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joy-filled-pessimist · 16 hours ago

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A Vow for the Princess

Pairing: Knight! Paige x Princess! Azzi WC: 8.9k TW: Forbidden romance, fluff, slowburn, mild angst🥹, light smut, violence! fight

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synopsis: Princess Azzi refuses to be bartered away in a marriage she does not want. Yet when the crown declares a tournament to decide her future, her fate falls into the hands of the one sworn to guard her—the kingdom’s most loyal knight. Honor binds them, desire tempts them, and the court would see them destroyed for even daring to hope. But when steel and silk cross in the shadows of the throne, one question remains: will they bow to duty… or risk everything for love?

⋆༺𓆩⚔️𓆪༻⋆

Velvet drapes muted the voices that stirred beyond the council doors, yet within the chamber silence weighed heavier than stone. Princess Azzi sat upon the carved oak chair beneath her family’s crest, posture regal though tension coiled beneath her silks. Dark curls framed her face, dimples betrayed her even as she fought to mask them with dignity. Brown eyes glimmered not with obedience but with fire.

“The matter is settled,” her father proclaimed, crown catching the torchlight. “Prince Alaric of Veylan shall be your husband. His fleets will guard our shores, his wealth will strengthen our realm. This match is not to be questioned.”

Her chest constricted, yet her voice cut through the hall with measured clarity. “I do not wish to marry him, Father.”

Gasps stirred across the council, heavy robes rustling as men leaned forward in shock. One dared to protest, “Your Highness, the alliance is vital—”

Azzi rose before he could finish, her gown unfurling in waves across the floor. “I am not a jewel to be traded, nor a coin for another kingdom’s treasury. I am heir to this realm, and my life will not be bartered.”

The king’s expression sharpened, jaw set as stone. “You wear your crown not for yourself, but for all who bow beneath it. A ruler’s will is not her own.”

Her heart beat hard, her cheeks warmed by fury. “Then perhaps I was born for chains, not for crowns.”

The chamber fell silent, scandal choking the air. Her father dismissed her with a single flick of his hand.

She turned at once, silks whispering in her wake as she swept from the hall.

Corridors stretched long and cold, her steps clipped and fast until she reached the sanctuary of her apartments. Once the doors closed behind her, she pressed her palms against carved wood, breath sharp, chest rising like a bird against its cage.

Boots followed, measured and steady. Her knight entered quietly, helm tucked beneath one arm, armor gleaming in candlelight. Pale hair caught the glow, porcelain skin almost luminous in the dim. Blue eyes regarded her with calm, though their depth carried something unspoken.

“You should not have spoken so, Your Highness,” the knight said evenly.

Azzi turned, her fury still hot. “Should not? Was I to smile while they sold my life to a stranger?”

“Defiance before the court invites peril,” the knight replied, voice steady. “There are ways to resist with honor.”

A sharp laugh escaped her, dimples flashing in bitterness. “Honor is but another chain, is it not? Even you remind me of it.”

For a moment the knight’s composure faltered. Armor glinted, but the weight carried was heavier than steel. Eyes softened, though her voice did not. “I am sworn to guard you, Princess Azzi. Not to question your father.”

Azzi moved away from the door, silk skirts brushing the stone floor. Her hands clenched at her sides as she paced. “You speak of honor as if it were balm, yet it is a weapon wielded against me. All my life I have been told what I must be, whom I must serve, and now—whom I must love.”

The knight watched in silence, helm still tucked beneath her arm, steel-clad fingers tightening around its edge. “Your burden is heavy, Princess Azzi. Yet rebellion spoken in open court… it will not go unanswered.”

Her eyes flashed toward her guardian, lips parted in scorn. “Do you fear my father’s wrath so greatly, or is it simply easier to bend beneath it?”

Blue eyes met hers, steady and unflinching. “I fear not for myself, but for you. Words such as yours may invite chains more cruel than crowns.”

Azzi halted, her chest rising swiftly, and for a heartbeat silence stretched between them. Candlelight flickered across polished armor, across the pale curve of her knight’s cheek. She whispered then, softer but no less fierce, “You speak as though I am fragile.”

The knight inclined her head. “I speak as one sworn to guard your life, not your pride.”

Azzi’s breath caught, indignation mingling with something else—something heavier, unspoken. She stepped closer, close enough that silk brushed steel. Her gaze lingered on the stillness of her protector’s face, then softened. “And what of my heart, Knight? Is it beyond your vow?”

For the first time, a faint crack showed in the armor of her composure. Eyes lowered for a fleeting instant before rising again, voice hushed. “Your heart, Your Highness, is a treasure no oath permits me to touch.”

Her lips curved, not with laughter but with sorrow. “Then tell me—who will guard it, if not you?”

Silence settled once more, heavy and alive, as though the walls themselves waited for the knight’s reply.

♛♕♔♚

The great hall glittered beneath chandeliers heavy with crystal, their light scattering over marble floors and gilded pillars. Courtiers lined the chamber, voices hushed yet eager, as though the air itself quivered with expectation. At the high dais, the king sat draped in robes of velvet, crown resting heavily upon silvered hair. At his side, Queen Elinor’s gaze swept the crowd, sharp as a falcon’s.

Azzi entered beneath the watch of every eye, silk gown trailing like flowing water, chin lifted though her stomach churned. Murmurs rippled through the hall at her beauty, at the fate all knew hovered above her like a blade yet to fall.

Her knight stood among the guard at the edge of the dais, steel polished, helm resting at her side. Though her posture betrayed no weakness, her gaze followed only one figure—the princess ascending the steps toward her parents.

The king raised a hand, and silence descended. His voice rang through the hall, sonorous and unyielding. “Lords and ladies of court, loyal bannermen of this kingdom, hear my decree. The time has come for our beloved daughter, Princess Azzi of House Fudd, to be wed. Our alliances must be strengthened, our borders secured. To this end, we shall host a Tournament of Champions. Knights and nobles alike shall contend, and whosoever proves victorious shall earn both honor and her hand.”

Gasps broke through the chamber; whispers flurried like startled birds.

Azzi’s jaw tightened, though she curtsied with practiced grace. “Your will is spoken, Father,” she said, each word clipped yet steady. Her gaze swept briefly toward the armored figure who would not look away.

The knight’s knuckles whitened against her gauntlet, lips pressed thin. Every vow she bore weighed heavier than the armor upon her shoulders.

A suitor stepped forth already, a prince from the southern coast, golden hair gleaming, arrogance plain in his stride. “Your Highness,” he declared, bowing deeply. “I shall fight to earn your hand and bind our kingdoms beneath one crown.”

Azzi’s smile was polite, practiced—yet her eyes betrayed nothing but frost.

When the hall broke again into chatter, she leaned slightly toward her knight as she passed by the guard line, her voice low, meant for none but her. “Will you fight, Knight?”

Blue eyes met hers for a fleeting instant, restrained, unreadable. “If commanded, Princess Azzi.”

Her lips curved, not in mirth, but in challenge. “Then consider this my command.”

The hall remained alive with chatter, lords boasting of their swords, maidens whispering of the favor they would grant. Yet for the knight, the voices dulled into a distant roar, as though she stood beneath water. Her pulse drummed against her temples while her hand tightened on the hilt at her side.

She had sworn fealty to the crown, to protect the throne and obey its word above all. To defy the king’s will—worse still, to stake claim where no permission would ever be granted—was treachery by every measure. The crown would never allow a woman of steel and armor to stand as victor for a princess’s hand.

“Your Highness,” she murmured at last, voice pitched so only Azzi could hear, “to enter such a contest would be folly. It is not permitted. Even should I triumph, the king would never…” Her words trailed, swallowed by the weight of the truth she dared not finish.

Azzi’s eyes caught hers, brown irises deep as midnight, glimmering with something fierce, something unyielding. “You speak to me of the king’s will,” she said, her voice soft yet laced with command. “And yet you forget mine.”

The knight held her breath.

Azzi’s lips parted, each word falling like a seal upon parchment. “Paige.”

It was the first time her name had ever been spoken aloud by the princess, and it rang like a secret too sacred for courtly ears. The sound alone struck harder than any blade.

“You are sworn to obey me as much as my father,” Azzi continued, tone steady, daring. “And I command you. Enter. Fight. Win.”

Conflicted silence burned between them, but Azzi did not relent. Her chin lifted, her gaze unwavering. “Every vow you made binds you to my word as well. Follow it. Follow me.”

Paige swallowed hard, armor suddenly heavier, breath caught within her chest. Every fiber of her loyalty threatened to split in two, but still, she bowed her head low.

