to Exalting Sanctum

| Watch me go against this pro. I'm sure with your attendance I'll easily win.

【Robin】

| Y/N, would you like to come watch my concert?

| Don't worry! I made sure that you'd get the best seat.

【Sunday】

| Y/N. Do me a favor and attend Robin's concert, will you?

| If you don't..

| Well, it'll certainly make her sad. As for me, it's best you don't know.

【Arlan】

| Hello, Y/N

| Would you like to accompany me with walking Peppy?

【Blade】

| Come.

【Bailu】

| Y/N!

| I have made a huge discovery!

| Meet me at Aurum Alley!

【M̵̛̼̘̭͎͓̘̘̽̎̃̊̄͋̈́̑̇i̵̡̨̡͎̖̮͉̺̣͂ͅs̴̰͂̉́̅͒̆̄́̄̋̚͜͠͠͝ͅȟ̵͉̹̖͍͎̱̭̳̰̘̀a̵̧̨͔̣̘̮̻̐̆̌̀͑̊̄̄͌͗̓̌͘̕̚】

| C̷̛͇̬̥̼̲̙̠͓̭̺̱̻̟͖̜̾͑͋͊́̀̕͝ä̷̡̨̨̨̡̤̫͔̼̗̫̪̟̰́̏́̾̄͘͝ͅn̸̡̪̱̻̜̻̺͊̍͒̂͗̀̍͐̔͆̆̎̚̕̕ ̷̛̻̟̀̇͐͋̋̌̂͒́͑̏͝y̴̮͆͒̈͒͑͋͆̒̂̓̕͘̚͝͝o̸̩̫̰̤͌̈͝ͅu̷̻̗͉̥̺͕͉͔̠̯͇̭̖̐͜ ̵͖̲̼̥͑͝ḣ̵̟͓̆͌̄̑̂̈́̓̚͘̕͝͝e̷͖̥̜̅͛̂̒͒̕͜a̶̧̫̹͉͆͑̊͊̊̐̐̂̈̉̾͜͝r̶͎̫͛̑͊͌͐̎ ̴̢̢̛͓͉̮͇̞̬̪͔͓̦̾̓̈́̀͐̀̂̀͒͝ͅm̴̤̙͎̽͋̽̇͛́͑͌̃͑̊e̷̦͚̔́̔̀̒͊͂̔̕̚͝.̵͎͓̪̥͍̍̓͂̾̌̂̌̚̚ͅ.̵̨̟͉͕͈̜͎̻̗͓̯̜̜̩̓̈́̓͊̆̓̑͐̈̐̄̀̕?̵̙̠͚̆͊͊̇͌

【Aventurine】

| Why're you ignoring my calls and texts?

| Is the money not enough for you?

【Pela】

| The Tale of the Winterlands original artbook sold out in 1 second again

| But

| I was fast enough to get you a copy too

| Don't worry. I'm messaging the right person this time

【Natasha】

| Y/N, did your cold get better?

✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲

You stare at your phone, frozen. Even as you were sitting there staring at it, the messages continued to flood nonstop.

It

Was

Nonstop

Even if it's on silent mode and DND, you can still hear it dinging.

At one point, the messages started appearing in all the social apps that you use.

Hell, it even started appearing in your smart fridge

You deleted and deactivated everything. Throwing away any and all sorts of electronics that could potentially be used for apps.

But you could still hear it.

Even the sound of the doorbell ringing, the kettle whistling, or your telephone ringing makes you panic. 'What if that's them?' You always think

Every creak, every shuffle, and every little sound makes you paranoid.

What if they cross over to Earth? What will you do? You can't run from them. Even if you do, they'll be able to find you easily.

[reomikagekin]

Maybe alnst characters w/ a reader who self harms (IF THIS ISNT SOMETHING YOUD DO IM REALLY SORRY AND YOU CAN JUST IGNORE IT!!)

Ofc i can do one hehe! You didn't specify which characters so I just did all of them if you wanna ask for specific characters js my check my pinned post😌 and keep the requests coming hehe

Some tw?: self harm mention

Starlight in the Dark

You thought you were good at hiding it.

The long sleeves, the careful positioning of your wrists, the smiles you forced when the cameras were on. In a competition where every move was scrutinized, you had mastered the art of deflection. But some people are too perceptive for their own good.

Ivan

He notices first. Not because you told him—he just pays too much attention. At first, it’s subtle: he watches you a little too closely, lingers when you adjust your sleeves. Then, one night, he corners you backstage, his usual smile in place but his eyes unreadable.

"Why do you do it?" His voice is unsettlingly soft. You freeze. "It’s not fair," he murmurs, brushing his fingers over your wrist, "if you want attention, you should just ask for mine."

Ivan isn’t gentle in his approach. His obsession with you makes his concern overwhelming, suffocating. He offers solutions in the way he knows best—giving you all of him, demanding all of you in return. If he can be the reason you stop, he’ll take it.

Till

Till is different. He’s the one who doesn’t force you to talk, doesn’t pressure you to explain. When he notices the fading scars, the too-tight grip on your sleeve, his response is quiet.

"It must hurt a lot," he says one evening, hesitant but genuine.

You expect pity, but there’s none. Just understanding. He won’t pry, won’t push, but he stays. His presence alone is comforting—like a steady heartbeat in the chaos of the competition.

Mizi

Mizi cries when she finds out. Not in front of you, but later, when she thinks you’re not looking. She’s too honest, too open to hide the way it breaks her heart.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" Her voice wavers, and her hands tremble when she takes yours.

She doesn’t know what to say. She doesn’t know how to fix this. But she wants to, more than anything. From then on, she holds your hand tighter, smiles brighter, as if sheer willpower alone can replace the pain you carry.

Sua

Sua doesn’t say anything when she sees the scars. No gasps, no lectures, no pity-filled glances.

Instead, she sits beside you and starts talking about nothing—the competition, the lights, the way the audience stares at her when she’s on stage.

"It’s funny," she says idly, "how people never really see what’s right in front of them."

There’s an unspoken understanding. She won’t force you to stop, won’t tell you what you should do. But she’ll be here. Always.

Hyuna

Hyuna is heartbroken. She’s affectionate by nature, but now? Now she refuses to leave your side.

"You’re not going anywhere alone anymore, got it?" she declares, pouting.

She clings to you—grabbing your wrist (gently, always gently), throwing an arm around your shoulder, demanding your attention in the most Hyuna way possible.

"You’re my favorite person," she says with all the sincerity in the world. "And I don’t like seeing my favorite person sad."

Luka

Luka is the one who doesn’t bring it up directly.

Instead, he subtly alters his performances, choosing songs that speak to pain, to survival, to resilience. It’s deliberate, just like everything he does.

"You’re stronger than you think," he murmurs after one such performance.

His words aren’t meant to soothe—they’re a challenge. A dare. And somehow, that helps.

Dewey & Isaac

They’re softer with you after they find out. Dewey still teases, still grins, but it’s less sharp, more careful.

"You know," he says casually, tossing a snack at you, "if you need a distraction, we could always cause some chaos."

Isaac, meanwhile, doesn’t joke about it. He just stays close—offering an easy presence, a quiet sort of support that doesn’t need words.

Hyunwoo

Hyunwoo is the one who outright tells you that you deserve better.

"You don’t have to do this alone," he says, voice steady, gaze warm.

He doesn’t try to stop you—he just makes sure you know that he’s there. That he’ll always be there.

They all react differently.

Some with softness, some with intensity, some with quiet understanding. But one thing is clear:

You are not alone. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough to keep going.

Hehe credits for the divider: @vastpostin

If you're currently struggling with self harm, you are not alone!! You're so strong and I believe in you. Get some help from other people so you don't feel alone.

[archiverstappen]

the cat sitter (part 15) ✧ max verstappen

max verstappen x fem! reader

previous part | masterlist

loosely inspired by the story on how max lost his cat

[twitter]

[instagram]

[messages]

[twitter]

[max’s messages]

[messages]

[instagram]

maxverstappen1

liked by charles_leclerc and 2.827.515 others

maxverstappen1 🐈

view all 1.736 comments

landonorris Never beating the crazy cat lady allegations

danielricciardo 😍

yourusername i miss you ed, edd, and eddy. gone... but never forgotten 😿

↳ maxverstappen1 you named them?

↳ yourusername yes? 🤷‍♀️

username i dont care guys this is enough sign for me, it’s canon

username please tell me that she at least kept one of those cats

↳ yourusername maximus won’t let me keep them 💔

↳ maxverstappen1 Pretty sure that’s illegal 🤗

bffusername so is this the reason why you always take so long on your dates? because y/n can’t resist touching every single cat on the streets? [deleted]

bffusername cool pics! 😁👍

↳ yourusername ouH GIRL WHEN I CATCH YOU

↳ username PLEASE TELL ME THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO SAW THE DELETED COMMENT 😭

username don’t know about you guys but the hand on her head awakened something feral in me

[twitter]

[interview]

[twitter]

[instagram]

yourusername

liked maxverstappen1 and 231 others

yourusername these are a few of my favorite things 🫧 🤍 🎶

view all 42 comments

landonorris He got game after all

↳ yourusername unlike you

↳ landonorris OUCH??

↳ maxverstappen1 😂

maxverstappen1 Lovely 🤍

bffusername this cake looks way better than maximus' birthday cake, progress!! 💪🏼

↳ yourusername 😎

bffusername now i'm curious, what did you say during mario kart? 🤔

↳ maxverstappen1 A lot of curse words

victoriaverstappen Enjoy your holiday guys, see you soon! 🧡

↳ yourusername MAX AND I WANT TO BABYSIT LUKA AND LIO AGAIN!!

↳ maxverstappen1 Y/N......

maxverstappen1

liked by yourusername and 2.103.273 others

maxverstappen1 More passion, more energy ❄️

view all 7.322 comments

yourusername i kinda hate you right now ngl

↳ maxverstappen1 She's so brave, she's well behaved, she's not afraid 💪🏼

↳ yourusername HUSH

yourusername delete??? or i'll post a video of you dancing to 'paint the town red'??

