#tv reactions 2024

[callmebrycelee]

9-1-1 REACTION

This reaction is for the season 7, first episode ��Ships Ahoy” which originally aired March 14, 2024. This episode was written by series creator Tim Minear and directed by John J. Gray who is also an executive producer on American Horror Story and the 9-1-1 spinoff, 9-1-1: Lone Star. So, without further ado, here’s my reaction to the episode. 

We begin the episode with a therapy session. Our resident therapist, Frank (played by Eddie McGee, the first winner of Big Brother USA) is counseling Athena Grant. We are told this scene takes place two months prior to Athena and Bobby leaving for their soon-to-be ill-fated cruise. 

Athena, having seen the Poseidon Adventure in her youth, is rightfully nervous about being on a boat in the middle of the ocean for several days. What I found funny about this scene is how Athena goes off on this tangent about Shelley Winters being nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her performance in The Poseidon Adventure. When Eddie asks if she won, Athena gives a deadpan look at the camera and says 'no'. This is obviously an allusion to real-life actress Angela Bassett losing out to Jamie Lee Curtis at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony in 2023.  

Frank asks if there's any other reason for her anxiety but in true Athena fashion she deflects. He recommends she pack some extra Dramamine. We then get a scene with Athena and Bobby trapped in a room rapidly filling with water. The two of them exchange I love yous and then we get our title card.

In our next scene, we see Maddie in the middle of a call involving a pilot (played by soap opera actor Mark Lawson) with the Air National Guard. He tells Maddie that he was on a training exercise until he lost communication and engine control with his F-16. He ejected himself from the aircraft and is now hanging on the side of a smokestack. The real emergency is that his plane is about to crash. Maddie's supervisor Sue Blevins (played by Debra Christofferson) and fellow operator Josh Russo (played by Bryan Safi) join Maddie at her desk. Sue asks if there's a way for them to track the aircraft's whereabouts and Josh explains that once a pilot ejects themselves, the plane thinks it's in enemy territory and stops transmitting. 

We move from the dispatch center over to a small home where we see an older couple Edna and Abe (played by Rusty Schwimmer and James Eckhouse, respectively) at their home. I immediately recognized Abe's actor as the dad from the original Beverly Hills 90210. Edna passive-aggressively vacuums while Abe is watching television which leads to an argument. Their bickering, however, is cut short the moment our pilot's F-16 crashes through the couple's living room. 

The 118 arrive at the scene with Hen acting as captain in Bobby's absence. Edna appears to be fine, but Abe is pinned to his recliner by the plane. Hen suggests cutting him out of the chair, but Abe is against the idea. He says he likes the chair more than he likes his wife. Rude! Eddie notices a dummy bomb attached to the plane so Hen gets on the phone with the pilot who tells her it could explode. Maddie tells Hen the Air National Guard will arrive within an hour, but Hen says they cannot wait because Abe has a possible spinal injury. The pilot offers to talk Hen and Eddie through defusing the bomb but due to possible head trauma he is unable to give them adequate instruction. Hen tells Eddie to cut the red wire but before he has a chance, Chimney pulls the lever on the side of the recliner which causes the seat to move back. This gives them plenty of room to remove Abe from the wreckage. Abe is loaded into the ambulance, and he hears Edna calling after him. He tells Chimney to tell her he died.

Back at the house, Chimney talks to Hen about Abe and Edna and wonders how they got to the place where they are now. He asks Hen if she thinks him and Maddie will ever get to that point and Hen assures him that he and Maddie are nothing like Abe and Edna. She then tells him that getting to where Abe and Edna are now only happens if you let it. 

And now to my favorite scene of the episode. We see a shirtless Eddie changing into his civilian clothes very reminiscent of when we first saw him back in season two. Let me just say, I've always been more into Oliver Stark than Ryan Guzman, but I must say, the latter is looking really, really good. Anywho, Buck asks his bestie if he wants to drive go-karts in the desert, but Eddie tells him that he has other plans. Christopher, our sweet baby boy, is a teenager now and has a date and Eddie and his girlfriend Marisol (played by Edy Ganem) are going to supervise. We then learn that Buck is single again which is such a bummer because I really liked Natalia (played by Annelise Cepero) from last season. Buck mentions that it was depressing dating someone whose entire career is centered around death and since he's recovered from his own near-death experience, he wants to be surrounded by life, not death. I think this is a valid reason for why Buck and Natalia are no longer together, but I am disappointed we won't get to see Buck date a beautiful woman of color who had body-ody-ody. Oh well! I hope they find someone nice for our dear Evan Buckley, but it is nice to see him in a good place.

Later on, Chimney talks with Maddie about Abe and Edna. He tells her that the couple allowed themselves to become alienated from each other and he doesn't want that to happen to the two of them. He proposes that they start dating again. Maddie thinks he means other people, but Chimney tells her that he wants them to start dating again. Maddie flashes her ring and tells her that they're past the dating age. This right here is why I think a lot of modern-day couples don't work out. Dating is not just something you do until you settle down with a person. The best marriages I've seen involve both people dating each other even while married. A friend of mine just lost her husband of 50-plus years and up until his death, they still went out together and on vacation together. I do like Chimney's proposal to not just have a honeymoon phase but a honeymoon life but, like most things with him, I think he goes a bit too far. 

We next see Bobby and Athena dancing with each other during their first night at sea. I must say, Angela Bassett and Peter Krause look amazing, and I feel like it's my job remind everyone that Angela Bassett is 65 years old and looking like she's fresh in her 40s. Peter has some gray at his temples, but he is only getting better looking with time. When the song ends, they take a seat and Bobby goes over all the things he wants to do while they are on their cruise. Athena tells Bobby he can choose what they want to do but Bobby wants her input. 

They are interrupted by everyone's favorite couple - Norman and Lola Peterson (played by Daniel Roebuck and Romy Rosemont). The last time we saw Norman and Lola was back in season two. Just in case viewers forgot, Bobby and Athena remind us that Lola climbed onto a billboard over the freeway in just her bathrobe to get Norman's attention. Apparently it worked because the two of them are still together. Athena is shocked to hear that Lola only spent 60 days in jail and I can't say that I blame her. I mean, this is the same woman who waved a loaded gun at the first responders on the scene and even fired off a round. That coupled with indecent exposure and disturbing the peace should've garnered her a longer sentence, but I digress. 

The couple credits Athena and Bobby with saving their marriage and tell them that they've been honeymooning for 106 weeks on different cruise ships. Norman and Lola invite Bobby and Athena to go bicycling with them in Mazatlán, but they decline. Back in their room, Athena tells Bobby she found the Petersons to be extremely exhausting. She is also annoyed that she has to put up with them for the next two weeks. Bobby tells her they can spend all their time in the room, but Athena looks hesitant. We flashback to her therapy session with Frank, and we see Athena voice her concerns about her marriage. So much of her relationship with Bobby involves earthquakes and tsunamis and blackouts and escaped rapists and solving murders. When it's just the two of them, alone and without all of the madness, she worries if there's anything left. I love this as a storyline for Bobby and Athena. They are an older couple and with May in college they are also empty nesters. It's very common for couples who are shifting into a new phase of life to reevaluate their relationship.

Back on the ship, the Petersons stop by their room and ask if they want to join them on a moonlight stroll on the top desk. Bobby starts to decline but Athena accepts their invitation. Bobby is confused by this, but Athena tells him that even though she doesn't like or trust Lola and Norman, there's no need for her to be rude about it. Athena is clearly avoiding being alone with Bobby and he's starting to sense this. I honestly feel bad for both of them.

The following day, Chimney relays his plan to Hen at the firehouse while Maddie talks to Josh at the dispatch center. Chimney has created a spreadsheet with all of their scheduled dates. Josh isn't exactly sold on the idea of Chimney and Maddie micromanaging their love life and Hen tells Chimney that she doesn't think this plan of his is going to last that long. Like I said, I think Chimney wanting to date Maddie is a good idea but any time you introduce a spreadsheet into your relationship, nothing good can come of it.

We then get a scene where Eddie tells Buck about Christopher's date. We learn that our sweet little boy is also a two-timing player-player. Eddie says that he went through Christopher's phone and saw that he's having conversations with multiple girls. Buck is shocked by this news. Eddie says he doesn't know where Christopher would've gotten this behavior since he himself married the first person he ever dated. He suggests that Buck talk with Christopher since he has a history of being a fuck boy. 

Back on the ship, Bobby is trying to get Athena to go on a hike with him, but she tells him he has a migraine. When the Petersons arrive, Athena suggests that Bobby go with them while she stays on the ship. Bobby declines and instead goes to an AA meeting aboard the ship. Regarding this scene, I thought it was a nice touch to show Athena looking at the two young teenagers who are being romantic with each other. The girl is Black and the guy is white – much like Athena and Bobby. 

In our next scene, we meet Nick (played by Chris Gartin) and Sofia (played by Kathryn Boswell). The two start off drinking champagne in the jacuzzi and right before the sexytimes begin, they both throw their champagne flutes. All I kept thinking about during this scene was the broken glass next to the jacuzzi. Right as things are really heating up (pun intended), Nick experiences a cardiac emergency. The 118 arrive at the scene and find Nick unconscious and stuck inside of Sofia. I could not stop laughing when Hen starts giving the medical explanation as to why Sofia (ahem) couldn't remove herself from her boyfriend. The scene only gets funnier when Eddie suggests that Sofia visualize herself as Jell-o. He coaches her through the process, and she is able to (ahem) loosen up enough so she could untether herself from Nick's nether region. Afterwards, Sofia blames herself for the entire situation. She tells Chimney that she pushed too hard to spice things up because she was worried they were becoming too complacent in their relationship. This is yet another sign for Chimney. One last thing about this scene, I love how Buck teases Eddie by saying: "I don't think I've ever seen a man turn a woman off with such skill." Eddie responds by saying: "It's a gift." I love their friendship so much and how they can tease each other like this without either of them getting offended. 

Later on, presumably that evening, Buck broaches the topic of not being a fuck boy with Christopher. He tells Christopher that he doesn't want him to get a reputation for being a 'not so good guy'. Christopher asks if it matters or not if he's a nice guy and when Buck asks him what he means, he says that they'll only end up leaving anyway. Buck asks him why he would say something like that, and Christopher tells him that his mom left him. Buck is confused by this and tells Christopher that his mother didn't leave - she died. Christopher counters by saying his mother left him prior to her passing away. "We loved her, and she left anyway." My heart broke hearing this and so did Eddie's as he stood outside of Christopher's room listening in on the conversation. I love that the show has made Christopher a main character this season because there's so much to explore with him now that he's getting older. I thought this scene with Christopher and Buck was so good and a reminder that Buck is very much a member of this family unit. 

Bobby wakes up the next morning and finds Athena gone from their cabin. He finds her having breakfast on the deck and asks her about her migraine. Athena, of course, has forgotten about the lie she told the day before but quickly says she is better. Bobby He accuses her of sneaking out of their room and tells her that since they got on the boat, they've been like two ships passing in the night. He asks her what's going on and why she's avoiding being alone with him. Instead of answering Bobby, Athena notices Norman and waves him over. She asks him about Mazatlán, and he says that everything went well. Athena asks him about Lola and Norman says that she is resting because she got too much sun. He adds that they might not see her any time soon. Athena then notices some scratches on the side of Norman’s neck. He tells her he got the scratches when he fell off his bike. Athena, of course, finds this very suspicious and tells Bobby as much after Norman leaves. Bobby isn't really interested in her suspicions and accuses her of using the Petersons as a buffer. He tells Athena that if she didn't want to come on the cruise, she should have told him so. Athena assures him she wants to be there with him and apologizes. Bobby apologizes for pushing her to do things and suggests they go sit by the pool. Athena is on board with this idea and excuses herself to go get changed into her bathing suit.

Athena heads to her room but takes a detail at the Petersons' room. She sees a maid exiting the room and asks her about Lola. The maid tells her that the room is empty, and the bed hadn't been slept in. Athena notices a bloody towel and the maid tells her that bloody towels are apparently normal. Meanwhile, Bobby gets tired of waiting and heads back to his room. He finds Athena Facetiming with Hen telling her about the Petersons and her belief that Norman killed his wife. Bobby texts Chimney and tells him not to encourage Athena's suspicions. Chimney shows the text to Hen and Hen pretends that she has lost reception and ends the call. Bobby accuses Athena again of avoiding him, but Athena insists she's not and is only concerned about the dearly departed Lola Peterson. Bobby is frustrated and drags Athena out of their room to prove to her that she is wrong about Norman killing his wife.

Bobby and Athena go to the cruise director, Julian (played by Rick Cosnett), and tell him they are concerned that Lola Peterson did not get back on the ship after visiting Mazatlán. Julian checks his computer and sees that Lola scanned back in along with her husband the day before. He then tells them that she is currently in the dining hall. Thinking that everything is okay, Bobby asks Athena if she would like to address the actual death on the ship - their marriage. Yikes! Bobby then sees Norman standing at the buffet with a woman who is definitely not Lola Peterson.

Later that evening, Eddie goes to talk to Christopher. When he enters Christopher's room, he notices the picture of Shannon lying face down on his desk. Eddie tells Christopher that he found something of his while he was going through some of his things. He gives Christopher a letter from Shannon, but Christopher doesn't read it. Eddie leaves the room and Christopher opens the letter. As he reads Shannon's letter, the ghost of Shannon (played by Devin Kelley) is standing beside him. I loved this scene. The fandom was absolutely wretched towards Shannon back in season two and I believe it's because of the fandom's treatment of the character that she was killed off. A lot of hatred towards Shannon is based on her abandoning Eddie and Christopher when the latter was young. I understand why people would have a problem with a mother leaving her kid but let's not forget that Eddie signed up for an additional tour of duty fully knowing his wife was struggling back at home. In my opinion, both Eddie and Shannon have failed Christopher, but I don't think that makes them bad parents. Apologies for my rant but I hate how the fans of this show treat the women that Buck and Eddie date simply because they are angry that Buck and Eddie are not a couple. Anywho, when Eddie comes back to Christopher's room he sees the picture of Shannon has been sat back up. What a beautiful scene.

Meanwhile, Chimney tells Maddie that to forget about the spreadsheet and instead of focusing on dating, they should focus on their upcoming wedding. Maddie asks him what led to him changing his mind and he tells her that he's decided they're already doing things right and he's no longer worried about them turning into Edna and Abe. He then takes her outside and shows her his latest purchase - a jacuzzi. 

Our final scene of the episode takes us back to the ship where Athena and Bobby have enlisted the help of the ship's captain - Captain Ochoa (played by Mercedes Colon). Captain Ochoa tells them that she is turning the ship around to head back to Los Angeles due to an approaching storm. Athena says she will have detectives waiting to make the arrest. Bobby tells her not to jump the gun and says she needs to talk to Norman first. Speaking of Norman, he arrives, and Athena starts grilling him about Lola's whereabouts. Norman says that Lola's resting, but Bobby tells him they know he's lying. Athena accuses him of sneaking his side piece onto the ship. Norman says he loves his wife and finally comes clean about what happened. He says that while he and Lola were in Mazatlán, the two of them were accosted by a gang demanding that he hand over a dongle. Athena asks him what a dongle is and Bobby explains that it is used to store bitcoins. Norman insists he doesn't have a dongle and says when he told the men that, they took Lola. Captain Ochoa tells Bobby and Athena that there's been rumors about a retired couple using the cruise line industry as a front for international smuggling. Athena tells Norman that he and Lola fit the profile. Norman tells her that he's a retired dry cleaner. He also tells Athena and Bobby that he was told that if he didn't turn over the dongle at the next port, Lola will be killed.

The episode ends with the same woman we saw Norman earlier, entering an equipment room and using an axe to destroy all the communication devices. We then see several armed men and women in tactical gear ride up to the ship on jet skis and climb aboard. They demand that all the passengers get down on the ground. The last thing we hear is gunshots.   

Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you do a season opener! I am thoroughly pleased with this episode and if I were to rank all the first episodes of each season, this one would definitely make it into the top three. Maybe even the top two. One thing this show excels at is it’s disaster episodes. We usually get one, sometimes two, a season and they rarely, if ever, disappoint. In regard to the shift from FOX to ABC, I could definitely tell a difference this episode. Maybe it’s just me but this episode felt wittier and snappier. Each of the main characters were on point and I loved supporting characters like Josh, Frank and Shannon featured as well. The return of Norman and Lola Peterson was both a surprise and a delight. As a fan of diehard fan of Glee, I love how actors from that show and other Ryan Murphy projects will sometimes pop up on 9-1-1.

This episode leaves me super excited about what’s to come. I’ve been told that this season opener is three parts so next week I’m sure we��ll learn more about what’s really going on aboard Athena and Bobby’s cruise ship. If I were to speculate, I think we’re going to see the two of them teaming up like they have done many times before, only I think Athena will walk away with a better appreciation of her husband. Athena and Bobby are my favorite couple on the show, and I think they are perfect for each other. It is good to see some conflict in their relationship but I’m hoping that conflict will be resolved soon. I can’t imagine these two not being together. 

As for Maddie and Chimney, I’m excited to see these two plan their upcoming wedding. Hopefully their wedding won’t be mired in tragedy like TK and Carlos’ over on Lone Star. I do think that we’ll see some conflict between these two. This will be Maddie’s second marriage and considering how her first marriage ended, I think we’re going to see her struggle with walking down that aisle again. It also makes me curious if we will see Jason again, maybe in a flashback or in a nightmare sequence. Something else to consider is how Chimney will handle things as well. Chimney’s parents split up when he was young, and his father abandoned he and his mom to go back to Korea. Perhaps Chimney has some unresolved trauma regarding this that we’ll see explored in further episodes this season.