“As you command, Princess Azzi.”

The guard’s quarters lay silent but for the faint crackle of torches along the stone walls. Paige had dismissed the men under her command, sending them to their nightly rest, and now stood alone in the chamber where knights and sworn fighters lived between wars and hunts. Rough-hewn cots lined the hall, banners of past campaigns hung worn and faded. Here was no gilded luxury, only steel and discipline.

Upon her desk lay the sealed parchment, her order to another to guard the princess in her stead. The wax still shone fresh, the king’s crest pressed firm by her hand. She had planned every detail carefully, yet doubt tugged at her resolve.

Her eyes fell to the blackened armor set across the bench, its gold edges glimmering faintly in the torchlight. It was bold, unfamiliar, a mask to hide her name from the court. She had chosen it so none would suspect, yet still she questioned: what if Azzi’s command had not sprung from affection but desperation? What if the princess sought only a tool, a loyal sword to wield against her father’s decree?

Her heart warred with itself. Each day by Azzi’s side had blurred the line between duty and desire. She thought of the softness in her smile, the way her voice had broken when she whispered Paige’s name for the first time. Yet words in candlelit corridors could be fleeting things. What if victory brought nothing but ruin—her secret unmasked, her oath broken, her life forfeit?

She pressed a hand against the cold metal of the breastplate, breath steadying against the storm within.

“If I win,” she murmured to the silence, “what will you see me as, Princess? A knight disloyal to her king… or the one who bled for your command?”

The torches hissed in reply, shadows dancing along the stone. She straightened, swallowing the doubt like a draught of bitter wine. Tomorrow would give answer. Tonight she would wrestle only with her heart.

♛♕♔♚

Trumpets blared from the high walls, their shrill call carrying across the courtyard where the Tournament of Champions had been summoned. Crowds filled the stone tiers, banners of Elarion snapping above their heads in the late sun. On the dais, the king sat stern and immovable, while beside him Princess Azzi shone like the jewel for which every knight and suitor below would contend.

The first trial began with brute strength. Logs of oak, bound in iron, were lifted and carried across the yard. Muscles strained, sweat gleamed, and more than one knight stumbled beneath the weight. Paige moved among them silently, her black and gold armor glinting beneath the sky. Where others roared and grunted with effort, shelifted with calm precision, steps steady, eyes never leaving the dais where Azzi watched. When one suitor dropped his burden and crushed his foot, his cry echoed, yet Paige did not falter. Her pace was relentless, her figure a shadow of resolve.

Next came the gauntlet of combat. Pairs of men entered the ring to clash with steel. Shields splintered, swords bent, and blood stained the sand. Some matches ended in death, others in surrender, but no contest was spared of brutality. When Paige’s turn came, silence swept the crowd.

The air grew heavy when the herald’s voice rang clear:

“Prince Alaric of Veylan, heir to the eastern throne!”

The crowd roared its approval, golden banners of Veylan raised high. The young prince strode forward in gleaming silver plate, his helm shaped with wings, his smile dripping with confidence. Across the sand, the golden-edged black armor of the unknown knight stood in silence, sword already drawn.

On the dais, King Fudd leaned forward, eyes alight with approval. “Now we shall see true skill,” he declared. “Veylan’s blood runs strong.”

Azzi did not join the applause. Her jaw tightened, eyes locked on the faceless knight who bore the weight of her command.

Alaric laughed as he raised his blade. “Strange knight, you hide your face as though ashamed. No matter. Today I claim both glory and a bride. When I stand above your broken form, all will know Elarion’s princess belongs to Veylan.”

Paige gave no reply, her stance steady.

Steel clashed. Alaric came forward with heavy strikes, each blow meant to overwhelm. “You will fall swiftly,” he boasted between swings. “I was trained by masters of three kingdoms. You will kneel before me.”

Still she did not answer, parrying with calm precision. His blade rang off her shield, sparks bursting into the air. The crowd cheered his name, the king himself nodding with pride, blind to the danger in his own yard.

Alaric pressed harder, sweat gathering on his brow. “Do you tire, stranger? Yield, and I shall see you spared.”

Paige’s silence infuriated him. He lunged in rage, aiming for the helm. She slipped aside, faster than his eyes could follow, and struck with the weight of her whole being. Her sword slid under his guard, ripping the weapon from his hand. In an instant, her blade kissed his throat.

The arena froze.

For the first time, her voice cut through the air, low and clear. “Princess Azzi is mine.”

Gasps rippled like fire through dry fields. The king’s mouth fell open, stunned. Even Azzi herself inhaled sharply, pulse racing at the brazen claim.

Alaric stumbled back, defeated, his pride shattered before all of Elarion. Paige sheathed her sword in silence, helm hiding the storm in her eyes.

On the dais, King Fudd’s voice rose, thunderous yet strained. “Rise, Prince Alaric! This day is but a trial, nothing more. One defeat changes nothing. Elarion’s crown still favors Veylan.” His tone carried more defense than certainty, dripping with bias.

Azzi turned from her father, lips pressed into a thin line. His blindness sickened her, his favoritism insulted her honor. She leaned to the knight standing guard at her side, unaware that Paige had placed another in her stead.

“If only you had obeyed my command,” she whispered, annoyance sharp in her voice, “I would have unmasked that black-armored fool myself.”

The replacement knight stiffened, confusion flickering across his face, but he dared not answer. He held his silence, though his thoughts lingered uneasily on the princess’s words, while Azzi’s gaze remained locked on the dark figure below.

A restless ache stirred in her chest, though she did not yet name it.

The final ordeal demanded endurance of spirit and flesh. Warriors faced the beasts of the king’s menagerie: a bear starved for three days, its roar shaking the earth, its claws tearing through shields like parchment. Many faltered, fled, or died in the sand. Paige stepped forward without hesitation, her black armor a beacon amid the terror. She evaded with speed, struck with precision, and when the creature lunged, she drove her sword beneath its chest. The beast collapsed, breath rattling its last, and silence swallowed the courtyard. Then, as the body stilled, the crowd erupted with cries of awe and fear alike.

Banners shook with the thunder of applause. The suitors had fallen, one by one, while the golden knight still stood, unyielding and unknown.

The courtyard was slow to quiet after the last beast’s fall. Smoke from torches rose into the darkening sky, while drums echoed to signal the end of the ordeal. Yet no victor was declared. Whispers spread like wildfire: the black-armored knight had surpassed all trials, but no herald proclaimed a name.

Azzi sat stiffly beside her father, her eyes never leaving the sand where the mysterious knight had vanished. Her lips pressed into a thin line, frustration simmering beneath her poised expression. The longer the silence stretched, the heavier the weight in her chest grew. Whoever wore that black armor—whoever had dared to claim her with such audacity—remained faceless, and it drove her to restless agitation.

King Fudd’s voice rang across the hall when the contenders were gathered. “Bring forth the golden knight who wears black steel,” he commanded, gesturing impatiently. “I would have words with the one who thinks to claim victory in Elarion.”

Servants rushed to obey, yet confusion arose as the suitors led into the royal hall stood incomplete. Murmurs grew. “The black knight—he is gone.”

The king’s brows thundered together. “Gone?” His voice reverberated with fury. “Gone where? A knight does not vanish when called upon!” His hand slammed against the armrest of his throne, rattling the goblet at his side. “Send riders beyond the gates. Call to every outpost. Announce through every city and village that the golden knight clad in black shall report to Elarion’s court without delay.”

His decree was swift, harsh, his pride stung by the absence.

Unbeknownst to him, Paige had moved faster than any could anticipate. The moment the final trial ended, she slipped from the courtyard through shadowed corridors, her steps unerring to the knights’ quarters. Breath quickened inside her helm as she stripped the black armor, each plate striking the table with muted urgency. Her guard’s tabard replaced the last of the steel before the summons reached the hall.

By the time the herald’s announcement shook the barracks, Paige stood cloaked once more in the humble garb of a royal guard, her golden hair damp with sweat, her sword sheathed as though she had never drawn it in combat. She tapped the knight who had taken her duty that day, slipping into his palm a pouch heavy with silver. “For your silence,” she said in a low tone, her blue eyes fierce with warning yet softened with gratitude. “And for your loyalty. This day belongs to no one but you and I.”

The man bowed, understanding enough to hold his tongue.

Yet Paige’s composure faltered once she turned away. Her heart beat with a storm of dread and longing alike. She had obeyed Azzi’s command, entered the tournament, defeated every suitor—yet now the king’s wrath threatened to uncover everything. If discovery came, her oath to both king and princess would shatter.

