#lots of Netflix rom-com vibes

[jomiddlemarch]

the last man in the world

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a sole proprietorship coffee shop in possession of an ideal location and a reliable source of ethically harvested beans must be in want of adequate staff.

Elizabeth would have taken one measly part-time barista who could create a competent Rosetta in a latte.

Or someone who was not related to her, because when her sisters came to “help out,” she ended up short cash in the till (Lydia and shockingly Mary), running low on clotted cream (Kit), or with the entire kitchen scrubbed clean but with all the shelves rearranged in a way that was completely unintuitive unless you were also deeply influenced by feng shui (Jane, who needed to stop worrying so much about cultural appropriation but also needed to stop moving the espresso cups to the north side of the room.)

It was getting dire and that was not only Elizabeth’s opinion. Charlotte, her closest friend from uni and also her accountant, had started to have an expression halfway between concerned and skeptical when Elizabeth talked about the coffee-shop and had absolutely vetoed the vintage La Marzocco espresso maker.

“You’d need what they call an angel investor in the States to pull that off, Lizzie, and nothing about Bluestockings would attract an angel,” Charlotte said.

“You still think I should have accepted the offer from Collins,” Elizabeth replied.

“I’m not idealistic,” Charlotte shrugged. “Not a romantic like you. He made a solid offer and he had the cash—”

“He looked like a toad in a Fair Isle jumper and he kept calling me Bettina,” Elizabeth said.

“This is London, the costs are only getting higher, between the bloody Tories and the foreign nationals buying up entire streets— You may regret saying no."

“I’d rather that than the alternative,” Elizabeth said. “The look on his face was priceless.”

“Oh, there was a price,” Charlotte said. “You just don’t know how much it’ll cost you.”

“How much?” the tall, dark-haired man in what was very clearly Savile Row asked, after Elizabeth, most definitely not looking her best since not one sister had shown up to help, not even Jane, had pushed across a sloppily poured London fog latte and then had forgotten to ring him up.

“Four quid,” she said, rounding up. He was wearing monogrammed platinum cufflinks and had the attitude of someone with a vast estate he referred to as “the country house.” Plus, he’d ignored her the whole time she’d scrambled around to make the drink, even when she nearly knocked three tins (Jane, why, why?!) from the shelf where the Earl Grey was kept and she’d yelped most unbecomingly.

“I meant how much do you need for the back-taxes and the rent. It needs a renovation, but we’d need to get an architect in for that, Annika de Bourgh at Rosings is the best,” he said. “My friend Charlie was here last week, raved about it, said the very pretty barista with the bluest eyes told him you were her sister, the coffee-shop about to go under, even though she’d reorganized the cutlery five times to invite financial well-being, and he’s likely to do something very ill-considered unless I stop him, so how much do you need? The place is tolerable, I suppose—”

“Tolerable?” Elizabeth repeated. Sputtered, not unlike the milk frother which needed a repair.

“I’ve seen worse. I’ve seen better. It has some potential, the location is unimpeachable, the foot traffic alone should make the rent, as long as people want to walk in,” he said. “How much?”

“You’ve some nerve,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes. As well as the acumen and portfolio to back it up,” he answered coolly.

“I’d never take money from someone whose name I don’t know, who hasn’t worked with me a single day,” Elizabeth said.

“Darcy. Will Darcy. I hope you’ve a spare apron,” he said.

“I don’t,” she said.

“Then I’ll wear one of your tee-shirts,” he said, taking off his suit jacket and folding it over one forearm. 

“It won’t fit,” she said.

“I’ll be careful then, not to spill,” he replied.

The tee-shirt fit, if by fit one meant that it made it clear how exquisitely well-built Will Darcy was, broad and well-muscled through the shoulders and chest, narrow waisted, the pale blue cotton concealing hardly anything, the swoopy swirly scrawl of Bluestockings seemingly designed specifically to make one consider whether he possessed a six or eight pack. And he didn’t spill a drop.

“Convinced?” he asked, after three hours, the best mid-afternoon rush she’d ever had neatly managed, the counters pristine. He’d rolled his sleeves up after the first hour and Elizabeth had resolutely determined not to give a name to the feeling the sight evoked in her. 

(The name would probably include an obscenity, something she could confide to neither Jane nor Charlotte.)

“Give me a week,” she said.

“To decide?”

“Work here for a week. One afternoon doesn’t count. You might be lucky,” she said.

“I don’t believe in luck,” he said.

“Of course not,” she said. 

Charlotte had been right. Elizabeth had had no idea what it would cost her.

Written but posted late (on a day when I feel like a lot of us can use a cheerful distraction!) for Janeuary 2025 @janeuary-month, Day 15, prompt: London.

[bu3ck3r]

always watching

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

summary: so this is partly inspired by a song called jealous by nick jonas (tysm anon for this request)

wc: 9k

a/n: after yall read this spam my inbox with literally anything! and obv tell me how was it🙂‍↔️

the locker room still smelled like sweat and celebration—someone had sprayed body spray with no regard for moderation, music was playing off a speaker in the corner, and the vibe was high. uconn had just rolled over another team, and the win had been easy, almost too easy.

azzi leaned against the wall near her locker, still half in uniform, her hair damp and curling from sweat, eyes fixed on something—or someone—across the room.

paige.

paige was laughing at something ice had said, throwing her head back in that way that made her entire presence shift. her jersey was bunched at the waist, sweat-stuck to her stomach, and her cheeks were flushed in a way that had nothing to do with exhaustion.

azzi tore her eyes away before anyone noticed. but someone did.

“you watch her like she hung the damn moon,” jana muttered as she walked by, tossing her towel onto a bench. her voice was low, teasing, but not cruel.

azzi rolled her eyes and said nothing.

later that night, the team crammed into kk’s dorm for movie night. pillows everywhere, popcorn already half eaten, someone flipping through netflix options like the right one might suddenly appear if they kept scrolling. paige walked in late—hoodie half zipped, pajama pants hanging low on her hips—and she dropped next to azzi on the floor like it was the most natural thing in the world.

azzi didn’t even blink. she just leaned into her. a shared blanket appeared. no one said anything at first, but when azzi’s head dropped onto paige’s shoulder, jana smirked and didn’t bother keeping it to herself this time.

“okay. nah. you two need to stop. i’m tired.”

azzi lifted her head slowly. “what?”