↳ maxverstappen1 YOU WOULDN'T DARE

↳ yourusername I SAID WHAT I SAID 👹

↳ username y/n i would give you my cat if i could see a video of max doing a tiktok trend 🧎‍♀️

↳ yourusername check your dm please xoxoxoxo

yourusername MORE FOOTWORK MORE FOOTWORK 🕺🏽

charles_leclerc 😂

alex_albon Fucking finally 😮‍💨

landonorris I called dibs on being captain of the ship

↳ bffusername hi there, sorry to bother you. y/n's bff here. that position is already taken 🙏

↳ username speak uP? danielricciardo

↳ danielricciardo I don't engage in useless banter, I already have the position of being the godfather of their future child 😁

↳ landonorris exPLAIN??? maxverstappen1 yourusername

username the fact that this post has better engagement than max's wdc post i-

username now we know how max knew all of the viral tiktok sounds 😭

↳ yourusername we're planning to make a tiktok couple account

↳ username ?!??!?!??!?!??! ARE YOU FOR REAL

↳ yourusername please don't take it seriously, I WAS JOKING 😁🙏

--

author's notes: eden the scammer is back after 2 months guys, so sorry for making you guys wait too long (and giving you guys false hope) 👹 really hope you guys liked this one hehe, i also take additional request for tcs!! (but as you probably know, it's gonna take me 8273 years to finally post it). there are some references from my lando series in this part, so if you're interested you can also check it out 😙 LOVE YOUUUWWW, now i will hibernate for another 5 months 🤸‍♀️

taglist: @flwr-stella @reidsworld @myloverjk-blog @debss-319 @hiraethrhapsody @electrobutterfly @love4lando @lunnnix @allenajade-ite @jjsprobablywrong @whoreks @soleilgrec @oscarwildingsworld @christianpulisic10 @thievin-stealing @glitterf1 @elliegrey2803 @trouble-sistar @escapism-writer @cornerofacry @hollie911 @weasleyswizarding-wheezes @ad-astra-again @canyon-lwt @thecubanator2 @lifesuckslife @leclercloml @sunny44 @nmw-am @sachaa-ff @multilovebot @glow-ish @moneygramhaas @whitefireproofs @icarus-nex @iloveyou3000morgan @ccallistata @copper-boom @fictionalcharacterslut @celesteblack08 @maxiel-jpg @slytherheign @lunyyx @series-books-food @coffeehurricanes @shrimpyshrimp @somanyfandomsbruh @justcallmeelli @laneyspaulding19 @ironmaiden1313

pictures (c) to pinterest

[fauxnotice]

ive been kinda hyunabrained lately

[familyagrestefanblog]

Ladybug's Lucky Charms in Werepapas

Let's talk about another detail that people kinda REALLY wanna ignore about Marinette's decision in the Werepapas akuma battle. It's the fact that she hand-waves away FIVE Lucky Charms until she finally goes with the sixth:

No, that is NOT irrelevant. Marinette is not supposed to disregard her Lucky Charms left and right because they're trying to tell her what she's supposed to do. That's Lucky Charm 101 in an akuma battle.

I'm not gonna pretend like I know for 100% certainty what they all tried to tell her, but

1) a couple of them can be easily interpreted in very relevant ways.

And 2) I don't NEED to know what exactly they all mean because it doesn't need to be PROVEN that Marinette isn't supposed to cherry-pick her Lucky Charms. We've known since s1 how this works and it's still done like this in s6. Thanks to not being limited anymore to 1 Lucky Charm, she gained the luxury of sometimes just getting to summon one for the purpose of whooping ass instead of solving the actual situation - which is still a lucky charm's REAL purpose - but that doesn't change the fact that you're supposed to listen to the Lucky Charm, not the Lucky Charm to you!

Under special circumstances like a final battle, sure, use additional ones to whoop ass. But you can't just switch out the problem solving Charm with a purely ass whooping one which is what Marinette did here in "Werepapas". It's fine when you do that in an extremely dire situation, but a normal akuma battle is no dire situation. Especially not when the only real stakes there are is being reckless with Adrien's amoks!

She's supposed to use whatever she gets and that'll lead her to the right solution. Not going through a whole line of Lucky Charms until she gets one where she finally likes the first thought she gets from it because of how little it challenges her self-preservation (makes you wonder if having unlimited Lucky Charms now isnt the worst thing that ever happened to her. Now she can just ignore whole Lucky Charms until she finally gets one that tells her something closer to what she wants to hear instead of listening to the CHARM)

Let's take a look at her 6 Lucky Charms:

From my recollection (so correct me if I'm wrong), while the teapot sometimes shows up here and there as filler Charms it was firmly established and used several times as a visual cue for Marinette to go to Master Fu.

Obviously, she can't do that anymore, but she has Alya as co-guardian, Luka who was trained by Su-Han, and even Su-Han himself as Celestial Guardian who now does whatever she wants.

In a situation where Adrien's amoks are the akuma object, it's a pretty logical thing to happen that her first Lucky Charm tells her to get Guaridan-related help. She has the option, all the needed support, and all the resources, but doesn't use it because it wouldn't be nice having to face the baggage that could come with it.

And even if you wanna say "She didn't get help because she didn't wanted the new Butterfly to possibly find out that Adrien is a Sentibeing!" Then that excuse still falls flat because obviously Adrien's LIFE is supposed to be more important than preventing that secret from coming out. The secret has no value if Adrien is DEAD.

Afterwards she gets a fan and this obviously could VERY likely mean that she's supposed to get Felix involved because he's the Miraculous holder of the Peacock. And by "VERY likely" I mean "I doubt there is a likely chance that it ISNT a hint to get Felix".

I won't even elaborate on this further. Her second Lucky Charm tried telling her to get Felix when Adrien's amoks were on the line and she ignored it. It is what it is.

For the third and fifth ones, I personally don't know what they could mean because I already struggle recognizing what exactly they are supposed to be. Though, they do have recognizable shapes. I bet other people could look at them and know where they've seen these objects before in the show.

Then right between these two, the fourth Charm Marinette summons is an unicycle (that for some reason isn't polkadotted, but screw it)

An unicycle like she summoned back in season 2 "Sabotis", the episode in which Alya became Rena Rouge for the first time. Meaning this one pointed to getting Rena's help.

For me, this is one of the most interesting ones regarding Marinette's feelings of not wanting to face the Lucky Charm's solution to instead protect all her secrets. But if anything, I would want to give it its own post and not half-ass it here. Cause there are a lot of layers to this one.

And, of course, the last one: the scarf. It's alongside the fan the one for which the fandom does casually acknowledge the symbolism of it being a call back to 1x01 "The Bubbler" where Marinette now infamously made the decision to let Adrien believe that it was his father who made the scarf for him - and not her - because of how happy it made Adrien that his father finally "cared":

I don't think I need to explain why it makes sense that this is the one s6 Marinette cherry-picks to finally work with. The poor scarf has been made into the symbol of Marinette wanting to keep pretty much everything about Adrien's family a secret from him. Including him being a Sentibeing. I miss the good old days when we dreamed of the scarf being set-up to become the catalyst for Adrien to write off his father as a useless deadbeat who isnt worth his time and love.

So, unfortunately, of course this is the one she goes with now. Even if it means taking the risk to kill Adrien. Anything to keep the secrets save and lies unnoticed. How tf did we GET here?

[embrosegraves]

𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕗𝕥 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕤

Oscar Piastri x Horner!Reader Miami and Imola bring new challenges to the grid. Challenges such as finally initiating the romance part of your potential relationship- oh and being on the podium with your ex-teammate too.

Warnings: swearing ig? idk my usual warnings apply (ALSO REALLY BAD TEXT MESSAGE EDITING LMAOOO)

you're crazy if you can see dates on the tweets (/hj)

series masterlist | previous part | next part

MiamiGP

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liked by oscarpiastri, opeightyone and others

redbullracing #MiamiGP the RBR Admin is in love with you 😍

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gerihalliwellhorner I'm convinced that Miami loves you too, Darling 🥰🥰 -> redbullracing please don't embarrass me while i'm working, Mum!! -> gerihalliwellhorner Oh you do that well enough on your own

user4599 Thank you for feeding us with all the #OP81 content we could need 🫡🫡 -> redbullracing ofc! I have to use my power for something right??

maxverstappen1 This is Max Verstappen erasure 😒😒 -> redbullracing anyone ever tell you you're a massive baby?? -> maxverstappen1 not to my face, why? did you hear something? -> redbullracing only thing I can hear is you whining

liked by oscarpiastri, maxverstappen1 and others

redbullracing Here's Max ig 😒 (shoutout to victoriaverstappen for giving permission for me to post Luka. u a real one fr)

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victoriaverstappen Always happy to give you posting privilege 🫶 -> redbullracing Admin is in love with you 😳🫶

maxverstappen1 thanks 😑 -> redbullracing yw 🥰😊

oscarpiastri Luka is clearly the best Verstappen out there -> redbullracing right?! the only one that comes close is his mother fr -> victoriaverstappen what a coincidence haha, Luka says you're his favourite rb driver 🤭 -> maxverstappen1 I'm still his favourite uncle tho right?? -> victoriaverstappen welllllll....... -> victoriaverstappen "Who's your favourite uncle, Luka?" "UNCLE OSCAR!!" -> maxverstappen1 ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

imessage

twitter.com

imessage

3 days later

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liked by oscarpiastri, christianhorner and others

yn.horner Everybody welcome the newest #PaddockPet ✨ Honey-Lemon 🍯🍋 (go follow her account misshoney.lemon 🤭)

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oscarpiastri was gonna say something clever, but Honey-Lemon is just too cute for me to think -> yn.horner she has that effect on cute boys -> oscarpiastri does said cute boy have an effect on Honey's cute mum? -> yn.horner maybe 🤭 -> user3216 chat is this real? -> user8569 1st of all: excuse me? 2nd of all: EXCUSE ME?! -> user 4568 ooooo i am SO HERE FOR THIS

user5421 OH MY GOD SHE'S ADORABLE

user2268 following Honey-Lemon's acc RIGHT NOW -> misshoney.lemon You're a 🍬🫀 (get it? sweet-heart??) -> user4568 we've only had Honey-Lemon for 10mins but if anything happened to her I would k-ll everyone and then myself

ImolaGP

twitter.com

imessage

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liked by danielricciardo, nicorosberg and others

redbullracing In honour of #Lestappen + Oscar on the podium (again), here are some pictures of Admin's favourite F1 drivers past and present :D tagged: maxverstappen1, oscarpiastri, charles_leclerc, nicorosberg, kimimatiasraikkonen, sebastianvettel

view all comments

user6548 Admin must have a thing for cunty drivers ->redbullracing 👁️🫦👁️💅💅 -> user6548 you and me are the same

nicorosberg I'm flattered 🤭 -> redbullracing Love you King 🫶🫶

oscarpiastri Why couldn't you pick a cunty pic of me too? -> redbullracing listen man, sometimes the fans don't deserve the fan service y'know?? -> user5589 DOES THIS MEAN ADMIN HAS CUNTY OSCAR PICS???!!?!? -> redbullracing ADMIN HAS THEM AND IS HOLDING THEM HOSTAGE

sebastianvettel I'll reply for both Kimi and myself. -> sebastianvettel I'm honoured to be considered one of your favourites :) -> redbullracing ok that was you, what's kimi's reply?? -> sebastianvettel 👍👍 -> redbullracing idk why i expected any different

imessage

Here we go, as promised!

