#sixties journal | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

haologram · 5 months ago

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what do i call you? 🕹️ k.mg [m]

synopsis: your best friend is a man of many facets - a creative architecture student, a skilled football player, a wonderful friend and a sought-after lover. not that he'd ever truly glance anyone's way, especially not when his heart has always been set on you. genre: college au, idiots friends to lovers au ; angst, fluff, suggestive ? slightly smutty? themes. pairing: football player!kim mingyu x fem!college journalist!reader word count: 15.3k rating: 18+. minors do not interact. warnings: swearing, mentions of smoking (weed), mentions of food and eating. mutual pining, vernon is a plot device (because i love him.) mentions of infidelity and situationships. vernon calls reader bunny. mingyu and y/n are fucking stupid. mentions of omegas (i had to do it.) kissing, petnames (baby, honey, pretty, etc.) brief dry humping, making out. what to listen to: what do i call you? - taeyeon ; run for the hills - tate mcrae ; number one girl - rosé ; rain - swv ; hooked on your love - en vogue ; cherish the day - sade ; call me baby - exo. author's note: happiest birthday to my dear @tomodachiii ♡ i hope you forgive me for having been so ominous in the chat, and know that i love you so dearly. also, i was going to write the smut but i chickened out, mingyu is just too sexy for my brain. please eat well and stay healthy. also, thank you to both @100vern & @wonuwoe for giving me their journalism insight, as i am unfortunately a woman in stem that knows nothing about it.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU'RE NOT WRITING THE COLUMN ABOUT ME?"

You roll your eyes, sighing as your fingers rub your temples. Your best friend is currently seated not even five feet away, his lower lip jutted out in a pout as the steam from his oxtail bone soup wafts in his face. You'd been attempting to soothe his woes about the stupid column piece for the last thirty minutes, even bribing him by saying you'd spend your last twenty dollars on dessert if he dropped the topic. While nothing can get in the way of Mingyu and his food, his best friend writing a column about a sport he plays, giving one player spotlight, and not choosing him was something he simply could not let go. "Y/N, that's not fair."

"Except it is, Gyu. All the features I've written this season have been about you. One more and people might think I'm in love with you." You huff, forcing your lips into a smile as the waitress slides your order of soft tofu stew in front of you. You thank her quietly, and she simply nods her head curtly before going about her way. Mingyu eyes your bowl, the pout on his lips only deepening as you sigh, sliding your bowl over for him to dip his spoon into.

"I just think you should care about me more." He sniffs, blowing softly on the spoonful of broth from your stew. You quirk a brow as he brings the spoon to his mouth, your own lips twitching slightly at the roll of his eyes from the perfect balance of flavors on his tongue. You loved watching him eat, it was one of your favorite past times.

Not that he needed to know that.

"Mingyu, I do care about you. The newspaper has given me six columns this season alone, and I've interviewed you every single time. Let someone else have a chance." You take your bowl back, but not before he spears the jiggly tofu with his spoon, making you snicker as he burns his tongue on it.

"Why would I do that when you're my best friend? Are you saying you want to give someone else that chance? Like who, Chan? You know he smells like macaroni, right? And he bites." Mingyu breathes around the hot piece of tofu in his mouth, and you only laugh as you slide his bowl of rice closer to you. You take a bit on your spoon, dipping it into your stew before shrugging your shoulders.

"Mingyu, everyone knows you're a star, okay? You've scored sixty-two out of sixty-seven touchdowns so far, and that's just this season. You're the only quarterback in Hawk history that hasn't blown out his shoulder, which is insane. You're one of the best players in terms of field time and academics. That thing you made for your Architectural Design course? Your Apartment of a Lonely Soul model? You got displayed at the Museum of Arts for that two fucking weeks ago, and I put you in the paper for that. The people love Kim Mingyu, I think it's only fair that I give someone else a smidge of the spotlight."

He rolls his eyes, but you see the faint blush creeping on his cheeks and ears as he takes a sip of his water.

Whether you care to admit it or not, you know that the people you speak of, also refer to you.

You know that the way you write about Mingyu in your columns is the way a proud friend does, someone who cares, someone who loves him – and you know it shows bias. You know that if anyone watched your relationship with Mingyu from afar, they could tell how much you care about him, how much he means to you, how much you love him.

And you're worried that one day, someone might look too close and realize that your love for him is nothing even remotely close to platonic.

It hasn't been for the last six years of your life-long friendship.

If someone asks you, you're honest. You tell them Mingyu has been your best friend for years. You tell them that you've soothed his broken heart time and time again, that he's held your hair while you've thrown up and he's scared off shitty guys constantly. You tell them that when he's drunk, he sends you ramblings on Snapchat and eventually makes his way to your apartment to crash on your couch. You tell them that you feed him before he crashes, and make him hydrate before he goes down.

You tell them that your mom loves Mingyu, and how helpful he is when he goes home with you every so often. You tell them that he makes the best short rib soup and you've never seen someone so willing to build a bookshelf with your father. You tell them that Mingyu gets along well with your siblings, even going as far as going home with you one summer to coach your little brother's flag football team with your dad.

And then, like always – they tell you that there's no man that does that for anyone he sees as just his friend.

You choose to ignore it.

You continue to write your pieces about him, long-winded and full of purple prose in order to talk him up. You're of the idea that everyone who is capable of loving, should love Mingyu. They do, everyone on campus adores the gentle giant that he is – everyone includes girl after girl after girl. Mingyu has had three girlfriends in the twenty years that you've been his friend. He's definitely the kind of guy that likes to commit – each one lasted anywhere from a year to three. His last one, Sowon, lasted a year and a half – before he found out that she was hooking up with a guy (read: your ex-boyfriend, Daewon) on the baseball team while he was at practice.

He didn't even need her to confirm it, because he walked in on it in the men's locker room. He'd been twenty minutes late to practice, opting to drive you to a game tech convention on the other side of town. You'd practically begged him to, saying that you wanted to write a report about it for your Digital Media course and he just couldn't say no. He doesn't remember exactly what he said to her, her eyes full of guilt and regret as she quickly dressed herself and pushed past him. However, he does remember the odd feeling in his chest, and the way he tried to figure it out as he skipped practice and drove all the way back to the other side of town to pick you up.

He remembers the look on your face when you came out of the convention with your phone in hand to get a rideshare, only to see him parked front and center waiting for you against the grill of his old pick-up truck. He didn't want to talk about it, but essentially told you things between them were over as he drove the two of you to the very same diner the two of you are sitting at now, ordering all of his favorites and scarfing them down while he asked you to tell him everything about the convention. It was the most dejected you'd ever seen him look, but you also knew Mingyu well.

There was a hint of relief behind the glaze of hurt.

That was a year ago. Now, the two of you are sitting on the impending doom of graduation. You're awaiting a call back from an internship you applied to last year, and Mingyu was awaiting a letter from a Masters' program. You were both single, your last situationship ending shortly after starting because the guy was convinced you and Mingyu had a thing – simply because he came over (uninvited, unannounced) on a night where Mingyu insisted you watch the entirety of Park Chanwook's Vengeance trilogy. You didn't care too much – not when the two of you were nervous wrecks, doing everything and anything to fill your racing minds and not think about your futures.

Much like sitting in this diner and sharing a meal, your foot resting on the side of his thigh as he sits on the opposite side of the booth.

"You're too far away." He pouts, before sliding his bowl across the table and standing up, slipping next to you in the cracked vinyl booth. You worm slightly closer to the window, pretending the sudden wave of his spicy cologne doesn't make your head spin. It settled so well with the powdery scent of his detergent, the softer smell that reminded you of laying on a blanket with him, stargazing out on the football field during spring midterms.

You can't hide the way your hands tremble slightly as you reach for your spoon, but Mingyu's hawk-like gaze misses nothing.

"You cold? You're shaking like a leaf." He eyes you with a raised brow, and doesn't allow you to respond before you feel him tug his hefty letterman jacket off. The black leather sleeves brush your sweater, and you find yourself being cocooned in the warmth that now filled the jacket, radiating off your best friend's body with ease. "You're a human furnace, Mingyu." You mutter to yourself, feeling him ruffle your hair as he moves his water closer to him, opting to rearrange all the side dishes as you carefully inched away from him. You could be caught staring and Mingyu wouldn't tease you about it, you knew that much – but to be caught tensing at the brushing of your thigh with his, your arm with his, your hand with his…would be much more embarrassing.

"So I've been told. Don't think you're gonna butter me up into forgetting about the fact that you hate me, Y/N." He gives you a pointed look as he stirs his soup, your jaw dropping slightly to gape up at him.

"Oh my God, Mingyu! I don't hate you, you're making this a bigger deal than it is!" You whine, but don't miss the way he smiles around his straw, his broad shoulders taking up way too much of your space as he shrugs.

"I mean, six pieces on me in one season, but you won't make your last piece about me? And it's to spotlight a player? You've been giving me the spotlight all season! You can't take it away from me, I'll get withdrawals." "Mingyu, there has gotta be something I can do to get you to get over this. I already offered to pay for dessert, and I'm letting you pick. What else do you want from me?" Your voice is exasperated, but you don't like the glint of mischief in Mingyu's eyes as he looks down at you. He traces your features, before a soft smirk tugs at the corner of his lips.

"What are you doing Friday night?" "Mingyu." "You're not doing me, sweetheart. I need you to focus." You gape inwardly, scoffing out a laugh and running your hand through your hair as you tilt slightly to face him. He's already looking at you, his tongue running over his lower lip as you meet his eyes.

"I mean…unless you want to." "You are so fucking irritating." You scoff, shoving his shoulder as he giggles. Mingyu rarely made comments like that, but when he did, it was like he was the master of timing. He loved to catch you off guard, even going as far as pinching your cheek or sidling up to you really close to emphasize his point. He'd give you that cheeky smile, he'd look at you like you put the stars in the sky and sometimes, just sometimes, those eyes would dart down to your lips before flickering away and ending the bit.

All in good fun, you always thought.

Of course you'd thought about it, about him. About what being a lover to him would be like, about what he was like as a boyfriend. You saw it, the way he treated his girlfriends – with the utmost care, the biggest gentleman you'd ever met. He held doors open, he carried them over puddles, he retired his jackets and hoodies to their shoulders if the air even had a hint of a chill in it.

But, he cooked for you. He cleaned for you, he helped you with your projects and asked for your opinion on his. He held you close, no matter who was in his life – and it became a point of contention in his relationships. So much so that any girl that he began talking to had to meet you first – and he'd observe quietly. He'd watch you try to befriend them, how your animated personality often dwindled in their presence. He'd notice the way your smile would softly fade, often replaced with a furrow in your brows before you glanced at him, as if to say, next.

You approved of Sowon, because she was sweet. She was nice to you, and she was nice to Mingyu, until she wasn't.

You approved of his longest girlfriend, Soyoung, because she tried her hardest to get along with you and even invited you to her own social gatherings – regardless of if Mingyu would be in attendance or not. The two ended when Soyoung decided she wasn't built for sharing Mingyu's attention, and he let her go without so much as a second thought.

You approved of his first girlfriend, Sohee, because you were all idiots in high school and you didn't think it would matter that much to Mingyu – and you'd told him so.

You also did it because it was year two of you dealing with your newfound romantic feelings for Mingyu, and you figured if he had a girlfriend – he wouldn't notice the way you drifted from him. If it meant keeping your friendship and dissolving your romantic feelings for the puppy-eyed man, you would take the leap of being distant. However, return to the abovementioned point: Mingyu's hawk-like gaze misses nothing. He broke things off with Sohee after a year, noticeably missing your presence and seeking you out so much your mother asked you if you were dating. You remember the look of pity in her eyes when you'd answered in the negative.

"What, Miss Y/N, are you doing on Friday night?" You try to ignore the smile on his lips as he leans slightly closer, closing your eyes as you sigh. "Nothing, Mingyu. I'm not doing anything." "Now you are." "I'm broke, Gyu."

"Pretty girls never pay, hm?" He gives you a pointed look, and you sink slightly into his jacket, sliding a bit down the booth as your cheeks burn. He only laughs, his warm fingers pinching the fat of your cheek before you swat him away. "God, you'd think I've never complimented you. We've been friends our entire lives, what's your deal?" "Nothing! You're just a twerp who doesn't mean it." You stick your tongue out at him, before feeling the tips of his fingers graze your jaw. He tilts your head up to face him, a quizzical look in his eyes.

"What makes you say that? You think I say things just to make you feel better?" You raise a brow as his fingers squish your cheeks together, your lips puckering slightly as you reply, "I mean…don't you?" "No, Y/N. I don't. I think you're pretty, why would I lie about that?" He scoffs, before tilting his head in the direction of your stew. "Eat." The rest of the meal was spent in comfortable silence, your cheeks remaining hot under his soft gaze and gentle gestures. He drove the two of you to get dessert across town, his card hitting the reader before you could even fish out your wallet to spend your last twenty dollars as promised. He wiped your face of stray cookie crumbs as you ate in his car with the heat blasting, your own hand swatting him away constantly.

He walked you up to your apartment, biting back his laugh as your roommate, Hansol, nearly fell on his ass trying to pry open the living room window to air out the smell of weed. He smiled hazily at Mingyu, before Mingyu's best friend appeared out of your bathroom, stoned out of his mind.

"Sol, you said you wouldn't hotbox the living room again." You groan, setting your purse down on the foyer table. He winces, before pointing at Wonwoo.

"His idea." "Your apartment, idiot." Wonwoo rolls his bloodshot eyes, and Mingyu only grimaces as he quietly offers to let you spend the night at his place. You decline it almost immediately, not wanting a repeat of the first (and last) time you ever spent the night at Mingyu's apartment. Yours had flooded, and Hansol had found solace in his girlfriend's arms (and apartment) while you were left to fend for yourself.

Not really. Not if Mingyu had any say in it – and he did.

That night was like a scene out of a movie, the way he literally slammed into you fresh out of the shower. You remember the perfect way the moonlight lit him up through the cracked window, the drops of water on his abdomen burned into your brain. You also remember sleeping on the very edge of his bed that night, so much so that he eventually moved to the floor to let you get a good night's rest. You left the next day to invade Hansol and his girlfriend, Saerom, for the next two days while your apartment was fixed.

Neither of you spoke about it since, and you thanked your lucky stars that it was never brought up.

You let Wonwoo and Hansol bicker on your ratty couch, rolling your eyes as you held the door for Mingyu. He leaned against the doorway slightly, smiling down at you through perfectly bitten pink lips.

"I'll see you around, Gyu." You offer softly, rolling your eyes and tilting your head towards the two stoners now fighting over the remote to watch movies on your Amazon Prime account. "Friday." He corrects, and you suddenly realize how easily he stares at you like he knows something about you. You clear your throat, your cheeks growing even hotter as he tilts your chin up to look at him. "Say it. Say you'll see me on Friday. I'll pick you up from the office." "I'll see you on Friday." You murmur, earning a wink from him.

"See you, pretty." He spins on his heel, tucking his hands into the pockets of his letterman jacket as he barrels down the stairs of your apartment complex. You watch over the railing as he gets to his car, waving as he looks up. He waves back, opening his car door and almost instantly pulling out of the parking lot.

What you don't know is how he settles into the way your citrus perfume is now infused with his on the material of his jacket. His cheeks are warm at the idea of your flustered state in the diner earlier, and when you were sitting in his car eating your cookies. How your shy smile was only ever present around him, immediately disappearing if someone else joined your conversations or if you were around literally anyone else.

