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lifeisbutadream444 · 2 months ago

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The Last Night

Aaron Pierre x Reader

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, smut

Summary: After the series finale wraps, she thinks she’s saying goodbye to four years of tension, restraint, and the co-star she was never supposed to love.

It’s almost 2:00 a.m.

And you still haven’t said goodbye.

Half the guests have already wandered off, some heading to other parties, others promising brunch meetups that’ll never happen. Someone’s curled up on a velvet couch in the corner, half-asleep. The playlist has drifted from party anthems to bittersweet throwbacks. Like even the speakers know this night is dissolving.

The show is really over.

And you’re still here. Clinging to a glass of wine you stopped sipping an hour ago, too aware of the time, of the way the room is thinning out.

You told herself you’d leave by midnight. Then by one.

Now, you’re just… hovering. Stuck. Stalling.

Every time you think about walking up to him and saying goodbye, something in your chest feels heavy. Because a goodbye means it’s done — not just the show, not just the job — but this. This rhythm you’ve grown addicted to. Seeing him almost every day. Knowing when he’ll laugh. The way his eyes linger. The heat in them. The softness. The unspoken question that used to live there.

Used to.

Because there was a time he flirted with you. Not overtly. Not in a way that could get him in trouble on set. Just enough to make you heart race. Just enough to terrify you.

Back then, you’d shut it down every time.

Not because you didn’t want him, that would’ve been easier. But because you wanted him too much. And you couldn’t afford to. It was your first real acting job. The kind of role that could make or end a career depending on how the audience took to you. The kind of opportunity that came with fine print. Be professional. Don’t stir up drama. Stay out of gossip blogs. Don’t sleep with your co-star.

Especially not him.

Because Aaron wasn’t just anyone. He had that dangerous kind of calm. Women loved him. All of them. They tweeted about his hands. His voice. His interviews. His lips. You saw it sometimes. Fan edits, thirst comments, tweets speculating about who he was dating. You knew what his fanbase would do to you if they even thought he was spending too much time with someone who wasn’t famous enough, hot enough, soft enough, loud enough, quiet enough. And you already hated being perceived, despite your career choice. You weren’t built for that kind of spotlight. Which means you weren’t built to be his.

So you smiled. Laughed. Dodged. Every time.

And then, one day, he stopped trying, and you couldn’t blame him. It was relieving and devastating at the same time.

Now, you couldn’t pretend you were avoiding scandal or danger or chaos.

Now there’s nothing left to hide behind.

Four years. Four entire seasons of close scenes and interviews and press tours and hotel rooms with adjoining walls. Four years of biting your tongue and pretending his voice didn’t make you shiver.

The series finale was filmed yesterday. The wrap party is winding down. He’s not tied to you anymore. He’s free. Free to fly off to another set. Another city.

You watch him from across the room, laughing with someone from production, wearing one of those black cashmere sweaters you love so much on him, sleeves pushed up just enough to show the tattoos on his forearm. His hands in his pockets. He looks good. Too good.

You know you’re dragging this out. You said goodbye to everyone else. Hugged the crew. Took selfies with castmates. But you haven’t said goodbye to him. You couldn't bring yourself to do it.

“You’ve been drinking that same glass of wine for at least an hour now.”

His voice comes from behind as you stand by the bar, low, smooth, familiar.

You shrug, trying to look casual. “Yeah, I’m holding onto it for emotional support at this point.”

He steps to the side so he’s facing you fully, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on the edge of the bar. He doesn’t say anything right away. Just watches you, the way he always used to, before you made him stop.

Damn, he used to look at you like this all the time.

Back when he still thought he had a chance.

“We’ve barely talked tonight,” he says.

He leans in a little, voice softer now. “Are you avoiding me or something?”

You laugh, but it comes out tight. “Of course not.”

You look down at your shoes. They suddenly feel like the wrong choice. Like everything about you tonight is trying too hard, your dress, your lipgloss, the way you kept positioning yourself just slightly toward him in every photo. Desperate. That’s what you feel like. Pathetic and exposed.

“You’ve been suspiciously quiet tonight.” he says.

Your chest tightens.

You want to say I didn’t want to cry in front of you.

You want to say I don’t know how to say goodbye.

You want to say I can’t breathe when I think about not seeing you every day.

Instead, you say, “Just tired, I guess. It’s been an emotional night for everyone.”

He doesn’t press.

He knows you’re stalling.

He’s enjoying it. You can tell.

You shift your weight. “Are you heading out soon?”

“Eventually.”

And then you do it. The thing you’ve been rehearsing in your head for hours. The thing you almost talked yourself out of in the bathroom mirror twice tonight.

“I don’t really want to say goodbye yet,” you say, voice quieter now. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

It’s out before you can take it back. Your heart is in your throat. And it’s stupid. You should’ve asked sooner. Or not at all. You don’t even know where “somewhere” is. You just know you can’t let him leave without giving yourself the chance to be brave — just once.

You feel like you’re about to be laughed at. Or worse, gently let down.

But he doesn’t laugh.

He just tilts his head, gaze warm, steady.

“I thought you’d never ask,” he says.

You roll your eyes. “Don’t make it weird.”

He steps in closer, voice low. “Too late. Come on.”

The speakeasy is nearly empty when you walk in. It was only a ten-minute walk from where the wrap party was, but it feels like a different world. Jazz curls through the air in soft, distant waves. The lights are low and amber.

The booth he chooses is tucked in the back, half-shielded by a long, draping curtain. Private. Intimate.

You slide into the seat across from him, heart pounding, instantly too aware of how small the space feels. The table between you is narrow. Your knees almost touch. You tuck your legs to the side, careful not to brush him, but you can already feel his eyes on you.

He looks unbothered. Relaxed. One arm draped across the back of the booth. He orders a bourbon. Neat.

You fumble through the cocktail menu like you need an excuse not to look at him.

“A spicy margarita, please,” you say, your voice too fast.

When the drinks arrive, you take a confident sip of your margarita—then immediately start coughing.

You cover your mouth, eyes watering. “What the — this is spicy as fuck.”

Aaron raises his brows, casually sipping his bourbon. “Did you think ‘spicy margarita’ was just, like, a vibe?”

You glare at him, still coughing. “I thought it would be, like… fun spicy. My mouth is on fire."

Aaron raises a brow, setting down his bourbon. “It can’t be that bad. Let me taste it.”

You start sliding your glass across the table. “Here.”

He doesn’t reach for it.

Instead, he leans in slowly, head tilted, eyes locked on yours. “Not like that.”

Your hand stills. “What?”

He doesn’t answer, just looks at you, all steady confidence and heat. And you don’t move. Not for a second. You just watch him, like you're trying to figure out if he’s serious. He watches you right back, the corner of his mouth twitching.

And that’s when it hits you. He's just fucking with you.

You groan, leaning back in your seat, still flustered. “You’re an asshole.”

Aaron shrugs, sipping his bourbon like he didn’t just short-circuit your entire nervous system. “Sure. But you were gonna do it.”

You narrow your eyes. “No, I wasn’t.”

“I don't know, you were kind of leaning in.”

“I was assessing the situation.”

“You were ready to let me taste it from your mouth,” he says, so calm, so damn pleased with himself.

You scoff, gripping your glass just to keep your hands busy. “You’re delusional.”

Aaron leans back against the booth, stretching his arm across the top like he owns the whole damn night. “You’re nervous,” he says, not accusing, just annoyingly observant.

You roll your eyes. “I’m not nervous. I’m annoyed.”

“You’re annoyed because I caught you.”

“I’m annoyed because you think you caught me. There was nothing to catch.”

“Mhm.” He takes another sip of bourbon, like he’s letting you have that one.

The moment hangs between you, not tense, exactly, but something close. Like the edge of something sharper, waiting to cut through.

You don’t respond. You just look down at your drink.

He doesn’t push. Doesn’t ask what’s wrong. Doesn’t ask why you brought him here or what you want. But he knows. You can see it in his face.

He leans forward again, forearms resting on the table. His cologne drifts across the small space, dark and familiar.

“You still tired?” he asks, voice low.

You hesitate. “No.”

“You said you were earlier.”

You look up at him, meet his eyes. “I’m not anymore.”

He doesn’t look away. Just nods once, gaze unreadable.

For the next hour, the two of you talk about nothing, the playlist, the overpriced drinks, the ridiculous wrap gifts, like you’re still trying to prove you’re just friends who always knew how to kill time together.

“You know,” he says, casually — too casually — “it really has been great working with you.”

Your stomach twists.

You laugh under your breath. “That sounds like a polite goodbye in an email.”

Aaron chuckles. “What, I can’t be sincere now?”

“You being sincere is suspicious.”

“I’m trying to give you a moment.”

You try not to look like you’re panicking. And fail.

“That’s it?” you ask lightly. “That’s your goodbye?”

“I mean, I could write a card.”

You snort, covering your mouth with the back of your hand.

He grins, slow and amused. But it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“So,” he says, swirling what’s left in his glass, “what happens now?”

You blink. “What do you mean?”

He glances around the room. “Well, the party’s over. The show’s over. We’re sitting here. Just you and me.” He looks back at you, tilting his head. “Feels like we’re supposed to wrap this up somehow.”

You try to match his tone. Cool. Detached. “I don’t know.”

“We should probably head out soon,” he says casually, glancing toward the door.

Your stomach sinks.

You nod slowly, trying to act like you’re fine. Like this was always going to be just a drink. Just a quiet ending to a loud night.

He stands, smooth and effortless, slips his jacket back on like it’s just another night.

Then looks down at you. Calm. Unreadable.

“I can have my driver take you home if you’d like.”

You blink. “Okay, thank you.”

He opens the back door of the black car idling at the curb and waits, holding it open like it’s nothing.

You slide into the back seat. He gets in after you.

You stare straight ahead, lips pressed tight, hands gripping your purse like a lifeline. He doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t look at you. Doesn’t reach for your hand the way you used to imagine he might if the moment ever came.

The driver mentions he’ll drop Aaron off first — since his place is only a couple minutes from the speakeasy.

And that’s when the quiet starts to hurt.

The kind of silence that settles in your chest like a final scene. Like this is the last time you’ll be in the same car, breathing the same air. No more excuses. No more proximity. No more inevitable collisions.

This is it. This is the part where he gets out. Where you let him.

You stare down at your hands, trying not to do the math of it — of how long you’ll last pretending this was enough. Pretending you didn’t want more. You had your chance. A hundred of them, really. You spent four years collecting them and letting them pass.

The car slows. Aaron unbuckles his seatbelt without a word.

And your whole chest clenches.

This is really happening.

He’s going to get out. Say something vague. Wish you luck. You’ll go home and tell yourself this is what you wanted. That you were being smart. That silence is safer than saying I love you to someone who might not say it back.

You feel the moment cracking open, something in your throat tightening.

He doesn’t move right away. Just stares ahead — jaw tight, unreadable. Then he looks at you.

“Come on,” he says. “Get out.”

Your breath catches. “What?”

“Just for a second,” he says, already opening his door. “Say goodbye properly.”

You hesitate.

But he’s already stepping onto the sidewalk.

Your legs feel heavy as you follow him, like you’re walking through something thick. Like grief. Like regret. You wonder if this will be the last time he ever asks you for anything.

When you reach him, he’s standing a couple of feet from the car, hands in his pockets, head tilted slightly. Watching you like he knows. Like he’s always known.

You stop a foot away.

He opens his arms.

“Come here.”

You step into him.

And the second his arms close around you — one low on your back, the other curling over your shoulder — it breaks.

You didn’t plan to cry.

You didn’t feel it coming.

But the second your face hits his sweater, it starts.

Silent. Unstoppable.

Your fingers fist the fabric like you can hold him in place that way. Like he might vanish if you let go. Your whole body shakes from it, this quiet, aching sob that’s been waiting years to slip out.

He doesn’t ask what’s wrong.

He already knows.

His hand moves in slow, warm circles on your back. The kind that soothe. The kind that say you’re safe. The kind that make everything worse because they remind you what you’re losing.

You breathe him in, voice cracking as you whisper, “I’m gonna miss you so much.”

He stills. Not sharply. Just feels it.

His hand moves to your hair, his touch reverent now. Like you’re something fragile. Like he knows what it costs you to say it.

You stay like that. Too long. Not long enough.

Then he pulls back just enough to look at you. Your cheeks are wet. His thumb brushes a tear away. He studies your face like it’s a decision.

Then, softly—

“Come inside.”

You nod.

You don’t say a word.

You don’t have to.

Because even though everything in you thought this was the end…

You were wrong.

This was never going to be goodbye.

The door clicks shut behind you, and suddenly it hits you:

You’re in his house.

You’ve been here before, sure — group hangouts, cast dinners. But never like this. Never alone.

Your feet stay planted on the welcome mat. Like if you move too far into the room, it might feel real.

Aaron steps past you, reaching for the light switch. He kicks off his shoes and turns to find you still standing like a nervous intern.

He lifts a brow. “You want me to carry you in bridal-style, or…?”

He smiles. Warm. Like he’s easing the tension on purpose.

“Maybe I do.” you respond, smiling despite your nerves.

You slip your heels off and take a slow step deeper into the room.

Aaron watches you like he already knows. Like he’s waited a lifetime for you to finally walk into this exact moment — nervous, squirming, ripe for unraveling.

He walks over to his kitchen, grabbing a water bottle from his fridge. He brings it to you, and watches as you sip.

Your hand shakes slightly around the bottle. He doesn’t miss it.

When you’re done, he sets it aside and curls two fingers under your chin, tilting your face to his.

“You okay?” he asks, voice low.

You nod — too fast.

He studies you for a second. Then walks over to his couch. He flops into it without fanfare and pats the cushion beside him.

“Sit down.”

The second you sit down, his arm slides behind you, resting along the back of the couch — not touching, not pulling, just there. Like he’s giving you an invitation you don’t have to take.

You sit stiffly. Sip your water. Stare at the art on his wall.

“I didn’t expect to end up here tonight.”

He nods. “Me either.”

You turn to look at him.

“I thought you were finally sick of my shit.”

“I was,” he says with a shrug. “Until I saw you crying over me.”

You groan, burying your face in your hands. “That’s so embarrassing.”

He laughs, full and real. “It was the highlight of my night.”

You look back up at him. “Why are you like this?”

“Because you’re like that,” he says simply, smiling.

The kind of smile that makes your stomach flutter and ache at the same time.

You roll your eyes, but it’s weak — you’re too aware of the way he’s watching you. Too aware of the heat pooling low in your body, of the words you’re still too scared to say.

A silence settles between you, not awkward, but charged — like the pause before a storm. Like you’re both waiting to see who’s going to say the next brave thing.

You reach for your water again, if only to give your hands something to do.

Aaron watches you for another beat, then shifts — like he senses the tension and decides to cut through it just enough to let you breathe.

“You want music?” he asks.

“Sure.”

He leans forward and taps something on his phone. A slow, low beat hums from speakers you hadn’t noticed before. R&B. Something moody. Sultry.

Of course.

“Really?” you say, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugs, unbothered. “It’s just a playlist.”

You sip your water again. “This is a sex playlist.”

“Could be a soul-baring emotional conversation playlist.”

You roll your eyes, but he catches the smile you try to hide.

You lean forward and rest your elbows on your knees, staring down at your hands. “This is so weird.”

He raises a brow. “Weird how?”

“Just… being here. Like this. With you. Alone.” You pause. “I used to imagine this.”

You look up slowly — unsure whether to smile or backpedal — but Aaron isn’t laughing. He’s watching you like you just handed him a secret.

“You used to imagine this?” he repeats.

You nod once. “Not like… this exactly. But yeah. Just… being close to you without wondering if someone’s watching."

His jaw ticks. That quiet restraint you’ve seen in him so many times — it’s still there, but just barely.

“I used to picture it too,” he says, voice low.

You blink.

“You did?”

“All the time,” he murmurs. “But it wasn’t like this. You weren’t sitting a foot away from me like I was a stranger.”

You open your mouth, but he cuts you off gently.

“Come here.”

You freeze. For half a second, you don’t move.

Because for all you know, this could be like the bar again — one of his little tests. Another game just to see how flustered he can make you before pulling back with that smirk like gotcha.

So you hesitate. Watching him.

“Are you serious?” you ask softly.

Aaron doesn’t smirk this time. Doesn’t tease. His head tilts slightly, lips twitching into something softer, steadier.

“I’m dead serious,” he says. “Don’t make me ask twice.”

You swallow, heart thudding loud in your chest.

Then you crawl across the couch, slow and deliberate, every inch closing the space you’ve been scared of crossing for four years.

His hands are already at your waist when you reach him. He helps guide you into place — like you’re weightless — settling you onto his lap with ease. Your legs straddle his thighs.

Your dress hikes up dangerously high, and you instinctively try to shift it down, but his hands tighten on your waist, holding you still.

“Leave it,” he says, voice low and firm.

You freeze.

Then slowly drop your hands from the hem of your dress.

Your palms land on his shoulders, grounding yourself. His eyes flick down to your mouth, then back up, and the look on his face makes your breath catch.

“Four years of pretending you didn’t want me…” he teases. “How’d that work out for you?”

You try to glare at him. Fail. “Shut up.”

He grins. “I will. As soon as you stop lying to me, and to yourself.”

“I’m not—”

He cuts you off with a look. Sharp. Commanding. Don’t.

You swallow hard.

“I waited,” he says, dragging his hands up the sides of your thighs. “I let you push me away. I let you pretend.”

His grip tightens slightly.

“I just want you to be honest. I want you to look at me and say exactly what you want.”

You try to speak, but it’s just a shaky breath you can’t bite back.

He leans in slowly, caressing your neck with his lips, making you shiver with need. His voice drops to a velvet threat.

“I can do this all night, baby. I can keep you squirming on my lap until you’re begging and saying everything you swore you’d never say.”

“Aaron, please,” you whisper.

“Please what?” he teases darkly, dragging his lips closer to your ear now. “What do you want, sweetheart? My mouth? My hands?”

Your nails dig into his shoulders. He feels it, and grins like he’s won something.

“You wanna be mine?” he asks. “Say it.”

You hesitate.

“I want you. I've always wanted you.” you whisper, breathless, broken.

That’s all it takes.

He kisses you.

No hesitation. No tenderness.

It’s not sweet, not at first.

It’s everything you’ve denied, everything he’s been holding back. A collision of years of silence, missed chances, and stubborn pride. His mouth claims yours like it belongs there, like he’s making up for every time you turned away, every night he imagined this and didn’t act on it.

You gasp into him, but he doesn’t let up — just deepens it, tilting your chin up further, one hand tangled in your hair now, the other gripping your waist like he’s trying to remind you whose lap you’re in.

You feel like you're unraveling.

Your whole body is burning — breath hitching, skin flushed, mind dizzy with the taste of him. He kisses you like he’s memorizing you. Like he’s been starving for this.

And he has.

His tongue brushes yours, deliberate and slow, drawing a soft whimper from your throat. Your hands slide down his chest, anchoring yourself. You grind forward, instinctive and unthinking, and he stills you with a groan that sounds like it’s been clawing its way out of him for years.

“Uh-uh,” he growls. “You don’t get that yet.”

Your mouth drops open. “Aaron—”

“No,” he says again, firmer. “Not until you tell me why you waited so long. Not until I get every answer I’ve been patient enough to wait for.”

You’re panting now.

His thumb drags across your bottom lip — slow, focused, like he’s trying to decide whether to kiss you again or call you out.

His hand stays on your waist, warm and firm, the other still curled behind your neck. He hasn’t kissed you again. Not yet. He’s waiting. Letting the silence stretch until you can’t take it anymore.

“You told me you wanted me,” Aaron says quietly, eyes dark. “Now tell me why you waited so long.”

You hesitate. Swallow. Try to look away.

His fingers tighten just slightly. “Eyes on me, sweetheart.”

You meet his gaze — and once you do, the words start to spill.

“Because I was scared,” you say softly.

He says nothing — just strokes his thumb along the back of your neck, coaxing more.

“I didn’t want to be another actress linked to her co-star. I didn’t want to ruin the show with drama if things didn't work out between us. I didn't want to risk my career before it even really started."

Aaron’s jaw ticks, but he stays still, letting you keep going.

“And your fans…” you continue, voice shaking, “They’re intense. They hate anyone who gets too close to you. The comments, the threats — I’ve seen them. I didn’t want to live like that. Constantly being picked apart for being near you.”

Aaron doesn’t say anything — not yet. Just listens, eyes locked on yours, hand still firm at the base of your spine. His thumb is tracing slow circles into your skin like he’s trying to keep your pulse tethered to his.

“I know who you are, Aaron. I’ve seen it up close. Every woman wants you. I couldn’t walk into a room with you without someone throwing themselves at you.”

He’s still quiet. Dead quiet. But his grip tightens on your waist like he wants you to keep going.

“And I didn’t know if you’d want something real with me. I didn’t want to be some fling. I didn’t want you to use me to burn off steam between interviews and premieres and then move on to someone else."

Silence.

Aaron’s jaw clenches.

The silence stretches too long. It’s not teasing anymore.

His fingers flex against your waist — not rough, not soft. Just restrained.

When he finally speaks, his voice is low. Cold. Not because he doesn’t care — because he cares too much.

“You think I waited around for years… just so I could fuck you and forget you?”

You freeze, but your pulse spikes.

He sees it — the way your lips part, the way your breath catches. He sees everything. That’s always been the problem. He sees through you too easily, and tonight, he’s not letting you hide.

“Aaron,” you whisper, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“You did.” His gaze holds yours — firm, but not unkind. “You meant it exactly like that. And I get it. You were protecting yourself. You’ve always been good at that.”

He exhales slowly, jaw ticking once before he shifts beneath you, his hands steady on your hips.

“But I thought by now,” he says, voice lower, rougher, “you’d know me better than that.”

You bite your lip, heart in your throat.

“I waited,” he says, fingers flexing at your waist, holding you exactly where he wants you. “I was patient. I watched you laugh it off every time it got too real.”

His hands glide up your sides — slow, reverent, grounding. His eyes don’t leave yours.

“And now you’re here,” he says. “In my lap. Dripping through those tiny little panties. Still pretending you don’t love me.”

His mouth twitches into something smug. “You’ve been running for four years, sweetheart. But you’re out of road.”

You lean in — trying to distract him — brushing your lips over his jaw, his neck, anywhere he’ll let you touch.

He tilts his head, letting you try. But his grip stays firm. Unyielding.

You whisper, desperate, “Just kiss me again…”

Aaron chuckles under his breath, dark and knowing. “No.”

You blink. “What?”

“I’m not kissing you until you say it.”

Your breath catches. “Aaron—”

He lifts a brow. “Unless you’d rather go home soaking wet and unsatisfied.”

You squirm in his lap, trying to grind down on him — needing friction, contact, anything.

You whimper. “Please…”

He leans in — not touching your mouth, just close enough to make you ache. “Use your words, baby.”

“I can’t,” you whisper, voice breaking.

“Yes, you can,” he says, calm and sure. “You’re just scared I won’t say it back.”

Your chest tightens. Your throat closes.

He softens, just slightly. One hand moves to cradle your jaw. “I’m not going anywhere. But I need you to be brave this time.”

You’re shaking.

You try to hold it in. You try to keep the last piece of yourself locked up, because once you say it, you can’t take it back.

But then he rocks his hips up into yours — just once — and your entire body jolts.

“Fuck,” you breathe, voice cracking.

“Say it,” he whispers again. “Or I’ll keep you like this all night.”

You’re on the verge of tears now — not from sadness, but the overwhelming pressure of it. The ache. The love you’ve been trying to bury alive for years.

“I love you,” you whisper.

His eyes darken, and the shift in him is immediate. That sharpness in his jaw relaxes, but everything else gets tighter — more focused. Like he’s locked into place now, no more teasing, no more waiting. Something quiet but fierce settles behind his gaze.

He cups your jaw fully now, both hands framing your face. “I know.”

Then he kisses you — again. This time it’s slow. Controlled. He tastes like promise. Like the kind of love that doesn’t get taken back in the morning.

“You don’t have to be scared.” he whispers against your lips. “I'm not going anywhere.”

You nod, your breath catching as his hands slide down your body with slow certainty.

He leans back slightly to look at you, one hand slipping beneath your panties, fingers tracing along your soaked heat. Your whole body arches into him — not even shy about it anymore.

“I knew you were wet,” he breathes. “But fuck…”

His fingers slide through your slickness and you cry out — overwhelmed, shivering.

He dips one finger inside you — slow, deep — and your eyes roll back. Your moan is shameless, immediate.

“That’s it,” he whispers. “Let me hear you.”

Your hands scramble for something to hold on to — his arms, his shoulders, anything — and he shifts you slightly in his lap, his thumb circling your clit now while his finger curls just right.

You gasp. “Aaron—”

“I know, baby,” he breathes, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I got you.”

His rhythm stays slow, steady, designed to ruin you inch by inch. Not rushed, not greedy, just devastatingly focused on what your body needs.

Your climax tears through you like something you’ve been holding back for years — a release of pressure, of fear, of everything you never said. You cry out against his lips, shaking in his arms, as he whispers praise into your ear.

He holds you through every wave — grounded, strong, steady — never letting go.

And when it finally passes, when you’re trembling and flushed and breathless, he kisses your forehead, then your lips, then down to the curve of your jaw.

He doesn't move his hand from between your thighs yet, his fingers still resting against your sensitive skin, stroking you in slow, lazy circles, like he’s not ready to stop touching you. Like he won’t.

“I told you I could do this all night,” he murmurs, voice rough, dangerous.

You shiver.

Your hand finds the hem of his sweater, slipping underneath. His skin is warm and solid, muscle flexing under your fingers as you push it higher. He lets you pull it off, watching you, letting you touch him now, letting you finally have what you’ve wanted for so long.

His chest is broad and defined, that faint trail of hair down his stomach making your pulse trip. You run your hands down the planes of his torso and feel him inhale through his nose, eyes darkening.

“You look like you’ve been dying to get your hands on me,” he says, voice quiet and smug.

You nod, helpless. “I have.”

He grins, then grips your thighs and stands, lifting you like you weigh nothing.

You gasp and cling to his shoulders as he carries you toward his bedroom, your legs wrapped around his waist, dress still bunched up around your hips.

He kicks the door open and lays you down on his bed, standing over you for a moment, watching you like you’re something holy.

“Take it off,” he says, nodding to your dress.

You start to slide the straps down your shoulders, but your hands are shaking. He notices, of course he does, and steps forward to help, voice softer now.

“Let me.”

He undresses you slowly, carefully, pulling the fabric down inch by inch until you’re left in just your soaked panties beneath him, bare and exposed in every way. His eyes drag over your body like he’s memorizing it. When his hand moves to your inner thigh again, your breath catches, your body still sensitive from before.

But he touches you anyway, brushing between your legs with just enough pressure to make you whimper.

You squirm. “Aaron—”

“You want me to stop?”

“No,” you breathe.

He pulls your panties down, slow and deliberate, and lets them fall to the floor.

Then he climbs onto the bed—kneeling between your legs, eyes dragging over your body like you’re something he’s been starved for.

He leans down and kisses your neck, your collarbone, the curve of your breast, never rushing. His hands stroke your thighs, your stomach, your hips, like he’s trying to ground you while simultaneously unraveling you all over again.

Then, without warning, his mouth is between your legs.

You cry out, hands fisting in the sheets as his tongue drags through your folds, slow and precise. He groans against you when you moan, like the sound alone is a reward.

You squirm a bit, still sensitive from your last orgasm and overwhelmed by the pleasure—but his hands hold your hips down, firm and steady.

“Uh uh. Stay still.” he murmurs.

His tongue circles your clit with expert precision, lips closing around it just enough to make your hips jerk. Then he slides two fingers inside you again, curling them just right, and you feel yourself breaking apart all over again, faster this time, more desperate.

He brings you over the edge with a low groan, licking you through it, and when you come this time, it’s with a cry of his name that almost leaves your throat raw.

You barely have time to breathe before he’s crawling up your body, kissing you hard, letting you taste yourself on his mouth.

You reach for his belt, fumbling with the buckle, and he grins against your lips.

“Don't you regret not letting me do this years ago?” he murmurs.

“You talk too much,” you pant, tugging at his jeans.

He helps you strip him down, and when you feel him—hard, thick, and heavy in your hand—you freeze.

Your eyes flick up to his, suddenly nervous.

He sees it. Smiles. And not sweetly.

“Too much for you?” he teases, brushing your hair off your face like he’s comforting you.

You open your mouth—probably to fire back—but he doesn’t give you the chance.

He kisses you again, deep and slow, then lines himself up and teases your entrance with the tip—just the tip—until you’re gasping and clawing at his back, trying to pull him in.

“Aw, look at you,” he murmurs against your cheek. “Already came twice and still so desperate.”

Then he pushes in.

Slow. Deep. Devastating.

You choke on a gasp, legs wrapping tight around his hips, your back arching as your body stretches to take him.