Her hand lingered over the hilt of her sword as her thoughts churned. “What will she do, when she learns?” she whispered into the dim of the quarters. “Why does she command my heart as though it were hers to own?”

Night deepened around Elarion, but Paige’s mind could find no rest. A plan must be made, and quickly, before dawn brought ruin to her secret.

♛♕♔♚

Morning light spilled through the stained-glass windows of the royal dining hall, soft gold and red colors painting across the long table where the royals feasted. Platters of fruit, warm bread, and roasted pheasant filled the air with a rich scent. Paige stood silently in her place behind Princess Azzi’s chair, as always, a quiet shadow at her side.

When Azzi rose suddenly, setting aside her untouched cup of wine, Paige’s eyes followed her every step.

“I am finished,” Azzi announced curtly, and turned toward the doors.

Paige stepped forward without hesitation, falling into stride behind her. “Your Highness,” she began carefully, “did you enjoy the games yesterday? Watching your suitors fight for your hand?”

Azzi’s shoulders stiffened. She said nothing, her steps brisk, her silken skirts whispering across the stone floor.

Paige quickened her pace, confusion tugging at her chest. “Where do you go, Princess? Allow me to escort you.”

Still no answer. Only the sound of Azzi’s slippers tapping against the marble as she ascended the stairway toward the royal wing. Paige followed, her brows knitting tighter. By the time they reached the corridor of chambers, lined with carved wooden doors gilded in gold, Azzi stopped before her own and laid a hand on the handle.

Paige moved closer, her voice low with urgency. “Why do you ignore me, Princess?”

Azzi turned at last, anger flashing in her dark eyes. “If you no longer wish to obey my command, then find another princess to serve! I will not beg for your loyalty.” Her voice trembled beneath her fury, like a storm struggling to contain itself.

Paige froze, caught off guard. “Another princess?” she repeated, disbelief coloring her tone. “What are you saying?”

Azzi’s lips pressed together, her gaze sharp as blades. “You did not follow me. I gave you a command, and yet the one who fought was not you. The black knight will claim the victor’s right, not my guard who hides behind empty vows.” Her words struck like knives, bitter with betrayal.

Paige stepped forward, her jaw tight. “I did follow you,” she snapped, her voice louder than she intended. “I fought every challenge, every beast, every man who dared to lay claim to you—and do you think it was easy?” Her hand curled into a fist against her chest, her breath uneven. “I could have died in that arena, Princess. But I did it because you commanded me to.”

Azzi faltered, her anger softening into confusion. “You…?”

“Yes.” Paige’s eyes burned, a storm of frustration and hurt. “And now this is how you repay me? With silence, with scorn? Do you think my life is worth so little, that you would cast me aside even after I bled for your command?”

The hall was quiet but for their voices, the walls closing in on the weight of truth that lingered unspoken between them. Azzi’s fingers slipped from the door handle, her chest rising and falling too quickly. She stared at Paige, studying her face as if seeing it for the first time. The silence stretched sharp and tense before she finally spoke, her voice low, uncertain.

“You—” she hesitated, eyes narrowing as her mind turned. “Are you telling me… that it was you beneath that black armor?”

Paige’s jaw tightened, her hand still pressed to her chest where her heart pounded like a drum. “Yes, Princess.” Her voice rang with raw honesty. “Every strike, every cut, every breath of that battle—it was mine. I was the knight you doubted.”

Azzi’s lips parted, stunned. Her hands curled at her sides as she took a half-step closer, eyes searching Paige’s for a lie and finding none. “But… why hide yourself? Why let me believe you disobeyed me?”

“Because your father would never allow it,” Paige bit out, heat in her tone. “He would never permit a woman, a mere knight, to fight for you. He would never allow me to stand among your suitors. But you commanded me, Princess. You asked it of me, and I could not refuse.”

Azzi’s throat bobbed as she swallowed, her confusion battling with something far more dangerous in her gaze. “You risked your life. You deceived the king. You could be executed if they discovered—”

“And yet I did it,” Paige cut in, stepping closer until only a breath separated them. Her eyes held Azzi’s fiercely. “For you. Because it was your command, and because…” She faltered, her voice softening, nearly breaking. “Because I could not bear the thought of another man winning you.”

Azzi’s breath hitched, her anger shattered by the weight of that confession. She turned her face slightly away, but her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding traitorously loud in her chest. “Paige…” she whispered for the first time, the name trembling on her lips like a secret forbidden by the walls of the palace.

Hearing it, Paige’s heart surged, her chest tightening at the sound. She leaned in just a fraction, her voice hushed but unwavering.

Azzi’s lips lingered parted, her whisper of Paige’s name still trembling in the air. Paige’s chest heaved, her gloved hand rising slowly, tracing Azzi’s cheek, thumb pressing against her bottom lip until it parted further.

“Say it again,” Paige murmured.

“…Paige.”

Her mouth crashed against Azzi’s, soft at first, then deep and claiming as Azzi gasped and opened for her. The kiss turned wild, teeth clashing, tongues tangling, breath stolen in fragments.

Paige’s lips stayed locked on Azzi’s as she pressed her closer, their mouths claiming each other with urgent, soft heat. Azzi’s fingers tangled in Paige’s hair, tugging, pulling her forward, her breath hitching against Paige’s mouth. Without breaking the kiss, Paige guided them toward the royal chamber, their bodies pressed tight, hips brushing, every step stolen in a haze of need.

The morning light spilled through the tall windows as they stumbled inside, still kissing, until Paige’s hand slammed the heavy door shut behind them with a soft thud. The sound echoed faintly, sealing them in, giving them the privacy and danger of the moment. Azzi’s back met the doorframe, heat pooling between them, lips still locked, tongues tangling, teeth grazing, breath ragged.

Paige’s hands slid over Azzi’s waist, fingertips tracing every curve through the thin silk of her gown. Azzi moaned softly into her mouth, body arching instinctively against Paige, shivering from the friction and the thrill of being caught like this. Their kisses deepened, rougher now, teeth clashing slightly, tongues exploring, and neither wanted to pull away.

Paige’s hands roamed down to the small of Azzi’s back, sliding the fabric of her gown slowly, teasingly, while Azzi’s nails dragged along Paige’s shoulders and back. Every gasp, every tremor, every soft whimper spurred Paige to kiss her harder, to press closer, to explore, marking and memorizing.

The bed loomed ahead, yet neither paused. Their mouths never parted, and Paige leaned in to brush Azzi backward toward it, guiding her down onto the soft sheets while still pressing lips to hers. Once Azzi was seated on the edge, Paige straddled her knees, hands roaming, kisses alternating between soft worship and rough hunger, letting their desire build, escalating with every gasp and moan.

♛♕♔♚

Paige shifted slightly, reaching beneath the edge of her tunic. Azzi’s eyes flicked up, wide, heat spreading across her cheeks as she realized Paige was strapped in.

“You… you came prepared?” Azzi whispered, breath trembling, voice husky with desire.

Paige smirked, lips brushing against hers. “For you, Princess. Every command, every need… I’m ready.” She pressed her body against Azzi again, letting the strap press and grind lightly against her, teasing, coaxing moans from her lips.

Azzi arched into her, fingers clutching Paige’s tunic, nails digging into the fabric. “Paige… I—”

“You’re mine,” Paige growled, pushing a little harder, grinding against her, teeth grazing her jaw, hands roaming over her back and sides. “Say it. Say it while you feel me.”

“I’m… yours…” Azzi gasped, hips moving instinctively to meet Paige’s, grinding back with the rhythm, lips parting in soft, ragged moans.

Paige’s hands gripped her waist, holding her close, sliding over every curve, teasing, pressing, brushing, grinding in slow, deliberate movements before building intensity. Azzi moaned louder, hips rocking, hands clutching Paige’s shoulders as Paige leaned in to bite her neck, suck at her collarbone, leaving marks and eliciting more desperate, ragged sounds.

“Do you feel that, Princess?” Paige whispered against her ear, voice low and rough. “All mine. Every shiver, every moan—it’s for me.”

Azzi whimpered, pressing closer, grinding harder, her voice breaking with soft moans and whispered pleas. “Paige… harder… don’t stop…”

Paige smirked against her neck, leaning back slightly to watch her, pressing the strap firmly, teasing, grinding, every movement deliberate, fast, and rough, coaxing louder cries and ragged breaths. Azzi’s nails dragged along Paige’s back, tugging her closer, shivering violently as the intensity built, body trembling, moans spilling uncontrollably.

