#posting this everywhere before the day ends

[skiesuconn]

every single morning with you

paige bueckers & azzi fudd യ word count: 15k യ notes: i’ve been thinking a lot about whether this was worth posting, but i feel like i’ve finally settled on the right direction. i just hope it resonates—whether it makes you laugh, relate, or just pause for a moment to think. i appreciate every single one of you who takes the time to read my work. it truly means a lot. if you feel like sharing your thoughts, i’d love to hear them—anything at all. there’s a song at the end of the chapter, and if you want, you can play it as you read. it adds something, i think, a way to really sink into the moment. thank you for being here. it means everything. i love you.

 okay so, first off, aubrey? certified menace. absolute villain origin story in the making. because paige is waking up—no, being violently resurrected—by the sun punching her directly in the face. no warning, no warm-up, just straight-up ultraviolet betrayal. and aubrey? nowhere to be found, because aubrey is never here for the consequences of her crimes.

paige groans. shifts. and immediately, warmth—memory—clings to her skin. azzi. the ghost of her touch still lingers, a sunburn without the burn, just golden and soft and everywhere. she would stay in this hazy post-sleep fog forever if the sun wasn’t currently committing war crimes against her retinas.

still squinting, she gropes blindly for her purple glasses, knocking over what is possibly a water bottle, possibly a rogue phone charger, and possibly her own dignity. finally, she finds them, shoves them onto her face, and the world sharpens into something less aggressively blurry.

and then she sees it.

a note. small. slightly crinkled. sitting there on the nightstand like it knows it holds meaning. and it does. because there’s a kiss print on the corner, smudged just a little, like azzi pressed her lips to the paper and thought about something else for a second before pulling away. paige thinks she might die. just a little. in, like, a poetic way.

she picks it up, reads:

“nika really needs to get checked out with that snoring issue, i went to stretch my knees by the shore. i love you x, also i stole your slides.”

paige lets out the kind of laugh that’s mostly air, because her chest is full of something she refuses to name before 8:30 a.m. she kisses the lip print because what else is she supposed to do? not kiss it? like a fool?

somewhere in the background, nika is absolutely violating the peace treaty of the morning by blasting “price tag” by jessie j. paige had momentarily forgotten. it is now, unfortunately, very remembered.

she sighs. dramatically. folds the note neatly and tucks it into the pocket of her hoodie, where it will probably stay for the next five to seven business days before she finally admits she’s keeping it forever.

she swings her legs over the bed, feet meeting the floor. reaches for her slides before—

right. azzi stole them.

that little thief.

paige grins.

if she wasn’t already in love, she would be now.

paige stares at the ceiling for a solid thirty seconds, blinking slow, like that’ll somehow reset reality. spoiler: it does not. then, from the depths of her soul, she yells, “nika, it’s four in the morning.”

she pauses. glances at her phone. squints. “…oh. it’s eight actually. but whatever. it’s like one a.m. in connecticut, right?”

aubrey, still very much unconscious, does not react. which is suspicious. because aubrey is a light sleeper, unless—paige squints harder. leans over. where the fuck did she get earplugs from? is she stockpiling them? does she have a secret stash? is aubrey actually five steps ahead of them all?

aaliyah, notably, is no longer in the room. probably fed up with nika’s way-too-morning-person energy. and honestly? valid.

paige sighs again, this time with the energy of a woman who has already lost the battle but refuses to surrender the war.

paige stumbles into the bathroom, half-blind, half-grumpy, and fully prepared to throw hands with whoever is responsible for the morning’s chaos. spoiler: it’s nika. it’s always nika.

nika is standing at the mirror, combing her hair like she’s in a coming-of-age movie, silently lip-syncing to the song blasting from her phone. except she’s not actually silent. her mouth is moving, but the words? barely syncing. honestly, it’s impressive how bad she is at it.

paige watches this disaster unfold for a second, then flicks the lights off and back on like she’s a ghost in a bad horror movie. nika blinks. pauses. then just keeps singing.

“are you insane?” paige deadpans.

nika, unwavering, dramatically points at herself in the mirror, mouthing along to whatever lyrics she’s currently butchering.

paige sighs, pinches the bridge of her nose. “now, mind you,” she says, adopting the tone of someone giving a ted talk on basic human decency, “i need to brush my teeth. and there are people sleeping in here.”

nika waves a hand, dismissive. “this isn’t even that bad,” she argues. “kk wanted to bring in the big ass jbl speaker.”

paige freezes mid-motion, toothbrush in hand. “how did kk even wake up that early? she missed breakfast last time.”

nika shrugs, because of course she does.

paige sighs again, but this time, it’s the resigned sigh of someone who has already lost the battle but will still fight for moral victory. she washes her face, lets the cold water wake her up properly, then grabs a towel. she changes into a grey uconn tank top and some plaid beige shorts—ones azzi got her.

and yeah. okay. they’re kind of her favorite. but no one needs to know that.

paige brushes her teeth, staring at her own reflection like she’s in the middle of an existential crisis, but really, she’s just wondering if she has the energy to survive another day of nika’s antics. after rinsing, she downs a glass of cold water like it’s life-saving medicine, lets the chill wake her up properly.

nika, meanwhile, is still at the mirror, now meticulously applying her lashes like she’s about to hit the red carpet. paige watches for a second, then leans against the counter with the judgment of someone who’s been up for ten minutes and already seen too much.

“you know you don’t need allat, right?” she says, lazily gesturing at nika’s fully stocked beauty station. “matter of fact, where are you even going?”

nika, unbothered, dabs at her eyeliner. “i signed up for yoga classes.”

paige blinks. processes. stares like nika just told her she’s moving to mars. “...yoga?”

nika nods, focused on making sure her lashes are even.

paige keeps staring. “okay, well, good luck. but you still don’t need allat.”

nika scoffs, flicking paige’s arm. “and where are you going?”

paige stretches, rolling out her shoulders like she’s preparing for a fake excuse. “az is by the beach. she needs help with, you know… knees.”

nika side-eyes her so hard it might as well be a personal attack. “sure. knees.”

paige groans, already regretting every word.

nika smirks, grabbing her lip gloss. “just keep in mind what i told you about the sand. it’s really not comfortable.”

paige barely glances over, rolling her eyes like she’s done with this whole thing before it even starts. "i ain't having this convo with you right now," she mutters, flicking her hand like she’s brushing off a bug she doesn’t want to deal with, and straight up glides over to aubrey who’s got this mix of confusion and mild annoyance all over her face. aubrey's staring at the speakers like they just insulted her, hands on her hips like she’s trying to figure out the meaning of life but it’s just loud, garish music blaring from the corner of the room.

"yo, what type of moron is playing this loud ass music?" aubrey says, hands still in the air, gesturing like it’s a crime scene and the speakers are the culprits.

paige, who’s somehow managing to look unbothered and annoyed at the same time, cracks a smile like she’s in on some private joke with the universe. "that would be niks," she says, shrugging. "but good luck. i ain't staying here."

aubrey doesn’t even wait a second. she flops onto the bed like she’s in mourning, burying her face in the pillow with the dramatic flair of someone who's had enough. "nika, i swear to god," she yells, voice muffled but still cutting through the noise like a razor. "please turn that off or at least put on some good music. like, this is the type of stuff coach would listen to."

from the other side of the room, niks's voice floats back, too chill for someone causing all this chaos. "i can’t hear you, aubs," she calls out, completely unfazed. "but good for you." like it’s a compliment, or maybe a warning. who knows?

and aubrey just screams into the pillow like she's trying to communicate with the universe, but the universe is deaf, and it’s wearing noise-canceling headphones.

paige's hand was already on the door when it hit her—azzi had taken her slides. not even a thought, just straight up swiped them. she blinked, standing still for a moment, weighing her options like she was about to make a life-altering decision. should she go barefoot? but then she remembered the last time she had to jump across that stupid patch of sand by the beach, the way people gave her side-eye like she was committing a crime by being barefoot in public. not that it bothered her, really. it was more the idea of a crab getting real bold and just, like, eating her whole ass foot. what if that happened? she could practically hear the crabs snickering.

not today, she thought.

so, she took aubrey’s slides instead. yeah, aubrey’s. the ones with the weird cupcake prints on them. cupcakes. on slides. like, seriously? paige stared at them, one of those moments where you almost feel like you should say something to the universe, but instead you just shrug and go, “whatever,” because it wasn’t even worth getting into.

she grabbed her phone, keycard, and a tiny pocket-sized bottle of sun cream—just in case azzi forgot to bring hers. though, she probably didn’t. azzi was always so together, so perfectly azzi with her little routines. but paige, of course, never passed up the chance to carry extra backup stuff, just in case. because who knew when a little sunburn might sneak up on you? and better safe than sorry when you're dealing with, like, crab-foot disaster potential.

paige was strolling through the hotel, sipping in the sun, when she saw a street vendor with ice-cold lemonade. her brain did a little happy dance. lemonade, on a hot day? yes, please. but then the realization hit her like a ton of bricks: her spanish? not great. it’s like, a solid "hi" and "thank you" and the rest was just a bunch of hopeful grunting. but screw it, she went for it anyway.

the vendor was super sweet, like, the kind of sweet that made you wonder if he gave free hugs with every order. she tried to say the flavor she wanted, but her pronunciation was like a toddler trying to read Shakespeare. somehow, though, it worked. "naranja," he said with a smile, handing her the cup. orange. paige smiled back, feeling victorious like she had just won a gold medal for the "not-so-perfect-but-still-gets-it-right" Olympics.

now, with her prize in hand, paige turned the corner and spotted azzi, of course, reading a book. was there any other scenario? seriously. azzi was laying flat on her stomach, legs swinging lazily in the air like she had all the time in the world. her curls were in a neat bun, but a few rebellious strands were playing with the wind, getting blown backwards like they had a mind of their own. azzi was rocking an open maxi dress in this perfect almond color. paige swore, if azzi wore a garbage bag, she’d still somehow be hotter than the entire sun. no lie.

paige took a slow breath, she set her drink on the sand next to her and then, in a move that could only be described as questionable at best, she grabbed a handful of sand. yep. sand. carefully—if that’s even a thing—she sprinkled some on azzi's legs, thinking she'd just add a little "sandy surprise." of course, azzi didn’t notice. not a flinch. not a twitch.

so, paige decided to take it to the next level: tickling. she lightly poked azzi’s foot, waiting for her reaction like a kid with a new toy.

BAM. azzi jerked up like she had just been zapped with electricity, screeching, "what the hell?!!" like someone had stolen her last fry. she whipped around, face a mix of confusion and irritation, before rolling her eyes at paige, who was cracking up like a five-year-old. she knew, right then and there, she was definitely not a trusted adult.

paige flops down next to azzi, their shoulders brushing, a casual kind of closeness that’s more comfortable than it probably should be. her hand slides around azzi’s lower back, like she’s just staking a claim, and azzi’s still recovering from whatever just happened—because, yeah, whatever just happened, it’s written all over her face. paige grins. “hey mama.”

azzi rolls her eyes like she’s done a million times before but still cracks a smile. “hi, firecracker.”

“woah?” paige says, raising an eyebrow. “that’s a new one.”

azzi laughs and yanks paige closer by the hem of her tank top, pulling her into a kiss that’s just long enough to make paige forget where they are, but not long enough to be too dramatic. when they pull away, azzi smirks. “that morning breath, paige.”

paige scrunches her nose. “excuse me? i literally brushed my teeth.”

“have you been flossing or not?” azzi asks, completely deadpan.

paige stares at her, unblinking. “no, sparky.”

azzi snorts, clearly amused. paige rolls her eyes, already moving on, because she can’t help herself. “so how’d you sleep? knee still acting up?”

“it’s fine,” azzi says, dismissive, though she doesn’t meet paige’s gaze. “just that little pain in the curve of my left knee. colleen sent me some videos on how to deal with it.”

paige's face goes from casual to concerned in half a second. “you should’ve told me sooner. i’ll get you to a doctor. don’t even think about not going.”

“paige, relax,” azzi says, but paige can tell she’s just a little uncomfortable with the attention.

paige keeps going, relentless. “i mean, is it just like a dull pain, or does it—”

“forget it,” azzi cuts in, frustration leaking into her tone. “i shouldn’t have told you.”

paige’s face hardens in determination, and before azzi can protest, paige turns her onto her back and lifts the hem of her dress to inspect the knee. azzi’s eyes widen, but she’s too slow to stop paige. “so, you’re just gonna figure it out by looking at it?”

paige shrugs, utterly unfazed. “what? i’ve got a charm. i once taught a dog how to do a backflip. don’t doubt me.”

azzi bursts out laughing, shaking her head. “you’re impossible.”

“c’mon, what’s funny about that? that dog was amazing,” paige says, grinning.

azzi finally rolls her eyes, still smiling. “you’re ridiculous.”

paige doesn’t let up. “also, did you put on sun cream today, or are we just throwing caution to the wind?”

paige barely has time to react before azzi fixes her with a look, all smug and effortless, like she’s already won some unspoken game. “of course i put on sunscreen. i’m not you.”

paige clutches her chest like she’s just taken a fatal hit. “wow. that’s crazy. i take one little sunburn—”

“one?” azzi scoffs. “paige, you turned the color of a cooked lobster last time. i was concerned.”

paige ignores that. instead, she pulls out her bottle of sunscreen with the enthusiasm of someone revealing a magic trick. “oh no,” she gasps, twisting it in her hands like she’s never seen such a thing before. “how ever will i apply this?”

azzi stares at her. unimpressed.

paige stares back. Innocent. 

azzi sighs, already regretting every life choice that led her here. “you are such a big baby.” but she takes the bottle anyway, because paige is insufferable and annoying and maybe a little bit cute when she does this. just a little.

paige beams, her grin almost blinding as she flops onto her back like she’s just booked a full spa day. azzi, shaking her head, straddles her waist, warming up the sunscreen between her palms before smoothing it over paige’s neck. her hands move slow, careful. fingers pressing into warm skin, trailing down to paige’s shoulders, working out knots that paige probably doesn’t even know she has.

paige hums, tipping her head back. “damn. should’ve pulled this trick sooner.”

“oh, shut up.” azzi’s hands pause, then—just because she can—she drags a cold streak of sunscreen across paige’s cheek.

paige gasps, all wide-eyed and scandalized. “oh, so that’s how it is?” she swipes at her own face, scooping up excess sunscreen, and without warning—smushes it directly onto azzi’s face.

azzi freezes. blinks. “you did not just—”

paige is already grinning like an idiot, so damn pleased with herself. azzi doesn’t even think—she just moves, shoving paige off her, flipping them with ease so paige is the one on her back now, laughing so hard her whole body shakes.

“oh, you think you’re funny?” azzi leans over her, pressing paige into the sand, hands bracketing her face.

“no,” paige breathes, still grinning. “i know i’m funny.”

azzi rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue. instead, she shifts, settling herself onto paige’s lap, letting her full weight sink in, like she belongs there. her hands find paige’s face—thumbs tracing over sharp cheekbones, fingers tangling in sun-warmed hair.

paige just looks up at her, eyes soft, hands resting easy on azzi’s waist. her touch is light, but her grip is steady, like she’s ready to pull azzi closer if she wants.

azzi wants.

she leans in, brushing a kiss to paige’s cheek. then another. then another. paige exhales against her skin, something quiet, something almost reverent.

“you have sand in your hair, silly,” azzi murmurs, fingers brushing through sun-bleached strands, picking out tiny grains.

paige doesn’t move, just watches her, like this is the best part of her day. “well, take it off then.”

so azzi does, fingers lingering.

and maybe it’s the heat, or the way paige is looking at her, or maybe it’s just them, but before she can second-guess it, she’s pressing in again, slower this time. deeper. paige meets her halfway, arms locking around azzi’s back, pulling them together until they’re so close azzi can feel paige’s heartbeat against her own.

when they finally pull back, paige’s face is unreadable, but there’s something in her eyes—something big, something unspoken.

azzi swallows. breathes. then, quietly, honestly—“i love these mornings with you.” her hands slip under paige’s tank top, fingertips pressing into warm skin. “every single morning with you.”

paige just smiles, something soft and certain. “yeah,” she murmurs. “me too.”

paige just looks at her, because how could she not? azzi’s dimples are deep, her face still soft with sleep, lips curling around words that paige barely registers because, honestly, she’s too busy staring. lavender clings to azzi’s skin, to her curls, and maybe it’s the shampoo or maybe it’s just her, but it makes paige feel something warm and slow in her chest.

"so,” paige drawls, tilting her head, a lazy grin tugging at her mouth. "did the best book on the planet finally start to get boring?"

azzi scoffs, dropping the book onto the blanket beside them, fingers still lingering over the worn edges. her other hand—traitorous thing that it is—stays exactly where it shouldn’t, playing with the frayed hem of paige’s shorts, fingertips brushing against bare skin.

paige swallows. shifts. but she doesn’t move away.

"just because you can’t finish a book without quitting after ten pages," azzi teases, "doesn’t mean it’s boring."

paige hums, pretending to consider that, but really, she’s considering the way azzi is looking at her—eyes still a little sleepy, lips parted just enough to make paige’s pulse trip over itself.

she shrugs, like her heart isn’t currently doing gymnastics. "or maybe," she murmurs, "you just got distracted."

azzi doesn’t deny it. she just quirks an eyebrow, fingers brushing paige’s thigh again—higher this time. deliberate.

"maybe," azzi says, all casual, all effortless.

paige bites the inside of her cheek, trying to keep her cool, but then azzi moves, shifting so they’re fully face to face, so close that paige could count every freckle dusting azzi’s nose if she wasn’t too busy looking at her mouth.

"but i do finish books," azzi says, smug. "unlike you, firecracker."

paige grins at that, because she lives for the way azzi says it—soft, teasing, like it’s theirs and only theirs.

"oh, so you do get distracted," paige murmurs, voice lower now, rougher, and azzi doesn’t answer. not with words.

instead, she just leans in.

paige actually groans, throwing her head back into the sand. “you cannot keep doing this to me,” she whines, hands gripping azzi’s waist, thumbs brushing over warm skin. “like, i’m gonna actually rip out all of my hair.”

azzi, clearly enjoying this way too much, tilts her head, feigning innocence. “i didn’t even do anything yet.”

paige just looks at her, deadpan, and azzi smirks, and then suddenly—

paige yelps as she’s shoved back fully, the world tilting as azzi shifts, climbing over her, her ass absolutely taking over paige’s lap.

paige is gone. obliterated.

azzi leans in, voice all sweet and smug. “so,” she murmurs, “are you gonna rip your hair out now?”

paige grins, all teeth, hands slipping up into azzi’s curls. “i hate you.”

“mmm.” azzi tilts her head, like she’s listening. “your heart’s beating so fast. i can hear it.”

paige just stares at her, swallowing. “and why do you think that is?”

azzi hums, fake thoughtful, then flicks her gaze toward some random dude sunbathing nearby. “must be him.”

paige outright gasps, shoving at azzi’s shoulder. “you’re so rude.”

azzi shrugs, smug. “just calling it like i see it.”

paige is already planning revenge. the second the idea pops into her head, she grins.

"hey," she says, casual. “wanna go refresh your feet?”

azzi’s eyes immediately narrow. “paige. we’re not doing this again.”

paige, all innocence, tugs at azzi’s hands. “c’mon. just feet.”

azzi scoffs. “i literally wore this twice already.”

paige shrugs. “well, maybe you shouldn’t wear a dress to the beach.”

azzi raises a brow, then pointedly glances down—to where paige’s hands are still very much on her ass.

paige freezes.

azzi smirks. “you don’t seem to have a problem with it.”

paige clears her throat. “okay. let’s go. just feet. i promise.”

azzi looks at her for a second, then sighs, slipping her fingers between paige’s, tugging her along toward the shore. paige follows, but not without a dramatic groan, like she’s being dragged to her doom instead of, y’know, the literal ocean.

when the waves roll in, azzi steps forward effortlessly, letting the water lap at her ankles. paige, however, hesitates.