Lastly, we have Eddie and Buck. Seven seasons later, there’s still a portion of the 9-1-1 fandom who are demanding these two get together romantically. I don’t see Eddie and Buck as romantic. I don’t think the show has indicated there’s any romantic feelings between the two of them. What I do see is two straight male characters who are close friends who support and care about each other. It frustrates me that there are others who go out of their way to harass the actors and the writers about making their ‘ship’ happen on this show. I actually think the title of this episode is a clever allusion to the whole Buddie fandom and how bat shit insane they’ve been since Eddie was first introduced on the show. I believe the title ‘Abandon Ships’ is the creators’ way of saying: No, we will not be going down that road. What we will show you is a wholesome, non-toxic relationship between two men. Anything beyond that will remain in the plethora of fanfics found on the innerwebs. And yes, I love reading Buddie fanfics but as a viewer, as a queer viewer, I do not need or want Evan Buckley and Eddie Diaz getting romantically involved. It’s okay to have ships or to want to see your two favorite characters get together but please, let’s stop asking Oliver Stark and Ryan Guzman questions about it and getting upset when they don’t say what you want them to say. It’s weird! Stop it!

The last thing I will say about this episode is that it’s so good to have 9-1-1 back. I have truly missed this show and I’m happy to have something to look forward to watching each week. I hope next episode we get to focus on Buck and Hen since we didn’t get to see much with their lives this episode. I look forward to seeing what happens with Athena and Bobby and the other passengers on the cruise ship. Until next time …

[ariadnethedragon]

RIVALS (2024-)

‘No one ever buys me gifts like this’

[lost-inanotherlife]

[Also Miles, internally: you know what?...mmm... NO!.... mmmm, weeell??*laughs*]

[inafieldofdaisies]

Women in Blue / Las Azules (2024–) | Season 1, Episode 1 | Bárbara Mori as María de la Torre

“I was obsessed with detectives as a little girl. I devoured every book I could find. My favorite series was Detective Murrieta. On the cover art, I'd add long hair and a skirt. Detective María.”

[obsidianandblacksatin]

"Let's be honest, it was a terrible night last night. It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who make this country go. For healthcare, for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, for free speech. It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on social security, for our allies in Ukraine, for NATO, for the truth, for democracy, and decency, and it was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him, and guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him, too — you just don't realize it yet."

[cocotome]

I got a chance to read through some of the interview for their Voicestars thingy and they're both really cute! They talk about how they both feel super comfortable doing the Dangerous Reunion broadcast because they've known each other since their first semester at a voice acting school. They'd actually been in the same classes and studied together (at the park and Hirarins apt with other people). They also talked about how much trust they have in one another with Koni saying he knows Hirarin will reign him in if he goes too far and Hirarin saying Koni does a great job of helping him stay on topic or move to next one while he's speaking.

[amandaanddonnie]

SISTER WIVES Star JANELLE BROWN Spotted with Family in Arkansas

[rightnewshindi]

श्रद्धा आर्या के जुड़वां बच्चों की पहली झलक: 4 महीने बाद वायरल हुईं क्यूट तस्वीरें, फैंस बोले- 'डबल खुशियां' #News #HindiNews #IndiaNews #RightNewsIndia

[the960writers]

Lincoln Michel Dec 12, 2024

I’m using “TV” as a shorthand for any visual narrative art from feature length films to video games. A lot of fiction these days reads as if—as I saw Peter Raleigh put it the other day, and as I’ve discussed it before—the author is trying to describe a video playing in their mind. Often there is little or no interiority. Scenes play out in “real time” without summary. First-person POV stories describe things the character can’t see, but a distant camera could. There’s an overemphasis on characters’ outfits and facial expressions, including my personal pet peeve: the “reaction shot round-up” in which we get a description of every character’s reaction to something as if a camera was cutting between sitcom actors.

[...]

My theory is that we live in the age of visual narratives and that increasingly warps how we write. Film, TV, TikToks, and video games are culturally dominant. Most of us learn how stories work through visual mediums. This is how our brains have been taught to think about story. And so, this is how we write. I’m not suggesting there is any problem in being influenced by these artforms. I certainly am. The problem is that if you’re “thinking in TV” while writing prose, you abandon the advantages of prose without getting the advantages of TV.

[...]

When I talk with other creative writing professors, we all seem to agree that interiority is disappearing. Even in first-person POV stories, younger writers often skip describing their character’s hopes, dreams, fears, thoughts, memories, or reactions. This trend is hardly limited to young writers though. I was speaking to an editor yesterday who agreed interiority has largely vanished from commercial fiction, and I think you increasingly notice its absence even in works shelved as “literary fiction.” When interiority does appear on the page, it is often brief and redundant with the dialogue and action. All of this is a great shame. Interiority is perhaps the prime example of an advantage prose as a medium holds over other artforms.

[callmebrycelee]

9-1-1 REACTION

This reaction is for the season 7, second episode “Rock the Boat” which originally aired March 21, 2024. The episode was written by Lyndsey Beaulieu and Juan Carlos Coto and directed by executive producer and Glee and American Horror Story director Bradley Buecker. Spoilers ahead!

“Stay calm and nobody will be hurt.” – Boris, the pirate

We begin the episode by picking up where we left off. Bobby, Athena, and Norman Peterson (played by Daniel Roebuck) are taken hostage along with Captain Ochoa (played by Mercedes Colon). We learn the reason the pirates have come aboard is because the ship has been turned around due to the approaching tropical storm. The lead pirate, Boris (played by Nikita Bogolyubov), asks Norman to hand over the dongle in exchange for Lola (played by Romy Rosemont). Another pirate walks over with a bound and gagged Lola. Norman insists he doesn’t have the dongle and Boris gives him to the count of three to turn it over. Bobby and Athena intervene on Norman’s behalf and for a moment Boris accuses them of having the dongle. He tells them that he’s only messing with them and then he shoots Norman. 

Cue title card.

Bobby goes to assist Norman while Athena tries to talk Boris down. Athena deduces that Lola is having an affair with the cruise director, Julian (Rick Cosnett). She explains that when Norman called Julian over to their table a few nights ago, she noticed Lola wouldn’t look him in the eye. Turns out, Julian is the one with the dongle and after he gets roughed up a bit, he turns it over along with the password. Norman is heartbroken by all of this and asks to die. Boris and the other pirates flee the ship now that they have what they need and Athena escorts Lola away. Bobby carries Norman to a nearby casino and places him on a craps table so he can access his injuries. The ship’s doctor (played by Eddie Jemison) is brought over but he immediately gets nauseous upon seeing Norman’s gunshot wound. Athena tells him to go help Julian who only has minor injuries. Athena asks her husband what he needs. Bobby tells her he needs his team. 

“Why is that drunks always come out of these things without a scratch?” – Hen Wilson

The 118 are called to the scene of an accident involving a young girl and her mother. Lexi (played by Jadah Marie) and her mother are trapped in a car after being struck by another vehicle. While Eddie accesses the mother’s injuries, Chimney goes to talk to the other driver involved in the collision. The driver (played by Ricky Martinez) refuses to be checked out and gets rough with Chimney. Hen comes over and asks the driver if he is refusing care. The driver says, he does not consent to being checked out. Hen asks Officer Williams (played by Chris Wu) to detain the driver. Chimney tells Hen that they should still evaluate the guy but Hen says ‘no’.

Lexi and her mother are safely extracted from the vehicle and loaded into an ambulance. Officer Williams calls out to Hen; the other driver has stopped breathing. Chimney checks his pulse but there isn’t one, so he immediately starts with compressions. Officer Williams says one moment the guy was fine and then he started speaking gibberish. Then he collapsed. Hen switches places with Hen and asks Buck and Eddie to call for another ambulance and also call the hospital to have a neurologist standing by.

“Better than finding out your wife of 36 years, the mother of your only child is an international smuggler … and a strumpet?” – Norman Peterson

We head back over to the cruise ship where Athena and Bobby have transformed into their first responder alter egos. Bobby tends to Norman. The latter is still coming to terms with his wife of 36 years and the mother of their only child is an international smuggler. He tells Bobby that he and Lola got rid of their home and sold all their possessions at a yard sale. They only made $2800. $2800 for 36 of memories. Norman asks Bobby how long he and Athena have been married. Bobby tells him they’ve been married for four years and that it’s the second marriage for the both of them. Norman asks Bobby if he’s happy and Bobby, without hesitation, says ‘yes’. Meanwhile, Lola asks Athena if she can be by Norman’s side, but Athena asks her if she really thinks Norman wants to see her right now. Athena goes to Bobby and asks him how Norman is doing. Bobby tells her Norman is stable but needs a surgeon. Bobby suggests contacting the Coast Guard so that Norman can be airlifted to safety. Athena and Bobby go to find Captain Ochoa but as leave, Athena notices Julian is gone.

“His name was Kyle Ortiz. His mother is Olivia Ortiz.” – Chief Simpson

Back in Los Angeles, Hen is dropped off at the 118 where Chimney and the others are waiting. She tells Chimney that the belligerent driver was pronounced dead at the hospital. Hen is shocked to discover the LAFD Professional Services Division is at the station taking statements. Chief Simpson (played by Richard Brooks) asks to speak with Hen. He tells her that the guy who died is Kyle Ortiz – the son of Councilwoman Olivia Ortiz. Hen insists that Kyle was showing signs of impairment, but Chief Simpson reminds her they won’t know for sure until his toxicology report comes back. Hen reminds the chief that Kyle refused care and that she followed protocol. Chief Simpson tells Hen she is removed from active duty until they get the toxicology report back. He tells her to go home. 

“She went after the snake.” – Lola Peterson

Bobby goes to Captain Ochoa to ask her about contacting the Coast Guard. Captain Ochoa tells him that the pirates sabotaged all of the com systems and the transponder. She lets him know she is headed below deck to check on the engines. She tells Bobby that Mr. Peterson is still his patient and to let her know if his condition changes.

Bobby goes back to the casino to check on Norman. He asks Dr. Gibson about his condition. Dr. Gibson tells him that Norman is in and out of consciousness and his vitals are weak. Security Officer Wes (played by Denzel Johnson) brings Lola over to Norman. Bobby asks the officer where Athena is. Meanwhile, Athena locates Julian and knocks him out with a fire extinguisher. She asks him what his plan is. Julian tells her he was planning on staging his death. Athena uses some zip-ties to cuff him.

Captain Ochoa finds Chief Communication Engineer Scott Westin (played by Nate Riley) trying to get everything back online. They think he’s successful until Scott finds a long yellow cord attached to a hatch. He opens the hatch which detonates a bomb. The blast takes out the lower half the ship causing it to capsize.  

“Well, they can’t fire you for one bad call.” – Evan “Buck” Buckley

Hen tells the others about her suspension. Eddie asks what happens if the toxicology report comes back showing Kyle Ortiz wasn’t under the influence. Hen tells him she doesn’t know but Councilwoman Ortiz is looking for someone to blame for her son dying. Buck says they can’t fire her for one bad call. Hen asks him if anyone has said it was bad call. Buck, of course, starts babbling and back-pedaling. Hen asks him if he thinks she made a bad call. He tells her know and says he and Eddie really didn’t see anything since they were tending to the young woman and her mother in the other car. Eddie says that he and the others all thought the guy was drunk, too. Hen says that he was and that she can smell it. She says Chimney could smell Kyle as well. Chimney says he didn’t smell anything. Hen finds this surprising considering he was the one closest to Kyle. Chimney asks her if she wanted him to lie. Hen is extremely offended by him asking this. He tells her that if the roles were reversed he and the others would’ve made the same call. Hen says, if the roles were reversed, she would have their backs and that she wouldn’t have to lie to do it.

“You just got a little more redder than white collar.” – Athena Grant

Back on the ship, the lights are flickering, sirens are going off, and the lower deck is taking on water. Athena and Julian try to find a way back to the others. Bobby checks Norman to access for further damage. A general muster call goes out over the ship’s intercom system asking for all passengers to go to their pre-designated muster stations. A passenger named Jarod (played by Christopher Livingston) asks if they need to abandon ship. The ship’s doctor says not necessarily; it’s just a general muster. Jarod says he is not getting in a lifeboat without all of his casino winnings. He threatens to sue the cruise line. Lola asks what they should do. Bobby says they will need to wait on an order to abandon ship. He tells Lola to stay with her husband and when she asks where he’s going, he tells her he’s going to find his wife.

Down in the lower deck, Athena and Julian find Scott Westin dead and Captain Ochoa trapped under some debris. Athena cuts Julian’s ties so he can help her lift the debris off the captain. The captain’s arm is broken, and she has some broken ribs. Captain Ochoa radios to First Mate Kenneth (played by Anthony Carvello) and tells him that the pirates have hobbled the ship. She tells him the ship is taking on water. Kenneth tells her that a general muster has been called. Captain Ochoa gives him the order to abandon ship. He warns her about the storm, but she tells him things are only going to get worst. In order to deploy the lifeboats, someone will need to activate the bilge pump. Athena volunteers to complete the task under the condition that Julian gets the captain back to the top part of the ship. 

“They did not betray you. They were just trying to make you feel better about the situation.” – Karen Wilson

Over at the Wilsons’ residence, Hen is venting to Karen about her suspicion and Chimney, Buck, and Eddie’s betrayal. Always the level-headed one, Karen assures her the guys were only trying to comfort her. Hen says that they were only trying to comfort her because they believe she made a bad call. Hen admits she screwed up. She tells Karen that when she looked at Kyle Ortiz, all she saw was an entitled brat. Karen reminds her that she didn’t kill Kyle. Hen tells her she didn’t save him either. Karen implores her to let this matter go. Hen gets up and goes to call Athena. She gets the voicemail which prompts her to call Bobby. She gets Bobby’s voicemail as well. Hen starts to get concerned but Karen reminds her there is a tropical storm off the coast of Baja which has been upgraded to a hurricane and is currently heading back out to sea. This does not quell Hen’s concern; however, Karen tells her everything will be fine because ships like the one Bobby and Athena are on are built to sustain anything, even a hurricane. 

“Of course she is.” – Bobby Nash

Bobby runs into Security Officer Wes who is busy helping passengers get onto lifeboats. He tells Bobby that once he’s finished, he will help him get Norman ready for transport. Bobby asks him if he’s seen Athena and Wes says he thought she was still in the casino. They try to find her via her passenger medallion, but they are unable to locate her. Bobby asks Wes where the explosion happened, and Wes tells him the engineering room on portside. Just as Bobby is about to leave, Captain Ochoa and Julian make it back. The captain tells Bobby that Athena saved her. When he asks her where Athena is, Julian says that she is saving the ship. 

“Did you lose a boat?” – Maddie Buckley

Hen goes to see Maddie at the dispatch center, and it occurred to me that we rarely get scenes between these two characters. Hen asks Maddie to contact the Coast Guard. Maddie jokingly asks her if she lost a boat and Hen tells her that she cannot locate Bobby and Athena’s cruise ship. She shows Maddie a map with every ship that’s currently on the water off the coast of California. Bobby and Athena’s ship is not showing up on the map. Hen tells Maddie she has tried to call Athena and Bobby, but her calls are going straight to voicemail. Maddie says she will make a call.

Athena makes it to the room where the bilge pump is located. She tries to open the hatch but isn’t strong enough. Bobby makes it to her and helps her open the door. The two of them go inside but the door slams shut behind him. Now the two of them are trapped inside and the room is rapidly filling with water. 

“Sometimes when people do the kinds of jobs you do, they understand the urgency of now. Of not waiting.” – Frank, the therapist

We flashback to two weeks before the cruise. We see Bobby in a session with everyone’s favorite therapist, Frank (played by Eddie McGee). Bobby is feeling the weight of their upcoming cruise and wonders if he and Athena had their honeymoon after they were married that maybe things wouldn’t seem so consequential. He admits that when he asked Athena to marry him, she was in a vulnerable place. They both were. Bobby was widowed and Athena was newly divorced. He and Athena had only been together a few months before he proposed to her. Bobby tells Frank that he didn’t give Athena a chance to say ‘no’. Frank tells Bobby that he’s afraid that if they go on the cruise, it’ll give Athena the chance to tell him ‘no’. His advice to Bobby is to go on the cruise and enjoy spending time with his wife. 

“I don’t deserve you, Athena. I never did.” – Bobby Nash

Back on the ship, Bobby is trying to get the door open. He starts to call for help, but Athena tells him that no one is going to hear them because everyone is getting onto lifeboats. The reality of their situation starts to settle in, and Bobby apologizes to Athena. He tells her she wouldn’t even be here, trapped, if it weren’t for him dragging her on the cruise. He tells her he doesn’t deserve her but for some reason she said yes. Athena tells him she would say ‘yes’ again. He tells her that he couldn’t even save his first family and he can’t save her either. Athena tells him he’s already saved her. She reminds him that he’s not the only one getting a second chance. She tells him that she’s there with him because she wants to be. She admits that she was afraid that she wouldn’t know how to be with him without all the noise. She was worried that when they were alone, they wouldn’t have anything to talk about. But now, with time running out for the both of them, she has lots to say. Athena says I love you, Husband and Bobby says I love you, my wife. They kiss as the water wises. Bobby tells Athena to grab the pole over their heads while he goes under water to hold her up. Athena screams for him. Just as the water rises up to their necks, the door opens. Turns out Julian isn’t all that bad of a guy.

“Captain Wilson, our job is to protect the people of Los Angeles.” – Chief Simpson

Back at the dispatch center, Hen runs into Chief Simpson. He tells her that she can go back to work. He tells her that Kyle Ortiz’s toxicology report came back showing he was twice over the legal limit and had meth in his system. He says that Hen acted professionally. The 118 will be turned back over to her. Hen tells Chief Simpson she is looking for Captain Nash and his wife. She tells him that their cruise ship is missing. He asks if there was an SOS from the ship. She says ‘no’ but they need to utilize all resources to find them. Chief Simpson reminds her that they are not the Coast Guard and that the LAFD has no jurisdiction over the waters off of Mexico. He tells her to report back to the 118 as captain. After he leaves, Hen asks Maddie for the number for 9-1-1 in Mexico.

