#JS&B AU | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

haeigoo · 2 years ago

Text

i died.

my favorite girls

“and when you come home, i’ll be waiting with open arms”

pairing: chenle x fem!reader

genre: fluff

word count: 4.2k

contains: cursing, kissing, cuddling, lots of caring for daegal, so many ‘i love you’s’

summary: you watch daegal while chenle is on tour

i wrote this after writing saying goodbye to txt before they go on tour because the concept was too good to pass up, though i did get a little carried away (it was not supposed to be this long lol) but i really hope you enjoy!

You couldn’t lie, you were nervous.

Nervous for a number of reasons. Your boyfriend was going away on tour for almost two months, which would be the longest time you’ve ever been apart. It’s also the furthest physical distance you’ve been away from each other. And while he’s away he’s tasked you with taking care of Daegal, who sometimes you swear he loves more than you.

Daegal was a sweetheart but even after the significant amount of time you’ve spent at Chenle’s apartment, she has yet to really warm up to you. And now you're going to be the one taking care of her for two months. So no, it’s not really your fault that you’re nervous.

You show up at Chenle’s apartment an hour before he’s supposed to leave for the airport. Unfortunately for the two of you, your work and all the preparations for his departure prevented you from being able to come any earlier, which meant you hadn’t gotten to sleep next to him the night before he leaves for two months. Still, you put on a brave face. You know how excited he is about going on tour.

He opens the door and lets you into the apartment, his two suitcases already by the door. Daegal trots over to you and you kneel down to let her sniff your hand for a few seconds before she seems satisfied and nuzzles against your hand.

“Hello Darling,” you say softly, feeling her soft fur under your hand.

“Do I get a hello?” Chenle asks, crossing his arms. You playfully roll your eyes and stand up.

“Hello,” you say to him, a cheeky smile on your face.

“Just ‘hello?’”

You roll your eyes again. “Hello baby, honey, light of my life. Is that better?”

“It’s acceptable,” Chenle hums before pulling you into his arms, giving you a quick kiss before folding you into a hug. You smile to yourself, slipping your arms around his waist and holding him close, breathing in the scent of his shampoo and enjoying the warmth of being pressed against his chest.

When he lets you go he leads you to the kitchen where there’s a small breakfast laid out for the two of you. You can’t help but smile and kiss his cheek before taking a seat.

“Are you excited?” you ask, filling your plate.

“Yeah, it’s been so long since our last concert in the US. And after the show here in Seoul… I’m just really excited to get back on stage.”

You smile. You were at the Seoul show, you’d actually gotten tickets with a friend for somewhere in the lower bowl so you could experience what the concert would be like as a fan and the whole time you couldn’t take your eyes off Chenle. He was such a captivating performer and with the rest of the boys they made the show unforgettable. You knew they’d bring the same incredible performance to America.

“I’m sure the fans are just as excited. You’re so captivating on stage.”

Chenle just smiles at you and continues to eat.

“You know,” you say. “Nctzens are great, but at the end of the day I’m your biggest fan. No one is cheering for you harder than me.”

Chenle sets down his fork and looks up at you.

“You are so incredibly talented, but you’re a good person too,” you tell him, taking his hand. “And I am so so lucky to be yours.”

Chenle swallows and then squeezes your hand before he starts to speak.

“You are… you’re everything to me, you know that?” he asks. “You’re so smart and you always know how to make me laugh. You’re unbelievably kind to everyone around you, even when they don’t deserve it. And you’re beautiful. Breathtaking.”

“Please keep going.”

On any other day, Chenle would narrow his eyes at you and tease you about wanting his attention, but today is different. This is his last chance to say all these things to you in person before he’s whisked halfway across the world for two months, so he takes it.

“You’re so special. You’re different from anyone I’ve ever met. You’re so attentive and understanding. You care so deeply that sometimes it hurts you, but that doesn’t stop you from caring anyway. Your heart is the biggest I’ve ever seen and the fact that you gave that heart to me… I feel so lucky every day to be yours. I’m glad you’re happy to be mine too.”

The confession catches you off guard but in the best way and you can’t keep the smile off your face. You want to tease him with something along the lines of you’re so obsessed with me but you hold it back because he’s just poured his heart out to you.

“I love you,” you say, squeezing his hand. “So much. And I’m really going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too,” he says. “More than I can tell you.”

“But it’s only two months. And it’ll be over before we know it. And the whole time you’re going to have such an amazing experience and I’m so proud of you.”

You’re pretty sure that Chenle is holding back tears now but you don’t acknowledge it. You’re not much better off.

“I love you,” Chenle says softly. “So so so much.”

You blink the tears out of your eyes and get up to walk around the table and sit down in Chenle’s lap. Before he has a chance to protest, you kiss him. You can feel his shoulders relax under your hands and he kisses you tenderly. It’s not rushed or messy, it’s gentle and sweet. It says I love you without words. His lips are soft and warm and you can’t help but selfishly wish that this moment could last forever. But that’s the thing about time, it always keeps moving.

It feels like mere seconds have passed instead of the remaining hour until his departure, which is filled with cleaning the kitchen, last minute packing, and plenty of stolen kisses. But it’s all over far too soon and you’re standing back at his door, bidding him a final farewell.

He pulls you into a hug. “You’re gonna have fun without me,” he says and you can hear the pout in his voice.

You laugh. “You’ll have fun too. And then when you come back we can talk all about it.”

Chenle hugs you closer. “Deal.”

He lingers a bit after that, holding you in his arms and kissing you every so often until finally his phone rings and he’s finally forced to leave.

When the door closes behind him you let the brave face drop, taking a shaky breath.

Everything is going to be alright, you tell yourself soothingly and take a few deep breaths. You’ll be able to call him often and see plenty of videos of him performing. It’s only two months, that’s not so bad. But you can’t deny that you miss him already.

At your feet, Daegal slumps onto the floor and you smile sympathetically, sitting down next to her. “Do you miss your dad?” you ask, scratching her ears. “Me too,” you tell her. For a few minutes you sit in silence, letting a few tears fall, but in the end, you calm yourself down. You know Chenle wouldn’t want you to be upset and there’s no point in wallowing in your longing.

So you push yourself off the floor and search for the pet carrier that Chenle uses whenever he has to take Daegal to the vet. After taking it from the closet (the third closet you searched) you find Daegal curled up on the carpet in the living room.

“You ready for an adventure sweet girl?” you ask, gently lifting her off the floor and leading her into the cage. As soon as the door closes she’s whining and you try to shush her in a way that would be comforting. “You’re alright honey,” you say, but when she’s still whimpering after five minutes you take pity on her and instead clip on a collar and leash before leading her out of the apartment.

She follows you, somewhat reluctantly, to your car and you can’t help but feel the nerves creeping back in. What if you couldn’t make Daegal happy? Yes, she was important to Chenle, but she was important to you too and all you wanted was to make these two months feel less lonely for her.

You put Daegal in the back seat of your car, but by the time you’ve gotten into the car, she’s climbed her way into the passenger seat next to you. She sits down and stares at you, panting slightly. You sigh and let yourself break into a grin.

“Alright passenger princess,” you say, petting her head before turning on the car.

The drive back to the house you’re renting feels longer than usual, probably because of the added stress of having Daegal in the car with you. Every time you slow down or speed up you had to be extra careful so she wouldn’t fall off the seat. But you both make it home in one piece and you let out a sigh of relief once you pull into your driveway.

You carry Daegal inside and hang up the leash by the door, letting her explore the house while you set up food and water for her. At this point it’s almost six a.m and you still haven’t slept so you drag yourself upstairs, forcing yourself to take off your makeup before throwing on one of Chenle’s old t-shirts and heading to bed.

In your room, Daegal is curled up on your blankets toward the end of your mattress. Once you slip under the covers, she gets up and makes her way over to you, curling up next to your side. It surprises you a little, but you smile softly and stroke her soft fur for a good five minutes before finally turning out the light.

You force yourself to get up at noon in an attempt to not fuck your sleep schedule up too badly. After breakfast (the second one today) you change out of your pajamas and clip on Daegal’s collar.

“Let’s go on a walk,” you say as you attach the leash. “I promise I’ll keep it short.”

You know that Daegal doesn’t leave the apartment super often, so she doesn’t have a lot of opportunities to go on walks. You expected her to get tired quickly, but a mile out from your house she’s still happily trotting along the sidewalk, so you let her lead the way, not caring if you’ll have to carry her back.

She actually makes it halfway back home before getting tired and you don’t complain as you pick her up and hold her to your chest so she can rest her head on your shoulder as you carry her the rest of the way home.

This becomes a daily routine. After waking up you’d take Daegal outside, whether it be a walk around the neighborhood or to a nearby park to let her run around, you devoted time every day to take her somewhere and you can see how much more comfortable she is around you as the days pass.

When you come home from work she’ll be waiting by the door and every night she curls up by your side. Whenever you’re at home, she’s always nearby, which is especially nice whenever you’re on FaceTime with Chenle and he asks to see her.

Today, he calls a little later than usual and after asking about your day and telling you about his own he (as always) asks to see Daegal, so you turn your phone so the camera is pointing at the sleeping dog, pressed against your side.

“How are you guys getting along?” Chenle asks. “She seems awfully comfy.”

You smile. “I’ve been taking her outside a lot. She likes going to the park and chasing birds,” you share, which makes Chenle laugh.

“She’s going to love you more than me at this rate.”

You grin. “I think she already does,” you tell him, gently petting Daegal’s head. “How’s tour going?” you ask.

“It’s been amazing so far. A little busy, especially since we have a show tomorrow but being on stage… it makes it all worth it.”

You can’t help but smile. “Good. I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

Chenle hums. “Yeah, well it sounds like you and Daegal have been having a pretty good time without me.”

You laugh. “She really loves me now. I think she was hesitant at first.”

“Well, I’m glad you two are getting along. And I’m happy you’re doing well. I…” he sighs. “I miss you a lot.”

You smile. “I miss you too,” you say. “But hey, we’re almost halfway done already. Then you’ll come home and both Daegal and I will be waiting.”

Chenle smiles at that. “I’ll be counting down the days.”

As the days pass you’re able to stay relatively busy, filling any time that you’re not at work with Daegal or your friends. Once, while at the park you run into your best friend with her own dog next to her.

“Hey Mina!” you greet and then wave to her dog, a spaniel whose exact breed you don’t remember. “Hi Luna.”