"wait," paige blurts, yanking them both back slightly. "what if there are, like, crabs? or some bullshit?"

azzi blinks at her. "are you serious?"

paige just stares out at the water, wary, like a crab might suddenly leap out and start beef.

azzi sighs, exasperated but fond, and tugs paige in, her grip tightening, making sure she feels steady, safe. she lets them sink their feet in just enough so the cold fizzles up to their ankles, nothing more.

paige visibly relaxes.

"see?" azzi murmurs, squeezing her hand. "not such a bad idea."

paige huffs, flicking wet sand off her foot. "i told you. no sharks."

azzi stares at her, deadpan.

paige blinks, confused.

azzi finally speaks, voice flat. "you—" she gestures vaguely, "literally just freaked out over crabs eating your feet. and now you're acting like you knew it was safe all along?"

paige shrugs, grinning. "personal growth."

as they make their way back to the sand, paige notices the way azzi’s movements slow, her skin glistening under the sun, her cheeks a little more flushed than usual. she was always hot—obviously—but now it was the temperature getting to her.

paige nudges her elbow. “you good?”

azzi nods, brushing damp curls out of her face. “yeah.”

paige squints. not buying it. she turns to the so-called slushie she thought would be refreshing, only to find it’s now just… syrupy, warm liquid. useless. she dumps it in the sand, turns back to azzi.

"you want a drink?"

azzi lifts a brow. “from where?”

paige blinks, deadpan. “uh. not the ocean, genius.”

“hmm.” azzi tilts her head, playful. “but you did say it has sharks in it. adds flavor.”

paige just stares at her. “okay. i clearly meant the bar, but remind me to never let you cook.”

azzi grins, amused, and finally nods. paige hops up immediately, offering a hand to pull azzi up with her, then—without a word—picks up all their stuff, shouldering the weight so azzi doesn’t have to.

the bar is a little further down the beach, shaded under wide white canopies. they settle onto the stools, both a little surprised that, for once, their height isn’t an issue.

as soon as paige approaches the bartender, he immediately clocks her. “well, look who’s back,” he teases, resting an elbow on the counter. “no trouble yet, i assume?”

paige smirks. “who, me? never.”

he eyes azzi, then raises a brow at paige. “and i see you brought someone way out of your league this time.”

paige just grins, but before she can say something cocky, azzi—without missing a beat—goes, “i know, right?”

the bartender wheezes, actually leans on the counter for support, and paige throws an arm over azzi’s shoulders, shaking her lightly. “you’re supposed to back me up.”

“oh, i am,” azzi hums, smug.

paige orders a shirley temple (duh), and for azzi, a cold water and a lemonade, because azzi doesn’t drink, and especially not in the morning.

when paige slides the drinks over, she asks, “these good?”

azzi hums in approval, then kisses her—soft, simple, just a small gesture, but it sends a quiet warmth straight to paige’s chest.

as they sip their drinks, paige casually mentions, “so, the team wants to check out the farmers’ market later. little shopping, all that.”

azzi perks up immediately. “oh, that sounds fun. yeah, i’m down.”

they sit there in comfortable silence, just enjoying the quiet—the shade, the slow-moving waves, the soft hum of music drifting from the bar’s speakers. paige rests a hand on azzi’s thigh, thumb tracing absentminded circles.

the world feels still, for a moment. just theirs.

as they walk back to the hotel, paige’s slides slap lightly against the pavement with each step, and azzi—who just now notices the design—snorts.

“okay, i know you have… unique taste,” she starts, eyeing the bright pastel cupcake pattern, “but cupcakes? seriously?”

paige side-eyes her. “first of all, those aren’t mine. they’re aubrey’s. you took mine. literally.”

azzi blinks, looking down at the slides on her feet. they’re huge on her, but somehow, that makes them funnier. she wiggles her toes a little, then shrugs. “hmm. they’re kinda cute, though.”

paige just shakes her head, but she doesn’t fight it when azzi leans in and kisses her.

when they get to the elevator, they hear it before they see it—nika’s voice, singing some dramatic ballad way too passionately for this hour.

azzi notices her first. “hi niks.”

paige, without missing a beat, throws a hand to her forehead and groans, “nurse, she’s out again.”

nika stops mid-lyric to side-eye paige, but she still gives them both a quick hug. “you’re just mad because i can sing.”

paige scoffs. “who said that?”

nika ignores her. “anyway, i’m off to yoga. some of us have inner peace.” she glances down at paige’s slides and just bursts out laughing before heading out.

when the elevator dings, azzi steps in first, then glances at paige. “do you think anyone’s in the room?”

paige slides in next to her, voice dropping just a bit. “i hope not.”

they both know what’s on each other’s minds.

the second the elevator doors open, paige reaches back and slaps azzi’s ass—quick, casual, like it’s routine—and azzi barely reacts, just rolls her eyes as she unlocks the door.

inside, it’s quiet.

paige calls out, just in case. “yo, anyone out there?”

nothing.

she checks the bathroom for good measure, then slaps the i’m sleeping, do not disturb sticker on the door handle.

azzi watches, laughing. “you’re so dramatic.”

paige flops onto the bed. “finally, someone who hates the sun during the early hours.”

“you’re so stupid.” azzi shakes her head, but she’s grinning as she climbs on top of paige, pressing her into the mattress.

paige just smirks up at her. “uh-huh. and yet…”

azzi cuts her off with a kiss.

they must’ve dozed off at some point, bodies tangled under the sheets, skin warm against skin. the room is quiet, save for the occasional distant sound of waves outside and—of course—paige snoring.

azzi blinks awake, her head still resting on paige’s chest, the steady rise and fall of it lulling her into a daze. it’s 10 a.m. now—she knows because the light creeping through the edges of the curtains is brighter, more persistent. the team’s probably already at breakfast, laughing about something stupid, while she and paige are still here, wrapped up in each other, barely existing outside of this bed.

she shifts slowly, carefully, like she’s moving through water. her eyes roam over paige’s face—soft, peaceful, a little ridiculous with the way her mouth is slightly open. azzi leans in and presses a kiss to her neck. then her ear. then her temple. then her forehead.

she smiles into the last one, her fingers brushing over paige’s cheek.

paige groans, voice thick with sleep. “five more minutes.”

she barely opens her eyes, just reaches up and blindly runs her fingers through azzi’s curls, messing them up even more—not that they weren’t already a disaster.

azzi hums, her touch featherlight as she starts tracing slow circles over paige’s bare stomach.

“five more minutes,” she echoes.

as they stir awake, azzi groans, stretching against paige’s warmth before sighing, “we have to shower.”

paige, still half-asleep, mumbles, “i know,” dragging the word out like it physically pains her.

azzi reaches for her phone, squinting at the screen. “ice texted me like fifteen times asking where we were,” she says, scrolling. “i told her to save us some breakfast, but she probably didn’t.”

paige cracks one eye open, then shrugs. “we’ll grab something from the market, don’t worry.”

azzi nods, then leans in, pressing a lazy, lingering kiss to paige’s lips before pulling her out of bed. they move fast—hoping praying—that nobody barges in while they’re still very much naked.

in the bathroom, paige turns on the shower, letting the water heat up, while she grabs a fresh pair of boxers for herself. azzi rummages through her bag, pulling out a pair of panties and those ridiculous jean shorts—so impractical, but she’s committed now. she tosses a grey tank top onto the counter, the soft fabric hugging her fingers as she runs a thumb over it. her belly button piercing sits next to it, not on yet, but waiting.

paige catches sight of it and smirks. “you planning on making someone pass out today, or is that just a bonus?”

azzi just rolls her eyes, stepping into the shower first. “you talk too much.”

“and yet, you love me.”

azzi tilts her head, glancing back at paige. “unfortunately.”

azzi sits there, still, watching paige move—towel in hand, completely unaware of the way azzi’s eyes drink her in. it’s not a wandering gaze, not fleeting or absentminded. it’s deliberate, intentional. the kind of look azzi only ever gives paige. okay, maybe stewie too, but that’s different.

paige feels it before she sees it. that weight of attention pressing against her skin. she turns, voice soft. “you good? everything alright?”

azzi doesn’t answer right away, doesn’t shift or blink, just keeps looking at her with that quiet intensity that makes paige’s breath hitch. paige frowns a little, sets the towel down, and crouches in front of her, leveling their eyes. no walls. “what’s wrong?”

azzi blinks, then exhales. “remember that kitten we kinda…rescued? in the middle of—” she pauses, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips.

paige grins immediately, laughing. “oh, yeah. you mean the one who almost walked in on us?”

azzi nods, gaze softer now, thumb tracing over her own knee absentmindedly. “i wanna take her home. with us.”

us.

paige doesn’t miss it, the weight of that word. it settles in her chest, warm, grounding. she smiles, presses a slow kiss to azzi’s forehead, lingers just a second longer than necessary. when she pulls back, azzi bites her lip, eyes flicking between paige’s lips, her eyes, back to her lips—before she leans in.

the kiss is slow, deep, their tongues moving in sync, a silent promise exchanged between them. when they pull apart, azzi doesn’t say a word. just smirks, grips paige’s wrist, and shoves her into the shower.

paige barely has time to react before warm water spills over them both, azzi stepping in after her.

“you could’ve just asked,” paige says, laughing as she wipes water from her face.

azzi hums, stepping closer, hands finding paige’s waist. “yeah, but this is more fun.”

hand in hand, paige and azzi move through the buzz of the team, a quiet kind of connection only they can understand. there's a rhythm to their movements, like they're woven together, stitched at the edges. aubrey’s sharp laugh pierces the air as she pulls paige away, tossing her a look that says, we need to talk, while caroline sweeps in to start some random conversation with azzi about food at the market. paige, now distracted, glances at her for a moment before letting aubrey drag her off.

ice leans in with a grin, her voice low, "so, azzi hasn’t noticed the guitar yet," she says with a teasing flick of her head. "honestly, she’s kinda clueless, but that’s not the real problem." her smirk is impossible to miss.

paige frowns, her gaze narrowing at ice’s nonchalant attitude. "do you even know the notes properly?" she asks, a tinge of doubt creeping in. "i think sarah could fly out to argentina just to help you with this, you know?"

ice scoffs, rolling her eyes like it’s nothing. "dude, relax. it's gonna be fine, okay? we’ve got it under control." her confidence radiates, but there's something in her eyes—her own little spark of excitement hidden under the tough exterior.

aubrey, standing nearby with a mischievous grin, chimes in, "i’ll know when to slam the drums. trust me, i’ve got the rhythm, i know the song inside out." her fingers tap lightly against her thighs as if she’s already feeling the beat.

paige sighs in relief, a small smile tugging at her lips. "thanks, guys," she says, her voice quieter now, a flicker of seriousness cutting through her usual light tone. "but we can’t tell anyone. only coach, and the staff. oh, and maybe let’s dress it up a bit? some of our teammates are, like, rolling up in pajamas or sports bras, and that’s cool and all, but... i don’t know, we should stand out a bit."

ice and aubrey nod in unison, a silent agreement between them. "yeah, yeah, got it," aubrey says, dapping paige up before turning her attention back to the rest of the team.

paige glances over her shoulder, eyes flicking to see if caroline’s keeping azzi occupied. it seems like she is—good. paige doesn’t need any distractions right now. they’re so close to pulling this off.

the team begins to quiet as geno steps forward, his presence demanding attention even if his appearance doesn’t. paige's gaze flicks down to his feet, and she can’t help but feel a laugh bubbling up inside her. geno, the team's usually gruff and intimidating coach, is wearing clogs—but not just any clogs. these are built like logs, thick and bulky, like something you’d find in a lumberjack’s wardrobe. wooden. and to top it all off? he’s wearing socks. the image is so absurd that paige has to fight to keep from bursting out laughing.

"alright," geno growls, attempting to sound serious despite the ridiculousness of his shoes. "stop talking and listen up." he pauses, scanning the team with narrowed eyes. "we need to be civil here. no acting like you’re above anyone else. this is about the team. you got that?"

paige can feel the laughter still tugging at the corners of her mouth. she fights to keep it contained, glancing at aubrey and ice. both of them are stifling grins, too, trying not to crack under the sheer ridiculousness of geno’s ensemble. aubrey raises an eyebrow, muttering under her breath, "dude, how does he take himself seriously in those? like, honestly, those are like... furniture."

paige can’t help it. she lets out a quiet snicker, and aubrey’s face lights up with an amused grin. "seriously," paige whispers, eyes glinting with mischief. "how does he not fall over in those things? they look like they belong in a museum."

"god, i don’t know," aubrey mutters back, trying to hide her smile. "but i’m definitely not wearing socks with them."

as geno continues to talk about the need for unity and respect, it’s hard to keep a straight face. the team, though clearly amused, nods along like they’re taking the most serious lecture of their lives. paige just watches, her thoughts flickering between the ridiculousness of the moment and the plan she’s orchestrating. azzi deserves this. it’s gonna be worth it. no wooden clogs or coach’s weird socks can ruin the excitement buzzing through her veins.

paige exchanges one last look with aubrey and ice, then turns back to geno, who is still droning on about team unity and respect. she’s not sure how anyone’s supposed to take him seriously when he looks like he’s about to chop wood with those things, but she suppresses a grin and nods along. soon. it’ll all come together soon.

the sun hangs low but heavy, its heat stretching across the cobblestone street like a lazy cat. it's only 11 a.m., but summer doesn’t care for schedules. their teammates naturally split off into little groups, laughter and chatter bouncing between sun-bleached buildings. paige and azzi stick together, like they always do.

paige’s arm drapes over azzi’s shoulder, loose and easy, while azzi’s hand slips into the back pocket of paige’s shorts, like it belongs there. and maybe it does. the denim is soft, worn from too many washes, the color faded in places that paige's distracted gaze keeps drifting to. she shakes herself out of it, refocusing on the market—baskets overflowing with fruit, the scent of something buttery and rich curling through the air.

they stop at a cart where a man grins at them, speaking rapid spanish, his words warm and musical. neither of them have a clue what he’s saying, but his hands move with practiced ease as he spears two golden, bubbling squares of cheese on a toothpick. provoleta.

before azzi can react, paige, with her usual lack of personal space awareness, presses the sample straight to azzi’s lips. caught off guard, azzi’s mouth opens automatically—right as the vendor hands her another piece. now both squares are in her mouth, and she blinks at paige in mild betrayal.

paige, grinning like she just won something, watches as azzi struggles to chew. “good?” she asks, as if she doesn’t already know the answer.

azzi glares. swallows. “i hate you.”

paige just nudges her side, still smiling. “nah, you love me.”

azzi laughs, head tilting back just enough for the sunlight to catch in her eyes, and paige forgets how to do basic things—like blink. or breathe. the man at the cart watches them, shifting awkwardly, the universal look of a guy realizing he might be third-wheeling. then again, most people feel like that around azzi and paige. it’s not their fault. it’s just the way they are, orbiting each other like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

azzi, still chewing, sticks out a thumbs up and attempts a very solid, very confident “bueno.” the man grins, nods, and—before they can protest—packs them a whole bag of the cheese. just hands it over like it’s obvious they should have it. paige accepts immediately, saluting him before dragging azzi to the next stall.

the churro stand. because paige has a one-track mind when it comes to sugar.

the line is ridiculous, snaking around the corner, but paige doesn’t care. “worth it.” azzi sighs but stays, because paige’s excitement is weirdly contagious. when they finally get to the front, the vendor, an older guy with laugh lines that could tell stories, eyes them playfully and goes, “that’ll be fifty-five dollars.”

paige, without hesitation, starts pulling out her wallet. azzi just stares. at paige. then at the man. then back at paige.

the vendor cracks up. “nah, it’s on me.”

paige laughs too, shoving her wallet back like she totally knew that. azzi, still shaking her head, grabs her wrist and drags her away before she causes another scene, muttering something about “literally, stop talking, i’m begging.”

paige takes a bite first, humming in approval, then—with absolutely no warning—leans in and kisses azzi, soft and slow, like the world doesn’t exist beyond them. she makes sure to smear a little chocolate on azzi’s lips just so she can kiss it off, grinning against her mouth like a menace.

literally get a room, man.

kk, naturally, is on a mission. a sugar mission. she’s standing there, somehow balancing two churros, extra sprinkles dusting her fingers like she just fist-fought a birthday cake, and—because she refuses to do anything halfway—a marshmallow. on top. of the churro. impaled on a tiny stick like it’s some kind of dessert trophy.

paige squints at it. “was that… an option?”

“no,” azzi answers before kk can, because of course not. kk just made it happen.

kk grins like a kid on christmas morning and takes an absolutely obnoxious bite, rainbow sprinkles cascading to the ground in slow motion. “this is peak innovation,” she says, through a mouthful of churro and marshmallow.

meanwhile, caroline and ayanna are standing a few feet away, looking down at a plate of… something. something suspiciously not dessert.

“so, uh.” caroline pokes at it with a fork. “alligator, huh?”

ayanna, ever the adventurer, already has a bite halfway to her mouth. “yep.”

paige, nosy by nature, leans in. “why?”

“why not?” ayanna pops the piece in her mouth, chews thoughtfully, then shrugs. “tastes like chicken.”

caroline eyes hers warily. “i dunno. this one looks like it’s still plotting against me.”

azzi, from her safe distance, grimaces. “i don’t know why you guys do this to yourselves.”

paige nudges her. “for the plot.”

kk, licking marshmallow off her fingers, gestures at the alligator plate. “can i dip this in there?”

“absolutely not,” everyone says in unison.

ice, living up to her name in the most literal way possible, strolls back with two cups of ice cream—one yogurt, one berry. she lifts them like a bartender showing off a fancy cocktail. “refreshing, no?”

paige snorts. “ice got ice cream. comedy gold.”

azzi, already melting from the heat, nods approvingly. “solid choice.”

as they settle onto a bench under the shade, nika plops down next to them, a bag in one hand, a watermelon slice in the other. because of course she has watermelon. she probably smuggled it into the country.

“so,” nika starts, casual as ever, “y’all wanna buy some vegetables?”

paige blinks at her. once. twice. “dude. you gotta be shitting me.”

nika blinks back, all innocence. “what?”

“nika, we’re in a hotel. what are we supposed to do, set up a lil’ farmers market in the mini-fridge? cook zucchini on a—on a hair straightener?”

nika scoffs, waving her watermelon slice around like a professor proving a point. “first of all, it’s not even a bad idea.”

“it is, actually.”

“second of all, i brought a whole-ass watermelon to the beach, and y’all loved it.”

azzi laughs, reaching over to steal a piece right out of nika’s hand. she takes a bite, sighing dramatically. “mm. can’t lie. refreshing.”

nika gestures, triumphant. “exactly. because it’s literally water. like, who the hell doesn’t like watermelon?”

paige, never one to waste a good moment, leans in with a smirk. “a little birdie told me kamorea’s not a fan.”

nika gasps. audibly. like someone just insulted her entire bloodline. “oh. hell. no.”

before anyone can stop her, she’s already on her feet, marching. beelining straight for kk like she’s about to stage an intervention.

paige and azzi watch her go, then turn to each other, wheezing.

azzi, completely deadpan: “well, it was nice knowing kk.”

with the last bite of their churro still sweet on their tongues, paige and azzi wander back to the group—only to find kk in full showtime mode.

somehow, in the span of five minutes, she’s acquired a bow and arrow and an audience. a real one. strangers standing around, watching her like she’s the main event at some medieval festival.