Like he made you nervous, something he'd noticed almost a decade ago. The way he could listen to you, talk to you, look at you all day – and you just brushed it off like it was nothing but you couldn't hide the twinge of fluster in your voice around him. The way you constantly talked about him if you thought he wasn't listening. How you wrote all your pieces about him, and how all his friends teased him about how in love you sounded. How enamored you sounded when you wrote about him, how passionate you were about sharing him and his success with the world to appreciate. He could date these pieces back to the first semester of your freshman year together, but he's liked you far longer than that.

Mingyu knew a lot of things, but he knew you best. You hadn't ever cared about someone the way you had him, and you made it very obvious. He crossed all his fingers, hoping the feeling in his chest when you brushed against him was something you felt, too. Hoping that you also settled in your bed and your only thoughts before closing your eyes were of him as his were of you.

Hoping that you liked him, in the same way. Hoping that you wondered what his lips would feel like against yours, what it would feel like to slot your fingers together in more than just a platonic way. He wondered if you'd let him kiss you breathless, he wondered if your eyes lingered on him that night because you liked what you saw.

Yeah, Mingyu likes you. He likes you a lot.

"NO CAN DO, Y/N. YOU ALREADY SAID YOU'D INTERVIEW LEE CHAN."

Hansol was sitting on the edge of his desk with a lollipop between his lips, looking over the rough drafts of your fellow journalists. How all of you at the Hawk Review ended up under Hansol Chwe was beyond you, but you weren't complaining. He was smart and calculated, creative, and he figured out a way to redirect some of the funding to better snacks and a Keurig for the Hawk Review Committee.

And you can't lie, either – he was a very just and fair editor. He didn't let just anyone onto the committee, often going through rigorous interviewing processes (for virtually no reason except vibes) and even going as far as making you his second in command – so long as you agreed that what happened at the HRC, stayed at the HRC. As your editor, he was more than willing to listen to you drone on and on about literally anything having to do with any of your columns or articles. As your roommate, Hansol did not want to talk about the committee at all – he preferred throwing popcorn at you while you bickered over who was dumber in How I Met Your Mother. You both agreed it was definitely Ted for the majority of the show.

"I'm gonna have to pull a veto on that, Chwe. I need to write about Mingyu." You sigh frustratedly, running a hand through your hair as you stuff your laptop into your tote. Hansol eyes you, before sliding the lollipop out of his mouth and pointing it at you.

"You are down atrociously for that guy, you know that? The dating rumors that I've had to deny for you are driving me towards the brink of insanity." You scoff in offense, your mouth attempting to form around words but only resulting in odd noises before you cover your face with your hands.

"Hansol!" "Y/N!" "I am not down anything for Mingyu, okay? I just know that if as a journalist, consistency is key, is it not? If I have put my best foot forward towards a project, in this case, interviewing Mingyu regularly for my columns…wouldn't it be just and fair, as a journalist with a semi-Mingyu-based following, to give him Spotlight of The Season? Wouldn't it be, oh wise one, something just and fair to have him be the topic of my last column as your second-in-command, Editor Chwe?"

Hansol only smiles, shaking his head before sighing. "You drive a hard bargain, Y/N." "So I've been told. Please, Sol. Mingyu will kill me if I don't do my last piece on him." You clasp your hands in front of you, jutting your lips out in a pout as you bat your lashes at him. He only snorts, tossing his unfinished lollipop into the trash can. He slides into the chair behind the heavy mahogany desk, a glint of mischief in his eyes that you can't quite place as he opens his laptop. He types away as you cross your arms across your chest, bearing your weight on one foot, tapping the other nervously.

"Well, let's see. You've written six columns on Mingyu this year alone, and one of them had nothing to do with football. Your column about his exhibit at the Museum of Arts last month was actually a great piece." He peers at you over the top of his laptop, and you tilt your head. "The Museum emailed our coordinator, you know. Said that your piece brought their ticket sales up by five percent." Your jaw drops slightly, "You're kidding." "I'm not." He shrugs, returning his line of vision to the laptop in front of him. You can see the way his cheeks move slightly, as if he's suppressing a smile, "You know, the coordinator who writes the recommendation letters for our internships. Mrs. Lee." "Hansol, if you're kidding, please shut up right now." Your voice is whiny as he smiles softly. You'd only ever seen him smile that way when he's going to deliver good news, as if to soften the blow, lessen the shock value. A smile that screams you deserve this, and everything good that comes your way.

"Mrs. Lee asked me what I thought of you, Y/N." He leaned back in his chair, pulling the drawer open and taking out yet another lollipop. He offers you one, and you take the green apple, unwrapping it as you lean on the desk. "She also asked me if I'd be willing to write your recommendation letter." Your eyes widen, "Hansol, please–" "Don't beg me. I hate it when you beg." He rolls his eyes, turning his laptop to face you. It's open to Y/N LETTER - DRAFT 2 OF 6. You can feel your nose burn as tears sting your eyes, and he closes the laptop before speaking.

"It will still go through Mrs. Lee for review, and for her to add her own notes. I think your dedication to the Hawk Review Committee has been absolutely insane. You've never failed to deliver, and everyone always loves your pieces, whether they're about Mingyu's abilities as a quarterback, Mingyu's talent for architecture and eye for what looks good. I think you're right, consistency as a journalist is key." He nods, giving you a knowing look.

"I'm sensing a but, here."

"But, I won't submit something that goes against what is true. I wrote in here that I think you're a brave individual who takes on any challenge life gives you. Submitting that when I know it's simply not true is a violation of ethics, giving false information and whatnot." He taps the metal of his laptop, and your brows furrow.

"What?" "I'm not submitting this until you tell Mingyu that you're in love with him. That gives you…" He checks his phone, "Three days. Three days to confess, so I can submit this to Mrs. Lee and she can get it in at your internship before the deadline closes and you're inevitably out of an opportunity at your own volition." Your jaw drops fully, "You're kidding." "I can assure you, Miss Y/N, I am not." He smiles lazily, shrugging his shoulders as he leans back. You scoff, but nothing tells you he's serious more than the way he opens his phone and sets a timer for seventy-two hours. "Three. Days. Hop to, bunny." "Hansol." "Oh, and I need your Spotlight of the Season column by then, too. Gotta skim through to make sure you don't say he's the love of your life in paragraph three again." "Oh, fuck you! That was one time!" You pout, "Don't do this to me, Vern. I literally helped you get that date with Saerom last year!" "And look at me now, Y/N!" He holds up his phone, a picture of him and Saerom filling the screen. "Just because you don't have balls, doesn't mean you can't have balls, you know?" "Wise words from Hansol Vernon Chwe." You hear Mingyu's voice fill the room, making you jump as Hansol smiles. He winks at you, before making a shooing motion with his hand.

"Get outta here, Y/N. And I want that damn column on the desk before Monday at six, you hear me?" He points the new lollipop at you, and you ignore the way your cheeks heat as Mingyu's arm drapes around your shoulders and he bids Hansol goodbye. You flip Hansol the bird as he makes kissing faces at you, Mingyu pulling you towards the door of the office.

"How was your day?" He asks as the door closes behind you, the chill of the November air piercing through your thin cardigan and making you regret the short skirt you chose earlier that day. You roll your eyes, opening your mouth to tell him to cut it out with the small talk – when his fingers pluck the lollipop out from between your lips and plant it straight onto his tongue.

"Mingyu! You're so gross!" You gape at him, swatting his side as he giggles around the hard candy, scooting away from you. His arm that was around your shoulder falls to his side, before you notice the way he shrugs his jacket off his shoulders, making you hold your hands out in protest. "No. Keep it, it's cold." "You're shivering." He says matter-of-factly, and you try to ignore the forming green tint on his lips from your lollipop, your eyes flickering up to his with a feigned look of confidence.

"I'm in the presence of a collegiate football superstar and future architect of the coolest buildings in our city, forgive me for being a little excited." You huff dramatically as you feel his warm jacket being draped over your shoulders. A defeated sigh escapes from your lips as his hands rest on your shoulders, guiding you out of the Literature building and towards his old pick-up.

You remember when he got it, the powder blue paint job with white detailing being a choice from his father before he passed it down to Mingyu. It was a 1992 GMC Sierra 1500, and he was definitely too big to fit in the cab but he loved that old thing more than anything in this world. He learned how to drive in it when he was sixteen, and his father finally gifted it to him on his eighteenth birthday – you remember being half-awake, toothbrush still in your mouth when you started getting shaken like maraca when he came to pick you up for school the next morning. Your mom did not trust Mingyu to drive you both to school, but with Mingyu's puppy eyes comes a certain brand of begging that no one can say no to.

Granted, he almost crashed from excitement but you both made it safe and sound.

"Where are you taking me?" You ask suddenly, remembering nothing had been discussed the night he brought it up. He shrugged, opening the passenger side door and helping you into the bench seat.

"Just relax, okay? It's, like, a twenty-minute drive."

You struggle not to roll your eyes, settling into the felt cushion and sliding your tote onto the dash. You pop open his glove box, his collection of cassettes messily thrown in. You pluck out a random one, hearing him pry open his door and settle in his seat, the rickety door definitely needing a good wipedown with WD-40.

"Only you would have a cassette collection." You hold up his November Rain cassingle by Guns N' Roses, and he snorts inwardly. It was a senseless dig, because cassettes were all his car radio could read. It was either the cassettes or the staticky sound of the FM radio…so, pass.

"You're judging me, but I went out and found that En Vogue Funky Divas cassette for you. Remember, bidding on eBay is not good for you, sweetheart." He reaches into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out the still-wrapped cassette tape you'd fought some fifty-year-old woman for on eBay weeks prior. Your eyes widen, a huge grin spreading on your lips as you pluck it from his fingers, holding it to your chest.

"Oh, you love me, Kim Mingyu!" You squeal, and he rolls his eyes, reaching over you to buckle you in. You allow it, carefully peeling back the plastic wrap. Listen, you're a twenty-something in the twenty-first century, it's not that serious. (It is that serious, what did you fight that woman for if it wasn't to just keep it as a collector's item?)

"Hooked on Your Love should be side B." He says softly, shoving his key into the ignition as you crack open the plastic case. You nod, your smile still wide as you slip the cassette into the player, his hand moving to rest on your headrest as he backs out of his parking spot.

You ignore the flutter in your stomach, before the sound of It Ain't Over 'Til The Fat Lady Sings fills the cab. You nod your head along to it, before glancing over at Mingyu and seeing a small bandage across his cheekbone. Your hand instinctively floats up to it, your fingers stroking his skin gently as he pulls up to a red light.

"What happened here, Gyu?" He looks at it in the rearview, his lip jutted in a pout. "Kiss it better and I'll tell." You snort, "Yeah, right." "I'm serious! I'm injured, oh, I'm so hurt." He feigns distress, clutching his chest just as the light turns green. You roll your eyes, forcing yourself to face forward. The sun is setting, the light hitting Mingyu's skin just right as you will your eyes away.

"Seriously, Gyu. Did you get hurt?" "Nah. It was Media Day, the stylist wanted something rugged. I didn't personally get it and she didn't explain how a singular bandage would convey that, but it's also not my expertise. I just let her do what she wanted." He shrugs, and you hum in response as he peels it off.

The silence between you, again, is comfortable.

But the growing knot in your stomach at his proximity, the smell of his cologne on his jacket surrounding you, the way the sun is making him look borderline fucking angelic – it's suffocating. You sigh inwardly, leaning your arm on the door and resting your head against your palm. You nod along to the music, your eyes scanning all the streets to see if you can figure out where Mingyu is taking you. He wasn't a secretive guy, but you couldn't ignore the roaring butterflies in your stomach at the idea that maybe he…had something planned.

Mingyu loved to plan things for the two of you to do. However, with your dedication to journalism, his practice and games and his studies – everything was far more sporadic and spontaneous. You didn't mind, you loved spending time with him in any way – but you were both sentimental people in the way that planning things you both knew you'd like was far more enjoyable.

You feel your cheeks burn at the realization that people weren't exactly wrong in assuming the two of you were a couple. You hated to admit it to yourself, because it was like giving into false hope and delusion. Sure, you were never going to think that you weren't enough for Mingyu – you were. At the end of the day, he is just a man. A man who picks his nose, probably.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Mingyu's voice tears you from your thoughts, ones so clouding that you didn't even realize the car had stopped moving, the ending notes of Hooked On Your Love playing through the cab. You pouted, before looking up at him and seeing the old arcade you used to frequent during freshman year. Your eyes widen, noticing that you're parked under the same old tree you always parked beneath.

"Gyu, we haven't been here since freshman year." "I know. I figured we could just have a good time because I'm not sure if I'll have time after the semifinals. Everyone's super pessimistic about the championships this year." He shrugs, killing the engine. You only nod along, clearing your throat as you realize how empty the parking lot is. For a Friday evening, that's unusual.

"Kind of empty, isn't it?" You mumble as he unlocks the door, not missing his smile in the side mirror as he slides out of his seat. You move to open your door, but he's already yanking it open, offering his hand to help you step down. Tugging your tote over your shoulder, you climb down and reluctantly pull your hand out of his as you shut the door.

"Did you know that museums pay you for displaying your work in their galleries?" He starts, draping his arm over your shoulder and pulling you close. You suck in a breath, a little too loud for your taste as you cough.

"Really? That's great, Gyu. I assume they shelled out a few hundred bucks, huh? I know I would for Apartment of a Lonely Soul. I'd display the shit out of that at my place." You scoff, wrapping your arm loosely around his waist. He hums, his fingers twirling in loose strands of your hair as you glance up at him. He has a mischievous smile playing on his lips as you both near the doors of the arcade. It's empty inside, making you dig your heels into the pavement.

"Gyu, maybe it's closed." You frown, but he raps his knuckles against the glass door in a pattern that reminds you of Hot for Teacher by Van Halen. You wait quietly, seeing your good friend Soonyoung turning the corner of the cashier's booth inside. He grins widely at you through the glass door, unlocking it quickly.

"Mingyu. Y/N." He greets, and you can't help but narrow your eyes as Mingyu pushes you forward through the threshold. He takes your bag off your shoulder and hands it to Soonyoung, who drapes it over his own shoulder before holding his hand out.

"You two…what did you do?" Your suspicion only makes Mingyu laugh, and you see him slide something, presumably money, into Soonyoung's hand before he turns his attention back to you. Soonyoung flips the sign to say CLOSED, the click of the lock making your eyes flit up to him. He only smiles, pocketing the money and strolling away, whistling the melody of Galaxy by Taeyeon.

"What do you wanna do first? Skeeball? Air hockey? Bowling?" Mingyu's hands on your shoulders are reassuring, the pads of his thumbs working soft circles into your trap muscles. You nibble on your lip, turning your head to look over your shoulder back at him.

"Did you rent this place out with the money the museum gave you?" You ask softly, trying to hide the subtle hint of disappointment in your voice. You had a horrible habit of insisting that Mingyu not spend money on you, something he brushed off time and time again. He peers down at you, a quirk in his brow as he smiles.

"Just pick a game, sweetheart."

You try not to show your increasing suspicion, your gut feeling telling you he's buttering you up for something as he guides you towards the bowling alley. The music playing in the arcade is louder than normal, and you try to focus on the sound of By Your Side by Sade playing through the speakers.

"Have they always played Sade? Last time we were here, I swear they were playing, like, Cascada and Keri Hilson." You look up at Mingyu, who just rolls his eyes as he makes you sit down on a bench in front of the bowling alley, kneeling in front of you and yanking your shoes off.

"You always focus this much on things that are so minuscule? We're at an arcade, alone. No lines, no screaming, no odd Dorito-Eating, Mountain-Dew drinking, Piña-Colada-Vaping gamers fighting us for our spot in the Galaga queue." He makes it all sound so magical, like the two of you didn't get a bunch of sixteen year olds kicked out several times the last few times you visited the arcade.