Mina gives you a hug and smiles down at Daegal. “Who’s this?” she asks, leaning down to pet her.

“This is Daegal,” you say. “She’s my boyfriend’s dog.”

“Ah yes,” Mina says. “The mysterious boyfriend that you legally can’t tell me anything about.”

You laugh. “That’s the one.”

Mina smiles at you, a twinkle in her eye, because despite your inability to actually talk about your relationship, you still go to Mina whenever you need advice and she always listens.

Luna and Daegal sniff at each other before deeming the other as friendly and you both let them run around in the field as you sit and talk.

“How are things going with mystery boy?” she asks.

“He’s away right now,” you tell her. “A work trip.”

She nods. “For how long?”

“Two months, but it’s already been almost five weeks, so we’ve made it through the first half. He calls almost every day so it hasn’t been so bad without him.”

“Good, I’m glad you’re doing well. And I mean, taking care of his dog… that sounds pretty serious.”

You smile at Daegal who’s currently chasing Luna across the grass. “I was kind of surprised he trusted me to do it. She’s like his baby.”

Mina nods. “I get it. I wouldn’t leave Luna with just anybody. But you seem to be doing a pretty good job.”

You grin. “I’m having a better time than I thought I would. I was just so nervous she didn’t like me, or at least, not enough to keep her from feeling lonely. But she’s been happy and it’s nice having her around.”

Mina smiles at you and leans over to rest her head on your shoulder. “I love seeing you happy, you know that?”

You smile and let your cheek rest against her. “I do know that. I feel the same with you.”

“I’m always here for you,” she says happily. “And if mystery boy ever hurts you I’ll make sure he regrets it, I don’t care who he is.”

You laugh at that.

“But, in my humble opinion, I don’t think he will. He seems like he’s in this for the long run, and if he makes you happy then he has my approval.”

“Your approval?” you tease.

“Of course,” she says. “All boyfriends must be approved by the best friend. It’s just… girl code.”

You grin. “Well then, I’m glad you approve.”

“Do you think I’ll ever get to meet him?” she asks.

You honestly have wondered the same thing. He’s already met your family, though that still required some paperwork and negotiations with SM, but you didn’t see why your best friend should be any different. Ever since you first arrived in Korea, she’d been by your side. She was like a sister to you and you hoped that maybe you could talk to someone at the company and figure out a way to introduce her to Chenle.

“I hope so,” you say. “I really hope so.”

After the day at the park you reach out to a member of SM’s legal team about letting Mina meet Chenle and while the discussion was an ongoing one, it seemed like the odds were in your favor. You told Chenle about it as soon as you could and he assured you he would do everything he could to convince them to let Mina meet him.

“So… is she nice?” Chenle asks, even though you’ve talked about Mina to him countless times.

“Yes? You’ve already heard like… everything about her.”

Chenle sighs. “I know, but I want her to like me. What if she doesn’t think I’m good enough and sends like… the mafia after me or something.”

You laugh. “I don’t think she has any connection with the mafia. Besides, she already gave you her Best Friend Seal of Approval so I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“Really?” he asks.

“She sees how happy you make me and that’s all she cares about.”

Chenle smiles. “Well, I’m glad I make you happy.”

“Yeah, though she did also say that if you ever hurt me she’ll make you regret it. She didn’t say how but I don’t think that’s something you want to find out.”

Chenle groans. “Why would you tell me that? Now I’m going to be scared of her.”

You laugh. “Hey, as long as you don’t fuck this up, you don’t have to be.”

“Good,” he says. “Because I’m never going to let you go. I’m never going to hurt you or deliberately make you sad. I’m here to make you happy because you do the same for me.”

You smile. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

“You make my life so much better, you know that?”

You swallow the lump in your throat. “You make mine better too. Brighter.”

“I can’t wait to see you,” he says.

“Four days,” you reply, butterflies in your stomach. Four days until he’s in your arms again.

“I don’t know if I’ll survive.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Whatever,” he says. “You love me anyway.”

“Yeah yeah, I love you.”

He smiles contently. “Goodnight baby,” he says.

“Aren’t you going to say it back?” you ask and he just gives you a cheeky smile and ends the call. Immediately, you text him.

chenle

ZHONG CHENLE

SAY IT BACK

But I’m the dramatic one?

say it back :(

I love you

Goodnight love

night lele

The final days pass by in a blur and suddenly it’s the night before he’s supposed to be back. You crawl in bed and Daegal huddles up next to you like always. Before you go to sleep, you send Chenle a text. He’ll have already boarded his flight by now, but he’ll receive it once he lands.

lele, my love! i just wanted to tell you how proud i am of you. you did so well this tour and i can tell you gave every single performance all your effort. i admire you so much (i’m sure you know that). i’ve missed you so much. so so so so so much. but i know that in a few hours you’ll be back so i feel okay. before you left you told me i was everything to you, and i wanted to tell you that you’re my everything too. you make me laugh even when it’s hard and you’re a good listener when i need it. you’re hardworking and trustworthy and incredibly loyal. and you’re so loving, even if it’s not in the “traditional” way. you show your love differently, and to me that makes it even more special. it really is a privilege to be loved by you. and i can’t wait to see you. i love you and i’ll (finally!!) see you soon.

You’re pretty tired as you type it all out, unsure if it makes sense or not, but in the end, you press send and plug in your phone before turning out the light. You pet Daegal for a few minutes until your eyes finally close.

“Baby?”

You blink the sleep out of your eyes. Your bedroom is still dark, the only light is from the streetlamp outside but the sky is still pitch black. You sit up and let your eyes adjust. Standing in the doorway is Chenle, his hair sticking up in a few places and his t-shirt wrinkled. When your eyes meet, he breaks into a grin.

“Lele,” you breathe, your eyes welling up with tears as you open your arms. In a second, he’s there, climbing into bed next to you so he can hug you properly. He smells like home and even wearing his clothes isn’t anything like this. His hold is strong and he’s warm and real and you don’t bother to try and stop yourself from crying.

Next to you, Daegal is yapping excitedly, clambering onto Chenle’s lap and he laughs, the sound sending you into another round of sobs because it’s different hearing it in person.

“Hello,” he says to Daegal, scratching her ears. “I hope you didn’t miss me too much.”

He turns his attention back to you and cups your face in his hands, brushing away your tears. “Alright crybaby, it’s okay.” You can’t help but smile at that because he’s right, everything is okay. He’s here, he’s home with you again. So yeah, you’re more than okay.

“I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow?” you ask.

“We managed to catch an earlier flight. And I got your text and I just had to see you but you weren’t at the apartment so I came here. Sorry for barging in,” he says sheepishly. “I didn’t realize you’d be sleeping.”

You smile and shake your head. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too,” he says, leaning in to kiss you and you smile against his lips.

The two of you end up going back to bed for a few more hours before you wake up at nine and drag him out of bed with you to make him breakfast.

“I’ll probably have to take Daegal out after this, we usually go for a walk every morning,” you say, flipping a pancake on the stove. “You know, maybe tomorrow morning we can get up early and take Daegal to the park. That way there won’t be a ton of people and we can just go on a walk together. I even taught her to play fetch but it only works with tennis balls. I tried throwing her a stick the other day and she just kinda looked at me like, ‘what the fuck was that?’ But I figure if we go early enough we can spend an hour or so there and we won’t have to worry so much about someone recognizing you,” you ramble. When you receive no response, you turn to look at Chenle, wondering if maybe he’s fallen asleep at the table.

Instead, you find him staring at you, an unreadable expression on his face. “What?” you ask, slightly nervous. Had you said something wrong? Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to suggest going out together.

“I’m going to marry you someday,” he says, which was not at all what you were expecting to hear.

“What?” you repeat, still shocked.

“You already know that you’re the love of my life. Plus you take care of me, like forcing me to get up so I can eat something. And you’re a great cook. And you love Daegal like she’s yours, taking her on walks and going to the park. Even I haven’t done some of those things. So, naturally, I want to marry you.”

“Alright lover boy, let’s slow down a bit there,” you say with a smile, pretending that your heart isn’t about to beat out of your chest.

“Is that a no?” he asks.

“It’s a… ask me again later. And by later I mean in a year at least.”

Chenle shrugs. “Fine by me,” he says. “I’ll put it in my calendar.”

You roll your eyes and return to your cooking, transferring the finished pancake onto a plate before taking the bacon out of the pan and letting it cool on a tray. You break of a tiny piece and lean down to hold it out to Daegal, who happily accepts.

When you look back at the table Chenle is lounging in the chair with a smile on his face.

“What?” you ask.

“I’m just happy,” he says. “I’m here with my two favorite girls. I feel like I’m in heaven.”

You smile. “I’m happy too. I’m really glad you’re here. Home.”

His smile widens. “Home.”

nct dream masterlist

#my cheeks are so RED RNNNDNDHZHSHSH #truly one of the best fluffs i’ve read so far #😭😭😭#this chenle au gave #DOMESTIC BLISS #the way i’ve lost all hope in dating and basically hs convinced myself that delusion is enuf #their marriage proposal ab the silliest things ever i cud js imagine #🥹🥹🥹#chenle was so sweet and loving here #i need him actually #n can i js say #letting ur s/o take care of ur pet is ome big commitment #cuz u wud nvr let any1 harm ur pet #u gotta find sum1 u trust n love n feel safe towards #JSBSHDHDJDJDHDHS #IM LITERALLY SO CRAZY #daegal being the biggest ball of sunshine here #like that’s my princess right there #☹️☹️☹️#LOVE THIS SO MUCH #Thank you...#istg taylor swift play paper rings rn #no scratch that #it shud b the 1 #last one before i go...#I HAAATE THISS DISTANCEEEEE #ldr so hard fr

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peanutheaddd · 3 months ago

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Hello! I absolutely love all of your art; the style, the writing, the comedy. All of it, really. And I've been looking at your swap art, (because who hasn't, honestly?), and I was wondering....

Dimension travel bullshit is my favorite type of crossover, so what do you think would happen if your swap au happened to meet the regulars? I think it would be interesting, mostly because the "villains" would see their lives if they chose different coping mechanisms, and the "heros" would see how their life could have been if they gave in to their negative side. But the "good guys" would also find a sense of empathy for their counterpart, because they went through very similar situations, they just had different circumstances.