“you’re literally curled up on her like this is a rom-com,” ice added, grinning from where she was half-asleep on the couch. “just make out already and spare us.”

paige snorted. “y’all are so annoying.”

“y’all are so in denial,” jana shot back, and a chorus of laughter followed.

azzi smiled, her cheeks burning, and paige just nudged her shoulder gently. “ignore them.”

but paige couldn’t ignore the way her chest squeezed when azzi smiled at her like that. the kind of smile you didn’t give to just anybody.

they walked back to their dorms together after midnight. campus was quiet, the cold biting at their cheeks. paige had offered azzi her hoodie without thinking. azzi took it. it looked a lot better on her.

they walked in silence for a beat. paige glanced at her. the hoodie sleeves were too long, and azzi was curled into them, hands tucked inside.

“you’re quiet.”

azzi shrugged. “just thinking.”

“about?”

azzi looked at her, held her gaze a second too long. “basketball. life. stuff.”

paige nodded like she believed her. like she wasn’t dying to ask what “stuff” meant. but she didn’t. she never did.

she reached for the door handle to her dorm and paused. “night, az.”

azzi turned. “night, paige.”

paige closed the door too slowly, like maybe she wanted to say something else. like maybe this friendship—whatever it was—was killing her a little more every day.

azzi:

you still up?

paige:

always. wassup?

azzi:

just couldn’t sleep. too much film in my head

paige:

same lol

we should’ve won by more

azzi:

facts

you carried tho

paige:

nah

you always say that

azzi:

bc it’s true

paige:

you’re biased

azzi:

yeah. probably.

night p.

paige:

goodnight az.

paige stared at her phone long after the messages stopped. she didn’t know when “az” turned into “azzi” and then back into “az” again—but it felt like something. it felt like the kind of shift that changes things quietly, slowly, until one day, everything’s different and you don’t even remember how it started.

she rolled over in bed, hoodie still smelling like azzi, and whispered into the dark.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

the cool autumn air nipped at the skin as paige and azzi walked back to their dorms after another long practice. their footsteps echoed in the near-empty streets of the uconn campus, only the sound of their sneakers against the pavement breaking the silence. it was one of those rare moments where everything felt suspended in time. no rush, no chaos, just the two of them, surrounded by the hum of the late afternoon and the quiet glow of campus lights.

azzi walked a little ahead, her curly hair bouncing as she moved. paige couldn’t help but watch the way it swayed with every step—how her posture was so effortlessly perfect, how she carried herself with this quiet confidence that always seemed to make everything feel effortless. she was always so focused, so calm on the court, but off it, there was something else. something that made paige’s heart beat just a little faster.

“so, are you gonna tell me why you were off today in drills, or do i have to guess?” azzi’s voice pulled paige out of her thoughts.

paige blinked, caught off guard by the question. “i wasn’t off,” she answered, trying to sound nonchalant.

azzi shot her a look, her eyebrows raised. “you missed three threes, paige. three.”

“and still dropped 18 in the scrimmage,” paige shot back with a grin, brushing it off.

azzi tilted her head, the tiniest smirk playing at her lips. “confident much?”

“maybe,” paige replied, walking a little closer to her. she couldn’t help it. every time she was near azzi, something about her presence made it hard to think clearly. “i just don’t like losing.”

azzi’s smile softened, and for a moment, everything felt like it was in perfect sync.

azzi’s voice broke the quiet again, softer this time. “you were distracted.”

paige wasn’t sure if she was imagining the tone of her voice, but it sent a little spark through her chest. “i wasn’t distracted,” she lied.

azzi didn’t seem convinced. she slowed her pace, letting paige catch up, and then they fell into step together. neither of them spoke for a while. the silence between them was comfortable but heavy, like there was something else they were both trying to ignore.

the next day, practice was intense. the gym was filled with the sound of sneakers pounding the hardwood, the shrill of the whistle cutting through the air, and the steady thump of basketballs hitting the floor. but throughout all of it, paige’s mind kept wandering. she couldn’t focus like she usually did, her thoughts drifting to azzi again and again.

she stole glances at azzi throughout drills—when azzi nailed her signature shot, when she locked down on defense, when she flashed that smile that paige couldn’t get out of her head. every movement, every shot, was flawless.

paige couldn’t deny it anymore. it wasn’t just admiration. there was something more—something that had been building since the day they met at team usa, something that had only grown stronger since azzi arrived at uconn. paige tried to shake the thought, but it lingered, wrapped around her chest like a tight knot.

the night after practice, when the team was quiet and the campus was starting to settle into its usual nighttime rhythm, paige found herself staring at her phone. she had half a mind to just toss it on her bed and forget about it. but she couldn’t. not when azzi’s name was suddenly lighting up her screen.

azzi:

you good?

paige:

yeah just tired

why?

azzi:

idk you were quiet after practice

paige:

you noticed that huh

azzi:

always

paige:

cute

azzi:

are you flirting with me, bueckers?

paige:

would you be mad if i was?

…typing…

…typing stopped…

azzi:

i wouldn’t

paige blinked. she stared at the words, her heart thumping painfully against her chest. she didn’t know if she was relieved, terrified, or both. her fingers hovered over her phone again, but she didn’t reply. the words felt too heavy. too real.

the following morning, paige woke up to an empty room. ice had already left for a study session, and jana was probably at the gym getting in extra work. paige grabbed her phone, still replaying azzi’s text from the night before in her mind. she ran her hand through her messy hair and groaned. she had to focus. they had a game in two days, and she had to shake the feeling that everything was slowly shifting under her feet.

as she walked into the gym that day, she noticed azzi already warming up. she was practicing her jump shots, smooth and precise. paige couldn’t stop watching, feeling that familiar pull in her chest whenever azzi moved, whenever she smiled that quiet smile that always made paige’s heart skip.

they were running through drills later, and paige could feel the shift between them.

azzi was sitting a little closer during film review, her knee grazing paige’s under the table. it was subtle, but paige couldn’t ignore the way her skin tingled from the brief contact. every time azzi leaned over to point out a play or ask for paige’s opinion, her breath caught, her mind whirling.