Paige’s voice was low, commanding, dirty, whispering over her lips. “Mine… all mine… say it again.”

“I’m… yours!” Azzi gasped, breathless, body shivering violently, hips rolling with the pressure, moaning her name repeatedly, lost in the pleasure Paige was giving, every push, every grind, every tease.

Azzi’s body trembled against Paige as she finally slowed, her breaths coming in short, ragged bursts. Paige held her close, letting her rest atop her chest, running fingers through Azzi’s dark curls while soft, warm kisses traced her jaw and temple. The golden morning light filtered through the tall windows, bathing them in quiet intimacy.

Azzi tilted her head, blinking up at Paige, lips curved in a sleepy, satisfied smile. “You… didn’t give me a second to rest,” she whispered, voice still husky, fingers tracing gentle patterns across Paige’s back.

Paige chuckled softly, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. “You weren’t going to let me,” she murmured. “Couldn’t resist claiming you fully.”

Azzi nuzzled into her, settling against her side as Paige wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. “We should… plan,” Azzi said, voice muffled into Paige’s chest. “The court… the king… they won’t allow this.”

Paige’s brow furrowed, concern shading her tone. “I’ve been thinking about that. They won’t approve. They’ll want me to—”

“You’ll do nothing without me,” Azzi interrupted firmly, lifting her head to meet Paige’s gaze. Her blue eyes burned with determination. “I am the only child, the only daughter. If I leave, the king’s hierarchy crumbles. Elarion will weaken, and I… I won’t allow it.”

Paige’s lips quirked into a soft smile, brushing a hand across Azzi’s cheek. “Then whatever happens,” she murmured, voice low and steady, “we’ll always choose each other.”

Azzi’s hand found Paige’s, fingers intertwining, thumb brushing soothing circles over the back of her hand. “Always,” she whispered back, voice strong despite the lingering breathlessness.

They lay together, limbs tangled, hearts still racing but settling into a steady rhythm, the quiet warmth of their bodies a sanctuary from the weight of the kingdom and the court outside. Plans could wait a little longer. For now, they had each other, and that was enough.

Azzi rested her head against Paige’s chest, listening to the steady beat of her heart, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “We’ll face them together,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Paige tightened her hold, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Azzi’s curls. “Together. Always.”

And in that quiet moment, the world outside the royal chamber—laws, hierarchies, and expectations—faded away, leaving only warmth, trust, and the unspoken promise that neither would ever let go.

♛♕♔♚

The night had settled quietly over Elarion, yet the tension in the palace was anything but calm. In the private chambers of the king, servants and messengers had gathered to relay the latest news—or lack thereof.

“The golden black armored knight,” one of the messengers began cautiously, “has not reported in. There are no updates, Your Highness. It appears the knight has vanished.”

The king’s eyes narrowed, fury coiling like a snake in his chest. “Vanished? After humiliating Prince Alaric and embarrassing the guests from Veylan who witnessed the fight?” His voice thundered across the room, reverberating off the stone walls. “How is it possible that the knight simply disappears?”

He paced, servants shrinking under his gaze, the weight of his anger suffocating. “Check every corridor. Question every servant. If that knight does not appear by tomorrow morning in the palace,” he spat, voice sharp as a blade, “I will not allow my daughter’s hand to be claimed by any of them, and I will declare another tournament to determine a proper suitor.”

In the quiet of her chambers, Paige’s hand froze over the cup of water she had just set down. She had heard the news, every word sinking into her chest like iron. Her gaze drifted toward the sunlight spilling over the palace walls, illuminating the distance between her and Azzi. Her heart clenched with a fierce determination. No matter the risk, no matter the fury awaiting her father in the throne room, she would step forward. For Azzi, she would show herself.

Morning came swift and bright. The royal lunch had just ended, servants bustling to clear the tables when a messenger, breathless and hurried, darted through the halls. “Your Highness,” he gasped, nearly falling over his own feet, “the knight has arrived… the golden black armored knight… is here.”

Azzi froze in the hall outside her private chambers, her blue eyes wide, hands gripping the edges of her chair. A storm of nerves coursed through her. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest as she smoothed her skirts and adjusted the fine silk of her gown. “It’s… it’s happening,” she whispered to herself. Every instinct screamed for caution, yet every fiber of her being longed to see the knight—her knight—stand before the court.

They moved quickly through the grand entryway, the place where visitors first met the majesty of the palace and were ushered to face the king. Azzi followed silently, her mind a whirl of worry and anticipation. Paige strode ahead, every step measured beneath the weight of her armor, helmet still concealing her face. The echoes of her boots sounded like distant war drums, announcing the arrival of the black armored knight.

When she finally reached the throne, all eyes of the royal court turned toward her. The king rose, eyes blazing, fury and incredulity warring across his face. “Explain yourself!” he demanded, pointing a trembling finger.

Paige stopped, standing tall, hands resting on the hilt of her sword, her armor gleaming exactly as it had in the tournament. Slowly, deliberately, she lifted her visor. Gasps rippled through the chamber. Shock froze the king mid-step, his face paling as recognition struck. His loyal guard… the very blade of the princess… stood before him.

Silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. Then Paige’s voice rang clear, steady, and unyielding “It is I, Your Majesty. The black armored knight. I have come, as I promised, for the princess. No one else will claim her hand.”

The king staggered back as if the very air had turned to lead. Shock, disbelief, and anger mingled across his face. The court murmured in astonishment, but Paige held her ground, unwavering, unyielding, the same figure who had won the tournament with unmatched skill and courage.

For the first time, the golden black armored knight had revealed herself fully, and the palace felt as though it had been split open by the sheer force of her presence. The king’s chest heaved, rage and astonishment battling within him, and his hand clutched at his robes as though to steady himself. Paige’s eyes never left Azzi’s, a silent promise blazing between them, unbroken and unshakable.

The king’s voice thundered, shaking the high ceilings of the hall. “How dare you!” His fist slammed the arm of the throne, making the courtiers flinch. “You were my guard, sworn to loyalty and obedience, and yet you deceive me? You defy me? You humiliate my court and my intended heir!”

Paige squared her shoulders, gaze unwavering. “I am loyal, Your Majesty. Loyal to the princess. She commanded me, and I obeyed her.”

The king’s face turned crimson, veins pulsing at his temple. “Obeyed her? You risked your life! Do you understand what that means? You could have been executed for this! For choosing her over your king?”

“I understand perfectly,” Paige said, voice sharp and steady. “I chose the princess because she commanded it. Because she is worth more than fear. More than obedience to a man who would deny her what she deserves.”

“Silence!” the king roared, slamming the arm of his throne again. “Do you realize the scandal this brings? The other kingdoms will mock us! Veylan will never forget the shame of Prince Alaric being defeated by a mere knight!”

Paige’s hand brushed against the hilt of her sword, a subtle reminder of her power and resolve. “Let them mock,” she said firmly. “I do not fight for pride, Your Majesty. I fight for Azzi. Nothing else matters.”

The king leaned forward, rage and disbelief clashing in his gaze. “You presume to defy me! A mere knight—do you think your courage can outweigh the laws of this kingdom? The tradition, the hierarchy?”

Paige stepped closer, lifting her visor slightly so the light caught her determined expression. “Courage alone does not define a knight. Loyalty, bravery, and love define me. Princess Azzi commanded me, and I obeyed. If you cannot understand that, then your laws mean nothing in the face of what she deserves.”

Gasps and murmurs spread across the hall as nobles whispered among themselves. The king’s eyes flicked to the princess, who stood with brown eyes locked on Paige, calm yet fierce, radiating authority that made even the king falter.

“You…” the king ground out, voice low and trembling, “you leave me no choice. If you insist on this madness, there will be consequences. Defiance will not go unpunished.”

Paige’s gaze softened slightly, moving to the princess. “Then let the consequences come,” she said, voice quiet but steel-laced. “I will face them, for you. For the princess.”

Azzi’s hands clenched at her sides, heart racing, but her eyes blazed with certainty. No one else could claim her—not while Paige stood by her side.

Tension rippled through the hall, every noble holding their breath as father and knight faced off, a battle of authority, courage, and love, with the princess at the center of it all.

The king’s face was crimson, veins bulging at his temple, fury radiating like fire through the hall. “I will not allow it!” he bellowed, pointing at Paige. “You will not marry the princess! I will hold a second tournament. Another knight, another suitor—anyone but you!”

Azzi stepped forward, eyes blazing, chest heaving. “I will not let that happen!” she declared, her voice carrying across the hall, unwavering. “I love her. I chose her from the very start, and nothing will change that.”