But also this train of thought started because Dogman has a house, and had one even before he was Dogman, and Greg doesn't. And how their living situations would be talked about, or whatever.

Anyways, anyways, I'm rambling. I just find crossover meet-ups very interesting and fun to play around with. This wasn't a draw request, (although you could do that if you wanted. Hint-hint, nudge-nudge. Winky face.), I just wanted to see your thoughts! Love you!

THANK YOU FOR THESE ASKS AND FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS 😭😭😭😭😭💪💪💪💪💪💪!!!! i lwk never thot abt having swap and canon meet so this was very fun to think about tehe!!!!!! the drawings below are under the anons scenario of the peteys switching places tehe 🤭🤭

it would def be Very jarring for petey and swap dog man . theyre used to the other person being high energy and silly 24/7 that seeing the other person being Serious and aloof would make them Rlly uncomfortable . like anon said it would def make them appreciate their versions of dog man / petey altho theyd never admit it LOLLLLL

CONVERSELY swap petey and dog man would be having the times of their lives GOLIIJNNNGGGG petey and dog man have the dynamic of guy who is going through the horrors x guy who is going lalala (thinking abt the plot in .. brawl of the wild methinks. where petey isolates himself from lil petey bc he thinks he can never be a good person and then it Very Abruptly switches to the b plot of dog man throwing up bc he kept eating chiefs stupid claymation clay.) so that dynamic would go up a notch if the peteys switched places LOLLLLLLLLL

i think for the most part dog man and swap petey would spend most of their time tgth js having fun and getting up to shit . they see the other person less as a different dog man / petey but more like a new friend who happens to look like dog man / petey LOLLLL theyd start taking the switch more seriously if it lasts a while bc then theyd start missing their respective sillies really bad

ultimately they are overjoyed to get their own peteys back ^_^ hehe ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL!

#my art #dogman #petey the cat #dog man #petey #detey #lil petey #dm swap au #ask #dm aus

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dannyriccsystem · 1 month ago

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ok god i miss writing but imagine spiderman!osc who’s your childhood friend+long time crush and you guys move in together for college or wtv but you don’t know he’s spidey and you both have been yearning for each other and yk. shenanigans ensue… like ik this is the plot of every spider!au ever but imagine it with OSCAR. js. he is also equally downbad (if not more) and js PANICS every time you try and talk to him thinking either a) you’re gonna realise you can’t live with him anymore/leave him or b) you’ve found someone but it NEVER occurs to him you might have the slightest idea he’s LITERALLY SPIDERMAN… yk js. stupid little stuff… (also i js think this should be known ton holland’s spiderman was the first loml like EVER so yeah. peter parker is my BOY.)

ALSO ALSO ALSO. imagine oscar in like a ‘partner gets kidnapped situation’… JUST ABSOLUTELY GOING INSANE AND FERAL AND WILD AND JS GOING TO ALL ENDS TO FIND YOU… god if i had any motivation i would write this myself BUT I DONT AND I HATE WRITERS BLOCK 😐 - 🩷

DOES WHATEVER A SPIDER CAN!

FORMULA ONE DRIVER X READER

SUMMARY: You’ve had a crush on your roommate for awhile! Little did you know he’s actually Spiderman.

WORD COUNT: 1.8K

WARNINGS: Reader is kidnapped, blood and injury, fluff aside from that

FEATURING: Spiderman!Oscar Piastri x Reader

NOTE: You can find my other post about Spidey!Osc here! Also… Tom Holland Spiderman obsession is real. Andrew Garfield is my fav Peter Parker though

MOVING IN WITH OSC WAS A DREAM. I mean, really, you had fantasized about that day since the two of you were little. Your little crush developed early on, which meant you had spent an unhealthy amount of years yearning for a boy who never seemed to show interest in you once. It was absolute torture casted upon your soul like a hex.

But when the two of you finally graduated and moved on to college, it seemed reasonable to room together. It made the rent a bit cheaper, and you already knew each other well. What could possibly go wrong? Well, not much. You just started to notice some of his… Weirder behaviors.

He was paranoid a lot, and super jumpy. I mean, really… One time you snuck up on him and he backhanded you so hard you fell flat on your ass. Oscar immediately crouched down to cradle your growing injury, muttering “Holy shit, Y/N, I’m so sorry!” as fast as physically possible. You laughed it off, but it was… Weird. Weird, weird, weird.

You quietly hoped his inconsistency would deter you away, because then you could finally move on from a lifelong crush that was leading nowhere, but he kept that same irresistible charm that kept pulling you in. Apparently you had a think for shy freaks who couldn’t keep their shit together, because that was Oscar to a T.

Everytime you approached him he acted like a goddamn virgin— He might have been for all you know, but this was unlike the Oscar you knew. Before you moved in together, he was usually quite confident. Now he seemed skittish. One time you walked out into the kitchen late at night to find him standing there just staring out the window. When he quickly realized you were there, he froze up.

You saw his hands get all clammy, and his Adam’s apple bob nervously. Something was up with him and you just couldn’t figure out what. You greeted him shortly, your voice groggy. You just wanted a glass of ice water and to go back to sleep, but after you brushed past him, he was suddenly gone. You turned back around and— Well, Oscar seemed to disappear.

You brushed it off again, but things like that kept happening. He just seemed so… Nervous.

“Osc,” You’d greet as you pushed his door open. It was already slightly cracked, so you assumed it was fine to come in. He shuffled around at his desk, presumably finishing up his chemistry homework. He shoved things aside, laughing nervously as he tried to shake off a pen stuck to his palm.

“Ha…” He trailed off, folding his hands over his lap to hide the mishap. But you already saw. Although it was weird, you gave him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was… Experimenting with some weird chemicals. Or his body. Or… Well, you were hoping for the other two even if the latter was gross, because the third option was that your Oscar was the Spiderman, but that seemed ridiculously outlandish and unbelievable. So, yeah. In your head this guy was either making some weird organic matter out of some lab materials, or touching himself. Because somehow that was better than being a kickass hero. “What’s… What’s up?”

“I was…” You slowly looked down to his lap. Nope. Not masturbating. “I was just wondering if you wanted dinner?”

“Oh, uhm- Yeah. I’ll be out in a sec.” He gave a nervous smile to cover it all up. You nodded, but you were unsure.

That wasn’t the only time it happened, either. One time you were baking together—It was quiet. You just wanted to make some things for your art class, because everyone had been working hard, and it was a small group of people anyway, so you could afford to share some offerings.

You both shuffled around the kitchen, rarely exchanging words that weren’t related to the task at hand. And even when you did that, it was usually just “whisk,” which was your way of telling him you wanted the whisk.

When he handed it to you, though, you basically had to pry it from his grip with all your might. When it finally came loose, you stumbled backwards, blinking with surprise. “Oh, uh… Sorry. I was, you know…” He looked around the room, lips turning up into an awkward grin. “Crafting. Earlier… Yeah. With glue. Super glue.”

“Crafting.” You repeated, not buying it at all.

“Yup.”

But at this point you were still in denial. There was no way your Oscar, the shy, timid boy you grew up with, was Spiderman. Yeah, he carried himself a lot better these days. He had lots of friends and was doing well in his classes and seemed more confident, but he definitely wasn’t… Superhero confident. No way, no chance, not in the slightest. You were more likely to believe his sweat was extremely sticky than you were to assume he was Spiderman.

But it made too much sense. You felt like a high class detective as you set up a cork board with red string and sticky notes. Oscar always happened to disappear, no matter where you were, when some sort of crime came up. He was always checking the news, something he had never done just a few years ago before the sudden appearance of the arachnid hero. His hands. Were sticky. We can’t just ignore that, reader! Super sticky!

It all unfolds on a singular forsaken night. You’re standing out on the balcony, three stories up from the ground. You needed some fresh air after a particularly harrowing exam, and Oscar wasn’t home yet, so you had no one to rant to. He was always your listener. He was your pillar, your main support. But when he was gone, oxygen had to make do.

But it all happened in a blur. You were scooped up, fabric placed over your mouth. The last thing you saw as the world faded from view was the streets of the city below you as you soared through the air.

Your hands are tied above your head. You’re seated against the wall of an abandoned warehouse, the skylights filtering in moonlight from above, and rain pattered against the glass softly. Your arms were screaming, wrists bruised and bloodied from rope burn.

A figure in a mask, sunglasses, and a hood paces a few feet ahead of you, occasionally glancing up at the entrance, and then back to the ground. They haven’t said a word, they’re just acting like they’re expecting someone. Anyone.

You have a feeling you know who.

“What do you want from me?” You ask for about the hundredth time. You expect the same answer: Silence, but you ask again because you need to know. You have to know. “I don’t know anything! Nobody’s coming to save me, alright?!”

“Shut up!” They finally retaliate. You can barely see their eyebrows from beneath their sunglasses, but they’re furrowed with rage. “Just shut the hell up! I hope he’s not coming, so then your sorry ass has to suffer here!”

“Who is he?!” You cry out, thrashing against your restraints.

Perfect timing.

Glass shatters from above in a flash of red and blue. You hold your breath, scrambling away from the shards.

Spiderman. Of course.

But this isn’t the hero you’ve seen before. There’s no witty quips or jokes—He’s full of pure rage. This guy isn’t special. Unlike the various opponents he’s fought before, he’s not exactly well armed. This is where you learn you don’t bring a knife to a web-fight.

His hits are fast in every way. He’s swinging around diligently, the only sounds escaping the hero being grunts of occasional pain. There’s blood, lots of it, but his anger is relentless. It’s not until your kidnapper is knocked out, alive, mind you, that he finally stops.

He takes a step back, his broad back turned to you. You can see his muscles ripple underneath the suit, his hands flex as he clenches them into tight fists. He stares at the unconscious body for what seems like eternity, and then slowly turns towards you.

He’s panting with rage, but upon seeing your helpless figure, he softens up instantly. Spiderman stumbles towards you in a haste, his previous diligence replaced with clumsiness as he crouches down and gently yanks at the rope, releasing your aching arms. “You’re okay,” He breathes out as if he’s reassuring himself more than you. “Y/N, I thought you were dead, I was so-”

You’re pulled into his arms, your brows furrowed in confusion as you slowly return the hug, awkwardly patting his back. “How do you-…” You paused, catching your breath. “How do you know my name?”

Spiderman’s awfully quiet.

He then pulls back, his hands gripping the bottom of his mask and slowly sliding it upwards.