(not even joking, planning this and having people ask abt writing for others in f1 has given me so much motivation, this is great)

[merlucide]

HAIRCARE!~♪

notes: ‘this alien stage x reader was sponsored by free time in the car’😌

characters: all characters

warnings: cursing, not edited/proofread (idgaf)

She’s always had long hair, and has always preferred it this way

She does her very best to keep the tangle free- but at the end of the day it’s full of knots

This is why she loves hair days!

She’ll lay down on your lap and be all happy with your fingers combing through her pretty long hair

It helps her unwind from the day, it’s because apart of her daily routine ig :3

She just likes talking to you about whatever

Then when’s she’s had her full of love and affection she’ll pamper you endlessly heh

Loves twirling your hair around and making up hairstyles

She can do anything you want for the most part! She’s a bit messy but it always looks good :3

She doesn’t style her hair really, aside from combing it or putting it in a pony

When her hair was longer fans had you put it in braids then :3

Honestly she doesn’t like people touching her hair, gets it all greasy and messed up yk?

But she doesn’t mind if you’d like to play with hers time to time :)

At your time at anakt you’d both sit underneath the trees there and try to intertwine the flowers into her hair.

Sua was better at styling flowers than you were tho heh

She likes twirling you hair around her finger :3

You could look at Till and think ‘he dgaf about his hair’ —but he actually does gaf 😭🙏 he wants to look cool okay?? His hair is important to him 

He takes like 5 minutes in total making sure his hair looks good lmao

It’s just perfectly messy ya’know? :3

He likes brushing your hair

It’s very soothing for him

If he’s feeling creative he’ll experiment around with different styles but mostly just brushes lmao

Don’t gaf about his hair

But he has to gaf about his hair 😔 sad thing

Gotta keep that image up yk 🥲

Normally he just combs through it and calls it good (on a normal day anyways)

Likes it to look pretty neat tho

He likes making a rats nest of yours though!

Kidding, kidding (kinda..)

Likes ponytails:)

But yeah he just fucks up your hair for fun basically

True love? 

Oh boy 💀 THIS diva

As the star that Luka is, his appearance is the most important aspect of his product (well following after his voice but YK-)

Bro has a curl routine n all

I mean he’s basically an influencer?? in a way?? So id imagine he gets free stuff

Anywho he’s a scruncher then he uses that curl thing (I’ll look it up later)— It’s a process

Prefers you not to touch his hair, will smack your hand away LMAO

But when’s he’s utterly exhausted and burnout he’ll put your hand on his head (if he has the energy too anyways)

Lukas not like 😭 an affectionate person anyways?- well it’s weird? He’s touchy but not, affectionate

Ya get it?

He might twirl your hair around but that’s kinda it 😭🙏 hate to be a dream destroyer

Well I’ll give some crumbs…heh..heh

S

When you two are lying alone in bed together— wether it’s after a photoshoot or what not, he’ll like creep up behind you and start caressing you hair

It’s a bit uncomfortable at first because you can just FEEL him burning holes into the back of your head while twirling your hair 😭🙏 sweating n shit

It’s relaxing for him anyways, when he’s tired but not ready to sleep yet yk

Hyuna 🤤 hair goals fr fr

She usually just has it down or in a high pony/braid tbh

Her hair is LONG AF and is such a pain to deal with so I’d imagine she just puts it up and calls it good

She washes her hair like once a week anyways (the shower is full of grime JUST from her hair 😭🙏)

She dgaf (yesss Hyuna 🥹🗣️)

She’s really great at braiding!! When she decided to put her hair in a braid one day you would NAWT shut up about how she needs to have it styled like that more often (and she did hehe)

Hyuna also collects trinkets— whenever she goes out on raids/bounties or wtv she picks up/steals (LMAO) anything that catches her eye (Like a crow! heh)

She always brings smth back for you, any shiny things go to you, only the best for her babe 😌

Now!- when you asked her to braid your hair you brought up the trinkets suggesting that you put it in the braids- like as accessories!!

And she liked that idea vv much ofc and planted little coins and charms tied into your hair :3

Your head legit looked like a crows nest lmao

But it looks so pretty!! Two fishtail braids with shiny things in your haiirrrrrr!

She was proud af of her work 😌

You both went person to person showing off your head lol

DEWEY (I love him plsss)

His head is full of tangles, but he insists it’s just apart of his ‘look’

His really not picky with his hair- just prefers redoing his roots before they get too-too grown out yk

Which of course you always help him!

He sits on the floor criss-cross in his white tanktop and sweats while you mix the blonde dye

He stays still for the most part, but gets antsy staying in the same position for too long

He justs yap your ear off while you apply the color loll

“Yah so, I tried 85 arm-curls which that went friggin’ awesome as expected-“ “Yeah then Isaac went blackout drunk- Ha it was hilarious” “I think the showers broken ‘cause when I turned it on purple shit came out-“

Since his hair is all sticky and wet he like makes his hair stick  straight up lmao😭

Tries to convince you to use the left over dye on Isaac lmao

While he waits for it to dry he begs you to let him do your hair

He tries to do a Dutch braid, but fails lmao

“WHY ISNT YOUR HAIR WORKIN’?!”

And ur like ?! Everything good back there ?!

He keeps trying until your hair is a literal rats nest lol

He just looks at his mess like ‘oh shit’

Ur so pissed at him and he’s like: 🥺

So he just brushes out the mess he made lol

Which it freakin hurt bc OWWW KNOTS

After it’s all brushed out he just did a basic braid and called it good lmao

Then you take him to the showers to rinse it out and in fact- purple did come out

Probably should’ve thought about that before you stuck his head under the shower head heh..

You ended up using the sink in the bar and everyone just sorta was like ‘uh, okay’

Just imagine Dewey laying on the counter with his head in the sink lol- def stained the counter

Bro shakes his head like a dog to dry off, THEN gets a towel

Smh

In reward for you hard work he gives you a big fat smooch heh

Then goes around base to show everyone his hair lmao

Successful hair dyeing day with Dewey id say!

(Dewey j love you please I need more of him yall PLEASE.)

ISAAC (I LOVE YOU TOO!!)

I mean he just puts his cap on and calls it a day sooo

Really couldn’t give two shits about it lmao

Doesn’t care if you mess around with his hair, so might as well go for it :3

You tried putting his hair into a piggy tail, which his hair is so short so it just kinda, stuck out 😭

He really does love playing with your hair :) it’s actually rlly cute he’ll be talking to a member and just be playing with your hair (the thought gives me butterflies gets me mushy SOB)

by the time he’s done talking to the person there’s like 6 little braids in your hair on on side 😭🙏

Best hair time w/ him is when yall are fucked up and tied from raiding and just lay together, you most likely on top of him

And he just holds ya and plays with your hair 🥹

Yall talk about the day, or some things you’ve been thinking about, just quiet words yk? :)

(Stop I’m like tweaking thinking about this wtf)

help so sorry for how short Till+Ivans is 😭🙏 no creative juice came for them (and I wrote theirs last so yk…)

Made December 20th 2024

[pbaz7]

FINDING PEACE IN YOU: PART 3

paige x azzi

word count: 10.6k

A/N: I don’t even know…I’m sleepy lol. This is kind of a filler chapter but it moves the story forward slightly in just small interactions and what not. Wasn’t meant to be 10k words at all. Proof reading was iffy so let me know if you see any mistakes! Please leave live reacts and comments letting me know what you think if you can 🫶🏼

—————————————————————————

Paige and Azzi had fallen into an easy rhythm over the next few weeks. Late-night dates after their hectic days, stolen moments in between their busy schedules, and quick texts just to check in. Some nights ended with Paige walking Azzi to her door before heading home, while others found her inside, curled up on the couch with Azzi, their lips tangled in a slow, familiar dance.

But that’s all it ever was—kissing.

Not that Paige was complaining. She loved the way Azzi kissed her, how she took her time, how she always left Paige wanting more. But that was the slight problem. Paige did want more but Azzi wasn’t quite ready yet.

Paige was currently sitting in the recovery room, stretching with some of her Dallas Wings’ teammates, including Dijonai, Arike, and Rickea. Lukas was off to the side, playing with a yoga ball and laughing periodically with one of the rookies on the team. Paige grimaced here and there, stretching out the soreness from how hard she’d gone in the weight room earlier.

Dijonai, looked up from her phone when Paige groaned a little loudly and spoke up. “Yo, why you been going so hard lately?”

Paige glanced at her. “Whatchu mean?” she asked, still stretching.

Dijonai gave her a look, raising an eyebrow. “Girl, you been doing extra reps for like the last two weeks.”

Rickea chimed in saying, “On God, your PR’s damn near about to be higher than mine?”

Paige laughed at that, shrugging it off. “Just been having some extra energy I gotta let out,” she said, trying to sound casual as she continued stretching.

Arike, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, added her two cents. “You gotta get laid instead of trying to kill yourself before the season starts.”

Paige laughed as she continued her stretch. “Not that easy.”

Dijonai raised an eyebrow. “Girl, it literally is that easy for you.”

Rickea added, “You could walk in a club, make eye contact, and walk out with somebody in less than five minutes.”

Paige shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Nah I’m not saying that it’s just—I been seeing this girl that’s all.”

Rickea raised an eyebrow. “So what’s the problem?”

Paige looked at her silently asking what she meant.

“Y’all should be hunching all the time then.”

Paige chuckled, shaking her head. “Nah, we not there yet.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, and everyone in the room froze, processing what Rickea had just said and Paige’s response. A mix of confused expressions filled the space—some with raised eyebrows, others with wide eyes, and a couple of “What?”s and “Excuse me?”s scattered around.