"Gyu–" "Just chill, okay? And if I have to guilt trip you, I will. I'm not above it." He says pointedly, slipping the bowling shoes over your socked feet as you huff. You cross your arms as he ties the laces, before his warm hands splay across your knees. He smiles as your legs jerk at the sudden contact, before giving them a gentle squeeze.

"Now, beat me in two frames and I'll get us tickets to that furry convention that I know you're going to want to write a piece about." He stands, tugging you up from the bench and towards one of the alleys.

And it's easy. It's so easy to forget everything when you're with Mingyu, watching the way his shoulders tense under the tight black t-shirt he's wearing as he swings his ball back perfectly. The way his thick thighs are hugged by the slim fitting jeans he was wearing, the black watch on his wrist distracting you from the way his fingers slid easily into the bowling ball…

You don't manage to beat him in two frames, or three. Or four.

You don't win a single game, your brain entirely too distracted by just how couple-y this all seemed. How boyfriend-like Mingyu was acting, as he took you all over the arcade. He didn't ever go easy on you, beating you in game after game – air hockey, three games of Street Fighter II. He even managed to scam you out of the few coins you managed to get out of the coin pusher, before pulling you over to the Skee-ball machines.

"If you lose, you're buying dinner." He says pointedly, gathering the wooden balls in his hand as you gape up at him.

"This is so fucking unfair, Mingyu! You literally play football!" You stomp your foot like a petulant child, only making him laugh softly. "But if I offer to go easy on you, you'll complain. So which is it? Do you want me to have a filling dinner or do you want to win the weasel way?" He tilts his head at you, brow cocked high on his face as you scoff, shrugging his jacket off your shoulders and shoving it into his chest, grabbing the balls from his hands. He slides the jacket on with a grin, watching the way you count the balls with your eyes. 7..8..9…Before looking up, your lip jutted out in a pout. "No way you just called me a weasel, Kim Mingyu." "Yes way. What're you gonna do about it, weasel?" He flicks the tip of your nose, making your brows furrow as you push past him to stand in front of the lane. He leans on Mrs. Pac-Man, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets as he watches you carefully. Your shoulders are too tense as you land a ball in the 40 zone, your elbows too stiff as another gracefully slips off the edge of 30 into the 10 when you turn around.

"Stop staring at me, I can feel the heat of your eyes on my back."

"Wasn't looking at your back, sweetheart." He chides, making you scoff and turn back around, rotating your wrist as you assume position. He steps forward slightly, sliding his arm around your waist and tilting you forward a bit. He feels your back stiffen as you suck in a breath, almost like he scared you.

"Mingyu!" Almost.

"You're too tense. This is a game of grace, Y/N. Just relax." He murmurs, his other hand wrapping loosely around your wrist. You can feel his hips pressed against you, but it's fully innocent – aside from where your mind goes. He swings your arm back before pushing it forward and you let the ball slip from your fingers. You're grimacing as you watch it, feeling your lips twitch as it falls perfectly into the 100 zone.

"You just got lucky." You mutter, feeling his chest move against your back as he laughs. "Yeah? Just luck, huh?" Your breath hitches as his hits the back of your neck, and you curse yourself internally as he drums his fingers on the expanse of your belly. Swatting his hand away, you push him back but he doesn't move away. In fact, his arm around you tightens, pulling you slightly closer as you twist your head to look up at him.

"Then those hundred points should count in my favor, shouldn't they?" You gape up at him, his smile all too warm and inviting as he winks at you, his finger coming to your chin and manually closing your mouth. "Focus, sweetheart."

He turns your face back to the lane, and you huff out a breath. "This feels like that meme of a broke guy holding onto his girlfriend while she pays for his shit." "I hold you all the time, it's never bothered you before." He shrugs behind you, and you feel him settle his chin on your shoulder as his other arm wraps around you, linking his fingers above your navel. You can't help but roll your eyes, the action the only thing keeping you grounded as you reluctantly swing the rest of the balls in. 50, 40, 40, 30, 10.

"Last one." He whispers, his fingers lightly squeezing the softness of your belly between them. You squirm, elbowing his ribs lightly. "Get away from me! I'm going to lose if you keep doing this." You whine, and he only giggles as he slides his arms away from around you. Huffing, you smooth your shirt and shake yourself off, assuming your position in front of the lane and swinging your arm back in the perfect slope for a 100…

…When you feel Mingyu's fingers poke at your sides, making you squeal and the ball goes barreling into the 30 zone.

"Mingyu!" You push his arm lightly as he laughs, grabbing your wrist to stop you from landing a smack to his shoulder. He pulls you into him, and you feel your stomach flip as you slap his chest. "You've been hanging out with Jeonghan, haven't you? And you have the nerve to call me a weasel?!" "You would've lost anyway, sweetheart. You've got 350 points on the roster, there's no way you're not buying dinner." He taunts you, his nose mere centimeters from yours as he smiles. You're silent, the proximity far too much to even let out a breath when you feel your lips twitch into a scowl.

"You're not playing fair, Gyu." "You're cute, honey. Now watch this." He lets you slip from his grasp, slipping another quarter into the game and receiving his share of the wooden balls. And you, like an idiot – watch him. You watch him land 100 after 100, only once landing in the 50 zone. 850 points, 950 if you count the ones he got for you. He looks over his shoulder, eyes peering down at you with a glint you can't place as you cross your arms.

"I think I'd like to try that new place on Sixth Street." He says proudly, making you scoff in disbelief as he throws his arm over your shoulders. You shove him away lamely, only feeling his fingers pinch your cheek as he cooed. "Don't be such a sore sport, Y/N. Skeeball is not your forte." "Neither are any of these other games, apparently." You grumble as he leads you through the arcade, his thumb lightly rubbing back and forth on your jaw. He hums, pulling you into him impossibly closer.

"You wanna win something?" He asks gently, and you shake your head. You can almost hear him smiling, because you're not looking up at him, no fucking way – when he tilts your jaw up to face him. "C'mon. What do you want to play? Pac-Man?" "No." "Space Invaders?"

"No." "Oooh, Sunset Riders?"

"Mingyu." You rolled your eyes as he leaned against one of the air hockey tables, keeping you close. Your lip was jutted in a pout, making him laugh softly as he enveloped you in a hug. Your hands pushed against his torso in an attempt to push him away. He sucks his teeth, looking down at you. Your eyes look guilty, and you can feel it sinking into your stomach as he analyzes you. He opens his mouth like he wants to say something, but you know the words that come out aren't what he's thinking.

"Tell you what, we can take pictures in the photobooth and I'll buy dinner." You hate how you instantly light up, your hands now fisting the fabric of his shirt as he rolls his eyes, not bothering to hide his smile. "See? How aren't you a weasel when you make me feel bad and now I'm the one paying for dinner?" "You said it yourself, pretty girls never pay." You reply smugly, your lips stretching into a smile as he scoffs. However, it seems like the world stills as he smooths your hair down, thumbing at your earrings – a pair he got you ages ago for your birthday – and mumbling.

"I did say that, didn't I?" He nods, before seemingly snapping out of whatever trance he was in and pushing off the air hockey table. You stumble back a bit, but your grip on his shirt is enough to keep you upright as his arm tightens around your waist. "Easy, pretty. Need you in one piece for these photos." "And dinner!" You manage to stutter out, making him shake his head as he pulls you near the booth. The two of you see Soonyoung and his coworkers lounging around the cashier's booth, casually chattering while passing around a baby blue dab pen. Neither you nor Mingyu say anything, but neither does Soonyoung as he catches your eye – and he makes kissing faces at you.

Enough that you stick your tongue out at him, the feeling of Mingyu's fingers sliding between yours is the only thing that brings you back to reality. The photobooth had been much bigger the last time you came here – or maybe Mingyu had been much smaller? He takes up over ¾ of the bench inside, and you scoff. "Where am I supposed to sit?" Mingyu glances up at you, shrugging as he pats his thigh. "Hop to." "Yeah right, Gyu. Make yourself smaller." "I'd make the booth bigger if I could, Y/N. Just not possible." He speaks as if he really cares that the two of you have outgrown the photobooth meant for children, shrugging his shoulders before patting his leg again. "C'mon, pretty." You sigh, making the mistake of looking over your shoulder at Soonyoung. He just smiles, wiggling his brows as he takes a rip from the pen before handing it to Minghao. Mingyu holds his hand out, and you take it to steady yourself before pulling the curtain closed (much to Soonyoung's dismay.) You barely perch on his leg, smoothing your skirt slightly when he snakes his arm around you and pulls you down on his thigh fully, scooting you up higher.

"Act like you know me, will you?" He teases, before his hand comes to sweep the hair out of your eyes. "Ready? Need lip gloss?" You grimace, crossing your arms as he tucks a stray curl behind your ear. "Did you just call me crusty?"

"No, but I did find your lipgloss in my car. It's in my pocket, the MyMelody one?" He shrugs, pushing your hair back over your shoulder and looking into the camera. You hesitate, before holding your hand out. "Give it here." "Is that how you ask?" "Can I please have my lipgloss that I bought with my six dollars at Daiso? Pretty please, Kim Mingyu, football superstar and future architect of my home because I'm your best friend and you love me?" Your monotone voice makes him bite back his laughter, his hand sliding into his jean pocket with ease before pulling out your lip gloss. You eagerly snatch it out of his hand, screwing the top open and pressing the applicator to your lips in the camera.

If you looked just an inch to the left, you would've seen Mingyu admiring you.

"Ready now, Miss Diva?" He squeezes your hip lightly, and you smack your lips together before shoving the lipgloss in his jacket pocket and nodding.

"Yep! What pose? Smile first?" You press the camera button quickly, and he nods. You lean back a bit, your head pressed to his slightly as you both smile. The camera counts down from eight, and takes the picture as you feel your cheeks start to hurt. "Remember that photo your mom has of us? Where you're winking and I'm holding up a peace sign over your eye?" He reminisces fondly as the camera begins counting down, and you snort before nodding, humming an alright.

The two of you pose for the camera again, your chest warming at his kissy-face on the screen. The camera flashes, and you look back at him, only to see him already holding up half a heart sign with his hand. You meet it, smiling in the camera again – only to see him smiling up at you.

"Mingyu, look at the camera." You say through gritted teeth, and he does so almost reluctantly, resting his temple on your shoulder as he smiles softly. The camera flashes for the last time, and you hear the strips print on the outside. You uncross your legs, pulling the curtain open to see Minghao sweeping in front of the cashier's booth as Soonyoung crunches numbers over the calculator, a pencil in his hand quickly scribbling on his yellow legal pad. You duck out, grabbing the strips as Mingyu follows suit. You hold one up to him as you analyze yours, your heart slightly sinking at how much of a couple you guys look like. Tonguing your cheek, you run your thumb over Mingyu's face, before glancing up and seeing him looking down at you.

"Don't like them, huh?" He says defeatedly, and you shake your head quickly. "No, no! I love them." You say softly, before shrugging your shoulders a bit. "I guess it's just odd that we look so much like a couple. No wonder people think we're dating." He nods inwardly, tucking his strip into his back pocket before stuffing his hands into his jacket pocket. "Is that bad? To look like a couple, I mean?" "Considering that we've been best friends since I shoved you on the playground twenty something years ago? I'd say so." You state, and he snorts. You miss the way he tongues his cheek as he leads you over to Soonyoung and Minghao, who both smile slightly at you. "So? How was it, to have the entire arcade to yourself?" Minghao leans against the cashier's booth, his eyes slightly red from the dab pen. You roll your eyes with a smile as Soonyoung lifts your tote bag over the counter. "Glad you guys got paid to stand here. Kind of nice and calm when someone rents out the entire place, huh?" You wiggle your brows, tugging your tote over your shoulder and slipping your photo strip into it.

Soonyoung nods, "It's nice to watch two idiots play a bunch of games that are rigged and somehow still win. I still have no idea how you understand those coin pushers." "Elementary, my dear boy!" You smile widely, and Mingyu taps the counter with a small smile. "Thanks, guys. I owe you one." He says softly, and both of the men behind the counter return the smile. Minghao follows closely behind as you both say your goodbyes, unlocking the door to a bunch of teenagers who are impatiently waiting with skateboards in their hands.

"Sorry, guys. We're closed." Minghao says as Mingyu instinctively grabs your hand, pulling you in front of him. You both worm out of the door as one of the teenagers scoffs.

"So dude and his girlfriend here can go in but we can't? Come on, we've been waiting for two hours!" The kid sneers, the group behind him making noises of agreement as you laugh inwardly. Minghao rolls his eyes, sighing as he calls over his shoulder for Soonyoung.

"You guys have a good night, okay?" He waves you off as Soonyoung pops up behind him, the two of you walking towards Mingyu's truck in the moonlight. Your shoes crunch a few leaves as you hear the gaggle of teenagers slip into the arcade, Soonyoung flicking the sign over to say OPEN as you make it to the car. "Thanks for tonight, Gyu. Even if I was a sore loser, I missed spending time with you like this." You admit softly as you both round the passenger side of the truck, his hand reaching for the handle with a shrug. "No big deal. I love hanging out with you, it's like number two on my hierarchy of needs. Second only to the absolute need to beat you at every game ever." He jerks the door open, offering his hand for support as you climb in. He smiles at you, "Still up for dinner? I really do want to try that new place, they have a drive-thru and we can stargaze or something." "Yeah, I'm down. I'll pay my share with the two coins you didn't scam me out of earlier." You roll your eyes as he only grins wider, shutting the door and rounding the car. You open the glove compartment again, fishing out Sade's Love Deluxe cassette as he jumps into his seat. He cranks the ignition without another word, buckling his seatbelt in as you trade the cassettes out. The ride is once more filled with comfortable silence aside from Sade's comforting voice seeping through the speakers. You find yourself sitting slightly closer to Mingyu than you had on the ride to the arcade, but it seems neither of you really care as he swiftly maneuvers the streets, pulling into the drive-thru for the new burger place everyone in your town had been raving about.

"What do they have?" You ask softly, unbuckling your seatbelt and leaning over Mingyu's lap. The attendant blinks at you, the warm smile on her face only deepening as Mingyu's hand hovers over your waist. "We have a really good swiss and mushroom burger if you'd like to try it? It comes with caramelized onions and the bun has garlic butter brushed on top! It can get super messy but it's borderline orgasmic." She nods her head, and you glance up at Mingyu, who is biting back his laughter at her animated persona. You roll your eyes, your hand resting on his knee as you shake your head.

"You still got those mints in the glove box?" You ask, making him snort as he looks over at the attendant. "Can we get two of those? Are your fries any good? Be honest." His hand splays across your hip, his thumb rubbing circles into the fabric of your skirt as you continue leaning into him. The attendant assures him that yes, our fries are great! "Care to add a milkshake? We often get couples like you guys asking for one to share, it's adorable." She beams, and you open your mouth to speak before Mingyu talks over you.

"Do you want one?" His fingers squeeze your hip, and you can't find any words so you just nod dumbly, the attendant rattling off flavors when Mingyu speaks again. "Vanilla is fine, she's one of those people that dips her fries in it." "You guys are so cute!" You can't bring yourself to say anything, and you feel your cheeks heat as Mingyu clears his throat and mumbles a thank you before fishing his wallet out to pay the girl. She bids the two of you a good night before sending you down the drive-thru, and you can't move from your spot damn near on top of Mingyu.

"I'm sorry if she made you uncomfortable by saying that." He murmurs, and you shake your head slightly, squeezing his knee. "Nah, don't worry about it. It was kinda cute, she seemed really excited about it." You force a laugh, before feeling Mingyu pat your hip.