“F–fuck,” he grits out, forehead pressed to yours. “I should’ve made you mine the second I met you.”

He pulls out almost all the way—then drives back in, hard enough to make the bed creak.

You cry out, and he chuckles darkly.

“Yeah,” he breathes, “that’s it. Let me hear you."

He starts to move—long, unrelenting strokes that leave you boneless. Every thrust is deliberate, every angle calculated. He grips your thigh, holding it high against his side, while the other hand cups your jaw like he’s anchoring you in place.

“Are you still gonna pretend I don't own you after this?” he whispers, tone dripping with taunt.

You whimper, nails digging into his shoulders. Your mouth finds his neck, desperate, clinging. But you can’t stop shaking. You can’t breathe.

You fall apart under him, gasping and sobbing into his throat as your body clamps down around him. He doesn’t stop—not until he’s spilling into you with a growl of your name, his hips jerking, forehead pressed to yours as he rides it out, slow and deep and full.

After, he doesn’t pull away.

He kisses your jaw, your shoulder, your throat—soft now, like penance. Like he knows exactly how much he just wrecked you and he’s trying to stitch the pieces back together.

For a while, neither of you move. Just breathing. Just existing. Your limbs tangled, your bodies still buzzing.

Eventually, he pulls back—just enough to press a final kiss to your temple. Then he slips out of bed, tugging you with him.

By the time you’re both clean, dry, and back in bed—wrapped in one of his massive gray blankets—the tension from earlier has softened.

Aaron lies behind you, arm draped around your waist, chest warm against your back. You feel his breath in the dip of your neck—slow, steady.

You break the silence first. “You still awake?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You good?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Then: “Just thinking.”

You shift slightly, just enough to glance back at him. “Thinking about what?”

His touch moves higher, his thumb tracing soft circles beneath your ribs. “About what would’ve happened if you hadn’t asked me to leave that party with you.”

Your chest tightens.

“I spent a long time convincing myself that what we had — the flirting, the inside jokes — was enough,” he murmurs. “That I didn’t need more.”

He exhales, quiet and controlled. “But it wasn’t enough. Not even close.”

You turn onto your side to face him. He watches you in the dark, eyes unreadable, jaw tense.

You feel the words settle between you — warm, honest, a little heavy.

He brushes a knuckle down your cheek, almost absentminded. “I love you,” he says, soft and steady. “And I’ve never been subtle about it.”

Your lips twitch into a smile, even as your eyes burn. “No. You weren’t.”

He laughs under his breath. “And you never made it easy.”

You nudge him with your foot beneath the blanket. “Neither did you.”

A beat of silence passes before you add, quieter now, “I wasn’t trying to be a bitch. I just… didn’t know how to handle it.”

“I know,” he says, gentle now. “You didn’t owe me anything."

You nod, heart full. Then, after a beat: “So what now?”

He leans onto his back, pulling you with him so your head rests against his shoulder. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…” You toy with the edge of the blanket. “We’re not working together anymore. No more excuses to see each other every day.”

He raises a brow. “You worried I’ll disappear without the studio forcing us into close proximity?”

You roll your eyes. “I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he says. “You’re already overthinking how we stay in each other’s lives like I haven’t spent four years plotting exactly that.”

You make a face. “Plotting?”

“Yeah,” he says, smirking. “Meticulous long game."

Your breath stutters. “So… that means we’re together?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Babe. You’re naked in my bed, your legs around me, and I just told you I love you. What the fuck else would we be?”

You laugh. “You really know how to make someone melt.”

“I know.” he says smugly, trailing his hand beneath the blanket.

You try to stay still, to keep the upper hand—but his fingers slip beneath your shirt again, slow and deliberate.

“You love me?” he whispers, kissing your jaw.

“I do,” you sigh, finally letting yourself say it out loud. “Which is unfortunate, really.”

He laughs into your skin, his mouth finding your neck. “Terrible life decision. But I fully support it.”

#aaron pierre #aaron pierre fanfic #aaron pierre smut #aaron pierre x reader #aaron pierre x black reader #terry richmond fic #terry richmond smut

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bapeach · 3 months ago

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Senior day

Sorry I've been gone for a month! I'm going to try to write more again, but no promises. Also sorry if the end is a bit abrupt, I suck at writing endings. Constructive criticism is always welcome :D You can find part 2 here. Find my masterlist here :)

Pairing(s): Paige Bueckers x female!reader Word count: 3.1k+ Summary: Y/N finally surprises her girlfriend on senior day. ------------

If there was one thing you loved, it was surprises. Well, you liked surprising other people, you didn’t love getting surprised yourself. Which sucked because somehow, Paige always managed to surprise you, while she always knew what you were up to before you even knew.

Every time you tried to surprise her by showing up at her dorm unannounced, she was there to open the door with a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates of her own. The fact that she knew your training schedule by heart and knew you’d come visit her every spare time you got warmed your heart, but man, was it annoying you never got to surprise her.

The second your schedule was cleared and you didn’t reply for a few hours, she immediately knew you were on a plane to Storrs. Even when you tried lying by saying you were going to take a nap or you had extra practice, she knew.

This time, it would be different.

When you got your training schedule e-mail at the beginning of the year, you immediately checked what the plan was for the 2nd of March. Seeing you didn’t have any practice, you basically jumped out of your seat. You immediately went into edit mode and changed the data to a full day of practice. Right as you click “save”, your phone pings.

“Let’s gooo, we don’t have practice on senior day!! Are we flying to Storrs together?” The message reads. Grinning, you open the chat and press the FaceTime icon. Seeing Nika’s face pop up, you give her a wide smile as you say, “We’re flying together, and we’re gonna surprise the hell out of Paige!” The Croatian chuckles at your excitement. “Well hello to you too, babes,” she teases as her accent shines through. You roll your eyes playfully as you stick your tongue out at your best friend.

“Hi lovely, how are you, queen of my life?” You joke, making her laugh. “Okay, you’re doing too much,” she giggles, shaking her head in amusement. You wink at her before looking back at your laptop and sending her the edited schedule. “Alright, I edited the e-mail we got, so now when we send it to P, she’ll think we’ll be busy that day, and she won’t see us coming!”

“Right, that’s totallyyyy gonna work,” the brunette nods with a smile. You pout at her as you whine, “It will! I don’t know how she always knows when I’m on my way to her, but she won’t this time! We just need to make sure we’re subtle, and that the team doesn’t snitch.”

You both continue to talk for another 10 minutes before your phone starts pinging with messages from your favorite blonde. Seeing the dopey grin on your face, Nika says her goodbyes and tells you to say hi to “Lovergirl”. Once the brunette’s face disappears from your screen, you tap Paige’s chat on your laptop and call her.

“Hey ma,” the blonde says with a soft smile. You send her a smile of your own as your pupils dilate at the sight of her. “Hey baby,” you respond, placing your cheek in your palm as you stare at her. Her baby hairs are sticking up, her eye bags look a little darker than the last time you saw her, and her lips are a bit chapped, but she still looks like the prettiest girl in the world to you.

“Did you get your training timetable yet?” She asks, her right eyebrow raising slightly. You hum as you share your screen with her. The blonde leans in closer to the camera to get a better view, making you smile. You take a screenshot of her cute, scrunched-up face before focusing back on the calendar. “Damn, I was hoping you’d be free for senior day,” she huffs playfully, but you can tell she’s trying to hide her disappointment.

You bite your lip, feeling bad that she’s upset, but you force yourself to keep it a secret. “I know, love,” you say softly, “but I promise I’ll be cheering you on from here!” Paige brightens up a bit, though not by much, so you change the subject. “I can’t believe you’re joining the WNBA soon… I can’t wait to kick your ass in front of thousands of people.”

Paige laughs loudly as she shakes her head, “Keep dreaming, babe.” You raise your eyebrow challengingly at her. “If my mind serves me right, I beat your ass at Christmas.” She rolls her eyes in return. “You cheated, and you know it,” the blonde complains. You laugh as you raise your hands in question, “How did I cheat?”

“Uhm, you were only wearing shorts and a sports bra, which you know drives me crazy. You kept flirting with me, trying to distract me. And you paid the ref to look the other way when you weren’t following the rules.” She replies, counting the reasons on her fingers. You smirk at the first two reasons but can’t help bursting out in laughter hearing the third.

“I did not pay Drew to look the other way,” you say as you try to stop laughing. “Mhm, sureee, yet a few hours after the fact, Drew suddenly has a new game he’s been wanting for a while,” she replies, squinting her eyes in suspicion. You simply shake your head at her.

When you open your mouth to defend yourself, you hear Azzi calling Paige’s name in the background. The blonde looks offscreen and mumbles a few things before looking back with a slight frown. “I gotta go, baby,” she says, her eyes becoming a little less bright. You feel your heart clench, but you try to remain strong for her. “Alright, love, have fun at practice, don’t overwork yourself! I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

She smiles softly. “Alright, bye, I love you!” “I love you too!” Once her face disappears from your screen, you sigh. Though you’d seen her just last week for the holidays, you missed her already. You both knew it wasn’t going to be easy being in a relationship while you were both in different states, but there was no way you were going to let each other go.

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

The next few weeks are hard. Paige is practicing more and harder than she ever has, wanting to leave UConn with a bang, meaning you barely ever have time to talk. The few times you guys are able to call, the blonde falls asleep within minutes of hearing your voice. Every morning after, you get a very sad message as she apologizes for once again falling asleep. Every time she does, you reassure her it’s okay, being happy that she finds comfort in your voice as she dozes off. Sure, you’d love to actually have a proper conversation with her, but you know she’s doing her best.

Besides, it’s not like you weren’t busy, either. Your coach had you practicing more than ever, wanting the team to be prepared to start off the season well. When you weren’t practicing with the team, you were in the gym with Nika, synchronizing your moves to become even better teammates. You were doing a pretty good job, though your heart felt heavy from the lack of seeing your girl.

You counted down the days until senior day, and with only a few days left, you were getting restless. “Okay, we should arrive about two hours before the game, so that should give us enough time to pick up the flowers, get settled and ready, and hopefully get to our seats without being swarmed by fans.” You ramble nervously as you fall back onto Nika’s bed. The brunette smiles at you as she settles down next to you, brushing some hair out of your face. “It’s gonna be okay, babe, stop stressing.”

“I just wanna make sure everything is perfect for her, she deserves that,” you reply as you look at your friend. “And it will be! I’ve been texting Azzi, and it seems P believes that we won’t make it, she’s all mopey.” She grins at the thought of a pouty Paige, knowing the girl gets a bit childish when she’s upset. You roll your eyes at her, but you can’t help your lips curving up a little.

“Only a few more days,” you thought to yourself.

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

The second your plane lands, you and Nika speed over to get your bags before rushing to your hotel. You make a quick stop at the florist to pick up a bouquet of flowers, beaming when you see how pretty they are. You each take turns taking a quick shower before getting ready together. You help Nika braid her hair as she helps you with your make-up. Sensing your stress, the brunette takes your mind off of things by talking about random things like the new restaurant you two should go to and the new show you’ve been watching.

You make a mental note to treat the Croatian to a nice girls day for everything she’s done for you.

Once you’re ready, you make your way over to the stadium. Your stomach flutters with nerves as you fidget with the bouquet. Once inside, you make your way over to one of the UConn staff members and an old friend of yours, handing him the flowers so he can keep them safe for now. You talk with him for a moment before Nika lets you know it’s time to get to your seats. You tap your foot to the music that’s playing as you wait for the Huskies to come out and warm up.

When you hear the crowd start cheering, you look up and see the players slowly walk onto the court, grinning as they take in the moment. Your eyes immediately zero in on Paige as she walks onto the court with KK and Azzi by her side. A grin forms on your lips as you watch the blonde and the freshman tease each other. When you look at the team’s princess, you see she’s already looking at you with big eyes and a wide grin.

You send Azzi a wave before looking back at Paige. Having noticed the younger girl beside her isn’t paying attention, the blonde looks over at her. She follows her gaze before freezing mid-step. Her blue eyes meet yours, and it feels like everything around you fades. Her pearly whites shine bright as she smiles at you.

She quickly starts walking over to you as you get up to meet her halfway. The second she’s within reach, you fling your arms around her neck as she lifts you into a tight hug. You squeeze her close to you, finally feeling whole again. You feel the taller girl breathe in your signature perfume as she buries her face into the crook of your neck. You rub her neck with your thumb as you greet her, “Hey baby,” you whisper as to not break the moment.

When she pulls back, you see a few tears have formed in her eyes. You chuckle as you rub your thumbs over the apples of her cheeks. “How? I thought you had practice?” She mutters, looking away from you for a moment to send Nika a big smile. “I may or may not have edited the file…” you say with a cheeky grin, “Surprise!” The blonde shakes her head as she laughs, her eyes seem lighter than ever.

She looks around for a moment before shrugging and saying, “Fuck it.” She pulls you into a sweet kiss that leaves you both blushing as you hear the crowd around you cheer even louder than before. You push her away, shaking your head as you bite your lip to stop the huge grin growing on your face. “Go warm up, loser,” you tease. She nods her head, her eyes twinkling. She squeezes your hand before walking back to her team. “Hey P!” You yell, making her look back. “Knock ‘em dead!”

She sends you a smirk and a salute, causing the butterflies in your stomach to stir. You had full confidence in UConn, having seen the insane games they’ve been having lately, but that didn’t make the game any less nerve-wracking. Anything could happen. A bad fall, a shitty ref, or even just the nerves getting to the team. But even with all your worries about a possible injury, a smile is etched onto your face the whole match. Seeing Paige on the court, exactly where she belongs, is magical. It’s like seeing the last puzzle piece click into place.

As the last seconds tick by, you’re standing up beside Nika, applauding and cheering so hard your hands burn and your throat aches. As the final buzzer goes off, you pull the Croatian into a tight hug as the Huskies jump into a group hug. Once things have calmed down a bit, Paige waves you over, so you grab Nika’s hand and walk onto the court. The two of you immediately get bombarded by hugs, high-fives, and pats on the shoulder from the team. You gush to them about how well they played before finally making your way over to the star of the show.

You fling yourself into the blonde’s arms right away, not caring about her sweatiness. You hold her so tight that you fear she might not be able to breathe. You feel her heart beating loudly against her chest as your head lays against her. “I’m so fucking proud of you, baby,” you mutter, smiling up at her with love clear in your eyes.

Paige pulls you into a searing kiss, not caring about the camera’s flashing around you. “I love you so much,” she breathes out as she leans her forehead against yours. “And I you, my love,” you reply, your heart feeling like it’s about to burst out of its cage.

You let her go after a moment, letting her go to her team for the end of senior night. You stand around with Nika for a bit before it’s time for the ceremony. Giving the Croatian’s hand a squeeze, you walk towards where the Huskies are standing. You stroll over to Paige and her family, giving Drew a high five and the rest of her family a hug.

The blonde looks at you with adoration and a hint of confusion. You stop next to her, sliding a hand into hers. “I’d love to walk with you, if that’s okay?” You ask with an easy smile. “Of course, but… I thought only family was allowed to do that?” She replies, her brows knitted together. “Usually, yeah, but… I pulled some strings,” you grin mischievously. A chuckle escapes her lips, but before she can say anything, the lights dim and a hush spreads over the crowd.

You squeeze her hand before looking ahead at the announcer as he starts announcing the first senior, Kaitlyn Chen. You clap as she starts walking with her family, a bright smile on your face. You might never have played with the girl, but you adored her energy and had heard great things about her from Paige.

Once it’s Paige’s turn, you walk beside her, winking at some of your old teammates as you pass them. Reaching Geno, you give him a tight squeeze, missing the old grump more than you dared to tell anyone. Once the blonde receives her frame, you take a step back with her siblings, letting her have her moment. You sling your arms around them, letting Drew stand in front of you as he leans against your front. Seeing their teary eyes, you squeeze their shoulders as you give them a watery smile.

After a moment, Paige waves everyone over. You give her siblings a tiny push as you grin her way. You let them take some pictures before joining them after a pointed look from your girlfriend. As you stand there, surrounded by your favorite people, your heart swells. Nothing could wipe your smile off of your face.

As you pose for the camera, your right pocket feels heavy. Though the tiny blue box holds nothing more than a ring and a thousand promises, it feels like it’s aflame and ready to burn its way to freedom.

While you don’t plan on proposing in the middle of a big gym, surrounded by sweaty bodies and a howling crowd, you do have the ring on your person. Though it makes you slightly anxious, fearing you might lose it or Paige might see it, it also brings you a type of serene calm. You brush your hands against it, letting the velvet box ground you. Knowing that tonight is the night you’ll finally ask the love of your life to be yours forever only makes this day that much sweeter.

You squeeze the taller girl’s hand thrice before letting her go so she can take some more pictures with the other seniors. Once the whole team joins them on the court again, it’s time for the unveiling of your girl’s name on the wall of legends. Tears well up in your eyes once more at the feeling of pure pride and adoration you have. Nika laughs beside you, seeing you become a mess. She hands you a tissue as she gives you a tight side hug.

Once Paige is done with her speech and senior night is coming to an end. You walk back over to her, this time holding the bouquet you’d gotten her. She grins as she sees you coming, a light blush covering her cheeks at the sight of her favorite flowers. “You didn’t have to get me these,” she says, but you can hear the appreciation in her voice. “I know, but I wanted to. You deserve this… Not just the flowers, this whole thing, I mean. You’re amazing. As a basketball player, a leader, a friend, a sister, and a girlfriend. Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” you ramble before biting your tongue. You have an entire speech planned for tonight, now is not the time to start blabbing.

The girl in front of you opens her mouth to speak, but no sound comes out. You’ve left her completely speechless with your sweet words, so instead of saying anything, she just pulls you against her, making sure not to crush the flowers. You hold her for a moment before pushing her away. “Now go shower, you stink,” you grin playfully. “Ugh, you’re so annoying,” she huffs back, but a smile is visible on her face.

You watch her walk away and into the locker rooms, exhaling as you roll your shoulders back. You try not to worry about the big question tonight, knowing you can’t back out. Turning around, your eyes catch Nika’s from where she’s standing with Geno. She sends you a smile and a tiny nod of encouragement, knowing your plan for tonight. You send her one in return before walking over to your (hopefully) soon-to-be in-laws.

“I’ve got this,” you think to yourself.

#paige bueckers x reader #paige x reader #paige bueckers oneshot #paige bueckers #paige bueckers x you #oneshot #imagine #uconn huskies #uconn wbb #wlw fanfic #bapeach writes

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imaginespazzi · 5 months ago

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Part 14: The End And The Beginning

Masterlist - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 15

Still a flicker of hope that you first gave to me that I wanna keep (please don't leave)

(In which an infrequently-updating writer finally didn't take a month to update)

Pairing: Paige Bueckers X Azzi Fudd

Themes: Angst, Fluff and I guess a little bit of Hurt/Comfort

Words: 9.2K

TW: Swearing (and I believe that's it)

A/N: Hello my lovelies <3 It's a little past 2 AM but y'all wanted a chapter at an ungodly hour so here it is. It's insane to think that there will only be one more chapter of this fic. In all honestly I did have ways to drag it out for a little longer but ultimately, this felt like the right path to take. I feel like some of this chapter is a little OOC (though my lovely friends have said maybe I'm just being paranoid) but whelp it was for the plot so! Like I said, ungodly hour chapters means barely any editing for now but I will go over and fix things later. In the meantime if y'all wanna point things out in terms of grammar and typos, please feel free. As always, let me know what you liked, what you didn't and what you'd like to see as this story comes to an end. Have a lovely rest of your day (night?) my loves <3

June 2033

Azzi thinks she might have every detail of her rather uninteresting bedroom ceiling memorized by now. After all -for almost 3 weeks now- instead of sleeping, all she’s done is stared up at it, her mind wandering off to a thousand places, all plagued with the same face. Azzi hadn’t thought it was possible for her heart to ache as much as it had the morning after the proposal, when the regret had hit and she’d rushed into Paige’s room, only to be told by KK that the older girl was gone. The days following had been torture, like enduring a heart attack over and over again, the pain crescendoing until she’d gone numb from it.

But last time there had been no false notions, no open-ended goodbyes, just a clean break and somehow that had been easier to live with. These last few days -filled with the unbearable waiting of maybe today she’ll come back to me- have been worse. Perhaps it’s because of the innate hope flickering like a candle within her. And even though the flame of it seems to get smaller and dimmer every time she sees Paige and the older woman still can’t quite make the promise to stay, Azzi knows that until that hope of hers is either completely shattered or fulfilled, there is no moving on from this hurt.

Sighing to herself, Azzi grabs for her phone. The screen lights up to countless notifications and she bites her lip when she notices the one from Clémence. Dinner had been uncannily awkward last night in a way that it had never been before when the French woman had been a much more frequent presence in her and her daughter’s life. But in between Azzi being completely lost in thoughts of her and Paige’s conversation in the locker room and Stephie somehow managing to find a way to relate every little detail back to Miss Buecks and her face-falling a little every time she did, well it was suffice to say even Clémence’s attempts as making the dinner more cheerful hadn’t been enough to make the evening less of a disaster. Azzi had almost let out a sigh of relief when she’d finally dropped the other woman off at the hotel, trying to not to wince when Clémence had leaned in for a quick kiss on the cheek. But cleary she hadn’t been inconspicuous enough -and neither had Stephie, who’s voice had been rather devoid of her normal Clémence related cheer when she’d wished the Frenchwoman a goodnight- and the guilt from the way the other woman’s smile had faltered, still lingers in Azzi’s stomach.

Chewing at her bottom lip, she swipes the text open. It’s a simple “it was good to see you two again.” and perhaps it doesn’t mean much -maybe Azzi’s doing that overthinking thing again- but there’s something about the formality of it, about the full stop at the end of the sentence feels rather definite. Azzi almost feels like she should apologize for something, perhaps for being so aloof last night or maybe even more. She knows that Clémence had wanted something else from her, had patiently waited for her to turn their relationship into something beyond just casual, something Azzi had never been ready to give to her. But it almost feels too late for any of that and so all she says is “it was good to see you too.” and she hopes that Clémence knows that despite everything, she means it.

Throwing her phone back on the dresser and now feeling perhaps even worse than she had a couple minutes ago, Azzi pulls her blanket above her head, almost pleading with her brain to just shut off. She’s about to give into the impulsive urge to scream into her pillows, when instead her door creaks open and she immediately throws the comforter off of herself, reaching over to turn on her bedside lamp as she sits up straight on her bed.

Stephie stands in the doorway, a fluffy teddy bear cuddled to her chest as she stares up at Azzi with big doey eyes and the older woman’s heart constricts when she sees the hint of sadness sitting heavily within them. Her little girl had been quiet all day -really since dinner last night. With today being a rare off day, the two of them had spent most of it lounging on the couch watching movies. But Azzi could tell something was off about Stephie. Her daughter, normally ever the commentator, had been dead silent, cuddling into her mother’s side and barely even chuckling at the comedy scenes. Truthfully, Stephie hadn’t been quite the same ever since they’d left Paige’s that morning -and with the amount of nights she’d snuck into Azzi’s room since, her mother had almost been expecting it tonight- but it seemed like something else had shifted last night.

“C’mere baby girl,” Azzi says softly as she holds her arms open and Stephie dutifully climbs into them, burrowing her head into her mother’s chest, “what’s up?”

“Can’t sleep,” comes the muffled response from her daughter as Azzi gently rubs the little girl’s back, “can I sleep here with you?”

Azzi smiles, pressing a gentle kiss against Stephie’s hair, “of course you can sweetheart,” she whispers, before falling back into her pillows with her daughter still securely wrapped in her arms.

She continues to brush her hands through Stephie’s hair, listening to the sound of her little girl breathing as she hums a lullaby.

“Mama,” Stephie says tentatively, after a while.

“Yeah Stephie-bean?”

“Yes-er-day when we were at dinner-,” the little girl swallows nervously and Azzi’s squeezes her shoulders, hoping it conveys that she’s listening, ready to hear whatever it is that’s been bothering the little girl, “yes-er-day at one of the other tables, I saw- I saw a woman with gold hair and she- she had it in a bun like- like the one Miss Buecks usually has.”

Azzi’s breath hitches, “go on sweetheart.”

“And she- she was-,” Stephie drops her voice down to a whisper, “she was kissing someone who looked a lot like you Mama.”

“Oh,” Azzi manages to get out as she feels her lungs compress.

“And there was a little girl too and they both gave her lots of kisses too,” Stephie’s voice is small as she says the fact and Azzi has to bite her lips hard to keep in the sob that’s threatening to escape her lips. And she remembers the exact people Stephie’s talking about, remembers the way her heart panged as she’d seen the way three of them -the two women and their little girl- were practically giddy around each other. They’d looked almost like an exact replica of Paige, Azzi and Stephie, not that long ago. Azzi had, had to tear her eyes away from the scene, not wanting to let the tears that were dangerously close to her waterline slip down her cheeks. She hadn’t looked in their direction again. But Azzi hadn’t even imagined that maybe Stephie would’ve noticed that too, that her daughter would’ve felt the sting of the happy picture the same way she had.

“Oh sweetheart-”

“My friend Anya has a Mama and a Mommy,” Stephie rushes out before Azzi can console her any further, “and my other friend Lena didn’t understand how that was poss-ble cause she has a Mommy and a Daddy like most of my other friends but Anya said it’s poss-ble and that her Mama and Mommy love each other just like Lena’s Mommy and Daddy love each other.”

“Anya’s right,” Azzi says softly, smiling at how simple children make everything sound even though she’s not quite sure where Stephie’s getting at with this story, “I’m sure her Mama and Mommy love each other a lot.”

“Anya says they kiss on the lips- just like- just like the women at the restaurant and like Nana and Pops or like Uncle José and Aunty Tully,” Stephie scrunches her nose as she finally untucks herself from Azzi’s chest, “Anya says that’s what people in love do but I think it’s kinda gross cause kissing on the lips looks kinda yucky.”

Azzi laughs, booping the little girl’s nose, “it does look a little funny.”

“But Anya says her Mommy and Mama do other things too. Like her Mama takes care of her Mommy when she’s sick and when her Mama cries over a movie, her Mommy laughs but then gives her Mama a big hug. And Anya says that sometimes when Anya’s Mama isn’t looking, Anya sees her Mommy looking at her Mama with a big smile,” Stephie stretches out her arms for emphasis as she climbs off of Azzi’s lap to sit on the bed next to her.

“That sounds sweet,” Azzi says wistfully, still a little confused why she’s being told everything about Anya’s two mothers.

There’s a moment of silence before Stephie drags in a deep breath as she stares intently at her mother, “I never seen you and Miss Buecks kiss, Mama.”

Her words loom in the air as Azzi’s mouth falls open, everything suddenly beginning to click, “Steph-”

“But when Miss Buecks was sick, I saw you make her soup and make her eat her med-cines even though Miss Buecks said they tasted yucky. And when you cry over Mr. Olaf melting in Frozen, Miss Buecks always says ‘Az you’re so silly, you’ve seen this so many times. How can you still cry at it?’”Stephie recites, doing an almost perfect impression that has Azzi’s letting out something in between a sob and a laugh.

“But then she gives you a big hug anyways. And Mama,” the little girl continues, “when you’re not looking, I see Miss Buecks looking at you with this big, big, big, smile all the time.”

“Stephie,” Azzi chokes out, trying to hold herself together.

Her daughter looks at her with something almost like wonder, “you and Miss Buecks- you were just- you were just like Anya’s Mama and Mommy?”

“Yeah,” Azzi whispers, as she grasps the little girl’s hands in her own, bracing herself for whatever Stephie might say next, “yeah I guess we were.”

But Stephie doesn’t say anything for a while, sitting all quiet and contemplative for a moment until she slowly climbs back into her mother’s arms, resting her head right against Azzi’s chest.

“Mama,” her voice is small when she finally does speak, “I really miss Miss Buecks.”

Azzi feels her heart constrict, finally losing the battle against her tears as they drip down her cheeks, and she tightens her grip on her daughter, “I know baby. I really miss her too.”

***

April 2025

“What are you doing?” panic filters into Azzi’s tone as she watches Paige slowly get down on one knee, her heart pulsating as she slowly begins to understand why her girlfriend had set this whole thing up. Really she should’ve known as soon as KK and Ice had excitedly bound into her room, mischievous knowing smirks on their faces as they’d made her change into something nice before practically dragging her onto the roof. She should’ve known when she’d seen the candles and the pink roses and Paige just a little too dressed up in the midst of it all, that this was more than just one of the older girl’s lavishly planned date nights.

Paige smiles up at her, either not hearing the distress in the brunette’s voice or perhaps not quite understanding the gravity of it. She reaches for Azzi’s hands, soft fingers entwining with the younger girl’s like their holding onto a lifeline. An unfamiliar sensation builds in Azzi’s stomach, one she doesn’t think she’s ever felt in Paige’s presence before.

“Paige,” she whispers helplessly.