Julian leads Bobby and Athena back to the top deck, He tells them that almost everyone has been placed onto a lifeboat. Only a handful of them are still on the ship.

“That can’t be a coincidence.” – Hen Wilson

Maddie reaches out to 9-1-1 in Mexico. She learns that around ten that morning, more than two dozen 9-1-1 calls came into coastal emergency call centers in central Mexico. All of the calls dropped. Hen says that’s around the same time Bobby and Athena’s ship went off the radar. Hen gets up to leave right as Maddie gets a call from Chimney. Hen asks her not to answer it until she’s out of the building because she doesn’t feel like being second-guessed right now.

“He wouldn’t leave without you.” – Julian Enes

Julian, Bobby, and Athena make it back to the top deck where Captain Ochoa, Norman, Lola, Security Officer Wes, Dr. Gibson, and Jarod are waiting. Bobby is shocked that Norman hasn’t been evacuated but he is told that Norman wouldn’t leave without him and Athena. Captain Ochoa reports that First Mate Kenneth is trying to send a distress call via SOS. We then see Kenneth using a light to send out a message. He goes outside the cabin and sees a huge wave approaching them. He sets off an alarm. Back on the top deck, Bobby yells for everyone to brace themselves for the oncoming wave. When the wave hits, we see the ship flip upside down and just like the movie Poseidon Adventure, we see everyone slide across the floor. Athena holds onto a table. Jarod falls onto the glass ceiling but thankfully it doesn’t shatter. Oh, shit!!!!

Oh man! Oh man! Oh man! Let me just say, I have never been this riveted by an episode of 9-1-1 and that’s saying a lot considering I have seen episodes where the 118 face off against 7.8 earthquakes, mudslides, tsunamis, city-wide blackouts, and Maddie’s husband. We still have one more episode to go before we see this story play out, but something tells me this season opener is going to go down as one of the best of the series. I loved both stories equally this episode. I sympathized with Hen as she second-guessed her actions during the emergency call. I also felt bad for Chimney, Buck, and Eddie who didn’t mean any harm but who could’ve chosen their words more carefully. I’m happy that Hen was vindicated in her actions as captain of the 118 but I do think she’s learned a valuable lesson about leadership and not judging so harshly. Kudos to Karen for being a supportive partner who was able to comfort Hen without simultaneously feeding into her frustrations. I do worry that Hen’s job will be put into jeopardy in the next episode when she ultimately defies orders from Chief Simpson and goes to look for Bobby and Athena. I actually worry about everyone else, too, because if I know my boys, I think Chimney, Buck, and Eddie are going to help her out. 

As for the drama playing out on the ship, I really felt bad for Norman Peterson. When we met him several seasons ago, he was a husband who simply wasn’t paying attention to his wife’s needs. When this was brought to his attention, it seemed he did everything to make his marriage better. I hate that Lola cheated on him and which ultimately put his life in danger. I do wonder if their relationship will survive this catastrophe. I wonder if they will survive, period. Speaking of survival, last episode I was really worried about the state of Bobby and Athena’s marriage; however, after this episode, I feel confident these two are in it for the long haul. Yes, they thrive when it comes to chaos, but I think they will now be able to appreciate each other in those moments of calm. I will say, even though I knew coming into this episode that Bobby and Athena were going to survive, it didn’t stop me from tearing up during the scene where they told each other they loved each other right as the water was rising. This will go down as one of my favorite scenes of the show. 

Next week is the conclusion to the cruise ship story and I’m counting the minutes until we get to see what happens next. 9-1-1 airs on Thursdays but I won’t get to see the episode until Friday. I’m extra excited about this Friday because it’s the same day that Cowboy Carter drops. So, hopefully I not only get an amazing Beyoncé album, I also get an amazing episode of 9-1-1. Until next time ..

[prettygirl-gabi]

Title: Dawg Mentality

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Reader

Word Count: ~2.5k

POV: First-Person

Tags: Fluff, Angst, Basketball, Protective Paige, Established Relationship, UConn Women’s Basketball, Tournament Game, Trash Talk, Revenge Arc, Soft Moments, Humor

Fandom: UConn Women’s Basketball

Summary: don’t mess with what’s Paige’s… or you’ll get hurt…

🏷️: @yailtsv , @elalfywhore , @azziswrld , @paige05bby

Flashback – March 2024

I stared at my phone screen, rereading the email for the tenth time.

“Dear [Y/N],

We are pleased to inform you that your transfer application has been accepted. You are officially enrolled as a sophomore student-athlete at the University of Connecticut for the upcoming academic year.”_

My breath hitched.

This was real. I was officially out.

The toxic cycle, the whispered apologies that meant nothing, the empty promises that “it would get better”—I was leaving all of it behind.

I was leaving her behind.

A weight lifted from my shoulders, and for the first time in months, I felt like I could breathe.

I went to her dorm the following week to break things off.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

My voice wavered slightly, but I kept my chin high as I stood in the dimly lit dorm room, arms crossed over my chest. My (now ex) girlfriend sat on the edge of her bed, jaw clenched, eyes burning with something between disbelief and irritation.

“The fuck are you talking about, bro?” she scoffed, shaking her head as if I had just told her the sky wasn’t blue.

I exhaled, already feeling the familiar exhaustion that came with every argument. The manipulation, the guilt-tripping, the way she always found a way to make me feel like I was the problem—it was a cycle I was finally breaking.

“You,” I said, my voice firmer now. “I’m talking about you. The way you treat me. The way you act like I owe you my patience when you don’t even try to meet me halfway. I’m done.”

She laughed, the kind that wasn’t really amused. “You’re really about to throw this away over some dumb shit?”

I shook my head. “This wasn’t love. This was you using me as a crutch and tearing me down when I didn’t bend to your will.”

“You deadass just gonna leave?” she asked, voice laced with irritation.

I exhaled sharply. “Yeah.”

“You think UConn’s gonna make you happy?” She scoffed, stepping closer. “What, you think Paige Bueckers gon’ save you or something?”

I rolled my eyes. “This has nothing to do with Paige.”

She leaned in, tone dropping to something more condescending. “You’ll be back.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “No, I won’t.”

I turned on my heel and walked out.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt free.

Big East Tournament, Semifinals – March 2025

The energy in the arena was electric, the crowd buzzing as we battled for a spot in the Big East Championship game. I had worked my ass off since transferring to UConn, determined to prove myself, and this moment felt surreal.

My ex scoffed. “You still soft as hell, huh? Thought running to UConn would make you somebody.”

I had already ran back to defense so I heard nothing even though it was directed to me.

Paige, however she heard it clear as day. Now with just over five minutes left in the quarter, my ex sagged off Paige, daring her to shoot.

Bad idea.

Paige took one dribble, stepped back, and let it fly. The ball swished through the net so cleanly it barely touched the rim. The crowd exploded.

And then it happened.

That’s when she turned, eyes locked on my ex, and let it rip:

“Fuck is you talkin ’bout?”

The TV broadcast caught it too, her expression sharp, unimpressed—borderline disrespectful.

Paige didn’t care though. She was already back on defense, jaw tight, locked in. The clip however was already trending before the quarter even ended.

And the crowd’s reaction to her 3 pointer was instant. The bench was on their feet. Even the commentators took a second to process what they had just witnessed.

Even thought they couldn’t hear it they knew, that it was to someone on the opposing team.

Paige wasn’t the type to get into it with opponents. Unless we’re talking about Hopkins Paige; or Paige who constantly at the refs for a “genuine conversation”, but this March Madness Paige. She was calm, calculated, a silent assassin.

But when my ex had the nerve to call me out my name, Paige flipped a switch.

And now? Now she was playing even more like she had something to prove, the she already was.

By halftime, we were up by 10. Paige had 21 points. She was playing angry. Not sloppy, not reckless—but with a different kind of edge. One that sent a message.

And the message was clear: Don’t fuck with mine.

I had been on the bench the third quarter enjoying Paige be a menace, but came the fourth quarter i was my time to shine again, at least what was left of it.

The fourth quarter had been nothing short of chaotic, but in the best way possible. The team was buzzing, and the energy in the gym had only amplified as the game came to a close. With the game already in our hands, Coach let me take the court for the final 2 minutes, alongside Caroline, KK, Jana, and Allie. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as I jogged out onto the floor, ready to contribute in any way I could.

Caroline had just drained a three-pointer with 1:22 left, and the crowd erupted into cheers as our lead grew even more solid. There was a certain magic in the air. I could feel it, the weight of the moment. But as the final seconds ticked down, I was more focused on something deeper. Something personal.

My ex, every time I glanced at her, I felt a sense of resolve settle in my chest. She’d never thought I’d be here, playing on this stage, with a leading and trusting team. She thought I was weak, but now? Now I was stronger than I ever was with her.

The clock wound down. The energy in the gym was buzzing, everyone anticipating the final moments of the game. KK had the ball, and it was clear we were running down the clock. But instead of taking the last possession herself, she did something unexpected—she handed me the ball.

“All you, girl,” KK said, her eyes flicking over to me with a smirk. “Finish it out.”

I nodded, my fingers curling around the ball as I took control. The play was simple: run out the clock. But as I started to dribble, something else took over. My gaze locked with my ex’s across the court. The moment felt like it was frozen in time. She was looking at me, trying to project that same sense of power she once had over me, but I wasn’t the same girl who had left her a year ago. Not anymore.

I dribbled slowly, letting the seconds tick away. But I wasn’t just running out the clock; I was making a statement. My ex could keep trying to undermine me, but I wasn’t going to let her affect me anymore. I wasn’t some girl she could push around. I was here, at UConn, playing in a championship-caliber game. I was thriving, and she had nothing to do with that.

The crowd started to chant, the cheers growing louder with each second that passed. My eyes stayed locked on hers, unwavering. I could see the frustration building in her expression as she realized that she couldn’t touch me anymore, couldn’t control me.

With 22.6 seconds left, I kept dribbling. I stared her down. And just as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, I let the ball bounce a little more before gently passing it to the referee.

And just like that, the game was over.

We’d won, but more than that, I’d won. The girl who once doubted me, who tried to tear me down—she was nothing now. Because the only person who mattered was me.

And Paige. The girl who had been beside me every step of the way. The girl who made sure I knew that I was worth so much more than what my ex had ever made me believe.

As I turned to the bench, I saw Paige waiting for me with that look—soft and knowing. She’d seen it all. And without saying a word, she pulled me into a quick hug, her smile saying everything. We did this.

The energy on the bus was high. Azzi and KK were clowning Paige for her outburst, Ice was scrolling through Twitter looking at all the reactions, and CD… well, CD was trying really hard to pretend she hadn’t heard it.

“Why you lookin’ at me like that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I smirked. “Because you’re insane.”

She shrugged, a small grin tugging at her lips. “She started it.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t fight the warmth blooming in my chest. “Still. That was so unnecessary.”

Paige turned in her seat, eyes locking onto mine. “Nah,” she said seriously. “Nobody talks to you like that. Not on my watch.”

My stomach flipped, and before I could overthink it, I leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. Paige grinned, her hand immediately finding mine and lacing our fingers together.

“You love me,” she teased.

I scoffed. “I tolerate you.”

She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Wow. After I just risked getting fined for unsportsmanlike conduct? This is crazy.”

I bit back a laugh, shaking my head. “You were wild for that.”

“Worth it.”

Before I could respond, CD’s voice cut through the chatter on the bus.

“Paige.”

I winced as Paige turned in her seat, facing CD, who was now standing right in front of us.

“You know I should be chewing you out for that little… exchange back there.” CD’s expression was stern, but there was something almost amused in her eyes.

Paige, to her credit, looked somewhat remorseful. “Yeah… my bad.”

CD let out a long-suffering sigh pinching the bridge of her nose, before shaking her head. “Just don’t make it a habit.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“No promises, though.” Paige muttered under her breath as CD had made it back to her seat. She nudged me. “She let me slide.”

I laughed, squeezing her hand. “She knew why you did it.”

Paige smirked. “Dawg mentality.”

I snorted, nudging her. “You wild for that, you know.”

Paige turned to me, expression softer now. “She shouldn’t have said that shit to you.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t have to—”

“Yes, I did,” Paige interrupted. Her voice was firm but gentle. “You don’t deserve that. And if she thought she was gonna talk crazy and get away with it? Nah. Not happenin. Especially not bout my girl.”

I smiled, leaning into her. “My hero.”

Paige smirked. “Always.”

I rested my head on her shoulder, exhaling as the adrenaline from the game finally started to wear off.

She kissed the top of my head, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I got you, ma.”

“I know, baby.” I say left my eyes flutter shut as we go back to the hotel.

The hotel room felt like a calm oasis after the chaos of the game, and I was grateful for it. The only sounds filling the space were the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the soft clicks of our shoes against the floor as we moved through the room.

Paige and I had just finished our game day recovery routine. She was lying back on the bed with a towel draped around her neck, still a little sweaty but relaxed now that the intensity of the game had worn off. I, on the other hand, was sitting on the edge of the bed, carefully pouring myself a glass of Cheribundi Tart cherry juice. It was part of my usual recovery routine — carefully concentrated with melatonin and magnesium, the perfect way to help my body unwind after such a grueling game.

Paige, curious as always, watched me pour the juice with an eyebrow raised.

“What’s that stuff?” she asked, scrunching her nose in curiosity.

I took a sip of my drink before looking at her. “It’s Cheribundi. Tart cherry juice. Helps with recovery and sleep. It’s part of my routine.”

“Let me try some,” she said, sitting up and leaning toward the glass.

I handed it over, and she took a hesitant sip, her face morphing into one of exaggerated disgust. “Whoa. That’s… strong.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I told you, it’s tart.”

She took another sip, this time cringing a little less. “Okay, I mean, I can get behind it, but only if there’s like… a bunch of sugar in it.”

“I wouldn’t recommend that,” I teased, taking another sip of my own drink.

She shook her head. “I’ll stick to my smoothies.”

I smiled and leaned back, feeling the warmth of the moment wash over me. For the first time in a long while, I realized just how healthy the love I had with Paige was. No drama. No chaos. Just simple, genuine affection and understanding. She supported me through everything, and I felt the same for her. I never knew it could feel this safe, this right.

After finishing our recovery routine, we both collapsed onto the bed, too tired to do much else. The lights were off, but we kept the TV on in the background.

Paige was flipping through the channels when she landed on SpongeBob SquarePants, a childhood favorite of both of ours. We exchanged a look, and I could tell Paige was about to make some smart remark about it, but instead, she just let out a little laugh.

“I can’t believe we’re watching SpongeBob,” she muttered, settling into the bed beside me.

“It’s a classic,” I said, chuckling. “Plus, we deserve a chill night.”

“Fair point,” she said, shifting so she was closer to me. “You’re right. This is what we need.”

As the TV played softly in the background, I grabbed my phone and opened Instagram. I took a quick photo of the screen—Paige and I both slumped in bed, half-watching, half-listening. I posted it to my spam story with a caption: Post-game recovery with my girl 💕 #tiredbuthappy and tagged Paige in it.

Paige grinned at me when she saw the post. “I can’t believe you just put that on your story.”

I smirked. “Hey, I’m documenting this beautiful moment of us bonding over SpongeBob. You should be honored.”

Paige rolled her eyes but didn’t seem bothered. She scooted even closer to me, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I’m honored, I guess.”

I smiled and rested my head on her shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. There was no place I’d rather be than right here, with her.

We spent the rest of the night laughing at the absurdity of SpongeBob’s antics, until my eyelids started to feel heavy. It was the kind of peace I hadn’t known before.

“Goodnight, ma,” Paige murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

“Night, babe,” I whispered back, feeling my body relax completely.

The screen flickered, the quiet hum of the show still in the background, but I was already starting to drift off to sleep, my body and mind finally at rest.

And as I fell asleep with Paige beside me, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

---

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                 -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[pnutbutter-n-j-elyy]

Their Reaction to Your Spotify Wrapped

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in honor of wrapped day!!! this idea came when talking with @axel-skz one of my fave friendships made in 2024. i hope yall enjoy cuz it was hella fun making this.

Warnings: Slight suggestiveness, Slight cussing, mention of afab! reader (ovulation), mention of pornography (in a joking manner).

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Chan

The minute you pulled up your Spotify Wrapped, Chan was leaning over to be nosy.

"I bet it all Stray Kids." He said, as the animations started playing." You gave a small nervous laugh, knowing that it wasn't going to be them.

"And I was rig- Billie? Eilish?" His face froze. "Billie Eilish, Tyler, the Creator...Stray Kids. We're third?" His brows furrowed and the corners of his smile twitched downwards. "Oh..." His voice was defeated and he looked at you with unreadable eyes.

"Yeah! Isn't that great! You guys are in my top five!" You said pinching his cheek lightly, trying to brighten the look painted on his face.

But it was no use since he was already spiraling.

"So do you- well, is it our music? Do you not like it anymore? Is it too repetitive? Or is it my production? Should I switch things up- like should I make more ballad? Add more orchestral elements? Or maybe-"

"Chris-"

"-more collabs? Maybe Billie would be open to- are our lyrics not deep enough?"

"Christopher-"

"I think maybe we need less-"

"CHRISTOPHER BANG!" You shouted through a fit of laughter.

He pulled back in surprise and looked at you with eyes as wide as saucers.

You took your hands, placing them on either side of his face. "It's not you or the boys, baby."

"Then what was it? Why weren't we number one?" He asked with a pout.

"You're third because I live with you." You lips upturned and Chan searched your face. "I don't need Spotify to listen to Stray Kids. I've got the worlds best producer humming in my ear while we fold laundry and wash the dishes. Billie and Tyler don't do that."

His lips parted into a sheepish grin, a small "hehe" slipping out of his mouth as his face scrunched into a boyish excitement.

"You think I'm the best producer."

"Without a doubt." You replied, kissing his cheek softly. "So stop overthinking. What matters is that your my number one where it actually matters."

Chan's ears flushed pink when you said those words, and he surrendered, opting to cuddle next to you on the couch as you turned on the TV.