“you okay?” azzi whispered, her gaze searching paige’s face.

paige nodded, but inside, her thoughts were a mess. she wanted to lean in, wanted to tell azzi everything. but the words wouldn’t come. “yeah. just… thinking,” paige muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

azzi’s lips curled into that soft, knowing smile that always seemed to break paige into pieces.

paige:

that fadeaway’s not fair

azzi:

you were staring again

paige:

you’re hard not to look at

azzi:

…

you’re gonna ruin me with texts like that

paige:

you like that huh?

azzi:

maybe

paige didn’t sleep that night. she couldn’t. every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was azzi’s face, that smile, the way their eyes had met across the gym.

game day arrived, and paige played like her life depended on it. aggressive, sharp, dominant—every move felt effortless. but every time she scored, her eyes flicked to the bench. to azzi.

after the game, the locker room buzzed with excitement. the team was laughing and shouting, the adrenaline still pumping in their veins. but paige couldn’t focus. she grabbed her towel and wiped her face, but her mind kept drifting back to the night before, to the words that had been said.

jana tossed her a towel. “damn, you were on fire tonight,” she said, her grin wide. “but i swear, you’re playing like azzi’s watching you like she wants to write poetry about your jump shot.”

ice chimed in, clearly teasing. “for real, it’s like y’all live in your own little bubble.”

azzi shot both of them a glare, her cheeks flushed. “shut up.”

paige just smiled, but deep down, she was wondering if they were right. she could feel the weight of azzi’s gaze on her whenever she played. it wasn’t just basketball anymore. it was… something else.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

game day at gampel had its own rhythm—buzzing sneakers, whispered prayers, warmups under the blinding arena lights. paige could feel it in her bones before she even laced her shoes. but today, the adrenaline coursing through her veins wasn’t just about basketball. it was something else. something—or someone—who had taken up more and more of her headspace lately.

azzi.

she always looked calm before tipoff, like the noise around her couldn’t touch her. her face calm, lips slightly parted, long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks. paige watched her from the opposite end of the locker room, surrounded by teammates but completely in her own lane.

azzi was sitting on the floor, pulling her socks over her calves, airpods in, nodding to whatever was playing. paige had no idea what the song was, but she wanted to know. she wanted to ask. she wanted to sit beside her, pull one airpod out, and just be that close.

instead, she sat still, a towel draped over her lap, her eyes betraying her again and again as they drifted back to azzi.

she wasn’t proud of how much she stared. she thought she was subtle—sneaking glances in between stretches or when geno was talking—but she wasn’t. ice caught her once and gave her a look like, seriously? paige had just shrugged and mumbled something about defense.

but it wasn’t defense.

it was the way azzi’s laugh made paige’s stomach do things. how it bubbled out of her when she was teasing jana, or when someone showed her a funny tiktok in the locker room. it was that rare, unguarded smile she gave when something really got her. paige found herself chasing that laugh in her mind when she couldn’t sleep.

it was the way azzi’s jersey rode up during shootaround, revealing just a toned stomach, glistening with sweat. and paige—god, she hated herself for how much she noticed. she was a player, a leader, a teammate. she wasn’t supposed to be distracted like this.

and yet.

the worst part? the way azzi smelled.

it wasn’t even fair. vanilla and something warm that paige couldn’t place. something that made her dizzy if azzi stood too close. and she often did—leaning in to check notes, standing shoulder to shoulder during team huddles, brushing against her on the bench.

“yo, paige.” it was ice again. “you good?”

“huh?” paige blinked, startled.

“you’ve been zoned out for like ten minutes,” ice said, towel slung over her shoulder. “what’s going on with you?”

“nothing. just locked in,” paige lied, pulling on her warmup shirt. but her heart was beating too fast. her hands were slightly clammy. she wasn’t locked in—she was unraveling, and it all had a name.

azzi.

they were up by 12. the energy in the locker room was electric. coach was going over adjustments on the whiteboard, players hydrating and bouncing their legs, but paige?

paige was sitting beside azzi. too close. or maybe not close enough.

azzi’s knee bumped hers lightly as they sat on the bench, and paige froze. her breath caught for half a second. azzi didn’t even seem to notice—or maybe she did and just didn’t say anything.

paige risked a glance. azzi’s head was down, towel over her shoulders, lips parted slightly as she caught her breath. there was a tiny mole just under her jawline paige had never noticed before. her skin gleamed from exhaustion, and the faintest flush was still high on her cheeks.

“good first half,” azzi said softly, not looking up.

“yeah,” paige said, trying to swallow the knot in her throat. “you too.”

azzi finally turned her head, eyes locking with paige’s.

there was a beat. a second too long.

something passed between them. something paige couldn’t name. but it was thick and real and left her breathless.

now they were back in the locker room, jerseys peeled off, music playing low over the speakers, the smell of victory (and sweat) lingering in the air. jana was hyping everyone up, dancing around with her bottle like it was champagne. kk was talking trash about her fourth quarter steal.

paige sat on the bench, head tilted back, eyes closed for just a second. her body ached in that beautiful, earned way. but when she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was azzi—across the room, standing in front of her open locker, tugging off her compression sleeves. there was something about the way her fingers moved, the slow, methodical grace of it, like everything she did was deliberate.

paige’s mouth went dry.

it hit her like a punch to the gut: she was falling. hard. really hard

and the way her teammates joked—jana saying things like “okay, but if i catch y’all making heart eyes during warmups one more time���”—only made it harder to pretend it was nothing.

paige would always laugh it off. “you’re delusional,” she’d say, deflecting like it was second nature.

but she wasn’t laughing inside.

inside, she was spiraling. because this thing—this impossible, distracting, beautiful thing—was not just a phase.

it was real.

and it was starting to show.

that night, the team gathered in one of the common lounges for movie night. someone had dragged in a few extra bean bags, and the couch cushions were already claimed by the time paige and azzi walked in together.

it wasn’t even planned—azzi just bumped her shoulder against paige’s in the hallway outside the gym and said, “you coming to that movie night?”

and like always, paige said yes.

the lights were low, the movie already playing, but paige wasn’t watching. azzi had claimed the spot right beside her, curling up on the couch, legs folded under her, and paige somehow ended up with azzi’s shoulder pressed against hers. again. azzi didn’t move. neither did paige.

about halfway through the movie, azzi shifted closer. she was practically tucked against paige now, warm and soft and so close that paige could smell that vanilla–something blend again. she didn’t know how it happened, but azzi’s head slowly rested against her shoulder. her breath hitched.

don’t make it weird, don’t make it weird.

jana, sitting on the floor in front of them, turned around mid-bite of her popcorn and gave them a look.