Gasps rippled through the court. The king froze, mouth opening, shock momentarily silencing him. The queen’s face fell, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clutched at her robes. “Azzi… what are you saying? This… this is madness! What is happening to my daughter?”

The princess shook her head, calm but firm, brown eyes locking on her mother. “Nothing has happened to me, Mother. I am clear in my mind. I will marry Paige, no matter what.”

The king’s face contorted with rage, trembling with fury. “Enough!” he roared. “Guards! Seize her! Arrest that knight this instant!”

Steel clanged as the guards rushed forward. Paige’s blue eyes narrowed, fingers brushing the hilt of her sword. She didn’t hesitate. Every swing, every strike, was precise and lethal. Guards fell instantly beneath her blade, bodies crashing to the floor in a deadly dance of skill and fury.

Azzi’s hands clenched at her sides, heart racing, watching Paige move with unstoppable force. The king stumbled backward, fear finally breaking through his rage. He ducked behind a marble pillar, eyes wide as he watched his men fall, one by one, to Paige’s skill and determination.

Every guard who attempted to reach Paige met the same swift, merciless end. Not one survived. The hall echoed with the clang of steel, the gasps of courtiers, and the princess’s steady, calm voice calling Paige’s name.

Paige stood at the center of the hall, chest heaving, blue eyes scanning the room. “I will not let anyone take her from me,” she said, voice low, resolute, unwavering. “Not you. Not anyone.”

Azzi stepped forward, closing the distance, letting her hand find Paige’s. “I am yours,” she whispered, her brown eyes burning with certainty. “Always.”

Paige’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. “Always,” she echoed, steel and fury melting into devotion as the court remained frozen in shock and fear. The king dared not move, hidden and powerless, as his daughter and her knight claimed the hall with unshakable resolve.

♛♕♔♚

The hall was silent after the last of the guards fell. The king sank into his throne, chest heaving, hands trembling. He could only watch helplessly as the knight and the princess moved swiftly toward the stables, the echo of their boots fading into the corridors. His fury burned, but without his men, he was powerless to stop them.

Beside him, the queen sat, shoulders shaking, tears streaming down her face. “Azzi… what have you done?” she whispered, voice broken.

The king ignored her, standing abruptly, his face pale. “Gather every guard. Every horse. Find them. Bring her back to me, and bring that knight to justice,” he ordered, voice taut with a mix of rage and desperation.

Far ahead, Paige guided the princess toward the stables, every movement precise and swift. Horses whinnied in anticipation, and Paige’s hand rested on the stall of her favorite—a strong, sleek steed she had admired since her first service to the Fudds. Azzi mounted behind her without hesitation, wrapping her arms around Paige’s waist, holding tight as Paige swung onto the saddle.

“Hold on, Princess,” Paige said, voice low and steady, glancing back only once to see the corridors empty. “We ride, and we don’t stop until we’re safe.”

Azzi pressed her face against Paige’s back, her brown eyes wide but trusting, heart racing with every thundering beat of the horse beneath them. “Where… where are we going?” she asked, breathless.

“To a place where no one can touch us,” Paige said firmly.

Paige guided her horse with steady determination, her mind set on the path ahead. First, they would cross Lyvoria, the city of peace, a place where violence was forbidden and no outsider could be harmed without consequence. It would take hours to navigate its streets, but once they were through, the real challenge began—reaching Drakemont, the enemy kingdom of Elarion.

Drakemont’s royal family, the Veyricks, were feared across the lands, a dynasty known for ruthlessness and strength. The Fudds despised them, and the thought of seeking refuge there seemed almost unthinkable—but it was the only way to ensure their freedom. Paige had spent nights planning every detail, knowing that Azzi’s safety depended on her cunning and speed.

“The Lyvoria gates will be crowded,” Paige murmured, voice low, “but if we move quickly and stay calm, no one will suspect us. Once we’re through, we ride straight to Drakemont. It’ll take a full day to reach the border, and then—then we can finally be safe.”

Azzi pressed her forehead against Paige’s back, brown eyes searching hers. “Drakemont… the Fudds’ enemy,” she said quietly, worry threading her voice.

Paige tightened her grip around Azzi, voice steady and reassuring. “Yes. But we’ll be safe there. The Veyricks might be fearsome, but they’ll honor anyone fleeing persecution. We’ll be protected, Princess. And after that… it’s just us. Free.”

The wind whipped past them as the horse galloped, carrying them farther from Elarion with each stride. The path ahead was long, fraught with uncertainty and danger, but Paige’s resolve never wavered. Lyvoria awaited first, a city of peace to traverse, and beyond it, the fortress-like lands of Drakemont, a kingdom feared by the Fudds yet now offering the sanctuary the princess and her knight so desperately needed.

Azzi’s hands tightened on Paige’s waist. “I trust you,” she murmured, her voice carrying a mix of awe and relief.

Paige pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her head. “Always,” she whispered. “We’ll get there together, Princess. No one will ever take you from me.”

The road stretched endlessly before them, the city gates of Lyvoria rising in the distance, and with every galloping beat of their horse, they moved closer to freedom—and to a life that belonged only to the princess and her knight.

♛♕♔♚

Hours of travel had brought them to the outskirts of Lyvoria, the city’s towering walls finally rising into view as the sun dipped low toward the horizon. Azzi’s body, unaccustomed to fatigue, trembled slightly as the ride had taken more out of her than she expected. Her brown eyes blinked slowly, exhaustion mingling with the lingering adrenaline from their escape.

“Paige… could we rest for a bit in this city?” she asked softly, voice tinged with both embarrassment and relief.

Paige glanced over her shoulder, blue eyes steady and reassuring. “Of course, Princess. We’ll find a place to rest.”

They guided the horse into the crowded streets of Lyvoria, where merchants’ stalls lined the roads. Paige led them to a small food stall, fragrant with warm bread and roasted meats—common fare sold by cheerful vendors who welcomed travelers with polite smiles. They bought simple food, eating quickly but quietly on the side of the street. The city hummed around them, a chaotic yet peaceful energy that Azzi had never experienced outside of palace life.

After finishing, Azzi’s head drooped slightly. “May I… take a nap for a bit?” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

Paige nodded, pulling a small fabric from her pack and draping it over the princess’s shoulders. “Sleep, Princess. I’ll keep watch.”

Azzi rested her head against Paige’s side, slowly succumbing to the unfamiliar comfort of exhaustion. Paige kept her eyes on the passersby, scanning their surroundings even as the princess slept, every muscle alert despite the calm scene.

Time passed, the city’s bustle fading with the onset of night. Paige finally let herself drift into a short, light sleep, her body relaxing for the first time in hours. A sudden noise near the city gates roused her—a herald shouting, surrounded by Lyvoria’s guards. Paige’s senses snapped back immediately, heart tightening as she processed the threat.

She shook the princess gently. “Princess, wake up! We have to leave—now. The guards from Elarion might be catching up.”

Azzi blinked rapidly, groaning as she roused herself, brown eyes widening at the urgency in Paige’s tone. Paige swung them to the horse, which had been fed and rested, now energetic and ready for the ride ahead.

Paige mounted first, then helped Azzi onto the saddle behind her, wrapping her arms firmly around the princess. The horse surged forward into the cold night, hooves striking the cobblestone streets as they navigated through the city. Paige’s sharp vision caught every shadow, every movement, keeping them safe as the darkness pressed around them.

Azzi leaned against Paige’s back, exhausted but comforted, her eyes closing once more as the wind swept past them. Paige held her steady, guiding them through the night with unwavering focus, determination burning in her blue eyes. No matter how dark the night, no matter how far Elarion’s pursuit, she would keep the princess safe.

Sunlight spilled through the small window, cutting across the wooden floor and waking Azzi from a deep, exhausted sleep. She blinked against the brightness, heart hammering in her chest as she sat up abruptly. The unfamiliar surroundings made her panic rise—wooden walls, simple furnishings, a modest but sturdy bed.

“Paige?” Her voice trembled as she called out, rising to her feet and looking around the small wooden house.

Almost instantly, Paige appeared in the doorway, her blue eyes scanning the room before locking on Azzi. “Princess,” she said softly, relief evident in her tone. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the princess in a protective embrace.

Azzi clung to her, burying her face into Paige’s chest. “Where… where are we?” she asked, voice shaking.

Paige’s lips pressed briefly to the top of her head. “We’re in Drakemont. We made it,” she said, her tone calm but triumphant.

Azzi’s brown eyes widened as the realization sank in. “We… we’re safe?”