"Alright..." He said as you clicked on a random drama. "But I'm still going to add some features on our next album. Just for you."

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Minho

"Y/N. You're a virgin."

You sputtered on your tea, getting it on to the pages of your book. "And?! What does that have to do with anything-" You asked as you turned around to see your boyfriend dangling your phone like it was contaminated.

Your Spotify Wrapped illuminated the screen.

"Minnie-" You reached to snatch your phone but he held it out of arms reach, his eyebrows raised in mock incredulity.

"What the hell are your top five songs Y/N?! CupcakKe?! Unironically?!" He looked at your screen. "Deepthroat...Its Hard to Say I Love You, parentheses, while you're sitting on my face...Slob On My Knob- and another CupcakKe song, Y/N are you trying to manifest something?! Because this is not the way!" He said in horror.

You gave up trying to reach for your phone and crossed your arms and huffed. "As my friend always says- celibacy either leads to being asexual or a freak. Its a closed way of thinking but can be rather true sometimes..." You muttered, turning away to hide the blush creeping up your face.

"I'm shocked." He said, looking through the songs again.

"Why? It's art."

"Art. Art? Stray Kids is art, kitten. Wanting to eat dick but not wanting to fuck up your nails so - and I quote - 'i pick it up with chopsticks' is not art. Thats basically audio porn."

"More like audio smut."

"More like absolutely fucking terrfying." He said looking at the rest of your wrapped in morbid curiosity. "Where do you even listen to this freakiness? At the gym? While cooking? In public?"

"Sometimes..." You said shrugging and deciding to own it. "Its empowering."

Minho dramatically handed your phone back to you, giving you the longest and hardest side eye ever. "Your a completley different person. I've never been more afraid of you in my entire life. And I've seen you drive."

You took your phone, his words giving you and idea.

A devious smirk lit up your face.

Minho watched you in curiosity as you set your phone down. "Baby..." You started to laugh, heading to the living room. "What are you plotting-" Your eyes zoned in on the Alexa and Minho's eyes widened as he replayed his words.

"Alexa-"

"Baby no-"

"Play Drive by Stray Kids"

"Jagiya no-"

"Now playing Drive, by Bangchan and Lee Know-"

"Alexa no! Stop don't play that!"

"-feel the heat inside. Baby, baby we gon' do this day and night-"

"Enjoy your own art, baby!" You said kissing, him which in habit he leaned into before yelling at Alexa frantically.

"Alexa! Stop! Cancel- Delete Y/N's existence!"

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Changbin

"So..ITZY is your number one?" Changbin asked you, an unreadable look on his face as he stared at your phone. "Then NewJeans, TWICE, Blackpink, and aespa?"

"Yes..."

"And Stray Kids didn't even make it to your top five?"

"Yes...?"

There was a moment of silence, and Changbin looked up at you.

Your heart thudded in your chest, and your mouth felt dry. "Are...are you mad?"

Changbin set your phone face down and stepped towards you. "Mad? Mad?" He asked, his voice slightly elevated.

You opened your mouth to say something- to apologize or ask him to not be too angry but instead you were shocked when he trapped you in a hug and lifted you; spinning you around in a tight hug.

"I'M ECSTATIC!" He said, setting you down, and almost vibrating from happy energy. "Why would I have reason to be upset?"

"Because you weren't on my top five. Since your my boyfriend I thought that would make you-"

He shook his head, placing his hand out and closing his eyes. "Its a sign." He said in a philsophical whimsy.

"...What?"

He opened his eyes looking into the distance romantically. Then extending his arms in a dramatic flourish he painted the picture.

"You like girl groups. Meaning you're clearly meant to be with me."

You looked at him in a confused wonder.

"Think about it. I'm the ultimate baby girl. ITZY was number one. Who is close to ITZY? Me, Seo Changbin, your boyfriend. Subconciously, your soul has been telling you I'm the one for you all along." He said looking at you with a cheeky grin.

That made you laugh, your nerves leaving you.

"Binnie I think that has to be the most unhinged logic I have ever heard!"

"But it makes sense. The music reminds you of me. The energy scream 'Changbin'." You could almost imagine the sparkles around his name. "Cute, charismatic, adorable. The visuals- the duality. Me. Changbin." He looked at you with an exaggerated smolder.

He pushed you onto the couch gently, attacking you with tickles.

"Bin- you're- riDICuLOUS-" You squealed, as his fingers flew around you.

"No I'm not!"

"DelusionAL-"

"Never!"

He strengthened his attack until you could barely breathe you were laughing so loud- wondering why you thought someone like Changbin would be upset at something so meaningless.

"Even if I was, you would love me nonetheless!" He stopped his tickles, he blew a rapsberry on your neck and peppered you face with a few kisses. "And you'd have to deal with it 'cause your stuck with me forever."

"Forever?" You asked, a radiant smile on your face as the last of your giggles died out.

"Yes forever." Changbin replied, plopping down on top of you, planting one last firm kiss on your lips. "ITZY said so."

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Hyunjin

"Beethoven? BEETHOVEN?"

Hyunjin looked at you, his jaw nearly on the floor. When he asked you who your most listened to artist of the year was, he wasn't expecting to hear a classical composer leave you lips.

"Yes. Beethoven. Followed by you guys."

"N-n-n-n-no. No. Nope, no. Nnnnnn...nono." Hyunjin said shaking his head. "Run that back."

"Beethoven then-"

"Y/N-ah." He said with a serious look. "You mean to tell me...Beethoven- an old dead guy - was favorite over the band your loving, hard-working ALIVE and BREATHING boyfriend is a part of?!" His eyes narrowed in disgust.

"Well if you put it like that-"

He flopped dramtically onto the couch. "How am I supposed to tell the guys you chose a decomposing man who sits there- uh...metaphorically- and collects streams; over your boyfriend and his bandmates who work day and night, through blood, sweat and tears." He throws his hand over his forehead. "Its such a disgrace."

"Hyunnie, I think that Beethoven would have words for you if he was here." You say through a chuckle.

"Well he may have words for me, but I have no words for you." He said huffing dramatically, zoning in on Kkami who was sleeping peacefully. Hyunjin stands and scoops him up, burying his face in the poor, startled dog's fur.

"I can't believe you and your dramatics." You say walking up to him and putting your hand on the top of his head.

"C'mon Kkami. It's just me and you now buddy. We're boycotting Y/N-ie."

You rolled your eyes, letting out a snort. "You're a drama king, Hyunjin." You said, your eyes trailing to Kkami who looked between you and Hyunjin in an unconcerned sleepiness.

"Y/N clearly doesn't love us anymore."

Kkami looked at Hyunjin, then looked at you and then back at Hyunjin, then cocked his head; almost as if he understood the absurdity of the situation.

"You're insufferable." You flicked your boyfriend's nose, and stole the dog from his arms. "Beethoven is my study music. It helps me focus."

"So you're saying we're distracting?" Hyunjin takes Kkami out of your arms. "Don't talk to me or my dog ever again." He flips his hair and buries his face once more in the small dogs fur, the later shooting a look that seemed like an SOS.

"You're being so extra." You sat on the couch, patting the spot Hyunjin occupied only a minute ago.

"Oh, am I?" He asked, lowering himself next to you, a playful pout on his lips. Kkami immediately rushing towards the far end to resume his nap.

"Unbearably so." You whispered against his lips. "And for the record, Beethoven doesn't make songs that make me want to cry like 'Cover Me' or songs I want to scream at the top of lungs like 'God's Menu'."

"You really like Cover Me that much?"

"Mm. Obviously."

"Fine, fine. I forgive you. But only because I'm way to pretty to hold grudges."

You roll your eyes, but can't help the smile that forms.

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Han

Han peered over your shoulder, his eyes widening as he looked at your Spotify Wrapped.

“Y/N... baby, angel, love of my life...this... this...is your Wrapped?” he asked, a mix of disbelief and amusement in his voice.

You glanced at him, not anticipating the reaction. “Yeah, it’s my Wrapped. What’s wrong with it?”

Han let out an exaggerated gasp.

"Jagiya...Taylor Swift? Olivia Rodrigo? Sabrina Carpenter?” He placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “You’re telling me I’m dating someone who has these as their top artists?” He blinks at you.

You blinked at him back incredulously. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Everything!” Han said, his voice playful but slightly elevated. “I thought you were cooler than this, Y/N! You’re too good for this mainstream pop stuff. You deserve better! To think you've never experienced more than that bubble...my heart is breaking."

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his intense reaction. “I listen to your music as well! Besides...I like what I like? Why do you care so much?” You retorted.

“Because,” he said, suddenly serious, “I’m trying to help you, babe. Spotify Wrapped is like a doctor basically, it gives you a diagnosis. You’re... basic. Heartbreakingly basic. I'd be okay if you had at least one quirky artist but your last artist is Playboi Carti which knowing you, you played his music on repeat while you slept so your wrapped could seem at least a little cool."

You let your eyes land anywhere but him, knowing he clocked you on that one.

"I’m going to save you from this madness.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Am I really that boring?”

Han shook his head, his expression turning playful again. “No, no. Not boring, just undiscovered. You could be listening to something way cooler- something with depth! I’m dating someone who only listens to pop queens when you should be out here vibing to underground, avant-garde...I don’t know, maybe like, 90s rock or something? You seem like you could rock with that to be honest?”

“90s rock?” you echoed, trying not to burst out laughing.

“Yes! You need to broaden your horizons!” Han continued, clearly loving the moment. “I’m not mad that Stray Kids aren’t number one, I mean, that’s whatever, you literally can have a private show whenever you want. BUT I’m honestly a little teensy weensy upset I’m dating someone with such a copy and paste taste. Come on, babe! I expected better! Especially when you're dating a member of a band that has a wide range of talent. I mean you can literally ask me or any of the guys and you'd get a shit ton of different recs. You have an entire library of musical knowledge at your disposal. That's like having 100 flavors of icecream and choosing vanilla.”

You grinned, poking him lightly. “Okay, I get, I get it. But just so you know, you're still number one in my life, even if its not represented in my music choices."

Han’s eyes sparkled as he leaned in, ruffling your hair with a grin. “I’ll fix that, don’t worry. We’re going to go on a musical journey. I’m making you a new playlist. And I'll have the rest of the memebers make you playlists as well. You’re going to listen to some cool stuff, baby, and by next year’s Wrapped, you’ll be so hip that even I’ll be jealous.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that,” you said, laughing. “I kind of like my basic pop playlists.”

“Well, you will like my playlists,” Han said confidently, leaning back with a smug smile. “Trust me, love. I’ve got you covered. You’ll thank me later, once you realize just how much better music can be than the top 40."

You laughed, shaking your head. “Alright, alright, I’ll give it a shot. But only if you don’t judge me when I still go back to my pop queen playlist sometimes.”

“I’ll never judge you,” Han said, giving you a sweet smile. “I’m just here to help you reach your full potential as a music lover. Open your world up a bit. Change your life.”

You poked his side playfully. “You’re so dramatic, but I love you.”

“I know you do,” he said with a grin, leaning down to kiss your forehead. “Now, get ready to say goodbye to those mainstream artists and hello to your new musical future.”

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Felix

Felix is sprawled on the living room floor, legs stretched out in front of him as he pulls up your Spotify Wrapped on his phone. His excitement is palpable- eyes glowing, lips curved into a soft smile.

That is, until he starts scrolling.

“Baby,” he says slowly, his voice gentle but undeniably concerned. “Why is ‘Meow Meow Meow Meow’ your number one song this year?”

You blink at him from your spot on the couch. “Because it’s a bop?”

“A bop?” he echoes in a strained tone, as if the words physically pained him. He turns the phone to you, the incriminating title glowing on the screen. “It’s literally just someone meowing to 'What Was I Made For'. Why not just listen to the original version?”

“Actually it's AI.” you reply, in a matter of fact tone. “And because it’s genius. I love cats, and I love Billie. Win-win."

He tilts his head, blinking at you like you’ve just confessed to a crime. “Um...okay. Maybe Minh-hyung would like it, I guess? ‘Skibidi Toilet, Minion version’? Why is that number two?”

You shrug, trying to suppress a laugh. “It’s catchy.”

“Catchy?!” Felix’s mouth falls open as he sits up straighter, his freckled face a picture of disbelief. “Do you…do you listen to this unironically? Like...for your enjoyment rather than being funny?” His voice hold even more concern now, it wavering slightly.

“I guess you'll never know,” you reply smugly.

He groans, laying back down and holding your phone way above his face. “Let me guess, number three is-” He cuts himself off with a noise that’s somewhere between a gasp and a whimper. “Ten hours of washing machine noises?”

Now you’re laughing, tears forming in your eyes as he glares at you. “It’s calming!” you explain between giggles.

“And who’s number four?” He face morphing with increasing horror. “Laufey…cat version?”

You shrug again, biting your lip to stifle your amusement. “It’s Laufey but, you know…with meows. It’s cute!”

Felix places the phone face down on the floor, pinching the bridge of his nose like he’s fighting a migraine.

“And finally, number five. Let’s see which masterpiece you deemed worthy to round out this absolutely deranged top five.”

The moment he reads it, he freezes. His expression morphs into something unreadable- equal parts betrayal and comedic disbelief.

“KSI,” he mutters, his voice flat. He sits up slowly and releases a breath. “Behind… the washing machine and cat Laufey.” He releases his words with a click of his tongue.

You can’t hold it in anymore, bursting into uncontrollable laughter as he stares at you like you’ve just kicked his puppy.

“You’re number six, though!” you manage between gasps, tears streaming down your face. As you joined him on the floor.

Felix clasps his chest, like your words physically hurt him. “Six?! Y/N, I’ve cooked for you. I’ve baked brownies. I’ve stayed up late listening to you rant about coworkers! And I’m sixth place? Under meme songs? I mean your entire wrapped in a compilation of memes. I'm surprised Symphony didn't make it on there.”

“It’s not personal,” you tease, wiping your eyes. “It’s just Spotify.”

“Just Spotify?” he repeats incredulously, propping himself up on his elbows. “I sing you to sleep on facetime, Y/N. I text you good morning and good night every single day. And you’re telling me I lost to Skibidi Toilet?”

You crawl onto the floor next to him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. “It’s okay, Lix,” you coo, planting a kiss on his cheek. “Maybe next year you’ll beat the washing machine.”

“Oh, I’m beating it,” he mutters, determination flickering behind his eyes. He grabs his phone, pulling up his notes app. “I’m writing a song that will sound good with Cat AI. With a bridge. And a rap section. And violins. There will be no way you won't like it."

You double over with laughter, and Felix can’t help but grin despite himself, his pout softening. “You’re lucky I love you,” he mumbles, pulling you into his lap.

“You’re my most listened to, most loved, and most wanted in real life, Lixxie.” you assure him, smiling up at him sweetly.

Felix sighs, but leans to kiss your forehead anyway. “Yeah, well, I know that.”

"Then why do you look so down, hmm?"

"Because I'm concerned, I might need to find you a therapist."

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Seungmin

You sat on Seungmin’s bed, tapping through your Spotify Wrapped with a satisfied grin.

Just how you thought it'd be. Predicatable, but represntative of how your musical year went.

You were minding your business, about to share your results to insta when Seungmin sat himself on the bed next to you, snatching the phone from your hands.

The moment he saw the screen, though, Seungmin let out a surprised huff.

"Ateez?" he said slowly, his voice tinged with amusement and a slight possessiveness. You knew how he was when you stanned other Kpop groups. You had been with him for a while, of course you knew. “Oh, I get it now. You’re one of those people."

You sat up and looked at him. "What do you mean one of those people?"

Seungmin shrugged. "Its okay, you can admit that you like bands that perform like they're auditioning for a Korean rendition of Magic Mike."

Your eyes widened, but before you could protest, he fell back on the bed, holding your phone up like a damning piece of evidence.

“Don’t even try to defend yourself, Y/N,” he continued, the smirk growing on his lips. “This Wrapped is telling me everything I need to know. It’s basically the modern-day Rorschach test you know; and what it’s screaming is that you’re letting your ovulation and hormonal spikes curate your playlists. I bet you’re one of those people who stream music videos on mute, too, aren’t you? Just vibing to the abs and body rolls in crop tops.” His eyebrows quirk in curiosity.

Your jaw dropped as you threw a pillow at him, but he dodged effortlessly, tossing your phone onto the bed carelessly.

He quickly got up, maneuvering himself so he was in front of you.

“Don’t act so scandalized.” He leaned closer, his dark eyes glinting with mischief, as you leaned back slightly. “You can admit it- you like watching them dance half-naked on stage, huh? I mean, who wouldn’t? Factually speaking they’re...talented.” he said, dragging the last word with exaggerated emphasis. “Really skilled performers. Without a doubt. But it’s cute. You’ve got a thing for guys showing a little skin. It’s very...telling.” He gave you a small, smirk.

You fell back on your elbows, your face warm from his teasing, but Seungmin wasn’t done. He shifted closer, hovering inches above you, the bed dipping under his weight as he planted one arm beside you, effectively caging you in. The other hand rested on your waist.

“But here’s the real question,” he murmured, his voice dropping lower. “If you’re so into that, what are you doing here with me? Fully clothed, tragically modest... just a genius who writes incredible music and doesn’t need to flash his abs to be appealing. What a shame for you, huh?”

The corner of his lips twitched upward as he leaned even closer, the air between you charged. “Tell me, Y/N,” he whispered, his breathe tickling the shell of your ear. “Do I need to take my shirt off to compete with them? Or should I just show you what real...talent looks like? Would you like that?”

"I..." Your heart was nearly leaping out your chest, a warmth overcoming your body as Seungmin spoke. You couldn't deny how flustered you were.

"Listened to them for 1000 minutes? How 'bout I double that. You'd enjoy every second."

Your breath hitched, you, nearly caving in; but before you could respond, Seungmin nipped your ear lightly and sat back with a sly grin, leaving you flustered.