“I’ve got you baby,” Paige squeezes her hands gently, mistaking whatever it is that Azzi’s feeling, for simple nerves.

But it’s not that. Azzi knows this unsettling feeling that’s tornadoing around her isn’t just nerves or butterflies or whatever else it is that one normally feels before a proposal. It’s something much, much worse. Something almost like dread. And Azzi can feel all those suppressed emotions that have been building for the last couple of weeks-the whispers of thoughts that she’d brushed away as nothing serious- suddenly rushing through her body and settling like a large, immovable lump at the back of her throat.

She remembers the first time she’d felt it, that unfamiliar twist in her stomach. It had been at a press conference after some easily won Big East game with UConn’s Big Three sitting diligently at the media-table. And it had suddenly occurred to Azzi, just as they’d finished their media availability, that she’d been asked exactly one question about her own performance -a respectable 24/4/3 statline- from the pool of reporters. Every other question of the four that had been directed her way, had been about Paige. She’d come to a stop outside the press room, letting herself sit with the thought for a second until her girlfriend -with her bright blue eyes and just-for-Azzi smile- had come bounding up to her. And suddenly, as it always seemed to be when it came to Paige, Azzi couldn’t think about anything else anymore. Not when the blonde was lacing their fingers together and putting her lips dangerously close to her ears, whispering all the sinful things they could get up to that night.

But then it happened again two games later. One question about her own performance followed by a cycle of questions about Paige during a presser where the blonde wasn’t even in attendance. This time Azzi had thought about it a little longer but then she’d chided herself for it, chalking it up to her brain doing that overthinking thing again. It was natural to be asked about teammates, especially superstar, generational, teammates who were likely to go #1 in the upcoming WNBA draft.

And then it happened again.

And again.

Until it was the Elite Eight and Azzi found herself, after a 28/5/4 statline and two clutch free throws to win it all, still somehow fielding more questions about Paige -and how the blonde had impacted Azzi’s game and recovery and their relationship as best friends- than about her own performance.

That’s when she’d finally begun to understand what that twist in her stomach had been. She’d felt sick at the idea that it could be envy -how could she ever be jealous of her Paige’s success- but she’d understood then, almost gawking at the reporter who’d had the audacity to ask her, her fourth Paige-related question that night, that it wasn’t that. Maybe it would’ve been easier if it was.

It was fear.

The fear that her own identity in the basketball world was slowly withering away under the weight of her relationship.

“Hey,” Paige’s voice feels like it’s coming from a distance even though she’s right in front of Azzi and the brunette swallows hard as she tries to pry herself away from her thoughts to focus on her girlfriend.

“Paige,” she whispers back helplessly, as her eyes begin to water.

Every time Azzi had imagined Paige proposing -the first time had been when she was 15 and she’d woken up from the dream, almost shaking but still filled with the serene calmness that came from knowing something was inevitable- she had always in fact pictured tears in her own eyes.

But not like this.

Because these little droplets cascading down her cheeks that Paige’s fingers diligently reach up to wipe away aren’t the tears of a girl whose dreams to marry her best friend -the love of her life- are coming true. They’re the tears of a girl who’s bracing herself for an inevitable fight when she puts her career before a relationship, when her head wins this fight against her heart.

Blissfully unaware, Paige continues on, “I’ve um- I’ve thought of this a million times. Actually maybe a billion or a trillion or quadrillion. Point is I’ve been thinking about it pretty much ever since I met you.”

Stop, Azzi thinks but all that comes out is a whimper.

“So you’d think, considering I’ve thought about it that many times, I’d have an actual speech prepared or something. And I did you know. I uh- I wrote one and then I hated it so I deleted it all and then I wrote another and then I deleted that one too,” Paige laughs and the sound of it, that had once felt like a warm blanket shrouding all of Azzi’s senses, now feels a lot like a wintry chill settling around her body.

“And what I realized,” there’s moisture pooling in the blonde’s own eyes now, “is that I don’t need a speech. I don’t need hundreds of words. I just need three. I love you,” Paige presses a kiss against Azzi’s knuckles and the other girl shudders, “I love you so fucking much Azzi Fudd. And I’m gonna love you for the rest of my life.”

She lets go of the brunette’s hands to retrieve a black velvet box from her pockets and Azzi bites her lip so hard, the metallic taste of blood overwhelms her taste buds.

“Azzi Jazlyn Fudd,” Paige says softly, flicking open the box to reveal a heart-cut diamond ring, “will you marry me?”

“No,” it comes out so soft, almost blending with the wind, that for a second even Azzi doubts she’d said it.

“”What?”

Azzi clears her throat, “no.”

“No?” Paige repeats, blinking up at her with a mixture of confusion and anticipatory dread.

“No,” Azzi says again, her voice much stronger now as she takes a step back, the tears freely falling from her cheeks.

“I don’t- I don’t understand,” Paige, still on one knee, stumbles a little as she tries to formulate the right words, “you- you don’- no?,” her eyebrows furrow in confusion, “you don’t want to marry me?”

I do, Azzi wants to scream.

“I can’t,” she says.

Paige stares up at her, something akin to disbelief etched across her beautiful features, “what does that even fucking mean you can’t?”

“I just-” Azzi struggles against the jumble of thoughts in head as she tries to piece together a coherent sentence, “I can’t.”

“Bullshit,” Paige snarls.

“Paige-”

“Do not Paige me,” the older girl seethes, her expression darkening, “you better fucking explain yourself.”

“I- I will,” Azzi stutters, trying to make herself small as she wraps her arms around herself, “can you- just,” she eyes Paige, who’s still kneeling one one knee, “can you please- please just stand up.”

Paige flinches, like Azzi has asked her to shoot an arrow into her own soul. And maybe she had. But she does as asked. The blonde’s movements are reluctant, almost like it pains her to stand up and when she does, the distance she puts between her and Azzi can’t be more than a few meters, but it feels like it stretches the length of an ocean.

“Explain,” Paige says scathingly.

“I just-” Azzi takes in a deep breath, barely able to meet her girlfriend’s eyes as she forces out the next words, “I don’t want to be known as just your wife.”

Paige lets out an expected noise of protest, “you wouldn’t-”

“You don’t know that,” Azzi cuts her off with a pointed look, “because right now- right now sometimes it feels like all I am is just Paige Bueckers’ best friend. It doesn't matter how many points I score or how many defensive moves I make on the court or whatever else I do on the court, somehow it all leads back to you. And it makes me feel-,” she chokes on the next words, the acidity of them leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, “I feel invisible.”

“Azzi-”

The brunette holds up a hand, needing to finish what she’s saying before she fully succumbs to her emotions, “sometimes- sometimes my entire career at UConn so far feels like- like it’s just an extension of yours. Paige you- you get to be Paige. Just Paige. The superstar. You get to go to entire pressers not having to answer a single question about me or our friendship. You get to have entire articles written about you that have just a throwaway line about me and not have half of it be dedicated to how I’m the driving force behind your success. And that’s how it should be because- because as much as we rely on each other, your success is still yours. But sometimes it feels like mine isn’t mine.”

“I’m sor-”

“No!” Azzi cuts Paige off loudly when the older girl tries to apologize, guilt flashing in her eyes, “it’s not your fault Paige. You- you’re my biggest cheerleader. You always have been. But I just- I need to have my own identity. And that’s already been so hard being known as just your best friend. It’s only going to get worse if I-” she stops, unable to say the rest but even unspoken, it lingers in the air.

If I become your fiancé.

“I need next year to be different,” Azzi says instead, “I need it to be my year. Just mine. Just for once, I just want to be known as Azzi.”

“It will be,” there’s a newfound conviction replacing the previous anger in the blonde’s voice as she takes a deliberate step towards Azzi. Bolstered when the other girl doesn’t instinctively move back, she takes another one and then another and another, until the seemingly never-ending distance between them disappears.

“I understand where you’re coming from,” Paige says softly as she gently holds one of Azzi’s hands between her own, “and I hate- I hate that you feel this way. But it’ll be different next year when we’re not on the same team anymore right? Out of sight out of mind type shit? They won’t- they won’t ask you about me or make everything you do about me anymore-”

“You don’t know that-”

The older girl continues like she didn’t hear the interruption, “I just- I just don’t understand why you can be known as my girlfriend but not my-” she swallows, “but not my wife? Because Az- when we come out-,” the girl in questions flinches and Paige pauses, her expression falters at the movement.

A deadly silence clouds the air and it’s April in Connecticut and the spring breeze is just the right temperature. But as Paige slowly lets go of her hands, realization dawning on her face, Azzi thinks she’s never felt colder in her life.

“You- you don’t-” the blonde looks at her almost accusingly as she takes a step back, “you don’t want to come out?”

“Paige-”

“Answer the fucking question Azzi.”

Azzi casts her eyes downwards, digging her fingers as deeply into her palms as possible, “no, no I don’t.”

“I see,” Paige says slowly, her tone dangerously low, “and how long have you felt this way Az?”

“I-I-” the brunette stutters nervously, “I made- I made the decision after the Elite Eight.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Paige says calmly.

“I don’t- I don’t understand-”

“How long Azzi?” the blonde sneers, “how long have you had all the fucking doubts about your identity and our relationship? How long have you been questioning everything about us? How long have you bee going through this whole fucking decision-making process about our future?”

“That’s not-”

“Oh no,” Paige interrupts harshly, “that’s exactly it. That’s exactly what you were doing. So tell me. How. Long?”

Azzi gulps nervously, “since the game at home versus Nova.”

Paige blinks at her, “three months? Three fucking months Azzi. You’ve been feeling this way for three months and you didn’t once think that maybe you should tell me? That maybe we should talk about it?”

“I didn’t know,” Azzi says helplessly, “I didn’t even understand it myself Paige. I didn’t know what I was feeling. I didn’t even know there was something to discuss.”

“But clearly you did figure it out, Azzi. Because I know you and I know you didn’t make this decision without figuring your emotions out, so why not come to me then? Why not tell me as soon as possible. God fucking hell Azzi- when even were you gonna tell me?” Paige yells, all pretence of calm gone from her body, “if I- if tonight hadn’t happened, when would you have even told me?”

Azzi doesn’t say anything and Paige shakes her head, starting to pace around the rooftop.

“We had a plan Azzi. We’ve had a plan for four years. As soon as one or both of us was out of UConn, that was it. No more hiding. No more secrets. Just you and and me and we weren’t gonna care who the fuck knew about it,” the blonde pinches the bridge of her nose, “and you’re telling me that for three month- three fucking months- you’ve been questioning that whole fucking plan while I remained oblivious as fuck? Azzi all I’ve done these past few months is tell you how fucking excited I was about being able to call you my girl in front ov everyone. How excited I was to hold you in public and for us to just be us without giving a fuck who could see. And you just,” Paige’s voice breaks, “you let me. You let me do all of that- feel all of that. You let me be hopeful for a future that you weren’t even sure you could see for us.”

Azzi looks away, that rock of guilt settled in her stomach starting to get heavier and heavier with each word that leaves Paige’s mouth, “I’m just asking for a little bit more time Paige.”

“And what happens if that time doesn’t go the way you want it to Az?” Paige asks sadly, “what if we survive the next year but you decide that you can’t be attached to me to start your W career?”

“That won’t happen-”

“You don’t know that,” a sardonic smile appears on the blonde’s face, “I can’t keep hiding forever Azzi. All I’ve done is love you in secret. I can’t- I don’t- I won’t do that forever.”

“I’m not asking you to,” Azzi bursts out, her defensiveness suddenly translating into a burst of anger, “I am asking you for a little bit of time. Not even a whole year anymore. Just a little bit of time for me to establish my own identity and honestly Paige if you can’t even give me that- if you can’t understand why I need this time- then maybe-” she stops herself, eyes widening at the words -word she’d never even expected herself to think of - that are now sitting, like burning embers, on the tip of her tongue.

“Then maybe what?” Paige asks slowly, but there’s an almost resigned tinge to her tone that suggests she already knows.

“No,” Azzi shakes her head, turning away from the older girl’s piercing gaze. She looks down at the ground, still covered in rose petals. The wax of the glittering candles littered between them has melted onto them, causing their pink hue to turn into a darker shade of red. And it’s like there’s blood scattered on the remnants of Paige’s perfect proposal.

“Say it Azzi-”

“No-”

“Say it.”

“I don’t want to,” Azzi covers her ears and she wishes this were a nightmare, wishes she could open her eyes and find herself waking up in Paige’s arms. Warm and soft and loved.

“Godfuckingdammit Azzi,” Paige yells, “just say it. If I can’t understand why you need time then maybe we should what?” she repeats, waiting for the brunette to finish her own sentence.

Azzi whimpers, continuing to shake her head, “Paige please.”

“Just. Fucking. Say. It.”

The younger girl swallows, “then maybe we should end it.”

Another beat of silence.

“Maybe we should,” Paige’s voice is gravelly and Azzi doesn’t dare turn around, not ready to see the heartbroken expression -or worse, perhaps the nonchalant one- on the older girl’s face, “if after all we’ve been through, if it’s so easy for you to think those words. Then maybe we should- maybe we should end it.”

And Azzi thinks for the rest of her life she will wonder what she should have done next. If she should’ve said something or if -when she hears those retreating footsteps- if she should’ve run after her. She thinks, for the rest of her life, she will look back on this moment and dissect every single second of it, that she will wish for the time machine to go back and stop herself from doing and saying so many of the things she had on the rooftop that night.

But Paige walks away.

And Azzi doesn’t do anything to stop her.

It isn’t until the morning after -when her head does finally catch up to her heart and all she can feel is that unfamiliar sting of regret- and she races into the apartment downstairs and Ice’s expression is filled with sadness and KK’s glare is filled with accusation, that she finds out just how far Paige had gone away from her and Azzi realizes, she’s just a little too late.

***

June 2033

There’s a redhead and a brunette, holding hands and chatting quietly as they wait outside the school. The two women are clearly entrenched in their own world -sharing those warm gazes and bright smiles that Azzi’s just a little too familiar with- blissfully unaware that they are currently being stared at. Actually, perhaps glared at is a more accurate statement because there’s a clear tinge of envy running down Azzi’s spine as her eyes remain laser-focused on the scene in front of her. She hadn’t meant to be doing this of course -nobody really plans to come to pick up their daughter from school and somehow end up stink-eying said daughter’s friends parents for being too in love. But as fate would have it, somehow from where she’s parked, Azzi has a perfect view of Anya, infamous Mommy and Mama.

They’re sickeningly cute.

And Azzi fucking hates them.

It’s unfair of her to feel this way; she knows that. But watching them lead the life she’d always imagined for herself, is more difficult now than it ever has been when Azzi had seen them before in passing. Back then, it was just a dull ache of something she craved but knew she’d turned away herself. But now- now she’s had a taste of that life; had gotten to live it out -even if just for a second- with the girl she’d always dreamed of living it with. Until one night and a series of revelations had snatched it all away, and now Azzi’s left with nothing but the bitter feeling of waiting to see if she’ll get that back forever or if it had really only ever been meant to be a fleeting moment in her life.

A sigh of longing escapes her as she watches Anya go rushing into her mothers’ arms, the two of them catching her in perfect sync. She has the resentful urge to scoff at the scene. It’s all so goddamn dramatic for three people who see each other every day. Except Azzi’s mind is filled with memories that are almost exact replicas of the scene in front of her; just with different faces.

“Hi Mama,” it isn’t until the backdoor opens and Stephie’s voice fills the car that Azzi finally tears her eyes away from Anya’s family.

“Hey baby,” she choruses back, turning around in her seat to make sure her daughter is buckling herself in correctly, “how was your day?”

“It was okay,” Stephie shrugs and Azzi feels her heart plummet at how nonchalant the little girl sounds. She misses the sound of her daughter ranting about just how booooring school is, and thinks she wouldn’t even try to reprimand her if Stephie deemed school useless like she used to. Azzi just wants her ball of sunshine, talks-a-mile-per-minute child back because this meek, quiet little girl in the back feels like a shell of who Stephie used to be.

“You excited for Mama’s game tonight?” Azzi presses as she starts to back out of the parking lot, almost relieved when it seems to cause Stephie to sit up a little straighter.

“You’re- you’re playing the Liberty right?” the little girl asks quietly, “that’s- that’s where Miss Buecks wanna go? New York?”

Azzi freezes at the question, trying to keep her hands steady on the wheel as she hums in agreement.

“They’re a good team right? Lots of champ-ships and stuff?” Stephie continues.

“Yeah,” Azzi clears her throat, “it’s uh- it’s definitely gonna be a good game.”

“Anya’s Grammy and Grandpa live in New York. Not the city-city but close to it,” Stephie says after a moment, “Anya says New York’s really nice. She’s been there lots and lots of times to see her Grammy and Grandpa forChristmas. And she- she says when she went, it snowed lots and lots.”

Despite herself Azzi smiles as her mind drifts to memories of cold Northeast winters. For the most part, they had been filled with dreary chills and darky rainy days. But then amidst it all, there had been a couple rare days of snow and when she’d been at UConn, her teammates had taken full advantage. And just like most of her memories of those years, Paige is front and center of these ones too. The blonde had never been nearly as enamored with the snow as Azzi was, and she definitely wasn’t enamored by it at seven in the morning when the brunette would wake her up squealing that it had in fact snowed and the world around them was white. Despite her grumbling, Paige had still let Azzi bundle the both of them up in winter clothes and drag her outside. And her faux irritated expression hds slowly morphed into one of admiration as she’d flicked the snow off the younger girl’s eyelashes, pulling her closer by her scarf because Azzi I’m so cold, you have to kiss me to keep me warm baby.

“We don’t get snow here,” Stephie says thoughtfully, unaware of the path down memory lane her mother had just taken.

“No, no we don’t,” Azzi says, almost wistfully.

“It would- it would be nice to live somewhere with lots of snow,” Stephie ponders out loud and her mother’s eyes widen as she starts to understand where this is going, “like- like in New York.”

“We could- we could have snowball fight and make snowmen like Mr. Olaf and snow angels and everything else you do in snow,” the little girl’s voice gets increasingly more and more high-pitched in excitement, “it would be so fun Mama.”

“Steph-”

“And Anya said that- that- that- she’d even visit me like she visits her Grammy and Grandpa. She promised Mama, she promised she’d come see me if I lived in New York-”

“Honey no,” Azzi cuts her daughter off heartbrokenly, “we are not going to live in New York.

“But Mama, Miss Buecks-”

“Stephie stop-”

“No Mama listen,” Stephie protests indignantly, “Mama what if- what if Miss Buecks really needs to be in New York. What if it’s impo-tant. And that’s- that’s why she can’t stay here. With us. Not cause she doesn’t want to but cause she can’t. But Mama just because Miss Buecks can’t say doesn’t mean we can’t go Mama.”

“Sweetheart-”

“And you- you just said the Liberty is a good team and you’re such a good player Mama. I think you’d be good on their team too. And I- I really, really like the Valk-ries and I would really miss Aunty J and Aunty Tessie and Aunty Joy but if you- if you and Miss Buecks played for the Liberty- I know I’d like them too. And I’m sure Nana and Pops and Uncle Jon and Uncle Jose and Aunty Tully would come visit us lots and lots and I wouldn’t even miss them lots cause they’d visit so much. I just know it. It could work Mama- I know it could.”

“Stephanie,” Azzi's voice is louder than she’d meant it to be as she pulls onto their street, “sweetheart, we are not moving to New York.”

“But Mama-” the little girl whines.

“No Stephie. That’s just-” Azzi swallows the sob stuck in her throat, “that’s now how the world works.”

“But what if I want it to work that way?” Stephie asks softly with all the innocence of a five-year old as she meets her mother’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“Oh baby,” Azzi’s so caught up in her daughter’s earnest wishful thinking that she doesn’t even notice there’s another oh-so-familiar car parked in her driveway until she almost crashes into it.

“That’s Miss Buecks car,” Stephie whispers softly, craning her neck to get a better view. Her eyes widen in tandem with her mother’s as they both catch sight of the same thing at the same time.

It’s Paige.

Paige, whose eyes are sunken in and red-rimmed. Paige, whose hair is tossed back into a messy bun -looking like it’s been in that same one for days- with little loose strands falling out of it. Paige, whose entire body is hunched over as she sits on their front porch, holding a grey hoodie close to her chest. Paige, whose hands are fidgeting with themselves because she can never sit still, especially when she’s nervous. Paige, who looks up just as Azzi parks her car -whose staring at the both of them like they’re still her everything. Paige, who despite it all, still looks like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Paige, who’s here.

It’s Stephie who recovers from the shock of seeing Paige first, the click of her seatbelt being unclasped pulling Azzi out of her own trance. The little girl pushes her door open, getting out of her car seat with quickness as she stumbles out of the car.

“Careful sweetheart,” Azzi calls out immediately but Stephie isn't listening, already rushing up the pathway as Paige -her expression hopeful- stands up at the sight of the child running towards.

It isn’t until Stephie hesitates, coming to a halt just a couple of meters away from Paige, that Azzi draws in a deep breath and gets out of the car herself. Unlike her daughter, her steps are much slower, her movement hesitant and guarded. She knows this is it; knows that this is when all that waiting she’s done in the past few weeks will finally be over, that Paige is either here to fulfill a dream or to start a nightmare.

Azzi walks up the pathway until she’s right behind Stephie, one of her hands instinctively reaching out to hold her daughter’s shoulder, conveying two messages. One to Stephie, a promise that no matter what happens now, she’ll still always have Azzi. The other to Paige is an unspoken message from a protective mother, silently begging her that if she is here to break their hearts, to break Stephie’s gently.

“Hi,” Paige’s voice is croaky when she speaks, her eyes flickering nervously between the mother and daughter in front of her.

Azzi clears her throat, willing herself to reply, “hey,” she pauses, continuing only when the older woman keeps her own mouth shut, shuffling her feet nervously, “do you- do you want to come in?”

“Yes,” Paige says, her cheeks reddening at how quickly the word leaves her mouth and that almost makes Azzi smile.

She nods at the older woman, her hand travelling from Stephie’s shoulder to instead hold her hand as they walk up the steps together. Azzi’s shoulder brushes against Paige’s as she moves past the blonde to open her door and electricity courses through her veins. From the way Paige gasps, the brunette is sure she must’ve felt it too. It crackles in the air as Azzi unlocks the door, her brain feeling foggy at the mere feeling of having Paige so close after so long.

The three of them walk quietly towards the living room, Stephie’s hands still clasped in Azzi’s and Paige following closely behind them. The little girl’s grip is tight and despite how young she is, Azzi knows just how perceptive Stephie is. She’s just as aware of this moment as the adults are, realizes it just as much as they do, that they’ve reached a crossroad and the path they take -a path determined by whatever Paige chooses- will shape their future together or apart.

“I um- I- well- the thing is- I-,” Paige breaks the silence first, stuttering over her words before letting out a soft sigh She closes her eyes for a second and when she opens them, there are little droplets of water on the edges of her eyelashes.

“I really missed you guys,” she confesses in a whisper, her voice breaking throughout.

There’s a second of silence as her words linger in the air and Azzi feels Stephie’s hand slip away from her own and the little girl almost stumbles over her own feet as she races towards Paige, the older woman’s arms immediately opening to catch her and as she kneels down to pull Stephie into her her chest. It’s like the blonde’s confession had broken a dam, and the water that came rushing through it, had washed away the last little bit of pretence of nonchalance that Stephie had been holding onto.

For the last few weeks, every time Azzi’s little girl had seen Paige, be it when she accompanied her mother to a practice or when she was on the sidelines at a game, Stephie had ignored the blonde, maintaining the same angry façade as the one she’d had the morning after that night. But Azzi had seen that resolve weaken over time; had seen Stephie’s eyes linger just a little bit longer on Miss Buecks with that familiar look of yearning. And Azzi had known that resolve was almost completely gone, in the car, when Stephie had all but begged her to consider moving to New York if that was the only way they were going to be able to keep Paige in their lives.

She feels her own set of tears prickling in her eyes as she takes in the scene in front of her. Stephie’s face is pressed into Paige’s neck, the blonde has one arm wrapped around the little girl’s waist and the other other gently brushing through her hair. Their grip on each other is tight with barely any space for air between them, tears freely streaming down both of their faces.

“I missed you too Miss Buecks,” Stephie sobs and Azzi notices the way Paige’s hold on her tightens at the familiar nickname, “missed you so much.”

“Me too Stephie-bean,” Paige affirms as she coaxes the little girl’s face out of her neck, cupping it in her hands, “I’m so sorry sweetheart. So, so, sorry. I missed you so, so, so, so much,” she says, punctuating each word with a kiss to Stephie’s face in between.

“Miss Buecks,” Stephie looks down nervously, her fingers playing with the collar of Paige’s t-shirt, “can me and Mama come to New York with you?”

“Stephie!” Azzi exclaims as Paige’s eyes widen.

“Wh-what?” the blonde asks softly as she searches the little girl’s face in confusion.

“I don’t want you to go,” Stephie says quietly, “but if you have to- then can we come with you?”

“Oh sweetheart,” there’s disbelief in Paige’s tone, something almost akin to awe as she tilts Stephie’s chin to make the little girl look back at her.

“My friend Anya says New York’s nice,” Stephie rambles, repeating what she’d been telling her mother in the car, “and-and-and she says there’s lots and lots of snow and I told Mama that I think it will be nice to live in lots and lots of snow. Mama hasn’t said yest,” the little girl briefly looks back at Azzi with a sheepish look on her face before turning back to Paige, “but I know- I know we could cov-ince her because Miss Buecks, Mama’s missed you so, so, so much too.”

“Has she?” Paige asks, her eyes flickering to Azzi who’s trying desperately to keep her face neutral as she keeps her own gaze firmly fixated on a picture of her daughter on top of the mantle.

“She has,” Stephie confirms, before using a finger against the older woman’s cheek to get her to return her attention back to her, “so can we come with you? Please.”

Paige slowly tucks a strand of hair behind the child’s ears as she shakes her head, “no.”

“N-no?” Stephie’s bottom lip trembles at the rejection, “why not? Why can’t we go to New York with you?”

“Because nobody’s going to New York, Stephie-bean,” Paige says firmly and Azzi’s eyes shoot towards the blonde, her lips parting slightly as she processes the meaning behind her words, her heart beginning to race with anticipation.

“Nobody?” Stephie repeats as a question, her little voice filled with hope.

Instead of answering, Paige grabs the grey hoodie she’d brought with her that had fallen to the ground. She gently un-scrunches it, holding out the sleeve of it for Stephie to look at. Azzi cranes her head curiously to get a better look of it, squinting her eyes when she notices something written in washed-out black ink.

“You probably don’t remember this because you were a lot littler when it happened,” there’s a teasing smile of Paige’s face as she uses the incorrect word, “but the first time you ever spoke to me properly, you told me, that your Mama says that one day, you’re gonna be an even better basketball player than she is.”

Stephie beams, “Mama says I’m gonna be the best in the world today.”

Paige chuckles, “I believe it and I believed it then too. That’s why,” she points down at the hoodie, her fingers brushing over the material so delicately, like it’s one of her most treasured possessions, “that’s why I had you sign my hoodie.”

“You asked for my auto-graph?” Stephie’s eyes glint and perhaps she doesn’t quite remember what Paige is talking about exactly, but Azzi can tell that it’s stirred up recollections of something.

“Yeah- yeah I did. And you said, ‘silly Miss Buecks, I’m not famous’ and I said, ‘but if you’re as good at basketball as you say you are, then one day, you will be. Just like me and your Mama.’ And I meant it. You’re gonna be so- so great one day sweetheart. I know you are,” Paige says with conviction as her thumbs lightly caressing Stephie’s cheeks, “and I- I wanna be right here every step of the way, I wanna be right here to watch you grow up and become the great player -the great woman- that you’re destined to be.”

“You mean it?” Stephie asks, her eyes shining with a fresh new set of tears.

Paige nods, delicately wiping her thumbs under the little girl’s lower eyelid, “I do. I wanna be here, with you and- and your Mama,” she raises her head toward Azzi, mustering a watery smile, “I want to stay. Forever. If you’ll have me.”

Azzi lets out a staggered breath she didn’t know she’d been holding as her eyes remain locked with Paige’s. And suddenly, after eight years spent feeling unfulfilled -eight years spent with this constant sense of being incomplete-, hearing Paige finally say she wants to stay forever, feels a little bit like as if that missing part of Azzi has finally returned back to where it rightfully belongs.

A loud squeal echoes throughout the living room as Stephie leaps back into Paige’s arms, a large smile stretching the length of her whole face as she buries her face back into the crevice between the blonde’s shoulder and her neck.

“Yes, yes, yes,” the little girl chirps excitedly, “of course we’ll have you. Of course, of course, of course,” Stephie says in delight before she turns herself slightly in Paige’s grasp, arms still around the other woman’s neck as she looks imploringly at Azzi, “right Mama?”

Azzi doesn’t say anything, pursing her lips as she tears her gaze away from the two people in front of her.

“Mama?” Stephie presses.