“why is she—” azzi starts.

“don’t ask,” paige says, already invested.

kk’s on her third and final shot. two tries down. one left. her stance is serious, locked in, ridiculously dramatic.

the team is gathered behind her, watching like it’s the olympics. paige steps up, slaps her back—the same way she always does before a game, before a huddle, before anything big. kk gives her a side-eye, but they both know what it means.

thanks. i got this.

the arrow flies. time slows.

BULLSEYE.

the whole crowd erupts, like kk just won a championship. and of course, jana is the loudest, damn near jumping out of her shoes.

nika? a close second. she might actually be louder, but jana’s got the vertical.

kk, grinning, turns back to the team, arms out like she’s waiting for the applause to wash over her.

paige shakes her head, laughing. “all this for a free keychain.”

the market hums with life—stalls overflowing with handcrafted treasures, the air thick with the scent of spices, fresh bread, and something sweet sizzling on a grill.

the team is scattered, each person caught up in their own little adventure.

somehow, a few ended up at a stall selling handmade soap bars. because why not? now, there’s a whole debate over which scent is the best. jasmine? vanilla? something called “midnight storm,” which paige insists just smells like soap?

a few players wander off and come back with mate cups—beautifully carved, each one unique. nika’s already talking about how she’s gonna “get into mate culture” like it’s a personality trait.

coach geno? oh, he’s set. ever since he discovered argentina’s wine scene a few nights ago, he’s been on a mission. now, he’s walking around with not one, not two, but three bottles tucked under his arm, looking like a man with zero regrets.

cd, though? she’s in her element.

she stands at a small stall filled with delicate handmade jewelry, running her fingers over the pieces like she’s reading a love letter in another language.

“timeless,” she murmurs, picking up a pair of gold earrings. “you can feel when something was made with love.”

the vendor, an older woman with kind eyes, just smiles. “that’s the best kind.”

the sun hangs lower now, casting a golden glow over the streets as the team makes their way back to the hotel, bags heavier, wallets lighter.

azzi, as always, grabs extra coconut water.

paige, as always, grimaces. “bro, how do you drink that? it tastes like someone wrung out a wet sock.”

azzi just pops the cap and takes a slow, exaggerated sip. “mmm. refreshing.”

paige gags dramatically. “you’re actually disgusting.”

azzi hums. “says the girl who ate an entire empanada in one bite.”

paige opens her mouth to argue—but yeah. fair.

by the time they step into the hotel room, it’s a whole scene.

aubrey’s sprawled out on the bed, looking like she just worked a double shift at a hospital.

aaliyah’s sitting on the floor, carefully braiding nika’s hair, her hands moving with practiced ease.

ice? she’s got the entire couch to herself, feet up, locked into a golf match on tv like it’s the nba finals.

paige barely makes it to the bed before remembering something. “oh, wait. i gotta talk to yanna, aubs, and ice.”

azzi narrows her eyes. suspicious. “be careful.”

paige grins. “what, you think i’m gonna get kidnapped?”

azzi rolls her eyes but still kisses her before letting her go.

paige, aubrey, and ice make their way down the hall to caroline’s room, making extra sure to lock the doors behind them.

inside, kk’s sitting cross-legged on the bed, completely locked in on her duolingo lesson.

paige daps her up. kk, deep in spanish mode, doesn’t even flinch.

classic.

back in the room, aaliyah’s fingers move with expert precision, parting and twisting nika’s hair while azzi, completely distracted, watches.

“yo,” aaliyah says, voice full of mischief, “we should play uno.”

nika, without missing a beat, “bet.”

azzi blinks. “wait, what—”

too late. aaliyah’s already shuffling the deck, and azzi’s about to find out just how ruthless this game is about to get.

meanwhile, in caroline’s room—

yanna bursts in, breathless. “shit, did i miss it?”

paige, lounging on the carpet, shakes her head. “nope, you’re just in time.”

everyone settles into a circle. aubrey cracks her knuckles. “alright, i got the drums. i already mastered the opening beat.”

ice nods. “nice. i got the guitar down, so we’re chilling.”

paige leans in, serious. “love that. but who’s playing piano? we got some guys who kinda know their way around a keyboard, but do they know the song?”

silence.

paige sighs. “aubs, i’m gonna need you on tambourine. it’s a crucial part.”

aubrey squints. “...is it though?”

paige nods, dead serious. “absolutely.”

ayanna stretches her arms behind her head, all casual. “i can play the piano.”

paige squints. “wait, like—actually? like, real-life, two hands, melody and all?”

yanna gives her a look. “yes, paige. i took classes in school.”

paige, still suspicious. “and you’re sure you can play this song?”

yanna raises a brow. “paige. yes. lock in.”

caroline, who’s been deep in thought, suddenly perks up. “hold on, do we need strings too? ’cause that’s a huge part. or can we, like, use an audio track for that?”

the room goes silent. paige tilts her head. “...how exactly would we do that?”

caroline just smirks. “let’s just say the guys at the bar know me well.”

paige bursts out laughing, shaking her head. “okay, fine. i’m trusting you on this.”

once the music part is locked in, paige claps her hands together. “okay, next—outfits. we gotta synchronize.”

ice groans. “paige. it’s 500 degrees. we can’t be out here melting.”

aubrey nods. “yeah, what’s the fit?”

paige thinks for a second, then snaps her fingers. “alright. y’all in dresses—simple, stylish, white. me, aubs, and yanna? formal shorts, sneakers, button-ups. clean, effortless. we pull up looking put together.”

caroline grins. “so basically, we’re looking like a rich friend group that decided to start a band for the vibes.”

paige smirks. “exactly.”

the hallway hums with quiet footsteps as paige, aubrey, and ice make their way back to the room, a lazy, sun-drenched afternoon spreading around them. aubrey’s voice breaks the calm, teasing paige about how cute she’s been all day, and ice can’t help but agree. paige just shrugs, a little grin curling up at the edges of her mouth, "i don’t care if it’s cheesy. it’s just me." her words hang there, soft and sure, as the trio shares a laugh before they push open the door.

inside, the room is a soft mess of cards, laughter, and easy familiarity. nika, aaliyah, and azzi are hunched over a game of uno, the stakes too high for a tuesday afternoon. nika grins like a cat who just ate the canary as she slams down a +4 card, making azzi groan in defeat. azzi’s already drowning in cards, a good twenty or so, and she scoffs, rolling her eyes, "this is bullshit," before flopping her cards down on the bed with a little more force than necessary.

paige’s laugh is soft, sweet, and she leans in to plant a kiss on azzi’s temple, her fingers brushing over the scattered cards. “you could block that one, you know,” she teases, tapping one of azzi’s cards gently. azzi shoots her a look that could melt steel. “that’s not how it works, dumbass.”

paige puts her hands up, mock surrender. “okay, i was just trynna help.” azzi’s eyes soften a little, the edge in her voice disappearing. “sorry. i just... hate uno,” she mutters, but the words are warm, not harsh.

paige just laughs, grinning down at her, “i for sure didn’t notice.” azzi gives her another look, this time with a little more fondness, a little less annoyance.

“UNO! UNO! UNOOO!” nika suddenly yells, flinging her arms up like she’s just won the lottery. "let’s fucking go!" everyone laughs at her enthusiasm, but when aaliyah groans, looking defeated, nika’s victory is complete.

aaliyah gets up with a sigh, stretching her arms over her head. “i’m gonna go eat something, take care, y’all.” she gives a quick wave and heads out, leaving the rest of them behind in their easy laughter and familiar chaos. "bye Li" they call out in unison, the sound lingering in the air like the last notes of a song they’ll never get tired of.

the room is full of soft chatter, easy laughter, and the occasional mention of a basketball play or two, as the team lounges around in their own little world. there’s talk of food, and a debate over the best kind of pizza that goes on longer than anyone planned. the conversation floats in and out, like the ebb and flow of a lazy river, until—knock knock.

the door swings open, and a hotel staff member peeks in, carrying a tray full of good news. “food service,” he says, glancing around. “nika, you ordered?”

they all pause, eyes flicking between nika and the door. nika just grins like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “yup, that’s me. thanks, miguel? right, miguel?”

he gives a short nod, and with the grace of a seasoned waiter, he wheels in the motherload. a full table—wheeled in like a king’s feast—stacked with steaming plates, fresh fruit, chilled water bottles, and snacks that seem to multiply the moment they hit the table. it’s absurd. it’s glorious.

miguel sets it all down, looking like he knows exactly what he’s done for these people. as he leaves, the door clicks shut behind him, and the team is left staring at the spread in awe.

“nika, are you for real?” aaliyah says, laughing as she grabs a piece of fruit. “this is beyond ridiculous.”

but even as they mock her, each of them is reaching for something—grabbing a sandwich here, a bowl of fresh berries there.

ice, eyes wide and a grin plastered across her face, is the first to speak. “i could live like this all day, every day.”

everyone cracks up at that, and nika just shrugs, as if it’s no big deal. “hey, you’ve gotta treat yourself sometimes.”

just then, the door swings open again, and in walks kk with her usual energy. “hey y’all!” she says, a grin on her face, dapping everyone up before she plops down to join the feast.

they all dig in, the silence settling into a comfortable rhythm as food disappears and conversation continues in between bites. it’s like the room’s filled with this warm, content buzz, the kind that only comes when you're with people who get you, who make everything feel easy.

eventually, the table empties, and one by one, people start drifting off. kk, ayyana, and aubrey head off for a nap, stretching out on the beds, while azzi, tired from the day, doesn’t even make it to the bed before her eyes flutter shut. soon, the whole room is still.

some are sprawled out on the carpet in the most ridiculous sleeping positions, legs tangled in a way that defies human anatomy. others are snoring softly, their mouths slightly open. it’s chaos, but it’s the kind of chaos that feels like home. and, as the afternoon sun dips lower, the quiet hum of deep sleep fills the room—a peaceful, comfortable, beautifully messy moment shared by everyone.

nika stirs awake, the heavy warmth of kk’s leg resting on her stomach. she gives it a gentle shove, making sure to do it as quietly as possible. “dude,” kk mumbles, all tangled in sleep, blinking up at nika like she’s been robbed of her dreams. nika can’t help but laugh softly, and then her phone buzzes, breaking the moment.

it's carol, flooding her screen with messages, all the same urgency. she scrolls through the texts, her eyes catching a few key words—"get your ass up" and a "okay". there’s no way nika’s letting azzi catch wind of this.

she nudges paige’s arm, trying to be subtle, and carefully peels herself away from azzi’s warm embrace. it takes a moment before everyone else is awake, their groggy faces slowly coming to life. two hours till the karaoke bar, paige had said, reminding them that everything had to be on point—no slip-ups, no letting azzi know anything. and the outfits? synchronized white. very synchronized.

they all nod, agreeing with the plan, before slipping out of the room. paige gives azzi one last look, knowing she’ll have to work her magic on the sleepyhead in the bed. she leans over, pressing a soft kiss to azzi’s shoulder, the coolness of the room contrasting with the warmth of the touch. "hi, pretty girl," she whispers.

azzi shifts, not quite awake but aware enough to mumble, "one more minute."

paige smiles, the softest of laughs slipping from her lips. “okay, one more minute,” she agrees, then heads for her socks. she slips them on, then grabs a silver cross necklace from her bag, the little symbol glinting in the light as she carefully drapes it around her neck. her hair falls into place as she scrunches it into a messy bun, and then, with soft footsteps, she returns to azzi.

“baby, that was like, five minutes,” she says, brushing a lock of hair from azzi’s face. “we need to get some dinner.”

azzi groans, shifting under the covers. "i don't wanna go."

paige crouches down next to her, gently taking azzi’s hand in hers. “okay, well, how about i bring you something up here? you wanna sleep in a little longer?”

with a lazy blink, azzi cracks one eye open, peering up at paige. “you’d really do that?” she says, her voice a mix of disbelief and warmth.

paige grins, kissing the knuckles of her hand, the action soft and tender. "i just asked you. of course i would."

azzi flashes a sleepy smile, her eyes still soft from the comfort of the bed. “okay, can you bring me some fish, veggies?" she pauses, then glances at paige, who’s already grinning like she knows what’s next.

“coconut water?” paige adds with a teasing raise of her eyebrow.

“yeah, of course,” azzi says, her voice a little groggy but fond.

"i love you," azzi whispers, her hand reaching out to brush against paige's, the words as simple as breathing but loaded with all the quiet affection between them.

paige smiles back, a little brighter, a little softer. “i love you more.” 

paige heads down to get dinner with the team, but when they walk into the dining area, something feels off. they all pause, scanning the room for azzi. “where’s she at?” ice asks, the confusion clear in her tone.

paige shrugs casually. “she’s tired. her knees aren’t doing her any favors.” she says it like it’s no big deal, but there's a tenderness in her voice that makes it obvious she’s just looking out for azzi, even in the smallest ways.

as the team takes their seats and their orders start arriving, it’s like magic. the waiters know exactly what they want, like they’ve been studying their preferences. paige’s heart gives a little squeeze when she notices that their spanish has leveled up in ways that feel so...natural, even if it’s just in a small, hotel restaurant kind of way.

after the last bite of dinner, ice looks over at paige, grinning wide. “so we’re going with ‘can’t take my eyes off of you,’ right?”

paige nods, her smile spreading like it’s stuck there. she’s so ridiculously in love, it’s embarrassing, but she doesn't care. she’s wearing it like a badge of honor, even if it means looking like an idiot.

aubrey rolls her eyes with a chuckle. “dude, you’re such a sap. azzi’s gonna think you’re an idiot, an idiot in love.”

nika jumps in with a playful smirk, leaning back in her chair. “well, she’s actually a moron, a moron in love.”

they all burst into laughter, the kind of laughter that makes everything lighter, makes the whole room feel like it’s theirs, and for a moment, nothing else exists but the easy camaraderie and the knowledge that no matter how ridiculous they are, it all works because of how much they care about each other.

paige walks back to the hotel room, carefully balancing the tray with coconut water, salmon, shrimp, and a side of roasted veggies. she knew exactly what azzi would want. she’s got a little smile dancing on her lips as she nudges the door open, setting the tray down in front of azzi, who’s still tucked under the covers, looking like she could sleep for another hour.

“hey, baby,” paige says softly, leaning in to kiss azzi’s temple before setting the food down on the bed. azzi stirs, her eyes blinking open, and when she sees paige, she lets out a little groan of protest.

"good morning," paige teases, her voice light, as she brushes some stray hair out of azzi's face. azzi squints at her, fully waking up now, and then looks around at the rest of the room.

everyone’s grinning, some of them trying to hide it, others just barely managing to contain their smiles. azzi narrows her eyes playfully at them. “what’d they put in y’all’s food that has you all looking so smiley? are you guys on the same level of ‘paige’ right now?” she asks, half-laughing.

the room goes silent for a split second, like everyone just got caught in the act. then, without missing a beat, the smiles instantly vanish, and they all glance at paige, who’s staring them down with an exaggerated deadpan expression, her arms crossed over her chest. azzi raises an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“you guys are a bunch of dorks,” azzi laughs, reaching for the coconut water. paige doesn’t break her gaze, but a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

they all start chatting, the conversation flowing easily as they unwind for a bit. some of them head to the bathroom to shower, others linger, trying to soak in a few last minutes of downtime before the madness of the karaoke bar.

paige keeps an eye on the clock, noting that there’s only about 40 minutes left until they have to leave. just as she’s making sure everything is set, her phone buzzes with a new message. it’s caroline, but it’s just for paige, separate from the group chat. because, if it were in the group chat, azzi would definitely catch on. caroline knows how to keep things under wraps.

"hey, don't forget to make sure everyone’s synced up with the outfits," the message reads. paige looks at it for a second, her smile returning. this is going to be one hell of a night.

the room hums quietly, everyone’s fingers glued to their screens for a second too long, faces lit by the glow of their phones. azzi notices it, the way everyone seems to check their messages at the exact same time, their heads bent low. it’s strange, but she shrugs it off, thinking maybe she’s just overthinking things. finishing her meal with a small sigh, she stands up, her legs feeling a little tired. “i’ll shower,” she mutters softly, half to herself.

as she steps into the bathroom, the others exchange a glance, their quiet buzz turning into a muffled hush. nika can barely hold back a grin, fighting the urge to whisper something that’s clearly itching at her. but she fails. “ahh, come on, i was just gonna—” she starts, but the door slams open, and she’s ushered out with a playful shove. “you’re such a troublemaker, nika,” ice teases, laughing.

as nika mumbles something under her breath in croatian, the others lean in, pulling their heads together, speaking in hushed tones. “okay, so here’s the deal,” aubrey starts, her voice barely above a whisper. “caroline has to keep azzi distracted. we can’t let her know we’re not going to the bar. paige, ice, and i—”

“wait, wait, we’re all doing this in sync, right? everything in white, so it’s a surprise for azzi?” paige interrupts, her eyebrows raised in question.

they all nod, the plan coming together. “yeah,” ice grins. “it’s gonna be great.”

as the plan settles in, some of them slip away to change, while paige stays behind, her focus already back on the karaoke lyrics. she hums the words under her breath, hoping she’s not butchering them in her head. she’s not paying attention to anything else, lost in the song.

but then, azzi steps out of the bathroom, her curls wild, free, and her dress… wow. paige’s heart stalls for a moment, her words escaping her. it’s like the world shifted on its axis for a second. azzi, in that white, back-exposed maxi dress, is absolutely stunning. paige can’t breathe.

azzi doesn’t notice her right away, but when she turns, she sees paige standing there, frozen, staring at her like she’s just seen a ghost. and then, paige’s mouth opens, but nothing comes out. she’s the talkative one, the one who always has something to say. yet now? now she’s speechless.

paige steps toward azzi, the distance between them feeling like nothing at all. her hands instinctively find azzi’s waist, pulling her in close. she looks down at her, eyes wide, voice soft. “you’re… you’re just perfect. i—” paige laughs, a little nervous now. “you literally take my breath away, az. it’s insane. how do you do that?”

azzi smiles, a warm, knowing smile that makes paige feel like the only person in the world. “you’re ridiculous,” azzi teases, her voice low and affectionate, the words laced with something that feels like home.

paige laughs softly, brushing her thumb across azzi’s cheek. “i’m not sorry about it,” she whispers, leaning in to kiss her, the world disappearing in that quiet, intimate moment.

when they pull apart, there’s a soft moment of silence, like they’re both trying to hold onto the magic of the moment. azzi’s eyes flicker, amused. “you’re definitely a sap,” she teases again, but there’s no hiding the tenderness in her voice.

“guilty,” paige admits, her lips curving into a smile. “but i think you secretly love it.”

azzí rolls her eyes playfully, but there’s that spark in her gaze, something that tells paige just how much she truly loves it. “maybe,” azzi murmurs, her voice soft and teasing, and paige can’t help but lean in for another kiss.

paige watches the door close behind azzi, and for a second, she just stands there, letting the silence of the room fill her up. it’s like a quiet kind of excitement, the kind that bubbles under your skin without asking permission. azzi’s words still echo in her head—caroline said i need to be there now—and paige can’t help but smile. she loves the way azzi always seems to have that effortless urgency in everything she does.