“Ah, I was right. Hormones. But don't worry,” he said lightly, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. “I’ll forgive you for now. But only because I find it hilarious that my perfectly curated playlists are competing with your...uh,..primal needs?” He shot you a wink, his smugness on full display.

And just like that, he stood up, stretching leisurely as if he hadn’t just thrown you into emotional- and hormonal- chaos.

With that, he walked to the door, pausing to glance back with a knowing smirk. "If you ever get bored of half-naked performances let me know. I'm here, fully clothed yet still 10 times more attractive. I could teach you what good taste in music looks like. I’d hate for your Spotify Wrapped next year to be just as embarrassing.”

He winked again, blowing you a kiss, disappearing down the hallway, leaving you a flustered, blushing mess on his bed.

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

Jeongin

You handed your phone to Jeongin, proud of your Spotify Wrapped results. “Look! Stray Kids is my number one artist.”

Jeongin barely glanced at the screen before freezing mid-scroll. His eyes darted back up to meet yours, wide with disbelief. “Wait... what?”

“Stray Kids is my number one! My boyfriend is my most listened to artist!” you repeated, grinning like it was the best news he could hear all day.

But Jeongin, to your utter confusion, looked horrified.

“No, no, no,” he muttered, shaking his head as he sat back on the couch. “This...this is all wrong. Utter sacrilege.”

“Sacrilege?” you echoed, frowning. “You’re in the group. Shouldn’t you be happy about this?”

“Y/N-ah.” Jeongin said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as if he were physically in pain. “Do you not see what you’ve done? Look at your other top artists!” He gestured wildly to the screen. “It’s TROT. Literal legends of trot music. Song Ga In, Jang Yoon Jeong, and Na Hoon-a!”

“Yeah?” you said hesitantly, unsure of where this was going. “What about them?”

“What about them? What about them!?” Jeongin’s jaw dropped like you’d just said the sky was green. “They should be above us! Above me! Above Stray Kids! This is trot. TROT.” He pronounced it with the reverence of someone naming a sacred art form.

“But I like Stray Kids,” you said, laughing nervously.

“That’s not the point!” Jeongin stood up, pacing back and forth like a professor about to give a lecture. “Trot is timeless. It’s emotional. It’s pure, unfiltered storytelling in music. And you’re telling me you put us- a bunch of chaotic twenty-somethings who write songs about cheese and screaming—above the actual foundation of Korean music?” He stared at you as if you had 6 heads growing from you.

“It’s not like I ranked it!” you protested. “Spotify Wrapped did that for me! Blame them!”

Jeongin spun back to you, pointing an accusing finger. “Don’t blame Spotify. This is your fault Y/N-ah. You’re clearly not listening to enough trot if us noisy Gen Z - minus Channie-hyung he's like an old grandpa- beat out legends like Na Hoon-a. Do you even know how much soul that man has? How many hearts he’s broken with his voice?” He looked at you in complete seriousness. "Countless." His eyes shone with admiration.

You rolled your eyes, unable to contain your laughter now. “Innie, are you seriously upset that I listen to Stray Kids more than trot music?”

“Yes!” he declared with absolute conviction. Then, after a pause, he added, “Well...no. I mean, I love that you like our music, because that means you love me and my dream but...this is trot! It’s a different category entirely!” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “I need to fix this.”

“Fix it? Jeongin I already listen to a lot of trot. You see it on my top artists.”

He nodded solemnly, sitting back down beside you and grabbing your phone. “But you don't listen to it enough. From now on, we’re having mandatory trot listening sessions. Every week. Twice a week, actually.”

“Twice a week?” you repeated incredulously.

“At least,” he said, scrolling through your Spotify, curating a new playlist on the spot. “You need to understand why this is a crime against music. Stray Kids shouldn’t even be in the same league as these legends. We’re fun, sure, but we don’t make people cry the way trot does. I mean, do you cry when you listen to ‘Thunderous’? No. But Jang Yoon Jeong’s ‘First Marriage’ could make a grown man bawl. I'm that grown man, Y/N. I'm that grown man." He said his voice dropping to a rueful whisper.

You couldn’t stop laughing as Jeongin grew more and more animated, his passion for trot completely overshadowing any pride he might’ve felt about his own group’s success.

Finally, he looked at you with a small, satisfied smile. “Don’t worry. By next year, I’ll make sure your Wrapped is perfect. Stray Kids can stay on the list, but trot will reign supreme. It’s the least I can do for your musical education.”

“And if I still prefer you guys?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

Jeongin huffed, pretending to think for a moment. “Then I guess I’ll forgive you...eventually. But we’re playing trot at our wedding, okay?”

You burst out laughing, shaking your head. “Jeongin, are you seriously bashing your own group right now?”

“Yah, yah,” he said, waving a dismissive hand. “They’ll understand. And if they don’t, they love me anyway. They literally wrote a whole song for me.” He smirked, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

You shook your head, still laughing. “Unreal.”

Jeongin grinned, adding a song to your new playlist.

“What’s unreal is how lucky you are to have a boyfriend who’s the best of both worlds- trot connoisseur and K-pop icon. You’re welcome.”

*edit*: but why is trot actually good...??? like i listened to it while writing this and...MYTRO...gonna stan when they debut frfr

(<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>)

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[arieslost]

ok i don’t know if it’s just me who gets really giggly when it’s late at night but imagine laying in bed with lando and you’re just rambling about smth so stupid that it ends with you two just giggling at nothing. like getting full on stomach cramps from laughing but there wasn’t even anything funny to begin with

anon u and i are the SAME! once its past midnight i always end up becoming a victim of the late night sillies 💔

© arieslost 2024. DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

1:30 am | ln4

you knew you were up too late when you nearly tripped over the loose edge of the blanket you and lando had been sharing on your way back to the couch, and when he had caught you before you could hit your head or anything, you started laughing.

“oh, no,” he’d groaned dramatically. “got the late night giggles already, huh?”

“uh-uh,” you shook your head, even though him saying the words “late night giggles” was enough to make laughter start bubbling up in your throat again.

something always shifted in you when the clock struck a certain hour at night, and lando had only been witness to it a handful of times before you moved in together.

now, you’d managed to get through the rest of the movie the two of you were watching without laughing, even if it meant biting your lip hard and refusing to make eye contact with your boyfriend. it was bad enough feeling his eyes on you every time he wanted to see your reaction to something that happened on the tv. making eye contact would just take you out entirely for no reason whatsoever.

which is why you think you’ve successfully avoided making a fool of yourself when you’re both finally laying in bed with the lights out at the fine hour of 1:30 in the morning.

“you’re so far away,” lando grumbles, dragging your body into his so his one arm is around your shoulders and your face is nestled in his neck.

“better?” you ask, smiling when he shivers as your lips brush his skin.

“mhmm.” he’s quiet for a moment, running his fingers up and down your arm. “you’re gonna come to miami, right?”

“yeah, if you want me to.”

“what kind of question is that, babe?” he cranes his neck in a way that tells you he’s fixing you with a judgy look even though you can’t see each other.

you shrug, feeling the giggles building up again for no reason whatsoever. “i dunno.”

“obviously i want you there, why wouldn’t i?”

“i dunno,” you repeat. “it’s miami. maybe you just wanna party with all your homies.” and just like that, you’re laughing again.

“oh dear god, here we go,” he sighs, pressing his lips together to repress his own laughter as your body shakes against his. “my homies? when have i ever referred to any of my mates as my ‘homie’?”

he sounds so incredulous that you laugh even harder. “oh, you’re so british! i can’t call them your mates, lan. it sounds too weird.”

“so homies is the word you went with? why can’t you be normal and just say my friends?”

“why can’t you be normal and say your friends?” you shoot back, and that does lando in.

“it’s not funny,” he tries to admonish, and it’s entirely true, but it’s a moot point when you can barely understand him through his laughter.

“stop laughing then!”

“you stop!”

naturally, that makes you both laugh harder still, to the point where you have to roll away from him, clutching your stomach from how badly all the laughing is making it hurt.

“i can’t breathe,” lando gasps from behind you.

“stop laughing,” you repeat. “you’re killing me.”

“i think i’m dying,” he continues like he didn’t hear you, and he honestly might not have because your face is half shoved into your pillow in your attempts to stifle yourself.

a few more minutes go by of the two of you absolutely losing your minds before you’re finally able to catch your breath.

“ow,��� you whine, holding your stomach. “i think i just grew a six pack.”

“i think mine just became ten times more defined,” lando says, voice raspy from all the exertion on his vocal chords.

“ooh, lemme feel.”

“absolutely not, because you’re going to tickle me,” he grabs your wrist out of thin air. “i know your tricks, baby. i’ve laughed more than enough tonight thanks to you.”

“not my fault you’re weird and british.”

“i love you,” he says sweetly, pulling you back towards him and kissing your forehead. “now’s where you say, ‘i love you too.’”

“i love you too,” you reply dutifully, blindly reaching for his face so you can kiss him properly. “even though you’re weird and british.”

he kisses you again. “i thought it was especially because i’m weird and british.”

you snuggle into his side, now thoroughly exhausted. “please don’t make me laugh more, lan.”

you both know he’s right, of course, but you usually need to have the last word, so he lets you get away with it. he does love you, after all, even though you had him in stitches over nothing at 1:30 in the morning.

word count: 790

masterlist — join my tag list here!

note: this was sooo self indulgent, like i was laughing as i wrote this because the term “homies” is so silly to me for some reason. also helped me test my dialogue skills!! n e wayz…

requests are OPEN, and my inbox is always open for comments, criticism, and conversation!

reblogs are greatly appreciated <33

dividers by @/saradika

tags: @venusacrossthestars @67-angelofthelordme-67 @emails-i-can-send @nelly187 @cixrosie @fangirl-dot-com @sainzluvrr @imheretoread @mellowarcadefun @yourbane @monsieurbacteria6 @c-losur3 @papayatori @ssprayberrythings @namgification @maih23 @evlkking @witchycarmen @ilovethispookie @maxverstappenfan79 @sya-skies @sweatrevenge5436-blog @kimis-gloves @mia-rrrs @decafmickey @customsbyjcg-blog @bigheartsthings @tania2748 @scuderiadevils @iloveyou3000morgan @ctrlyomomma @hiireadstuff @daemyratwst @arian-directioner @evelyn-ny @avg-golden-retriever @likedbygaslyy @vintagefucksstuff @piastorys @jisungstuff @personwhoisther @bernelflo

[pbaz7]

CROSSING THE LINE — PART EIGHT ♡

paige x azzi

warning: slight homophobia, violence, sexual content

word count: 11.2k

A/N: This chapter is a combination of a few requests so I did my best to include as much as I can. I have no idea how it turned until 11k words 😭. Please leave comments and live reactions because they help so much with motivation and me coming up with ideas based off of what you guys say. I hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas if you celebrate!!

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Mid-January 2024

The soft hum of the TV filled the suite as Paige and Ice furiously clicked their controllers, their focus locked on the Fortnite match.

“C’mon, Paige, I’m carrying us here!” Ice teased, leaning forward on the couch.

“Relax! I’m flanking them!” Paige shot back, her tongue peeking out in concentration.

Azzi, meanwhile, was curled up at the far end of the couch, her legs draped lazily over Paige’s lap. Her book rested on her stomach, her brow furrowing as she turned the page. It had been a tough game yesterday and the team had gotten a little banged up from the lack of calls from the refs so Geno gave them the day off to rest considering it was the later half of the season. 

The buzzing of Azzi’s phone interrupted the peaceful moment. She glanced at the screen, frowning at the name that lit up.

Caroline: Hey, wyd.

Azzi tilted her head, confused. Caroline rarely texted her—she’d just show up. She tapped back a quick reply.

Azzi: Umm…nothing?

A few moments later, her phone buzzed again.

Caroline: Come to my room.

Azzi groaned aloud, earning a side-eye glance from Paige.

“What’s up?” Paige asked, glancing at her girlfriend quickly before refocusing on the screen.

“Caroline wants me to come to her room,” Azzi muttered, typing a response.

Azzi: Not happening. I’m comfortable.

A longer pause this time, before her phone buzzed again.

Caroline: Come on, Azzi. It’s important.

Azzi let out a long sigh, running a hand over her face. “She says it’s important.”

“Then tell her to come here,” Paige said with a shrug, barely missing a beat in their game.

Azzi hesitated, then tapped out her reply.

Azzi: Come to mine if it’s so important.

A single word response came back almost immediately.

Caroline: Fine.

Azzi tossed her phone onto the coffee table, crossing her arms. “She’s coming over.”

About ten minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. Ice barely glanced up, muttering, “It’s open,” before returning to their Fortnite match.

Caroline walked in, her expression unreadable as she scanned the room. “Hey,” she said simply.

“Hey,” Azzi replied, sitting up slightly.

Paige and Ice didn’t look up from the game, their greetings reduced to low grunts of acknowledgment.

Caroline didn’t bother responding to the lackluster reception. Instead, she locked eyes with Azzi and subtly motioned toward her room. Azzi raised an eyebrow in confusion, her book slipping closed on her lap.

“What’s up?” Azzi asked cautiously.

Caroline just gave her a pointed look, a silent request.

Azzi sighed, setting the book aside. As she tried to swing her legs off Paige’s lap, Paige’s hands shot out, gently grabbing her legs and keeping them in place.

“Where you going?” Paige asked, her attention still half on the screen but her tone tinged with curiosity.

Azzi’s lips curled into a small smile, amused by Paige’s clinginess. “I’m going to talk to Caroline really quickly.”

Paige hummed at this, her focus already shifting back to the game as she reluctantly let Azzi go.

Azzi rolled her eyes playfully, leaning down to give Paige a quick kiss on the head. “Don’t miss me too much,” she teased before getting up.

“Just don’t take too long,” Paige muttered, mashing the buttons on her controller as Ice shouted something about a bad move.

Azzi shook her head with a laugh and motioned for Caroline to follow her, leading her to her room. She closed the door behind them and turned, leaning against it with her arms crossed. “Alright, Car, what’s so important?”

Caroline wasted no time, her voice direct. “So, is there any news on the Paige front?”

Azzi rolled her eyes, already regretting agreeing to this. “Seriously, Caroline? This is what you made me come in here for? I told you to drop it last time.”

Caroline pressed on, her tone exasperated. “Because, Azzi, you’re not taking this seriously. Everything isn’t just about the ‘amazing’ sex you’re having.”

Azzi huffed, a flicker of irritation crossing her face as she straightened up. “Alright, I’m done. I’m not having this conversation with you again.” She turned on her heel, heading for the door.

“Wait!” Caroline’s voice came quickly, stopping Azzi in her tracks. “I invited Josh here.”

Azzi froze mid-step, her shoulders tensing. Slowly, she turned back around, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Caroline. “You did what?” Her voice was sharp, laced with disbelief.

Caroline shrugged, though she looked slightly defensive. “He’s in town. We…kind of kept in touch after you guys broke up.”

Azzi’s expression darkened, and she took a step closer to Caroline. “And that gave you the bright idea to invite him to hang out? Are you serious?”

“He was asking about you,” Caroline explained quickly, her tone edging on defensive now. “And you two didn’t really end on bad terms, so I didn’t see the problem.”

Azzi stared at her, clearly trying to rein in her anger. “The problem,” she said slowly, emphasizing every word, “is that I have a girlfriend now, Caroline.”

Caroline gave her a pointed look. “No, you and Paige are hooking up.”

“No,” Azzi snapped, cutting her off. “Paige is my girlfriend, Caroline. Jesus Christ.”

Caroline blinked, momentarily stunned. “Wait, when did that happen?”

“Not that it’s any of your business,” Azzi shot back, “but on New Year’s Eve.”

Caroline crossed her arms, her expression shifting to one of hurt. “And you didn’t think to tell me? I’m supposed to be your best friend, Azzi.”

Azzi shook her head, frustration and disappointment mingling in her voice. “Because you’ve made it very clear you don’t approve of my relationship with Paige. So, no, I didn’t feel the need to tell you right away.”

Caroline raised her hands defensively, her expression softening. “Come on, Azzi, you know it wasn’t like that. I just didn’t want you to get hurt being in some situationship with Paige.”

Azzi’s brow furrowed, and she took a step closer, her voice sharp. “First of all, it’s not a situationship. It never was and I told you that. And second, if you’re so concerned about me getting hurt, why are you constantly inserting yourself into my business and making it harder for me? You don’t see Nika breathing down Paige’s neck every two seconds do you?”

Caroline sighed, her voice quieter now. “I just… I don’t want you to regret anything. You’ve always been so focused, and I’ve seen people drag you down before and I don’t want it to happen again. Paige just doesn't have a history of being consistent.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, her tone deadpan. “Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, Caroline. But it’s not your call to make and it’s really not your business. Paige and I are together, and it’s serious. So Josh being anywhere near her isn’t happening. You need to fix this.”

Caroline shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the floor. “I already kind of made arrangements…”

Azzi’s expression darkened. “What kind of arrangements?”

“He’s staying in my room,” Caroline admitted sheepishly. “I told him he didn’t need to book a hotel while he’s here. I was just going to crash in Jana’s room for the night,” Caroline added quickly, trying to defuse the tension.

Azzi raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, so thoughtful of you to disrupt your own living situation for him. What’s your point, Caroline?”

“Come on Azzi It’s just one night,” Caroline said, her voice edging on pleading. “It shouldn’t be a big deal. We can all hang out as friends.”

Azzi stared at her in disbelief. “You really don’t see the issue here, do you?”

Caroline hesitated, then tried again. “I didn’t think it would be a problem! I thought it could be… I don’t know, neutral ground.”

“Neutral ground?” Azzi repeated incredulously, her tone rising slightly. “Caroline, Josh is my ex. And Paige is my girlfriend. Why would I want to be in the same room as the two of them? Let alone have them interact at all? You know how Josh is, it was the whole point of me breaking up with him.”

Caroline bit her lip, her defensiveness crumbling. “I just… I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

Azzi tilted her head, her voice calm but icy. “Why are you pushing this so hard? Just tell him I said no.”