“Give me a second Stephie-bean,” Paige whispers to the little girl, bumping her head against her temple.

From the corner of her eyes, Azzi watches as the blonde disentangles herself from Stephie, before slowly getting to her feet and walking towards the younger woman.

“Az-”

“It’s been almost three weeks-”

“It’s been two weeks, six days, five hours and around fourteen minutes,” Paige shrugs, a hint of a smile playing on her face, “give or take a few minutes.

Azzi continues to look away from her, trying to keep her face devoid of emotion, “still took you a really long time to decide you were gonna stay.”

“Well I’m an idiot,” Paige says matter-of-factly and Stephie snickers behind her, “you know me Az. Sometimes these things- they take me a little while to understand.”

“I told you we wouldn’t wait forever,” Azzi says softly.

“I didn’t make you wait forever,” Paige reaches out to gently grab her chin between her thumb and index, turning the brunette’s face towards her, “just needed a little bit of time.”

“You didn’t give me time,” Azzi accuses and the blonde flinches.

“I know. I- I should’ve. Should’ve don’t a lot of things differently when it comes to us but I didn’t and I- I can’t change that but Azzi, I promise, I promise I’ll do everything right this time,” keeping one hand cupped around Azzi’s cheek, Paige uses the other to guide one of the brunette’s hands to rest against her chest, “I swear.”

Azzi swallows, feeling the quick rhythm of Paige’s heartbeat under her fingertips, “how do I know you won’t run away again?”

“Because I trust you,” the blonde whispers, “I trust you to stay and I trust you not to break my heart again. And that- that doesn’t mean that I’m not scared anymore- cause I am. Not a lot but definitely still a little bit. But someone once told me that, trusting is really scary but that maybe- maybe it would be a lot less scary, if we did together.”

“They sound like a really smart person,” Azzi bites her lip, “you should probably listen to them more often.”

Paige chuckles, “well if uh- if they give me the chance, I think I’d listen to them for the rest of my life.”

Azzi shudders and she doesn’t know if it’s from the earnestness of the words spoken or the strength of the emotions in the blonde’s gaze that’s still completely transfixed on her.

“What about New York?” she asks finally.

“I called the whole thing off,” Paige states nonchalantly, “I had Talia call Jonathan Kolb last night and I explained everything to Ohemaa this morning. Everyone’s on the same page. There is no deal anymore.”

“You-” Azzi gapes at the girl in front of her, “you- you already called the whole thing off?”

“I did,” Paige confirms, not a hint of regret in her voice, “I don’t need an escape plan.”

“You called it off before even talking to me?” Azzi asks, knitting her eyebrows together, “you didn’t even know how this was gonna go.”

“I already told you. I trust you,” Paige says simply, “I believe in us Az and I really hope you still believe in us too.”

The words are barely out of Paige’s mouth before Azzi’s crashing into her, the weight of her body sending the blonde staggering back a few steps before her hands steadily secure themselves around the younger woman’s waist. A slightly surprised gasp escapes Paige until the sound of it is stolen by Azzi pressing her lips against the older woman’s. Despite her initial surprise, Paige kisses Azzi back with equal fervor, both of them pouring the myriad of suppressed emotions between them the last few weeks into it. And it feels like a cliché, like coming home.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Paige breaks away first, eyes widening as she slowly turns around to look at Stephie who’s practically vibrating with happiness as she watches the two of them, “Stephie-”

“She already knows,” Azzi says with a slight grin, shaking her head fondly at just how joyful her little girl looks.

��You told her?” Paige looks between the mother and daughter.

Stephie smirks triumphantly, “I figured it out myself Miss Buecks.”

“Of course you did smarty pants,” Paige smiles at the little girl but Azzi knows her well enough -is still so in tune with every little bit of Paige despite the time apart- to see the small hint of disappointment behind it.

“I would’ve told her myself if she hadn’t,” Azzi says quietly and Paige turns back around to face her.

“What?”

“I love you,” Azzi says and she swears no three words have ever sounded as right on her lips, as those three do, “I love you,” she repeats again and she can feel Paige’s hands shaking as they instinctively tighten their grip on her waist, “I love you so much Paige Madison Bueckers and I want everybody to know it. Stephie, our families, our friends, our teammates, the whole world. I love you and I never wanna hide that. I want everybody to know that you’re mine and I’m yours. Forever.”

A strangled sob escapes Paige’s mouth as she presses her forehead against Azzi’s, “I love you too. I love you, so, so, so much. I’ve loved you since the beginning and I’m gonna love you till the very end. Forever.”

Their lips meet in a searing kiss and it’s unclear if they’re both crying more or giggling more, as they hold each other as tightly as possible. And this isn’t their first kiss, far from it- far closer to being their millionth or so- but still it feels like a fresh new start, a brand new love story but with that same old special, all-consuming, forevermore love that has always connected them to each other. The one that had never gone away, no matter how long they’d been apart.

“Ahem, ahem,” an exaggerated cough breaks them apart and the two of them turn their heads at the same time to see Stephie looking dramatically at them, her hands on her hips.

“So, Mama loves Miss Buecks and Miss Buecks loves Mama. What about Stephie?” she pouts, exaggeratedly stomping her foot.

Paige and Azzi both laugh, removing themselves from each other just enough to crouch down and open their arms out for Stephie, beckoning for her to join their embrace. The little girl’s attempt at a sour expression is immediately replaced by a cheerful grin as she runs into their arms, tiny hands somehow managing to wrap around both of their necks.

“You know we love you the most Stephie,” Paige whispers into the little girl’s hair, who lets out a content sigh as she burrows herself further into the two women’s arms.

Azzi hums in agreement, closing her eyes as she leans her head against her daughter’s, feeling Paige’s fingers intertwine with her behind Stephie’s back. And then it’s quiet for a while, nothing but the sound of the three of them breathing and their hearts beating together in sync. Azzi feels at peace, her mind completely calm, no longer overthinking anything.

Because now she finally has everything.

Paige, Stephie, and the promise of a world the three of them can build together, it’s everything.

#pazzi #paige bueckers #azzi fudd #wcbb

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bangaveragewhitewine · 1 month ago

Text

so soft like silk chiffon

Eddie Munson x Reader

Word Count: 1.2k

Contents: Sickeningly sweet and cosy domesticity. Female reader. Eddie and reader share clothes, but I see her as curvy. Librarian / Bookstore reader x Record Store Eddie. Food mention. Weed mention if you squint.

Note: This started as a single line in doc, abandoned for months and months. Looking for anything to focus on and any distractions from life, I present the doc formerly known as ‘Eddie Munson makes you dinner while wearing your silky robe. Send tweet.’ Barely edited, certainly not beta’ed. This is as much a surprise to me as it may be to you!

PS - I like to think of these two as the same couple from The Boy Is Mine, but feel free to imagine otherwise. Enjoy!

The keys in your hand are skin-warmed, digging their teeth into your palm and leaving their tangy metallic bitemarks behind. So eager to get home, you do not feel their weight or their sharp edges.

Home.

The thought alone makes you smile. An easy curve of your lips, much more effortless and real than your customer service facade.

Home is more than the hot shower and fresh bedsheets waiting to wash away the day and welcome you home. It is more than the stocked-up cupboards and the cold bottle of wine that calls ‘drink me!’ so sweetly after a long shift. More than the couch that cradles your weight and the records stacked and spinning as you breath in earthy green to unwind a little more, sink a little deeper into the weekend.

All of those things are great, you cannot wait to scrub away the sheen of sweat and the dry feeling that lingers on your hands after hours of stacking returned books and settle yourself into the groove in the couch with a carb-heavy dinner and cold white wine, the perfect remedy for the summer programme planning meeting-induced headache.

Now, home is so much more than simple pleasures and little luxuries.

It’s the man who kissed you goodbye on the stoop before you turned in opposite directions for work this morning, both sleepy-headed as you set the countdown until you see each other again. Tick tock, tick tock, two whole days together over the weekend.

It is the man who races you back to the apartment, waiting with a triumphant smirk and an invitation to share the hot water, or a smiley face in steam on the bathroom mirror. When you win the race, the sound of his key in the lock and his goofy ‘honey, I’m home’ makes your tummy flutter.

Home is more than four walls and a front door; a small apartment at the top of Lakeview, perfectly poised between the library and the record store, with friends and favourite bars dotted around the Windy City.

You have been playing house with Eddie since you were both gap-toothed with scraped knees, making up magical lands and adventures from morning until the sun set and only re-entering the real world to raid your fridge or eat the sandwiches Wayne made with cold cuts and crispy salty chips. It made sense that you would always be home for each other.

The final few steps do not feel so arduous when you know he is home before you; the sound of Black Sabbath already playing from the stereo beckons you back into the cosy confines of your apartment. Smiling to yourself again, you take a final step over the threshold, feeling weightless.

Through the shred of War Pigs, Eddie catches the jangle of keys and the quick click of the closing door. He skids on socked feet from the kitchen to the short hallway, smile wide and eyes sparkling.

“She’s home!”

Eddie’s arms span out wide, swathed in wide swishing satin. He’s wearing your robe again, half open over his bare chest and boxers. The check print and his inked-up hairy legs are a wonderful contrast to the delicate swish and sway of painted florals.

When it’s not wrapped around your bed-warm body in the mornings or draped on your lotioned post-shower skin at night, it hangs on the back of the bedroom door like a silky waterfall. That is until the seasons turn and the printed satin is carefully laundered and folded away, replaced with teddy-soft terrycloth until the weather warms again.

It just smells like you, which justifies how often Eddie wears it when you’re not home, and sometimes when you are. It is not just your lotion and perfume, your shampoo and the coffee you mopped up with the edge of your sleeve the other morning. An indescribable essence of you has been threaded through the thin fabric, sewn through satin like a phantom thread.

And now it smells like Eddie too; the collar holds a musk that you cannot name, other than it is totally Him.

You can smell it now as he wraps you up, a gentle blend of his and hers. Eddie’s hug manages to drain every ounce of tension and stress from your body, loosening your clenched jaw and tight shoulders with a simple squeeze.

“Missed you,” murmured against his neck, your cheek pillowed by satin and a spill of curls that escapes his scrunchie.

“Bad day?”

The slow pass of his hands along your back melts away the tight ache that had settled just beneath your waistband.

“No, just better now.”

Even with your eyes closed, you can feel his smile, hear it.

“Aww, you like me or somethin’?” he murmurs, a wisp of warm breath tickling your neck that cries out to be kissed.

Eddie is a weak man, easily tempted at times, and presses three sweet kisses from the collar of your shirt to the base of your jaw.

“Or something.”

He feels your smile too, the curve of your mouth against his shoulder. He has to see it, pulls away just enough to sneak a peek at pure sunshine. Your teasing is taken with a grain of salt, betrayed by how down bad you are for him.

“Hungry?” he asks, gliding his thumb along your cheek with an almost hypnotic gentleness.

“Yeah, are you cooking for me?”

Beyond the shower clean scent of him, you find notes of garlic and rich tomato. Your stomach rolls ravenously, mouth wet at the thought of his pasta sauce.

His coy shrug makes you smile, proud of himself for predicting that you needed a night off dinner duty and an obscene amount of pasta as your week draws to a close. Eddie had noticed the tightness in your jaw, the way your shoulders had crept higher and higher with each working day.

“Just somethin’ easy, carby. That okay?”

The way your eyes sparkle - something between thrilled and touched by his kindness - gives you away before you can crush into him again, arms winding around the solid trunk of him to squeeze.

“I love you.”

Your voice is muffled against his chest, but Eddie can feel it; the way your lips form those three words, the adoration that radiates from you into him. He drinks it up.

“I love you.”

He kisses the top of your head, crowning you with his love.

You stand there, in the hallway of your home together, a slow rocking sway, foot to foot.

Before you let each other leave - you to the bedroom to strip off your clothes and wash the day away, Eddie to the kitchen - one more kiss, syrup-slow and sweet, is shared amongst the lived-in clutter. A box of books and clothes to donate, a borrowed amp to return, the rescued-from-the-sidewalk side table holding your keys, a vase of flowers and a framed photo of you, Eddie & Wayne at a barbecue in Forrest Hills.

Slowly you part, coming unstuck from each other so that you can come back together again over plates of pasta and plans for your weekend.

When you a shower-damp with hair dripping on the plains of your shoulders, you remember your robe has been stolen by a handsome thief. A wash-worn t-shirt lies folded on the counter with your pyjama shorts, waiting for you beneath the heart traced in steam, oozing with adoration.

Butter soft beneath your fingertips, you bury your nose in the stretched-out collar and breathe in the scent of him. The scent of home.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Your comments, reblogs and likes are cherised!

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #bangaveragefics #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson str #eddie munson fic #eddie munson x fem!reader

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havesomeimagination · 1 month ago

Text

Losing your best friend

Summary: After losing your pet, you do not know what to do with yourself. Especially after a hard shift in the ER. Good thing you have two best friends to help guide you.

Author's Note: Hey lovely people... this is my second writing ever and I wrote it in a rush so please be nice. This does go over pet loss and is spoken from experience. Losing a pet is the worst pain I have felt and still mourning to this day. I decided to write this bc I'm obsessed with The Pitt and has been consuming my every thought :).

YN does have a last name and she/her pronouns but feel free to imagine anything else!

Please let me know if you want more (probably not)

WARNING: Not edited, written in one go :)

WC: 2,050

TW: pet loss, pet sickness, child loss, um I think that is it lmk if there is more!

You are having the worst week of your life, well it was only Monday, but it shadows the rest of your week or month, even year.

You had finally gotten that day off you desperately needed for rest and comfort. Getting a full night sleep with your lovely dog by your side.

You had known for years that your dog had a heart murmur and it would only get more aggressive as time passed. But there was a part of you that could not believe that she would pass, she is immortal. No doubt about it. You gave her the correct doses of her meds and made sure to have your neighbors care for her while you were at work. She was normal.

Until one day when you were going through your normal routine with her on your day off, she fainted on her walk. The route y'all took every morning and sometimes night, depending on the shift. Her time was up.

By the time you had run back to your apartment she was awake and breathing heavily, not normal for a dog.

You rushed as fast as you could to get her to the vet.

They gave her the usual meds but through her arm to see how much effect it would have, if there wasn’t any improvement, it was her time.

Being a doctor, you are supposed to be prepared and calm during emergency situations but this was too personal. It felt too real. It felt like your worst nightmare.

How could the one thing that kept you from going down the spiral of flashbacks from your worst cases be dying.

On the way home you came to the realization that it was time to say goodbye.

And that is what you did.

You did not want her to be uncomfortable being put down at the vet so you arranged for them to do it in your apartment.

It was the worst 3 hours of your life.

Your soulmate. Your best friend. The reason you got up the majority of the time was gone.

There is an article that explained why losing a pet hurt so much. Said something about them releasing a certain chemical that couldn’t be done by another human. Their loss would hurt more than ever.

It is true.

No pain has ever felt like this. Like your soul was deeply affected. Like your heart would never beat the same melody again.

Your apartment felt empty. What once felt like a home felt like a nightmare.

______________________________________________________________________________

By the next morning you were sluggish and tired with burning eyes from all the crying. You felt numb.

Nobody knew about what happened and you didn’t want to tell. Not until you had time to process them. So you decided a distraction is all you need, the lovely ER life is everything you need right now.

Right?

______________________________________________________________________________

Working in the Pitt for a couple years, both night and day shift has led to a close relationship with both Robby and Abbott.

You knew their tells of when it's been a rough night and their hiding place up on the roof.

There had been multiple occasions where you’d help talk them down to go home and rest, and hopefully go to therapy.

Robby and Abbott would never say it to your face but you were the glue that held them together.

The teasing jokes and banter between the 3 of you always made shifts move along easier especially when you were their light.

When you got to the hospital you spotted both of them already making their rounds.

“Did not even wait for me, how rude” You say walking to them.

“Well somebody has to work around here Dr. Sinclair” Robby playfully shot back.

“It looks like you guys have it covered, I'm going to head out. Ciao.” Abbott says walking away from you and winking.

You turn back to Robby, “Shall we?”

He gestures to walk along with him. Your shift has started.

Towards the end of your shift, you were reminded why this job can also be a curse and a blessing.

Having a little girl pass on your table, under your care, because she tried to save her little sister from drowning in their family pool. By the time the parents found her, it was a little too late.

You tried everything.

Robby had to come in and snap you out of the trance that you were in to try and save her. It wasn’t enough.

After you called time of death, the parents’ cries immediately followed. Cries that would haunt you for the rest of your life because you weren’t enough.

If only there was a net over the pool. If only the parents got to her sooner. If only you could have saved her.

You froze in the room as Robby was trying to give the parents time to process what happened.

The impending doom loomed over you. Of the morning you had. Of every patient you have lost.

The morning you had.

She's gone.

They're gone.

You could not save them.

The room felt it was closing in on you. The smell was too much, your thoughts were too loud, your heart was too fast, the light was too bright, you needed to leave.

Finally making your way out of the room you rushed to the stairs, leaving Robby with the family.

Robby immediately noticed how much this was affecting you, it was affecting him too, anybody would freeze over this. Nobody is ready to lose a child.

Robby has seen your breakdowns and they were never good, but he was there for you or tried to be. He knew where you were headed so he tried his best to go after you.

By the time he was finished speaking with the family, you were up on the roof with your back against the railing and knees tucked up to your chest.

All he could hear when he opened the door to the roof was rough breathing and sniffles.

It was the worst sounds he's heard in a while. You almost never let yourself cry or break at work.

As he crosses the railing to sit down you start pleading for him to leave.

You hated crying in front of people. It made you feel weak.

“Please Robby just let me be. Go.” You roughly breathe out as you hide your face between your knees.

Robby tried to console you the best he could but nothing was working. You can only imagine his big brown eyes softening at the image of you fully breaking.

“I’m not going anywhere until you get behind the railing.” He states softly.

“Fucking hell why can’t you listen.” You harshly bite back still breathing roughly with tears continuously flowing.

As Robby tried to calm you down, Abbott arrived for his shift downstairs. Immediately searching for his two friends.

“Where are the two rascals?” He asked Dana.

“Oh thank god you’re here. Sinclair lost a patient and rushed to the stairs, its been a while and still no sign of them. Go check on them.”

Immediately Abbott rushed to the roof.

Opening the door to the roof revealed the worst sound he ever heard come from you.

The rough gasps of air, pleading with Robby to go away, it was a lot to take in.

Dropping his bag by the door he rushed to where both of you were seated.

Robby just gave him a look. The look that would confirm what they have expected for a while.

Since you were never one to show extensive emotions after the hard shifts it was only matter of time before a break would happen.

But they were not expecting it to be this bad.

“Sinclair I’m going to need you to calm down, you're worrying me.” Robby pleaded.

Abbot sits in front of you and pries your hands from hiding your head to try to get you to breathe normally.

You keep repeating for them to go away.

Both men grasp each of your hands and tell you to breathe.

“Inhale, 1, 2, 3, exhale 1, 2, 3” Abbott consoled.

“Cmon love, you got this, breathe before you pass out. It’s ok, we got you” Robby worriedly glances at Abbott.

Jack only has his eyes on you. He’s never seen you like this.

You start to listen to their instructions trying to regulate your breathing.

Inhale 1, 2 ,3, exhale 1, 2, 3.

Finally after a few repetitions you start to breathe normally.

You feel both of them start to relax as you listen.

It takes a while for you to snap out of your trance.

You kept repeating this morning in your mind.

Your dog's ears, her soft silver fur, the way she never let you miss her paw massages or ear scratches in the morning. How she would lay on top of you when you had a bad day and consumed any bad feeling you had. She was your light.

Suddenly you just start crying again but this time you lean towards Abbott, yearning for some kind of comfort.

“Hey hey what’s going on? Is it the shift or something else?” Jack worriedly says as he wraps his arms around you.

Robby and Jack are both looking at each other waiting for you to speak.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore.” You softly speak into the night.

A silence covers all three of them.

“What do you mean YN” Robby replies as you back up from Abbott and stare at the buildings in front of you.

Glancing at both of their worried glances you reply, “This job. Life. I don’t know. Everything is too much.”

A couple seconds pass before Jack was about to speak but got interrupted.

“ I mean the only thing that made me get out of bed every morning is gone. She is gone. It was pathetic to think dogs are immortal and nothing would happen especially knowing her condition. But she is gone and I don’t want to live without her.” you rapidly ramble as more tears start flowing.

Both Robby and Jack stare at her with sad eyes, finally understanding the full reason why you are like this.

Both of them scoot right next to you until they’re touching your shoulders and comfort you.

You continue rambling “I don’t think I can stay home alone without her. She is everywhere in that apartment. Every corner, blanket, window, and pillow, I- I can't.”

Jack takes your hand and rubs his thumb over your knuckles trying to think about what to say next.

“Well it’s a good thing you have two stupidly handsome doctors with their own living space as your best friend.” Jack playfully states.

He spots the tiniest hint of your lips turning up before you glance at him.

Robby then speaks, “You are the strongest doctor out of any of us Sinclair. You will get through this. This ER would not be the same without you”, looking directly at you.

“Thank you Rob. I just think I need a few days to recuperate.”

“Take all the time you need, I have interns, nurses, and attendings at my disposal” Robby jokes.

He then gets up and places a warm hand on your shoulder before announcing his exit.

“Well I have to go check downstairs before Dana quits. Please reach out to me for whatever reason Sinclair. I mean it.” He sternly tells you.

You nod as he walks away.

As he walks away he shouts “ You too Abbott!”

Your hand is still covered by Jacks.

A few seconds of silence and sniffling pass before you confess “I don’t want to go home”.

Abbott nudges your shoulder to look at him.

“You don’t have to. I can give you my key right now and let you stay at my house as long as you want, free of charge.”

“You really wouldn’t mind?” You question him.

“I would do anything for you Sinclair.” He softly answers.

You stare at him, “ Right back at ya Cowboy.”

You break eye contact looking at the stars until you let your head fall on his shoulder.

Both of you stayed like that until Jack had to leave for his shift. One heart bruised but beating for the other.

#dr jack abbot x reader #the pitt angst #the pitt fanfiction #dr robby #robby robinavitch #dr robby x reader #jack abbot #dr abbott #the pitt #platonic #lovers..#please be kind

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tyunkus · 4 months ago

Text

call you later — kang taehyun

pairing: idol!taehyun x afab!idol!reader wc: 2.3k

summary: you and your boyfriend haven’t seen each other in a while—busy end-of-the-year performances and schedules make sure of that. still, you’ve both worked so hard . . .

warnings: phone sex, dirty talk, teasing, free use mention, mutual masturbation, pet names, no penetration, no nothing tbh it’s literally just phone sex, OH YEAH YOU’RE HIS NOONA, pretty tame i’d say

note: happy 2 year anniversary to tyunkus (me!!!!)!!! here’s a surprise. this is very lightly edited and proofread, ok, i just really wanted to get something out for you guys. missed everyone here soso dearly <3 both reader and taehyun are idols in this, but due to them having extremely busy and vastly differing schedules, reader is in a hotel somewhere in an unspecified location, while taehyun is in tokyo. it’s been a while since i’ve engaged with kpop in general so forgive me for any unrealistic/downright wrong writing hehe. this is the taehyun i was imagining, fyi. love u guys!!!!!

A thousand and some kilometres away from Tokyo, you watch Taehyun’s performance on your TV screen.

You two had been texting, on and off, for the past thirty minutes before TXT appeared onstage. You have a similar conversation every time something like this happens, when one of you is performing and the other remains at home. An initial check-in turns into banter, turns into full-fledged flirting, back-and-forth in quick succession. You send selfies between messages (today, you send one of yourself in bed, scantily clad in a thin tank top, its strap falling loosely off your shoulder). Sometimes, Taehyun slips in a dirty comment (today, he limits himself to one kissy face reaction in response to your photo). Most of the time, after only a few minutes, you say goodbye (I love you, I miss you, call you later), right before the show starts (you turn on the hotel TV, click through the channels until you see an idol you recognize in a stadium you’ve performed at before. KBS Song Festival. A big deal, of course—it’s a shame your group couldn’t go). It’s only a matter of minutes before their performance begins.

What is there to say? Taehyun kills it like he always does. He’s wearing that sleeveless tank top that dips just beneath his obliques. You can see the sheen of sweat covering each ridge of his muscles there, reflecting off of the stadium lights crystal-clear even through the terrible stream quality. You feel all smitten and giggly, like a fangirl or something, and as much as it’s embarrassing and he would absolutely make fun of you for it, you can’t even bring yourself to care.

You watch until the very end, even after all of the groups congregate on the stage to wave goodbye to fans. You keep a close eye on TXT the entire time, your gaze following the unclear figure of your boyfriend in the distance, and are content just watching his broad, solid figure move among waves of idols until eventually the show dwindles into a dead black screen.

You’re sleepy. You have been for the past two hours that you watched the entire program; without Taehyun on the screen to capture your attention, you’re finding it hard to keep his promise to stay up until you can call. Swallowed by the comfort of the hotel’s downy pillows and duvet, you are just about to give into the temptation of sleep when Taehyun’s caller ID appears at the top of your screen and you jolt awake.

“Hello?” Taehyun says once you pick up, his voice deep and tinged with fatigue. It’s quiet on his end. No gruff yells from his groupmates, no shower sounds in the background that indicate someone else is in the room. In fact, the other day he had been very happy to tell you that he lucked out on getting his own hotel room. “You there, baby?”

You close your eyes and imagine that you hear the gentle rumble of his voice through his bones and muscle instead of the lifeless steel of your phone. A smile spreads on your face, completely involuntary, but then you miss him again with a pang in your chest. Truthfully, you know your separation is not a big deal. You had already planned around it, even, your next date (rather, reunion) coming up sometime next week, and yet—and yet. What you would do to feel him against you, real life and blood under your fingertips. “I’m here,” you confirm. “How are you feeling?”

“Great. Super tired.”

“I watched your performance. You did so well.”

He laughs breathily. You can hear the exhaustion. “I hoped so,” he replies. “Did you watch the whole thing?”

You nod, though you know he can’t see you. “Of course I did. You were perfect.”

“Wow, perfect?” Taehyun goads, obviously pleased. “Which part did you like the most?”

He’s baiting you, you know. You roll your eyes then flip over on your back, humming in faux contemplation. “Well. I really liked Soobin’s center part during the bridge, I thought he did really well.”

“Ahh. Good choice. What else?”

“And I thought they styled Yeonjun really well, too, it suits him, his new hair—”

“Yeonjun-hyung?” That strikes a nerve. Taehyun never told you himself, but you know from Huening Kai that Yeonjun had been planning to make moves on you when your groups first met all those months ago at a music show. It never worked since you never noticed; you were hooked on a particular boba-eyed vocalist from the start. His voice lilts, mostly joking, slightly expectant: “What about me, hmm?”

“You? I don’t have much to say about you.”

“Should I end the call?”

“I mean—I mean that of course I liked your voice the most,” you say, through giggles. “And your styling was really good. The shirt lifting part was unnecessary, though.”

“You didn’t like it? I did it just for you.”

“I guess I don’t know how to feel, knowing thousands of non-mes know what your abs look like.”

“You have the upper hand,” Taehyun points out. “Those non-yous don’t know how my abs feel.”

You smile so hard you have to bury your face in your pillow to overcome the embarrassment. “My turn. How’d you like my performance?” The AAAs had happened only yesterday. In between that and Taehyun’s travel schedule to Japan, you two hadn’t been able to talk much last night—hell, for the past several nights. Still, that didn’t stop Taehyun from sending you a link of a viral tweet showing your outfit: a tiny little dress, shimmery, hugging just around your waist, cut to expose several inches of your torso. Goddamn, his text underneath read, followed by a melting emoji.

Taehyun replies without hesitation. “The choreography was interesting. Not what I expected, but you pulled it off. Even though I could tell you were nervous.”

Leave it to Taehyun to be brutally honest, even with his own girlfriend. “Not really a compliment, is it?”

“I’m just telling you what I think, baby.”

“What else do you think?” you prod, unsatisfied.

“You looked beautiful, but that’s obvious. I was scared you would slip, but that doesn’t matter.”

You raise your eyebrows, expectant. “Well?”

“And I liked your outfit. I wished you could have taken it home.”

You scoff. What a ridiculous notion. The styling team would kill you and you wouldn’t even blame them for it. “Why would I do that?”

“So I could take it off of you.”

And, well. You slap a hand over your eyes, blushing to high heaven. “Fuck,” you say, eloquently.

“Mmhm. Wouldn’t that be nice? I’d start with the tights. Maybe rip them off, buy the styling team a new pair as an apology,” Taehyun suggests, his voice dipping an octave lower. Oh, you think, squeezing your thighs together ever so slightly. “You said you didn’t like that I lifted my shirt, but your dress was barely covering anything. Imagine how I feel, huh? Watching you dance in that tight little—”

“Taehyun,” you scold. “You can’t—I don’t—”

“You can wear whatever you want, noona,” Taehyun continues, “as long as I’m the only one who sees that beautiful body underneath, okay?”