"It's okay, Y/N. You don't have to pretend like you're okay with it. We're friends, yeah? That's all we'll ever be." You don't know why your chest tightens at the words that fall from his lips, but you only hum in response as you slink away from him. His hand on your hip brushes across your back as you make it to the window, another attendant smiling brightly as she hands your food out. "You guys are so cute! Date night?" "Ah, we're not together." Mingyu replies quickly, and you nod as the girl gives you a glance. A hint of something, maybe pity, in her eyes. It makes your stomach turn as you take the bag of hot food from Mingyu.

"You should be." She hands Mingyu the milkshake for you, and you take it from him as you give her a sad smile in return. She bids you both a good night, and Mingyu repeats it as you steal a fry from the bag and wave. He drives back into the street as you sneak another, before he glances at you.

"Yah! If you're going to sneak fries, at least do it with your seatbelt on!" He swats at you, crumpling the bag shut as you reach for the seatbelt and tug it on. You reach for the bag again as you click it in place, offering him one as he makes a left turn. He takes it between his teeth, the music playing softly as he speaks again. "There's a cliff that oversees the city. It's lowkey haunted but I like it a lot. Wonwoo found it sophomore year when he and Hansol got too high, he called me telling me he felt like he was going to fall off the Earth." You laugh, nodding along. "I remember, because you practically banged my door down trying to get Hansol inside when you've always had a key." "I couldn't find it! And it was three in the morning after the semi-finals, I was so tired I'm not even sure how I drove around for so long looking for them." He shakes his head, taking another turn before the road becomes carved dirt and gravel. He does a u-turn, parking on the cliff so the bed of the truck is facing the overview of the city. You snag one last fry before Mingyu rolls his eyes, turning the truck off with a sigh, before glancing over at you.

"C'mon, let's go sit." The two of you climb out of his side of the car, his hands carefully grasping your hips to help you down. He grabs the milkshake for you as you plop the bag of food into the bed of the truck, before climbing into it by nestling your foot on the tire and swinging your leg over the wheel arch panel. You stretch as he does the same, when you hear the thwip of him shaking off the blanket the two of you kept back here for nights like this. You fluff one of the odd cushions thrown in from random thrift store stops, waiting as Mingyu spreads the blanket across the metal of the bed before throwing the cushion down.

"Sit." He says, popping his old cooler and fishing out a bottle of water. "In case you choke." "You wish I would, don't you? You'd get all my belongings." You roll your eyes, taking the lid off the milkshake and resting it on the wheel arch panel. The two of you dig through the bag in silence, and you unwrap the wax paper from the thickest, greasiest burger you'd ever seen. You inhale deeply, your head lightly hitting the rear window as you sink your teeth into it.

"Holy shit." You groan, your eyes fluttering shut as you chew around thick mushroom bits, the sweetness of the onions coating your tongue as you look over at Mingyu – who is just shaking his head with a grin as he unwraps his own.

"Good?" "Fucking amazing, Gyu."

He seemingly agrees, a noise similar to a moan erupting from his throat as he sinks his teeth into the burger. You smile to yourself, fishing a fry out of the bag as he crosses his ankles. Neither of you say anything as you eat, and you wind up moving the milkshake between the two of you when he gestures one of his fries towards it, the last bite of his burger stuffed into his cheek. "I have a question." He speaks and you grimace.

"Swallow that first."

He rolls his eyes, doing as you say before turning back to face you. You reach out to his face with a napkin in your hand, wiping at the corner of his lip before shoveling the last of your burger into your mouth. "Why not me?" He asks, resting his head on the rearview window, and you stop chewing almost abruptly. You cough around your food, forcing yourself to swallow and take a sip of the water bottle he gave you. "What?" "I mean, it would work, wouldn't it? We've been friends since we were kids. I've seen you in almost every stage of life. We hang out constantly, we're like chopsticks. I'm never seen without you, and vice versa. So, why not me?" He shrugs, and you gape slightly.

"Mingyu, I don't think you're thinking very straight right now. I mean, again, we've been friends our entire lives. Why would we risk ruining that?" You mumble, not looking at him as he sighs.

"Is it ruining it? Are you saying you've never thought about it? The comments don't get to you?"

You look up to see him already staring at you, a quizzical look on his features as he scans you. He seems…tired. Mingyu never looks tired.

"I…Mingyu, I don't know. I guess? I mean…it's weird, isn't it? You've literally held my hair when I've thrown up. You've seen me so drunk I've done cartwheels down the street barefoot." You run a hand through your hair, a humorless laugh slipping through his lips before he sighs.

"I've also seen you graduate high school with me. I've seen you grow up, every single birthday I've been right there. I've stuck by your side my entire life, and that's never been out of anything but love for you. Whether or not it remains platonic is up to you." He looks away, looking up at the moon before clicking his tongue. "I've been in love with you for six years now."

You swear the entire world stops spinning at that moment. No cicadas chirping, no birds flying, hell, even you've stopped breathing. He keeps talking.

"It sounds like bullshit, especially when I've dated other girls. I guess a part of me thought that if I diverted from the feelings, if I ignored them and tried to redirect them, they'd go away. It was definitely a stupid thing to do, because I've hurt people along the way. I should've been honest from the beginning, maybe your direct rejection would've made getting over you easier and things would be different now." He shrugs, and you feel your phone buzz in your pocket. He glances at you, "You should take that." You pull it out, seeing Hansol's contact flashing across the screen. Groaning, you answer it and put it on speaker.

"What, Sol?" "Damn, my bad. I heard from a little bird that you went on a date with Mingyu."

Your eyes widen, and Mingyu runs his tongue over his teeth as he shakes his head. He scoffs, and you open your mouth to speak when your roommate pipes up again.

"Have you told him you're in love with him yet?" His head snaps up, and you groan, squeezing your eyes shut when Hansol speaks again. "Hello? Did you tell him yet or not, Y/N?"

"You just did, Sol. Fuck, I'll see you later." You don't wait for him to respond before you hang up, carelessly tossing the phone across the bed of the truck as you rub your face with your hands. You bring your knees to your chest, wrapping your arms around them and leaning your head back against the window. He hums. "How long?"

You sigh, nibbling on your lip as you peer at him through your lashes. He doesn't smile, doesn't offer you any comfort in his face as you rake your eyes over his features. Strong brows, soft eyes that have never held anything but support and love for you. Pink lips that spread over that perfect set of teeth every time he saw you, pink lips that mocked you and taunted you.

"Unless it's not true." He shrugs, tossing the trash from dinner into the bag it came in. You don't say anything as he moves it from between the two of you, opting to turn to face you. He crossed his legs, resting his hands in his lap. "I think a part of me always knew." You mumble, and he nods. His eyes are patient, thumbs twiddling in his lap as you sigh. "Yeah. I always knew, I just didn't want to come to terms with it. That's why Daewon and I broke up, you know." "Fuck that guy, he sucked anyway. And he's a ball hog, he can't fucking pass to save his life." Mingyu scoffs, making you smile inwardly. "Yeah, he does suck. But he was there, and he was a good distraction. We're both guilty in that sense, you and I. Something about hurting people along the way." You pull at a loose thread in the blanket, and Mingyu hums.

"We don't have to do anything about it if you don't want to." You peer at him through your lashes, tapping your foot lightly. "You don't?" He sighs, shrugging his jacket off to stretch his arms over his head. You follow the movement, your eyes glued to the muscle of his arms being pulled taut under his t-shirt. He leans his head back on the rear window, and you will yourself to scoot closer. He glances down at you, eyes full of defeat.

"Why didn't you tell me?" "Why didn't you?" "Touché." He reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a mint. He holds it out to you, and you take it gently as he takes another out for himself. He doesn't say anything as he unwraps it, but you attempt to make a joke anyway.

"Telling me my breath stinks, aren't you?" He snorts as you pop the mint into your mouth, and lean your head on his shoulder.

"So does mine, so I guess we're even. Plus, you asked if I still had mints." You chuckle as he reaches for your water bottle, taking a sip before he sighs again.

"So, what now? We just live with it?"

You put your chin on his shoulder silently, looking at him as he turns to face you. You don't miss how his eyes flicker to your lips, before he speaks again. "What if it doesn't work? What if–" "I don't plan for the negative parts of life." You interrupt, switching the mint from side to side. "And I don't know why you're even allowing it to seep in, that's not like you." He scoffs as his cheeks turn pink, your hand reaching for his jacket. You pull it off his lap, wrapping it around your shoulders as you swing your leg over his thighs. His hands dart to your waist to steady you, and you sit comfortably on his lap. Resting your head on his chest, you hum.

"Why tonight?" His hands wrap around you, pulling you slightly higher on his lap as he sighs. You look up at him, the blush on his cheeks only deepening as he looks away. "You have to promise me you won't laugh."

You snort, making him huff as you let the jacket slide down your shoulders, bunching around your hips. Wrapping your arms around his shoulders, you coo at the pout on his lips before nodding. "I promise."

"I was jealous." He mutters, and your fingers card through the hair at the nape of his neck. "I was jealous and it was impulsive but I don't regret it. I would blow any amount of money if it meant I get to spend time with you like this. I'd sell my soul if I had to." "Jealous? Of what?" He huffs, not meeting your eyes until you slide your hand onto his jaw, your thumb stroking his cheek gently. "C'mon, Kim. Tell me." "Don't call me that." He grumbles, and you can't bite back your smile as his eyes continue to avoid yours.

"What do I call you? Mingyu? Gyu? Baby?" You're taunting him, your hands holding his face in place as you brush your nose to his. "Mine?" His eyes flicker up to yours, the pout deeper still. "Yeah. That one." "Mine?" "Yours." "Maybe. Spill your beans, first." You pinch his cheek, making him roll his eyes.

"You said you were going to write the Spotlight of the Season for Chan." He murmurs into his chest, and you bite back the beginning of a laugh that starts to bubble up when he pouts. "I want you to spend time with me. You have to interview for hours for those pieces and that means he can make you laugh and smile and have your attention. I don't like it." The laughter you once felt in your belly dissipates, Mingyu's arms tight around your waist as you cup his face in your hands. He looks up at you, eyes wide and slightly watery as you swipe your thumbs under them.

"Mingyu, I spend all of my free time with you." "It's not enough. I need to live in your skin." "That's terrifying?" You snorted, letting out a short laugh as Mingyu buried his face in your neck.

"You said you wouldn't laugh." He whines, his lips brushing against your skin. You try not to jolt in his lap, his arms only tightening around your waist. "Stop laughing!" "I'm not, I'm not laughing! I promise." You pat his shoulder, before pulling his head back by his hair. "That's actually really cute. A little scary, the bit about living in my skin, but I understand."

His eyes scan your face, trying to find a hit of deceit. You lean forward, pressing your forehead against his. "Breath check." "Y/N–" "Nope, we've been doing this since we were teenagers. Does my breath stink?" He rolls his eyes, "No, Y/N. It doesn't."

You nod, before brushing your lips against his. His eyes widen, and he's pulling your hips flush to his as you smile. "No, no, no. Please kiss me, please." "So cute." You mumble, pressing your lips to his. He whimpers softly, the grip on your hips bruising as he kisses you back, his lips perfect and soft and addicting against yours. Your fingers tangle in his hair as you nip at his lower lip, a low groan from his chest as you slip your tongue into his mouth. You melded together perfectly, his every breath matched yours, the taste of the mint coating your tongue mixed with something just so Mingyu.

His warmth, his attention to detail. The way he teases you so lovingly, the way his hands make you feel like you're on fire even with the most innocent of touches. His soft sounds pouring into your mouth like honey, the way you can feel how hard he's trying to hold himself back from melting into you until he's had his fill.

And you hope he never does get his fill.

"Wait, wait."

Mingyu fights himself to pull away from your lips, and you can feel his heart thundering in his chest as he pushes you away. He looks a bit dazed, his thumb reaching to wipe the corner of your mouth from leftover lipgloss. You feel a bit of worry settle in your stomach, your hands moving to rest on his stomach as you nibble on your lip.

"Sorry, was that too much? I'm–" "No, no. You're…you're perfect. I'm just…" He trips over his words, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against your chest. "I don't want to ruin this before it's even started." You actually laugh this time, running your fingers through his hair and pulling him away from you. "Bro, you could never ruin this. I'll always want you, Gyu." "First of all, don't call me bro ever again. I will cry." He furrows his brows, pushing your shoulder lightly. You stick your tongue out at him, before pressing a kiss to his forehead. He pouts, bringing your face closer to his before kissing your lips gently, feeling you smile into it as you nip at his lip.

"Second of all?" You murmur, and he blinks, pushing you back slightly.

Mingyu huffs, his fingers dancing across your bare thighs before he yanks your skirt down slightly. "It's late. Hansol is probably wondering where you are." "He's not my father, you know." "He's your roommate, it's courtesy."

"So…you're not going to take me back to your apartment tonight?" Your voice is soft, and Mingyu's eyes widen as you tug at the collar of his shirt. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out as your fingers move to tug the hem of his shirt out from under his jeans. His cheeks flush in the moonlight as he allows you to untuck his shirt, your fingers slipping under the soft fabric and tugging at his belt.

"Y/N." "Just wanna see. Wanna feel you."

He rolls his eyes, his cheeks beet red as he lets you slip your hands up his shirt. You don't miss the way he shudders lightly as your fingers ghost over his skin. Pushing the fabric up, your eyes take in the expanse of his softly chiseled stomach, the dip between his pecs. You lean forward slightly, pressing your lips to the warm skin above his heart, earning a soft groan from Mingyu's throat.

"You're quite the temptress, you know." He murmurs, his hand moving to swipe your hair out of your face. You lean into his touch as he holds your face softly, his thumb toying with your bottom lip. You kiss it chastely, before he leans forward, capturing your lips with his.

His arm wraps around your waist as his hand tangles in your hair, holding you in place as he kisses you how he likes – slow, passionate, sloppy as he pushes your chest against his. Your arms wrap around his shoulders again, absently rolling your hips against his. Mingyu whines right into your mouth, only fueling the fire in the pit of your belly.

"Y/N." He sighs against your lips, but it comes out more breathy than it usually would. You don't respond, kissing him as his fingers push the hem of your skirt up further and further up your thighs. You can feel your underwear start sticking to you uncomfortably as his hands circle your thighs, pushing you harder against his growing bulge before he suddenly pulls back from your lips. "We're in public. We could get caught." "Star football player caught fornicating with his girlfriend on Lovers' Peak. More at eleven." Mingyu scoffs, pinching your thigh playfully. "Girlfriend, huh?" "I don't kiss my friends, Mingyu." You say pointedly, before gesturing at his hands high on your thighs. "I also don't let my friends take my clothes off." He sighs, "You could at least let me ask you. You're half naked on my lap and we're not even in the privacy of my bedroom." "Then take me home, Mingyu." You roll your eyes, tugging on his shirt. "Take me home and we can figure this all out there." He eyes you, making your own give him an expectant look.

"Will you spend the night?" "Yes." "Will I have to kick Wonwoo out?" "Yes."

You huff, tapping the watch on your wrist. You move to get up, but his hands on your thighs move to hold your hips, pulling you closer to him. Your hands grab his shoulders for balance, and he looks up at you with a shy smile on his lips. "Will you be my girlfriend? Please?" You grin, "Star Football player becomes an Omega on Lo-" "Nevermind." "No! Wait, please. I'll be your girlfriend, I will."

You kiss Mingyu before he can refute it, feeling his pout against your lips.

"Kiss me back, you twerp." "You called me an omega." "Would it be better if I said you're my omega?" You wiggle your eyebrows, and he scoffs, lightly smacking the outside of your thigh. From the blush on his cheeks, you can tell all is forgiven – but it doesn't stop you from kissing his cheek softly. "Take me home, baby."