“okay, but like…” she whispered to ice beside her. “seriously, this isn’t even subtle anymore.”

ice glanced back and whispered back, not even trying to hide the smirk: “bro. just get together already.”

paige felt her ears burn, but azzi didn’t move. she just yawned quietly, like nothing was out of the ordinary, like paige wasn’t about to have a stroke from how fast her heart was beating.

her phone buzzed in her lap.

azzi:

ignore them

paige stared at the message. the corners of her mouth twitched.

paige:

i’m trying

hard

azzi:

is it that bad?

being this close?

paige didn’t answer right away. she was afraid of what she might say if she told the truth.

paige:

not bad

just… a lot

she waited. nothing.

but azzi didn’t move away.

the next day, paige was back in the gym early, trying to clear her head. shots were automatic, but her mind wasn’t. azzi’s voice, her laugh, the way she felt against her—it all kept looping in her brain like a highlight reel she couldn’t turn off.

she was mid-rep when ice showed up, tossed her a towel, and said, “you gotta figure this out, bro.”

paige shot her a look. “what are you talking about?”

ice just raised an eyebrow. “you’re in love with her. and unless you want to keep spiraling, maybe actually talk to her?”

“i’m not spiraling,” paige lied.

“you’re listening to frank ocean in the weight room, paige.”

paige shut her eyes. busted.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

the whole team went out after their win. uconn’s usual haunt, ted’s, was packed with students. the music was loud, the lights low, and the floor sticky with beer. paige had meant to just hang out, have fun, maybe let off some steam.

but the second she walked in and saw azzi across the room—talking to some guy by the bar, laughing a little too easily—something in her snapped.

it wasn’t that azzi was doing anything wrong. she was being azzi—friendly, charming, beautiful. but paige couldn’t stand how close the guy leaned toward her. couldn’t stand how azzi didn’t move away.

and that damn song started playing.

“i don’t like the way he’s looking at you, i’m starting to think you want him too…”

paige froze.

the lyrics hit too close. the jealousy roared up in her chest, hot and bitter and undeniable. she tried to look away, but her eyes stayed locked on azzi. on the guy. on the way azzi leaned in to hear him over the music.

“you’re too fuckin’, beautiful, and everybody wants a taste…”

paige downed her drink.

and another.

and another.

it was hot and loud, the kind of place where bad decisions had room to breathe. paige was pressed against the bar, half-done with her third drink when jana slid in next to her like she’d been tracking her all night.

“okay, what the hell are you doing?” jana said, snatching paige’s cup before she could take another sip.

paige raised a brow. “i’m having a drink.”

“three drinks,” ice added, appearing on the other side of her like a stealthy twin. “in twenty minutes. you trying to pregame a blackout?”

“i’m fine,” paige said tightly, eyes fixed across the room again—where azzi was still talking to that guy, her face half-lit by the neon sign above the bar.

ice followed her gaze and sighed. “this is about her, isn’t it?”

“no,” paige snapped. “yes. maybe.”

jana made a face. “girl, you’re being dramatic as hell.”

“you don’t get it.”

“we do,” ice said. “more than you think. you’ve been gone since she got here.”

jana leaned in, voice low. “you’re acting like this is middle school. you like her. she probably likes you. just talk to her.”

“she doesn’t—”

“she does,” ice cut in. “you think we haven’t noticed? azzi watches you like a movie.”

that made paige look away.

jana didn’t let up. “look, i know it’s scary, but drinking your feelings while she talks to some random guy isn’t the move. you’re paige fucking bueckers. pull yourself together.”

paige turned the now-empty glass in her hands, knuckles white around the rim. “it’s not just about jealousy. it’s… i’ve been holding this in since team usa. since the day i met her. and every time i think i’m over it, she does something like laugh or look at me like i’m all she sees and—”

she shook her head. “i can’t do this anymore.”

ice and jana exchanged a look, but neither said anything.

paige ignored them both, eyes still on azzi. everything else was a blur. music thumping, laughter around her, teammates dancing—but all she could see was azzi.

when she saw the guy’s hand brush azzi’s arm, that was it.

paige downed the last sip in her cup and set it on the bar like a final period. “i’m talking to her.”

she pushed through the crowd, half-drunk but clear-headed enough to know this couldn’t wait. she reached azzi and grabbed her wrist, gently but firmly.

azzi turned, surprised. “paige?”

“we need to talk,” paige said, her voice low, almost pleading.

azzi hesitated. “paige, are you—”

she didn’t wait for a response. she turned, heart pounding, and made her way across the room—straight toward azzi.

the music pulsed around them, a chaotic blend of bass and laughter. paige’s heart pounded in her chest as she navigated through the crowd, her eyes locked on azzi.

the night air slapped paige in the face the second they stepped out of ted’s. cold, sharp, sobering. her fingers were still loosely curled around azzi’s wrist, but she let go as soon as they were far enough from the door for the music to dull to a distant thump.

azzi stood in front of her, arms crossed over her chest, clearly thrown by the sudden exit. her brows were furrowed, lips parted slightly. “paige, what the hell was that?”

paige didn’t answer at first. she looked down, then up, eyes dancing between the ground and azzi’s face like she couldn’t decide where to land.

“i couldn’t watch anymore,” she finally said, voice barely above a whisper.

“watch what?” azzi asked. her tone wasn’t annoyed—more confused, careful. like she knew something was coming but didn’t want to assume too much too fast.

“you. with him.”

a beat.

“that guy?” azzi asked, almost incredulous. “he was just talking. he asked about the game. that’s all.”

“i know,” paige said quickly. “i know. that’s the worst part.”

azzi’s arms slowly dropped to her sides. “then what is this? what’s going on with you?”

paige took a shaky breath and stepped closer. “i’m losing my mind over you.”

azzi’s breath hitched, eyes flickering in surprise.

“i’ve tried to pretend it was nothing. that it’s just a phase or a dumb crush or some… whatever. but it’s not. it’s every day. it’s every time i see you in the gym i just—” she broke off, frustrated with herself.

azzi looked like she wasn’t even breathing.