“It’s all yours,” you manage, your cheeks burning. You hear a little grunt on his end, and decide to turn it back on him. “You’re breathing awfully hard.”

He lets out a throaty groan, full and rasping, and the sound makes you ache. “Yeah? Can’t f-fucking help myself. You’re so—mm, fuck—so hot.”

“Taehyun,” you whine, going for reprimanding but coming across as desperate instead. Fuck, you can hear the wet sounds his hand is making curled over his cock. How long had it been since he started touching himself? you wonder. Your mouth waters. “Don’t. Don’t.”

“Why not?”

“I’m… I’m not…”

“You don’t like it?” he questions, his voice lilting when he loses his breath, so fucked out. Unfair, you think, just as he breathes out a little chuckle through the phone, his mouth so close to the mic you can almost feel it on the nape of your neck. “No, no, I know you do. Know you’re rubbing those pretty fucking thighs together right now, right? Just so”—his voice wavers here—“so fucking desperate for me.”

You can’t help it. “I am,” you gasp, sliding a hand down between your thighs, finally, finally. You’re wet, so wet that if Taehyun were here, fuck, you would never hear the end of it. You can just imagine the smile on his face, lazy, pleased, just as he cups his nice, big hand over your wet, dripping cunt. The thought makes you moan even louder. “Need you, I need you. I miss—mmm, I miss you.”

“Yeah? You miss me, sweetheart?”

“Of course,” you gasp, breath stuttering, fuck it feels good, “I—I’ve been fucking myself thinking about you, Taehyun, I—”

“God,” he groans, and the sound of his fist moving against his cock only grows louder. “Fuck, tell me more.”

“Shit, mmm, it—it doesn’t work, it only works with you,” you whine, your entire face hot, flushed. It’s embarrassing, you realize dimly, embarrassing to confess how needy and desperate you’ve been. But God, if it isn’t true. How many nights now has it been since you’ve felt his touch? Dance practice, vocal lessons, team meetings on both ends. Lately, it’s been hard to keep up with your own schedule, much less Taehyun’s. It’s probably been a few weeks by now, all those busy days seeping into each other, it’s hard to tell. It doesn’t matter, anyway—you just know that you need him.

Taehyun says nothing at first, just huffs out a breath into the microphone, harsh and desperate. You don’t even notice, dipping your fingers between your folds, imagining tufts of chocolate brown hair tickling the inside of your thighs as he eats you out, the strength of his sturdy arms keeping your legs spread wide open for him; all the while, you pump your fingers in and out, your own wetness making loud noises that he can most definitely hear on the other end, fuck, it’s so embarrassing. Then, Taehyun speaks.

“When I come home,” he begins, and shit, even just hearing that has your cunt throbbing, “when I come home, baby, I’m just gonna use you, okay? Fuck, you don’t even know how rough this past week has been—just been thinking, dreaming of your tight little cunt, shit, I miss you so much.”

“Taehyun,” you gasp, clenching around yourself. You moan, all pitchy and pathetic. “You—you’re s-such a tease.”

“I’m not the tease here, baby,” Taehyun replies easily. “Looked so sexy in that outfit, like you wanted me to see—wanted me to want you—and I do, fuck, I do, ’s why I’m gonna use you, rough you up, however I want.”

Too much. You almost say so, burying your face into the softness of your pillow, trying to imagine that his warm body was there with you, on top, underneath, it doesn’t matter. You want him. It is almost ridiculous how much you wants him. You nearly forget to answer. “Really?” you squeak, and Taehyun only laughs, sweet and affectionate.

“Of course, baby. I know that’s what you want. You know, I used to feel so bad about wanting to treat you rough, like a slut—until I realized that you fucking love it.”

Oh. Oh, fuck. You feel a jolt of energy sail down your spine, making your whole body tremble. “I’m close. I’m close, Taehyun, ’m so fucking close,” you wail, and you sound like a fucking bitch, and it’s only worse when you imagine his voice saying that, rough just the way you liks it. “Please, pleasepleaseplease, wanna cum, fuck—”

Taehyun is thousands of kilometers away, an entirely different country, even, and yet he still has you heaving, mindless, shaking all over your bed, begging to come. This is not lost on you; you turnsyour head, embarrassed, relishing in how soft the pillow feels against your open lips and closed eyelids.

“No,” Taehyun says suddenly, and your eyes fly open. “Don’t muffle your moans. Let me hear you through the phone, baby. Let me hear you while you come,” he urges, and at once you lift your head from the pillow, your hair a mess over your face, your entire body sweating and pulsing and wanting. “Are you close? Are you fucking close just from listening to my voice?”

“Mmnn, yes, yes, I am, I’m close—”

“Good girl. Good girl, you’re doing so well, my pretty girl, all fucked out from hearing me touch myself. Want you to imagine that I’m with you, okay? Imagine that I’m the one touching you, making you feel good. What are you, hm?”

There, almost there. You can scarcely breathe, squeezing your thighs together, feeling your own wetness against your fingers, imagining it’s him. “Oh, Taehyun, I—mm, fuck, I—”

“Focus, baby. What are you?”

“I’m a good girl, I’m your good girl.”

Taehyun lets out a moan, low and deep and raspy. You are about to lose your goddamn mind. “Let’s come together, okay?”

“Mhm, please, I want to. Love you, I love you—”

“Baby, baby—”

“Keep—keep going, Taehyun—”

“I’m gonna cum, I’m gonna fucking cum—”

A beat of near-silence; thousands of kilometers apart, your bodies seize in tandem, right before shockwaves of pleasure take over completely. Taehyun lets out a throaty groan, and you hear the shlick shlick shlick of his fist pumping his cock, and as you finish, you swear you feel his hands gripping your waist, his lips brushing your forehead, his entire trembling body slotted over yours.

The next morning, when Taehyun wakes up in his hotel room in Tokyo, he sees you have sent him a link. It leads to a viral Tweet of his own photos—four close-up shots of his abs, taken during Tinnitus, no doubt. Your text underneath reads: Goddamn, followed by a melting emoji.

#guess who's BAAAAACK (me!)#i hope you guys enjoy #a bit rushed but still hot i hope #txt hard hours #txt hard thoughts #txt smut #taehyun hard hours #taehyun smut

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straylightdream · 4 months ago

Text

pillow princess

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: bang chan x afb.reader

after a stressful day at work your boyfriend knows the perfect remedy to help you relax.

𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞(𝐬): established relationship, romance, fluff, smut

𝐚𝐮(𝐬): slice of life

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1.4k

𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: fluffy sleepy vanilla smut, unprotected p in v (mc is on birth control), fingering, creampie, cockwarming

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 18+ nsfw

𝐚𝐧: this isn’t edited, sorry if there are errors.

🎧: shrike- hoizer

𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬.

It’s been a long day to say the least. Somehow an eight hour shift has felt like a twelve hour shift. At this point you would give anything to finally be off. You stood behind the counter quickly making coffee orders as they were being sent through. Saturday morning shifts are always the hardest. It had been an insane morning and you felt like you haven’t stopped moving since the sun started to rise. Your bottom lip was captured between your teeth as you tried to focus. You were nearing the end of your shift. Honestly, you just needed a nap desperately at this point. You couldn’t wait to finally be free from this coffee shop.

You sat two drinks down on the counter and glanced down at your watch to see that you had two minutes until you were off. You quickly made an ice coffee and sat it on the counter. You turned to your boss who was working the register and said a quick goodbye. Rushing to the back you threw off your apron and clocked out.

Rushing out of the coffee shop you walked the short distance down to your apartment you shared with your boyfriend. You couldn’t wait to see him. Hopefully he’s home and didn’t decide to go to the gym with any of his friends.

Opening the front door, you found your boyfriend and his best friend Changbin sitting in the living room. They were laughing and joking around about something. You can’t say you’re shocked that Changbin is over. Most weekends your boyfriend spends Saturdays hanging out with his best friend.

“How did work go?” Changbin asked. Changbin isn’t just your boyfriend's best friend, he’s also yours. You met back in college and he’s the one who actually introduced you to a very shy Chan. Nobody wanted you and Chan together more then Changbin. He went out of his way to push you both together.

“I made a bunch of coffee,” you smiled as you walked over to Chan who had stood up and started walking over towards you. He wasted no time wrapping his arms around your soft body and pulled you into his chest. His strong hands roam your back as you cling to him.

You rested your head against his strong chest and murmured, “I need a nap desperately.”

He pulled away and pressed his lips to the top of your head, “why don’t you go take a nap?”

“Okay.” You smiled pulling away from him.

You headed off to your room. You feel like you could fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow. Pulling off your sweater you toss it in the hamper near the closet. Quickly you push your jeans down your thighs. You walked towards the bed in nothing but your undies and a baggy shirt. This is your preferred form of pajamas. Crawling under the covers you curled up into a ball, and closed your eyes and it wasn’t long before you were sound asleep.

The feeling of the bed dipping down next to you caused you to stir. Looking up you find your boyfriend dressed only in a pair of boxers. He’s crawling into bed. You can’t wait to curl up close to him.

“Where did Changbin go?” You rasped still half asleep. Part of you isn’t even sure if this is real or if you’re dreaming.

“He headed home, and I was dying to cuddle with you.” Chan has always been a fan of cuddling. It’s rare you fall asleep without him holding you close.

You moved over and rested your head on his strong chest and pressed your body closely against him. Her soft thigh was moved so rested across his groining. You nuzzled your face into his chest. You weren’t sure if you could get physically closer to him. You would lay on top of him if you weren’t worried about squishing him. His hand rested on your round butt holding you close to him. He always jokes around that he can't sleep unless his hand is in your butt.

“You’re so comfortable,” you wiggled your body a little, getting as close as possible.

He let out a little groan as your soft thigh brushed against his groining. He loves when you get to cuddle like this but it kills him sometimes. You somehow managed to always get him all worked up without even trying. From the very beginning Chan had been addicted to your body, just like you were to his.

“If you nap with me for a half hour we can have lazy sex after,” you rasped against his chest. Lazy sex with Chan is always nice. You love when he takes you from behind while spooning you. You could get wet just thinking about it.

He leaned his head down and pressed his lips to the top of your head, “I like that idea.”

“I thought you would.” You sigh. “All you have to do is pull my thong to the side and slide right into me.”

“How am I supposed to sleep when you’re making me hard, talking about me pulling your cute little thong to the side?” He groans.

“I’m so sleepy-“ you moan rubbing your body against him.

“Is my sleepy princess horny?” His hand grips your butt pulling you closer to him.

“I’m already wet.”

His hand moves down your butt and dips between your legs. Pushing your thong to the side he groans at the feeling of how wet you are.

“Fuck-“

“I told you.”

“Baby can I fuck you?” He’s running his fingers through your folds.

“I’m too tired to do anything.” You might be sleepy but you’re aware you’re playing a game with him now. You’re tired but you definitely aren’t too tired to have sex with him. You just want to be a bit of a pillow princess right now. You want him to do all the work. You’re luckily your boyfriend is a saint and has no problem letting you be a pillow princess.

“Baby you don’t have to do anything. Let me do all the work.”

“Okay-“ You sigh.

Rolling off him you roll until you’re laying on your side with your back to him. You feel the bed move behind you letting you know he’s removing his boxers. The sound of the nightstand drawer opening signals he’s grabbing lube. Pulling your panties to the side you push your leg forward on the bed giving him more access to you. The bottle clicks open and moments later you feel him massage the cool liquid between your folds.

Slowly he runs his length through your folds. He takes his time pushing into you. His hand grips your hip. He keeps a slow and deep pace. This is your favorite kind of sex. You feel incredibly close and intimate when you’re together like this. Closing your eyes you moan. He feels so deep inside you. He’s always been a fan of any position he can take you from behind.

“Fuck-“ you whine. “You’re so deep.”

“You’re taking me so well baby.”

You know at this rate with how deep he is you won’t last long. You have no problem with cumming so quickly. With his stamina he’ll probably make you cum a second time before he finishes inside you.

“Channie-“ you fall apart almost instantly. Your walls contract around him.

He continues his slow and deep pace. “So good-“ He groans.

“Oh god-“ You’re moaning like a whore in heat.

“Can you cum again?”

“Yes-“ Your first orgasm isn’t even finished and he’s trying to get a second out of you.

His pace picks up slightly. His hand reaches between your legs and starts playing with your clit. You’re on the verge of overstimulation. Gasping he pulls another orgasm out of you. Crying his name out as you feel him paint your walls with his salty release. He moans your name in your ear as he rides out his own high.

His hips slowly stop moving and he shows no sign of pulling out. You both love cock warming after slowly sleepy sex.

“Let’s get some sleep babygirl.” He smiled before pressing his lips to your shoulder.

“I like that idea,” you whispered, closing your eyes.

If you have asked to be tagged I request that you please reblog. If you could leave comments and or tags that would be greatly appreciated.

#stray kids smut #bang chan smut #stray kids x reader #bang chan x reader #bang chan fanfic #stray kids fanfic #bang chan x you #bang chan insert reader #stray kids x you #stray kids insert Reader #my writing #bang chan writing

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winchesterwild78 · 8 months ago

Text

Rekindled pt 2

Master List

Characters: Russell Shaw x Reader

Warnings: Fluff, light smut….nothing too bad….yet 😉

A/N: I haven’t written a Russell fic yet and with him coming back to Tracker I wanted to test it out. Just a quick story about him. Written fast and edited fast. Maybe a few chapters.

All work is my own, used characters from the show Tracker, but this does not follow the story

Minors DNI 18+

You and Russell said your goodbyes, and you promised to text him later with the time and place to meet you and your son. Your heart was still pounding in your chest and you were terrified he was going to hurt you and your son.

You called your mom to get her advice. “Hey mom, do you have a few minutes to chat?” “Yes, honey. Russell is sleeping, so I’m free. Are you okay, you sound upset?” “Um, I’m not sure honestly. I ran into Russell and told him about Jr. He wants to meet him, told me it was up to me and I agreed. I don’t know what to do. I want Jr to know his dad, but on the other hand I’m terrified Russell is going to break our hearts again. I can’t do that to Jr.” “I understand honey, but you have to do what’s best for Jr. If Russell wants to be in his life, you should give him the chance. Even if you set boundaries with the two of you, it would be good for Jr to get to know his father if that’s what Russell really wants.”

The two of you sat in silence for a moment, “Yeah, Russell really wants to be in his life. I just don’t know where it would leave us. I’m still in love with him, mama.” “Oh sweetheart, I know you are. I would say just take it slow. Let him be in Jr’s life, and see where things go. You two are older and it sounds like Russell really wants to be in your lives. I appreciate he’s leaving the decision up to you. That shows maturity.” You sighed because you knew she was right. “Yeah, I just don’t know what to feel. As soon as I saw him all the love and hurt came rushing back. I want what we had, the life we promised each other.”

Your mother took a deep breath, “Honey, you can’t get back what the two of you had. It’s gone, both of you have grown and matured. The two of you have to focus on your son, and building something new. I don’t know what that’s going to look like, only you two can figure that out. However, if you want my opinion it sounds like there is still love there, on both of your parts, the two of you have a lot to work out, but if you both genuinely love each other then you’ll have no problem building something new, stronger than before.” “Thanks, mama. I love you. I’ll be home soon.” “I love you too, baby girl. I’ll see you soon.”

You: Hey, can you meet Jr and I at the park in about an hour?

Russell: Of course I can. Thank you.

You: You’re welcome. He’s napping right now, so he shouldn’t be cranky. 😂

Russell: Well he’s definitely related to me. I tend to get a little cranky. 😁

You: Oh I remember. 😉

Russell: I clearly remember someone being cranky when she hasn’t had her coffee or food. 😜

You: You know what, that’s not very nice. Everyone gets cranky without coffee or food. 🤣

Russell: True, but not like you. Speaking of which, wanna grab dinner tonight? Just the three of us?

You looked at your phone and your heart fluttered. The weight of his question pressing down on you. It was a simple question, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that bubbled in your chest. This wasn’t just dinner. It was the first dinner the three of you would share together as a family.

You: Sure, that sounds great. I know after Jr plays he’s going to be hungry.

Russell: Great! I can’t wait to see you two.

You: I’m looking forward to it.

Russell: I want you to know I really appreciate you letting me meet him. If you’re more comfortable telling him I’m a friend right now, I’m okay with that. I want you to be comfortable with this and I don’t want to overwhelm him.

You stared at your phone. How can he be so sweet?! Most men would be fighting tooth and nail to tell the child he was the father, but not Russell. His only concern is our son’s comfort and mine. Damn Russell, making me fall in love with you all over again.

You: I appreciate that, Russell. You have no idea what that means to me. We will figure it out, I promise. I want him to know who you are. You both deserve that.

Russell: 💚

As you drove home your mind and heart raced. He’d hurt you before, but everything he did was to protect you. How could you be sure he wouldn’t do it again? It wasn’t just you anymore, Jr. was a big part of this now. He was your priority.

Pulling into the driveway you saw your mom and toddler running around playing. When you got out of the car Jr ran to you. “Mommy. I missed you!” His little arms stretched wide. “Oh I missed you too, baby. Were you good for Nana?” He shook his head yes and smiled.

Your mom walked over and pulled you into a hug. “I know everything is going to work out, Y/N.” You nodded. “Hey baby, how about you and I go to the park and then out to dinner. I have someone I want you to meet.” “Yay, park. Nana go too?” He looked at your mother with his big green eyes. Your mom spoke up, “No, Nana is tired so she’s going to stay here. I’ll see you later and you can tell me all about the park and dinner.” Jr shook his head with understanding.

About thirty minutes later you were changed and loading Jr into his carseat. Your mom hugged you, “It’s going to be fine, baby. I truly believe that. Russell seems to be putting both of you first. That’s a great place to start. Whatever you decide, I'll support you.” “Thank you, mama. I’m scared. I’m still in love with him and I know he’s going to be amazing with Jr.” Your mom touched your face, “I know you are, and I know he will be. Just take it slow.” You nodded and climbed in the car.

Driving towards the park Jr was in the back singing and giggling. “Mama, I love you.” You smiled, “I love you too, baby. So much.” He giggled and was swinging his legs. Looking in the mirror at your son, your heart fluttered. Every time you looked at him you saw Russell.

Pulling into the parking lot of the park, you saw Russell standing leaning against his car. You playfully rolled your eyes and smirked. Your toddler was in the backseat squealing with delight, “Park! Park!” You laughed, “Yes baby, we’re here.”

Putting the car in park, you grabbed your bag and opened the backseat. Russell walked towards the car as you got Jr out. “Hey sweetheart.” You heard from behind you. As you pulled your son out you turned and saw Russell standing behind you holding two coffees. You smiled. Jr looked up at Russell and his eyes went wide. “Hey Russell. I see you have coffee.” He smirked, “Yeah, I didn't want you cranky.” He winked at you.

Jr watched the two of you in silence. His big green eyes took in Russell and glanced at you. “Mama, he has my name.” Your breath caught in your throat. Looking at your son and over at Russell you were at a loss of words.

Russell stepped closer, “Well, sounds like you’ve got a pretty good name then. I’m your mama’s friend. I knew her when she was younger. It’s nice to meet you, Russell.” Russell extended his hand to your toddler and your eyes thanked him. He nodded and smiled at you. Jr took his hand and shook it while his other arm clung to your neck.

The three of you walked towards the playground. It was pretty empty with the exception of a family of four. You put your son down and he took off towards the swings. You laughed, “Not too fast baby. I don’t want you to fall.” You looked over at Russell and saw a smile on his face.

When the two of you arrived at the swings, you placed your son in one and started to push him. His giggles filled the air between you three. You took in a breath and let it out, touching Russell’s arm, “Thank you for that. I wasn’t expecting him to pick up on your names that quickly.” Russell smiled, “He’s a smart kid. Must take after his mama, and you’re welcome. I know this is all new. It will work out, we’ll figure it out together.”

After a few minutes on the swing Jr wanted to run around so you pulled him out of the swing and put him down. He started running up and down the equipment while you and Russell watched him.

Russell was laughing and following him around. Your heart filled with love when you saw Jr take Russell’s hand and lead him through the maze of equipment. Pulling out your phone you snapped some pictures of the two of them together.

The sound of Jr and Russell laughing filled the air. Seeing Russell interact with your son made your heart flutter. As the afternoon wore on Jr was getting tired and hungry.

“Alright boys, it’s time to go eat dinner.” You said as Russell scooped Jr up in his arms. Jr threw his arms around Russell’s neck and Russell looked over at you and smiled.

He carried Jr to the car and put him in his car seat. Once he shut the door he turned, looked at you and smiled. “He’s incredible, Y/N. You’ve done an amazing job with him. I never expected to fall in love with him so quickly. Thank you for letting me meet him.” He cupped your face and your heart beat wildly. You looked into his eyes, bit your lip and inched closer to his lips.

“Can I kiss you?” You asked softly. Russell didn’t say a word, he just pulled you close and softly kissed your lips. All of the anger, hurt and pain from the past few years melted away.

The two of you pulled away and stood in silence. “I’ve been wanting to do that again since I saw you earlier.” Russell whispered against your lips.

Giggles from the car pulled your attention away. “Guess we should go feed our son.” You smiled as you looked at Russell. “Yeah, we don’t want him cranky like his mama.” Russell winked at you. You playful slapped his chest.

A few minutes later you were pulling in the parking lot of the local diner. Russell came over to your car and helped get Jr out. He grabbed your hand as he carried Jr into the restaurant. This felt right. It felt like home.

Once the three of you were sitting at the table Jr kept looking over at Russell. He would color on his mat, then look over at Russell. You and Russell shared quick glances, then you asked Jr if he was okay. “Sweetie, are you okay?” Your son looked at you and nodded. “Mama, he looks like me.” He pointed at Russell when he said it. Your breath hitched and a lump formed in your throat.

You took your toddler’s hand and took in a shaky breath. Your eyes flicked up and met Russell’s. “Well, honey, the reason he looks like you and you two have the same name is because he’s your daddy.” Your heart beat faster in your chest while you waited for your son’s response.

Jr looked at you and then over at Russell.

“You’re my daddy?” His sweet soft voice replied. Russell looked at him with so much love in his eyes and nodded yes. A hush fell over the table. Then your son squealed with delight, clapping his hands and swinging his legs. He reached for Russell, who stood and pulled him out of the high chair into his arms. Your heart leaped in your chest as Russell held your son in his arms.

When the food arrived the three of you ate and talked. As the night wore on, Jr was getting sleepier. You pulled him out of the high chair and laid him beside you in the booth. You and Russell continued talking about the past few years. He asked about the pregnancy, and how the birth went. You told him your mom was with you every step of the way and was at the hospital when he was born.

His hands fell softly on yours and held them on top of the table. You noticed the diner was starting to clear out. “Well we better get this little guy home, and let them close up.” You said, glancing at the sleeping toddler beside you.

Russell paid the bill and carried Jr to the car. Your son woke up briefly to see Russell carrying him and he snuggled into his chest more. Russell smiled softly at the toddler in his arms. He never knew love could feel like this. So pure, real and complete.

Russell put your son in the car and carefully closed the door. “I’ll follow you home, to help you get him inside if you don’t mind.” You touched his chest, “I don’t mind at all.”

The two of you drove towards your house. The soft glow of the house cast shadows on the driveway. Putting the car in park you got out and grabbed your bag. Russell walked over and took his son in his arms. You could get used to seeing him carrying your son. You walked up to the door and it swung open. Your mom was standing there with a grin on her face when she saw Russell carrying his son.

“His room is the second room on the right, at the top of the stairs.” Russell nodded and started to walk up the stairs. You followed behind him, glancing at your mom who was still grinning. Once in his room, you took off his shoes and pulled his blanket up to his chin. He turned and looked at the two of you sleepily, “Night mama.” “Night baby.” You placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Night daddy.” You gasped softly. Russell smiled and leaned down, placing a kiss to the top of Jr’s head, “Night buddy. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The two of you walked out of his room and you closed his door. Russell let out the breath he was holding and you noticed his eyes were filled with love and tears. You touched his biceps, “Russell, are you okay?” He ran his fingers through his hair, “No I’m not. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to let you walk away. I’ve missed 3 years of his life, of a life with you, I missed your pregnancy and you bringing our son into this world. I don’t expect you to forgive me, hell I know I don’t deserve it.”

You cupped his face, “Russell, I do forgive you. You’re here now. That’s all that matters. That little boy in there loves you so much already. There is still so much you haven’t missed.”

His eyes softened and he cupped your face. His lips crashed against yours in a needy, emotional kiss. As he pulled back he rubbed his thumb over your lips, “God I missed you. I love you so much, Y/N.” “I love you too, Russell. We have a lot to talk about, but for now all that matters is our son.”

He nodded and the two of you walked downstairs together. Your mom saw you two and walked over to Russell. “It’s good to see you Russell. I guess it came as quite a shock to find out you had a son.” “It’s good to see you too, Ms Y/L/N, and yes ma’am it was, but it’s something I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of.”

She hugged him and he leaned down and hugged her. She whispered in his ear “She’s missed you more than she’ll admit and she’s still deeply in love with you. Don’t screw it up or you’ll have to answer to me.” He smiled at her, “I’m deeply in love with her too, and I wouldn’t dream of it. Her and Jr are it for me.”

Your mother told both of you good night and hugged you, then went upstairs.

As a quietness fell over the room you and Russell sat on the couch. The two of you snuggled together on the couch as a movie played on the tv. Russell shared stories about his life and you showed him pictures of your son. You even showed him some of you pregnant. His fingers traced the photo and he sighed.

You touched his hand softly. “It’s okay. I had mama. I wasn’t alone, we weren’t alone.” “I know, but it’s still hard. I’m a fool to have let you walk away. I pushed you away and left you alone.”

You’re not sure what came over you but you got up, put the photo album down and straddled his lap. Cupping his face in your hands, “Russell Shaw, you stop that right now! You’re an incredible man and I know you’re going to be an incredible father to our son. I don’t care what happened before. It’s done and we can’t change it. All we can do is make a better future. If you’re truly sorry then don’t leave us, don’t leave him. Even if you don’t want to be with me, be there for him. Help me raise him to be an incredible man like his father. I love you, Russell Shaw. Now and forever.” You pulled him into a kiss and his hands ran up your spine and to your hair. Your body was on fire.

You felt his arousal through his jeans. He deepened the kiss and you were melting into his arms. As things started to heat up you felt the need to be in his arms again. “Russell, I need you.” You moaned and his hands slid under your shirt, cupping your breasts. Your hips moved down, pulling a groan from his mouth.

Your heart was pounding in your chest and you were ready for him to take you right there on the couch. Russell pulled away, “Baby as much as I want this, I think we should take it slow. I don’t want to screw this up again. You mean too much to me. Jr means too much to me.” Your heart ached for him, your body ached for him, but you knew he was right.

You nodded and started to climb off of him. He grabbed your hand before you got up, “Y/N wait,” You looked at him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “It’s okay Russell, you’re right. We really should take this slow. This isn’t just about us anymore, our son is the priority.” “He is, but so are we. I want to rebuild our relationship, one that’s stronger than before. One that is built on love and strength, not just physical attraction, but believe me I am still very attracted to you.”

You chuckled softly, “I know you are.”

Russell stood up and wrapped you in his strong arms. “Thank you for today, and thank you for letting me meet him. I still can’t believe he’s mine, ours.” “Don’t make me regret it, Russell, please.” He cupped your face, “Sweetheart, I promise I won’t.”

The two of you walked to the door and he stopped, pulled you into his arms and kissed you again. “Good night, sweetheart. I’ll call you in the morning if that’s okay.” “That’s more than okay. I know a little boy who would love it actually.” “Well then I guess I better come by for breakfast. I’ll bring the doughnuts.” Russell laughed.

You chuckled, “Russell, please don’t load our son up with sugar.” “Aww come on, let me bring him a doughnut, I’ll bring you coffee.” He fluttered his eyes at you and you smirked. “Fine, but you get to deal with the sugar high and crash.” Russell laughed, “Deal. Sounds like a win win. I get to bring him doughnuts and spend the day with both of you.” He kissed you one last time and winked as he stepped off the porch.

“Good night, Russell. Be careful and I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned as he got to the bottom step, “Good night, Y/N. See you in the morning, sweet dreams darlin’.”

You stood on the porch watching him walk to his car and get in. Watching him drive away your heart was full of so much love. You bit your lip with a smile on your face. For the first time in 3 years you felt like things were starting to fall into place. You were equal parts scared and excited, and the only thing you were sure of was how much love was still between you and Russell.

Tags are open, if you want to be added, let me know.