Arike squinted at her like she just missed the punchline of a joke. “What the hell you mean, ‘not there yet’?”

Paige shrugged, her smile softening at the thought of Azzi as she shifted her position slightly. “She’s just intentional with everything,” Paige continued, her voice softer now. “And Ion know, she just got a different vibe, so I’m respecting her wanting to wait.”

Dijonai chuckled at this, a confused look forming on her face. “Are you crazy? You’re telling me you decided to take the one person who won’t put out for you seriously? She a prude or sum?”

Paige’s smile faltered slightly, her tone getting a little more serious. “Yo, watch your mouth…That’s not how it is.”

Dijonai immediately put her hands up in surrender. “My bad, my bad.”

Rickea, not wanting to let the awkward moment settle too long, chimed in with a smirk. “Damn, you sprung already?”

Paige shot Rickea a quick glance, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Shut up,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “I just— I like her, aight? So I’m tryna be respectful and let her decide how fast we go.”

“So, you’re telling me, you’re out here…not getting any…on purpose?” Arike asked, trying to make sense of it.

The conversation came to a sudden halt when Lukas came barreling over, launching himself onto Paige with a grunt. She let out a little noise as he landed on her stomach. “Ma, I’m hungry,” he said.

Paige sighed dramatically, her hands resting on his shoulders to stop him from flailing around. “When are you not hungry?”

Lukas gave her a look, widening his eyes. “Always. But I’m extra hungry now,” he insisted, leaning into her, clearly unwilling to budge until she gave in.

Paige sighed, shaking her head. “Aight, man, come on,” she said, half-amused, half-exasperated.

Lukas beamed, a grin spreading across his face as he jumped off her lap. He ran over to Arike, dapping her up before bouncing over to Dijonaí and Rickea, hugging them both tightly. “Later!” he shouted, barely waiting for a response before he darted out of the recovery room, following Paige out into the hallway.

…

Paige sat on the bench outside the restaurant, watching Lukas happily eat his chicken tenders and fries. He was in the middle of talking her ear off about the exercises he’d done during her practice, hands moving excitedly as he rambled on about who knows what. Paige smiled, listening with half an ear as she checked emails, but her attention was pulled to her phone when it lit up with a FaceTime call.

She glanced down at the screen, and saw Azzi’s name. A small smile tugged at her lips as she swiped to answer, popping in an AirPod and glancing at Lukas to make sure he was content. Lukas had quickly moved on, coloring on the paper the restaurant had given him, clearly lost in his own little world.

Paige answered the phone, her smile growing when Azzi’s face appeared on the screen.

“Wassup?” Paige greeted.

Azzi’s lips curved into a smile as she leaned back in her chair slightly. “What are you up to?”

Paige swiped the screen, flipping the camera around to show Lukas happily munching on his chicken tenders. He was making a mess, dipping one in ketchup and then taking an oversized bite, his cheeks puffed out.

Azzi laughed at the sight. “He’s really going to town on those, huh?”

Paige nodded, a fond smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, he’s like this every time we go out. Makes people think I’m not feeding him.”

Azzi laughs at this.

Paige then leaned back from the camera slightly, her eyes softening as she refocused on Azzi. “How’s work going?”

Azzi sighed, rubbing her temples. “I actually have a huge headache,” she admitted, her voice a little worn. “Between the NBA playoffs and the WNBA season about to start, my schedule’s filling up faster than I can keep up with it.”

Paige’s expression softened with concern. “What’s wrong? You need a break?”

Azzi shrugged, looking exhausted but trying to smile through it. “I need more than a break. I’m just juggling too many things right now but it’ll wind down soon.”

Paige bit her lip, thinking for a moment. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Azzi smirked a little, raising an eyebrow. “Well, if you get a doctor’s degree, then maybe.”

Paige laughed. “Oh, sure, I’ll just go to med school between games and practices. No big deal.”

Azzi’s smile towards Paige was warm, but the exhaustion in her eyes was still evident as she rubbed her temples again. Paige’s smile softened in sympathy. “For real, though, what can I do?” she asked gently, wanting to help somehow, even if it was just in small ways.

Azzi let out a quiet sigh. “I miss you,” she admitted.

Paige’s heart skipped a beat, her smile widening as she looked at the screen. “I miss you too.”

At that moment, Lukas tugged at Paige’s sleeve, his little voice breaking through the conversation. “Ma, look!” he exclaimed, his eyes bright with excitement. Paige glanced down at her son, who was holding up his paper, clearly proud of something he had figured out.

She leaned closer, squinting at the crossword puzzle on the paper in his hands. "What’s that, buddy?" she asked, her smile stretching across her face as she saw the word he’d found. “Good job!” she praised him, giving him a thumbs-up.

Lukas beamed, pleased with himself, and immediately went back to scanning the next section of the puzzle.

Paige chuckled softly, shifting her focus back to the screen where Azzi’s familiar face filled the frame. There was something comforting about seeing her, even through the barrier of a phone screen.

“What’re you doing tomorrow?” Paige asked.

Azzi leaned back against her office chair, tilting her head slightly. “I’m off,” she answered simply.

A small smile tugged at Paige’s lips. “I wanna see you.”

Azzi’s brows furrowed slightly. “I thought you had Lukas’ birthday party tomorrow?”

“I do,” Paige admitted, the words carrying an unspoken weight.

Azzi’s expression shifted slightly as she processed the response, her silent question evident in the way she studied Paige through the screen.

Paige hesitated for a beat before exhaling, then continued, “It might be a nice time for you to meet him. You know officially.”

Azzi’s lips parted slightly in surprise, but then a slow, genuine smile spread across her face. She knew how Paige was when it came to Lukas—how cautious she was about who she let into his world. The fact that she was even suggesting this meant a lot.

“Really?” Azzi asked softly.

Paige nodded, but almost immediately, nerves took over, and she started to ramble. “Yeah, but I mean only if you want to. I know you’ve had a long week, and I’d totally get it if being around a bunch of kids isn’t your ideal way to spend your day off. I mean, they can be loud, and chaotic, and there’s gonna be cake, which is cool, but also probably a mess, and—”

Azzi’s smile grew as she watched Paige ramble, clearly nervous about extending the invitation. It was endearing—seeing Paige, who was usually so smooth and confident, stumble over her words.

“Paige,” Azzi cut in softly.

Paige blinked, her mouth still slightly open mid-sentence. “Huh?”

“I’d love to come,” Azzi said simply.

Paige exhaled a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding. “Yeah?”

Azzi nodded. “Yeah. I mean, if you’re really sure. I know Lukas is important to you, and I don’t wanna overstep just because we’ve been seeing each other for a few months.”

Paige shook her head. “I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t sure. I just—” she hesitated for a second, glancing down at Lukas, who was still focused on his crossword puzzle. “I know you’ve had a long week, and I’d get it if being around a bunch of wild kids isn’t your ideal off-day you can always just come after.”

“I’ll survive. Besides, like I said, I miss you.”

Paige smiled again, the warmth filling in her chest undeniable. “I miss you too.”

For a moment, they just looked at each other, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Before Paige could say anything else, Lukas’ voice cut through the moment.

“Ma, I found another one!” he announced proudly, waving his crossword puzzle in the air.

Paige turned to him, laughing. “Good job, smartie pants,” she praised, ruffling his blonde hair before glancing back at her phone.

Azzi smiled at the exchange before sighing softly. “I have another client soon, but I’ll call you later, okay?”

Paige nodded, shifting the phone slightly in her hand. “I’ll talk to you later.”

They lingered for a few more moments, neither wanting to end the call just yet, smiles playing on their lips as they held each other’s gaze. Eventually, Azzi shook her head with a small smirk, mumbling out a soft, “Bye Paige,” before hanging up.

Paige stared at the blank screen for a second before exhaling, shaking her head to herself. Yeah, she was in deep.

…

Azzi stepped out of the car, thanking her driver before shutting the door behind her. As she turned toward the house, her eyes landed on the large sign near the side with an oversized arrow directing guests around the back. She laughed to herself, shaking her head—of course, Paige made them set up. She knew how much Paige valued her space, and the last thing she’d want was a bunch of people traipsing through her house.

Following the path lined with smooth marble stones, Azzi made her way to the backyard. But when she stepped around the corner, she froze, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

This was, without a doubt, the biggest birthday party she had ever seen for a four-year-old.

The backyard was transformed into what looked like a mini carnival—there were balloons tied to every possible surface, two bouncy houses set up in one corner, tables covered with themed decorations and all kinds of stations filled with professionals. There were kids everywhere, running around, jumping in the pool, screaming, and laughing, their energy buzzing through the air. Parents stood off to the side, chatting amongst themselves, while a few other athletes Azzi recognized were mingling near the food table.

She shook her head in disbelief. She knew Paige loved Lukas more than anything, but this?

Azzi stepped forward, scanning the crowd for the only person she really wanted to see today. She weaved her way through the chaos of kids sprinting past her and dodged a rogue balloon that almost hit her in the face. She finally saw Paige standing near a table, her hair pulled back into a bun, a drink in her hand as she casually observed the party.

Paige must’ve noticed her presence because when she looked up and saw Azzi, a smile immediately stretched across her face.

Azzi felt warmth spread through her chest at the sight of the blonde.

As she reached her, Paige instantly pulled Azzi into a hug, her voice low as she mumbled, “Wassup beautiful.”

Azzi let herself settle in the brief embrace before pulling back, her eyes flickering to the table filled with wrapped presents. Paige followed her gaze, then let out a small laugh when she noticed the gift in Azzi’s hand.

“You know you didn’t need to get anything, right?” Paige teased, reaching for it.

“Of course I did.”

Paige smirked, placing it on the table with the rest. “You tryna outdo me at my own kid’s party?”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Please. There’s two bouncy houses over there—I think you have me beat.”

Paige finally let her eyes drag over Azzi, taking her in with an appreciative smirk. “You look good,” she murmured, her voice just low enough so no one else could hear.

Azzi rolled her eyes, shaking her head like she was annoyed by the attention, but the small smile forming on her lips gave her away. “You’re predictable,” she muttered.

Paige chuckled, not even trying to hide the fact that she was enjoying getting under Azzi’s skin. “You drive here?” she asked, shifting the conversation.

“You know I didn’t.”