"Y/N, I SAID I WAS SORRY. CAN'T YOU TELL HOW SORRY I AM?"

"You outed me to the love of my life." You mutter as you stuff your laptop back into your tote.

The weekend had passed, and you and Mingyu didn't have to worry about kicking Wonwoo out of the apartment – he'd actually gone on a date that night and spent the weekend at her apartment. Hansol obviously didn't question when you got home the next afternoon, but had been surprised at the deep frown on your face and how you avoided him through Monday afternoon.

"You're telling me Mingyu didn't feel the same?" Hansol's jaw dropped as you tongued your cheek, even bringing forth some tears. "No, Hansol." You grumbled, shoving your Spotlight of the Season paperwork into his hands. Hansol has a guilty look in his eyes as he groans.

“I’m sorry, Y/N.”

Hansol is pouting as you finish packing up your bag, trying your hardest to bite back your laughter. You glance over your shoulder to see him unwrapping a lollipop and shoving it in his mouth before opening his laptop. Smirking to yourself, you make your best attempt as a discontented sigh, shoving your bag over your shoulder.

“You’ll get my rec letter in, right?” “Yes.” “And you’ll proofread my column by tonight?”

“That means taking this home, you know how I feel about that.” He mutters, tapping his fingers on the blank cover page of your paperwork. You give him a pointed look as you cross your arms over your chest.

“You take it home and do it, or I’m telling the landlord that it’s not actually our neighbor smoking all that weed.” You scoff, and he sighs.

“Bunny, I said I was sorry! How was I supposed to know he’d react that way? I mean, the guy is practically all over you anyway!” Hansol huffs, and you’re opening your mouth to speak when you hear someone clear their throat in the doorway of the office.

Hansol winces, and you glance over your shoulder to see Mingyu leaning against the doorframe. He’s wearing a tight, white shirt and your favorite black jeans on him, with a watch you gave him a few years ago as a high school graduation gift. His letterman is flung over his shoulder and he’s spinning a football in his other hand.

He raises his brow at the silent scene, watching as you skirt around the desk and yank open the drawer, stealing two lollipops. Hansol doesn’t even argue, just sighs as he cowers behind his laptop.

“Should I be concerned?” Mingyu asks you as you near him, and you shake your head as you hold a lollipop out to him. Hansol is peering over the top of his laptop as a confused Mingyu presses a kiss to your hairline — but it’s not enough to make him suspicious about the weekend itinerary.

“I want my column reviewed by the time I get home, Hansol.” “Y/N, this is agony. At this rate, you’ll be home before I am!” “Now you know how I felt! Get to it!”

Mingyu snorts, shaking his head as you skirt out of the office. He bids a gentle goodbye to the younger man, who only sighs in response.

“You’re awful to that kid, you know.”

You smile as you wrap your hand around his bicep, unwrapping your lollipop as you shrug. “He taunted me with my recommendation letter! He said if I didn't confess to you in seventy-two hours, he wasn’t going to send my letter and I’d miss my opportunity at a great internship, Gyu.”

“So you should be thanking him, because technically you haven’t confessed shit.”

“I’m your girlfriend, I think that's enough of a confession.”

“Mmh.” He nods, biting back his smile as he slides his hand into yours, squeezing softly. “What do you wanna do? Practice was canceled, I have no upcoming projects. Wonwoo’s asleep on the couch at home, though, so my place is off the table.”

You glance up at him, huffing out a laugh as you shake your head.

“What makes you think I’m free?”

“It’s a Monday afternoon. You usually con me into buying you dinner, we eat in your bedroom. We watch movies before you kick me out because you say I snore.”

“Actually it’s because you sleep shirtless, and I was a wimp back then.”

Mingyu laughs heartily, letting go of your hand to ruffle your hair. You swat at his hand, scoffing as he wraps it around your shoulders and pulls you closer to him. You rest your head on the side of his chest, wrapping your arms around his waist as you look up at him.

“My place is free.”

“Mmh, maybe you can read me the Spotlight of The Season column you wrote about that guy.”

“Oh, that guy? You mean Kim Mingyu? God, that guy is so cool. Did you know he has omega eyes?” You feign excitement as you taunt him, making him roll his eyes and pinch your cheek.

“Tell me you didn’t put that in the column.”

“Are you crazy? Why would I expose my hot, sexy, cool boyfriend for being a down-bad simp? That’s just not fair to me, they already want you.”

“Yeah, well.” He sighs, his thumb gently stroking your cheek as the parking lot comes into view, his old truck shining in the setting sun. “I only want you.”

You don’t respond, feeling your cheeks warm as you make your way to the parking lot. He opens your door as he usually does, but lingers as you climb up and put on your seatbelt. He gingerly takes the lollipop from your lips, making you roll your eyes as he silently asks for a kiss. You give in, you’re sure you always will give in to those puppy eyes and pouty lips — when he pulls away and steals your lollipop.

“Easy.” He smiles as he shuts your door, leaving you to sulk into your seat as he rounds the car. He hops into the driver’s seat, your green apple lollipop lodged between his lips as he cranks the ignition.

“Read the column, I want to know what you chose to put in.” He speaks again as he pulls out of his spot, and you snicker to yourself as you pull your phone out.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

You begin to read it calmly, ignoring the incessant buzzing of Hansol’s flooding messages.

NEW! Msg From: Sol ☀️👽 [4:32PM] dude [4:32PM] ur such a liar [4:33PM] i would say i hate u but im happy for u bro [4:34PM] i’m omw home tho

Msg To: Sol ☀️👽 [4:35PM] find somewhere else to go 🫶🏼

NEW! Msg From: Sol ☀️👽 [4:36PM] bro

SPOTLIGHT OF THE SEASON — NO. 97, KIM MINGYU. BY Y/N Y/L/N. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10. 8-MINUTE READ | UPDATED: 5:39PM.

Author’s Note: Typically, I reserve the interview questions and responses for myself. However, I’ve decided to share this snippet in order to settle some rumors and ruffle a few feathers. I have also made this column a bit more personal, with the permission of my editor.

No. 97 on the field but No.1 in my heart — I love you, Kim Mingyu.

——————————————————————————————————

— INTERVIEW #53 —

Y: This is Y/N, starting Interview No.53 for Kim Mingyu, Spotlight column. Testing, one, two. KMG: Letting you know right now, I have to pee.

— INTERIM BREAK —

— INTERVIEW #54 —

Y: This is Y/N, starting Interview No.54 for Kim Mingyu, Spotlight column. Testing, one, two. KMG: [laughter] Y: Hello, Kim Mingyu. Welcome back to the Hawk Review Committee. KMG: Has the interview part always been this awkward? Y: Suddenly I’m your girlfriend and you forget how to talk to me? KMG: Babe, don’t put that in. We have to hard-launch before it gets published on Friday. Y: Honey. I love you. KMG: Okay, just a little snippet. Y: [laughter] Okay. Can I at least make those cheesy puns football girlfriends make? KMG: [laughter] Your world, baby. I’m just living in it. I love you.

KIM MINGYU has long been the subject of my articles. Long-winded columns full of my affections, hidden behind words far too long to be understood by the average mind. A lot of readers would call it hyperbole, would call it ‘purple prose’, but I consider my pieces about Mingyu to be the most authentic works I’ve ever written. There is something about enjoying the information I am spreading — to talk about somebody I care about, to air his successes and see other people enjoy who he is. To walk around campus and understand that though Mingyu may be my best friend, he is also a friend to others. He is a helping hand, he is smart and thoughtful.

In his college career, Kim Mingyu has made incredible Hawk history. He is the only quarterback to not be injured during a single game, and he and the Seoul Hawks are taking home the championship trophy come Saturday night. Be sure to buy your tickets from Jimin and Jungkook!

Kim Mingyu has been an inspiration to many, including myself. Take Apartment of A Lonely Soul: being displayed at the Museum of Arts, his piece has contributed to ending the stigma of allowing self-doubt to wallow in the mind and finding comfort in being alone and making decisions that may not seem feasible. I remember when I nervously asked him if he had submitted it to be displayed in the gallery — without a second thought, he replied: Why wouldn't I?

Kim Mingyu's unshakeable confidence has always brought comfort to others. He has time and time again shown that he is reliable, a pillar in our community. He has shown up for me countless of times — whether it is to soothe my damaged ego or celebrate my milestones, he is always there for those he cares about.

His mistakes are also something he takes in stride. He can admit when he is wrong and when he needs help — he’s come to my apartment for study nights that have left his head spinning. He called me when his car battery died on him last spring, and I walked six miles with our friends and jumper cables to wave down some random on the road. I remember how he made our friends sit in the bed of the truck, but sat me right next to him in the cab.

In tune with confidence, he wears his intelligence and care with pride. A true team player, a student that sets the standard and wonderful friend: there will never be another Kim Mingyu.

5K notes · View notes

elleaitch22 · 7 days ago

Text

Terms of Endearment

Chapter 17: Twenty Nine Candles

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

A/N: We’re back from the concussion! I lowkey hate the plot, but we have to move it along for what happens in Chapter 19. I hope y’all love it!! xx Elle

Warnings: Explicit sexual content, dom/sub dynamics

Word Count: 9.9k words

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Azzi was bored.

Morgan had taken her to drop Soleil off at school. Then she went to the grocery store to restock fruit and vegetables.

She stared at the blades of her fan going around and around before sitting up.

Walking to the kitchen, she looked at the list Paige had given her for the day.

Affirmations in the mirror

Groceries

10 minute walk

4 cups of water

Journal prompt: do you feel safe and accepted here? what do you need to feel safe?

Share journal w P if you want

She’d done her affirmations as soon as she got up. She’d already gotten groceries. She was going to go on a walk with Soleil after lunch. She didn’t really feel like journaling yet, and today’s question required some thought. She pulled out her phone and saw a text from Nika.

Nika 🇭🇷😎: Have you and Paige talked about the simple stuff, like birthdays?

Azzi 👩🏽‍🏫🩷: …actually, I don’t think we have lol

When was Paige’s birthday? Azzi knew that the woman already knew hers due to her control issues desire to know everything about people who would be around Soleil.

Her phone buzzed again.

Nika 🇭🇷😎: Well lucky for you, it’s Monday 🙃

Azzi 👩🏽‍🏫🩷: MONDAY!!!

Azzi 👩🏽‍🏫🩷: What the fuck omg

Azzi 👩🏽‍🏫🩷: I’m gonna plan something. Will lyk about what I come up with!

Today was already Thursday. She had the rest of today and maybe tomorrow to plan something good for her girlfriend’s birthday.

Pause.

What can she even afford?

She grabbed her MacBook and pulled up her bank account.

Wait, that couldn’t be right.

Thirty-two thousand one hundred sixty-seven dollars.

She blinked. Refreshed the screen. Stared. Still. Thirty-two thousand one hundred sixty-seven dollars. What the actual fuck?

Well, she had been working for Paige since September, but she’d assumed that it stopped once they got together.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: You’re still paying me

Paige 💗😍🥰: You’re still working for me.

Azzi read the message twice, not quite believing what Paige had said.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: Just thought contract stuff was over when you asked me to be your girlfriend…

Paige 💗😍🥰: Yeah, but you’re Lei’s private tutor?

Azzi 🧸💌💗: Oh…😬

Paige 💗😍🥰: You don’t want to anymore?

Azzi 🧸💌💗: I love working with Soleil! Always!!!

Azzi 🧸💌💗: I just didn’t know you were still paying me

Paige 💗😍🥰: You’re working. I’m paying. That’s how it works, love.

Azzi stared at the screen. Paige was typing. Then paused. Then typing again.

Paige 💗😍🥰: And you’re my girlfriend. I like to give money and gifts to people I love. You should be happy I don’t give you something new every time I see you.

The brunette decided to ignore the swarm of butterflies that rumbled in her stomach. She wasn’t expecting that word.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: Lol please don’t

Paige 💗😍🥰: Where is all this coming from?

Azzi 🧸💌💗: I looked at my bank account. Was just shocked

Paige 💗😍🥰: We agreed on 5k a week. We can talk about adjusting the amount if you want.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: No. You’ll just pay me more

Paige 💗😍🥰: I’m happy you know me so well.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: 🙄 bye Paige.

Paige 💗😍🥰: Fix your attitude, love.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: Sorry.

Azzi 🧸💌💗: Bye Paige! 😁

She texted all the girls and asked them if they would be free on Sunday night.

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: Yes, why?

Ice 🧊🤍: me, j, and kk were supposed to have a movie night

Ice 🧊🤍: got something better 👀

KK 🤣🤪: girl boo 🙄 nothing is better than a night w me!!!

Nika 🇭🇷😎: You planned something that quick? Damn

Azzi 🩷😇: Not really

Azzi 🩷😇: I just wanted to see if everyone would be available

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: Is anyone gonna fill is in orrr…?

Azzi 🩷😇: OH! Sorry!! Going to do a birthday dinner for Paige on Sunday night!

KK 🤣🤪 renamed the chat to ‘PSkii’s Faves 💘’

Ice 🧊🤍: oh. much better than movie night! i'll be there

KK 🤣🤪: rude?? but me too

Nika 🇭🇷😎: I’m free. Can I bring N?

Ice 🧊🤍: not rude if it’s true 💅🏽

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: I’ll be there! Just tell me the time.

Azzi 🩷😇: Of course! Does anyone else have a plus 1

Nika 🇭🇷😎: Sounds good. I’ll be here if you need any help!

Ice 🧊🤍: just kk unfortunately

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: No. But I need to know if there’s a dress code?

KK 🤣🤪: shut up before i tell everyone what happened on tuesday

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: You can never go wrong with all black. But her favorite color…

Azzi 🩷😇: I think black with a little purple would be pretty

Ice 🧊🤍: 🤐🤐🤐🤐

KK 🤣🤪: p would love if everybody had on purple tho

KK 🤣🤪: thats what i thought

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: Perfect idea! So all black with a lilac or lavender accent!

Nika 🇭🇷😎: Cool. I’ll text Bob and Katie.

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: Me and Ice can help you decorate or plan if you want!

Azzi 🩷😇: I would really appreciate that! I’ll send some pictures later once I finalize a restaurant. Was thinking a steakhouse so everyone could have options?

Ice 🧊🤍: that sounds great Azzi. she's really gonna love it

Azzi let out a sigh of relief. Everyone was going to come, and now she just needed to find a space. She perused the internet until she found a steakhouse with good reviews who would handle everything, and they had a private space! She called to book the space for twelve people.

An uneasy feeling settled over her, and while she tried to remind herself that she was good enough, she didn’t feel like a basic dinner would be enough for the woman who had done so much for her.

Azzi 🩷😇: Are you busy rn

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: No. Need me to come over?

Azzi 🩷😇: Yes please!

The tall Egyptian queen was at Azzi’s in no time at all.

“What do you need help with?” She questioned as Azzi opened the door.

Azzi stepped to the side and went to get a pair of shoes. “I wanted to get Paige an outfit for dinner. Something she would stand out in.” She muttered.

The tall woman’s face lit up with glee. “Yes!” She exclaimed, grabbing Azzi’s wrist. “P never lets me style her anymore, but I have the perfect fit in mind.”

Fifteen minutes later, the two were sitting in Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton.

“Azzi, this is my friend, Elyse. She’s going to help us.” Jana smiled.

The pale woman gave a kind smile before gesturing them to an area to the side.

“Jana told me this is supposed to be a surprise, which I normally wouldn’t agree on, but I’ll do anything for J.” She rolled her eyes affectionately.