Tags:

@nescaveckwriter @kr804573

@k-slla @jackles010378

@jawritter @xx-spooky-little-vampire-xx

@roseblue373 @cheynovak

@jassackles @chriszgirl92

@suckitands33 @arcannaa

@n-o-p-e-never @ladysparkles78

@smoothdogsgirl @hobby27

@manicjk @stoneyggirl2

@deans-spinster-witch @snowayumi

@shadowqueen1318 @shanimallina87

@muhahaha303 @fitxgrld

@nancymcl @baby19sthings

@cheekygirl2309 @oceean

@kindollss @foxyjwls007

@lmg14 @cevansbaby-dove

@spxideyver @reignsboy19

@deans-baby-momma @deansimpalababy

@ladykitana90 @quietgirll75

@superrey @kamisobsessed

#hes gorgeous #so damn sexy #jensen ackles #jackles #russell shaw #russell shaw x reader

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entropicbias · 5 months ago

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star trek online with a youtube video.

(note, this is an old post, but i've decided to do more blogging like this here, so i remembered it.)

i decided to try out star trek online and live out my trekkie fantasies the other day. my first run in with the game was eons ago at a thrift store, but my current laptop is lacking a cd player, so i couldn't really try it out for sure. i don't know if it would work anyways considering it's a copy of the game from, what, 2010? what would be the point of that.

the first star trek game i ever played was the TNG game for the snes. i emulated it on my shitty old laptop. it was unfortunately a bust, cause i had no idea what i was doing.

speaking of tng, before i do my review, did you know a certain somebody used to make tng edits? can you recognize that flute sample?

anyway, my best friend dave (who doesn’t even have a tumblr) brought it up, assuming i’d never heard of star trek online. TCH! who do you think i am, you simpleton? naturally, i had to flex on him. whipping out the cd like some kind of seasoned star trek online veteran just to make a mockery of him. but really, the joke is on me, because let’s be honest, no one takes a self-proclaimed star trek online expert seriously.

so, i downloaded it off steam and ignored all the mixed reviews! i didn't stay in character creation for too long, but i tried to make him resemble me as much as possible. that's because my character's name is john kirk. he is john tiberius kirk.

john t. kirk of the u.s.s johnterprise. because enterprise is a restricted word (STUPID AND LAME?)

here is what i was greeted to.

quite frankly, i'm a little upset at the amount of diversity aboard. already i am seeing TWO vulcans. this is absurd. there is only one vulcan that should be aboard my ship, and he hasn't finished downloading the game yet.

OK! TIME TO PLAY THE FREAKIN' GAME FOR REAL! :D

after picking some of my skills (i chose to be aggressive, pistol handy, and uhh... i forgot the other one but believe me when i say it was good.)

i am meet this son of a bitch

captain...? CAPTAIN? OF THE JOHNTERPRISE? THE HELL YOU ARE! GET YOUR FALLOUT CLAYMATION ASS OFF OF MY FREAKING CHAIR! i thought you started out as captain? what is the point of naming my ship if i don't even get to be captain??? i need to show this guy who is BOSS.

the second thing i figured out about this game, is that if you walk into an object and believe in yourself you can actually gyrate with skill akin to that of a zumba instructor. so, i immediately had to gyrate next to captain isaac carrot to put him in his place.

it was a massacre for garrett. if i was you, "captain", i'd hang my head in shame and go back to being an ensign from being so hopelessly outmatched. it was also at this point i remembered that i could record my gameplay, which countered my ability to remember that my computer's cpu couldn't properly cool itself and i hadn't turned on my laptop fan. so amidst scanning some debris, my computer shat itself and died.

AND THEN RECORDED THE REST OF MY GAMEPLAY! watch it here. https://youtu.be/eeEs0el8Woo?si=djN9iLpkH3bGwNle there is some impossibly hard to read commentary there, and you may be wondering why i don't talk, and that's because i sound like bart simpson, so it's best that you just squint your eyes and pretend like morgan freeman's sultry voice is narrating my captions. if you do not want to sit through half an hour of shitty footage, then feel free to skip to 24:47 where i realize that you do not get a chance to meet captain kirk at the end of your first rodeo, and it genuinely breaks my heart. that is todays post, goodbye. update from jan 2025: i haven't touched the game since because i realized that i was just not going to be all that invested if most of the gameplay was from outside of the ship and i didn't have my very own personal spock.

-eb

#blog #star trek #star trek tos #star trek online #star trek the next generation #andrew hussie #james t kirk

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do-you-know-this-queer-character · 1 year ago

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Updates, Apologies, and Moving Forward!

Hello everyone! I am not dead, and this blog is not dead. I know I've been gone for a very long time again, and I'm very sorry.

I had to say goodbye to my cat, my emotional support animal, my baby. I won't say too much here, but she was suffering, and unfortunately there was nothing that could be done. My mental health is fragile at the best of times, and while I am okay and safe, it has been a difficult few months for me. I am also a full-time college student with a job, so all of my free hours were spent in grief. It's taken me a while to feel alright enough to come back, but here I am. I'm still passionate about queer representation in media, and I want to continue to share queer characters with the tumblr community. Starting tomorrow, I will resume the 8 times a day posting schedule that I was starting to utilize before my disappearance, as queueing posts makes my life much easier. I'm sorry if I don't respond to notes or asks left during my break. It's a lot to sort through and I value community engagement on this blog more than anything but I am just one person and I can only do so much. Feel free to re-send asks! Going forward, I'll be making a few changes. I am working on a publicly available google sheet of all characters that have been posted on this blog with results that I will link in a visible place so that people wanting to submit a character can (hopefully) quickly search to make sure that character hasn't been posted yet. I also will eventually be looking for another mod, although that will not be until the summer and I will make more posts when the time comes. I will personally be awol for the last few weeks of may and the first few weeks of june due to a job opportunity out of the country, but I am intending to have queued posts continuing to upload at the regular schedule during that time. Unfortunately this means I won't be able to edit mistakes or answer questions, but hopefully any issues can be addressed when I return. Thank you all for your patience, I'm sorry that this radio silence has gone on for so long, but I've thought about this blog a lot during my absence and I'm certain that it's not a project I'm giving up on any time soon.

#update #not a poll

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cider-and-isekai · 11 months ago

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Companions reactions to Modern!Tav from Earth coming back to Faerûn to visit

Gale (Blackstaff Academy Professor ending)

He was the one to help you get back (with a bit of help from Elminster I suppose)

More than happy to see you (and that his magic worked!)

Will do his best to stay quiet about your little comeback (Tara will do her best to keep him quiet too)

Will offer magic lessons since you're back in the world where The Weave™️ exists (this dude loves magic, won't let an opportunity like that slip, especially when he becomes ✨Professor Dekarios✨)

Will tell you everything that happened in your absence, much like the others

Genuinely happy to have you back, even if it's for a moment

Will cook something, you can prepare an extra pack for faerûnian food from him

Tara demands pets. Just not on the belly.

You're free to spend a while in the Academy, even join some lesson as a guest or a guest teacher

Astarion (vampire spawn in Baldur's Gate ending)

He finds you in the dead of the night, thinking you're one of the bad guys

When he pins you to the ground with a dagger it just feels like the old days

Immediately loosens his grip when he recognizes you

"What in the hells? What are you doi- How did you even do it?!"

Happy to see you as well and does not even need to hide it as he'd usually do

Together you hunt someone that night, for the sake of the old times

You both recall what you've been up to

If you let him drink your blood again he'll be elated

But careful as a babe. This time he'll be good to his words

Surely has some news from the spawn family (if he didn't join them in the Underdark). Reads you some letters from Gur and other spawn. Takes breaks while reading the one from Sebastian. You hug him understandingly

You end up watching the sunrise before the sun is too high and you leave to seek other companions

Wyll & Karlach (yeet into the Avernus ending)

You kind of didn't expect to see them

They went to Avernus after all

They're the ones to spot you

"SOLDIER?! IS THAT YOU?!" are the only words you hear before you're pulled into Mama K's tight hug, unable to let go

Anyway you're not willing to let go. I mean who would want to?

Wyll's surprised too, they're both excited and curious how did you do it.

They were just about to meet his father (obviously), last thing they expected was to see their friend from another world.

You just jump in and go with them, asking how things are going with Karlach's engine, both excited and worried

Finally hearing good news (about the forge) makes you talk about heart surgery again ( @tavshortfortavern thanks for the idea!; also special thanks for inspiring me to write my own headcanons, love Yours!)

You spend the rest of the day meeting with Ulder, training, talking and having a drink in the Blushing Mermaid in the evening with Astarion who 'accidentally' found you

You all almost get too drunk but you don't care, because it's a memorable night

You toast for Gale who pulled it off and thought about it in the first place

Lae'zel (Freeing Githyanki edition)

Also kinda unexpected and brief meeting

You can see she's pleased with meeting you again (even if she's reluctant to show it)

She tries to keep her cool, she's leading a rebellion and most likely has an important meeting here

'Never thought I'd see you. Did you get lost in the realms again?'

After finding out how did you do it she nods in acknowledgement. Probably doesn't want to compliment the wizard

You quickly recall your current state of life and say goodbye, but for longer than usual (a little bit of slavic way of saying goodbye for an hour)

You're sure you spied a smile on her face, but she'd rather die than admit it (if she's with her fellow githyanki warriors)

Shadowheart (both good endings)

Parents freed & alive

She visited Gate for some groceries and maybe running into friends

And exactly both thing happens

She's not sure if she saw who she saw, has to blink and make sure

'You... you're back? How'd you do that?'

'Then it's a fine wine bottle for Gale then. What you've been up to? I was sure I'll never see you again!'

Also turns into a hug mode, girl does not take prisoners

After hearing from you she tells you about her cozy life with her parents

It's pretty much calm, nothing changed much (which is good considering her mother's state)

Can't stop looking at you like you're something magical or just a dream

You grab the groceries and head back to her house where you surprise her parents too

Her mom does not recognise you, but you understand. Her father still shoots out best jokes in this part of galaxy

Coziest evening in a while

Parents freed & gone

Pretty much all of the above but she might have someone on her tail and gets scared you may get hurt (just like in Waterdeep, when you romance Gale she tells you she's been there with someone on her tail exactly)

Gets you under her protection and if you run into any of your companions you're under their protection as well

If not, you'll just happily walk around the city and have some dinner and recall your life after you left Faerûn

But you could easily tell she still misses her parents, which makes you turn into a hug mode too

You may even spend an evening drinking somewhere secluded (beach maybe?)

Jaheira, Minsc & Boo

'The cub has found its way back. Though 'how?' still remains a question'

You explain and she admires how far the wizard has come to get you back for a visit

Minsc does not understand it, but is glad to have otherwordly friend back

Same with Boo, he's vicious but not towards Tav who occasionally fed him with extra snacks

Yes, hugs are mandatory even if none of them will show it (little hug for Boo as well!)

Jaheira is still busy with Harpers network rebuilding, might have to order few of them around as you speak

Takes you to her home where the kids also get a fucking aneurysm because they were sure you coming back was not possible

When you tell her your last life events she looks proud

But, like, tough auntie proud

'Seems like that world of yours is in the good hands'

You try your best not to go with explaining how it isn't so easy back there

Generally a day with the Busy Mom™️, the Madman and his Rodent

Halsin

After you made your little tour at the Gate & Waterdeep it was time for the *trip*

You did your best not to show on the road, just for the sake of surprise

Though you were nervous about the animals you've met

Not because they could eat you, but you remember the wildshape

No bears though, you feel safe

When you reach Moonrise you use every little stealth skill Astarion has taught you

Though your knees protest against that

You spot him somewhere near The Waning Moon, fixing something

Your sneak behind him would make Astarion proud as fuck

Daddy Bear doesn't notice a thing (or so you hope)

With only few seconds to act you just tap his shoulder

He turns back expecting a kid perhaps, but instead his eyes widen upon seeing his old (young?) friend

The one he was sadly sure never to see again

He's not quite sure what to say for a few seconds so you just pull him into a hug

He hugs back with his and probably Silvanus' might

He's just so excited, but fortunately doesn't wildshape (iykyk)

He's also impressed in Gale's skill (even if it involves Elminster)

Eager to show you around, proud of his work, but don't you dare bring it up yourself! (unless you want him to turn into a mouse or just threaten you to do so, even as a joke)

You almost don't recognise the place without the curse

Thaniel & Oliver take you by surprise in turn, but it's also a lovely reunion. Without the curse they're flourishing and thriving, just like the nature around

Whole. Fucking. Ton. Of. Kids.

And stray people willing to start a new life here

But they're all happy and taken care of. It's loud, it's messy, it's chaotic, but it's lovely.

You can easily see Halsin put his heart into that and truly found his place in the world

'My friend. Would you like to stay?' his voice radiates with hope, and if you say yes, he's even more happy. If you can not, he understands

He's surprised you remember about the old druid. You ensure him you never forgot

You help around with the kids & the place, maybe even tell them a story or two to let Halsin rest (even if he's sleeping behind you in his bear form)

You may also get back with druidic magic here, even if you won't use it in your world, Halsin would gladly spend time teaching you and recalling your latest life events

You also visit Art's Grave if he passed away (which could occur)

NPCs REACTIONS WILL JOIN SOON

#bg3 #baldurs gate 3 #isekai #gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #elminster #astarion #astarion ancunin #halsin #bg3 isekai #shadowheart #laezel #karlach #wyll ravengard #faerun #baldurs gate astarion #baldurs gate gale #sword coast #karlach cliffgate

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imaginespazzi · 11 months ago

Text

Part 3: Miss Me, Miss Me Not

Masterlist - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15

And it hits me when the lights go on (shit, maybe I miss you)

(In which a lazy writer somehow still manages to make her deadlines, much to her own shock)

Pairing: Paige Bueckers X Azzi Fudd

Themes: Angst, Pining and a teensy bit of Fluff

Words: 5.8K

TW: Swearing (once again I think that's it?)

A/N: Hello my lovelies <3 I'm not gonna lie til about an hour ago, I very much did not think I was gonna give y'all a Monday update but here we are! A couple of housekeeping things, I went back and added months to the years so hopefully that's more helpful. I lowkey dislike this part but I felt like the fic needed it and I'm excited to write the next part. Ngl, the editing on this is pretty nonexistent because trying to read this back lowkey killed me so please feel free to point out mistakes so I can fix them. As always, let me know what you liked, and disliked and anything you wanna see going forward. I really appreciate all of y'alls feedback and the long reviews make my day! Have a good rest of your week lovies <3

September 2017

Azzi: just got home :)

It’s a simple text and it should be easy for Paige to conjure up an equally simple reply. Instead she finds herself typing and deleting, over and over, because nothing sounds quite right. There’s this hollow feeling thrumming in her chest, that has only gotten stronger every passing minute since she’d said goodbye to Azzi at the airport. If she tries hard enough, she can still feel the remnants of their last hug lingering against every inch of her skin. She wants to memorize that feeling and create a blanket out of its threads to numb the ice cold shiver that’s been repeatedly running through her veins from the second Azzi had gotten on that plane. But even that might not be enough. Not when she’s learnt just how warm Azzi’s presence can be and how everything else pales in comparison.

Paige lies to herself that it’s an accidental slip of her fingers, that she’d meant to press send not call, that she had every intention of hanging up the facetime on the first ring itself.

But then Azzi picks up on the second one.

And really it would be rude to hang up.

“Hey what’s up?” Azzi’s face fills the screen, tired eyes staring intently at Paige through the screen.

“Oh um-” Paige fumbles for words, awkwardly shuffling her feet that are dangling off the side of her bed, “I just wanted to ask how your flight was?”

Azzi raises an eyebrow, “you couldn’t have texted me that?”

“Too tired to text,” Paige lies and the words i just wanted to hear your voice stay stuck, burning hot, in her throat, “gotta save these money-making fingers for more important things.”

“Yeah I’m hanging up-”

“NO-” it comes out far more forceful than it should and if possible, Azzi’s eyebrow shoots up even farther, as Paige clears her throat, “I mean- uh- you didn’t tell me how your flight was.”

Paige is too busy cringing at herself to notice the light blush that tinges Azzi’s cheeks. She’s too busy wondering why this girl brings out this nervous bumbling side of hers to notice the fond smile that almost cracks through Azzi’s lips.

“The flight was okay. I actually got to sleep this time,” Azzi says pointedly and Paige laughs.

“So what you’re saying is it was boring as hell.”

“I’m saying it was really peaceful not having someone yapping in my ear while I was trying to sleep.”

“So you didn’t miss me?” Paige presses, trying to keep her voice teasing despite how desperately she wants the admission.

Azzi hesitates, as if she’s debating with herself, before, “I didn’t say that.”

It’s a little ridiculous how large Paige’s grin is but it’s okay, because Azzi’s smiling back, soft and shy. They’d look foolish to anyone else, the way they’re so intently gazing at each other through a screen as if there’s no barrier between them at all.

“It’s gonna be weird going to the gym without you tomorrow morning,” Paige confesses after a second, moving to lay down on her stomach.

“I bet. You’re gonna get absolutely nothing done without me,” Azzi teases dramatically before her eyes soften, “it’s weird that I’m not gonna see you at all tomorrow.”

There’s something gut-wrenching about that admission and yet, there’s something in it that heals a part of Paige’s heart that she hadn’t even known needed to be fixed. It means something to her that Azzi must feel it too. Because if she’s honest with herself, Paige had been just a little afraid that maybe the connection was just in her head, that maybe Azzi was simply tolerating her presence out of kindness.

“You should just move to Minnesota,” Paige replies finally, “much nicer than Virgina or whatever.”

“Have you ever even been to Virginia?” Azzi asks, eyebrows raised as she flips herself to lie on her back, holding her phone above her in a way that lets Paige see entirely too much and yet not nearly enough.

“No but it sounds boring as fuck.”

“Not with me,” Azzi says, biting her bottom lip sheepishly as soon as the words are out.

Paige smirks, suddenly filled with a brand new confidence, “yeah? You’d make Virgina interesting for me Fudd? What would we do?”

Azzi licks her lips and Paige feels her mouth go dry.

“We’d be together,” the younger girl says finally, averting her gaze as the depth of her words begin to make Paige feel like she’s being flooded by an ocean of emotions she’s not quite ready to feel yet, “anything can be interesting if we’re together.”

It would be so easy to come up with a sarcastic quip or tease Azzi for being a sap and yet there’s a certain sincerity in this moment that feels too fragile for Paige to feign nonchalance.

“Is Virginia nice in the winter?” she asks finally, hands fidgeting with the hair ties secured around her wrist, “Minny’s a little too cold sometimes.”

Azzi’s eyes shine and Paige wants to try and read them, find the little clues hidden in her irises and solve the mystery lingering behind the crimson flush of her cheeks. But the truth is that Paige is a little scared of what she’d find, a little scared that discovering Azzi might mean discovering herself too.

“You should come find out some time,” the brunette says, casual tone filled with intricacies of something far deeper. It’s the closest they’ve gotten to saying anything of actual substance and they tip-toe around saying what they both want, daring the other to ask first.

“I dunno,” Paige says, determined to win the game, “I’m not in the habit of showing up to places without a proper invite.”

Azzi scoffs, “a proper invite? Are you expecting someone to send you a carrier pigeon with a gold letter addressed to her royal highness or something?”

“That would be nice,” Paige surmises and Azzi rolls her eyes.

“Does your back ever hurt from carrying that ego?”

“Only hurts from carrying my team.”

“Oh my god you’re so full of it.”

“Full of talent? Yessirrrr.”

Azzi huffs, “Paige.”

“Azzi,” Paige hums.

“Do you wanna come visit me in Virginia during winter break?” Azzi says finally, a small smile playing on her lips like she’s okay with losing this game as long as it’s to Paige.

“If I must,” Paige says dramatically, shrugging her shoulders and everything as Azzi lets out an offended squeak. But inside, her heart flutters at the offer, at the idea of seeing Azzi again, even if it feels like a lifetime away. Because as long as it’s Azzi on the other side, Paige and her impatient self can wait however long it takes.

“Actually you know what nevermind, you don’t gotta come,” Azzi concedes bitterly, scrunching her face (and Paige would never tell her this but she thinks Azzi looks just a little too cute when she’s mad and so maybe she riles her up on purpose)

“No takesies backsies Az,” Paige sing-songs before her lips uptick from a smirk into something more sincere, “hey Az,” she whispers, giggling to herself when Azzi pretends to ignore her, “I’d really like to come see you in Virginia during winter break.”

And as a brilliant grin dazzles across Azzi’s face, Paige realizes that her favorite thing about Azzi’s smile isn’t when her dimples show or when her eyes twinkle, it’s when it’s there because of Paige, when it’s there just for Paige.

“Good,” Azzi whispers as they fall into a comfortable silence.

There’s this serene sense of calm that laces itself around Paige’s nerves. Her normally fidgeting body is content to be perfectly still, an anomaly to her usual demeanor. The truth is that Paige isn’t the kind of person who’s okay with just existing; she likes to spend every second in motion, living out the high. There’s a part of her that’s scared of missing moments, scared that the people around her will leave her behind if she doesn’t chase them. But it’s different with Azzi. The younger girl makes Paige feel like it’s okay if she takes a moment to just breathe. Because Azzi will wait. Because Azzi won’t leave Paige behind.

“Wait,” it’s a little while before Azzi pipes up, shaking Paige out of her thoughts, “what time is it?”

Paige’s eyes flicker to the time on her phone, confused by the line of questioning, “it’s almost 9 why?”

“Don’t you have a team party or something to go to tonight?” Azzi asks, face scrunching, “I swear you told me you had something tonight.”

“Oh-yeah- Amaya’s back to school thing,” Paige sheepishly scratches her neck, suddenly feeling itchy in her flannel shirt. She’d forgotten she was wearing that instead of her daily clothes. Hell, she’d forgotten she was supposed to be going somewhere in the first place, too occupied with other thoughts.

“Bro get up,” Azzi orders, “you’re already late.”

“Nah it’s fine. I don’t think I’m gonna go,” Paige says and she thinks she should probably feel a little more guilty about it.

“What do you mean you’re not gonna go?” Azzi asks in disbelief, “dude you’re the star of the team. You have to go.”

“Amaya will understand besides-” Paige drags in a deep breath, feeling vulnerable as the next words fall out in a quiet whisper, “I don’t wanna hang up yet.”

“Paige c’mon we can talk tomorrow,” Azzi tries to protest but it’s half-hearted at best.

“I wanna talk right now,” Paige argues, “you don’t wanna talk to me?”

For a second Paige thinks Azzi might just say no, might just chip away a little bit of heart with a well-intentioned rejection, but she doesn’t, “always wanna talk to you P.”

“Then don’t hang up. Talk to me.”

And Azzi does. All night.

Two weeks laters there’s a letter, in an envelope with a picture of a carrier pigeon, that arrives in the Bueckers’ mail box.

To her royal highness,

Unfortunately I couldn’t find an actual carrier pigeon (I swear I tried) so this envelope and the mailman will have to do.

~ You are formally invited this winter break to the Fudd family residence in Virginia. ~

(And you better show up Bueckers)

Yours,

Azzi

February 2033

“I can’t believe you’re leaving me,” Ice whines petulantly as she makes herself comfortable on the couch across from where Paige is getting her makeup done, “this is parental neglect.”

Paige laughs, eyes closed, her makeup artist does her mascara, “you’ll survive.”

“You don’t know that” Ice argues, plucking a grape from the fruit basket before segueing into a rant about how boring Arlington, Texas is.

Paige is grateful for the distraction her younger friend is providing. Her nerves had been on edge since the moment she’d woken up this morning, anxious to get the impending farewell press conference over with. She’d already started accepting that the Wings weren’t the right place for her but that feeling had only been heightened by her trip to the Valkyries. And ever since she’s come back, Paige feels a little bit like she’s sleepwalking through her final moments in Dallas. If she’s honest, she’s probably rushing things a little bit. There’s still plenty of time before she really has to move to Oakland but it had been her choice to move there as soon as possible. Paige had always been good at conjuring excuses and she had plenty as to why she needed to be in California so soon. But at the end of the day it isn’t about training or team bonding or any of the other hundred justifications she’s given anyone who’s asked. It’s about a little girl who’s eyes had been brimming with tears when saying goodbye, a little girl who had made Paige pinky swear that she’d be back as soon as possible.

Really, Paige thinks she should be applauded for her restraint, because truth be told, the second Stephie’s lower lip had trembled, Paige had been prepared to ask Ice to just ship her stuff to Oakland so that she’d never have to let go of the little girl’s hand.

And here’s the thing, Paige is willing to admit she wants to go back to the Bay Area for Stephie. It’s that pesky little part of her that’s desperate to go back for Stephie’s mother, to go back for one more hesitant yet lingering touch, that she won’t ever share with anyone else.

“I never thought I’d live to see you and Azzi willingly playing together again,” Ice says as soon as Paige’s makeup artist leaves the room, “KK and I didn’t even try betting on it, we were that sure it wouldn’t happen. Shit I should have. I totally would have won.”

“Don’t y’all get tired of betting on my life?” Paige asks, rolling her eyes, trying to ignore the first part of what Ice said.

“Betting on your life has made me hundreds of dollars bro,” Ice says, before a more earnest look crosses her face, “but genuinely P, are you sure about this? There’s a lot of history there.”

Paige sighs, “it’s not about our history. It’s a basketball decision. And we’re both mature adults who know that. I’m just tryna win. Nothing else.”

“It’s never nothing when it comes to you two.”

“It is this time,” Paige argues adamantly and Ice raises her hands in surrender.

“I just don’t want another set of teammates to have to deal with y’alls bullshit,” the younger girl teases, but it’s laced with a hint of seriousness that sends a flare of guilt shooting through Paige’s body.

“Ice-” she begins.

But Ice is quick to change to a lighter subject, “can’t believe Jana’s the one that gets mom and dad back together. I always knew she was the favorite.”

“We didn’t have favorites,” Paige plays along, thankful for Ice and her ability to always keep the tension to a bare minimum.

“Oh don’t lie. We all know you did,” Ice scoffs and then lets out a chuckle, “and now Azzi’s actually a mom. That’s kinda insane. And you met the kid right?”

“Yeah. Yeah I did,” Paige says and she can’t help the way her entire face breaks into a gleaming smile as her thoughts turn into memories of Stephie. She doesn’t even realize she’s gotten lost in a different world until Ice coughs, an amused grin playing on her lips.

“You’re so royally fucked Paige,” Ice shakes her head, “the only person I’ve seen you smile that big for before is Azzi.”

“She’s a cute, smart, adorable kid, that’s why I’m smiling,” Paige tries to defend herself.

“She’s Azzi’s cute, smart, adorable kid,” Ice counters.

“That has nothing to do with it,” Paige protests again but it rings hollow to her own ears.

“Oh my god I needa call KK and get this bet started. It’s only a matter of time for real,” Ice says, more to herself than to Paige, as she whips out her phone, probably texting KK.

“A matter of time till what?”

“You’ll find out Paigey,” Ice says gravely with a mocking smile, patting Paige’s head, “all in due time.”

***

The Dallas Wings media room is buzzing, reporters desperate to ask Paige questions and the blonde tries to maintain a smile despite the fact that her heart is lurching in her throat right now. Her opening speech had been short and sweet, parroting basically the same thing that had gone out on her social media the night before; she’d been desperate to just get it out. Generally, Paige is pretty good with the media, having been immersed in the spotlight since basically forever. The attention and how to maneuver it has always come naturally to her so she’s not sure why she feels so unnerved by it all today. From the back of the media room, Ice sends her a thumbs up and a reassuring grin and Paige lets out a breath, glad to have at least that comforting presence with her.

“Aidrian Ginsburger with Bleacher Report, Paige, you’ve obviously spent all of your career so far with the Wings, can you tell us a little bit about the impact this organization has had on you?”

Paige smiles at the question, letting her brain skim through pages and pages of fond memories she has of time spent with this team. It might be time to move on but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have plenty of cherished moments.

“Yeah um- this place has really shaped who I am as a person. Since day one, the front office, obviously it’s a different one to the one I came in with, they did a lot to make sure that I was comfortable. My teammates through the years have been incredible and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without them. And of course the fans you know, they always showed out for the team, for me. Always supported me in anyways and I hope that I was able to give back the love to them that they always gave to me,” she says, suddenly nostalgic for the team that had started it all.

The next questions are similar in nature and Paige’s answer varies only in words but not substance. She feels herself start to settle into it, now fielding the expected questions about the Wings and Valkyries with an air of confidence. There are a couple questions about Azzi that make her heart thump, but that was to be expected. It’s a pretty brilliant story in the making, two MVPs who used to play on the same college team coming together. Talia had warned Paige in advance that there was no avoiding it. But for the most part the questions have an easy answer about how Azzi’s a brilliant player and she’s excited to play with her old friend again. That is until a familiar hand shoots up and all the tension that had previously dissipated, comes roaring back with a vengeance.

“Olivia Reynolds with the Dallas Morning News, Paige, as others have said today, you and Azzi Fudd played together at UConn and you were best friends.” Olivia’s eyes glint viciously, “I mean it’s pretty well documented how hard you tried to recruit her to UConn. But despite being best friends, the two of you have been never seen hanging out, outside of games and formal events, unlike your other teammates that is-”

“Is there a point to this?” Paige asks, hands fisting in her lap as she tries to keep herself calm.