“okay,” paige mutters to herself, almost out loud. she gives her reflection one last glance in the mirror, then grabs her phone, half-expecting to see something from carol. instead, it’s just a little text thread—one from yanna, one from aubrey, one from ice. she knows they’re all on the same wavelength, even when the whole thing feels a little like a secret mission.

she throws the phone on the bed and heads straight for the shower. the water hits her skin like it’s supposed to reset her, wash away any doubt. but all she can think about is azzi—how she walks, how she talks, the way she smiles like she’s got the world figured out but doesn’t quite realize it. paige's hands work quickly, almost without thought, scrubbing off the remnants of sleep.

after a couple minutes, she’s out, towel wrapped around her, thinking about how this whole thing is just... perfect. she doesn’t even have to try. it all just works. that feeling comes again, the kind where you know you’re exactly where you need to be. no second guessing.

paige pulls on a white button-up shirt. it’s soft, the kind that feels like it belongs to her, even though it’s new. the white knitted shorts follow, comfy but giving her a little more pep in her step than she’s willing to admit. her sneakers—too clean, a little too polished for the vibe she’s going for—but she doesn’t mind. the crispness of the whole outfit feels like it belongs in a scene she can’t quite place yet, but she’s sure it’s coming.

she checks herself out in the mirror for just a second, maybe a little longer than she should. but there’s something about the way she looks tonight—like she’s finally getting it right. no mirrors, no nothing. just her and the fact that it feels good.

her hand moves almost instinctively to the perfume on the dresser, that perfect spray of valentino born in uomo. it’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and something about it always feels like it’s made for the moments she wants to remember. she wonders if azzi will notice the scent, the way it fills the room when she walks in. probably. azzi notices everything.

the little details start to matter more as paige grabs her purple glasses from the dresser and puts them on. they make her feel... something. maybe a little more herself. wallet? check. hotel keycard? check. she texts aubrey and ice, her fingers a little quicker than usual: "ready?" their reply is simple, "yuhh," but it’s enough.

paige takes a second, standing there in the middle of the room, just feeling right. the kind of right where everything is in sync, even if no one else can see it. her phone buzzes again, and she knows it’s time. she slides it into her pocket, takes one last look at the room—the quiet of it, the small pieces of her scattered across the space—and smiles to herself.

this is it. this is her night. and somehow, everything is falling exactly where it’s supposed to.

the air in the hotel lobby felt electric, buzzing with the kind of tension that makes your skin tingle in anticipation. ice broke the silence first, her voice smooth like silk, but with a touch of mischief. “ yanna’s got the piano all set up. you know she’s not gonna let that intro be anything less than fire.” paige’s grin stretched, a glint of excitement in her eyes. it was like she had a secret tucked away in her pocket that only they knew. aubrey was already in position for the drums, a confident beat thumping in her chest, and ice was practically itching to make that guitar sing.

paige’s eyes flicked over to them, her smile widening. “alright, y’all, big fish on three,” she said, like it was the opening line of a whispered secret. aubrey shot a side-eye, clearly trying to figure out if this was one of paige’s usual antics, but shrugged. “one, two, three,” paige counted, and the words "big fish" left their lips with the kind of rhythm that felt like they were ready for a wave to crash over them. it was silly, sure, but there was something about it that made it feel like a secret handshake—a bond only they shared.

they moved through the bar with the stealth of shadows, careful not to draw attention to themselves, though the air seemed to swirl around them in an unspoken kind of choreography. the place was alive with chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of voices that faded into the background like a forgotten melody. they slipped through, unnoticed, until they found themselves backstage. ayanna was already there, standing tall next to the piano like she owned it, her fingers dancing across the keys in a way that made the instrument hum back at her. each movement was deliberate, effortless, like she was coaxing the notes into submission.

their outfits were on point—white, cream, and soft as fresh snowfall, each piece working in harmony like the notes of a well-played symphony. paige, always the planner, had put it together with the precision of an artist creating a masterpiece. it wasn’t just clothes, it was the uniform of something bigger, something special. caroline, of course, had the backing track locked down, the rhythm of their performance already cued up, like the gears of a well-oiled machine that was about to spring to life.

as they took their positions, the air seemed to hum louder, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. it was almost like the bar had become a different space, one that held its breath, waiting for what was about to unfold. the staff member approached them, his eyes flickering with curiosity. “ready?” he asked, and they nodded, as if the entire universe had whispered the answer in perfect harmony.

the lights flickered.

azzi, sitting at a table with caroline, kk, and nika, froze. her eyes scanned the darkened room like a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve. “bro, are you joking?” she muttered, her voice a mixture of disbelief and a touch of amusement.

they all tried to play it cool, chuckling softly, but something electric sparked in the air. the moment was building, and they could all feel it. then, the bar staff member’s voice rang out, thick with that unmistakable spanish accent. “ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your one and only... big fish.”

and just like that, the lights stayed out, but they were already in place. the darkness only heightened the anticipation, like the calm before a storm, and they knew—when those lights flickered back on, everything would change. it was chaos, it was perfect, and it was exactly what they needed. the waiting had never felt so sweet.

aubrey was behind the drums, tambourine hanging around her neck like it was part of her dna, that jingle following her every move. ice, all laid-back energy, had her guitar slung low, fingers gliding over the strings like she was born to do this. paige, front and center, holding a dirty shirley like it was the most casual thing in the world, her foot tapping to the beat—she was a whole vibe, like the crowd was her stage and she was just inviting them into her world. ayanna, lost in her own universe at the piano, fingers dancing over the keys, completely locked into the music. it was one of those moments where the world could stop turning and they wouldn’t even notice.

the rest of the team, though? they hadn’t fully grasped what was happening. they were still in the pre-game buzz, chatting and laughing, oblivious to the magic happening just a few feet away. and then, the lights hit—soft, pulsing, teasing. first, a hint of paige’s silhouette, standing there at the mic.

“wait... is that paige?” azzi’s voice was a little incredulous, like she couldn’t quite believe what was happening in front of her. her eyes were locked on the stage, and she couldn’t help but squint, trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before her.

kk, always the spark to any fire, was the first to ignite. “P boogers!!” she shouted, her voice cracking the stillness like the first strike of thunder before a storm. her hands shot up, fingers almost trembling with anticipation, her energy filling the space like an invisible pulse. everything around them shifted—like the air itself was changing course. the crowd, once just background noise, suddenly felt alive, drawing in and expanding like a ripple on a pond. a few tipsy souls, some just trying to keep up, but all swept into the moment’s electric pull.

nika, standing just a breath away from her, narrowed her eyes, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. “did you... take something? ‘cause you’re, like, otherworldly right now.” she asked, voice a mix of concern and pure amusement, her gaze flicking between kk and the chaos she’d just stirred.

the bar? it wasn’t just a bar anymore. it was an entity unto itself, humming with the rhythm of life, the music weaving between people like it had its own pulse. the air thickened with laughter, clapping, the occasional whistle—a living, breathing organism made of bodies, of voices, of people finding themselves lost in the collective chaos. time felt like it didn’t exist here. the energy wasn’t just felt; it was seen in the way people moved, the way the lights seemed to swirl a little faster, the way the floor almost moved beneath them, like it was in sync with their every breath. it spilled over, bled out into the night like a flood, too much to contain within these walls, too real to be anything but electric.

as the lights flickered and revealed the full band, azzi couldn’t hold back a scream. “oh my god” she almost couldn’t process it, but the excitement in her voice was undeniable. the realization hit her all at once, and she couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

kk, always ready to document every moment, whipped out her phone, snapping pictures as the strangers around them clapped in approval. it was like the room had become one big, living thing—buzzing, vibrating with every note.

the light shifted again, and paige was standing there, taking it all in. her foot tapping, her dirty shirley almost like a prop in her hand, and azzi couldn’t help but ask, “how many of those has she had?” she chuckled, but caroline just smiled and whispered, “just watch.”

and oh, they did.

the melody kicked in, smooth and effortless, like it had always been meant to be this way. aubrey’s drums were keeping the heartbeat alive, ice was in her own world with that guitar, and ayanna was so focused, you could see her pouring every ounce of her into each key. it was like they had all practiced for years, yet it felt brand new, fresh in the way only real chemistry could create.

paige turned to the crowd, and out came the pink heart-shaped sunglasses. she slid them on with the kind of casual confidence that made everyone in the room lean in. the crowd went wild—some were drunk, some were just swept up in the magic. and paige? she was in her element, completely at home. she turned to the mic, the first notes leaving her lips like they were the only thing that mattered.

"you're just too good to be true..."

paige’s gaze meets azzi’s, and everything else fades—just for a second, the whole bar could’ve frozen, like time itself took a breath. azzi’s cheeks heat up, a playful glare shooting paige’s way. “i hate you,” she mouths, but it’s the kind of “i hate you” that feels like a secret they’re both in on. paige grins, eyes sparkling, knowing exactly what’s going on, like she’s unraveling azzi one small moment at a time.

"can't take my eyes off of you..."

the bar explodes in a wave of sound—laughter, clapping, voices rising in sync. it’s like the whole room is tangled up in the rhythm, but it’s paige who’s holding the thread, pulling everyone along with her. even coach, who’s probably only ever heard this track at some distant cousin’s wedding, can’t help but crack a smile. there’s something about the way paige owns it, like she knew this song would crack open the night in just the right way. and it’s working. perfectly..

"you'd be like heaven to touch..."

paige’s finger jabs toward azzi, and with a wink that’s got all the charm of a rom-com hero, she belts it like she owns the world. her voice isn’t smooth, no—it’s rough-edged and real, like it’s been pulled straight from her chest, jagged and raw, but with this fire that makes everything else burn brighter. the crowd leans in, the buzz of anticipation hanging heavy, thick enough to taste. it’s like the air itself is holding its breath, just waiting for what comes next.

"i wanna hold you so much..."

and here’s where the line between teasing and too real gets blurry—azzi’s eyes practically roll out of her skull, like her body’s trying to escape the grin creeping up on her. "god, stop," she whispers, but it’s like trying to hold back the tide with her hands—too late. the grin’s already a runaway train, and there’s no stopping it now. it’s like every bit of control just slipped right through her fingers.

"at long last, love has arrived..."

paige throws her arms up like she’s unlocked the universe itself, the whole bar exploding in a chorus of screams, as if the air itself is buzzing with electricity. she’s caught in the moment, but not fully—there’s a pull in her chest, something deeper than the lights or the music. it’s azzi. always azzi. she’s the real song here, the one paige is singing to in a way no one else can hear.

"and I thank God I’m alive..."

"you're just too good to be true..."

azzi breathes out, “i can tell…” and the words drift between them, like a secret no one else is meant to hear, soft but loaded with something only paige can decode. paige’s grin shifts—sly, effortless, like she owns every inch of this moment. it’s the kind of smile that says, “this is mine, but i’m letting you have a glimpse.” her voice unfurls, soaring into the air, and aubrey’s tambourine keeps time, but it’s not just the rhythm of the song—it’s the pulse of the room, like the heartbeat of something bigger than the music, than the crowd. the energy’s so thick now, it’s contagious, slipping into the bartenders who start clapping without even thinking about it. the whole bar feels it, drawn in, caught in the pull of something that’s more than just sound—it’s a force, vibrating between them all.

"can't take my eyes off of you..."

the music swells, growing like it’s about to snap. ayanna’s fingers are pressed into the piano keys like she’s pulling every ounce of emotion from them. ice and aubrey are in their element, moving effortlessly, like the stage was built for them. and in that split second, everything just falls into place. there’s no struggle, no second-guessing—just pure, unfiltered flow. it’s the kind of right that makes everything else fade, leaving only the sound of this perfect moment that could never be recreated.

"pardon the way that i stare..."

paige sings it like she’s auditioning for the role of “the most dramatic lover ever,” her voice rising and falling, pulling every ounce of emotion into the words. she’s got the crowd wrapped around her finger, and it feels like the whole place is living in her melody.

"there's nothin' else to compare..."

paige, with her mic in one hand and her dirty shirley in the other, throws in this little exaggerated sway of her hips like she’s turning a casual song into a Broadway performance. people in the bar laugh and cheer, but it’s obvious—this girl’s got all the attention she needs.

"the sight of you leaves me weak..."

the lights catch paige at just the right moment—her hand lifts, and she looks over at azzi with this look that could melt glass. "there are no words left to speak..." the crowd’s gone wild now, lost in the vibe. but paige? she’s focused, eyes locked onto azzi, drawing strength from her like it’s the last drop of water in a desert.

"but if you feel like I feel..."

"please let me know that it’s real..."

paige’s voice is a low murmur now, something between a whisper and a prayer. it’s real. in the pause, the whole bar is holding its breath, waiting for something more—waiting for her to pull the rest of the world into the song.

"you're just too good to be true..."

paige’s hips move, the mic in one hand and the dirty shirley still resting in the other. she’s doing the thing—completely in the moment, completely alive. the band’s in sync, the music intensifies, and paige, for a second, just pauses, looking at the band, soaking it all in. it’s a moment for her to breathe, and maybe a moment to remind herself that this—this feels like home.

just as she takes a sip from her shirley, she’s ready for the next verse. the music swells, and everything around her feels like it’s just beginning, like they’ve crossed into another world entirely.

"can't take my eyes off of you..."

paige was practically gliding across the bar floor, one hand holding the mic like it was her lifeline, the other cradling her dirty shirley, the ice cubes clinking like they were keeping time with the beat. she was doing this thing now, making moves like it was a private concert just for azzi, the mic swinging in time with her hips, and the crowd? the crowd was losing it.

she didn't need the spotlight to feel like she was the center of the universe. she had azzi’s eyes on her, and that was all she needed.

just as she took a sip from the shirley, the next line hit her like it was written just for this moment.

"i love you, baby!" paige belts out, her voice cracking just enough to make it real, and she points directly at azzi, whose face immediately disappears behind her hands like she could hide from the world. but paige wasn’t letting her get away that easily.

"and if it’s quite all right!" paige’s voice goes soft, like she’s making a secret confession just for azzi, but her eyes? they stay locked onto her like a magnet. like this was her stage, and nothing else mattered. the crowd? yeah, they were there, sure. but to paige, it was just azzi.

the vibe in the bar shifted, like someone flipped a switch. in the back, someone waved their phone flashlight around like they were at a concert, and kk? she was losing it, snapping pictures like she was at a red carpet event, her laugh loud enough to shake the walls. nika’s whoop cut through the air as she banged on the table, hitting the beat with paige like she was the only one in the room who knew what mattered. she wasn’t just hyping paige up—she was living for it, like this was the moment that could change everything.

azzi, though? she was practically melting under the attention, trying to will herself invisible. her face buried in her hands, shoulders shaking from the laughter she couldn't hold back.

"i need you, baby!" paige sings it like a promise, a vow. and then she does this thing, this bold, ridiculous, beautiful thing—she presses a hand to her chest, the kind of move that screams cheesy rom-com hero. then, she reaches for azzi’s hand, and of course, azzi pulls back like the touch is a hot stove. but paige? she’s not having any of it. she steps even closer, her voice dropping into that soft, sultry register, "to warm a lonely night."

paige wasn’t backing down. she never did.

azzi, meanwhile, was a mess. a laughing, blushing, absolutely done mess. how could she not be, when paige was out here, one knee on the sticky floor of the bar, singing like her whole soul was poured into it? paige was the kind of crazy that made you love her for it.

"i love you, baby... trust in me when i saaaay—!"

and that’s when paige snapped, flinging both arms out like she was the queen of this moment, aubrey’s tambourine shaking wildly. and in perfect harmony with her, the entire bar—teammates, strangers, even the bartender—shouted it back at her:

"OH, PRETTY BABY!"

azz groaned, dragging her hands down her face in this exaggerated, perfectly azzi way, but it didn’t matter. paige had already won. the way paige grinned, moving in closer, the challenge in her gaze—it was almost daring azzi to run, to hide. but no. no one could outrun this energy.

"don’t bring me down I pray"

"oh, pretty baby," paige sang, her voice dropping a little lower, leaning in like she was about to whisper something only azzi was meant to hear. the kind of secret you want to keep but can’t help sharing because it's too good not to. "now that i’ve found you, stay." the words hung in the air, sticky sweet, like honey dripping off a spoon, but that smirk—god, it wasn’t helping azzi.

azzi, trying so hard to keep her composure, just blinked, but paige wasn’t done.

"and let me love you, baby," she added, her voice soft and full of promise, the wink she threw next practically a VIP pass to every wild, spontaneous, chaotic thing she’d ever dreamed up. azzi felt her chest tighten, a little flutter in her stomach, and that’s when she knew she was way too gone for this girl.

"let me love you," paige finished, and that grin—that grin. it was so wide azzi swore she could see it in her sleep..

azz rolled her eyes, but it was so half-hearted. because, really, who was she kidding? she was done for. completely and totally.

the music surged on, a steady rhythm that was alive and pulsing through the bar, and paige set the mic down with a casual flick of her wrist, like it wasn’t even a big deal. like she wasn’t causing azzi to short-circuit with every word she said. with a laugh, paige grabbed her dirty shirley, chugging it like it was just another tuesday.

“yo, get loud for the band!” she shouted to the crowd, her voice cutting through the dim hum of the bar. aubrey’s tambourine was ringing, a sharp jingle-jangle that felt like it was rattling straight through azzi’s chest. ayanna was doing her thing on the piano, fingers dancing over the keys like she was born for it, and ice? ice was shivering the air with her guitar, smooth and sweet, like every note was just a little kiss to the soul.

it wasn’t just a song now—it was a whole damn show, and paige was at the center of it, pulling everyone in with the kind of raw, messy energy that had azzi completely wrapped around her finger.

“are those dirty shirleys?” azzi mutters to carol, eyebrows raised. paige, somewhere across the bar, is swaying a little too much, lips buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes when you’re wasted. her laugh, loud and unapologetic, echoes over the buzz of the crowd. yup, she’s gone.

carol, not even looking at her, just nods. “yup, go up to her. go. what’s stopping you?”

"you serious?" azzi shoots back, giving her a look that says: no way.

but carol’s grinning now, hands in the air like she's setting azzi free for the night. “go, girl.”

oh god, azzi thinks. of course you’d say that.

and yet—something pulls her in. the chaos of the bar, the loud voices, the music, the sloshing of drinks—everything fades as azzi watches paige turn, back to the crowd, clapping along to the beat. paige’s movements are too natural, like she’s built for this, built for the spotlight. and maybe she is, because it feels like the whole room is just watching her.

stop staring, azzi tells herself, but it’s no use. she can’t help it. not when she’s got that look.

with a sigh, azzi pushes herself forward, her steps automatic, like she’s done this a thousand times. she’s right there, the crowd around her buzzing, but it’s all background noise to her. she’s looking at paige now—paige, all glowing skin and messy hair, like she doesn’t even realize how much she’s pulling everyone in.

when azzi gets close, she doesn’t think, she just does. hands on paige’s shoulders, spinning her around. the whole world stops for a second.

paige’s eyes widen in that too-sweet, too-innocent way, and without thinking, azzi’s lips are on hers. and it's everything—too much, but in the best way. the feel of paige’s lips soft but demanding, that familiar heat, the smell of alcohol mixed with something else—something addictive. paige doesn’t hold back, not for a second. she pulls azzi closer, squeezes her ass, the pressure of it like an electric shock.