Caroline hesitated, then blurted out, “I already kinda told him you agreed and that you were excited to see him.”

Azzi’s eyes widened, and she let out a bitter laugh, bringing her fingers to the bridge of her nose. “What the fuck, Caroline? What is wrong with you?”

“I didn’t think it would be a big deal!” Caroline said, her voice rising in frustration. “I figured we’d all just hang out, and it wouldn’t be awkward. You’re making this bigger than it has to be.”

Azzi dropped her hand and fixed Caroline with a steely gaze. “Bigger than it has to be? You lied to my ex-boyfriend about me agreeing to this, without even talking to me, and now you’re acting like I’m the unreasonable one?”

Caroline took a step back, her voice softening. “I wasn’t trying to cause problems. I thought maybe it would be… good closure for you.”

Azzi snorted, her disbelief turning to anger. “Closure? For what? I’ve moved on. Paige and I are happy, and we don’t have any problems anymore. The last thing I need is you bringing Josh into the mix.”

Caroline’s face fell, her voice tinged with hurt. “I just thought… I don’t know. I’m supposed to be your best friend, and I didn’t even know about you and Paige making it official so I didn’t think this would bother you so much.”

Azzi shook her head, her frustration spilling into her voice. “Exactly. You’re supposed to be my best friend. But instead of supporting me, you’re meddling in my relationship and acting like you know what’s best for me. Newsflash: you clearly don’t.”

The room fell silent, the weight of Azzi’s words hanging in the air. Finally, Azzi exhaled sharply, muttering something under her breath before turning toward the door. “I need to talk to Paige.”

“Azzi, wait—” Caroline started, but Azzi didn’t look back as she left the room, her frustration radiating off her as she headed back to the living room.

As she walked back into the living room, her posture stiff and her face clouded with frustration, Paige immediately looked up from the TV, her focus on the Fortnite game evaporating. Her brow furrowed as she studied Azzi’s expression, the way her lips were pressed together and her shoulders were tense. Paige knew her girlfriend well enough to tell when something was bothering her.

“What’s wrong?” Paige asked, her voice soft but direct, concern lacing her words.

Azzi sighed, as she glanced briefly at Ice, who was still focused on the game. “Nothing, I just… I need to talk to you really quick,” she said, her voice quieter now.

Paige nodded without hesitation, already standing and tossing her controller on the couch. “Ice, do singles for a while,” she said, barely sparing her roommate a glance as she reached for Azzi’s hand.

Ice waved her off with a nonchalant grunt, muttering something about carrying the team anyway, but Paige wasn’t listening. She gently squeezed Azzi’s hand, her touch grounding, and gave her a small, reassuring smile as she started leading her toward her room.

Azzi let herself be guided, her chest loosening slightly at the way Paige always seemed to know when to step in without pushing too hard. It was one of the things she loved most about her.

Once they were in Paige’s room, Paige shut the door behind them and leaned back against it, crossing her arms as she studied Azzi. Her concern was evident, her voice gentle. “Alright what’s wrong? You look like you’re ready to punch something.”

Azzi let out a long breath, her hands finding the edge of Paige’s desk as she leaned against it. “It’s Caroline. Remember how I told you how she’s been bugging me about us” she began, her voice slightly tight. “She wasn’t getting the answers she wanted, so somehow that led to her inviting Josh to hangout with us.”

Paige tilted her head, her eyebrows drawing together slightly. “Josh? Your ex from UMD? That Josh?”

Azzi nodded, the irritation on her face clear.

Paige blinked, pushing off the door and walking over to stand in front of her. “Wait, why? What’s the deal with that?”

“She said he’s in town, and they’ve kept in touch,” Azzi said, her tone edged with frustration. “Apparently, he asked about me, and she thought it’d be fine to bring him around for us to ‘catch up.’ She’s just now throwing this at me and apparently she already told him I agreed.” 

Paige looks kind of shocked, her hands finding their way to Azzi’s waist. “That’s…a choice,” she said, trying to keep her tone light but clearly not impressed. “So, what? She just decided to volunteer for this reunion without even checking in?”

Azzi nodded, her hands lifting in exasperation. “Exactly! And now I’m supposed to just be okay with it? Like, why would I want to hang out with my ex? Especially with you there. It’s just weird.”

Paige hummed thoughtfully, her thumbs rubbing soothing circles over Azzi’s hips. “Yeah, I get why that’d bug you. But honestly, baby, I’m not stressed about it. Josh doesn’t bother me.”

Azzi gave her a skeptical look. “You’re not even a little annoyed?”

“Not really,” Paige said with a shrug. “I mean, yeah, it’s annoying Caroline didn’t talk to you first. But Josh? I hadn’t really given him a second thought. You’re with me, and we both know that.”

Azzi sighed, leaning into Paige’s touch a little. “It’s not you I’m worried about,” she admitted.

Paige raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Oh? Then who?”

“Josh,” Azzi said flatly. “He can be… a lot.. You know I broke up with him for a reason.”

Paige nodded, her expression softening. “You’ve mentioned it. He was kind of an asshole, right?”

“Exactly,” Azzi muttered. “I just don’t want him pulling anything while he’s around you. He used to be super territorial, and now with you in the picture… I don’t know. It’s just a bad vibe.”

Paige stepped closer, brushing her hands up Azzi’s arms before cupping her face gently. “Listen, you don’t have to worry, okay? If he acts out, we’ll handle it. But he doesn’t get to ruin your day or mess with what you have going on.”

Azzi looked at her, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “You’re annoyingly good at calming me down, you know that?”

Paige grinned, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Azzi’s lips. “It’s a gift,” she teased.

Azzi laughed quietly, resting her forehead against Paige’s for a moment. “Caroline wants to make it some big group thing, like invite the team and make it casual. I don’t know… maybe that could work.”

Paige nodded thoughtfully. “Honestly? That’s probably the best way to handle it. We get a bunch of people there, make it super low-key, and it won’t feel weird. Plus, with the team around, Josh won’t really have a chance to pull anything.”

Azzi exhaled slowly, nodding. “Alright. But you promise you’ll tell me if he steps out of line or upsets you?”

“Baby,” Paige said with a grin, “I’ll handle him before you even notice. But if it makes you feel better, I promise to be on my best behavior. Scout’s honor.” She held up her hand, smirking. “No starting drama.��

Azzi raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching. “You? Drama? Never.”

Paige laughed. “Exactly. I’m practically a saint. You don’t have to worry about me, okay?”

Azzi smiled, finally feeling a little more at ease, Paige giving her a quick kiss before stepping back. “Come on, let’s go back out there. Ice probably thinks we’re making out or something.”

Azzi smirked, the playful glint in her eyes softening some of the lingering tension. “Well, we weren’t, but we can let her wonder.”

As they walked out of the room, the cozy light of the living room greeted them. Caroline was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone. The sight of her made Paige’s jaw tighten instinctively, but she didn’t say anything, choosing instead to keep her focus ahead. 

Azzi noticed, her gaze flicking between Paige and Caroline. While Paige wore her emotions plainly, Azzi forced herself to remain composed. Caroline had been her friend for years—too long for this situation to turn into something petty. Even so, the frustration simmered beneath her skin at Caroline’s blatant disrespect to Paige and Azzi’s relationship.

“Hey,” Caroline said, glancing up briefly. Her tone was casual, trying to brush off the tension between the trio.

“Hey,” Azzi replied, her voice carefully neutral.

Paige didn’t say anything, stepping around the couch to stand near Ice, who was still engrossed in her game. “We’re going out tonight,” she announced, her tone clipped.

Ice didn’t look away from the screen, raising a lazy hand in acknowledgment. “Cool. Have fun. Don’t get arrested.”

“No, I mean you’re coming with us,” Paige clarified, her arms crossing as she looked down at Ice.

Ice quickly glanced up at her, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, me? Why?”

“Because I said so, Isuneh,” Paige replied, her tone not leaving any room for argument. Then she smirked, adding, “And besides, you owe me for bailing on me during the last practice drill the other day.”

Ice groaned, tilting her head back against the couch dramatically. “Fine, but only if you’re buying my first drink.”

“Deal,” Paige said with a smirk.

Azzi chuckled softly, her tension easing as she watched the banter. She moved to sit on the couch next to Paige, their knees brushing. Without thinking, Paige’s hand drifted to Azzi’s, her fingers lightly grazing the back of her hand in a small, reassuring gesture.

Paige reached for her phone with her free hand, her fingers flying over the screen. Azzi tilted her head slightly, leaning closer so their shoulders bumped as she glanced at the screen.

“Who are you texting?” Azzi asked, her tone light but her curiosity evident.

Paige grinned, never missing the way Azzi casually peered at her phone now, a stark contrast to what she was like before. “Just a few people from the team. Letting them know we’re making plans tonight,” she said, her thumb still moving.

Azzi nodded in understanding. 

Caroline glanced up again, sensing the quiet coordination happening between the couple. “You’re organizing something?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Paige said shortly, still typing.

Azzi shot Paige a warning glance, brushing her hand lightly against Paige’s thigh—a subtle gesture to ease the tension. “Yeah we figured we’d make it a group thing like you said,” Azzi said smoothly, her voice even. “Try to keep it casual.”

Caroline raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further, returning to her phone.

Paige finally set her phone down, turning her attention to Azzi. Her expression softened as she leaned in slightly, keeping her voice low enough that only Azzi could hear. “I’ll be on my best behavior tonight, I promise. No stress, okay?”

Azzi smiled, the reassurance warming her chest. “Thanks,” she murmured, her fingers briefly brushing Paige’s.

Later that night, Caroline texted the group chat Paige created, suggesting they should head out soon because Josh had just gotten there. Paige was lounging on her bed, scrolling aimlessly on her phone as she waited for Azzi, but her attention shifted the moment she stepped in the room.

Azzi had opted for an extremely casual look, wearing Paige’s black Nike tech with a black crop top underneath the slightly unzipped jacket. The outfit fit her effortlessly, and Paige’s smirk grew as her eyes roamed over Azzi’s body.

Azzi caught her staring and raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smirk. “You’re really not even gonna try to be subtle about it, are you?”

Paige shrugged, completely unbothered, as she let her gaze linger. “Why would I? You always look good in my clothes.”

Azzi laughed, shaking her head as she walked over to Paige. “You’re like a teenage boy,” she muttered, stopping directly in front of her.

Paige immediately sat up straighter, her hands resting lightly on Azzi’s waist as Azzi stood between her legs. There was an electricity in the air as Azzi leaned down, slowly on purpose, hovering just close enough for Paige to feel the heat of her breath.

The kiss that followed wasn’t just casual; it was intense, leaving Paige a little dazed when Azzi finally pulled back. Paige blinked, her lips slightly swollen, and stared up at Azzi like she was her whole world.

Azzi snorted, brushing a hand against Paige’s cheek. “You’re so easy baby.”

Paige grinned, unashamed. “Only for you.”

Azzi rolled her eyes fondly before pulling away. “Come on, we’ve gotta go before Caroline starts blowing up my phone again.”

Paige sighed dramatically as she grabbed her jacket and stood. “Fine, but next time, I’m making us late on purpose if you pull something like that.”

Azzi laughed, leading the way to the door, but as soon as they stepped out, they both paused.

“Ice!” Paige called, her voice echoing down the hall.

Azzi joined in, shouting playfully, “Hurry up child! We’re leaving!”

Ice’s groan could be heard from her room, followed by her muttering something unintelligible.

“Don’t make me come drag you out of there, Isuneh!” Paige added with a grin, her tone half-teasing.

“We’re not waiting all night missy!” Azzi chimed in, her voice laced with humor.

Finally, Ice appeared in the hallway, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. “You two are so annoying,” she muttered.

Paige smirked, throwing an arm around Azzi’s shoulders as they waited. “You’ll miss us when we’re gone,” she teased, earning a roll of Ice’s eyes as they headed out together.

The three of them arrived at Ted’s with Nika and KK in tow. The atmosphere inside was unusually calm, a stark contrast to the typical buzz of celebrations that filled the space after big wins. But tonight, there were no loud cheers or packed tables, just a relaxed hum of conversation and soft music.

Paige scanned the room as they stepped inside, spotting Caroline, Aaliyah, Aubrey, Ayanna, and Jana sitting at a table near the back with Josh. She had intentionally left most of the younger players out of tonight’s plans, except for KK, who had practically begged to come along once she heard about it. Saying something about how she had to fight off the ‘negative attention.’

As they made their way toward the table, Azzi’s mood subtly shifted. Her gaze landed on Josh sitting next to Caroline, and her jaw tightened slightly in irritation at the whole situation. Without a word, she moved closer to Paige, sliding her hand around her bicep, grip firm but casual. The motion was smooth but deliberate, a clear declaration that Azzi wasn’t single anymore.

Paige felt the subtle tension radiating from Azzi and leaned in close, her voice low but steady. “Relax,” she murmured, her words for Azzi’s ears only. “Everything will be fine baby.”

Azzi glanced at her, her lips twitching into a faint smile. “Just making sure everyone gets the message.”

As the group approached the table, Ice, Nika, and KK introduced themselves to Josh first, with Paige and Azzi hanging back slightly. When the introductions were over, Josh turned toward Azzi, his arms lifting slightly with a smirk on his face as if expecting a hug. Azzi, however, didn’t release her hold on Paige’s arm. Instead, she offered Josh a polite smile. “Nice to see you Josh,” she said lightly, her tone pleasant but distant.

Josh’s smile faltered for a moment before he turned his attention to Paige, who stepped forward, extending her hand not being held by Azzi confidently. “Wassup, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Paige.”

Josh looked at her hand before shaking it briefly, his expression neutral. “Josh,” he said simply.

The two exchanged a quick look, and while they were roughly the same height, the differences between them couldn’t have been more striking. Paige’s piercing blue eyes and blonde hair contrasted sharply with Josh’s dark brown eyes and hair. Her features were sharp and defined, exuding a natural charm that everyone felt, while his softer features and seemingly slick demeanor radiated a sense of cockiness.

After the handshake, Paige gave Azzi a small, knowing smile before they made their way to the bar to grab drinks.

When they returned, drinks in hand, Ice had already taken her seat with a satisfied grin on her face after getting the drink Paige had promised, even talking her way into a second later on. The group started to settle in around the high standing table, the vibe still casual and comfortable. Caroline, seeing only one open space beside Josh, began to move a seat over. However, Azzi quickly stepped in.

“It’s fine,” Azzi said smoothly, her tone carrying just enough authority to make Caroline pause. She settled comfortably in between Paige’s legs in the available seat, leaning back, her posture at ease as she claimed the space.

The team, already well aware of Paige and Azzi’s relationship and their dynamic, gave the two women a knowing look. The subtle, intimate gesture didn’t go unnoticed, and it was clear Azzi was making herself right at home in Paige’s personal space on purpose. Paige, feeling the heat of Azzi’s body against hers, slid a hand along her side, resting it casually on Azzi’s hip.

Josh, however, seemed a bit confused. He glanced between Paige and Azzi, clearly trying to figure out their relationship dynamic. He knew girls were touchy sometimes so he brushed it off. 

Azzi, comfortably nestled between Paige's legs, let out a soft sigh as she leaned her head back against Paige's shoulder. The familiar warmth of Paige’s presence was grounding, and for a moment, she closed her eyes to settle herself for the night. But Josh, eager to make conversation, interrupted the calm.

"So, Azzi, how’ve you been?" Josh asked, leaning forward slightly with an expectant smile.

Azzi lifted her head off Paige’s shoulder and turned to him, her tone polite but neutral. “Pretty good, you?” She didn’t make it a question—just a simple exchange to keep things civil.

Josh, clearly eager to get the conversation rolling, leaned in a little closer. “I’ve been good, just keeping busy with everything. You know how it is. How’s everything going at UConn? How’s your season been?” 

Azzi’s response was quick, and while still kind, her words were clipped, her focus shifting slightly toward Paige’s hand on her hip that was subtly rubbing circles that no one else could see. “It’s been good. The season’s going well, we’re staying focused which is always good.”

Josh’s smile lingered as he picked up on her more reserved energy, but he pressed on, undeterred. “That’s awesome,” he said, his voice casual, trying to keep things flowing. “I bet the competition’s tougher this year. You guys look strong, though. I’ve watched a few of your games—you're playing well.”

Azzi nodded, offering a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks,” she said. Her eyes briefly scanned the room trying to think of something to say, clearly not as invested in the exchange as Josh seemed to be. “We’re just taking it one game at a time you know.”

Josh leaned in a little more, trying to read the situation. “Yeah, I get that. You’ve been putting up some great numbers too, huh?” He gestured toward her, a little more animated now. “Your stats this season are looking solid. How do you feel about all the extra attention Uconn brings? I feel like you guys have fangirls everywhere.”

Azzi gave a small, polite smile, her shoulders shifting slightly as she leaned back a little against Paige again. "I’m just doing what the team needs. The attention is definitely a part of the game now, but I’m more focused on what’s happening on the court, you know?”

Josh continued talking, clearly making an effort to keep the conversation going with Azzi, he figured it was just taking her a while to warm up to him again. Paige remained relaxed, a little distracted by Ice and KK who were talking to her about something that happened in a class they were taking together, but she made sure she stayed slightly tuned in to Azzi’s conversation just in case she needed to step in.

In a quiet moment between Josh’s ramblings to some other people on the team about playing football at UMD, Paige’s hand moved a little further down Azzi’s waist, now touching the skin visible from the crop top. Azzi, feeling the familiar warmth of Paige’s hand, relaxed slightly and leaned further back against her, resting her head on Paige’s shoulder. It wasn’t anything grand—just a moment of closeness that felt completely natural in their dynamic. 

As Azzi settled, her eyes closed for a moment, the softness of Paige’s body grounding her. But just as quickly, she felt a familiar tug on her chest—her hand found its way to Paige’s, instinctively intertwining their fingers. There was no grand thought behind it, just a simple urge to connect with some she loved, naturally wanting to be closer to the older girl at all times.