Olivia smiles, sugary sweet, “I was just wondering if maybe there was some tension and how that would affect your on-court chemistry at the Valkyries?”

“There’s no tension,” Paige lies through gritted teeth, “we didn’t hang out because we live far apart. There isn’t much else to it. And even if there was, Azzi and I are professionals. We wouldn’t let anything off the court affect our goal to win.”

“You lived far apart before UConn too, but that didn’t seem to stop you guys. What changed?” Olivia presses.

“Time did. Our lives did. There’s nothing sensational here. It’s just a case of two people drifting apart,” Paige says and the fabrication feels heavy on her tongue. If only it really had been that simple.

“But clearly not that much,” Olivia says, and Paige glances at the moderator, desperate for an intervention, “there were plenty of fan pictures of the two of you out getting ice cream with Azzi’s daughter. It seems like you’re already fitting into that Bay Area life-”

“I’m not hearing a question at the end of your sentence,” Paige hisses and she can practically already hear the scolding she’s going to get from Talia once her agent gets wind of how this press conference had gone. The entire media cohort is watching the exchange with wide eyes, no doubt questioning whether they were embarrassed or impressed by their colleague. Ice is mouthing something to Paige, probably something along the lines of please keep your shit together, but Paige is steaming. Really, she should have expected this.

“Well if you’d let me finish,” Olivia snarls, the façade of innocence dropping, “even if the two of you have drifted, as you put it, clearly there’s still a relationship there. How big of a role did Azzi Fudd play in your choice to move to the Valkyries?”

Paige sucks in a deep breath, nails digging into her palm at the question, “Azzi is the best shooting guard in the country. That was her role in my decision to move to the Valkyries. I don’t know what else you’re trying to imply, but I want to play with her because we play well together. That’s it,” she stands up and there’s pin drop silence, “thank you all for coming but we’re done with this press conference.

***

Paige is seething as she exits the media room, Ice hot on her heels trying to calm her down. The sane part of her knows she should head back to the makeup room or even to her car, instead she finds her feet carrying her in the direction of where she knows Olivia Reynolds will be, reviewing her press conference notes by the coffee machine like she always is.

“What the actual fuck was that?” Paige spits as she comes to a halt in front of the reporter.

“I know you think playing basketball is the only job in the world Paige, but that was a reporter doing her job,” Olivia says, her calm and composed voice only furthering Paige’s irritation.

“Bull-fucking-shit.” Paige sneers, “that wasn’t a reporter out there, that was my ex-wife grilling me like we were back in fucking divorce court.”

Olivia cocks her head, “oh so you do remember who I am to you then?”

“Oliv-”

“Because if you did remember, I’d like to think you’d have the courtesy to at least personally tell me that you were moving to your,” she drops her voice, “ex-girlfriend’s team instead of letting me find out with the rest of the world. You don’t think you owed me that?”

“That’s what this is about?” Paige sighs, “Olivia we’ve been divorced for almost three years now, I don’t owe you-”

“You didn’t owe Azzi anything either,” Olivia whisper-yells, the calm in her voice replaced by the same anger that had tainted the last year of their marriage, “but when we first started dating, you kept us a secret for months. You wouldn’t even tell your fucking teammates cause you were so scared she’d find out,” her eyes drift towards Ice who looks like she wishes she’d made a different decision rather than following Paige out here, “you said she deserved to hear it from you but apparently I don’t-’

“I didn’t mean it like that Olivia. Look, I meant what I said up there. There’s nothing between- ”

“Spare me,” Olivia says, as she stuffs her notepad into her bag, “you can lie to all those other reporters out there about how all of this is a basketball decision. You can even lie to yourself if you want. But you can’t lie to me, not when I spent four years fighting to keep our relationship from getting crushed under whatever it is that Azzi is to you.”

***

It doesn’t matter how far Paige burrows her head into her pillows, she can’t seem to stop herself from hearing Olivia’s words reverberating through her ears. The two of them had done well at co-existing in their social circles after the divorce had been finalized. While no one could quite call them friends, they’d done a good job at being friendly, being able to converse and share an occasional drink when in their combined friend group. And if Paige is honest, she knows she’s fucked up, knows she probably did owe Olivia a call. But calling Olivia would have meant calling someone who would inevitably make Paige face the truth, just like she had today. The truth that, even with the deal Talia had concocted with the Liberty hanging in the background like a dark presence, the move to the Valkyries was about a lot more than just basketball for Paige.

She’s so entrenched in her thought that she doesn’t bother checking who it is when the facetime rings, irritation seeping into her voice as she answers it, face still buried in her pillows, “WHAT?”

“Miss Buecks?” a tiny voice comes through the phone and for a second, Paige thinks she must be dreaming, until she finally lifts her head to look at her phone, and Stephie’s small face lights up the whole screen. And it’s like she can feel little hands on her shoulders, slowly unknotting her tightened muscles.

“Stephie,” she breathes out, a sudden sense of serene calm washing over her previously tense body.

“Hi Miss Buecks,” Stephie says happily before she squints at the screen, “you sleep weird.”

Paige laughs, “and why’s that?”

“You’re not wearing pajamas and it’s only seven. ‘Dults don’t sleep at seven,” Stephie says matter-of-factly.

“It’s actually nine here,” Paige says, a little surprised by the time; she hadn’t realized she'd been moping in her bed for that long. Ice had forced her to get lunch together, not wanting to leave Paige alone after the encounter with Olivia. Once she’d finally gotten back to her apartment, Paige had flopped on her bed, taking out her frustrations on her poor pillow.

“That’s not poss-ble,” Stephie scrunches her face, “Mama’s phone says it’s seven.”

“It’s seven in California, it’s nine in Texas,” Paige tries to explain though by the way Stephie’s looking at her, she thinks she’s probably just confusing the girl more, “how’d you figure out how to call me babe?”

Stephie gives her an exasperated look, “Miss Buecks I’m five. I know how to use facetime.”

“And does your Mama know you're facetiming me?” Paige asks, eyebrows raised.

“She’s in the shower,” Stephie whispers, grinning sheepishly.

As if on cue, Azzi appears on the corner of the screen and Paige feels her mouth run dry. The darker skinned woman is clad in a light pink fluffy bathrobe that ends right above her knees, giving Paige the perfect view of her long, toned legs that seem to shimmer despite the shitty quality of the facetime. Rivulets of water cling to her neck, delicately cascading down the valley of her breasts before disappearing from sight. And Paige must be dehydrated because never has she wanted to taste a drop of liquid more than she does right now.

“Stephie,” Azzi groans, as she walks towards the phone and Paige gulps, heart beating faster with every step the other woman takes, everything about her becoming clearer and clearer, “what did I say about using my phone.”

“Only in em-a-gencies,” Stephie recites, “but Mama I had an em-a-gency.”

Azzi tilts her head, eyebrows raised as she gives her daughter a knowing look, “and what was your emergency?”

“I really, really, really, this much” Stephie stretches out her hands as far as they’ll go, really, really, really, miss Miss Buecks.”

Paige feels her heart flutter. Stephie’s words feel like a hand carefully pulling her out from under the pile of stress she’d been buried under the whole day. It’s like the little girl is pushing away the rubble pressing against her lungs, turning the rocks into dust with a light touch and Paige feels like she can finally breathe.

“Sounds like a pretty big emergency to me,” she says, relishing the way Stephie’s face lights up at the admission, “cause I really, really, really miss you too Steph.”

“See Mama,” Stephie says, placing the phone against a wall so can place her hands on her hips and look up at Azzi with a pleased smirk.

Azzi rolls her eyes before glaring at Paige, “you’re a bad influence on her.”

“I’m the best influence on her,” Paige argues, sending Stephie a conspiratorial wink, “just you wait Az, I’mma teach her all the good things.”

Something unreadable flashes across Azzi’s face before she’s back to looking at Paige with an unimpressed arched eyebrow, “I am not letting you corrupt my daughter Paige Bueckers.”

“We’ll see,” Paige says slowly and Azzi shakes her head before turning to Stephie.

“Alright Stephie bean time to go brush your teeth. It’s almost bedtime babes,” she says with a stern look

“But Mama-”

“No arguing, you have school tomorrow missy,” Azzi reminds the little girl and Paige can’t help but marvel at the mother that Azzi’s become. And it makes her heart ache for the fantasies she’d dreamed of when she was in her early twenties. She’d always known Azzi would be a great mother; Paige had just naively thought she’d be there alongside her too.

“Can Miss Buecks stay on the phone till I fall asleep?” Stephie asks, peering up at Azzi with big doe eyes, “please Mama pleeeease.”

“I’m sure Miss Buecks has other things-”

“I don’t,” Paige cuts in far too enthusiastically, clearing her throat to get back some semblance of restraint as both mother and daughter turn to look at each other, “I don’t have anything to do tonight so I can stay till you fall asleep Stephie.”

“YAYY,” Stephie cheers enthusiastically while Azzi studies her with a weary look, “I’m gonna go brush my teeth and then you can read me, my story Mama.”

With that, the little girl runs in the direction of what Paige can only assume is the bathroom, skipping with childlike joy as she sing-songs about something Paige can’t quite make out.

“You know you don’t have to say yes to everything she asks right?” Azzi says slowly as she grabs her phone and sits on the couch.

Paige shrugs, “I have time to stay.”

“Do you?” Azzi asks skeptically, “because from what I heard the Wings are having a little farewell party tonight, for you.”

Paige narrows her eyes, “and how exactly did you hear that?”

“I have connections.”

“You talked to Ice.”

“I talked to Ice,” Azzi concedes, “and I’m pretty sure you’re already an hour or so late for it.”

“Exactly. I’m already an hour late so why bother,” Paige says, sitting up so she can rest head against her headboard, “why were you talking to Ice?”

“I can’t talk to my friend?” Azzi asks slowly.

“Of course you can but why specifically today?” Paige presses

Azzi bites her lip, “I um- I watched your press conference today. You uh-” she averts her gaze, “you seemed really stressed at the end and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

A soft grin upturns Paige’s lips before she can stop it, “were you worried for me Fudd?”

“That’s not-” Azzi groans, “shut up.”

Paige smirks, “you were worried for me.”

“I was concerned for my future teammate," Azzi huffs, “besides,” her face hardens, “she was way out of line.”

Paige sighs at the implied mention of Olivia, “maybe but maybe I deserved it.”

“No you didn’t,” Azzi protests and that oh so familiar protective tone in her voice carves itself into every crevice of Paige’s heart, “no one deserves to be put on the spot like that. She was being unethical trying to dig into your personal life like that.”

“This is nice,” Paige says softly, unable to help herself.

“What is?”

“Seeing you get all defensive over me. It's nice to see you still care. I didn’t know if you still did.”

Azzi’s quiet for a second, gnawing at her bottom lip as she looks at Paige, “I’ve always cared Paige. And-” she hesitates as the tightrope beneath them wavers, “I’m always gonna care.”

There’s years worth of unsaid words lingering in the silence between them as they breach some unspoken rule they’d both inadvertently agreed to. And they both know that they shouldn’t be saying things like this to each other, that they’re teetering on the edge of falling into an abyss that has nothing but destruction at the bottom. But Azzi’s words feel like sunshine, like heat waves across her skin and Paige is so tired of feeling cold.

Before either of them can say another word, Stephie comes back into the room, crawling into Azzi’s lap.

“I’m back,” she beams, completely unaware of the way the two adults are scrambling to act normal around her.

“Here baby,” Azzi hands the phone to Stephie, “take Miss Buecks to your room. Mama’s gonna go change and then she’ll come read to you okay?”

“‘Kay Mama,” Stephie complies, pressing a soft kiss to Azzi’s cheek before running towards her room. For a second Paige’s screen is blurred in motion until Stephie fixes her again and Paige catches a glimpse of Stephie’s room, specifically the walls that are painted the perfect shade of Valkyrie purple.

“I love your walls Stephie,” she compliments.

“They’re pu-ple,” Stephie exclaims, “that’s my favorite color.”

“First the ice-cream, now the color, you’re stealing all of my favorites kid,” Paige teases but she’s secretly pleased by this revelation. It’s dangerous how fast Stephie’s starting to whittle down Paige’s walls and build herself a permanent shelf in Paige’s cabinet of my people.

“Can I tell you a secret Miss Buecks,” Stephie whispers, bringing her lips closer to the phone.

Paige smiles, “of course you can.”

“I think Mama misses you too,” Stephie says softly and Paige feels her heart catch in her throat, “I heard her tell Nanna on the phone.”

“Can I tell you a secret Stephie?” Paige lowers her voice, leaning into her phone.

“‘Course you can Miss Buecks.”

Paige swallows as the admission falls from her lips, “I really miss your Mama too.”

I miss her always and I think I’ll miss her forever.

“What are you the two of you whispering about,” Azzi’s voice cuts in as she tucks herself next to Stephie, a children’s book in her hand.

“Nothing Mama,” Stephie says immediately, winking at Paige through the phone.

“Yeah,” Paige echoes, ignoring her erratic heartbeat, “nothing Azzi.”

Azzi looks between the both of them, clearly aware she’s being left out of something, but doesn’t push further. Instead she flips open the book, pulls Stephie closer into her arms and starts reading. If anyone were to ask Paige later, she wouldn’t have the faintest idea about a single word in that damn book. Because as Azzi’s soothing voice begins to lull Stephie to sleep, and the younger girl, despite her yawns, holds the phone up so the blonde can be included in every second of it, Paige feels herself being pulled into a dream she has no right to dream. She dreams of being in Stephie’s purple bedroom. She dreams of her and Azzi lying against Stephie’s lilac bedspread, their hands entwined in the middle over Stephie’s little body. She dreams of a forever that she’d long forsaken.

#pazzi #paige bueckers #azzi fudd #wcbb

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morgana-larkin · 11 months ago

Text

Alright I finally finished it! Worth It part 11! I recently had to move quickly and I’ve been working on it for a month so I really hope you like it. I’ve decided to just start posting them on here like all my other fics instead of posting the link. Not edited in the slightest and I hope you like it!

On another note: I’m back and getting to all the prompts! I’m settled in my new place and getting back into the groove of things!

Worth It - Eleventh Week

Warnings: LOTS of smut like 5 smut parts, PTSD, little bit of swearing

Words: 10.26k

“Son of a bitch.” Melissa groans out as she wakes up with a headache. She cuddles into you and pulls the covers over herself to block out the sun.

“Hungover?” You ask her softly and giggle when you feel her nod her head. “I’ll go get you some water and Advil.” You say and go to get out of bed but Melissa prevents you from leaving.

“Nooo, staaay.” She pleads and holds on to your waist.

“Melissa I’ll be right back, but don’t you want something to help with that headache?” You ask her and you feel her shake her head.

“No, I just want to cuddle with you.” She tells you and you smile.

“Melissa, I’ll be right back ok? I’ll go get water, Advil and some of the leftovers you made on Thursday for us to eat because I’m starving.” You tell her and she sighs. She reluctantly lets you go and you move quickly, so she doesn’t have time to change her mind.

As soon as you get back you see Melissa is fast asleep and you can’t help but stare at her as you place everything on the nightstand. You both have been through a lot and the one constant you both seem to have to help through all of that is each other. You climb back into bed and Melissa, even asleep, moves to be closer to you. You sit against the headboard and Melissa’s head is in your lap and you stroke her head. You run your fingers through her hair and move it out of her face. Melissa stirs a bit and her eyes flutter open and sees you.

“Hi Amore.” She says softly with a smile. You smile back at her in her sleepy state.

“Hi Cuore Mia, I brought you some water, Advil and Thursday's frittata leftovers. Eggs will be good for you right now.” You tell her.

“Can you at least close the blinds, or turn down the sun, whichever is easier.” She says and you laugh. You get up after she removes her head from your lap and you close the curtains, effectively blocking out the sun. She pulls the blanket off of her face and sees you walking back over to the bed. She smiles at you when you get into bed and she moves to have her head on your lap again. Just then you get a call and Melissa blocks her ears as it’s causing the headache to be worse. You reach over and put your phone on silent and then see that Kristen Marie is calling you. You answer the call and put it on speaker.

“Hey Kristy.” You tell her.

“Hey short stack. U busy today?” She asks, straight to the point.

“I got an appointment in about an hour but after that I’m free. Why?”

“I thought we could hang out today, just the two of us and catch up?” She asks you.

“Ya, definitely. Melissa is a little hungover anyway so I doubt she’ll want to go anywhere today. Right Melissa!” You yell and Melissa groans.

“Ow, Evaaa.” Melissa whines and you hear Kristen Marie laughing over the phone.

You and Kristen Marie discuss a time and location and then you get ready for your therapy appointment. You give Melissa a kiss goodbye and then leave for your appointment.

“Then I heard they left to go back home. And while I’m glad my parents left, I still wanted them to apologise. I don’t know if that’s selfish or not.” You tell your therapist.

“It’s not selfish to want the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally to apologise for hurting your feelings.” She tells you. “You’re human, and humans crave emotional connections and support.” She adds on and you nod. “You mentioned that you got mad and scared when Melissa offered to help you.” She states and you nod again. “Did you get mad because you thought that she believes you couldn’t do it on your own or because you thought you’d be a disappointment if you asked for help?” She asks and you sigh.

“I guess…both. It’s also all I’ve ever known so asking for help would be a change that I’m not used to.” You tell her and she nods. “How would I go about being comfortable asking for help, especially with Melissa?” You ask her and she hums.

“It’s not going to be easy. But you could start asking for help with small things and then work your way up.” She tells you and you nod. “But the biggest challenge for you would be to change your brain into knowing that asking for help isn’t a weakness or someone trying to hold it against you. Now, was there anything else you wanted to talk about today?” She asks you.

You go see Kristen Marie at the ice cream shop down the street after your appointment.

“Hey short stack.” She says when she sees you.

“Hey blonde devil.” You retort back.

“Blonde devil, haven’t used that one in over a year.” She says, impressed.

“I know and it’s so fitting for you.” You tell her and she smiles.

“So what flavour are you getting? Or are you too obsessed with ginger flavour?” She teases you and you smack her head.

“You know me and chocolate, and I think I need it after the therapy session I just had.” You say and she looks at you.

“And how is that going?” She asks and then places her order to the worker. She pays with her card and then moves so you can place yours.

“Good I guess. It’s just…it’s not easy.” You tell her and she nods in understanding. “Two scoops of chocolate in a bowl please.” You tell the worker and then pay.

“So what exactly happened when your mom and dad were here? You didn’t say much.” She asks as you both get your ice cream and you go to have a seat.

You then explain everything that happened and what your mom said to you and what you said when you snapped.

“Wow, if I’m being honest I’m impressed you finally put her in her place.” She tells you.

“She hasn’t said anything to all 3 of us since. Luckily dad still texts us.” You say with a sigh.

“Eva, she didn’t deserve you. She was always putting you down cause in her eyes you never met her standards. But you need to make your own life and I’m glad you’re giving it your all.”

“Who knew you Schemmenti’s are so soft.” You tease her and she smacks your arm.

“I’m just stating the truth because you need to hear it. I’m sure my sister has told you something similar, she always was one of the softest in the family.” She says with an eye roll and you snort.

“Melissa is one of the softest in the family.” You say teasingly and Kristen Marie raises her eyebrows at you. “Wait, you’re being serious? What exactly am I walking into next weekend?” You say, a bit concerned.

“No need to worry, you’re with Melissa. No one will bother you. Melissa is soft but she’s the oldest sibling. We all respect her too much to piss her off.” She tells you.

“You pissed her off and then she didn’t talk to you for years.” You state and she chuckles.

“Sisterly love can be confusing.” She says and you giggle. “Now how far have you and Melissa gone?” She says and wiggles her eyebrows. You smack her shoulder with a scoff.

“I’m not telling you anything, she’s your sister.”

“Exactly, I need stuff to tease her about.” She tells you with a pout.

“You just told me that you all respect her too much.”

“Ya we respect her enough to not tease you but we’ll obviously tease her.” She says with a shrug. You both finish up your ice cream and then she walks you to your car. “Things are good with you and her though? I don’t know much about what happened a couple weeks ago but I do know both of you got hurt badly.” She asks you and you take a deep breath.

“Ya, we’re good now. What happened a couple weeks ago though…um…well Melissa was trying to help me and support me with everything I’m dealing with and I had a breakdown.” You tell her and she immediately gives you a hug.

“Thank god Melissa didn’t do anything bad so I don’t have to kill her.” She says jokingly without breaking the hug and you laugh. You reach your car and you say goodbye to Kristen Marie.

“Well this was nice. I guess I’ll see you and all of your siblings next weekend.” You tell her and she nods.

“Can’t wait for you to meet them all in one place.” She says and you chuckle.

“Ya, Melissa is excited about that too. Me meeting all her siblings.” You tell her. “Well, see you next week.”

“See ya.” She says and then you get in your car and drive home.

When you get home, you walk in and immediately hear some singing coming from the kitchen. You guess that Melissa is up and her hangover is manageable now.

“Welcome to my silly life.” You hear and you go to see if you could get a better view of her singing while cooking. “Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood. Miss knowing it’s all good, it didn’t slow me down.” She continues singing while you open the kitchen door and she looks up and sees you. You see her phone on another counter playing the song while she was cutting up some fruits and veggies. “Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated. Look, I’m still around.” She continues singing and she puts down the knife and walks over to you as you step all the way in the kitchen. She puts one hand on your waist and holds your other hand in hers as you put your free hand on her shoulder and you both start swaying and dancing. “Pretty pretty please, don’t you ever ever feel, like you’re less than fucking perfect. Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel, like you’re nothing, you’re fucking perfect to me.” She sings the last part while looking into your eyes. “You’re so mean, when you talk, about yourself. Change the voices, in your head, make them like you instead. So complicated, look happy, you’ll make it.” Melissa continues singing as she sings right to you and you have no idea what to do except listen to her sing and let her lead in the dance you’re doing. “Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game. It’s enough, I’ve done all I can think of. Chased down all my demons, I’ve seen you do the same. Pretty pretty please, don’t you ever ever feel, like you’re less than fucking perfect.” As she sings the line, she tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear and you look at her in the eyes. “Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you’re nothing.” Before she says the next line she cups your cheek. “You’re fucking perfect to me.” She sings and you lean in and kiss her. You kiss for the remainder of the song and when it finishes is when you pull back. “Hey Amore, how was your appointment?” She asks and you sigh.

“It was alright. You came up in the appointment.” You say and she hums.

“Oh ya. What about?” She asks as she wraps her arms around your waist and you put both your arms around her neck.

“How I can ask you for small things first to get used to the idea of asking for help from you. As well as with other people. Just to change my brain to knowing that it’s ok to ask for help.”

“Well I’d be happy to help with that. Anything you need help with right now?” She asks and you think about it.

“To be honest, right now I just want some cuddles. It was a very tiring session today.” You tell her and she smiles before giving you a kiss on the cheek and turning around back to what she was doing before.

“Well cuddles I would always love to do. So how about I finish chopping up this food to snack on and you go pick a movie to watch?” She asks.

“I would love that.” You tell her before going to the living room to pick a movie. “Hey Mel! How about the Addams family?” You ask her and she comes out with a couple plates and a bowl.

“Addams family sounds perfect.” She says as she gets to the couch. She puts one of the plates in front of you on the table and puts the bowl down beside it. “It’s a cheese dip that my Nonna taught me how to make.” She tells you as she sits down beside you with a plate of her own food. You take a piece of pepper and dip it into the cheese dip and take a bite.

“Holy shit that’s good.” You say a bit muffled with food in your mouth. Melissa smiles at your reaction and then presses play on the movie.

“Is it the one with Christina Ricci?” She asks you.

“Obviously. Why would I play another one?”

“Good point.” She tells you and then places an arm around your shoulders and you lean into her.

After the two of you finish off the cheese dip and food then you get more comfortable on the couch together. You both go to lay on your sides, facing the tv, and Melissa puts an arm around your waist, spooning you.

“You know this would be more comfortable if there was no plastic on the couch.” You suddenly say.

“Shut it you.” She warns.

“I’m just saying.”

“If there wasn’t any plastic on it then it would be filled with wine stains.” She tells you.

“But more comfortable to sit and lay on.” You counter.

“I’ll think about taking it off.” She tells you, knowing she wasn’t winning this.

“Alright.” You say and the both of you continue to cuddle and watch the movie for a couple more minutes. “It’s coming off right?”

“Obviously.” She states and you smile at your victory. “Stop smirking.” She says, knowing you are even though she can’t see your face. You giggle and bring her hand up, that’s wrapped around your waist, and kiss it. “Alright you can smirk all you want if you keep being this adorable.” She says and you turn your head and smile at her.

“You think I’m adorable?” You ask and she gives you a soft smile.

“Of course, I always do.”

“Well I always think you are as well. And so sexy when you become dominant.” You tell her and you see her eyes turn from green to black. You go to turn back to watch the movie and she dives down and kisses your neck. She then moves you to be on your back and kisses your lips. “Whatcha doing?”

“It’s good that you find me sexy when I’m dominant, cause I just love it when you’re my cute little bottom.” She says in your ear and you shiver. She then picks you up, which makes you squeal, and she carries you to the bedroom.

The next morning you wake up to Melissa gently stroking your hair.

“Good morning Amore Mia.” She says when she sees you awake.

“Good Morning Cuore Mia.” You tell her and she smiles then gives you a kiss.

She immediately deepens the kiss and straddles your hips. She moves her mouth from your lips to your ear and does gentle nibbles. She then moves down to your neck and you move your head to the other side to give her more access. You let out a moan when she starts sucking and you unconsciously buck your hips. She trails down to your chest and leaves kisses all around your breasts before taking a nipple in her mouth.

“Dio mio!” You say as you put your hands in her hair. You feel her smirk around your nipple but you don’t have the brain function to speak anymore.

After she finishes with both your nipples, she goes back up to your lips and kisses you. While kissing you, she runs a finger through your folds and you gasp into the kiss. She sticks a finger in your entrance and you moan into the kiss and you feel her smile. She brings her thumb to your clit and applies pressure and you immediately place your hands on her back and bring her closer to your body.

“Hmm, I love you dolcezza.” She says as you’re close to an orgasm. “Go on and come when you need to.” She adds and you come right after she says that. She gently pulls out of you and looks at you with a smile and eyes full of love.

“I love you too.” You tell her as you catch your breath. “Do you want to sit on my face?” You suddenly ask her and her smile grows wider and she nods. “Then come on.” You encourage her and she goes up the bed and places her entrance right above your mouth. She lowers it and you place your arms around her thighs and your tongue makes contact with her entrance. Melissa lets out a moan as you start licking up and down her entrance. You insert your tongue in her entrance and she starts grinding on your face. You move up to her clit and give it a lick and hard suck and she gasps and grabs your hair.

“Eva, I’m so close, Amore.” She tells you. You lick her clit even faster and she comes with a gasp. She gets off of you and looks at you and she giggles when she does.

“What’s so funny?”

“Your chin is wet.” She tells you.

“Well that is where you came.” You tell her with a smile.

“I know, it’s like I marked you.” She tells you and wiggles her eyebrows playfully and you laugh.

“Do you like marking me?” You ask her and she nods confidently. “Hm, btw you seem really horny this weekend. Not that I’m complaining though.” You tell her and she laughs.

“I guess I’m just really happy this weekend.” She tells you. “Now get up, we got shit to do today.” She says as she goes to get up but you grab her waist and pull her back down. “Eva.”

“I want to stay and cuddle for a few more minutes.” You say with a pout.

“How can I say no to this face?” She asks and boops your nose.

“What do we need to do?” You ask her as you place your head on her chest and start twirling a piece of her hair in.

“Grocery shopping, cook meals for the week, laundry, and just a few more weekly chores.” She tells you and you nod. “What are you doing?”

“Twirling your hair.”

“Why?”

“Because I like doing it. Do you want me to stop?”

“No, you can twirl my hair all you want.” She tells you and kisses the top of your head. “Come on, let’s go take a shower.” She says and you both get up to start your day.

“So what are you thinking of making tonight? That will no doubt be our lunch meals for the next 4 days.” You ask her when you both get to the grocery store.

“I was thinking of chicken saltimbocca.” She tells you as you’re pushing the cart through the produce aisle.

“Alright I’ll just pretend I know exactly what meal you just said.” You say and she chuckles at your comment. “Should I just park the cart here and look at these lovely muffins?” You ask her playfully.

“Maybe you can get some cookies.” She tells you and you nod and look at the selection of store made cookies. Melissa goes and gets all the fruits and veggies needed for the week while you decide on oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. “Oatmeal?” She questions when she sees it in the cart.

“My grandma used to make them for me when I was a child.” You tell her and she smiles and wraps her arms around your waist from behind.

“If you want, I can make some homemade ones for you.” She offers and you beam and turn to look at her.

“Really? I mean you don’t have too.”