“Oscar,” You breathe out, your delicate palms coming up to hold his face. He nods, lips drawn into a thin line of uncertainty. You laugh under your breath, eyes filled with sudden mirth that makes him perk up. “Oscar!” You repeat, pulling his face close.

He finishes your actions by pressing his lips to yours, large hands holding you by the waist to pull you impossibly close for a definitive kiss.

“I knew it!” You shrieked with laughter, still holding his cheeks. He matches your smile with uncertainty. “Ah, I could kiss you-”

“You already did,” He chuckles.

“Well I could do it again! That was so badass, seriously. You were like ‘BAM’ and he was like ‘ahhh omg Spiderman oh no!’ and then you were like-”

“Hey, let’s save the recap for later.” He pulls you to your feet, yanking his mask back down. “You’re in critical condition still.”

“Oh, right-!” You allow him to scoop you up, your arms slung around his neck as you both swing over the city back to your dorm.

You obviously have lots of questions, and he has lots of answers as he patches you up.

“When did you become Spiderman?”

“A year ago. Beginning of our last year in high school.” He places a bandage around your right wrist after already cleaning it up with wound wash.

“What’s your favorite part?”

“Saving lives.” He starts to work on the other wrist at this point. He has a smile gracing his face, even if his answers are short.

“Hardest part?”

“…” He looks upward in thought, lips pursed before he shrugs. “Saving lives.” You giggle at his repetitive answer.

“How did it happen?”

“Radioactive spider— Look, it’s a long story.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes- Oh.” He freezes up, and you grin. He looks up at you, cheeks warm with embarrassment.

“Oh?”

“Sorry-”

“Don’t be.” You squished his cheeks, making him grumble and shake his head. “I love you too.”

“Even though I’m secretly a superhero?”

“Especially because you’re secretly a superhero.”

That’s all he needed to hear.

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jellitchi · 11 months ago

Text

hello friends heres some more artist au ,,, i have A huge infodump under the cut ... u were warned

uhm mumbo is a tattoo artist in this au, hes the towns electrician primarily but he does tattoo work too. hes terrified of needles on his own skin but really enjoys the process of tattooing. i think he mostly does geometric stuff. probably hrm.

gem runs and owns the fishing dock/bait shop. shes born and raised in this town so shes been here her whole life. shes okay at painting but her real passion is with clay- specifically sculpting. shes taking a pottery workshop w grian but she like the freedom sculpting has that the wheel cant really give her...? if that makes sense.. she still likes it. when she paints she gravitates towards gouache and watercolors, she likes the fluidity she can achieve w em. also is very fond of how gouache lets u set it down then return and reactivate it w water again lol

pearl is a relatively successful artist, shes constantly traveling for art shows and also to host workshops/look for inspiration. she used to paint a lot, thats how she kinda got her fame... she used to paint this one girl a lot idk she has curly orange hair and freckles and shes always painted really beautifully. then stuff happened and now pearl mostly sculpts now. she still paints and her paintings are her most popular works but shes more into working w clay.

hm more abt this au, pearl and grian are siblings and both grew up learning oil painting. jimmy is also in this au im still figuring out a role but hes their cousin— basically brother— i was thinking pearls manager js coz i think itd b funny lol.

the setting is a small coastal town hrmm havent thought too much else abt it, was mostly pulling from coastal norcal ish...

in this au scar and grian are really really tight and have been living w each other for like 5/6 ish years. i dont think they officially get tgt... they think theyre woke asf n say they dont like labels (kinda kidding) the real reason is just timing. whenever grian is sick of running circles and works up the courage, scar usually has some complications hes working through and grian feels like hed just be another stressor added to his plate so he just wills it away... then when scar is like Im gonna do it. Im gonna tell him. Grian is experiencing sum kinda dilemma and is rly stressed so then scar is like well it can wait... (this goes on forEver.) whenever they do sync up, usually theyre far too scared about ruining their friendship and having to find a new roommate or something. they both r very important to each other and if bottling up their feelings means they can hold onto each other and keep each other around then thats what theyll do...! yeah theyre doomed🤦‍♂️.... they still basically do romantic activities tgt- they just think its normal coz its them.... also everyone around them thinks theyre secretly dating or smth anyways Yeah this is the au in a nutshell im such a sucker for long term pinning friends to lovers or whatever😭😭😭😭😭...

#artist au #mumbo jumbo #grian #goodtimeswithscar #mcyt #fanart #lizzysart #hermitshipping

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lcvclywon · 6 months ago

Text

1:56 am | niki x female reader , best friends to ?, college au

── warnings: kissing, cursing, drinking, vomiting, skinship | wc: 1.31k

an | it's a canon event that i come onto this acc every few months js to write self projecting fics then dip, also new layout ig!

“Another shot!” it was the fifth time niki had heard you call those words out and he figured it was time to intervene before he would be lugging you home slung across his shoulders

Before you could even grab the drink niki quickly downed the whole thing stopping you in your tracks – quite evidently leaving you annoyed. In all honesty niki was doing you a favour, he just inhaled two shots worth of tequila for you and he was never known to be big on hard liquor. Though his efforts remained in vain, from the corner of his eye he noticed the all too familiar glint of red plastic in your hand a bit too late – there goes your liver.

“YN come on I think that’s enough drinks for tonight-” niki insisted whilst attempting to push you away from the living room coffee table that had turned into a pseudo beer pong station – sticky with alcohol and swarmed by intoxicated laughing.

“Stop you’re so lame,” despite his firm grasp on your wrist you managed to put up a pretty hefty fight before wriggling yourself loose “I had like what- 5 drinks?”

“Plus 6 more at pregraming” karina managed to chime in – and of course that’s when she decides to join in the convo – much to your annoyance her comment completely juxtaposed her pouring tequila down your throat 15 minutes prior.

Snapping a dirty glare you were about to defend yourself until niki’s voice boomed through your ears.

“11 drinks? Do you want to die of alcohol poisoning or something?” caring as always – god you hated that.

Of course you knew niki cared about you, it was just – certain times his kindness felt misplaced. Like when you would offhandedly mention liking that cherry glazed lip gloss you saw displayed at a price far too high to be considered, yet the product was already in niki’s hand and checked out before you could even get a say. Or when you would find 10000 won slipped under your wallet after club meetings where you had been incessantly complaining about your growling stomach, a small note attached to it with his toddler like handwriting – laughable but endearing. Or the times you would find yourself flooded in club meetings and activity preparations, somehow niki always managed to lighten the load. You appreciated it really – but you could never get rid of the annoyance that brewed in your gut.

“Does he do this for all his other friends? I mean we’re close but – there’s a line.”

He had to know the implications of his actions right? Or were you just imagining things you wanted.

Your friendship always seemed to balance on a tightrope of something you knew wasn't platonic – but if you never acted on it hey, what’s the harm done? Who were you to decline his offers? He’s just kind, he’s nice. He’s just niki.

This was just another instance of him caring far too much for your liking. It bothered you but you masked it with banter as always. “Dude I’m fine- like really it’s noth-” and suddenly the sickening sensation of warmth trickling up your throat plagued your senses. You made a B-line for the bathroom.

Quickly following behind niki kneeled down behind you, his hands immediately rushing to hold your hair back as you puked your guts out (again.) and even though vomit was pouring out your throat somehow niki’s fingertips brushing against your cheek overpowered the burning sensation of bile gushing out.

The warmth of his breath tickled the nape of your neck whilst his other hand reached over to trace circles on your back in attempts to soothe you. You were vomiting your guts out, the least romantic situation one could be in, and you could only focus on niki’s gaze burning into the back of your head.

Shooting your head up niki reached to wipe your mouth with discarded tissue paper, quietly mumbling under his breath “yeah that’s enough for today…” and for once you could only nod.

The trip back to his apartment was a blur. You could only really remember the frustration that lingered in his words as he muttered “you’re two years older, why am I the one having to take care of you…” suddenly you were transported back to when you were 6 sitting through your mothers scoldings.

His frustrated pout and furrowed eyebrows however didn’t bring out the same fear your mother did though, you could only giggle thinking about how funny this whole situation was. Looping your arm with his you feigned innocence, putting on your best pout and repeated apologies (you never meant them) until you reached his shabby studio apartment.

“Stop YN…” his tone unusually firm, you took notice to how he attempted to remove his arms from your grasp. Huh, why did that bother you?

“Wait – are you seriously mad?” you were shocked but in all honesty it wouldn’t be too surprising considering he had cleaned up your messes far too many times to count. Trailing behind him like a puppy you awaited a response whilst he picked through his clothes to find something suitable for you to wear. Your eyes drilled in on his expression, he seemed- uneasy.

“No YN it’s-” sighing out he handed you his worn grey shirt that was five sizes too big and a pair of grey sweatpants that you knew you would have to fold over just for them to barely hang on your hips “you’re just always like this when you’re drunk”

“Like what?”

“Just, insincere.” Now what the hell was that supposed to mean? “Just change we can talk in the morning”

You were in awe. Niki was being uncharacteristically moody and you really couldn’t pinpoint why. A part of you felt annoyed that he even had the audacity to talk about insincerity when none of his actions were ever genuine either. At least you never thought they were.

Slipping into his oversized clothing that hung over you like a drape you made your way to his bed and laid down beside him as he leaned against the headboard picking aggressively at the loose seams in his shirt.

“You’re just-” he finally started, still avoiding your gaze though “you get too clingy…” the position you guys were in really didn’t help your case too much either

“Is that such a bad thing?”

“It’s just, none of this feels right when it’s ingenuine” he said before adjusting himself to lay flat next to her.

“Do you want it to be or something?”

Silence.

“You know I could honestly say the same thing about you though,” even whilst bickering your hand seemed to find its way to the dip of his collarbones, tracing circles across its smooth exterior “don’t you know what your actions mean?”

“Yeah, I do”

You could only laugh in disbelief, yeah and he wants to talk about not being genuine.

“You don’t stop me though” his hands found themselves nested in your knotted hair, looping it back and forth between his fingers. He wasn’t wrong, you never did stop him, perhaps it was because you never felt like it was too much of a big deal – or maybe a small part of you hoped he would finally get enough of your oblivion and cross the line.

Engulfed in silence you could only gaze down at his fingers that were now entangled with yours, his hands previously playing with your locks of hair now adjusted to nest you close to his chest for you to hear his heartbeat. You figured your silence was enough of an answer – it always was.