“you smell like vodka,” azzi breathes out, laughing, half-dazed from the kiss, but also feeling like her entire body’s on fire. she doesn’t care if it’s messy, if it’s a little chaotic.

paige pulls away just enough to grin that wild grin of hers. “you love it,” she slurs, her voice thick and slow, pulling azzi back in for a kiss to her neck that makes her heart skip. it’s so her. so paige.

and then, without warning, paige picks her up like it’s nothing, and the crowd goes crazy. it’s like a concert now, everyone screaming, cheering, their voices lifting into something loud, something tangible. paige doesn’t even flinch. she just shouts, “get loud, everyone!” like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

and azzi? azzi can’t even breathe. she’s lost. her eyes are locked on paige, on the way she’s holding her, how her muscles flex beneath her skin, the sweat on her neck, the strength in her arms. she can feel it—everything. the rawness. she couldn’t keep her eyes off her.

in a whisper, barely audible over the noise, azzi murmurs, “wanna go back?” but she already knows the answer.

paige grins, the kind of grin that makes azzi’s chest tighten. “baby, i got fans here. don’t you see them?” she gestures, still playing it cool, and azzi? she just rolls her eyes. of course she does.

but she doesn’t hesitate. she takes paige’s hand, pulling her off the stage and into the sea of noise, leading her out the door. it’s almost like they—them—are the only thing that matters right now.

the teammates? they’re dying laughing, of course. they know exactly what’s coming, already screaming because they know what’s going down. no one’s even pretending to be shocked anymore.

and azzi? she just keeps pulling paige, a smile creeping up on her face. there’s something about this—about her—that makes everything else fade. the world’s still spinning, the night still young, but nothing matters. because it’s just them.

and god, it’s going to be a long night.

[idekkkjja]

Eyes on you,, ۫ ꣑ৎ (G!P) Giselle x f!reader

── .✦ everywhere, hidden in your shadows; Giselle is there. With precise use of her unlimited knowledge of you, she knew your schedule by heart. Better than you did. Every subtle detail was taken down to the basics: your favourite colour, your favourite show, your socials, and such. To extremes as knowing what panties you’re wearing on a Monday evening. The only thing you ponder is why there are gorgeous bouquets on your doorstep every Friday night at midnight.

Although you appreciated the effort of your unknown admirer, you had to bin them after taking a picture for your story, there was no purpose for them lying around. Little did you know it was from your sick bestfriend Giselle who ‘curiously’ after mere seconds of your story posted, bombards you with questions about who this weirdo is packaging you these.

Heads up: As usual, English isn’t my first language, so I apologise for any mistakes. Giselle is a bit sick in the head here. She’s too obsessed w u,  toxic stuff, like gaslighting and manipulation. She stalks, and you have a boyfriend so mentions of cheating here, unprotective sex and umm this is so short im so sorry. By the way, this is my first g!p smut EVER AND IM NOT FAMILAIR W THIS SO ITS SHIT 💔. I’m still not that used to writing smut yall.

—

The grand clock strikes noisily announcing to its invisible audience that the day has ended, you shuffle amongst the comfortable waves of blankets laid upon you, completely limp underneath and content.

Noises from the TV faded in the background, and the main characters became irrelevant as the realisation sank in. Your eyes draw themselves to the neverending buzzing notifications vibrating from your phone, the reasons temptingly displaying themselves on the bright screen. You should have put it on dnd.

Stretching your muscles lazily by extending your arms to the air, you let out a groan before plopping straight back to the couch, eyeing the phone mere centimetres from you. Bold numbers light up the screen, advising it is finally 12:00 am. Well, specifically 12:03 am by now but who cares? Certainly, you don't.

12:00 am, the flowers must have arrived by now. It has been accustomed for you to constantly peer through the windows to note down the features barely shown from the person's black clothing, the bagginess, unfortunately, hiding the silhouette under. Most would have been reporting it, being a panicking mess and causing a huge chaotic search for this stalker who apparently knows their address but you... you felt pleased with these rather expensive and rare bunch of flowers arriving at your doorstep, simply your ego-inflating from the sincere anonymous affection.

Though, sometimes, you did crave to know this mysterious person's identity. Do they know you? Definitely. Do you know them? There is a chance, small or big, still a chance. Unwilling to voluntarily escape the bounds of your blankets, you got up slowly, leaving the dim living room unbothered to close the lights off and climbed up the stairs to one of the bedrooms with the window showcased to the front of the house.

Peeking out of the window, your barely half-lidded eyes wander around the area before finally settling on your desired sight, this admirer (or stalker which is better fitting) carefully placing new and different vibrant flowers on your doorstep with shaky hands. By now, it roughly nearing 12:10 am, this time they're quite late, aren't they? Unusual, and their hands are freed from the thick gloves they wear. Could they reveal themselves as your boyfriend? That was your first guess after all.

But the more you analyse the hands in your vision until the figure disappears into the darkness, the more you commit them to memory. The hands appeared too feminine to be his rugged ones, but you never let them lay a finger on you anyway. Shifting back your focus on the mental task ahead, you did notice the nails, which seemed quite long paired with slender fingers. The nails had nail polish on them, and the light pink was cleanly painted.

Is this possibly a girl? Someone you knew so well? From everything you have, just details of the hands, it was clear it wasn’t a feminine boy.

Turning around sharply, you ran downstairs, taking two steps at a time ignoring the risks accompanying you. At the door, you opened it, the cold chill blowing in your face as you yanked the flowers off the mat.

Your fingers instinctively tighten around it, letting the paper wrapped around it crumple. You go back inside to the comforting warmth as you close the door gently, grabbing the forgotten phone left on the sofa.

It seems you're receiving notifications left and right. Some are from your aggravating boyfriend. He’s too clingy. You do consider dumping him on nights like this. One is from Giselle. It's just a TikTok video saying a cute pair of cats suit you two perfectly. So typical. Leaving her on seen, your gaze rests on the bouquet, with a sweet aroma invading your senses.

Click. First, you post it immediately on your Instagram story, letting your curious acquaintances call them to pamper your DMs with questions.

Seconds pass by, and surprisingly, no response from your dear bestfriend. You started to grow worried, annoyed perhaps, she was online right before you posted. Nearly on all occurrences, she texts you, not you reaching out to her unless it is necessary. For once, you pushed your dignity (ego) off your gnawed mind, deciding to message her eagerly.

You: FaceTime?

Long, stressful minutes pass by, and a response dinged; making your uncomfortable waiting period worth its while.

Gigi: give me a moment

A moment? You have already waited long enough, your patience worn. Impatiently, you drummed your agitated fingers against your thigh, staring at the screen. Nearly throughout your so-perfect life, you got anything you wanted in a snap of a finger, including Giselle.

Five agonising minutes it took to see a familiar picture of her displayed on her profile picture for months now,ever once a blue moon she changes it. But everytime it’s up close on your phone, it manages to always annoyingly spread some kind of uncomfortable warmth along your chest. Despite your constant nagging on having matching profile pictures, since you got influenced by eager others. Sometimes, she reluctantly accepted.

“Hello?” Watching the girl set herself up to be in the view of the camera; subconsciously, as if an immediate response, a smile tugged on your lips from getting to see her. She did look exhausted: a mess by the looks of it.

Ragged pants barely getting by, messy strands falling upon her forehead, and her flushed cheeks. What occurred before this call that caused her to be in this state?

“What happened to you? Did you do some kind of… workout?” You teased, arching an eyebrow to thicken the implication of your words that made her more redder as it is.

“No, no… of course not. You know I’m not like that.” Denying the subtle accusation laced in your tone, she shook her head, covering her cheek in growing embarrassment.

And that’s where you noticed. Her hands matched your earlier description almost perfectly, on point. Slim, slender and pale fingers with light pink nail polish. This cannot be true, for months on end, this constant admirer or stalkers you’ve discreetly noticed hiding in your shadows was Giselle.

Your very own bestfriend, who knew every single detail about you to the point that in some depths, you didn’t even know yourself. This new comprehension you've developed had to be concealed for now, though.

Pausing in your words, you pressed your lips tightly together to form a line.

“Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know you. You’re unpredictable.” You said, not letting any of your inner turmoil leak through your softly spoken words.

“Unpredictable?” She echoed, visibly confused as her eyebrows knitted together to form a small frown, sensing the conversation contrasting to what she anticipated. On a common evening, nearly every day but preferably on Fridays; your phone calls with her consisted of gossiping about the latest drama at school, talking nasty and atrocious hearsay about almost everybody disguising it as an 'honest opinion', and what else? Giselle again convinced you to break up with your chopped boyfriend.

Despite your whiny protests against her 'very valid' points about all his flaws, you did agree with them.

Did it make it right for her to trash talk your boyfriend’s every single movement? No.

“You are,” you insisted softly, not wanting it to seem confrontational, yet despite you still processing this secret of hers that altered your view on her permanently.

“How?”

Unpredictable as in stalking you, putting on a facade the whole time you complain about the stalker, knowing that it’s her.

Was it hard to contain your impulsive mouth? Yes. But surprisingly, pressing your lips into a thin line helped it from spilling out any unprovoked insults against her that would spoil your plan.

“You’ll know soon.”

—

Every Fridays you anticipate for than you fail to admit, keening over your barely opened windows noticing how everything clicked into piece bringing a hint of peace to your conflicting confusion you had.

In your hidden notes, when you were sprawled on the bed, you scribbled down messily on a ripped piece of paper.

‘Red Flags - Giselle Uchinaga.’

- Gets jealous easily, too easily over anybody.

- Fake sometimes?

- Hear some shuffling in my bedroom whenever I leave her alone there.

- There isn’t much trust here.

- I have missing clothes whenever she sleeps around sometimes, including my expensive underwear!

- Whenever I interact with other hot dudes before my annoying boyfriend, she’ll treat me like some slut on the streets.

- Too pretty especially whenever angry.

- Has too much to pay back.

- Hypocrite.

- Has too many social media accounts yet never tells me about them… :(.

- Fuc

As you wrote, your running thoughts manifesting onto the thin, wrinkled paper, you heard a small thud from downstairs making you pause for a moment in your writing.

Did you forget to lock your doors again?

Cautiously without making too much noise to alert the intruder, you peek from upstairs and clutch on the stair railing, seeing a familiar shadow.

It is a Friday.

A feminine silhouette.

Giselle.

“Isn’t this too far?” Sharply you remarked, almost to yourself and the hooded figure froze in their footsteps, obviously caught snooping around in where they aren’t supposed to be.

Mentally, you knew you had the upper hand now, so you acted like you knew all this long where you knew for only a week.

Dramatically making an entrance, you went downstairs and sauntered towards the woman: unfazed by this despite the context.

Your bestfriend has been stalking you and now sneaked in your own home, why aren’t you freaking out?!

“Giselle,” reaching out, you grabbed one of the hoodie strings impulsively and yanked her forward having an impulse, frightened yelp escape her exaggeratedly stretched lips due to shock.

Absolutely humiliated, the girl froze, stiffening in your grip and stood there; preparing herself internally to either be thrown into prison or even worse—losing your friendship.

Slowly, you realised the difference now; you had so much advantage of Giselle. You could do whatever you want with her.

“You know if you miss me that much, you could text me, you know that? I do appreciate the flowers though, you know my favourite ones.” Those preciously sweet Lillies wrapped in a paper bouquet, and a small note tucked amidst the petals that you never read.

She was much better than your silly boyfriend, he doesn’t even know there’s different types of flowers except roses.

“I-I’m so sorry, this is so messed up—“ a finger pressed against her lips to mute the repetitive apologies coming out of her mouth like a broken record, you preferred to silence her with a kiss instead.

Leaning forward, your breaths mingled with one another, and you drew your finger back. “Shut up,” you murmured, acting upon your desire, and pressed your lips against hers causing a muffled, pretty sound between you two before falling to the floor.

A high-pitched gasp panted through her ragged breathing, her chest heaving up and down mesmerizingly so, your eyes glued on every bit of her anxious body language. As if she was a cornered small animal from a predator.

Stiffly, her aching hardness pressed needily against your core when you settled against her; your clothed sexes nearing dangerously.

Even by this small contact, Giselle felt like she would cum apart immediately.

“F-fuck,” Giselle breathed out, desperately trying to control her impulsive urges to… maybe prove that she could be much a better fuck than your loser boyfriend dreamed of doing.

Her arms encircled your waist, gripping it so tightly that it engraved ruby-red handprints on the sides of your lower bare torso, roughly turning you over and switching the roles swiftly from her greedy need to brag and show through her jerky movements. Trembling fingers lowered down to the rim of your shorts, her puppy eyes looked up at you, a silent plead for you to give in.

To give in what you craved.

“Fine, my dumb stalker…” you eventually huffed, having the resistant facade still displayed over to protect the controversial fact that your heart was about to jump out of your ribcage this very moment.

“Thank you, thank you,” the girl babbled, her voice muffled as she pampered messy kisses all over your neck, leaving a shiny lipgloss with a smudged shape of her plump lips.

With a sudden change of mind, she effortlessly turns you over so she can see your pretty face in no time shift to a lustful haze. Stripping down your precious hidden parts, her cold fingers out of ‘natural’ instincts, massaged your dripping heat to prepare you.

Just in case, you’re not used to big dicks.

Revealing herself to you hastily—her boxers hanging down—she didn’t let you absorb the view of her cock springing up, the precum glistening down the pastel pink tip, and how she had specific prominent veins on the side.

Painfully slowly, she drags her cock in you, to feel the moment she anticipated for so long and savor it. Not noticing a pained hiss barely making out your clenched teeth at how her almond, sharp nails dug in a little too hard.

You didn’t complain though.

“A-ah, f-fuck, fuck…” Giselle sputters, inhaling sharply to calm herself down.

Letting herself get used to the warm and tight sensation, she moaned lowly with you, now plunging in and out and settled to a familiar rhythm comfortable for both of you.

“Just like that mhh… oh, oh, God— Ah!” Clawing her back creating temporary red designs, drawing out pores of blood, you threw your head back and a choked gasp tored out of your throat.

“Am I better..? A-ah— Am I better than your boyfriend’s small dick?” Giselle managed to blurt a full sentence, a little epitome of her jealousy of that bastard for months and months on end. Knowing you were never satisfied with him.

“Mh… mh… yes, yes, yes…” Being fucked too silly, you unknowingly submitted to her, reassuring her the truth that she was indeed much, much better.

Sweat clung onto the girl’s messy bangs, some of the strands blurring her vision while she rammed in and out of you more desperately, hitting new deep spots you never even thought of having as she chased her impeding satisfying release.

Wet and sloppy slaps of skin echoed throughout the hallway, thankfully, the windows of your front door were covered.

Although, right now, being caught was the least of your worries; your mind fogged with her dick and her dick only.

Warm ropes of semen coated your insides and a silent scream was out of your gaping mouth, drool trickling down the corner of your lips as you moaned incoherent babbling. Eventually, it leaked out of your well-fucked pussy, reaching your shimmering inner thighs decorated by your wetness now mixed with her cum.

Post-orgasm, the deafening silence except for the panting talked for the two of you instead.

“Please, please, y/n… can't you… break up with your boyfriend?” Giselle hoarse out, her head resting on your neck when she admires you lazily with huge, adoring eyes.

Those that your dummy boyfriend never gave you.

“Sure.” Nonetheless, you dryly agreed. You were going to consider the option sooner or later anyway.

And the hallway, the intro of your huge home reeked heavily of sex and sweat. Not a good first impression for those who can come over tomorrow or the next day, you sighed in utter defeat: not wanting the snug feeling of her cock still lounging in you to be ripped away from you.

“Love you.” Giselle dreamily mumbled, her arms draped all over you in an almost possessive manner.

“Whatever.” You huffed in response, and the small conversation said more than enough about the dynamic.

[sailon-ishmael]

My modern Goodsir playlist! I wanted to post his and Silna’s at the same time bc their playlists and modern hcs are very much intertwined in my mind but my little write-up for Silna isn’t done yet and I’m impatient 😭.