“i think about you constantly,” paige continued, quieter now. “and it’s not just attraction or whatever—i mean, yeah, you’re beautiful and it’s driving me absolutely insane, but it’s more than that. i want to tell you when something good happens. i want to walk you home after practice and… i want to be the person who gets to be close to you. like, really close.”

her voice cracked on the last word.

azzi stepped forward, just a little. her expression was unreadable, but her eyes were soft.

“paige…” she started gently. “you’re drunk. maybe we should talk about this when you’re sober.”

“i’m not drunk,” paige said quickly, firmly. “okay, yeah, i had a few, but i’ve never been more clearheaded in my life. if i don’t say this now, i won’t. i’ve been swallowing this for months, az. since team usa. since the second i saw you on that court and knew i was in trouble.”

azzi didn’t move.

“you walked into uconn like you belonged here and everyone was watching you like you were already a star,” paige said, her voice thick with something like awe. “and i was just… gone. i didn’t even fight it.”

azzi took another step forward. they were close now—close enough that paige could see the flutter of her eyelashes, the subtle shift in her breathing.

“you never said anything,” azzi whispered.

“i was scared. i didn’t want to lose you. not even just as a teammate or a friend. i didn’t want to make it weird. i’d rather die than make it weird.”

azzi tilted her head slightly, her lips twitching into a soft, almost sad smile. “you think you were hiding it?”

paige blinked. “i… tried to.”

azzi finally reached out, her fingers brushing paige’s wrist. “you weren’t. not from me.”

the silence between them was thick now, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. it pulsed with the weight of everything unsaid—until now.

“so what does that mean?” paige asked, voice barely audible.

azzi hesitated just long enough to make her next words feel deliberate.

“it means i’ve been waiting for you to say it out loud.”

paige’s eyes snapped up to meet hers. “you…?”

“i’m not good at this,” azzi said, laughing quietly. “feelings, i mean. i keep things inside too, but i’ve wanted this. you. since forever.”

paige was stunned into stillness.

“i didn’t know if i was reading too much into it,” azzi continued. “i mean, we’d hang out and you’d look at me like i hung the moon, and then two seconds later you’d act like nothing happened. i didn’t want to ruin it either.”

“i did hang the moon,” paige joked.

azzi laughed—really laughed—and paige swore she could’ve melted right there.

and then it happened.

azzi leaned in, slow, careful, like giving paige time to back out. but paige didn’t move. she couldn’t. her body leaned forward before her brain even caught up.

when their lips met, it was soft. hesitant. testing.

but when paige cupped azzi’s cheek, deepening the kiss, azzi responded like she’d been holding back for years.

because she had.

they broke apart only when the door to the bar cracked open again, voices spilling out. they stepped back just enough to breathe.

“come back to my dorm?” paige asked, voice low and rough around the edges.

azzi didn’t hesitate. “yeah.”

they walked in silence at first.

the campus was nearly empty, the night sky hanging low and heavy with stars. paige’s hand brushed against azzi’s once, then again. the third time, azzi reached out and laced their fingers together.

neither of them said anything about it.

they walked back to the dorm in silence, but it wasn’t awkward—it was electric. like every word they could’ve said was sitting just under their skin, humming like static. paige’s hand found azzi’s halfway there, their fingers tangling like they’d done it a hundred times—but this time, it meant something else. it felt different. everything did.

when they got to the building, paige didn’t even ask. she just held the door open for azzi, who slipped past her without a word, brushing against her shoulder like it was second nature.

it was.

because azzi had been here before—dozens of times. for movie nights, naps between practices, studying, random after-practice rants. she’d curled up on paige’s bed, worn her hoodie, stolen her snacks. this dorm wasn’t unfamiliar.

but when they walked into the room this time, azzi paused.

paige noticed it immediately.

the lights were low, just the glow from the desk lamp and the string lights over the window. a sweatshirt—azzi’s, actually—was draped over the back of paige’s chair. the same lavender candle azzi had gifted her was still on the sill, next to a water bottle and a mess of hair ties.

it was all the same. but now it felt like more.

azzi turned slowly, her voice quieter than usual. “we’ve been here so many times.”

“i know,” paige said, closing the door behind them. “but not like this.”

azzi gave a little nod, her eyes scanning the room like it was suddenly unfamiliar. like she was seeing it through a new lens. maybe she was.

her gaze lingered on paige’s bed, then on paige.

paige’s heart was thudding, loud and hot in her chest.

“you okay?” azzi asked softly.

“i don’t know,” paige admitted. “i’ve never done this before.”

“done what?”

“this,” she said, stepping closer. “said it out loud. let it be real.”

azzi’s eyes didn’t leave hers. “you were always obvious, you know.”

paige blinked. “i was not.”

azzi laughed under her breath. “you’d stare at me, and then immediately pretend you weren’t.”

“you’re making things up,” paige said, but she was smiling now, the tension breaking slightly.

“i’m not,” azzi said, taking a step forward. “you think i didn’t notice how quiet you’d get when i sat too close? or how you’d text me good luck before every game, even when we were in the same hotel?”

paige looked down, cheeks flushed. “i wasn’t ready to mess this up.”

“you didn’t,” azzi said gently. “you couldn’t.”

they were inches apart now, the space between them small enough that paige could feel the warmth coming off her.

“i keep thinking i’m gonna wake up and this won’t be real,” paige said quietly.

azzi reached up and brushed a strand of hair behind paige’s ear. “it is real paige.”

that touch, light and careful almost too much.

“i feel like i’ve wanted this for so long, i don’t even know how to handle it now that it’s here,” paige admitted.

azzi’s voice dropped, softer now. “then let’s not rush. let’s just… be here.”

so they sat.

paige kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the bed like she’d done a thousand times. azzi followed without hesitation, folding her legs beneath her, shoulder brushing paige’s. familiar, but weighted now. electrified.

they sat in silence, legs tangled lazily, faces turned toward each other. every little glance, every breath, was a new kind of intimacy.

and then paige reached out, slow, fingers brushing the inside of azzi’s wrist. azzi turned her hand over, letting paige trace the lines of her palm.

“i thought i’d ruined it when i told you,” paige said after a minute.