Drifting off to sleep you felt the gentle pressure of his lips on the top of your forehead before muttering out that you were probably tired in lieu of a goodnight.

Somehow it always ended this way, and somehow you’d rather settle for that than an answer.

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hereforuconnwbb · 3 months ago

Text

Unexpected Halt - CHAPTER ELEVEN

paige x azzi (pazzi)

au fic!

~paige plays for uconn and azzi plays for stanford~

word count: 8.2k

warning: suggestive content

here is the last chapter of this series !!! icl its not my best chapter, but i js wanted to get it out, so like yeaaaa its a bit all over the place and idek if theres any mistakes 😭 tysm for all the love and support throughout this series, it truly means the world to me 🫶🏽🥹 crazy to think that it was only supposed to b a one-shot but turned into a serious lmao. but anywaysss i rlly hope you guys enjoy it 🤞🏽😽

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Paige’s plane disappeared into the sky, Azzi and Caroline remained in the car, parked in the airport lot, just sitting there. Neither of them spoke for a moment, the quiet settling over them like a pause between breaths. The air still carried traces of Paige—her laughter, her teasing remarks, the warmth she left behind. But now, it was just the two of them, and there was something unspoken lingering between them.

Caroline tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, exhaling. “So,” she started, glancing at Azzi. “We’re really doing this, huh?”

Azzi let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “Feels weird to say out loud, but yeah… I think we are.”

The decision had been brewing for a while now, long before Paige had even brought it up. The conflict within their team at Stanford had taken a toll, and both of them had been feeling the weight of it. The transfer portal had seemed like the only option, but actually making a choice had been another thing entirely.

Azzi shifted in her seat, turning slightly toward Caroline. “You know, when Paige was trying to convince me yesterday, I wanted to tell her I’d already made up my mind,” she admitted. “I just… I wanted it to be my decision. Not hers, not Geno’s, not anyone else’s.”

Caroline nodded in understanding. “Yeah. Same. I wanted to feel like I was choosing what was best for me—not just running toward something, but also away from something else.”

There was a pause as both of them processed that.

Azzi sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. “But the more I think about it… it just makes sense. UConn is—”

“Where we should be,” Caroline finished, her voice firm. She turned her head to look at Azzi, eyes bright with certainty. “The program, the culture, the people… and let’s be honest, we’d get way more out of it than what we have now.”

Azzi nodded slowly, then smirked. “And I mean, Paige being there isn’t exactly a downside either.”

Caroline groaned, rolling her eyes. “Okay, relax, lover girl.”

Azzi just laughed, but there was no denying it—being at UConn meant being with Paige, and that mattered. It wasn’t the reason for her decision, but it was a reason, and she wasn’t ashamed of that.

Caroline stretched her arms in front of her, letting out a breath. “So… we’re really doing this.”

Azzi nodded. “Yeah. We are.”

Caroline reached for her phone. “Alright then. Let’s make it official.”

—----------------

By the time they got back to their dorm, the weight of the decision had settled in, but instead of feeling heavy, it felt right. They walked inside, the familiarity of the space grounding them as they sat down together in the common area.

Azzi pulled out her phone, scrolling to Geno’s contact before exchanging a look with Caroline. “You ready?”

Caroline nodded, leaning in slightly as Azzi pressed the call button.

The phone rang twice before Geno’s voice came through. “Azzi? What’s up?”

Azzi glanced at Caroline before answering. “Hey, Coach. I’m here with Caroline and uh, we just wanted to call and let you know…” She paused for a second, then took a deep breath. “We’re decided on coming to UConn.”

There was silence on the other end for a moment, but then Geno chuckled. “Well, it’s about damn time.”

Caroline snorted, shaking her head. “We didn’t want to rush it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Geno said, the amusement in his voice obvious. “I figured you’d come around. You two are making the right choice.”

Azzi smiled. “We think so too.”

“But,” Caroline interjected, “we don’t want anyone else to know just yet. Not even Paige.”

Geno hummed in understanding. “Got it. Your secret’s safe with me—for now.”

Azzi relaxed slightly, knowing that they were in control of how and when they wanted to tell people.

“Alright, well, enjoy the rest of your time there,” Geno said. “And I’ll see you two soon.”

As they hung up, Azzi set her phone down and looked at Caroline.

“We’re really doing this,” she said again, and this time, there was no hesitation.

Caroline grinned. “Hell yeah, we are.”

—----------------

Paige stepped out of the Uber and into the familiar grounds of her dorm. The crisp Connecticut air hit her face, reminding her that she was back home, though something about it felt different. As she gathered her things from the car, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Azzi lingering in her thoughts. She had only left a few hours ago, but it felt like a lifetime.

As she made her way toward the entrance, she spotted KK and Ice sitting on the steps, chatting and laughing. They both immediately looked up when they saw Paige, and a wide grin spread across their faces.

“Paige!” KK shouted, her voice full of excitement as she stood up to greet her. “How’d everything go? You and Azzi good?”

Paige smiled softly at them, walking up to the steps and giving both of them a quick hug. “Yeah, everything’s good,” she replied, trying to keep her emotions in check. “We’re good. Really good.”

Ice raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Really good, huh?” She teased, nudging KK playfully.

Paige let out a breath, laughing lightly. “Yeah, it feels right.” She paused, looking off into the distance for a moment. “It’s just… crazy, you know? All this time, and now things are finally falling into place.”

KK and Ice exchanged knowing looks before turning back to Paige. Ice put an arm around her shoulder. “Well, we’re glad for you, P. You deserve to be happy. And if Azzi makes you happy, then we’re happy for you both.”

Paige nodded, appreciating their support. “Thanks, guys. It feels different, but in the best way possible.”

KK grinned. “I’m sure you two are gonna kill it together. You’re a power couple for sure.”

“Just don’t keep it all secret for too long,” Ice added with a wink. “We’re already rooting for you both.”

Paige laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It felt good knowing her friends supported her and Azzi. They didn’t need to ask too many questions—they already knew the important things.

“So, what’s the plan now?” KK asked, leaning back against the steps.

Paige glanced back at the dorm, suddenly feeling a little exhausted from the journey. “I don’t know. Probably just need to crash for a bit. Catch up on everything, you know? It’s been a crazy few days.”

“Yeah, for sure,” Ice said. “You’ve been through a lot. Take it easy, we’ve got your back whenever you need us.”

With that, Paige gave them both one last smile. “Thanks, seriously. I’ll catch up with you guys soon.”

As she made her way inside, the weight of the last few days seemed to lift off her shoulders. It wasn’t all figured out yet, but she was happy. She had Azzi, and she had her friends. For the first time in a while, Paige felt like everything was going to be okay.

—----------------

The season had finally wrapped up for Stanford after coming up short in a tournament game, but UConn’s journey was far from over as they were preparing for their tournament matchup. Meanwhile, in Palo Alto, Azzi and Caroline were in the middle of packing up their dorm, their suitcases sprawled open as they organized their things for their upcoming move.

Clothes were scattered across the beds, half-filled boxes lined the walls, and their closets were nearly empty—Stanford was officially in the rearview.

Azzi sat on the floor, folding a hoodie and placing it into her suitcase before glancing at Caroline, who was struggling to shove a pile of clothes into a duffel bag.

“You know, you could just fold those, right?” Azzi teased.

Caroline groaned, pushing down on the bag in an attempt to zip it shut. “Folding takes too long. I’ll make it fit somehow.”

Azzi shook her head with a soft laugh before turning back to her own packing. As hectic as things were, she couldn’t deny the excitement bubbling in her chest. The reality of moving to UConn was finally setting in.

And through it all, her relationship with Paige had only gotten stronger.

Late-night FaceTime calls had become routine, their conversations stretching for hours, neither of them ever wanting to hang up. If Paige wasn’t at practice, in meetings, or on the court, she was messaging Azzi—sometimes just to check in, sometimes just to send something random that made her think of her.

Azzi had grown so used to seeing Paige’s name pop up on her screen that even now, she found herself glancing at her phone instinctively.

Caroline caught the action and smirked. “Let me guess—Paige?”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. “She’s at practice right now.”

“Uh-huh,” Caroline said, throwing a sweatshirt into another bag. “You guys really are something else.”

Azzi shrugged, but there was no denying how much she missed Paige. The last time they had seen each other in person was when Paige had visited Stanford, and even though their relationship had only gotten stronger since then, she was more than ready to finally be in the same place again.

“Speaking of Paige,” Caroline started, zipping up her bag and sitting back on her bed, “are you ready for this? Like, moving to UConn, playing there, the whole thing?”

Azzi nodded without hesitation. “Yeah. I’m ready. I mean, we already made our decision a while ago. It feels right.”

Caroline exhaled, nodding. “Yeah, I feel the same. It’s just crazy to think about. No one but the coaching staff knows yet.”

Azzi smirked. “That just makes it more fun.”

Caroline chuckled. “You’re actually looking forward to the chaos, aren’t you?”

“A little,” Azzi admitted, zipping up her own suitcase. “But mostly, I’m just excited to finally be there.”

Caroline gave her a knowing look. “Excited to finally be with Paige.”

Azzi didn’t even bother denying it. “That too.”

With that, the two of them continued packing, the reality of their next chapter sinking in with every item they placed into their bags. The next few days would be a whirlwind, but one thing was for sure—soon enough, they’d be in Connecticut, and everything would change.

—----------------

The past few days had been a blur of packing, finalizing travel plans, and making sure everything was in order before they left. Now, standing in their dorm room for the last time, Azzi took one last look around. It was strange, knowing this chapter was officially over.

Caroline sighed, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder. “Well, that’s it. No turning back now.”

Azzi smirked, grabbing the handle of her suitcase. “Not that we would.”

With their luggage in tow, they made their way outside, where their ride to the airport was already waiting. The California sun was warm against their skin as they loaded their bags into the trunk, but there was an undeniable excitement in the air—this was it.

As they slid into the backseat, Caroline pulled out her phone, scrolling through her messages. “Still no one knows, right?”

Azzi shook her head. “Nope. Just Geno and CD. Paige has no idea. Neither does the rest of the team.”

Caroline chuckled. “I still can’t believe we’re about to pull off the biggest surprise of the season.”

Azzi grinned, leaning her head back against the seat. “They won’t see it coming.”