Paige laughed, shaking her head. “Yeah. Had to ask, though.” She barely had a second to react before Lukas came barreling over, his excitement bubbling over as he tapped her repeatedly. “Ma! Ma! Ma!”

She looked down at him. “Wassup?”

Lukas immediately launched into a ramble about his party—how fun it was, how many presents he got, how he beat one of his best friends in a race. His words tumbled out so fast that he didn’t even notice Azzi standing there at first.

But the moment he did, it was like someone hit a pause button. His eyes went wide, and all that excitement suddenly shrank as he blinked up at her. Without a word, he tucked himself into Paige’s hip, his face turning pink as he clung to the fabric of her shirt.

Paige looked down at him, then back up at Azzi, who was clearly holding back a laugh. “You good, man?” she asked, nudging him lightly.

Lukas just nodded, but he didn’t let go of her shirt. He peeked up at Azzi, still holding Paige’s shirt like it was some kind of safety net.

Paige reached down and gently smoothed out his hair, taming the messy curls from all the running around he’d been doing. “You gonna be a gentleman and speak or you just gonna keep hiding in there?”

Lukas hesitated for a second before finally pulling away from Paige’s side. He looked up at Azzi, his voice a little quieter than usual. “Hi.”

Azzi smiled at him, crouching down to meet his gaze. “Hi, Lukas. Happy birthday.”

His blush deepened, and he quickly looked down at his shoes, mumbling a soft, “Thank you,” before fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. Paige just shook her head, biting back a grin at her son’s sudden bashfulness.

Paige also crouched to Lukas’ level. “You remember her, right?”

Lukas nodded, still staring at his shoes as he held the fabric of Paige’s shirt.

Paige tilted her head. “What’s her name?”

Lukas gave a small shrug, his fingers fidgeting.

Azzi smiled, not offended by his shyness at all. She extended her hand toward him, keeping her voice soft. “I’m Azzi. It’s nice to officially meet you.”

Lukas hesitated for a second before finally reaching out, his small hand grasping hers for a quick, shake before pulling away.

Paige grinned, ruffling his hair. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Lukas just nodded again, his blush deepening as he peeked up at Azzi before looking away just as fast when he noticed she was still looking at him.

Lukas tugged at Paige’s shirt subtly, getting her attention. She looked at him and he cupped his hands around her ear and whispered something. Whatever he said made Paige laugh.

Paige looked over at Azzi, her grin growing. “He wants to know if he can show you a trick in the bouncy house.”

Azzi bit back a laugh, nodding. “Of course.”

At that, Lukas finally untucked himself from Paige’s side. Without another word, he turned on his heel and took off toward the bouncy house, clearly expecting her to follow.

Paige stood up, watching him go with an affectionate shake of her head.

Azzi just made her way toward the bouncy house, where Lukas was already waiting eagerly. His earlier shyness was completely gone, replaced by excitement as he waited for her to come over.

The second Azzi was out of earshot, Paige barely had a moment to breathe before her teammates appeared in front of her.

“And who the hell is that?” Dijonai spoke first, arms crossed.

Rickea smirked, glancing between Paige and Azzi’s retreating figure. “Yeah, why you ain’t mention all that?”

Paige rolled her eyes, playing it cool as she took a sip from her drink. “I don’t know what y’all talking about.”

Arike scoffed. “Don’t play dumb, P.”

KK raised an eyebrow. “So, we just supposed to ignore how you been smiling like a idiot since she pulled up?”

Paige shook her head, but the small smirk she tried to hide gave her away. “Man, y’all need to chill.”

Azzi strolled back up, shaking her head with a half-amused, half-exasperated expression. “Your son is going to kill himself in there,” she announced.

Paige glanced over, catching a glimpse of Lukas attempting some kind of flip. She shrugged, completely unfazed. “Eh, he’ll be aight.”

Rickea cleared her throat pointedly, causing Paige to subtly roll her eyes. She turned back to Azzi and gestured toward the group. “Azzi, this is Rickea, Dijonai, Arike, and KK.” Then, motioning back to Azzi, she added, “Everybody, this is Azzi.”

Azzi offered a polite smile, giving a wave. “Nice to meet you all.”

Arike smiled widely saying, “We’ve heard all about you.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, glancing at Paige, who let out a slow exhale through her nose, already regretting this introduction.

Paige met Azzi’s gaze and muttered, “Not for real.”

Azzi tilted her head, clearly messing with Paige. “So you don’t talk about me P?”

There was something in her tone—curiosity, maybe even the slightest hint of disappointment—that made Paige fumble for a response. “Well, like, yeah I’ve talked about you, but not in the way they’re making it seem,” she rushed out. “I’m not constantly talking about you all day or anything—just, you know, once or twice—casually that’s all.”

Azzi’s lips curved into a smile, amusement dancing in her brown eyes as she watched Paige stumble over her explanation. The reaction only made things worse, Paige’s teammates now staring at her in shock. They had never seen her like this—flustered, rambling in front of a woman, completely out of her usual element.

Before anyone could comment on it, Paige groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I need another drink,” she muttered before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving her teammates and Azzi standing there.

Azzi watched Paige retreat with a smile, clearly enjoying the effect she had on her. Paige’s teammates, however, were staring at Azzi like she had just performed the world's best magic trick.

Rickea spoke first. “Ain’t no way. That wasn’t Paige right?” She turned to Azzi. “What the hell did you do to her?”

Azzi chuckled, shrugging. “Nothing, I swear.”

Dijonai let out a low whistle. “Nah, that was crazy.”

Azzi’s smile grew, but she didn’t say anything, just glancing in the direction Paige had walked off.

KK nudged Arike. “We gotta mess with her about this later.”

Arike laughed, nodding along. “Oh, absolutely.”

Azzi just laughed, deciding she might have to tease Paige about this later herself.

…

Azzi settled in easily with Paige’s teammates after that. Talking and laughing with them as if she had always been part of the group. Every now and then, she’d recognize and she’d excuse herself to go say hello. At one point, Drew took it upon himself to introduce her to Paige’s other siblings, Lauren and Ryan, who both greeted her nicely.

Despite how busy Paige was with the party and giving Lukas her attention, Azzi noticed the way Paige kept glancing in her direction. It was subtle—quick flickers of her eyes across the yard, a lingering look of a smirk when she thought no one was paying attention. And every so often, Paige would find an excuse to wander over, asking if Azzi needed anything, replacing her drink, or just brushing by her with a quiet, “You good?” before getting pulled away again.

Azzi didn’t say anything about it, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips every time Paige checked in or the way her stomach fluttered anytime Paige was near.

The backyard was filled with the chorus of "Happy Birthday," and Lukas was soaking up every second of it. His face was practically glowing, his charming smile—so much like his mother’s—on full display as he sat in front of his cake. The flickering candles reflected in his bright blue eyes, and he clapped excitedly with everyone else when the song finished.

Paige’s mother stepped in to handle the cake-cutting, wanting to give Paige a break. “Go sit down for a second,” she told her, waving her off.

Paige didn’t need to be told twice. With a small smile, she subtly motioned toward Azzi before heading toward an empty area off to the side. Azzi caught the gesture and pushed off the table she was leaning against and followed.

As soon as they sat down, Paige exhaled, leaning back slightly. “I swear, I love that kid more than anything, but these little humans are exhausting.”

Azzi chuckled, watching as a group of kids ran past, laughed loudly. “Yeah, I don’t know how you do it.”

Paige looked over at Azzi, her expression softening slightly. "How are you?"

Azzi gave her a warm smile, leaning back a little in her chair too. "I'm good.”

"Thanks for coming," Paige said as a quiet warmth lingered between them.

"Thanks for inviting me," Azzi replied softly.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the backyard. Neither of them broke the gaze, letting the quiet between them linger for a beat longer than necessary.

Paige flicked her eyes down to Azzi’s lips before speaking, "I tell you how good you look?"

Azzi hummed, a slight smirk forming on her lips. "You did," she replied.

Paige broke out into a grin. "Hm," she murmured, her gaze lingering on Azzi.

Azzi leaned in just a little closer, resting her chin on her palm. "I don’t think I told you how good you look though," she said, her voice dropping. She subtly traced her finger along the back of Paige's hand, the movement almost imperceptible to anyone else. It was just a light graze but enough to send a spark between them. The cup in Paige’s hands shielded the action from anyone else in the backyard, but Paige’s eyes flickered toward the touch before flicking back up to Azzi’s gaze.

Her eyes held a quiet confidence, watching Paige as if she could feel the tension building between them. Paige’s lips parted for a second, as if considering if she wanted to say what was racing through her head, but instead, she just let out a soft exhale, trying to keep the moment light.

Which was ultimately a great decision because two seconds later Lukas was walking over with a huge piece of cake on his plate. Azzi leaned back slightly noticing her approach but her attention was still on Paige. He set his plate down on the table and climbed into Paige’s lap, making himself at home without even saying anything.

Paige looked at him, shaking her head at the audacity. Still she used her hand to pull him comfortably onto her lap as he settled in.

Lukas, blissfully unaware of the moment happening before he walked over, took a few bites of his cake before looking up at Paige, his mouth full. "Ma," he said between bites.

"Hm?" Paige responded, glancing down at him.

Lukas paused for a moment, swallowing before saying, "I’m four now."

Paige chuckled, nodding with a smile. "I know.”

Azzi watched the scene with a soft smile, taking in the natural ease between Paige and her son. There was something so genuine about the way they interacted, a love so obvious in the little moments like this one.

Lukas continued eating his cake after this, oblivious to anything else around him. Paige couldn’t help but laugh at the way he was stuffing his mouth, as she ran a hand through his hair.

"He's really something," Azzi said with a smile as she watched the boy now attempt to get frosting off of his cheek.

Paige grinned at her, as she observed the way she was smiling at Lukas.

Lukas, noticed Azzi looking at him and stopped mid-bite and shot her a shy smile, his blue eyes wide. "You like cake?" he asked, holding out his fork as an offering.

Azzi laughed softly, shaking her head. "It’s alright. I’m all good," she said, trying to decline gracefully, but Lukas wouldn’t have it.

He nudged the plate toward her with a grin. "No! You have to eat some. I’m four now!" he insisted, as if being four automatically made him the expert on how all things should be done.

Azzi’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, if you say so," she said, a playful smile curling her lips until she looked down at the already half eaten cake on the fork he was offering.