“Yes,” Paige whispered, brushing a stray curl from Azzi’s face. “Completely. For now, we’re free.”

They sank onto the sturdy wooden bed together, Azzi resting against Paige’s chest as Paige wrapped her arms securely around her. Sunlight warmed their skin, and the simplicity of the room—no gold, no ornate carvings, just safety—felt like a dream.

“How did you… get this house?” Azzi asked quietly, her voice still tinged with awe.

Paige’s lips curved into a small, mischievous smile. “Two days before I revealed myself to the king, I stole some gold from the royal chambers,” she admitted casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Not much, but enough to buy us this place. I’ve planned everything, Princess. Every step, every move, every moment since our escape.”

Azzi’s eyes shimmered with gratitude as she leaned in, hugging Paige tightly. “I’m so lucky to have a wife who’s brave and clever,” she whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Paige pressed her cheek against the princess’s hair, satisfaction and relief washing over her. “And I’m lucky to have you,” she murmured, lips brushing Azzi’s forehead. “This… this is just the beginning. Our life, our freedom—it’s ours now. Safe, together, and nothing can take that from us.”

They stayed entwined in the warmth of the wooden home, the sunlight streaming through the window, hearts beating together, savoring a peace they had fought so fiercely to earn. For the first time in years, both felt the weight lift, replaced by a quiet, unshakable happiness, the promise of a future built only for them.

♛♕♔♚

Years had passed, and the sun shone brilliantly over the quiet streets of their new home, casting a warm, golden light across the wooden houses and cobbled lanes of Drakemont. Birds chirped in the gardens, and the scent of fresh bread mingled with the salty tang of the nearby river. It was a day of gentle peace, the kind that came only after storms had long passed and the world seemed to sigh in contentment.

A small figure dashed across the path in front of one of the houses, laughter ringing through the air like wind chimes. Her golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, braided neatly into two plaits that swung with every step, and her bright brown eyes sparkled with unrestrained joy. She came skidding to a stop at the side of the house, calling out eagerly.

Mama!

Azzi looked up from behind her food stall, where she had been arranging fruits, fresh fish, and cuts of meat with careful attention. Her heart lifted at the sight of the little girl bounding toward her, and she dropped what she held to meet her. “Do not run so freely,” she admonished gently, taking Adeline’s small hand in hers. “You might trip, or something worse might happen if you run alone.”

The girl, full of youthful energy and innocence, laughed and squeezed Azzi’s hand. “I am careful, Mama!”

Azzi smiled, her brown eyes warm as she bent slightly to scoop a handful of apples, arranging them neatly for her next customer. Though she had been inexperienced when they first settled here, the years of tending the stall had taught her the rhythm of trade, the patience of bargaining, and the joy of serving a community that had come to trust her.

From the riverbank came the familiar, steady splash of water. Paige, strong and confident, appeared with a large basket of glistening fish balanced expertly on her arm. Her days were long and tireless, traveling to the nearby farms for fresh meat and returning to deliver it to Azzi. Her skill with both net and blade had made her a respected figure among the fishermen, and the bounty she brought back each day sustained their home, half for their meals, half for Azzi to sell. It was a simple life, but one crafted with care and devotion, and it suited them perfectly.

“Mama’s here!” Paige called, her voice carrying across the street.

Adeline’s eyes lit up, and she darted into Paige’s arms. Paige lifted her effortlessly, planting soft kisses on her laughing cheeks and whispering playful words that made the girl giggle uncontrollably. Then, with the child cradled safely against her chest, Paige turned to Azzi, her lips finding hers in a long, tender kiss filled with unspoken love and gratitude.

Azzi’s arms wrapped around both, holding them close as the warmth of their embrace mingled with the golden sunlight. Adeline laughed against Paige’s shoulder, and the three of them stayed entwined for a moment, a perfect family in a perfect, quiet world.

Azzi returned to her stall, watching her family with a serene heart. Paige placed their daughter down and brushed a strand of hair from Azzi’s face, their hands lingering together in the comfort of familiarity. There was no rush, no past to chase them—only the present, bright and full of promise.

Paige had long since laid down her sword, leaving behind the dangers of her knighthood for the safety and happiness of her family. Azzi, too, had relinquished her title as princess of Elarion, abandoning the weight of royalty and the shadow of her past. Here, in Drakemont, they lived freely, safely, and wholly together, their hearts bound by love, their days filled with laughter, and their nights with the quiet peace of a life built on devotion and trust.

And so, they remained, a family bound by choice, love, and courage, basking in the gentle rhythm of their simple, happy life, safe from the past, and certain of the future where they would live happily ever after.

#pazzi fics

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joy-filled-pessimist · 16 hours ago

Text

it’s all for you

A string of the little moments as Paige and Azzi grew up that led them to where they are now. aka an imagining of their story <3

~Coming of age, a tad suggestive, wlw yearning, best friends to lovers ofc, young love, the tiniest bit of angst.

word count : 3.5k ish

warnings : drinking ig but mostly none yet, wait for pt2 when they’re a little older, they’re freaked out

If you asked her about it now, Paige would probably call herself a blind idiot for not having realized sooner, but it wasn't until her junior year of high school that she ever questioned anything. Her and a group of girlfriends were pregaming for a party to kick off the summer and Paige was sat in the bathtub with her head lolled back against the tile, a glass bottle in her hand. Her friends were all giggling and passing back lip liners and perfumes. A few minutes earlier, Paige had almost clotheslined herself on a curling iron cord. They were buzzing about the boys that were going to be there, and the name of one that had been after Paige for a while came up. He's on the boys basketball team and the girls loved when Paige had practice because their friend groups would merge for a bit. The girls would giggle when the topic of the senior boys team came up, cooing at Paige and asking how she got on with them so easily. She found it odd, the prospect of being nervous had never crossed her mind. She just loved to talk shit and they wouldn't go easy on her at practice, treating her like an equal. One of her friends asked if she was gonna hook up with him tonight and the other girls grinned, looking back with their brows raised suggestively.

“Doubt it” Paige laughed, taking another swig.

“Why not, he's cute and he obviously likes you.” Her friend said, her eyes locked with Paige’s through the mirror as she put on her mascara.

Paige shrugged. She didn't have an answer.

“Ugh you never wanna get with anybody! Are you gay or something?” one girl said laughing, her eyes quickly reverting to the mirror. Her tone was light and teasing, far from mean spirited. Everyone laughs a little and the moment passes by like a breeze. But it stays with Paige. The liquor warming her blood stream feels like it pools in her chest. How had she simply… never considered that? She didn’t know any gay people, there certainly weren’t many in Hopkins, Minnesota, that was for sure. It might make sense to a lot of things. Her utter disinterest in sex and dating, the dread she felt when a friend of hers would start dropping hints, the hollow empty feeling of kissing a boy she was supposed to like. The way she so badly yearned to be friends with certain girls, because they were so cool, so pretty,so interesting. The chokehold some of her older basketball coaches had on her younger self. She mulled over the thought all night, and more over the following weeks.

From the moment they’d met, Paige and Azzi were as inseparable as two girls in different states could be. They called it ride or die because that’s what it was. There wasn’t a thing Paige wouldn’t do for Azzi and she knew Azzi would do anything for her.

One night, she was at Azzi’s for the third night in a row. It was dark and they were laying side by side on Azzi's bed. The warm summer air filled the room as Azzi fanned herself, whining about it being too hot. Azzi’s in a grey sports bra and little black shorts, contrasting Paige's white tee and basketball shorts. She looked over at Paige and furrowed her eyebrows. Suddenly a touch self conscious, Paige pulls a face. “What?”

“You should let me do your makeup.” azzi says.

“Why?”

“I dunno. Just for fun”

“Okay.” Paige says.

She sits up and leans against the headboard as azzi rummages through her desk. When she comes back, she dumps the contents of a small bag over the sheets. She spends a while testing colours and telling Paige to stop fidgeting. After the 3rd try of wiping off paiges eyeshadow, azzi shuffles forward, swinging her leg over either side of Paige’s thighs. She’s on her high knees, practically straddling Paige while her concentration remains unmoved. She smears something sparkly onto Paige’s eyelid and curses her jokingly when she can’t stop blinking. When shes satisfied with her work, she sits back, admiring her canvas. Paige isnt listening, swallowing her heartbeat and trying to feel something other than Azzi’s weight on her lap. Azzi doesnt notice, turning to face her again with a lipliner in her hand. Her fingers splay across paige’s jaw as she holds her face still, tracing her lips with the pencil. Paige’s throat is so dry but shes afraid to swallow.