The movement caught Josh’s attention, and when he saw Azzi lean into Paige like that, he blinked, his face shifting slightly. Without thinking, Paige turned her head, brushing a gentle kiss against Azzi’s temple—a soft gesture letting the younger girl know she was thinking about her. 

Before Paige could go back to talking Azzi turned her head just slightly, meeting Paige’s lips for a brief but sweet kiss. The kiss lingered for a moment longer than expected, and the quiet warmth between them seemed to fill the space around them. It was the kind of simple intimacy they shared when no one was watching. 

Josh’s eyes widened in surprise at the kiss, clearly caught off guard. His natural smirk faltered as he processed the moment, his lips parting as he tried to find the right words. Finally, he spoke, unable to mask his confusion.

“Azzi I didn’t know you swung for the other team now,” Josh remarked, his tone casual but tinged with uncertainty. “Caroline didn’t mention anything about that.”

Paige’s jaw tightened at his comment, her posture stiffening. Her gaze flickered to Caroline, who was now avoiding eye contact, clearly uncomfortable with the situation she created. 

Azzi, however, remained calm and unfazed. She leaned into Paige just a little more, her hand gently playing with Paige’s as she responded smoothly, her voice pleasant but matter-of-fact.

“I thought Caroline told you,” Azzi said with a smile. “Paige is my girlfriend.”

Josh, still a little thrown off by the exchange, hummed in response, his expression unreadable. “Right,” he muttered, his mind clearly racing as he processed the information. “Guess I missed that part.”

Paige, her initial irritation fading, kept her gaze on Josh for a moment longer, silently daring him to push further. But Azzi, sensing the tension, shifted her weight just enough to brush against Paige’s side to calm her. 

Azzi gave Paige a quiet smile before nodding her head toward the bar. “Let’s grab another drink,” she said, her voice light, almost as if nothing had happened.

…

Later that night, the atmosphere at Ted’s had shifted slightly. Josh, a few drinks in, was slightly more relaxed, but his usual cocky energy started to surface in small, deliberate comments. It was subtle, a few jabs here and there, but enough to let Paige and Azzi know he wasn’t just trying to be friendly.

Josh nodded, his eyes flicking briefly to Paige before returning to Azzi. “I’m sure it’s pretty intense being on a team like that. Lot of pressure, huh?” His gaze lingered a little too long on Azzi, and then, as though it were an afterthought, he threw in, “I wouldn’t have let you wear something like that when we were together. Not that it’s my business, but, yeah, I’d definitely have said something before you left the house.”

Azzi’s lips pressed together slightly, the only sign she was acknowledging his jab. Paige felt her jaw tighten, but she didn’t respond immediately, allowing Azzi the space to handle the situation. Azzi’s voice remained light, almost too calm.

“Lucky for me, we’re not together anymore,” Azzi said, her words casual. 

Josh let out a short laugh, clearly not expecting the lack of reaction. His smile didn’t falter, but there was a hint of frustration creeping into his words. He took a swig of his drink before addressing them again, his eyes narrowing in on Paige as if testing her limits.

“So, what’s the deal, Paige?” he asked, his voice dripping with mock curiosity. “How’d you get Azzi to flip sides? I mean, I didn’t think you were her type.” His tone was dismissive, trying to provoke a reaction. “Did you, like, convince her or something? Or was it just... one of those ‘I just happened to fall for you after experimenting kind of things?”

Azzi’s hand, which had been resting lightly on Paige’s side, tightened just slightly, a subtle show of protectiveness that only Paige could feel. Azzi didn’t need to say anything; her presence alone was enough to calm Paige down.

Paige’s expression remained neutral, though she couldn’t suppress the brief flicker of annoyance that flashed in her eyes. She shifted slightly, her gaze unwavering as she answered with a calm, collected voice.

“I don’t think Azzi needs convincing,” Paige said coolly, her words deliberate. “She’s fully capable of making her own decisions, just like anyone else.” She met Josh’s gaze, her jaw setting firmly, not giving him an inch of satisfaction. “But if you’re really curious, Azzi and I... well, we’re just kind of right for each other. Simple as that.”

Josh’s smirk faltered for a moment, his attempt at baiting them clearly not working. But he wasn’t one to back down easily. He leaned in a little closer, his posture slightly more aggressive as he continued to press.

“So, what’s next then? You two going to, like, do the whole couple thing publicly now?” His eyes flickered between the two of them, his expression almost playful in a way that made it clear he was trying to get under their skin. “I bet that’ll be fun. UConn’s golden girl and the big recruit—don’t think the fans won’t notice that.”

Paige, still unfazed, met his challenge head-on. “We’re not really concerned with what other people think,” she said smoothly, her hand squeezing Azzi’s slightly. “We like to keep things private so I doubt we’ll do too much with that.”

Azzi tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes as she teased, “I mean, maybe we’ll get some pictures here and there to keep everyone guessing.”

Josh’s lips twitched as if he were about to say something more, but he stopped himself. The tension between the three of them had shifted—Azzi and Paige were calm, in control, and clearly not bothered by his attempts to get under their skin. Josh could feel the shift, but his pride wouldn’t let him back down completely.

“Right,” Josh muttered, his voice softer now, though still carrying a hint of amusement. “I guess it’s none of my business anyway.”

Azzi leaned back slightly, her head resting against Paige’s shoulder again as she returned to her comfortable position between her legs. “Exactly,” she said, her voice settling into a more relaxed tone. “It’s really not.”

The brief silence that followed was thick with unspoken understanding. Josh, finally realizing that he wasn’t going to get a rise out of them, took a step back. He raised his drink and gave a short, almost dismissive nod.

“Well, alright then,” he muttered. “Have fun with that.” As he moved away going to talk to Caroline, one of the few people who was being slightly welcoming to him tonight. 

…

The bar had quieted down as the night wore on, and the team was beginning to gather their things, silently agreeing that it was time to head out having been there long enough. Azzi had just gone to the bathroom with a few of them, and as she disappeared, Josh took the opportunity to approach Paige, who was standing off to the side, scrolling through her phone.

He slid up to her, a half-smirk still lingering from his earlier conversations, clearly feeling more relaxed after a few drinks. “So,” he started, his voice casual but his words pointed, “you must be pretty good at what you do to get Azzi.”

Paige didn’t look up, keeping her gaze fixed on her phone as she replied flatly, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Josh shrugged, leaning in slightly as if to share some secret with her. “I mean, it's just kind of funny, right? You two? Never would have guessed she’d swing that way after being with me. You must’ve really worked something crazy on her huh?”

Paige’s fingers tightened around her phone, but she kept her expression neutral, not allowing herself to rise to the bait. Her silence didn’t seem to dismiss his words as he continued.

Josh’s smirk only grew. “Yeah, well, like I said earlier I would’ve never let Azzi wear a damn crop top when we were together,” he continued, his voice dripping with an air of superiority. “I used to tell her she wasn’t the type to dress like that. Must be nice to see her letting loose a little.”

Paige took a slow, steady breath but still didn’t respond, refusing to engage with the obvious attempts to get under her skin. The tension was there, but she refused to give Josh the satisfaction of reacting.

“Must be pretty much what you’re used to though, huh?” Josh added, his tone playful but laced with a sharp edge. “I’m sure you had all kinds of hoes giving it up for you.”

Paige’s jaw clenched, but her lips stayed sealed.

Azzi walked out of the bathroom and immediately saw the shift in Paige’s demeanor. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she approached, noticing the tightness in Paige’s jaw. Moving swiftly, Azzi placed a hand gently on Paige’s arm, asking softly, “You good?”

Paige gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, I’m good, baby. Let’s just go.”

Azzi nodded in acknowledgment, but before they could leave, Azzi turned to Josh, her smile polite but distant as she prepared to say goodbye. “Nice seeing you Josh,” she said casually, but Josh wasn’t done yet.

He leaned in slightly, clearly trying to provoke. “Guess this trip was a waste,” he said, his voice louder now for the whole table to hear. “Wouldn’t have come all the way out here if I knew you were a dyke now.”

Paige’s jaw clenched, her entire demeanor shifting at the comment directed at Azzi.  Her eyes locked onto Josh, and without even thinking, she took a step toward him, her gaze burning into his. The polite mask she had been wearing all night cracked completely.

“What the fuck did you just say to her?” Paige’s voice was low but laced with venom, her anger barely contained as she stepped closer to Josh, her body tense and ready to snap.

Azzi, quick to react, stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Paige’s chest, trying to keep her grounded. “Baby, it’s fine,” Azzi said softly, her voice calming but firm. “Just let it go.”

Josh, still too drunk and slightly embarrassed about coming out, smirked and leaned in a little closer to Paige, clearly trying to get under her skin. “Damn, that’s wild,” he said, his words dripping with sarcasm, “she must be crazy in bed now if she’s got you reacting like this. I’d love to try her out again”

That was the last straw. Paige’s hand shot out, pushing Josh away with a force that sent him stumbling back a few steps. Without missing a beat, she swung her fist at his jaw, the movement swift before anyone could stop her. 

The impact was hard, but the sharp sting in her knuckles made her regret the move almost immediately. Josh’s head snapped back, and he staggered into some chairs, momentarily stunned as he held his jaw. Paige’s breath was coming in ragged bursts as she stood there, her knuckles aching from the punch. 

The room was silent for a moment, nobody expecting that to happen. The team had already started to move in, aware of the situation escalating. Nika and Aaliyah were quickly making their way over ready to get Paige out of there before it got worse. But Josh wasn’t done yet.

He slowly wiped his mouth as he sneered at Paige, his lip already starting to bleed. "Damn, didn’t think you had it in you, Paige. I been trying to get that outta you all night. I always thought Azzi was more of a… let’s say, experimental type. But now I see she got you wrapped around her finger. You should’ve seen what she was like when we were together. She wasn’t that great–”

Paige’s blood boiled all over again and without hesitation, she swung her fist at his face again, the pain in her knuckles no longer registering as her anger overpowered everything else. The punch landed square on his jaw with a crack, and Josh's head snapped back once more, this time blood gushing from his nose.

Josh staggered again, now clearly dazed and in pain, but his arrogant smirk was gone. He wiped at his nose with the back of his hand, glaring at Paige. "Yo you’re fucking crazy."

Paige didn't care anymore. Her anger had eclipsed everything else, but Nika and Aaliyah were there, moving quickly to pull her back.

"Come on, Paige. Let’s go," Nika said firmly, her hand on Paige's arm, leading her away from the scene. Aaliyah and the rest of the team was right behind, ensuring that she couldn’t get close to him again.

Azzi followed them, her eyes briefly flicking to Josh, now leaning against the bar with his nose dripping blood. She didn’t even spare him a second glance. Her focus was entirely on Paige, making sure she was okay.

As they reached the door, Nika shot one last look over her shoulder at Josh. "You're lucky we didn't let her really go for it," she muttered before pulling Paige through the door, with Azzi right behind them.

Outside, the cool night air hit them, but the adrenaline still surged through Paige’s veins. The tension in the bar had followed them out, but now, with each step away from the confrontation, Paige's anger began to dissipate, replaced by a quiet, simmering frustration.

"I’m sorry Az, I didn’t mean to—" Paige began, her voice tense as she glanced at Azzi, "I just… I couldn't let him talk about you like that."

Azzi squeezed her hand, offering a small smile. "I know, baby. I know. 

Paige let out a heavy sigh, flexing her fingers despite the ache in her knuckles. The sharp sting of the split skin reminded her of the impulsiveness of her actions, but the rush of relief in standing up for Azzi outweighed the pain. "I just… I can’t let anyone talk about you like that. Not if I can help it."

Azzi’s expression softened as she stepped closer, her voice low and soothing. "I get it baby, thank you for standing up for me" she murmured, her fingers gently brushing Paige’s wrist. 

As they stood outside in the cool night air waiting for the cars to be pulled around, Azzi took Paige’s hand in hers, inspecting it carefully. One knuckle was split, a small trail of blood streaking her skin, and the swelling was already starting to set in. Azzi’s brows knitted together, her touch featherlight as she turned Paige’s hand slightly to get a better look. "You really did a number on him, huh?" she said softly, trying to add a bit of levity.

Before Paige could respond, Caroline approached hesitantly, guilt etched across her face. "Azzi, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. For everything. For Josh and how—"

Azzi didn’t even glance up at first, her attention still fixed on Paige’s injured hand. But as Caroline tried again, Azzi’s eyes snapped up, sharp and cold—a stark contrast to the tenderness she’d been showing Paige. "Caroline," Azzi said, her tone clipped and firm. "Please, just leave me alone."

Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but Azzi cut her off, her voice steady but laced with irritation. "Not right now. I’m pissed, and I really don’t have the energy for this. Just…please stop."

Caroline froze for a moment, looking between Azzi and Paige, before she finally backed away, her apology dying on her lips. Paige watched silently as Azzi’s gaze softened again, returning to her injured hand.

"You didn’t have to snap at her," Paige said quietly, though there was no real reproach in her tone.

Azzi shrugged, her focus still on the swelling. "She’s part of why this all happened. She can wait until I’m ready to deal with her." Her thumb brushed gently over Paige’s uninjured fingers. "Right now, you’re my priority."

…

Back at the dorm, Paige sat on her bed, her legs swinging slightly as Azzi knelt in front of her, carefully inspecting the cut on her knuckles. Azzi held an alcohol pad in one hand and a smile on her face. "Okay, hold still. I need to clean it."

Paige pulled her hand back slightly, her eyes narrowing. "It’s gonna burn. I’m telling you right now, I’m not doing that."

Azzi laughed, shaking her head. "You can punch a 6’0 guy twice, but you’re scared of a little alcohol pad? You’re such a baby, Paige."

"I’m not a baby," Paige pouted, crossing her arms. "It’s just… alcohol pads put up more of a fight. They’re sneaky like that."

Still grinning, Azzi reached for Paige’s hand again. "Well, baby or not, it’s happening. Now hold still."

Paige groaned dramatically as Azzi pressed the pad to her knuckle. The instant sting had Paige hissing through her teeth, snatching her hand back. "See? I told you it was gonna burn!" she said, her voice rising playfully as she waved her hand in the air like it might cool it off.

Azzi burst out laughing, leaning back on her heels. "Paige, come on. I need to clean it so it doesn’t get infected. Do you want to explain to Geno why your hand looks like a balloon tomorrow? The swelling’s already bad enough."

Paige sighed heavily, reluctantly holding out her hand again, her lips pressed into a pout. "Fine. But only because you mentioned Geno."

Azzi smirked as she gently resumed cleaning the cut, working quickly to avoid any more theatrics. Once it was clean, she wrapped a cold compression bandage around it to hopefully subside the swelling overnight.

"There," Azzi said, standing up and pressing a soft kiss to Paige’s lips. "See? That wasn’t so bad."

Paige grumbled, her cheeks slightly pink. "Yes, it was. Those things are evil."

Azzi just laughed, shaking her head as she moved to toss the wrappers in the trash. "You’re dramatic."

Paige leaned back on the bed, her uninjured hand reaching out to tug Azzi closer. "But you love me anyway."

Azzi smiled, leaning down to kiss her again. "Of course I do."

After Azzi returned from the bathroom, she slid into bed beside Paige, pulling the covers over her. She had barely settled in when she felt Paige’s hands slip around her waist, warm and a little too low to be innocent. Azzi smiled softly, her head turning toward Paige.

"What are you up to now?" Azzi asked teasingly, her voice low and playful.

Paige grinned, her expression as innocent as she could muster. "Just wanted to hold you."

Azzi chuckled, leaning down to kiss her. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, one that neither of them seemed in a hurry to break. The kisses came slowly at first, gentle pecks and tender presses, but when Paige deepened the kiss, Azzi sighed against her lips, her body melting into Paige’s as she climbed on top of her, straddling her waist.

Paige’s hands settled on Azzi’s hips, her thumbs drawing slow circles on her skin. She pulled back just enough to whisper, "So… what do I get for behaving today?"

Azzi raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking in amusement. "Behaving? Paige, you punched him. That’s not exactly what I’d call good behavior."

Paige groaned dramatically, throwing her head back against the pillow. "Okay, fine. But I behaved for, like, three whole hours before that. That has to count for something."

Azzi laughed softly, her smile full of affection as she leaned down, her fingers trailing along Paige’s jawline. "Hmm," she murmured, her lips brushing against Paige’s neck. "I guess it does. A little. Maybe you do deserve something."

Her kisses started slow and deliberate as she worked her way from Paige’s jaw to the curve of her neck, her lips grazing just enough to make Paige shiver. Paige’s hands tightened on Azzi’s hips, her breath catching as Azzi pressed her lips to a particularly sensitive spot.

"See?" Paige murmured, her voice dropping. "I can be good when I want to be."

Azzi hummed in response, her lips curling into a small smile against Paige’s skin. "Sure you can, baby. Sure you can.

Azzi’s lips moved with precision, trailing soft kisses along Paige’s jaw and down the curve of her neck. She lingered in certain spots, not hard enough to leave a mark but just enough to make Paige’s breath catch. Paige’s hands stayed firmly on Azzi’s hips, her grip tightening slightly with each kiss, though she kept her expression as composed as she could manage.

"You really love dragging this out, huh?" Paige asked, her voice tinged with amusement, though it wavered slightly.

Azzi smiled against Paige’s skin, her voice low and teasing. "Maybe a little. Why? You in a rush tonight?"

"Not at all," Paige replied, attempting to sound casual even as her breathing grew uneven. "Just wondering if this is your game plan—soft little kisses until I get bored."

Azzi raised an eyebrow, pulling back slightly to meet Paige’s gaze, her smirk widening. "Bored? You’re gripping my hips like you’re afraid I’ll stop."

Paige rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed slightly. "Gripping? Please. This is light work."