Paige, noticing the interaction and wanting to spare Azzi from sharing a fork with Lukas, took the fork from her son’s hands. She used the other end of Lukas’s fork to cut a small piece off of the plate and grabbed it with her fingers to feed it to Azzi.

Azzi hesitated for just a second, surprised by the gesture, but opened her mouth and took the piece from Paige’s fingers with a smile. As soon as she did, Paige sucked her thumb and index finger to get the icing off.

Azzi’s eyes flicked to Paige’s fingers, the soft motion catching her off guard, but she quickly masked her reaction with a smile. "Well, that was one way to do it."

Paige smirked. "I’m just looking out for you.” Her tone was light but there was a flicker of something more in her eyes.

Lukas, blissfully unaware of any unspoken tension, took another huge bite of cake and said, "See? I told you, it’s really good! You should eat all of it!"

Azzi chuckled softly, turning her attention back to Lukas. "I think I’m all good now buddy," she replied, though her gaze flicked back up to Paige’s and lingered.

…

Later that day the party had come to a close, and the sounds of loud chatter and laughter had faded with everyone's departure. The backyard was spotless, thanks to the hired planners who’d cleared out, leaving the space untouched by the chaos that had ensued only hours before.

Azzi was still there, her presence a calming contrast to the energy that had filled the house all day. She was leaning against the counter in Paige’s kitchen as she looked at something on her phone.

Paige stood opposite her, leaning against the island, her gaze fixed on Azzi. There was a lingering tension in her core from earlier that day. From the past few weeks actually.

Azzi raised an eyebrow, catching on to Paige’s stare. "What?"

Paige’s eyes softened, and she let out a small sigh, almost a breathless mumble, "It’s just crazy I haven’t kissed you yet."

Azzi grinned at this. "We’ve had an audience for most of the day.”

Paige hummed in agreement, leaning just a bit closer, but stopping herself before the distance between them could shorten too much. "I know," she murmured, her voice low, almost a whisper. Paige’s family was still around, still packing up things because Lukas would be leaving for Disney World soon. The thought of her son heading off with her family made her smile, but it also made the reality of the season setting in even more evident. She couldn’t afford to miss any time with the games starting next week.

Azzi took a small step forward, just enough to reach Paige, before gently tugging her closer by her shirt. She leaned back against the counter, guiding Paige in front of her as their space shrunk to something almost nonexistent. Paige let her hands settle on the edges of the counter beside Azzi

Without saying anything, Azzi reached up, undoing the bun at the back of Paige’s head, letting strands of blonde fall freely. Her fingers combed through Paige’s hair, the action making Paige’s shoulders drop just a little, the tension she hadn’t even realized she was holding beginning to ease.

"You seem tired," Azzi whispered, her fingers still threading through Paige’s hair.

Paige let out a quiet breath, blinking at Azzi like she was debating whether to be honest. Instead, she shook her head, her lips tugging into a small smile. "I’m alright."

Azzi hummed, not quite believing her, her touch slowing but never stopping. "Liar," she teased, her voice carrying a quiet affection. "Long day?"

Paige exhaled through her nose, finally letting herself lean in just a bit more. "Yeah," she admitted, her voice lower now, almost as if saying it out loud made the exhaustion more real.

Azzi’s hands slid down, resting gently on the sides of Paige’s neck, her thumbs grazing the skin there. "You could sit down, you know. Take a second before the season really takes over."

Paige let out a soft chuckle. "You gonna make me?"

Azzi smirked. "I don’t think I have to make you do anything," she said, tilting her head. Her fingers curled slightly in Paige’s hair, a clear point being made.

Paige rolled her eyes, but the way she stayed exactly where she was and didn’t say anything said more than anything she could’ve.

Azzi let out a small hum as she leaned into Paige’s shoulder, her weight settling comfortably against her. Without thinking, Paige rested her head on top of Azzi’s, the quiet moment wrapping around them.

Paige's hand moved in, absentminded circles along Azzi’s lower back back. “You sleepy?”

Azzi nodded slightly against her. “Mhm,” she murmured, her exhaustion from the week creeping into her voice.

Paige smiled, shifting just enough to glance down at her. “You can go lay in my room if you want.”

Azzi made a small noise of protest, mumbling, “Don’t know where it is.”

Paige let out a quiet laugh. “Because you refuse to ever go in it,” she teased.

Azzi just sighed, looping her arms loosely around Paige’s waist. “Maybe one day.”

Paige smirked. “Or…you could just go now and take a nap gorgeous.”

Azzi hummed again, but she didn’t move. Paige just chuckled, tightening her arm around her as they fell back into silence.

They stood there for a while, wrapped in the quietness of Paige’s house. Paige was still rubbing slow circles on Azzi’s back. The weight of Azzi against her was warm, and Paige was pretty sure she had drifted off about five minutes ago.

But then Lukas came barreling into her legs. “Ma! I’m going to Disney World!” he shouted.

Paige let out a breathy laugh, tightening her hold on Azzi to keep her upright. Azzi barely stirred, only shifting slightly. Paige glanced down at her before giving her waist a small squeeze.

“Third door on the left,” she whispered in her ear.

Azzi nodded, her eyes still heavy, before peeling herself away and heading up the stairs without another word. Paige watched her go for a second before turning back to Lukas, who was bouncing on his heels waiting for her attention.

Paige picked Lukas up with ease, settling him on her hip as he beamed at her. “You excited?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yes of course silly!” Lukas vibrated with excitement before looking at her with big, pleading eyes. “But ma you have to come next time.”

Paige softened, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “I promise.”

Just then, her mom and siblings walked into the kitchen, their presence signaling that it was time to go.

“You guys about to head out?” Paige asked, adjusting Lukas in her arms.

They all nodded. Paige grabbed what she could to help carry things to the car, still holding Lukas as they made their way outside.

Paige buckled Lukas into his seat, making sure he was secure before brushing a hand through his hair. “You’re gonna be good for grandma right?”

Lukas nodded eagerly, his bright eyes full of excitement.

She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. “I love you,” she mumbled.

“I love you the mostest ma,” he responded without hesitation, making her heart swell.

Paige smiled, giving him one more kiss before shutting the door. She turned to her siblings, giving each of them a quick hug before finally reaching her mom.

Her mom gave her a pointed look as she said, “Don’t think I didn’t notice your guest today.”

Paige just chuckled, shaking her head as she avoided the topic. “Drive safe,” she said instead, before bidding them all goodbye and watching as they pulled away.

Paige walked back inside, locking the door behind her before making her way upstairs. The house was silent now, a stark contrast to the chaos of the party earlier. As she reached her room, she paused in the doorway, her gaze softening at the sight in front of her.

Azzi was lying on her bed, eyes closed, her breathing slow and steady. Her features were completely relaxed, curly strands of her hair falling gently across her face. Paige couldn’t help but smile as she stepped closer, sinking onto the edge of the bed. She brushed a few strands away from Azzi’s face, her fingers barely grazing her skin.

The small touch caused Azzi to stir, her brows furrowing slightly before her eyes fluttered open. A sleepy smile spread across her lips as she whispered, “Hi.”

Paige smiled at her, keeping her voice soft. “Hey,” she murmured. “Go back to sleep. I’ll go downstairs.”

Azzi shook her head just slightly, her voice drowsy. “I want you to stay.”

Paige hesitated for a moment, searching her face. “You sure?”

Azzi gave a small, slow nod, her eyes barely open.

Paige hesitated for a second longer before kicking off her shoes and carefully slipping into the bed beside her. Gently, she put a blanket over Azzi, tucking it around her before leaning back against the pillows.

She settled onto her back, one arm resting behind her head, the other draped loosely over her chest. Letting out a slow breath, she closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the day finally catching up to her.

Beside her, Azzi shifted slightly, just enough that Paige could feel the warmth of her presence. Paige wasn’t sure how much time passed, but the steady rhythm of Azzi’s breathing was enough to lull her into her own state of rest, her body finally allowing itself to relax.

…

The two of them stirred awake about an hour later, though neither was quite sure who had woken up first. They had shifted slightly closer in their sleep, but even unconsciously, Paige had kept a respectable distance.

Paige blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim lighting shining through the room before turning her head toward Azzi. “How you feeling?” she asked, her voice still a little raspy from sleep.

Azzi stretched slightly. “Better.”

Paige let out a soft hum. “I’m glad you got some rest.”

Azzi shifted slightly, her eyes flickering to the space between them. “You’re not a cuddler?”

Paige let out a soft chuckle. “Was just tryna be respectful. Didn’t wanna overstep.”

Azzi mumbled something into the pillow, her words too muffled for Paige to catch.

Paige turned her head. “What was that?”

Azzi sighed, lifting her face just enough to look at her. “Do you say shit like that on purpose?”

Paige blinked at her. “Nah, whatchu mean?”

Azzi shook her head, exhaling like she had just accepted some inevitable truth. “You say the perfect thing at the perfect time… every single time.”

Paige laughed softly, shifting so she was propped up on one elbow, her head resting on her hand as she admired Azzi. There was something about the way Azzi looked in this moment—still sleepy, her hair slightly messy, eyes warm—that made Paige want to keep her here just a little longer. “You wanna stay tonight?”

Paige immediately saw the gears start turning in Azzi’s head, so she quickly added, “Not like that. We both just been busy and I missed you like crazy this week… and my first two games are away, so I’ll be gone for like—”

Before she could keep rambling, Azzi cut in smoothly, “I’d love to stay.”

Paige’s eyes softened as she took in Azzi’s words. “For real?”

“Yes, Paige.”

That was all Paige needed to hear before a grin stretched across her face. She was still grinning when she murmured, “You know… I still haven’t gotten that kiss.”

Azzi arched an eyebrow. “Oh, you just remembered that now?”

Paige smirked. “Just thought it was worth mentioning.”

Azzi didn’t say anything else—she simply reached out, gripping Paige’s shirt and pulling her closer. Paige hovered over her for a second, their breaths mingling, before Azzi pulled her into a kiss. The moment their lips met, a quiet sigh escaped Azzi, her fingers tightening in Paige’s shirt as she felt the slow, deliberate slide of Paige’s tongue against hers.

The kiss wasn’t rushed or frantic. It was slower—like they were making up for every day they’d gone without this. Paige’s hand found Azzi’s waist, fingers pressing gently against her skin. They stayed tangled like that, lips moving in sync, lost in the quiet intimacy of it all for a while, losing track of time in one another.