“You really are so pretty.” Azzi says matter of factly, cocking her head as she finally meets Paige’s eyes. Paiges mouth falls open but nothing comes out.

She playfully smacks the side of Azzi’s knee, “you dont mean that.” But Azzi’s gaze doesn’t waver, and Paige’s hand stills on the back of her thigh.

“Of course i do.” they’re still, eyes locked and Paige’s heartbeat in her ears when someone in the kitchen shouts for them to come eat. This breaks the tension, Paige’s hand dropping from azzi’s thigh.

They laugh, azzi sliding off the bed and dragging paige with her.

“Bet that’s why Dessa likes you.” Azzi smirks, wiggling her eyebrows. “Wait what?” paige replies. Azzi throws her hands up and shrugs like ‘youdidnthearitfromme’. “What do you mean? Dessa? She doesn't like me, she's just a friend.” Paige scrambles after her. “Maybe to you, Paige." Azzi rolls her eyes as they reach the living room.

A few weeks later, on their joint family trip, they're sitting in the hot tub behind the cabin. It’s late, well past midnight, Azzi's hair is pulled back in a bun, while the tips of Paige's hair swirl through the bubbling water. When the conversation dies down, it’s quiet for a moment before Azzi breaks the silence.

“How do you feel about Dessa? I mean like…” she tries to add as nonchalantly as possible.

“Oh, uhh yeah she’s really nice.” Paige replies, her eyes on the water.

“Yeah, yeah she is.” “But y’know… are you like… what do you think of her in that way?”

“You asking me if I like girls?” Paige raises her eyebrows, a twinge of cockiness in her voice.

“No! Well, I mean- yes. Yeah I guess I am.” Azzi sputters, looking down to avoid the blush filling her cheeks.

“Depends who’s asking.” Paige replies coolly.

Azzi cocks her head.

“I’m playin. I mean yeah, I guess I do. I don’t know, it’s complicated. I just know I’ve never fucked with dudes but i’ve also never been with a girl, so. Yeah. maybe. probably.” She mumbles. “I know you wouldnt but.. Dont tell anybody I said that.”

“No yeah, of course, of course. But uh, on the topic I guess, Dess does like you. She told me to ask if you liked girls, said she ‘got a vibe’ but wasn’t sure.”

“Oh, wow.”

“So should i… tell her you'd be down to go out sometime?” Azzi replies, casually twirling her fingers through the coils of bubbles, hoping Paige doesn't hear the shakiness in her voice. A long pause. “Yeah, sure.” Another long pause. “Okay, I will.” There’s a thicker tension smothering the conversation after that. Paige is more cautious, more withdrawn as Azzi tries to move closer.

That night, they’re in bed, the only sounds are that of the crickets outside the open window.

Paige is on her back, turning her face to Azzi’s. “When Dessa said she ‘got a vibe’ what do you think she meant? Is it just the way I dress or like, cause I play sports?”

“No I don't think it’s necessarily either of those, even if they’re probably factors. You just seem… I dunno.” Azzi shrugs, turning her whole body to face Paige.

“You think other people think that too?”

“Mm probably a few. But usually if they do it’s because they can relate, like a sense.”

“Did you?”

“I always figured, but I never asked cause it never came up. Plus it didn’t really matter to me. Who you like doesn’t change how much i love you, you’re my best friend.”

Paige swallows. There’s her answer. The answer to the ever storming question in the back of her mind. Azzi hugs her, her head on Paige’s chest. She falls asleep like that while Paige stays awake, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. She can smell Azzi’s shampoo, the chlorine on her skin. Paige’s shirt has ridden up and all she can feel is the burning from Azzi’s forearm pressed against the sliver of her bare stomach.

They go on like that another year, Paige swallowing her feelings for Azzi whenever they’re together and trying to ignore the part that longs for her when they’re not. She tuned her teammates out as they talked about boys and dates and tried to act happy every time Azzi fawned over a guy to her. A part of her wished Azzi liked girls so there would even be a chance, but the other half was almost grateful she didn’t have to face the rejection. She got to focus on juggling her offers and picking where she wanted to play next year. Once she’d committed to UConn, a new feeling loomed. The threat of Paige’s leaving laid thick over her and Azzi’s friendship. Azzi clung to her harder in the weeks leading up to her flight. They knew it’d be different. The stakes were higher, Paige would be busy, they couldn’t see each other like they used to. As far on opposite sides of the country as they could possibly be.

Azzi slept at Paige’s the night before she left, hardly a wink of sleep shared between the two of them. Azzi’s head is in Paige’s lap as she fidgets with the coils in her hair.

“Don’t forget about me, okay?” She blinks, her doe eyed gaze shifting upwards.

“Like I ever could.” Paige sighs, shaking her head. This is only a bead of the truth. “Plus it won’t be long till you’re there too.” She playfully smacks Azzi’s cheek. Azzi whines, grabbing Paige’s hand. She toys with her fingers, tracing the lines of her knuckles before squeezing and placing a kiss on the back of her hand. Paige’s breath drags in and out slowly, her finger twitching, still in Azzi’s palm. She isn’t sure why she starts to cry, it just happens. She’s overwhelmed with love and longing for the girl beneath her, she’s afraid and excited for what’s to come, a million feelings swirl through her head. She sniffs, trying to wipe her tears before Azzi notices. She does, of course she does. She sits up, throwing her arms around Paige’s neck as she pulls her down to the bed. Paige hugs her tight, breathing in her scent, feeling the rhythm of her heart. When they break apart, their faces are so close Azzi can count Paige’s lashes, her pupils blown wide, obscuring the blue behind them. Paige swallows. She wants nothing more than to kiss her. She wants it so bad she could choke on the feeling.

“Sorry.” She coughs, digging her elbows into the bed to pull herself up, breaking Azzi’s hold.

“Don’t be sorry.” Azzi shakes her head, her voice a whisper. They don’t sleep that night, talking in hushed voices until the sunrise bleeds through the dark.

Aside from a few, too-short visits, it wasn’t until the following summer that they really saw each other again. Azzi had just announced her commitment to UConn and she and her family were there a few weeks early for pre-season training and to get settled. She spent a lot of time getting acquainted with her new teammates. She noticed how much Paige had already solidified herself as a leader, and she couldn’t stop admiring the casual confidence she carried herself with. Her laugh rang through the center of every joke and she had even more eyes on her than she did in high school. Paige had grown, not in height but in practically every other way. She wasn’t quite so lanky anymore and her cheekbones were more prominent than she remembered them being. Most notably, she was glowing. All the time. She’d grown more experienced, in every sense of the word.

They were back at the cabin Paige had joined Azzi’s family at every summer for years now, a week of downtime before classes started. They were lying in bed, Paige slumped on her back as she reached over every so often to grab a handful of goldfish. Her hair pulled back into a low bun, clad in a black sports bra and basketball shorts rolled low on her hips. They’d been drinking all night, a contributing factor in Azzi's struggle to pull her gaze from the waistband of Paige’s underwear that peeks out from beneath her shorts. Paige, confident, cocky and ever oblivious Paige had yet to notice, busy ranting about some missed call in their scrimmage earlier that week. She’d told Azzi a bit about girls she’d hooked up with in her first year, even one she’d almost dated. She mostly played coy, the girls had to pry for details, for the most part coming up empty handed. Paige didn’t seem to like talking about it in front of Azzi, staying tight-lipped and shrugging her off until she’d change the topic.

“Wanna go in the hot tub?” Paige asks, her bowl finally empty.

“I was just about to say that.” Azzi grins.

They tiptoe outside, giggling as they try not to wake anyone. They stumble barefoot around the back and Paige shoves Azzi a touch too hard and has to yank her arm back to stop her from falling into a bush.

They sit across from each other in the water, exchanging stories and catching up. The topic of the girl Paige almost dated comes back.

Before she has the chance to change the topic again, Azzi’s voice rings out. “Holy shit that's a massive spider! Paige Ohmygod!!” She squeals, pointing.

Paige turns her head, a large wolf spider crawls along the edge next to her shoulder. “Oh hell naw.” She scrambles away, practically trampling Azzi as she gets to the other side. They fuss as Paige tries to push azzi toward the spider, wrapping her arms around Paige's neck in protest.

When they settle, Azzi asks the inescapable question. “Why did you guys never date? You liked her didn't you?”