“you didn’t,” azzi said. “you fixed it.”

they leaned into each other again, and this time the kiss was soft. slow. unhurried. it tasted like adrenaline and years of wanting buried under years of almost.

when they broke apart, they didn’t say anything. just breathed.

and when paige rested her head on azzi’s shoulder, azzi leaned hers against the top of paige’s without hesitation.

outside, the wind rustled through the trees.

inside, it was just them.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

they were still on the bed.

azzi’s legs were stretched out across the comforter, ankles crossed, head tipped slightly as she looked at paige—just looked, like she was trying to memorize her all over again under the low light.

paige, sitting opposite, hugged one knee to her chest and toyed with a loose thread on her sweats. she could feel azzi’s gaze, hot and focused, like it was burning through the chill of the room. it made her pulse flutter in places she wasn’t proud of.

“why are you looking at me like that?” paige asked, half-joking, half-serious.

azzi tilted her head, the corner of her mouth lifting. “i’m allowed to now, right?”

that knocked the breath out of paige a little. “you’ve always been allowed.”

“okay,” azzi said, voice low. “then i’m choosing now to actually do it.”

paige couldn’t stop the smile that crept across her lips. “you’re flirting with me.”

azzi shrugged, eyes still locked on hers. “maybe.”

paige leaned back on her palms, trying to look casual, even though her heart was pounding. “you always do this?”

“do what?”

“make people fall for you without even trying.”

azzi smiled, slow and dangerous. “i didn’t want just anyone to fall for me.”

paige stared, stunned into silence.

azzi’s gaze dropped to her mouth for a second. just a second. but paige felt it like a lightning strike.

it made her sit up straighter.

“you sure you’re not drunk?” azzi teased, voice soft but teasing enough to make paige’s stomach twist in the best way.

paige arched a brow. “i could say the same thing about you.”

azzi grinned. “nope. stone cold sober. just stupid for you.”

that earned her a pillow to the face. she laughed, catching it and tossing it back aside—but the sound was warm and bright and filled the room with something almost unbearably soft.

paige reached for the candle on her windowsill—the lavender one azzi gave her on her birthday—and flicked it open, sniffing it with exaggerated flair.

“still kinda smells like you,” she said, trying to sound casual.

azzi raised an eyebrow. “are you saying you’ve been sniffing it when i’m not around?”

“no comment.”

azzi leaned in. “that’s adorable.”

paige glanced away, biting her bottom lip to fight the smile. “you’re annoying.”

“you love it.”

“i really do,” paige murmured before she could stop herself.

and just like that, the energy shifted again. slower now. still warm, but heavier. more tender.

azzi reached out and brushed her fingers over paige’s knee, her touch feather-light. “can i ask you something?”

“anything.”

azzi’s hand didn’t move. “that first night we had a team movie night… when i fell asleep on your shoulder and everyone teased us… did that mean something to you?”

paige swallowed, the memory hitting her hard. that night had haunted her.

“yeah,” she said quietly. “it meant everything.”

azzi nodded. “same.”

paige looked down at azzi’s hand on her leg, then back up to her. “i wanted to hold you. so badly. but i thought if i did, i’d give myself away.”

“you already had,” azzi whispered.

silence.

their breathing was the only sound now.

paige leaned in slowly, testing the space. azzi didn’t move away—instead, she matched her, closing the distance so naturally it felt like gravity. their foreheads brushed, and neither of them spoke. they didn’t need to.

“i want to kiss you again,” paige breathed.

azzi smiled. “so kiss me.”

this time, the kiss didn’t feel hesitant at all. it was open-mouthed, searching, laced with a hunger that had been simmering for too long. paige’s hand found azzi’s jaw, gentle but certain, and azzi’s fingers curled in the fabric of paige’s hoodie like she was anchoring herself.

they pulled back just enough to breathe, and azzi let out a shaky laugh. “you’re kind of dangerous like this.”

paige smirked, forehead still pressed against hers. “why?”

“because i don’t want to leave.”

paige’s voice was rough. “then don’t.”

azzi kissed her again.

the string lights above paige’s window gave everything a warm, soft glow—gold bleeding into shadows, painting azzi’s cheekbones and catching in her lashes. her lips were kiss-bitten. her breathing, a little uneven.

paige leaned back against the headboard, her arm draped over a pillow, and watched azzi cross her legs at the foot of the bed, hoodie sliding up to expose skin above her shorts. it wasn’t new. azzi had sat in that exact spot a dozen times. but tonight? tonight it was driving paige insane.

azzi caught her staring.

“what?” she asked, coy smile tugging at her lips.

“you’re unfair,” paige said, voice rough around the edges.

azzi tilted her head. “how?”

“you sit there like that—like it’s nothing. like you don’t know what you’re doing to me.”

azzi blinked slowly. “paige.”

“yeah?”

“i know exactly what i’m doing to you.”

paige choked on a breath, jaw slack. “okay, wow.”

azzi laughed, low and proud of herself. “you kinda walked into that one.”

“you’re cocky now. that’s new.”

azzi crawled closer, inch by inch, hands moving slow on the comforter like she was stalking prey. “you just never gave me the chance to be.”

paige didn’t move. couldn’t. “and now that i have?”

azzi hovered above her, one knee pressed between paige’s thighs, her hands braced on either side of paige’s hips. close enough to kiss, but not doing it. just making her want.

“i’m not holding back anymore,” azzi whispered.

paige’s breath caught. “then don’t.”

but azzi didn’t kiss her—not yet. instead, she leaned in, lips brushing paige’s jaw, her cheek, the corner of her mouth. never quite there. never quite enough. paige’s hands found azzi’s waist, fingers slipping under the hem of her hoodie like they had a mind of their own.

“you always smelled so insanely good,” paige murmured.

azzi grinned against her skin. “still do?”

“yeah,” paige said, voice low. “it’s killing me.”

azzi leaned back slightly, eyes dark with something deeper than play. “you’re allowed to want me.”

“i’ve always wanted you,” paige said, barely a whisper. “since team usa. since you smiled at me in that stupid oversized jersey. since i couldn’t stop texting you after practice like a damn idiot.”

azzi’s mouth parted, stunned by the confession.

“i wanted you when you wore my sweatshirt and acted like it was no big deal,” paige went on. “when you fell asleep on my shoulder and i didn’t move for two hours because i didn’t want to wake you. when you laughed at my corny playlist and still asked me to send it to you”

azzi cupped her face now, her thumbs brushing paige’s cheeks like she was trying to memorize them. “why didn’t you say anything?”