Jana nudged Azzi gently, “She’s scared it’s not going to fit her well.” She whispered loudly. “But she doesn’t know I already have all of Paige’s numbers.” She finished loudly.

“What are you wanting to see, Azzi?” Elyse asked.

Azzi couldn’t say anything. Usually went she went to fancier places; people always looked to the person she was with. They never even acknowledged her.

“She’s having everyone wear black with hits of lavender, since that’s Paige’s favorite color.” Jana replied, looking at Azzi weirdly. She hadn’t known the woman to be very quiet, not since she’d been fully integrated into the family.

“Oh, so are we thinking a full lavender set? I have a few pieces I can pull.” Elyse started to turn.

Which was the exact moment Azzi found her voice. “No!” She cleared her throat awkwardly. “I mean, the room will already be a lot of black, lilac, lavender, and purple. I want her to stand out.”

Jana nodded slowly, brows furrowed. “That makes sense. What about an off-white or cream?” She asked thoughtfully.

“I think she’d look like an angel in all white,” Azzi felt her cheeks warm as she envisioned her girlfriend in an all-white outfit.

Elyse giggled at her facial expression. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll be back with some pieces.”

“An angel, huh?” Jana smirked.

It was Azzi’s turn to roll her eyes at Jana. “Shut up.” She said, a smile spreading across her lips. “She’s just so perfect, Jana. I swear she’s my own personal angel.”

Jana smiled softly, “I’m happy you feel that way about her.” She put her hand on Azzi’s shoulder. “She’s deserved someone like you for so long. You make her so happy, Azzi. Thank you.”

“She said I was one of the people she loved today.” She whispered, smile softening. “I wasn’t expecting her to say anything like that. We’ve only known each other for like two months.”

Jana’s brows nearly touched her hair before her face turned pensive. “Well, that’s not surprising. P feels very deeply, and once she decides to let someone in, she’s all in.”

Azzi nodded minutely, “I know, I just am a little…scared I’m gonna fuck it up and she’ll leave.”

“The best and worst thing about Paige is that she stays through everything. I promise that’s not something you'll ever have to worry about.”

As Elyse returned with a rack of white pieces, Azzi straightened up, cheeks still warm but eyes focused.

If she couldn’t give Paige everything, she could still give her this, one perfect night planned with love.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Ice 🧊🤍: Attachment: 3 images

Ice 🧊🤍: all done!!! see you in a few hours

Azzi let out a breath she’d been holding all day. Ice and Jana had made the room look amazing. There was a tasteful balloon arch covering the entire back wall, and it would be perfect for pictures. The table was decorated beautifully, the centerpieces and place settings a lush mix of purple flowers and greenery.

Her phone buzzed again.

Jana 🪡🇪🇬: I’ll be there in 45 with all the luggage and your presents!

Azzi eyes were almost closed with how hard she was grinning. She hoped Paige would love her surprise. Well surprises.

She grabbed the garment bags that held Paige’s outfit and Soleil’s dress before heading upstairs.

“Paige Madison!” She yelled the moment the elevator doors slid open.

She giggled at the quick footsteps slapping the wooden floors.

“What did I do?” Paige gasped as she rounded the corner. She clocked the bags Azzi was holding and her brows furrowed. “What’s that for?”

Azzi huffed, jutting her hip to the side, full of faux attitude. “What you did was not tell me your birthday was tomorrow.”

A pale hand to scratch at the back of her neck, “Well, I just don’t like celebrating my birthday much.” She hesitated. “And it never came up.” She finished, cheeks red.

“Well, to make it up to me, we’re gonna go to dinner. And you’re going to be happy and go put on this outfit,” She thrust the garment bag into Paige’s hands. “And you’re going to go do your hair and makeup and be happy about it.” Azzi finished.

When Paige saw her turning back towards the elevator. “Wait! Can you just…get ready up here with me and Lei?” She asked, brows raised hopefully.

Azzi couldn’t keep up with the mad act. She smiled brightly, “Of course I can! Just let me go get my outfit, then I’ll be right back up! And don’t get Soleil ready, I got her.”

Paige watched her go, lips tugging into a soft smile.

“Soleil! Azzi’s gonna be here soon!” She called, walking back to the living room.

Her daughter turned away from Lilo and Stitch with wide eyes. “You didn’t tell me Azzi was coming ovew!” She shrieked, excitement clear in her voice.

“She didn’t tell me either, Lei!” Paige exclaimed playfully. “You can wait for her here or in your room, but I have to get ready so I don’t get in trouble."

Soleil’s eyes widened. “Yeah, Mommy. You don’t wanna be in twouble on youw biwthday!” She shooed Paige away.

She walked to her closet, hanging the bag on one of the racks. She knew whatever Azzi had picked for her would be great, and it was a gift from the girl she loved, so it would be perfect.

Paige didn’t know what to expect when she opened the bag, but it certainly wasn’t this. She just stared at the cream fabrics, jaw on the floor. She was stuck there until a knock sounded at her door. Instead of a person, all Paige saw when she turned around was a sleek Louis Vuitton shoe box.

No fucking way Azzi spent this much money on an outfit.

Paige was in a bit of a daze as she pulled on the thick pants, monogrammed shirt, and wool vest. She floated across her bedroom to do some light make up and pull the front of her hair back.

When she looked in the mirror, she almost decided to fire Jana and hire Azzi to pick out all her outfits because she looked good.

Not like ‘I want to find a wife’ good.

But like ‘I’m rich and hot and the world’s perfect woman is in love with me’ good.

Like ‘My girlfriend, who I haven’t pressured for sex, might fuck me tonight’ good.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

In another room, Azzi was helping Soleil get ready.

“Whewe we going? We getting fancy, Azzi.” Soleil asked as she sat in between Azzi’s legs.

Azzi finished the last twist in the front of Lei’s head before pulling the rest back into a ponytail. “Well, your mommy’s birthday is tomorrow, so we’re going to celebrate.”

Soleil smiled brightly, “A pawty all fow Mommy?”

“Yes, baby. All for your mommy. I just hopes she likes it.” Azzi smiled. “Do you want a ponytail or a ballerina bun?”

“Ballet bun, please.” Soleil started. “Mommy always tell me when I do something fow hew, she love it the most. She gonna love hew pawty.”

Azzi planted a kiss on Soleil’s forehead as she finished the bun. “You’re all set pretty girl! Just gotta put on your dress and you’ll be ready to go.”

When she unzipped the garment bag, Soleil gasped at the fluffy lilac dress. “I’m gonna look like a pwincess!” she squealed.

As soon as it was zipped up, Soleil darted out of the room to find her mom.

Azzi took the quiet moment to get dressed.

After their day at Louis Vuitton, she and Jana had thirty more minutes before school pickup. And when the Egyptian saw a lingerie shop across the street, she pulled her over with a wink.

The set was simple, but gorgeous. On theme for tonight, it was lavender. The bra was made of lace so delicate that Azzi could see the outline of her nipples through the fabric. Instead of a thong, they decided on cheeky underwear. They made her ass look perfectly round and juicy enough to take a bite out of. The garter belt was the perfect touch, emphasizing her waist perfectly.

Paige was going to lose her mind when she saw Azzi, and she couldn’t wait.

The rest of her outfit was understated but sensual. The square neck displayed a tasteful amount of cleavage. The back dipped past her shoulder blades; Paige loved running her hands all over the bare skin. The silky fabric wasn’t skintight, but it clung just enough to outline Azzi’s curves.

The best part of the outfit? The shoes. The lavender heels were the perfect match to the set beneath the dress. They had satin ribbons that tied into bows on the backs of Azzi’s ankles (her favorite part, of course).

She pulled her hair into a curly updo, her face framing pieces doing their job perfectly. She added a smoked out purple shadow that made her brown eyes pop. A few swipes of lip gloss and blush meant she was ready to go.

Paige and Soleil’s voices got louder as Azzi walked out to the living room.

“Just tell me what Azzi’s planning, Lei. And we can stay home one day next week and watch movies.” Paige tried to bribe.

Soleil gasped dramatically, “But then Sewenity won’t have nobody to play with hew!”

“She can’t tell you anyway,” Azzi started, rounding the corner. “It’s just dinner, like I said.”

Azzi smirked as she watched blue eyes dilate. The heated gaze darted around her outfit, lingering on the cleavage.

“You look perfect, Azzi.” Paige said lowly.

Tanned thighs squeezed together at the low rasp in Paige’s voice that Azzi had never heard before.

“Thank you. You look good too,” Azzi shifted from one foot to the other.

A loud whine broke their trance. “Can we go? I’m hungwy.”

“One second, Lei. I gotta give your mom her present!” Azzi said, already turning toward the elevator. “It’s at my house.”

They rode down to Azzi’s floor, Soleil humming softly as she held Paige’s hand. Everything was quiet and warm, a hush of anticipation in the air.

Inside the apartment, a single white box with a lavender ribbon sat waiting on the entry table.

Azzi stepped forward, her voice low, almost reverent. “Happy birthday, Ms. Bueckers.”

Paige walked over slowly, untying the ribbon with careful fingers, as if rushing might ruin it.

“Azzi…” she breathed.

The purse was stunning. Cream leather was monogrammed with Louis Vuitton’s signature print, only this time, in her favorite color. And it matched her outfit perfectly.

“Look inside! Look inside!” Azzi said, practically bouncing.

Paige opened it and paused. Her eyes widened.

Three plane tickets were tucked neatly into the silk lining.

She looked up, already grinning. “Aspen? I guess it is time to teach Soleil how to ski.”

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Azzi had Soleil perched on her hip, holding her tightly with one hand and Paige’s hand in the other.

The hostess reached to pull open the door, and the moment they stepped through –

“SURPRISE!!!”

The room was quickly filled with noise – music, clapping, laughing, whistles, and a shout from KK.

Paige’s jaw dropped. Her eyes scanned everything. The ballon arch on the back wall, the towers of lavender and eucalyptus, everyone in all black. Her dad, her stepmom, her little brother. Her sisters and Naheim. All smiling and clapping – the picture of joy.

“PopPop!” Soleil’s exclaimed, reaching for her grandpa.

Bob came over with a grin, “Come here, Munchkin.” He scooped her into a hug, kissing all over her face.

Paige was still frozen, eyes misty. “You did all this?” She whispered to Azzi.

“Well, Jana and Ice decorated. KK’s on the aux. And Nika made sure Bob, Katie, and Drew could come.” Azzi shrugged casually.

KK cut in from across the room. “Don’t believe her, P! She planned everything and paid for everything.”

Azzi turned to glare sharply at her friend. “Kamorea!”

“Baby,” Paige reached out, hand resting low on her back. “Thank you. No one’s ever cared enough to do something like this for me.”

Azzi let herself be pulled into a hug. “I was more than happy to do this for you, Paige. You take such good care of me…I just wanted to do something special for you.”

Large hands slid down the back of her dress, cupping her ass gently through the silky fabric.

Paige leaned in to press a firm kiss to her temple. “I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Deserve you. But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to show you.”

“Gross, gays!” Ice called out playfully.

“Auntie Ice!” Soleil gasped, “You don’t bully fow love! That’s not kind! You can’t pick who you love!”

The room broke out in more giggles as Ice tried to defend herself.

Everyone moved to the table. Paige sat at the head, Soleil nestled comfortably in her lap.

Food arrived in waves, just as Azzi had planned. Pasta—al dente. Roasted vegetables, caramelized to perfection. Steaks, medium-rare. No seafood, everyone knew Paige hated seafood.

Naheim taught Soleil how to do a proper dap and fist bump. Katie and Bob told stories about Paige getting caught or telling on herself for sneaking out in high school. The girls all took turns talking about their UConn adventures.

Paige’s cheeks were flushed the entire evening, happiness shining in her eyes.

Several times, she leaned over to Azzi and whispered, “Thank you so much, Azzi.”

And each time, her girlfriend responded with a smile and a soft kiss. “You deserve it.”

As dessert was cleared, the waiter brought out champagne flutes and one with sparkling cider for Soleil.

Bob stood as soon as his flute was placed in front of him. “Paige, I didn’t know how you would turn out when it was just me and you. I was scared that I raised you too rough, but you are one of the best women I know.” He said, voice quivering. “You are a good listener, you show up, you’re an amazing mom. You’re raising Soleil to be strong and brave, and I am so proud to be your dad.” He walked over to press a kiss into her forehead. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

From there, everyone went in a circle around the table.

Katie talked about being grateful Paige had been so loving and welcoming, from the moment they met. She praised her for being such a good big sister to Drew. “Everything you’ve been though, and you’re still choosing to let people in. Let them love you. I am so proud of you, Paige. Happy birthday, baby.”

“I was gonna get you a present, but you bagged someone as bad as Azzi, so I feel like she’s your gift.” Drew started, drawing laughter from everyone. “But nah, for real. I think you were the first person I ever looked up to. You always make sure to take care of people; there’s so much you do that no one will ever find out. I couldn’t have a sister better than you. I love you, Paigey.”

KK was crying before she even stood. “You’ve been a role model to me since the day I met you. You’re a leader, but you lead in serving people, not ordering them around.” She breathed out harshly, trying to stop the tears. “Thank you for loving me, P Boogers, and happy birthday.”

Ice called Paige the eye of a hurricane – in all the calamity and chaos, Paige was always someone she could depend on. A safe space. “I’m lucky to know you, Paige Bueckers. I love you so much.”

“My twinnnnn,” Nika started. “I admire you more than you know. You make the best out of every situation, and you make it look easy. You are one of the best, most loyal, kindest people I know. And I am grateful to be one of the people you have chosen to love. Happy birthday, Twin.”

Naheim kept his short and sweet. “I’ve never had a sister, but I don’t think I couldn’t have gotten a better sister-in-law if I tried. I hope this year is everything you’ve hoped for.”

Like KK, Jana was a wreck by the time it got to her. “When I moved from Egypt, Paige made sure I felt like I had family here. She would make breakfast for me, wake me up for classes, make sure I was good at parties. You remember everything, no matter how small it is. You’ve just been the best, and I love you so much. Happy birthday, Paige!”

And finally, it was Azzi’s turn.

“I didn’t know a hot blonde was going to change my life, but you have. From the beginning, you have looked at me and seen me. You haven’t tried to fix me, to rush me. You have been so patient. So kind. So loving to me. You made it safe for me to fall again. You made me brave enough to fall again. So, I hope you know how loved you are, Paige Bueckers. Everyone in this room loves you so much, not for the things you can do for us, but because you’re you.” She cupped Paige’s face gently, “Happy birthday, my love.”

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Paige’s penthouse was silent.

KK offered to take Soleil for the night, promising to bring her back upstairs for their flight.

Paige sat on her bed; her vest draped over the back of an armchair. Her fingers were still working on the buttons of her shirt when the bathroom door opened again.

Holy fuck.

Azzi was –

Fuck.

She stepped into the doorway in a lacy lavender set, glowing under the dim light.

Paige wanted to bite her. Lick her. Mark her. Claim her.

“Well,” Azzi said coyly, padding forward until she stood between Paige’s legs, “Aren’t you going to unwrap your present?” Her voice shook slightly, nerves audible.

Paige reached for her immediately, pulling her in by the hips. “You look so good, baby.”

Her hands slid up the back of Azzi’s thighs, drawing a quiet gasp from her lips. Paige pressed soft kisses along her skin, trailing up until she could lick her belly piercing. She smirked against her skin as Azzi’s abs tensed under her lips.

“Paige,” Azzi breathed out.

“Whatchu want, Az?” The blonde rasped.

Azzi didn’t answer right away. Paige tugged gently, pulling Azzi to straddle her legs. The brunette wrapped her arms around her neck, lips hovering over Paige’s “You can do whatever you want with me, Paige.”