The car ride to the airport was filled with anticipation. Every mile that passed felt like another step closer to the future they had chosen for themselves. Stanford had been great in many ways, but things had changed. The program wasn’t the right fit for them anymore, and when the opportunity arose to transfer, UConn was the obvious choice.

Azzi had already been convinced, but Paige showing up to Stanford just reinforced how much she wanted this—how much she wanted to be with Paige, to play alongside her, to experience everything together.

Caroline nudged her. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”

Azzi rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. “She’s going to freak when she sees us.”

Caroline smirked. “Yeah, but in a good way.”

Azzi exhaled, shaking her head with a soft smile. “I just hope she doesn’t suspect anything before we land.”

“Please,” Caroline scoffed. “Paige has no idea. If anything, she probably thinks we’re still trying to figure things out.”

Azzi nodded, pulling out her phone and checking the time. They were getting closer to the airport, and soon, they’d be on their way.

The second they stepped foot in Connecticut, everything would change.

The car slowed as they approached the airport drop-off area, the large terminal entrance coming into view. Azzi exhaled, gripping the handle of her suitcase a little tighter.

This was it.

In just a few hours, they’d be landing in Connecticut, and everything would change.

Caroline stretched her arms overhead before unbuckling her seatbelt. “Alright, let’s do this.”

They stepped out, the cool breeze contrasting sharply with the California sun they were leaving behind. The driver popped the trunk, and they each grabbed their bags, rolling them toward the automatic doors leading inside. The airport was busy, but they moved with purpose, weaving through the crowds as they made their way to check-in.

As they stood in line, Caroline nudged Azzi. “So, how are you feeling? Nervous? Excited?”

Azzi smirked, shifting her weight onto one foot. “A little bit of both. It’s kinda surreal, you know? Like, we’ve talked about it, made the decision, but now it’s actually happening.”

Caroline nodded. “Yeah, I get that. But honestly? I’m just excited to finally be somewhere that feels right.”

Azzi hummed in agreement. It wasn’t just about basketball—it was about the environment, the team, the people. Stanford had started to feel off for a while now, and transferring wasn’t a decision they made lightly. But deep down, they both knew UConn was where they were meant to be.

After checking their bags and getting through security, they found their gate and settled into the waiting area.

Caroline glanced at her phone. “Think Paige is up right now?”

Azzi glanced at the time difference and chuckled. “Probably just waking up for practice.”

Caroline smirked. “Imagine if she FaceTimes you right now.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but there was a slight panic in her expression. “She can’t. My phone’s on DND.”

Caroline laughed. “Smart move.”

They spent the next hour waiting for their flight, chatting and making small talk, but the underlying excitement never faded. Soon, they heard their boarding group called, and they grabbed their bags, heading toward the gate.

As Azzi stepped onto the plane, she exhaled slowly.

Next stop: Connecticut.

—---------

Paige stretched her arms as she walked into the locker room, still groggy from just waking up. The team had a morning practice, and she was trying to shake off the sleepiness. She pulled out her phone, naturally opening her messages first—like she always did. Her fingers hovered over Azzi’s name before she typed out a quick text.

Paige: Morning, baby. What’s the plan for today?

She hit send and waited. Normally, Azzi answered pretty fast, even if it was just a quick reply before she got busy. But this time, the message stayed on “delivered.”

Paige frowned, locking her phone and tossing it into her locker. Maybe Azzi was just asleep. But something about it felt… off.

She wasn’t the only one acting weird lately.

Geno had been sus as hell. Paige had noticed it for the past couple of days—little things, like how he’d pause mid-sentence around her, or how he and CD would exchange glances when transfers were brought up. It was subtle, but Paige caught on to everything.

And now Azzi wasn’t answering?

She grabbed her phone again and sent another message.

Paige: Azzi? You alive?

No response.

She sat on the bench, drumming her fingers on her knee. Maybe she was overthinking, but her gut was telling her something was up.

KK plopped down beside her, sipping from her water bottle. “Why do you look like you’re about to interrogate someone?”

Paige sighed. “Tell me if I’m being crazy, but does Geno seem kinda… weird to you lately?”

KK squinted, thinking. “Weird how?”

“Like, I don’t know… suspicious weird. Like he knows something and is just waiting for the right moment to say it.”

KK hummed. “Now that you mention it, he has been in a good mood lately.”

She opened her texts again, staring at the unread messages she’d sent Azzi.

Something was definitely going on.

—----------------

After practice, the team gathered in the locker room, still sweating and catching their breath. Geno stood by the door with a big grin on his face, clearly excited.

“Alright, ladies, I know we’ve got a big game ahead of us, but I wanted to take a moment to announce something special. We’ll be having a special team dinner tonight, just us—no distractions, no outside guests.”

Paige’s eyebrows furrowed. A “special” team dinner? That wasn’t something Geno typically made a big deal out of, especially during this time of year. It was a little too… vague. The way Geno’s eyes sparkled made her suspicious, but she tried to brush it off. She was probably just overthinking things.

Still, something in the back of her mind told her to stay alert. She could feel a tension in the air, but maybe it was just the pressure of the next game.

She checked her phone again. Still nothing from Azzi. Paige bit her lip. She’d already sent a couple of texts, but Azzi hadn’t responded.

Paige wasn’t one to jump to conclusions, but the silence made her uneasy. Azzi always responded, even if it was just a quick, “I'm busy right now, I’ll text you later.”

As she stood there, staring at her screen, she caught a glimpse of Geno talking with CD on the other side of the room. They exchanged looks—ones that made Paige even more suspicious.

“Paige,” KK’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her attention. “You good?”

Paige looked up, trying to shake off her unease. “Yeah, just—” she paused, catching herself. “Just tired, I guess.”

“Yeah, I bet. March madness nerves, huh?” KK teased with a smirk.

Paige smiled weakly, but the truth was, it wasn’t just the game. She was anxious about Azzi.

“Yeah,” Paige said. “That’s probably it.”

As Geno continued talking about the dinner plans and getting everyone hyped for the next game, Paige distractedly scrolled through her phone again. Still nothing from Azzi.

She tried not to let it get to her. Azzi was on a plane, after all. She could be busy or maybe just needed some time to herself. But deep down, Paige knew something was off. Something was happening, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

At this point, she figured she’d just have to wait and see what the night held. Something told her that by the end of this “special” team dinner, everything would come into focus.

—----------------

Azzi and Caroline’s plane touched down in Connecticut in the early evening, the final rays of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the bustling airport. Both of them felt a rush of excitement, though they’d been trying to keep their emotions in check—after all, no one knew they were coming except for the coaching staff. It was the perfect way to make their transition seamless, no drama, just a quiet shift.

Once they stepped off the plane, they grabbed their bags from baggage claim, exchanging excited glances as they did. Caroline was the first to pull out her phone, typing a quick message to Geno.

Caroline: “Landed! Heading to the dorm now. Let us know when it’s time to meet up.”

After sending it, she tucked her phone away in her jacket pocket, giving Azzi a grin. “Well, here we are.”

Azzi smiled back, though her heart was racing. The idea of moving here, of being at UConn with the team and with Paige, felt surreal. She still couldn’t quite believe it. It hadn’t sunk in fully yet that they were starting this new chapter, and the butterflies in her stomach hadn’t gone away since they’d left Stanford.

They quickly caught an Uber from the airport to the UConn campus. The excitement of being back, even though the campus was quieter than usual without students milling about, made both of them feel a little lighter. The trees lined the roads leading to their new dorms, and Azzi stared out the window as they passed familiar landmarks, though it felt different this time. It felt more…real.

When they arrived at the dorm, it was nearly empty. The halls were quiet—most students were either away for the summer or already packed up for the season. Azzi and Caroline had both been assigned a smaller, temporary space to settle in until they were officially ready to start with the team. It was simple, a bit barren at the moment, but it felt like a fresh start. The room had basic furniture, a bed, a small desk, and a couple of chairs, but there wasn’t much else. Just what they needed for now.

Azzi let out a soft sigh as she placed her bags on the bed and ran a hand through her hair. “I think this is gonna feel more like home than I imagined.”

Caroline nodded, leaning against the wall with a grin. “Yeah, it’s a little strange, but it’s also kind of exciting. The start of something new, huh?”

“Exactly,” Azzi agreed. “And it’s not just about the new school, the team, or any of that. It’s about…us. Being together.” She paused, her voice softening. “With Paige, too.”

Caroline shot her a teasing smile. “And the other girls? They don’t know yet, do they?”

Azzi shook her head. “Not a clue. It’ll be a surprise. We’ll keep it low-key for now.”

They began unpacking their things, settling in and making their space feel as cozy as possible. Caroline put a few of her books on the small desk, while Azzi arranged her shoes and clothes in the closet.

A few minutes later, Azzi’s phone buzzed on the bed. She picked it up to find a message from Geno:

Geno: “Alright, you two, meet me in 30 for the dinner. I’ll give you more details then.”

Caroline leaned over to look at the message, a sly grin crossing her face. “Well, guess this is it. Time to meet everyone. You ready?”

Azzi gave her a half-smile, nervous but excited. “Yeah, ready.”

—----------------

Paige was standing in front of the mirror in her dorm, adjusting the hem of her UConn hoodie and pulling on a pair of comfy sweatpants. She wasn’t particularly worried about looking perfect tonight, just wanting to feel at ease for the team dinner. She wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but it was one of those rare moments when she didn’t feel like worrying too much about the details.

But as she checked her phone again—just like she had done every few minutes since she got back to her room—Azzi still hadn’t replied. The message she had sent earlier this morning had gone unanswered, and though Paige didn’t want to overthink it, a little part of her couldn’t help but feel…sus. It wasn’t like Azzi to leave her hanging like this. Was she busy? Or was something else going on?

She shook her head, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of confusion. She wasn’t about to let something as trivial as a text message ruin her mood before dinner. It wasn’t like it was a big deal. Still, as she finished putting on her sneakers, the unanswered text bugged her.

“Ready, P?” Ice called from the doorway, snapping Paige out of her thoughts.

Paige gave her a smile and nodded. “Yep, just thinking about…nothing,” she replied, brushing off the unease and heading out with her teammates, KK following closely behind.

The three of them walked down the hall and out to the car waiting for them, Paige still a little lost in thought, but determined not to let anything affect her night. When they arrived at the venue, a cozy restaurant with a private room set aside for the team dinner, she felt the atmosphere immediately lighten. The chatter of her teammates, the loud laughter, and the chatter about the Sweet Sixteen game made her smile. She was so proud of how far they had come this season.