More detailed explanation of my hcs under the cut if you're interested, but basically Harry loves weird sounds, plants, and Silna... and I love him.

~~~

This playlist is very much full of “brain go brr” music. Harry loves his quirky tunes. I’d like to imagine he listens to these songs either when he’s concentrating and locked in to his work or when he’s trying to tune out and shut his brain off. In both cases, he’s entering a kind of flow state and I’d like to think the songs in this playlist reflect that. Comfort in eclecticism is how I’d sum up the vibes.

I think Harry is someone who’s used to being in his own company. Not necessarily being alone, I think growing up with so many siblings meant that he was almost NEVER alone, so if anything he just learned to create a quiet refuge within himself away from the chaos (he loves his family though, they can just be… a lot). But once he left home for university and all that came after, he learned for the first time what it was like to be lonely. After all, at home he could spend as much time as he wanted by himself and then once he was tired of that, there was a house full of people he could bother/be bothered by. I think in the early days on his own, before he found his “people”, Harry spent a lot of time on his own, with only his music for company. But it’s okay guys, he did find his people and they’re the best.

Goodsir in the modern day is, without a shadow of a doubt, a plant dad. And if you disagree, you’re wrong sorry not sorry it’s simply not up for debate. The man is obsessed with his monsteras and his philodendrons and his African violets and his snake plants and his money plant and… need I go on? The local plant exchange hates to see him coming. He always leaves with at least two new plants carefully nestled into the basket of his bike (yes, he bikes everywhere because he hates car reliant infrastructure).

Also, Harry abhors tech waste and does everything he can in his daily life to offset it. This means that instead of a having a smartphone, he still uses his flip phone from 2011 that for some godforsaken reason works perfectly. And yes, it’s one of the ones where you turn it horizontal and slide up the screen to access the tiny clicky keyboard. He loves it very much and any naysayers can pry it from his cold, dead hands. He also listens to music on his even more ancient, battered to hell iPod mini (second gen, lime green).

Silna is the only one who doesn’t mock him for his commitment to not replacing his tech. Instead, she emails him mp3 files of new songs she thinks he’ll enjoy so he can download them from his laptop (the only modern tech concession he’s made, primarily for work reasons) onto his iPod.

Their playlist link is "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" by Radiohead on Harry's, and (spoiler lol) Lianne La Havas' cover of "Weird Fishes" on Silna's playlist.

This ended up being so long lol, thanks for reading if you made it this far.

[p1nkp0nkk]

ITS NATIONAL CLOWN WEEK POST YOUR FAVOURITE CLOWN BEFORE IT ENDS TODAY!!!!

[zylphiacrowley]

Happy Valentione's Day (part 1 but posted later....)

part 2

[front-facing-pokemon]

[starflungwaddledee]

vote for starstruck in the grand finals of the kirby oc tournament!!! 🙏🙏🙏

there's only a day few hours left, and she successfully turned it around from the first poll update, so there's still a chance she could actually do it!!! 🥺💖

i still can't quite believe we made it this far in the first place, and Valfrey is an impeccable opponent!! win or lose the whole tournament has been such an honour, and it's heart-warming to know that so many people out there are supporting this totally normal waddle dee!!

thank you again so so much!!

[whitehartlane]

karlsruhe (h)

[samah-2]

WE ARE IN A MOMENT OF DEEP DESPAIR, AND OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY WITH SORROW.

WE KNOW THAT YOU FEEL WHAT WE FEEL, AS THE SITUATION IN GAZA IS TEARING US ALL APART.

Every day in Gaza is a new tragedy, the war continues, and the bombs never stop falling. They talk about a ceasefire in the news, but on the ground, all we see is more bloodshed and destruction.

The feeling of death follows us everywhere, with constant shelling and airstrikes that show no mercy. Our children are living in freezing cold, under tents that offer no protection from the wind or rain. Life here has become harder than ever, prices are soaring to unbearable levels, and hope for a better tomorrow feels further away than ever.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we live in constant fear that the war will end our lives before it ends itself. We pray from the depths of our hearts for peace to return, and for this nightmare to end before it consumes everything.

if you wish to help us, please share this post with everyone. your voice might reach someone who can make a difference and help end this suffering.

DONATE HERE

DON’T DELAY! DON’T LOOK AWAY!

the best time to act was yesterday, and the second best time is right now.

Vetted by @bilal-salah0

[ms-demeanor]

Do you have thoughts about the changes to Firefox's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice? A lot of people seem to be freaking out ("This is like when google removed 'Don't be evil!'"), but it seems to me like just another case of people getting confused by legalese.

Yeah you got it in one.

I've been trying not to get too fighty about it so thank you for giving me the excuse to talk about it neutrally and not while arguing with someone.

Firefox sits in such an awful place when it comes to how people who understand technology at varying levels interact with it.

On one very extreme end you've got people who are pissed that Firefox won't let you install known malicious extensions because that's too controlling of the user experience; these are also the people who tend to say that firefox might as well be spyware because they are paid by google to have google as the default search engine for the browser.

In the middle you've got a bunch of people who know a little bit about technology - enough to know that they should be suspicious of it - but who are only passingly familiar with stuff like "internet protocols" and "security certificates" and "legal liability" who see every change that isn't explicitly about data anonymization as a threat that needs to be killed with fire. These are the people who tend not to know that you can change the data collection settings in Firefox.

And on the other extreme you've got people who are pretty sure that firefox is a witch and that you're going to get a virus if you download a browser that isn't chrome so they won't touch Firefox with a ten foot pole.

And it's just kind of exhausting. It reminds me of when you've got people who get more mad at queer creators for inelegantly supporting a cause than they are at blatant homophobes. Like, yeah, you focus on the people whose minds you can change, and Firefox is certainly more responsive to user feedback than Chrome, but also getting you to legally agree that you won't sue Firefox for temporarily storing a photo you're uploading isn't a sign that Firefox sold out and is collecting all your data to feed to whichever LLM is currently supposed to be pouring the most bottles of water into landfills before pissing in the plastic bottle and putting the plastic bottle full of urine in the landfill.

The post I keep seeing (and it's not one post, i've seen this in youtube comment sections and on discord and on tumblr) is:

Well-meaning person who has gotten the wrong end of the stick: This is it, go switch to sanguinetapir now, firefox has gone to the dark side and is selling your data. [Link to *an internet comment section* and/or redditor reactions as evidence of wrongdoing].

Response: I think you may be misreading the statements here, there's been an update about this and everything.

Well-meaning (and deeply annoying) person who has gotten the wrong end of the stick: If you'd read the link you'd see that actually no I didn't misinterpret this, as evidenced by the dozens of commenters on this other site who are misinterpreting the ToU the same way that I am, but more snarkily.

Bud.

Anyway the consensus from the actual security nerds is "jesus fucking christ we carry GPS locators in our pockets all goddamned day and there are cameras everywhere and there is a long-lasting global push to erode the right to encrypt your data and facebook is creating tracking accounts for people who don't even have a facebook and they are giving data about abortion travel to the goddamned police state" and they could not be reached for comment about whether Firefox is bad now, actually, because they collect anonymized data about the people who use pocket.

My response is that there is a simple fix for all of this and it is to walk into the sea.

(I am not worried about the updated firefox ToU, I personally have a fair amount of data collection enabled on my browser because I do actually want crash reports to go to firefox when my browser crashes; however i'm not actually all that worried about firefox collecting, like, ad data on me because I haven't seen an ad in ten years and if one popped up on my browser i'd smash my screen with a stand mixer - I don't care about location data either because turning on location on your devices is for suckers but also *the way the internet works means unless you're using a traffic anonymizer at all times your browser/isp/websites you connect to/vpn/what fucking ever know where you are because of the IP address that they *have* to be able to see to deliver the internet to you and that is, generally speaking, logged as a matter of course by the systems that interact with it*)

Anyway if you're worried about firefox collecting your data you should ABSOLUTELY NOT BE ON DISCORD OR YOUTUBE and if you are on either of those things you should 100% be using them in a browser instead of an app and i don't particularly care if that browser is firefox or tonsilferret but it should be one with an extension that allows you to choose what data gets shared with the sites it interacts with.

[dollyichi]

I JUST GOT A CRUSH! ᯓ★ katsuki bakugou x f ! reader. 1.02k words / fluff / not proofread

bakugou is bad at social media. not exactly terrible, yet not so great either.

he really doesn’t care too much for it nor does he use it that often but he’s not that unfamiliar with it. he finds himself being on tiktok from time to time though he never really bothered to make it known that he had an account in the first place, just enjoying whatever he comes across and liberally blocks accounts that come up on his fyp that pissed him off. he never posts anything either so it didn’t matter. it’s a typical account with a generated username and a blank profile, 57 following, 0 followers.

recently he found a video that he wanted to share (an edit made by a fan) and posts the link on twitter, alongside saying how ‘it’s real sick’ of them to make that for him. he didn’t even know videos like that were famous. the effort and skill it took made him think it were cool.

what he also didn’t know, was that his profile would be revealed when you press on the link.

he got so confused when his account suddenly gained so many followers in just two days since he ‘never mentioned it.’ that was until he sees the replies on his tweet that the linked he used to share got him exposed.

he checks it out for himself which proved that he did actually share his account without knowing, but it’s ‘whatever.’ even after everyone found out he just used it like normal. it’s only a pain when they kept asking him to post something.

he truly is without care, yet he underestimates the fans who immediately stalk his ‘almost’ empty profile. you see, he doesn’t know that his reposts are public because he doesn’t actually look at his own profile. it’s usually a like, like, repost, favorite, like, then close app routine that he does before he goes to bed.

there's a few funny videos here and there, cooking videos and recipes too, things he'd like to try out soon for himself, or techniques that were really helpful for him. some are also videos of fan edits that he recently discovered, where the same video he shared was at the top of the page.

yet, there was one reoccurring face that kept popping up. a pretty girl who likes to lip sync some songs or show off their trinket hauls. sometimes mini vlogs from their day to day or makeup vids. and the topic trends everywhere: DYNAMIGHT TIKTOK CRUSH

when you saw it you really couldn’t believe it yourself that the one anonymous commenter on your videos was a pro-hero, your favorite nonetheless. though, it makes you a little nervous since your face is plastered all over different social platforms because you’re only active on that app. you don’t know where to go from there except squeal into your pillows. definitely flattered when you recall the many times he called you pretty on your vlogs.

as the rest dive deeper into his little ‘crush’ they even saw him comment on a few of your videos with compliments that sounded extra flirty. they teased him so hard saying how he looks like a creep especially with that profile. he’s never gonna hear the end of it. soon a new topic blows up that reads: GO FOR IT DYNAMIGHT

in his defense, if he were to give anyone an explanation, he thinks you have a really nice smile and a really soothing voice. also that you’re real cute and charming, that’s why he could watch and even rewatch all your content in one sitting. he couldn’t get enough of you, absolutely smitten. even had to ask kirishima how to turn on notifications for an account in the guise of turning it on for his agency's tiktok.

you’re also the only account he’s following that’s not a cooking channel or a pro-hero. and yeah it’s basically all that, a crush. not that he expects you to actually give him a chance, he’s happy just seeing your content.

however, the poor (not really) bakugou is actually unaware of the whole situation of his ‘tiktok crush’ trending since he was finishing a mission. only finding out when he got a call from kirishima asking if he found a girlfriend already. “what the fuck are you on about?”

“your fans are talking about how you keep reposting videos of this one girl on tiktok. i mean, it’s kinda obvious if you’re dating.” and it hits him, quick. your username (the one he could only remember, really) flashes in his head, but he laughs it off. “nah nothin’ like that. think i could shoot my shot though?” he asks him and kirishima says, “haha! i think she already beat you to it.”

not knowing what he meant, he swiftly gets home, showers, and lays on his couch whipping his phone out of his pocket to search up your username. and there he was, staring at his phone, unable to stop the smile on his face when he sees the thumbnail of your new video. he opens it immediately and there you were, holding a dynamight figurine (a very limited one too!) close to your cheek that you’ve never shown before until now. you never thought to show it thinking he might see it and think of you as weirdo. it gave the opposite effect actually, even made him more confident because who would've thought your pretty collection had a 'random guy' in there (definitely not random for you at least).

bakugou immediately likes, reposts and adds it to his favorites. even screen recording the whole thing cause you never gave access to download your videos—it was a very special moment for him okay!

he then comments, ‘you can have the real thing too.’

a few minutes later it’s got your icon with a heart beside it. he chuckles, happy that you finally noticed him. beams when he gets a notification that you followed him back.

he’s definitely going to dm you after he calms down. just hopes this time you don't beat him to it again.

do not copy, plagiarize, translate, or repost my works

note : i love a katsuki with a crush i think it's so cute. but i love it even more that he's still confident about it!!! i like to think that reader probably has like 20k followers or something so pretty big but not as big as the others. the first time he met you he stumbles upon a video of you talking about the ice cream u just got and then he got hooked cause u were so cute when u were picking the flavor. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS ON TIKTOK BTW >< also minors & ageless blogs please do not follow me!

[famousblueraincoatmp3]

its 10 am and im listening to various postions. i havent even tried enjoying my day

[dior-luxury]

How'd They React To You Skipping School

( ✧ ) ────── boyfriend stories . comedy/drama - she/her .

- [𝐜𝐡.] cater . leona. floyd . vil . rook . silver . sebek . malleus

- [𝐩:𝐬] none

Note: I had like no idea of what to post, so I just decided to post one of my drafts!

Cater Diamond

Cater is used to you doing your own thing, but when he realizes you're skipping school without telling him, it throws him off. He first notices your absence in class when he glances over at your usual seat and finds it empty.

"Huh? No way. Did she sleep in?" he mumbles, tilting his head.

He checks his Magicam feed just in case, and sure enough—there you are, chilling at a café, sipping on a fancy drink with a little dessert on the side.

"Omg. She’s out living her best life while I’m suffering in Trein’s lecture?? Rude."

At first, he considers letting it slide. After all, it’s not like he never ditches, but the more he thinks about it, the more a nagging feeling settles in his chest.

So, the second class ends, he shoots you a text.

Cay-kun 🧡: Baaaaabe, why am I seeing u on my Magicam instead of in class? U cheating on me with a strawberry shortcake? 😭🍰

You don’t reply right away. He sighs, leaning against a hallway wall. Then, an idea strikes him. If you’re going to skip school, why not have a real ditch day adventure?

Thirty minutes later, you’re peacefully enjoying your alone time when a very familiar voice chimes in from across the café.

"Omg, no way. What are the chances? I just happened to be in the area~", Cater says, sliding into the seat across from you with an easy grin.

You roll your eyes. "Cater, you totally left school to find me."

He laughs, taking a sip of your drink without asking. "Busted. But c’mon, how could I let my precious girlfriend have all the fun by herself? We could’ve planned a whole cute ditch day together!"

Though he’s joking, there’s a flicker of something else in his expression—concern, maybe? You don’t miss the way his fingers drum lightly against the table, the way his usual easygoing smile seems just a bit forced.

"Next time, at least tell me, okay? I wanna make sure you’re safe. Plus, if you’re gonna skip, might as well do it with style. Matching outfits, cute couple photos—the whole deal."

Even though he’s being playful, you know he’s serious. And honestly? You wouldn’t mind skipping with him next time.

Leona Kingscholar

Leona is no stranger to skipping school—hell, it’s practically his hobby. So when he hears from Ruggie that you didn’t show up to class, his first reaction is to scoff.

"Tch. So what? Not like it’s my problem."

But as the day drags on, something bugs him. He expected you to at least text him if you were gonna skip.

By the time lunch rolls around, his patience is gone.

Instead of going to class, he heads straight to his usual napping spot in the botanical gardens—where, conveniently, he finds you lounging on a bench, headphones in, eyes closed as you soak in the afternoon sun.

For a moment, he just watches. Then, with a sigh, he plops down beside you, one arm draped over the back of the bench as he tilts his head toward you.

"You got some nerve skippin’ without tellin’ me."

Your eyes snap open. "Leona? How’d you—"

"I am the king, y’know. I got eyes everywhere."

He leans in, his voice dropping to that low, lazy drawl that always sends a shiver down your spine. "So? You got a reason for dodging class, or you just felt like slacking?"

You mumble something about needing a break. Leona raises an eyebrow, letting out a deep sigh.

"Hmph. Well, can’t say I blame you. But if you’re gonna play hooky, at least do it right."

Before you can react, he shifts, lying down with his head in your lap, eyes already closing.

"Since you’re already here, you might as well stay. I ain’t letting you run off alone again—next time, you skip, you tell me first. Got it?"

His words are firm, but the way his hand lazily rests on your knee, fingers tracing absentminded patterns, tells you everything you need to know.

You weren’t just skipping school—you were skipping him. And Leona Kingscholar doesn’t like being left out.

Floyd Leech

When Floyd finds out you skipped school, the reaction is instant and dramatic.

It starts when he bursts into your dorm room, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Shrimpyyyyy~ Why weren’t you in class today?"

Before you can even answer, he flops down onto your bed, stretching like a lazy cat.

"I was soooo boooored. Sitting in class with no Shrimpy to tease? Ugh, it was awful!"

You roll your eyes. "Floyd, it’s just one day. I needed a break."

The air shifts.

Floyd props himself up on one elbow, his usual playful smile still in place, but there’s something more intense behind his eyes now.

"Hmm. A break from school? Or a break from me?"

You blink. "Wait, what? No, that’s not—"

Before you can finish, he’s suddenly on top of you, his long fingers gently but firmly pressing against your wrists. His grin widens, but his grip tightens just slightly.

"Y’know, if you wanted to play hooky, you could’ve just told me. We coulda done something fun together." His voice drops to a murmur, lips brushing against your ear. "But instead, you ran off all alone… That’s kinda mean, don’tcha think?"

Your heart skips a beat. "Floyd, I didn’t mean it like that—"

In an instant, his mood flips back.

"Hehe, just kidding~!" He suddenly rolls off you, laughing as he sprawls out on the bed again.

"Buuut next time you skip, I’m coming with you. No ifs, ands, or buts. Shrimpy doesn’t get to run away from me, got it?"

Despite the playfulness, you know he’s dead serious. And honestly? It’s safer to just agree. Because when Floyd wants something…

He gets it.

Here’s how Vil, Rook, and Silver would react to you skipping school, each in their own unique way!

Vil Schoenheit

Vil notices your absence immediately. He keeps a close eye on you—not in an overbearing way (or so he claims), but enough to know when something’s off.

It starts when he walks into class and sees your seat empty. He frowns.

"Where is she?" he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else.

Even Rook, who usually lets things play out naturally, raises an eyebrow at Vil’s reaction.

"Perhaps ma belle has decided to take an impromptu escape from the drudgery of academia?"

Vil clicks his tongue. "Hardly. She wouldn’t skip for no reason. Which means…"

His eyes narrow as he pulls out his phone and dials your number. It rings. And rings. No answer.

Vil is not amused.

By lunch, he has had enough. With a sigh, he closes his notebook, stands up, and says, "If the professors ask, tell them I’m handling a… personal matter."

A few students exchange glances, but no one questions him. When Vil Schoenheit is on a mission, he gets what he wants.

—

You’re lounging at a quiet spot near the outskirts of campus, enjoying the rare moment of solitude, when suddenly—

"There you are."

You nearly jump out of your skin at the sound of his voice.

Vil stands before you, arms crossed, his violet eyes burning with irritation.

"Would you like to explain to me why you’ve chosen to neglect your studies today?"

You stammer out something about needing a break. The pressure of school, the endless expectations—it was all just too much.

For a moment, Vil just stares at you. Then, with a sigh, he walks over and gracefully sits beside you.

"I understand," he says at last, his tone softer now. "But running away won’t solve anything, my dear. If you were overwhelmed, you should have come to me."

His fingers gently brush a strand of hair from your face, his expression unreadable.

"Your beauty, your mind, your potential—they are things that should be nurtured, not neglected. And if anyone dares to say otherwise, they’ll have to deal with me."

You swallow, feeling warmth bloom in your chest.

"But…" he continues, tilting your chin up slightly, "if you ever pull something like this again without informing me, I will drag you back to class myself. Understood?"

With Vil, skipping school is not just about missing lessons. It’s about maintaining excellence—and to him, you deserve nothing less.

Rook Hunt

Rook doesn’t need anyone to tell him you skipped school. He feels it.