Azzi hummed thoughtfully as she moved lower, her lips pressing a trail of kisses along Paige’s collarbone and down to the center of her chest as she started to slowly roll her hips. "Light work, huh? Should I keep going, or are you already bored?"

Paige’s grip tightened instinctively, betraying her calm facade. "I’m fine. Do your worst."

Azzi chuckled softly, leaning in to press another kiss just below Paige’s collarbone, her hands sliding up Paige’s sides. "Oh, I plan to." Her tone was laced with mischief, and she moved lower still, her kisses tracing the curve of Paige’s ribs.

Paige shifted slightly beneath her, her breath hitching again. "So, uh… is this your version of a 10/10 performance?"

Azzi looked up briefly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Why? Are you not impressed?"

Paige opened her mouth to reply, but her voice caught in her throat as Azzi’s lips pressed firmly against the soft skin of her stomach, right above her waistband. Paige clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the shiver that ran through her.

Azzi noticed, of course. She always did. Her smirk grew as she moved lower, her kisses slower now, more deliberate. When she reached a spot just below Paige’s navel, she paused, her lips hovering there for a moment.

"What about now?" Azzi asked, her voice a low murmur against Paige’s skin.

Paige swallowed hard, her breath shaky as she finally managed to reply. "Still… average." Her voice cracked slightly, betraying her.

Azzi laughed softly, the sound sending vibrations through Paige’s skin. Without warning, Azzi sucked harder on the spot just below Paige’s navel, her teeth grazing ever so slightly.

Paige’s breath hitched audibly, her hands tightening on Azzi’s hips as her head tilted back against the pillow. She bit her lip, trying and failing to suppress the way her body reacted.

Azzi pulled back just enough to admire her work, the dark mark standing out against Paige’s pale skin. "Still average?" she teased, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction.

Paige exhaled shakily, narrowing her eyes at Azzi though the flush in her cheeks betrayed her. "You’re so damn proud of yourself, huh?"

Azzi tilted her head, her smirk widening as she leaned forward again. "Very." Her lips hovered close to Paige’s skin, her voice soft but firm. "But you like it."

Paige didn’t bother denying it this time, her voice low and breathy as she muttered, "Shut up."

Azzi’s laughter was soft and warm as she pressed another kiss to Paige’s stomach, her fingers brushing lightly along Paige’s sides. "Whatever you say, baby."

Paige’s chest rose and fell in uneven rhythm, her eyes fluttering shut as she braced herself for what she thought was coming next. But instead of moving lower, Azzi began to trail her kisses upward again, slow and deliberate, like she had all the time in the world.

Paige groaned softly, her head tilting back against the pillow as she muttered, "You trying something new? Like… you trying to kill me?"

Azzi smiled against Paige’s skin, the corners of her mouth curling in amusement. She kissed just above Paige’s navel, her voice low as she murmured, "Not at all, baby. I’m just enjoying myself."

Paige huffed, her hands flexing against the sheets. "Enjoying yourself? Well, I’m glad one of us is. This is torture"

Azzi chuckled, the sound vibrating through Paige’s body as she continued her maddeningly slow ascent, her lips leaving marks in her wake just how Paige liked. She kissed just below Paige’s ribs, then a little to the side, then higher still, her pace agonizingly slow.

"You sound a little impatient," Azzi teased, her voice laced with amusement. "That’s not like you. Thought you were good at waiting things out. You love to do this exact thing to me."

Paige opened her eyes briefly, glaring down at her girlfriend, though the flush on her cheeks and her uneven breathing ruined any attempt at looking annoyed. "Yeah, I’m really good at waiting… for you to stop torturing me."

Azzi smirked, her lips pressing softly against the curve of Paige’s ribs. "Torture? This is affection, baby. You’re lucky I’m even sharing this performance with you."

Paige groaned again, her head falling back as Azzi’s lips traveled upward, brushing over the sensitive skin just below her chest. "Oh my God. You’re killing me, Azzi,” Paige said the words coming out in a slight whisper. 

"Am I?" Azzi hummed, her lips pausing briefly to press a deeper kiss right over Paige’s heart. She lingered there, letting the moment stretch before pulling back just enough to meet Paige’s gaze. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she added, "You seem fine to me."

Paige exhaled shakily, her voice catching as she tried to respond. "Fine? I’m—" Her words faltered as Azzi’s lips found a particularly sensitive spot near her collarbone, sucking lightly just enough to leave another mark.

Azzi pulled back slightly, her voice soft but teasing as she asked, "What were you saying, babe?"

Paige clenched her jaw, her hands gripping the sheets as she muttered, "I hate you so much right now."

Azzi grinned, her lips brushing the side of Paige’s neck. "Hate me? That’s not what you’re going to be saying a few minutes from now."

Paige’s breathing grew more uneven, her voice dropping as she tried to hold onto any semblance of composure. "Azzi, you’re impossible."

Azzi laughed softly, her lips trailing up to Paige’s jawline. "Impossible? Or irresistible?"

Paige groaned again, her frustration mingling with the heat that Azzi’s kisses left behind. "Both. You’re both."

"Good answer," Azzi murmured before pressing her lips to the corner of Paige’s mouth, her voice soft and smug. "You’re doing great, by the way. Keeping up with this conversation and everything."

Paige laughed breathily, shaking her head. "I’m barely holding it together."

Azzi leaned back slightly, her gaze warm as she studied Paige’s flushed face. "You don’t have to hold it together, baby. I got you."

Her words made Paige’s heart skip a beat, her frustration melting into something softer as she looked up at Azzi. "Yeah," she said softly, her voice laced with affection. "You do."

Azzi smiled, leaning down to press another lingering kiss to Paige’s lips, this time with no teasing—just pure, unhurried affection.

Azzi tilted her head, capturing Paige’s lips in a slow, sloppy kiss that made Paige’s breath hitch. Each movement of Azzi’s lips and her tongue was deliberate, unhurried, as though she was savoring every second. Paige clung to the kiss at first, trying to keep her composure, but the gentle way Azzi teased her bottom lip had her resolve slipping away.

A soft, breathy sound escaped Paige’s mouth and melted into Azzi’s, making the brown haired girl smile against her lips. Azzi pulled back slightly, just enough to glance at Paige’s flushed face, her hand sliding down to trace lazy circles against Paige’s side. The featherlight touches sent shivers coursing through Paige, and she instinctively arched into the warmth of Azzi’s hand.

"You okay there, baby?" Azzi murmured, her voice low and laced with amusement. She punctuated her question with a kiss to Paige’s jaw, then another just below her ear.

Paige let out a shaky laugh, her hands gripping Azzi’s ass now. "Yeah, I’m good. Just… God, Azzi. That feels so good."

Azzi smirked, her lips brushing over the sensitive spot below Paige’s ear as she whispered, "Good. That’s exactly what I was going for."

Paige let out a soft moan, her body leaning into Azzi’s touch as her fingers brushed over the skin just above her hip. "You’re… really good at this. Too good, honestly," Paige said, her voice uneven as she tried to catch her breath.

Azzi chuckled softly, her kisses trailing down to the curve of Paige’s neck. "I like hearing you say that. Keep talking, babe."

Paige exhaled sharply, her words tumbling out between breathless sighs. "I don’t think I can focus enough to—" She broke off as Azzi’s lips lingered a little longer against her neck, sending a fresh wave of heat through her.

"Sure you can," Azzi teased, her hand dipping lower to rest on Paige’s waist, her fingers tracing faint patterns along her skin. "Just tell me how you’re feeling right now."

Paige bit her lip, her voice coming out softer now. "I feel… amazing. Like I’m gonna lose my mind if you keep doing that and you haven’t even done anything yet."

Azzi smiled against Paige’s skin, peppering more kisses along her jawline as her hand pressed more firmly against her waist. "You’re so cute when you’re all flustered, you know that?"

Paige groaned lightly, her head tilting back against the pillow as she muttered, "I’m not flustered."

Azzi laughed softly, moving her lips up to meet Paige’s again. The kiss was slow and consuming, drawing another sound from Paige that made Azzi’s heart skip. She pulled back just enough to rest her forehead against Paige’s, her voice a whisper. "You can keep pretending, but I know you, baby."

Paige opened her mouth to fire back with something sarcastic, her signature smirk already forming, but the words never left her lips. Azzi’s hand shifted into Paige’s boxers with expert precision, her movements slow yet deliberate as she put them exactly where Paige wanted. Any witty retort Paige had planned dissolved into a breathy, unrestrained moan.

"Fuck, Azzi," Paige blurted, her voice trembling as her head fell back against the pillow. "That feels—" She cut herself off with another shaky exhale, her hands clutching at Azzi’s sides for stability.

Azzi’s smile widened as she watched Paige’s tough exterior crumble. "What was that?" she teased, her voice impossibly gentle, her lips brushing against Paige’s jaw.

Paige’s head tipped further back as a string of breathless words tumbled out. "It’s—you’re—" she stammered, her hands gripping Azzi’s sides like they were the only things keeping her grounded. "Azzi, I swear to God—that feels so good."

"Yeah?" Azzi murmured, her voice low and intimate as her lips trailed along Paige’s neck sucking on the spots she knew her girlfriend loved. "Doesn’t sound like average to me."

Paige groaned, her fingers flexing against Azzi’s skin. "I didn’t mean it," she admitted, her voice breaking into a soft whimper as Azzi shifted again, her movements with her fingers achingly precise. "You’re so good—too good. God, Azzi, don’t stop."

Azzi chuckled against her skin, her lips grazing the sensitive spot beneath Paige’s ear. "I wasn’t planning to," she murmured, her tone smug but full of affection. "I love hearing you like this."

Paige let out a shaky laugh, though it was quickly overtaken by another sharp inhale. "You just love driving me crazy," she accused, her voice trembling.

"Maybe," Azzi replied with a grin, leaving a trail of warm, open-mouthed kisses down to Paige’s collarbone. "But I think you like it."

"I do," Paige confessed without hesitation, her voice raw and honest as her nails dug lightly into Azzi’s sides. "You make me feel so… Azzi, I—"

"Shh," Azzi soothed, her lips brushing over Paige’s sternum now, her free hand sliding to cradle Paige’s waist. "I know, baby. I know."

Paige’s breath hitched again as Azzi continued her steady, unrelenting rhythm, her lips and hands moving in perfect harmony. "Azzi, please," Paige murmured, her voice trembling with both desperation and adoration.

Azzi looked up at her with a soft smile, her brown eyes gleaming. "Please, what?" she asked, her tone playful but her actions anything but, her lips pressing to Paige’s skin with deliberate slowness.

Paige’s jaw clenched as she tried to hold onto some semblance of control, but another sound escaped her, this one low and unrestrained. "Please don’t stop. Don’t ever stop," she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion as her hands slid up to frame Azzi’s face.

Azzi’s breath hitched at Paige’s words, her own resolve faltering as she moved her hands faster, her lips brushing against Paige’s ear. "I love you," Azzi murmured, her voice low but filled with conviction, the words carrying a weight that only deepened the intensity between them.

Paige’s reaction was immediate. Her body arched into Azzi’s touch, and the sound she made was raw and uninhibited, echoing through the room in a way that made Azzi’s heart race. "Azzi," Paige gasped, her voice trembling with a mixture of need and emotion. "I—I love you too."

Azzi smiled, her own heart swelling as she pressed a series of lingering kisses to Paige’s jaw and neck. Her hands continued their work, her movements more deliberate, more assured, as she drew out another string of sounds from Paige that were louder, more unrestrained than anything she’d made all night.

"You’re so perfect," Azzi whispered against her skin, her words punctuated by soft, open-mouthed kisses trailing down Paige’s collarbone. "You don’t even know how much I love hearing you like this. Knowing I’m the only one that’s ever made you feel like this."

Paige’s hands tightened in Azzi’s hair, her fingers threading through the curly strands as her voice cracked again. "You—Azzi, you’re—God, you’re everything," she choked out, her voice breaking with every syllable.

Azzi’s lips quirked into a smile as she glanced up at Paige, her brown eyes dark with affection and desire. "And you’re mine," she murmured, her tone low and possessive, sending a shiver down Paige’s spine.

"Yes," Paige whispered, her voice barely audible as her body trembled beneath Azzi’s touch. "Only yours. Always yours."

Azzi kissed her again, slow and deep, swallowing every sound Paige made as her movements grew more purposeful. Paige clung to her, her words dissolving into soft gasps and pleas that spilled from her lips like a mantra.

After a particularly perfect curl of Azzi’s fingers Paige’s head tipped back against the pillow, her eyes fluttering shut as she gave herself over to the moment entirely. Her voice filled the room with cries of Azzi’s name, punctuated by gasps and broken declarations of love. 

Azzi couldn’t help but smile against her skin, her own heart pounding as she leaned up to kiss Paige’s lips again. "I got you, baby," she murmured, her words melting into the kiss as she helped Paige come down from the edge, her focus solely on the woman in her arms. 

Azzi shifts, sitting up and straddling Paige now. Her movements were slow and deliberate to tease Paige, as she brought her wet fingers to her lips, making a show of sucking them. Her gaze never left Paige’s as she let her tongue glide along her fingers, savoring the moment. 

Paige, still breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling in a rhythm that matched the erratic beat of her heart, could only watch in a daze. Her blue eyes were locked on Azzi, completely entranced by the display. She swallowed hard, her voice hoarse as she tried to regain some semblance of control.

“Come here,” Paige murmured, her hands finding Azzi’s hips as she started to sit up, intending to flip their positions.

But before she could take charge, Azzi placed a firm hand on her chest, gently pushing her back down onto the bed.

“No, not tonight,” Azzi said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She leaned down, her lips ghosting over Paige’s as she continued. “You hurt yourself, remember? Let me just take care of you for once.”

Paige groaned in protest, her hands moving to rest on Azzi’s thighs, but the weight of Azzi’s words, combined with the tenderness in her gaze, kept her pinned. “Azzi…” Paige started, her voice soft but tinged with frustration.

Azzi silenced her with a kiss, slow and deep, pouring every ounce of affection into it until Paige’s tension melted away. When she pulled back, her smile was back, teasing and full of mischief. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

Paige huffed, her pout almost endearing as she let her head fall back against the pillow. “Fine,” she muttered, her voice laced with reluctant acceptance. “But don’t think this means I’m weak.”

Azzi chuckled, tracing her fingers lightly over Paige’s collarbone. “Oh, trust me, baby. I know exactly how strong you are.” She leaned down, brushing her lips against Paige’s ear as she whispered, “Now just relax and let me take care of you tonight.”

The words sent a shiver through Paige, her protest fading as she surrendered to Azzi’s gentle dominance. Her hands stayed on Azzi’s thighs, grounding herself in the moment as her girlfriend took her time, showering her with care and affection, making it clear just how much Paige meant to her.

[bagofshinyrocks]

Biting (Affectionately)

Prompt: TF141 with a S/O who affectionately bites them [Requested by @airghostlyfox]

Featuring: TF141 - John Price, Simon "Ghost" Riley, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x GN!Reader

Word Count: 0.6k

Warnings: a wee bit suggestive, but nothing nsfw

John Price

John doesn’t mind all that much (i.e. he finds it endearing, but won’t tell you so). As long as it’s in private. 

When watching TV, he expects for you to curl up with him and start “chewing” on the muscles in his arms. When he’s messing with you, pinching your cheeks and flicking your nose, he expects for you to start nipping at his fingers like a playful dog. When he blocks the doorway and refuses to move, of course you’ll lunge at him and start biting at his face until he has no choice but to move.

But he gets embarrassed if you do it in public view. He’s not sure why. He knows you don’t mean to make him uncomfortable, but he still gets that unpleasant reaction in his abdomen. So you don’t, saving your love-filled chomps for the privacy of your shared home.

Simon Riley

Simon teases you for it (but still finds it adorable). And like all expressions of your love for each other, it is never in public. Might not even want his teammates to know about or see it, though he’ll feel more comfortable with you and them together over time

I beg you to chew on this man. Shove your head under his hoodie and chew on his abdomen and chest. Push aside his shirt collar and pretend to be a vampire. When you wake up from your nap on the couch to him putting his legs on you, get his fucking calves. 

“No one’s gonna see it, Simon. You dress like a fucking nun.” You kissed the bite on his bicep better. “If anyone sees my teeth marks, it means you’re cheating.”

“Johnny does have pretty eyes,” he teased. Then yelped when you tried to nip his nose.

Kyle Garrick

Oh boy, oh boy is Kyle a giggling mess when you start biting at him. The hilarity of your mouth wide open as you try to catch his arm. Your happy shout muffled by his skin as you gently pressed your teeth into him.

Bothering him while he’s watching his show, chewing on the slight squish of his cheek like a cow on grass. Biting his hand and fingers when he tries to snag your food. If you nip a little too hard, you immediately kiss and rub it better. Apologizing. Sometimes he yelps just to laugh at your change in demeanor.

After a few weeks of your shenanigans, he decided to fight fire with fire. You absentmindedly handed him some piece of food to try, and instead of taking it with his own hand, his teeth nipped your fingers.

You yelped at the novel feeling. Then pinched his nose with your free hand. He chased after your hands with an open mouth, both of you laughing as he fell on you and gave back to you every single nip and chew you’ve given him over the past few weeks.

Johnny MacTavish

Discovered: New aspect of physical affection - Biting… press [J] to open journal.

The two of you will lay on the couch or in bed, lazing about on the few days off you share. And your mouth will be attached to the meat of his arm while he looks for something to watch. Once one has been selected, Johnny scratches your back and talks through the whole show.

When your handsome man gets out of the shower, and you tell him that he smells nice and “cute enough to eat”. Give him a little chomp on the chest or back.

When he’s walking around the home shirtless, showing off his physique, bide your time. When he least expects it, get those nips of his. Unfortunately, he will return the favor when you least expect it, but if you are gentle with his, he’ll be gentle to yours.

Enjoy reading this? Here's a link to my other works! Thanks for reading :-)

Posted: 2024 February 7

[amandaanddonnie]

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