As they entered the room, the staff greeted them warmly. Coach Geno and Coach CD were already there, chatting with a few other staff members. Paige’s mind wandered as she took a seat at the table with KK and Ice, still glancing at her phone from time to time. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Geno cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room. “Alright, everyone, settle in,” he called, his voice commanding attention. “We’ve got a special treat tonight. Some new additions to the team.”

Paige raised an eyebrow at the announcement, her confusion growing as she exchanged looks with KK and Ice, both of whom seemed unusually excited about whatever was coming next.

Geno continued. “Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme have officially transferred here. They’ll be joining us next season!”

The room erupted into cheers and excited murmurs. Paige’s mouth fell open, her eyes widening in shock. The noise around her faded as she processed the words that had just been spoken.

Azzi. Caroline. Here. At UConn.

Paige’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to Ice and KK, who were grinning widely. They exchanged a glance, clearly excited by the news, before looking back at Paige.

“Wait… What?” Paige stammered, still trying to wrap her head around it.

Ice and KK both laughed. “NO WAY!” KK said, nudging Paige playfully.

Paige’s jaw still hung open. She couldn’t believe it. Her best friend, the person who’d been occupying her thoughts for so long, was going to be here. At UConn. Playing on the same team. She hadn’t expected this. Not at all.

Her heart raced, and suddenly everything around her seemed to blur as the realization hit her like a wave. Azzi was here. And this was about to get a whole lot more complicated in the best way possible.

Before Paige could process further, Azzi and Caroline walked into the room, both of them smiling brightly. Azzi’s familiar face made Paige’s stomach flip, and she found herself standing up automatically as if drawn in by an invisible force. They exchanged glances, and for a brief moment, the rest of the room faded away.

Azzi and Caroline made their way toward the table, with Azzi locking eyes with Paige as she approached. Paige’s breath caught in her throat, and she could feel her cheeks flush. The others around her were still excited, shouting and welcoming the two newcomers, but all Paige could focus on was Azzi.

KK stood, her excitement palpable as she waved over to Azzi. “Azzi! It’s so good to see you again!” she said, pulling Azzi into a warm hug.

Paige was still speechless, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions rushing through her. She watched as Ice stood to greet Caroline, giving her a hug, and then they turned back to look at Paige.

Azzi smiled at Paige from across the room, her eyes soft and knowing. Paige could feel the heat in her chest, a mix of happiness, relief, and something else she couldn’t quite name.

Before anyone could say anything else, Azzi walked over to Paige, her steps deliberate and calm, her eyes never leaving hers. She stood in front of her, and in that moment, the noise of the room seemed to fade into the background.

“Can I steal you for a second?” Azzi whispered, her voice low enough for only Paige to hear.

Paige nodded quickly, her heart thudding in her chest. “Yeah, of course.”

Azzi gently took her hand and led her toward the hallway, away from the chaos of the dinner. Paige followed, her heart racing with every step. They reached the bathroom, and Azzi pushed the door open, pulling Paige inside.

The moment the door clicked shut, Azzi’s hand cupped Paige’s cheek, and Paige’s breath caught in her throat. There was no more holding back now. The chemistry between them was undeniable, a current of electricity that had been building for so long.

Without saying another word, Azzi leaned in, pressing her lips to Paige’s in a soft, sweet kiss. Paige’s hands instinctively found their way to Azzi’s waist, pulling her closer. Azzi’s lips parted slightly, and Paige followed, deepening the kiss. Everything felt right in this moment, as if they had finally found the perfect rhythm together.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were smiling, breathless.

Azzi rested her forehead against Paige’s. “I’ve missed you,” she murmured.

Paige smiled back, her heart swelling. “I’ve missed you too.”

Azzi leaned in for another quick kiss, the warmth between them making the world outside the bathroom seem far away. But they knew they couldn’t stay there forever. As much as they wanted to savor the moment, they needed to return to the dinner.

After a final kiss, Azzi grinned at Paige. “Alright now that I’ve got my kiss, we better go back before they think we ran off.”

Paige laughed softly, nodding. “Yeah, let’s go.”

As they walked back into the private dining room, the sounds of the team’s chatter and laughter filled the air once more. Paige was still reeling from the surprise, her heart beating faster than it should have been as she made her way back to the table.

Azzi, walking beside her, looked over at her with a small, amused smile. Paige caught her gaze and couldn’t help but grin back. The intensity of everything was still sinking in, and the weight of Azzi’s presence here, at UConn, only made her feel like she was floating.

“You good?” Azzi asked quietly, nudging her playfully.

Paige chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. “I… I can’t believe this is happening. I mean… you’re here. Like, really here.” She shook her head again. “What kind of sick joke is this?”

Azzi laughed softly, her eyes softening as she looked at Paige. “No joke. You’ll get used to it, I promise.”

They reached the table, and Paige slid into the seat next to Azzi, still trying to process everything. The team was buzzing with excitement, talking over one another, asking Azzi and Caroline about their transfers, what brought them to UConn, and how excited they were to play with the team.

Geno, of course, had his usual authoritative air about him as he walked over to their table, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“So, Paige,” Geno began with a grin. “How’d you like our special dinner so far tonight?”

Paige’s eyes widened, and she let out a small laugh, turning to Azzi and then back to Geno. “Are you serious right now?” she asked, still processing it. “This is how you’re doing it? A whole dinner just to drop the bomb on the me and the team?”

Geno’s grin widened as he raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I think it was worth the surprise, don’t you?”

Paige shot Azzi a playful look, who only shrugged in response, the faintest smirk pulling at her lips. “You’ve really been planning this, haven’t you?” Paige muttered, though the smile never left her face.

“Well,” Geno said, leaning in a little, clearly enjoying the playful teasing, “we had to make sure we had a proper welcome for our new teammates, right?” His eyes twinkled with amusement as he glanced at Azzi and Caroline. “And we figured, why not give Paige and the team a little special treat, too?”

The room erupted into more teasing and laughter, with a few players—KK and Ice included—jokingly directing their attention toward Paige and Azzi.

“Aw, look at you two,” KK said with a teasing tone. “Paige is all speechless, and Azzi’s just as smug as always. What’s going on between you two? A little secret, huh?”

Azzi rolled her eyes, trying to play it cool. “No secrets here, just enjoying the team dinner.”

“Uh-huh,” Ice chimed in, glancing between the two. “So, you two have been holding out on us, huh?”

Paige couldn’t help but laugh at the attention. She had been caught off guard by everything today, and the teasing from her teammates only made the whole situation feel more surreal. “Okay, okay, no secrets!” she said, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. “I’ll admit it. I’m just shocked, okay? You guys really pulled it off. A whole dinner, just for this.”

“Well, someone had to make sure it was memorable,” Geno added, his grin widening. “And we all know how much you love surprises, Paige.”

Paige shook her head, still laughing. “Yeah, well, this one definitely takes the cake.”

As the dinner continued, the playful teasing between Azzi and Paige didn’t stop, but there was also a growing sense of warmth between the two of them, a comfort that was becoming more natural with each passing moment. Between all the laughter, the inside jokes, and the easy flow of conversation, it felt like they were entering a new chapter of their relationship—one where the future was beginning to unfold.

Azzi’s hand found Paige’s underneath the table, their fingers brushing before intertwining. Paige smiled at her, squeezing her hand, the connection between them undeniable.

“Seriously, though,” Paige said, her voice quieter now as she leaned in a little closer to Azzi. “I’m so glad you’re here. I didn’t expect this, not like this, but… I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

Azzi looked at Paige, her eyes softening. “Me too,” she replied, her voice sincere. “This is only the beginning. We’ve got a whole future ahead of us. And it’s gonna be great.”

Paige’s heart swelled at the thought. This moment, surrounded by their teammates, laughing and joking around, felt so normal, so right. And yet, it was also a moment of change, of stepping into something new. They were stronger than ever, and the future, whatever it held, was looking brighter than she ever imagined.

As the dinner continued, the teasing gradually faded into the background, replaced by the warmth of being together, of being part of a team that was more than just basketball. They were family now—both on and off the court.

—----------------

After the dinner, the energy was still high, with laughter and playful teasing echoing through the restaurant. Paige, Azzi, Caroline, KK, and Ice all piled into a group, ready to head to Azzi and Caroline’s new dorm. The night was still young, and it seemed like no one wanted to let the fun slip away.

The group made their way through the campus, all buzzing with excitement from the events of the evening. Paige, still processing the surprise, kept her hand resting lightly on Azzi’s lower back, the familiar closeness between them comforting after the whirlwind of the day.

Once they got to Azzi and Caroline’s dorm, the door was wide open, and the girls stepped in, greeted by the empty space of their newly settled-in room. Boxes were stacked neatly against one wall, but it was clear they’d made the place feel like home already. The familiar atmosphere of their old dorms in California was still fresh in their minds, and now they were embarking on a new chapter here at UConn.

Caroline tossed her jacket onto the couch as KK and Ice began to look around the room, already making themselves at home. The moment was lighthearted, everyone still riding the high of the dinner surprise.

Azzi and Paige lingered by the door for a second, exchanging a glance that only the two of them could understand, before heading toward the couch to join the others. Azzi plopped down first, making room for Paige beside her, and Caroline followed, sitting on the opposite side of the room.

“So,” Caroline began, leaning back into the couch with a mischievous grin on her face. “Y’all ready to hear the real story about how disgusting these two are together?”

KK and Ice both turned toward her, already sensing where this was going. “Oh, we are so ready,” KK said, barely containing her laughter.

Caroline shot a playful glare at Azzi and Paige, who were still sitting close together, laughing at the unfolding scene. “You two,” Caroline began, shaking her head dramatically. “Back in Cali when Paige decided to stay over? I had to deal with their disgusting PDA every single time.”

KK burst out laughing, leaning back in her seat. “Oh, I can only imagine!”

Paige laughed, a little embarrassed but mostly amused. “Okay, okay, it wasn’t that bad,” she said, looking at Azzi, who was smirking as she nudged Paige’s side.

Caroline, ever the instigator, gave them a side-eye and continued, “You guys don’t even know. They’d be all over each other, with Azzi practically in Paige’s lap or the two of them whispering sweet nothings at midnight, completely oblivious to the fact that I was there. It was so gross, I had to leave sometimes just to get away from it.”