The moment he steps into the classroom, a shiver runs down his spine. He scans the room, and sure enough—you’re missing.

"Ah… mon trésor, where could you have vanished to?"

Anyone else might have let it go. But Rook? Rook Hunt?

Oh, no, no, no.

This is a hunt.

—

You think you’ve found the perfect hiding spot—a secluded meadow just beyond campus. The breeze is gentle, the grass soft, and the world feels so blissfully quiet.

But then—

"Ah…! What a rare and exquisite sight! A most beautiful creature, escaping the confines of duty to embrace the wild!"

You jerk up, heart pounding. "Rook?! How—"

He smiles down at you, eyes glimmering with delight.

"My dear, you wound me! Did you truly believe you could evade me?"

You groan. "Can’t I have one day to myself?"

Rook simply chuckles, kneeling beside you. "But of course! And what a splendid setting you have chosen! Ah, the crisp air, the golden sunlight—it is a moment worthy of poetry!"

You sigh, leaning back. "So, you’re not going to drag me back?"

Rook tilts his head.

"Non, non, ma chérie. Who am I to interfere with the call of your spirit?" His voice lowers, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "However… I must ask—were you running to something… or from something?"

You pause. You hadn’t thought about it that way.

Rook hums, plucking a flower and tucking it behind your ear.

"Whatever it is, you need not face it alone. If ever you wish to flee again… invite me along, oui? Let us embark on a grand adventure together."

His words are sweet, but the message is clear—next time, he will find you. And next time… you might not mind.

Silver

Silver is usually the one who accidentally skips class (thanks to his habit of falling asleep anywhere), so when he realizes you’re the one missing, it catches him off guard.

Lilia is the first to notice his concern.

"Looking for someone, Silver?" he asks, sipping his tea.

Silver hesitates. "She’s not here. She wasn’t in class this morning."

Lilia chuckles. "Ah, young love. Are you worried, or do you just miss her?"

Silver’s ears turn a little pink. "That’s not—"

But he is worried.

So, after finishing his morning duties, he sets off to find you. It doesn’t take long.

He finds you by a quiet stream, legs dangling over the edge, watching the water ripple. You don’t even hear him approach—until he’s sitting beside you.

"Skipping school, huh?" he says, voice calm but firm.

You sigh. "Are you here to lecture me?"

Silver shakes his head. "No. But I am here to make sure you’re okay."

You blink, surprised.

He gazes at the water for a long moment before speaking again.

"I get it. Sometimes, the world moves too fast. Sometimes, you just… need to stop." He exhales. "I’ve felt that way too."

His honesty takes you off guard.

"But," he continues, turning to look at you, "you don’t have to bear it alone. If you ever need to slow down… let me stay by your side."

Your heart clenches at the sincerity in his voice. Silver has always been gentle, always patient—but beneath it all is a quiet strength, one that makes you feel… safe.

He offers you his hand. "Let’s go back together. But if you really don’t want to, then I’ll stay here with you."

You stare at his outstretched hand. And for the first time today, you don’t feel like you have to run.

Because with Silver beside you, the world doesn’t seem so overwhelming anymore.

Sebek Zigvolt

Sebek prided himself on being alert, disciplined, and ever-diligent in all things—so when he noticed your absence from class, his first instinct was absolute outrage.

"Where is she?!" he bellowed the moment roll call finished, slamming his hands down on his desk.

The entire class turned to stare. Even Lilia, who was used to Sebek’s theatrics, raised an eyebrow.

"Calm yourself, Sebek. I’m sure she has her reasons," Lilia said, sipping his tea.

Sebek whirled around. "Reasons? What reasons could possibly justify this?! My human— I mean, my beloved has abandoned her education!"

His heart raced in his chest, not just from frustration, but from concern. What if something had happened to you? What if you were in danger? What if—gasp—you were avoiding him?!

No. Unacceptable.

Without hesitation, Sebek stormed out of class, determined to find you and drag you back to school himself.

—

You were relaxing in a quiet corner of the gardens, lying beneath the shade of a tree, finally enjoying some peace. That is, until—

"HUMAN!"

The roar of your name nearly sent you flying out of your seat. Before you could even react, Sebek loomed over you, arms crossed, golden eyes blazing with intensity.

"You dare to SKIP CLASS?! What kind of nonsense is this?! Have you no sense of duty?!"

You groaned, rubbing your temples. "Sebek, please. Not so loud."

"LOUD?!" he repeated, even louder. "How can I possibly remain quiet when you have committed such a heinous act?! Skipping school—DISGRACEFUL!"

You sighed. "I just needed a break. I wasn’t in the mood for class today."

Sebek scowled. He wanted to scold you further—to lecture you on the importance of education, of discipline, of honor—but then… he saw the tired look in your eyes.

His frustration wavered.

"You… were not in the mood?" he repeated, his voice softer now.

You nodded. "I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. I just wanted to breathe a little, that’s all."

Sebek stiffened. His grip on his arms tightened. His natural instinct was to demand you push through it—to insist that duty must always come first.

But then… he thought of Lord Malleus. How often had his master been told to put his responsibilities first? How often had he been isolated because of that very thinking?

Sebek hesitated. Then, very slowly, he sat down beside you.

"If you were feeling unwell… you should have informed me." His voice was still gruff, but gentler now. "It is my duty to stand by your side, no matter the circumstance."

You blinked, surprised by the change in his tone. Sebek? Being understanding? That was new.

He cleared his throat. "But! This does NOT mean I condone such behavior!" He huffed, turning away. "If you must rest, then rest properly! Not by… skipping school like some delinquent!"

You smiled. "So, you’re not mad?"

"OF COURSE I AM—!" He caught himself, exhaled sharply, then muttered, "…Just do not make a habit of it."

You giggled. Despite all his dramatic ranting, you could tell he was genuinely worried about you.

And maybe, just maybe… Sebek Zigvolt cared more about your well-being than he let on.

Malleus Draconia

Malleus immediately noticed your absence the moment he stepped into class.

At first, he thought you were simply running late. But as the minutes passed and your seat remained empty, his usual calm began to crack.

"She is not here," he murmured to himself, fingers tapping lightly against his desk.

Lilia, watching from the side, smiled knowingly. "Ah, young love. Worried already?"

Malleus said nothing, but his green eyes darkened.

The moment class ended, he vanished. Not even his retainers could stop him.

—

You were peacefully sitting beneath a willow tree, flipping through a book, when the sky suddenly dimmed.

A chill ran through the air. The once-bright afternoon grew darker, as if the sun itself was hiding.

And then—

"There you are."

Your head snapped up. Standing before you, tall and regal as ever, was Malleus. His emerald gaze bore into yours, unreadable and intense.

"You did not come to class today," he stated. Not a question. A fact.

You swallowed. "I just… needed a break."

Malleus was silent for a long moment. Then, he took slow, deliberate steps forward.

"A break," he repeated softly. "From school… or from me?"

Your eyes widened. "Wait, what? No, Malleus, I—"

Before you could finish, he had closed the distance. He stood so close, his presence towering, consuming.

"Do you understand how worried I was?" His voice was gentle, yet firm. "You disappeared without a word. Do you truly believe I would not seek you out?"

You fumbled for words, guilt creeping into your chest.

"I didn’t think it would be a big deal—"

"You are my beloved."

The way he said it—so matter-of-factly, so absolute—made your breath hitch.

"Everything about you is a 'big deal' to me."

Your heart pounded. You opened your mouth to respond, but Malleus was already sitting beside you, his usual regal demeanor softening.

"If you wished to escape," he murmured, "you need only call for me. I would take you anywhere you desire."

His fingers ghosted over yours.

"But next time, do not disappear on your own. My heart does not take well to such… uncertainty."

A lump formed in your throat. You hadn't meant to worry him—not like this.

You turned, meeting his gaze. "I promise. Next time… I’ll tell you."

His expression eased, and a rare, soft smile graced his lips.

"Good."

And just like that, the sky brightened once more.

Malleus Draconia was no stranger to solitude. But when it came to you…

He would not tolerate being left behind.

[harrysfolklore]

i see your face in every crowd - op81

summary: the asutralian grand prix is right around the corner and oscar's face is everywhere in melbourne, his ex girlfriend can't help but miss him (he misses her too)

folkie radio: if you know me you know i'm a sucker for an exes to lovers trope, and honestly this one is one of my faves i've ever done. ENJOY AND LEAVE FEEDBACK

MASTERLIST | MY PATREON

liked by oliviarodrigo, lando and 2,107,399 others

yourinstagram back home for a bit... needed some time to reset & breathe. been writing loads lately - the songs are just pouring out 🌊 feeling more inspired than ever tbh. can't wait to share what i've been working on with u all soon. huge thank u for all the love lately, means more than u know xx

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username1 BABYYYY

username2 i'm happy she's home and surrounded by love

sabrinacarpenter miss ur face already 😭 these songs are about to end lives fr

chappellroan THEYRE NOT READY FOR WHAT'S COMING!!! also pls come back to LA soon i'm dying without u

username3 chappellynbrina is a forever thing

username4 the way melbourne gp is gonna be so awkward next month...

└ username1 why does everyone have to make everything about that 🙄 let them live

└ username2 no fr like can we focus on the music instead

username5 oscar ain't shit anyway, ur so much better without him queen

└ username3 y'all don't even know what happened, stop being toxic

└ username6 they literally both asked for privacy can u respect that maybe

alexandrasaintmleux being home suits u sm! can't wait for the new era

└ username2 once a wag always a wag

username7 THE BREAKUP ALBUM IS COMING AND IM HERE FOR IT

username8 take all the time u need but also pls drop a song soon we're starving 😩

lando yooo text me when you get the chance !

└ username1 THEIR FRIENDSHIP LIVES

└username2 oscar piastri you can't break this one

username9 some of y'all are being so mean for no reason, they were cute together and now they're not, it happens

username10 manifesting a collab with sabrina on this album 🕯️

liked by lando, alex_albon and 467,958 others

oscarpiastri Last few days of prep before heading home for the season opener. Ready 💪

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username1 THATS MY BABY GOAT

username2 we're so taking that wdc this year

lando looking a bit weak mate might need another few months of training

└ oscarpiastri stick to gaming mate

└ carlossainz55 Children, behave 😂

└ username1 THIS INTERACTION

username3 we're so back. man's entering his thirst trap era and we love to see it

└ username1 healing through gym pics, real

username4 the transformation from rookie to absolute unit we love to see it

username5 melbourne's gonna go crazy for him

└ username2 the city will be pretty much covered with his face

username7 the post-breakup glow >>>>>>

username8 bro said watch me get faster AND hotter

username9 yn is stronger than me bc i definitely would've given him another chance

georgerussell63 Looking strong 💪🏼

└ lando but still slower than me

└ oscarpiastri We'll see about that mate

└ username3 WHAT IS LANDO'S PROBLEM

aussiegp Our hometown hero getting ready to give us a show 🇦🇺

username10 YN GET BACK WITH HIM I BEGGG

liked by shortandbrina, livbedumb and 119 others

definitelynotyn not me stalking his instagram at 2am with a glass of rosé in hand... why he gotta post gym pics looking like THAT 😭 someone take my phone away fr because what if i do something stupid like text him rn???? also why does he have to look so good while training I HATE HIM

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shortandbrina girl DELETE instagram rn i'm not joking!! calling u in 2 mins

└ definitelynotyn too late i already watched his story 3 times help

midwestprincess this is why we don't drink wine alone bestie... coming over with ice cream and we're watching mean girls

└ definitelynotyn pls hurry before i do something stupid like listen to our playlist

livbedumb first rule of breakups: BLOCK THE GYM PROGRESS POSTS!!!! trust me on this one

└ definitelynotyn but what if i just want to check if he's doing okay 🥲

└ gracieeeeee she's lost it completely someone intervene

arithegood not me literally writing a song about this exact situation last week 💀 wine drunk stalking is universal bestie

└ definitelynotyn pls send me the song i just know it'll hurt so good

phoebenotbuffay okay but like... we've all been there 😭 remember when i almost texted #him after he decided to walk around in those short shorts

└ definitelynotyn at least urs wasn't wearing race suits that make his arms look like THAT

whostaylorswiftanyway time to write a song about it bestie x

└ definitelynotyn already got three verses and a bridge done ngl

liked by username1, username2 and 6,974 others

f1updates Melbourne is getting ready for the Australian GP! The city is covered in @/oscarpiastri billboards and posters as they prepare to welcome their home hero

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username1 imagine being yn trying to get coffee and boom there's your ex's face on a 50ft billboard 💀

username2 the way you literally can't escape his face anywhere in the cbd this week

username3 the way this gp would've been so different if they were still together... remember last year?

└ username1 they were the cutest in the paddock

└ username2 pls she probably won't even be in melbourne this year

username4 our boy is everywhere and we love to see it!!

username5 the promotional team really said oscar piastri world domination

username6 the billboards are giving everything they need to give tbh

username7 maybe she should drop the breakup album during race week for maximum chaos

└ username1 now that would be iconic behavior

└ username3 the way the charts and the podium would be fighting for his attention

username8 MELBOURNE IS OSCARLAND

username9 imagine not being an oscar fan rn… or worse, being his ex

username10 CAN SOMEBODY THINK OF OUR GIRL YN

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liked by lando, charles_leclerc and 597,388 others

oscarpiastri Seems like there's a few of me around Melbourne at the moment... has anyone noticed? 😅

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username1 OSCAR FUCKING PIASTRI

username2 HE DID NOT

lando bit of an upgrade for the city tbh └ oscarpiastri Better than your face mate

username3 OH HE'S MESSY FOR THIS ONE

└ username1 posting this RIGHT after her story i'm screaming

username4 he chose violence today and i'm here for it

mclaren Our guy's everywhere! Can't wait for the weekend 🧡

└ username2 admin pretending they don't see what's happening here

username5 THE TIMING OF THIS POST??? someone's feeling petty

username6 he really said "oh you can't escape me? let me show you why" 💀

georgerussell63 Just ran into your face in the airport

username7 the way he probably had these pics ready and WAITED

username8 bro saw her story and chose chaos

danielricciardo looking good mate! although i remember when it was my face everywhere 👴 └ oscarpiastri Times change old man

username9 it's giving "oh you miss seeing me? here's more" energy actually

username10 focusing on the important stuff: he looks good in every single billboard

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liked by harrystyles, sabrinacarpenter and 1,389,647 others

yourinstagram missing tour life so much today! can't wait to get back on the road and see all your beautiful faces again 💕 thankful for the memories we've made together x

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username1 MY GIRL I MISS HER

username2 the way she posted this exactly after THAT story... we see you

└ username3 damage control era

troyesivan SUPERSTAR 🤩🤩

username4 girl we know what (who) you're really missing

└ username2 not her trying to distract us 😭

username5 we're not fooled bestie but we support you

sabrinacarpenter miss you too angel!! ❤️

└ yourinstagram love you sabs 🥺

username6 NOT THE DAMAGE CONTROL POST

username7 WE NEED A TOUR ASAP

gracieabrams I miss being on the road with you 🥹🥹

username8 EVERYONE TALKIG ABOUT OSCAR HELP

username9 can we talk about how good she looked on tour though??

username10 the way she's probably sitting with sabrina rn planning damage control posts

└ username11 the group chat must be WILD right now

liked by midwestprincess, livbedumb and 109 others

definitelynotyn well. something just came in the mail and i think i might actually throw up. universe really said "you thought that instagram story wasn't enough embarrassment for one day?"

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shortnbrina GIRL CHECK YOUR TEXTS RN

└ definitelynotyn I'M HAVING A CRISIS

midwestprincess the way i SPRINTED here when you texted

└ definitelynotyn help what do i do

└ midwestprincess BREATHE FIRST

gracieeee wait is that what i think it is? 🏁

└ definitelynotyn 🙃🙃🙃

└ gracieeee OH MY GOD????

livbedumb the timing… someone's been plotting

└ definitelynotyn don't. i can't think about that.

maddiebeer okay but like… are you going?

└ definitelynotyn MADS PLS I'M ALREADY SPIRALING

└ maddiebeer that's not a no 👀

arithegood manifesting a rain delay so you have to stay longer

└ definitelynotyn I HAVEN'T EVEN DECIDED IF I'M GOING

└ arithegood sure jan

phoebenotbuffay imagine if you'd actually posted this on main too

└ definitelynotyn DON'T EVEN JOKE ABOUT THAT

└ phoebenotbuffay too soon? 😂

dulapeep at least you have time to plan outfits

└ definitelynotyn NOT HELPING

└ dulapeep the green dress. trust me.

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liked by lando, charles_leclerc and 665,583 others

oscarpiastri Close. Bring on tomorrow

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username1 THATS MY BABY GOAT

username2 oscar piastri man of few words

username3 pole position if he was still with yn

mclaren Our home champ 🧡

username4 OKAY CHAT DO WE THINK YN WILL ATTEND THE RACE??

└ username1 maybe focus on racing?? this isn't about his ex

lando sorry about that

└ oscarpiastri Should've just let me keep it

username5 can't help but think about yn in parc fermé for his win tomorrow but they're not together anymore

username6 HES WINNING TOMORROW THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN CHANGE THAT

charles_leclerc An existential crisis later

└ carlossainz55 Let him breathe

└ username1 HUUUH WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT

username7 brb listening to yn's songs about him.. specially lover

liked by midwestprincess, shortandbrina and 107 others

definitelynotyn watching from my couch because apparently i'm the biggest coward in the universe. the pass is literally staring at me from my coffee table. i hate myself.

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shortnbrina GET IN YOUR CAR RIGHT NOW

└ definitelynotyn I CAN'T

└ shortnbrina YES YOU CAN I'M CALLING YOU AN UBER

midwestprincess GIRL THERE'S STILL 40 LAPS YOU CAN LITERALLY MAKE IT

└ definitelynotyn and then what?? walk in mid-race??

└ midwestprincess YES EXACTLY LIKE A MAIN CHARACTER WOULD

livbedumb not you watching his every move on tv when you could be there

└ definitelynotyn this is less scary ok

└ livbedumb is it though??

maddiebeer remember when you said you'd never be that girl who's too scared to face her feelings?

└ definitelynotyn low blow mads

whostaylorswiftanyway THE PASS IS RIGHT THERE GO GET YOUR MAN

└ definitelynotyn STOP YELLING AT ME

└ whostaylorswiftanyway NO

gracieeee remember when you said his note was the sweetest thing ever? remember crying about how much you missed him? but sure stay on your couch

└ definitelynotyn this is emotional manipulation

definitelynotyn FINE YALL WIN. CALLING A CAR RN

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

liked by shortnbrina, landitooooo and 113 others

definitelynotyn we did some talking. then we did some kissing. then we did some more talking. then we did some more kissing. might have cried a bit (him too). wearing his sweatshirt again. life's funny sometimes.

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midwestprincess OH GOD FINALLY

gracieeee I'M SOBBING

leclercccccc FINALLY you accepted the follow request

└ definitelynotyn oh my god

└ leclercccccc i helped with the speech you know

└ notoscarpiastri mate.

└ leclercccccc you're welcome btw

landitooooo took you both long enough bloody hell

└ notoscarpiastri says you

└ landitooooo oi what's that supposed to mean

└ shortnbrina no idea really

└ definitelynotyn lando norris and sabrina carpenter... there's stuff you need to explain

arithegood THE TIMELINE HAS BEEN RESTORED

└ definitelynotyn dramatic much

└ arithegood says the girl who showed up mid-race

whostaylorswiftanyway I expect a full debrief tomorrow but I'm happy for you my girl

notoscarpiastri Can we go back to the kissing?

└ definitelynotyn please

liked by username1, username2 and 8,594 others

popbuzz YN AND OSCAR PIASTRI SPOTTED TOGETHER IN MELBOURNE

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username1 THE SWEATSHIRT THE SWEATSHIRT THE SWEATSHIRT

└ username2 SHE'S WEARING HIS CLOTHES AGAIN

username3 FROM SPINNING OUT TO BREAKFAST DATES IN 24 HOURS

└ username2 character development at its finest

username4 IM GOING TO CRY THEY'RE BACK TOGETHER

username5 Sources say he went to her place last night...

└ username1 and didn't leave 👀

username6 I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY REALLY GOT BACK TOGETHER

username7 this is proof that crying over your ex on main actually works

username8 YN IS A WAG AGAIN OMFG

username9 everybody say thank you australia gp billboards with oscar's face

username10 OSCAR LOVE SONGS ARE SO BACK

username11 WE WON SO HARD

liked by yourinstagram, lando and 876,494 others

oscarpiastri Home race took some unexpected turns both on and off track. P9 wasn't the result we wanted, but somehow still ended up winning this weekend.

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username1 HE'S SOOOO

username2 LOST THE RACE BUT GOT THE GIRL??

lando mate that's actually smooth

└ oscarpiastri Learned from the best

mclaren We'll take this kind of victory too 🧡

username3 THE THIRD PICTURE IM SOBBING

username4 mans really said forget p9 i got the girl

username5 HE'S SO BOYFRIEND WE'RE SO BACK

nicolepiastri ❤️

username6 OSCAR PIASTRI THE MAN THAT YOU ARE

username7 oscar's guide to get back with your ex with just ten simple steps

sabrinacarpenter FINALLY !!! OUR GIRL CAN STOP MOPING AROUND

└ chappellroan now we need oscar's friend to grow some balls too

└ oscarpiastri @/lando

└ lando well...

└ username1 OMFG LANDO AND SABRINA??

└ username2 WHAT JUST HAPPENED

username8 I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS REAL LIFE

yourinstagram 🥺🥺 i love you

[miyaz6ki]

☆ wearing their clothes

synopsis. seeing s/o wearing their clothes for the first time :) (like shirts/sweatshirts or jackets/coats :pensive:)

the blade has spoken. erm... first draft being posted... i feel a little nervous after changing from reshinless to the user i use everywhere..

pairings. albedo, alhaitham, capitano, childe, wriothesley, diluc, neuvillette, kinich, xiao, dainsleif, wanderer

albedo felt himself heating up already. the red that crept up his neck was noticeable as you looked up. you were wearing his lab coat, and all cozy in the bed you both share.

"you're.. wearing.. my.." - "oh.. wow."

he had just come back from work and he couldn't wait to cuddle with you in bed, yet it was as if he wouldn't mind conducting another experiment with his new 'assistant' by his side <3

alhaitham when he suddenly walks into the empty home, tired of the work he's done for only archons knows how long he had been working. he just wanted to come home and tell you about all the things he's been- oh.