Their lips crashed together. Heated, messy, breathless. Paige licked into Azzi’s mouth like she wanted to claim it. Azzi whimpered as Paige gripped her ass roughly. Her hips ground against her pelvis. Paige groaned at the soft moan that escaped her lips.

In one smooth movement, Paige rolled them quickly, settling between Azzi’s thighs, sitting back on her heels to take her in.

Azzi moaned softly, eyes following veiny hands as they finished unbuttoning the shirt.

“Fuck, Az.” Paige said, voice thick with heat. “You’re so perfect for me.”

Her eyes raked over Azzi’s body. The outline of the nipples under the lace. The gleam of her belly ring. The darkening patch of wetness on her panties.

Paige’s hand reached out on instinct, thumbing at one nipple. Mouth watering at the thought of wrapping her lips around it. At the thought of licking all of her.

“You gonna be good for me, baby?” She asked.

Azzi whimpered, a small thrust showing her desire.

Paige leaned over her, “C’mon baby. I need your words.” She muttered, her voice low against her neck.

“Fuck,” Azzi moaned.

She’d never heard Paige like this. This Paige – voice low, eyes blown, completely locked in on her – this Paige was new. She was wrecking Azzi.

“Azzi,” She said firmly.

Her head and hips moved at the same time, “Gonna be so good for you, Paige.” She nodded.

Any other day, she’d be mortified by how much it sounded like a whine, but not tonight.

“Good,” Paige smirked. “I just want you to relax and feel.”

Azzi tried to sit up a little, “But it’s your birthday!”

Paige placed a warm palm in the center of her chest and gently pushed her back down.

“Yeah, it is my birthday.” She said. “And for my birthday, I want to make my girl cum. I want to fuck you until you cry. That’s all I want tonight.”

Her words were a stark contrast to the gentleness she used to brush curls out of Azzi’s face.

“You said I could do whatever I want. So you’re gonna be good and let me fuck you, alright baby?”

Azzi nodded, lips parted. She lay sprawled across Paige’s bed, silent. She let herself be looked at like she was art..

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Azzi.” Paige whispered reverently.

She kissed her again. Slower this time, even filthier than before. Her tongue licked deep, teeth grazed her bottom lip. Azzi’s hips lifted off the bed, her body begging for more.

Paige didn’t answer her whimpers and pleas with words. She kissed down her body, licking from her jaw to her sternum to her belly, leaving a shiny trail in her wake.

Her hand came up to cup Azzi’s breast gently, “You gonna let me take this off, baby?” She murmured.

“Please, Paige.” Azzi gasped, breath picking up.

But Paige didn’t listen. She wrapped her lips around a lace-covered nipple and sucked hard.

Azzi cried out, hips jolting up again. Paige grinned around the fabric.

“Okay, baby.” She said. Azzi wanted to cheer at her finally unhooking the bra, slipping it down her arms, and tossing it aside.

Azzi didn’t have time to catch her breath before Paige’s mouth was on her again, hot and wet. Her tongue swirled around one nipple, while her hand pinched and pulled at the other.

She moaned louder, thighs rubbing together, desperate for attention.

“Be patient,” Paige warned. “I promise it’ll be worth it.”

She kissed down her torso, tongue flicking at the dangling jewelry. She sucked a bruise into her hipbone, just above the lace edge of her panties.

Paige looked up, blue eyes dark with lust. “You want these off?”

Azzi moaned at the lips brushing against her skin and nodded, “Yes, please.”

Paige slid them down slowly, keeping her eyes locked on Azzi’s.

The brunette gasped as the cool air brushed over her warm center.

“Be still, Az. Be good for me.” Paige rasped.

Her mouth watered as she stared at the wet apex of Azzi’s thighs.

“Fuck, Azzi. You’re dripping for me.” She groaned at the sight of her — spread open, soaked, trembling already.

Paige had planned on teasing her a bit more, but Azzi looked like everything she’d been praying for since high school. She couldn’t wait any longer.

She planted a soft kiss at her clit, pulling back a little when Azzi’s hips lifted involuntarily.

“Fuck, please,” Azzi gasped.

Paige licked her lips, groaning at the taste. “Be still,” She repeated firmly.

She licked up her slit slowly, eyes rolling back at the taste. Then she couldn’t stop. Her mouth wrapped around Azzi’s clit like it belonged there.

Paige licked again, slower this time, tongue flat and firm.

A cry fell out from Azzi’s perfect lips.

“You taste so fucking good, baby.” She groaned, tongue dipping into the wet hole. She licked back up to her clit, tongue swirling around the bundle of nerves. Sucking, kissing, and licking harder as Azzi cried out.

She sucked until thighs shook under her hands. Azzi came fast, sob tearing from her throat, hips thrusting uncontrollably.

She pulled off, kissing her thighs and hips, pressing praise into her skin.

“You did so good for me, baby.”

“I knew you’d be perfect.”

“You taste so good, Az. Everything I could ever want.”

When tanned thighs stopped shaking, Paige pulled one over her shoulder and pressed the other wide. She dove back in, tongue relentless.

Azzi arched off the bed, trying to move away from the warm mouth. “Paige, I – I – please, I – fuck. Paige! I can’t,” She begged.

Paige pulled back, “You said whatever I want.” She licked into her. “You can.”

Azzi writhed and babbled, pleas incoherent.

“You’re gonna cum again for me, Azzi. You’re gonna be good for me,” She said, dragging her fingers up and down her slit.

“Please.” Azzi cried out, tears welling in her eyes.

Two fingers slid in easily, the slide easy after the first orgasm. She moaned loudly, hips lifting at the overstimulation.

“Cum for me again, baby. Be good for me,” Paige rasped against her clit, vibrations making wet walls clench around her fingers.

It took three curls and two more sucks for Azzi to shatter again. This time, Paige could hear her tears as she went over the edge.

“Paige — fuck, too much, I can’t — I can’t —” Azzi babbled, her hips bucking wildly.

She let the woman ride her orgasm out as she thrusted her fingers slowly,

Paige withdrew her fingers gently, wanting to lick back into her messy center. Instead, she kissed up Azzi’s trembling body.

“You taste so fucking good, baby.” She groaned, bringing her wet fingers to Azzi’s lips. “Wanna taste?”

Azzi nodded, curls falling against flushed cheeks, mouth dropping open.

Paige groaned loudly as Azzi wrapped her lips around the digits. She ground down on the caramel thigh involuntarily.

“Can you give me one more?” Paige begged, forehead pressed into Azzi’s cheek. “Wanna feel you fall apart on me while I cum with you.”

Azzi whimpered, core clenching. “Uh huh,” She whined.

“Thank you, Azzi. You’re so fucking perfect for me.” Paige scrambled to pull off the rest of her clothes.

She pulled Azzi’s leg high on top of her shoulder, slotting a leg between hers. Paige aligned their cores and ground down.

Loud moans escaped them both.

“Shit, baby, I’m not gonna last.” Paige groaned, leaning down. She hadn’t felt like she was going to cum this fast ever. But she needed Azzi to fall apart before she did.

She kissed at the tears falling into Azzi’s hair and pulled back. She brushed the curls out of her face. She interlaced their fingers, touching leaning closer until their foreheads touched.

Paige’s gaze locked onto wet eyes as she moved her hips again. Their bodies slid together perfectly. Each thrust was hot and slick. Paige rolled her hips hard and deep, grinding into Azzi with precision that bordered on cruel.

Azzi’s grip tightened, moaning so loudly Paige thought she might scream. Brown eyes rolled back as she shattered.

Paige gasped, staring at the woman beneath her.

“Fuck, I lo – Paige!” Azzi sobbed.

Paige’s hips stuttered as her own orgasm crashed over through her, hips bucking against Azzi.

After she felt like she could breathe again, Paige rolled over and pulled the sobbing girl to her chest.

“Shh,” She whispered into her hair. “You were so good for me, baby. So good.” Paige spoke praises into her hair until she stopped shaking.

Azzi was quiet, dazed, eyes still unfocused.

She whimpered when Paige started to pull away.

“Need to clean you up, baby.” The blonde said lowly.

Azzi just wrapped her arms around the blonde tighter.

Paige lifted her on shaky legs and walked them to the bathroom. She spread a towel on the counter so the marble wouldn’t be too cold on Azzi’s skin.

She gently dragged a warm washcloth through both of their centers. A quiet apology when Azzi hissed with sensitivity.

“You okay, Azzi?” Paige said, cupping her cheeks so the brunette could see her.

Azzi’s cheeks were flushed when she smiled at Paige tiredly. “I’m perfect, just a little floaty.” She opened her arms.

“You were perfect, Azzi. Thank you.” Paige said, walking into her embrace.

Azzi tucked her face into Paige’s neck. “I’ve never felt that safe with someone.”

“That’s all I ever want you to feel. Safe, happy, and loved.” Paige pressed a long kiss to her shoulder.

This time, Azzi’s hands cupped Paige’s cheeks. “I love you.” She smiled softly. “That’s not post nut clarity either,” She giggled. “I’m so in love with you, Paige.”

Blue eyes shined with joy and a soft smile graced Paige’s face. “And I love you, Azzi Fudd.”

They fell asleep tangled together, soft and satisfied and full of everything they never thought they’d get the chance to have.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Azzi wanted to cry when her alarm went off the following morning, but the dread was short lived when she remembered they’d be going on vacation today.

She tried to sit up, but she was pulled back down by the arm around her waist.

“Go back to sleep,” Paige grumbled.

Azzi turned in her arms with a pout. “But we have to get ready before Soleil gets back. And we can’t miss our flight; I spent a lot of money on that.”

The blonde head popped up, eyes squinted. “Exactly how much money did you spend on my birthday, Azzi?”

“Um,” She started. Azzi knew she wasn’t supposed to mention anything about money. She figured that Paige wouldn’t even think about money after they’d had sex. And she didn’t. Not until Azzi opened her big fat mouth. “I don’t know. Let’s go get ready, Paige.” She rushed, trying to get out of bed.

Paige’s grip tightened as she rolled to hover over her girlfriend. “Nah, I don’t believe that. But that’s okay, I’ll find out.” She dipped to kiss at her neck. “And I’ll double it since you don’t want to tell me.” She finished, biting her ear.

“About twenty-eight thousand.” Azzi gasped. Paige froze above her, and Azzi rushed to explain herself. “The Louis fit was expensive, and I covered everyone last night. And then the last-minute flights, the VRBO, and the activities in Aspen.”

Paige pulled away, rolling out of the bed. Azzi gasped as the cool air settled over her nude form.

“We can talk about this in the shower. We’re not missing that flight.” Paige tossed over her shoulder.

Azzi trailed her into the bathroom on shaky legs. “Are you mad at me?” She questioned. She leaned against the doorway, watching the muscles in Paige’s back move as got the shower ready.

“No,” the blonde sighed. “I just wasn’t expecting that. It’s almost all of the money I’ve paid you.”

They stepped under the warm water together, Azzi wrapping her arms around Paige’s back. “Yeah, but you do so much for everybody. You’ve done so much for me. I just wanted to make you feel as special as you make me feel.”

“That’s okay,” Paige said, smirking. “I’m gonna make sure you feel exactly how much I appreciate you.”

Large hands trailed down tanned skin before she was stopped. “My legs are still a little shaky, P.”

“I’ll carry you through the airport if I have to, baby.” Paige chuckled, moving to grab the shampoo.

Azzi let her girlfriend wash her hair as they stood under the warm stream. “I like when you call me that.” She muttered.

“What, baby?” Paige questioned. She smiled at Azzi’s shy nod. “What else? You like babygirl too?” Shrug. “What about angel?” A nod. “Pretty girl? Sweetheart?”

“Yes to both.” She replied, cheeks warm. “I don’t hate any of them.”

Paige pulled her into a soft kiss. “Noted, babygirl.”

“Well, what do you wanna be called? Mommy? Daddy?” Azzi teased.

The smiled dropped off Paige’s face quickly. “Soleil calls me Mommy, Az. And fuck no to daddy.”

“What about love?” Azzi smiled softly. “Or ma’am?” She paused. “Oooooh, or my love?”

Paige nodded, “Those are all fine.” She breathed.

They rinsed and dried off quickly. Azzi pulled on a pair of Paige’s boxers and a t-shirt before going down to her place to get the matching sweatsuits she bought to wear to the airport.

The lilac sweatshirts had a white PSA stitched on the cuff for a sentimental touch. She made sure each of them had socks to wear with their purple Crocs before heading back upstairs.

Azzi was greeted with a squeal. “Azzi! Mommy said we gonna go on a aiwplane today!”

“Yeah, baby!” Azzi exclaimed, matching the girl’s energy. “I even brought us matching outfits for the plane!”

Soleil gasped, just as elated as Azzi knew she’d be. “Lemme see, lemme see!” She bounced.

After she pulled her clothes on, Soleil ran to her mother. “Mommy, look! P, S, and A!”

“Yeah, for Paige, Soleil, and Azzi,” She responded, gesturing to each of them. She grinned at Azzi. “Our little family.”

The brunette grinned back at her girlfriend – they really were the perfect little family.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The trio was complemented the entire day.

First by Morgan when she came to drop them off at the airport.

Then by two TSA agents at Chicago-O’Hare.

The cashier from the terminal shop flirted with Paige until Soleil and Azzi came up behind her, dropping chips, candy, and slim jims on the counter. Then, the young woman melted. “You have the most beautiful family. Like your wife and your kid? Geez.”

There were a few people sneering at them – two of them had on those disgusting red hats. Paige planted a firm kiss on Azzi’s lips just to spite them.

They read a few books while they waited for boarding to start.

“First class?” Paige’s eyes widened.

Azzi’s brows furrowed, “You mean to tell me that you, Paige Bueckers, fly economy?”

The blonde scoffed. “Absolutely not. I have a plane, Azzi.”

“What? Was I supposed to reserve your plane or something?”

Paige just raised a brow in response.

“How am I supposed to know how to charter a plane?” She questioned.

“I figured the girls would’ve told you!” Paige exclaimed.

Azzi rolled her eyes playfully. “They didn’t know. It was all a surprise. Well Jana knew we were going somewhere, but she didn’t know everything.”

“Well, I’ll send you the information, so you don’t have to do this next time.” Paige leaned in, pecking her lips.

Despite ensuring that Soleil had her own pod, she didn’t actually use it outside of takeoff and landing. She bounced between Azzi and Paige, pulling a different activity from her carryon each time.

Her nose was pressed to the window as the descent started. “Look, Mommy! Mountains! With snow!”

A driver was waiting outside of baggage claim with “Bueckers Family” written in thick print. And even though Azzi arranged their transportation, she gasped, realizing she really was in the family.

Though the thought filled her with warmth, there was still a part of her heart that mourned the distance she had with her family. She missed them.

Paige looked at her, concern clear on her face.

Azzi just shook her head and smiled warmly.

The ride to their reservation passed quickly.

Pierre, the driver, pointed out a few restaurants that were kid-friendly and some others that were more for romance. He drove past the ski resort where most of their activities would be before driving a few minutes to drop them off at the cabin.

The house was nice. Too much wood for Azzi to live in forever, but just enough to feel warm for a week-long cabin trip. Soleil was ecstatic to see a hot tub out back, and Paige looked at Azzi with a smirk about the same feature.

Wiped from the day of travel and last night’s activities, the trio ate dinner and piled into the bed together.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The skiing trip was going well.

On Tuesday, they went into town to find a ski suits for their lessons the following day. Azzi took a million pictures of Soleil in different patterned suits. She had her favorite – the light pink one with sparkles – but Soleil had the final say. The definitely wouldn’t be able to lose sight of the girl in a rainbow tie-dye snowsuit.