Paige, getting a little too invested but not wanting to push too far, eventually pulled away.

Azzi let out a breathy laugh, her lips still tingling from how long they were connected to Paige’s . “You always pull away first,” she whispered, eyes half-lidded as she looked up at Paige.

Paige didn’t say anything, just licked her lips as she took in the appearance of Azzi under her before pushing herself off the bed and heading toward the bathroom.

Azzi called after her, “I didn’t know I had it like that.”

A moment later, Paige reappeared, wiping her wet face with a towel before tossing it onto a chair.

“Yes, you did.”

Azzi grinned, stretching her arms above her head as she watched Paige get comfortable again. “So you’re admitting it now?”

Paige just huffed out a laugh, shaking her head as she glanced at her phone on the nightstand. Deciding not to address the question she looked over at Azzi. “You hungry?”

Azzi just grinned at Paige deciding to ignore her question. “I should probably eat.”

Paige grinned. “I can cook for us.”

But Azzi immediately shook her head. “Nope, I’ll cook.”

Paige scoffed. “I can cook, you know.”

“I’m sure you can, but you know I’m picky. And I’d hate to not like you anymore if you burn my food the first time one of us cooks.”

Paige let out a laugh. “Ok, that’s crazy—” But then, mid-laugh, she paused. Azzi’s words settling in a second later.

I’d hate to not like you anymore.

Her expression shifted, brows raising slightly. “Wait.”

Azzi, realizing exactly what Paige had just processed, stood up and made her way toward the door without saying anything else.

Paige blinked, watching her go. “Nah, hold on—Azzi commere,” she called, already climbing off the bed to follow after her.

But Azzi was already halfway down the stairs, acting like she hadn’t just slipped up. “Nope. Gotta make sure we don’t starve.”

Paige shook her head not accepting that as she trailed after her.

…

As she was cooking Azzi moved through Paige’s kitchen with ease, pulling out ingredients and utensils like she’d been in this space a hundred times before. Paige leaned against the island, watching her the entire time.

“Okay, I gotta say,” Azzi said as she reached for a pan. “I respect that you actually have things where they should be.”

Paige raised an eyebrow. “What does that even mean?”

Azzi turned, giving her a look like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Some people just put things in the wrong spots. Like, why would I have to walk across the entire kitchen to grab a pot when it should be right here next to the stove?”

Paige laughed. “So you’re telling me there’s a right and wrong way to organize a kitchen?”

“Yes,” Azzi said without hesitation, setting the pan down on the stove. “Efficient kitchen organization is an art, and I—” She paused, feeling Paige step up behind her.

Paige leaned in close, her chest lightly pressing against Azzi’s back as she snaked her arms around her waist. “Mmhm,” she hummed lazily, lips hovering just near Azzi’s ear. “Tell me more about your organization skills.”

Azzi exhaled through her nose but didn’t let herself get distracted. “I’m serious,” she said, pouring olive oil into the pan. “People just put things anywhere, like knives on the opposite side of the kitchen from the cutting board. Doesn’t make any sense.”

Paige grinned against her temple as she whispered, “You kinda sexy when you talk like that.”

Azzi almost faltered but she stayed focused, reaching for a spoon instead. “I’m not that easy.”

Paige chuckled, unfazed by the resistance. She let her hands trail down Azzi’s arms before stepping back, leaning on the counter beside her instead.

For a few minutes, Azzi cooked while Paige lingered nearby, occasionally brushing against her or whispering little comments in her ear that made Azzi shake her head with a small smile. None of it truly distracted her though.

When Azzi leaned back slightly against the counter taking a break while something simmered, Paige took the opportunity. Without warning, she gripped Azzi’s waist and effortlessly lifted her onto the counter.

Azzi made a noise in surprise, her hands instinctively landing on Paige’s shoulders to steady herself. “Paige!”

Paige just grinned, stepping between Azzi’s legs, resting her hands on Azzi’s thighs as she dipped her head. “Yeah?”

Azzi opened her mouth to say something, but Paige was already leaning in, her lips brushing against the column of Azzi’s neck.

Azzi exhaled, fingers curling slightly at the back of Paige’s neck. “You—” Her words cut off as Paige kissed a little lower.

Paige smiled against her skin. “Me…?”

Azzi swallowed, her heartbeat picking up. “You know what you’re doing.”

Paige hummed in response, letting her hands slide further up Azzi’s thighs as she pressed another kiss just below her jaw. “And?”

Azzi was officially unraveling, her fingers gripping Paige a little tighter. “And you’re—”

A loud sizzle from the stove suddenly yanked her back to reality. She jolted, eyes widening as she shoved at Paige’s shoulders. “Oh my God!” she yelled, quickly hopping off the counter and rushing back to the stove.

Paige bit her lip to stop herself from laughing and leaned back against the counter with her arms crossed. “Damn,” she said, watching Azzi stir the pan. “That was fun while it lasted.”

Azzi shot her a glare. “You can’t do that while I’m cooking. New rule.”

Paige grinned at her. “Aw, come on, I was just tryna help.”

“Help who?” Azzi scoffed. “Because you definitely weren’t helping me cook.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll stay six feet away until you’re done.”

Azzi turned back to cooking, muttering under her breath, “You better.”

Paige, watching her with a huge grin, whispering just loud enough for Azzi to hear, “You liked it though.”

Azzi didn’t turn around, but Paige didn’t miss the way she let out a deep exhale.

Paige kept her word, leaving Azzi alone the rest of the time she cooked but it didn’t last longer than that. Paige immediately complained about the amount of food on her plate.

“You’re an athlete,” Azzi pointed out, sliding the plate in front of her. “You don’t eat enough.”

Paige scoffed, picking up her fork. “I eat plenty.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow clearly unimpressed. “Uh-huh. Just be quiet and eat, Paige.”

Paige rolled her eyes but took a bite, making a show of chewing dramatically before giving a nod of approval. Azzi smiled, sitting across from her and starting on her own plate.

The conversation flowed naturally between them, like it always did as they ate. Azzi asked about Paige’s games next week, and Paige leaned forward, resting her forearm on the table as she explained.

“We’re playing in Minnesota first,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Then we go to Atlanta.”

Azzi watched her for a moment, noticing the way Paige’s expression shifted slightly at the mention of Minnesota. “You excited to be home for a bit?”

Paige nodded. “Yeah. Even if it’s just for the game. It always feels different playing there. More personal.” She paused, then added, “Lukas starts school in the fall, by the way. Drew sent me a text while you were cooking saying Lukas said ‘Azzi has to know.’”

Azzi’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “Wait, for real?”

Paige nodded again. “Yeah. He’s already talking about what kind of bag he wants and how he’s gonna make ‘so many friends.’”

Their conversation shifted from Lukas to Azzi’s clinic. While they were talking about it Paige picked up on the way Azzi’s tone changed—still steady, but a little more contemplative so she asked her what was going on.

“Everyone’s kind of been pressuring me to expand,” Azzi admitted, her fork idly pushing at her food. “But I don’t want to.”

Paige rested her chin on her hand. “Why not?”

Azzi exhaled through her nose. “I don’t want any clients listed in my clinic that I can’t see personally. And I don’t want to have to hire other DOs—it’s a whole process, and I’d rather just keep things small, only seeing who I actually have time for.”

Paige nodded slowly, considering her words. “That makes sense. It seems

like you’ve always been hands-on so I feel like it makes sense that you wanna personally take care of your clients.”

Azzi gave a small smile at that. “Exactly. I don’t want to lose that connection. I like knowing the people I work with, understanding their needs, seeing their progress firsthand. Expanding would mean giving up some of that control, and I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

Paige studied her for a second before shrugging. “You don’t have to expand just because people are saying you should, you know? You built something great—if you’re happy with how it is, then that’s enough.”

Azzi sighed, leaning back in her chair. “That’s what I keep telling myself, but you know how people are. They think bigger automatically means better.”

Paige scoffed. “Not always. I mean, you could if you ever wanted to, but it doesn’t have to be now, or even in the next few years. Do it on your time.”

Azzi tilted her head, watching Paige with something softer in her gaze. “You always say the right thing.”

Paige smirked, reaching for her glass of water. “So I’ve been told.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but didn’t fight the small smile on her lips. “Yeah, yeah.” She took another bite before glancing up again. “Enough about me—tell me more about Minnesota. You looking forward to it?”

Paige’s eyes brightened as she started talking about how special it was to play at home, even if it was just for a game here and there.

At some point, Paige noticed Azzi slowing down with her food, her expression softer, a quiet comfort settling between them. “You good?”

Azzi nodded, her voice a little quieter. “Yeah. I just like this.”

“Like what?”

Azzi shrugged slightly. “This. You.”

Paige watched her for a second before smiling softly. “Me too.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they finished eating, the quiet clinking of silverware against plates filling the space. Once Azzi put her fork down and moved to pick up her and Paige’s plate, Paige was quicker, gently taking it from her hands.

“I got it,” Paige said softly.

Azzi bit her lip, watching her for a second before nodding. “Okay,” she murmured, pushing back from the table and settling back into her chair.

As Paige turned toward the sink, Azzi pulled out her phone, scrolling through her emails. The occasional sound of the running water and dishes clinking together filled the kitchen.

Paige glanced over her shoulder at one point, catching Azzi deep in thought as she scrolled, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in concentration. She smiled to herself before turning back to the dishes, the simple domesticity of the moment not lost on her.

Once Paige was done, she dried her hands on a towel and walked back over to the table, her eyes settling on Azzi. She didn’t say anything at first—just leaned against the counter, watching as Azzi scrolled through her phone. Paige noticed the way she kept rolling her neck and shoulders, as if she was trying to work out some tension.

“You okay?” Paige finally asked.

Azzi exhaled through her nose, still scrolling. “My shoulders are just a little tight,” she admitted, tilting her head slightly to the side in an attempt to ease the discomfort.

“You should take a warm shower,” Paige suggested. “It’ll help loosen you up. And I can help after, if you want.”

Azzi looked up at her, considering the offer for a second before nodding. “That sounds good.”

Paige smiled at that, motioning for Azzi’s hand as they headed upstairs together.

Before Azzi walked into Paige's bathroom Paige handed her some towels. The moment Azzi shuts the bathroom door Paige drops onto the bed checking her phone and scrolling through social media a little bit. When Azzi finally steps out of the bathroom, her wet curls are clinging to her shoulders, and a towel is wrapped snugly around her body. Paige, who had been casually scrolling through her phone, glanced up—and immediately felt her brain short-circuit.