he was stunned. star struck. fuck. were you really wearing his sweater right now? the grayhead felt himself simply smirk at he adorable sight of you simply sleeping on the couch. a dinner made just for him, along with dessert on the side (ifykyk)

"maybe i'll tell you when i wake up, love."

capitano who simply lets out a chuckle, one out of love. he loves how large his coat looked on you. he handed it to you after going out for a while, asking you to simply hang it beside his desk. yet you had better ideas. and by better ideas? is to wear it of course!

"well what do we have here? you're so adorable my love."

he tucks strands of your hair behind your ear. adoring the way you tried your best not to fall over as you tried to spin. this was enough to keep you warm though. not to mention how he was already carrying you bridal style to bed.

childe laughs, seeing you try on one of his shirts, looking at yourself in the mirror before turning to see him.

baby, you look amazing! how about another spin?

even when you simply scoffed, he loved how you looked right now. fuck, he could feel himself reddening already. he definitely will let you have full access to his wardrobe. just take it all like how you took his heart too.

wriothesley just put his jacket over you to keep you from being wet while watching the melusines play with sigewinne, yet right now he was more focused on how much he admired your figure in his clothes. his jacket.

"what's wrong?" "...nothing. you look amazing today, yk that?"

he chuckled at your behavior, unaware of your own attractiveness as you told them to stop running around the fountain with the wetness of the floor spreading. you couldn't help but ease up and laugh as well.

a certainly crazy day at the court of justice- neuvillette was finally finishing up the last few cases, not to mention how absurd some of the cases were.

not realizing he ended up taking your jacket instead of his home, only realizing it when the melusines mention how different it look from his usual one. oh man. there you were. trying on his coat that just seemed a little too big (or small) on you. gosh were you cute.. what do you mean his ears are red?!

"i.. it looks better on you than me, doesn it?"

dainsleif who was there immediately as soon as the red wine was spilled onto your outfit. quick to spring into acting, he throws his jacket over it just as fast. scolding the person who jealously just oh-so accidentally ruined your outfit tonight purely because they wanted your significant other? oh please he wasn't having any of that!

but by the time his anger went away, he didn't realize how.. alluring you looked.. in something he wore all the time. it definitely suited you better, only noticing after he finally parked the car. he definitely had to give you more of his clothes.

"you.. uh.. i.. well.. you're beautiful. you know, you're welcome to keep that."

diluc's face was turning as red as his hair seeing how you quietly snored, sound asleep in his- no, your shared bed. seeing how closely you held his coat to your chest, as well as the shirt you wore.

"...I don't.. deserve you."

he simply took his boots off, letting his arms snake you close, one of his hands trailing up to your scalp, calmly stroking your head as he feels you smile into his chest. this was life.

kinich who always had an interesting wardrobe, you really just wanted to see how comfy his clothes were if he can swing back and forth that far!

and in which you did, spinning and looking at yourself in the mirror in his clothing. you loved it even more from how it smelled just like him too <3

"someone's having fun aren't they?"

you felt yourself blush out of embarassment of getting caught. but before you could apologize, he already had his lips on yours.

when xiao decides it'd be a good idea to give you a hoodie just to realize you never gave it back. is it just.. yours now?

and to find out the answer? yes! it is! and he finds out in the cutest way possible—by finding you sleeping soundly and wearing it all the same. almost indifferent about it as if it was normal.

"you okay?" "i-i've been looking for this y-you know.."

he only flushed more when you tell him you missed him so much.

finally coming home, wanderer, or scaramouche just wanted to cuddle. no words shared. just to hold you in his arms.

but maybe it was good that didn't happen. because now he was looking at the love of his life, and eating the food they made him. knowing how they made it with the knowledge on how he can't really taste anything. not to mention you were wearing.. that sweatshirt he lent you.

you.. look.. good.

[pathologicalreid]

here with me | s.r.

four times Spencer feels out of place in your house after being released from prison, and one time it's like he never left

margotober masterlist

who? spencer reid x fem!reader category: fluff content warnings: mom!reader, dad!spencer, post prison, crying, stephen walker's death, non-specified illness, baking, kissing word count: 3.58k a/n: i love this fic format i have been wanting to do it for ages. and here we are. as always-tell me how you feeeeeeeel

“I wanna stay home,” your daughter whined from her place at the kitchen table. She periodically reached to her sister’s high chair so that she could steal blueberries from her plate.

You hummed, pouring the egg mixture into the preheated skillet, “We played hooky yesterday, bub. We’ve gotta go back to school today.” Using a silicone spatula, you started to scramble the eggs.

She grumbled unintelligibly, dramatically sliding down the chair, “Livvy gets to stay home.”

Turning down the heat on the stove, you went around the counter and crouched in front of your five-year-old, “Well, Livvy’s two, and before you ask, Finn’s not going to school either.”

“Finn’s a baby, mom. He can’t go to school,” she told you proudly.

You frowned at your daughter, “It’s hard to be the oldest, honey. We can’t keep staying home.” Ruffling her hair affectionately, you get up from the floor and go back to the stove, you continue scrambling the eggs.

To your eldest, going back to kindergarten was a fate worse than death. It wasn’t strictly that she didn’t want to go to school, it was that she didn’t want to leave home. The sniffle from the table lets you know that this morning was going to be harder than you initially anticipated. “I wanna stay with daddy,” she cried, kicking her legs at the table.

Turning off the heat, you set the pan on a trivet before going back to the table, “I know,” you responded. Every time you thought you had run out of tears, new ones managed to find their way out.

Of your three kids, Eleanor was old enough to really feel Spencer’s absence. To your dismay, she ended up bearing some of the burden of her father being gone for three months. After staying with your parents for a few days, she was finally reunited with her dad yesterday morning, and they had been nearly inseparable since.

“Oh, Nell,” you sighed, cupping her cheeks in your hands, “I don’t know if daddy has plans today. He has a lot of stuff that needs to be done.

Pulling away from your touch, she frantically wiped the tears from her eyes, “I can do stuff too,” she whimpered.

She unwound your resolve like a ball of yarn, “I know you can, honey. I just…” you faltered. You had let her miss so much school over the last three months that the school had sent letters home, “We’ll just have to see.”

You sighed helplessly, standing back up and smiling softly at Olivia, who had successfully gotten blueberry juice everywhere. Returning to the kitchen, you put some scrambled eggs on Eleanor’s plate and put more in a bowl for Olivia, setting it aside to cool more before you give it to your toddler.

Putting the pan in the sink, you flipped on the tap before starting to clean it. While you kept a watchful eye on the baby monitor, you didn’t notice Spencer come downstairs and walk into the kitchen. In fact, you were completely unaware of his presence until he spoke, “Can I help with anything?”

You lost your grip on the pan, sending soapy water flying all over the kitchen as you frantically tried to catch the handle. Eleanor either didn’t notice or didn’t care. Olivia thought it was hilarious. “Oh,” you breathed as Spencer reached over and turned off the water, “You scared me.”

The two of you shared a timid glance, his hand ghosting over your waist as he walked past you to where the girls were sitting.

Biting the dead skin off of your lips, you finished rinsing the pan before setting it on a drying mat. You were wiping down the countertop when Finn finally woke up, and you dropped everything to go get him from his crib, almost like you were running on autopilot.

Unzip the sleep sack. Change the diaper. Get dressed. Cuddle him. Every morning. In that order.

Resting the groggy baby on your hip, you made your way back downstairs and into the kitchen, starting the bottle warmer and listening to the conversation between Spencer and Nellie.

“What if you go to school today, but on Friday we can both take the day off? We could go out for lunch,” he offered, crouching down so he was at her level.

She looked pointedly over at Olivia, who was happily eating the eggs that you assumed Spencer had given her, now thoroughly doused in ketchup, “Just us?”

Spencer nodded reassuringly, “If it’s okay with mommy, we can have a daddy and Nellie day.” He reached out tentatively and tucked some of her hair behind her ear, everything about him seemed so timid.

You looped around the kitchen table, ruffling Olivia’s hair before doing the same to Eleanor’s and even Spencer’s, which made Olivia giggle.

“Can I?” Spencer asked, nodding his head to the bottle that you had just grabbed from the warmer.

Blinking absently for a moment, you eventually nodded, handing Finn over to his dad along with the bottle, watching as Spencer cradled him, walking him around the kitchen while his bottle was clamped between his tiny hands. “Hey, girls, time to get dressed,” you said, forcing yourself to peel your eyes off of your husband.

Eleanor groaned but got up anyway, trudging up the steps while you followed with Olivia in your arms, feeling like you were missing something without Finn also in tow.

Nell made her way back down first, sitting on the couch and watching her dad, keeping an eye on him like she was afraid he was going to disappear before her very eyes. “Daddy?” She whispered, her voice barely audible from your place at the top of the stairs.

“Yeah?” He asked, you heard the sound of him setting the bottle in the sink.

She’s quiet for a moment before responding, “I missed you.”

Spencer’s footsteps stopped abruptly, “I missed you too, lovebug.”

You started to make your way down the stairs, letting Olivia go down on her own now that she wasn’t covered in blueberry. Eleanor looked at you with big eyes before helping her sister climb up on the couch. “Finny, Finny, Finny,” Olivia echoed.

Zipping up Eleanor’s school lunch in her bag, you sighed, hoping you were doing the right thing by sending her to school. “Hey, Nell,” you said, checking a new message on your phone, “Mrs. Jareau is here.”

JJ’s carpools had saved you multiple times while Spencer was in prison, you were just grateful she was willing to continue them.

Normally, she’d run out the door at the prospect of being able to talk to Henry, but this time she lingered by the front door, holding her backpack straps in her hands and staring at her dad, “Will you be here when I get home?”

He looked at you, a thousand emotions flashing in his brown eyes, and he squatted in front of her, “I’ll be here,” he said, holding out his pinky finger to interlock with her much smaller one. “I promise,” he said, kissing her forehead before standing up.

Once you knew she was off to school, you made sure Olivia was settled in on the couch and Finn was in his bouncer before going back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. You were placing dishes in the dishwasher when Spencer came back.

“I’m sorry,” he said, leaning against the countertop and handing you a bowl to put on the top rack.

Taking the bowl, you didn’t look at him as you placed it in the dishwasher before putting a tablet in and pressing the start button, “I wish you’d stop apologizing.”

He stepped slightly closer to you, “I know. It’s just… watching you handle all three of them in the morning. It’s incredible,” he praised you. “I left you alone,” he said mournfully.

You shrugged, having never really thought of it that way, “You didn’t leave me alone. I had them,” you said, nodding in the direction of the living room, where Finn and Olivia were having a conversation that only the two of them could understand.

You sighed in relief as the shower water washed over you, an early afternoon shower just before Eleanor got home from school, the little ones were down for their naps, and you had to race against time before one of them woke up. It didn’t give you a lot of time to just sit under the running water, but you’d have enough time to wash your hair before you needed to pause the shower.

You had narrowly avoided disaster this morning when the girls’ breakfasts had been mixed up. Thankfully, you navigated a toddler meltdown that was triggered by the appearance of ham in her eggs. Poor Spencer was still confused even after you explained to him that she wouldn’t eat ham because it’s pink and pink is her favorite color.

It wasn’t something that made a lot of sense to you either, but the only person that it needed to make sense to was your two-year-old.

Rinsing your hair, you remembered how happy Spencer had been when he got Finn down last night. He’d spent the day talking about how babies don’t start to really recognize faces until they’re around four months old, and that was about how old he was when Spencer left.

Finn knew his dad. He’d even started reaching out for him when he wanted to be held but feeling comfortable enough to be put down for the night by him—it felt like a milestone.

The crying started right after you finished rinsing your hair, you quickly shut off the water and grabbed your towel off of the hook. Wrapping it around yourself, you dried off your feet before opening the bathroom. Sometimes when Finn cried while you were in the shower, you’d just bring him in with you to finish, but when you opened the door, his tears were already waning.

Spencer had gotten to him first, scooping him out of the crib in your room and holding him to his chest, “Hey, buddy,” he cooed softly, “What’s wrong?”

The baby chattered in response, gripping the cotton of Spencer’s t-shirt in his tiny fists and wiping his tears away.

“You’re alright,” Spencer whispered, placing him on your bed to undo his sleep sack, smiling at his son when he kicked his legs once freed. “You just wanted to be held, huh? Your sister was the same way when she was a baby,” he said.

Nell. He was remembering Nell as a baby, who slept best when she was being held and would cry if you were out of her line of sight.

Spencer turned around, stopping in his tracks when he saw you in the doorway, “Did you finish?”

You’d been caught, “Oh. Could you get a new soap from the hall closet? We’re out,” you fibbed, mindful of the way your hair was still dripping wet.

He frowned, “I just put a new one in this morning. Did you look on the caddy?”

Blinking, you shook your head, “No, my bad.”

You had already started closing the door when he called for you, “Honey?”

Pausing, you peeked out the door to look at him, “Yeah?”

“I’m here,” he told you, something urgent in his tone.

Your face warmed, the reminder of his presence making your heart race, “I—” you faltered, “I know.”

You had managed to get Nell out the door without a fight this morning with the promise of her father-daughter date tomorrow. Olivia was settled with her toys in your line of sight and Finn was in a sling. The baby hadn’t slept well last night, and you were fairly certain that he had a new tooth poking through. He seemed fine now, catching up on sleep while you wiped down the kitchen.

Spencer was across from you, filling out some required papers for his reinstatement hearing. He hadn’t fully committed to seeking reinstatement until you brought it up. Frankly, you were horrified by the fact that Spencer was under the impression that you would ask him to leave the BAU for any reason.

“What do you have planned today?” Spencer asked you, still focusing on the papers while making gentle conversation with you.

You raised your eyebrows briefly, “Really awesome exciting stuff.” You took a sip of your coffee before adjusting Finn’s sling. Very slowly, you were beginning to find a new routine with Spencer and the kids in the morning. Spencer was learning about everything that had changed, and you were learning how to give him more responsibilities around the house.

You needed to let go of the notion that you were still alone. Spencer hummed in response, laughing at your blatant oversell, “Like what?”

Smiling, you dried your hands on a tea towel before standing next to him, distracting him from his paperwork with the cuteness of a sleeping baby. “There is so much dirty laundry in this house,” you told him, “I’m surprised anyone has any clean clothes.”

“Anything else?” Spencer asked, placing one hand gently on your hip and pressing a tentative kiss to your lips.

You hesitated, “Uh, cooking?”

He looked at you curiously, “Cooking for what?”

Chewing on the inside of your lip, you looked over at Olivia, making sure she was preoccupied before answering, “Monica and the kids.”

Realization dawned over Spencer’s face, “Oh,” he breathed. It didn’t surprise you that Spencer had conflicting feelings about Stephen’s death, given that he hadn’t known him that well prior to his arrest, but he and his family had grown close to you in your husband’s absence.

You nodded, “There’s a meal train thing going on for them, so I was going to make some stuff and drop it there later.” Tentatively, you smoothed Spencer’s hair back, needing something to do with your hands, “Maya used to babysit a lot when I needed extra hands. I just want to feel like I’m returning the favor.”

“Can I come with you?” Spencer asked, tilting his head back to look up at you.

Smiling softly at him, you answered, “Of course.” You sniffled, “If we time it right, we could pick Nell up from school at the end of the day.”

He squeezed your hip comfortingly, “I love you.”

You leaned down and kissed him again, “I love you too.”

The chattering woke you up, Finn in his crib talking to himself as you glared at the alarm clock. It was just past three in the morning, and the second thing you noticed was that you were alone in your bed.

You sat up in a panic, worried you had dreamt the past few weeks until your eyes found Spencer’s watch sitting on his nightstand. Rubbing your eyes, you dragged yourself out of bed before getting Finn from his crib, taking his sleep sack off to make him easier to hold, “Hey,” you whispered, “Let’s go find daddy.”

It didn’t take you long, Spencer was sitting on the floor in the hallway, his knees bent to his chest as he looked into Nell’s room, her space nightlight providing a soft glow into the hallway.

“If you move to the left about a foot, you can see both of them at the same time,” you informed him.

He listened, shifting over so that he could see Eleanor and Olivia at the same time, both of them sleeping peacefully in their beds. Spencer looked up at you, “Why do you know that?”

You slid down the wall, taking a seat next to him and settling Finn lengthwise along your thighs, “At the beginning of March, Nell brought home a virus from school and gave it to Liv, and then one of them gave it to Finn. So, I’d sit out here in the hallway and watch the girls with Finny in my lap,” you told him, leaning your head on his shoulder. “Just so I’d be nearby if any of them needed anything,” you kept your voice at a whisper, rocking your legs in hopes that it would soothe Finn back to sleep.

Spencer didn’t respond for a moment, thinking through what you had said before finally speaking up, “No one told me they’d been sick.”

Humming, you smoothed the baby’s hair back, keeping it out of his face, “I didn’t tell anyone.” To this day, no one else knew that you had juggled three sick kids at once, “I lied to JJ and told her that I was keeping Nell home for a few days, and she didn’t push for more information.” No one had pushed you for anything in the past three months.

“Why didn’t you ask for help?” Spencer asked, leaning his head on yours and resting a hand on your knee.

You didn’t want to, quite honestly. You hadn’t wanted to have to call your mom or anyone from the BAU when you needed help because it felt like an admission of sorts. Admitting that Spencer was gone long-term and that you were a solo parent. “I don’t know,” you lied, “I felt like I had something to prove to the world.”

Spencer swallowed thickly next to you, “Did it work?”

Shaking your head, you sighed a breath of relief at his presence, “No.”

He was quiet for a while, likely wallowing in a pit of guilt that he had been constructing for weeks, “We should get him back to bed.”

“Spence?” You whispered, closing your eyes and listening to the sounds of your quiet house, “Can we just stay like this for a little while?”

Humming a confirmation, Spencer placed a gentle kiss on the crown of your head, leaving his hand resting on your knee while the two of you remained in the hallway, enjoying each other’s company.

“We should’ve done cupcakes,” you said mournfully, turning on the oven light to see that there was something very off about the cake you’d put in the oven.

Spencer hummed, looking at the recipe again to see if there was something you had missed, “Why didn’t we do cupcakes?”

You huffed, “The Pinterest photo I found was of a cake.” It was a perfect cake, complete with a purple graduation cap made out of fondant that you could put on the top. The only problem was you had severely overestimated your baking abilities.

“So,” Spencer started, “It’s your fault.”

Scoffing, you tapped his chest with a silicone spatula, “It’s the fault of whoever posted the original photo!”

Spencer smiled at you, a dopey look in his eyes despite it being one in the morning. “We should’ve asked Penelope to do the cake,” he told you, flipping over the recipe you had printed out.

“We can make a cake,” you retorted, you were throwing a very small party for Nell’s last day of kindergarten—the first time you’ve invited a group over since Spencer was arrested. “You have three PhDs and you don’t think you can bake a cake?”

He raised his eyebrows at you, “This might come as a surprise to you, but none of my coursework ever involved baking.”

You grinned at him, “That does surprise me, it’s basically chemistry,” you challenged.

Spencer rolled his eyes, “Okay, come here,” he said, pulling you into his arms by the fabric of your t-shirt.

Realization fell over you as you scrambled to get away, “No! You’re gonna put frosting on my nose again.” It would be his second offense of the evening.

He followed you into the living room where you tripped over a toy truck, causing you to fall to the ground. When he offered a hand to help you up, you tugged him to the floor, causing one of the balloons that you had previously blown up to pop.

You covered your mouth to muffle your giggles, waiting to see if the noise had woken any of the kids up.

The kids were all so happy to have Spencer back, but your stomach twisted at the realization that this was the first night you’d really felt like you had Spencer back. You loved the kids, but you haven’t had a moment without them since February.

“Hey,” you said to Spencer, rolling over and flinging a balloon at him for good measure.

Carefully, you rested your chin on his chest, staring at him while he tried to calm his own laughter, “Hi,” he said back, ruffling your hair affectionately.

You took a deep breath before speaking up again, “I missed you.”

You hadn’t said it yet. You’d developed some misconstrued fear of making him feel guilty if you’d told him just how much you missed him, but it was the truth. You missed him. He smiled softly down at you, almost as if he had been waiting for you to say the words. “I missed you too,” he whispered.

Slowly, you lifted yourself up and pressed your lips to his, kissing him. It was more than any of the quick pecks you’d shared in the last few weeks, it was real. His hands dug into your waist as if he was afraid you were going to disappear, but you stayed there. You stayed with him, and you always would.

Up until the timer for the cake went off, your phone buzzing in your pocket when you finally pulled away. Breathing heavily, Spencer asked, “Is it too late to ask Penelope to do the cake?”