“I would love too. I honestly missed cooking for someone else. You’ve made me remember what it’s like and I love doing it.” She tells you and gives you a kiss.

“You started cooking for me since like the second week I started at Abbott.” You state and she nods.

“And I’ve been loving it since.” She says with a smile.

“Alright, I would love if you made some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.” You tell her and she puts the store made cookies back on the shelf.

When you get home you put the groceries away while Melissa gets everything ready to bake the cookies. You do the laundry while she bakes the cookies. When you go and check on the progress of the cookies you see her putting them in the oven.

“Wow, you’re fast.” You tell her and she looks at you.

“Not the first time I’ve baked cookies. My nonna taught me and my siblings more than just Italian meals.”

“Well if your nonna taught you then I know they’ll be delicious.” You tell her and she smiles softly at you.

You go on to do the vacuuming and dusting while she makes dinner and kicks you out of the kitchen. You sometimes help her with the cooking as she enjoys teaching you how to cook but you think that she doesn’t want you sneaking in a bite of the cookies, which you would certainly do. After dinner, she brings out the cookies and you eagerly take one and take a bite.

“Omg, they taste exactly how my grandmother’s ones tasted.” You say to her and she smiles and gives you a side hug on the couch. “Thank you.” You tell her.

“Of course, I’m glad to have made them for you.”

That night you both get ready for bed and then almost instantly fall asleep after setting the alarms.

You turn your head to face Melissa at the altar with a huge smile. You both say I do and then get pronounced wife and wife and share a kiss. After the kiss, Melissa looks you up and down and thinks you look beautiful in the dress. You see her looking at your outfit and do a little twirl for her.

Melissa jolts awake at that moment, breathing deeply, almost as if she had a nightmare. She looks over at you still fast asleep and checks the time, 2:15am. She carefully gets up, to not wake you, and goes to the bathroom. She had no idea why she dreamt of getting married to you as she’s dead set on not getting married again. Unless that thought is changing because of you.

She knows you want to get married but you told her that you don’t have to get married as long as you both stay together. She’s ok with you both staying together forever as long as there was no wedding. But recently she’s been imagining you in a wedding dress randomly and now having a dream about a wedding. She puts her hands on the sink counter and looks at herself in a mirror. Could she really be thinking that marrying you wouldn’t be a bad idea?

She shakes that thought from her head and walks back to bed. She carefully gets back in bed and turns to face you as you're facing her. She gently strokes your hair so she wouldn’t wake you and just looks at you. She thinks you look beautiful and she knows deep down that you’re it for her, you’re the one she’s been waiting for. She’ll have to talk to Barb tomorrow as she always gives her the best advice. For now, she brings your body close to hers and falls back asleep.

The next morning you’re putting the leftovers in your bag for the both of you as Melissa is coming down the stairs.

“Ready to go?” You ask her and she nods and you both get in the car.

“I’m seeing Barb today before class so I hope you don’t mind that her and I will be leaving the break room as soon as I make the coffees for us.” She tells you.

“Of course not. Is everything alright though?”

“Ya, I just wanted to talk to her about something involving one of my students that she had a couple years ago.” She’s quite proud of the lie she made up on the spot.

“Alright, I’ll still see you second period though?” You ask her and she nods.

“Of course.”

You watch her and Barb leave the break room as soon as Melissa hands you your coffee and you go and sit with the trio.

Barb and Melissa went to Barb’s classroom and Barb sits down in her chair while Melissa starts pacing.

“So what is it that you wanted to talk about?” Barb asks gently and Melissa starts fidgeting with her fingers.

“Last night I had a dream that Eva and I got married.” She blurts out and Barb looks at her a bit shocked. She definitely did not expect that.

“Ok, and how do you feel about that?”

“I’m conflicted. You know my thoughts on marriage, but I also can’t help but feel that marrying her in the future wouldn’t be so bad.” Melissa says with a sigh.

“Melissa dear, first of all calm down a bit or you’ll wear yourself out. And second of all, it could be that your thoughts on marriage are changing because of who you’re with. Maybe the idea of marriage is changing because you want to be with Eva for the rest of your life and you don’t mind showing that by marrying her. But even if your thoughts of marriage are changing, it’s still way too early to stress yourself out about it.” She tells her and Melissa nods.

“I know, you’re right but I’ve been dead set against a second marriage for over a decade and now Eva comes along and 12 weeks later I’m rethinking that decision.” She says with a huff. “Remember how, during the first week back you told me that maybe I didn’t find the person I was supposed to spend my life with yet?” She asks Barb.

“Sounds like something I would say but I don’t specifically remember saying that.” Barb says to her.

“Why did you say person and not man?”

“Because I always had a feeling you might be interested in both. And I was right.” Barb tells her gently.

“You always are, even right about not finding that person yet. Now I have, I feel like Eva is it for me. I feel like I want to have a life with her. Have kids, get married, grow old together.” And at Melissa realises what’s really bugging her about the idea of marrying you. “I’m so much older than her Barb. She’s only 30 and I want to still have a family and a life with her like I’m only 30 as well.” As soon as she says a tear slips down her cheek and Barb gets up to comfort her friend. Melissa lets Barb hug her while she cries a bit.

“Melissa, you’re not too old to start a family if that’s what you really want. Eva seems to know what she wants and what she wants is you. And she already told you that she wouldn’t mind having a family.” Barb tells her when she stops crying. “I think that you should think about it and then talk to Eva about it.” Barb says and Melissa nods. They then go on and talk about random things until the bell rings.

“So did you and Barb get that thing with the student figured out?” You ask her as she comes into the library at second period.

“Yep, it was really helpful.” She says and you nod with a smile.

“That’s good, I’m glad that the teachers here help each other out. At Addington they didn’t do that, they just kept to themselves and only chatted about random stuff like the eagles or a new restaurant that opened.”

“Well I think the eagles is an important topic to talk about.” She tells you and you roll your eyes at her.

“I keep forgetting that here, the eagles are like gods.” You tease and she chuckles as she puts her things on an empty table.

“So I know things have been crazy lately but how about, not this weekend but the next, we go on a date?” She asks you and you look at her as you put a book away.

“Really?” You ask her and she nods. “I would love to. What’s the occasion?” You ask.

“No occasion. Just want to have a date with my girlfriend after all the crazy stuff that’s happened.” She tells you and you smile and then you have to check out a book for a student.

On Wednesday you both get up and go to work together. You both head to the break room together to get your morning coffees.

“Hey peeps.” You say to the room and Janine and Jacob immediately say hi back. You put you and Melissa’s lunch in the fridge while Melissa gets you both coffee.

“Dear, I heard you’re meeting all of Melissa’s siblings on Saturday. Are you excited?” Barb asks you as you sit down. You glance over at Melissa getting your coffees and you see her smiling.

“Ya, I’m pretty excited actually. I already know 4 out of 9 though.” You tell her.

“And the other 5 are gonna love you.” Melissa says as she brings you your coffee along with a kiss.

“Just like you do?” You tease her and she gives you a glare as she sits down.

“If they love you like I do then they got another thing coming.” She says and you smile and grab her hand that’s on the table.

“Don’t worry, you’re the only Schemmenti and person who has my heart.” You tell her and she blushes and looks down with a giddy smile before looking back up and looking at your eyes.

“Oh! I almost forgot that the kids are doing an art project today. I gotta get the classroom ready for it.” Melissa suddenly says and gets up. “I’ll see you second period in the library?” She asks and you nod. She grabs her things, gives you a kiss on the head and walks out.

“Now that she’s gone, how do you feel about meeting the rest of her family?” Barb asks you as soon as Melissa leaves the room and you look at her and sigh.

“I’m nervous, really nervous. Like what if one of them doesn’t like me? Or what if her family doesn’t approve of the relationship? Last time I saw them, Melissa and I weren’t dating.” You say frantically and you put your head on your hands.

“Dear, Melissa is right, they’re gonna love you. Do you know why?” She asks and you shake your head. “Because you’re a good and kind person, but most importantly, you make Melissa very happy. As soon as they see how happy you make her then they’ll love you.” She tells you and before you say anything else, Janine notices the time and you all realise you have to go.

On your way to the library you see Anna excitedly talking to Melissa about something and Melissa listening to her with a smile. You unlock the library when the bell rings and a couple of kids go right in as soon as you open the doors.

Second period comes around and you check out a book for the student before he goes back to class.

“Wow, so busy in here.” Melissa says sarcastically as there’s no students around.

“I know, I can barely keep up.” You play along with a smile.

“How was the art project?” You ask her as she walks over to one of the tables to start working.

“The kids love it. We made hand turkeys for thanksgiving.” She says and then shows you hers. “They got me to make one too.” She says proudly and you look at her hand turkey.

“What a cute turkey, and a cute hand.” You say cheekily and grab one of her hands.

“You’re in a good mood this morning I see.” She tells you and then gives you a kiss.

“What can I say? Seeing the woman I love brings a smile to my face.” You tell her and she wraps her arms around your waist.

“Hmm, it brings a smile to my face too. Especially seeing you happy makes me happy.” She tells you and gives you another kiss. “Now stop being so cute or I won’t get any work done.” She says and sits down at the table.

“I can't help being cute, it comes naturally.” You tell her and she snorts and shakes her head. “Btw, this hand turkey is going right up on the fridge.” You add and she giggles.

“You’re adorable.” She says as she puts her glasses on.

10 minutes later, you’re putting a few books away and Melissa is grading an assignment when Ava announces a lockdown. You look at Melissa and she immediately looks at you.

“I don’t remember one scheduled today.” You tell her as you put the books you’re carrying on a nearby table.

“That’s because there isn’t one, it must be a real one.” She says and gets up. You both go to the doors and make sure there’s no students in the hall. After seeing the only kid in the hall run into a nearby classroom, you both shut the doors and locked them. You run to the windows and shut the blinds while Melissa puts both of your phones on silent and turns off the lights. You both then run under your desk and hide together. Melissa puts an arm around your shoulders while you place your head on her chest.

“What do you think is going on to cause a lockdown?” You whisper to her and she thinks about it for a second before whispering back.

“South Philly in the middle of the day…? Could be anything.”

“That doesn’t exactly make me feel better.” You whisper with a bit of anger.

“Oh you wanted a comforting answer? You should have said so.”

“We’re hiding under a librarian desk whispering to each other during a real lockdown. Do you think I wanted the truth?”

“Hmm, good point. You’d think I be better at knowing when someone wants comfort from being a teacher for so long but sometimes it goes right over my head.” She tells you. “Hey, it’ll be alright. People rarely disturb schools and if they do then I’ll protect us.”

“My ginger knight.” You say and she gives a kiss to the top of your head. All of a sudden you hear the sound of a gunshot and people screaming. You then whimper and squeeze Melissa tighter.

“Is one of the windows open?” She asks and she tries to go peak but you prevent her from holding on tight. “Hey Amore, I need to see if one of the windows is open and close it.” She tells you and you shake your head. “Amore please. For our safety and the schools.” And at that you let her go. “I’ll be right back, I promise.”

“Ok.” You then hear her move a bit, than the sound of a window closing and hear her coming back.

“Alright I’m back.” She says and goes back to the same position and you hold on to her again.

“Did something happen in Vermont or before today?” She asks and you nod your head.

“John and I were hostages in a bank robbery in Vermont.” You tell her and she rubs your back.

“Oh, I’m sorry Amore.” You then both hear a muffled gunshot and you close your eyes and whimper again. She then feels you start shaking and your breathing gets faster. She knows it’s the signs of a panic attack and knows what to do. “Hey Amore, Amore, look at me.” She tries to get your attention but you don’t hear her. “Eva, Evalina.” She says and doesn’t whisper it and you look at her. “Hey, follow my breathing.” She says with her hand on your shoulder. You try and follow her breathing but then you flashback to the robbery in Vermont and stop paying attention.

“I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.” You whisper and she tries to help but it’s not working so she grabs your face and gives you a kiss. She keeps kissing you and only pulls away when she hears your breathing even out.

“You ok?” She asks you and you look at her and nod.

“Ya, just a little lightheaded.” You say and then you hear sirens going by.

“Come here, you can put your head on my chest. I know how much you like it.” She jokes and you let out a tiny chuckle.

“I have a better idea.” You say and then you straddle her lap. You surge forward and kiss her and she doesn’t hesitate to kiss you back. You then deepen the kiss by sticking your tongue in her mouth.

“Eva, Eva, should we be doing this right now?” Don’t get me wrong, I love making out and having sex with you. But…”

“We’re in the middle of a lockdown and in the library alone. Plus, I need to feel you.” You say and take her red blazer off. You then take her pink tank top off and immediately cup her breasts over her bra. You unclip her bra and place it beside you both. You roam your hands all over her back, then bring them to her stomach and put your hands all over her front. “I love your body.” You whisper and she smiles at you.

You then cup her breasts and take a nipple in your mouth. “Ohh, Eva.” She gasps out quietly. She bucks her hips when you do a hard suck and she grabs your hair. You sneak your hand down into her leggings and underwear. You run your finger through her folds and she quietly moans out and bucks her hips. You move to straddle one of her thighs so you can grind on her while you finger her. You then slip a finger in her and she gasps out and pulls your hair a bit. You start pumping in and out of her while you start grinding on her thigh. “Baby, baby please, let me touch you.” She begs and she moves her hands from your hair and trails them down. You grab her hands with your free one and pin them above her.

“You can touch me all you want after, my love.” You whisper to her and she moans out quietly. You feel your build coming and you can tell hers is as well as she started breathing deeply. “Melissa, you feel so good around my fingers.” You gasp out quietly.

“Baby, I’m about to come.” Melissa whispers and you put your thumb on her clit and speed up your movements. Melissa comes immediately and you keep grinding on her thigh as you’re close. Before you come though, Melissa grabs your hips, pulls you off her thigh and gets you to lay on your back with her on top of you.

“Mel, I was about to come.” You whine out quietly.

“I know baby, but you said I could touch you all I want. And I want you to come with my touches.” She tells you and you squirm underneath her. She kisses your neck before she takes your top off. She then takes your bra off and goes right to your nipples. While having a nipple in her mouth, she roams with her hands all over your stomach and cups your other boob. She sneaks a hand down your pants and immediately inserts a finger in your entrance as you’re already wet enough. You moan out when she slips another finger in you and she places her free hand over your mouth as you got a bit loud. She places her palm on your clit and she replaces her hand on your mouth with her lips. She kisses you to keep you quiet as you come. You both catch your breath for a minute before you help each other get dressed.

Melissa can see that you’re still quite frightened due to PTSD so she gets you to sit in between her legs while she hugs you from behind. You immediately relax into her touch and she places comforting kisses on your shoulders and neck.

You both then hear a knock at the door and then keys turning the lock. Melissa holds you tighter as she feels you tense up and then you hear the sound of the door opening. The lights come back on and then you hear Ava’s voice.

“Anyone in here? Eva?” She says. “You can come out now.” She adds on and you peak your head out from under the desk. You see her standing at the doorway with a police officer with her and they spot you. You and Melissa get out from under the desk and Ava gives a curious look. “Of course Melissa was here with you. You’re together all the time and can’t keep your hands off each other.” She says.

“Any students or other teachers in here with you?” The police officer asks.

“No, it was a quiet day and there were no stragglers in the hallway when we checked before closing and locking the doors.” You reply and he nods his head at you.

“Well the lockdown is over. There was a robbery down the street but they caught the guy.” Ava says and then leaves with the officer to let the other classrooms know.

You turn to Melissa and she immediately gives you a hug when she sees your face. “I know it was scary, Amore. But the good news is that it’s over now and we’re ok. Everyone is ok.” She comforts you with. You let out a sigh of relief in her embrace and she gives you a kiss on the head. Melissa leads you out of the library and into the break room. “Go sit down on the couch and I’ll join you in a minute.” She says and you nod then go sit on the couch. She comes over a couple minutes later and you’re staring at the wall, completely zoned out. “Amore, here, some of last night's leftovers paired with a chocolate bar from the vending machine.” She puts the container and chocolate bar in front of you with a smile.

“Thank you.” You tell her and she starts eating her leftovers. “Don’t you have a class right now?”

“It’s lunchtime. Their music teacher will just bring them to the caf.” She says with a shrug. You nod and start eating the food. As you’re both eating, the other teachers start to trail in and sees you two on the couch instead of at the table.

“Omg, that was crazy wasn’t it?” Janine says as Barb comes in.

“Absolutely.” Barb agrees and sees Melissa put an arm around your shoulders and gives your arm a rub. “But it’s over and done with now.” Barb ends the conversation and tilts her head over at the two of you so Janine and Gregory will cue in to end all talk of it. Barb gets her leftovers and joins you and Melissa at the couches. “Are you alright dear?” Barb asks you.

“Ya, luckily Melissa was in the library with me when it happened. I got PTSD when I heard gunshots. John and I were once hostages in a bank robbery back in Vermont.” You tell her and hear a gasp from Janine.

“I’m sorry dear.” She tells you as you take a bite from the chocolate bar.

“You were so strong.” Melissa says and places a kiss on your temple.

“Maybe it would be best to go home dear.” Barb suggests and you look at her.

“No, I think I’ll be ok.” You say with a soft voice and then nuzzle your head in Melissa’s neck.

“Baby…” Melissa starts.

“Hm?” You say but just keep your head on her chest and your eyes closed.

“Maybe Barb is right, you got a big scare today.” She suggests.

“You drove me here.” You state.

“Take an Uber home, Amore.”

“I’ll be fine for the last few hours. Besides, I don't want to be alone.” You say and she hums.

“Alright, if you’re sure. But if you need one of us then message us or come find us.” She says and you nod.

Near the end of lunch, Barb had to practically tear Melissa apart from you and drag her to her class as she didn’t want to leave you alone.

2 hours later…

“Ms. Schemmenti! Ms. Schemmenti!” A kid comes running to her classroom.

“What is it, Jaline?” She asks as she recognises the kid that was in her class last year.

“Something is wrong with Eva in the library right now. I don’t know what happened.” He says and fear runs through her body. Melissa immediately runs over to Janine’s classroom to get her to watch her kids who are doing math problems and then runs to the library.

Melissa gets to the library and sees you curled up on the floor, close to hyperventilating, and a few students hovering above you. “Ok kids, get out of here. Go on.” She tells them all and they all leave the library.

*5 minutes ago*

“Hey Jaline.” You tell him as he comes up to your desk to check out a book. You see the cover and see guns on it as it was about world war 2. When checking out the book you hear 2 kids talking about the lockdown and the robbery that happened.

When you look up to give the book back, you’re suddenly back at the robbery that happened in Vermont where you and your brother were a hostage. You look up more and see the guy with the gun pointed right at you and you start freaking out. You fall off your chair and you’re breathing fast.

Suddenly you feel a hand on your arm and you jump and go to pull your arm back. You look over and see Melissa there with a worried expression on her face. Whatever she’s saying to you is muffled even though she’s right beside you. She puts a hand on your back and starts rubbing up and down in an attempt to comfort you and you suddenly hear what she’s saying to you.

“Amore, hey, I need you to look at me and follow my breathing ok?” She says and you see her free hand moving around frantically and then it stills when she starts to do the breathing for you to follow.

“I- I can’t, M-Mel.” You manage to get out.

“Ok, Amore, name me 5 things you can see.” She tells you and you’re suddenly feeling lightheaded and you put a hand on your head to stabilise yourself.

“I- I see you, and… the carpet, library shelves, my desk and chairs.” You say and you see a small smile form on her worried face.

“Good good. Now how about 4 things you can touch?” She asked you.

“Um… well you, and th-the carpet, my desk and my legs.” You tell her and you feel the tightness in your chest start to loosen.

“And what about 3 things you can hear?”

“Well, your voice, and I hear kids in the hall, also cars passing by.” You tell her and you suddenly feel like you can breathe normally.

“Now 2 things you can smell.”

“Your perfume, and the library.” You tell her and then tightness in your chest loosens completely and your head stops feeling lightheaded.

“And last thing, 1 thing you can taste.” She tells you and you look at her and cup her cheek.

“You.” You tell her and pull her in for a kiss. You feel her smile into the kiss and when you pull back is when you see the worry on her face is no longer there. “And you taste amazing.” You say and she has a smile and a blush on her face.

“You know, you mentioned me in all of them.” She tells you.

“Well you capture all of my senses.” You tell her and she giggles.

“You’re such a lovable dork, you know that?” She asks you and you hum.

“Well it seems no matter how dorky I am, you keep saying you love me, so it’s gotta be true.” You tell her and she moves her hand that’s on your arm to around your waist.

“Are you ok?” She asks and you think about it.

“I am now.” You tell her and she looks worried again. “I’m alright, just got triggered is all. I should probably bring the book to Jaline. He needs it for a project.” You say and you go to get up but Melissa doesn’t let you go. “Mel, I’m fine now.” You say.

“But you weren’t 5 minutes ago.” She retorts back.

“Well I don’t know what you expect me to do.” You tell her with a huff.

“I wanna make sure that I’m with you if you get triggered again.”

“Well it’s not like I can just sit around in your classroom.” You say and you see a smile form on her face. “No, I'm not going to do that.”

“But it’s a perfect idea!” She states and you both get up.

“No, I’m not just going to sit around in your classroom while you teach.” You tell her and she crosses her arms and gives you the ‘you’re not winning this argument’ look. “No, I’m staying here and that’s final.” You tell her.

*10 minutes later*

You lean back in the chair at the back of Melissa’s classroom as she teaches a math lesson. She made you lock up the library, give her the library key and go straight to her classroom after giving the book to Jaline. Some of her students kept looking back at you and you just smile at them everytime. You let out a huff and you look back down at the book assignments that she gave you to grade. A few minutes later, you hear her heels hit the floor and you look up to see her walking to you.

“How’s it going?” She asks you and you’re still a bit annoyed that she convinced you to come to her classroom so you give her a glare and you don’t answer her. She leans down to your level and tucks a piece of hair behind your ear. “Is someone a bit cranky about not winning the argument?” She teases and you subtly flip her off and she just smirks at you. She then leans into you. “We can do whatever you want tonight and I can make your favourite meal. How does that sound?” She asks you and you lean in close to her ear and whisper.

“Does that whatever I want extend to the bedroom too?” You ask her slyly and she smiles and blushes.

“Why am I not surprised that the one during the lockdown wasn’t enough for you?”

“I have no idea.” You say with an innocent smile.

“We can do it when we get home but just know, I’m on top the entire time.” She whispers back to you.

“Hm, a beautiful woman on top of me and in charge? How can I say no to that? Deal.” You tell her.

“Perfect.”

“Ms. Schemmenti?” A kid says with a raised hand.

“I’ll be right back.” Melissa tells you and walks over to her student. “What’s up my little eagle?”

Just then the camera crew comes in and asks if they can pull you into the hallway for a few questions. Knowing what they might ask you, you sigh and get up and follow them to the hallway.

“What happened during the lockdown? Not much, I was in the library with Melissa when it happened. We just hid and stayed there.”

They then ask you what happened in Vermont as they caught the conversation in the break room after the lockdown.

“My brother and I went to a bank to get some money for something and then a robber came in and us, a few other people and the workers were held hostage for a couple hours.” You tell them. They end your interview and you go back in the classroom and they ask to interview Melissa.

You went back to work while they talk to Melissa. You hear a bit of chatter going on in the classroom but don’t think anything of it until you hear your name. You look up and see a few students looking at you then they look away. You realised that they were talking and gossiping about you.

“What are you guys talking about?” You asked and they all stopped and looked at you, a little nervous.

“Ms. Clarke, what’s the reason that Ms. Schemmenti had to run to you and why you’re here?” One of the students asked and you sigh. You know children are curious and something like this was going to come up.

Before you answer, Melissa walks in and notices all her students looking at you and you looking a little nervous.

“The fact that I don’t see anyone of youse working tells me that you’re all done.” Melissa says and everyone goes back to their math sheets. Melissa walks up to you and leans down to your level. “Are you ok?” She whispers and you nod. You don’t say anything and she gives you a sympathetic look and then sighs. “Alright, if you need anything then come and tell me right away alright?” She informs you and you nod again. She goes back to helping students or going to her desk and working on something there. She keeps glancing at you and you catch her a few times and you can tell she’s worried about you so you send her a text.

You: I’m alright, you don’t have to keep looking at me

Melissa’s phone vibrates on her desk and she looks at it then briefly glances at you before replying back.

Melissa: it doesn’t mean that I stop worrying about you, you’re my girlfriend, it’s part of my job to worry about you

She replies back with and you smile a bit before sending a reply back.

You: you’re sweet, also do you mind keeping those glasses on when we get home?

Melissa: what for?

You: I want you to wear them while eating me out on the couch

As soon as she read the text she immediately went red in the cheeks and looked at you and you winked at her.

Melissa: I think that can happen

She replied with then got back to work. Anna comes up to you at that point.

“Auntie Eva, are you ok?” She asks you and you smile at her.

“Ya I’m ok Anna, just got a little scared earlier because of the lockdown.” You tell her honestly and she gives you a hug before going to sit back down. Melissa looked at the scene with a smile, she knew your niece loves you deeply, from what she’s seen and how Anna talks about you. Melissa thinks you’ll make a great mother one day.

You can tell she kept thinking about your text for the remainder of the day as she kept re-reading the same lines more times than she needed to. When the bell rang, Melissa made sure all the kids were ready for their parents to pick them up right away as she could hardly wait to take you home. When the last kid got picked up, Melissa took your hand and started to run towards the car but got stopped by Barb and Janine.

“We just wanted to make sure you both were ok after today’s events.” Barb said calmly and Melissa sighed and you had to try very hard to hide a giggle. “Are you ok Melissa? You don’t look well. Is there something you want to talk ab-” Barb tried to calm her friend down but got caught off by Melissa.

“Yep I’m fine, got to go.” Melissa says and then runs off with you, still holding your hand. “See youse tomorrow!” She calls out to them.

When you get home, Melissa immediately tells you to strip and get on the couch. You obey and immediately take off your clothes and get on the couch. Melissa comes over and puts her glasses on and puts her hair in a ponytail before she reaches you.

“You look so sexy.” You tell her, a little breathless. She smiles and winks at you before she takes a pillow and puts it on the floor and puts her knees on the pillow. She runs her hands up and down your legs. “Can you be topless? I really like it when your topless.” You say and she giggles.

“Why am I not surprised by that?” She says and takes her shirt and bra off. She wraps her arms around your thighs and pulls you closer towards her. She immediately dives down to your clit and you let out a moan. You look down at her and see her ponytail moving with her head as she’s licking your clit and the glasses moved down to the tip of her nose.

“Why-why do you always look sssooo stunning?” You stutter out as your orgasm is building. You look and see her grinning while she eats you out. She then looks up at you and winks at you when she sees you looking at her. You’re then right at the edge and you grab her ponytail and start grinding on her tongue. “Omg Mel I’m so close! Don’t stop please!” You say and then you come a few seconds later all over her mouth and chin. She pulls away and looks at you with a smile.

“So you think I always look stunning huh?” She says with a smirk and you nod your head at her. “Well how about this stunning woman cuddles her breathtaking girlfriend before making dinner?” She says to you and you smile and nod your head.

“I’d love that.”

You both cuddle for about an hour before she gets up and starts making dinner. Friday morning comes around and you both wake up to your alarms and get ready for the last day of the week.

“I love my little eagles but I’m so glad it’s Friday.” Melissa tells you after you both get out of the shower.

“Long week?” You tease her and she rolls her eyes at you with a smile. “It’s been a long week for me too. Wednesday tired most of us out.” You say and you wrap your arms around her waist from behind and lay your head at the top of her back. Melissa leans into your touch before she starts blow drying her hair. “I say tonight we just order in and watch whatever you want to watch.” You suggest after she’s done with her hair.

“I don’t mind that suggestion.” She says. “How about we order some pizza and watch princess diaries?”

“I like that idea.” You tell her and then you both finish getting ready and then go to work. You walk into the break room, hand in hand with a smile on both your faces.

“What a gloomy atmosphere.” Melissa says as everyone else has a frown or looks tired.

“How are you both so chipper?” Jacob says as Ava walks in.

“Ya, did you two get freaky last night or this morning?” Ava asks and you roll your eyes.

“No, we are tired but it’s Friday and we’re going to have a relaxing night tonight before tomorrow’s craziness, which is Melissa’s family.” You say and Melissa chuckles.

“You got that right, my family is crazy.” She says and hands you a cup of coffee and gives you a kiss.

The day doesn’t go by fast or slow but instead average pace. By the time the bell rings you let out a breath at the fact the weekend is finally here. You lock up the library and head to Melissa’s classroom.

“Happy Thanksgiving Timmy!” Melissa says to her student as they’re leaving with their father.

“Ready to go home?” You ask her when all her students leave and she looks at you and nods.

“I’ve been ready since this morning.” She says and grabs her stuff and locks her classroom before heading out with you.

You both have a relaxing evening, you order pizza and watch both of the princess diaries. You then get ready for bed and fall asleep right as you cuddle with Melissa.

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