Her breath hitched, her eyes shamelessly trailing over Azzi before a slow, goofy smile spread across her face.

Azzi noticed and let out a laugh. “Can I have some clothes, please?”

Paige didn’t respond right away, still looking at Azzi like she had completely forgotten how to function. Instead of answering, she just lifted her hand and pointed toward her closet.

Azzi walked into the large walk-in closet. As she took in the sheer amount of clothes Paige had, she couldn’t help but tease her about it, “There’s no way you should have this many clothes.”

Silence.

Azzi, expecting some kind of sarcastic comment, glanced over her shoulder—only to find Paige sitting there with her eyes squeezed shut, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose like she was physically trying to reset her brain.

“You good over there?”

Paige let out a sharp breath, finally looking at her again. “You—” She stopped herself, shaking her head and laughing under her breath. “Yeah. I’m good.”

Azzi smirked, clearly not believing her, but didn’t press it. She grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of boxers before disappearing back into the bathroom to change.

The sound of the door clicking shut was followed by a quiet pause.

As she pulled the clothes over her head, Paige's voice cut through the stillness, calling out from the bed, “You’re definitely a tease.”

Azzi chuckled softly to herself but didn’t reply, finishing up in the bathroom and walking back out a few minutes later, Paige’s fresh clothes comfortably draped on her. She leaned against the doorframe as she said, “I’m not a tease.”

“Sure you’re not. And I don’t dribble a basketball for a living.”

Azzi crossed her arms with a small pout on her lips. “That’s not fair.”

Paige, completely unfazed, opened her legs slightly, “Come here.”

Azzi moved closer, allowing herself to be drawn in by Paige’s silent command. She settled her back against Paige’s chest, letting her head rest against her shoulder. Paige's hands were warm as they moved to her shoulders, starting to knead the tension out of them, and Azzi closed her eyes in quiet appreciation.

Paige worked perfectly, her fingers tracing the knots in Azzi’s muscles, focusing on the places where she’d been stiff from the werk. Everything else seemed to fade as Azzi slowly began to relax, sinking further into Paige’s touch, allowing herself a moment to let go of everything outside of the warmth that surrounded her.

Paige’s hands paused for just a moment as she felt Azzi unwind under her touch. For about 20 minutes the room was quiet, with only the soft sound of their breathing filling the space. Eventually Paige leans down, her lips brushing gently against Azzi's neck. She kissed the sensitive skin there a few times before whispering, “How was that?”

Azzi's response was a soft, almost inaudible murmur, her voice thick with the pleasure from Paige’s touch. "Amazing."

Paige smiled against Azzi’s neck before pressing another open-mouthed kiss to the same spot. She moved to pull away, her mind returning to the present, but Azzi wasn’t ready for it to end. She reached up, her fingers threading through Paige’s hair, gently pulling her back toward her. She tilted her head to the side, her lips parting as she whispered, “Keep going.”

Paige’s breath caught in her throat at the demand, her body responding instantly. She nodded and used her free hand to cup Azzi’s jaw gently guiding her head further to the side. As she did, her lips pressed back against Azzi’s neck, this time a little firmer, a little deeper, as she let her tongue trace Azzi’s skin.

The tension in the room shifted, becoming heavier as Paige’s mouth moved with more intention across every inch of Azzi’s neck. Azzi’s soft gasps of approval filled Paige’s ears, spurring her on as she kissed her way down.

As Azzi turned her neck to meet Paige’s lips with her own, the moment stretched out. They stayed like that, lips moving together softly at first, savoring the closeness. When she heard Paige groan at her attempt at tugging her closer, Azzi decided to turn around fully, straddling Paige’s lap. The closeness of their bodies seemed to heighten everything, and Azzi’s hands tangled in Paige’s hair as she pushed herself closer.

For a few minutes, they stayed like that, locked in the heated embrace. Azzi’s hands roamed, and Paige's breath quickened in response to the subtle touches. Slowly, Azzi began to push her hip closer, her lips trailing down Paige’s jawline before dipping to her neck. Paige clenched her jaw, trying to hold herself together. She squeezed her eyes shut, allowing Azzi to explore her skin.

It didn't take long before Paige's hands found Azzi's hips, squeezing them gently, breaking the spell for a moment.

"Azzi," Paige breathed, her voice thick. "Member how we said we were waiting?"

Azzi hummed, her lips still trailing over Paige’s skin, the sound similar to a purr as she didn’t stop what she was doing. "Mhm."

Paige’s breath caught, her tone breathier now as Azzi bit her neck gently before soothing it. "You gave me a timeline... and I’m just tryna make sure you stick to that, baby."

Azzi paused, her lips just millimeters away from Paige’s skin. "We can," she whispered, and then she sucked gently on the spot below Paige's jaw—one she had learned was a sweet spot for her.

"Jesus Christ," Paige whispered, her hands tightening around Azzi’s hips. She swallowed hard, trying to steady herself. "I’m not gonna be able to if you keep doing all this."

Azzi pulled back slightly, her breath mingling with Paige's as she smiled at her. "Kissing?"

Paige laughed breathlessly, she felt Azzi’s lips return to her neck. "Nah, we can... it’s just..." Paige trailed off, her thoughts momentarily lost as Azzi’s sucked on her skin again.

Azzi pulled back looking at Paige with a heat in her eyes that made Paige’s chest tighten. "I want you."

The noise that left Paige’s throat was a mixture of a content sigh and something that sounded almost painful. Her voice was strained as she spoke. "You can't say shit like that to me right now."

"Why not? It’s true." As Azzi said this she connected her lips with Paige’s, her tongue swiping across her lips for access.

Paige felt the fog in her mind clear for just a moment as she pulled back, her hands steadying Azzi when she tried to chase her lips. "You said waiting was important to you.”

Azzi met her eyes, a calm sincerity in her gaze. "I trust you," she whispered.

Paige took a breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I know," she said softly. "I just don’t want you to regret not sticking to your plan."

Azzi gave her a playful smile. "Three months, two and a half... same thing. What’s two weeks?"

Paige couldn’t help but laugh, the tension between them momentarily breaking as she laced their fingers together. "Exactly," she said, her voice light. "What’s two weeks?"

"You’re really talking yourself out of sex right now?”

Paige leaned back slightly, shaking her head as she let out a quiet laugh. "Trust me, I know," she replied, the irony of the situation not lost on her. "I’m fully aware."

Azzi watched Paige who had leaned her head back against the headboard and closed her eyes. As she sat there looking at her for a moment Azzi was thankful Paige had stopped them. Because truthfully, Azzi still did want to wait.

Paige hadn’t started her season yet. All the traveling, games, expectations—it hadn’t hit. Azzi didn’t know if the version of Paige she had right now, the one she’d had for the past two and a half months, would feel different a few weeks from now. She didn’t doubt Paige’s feelings, but she knew how much weight was about to fall onto her shoulders. She knew Paige was about to be in different states, with different women and she wanted to be sure.

So, instead of pushing for more, Azzi leaned against Paige, settling into her warmth. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Paige barely opened her eyes, just enough to glance at Azzi before mumbling, “’Course.”

And they sat there just like that, wrapped in each other, the heat between them simmering down into something quieter, something deeper.

Paige started running her fingers through Azzi’s curls, her touch comforting as she said, “Can I ask you something?”

Azzi nodded, eyes still half-lidded from the warmth of Paige’s touch.

Paige hesitated for a second before speaking. “What happened with your ex?” she asked carefully. “M’ just askin’ ’cause I remember you saying she’s one of the big reasons why you wait.”

Azzi exhaled slowly, her fingers idly tracing patterns on Paige’s side. “We were together for four years,” she said. “And I found out she was cheating on me for half of them.”

Paige’s hand stilled in Azzi’s hair. “What?” The word came full of disbelief. She leaned back slightly, eyes searching Azzi’s face like she was waiting for her to say she was joking. But Azzi just nodded.

“I just felt really disgusting after I found out,” Azzi admitted quietly. “So—yeah.”

Paige’s expression softened, her hand moving from Azzi’s hair to cup the side of her face. “I’m sorry that happened to you, beautiful.”

Azzi shook her head. “Don’t apologize for something someone else did.”

Paige shook her head, eyes locking onto Azzi’s. “I’m not,” she said simply. “I’m apologizing that it happened to you. That you had to go through that. There’s a difference.”

Azzi blinked at her for a second before a small smile tugged at her lips. She leaned up, pressing a soft peck against Paige’s lips, her way of silently saying thank you.

Azzi let out a small yawn, and Paige caught it. “You wanna go to bed?”

Azzi shook her head, her curls brushing against Paige’s neck as she settled deeper against her.

Paige chuckled. “Why not?”

Azzi exhaled, playing with the hem of Paige’s shirt. “Because the real world starts again tomorrow, and I won’t see you for like a week.”

Paige grinned. “You could just fly to Minnesota for the game,” she teased.

“Ha-ha, very funny. Tell that to my overdramatic clients who act like they’re dying if they can’t see me.”

Paige raised an eyebrow. “Should I be concerned?”

Azzi rolled her eyes, nudging Paige’s side. “Shut up,” she mumbled.

After a little more teasing Paige decided to turn on a movie, and the two of them settled in. But it didn’t take long for her to feel Azzi start to drift off. Barely fifteen minutes in, she felt Azzi’s weight relax against her, her breaths warming Paige’s shoulder. Paige grinned.

“Lemme take a shower before I get trapped underneath sleeping beauty,” she murmured, shifting slightly.

Azzi mumbled something unintelligible about Paige being rude sometimes, making Paige laugh. “Yeah, yeah,” she said, grabbing some clothes from the closet before heading to the bathroom.

By the time she stepped out of the shower, the room was dark, the only light coming from the large TV screen. Azzi was curled up on her side, mouth slightly open as she slept. Paige couldn’t help but laugh softly at the sight.

Paige tossed her dirty clothes into the hamper before turning off the TV and climbing into bed. As soon as she slid under the covers, she felt Azzi curl into her side and drape a leg across her as she rested her head against Paige’s chest.

Paige blinked in surprise before Azzi whispered out, “Goodnight, Paige.”

A warmth spread through Paige’s chest as she tightened her arm around Azzi, pulling her closer. “Goodnight,” she whispered back, closing her own eyes as sleep slowly took over.