Paige sighs. “I mean yeah, i did but,” she debates on whether or not to go with the expected half truth of ‘i didn’t have time’ or to spill her guts for real. She takes another swig of her drink. “Not the right way. I liked being around her and the…well.” She flushes, looking down. “Ya know. Good sex and whatnot.” She coughs. “But I didn't feel the way I was supposed to. I mean it was good, it was fine but it was… just…fine? I knew there was something missing. We just didn’t have the chemistry. It was my fault.”

Azzi fights to hold her smile. “Why do you say it was your fault? If you just didn’t have chemistry then you just didn't have chemistry.” she shrugs, feigning nonchalance.

“The point is we could’ve had chemistry if my head was in it but,” she pauses, “but we just didn’t, doesn't really matter why.” Paige shrugs, rubbing the back of her neck. She takes another drink. It bugs her that she can’t read the way Azzi’s looking at her.

“Well where was your head?” Azzi tilts her head, droplets of water fall from her curls.

Paige shifts, her eyes darting to the side. “Uhh, basketball?” she says awkwardly, a hint of ‘duh what else’ in her voice.

“You’re lying.” Azzi’s pitch going up. “I’m not?” Paige replies, her voice raising defensively as she pulls a face.

“You are. There’s something you’re not saying.” Azzi pushes.

“Bro what’s it to you, why do you care? Who cares?” Paige argues.

“I just wanna know. Did you like any of them?” Azzi pries slightly, in a losing battle with her curiosity.

“No.” Paige says curtly before catching herself. “Maybe. What if I did? What does it matter how I feel about whoever I'm hooking up with?” Paige sounds annoyed now.

“I don’t know. It doesn’t, sorry. I don’t wanna talk about it.” Azzi replies, quieter. She downs the remainder of her drink, suppressing a cough as it goes down.

“For somebody who doesn’t wanna talk about it you sure ask a lotta questions.” Paige retorts. “Why don’t you wanna talk about it?” she asks, confused but still biting. When she looks up, Azzi looks like she might cry. Her brows knitted together, her big brown eyes stare deep into Paige’s with an expression she can’t read.

“You can’t possibly be this stupid.” She sighs, exasperated.

“What? What are you saying?” Paige swallows, her throat dry as their eyes meet.

“Paige.” Azzi breathes, it’s almost a whisper, her hand on the blonde’s shoulder.

“Yeah?” She croaks, her hand hovering over Azzi’s ribcage.

They stay like that for a moment, eyes locked, breathing the same air before Paige’s lips part ever so slightly. Her brows knit together, a question in her vulnerable eyes. Azzi nods ever so gently, her finger twitching against Paige's collarbone.

“Azzi don’t fuck with me like this. It’s not fair.” She shakes her head, eyes blown wide. Azzi shakes her head, the hand on Paige’s collarbone sliding up to cup her jaw. At this, Paige wraps her hand around the side of Azzi’s ribs, pulling her forward just a touch. She’s looking up at Azzi like she might die. Her cheeks are flush from the heat of the water, pink lips parted ever so slightly and those big blue eyes begging silently for time to stop right where it is. Azzi steps between Paige’s thighs, her other hand hovering over her shoulder. Azzi’s eyes are wild, flickering all over Paige’s face, tracing a path back and forth from her eyes to her mouth. They stay like this for what feels like an hour, eyes running circles around each other's faces, otherwise completely still. It isn't until Paige brings her other hand out of the water, settling it agonizingly carefully on the other side of Azzi’s waist. All at once, the tension shatters. She isn’t sure who moves first, but all she can feel is Azzi's mouth on hers. It’s warm, gentle and so soft. Azzi’s hand remains tight on her jaw, the other finds its way to the wet strands at the back of Paige’s neck, tangling her fingers in whatever’s come loose of Paige's bun. Paige pulls Azzi impossibly closer, her hands wrapped tight around Azzi’s waist and back, thumbs tracing the ridges of her ribs. When Azzi’s tongue slides between her lips, she makes a wrecked sound somewhere between an exhale and a whine. She slips her thigh between Azzi’s legs, pulling her down from her half-standing. Azzi sighs into the kiss, her back arching slightly in welcome of

the new position. They stay like this for a while —learning, attentive, experimental. Paige’s thigh flexes and Azzi grinds down gently in return. She makes a soft sound, exhaling from her nose. Paige’s body stutters at the feeling, her mouth open and unmoving. She feels Azzi smile into the kiss, letting the hand on Paige’s jaw trace downwards to palm at her collarbone and shoulders. Paige can’t help but smile too, some of that control she’s so used to having finally returns. She lets her hands travel down Azzi’s waist to her hips, gently circling the curves. She pulls her down, just enough to get Azzi to roll her hips again. Paige breathes her closer; there's no telling where Azzi's tanned skin melts into the milky white of Paige's. And then they’re giggling, breathless as their foreheads touch, hands still roaming.

“You’re so stupid.” Azzi mumbles, the grin on her face giving her away.

“What? How?” Paige breathes, incredulous.

Azzi kisses her again. “You’re telling me you had no idea I liked you?”

The fire in Paige’s eyes burns wildly as she blinks up at Azzi, dazed in her response. “No.” She shakes her head. “Thought there was no chance.”

“So you thought about it?” Azzi smiles coyly, her fingers twirling the wet strands of hair at the back of Paige’s neck.

“Once or twice.” Paige rolls her eyes, a smile in her voice as her hands trail up Azzi's lower back.

“I thought I was being so obvious.” Azzi replies.

“Obvious? Az you seemed like the one person completely immune to me.” Paige whines, her ordinary cockiness seeping back in. “Ask anybody. Whole world could prolly tell I was gone for you.” She shakes her head, suddenly bashful.

“Paige I thought you’d never see me as anything but your best friend. You have no idea how crazy, kinda-psycho jealous I’d get when the team started talking about the girls you’d gotten with,” Azzi sputters, stripped of her prior confidence. “-and it felt wrong and frankly stupid to even be jealous because I knew deep down it was never gonna be me but still-“ She’s cut off by the feeling of Paige’s mouth on her stomach. She kisses up the ridges of Azzi’s abs, teeth grazing the skin of her ribs.

“Was always gonna be you.” Her voice is soft but disbelieving as she shakes her head. “Course it was you. Dumbass” She continues, licking up to Azzi’s chest, stopping as she meets the string between her breasts. Azzi’s mouth is agape, her body reduced to putty in Paige’s hands.

When she gets ahold of herself again, Azzi slides her hands to Paige’s jaw, holding her face in her hands. She smoothes her thumbs along her poignant cheekbones and down the sharp line of her jaw. All the while Paige simply stares at her, eyes wide and full of admiration. They flicker across Azzi’s face, down her chest and shoulders, over her thick, dark curls. Paige straightens her body, suddenly itching for control. She moves Azzi gently, until her back is pressed to the wall of the hot tub. Taking Azzi’s face in her hands, she kisses her. Because she finally can. She’s still careful, weary in her movements, as if Azzi might turn her away even now. Azzi brings her hand to rest on top of one of Paige’s. They break apart slowly, their breath mingling. Paige swipes her thumb slowly across Azzi’s cheek before dragging over to her mouth. Azzi’s hand follows, hovering gently. Paige’s thumb traces the lines of Azzi’s mouth, coming to rest on her bottom lip. Azzi blinks at her, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she lets her mouth fall ever so slightly open, her tongue prodding at the tip of Paige's thumb. Paige tries and fails to suppress a smile, fingers curling around Azzi’s jaw. She slowly slides her thumb between Azzi’s lips, watching attentively as she sucks it gently into her mouth. She twirls her tongue before leisurely removing her head.

There’s something else brewing in Paige’s eyes now. “You’re perfect.” She breathes, quiet and honest. “Prettiest girl i’ve ever seen.”

“You don’t really mean that.” Azzi rolls her eyes, swallowing. Her attempt at seeming unaffected is foiled by the breathlessness in her voice.

“Course I do.” Paige grins, kissing her again, harder this time. Her body cages Azzi in against the wall of the tub. Azzi rakes her nails down Paige’s back, exhaling softly as her tongue slides into Azzi’s mouth. They stay like this for a while, hands roaming everywhere they can find before Paige finally breaks the kiss.

“Wanna go inside?” She asks gingerly, her cheeks flushed.

Azzi nods fervently, realizing just how long they’d been in the hot tub for.

She laughs and smacks Paige on the shoulder when she holds a hand out to help her out of the hot tub, making some joke about chivalry.

They tiptoe back inside hand in hand, acutely aware of how late it is and cautious not to wake any of their family members.

^sorry lowk cliffhanger i just need to make pt2 better than it is rn

#pazzi fics

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