KK was practically wheezing, while Ice had her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. “Please tell me you two didn’t—”

“Oh, trust me, it wasn’t just the whispering,” Caroline cut her off with a wicked grin. “I had to witness full-on kissing and everything.”

Azzi and Paige looked at each other, both of them turning a little red but unable to contain their grins. Paige leaned in, her voice low but playful. “I’m pretty sure you’re exaggerating just a little bit.”

Caroline shot her a deadpan stare. “I’m not exaggerating. You two are disgusting.”

At this, Paige couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “We were just enjoying ourselves, okay? You’re just jealous because you couldn’t handle the love.”

Ice smirked. “I don’t think Caroline could handle it even if she tried.”

“Exactly!” Caroline shot back, then shifted her attention back to KK and Ice. “And now you’re about to witness it firsthand. It’s honestly just ew.”

KK raised an eyebrow. “Is this going to be like the honeymoon phase? Because if so, I’ll have to prepare myself.”

Azzi, who was leaning into Paige’s side, smiled and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “You’ll get used to it,” she said with a laugh. “We just… can’t help it.”

Paige, feeling a little shy but still amused, wrapped her arm around Azzi’s waist. “If you want to see what it’s like,” Paige teased, “we could just go make out in front of you all. Just so you know what Caroline had to deal with.”

Caroline rolled her eyes dramatically. “No need to make it worse. I’ve seen enough.”

The group continued to laugh and chat, teasing Azzi and Paige as the night wore on. But underneath the jokes and teasing, there was an undeniable sense of ease and comfort. They were all friends, laughing together, enjoying their time as teammates, and accepting the playful relationship between Paige and Azzi.

—----------------

Even though it was late, Paige, KK, and Ice decided to help Caroline and Azzi finish setting up their dorm. The room still had some unpacked boxes stacked against the walls, and Caroline, ever the perfectionist, wanted everything settled before the night ended. Paige wasn’t complaining—any excuse to stay longer with Azzi was one she’d take.

Azzi, in her playful manner, decided to tease Paige as they worked. As she bent down in front of Paige to grab something from one of the boxes, she arched her back just enough to be intentional. Paige, who had been minding her own business, immediately stiffened, her hands pausing mid-motion as she stared at the sight in front of her.

Azzi knew exactly what she was doing.

“Oh, come on,” Paige muttered under her breath, running a hand down her face as if that would help. It didn’t.

She hesitated for half a second before deciding that, if Azzi wanted to play, she could play. Without another thought, Paige stepped forward, pressing herself behind Azzi and gripping her ass, giving it a firm squeeze. Azzi let out a small noise of surprise before turning her head slightly, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“You’re ridiculous,” Azzi murmured, smirking.

Paige just grinned. “And you love it.”

Azzi rolled her eyes playfully, but before she could respond, Paige leaned in, capturing her lips in a quick but heated kiss. Azzi responded instantly, tilting her head to deepen it, her hands gripping the fabric of Paige’s hoodie to pull her closer.

The sound of exaggerated gagging noises snapped them out of it.

Caroline, standing a few feet away with a box in her hands, gave them a deadpan look. “This is exactly what I mean.”

KK and Ice, meanwhile, were clutching their stomachs, pretending to throw up. “We’re right here!” KK exclaimed dramatically.

Ice fake wiped a tear from her eye. “Y’all got no shame.”

Paige and Azzi just laughed, unfazed, before finally pulling apart. They all got back to unpacking, though the occasional teasing remark from Ice and KK kept the atmosphere light. Paige and Azzi continued working on Azzi’s room, placing clothes in drawers and rearranging a few things to make the space feel more like home.

As they worked, Paige found herself standing close—too close—to Azzi again. When Azzi turned to grab something, their faces were only inches apart. Neither moved for a moment, their breaths mingling as the tension between them thickened. Paige reached up first, her fingers grazing Azzi’s jaw as she leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, lingering kiss.

It started soft, but the moment Azzi’s fingers gripped Paige’s hoodie again, tugging her forward, the kiss deepened, turning into something more urgent. Paige’s hand slipped down, resting on Azzi’s waist, pulling her even closer.

Caroline, standing by the doorway with Ice and KK, watched for a second before sighing. “Yeah, okay. We’re gonna leave now.”

Azzi barely registered her voice at first, but when Caroline tossed her keys into the air and caught them, she finally broke the kiss, glancing over. “What?” she asked, slightly breathless.

Caroline smirked knowingly. “We’re going to go buy some stuff for my room. You two enjoy… whatever this is.”

KK and Ice stifled their laughter as they followed Caroline out. Ice shot a final teasing glance their way. “Try not to destroy the room before we get back.”

The second the door closed behind them, Paige exhaled a laugh, shaking her head. “They’re so dramatic.”

Azzi hummed in agreement, but the moment they locked eyes again, the mood shifted. The air between them grew thick with something deeper—something heavier. Paige took a slow step forward, and Azzi instinctively backed up until her legs hit the edge of the bed.

But they both hesitated.

“…Well, Ice is right. I just finished setting up my room, so like you know…” Azzi murmured, as if reading Paige’s thoughts.

Paige smirked. “Then we probably shouldn’t mess it up already.”

Azzi bit her lip, her gaze flickering to the side before landing on Paige again. “Bathroom?”

Paige’s heart skipped a beat. “Bathroom.”

They moved quickly, slipping into the bathroom and shutting the door behind them. The moment it clicked shut, Paige wasted no time, pressing Azzi up against the counter. Their lips crashed together in a heated kiss, and this time, there was no teasing—only raw need.

Paige’s hands found Azzi’s waist again, fingers digging in slightly as she deepened the kiss, letting her tongue slide against Azzi’s in slow, deliberate strokes. Azzi moaned softly into her mouth, her hands sliding under Paige’s hoodie, fingertips grazing bare skin.

The feeling sent a shiver down Paige’s spine.

She kissed Azzi harder, pressing her back further against the counter, her hands wandering lower. Azzi responded instantly, tilting her head to grant Paige better access as their bodies molded together. The heat between them was growing, the intensity only building as their hands roamed and their kisses grew more desperate.

Paige pulled away for just a second, her breath heavy. “You good?” she asked, her voice low, her forehead resting against Azzi’s.

Azzi looked up at her, eyes dark with want. “Yeah.”

She tugged at Paige’s hoodie, pulling her closer again. “I want you.”

Paige exhaled sharply. “Then let me take care of you Ma.”

And just like that, they gave in completely.

—----------------

As Paige and Azzi finished dressing, the atmosphere between them was a mix of comfort and a lingering sense of closeness that hadn’t been there before. The bathroom was small, and their movements were still somewhat cautious, as if the reality of what had just happened was only just beginning to sink in.

Paige adjusted her hoodie, pulling it over her head, then quickly glanced over at Azzi, who was in the process of slipping her shirt on. The sight of Azzi, her hair slightly tousled and her lips swollen from their kisses, made Paige’s heart race again.

Azzi caught Paige staring and smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. “What? Never seen me get dressed before?”

Paige chuckled softly, stepping closer to her and brushing a stray strand of hair from Azzi’s face. “Nah, you’re distracting,” she said, voice low and teasing.

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Guess I’ll have to make sure to keep you on your toes, then.”

Paige’s lips curled into a grin. “I’m already on my toes when I’m around you.”

Before anything else could be said, the door creaked open, and Caroline, KK, and Ice filed in, all seemingly in high spirits. Caroline immediately eyed them as she put the bags down with an exaggerated raise of her eyebrows. “Well, well, well… look at this. You two really did make some progress, huh?” she teased, her voice dripping with mock surprise.

KK and Ice broke out into loud laughter, clearly delighted by the sight of their friends acting all cute and flustered. Ice crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe with a sly grin. “Guess we missed all the fun,” she said dramatically. “Took you two long enough, huh?”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. Paige simply laughed and shook her head, feeling the weight of the teasing but also a strange sense of relief. She was happy that things between her and Azzi had felt so… natural. Nothing about this had been forced or awkward. In fact, she could only think about how right it felt to be with her.

“So,” Ice continued, her voice more curious now, “I’ve never gotten to hear the story on how you two even start talking in the first place?”

Paige looked at Azzi, and the two shared a brief, amused glance. Caroline and KK already knew the story, but Ice was genuinely curious. Azzi let out a light laugh, her arms crossing over her chest as she leaned back against the sink. “Well, if I’m being honest, Paige here wouldn’t stop talking to me.”

Paige snickered, remembering the day clearly. “I wasn’t annoying. You were just… quiet. I was trying to break the ice.” She raised an eyebrow, playfully challenging Azzi’s teasing. “And if it weren’t for me, we wouldn’t be here right now, would we?”

Azzi gave her a look of mock disbelief. “You’re the one who got us stuck in an elevator together for ages at that tournament, Paige! You just wouldn’t stop asking questions.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault the elevator just decided to stop working and plus someone had to entertain you,” Paige shot back with a grin. “You were the one who looked like you’d rather be anywhere else.”

“I mean, after you wouldn’t stop pestering me, I guess it was hard to stay annoyed.” Azzi’s smile softened, and she looked at Paige fondly. “But it wasn’t so bad, right?”

Paige shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “Guess I did manage to wear you down. If it wasn’t for that elevator ride, I don’t think we’d even be here now.”

Caroline leaned in with a knowing smile. “That’s right. The elevator incident led to all of this, huh? Who would’ve thought?” She motioned between them, her grin wide. “It’s cute, though.”

KK nodded along. “Yeah, look at you two, all sappy and cute now.”

Paige rolled her eyes, but her heart was light. The teasing felt comfortable, like she didn’t have to hide anything anymore. It was funny how something as simple as a chance encounter could lead to such a complicated and amazing connection.

Azzi smirked, shaking her head. “It all happened because of that unexpected halt.”

The others stared at her for a moment, their expressions softening as they processed what she said. Paige could feel the weight of the words, the simple truth behind them. It was all true—this relationship had grown out of a moment that neither of them had planned for. A simple, unforeseen pause in the chaos of their busy lives had brought them together, leading to something that felt incredibly right.

It really was because of that unexpected halt.

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#paige bueckers #azzi fudd #paige x azzi #pazzi #pazzi fics #uconn #uconn wbb #uconn huskies #uconn women’s basketball #wbb

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