They spent the rest of the day in the city, staying cozy and bonding. Azzi watched as Paige read book after book in the library until Soleil fell asleep in her lap. They walked around the center, grabbing a coffee while they waited for Soleil to wake up.

They enjoyed perfectly. crisped grilled cheese sandwiches and a soup bar at a tavern in town. Soleil ate very carefully, not wanting tomato soup dripping onto her sand-colored sweater.

A local took a picture of them in front of the restaurant. Soleil’s cheeks were rosy from the wind, but she showed all of her teeth as she grinned for the photo. Azzi’s smile was soft, warm as she adjusted the earmuffs on little girl’s head. And Paige just looked at the two of them with so much love that it could be felt through the screen. Maybe one day they’d be mad that they didn’t get a picture where each person was looking, but for now, it was perfect.

On Wednesday, the trio had ski lessons.

Well, Soleil and Azzi had ski lessons. Apparently Paige was already a pro, despite only going skiing once before.

The city had gotten fresh snow the night before. It was fine and glittering, softly crushing with each step. It was the kind of weather people fantasized about when they thought of a ski trip.

The ski class would have been great if Paige didn’t spend the entirety of it distracting Azzi, which then caused Soleil to keep looking back at them and giggling.

“You’re going to teach her on your own then, since you couldn’t let us just learn.” Azzi pouted during lunch.

An hour later, Paige knelt in front of Soleil. They were at the Fawn Slope, one of the easiest for small children. She took great care adjusting her daughter’s sparkly pink helmet and mittens.

Azzi stood a few feet away, wanting to take pictures, but content to stay bundled with her hot chocolate.

“Mommy, it’s all squishy.” Soleil giggled, poking her gloves against her stomach.

Paige grinned, “Yeah, Sunshine. It’ll keep you safe if you fall, like falling on a pillow.”

Azzi moved closer to the bunch as Paige strapped the little boots to the skis.

“You ready, Lei?” She questioned.

Soleil nodded fiercely. “I’m gonna fly!”

Paige giggled, pulling the cover over her nose and the goggles over her eyes. Azzi gasped at how real it became.

“What’s wrong?” Paige called over her shoulder.

Azzi forced herself to relax, sound casual. “Are we sure she won’t launch herself into a tree?”

Paige rose, dusting the snow off her pants.

“Nah, she’ll be fine. Slope’s not too bad, and I’ll be right beside her.”

Azzi nodded, heart in her throat.

Soleil shuffled toward the edge of the gentle slope, skis awkward and much too wide.

Azzi pulled her phone out, recording Paige crouching nearby, grinning and shouting encouragement.

She continued to record short clips, breath catching every time she went down, and sighing in relief when she popped up.

“Ready to try by yourself, Sunshine?” Paige urged.

Azzi stood straighter, looking to see Soleil’s answer. She wanted the girl to be brave and fearless, excited to conquer the slope. But at the same time, she wanted her wrapped in bubble wrap, where she’d be safe.

“Yeah, Mommy!” She nodded firmly.

Soleil trudged back to the top of the slope. Leaving her mom to wait for her at the bottom.

Then she pushed off.

She glided slowly at first, knees bent, skis closer together.

Azzi held her breath.

She reached out in vain when Soleil wobbled a bit.

She made it all the way down the track. A short ten-second run that felt like ten minutes to Azzi.

Paige let out a loud whoop, picking Soleil up and spinning her around.

Azzi was running towards them without even knowing it, smile stretched wide across her face.

Soleil’s giggles filled the air around them. She turned to Azzi with the biggest grin. “MAMA DID YOU SEE ME?! I DID IT!”

Soleil’s voice rang out like a bell, pure and proud.

Mama.

Azzi blinked. Just once. The word echoed in her skull, again and again, until it wasn’t just a sound, it was a truth.

Paige reached out with her free arm, bringing her into their embrace.

Azzi’s brown eyes were glassy as she pulled the face covering off and planted a kiss right on Soleil’s cheek. “Yeah, of course I saw you, Sunny Girl. You were amazing!”

When they got back to the cabin a little later, Soleil was starfished on top of Azzi, napping in front of the fireplace.

Paige dropped down next to her two favorite people with hot chocolate.

“I didn’t tell her to do it, but I’ve been waiting for her to call you that. Wanting her to call you that.” She said, eyes locked on her daughter.

Azzi blinked, eyes misty again. “Me too, I just…I didn’t want to overstep. Feel like we haven’t really talked about it.” She paused. “I know I’m not – I know she’s not mine.”

Paige grabbed her hand, running her thumb across her knuckles. “Maybe not legally, but in every way that matters.” She kissed Azzi’s forehead firmly. “We can work on that though, if you want.”

“I know I’m not supposed to think like this, but you haven’t made me a list this week, so technically, I’m not breaking any rules.” She swallowed. “I just don’t wanna fuck anything up. I’m so scared that something’s gonna happen, and she’ll be the one that gets hurt the most.”

The crease in the middle of Paige’s forehead deepened, and she didn’t say anything.

“Well,” She started after a few minutes. “Even if something happened between us. God forbid, if we didn’t work out, you’d still want to be in her life – still want to be her Mama, right?” She questioned.

“Of course,” Azzi replied. She didn’t need to think to know that. “Not unless you didn’t want me to.”

Paige smiled softly. “Okay, so no matter what happens, you’re her Mama. You’ll always be her Mama.”

This time, when Azzi exhaled, all the tightness in her chest evaporated.

And for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t afraid.

She just lay there — Soleil snuggled on top of her, Paige curled at her side – holding her daughter, next to the love of her life.

Her family.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

On Friday, the night before they were set to return to Chicago, they had a Halloween movie marathon. Halfway through Halloweentown, Paige whispered in Azzi’s ear. “Hot tub after she goes to sleep?”

They had spent time in the hot tub every day since they got to Aspen, but Soleil was always there with them. Which the loved! Any time spent as a family was cherished by both women, but warmth and anticipation flooded Azzi’s system as she nodded at the idea.

Hours later, after Soleil was tucked in and drooling, Paige waited in the hot tub.

Steam curled around her bare shoulders as she sank into the hot tub, the mountain air crisp against her flushed skin. She watched the snowflakes as they floated down, melting before they could get close to the water.

Her head popped up at the sound of the patio door sliding opened.

Azzi was in her favorite color again. The lavender bikini had a cutout on the bottom of the top, her under boob on display.

Paige’s mouth was already watering. Her eyes dragged across Azzi’s body as she climbed in to sit next to her.

They spent the next couple of minutes in silence, eyes watching the steam vanish into the sky.

“You warm enough?” Paige asked, voice low.

Azzi nodded slowly, lips parted. She was content to admire the woman next to her. She traced the slope of her nose, the slight pout of her lips, the texture on her cheeks. Every inch of Paige Bueckers was perfect.

“You’re quiet,” Paige turned to her.

She blinked a bit, snapping out of her Paige-induced trance. “Just looking at you.” She felt her cheeks flush, not from the heat.

The corners of Paige’s lips twitched. “Yeah? What do you see, baby?”

Azzi inhaled sharply and shifted. Her hands settled on Paige’s waits, fingers tracing slow circles against the warm skin.

“I see…” She whispered nervously. “I see everything I want.”

The next second, Paige closed the distance, licking Azzi’s mouth open. The kiss was slow and all-consuming, warm from the heat and the tension. Azzi moaned softly, leaning in, hands running up Paige’s back.

Water sloshed over the edge of the hot tub as Paige pulled Azzi onto her lap, thighs instantly sliding apart. Azzi straddled her, lips trailing down to her jaw. She sucked a mark into the base of her neck as Paige palmed her ass roughly.

The blonde let one hand move up her back, landing in her curls and pulling softly. Azzi moaned into the kiss, pushing her body in even closer.

Paige pushed her hips up while guiding Azzi’s down, the friction eliciting a quiet gasp from the older woman. The motion was subtle but deliberate.

“Want you,” Azzi moaned against her lips.

Paige’s voice was just as wrecked. “Then take me, babygirl.”

Azzi reached behind the woman to unclasp the bikini top before getting frustrated and roughly pushing it over her head with a grunt. Her hands cupped the small mounds reverently, thumbs brushing over pink nipples.

Paige groaned again, pulling Azzi’s hips down again. “Fuck, Azzi.”

She dipped her head, tongue flattening against the stiff peak. Swirling in a slow, deliberate motion while the other was rolled between her fingers.

Paige’s hand tangled in tight curls. “You’re driving me crazy, angel.” She murmured, breath hitching.

“I wanna make you cum,” She pulled away with a pop.

“Yeah?” Paige said, pupils blown. “You will, but I haven’t even started with you yet.”

Before Azzi could say anything, a large hand slipped beneath those tiny bikini bottoms. Paige grinned at the slickness she found. Azzi cried out softly, hips bucking against the two fingers against her folds.

“Mmm, you’re so wet for me already.” She whispered, breath hot against Azzi’s skin. “You’re dripping, and I hadn’t even touched you yet.”

Azzi moaned at her words. Sweet sounds turned into a gasp as Paige bit her neck.

“All this from a little heat and bubbles,” She teased, soothing the bite with her tongue.

Azzi bit her lip, head titling to the side to give Paige more space. “No.” She whined. “All this from you.”

Paige kissed her again, rougher now, tongue demanding, mouth desperate. She thrust her fingers slowly, just two at first. Moving slowly to give her time to adjust, curling only after feeling Azzi tighten.

She moaned, rocking into her roughly, tucking her face into Paige’s neck and holding tightly to her shoulders.

“You’re such a good girl, sweetheart.” Paige rasped. “Just like that, baby. Take what you need.”

Azzi nodded, “Yes, ma’am.” She swallowed. “Oh, fuck. I’m gonna cum.”

Paige brought her thumb up to her clit. It took two, maybe three swipes. Azzi’s vision blurred as she came with a choked gasp, trembling in Paige’s lap.

Her balance was unsteady as she stood, pulling Paige up with her. “Want you in the bed.” She muttered.

Paige grabbed her bathing suit top, rushing in behind her girlfriend.

Azzi was standing in front of the fireplace, situating blankets in front of the flames.

“What are you doing, Az?” Paige chuckled, coming behind her.

Azzi looked over her shoulder. “Don’t wanna get the bed wet, and I don’t wanna be cold.”

She yanked Paige down and rolled on top of her.

“It’s my turn now.” Hands already moving to Paige’s blue bottoms.

A pale hand reached out to grab her wrist firmly. “I think you’re forgetting who is in charge here.” She said with a smirk.

Azzi’s shoulders dropped in disappointment. “But you said I could be next.”

“You are.” She said, cupping her chin, forcing eye contact. “But you’re all keyed up. Relax a little.”

“I’ve never done this before,” Azzi whispered, pulling at one of the threads. “Not with a woman.”

Paige leaned back until she was flat against the covers. “You do what feels right, okay?” She started. “I’ll help you if you need it. But I love you, Azzi. Anything that you do will be enough, I promise.”

The brunette still looked a little nervous, so Paige spoke again. “Can you take your bathing suit off?” She asked lowly, already reaching for her own bottoms.

“God, you’re so beautiful, angel.” She whispered, getting wetter with every inch of skin Azzi showed her.

The brunette sat on her heels, eyes wide with uncertainty.

“Now, you’re in charge sweetheart.” She started. “You can kiss, you can suck, you can lick. Whatever you want baby.”

Azzi knelt between pale legs. “And you’ll tell me if you don’t like it?”

“I promise.”

Azzi brought her face closer, nose brushing against sticky skin. She breathed in, pressing a kiss into one thigh, licking the other.

The taste wasn’t bad. Much different from the bitterness she’d experienced before, not a bad different…just different.

She kissed her way up each thigh, pausing at Paige’s gasp.

“You’re doing good baby,” She smiled. “Just teasing a little.”

The smile sent warmth all throughout Azzi’s body. With a little more confidence, she trailed kissed up each of lips before reaching the apex.

She licked her lips and kissed the soft, swollen heat between her thighs. “Fuck, Azzi.” Paige groaned, hips bucking into her face.

One hand reached up the spread her lips. “You’re so pretty, Paige.” She said, breath warm against the wetness.

She leaned in, tongue dragged through the sticky heat. “Shit, baby.” Paige moaned.

Azzi watched her hole tighten and she dipped down the catch the drop before it could slide down. She moaned against the wet heat at the taste of her girlfriend. Her tongue flicked against the opening, eager to taste more of the girl she loved.

“You feel so good, angel. You’re doing so good for me.” The blonde rambled.

Azzi’s hips twitched at the praise, her own hand circling her clit. She whimpered into Paige.

The vibrations moved through her core, “Fuck, just like that, baby.” She groaned, tossing her head back.

Azzi’s tongue slithered up to Paige’s clit. She licked the sensitive nub softly, mouth following as her hips bucked.

“Oh my – Azzi.” Paige moaned. “Keep going, just like that.” She rode her face, pushing her hips further into her mouth.

Azzi wrapped her lips around Paige’s clit and sucked.

Paige came. Hard.

She didn’t have words, just gasps.

Azzi’s tongue darted back to drink down Paige’s release greedily. Her tongue ran up and down the slit until Paige pulled her face away.

She pulled Azzi up and licked into her mouth. “You were fucking perfect, baby.”

Azzi had a dazed smile on her lips, but that didn’t last long. Her jaw dropped as Paige sucked on the fingers she’d been using on herself.

“Did eating me make you all sloppy and wet?” Paige’s tone was teasing, and Azzi couldn’t help but pout at the thought of her ruined orgasm.

Paige leaned back again, legs spread wide. “Oh, my poor baby, just needs to cum.” She pulled Azzi into her lap. “When we get back, gotta fuck you with my strap, gonna make you ride it. But today, you’re just gonna ride me, okay?”

Azzi nodded, still in a daze, but eager to please Paige and finish.

The strong hands on her hips guided her into place. Azzi pushed down a little, throwing her head back at the sensation.

Their slick centers met, warm and pulsing, friction building with every slow roll of their hips. Paige’s hips rolling slowly, creating the best friction. Azzi whimpered as Paige gripped her ass, encouraging her to move above her.

They moved together, fast and a little sloppy.

Azzi threw her head back in ecstasy as Paige’s hand came up to pluck at her nipple.

“No,” Paige said firmly. “Eyes on me. Looks who’s making you feel like this.”

She nodded, eyes still dazed. Her hips sped up as she chased her orgasm. “Fuck, I love you.”

“Yeah?” Paige sat up, pressing their foreheads together.

The movement changed the angle, and they were both bucking against thighs. Azzi’s moans were high, but quiet as Paige breathed heavily in her ear.

“Come on, love. Cum with me.”

Azzi nodded, breath stuttering in her chest.

Their orgasms hit like waves, overlapping and pulling them under. Azzi tried to keep her eyes on Paige, wanting to see how beautiful she was when. She came, but her eyes rolled into her head.

The only sound was their breathing, synced and heavy, surrounded by the low crackle of the fire. Paige’s hand found Azzi’s, fingers curling tight. “You’re mine,” she whispered against her temple.

Azzi didn’t reply. She didn’t need to. She just smiled into Paige’s shoulder, body limp, heart wide open.

They stayed like that, tangled in skin and love, warm in every possible way.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

A/N: I might turn my anons on. I miss seeing y'all react to chapters, and I feel like less people are sending things in. But if those kinds of messages are sent in, I'm gonna have to delete my account 😭 So please remember to be kind :) Love you guys!!!

#paige bueckers #azzi fudd #pazzi fics #pazzi #paige x azzi #elle's fics #terms of endearment

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