“because i thought if you didn’t feel the same, i’d lose you. and that was worse than wanting you in silence.”

azzi’s eyes softened—glassy, wet. she kissed her then, slow and full of something thick and heavy. paige melted into it. into her.

they shifted, the way they always had—easily, instinctively. azzi’s back hit the pillows next, and paige hovered above her, brushing hair from her forehead with trembling fingers.

their mouths met again and again—soft kisses that deepened, deep kisses that turned into something hot and slow and needy.

azzi tugged paige’s hoodie off. paige kissed a trail down her throat.

there were no rules now.

no fear.

only want.

and between stolen kisses and laughter that slipped from their mouths between gasps, paige whispered against azzi’s skin, “i’ve never wanted anyone like i want you.”

azzi’s hands moved up paige’s back, pulling her closer. “then have me.”

and paige did.

not rushed. not careless. but like a promise she’d been waiting to keep.

the room was quieter now, the soft hum of the outside world muted by the thick, heavy air inside paige’s dorm. the only light was the dim glow from the string lights above, casting long shadows that curled around the bed like a secret.

azzi was still lying next to paige, their legs tangled together beneath the soft sheets. paige’s head rested on azzi’s chest, her breath evening out in that familiar rhythm. it felt like she could stay there forever—pressing herself into azzi’s warmth, soaking in the quiet comfort of having everything she wanted, right in front of her.

azzi’s fingers traced small patterns on paige’s back, the touch so light it was almost imperceptible. it was a touch she’d never been able to offer before, but now it felt like it was meant to be this way—soft, comforting, and full of unspoken words. they didn’t need to talk yet. the silence between them said everything.

“i can’t believe we’re here,” paige whispered, the words so soft they were barely audible, as though saying them out loud might make everything feel too real.

azzi’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath, her hand still slowly drawing circles on paige’s back. “i can,” she said quietly. “i’ve been waiting for this. i’ve been wanting this.”

paige lifted her head just enough to glance up at her, the warmth of her gaze meeting azzi’s tired but content eyes. “you have?” she asked, voice tinged with disbelief. “i always thought i was the only one who felt this way. like, maybe i was just… imagining things.”

azzi smiled, that quiet, knowing smile that made paige’s heart flip in her chest. “you’re not imagining things, paige. you never were.”

paige closed her eyes, letting the weight of that settle over her like a soft blanket. it was the kind of reassurance she didn’t know she needed until now. it felt like something inside her that had been aching for months finally released. it was more than relief—it was peace.

azzi’s hand found paige’s, their fingers intertwining naturally, like it was the easiest thing in the world. the way their hands fit together was a promise in itself—an unspoken understanding that neither of them had to say much. not yet. not now.

“i’ve wanted you for so long,” paige admitted quietly, her voice shaky in a way that made azzi’s chest tighten with affection. “i think i’ve always known i did. i just didn’t know how to say it.”

azzi’s thumb stroked the back of her hand. “you don’t have to say anything, paige. i’ve known. i’ve always known.”

paige’s heart ached with the sweetness of it. she tucked her head back onto azzi’s chest, her fingers tracing the outline of her shoulder, as if trying to memorize the feel of her skin.

azzi’s voice was low, quiet, but sure. “it’s not just the way you look at me, paige. it’s the way you are with me. how you show up, even when you’re unsure. how you care. you make me feel like i’m the only one in the room.”

paige’s breath hitched. she knew she was blushing, she could feel the heat spreading to her cheeks, but it wasn’t just embarrassment. it was something tender, something a little bit raw.

“i guess you’re the only one in the room now,” she said, teasing slightly, though the words were still soft. she shifted just enough to catch azzi’s eyes.

azzi’s smile softened, her fingers brushing the side of paige’s face. “i’m okay with that.”

paige felt her chest tighten again, but this time in a way that felt good. she could still taste azzi on her lips, the softness of her skin still fresh against her fingers. it felt like she was living in this moment, like it had been waiting for them to find it, and now that they had… it was everything.

“i just… i don’t know what to do with myself now,” paige admitted, a little embarrassed by the admission, but also relieved to say it. “like, we’re here. this is real. and i don’t want to mess it up.”

azzi’s laugh was soft, almost a chuckle, as her thumb brushed across paige’s cheek in a comforting motion. “you’re not going to mess it up, paige. you never could. you’ve got all the time in the world.”

paige smiled, feeling that familiar pull in her chest, a soft ache that only azzi could create. “you always know how to make me feel better.”

azzi’s fingers danced to the back of paige’s neck, gently tracing the nape, then running her hand through the strands of paige’s hair. “it’s not hard when i know what you need.”

there was a moment where they just laid there, tangled in the quiet. neither of them spoke, but there was no need to. the silence between them was the kind that only came when you were perfectly at ease with someone. when you didn’t need to fill the space with anything because everything was already said.

“are you staying the night?” paige asked, breaking the silence just enough to feel the weight of it shift.

azzi didn’t hesitate. “yeah. i want to.”

it was all paige needed to hear. she closed her eyes, letting the moment wash over her—letting azzi’s heartbeat steady beneath her ear, letting the warmth of her hand lacing through hers sink in.

as the night stretched on, the air around them settled into a comfortable, almost sacred quiet. the only sounds were their steady breaths, the rustling of sheets, and the soft tick-tock of the clock on the wall, counting away the hours until morning. they both knew they didn’t need to rush. they didn’t need to say anything more.

for the first time in a long time, paige let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—this was how things were meant to be.

and in the quiet of the night, with azzi’s breath steady against her ear, paige finally allowed herself to drift to sleep, knowing she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

─────────── ౨ৎ ──────────

the sunlight creeping in through paige’s dorm window was too damn bright.

she groaned, squinting one eye open, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar weight draped across her waist.

and then she remembered.

azzi.

wrapped around her like they belonged together. hair a sleepy mess against the pillow, her soft breaths brushing paige’s collarbone, fingers still loosely curled in the hem of paige’s shirt like she’d fallen asleep refusing to let go.

paige couldn’t help it—she stared.

because this version of azzi? this post confession, tangled up in her sheets version? she wasn’t just beautiful. she was home.

azzi stirred, murmuring something paige didn’t quite catch, and burrowed closer.

paige smiled.

“i could get used to this,” she whispered.

azzi’s eyes fluttered open, groggy and heavy-lidded, and met hers. “good,” she said, voice still rough with sleep. “because i’m not leaving anytime soon.”

paige leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “promise?”

azzi just nodded, and that was enough.

they managed to roll out of bed an hour later, not because they wanted to, but because ice had sent paige a very unsubtle text.

ice: lunch. 20 mins. don’t be weird.

ice: if you’re late i will assume it’s for gay reasons

ice: actually you know what. be late. i’m begging you

paige showed the texts to azzi, who just snorted and mumbled, “she knows.”

and she did.

by the time they walked into the dining hall, paige in a hoodie she’d definitely worn the night before and azzi looking suspiciously too happy, the uconn girls were already seated at their usual long table.

ice spotted them first and elbowed jana so hard she nearly dropped her smoothie.

“look who finally decided to show up,” ice said.

jana didn’t even try to be chill. “slept good, huh?”

paige gave them both a flat look. “morning.”

azzi, for her part, looked almost smug as she slid onto the bench beside paige, their knees brushing. she reached for a carton of orange juice like nothing was out of the ordinary.

“you know,” nika said, leaning across the table, “we literally watched you two make heart eyes for months. and now you roll up here looking like… that.”

“like what?” paige said, fighting a smile.

“like you’ve been making out for twelve hours and forgot how to act,” jana said without missing a beat.

azzi bit her lip, cheeks pink, but didn’t deny it.

paige, feeling entirely called out, just sighed. “y’all are annoying.”

ice grinned, wide and evil. “and you’re in love.”

there was a pause. paige looked at azzi. azzi looked at paige.

and then azzi said, quiet but sure, “yeah. i think we are.”

nika literally dropped her phone.

the table exploded.

“no way—she said it—”

“bro. bro.”

“you guys were basically dating anyway,” kk said calmly, sipping her coffee like she’d seen it all coming. “we were just waiting for you two to figure it out.”

azzi hid her face behind her hand, laughing.

paige tried to glare, but she couldn’t stop grinning. “you all suck.”

“we ship it,” jana said sweetly.

ice leaned back with a self-satisfied smirk. “best lunch ever.”

later, when the chaos died down and most of the team had wandered off, paige and azzi stayed behind, still tucked into their side of the table, sipping the last of their drinks in easy silence.

azzi leaned her shoulder against paige’s. “we’re never gonna hear the end of this, huh?”

paige shook her head. “not a chance.”

azzi turned to her, voice low. “worth it, though.”

paige smiled, lacing their fingers together under the table. “yeah. so worth it.”

and with the sun shining through the windows and the warmth of azzi beside her, paige knew—without a doubt—she’d never been happier to be teased in her life.

[stupid-flanders]

Unsolicited Headcanons (A Diary of How Much My Brain Won’t Shut Up About Big City Greens)

⚠️TW: Abusive parents, mentions of drug use and alcoholism, mentions of military service/war⚠️

💜Gwendolyn Zapp (she/her):

- ✨AuDHD✨

- Thinks she’s aro/ace for most of her life, but then in her 50s realizes she’s lesbian

- Really, really, really likes fruits and vegetables

- Flawless You was invented so she could delete her own emotions and further BigTech’s progress as a company without the restraint of her feelings (this was a bad move)

- Invents things because she understands robotics better than she understands people

- Her father left when she was little, and her mom struggled with drug abuse and ended up in prison, so she lived with her Uncle Andre and Uncle Kev for most of her life (we stan Andre and Kev in this household)

- A cat person — dogs are too loud for her, and she can vibe with cats way better

💕Colleen Voyd (she/her):

- Very Type A personality

- SUPER good at math, and an insanely hard worker

- Wears wire-rimmed glasses and has a full set of earrings that look like the planets in the solar system (she likes to mix and match, but Saturn and Mars are her favorite combo)

- Pansexual with a preference for women

- Her father passed away in a car crash, and her mother (Valentina) did her best to raise four kids (Colleen and her younger sisters — Margie, Destiny, and Sarah) on her own in one of the lower-income parts of Big City

- She’s Dominican, but she doesn’t have a super strong connection with her culture (she learned quickly that women of color in STEM face a lot of prejudice, so she disconnected herself from her heritage to fit in better — in her later years, she chooses to reconnect and be proud of her roots despite the backlash from others in her field)

- Always wanted to be an astronaut, and is OBSESSED with outer space

❤️Nancy Green (she/her):

- Enjoys rom-coms (the terrible ones on Netflix are her guilty pleasure)

- Vegan

- Dropped out of high school to take over her dad’s business — even so, she’s pretty smart, and she’s very good at common sense situations

- When she moved to Big City to get away from her dad, she wanted to start up her own repair shop, but she got stuck in a rut and ended up struggling to pay bills — this is how she met Skids and the Stingers

- Bill was in Big City for FarmCon when Nancy reconnected with him, and after hanging out together a few times, he convinced her to come back to Smalton, which is why she left the Stingers and moved away

- Lesbian af, but she can appreciate a hard-working guy (that’s how she got tight enough with Bill to start a family, even though she always kind of knew it wasn’t quite where she wanted to be)

💛Skids (she/they):

- Her given name is Emma Shelhammer

- Grew up in the suburbs with an inattentive father, an abusive mother, and two little sisters

- Her mother forced them to dye their hair blonde to attend prep school, and Skids is the only AFAB person in the family with naturally pink hair (they got it from her grandma on her dad’s side)

- Skids shaved her head and ran away from home the second she turned 18, where they met Leadfoot in Big City and started the Stingers

- They vowed to come back and save her sisters, but she wanted them to have a better life than she did, so they sent them to live with one of her friends from prep school

- She and Dan are childhood friends, both from the same region of the Big City suburbs, and they were each other’s only comfort in school, since they were both misfits

- Their eye patch is the result of something her mother did (my more specific thoughts on this are too sad and I don’t want to speak them into reality 😭 poor Skids)

- Lesbian (a little in love with Nancy)

- Has dealt with depression most of her life

💟Leadfoot (she/her):

- Her given name is Mary Donovan

- She was born in one of the poorest parts of Big City, and by the time she was 12, she was unhoused and living on the street

- She learned to fend for herself pretty quickly, but the government came in and told all of the unhoused people in her area that they were no longer allowed to stay on the street

- That put her on the run, where she met Skids, and they found a place to stay in the old Splish factory

- She has a great sense of humor, and she loves befriending the stray animals she finds (rats, cats, injured pigeons, etc — very Tilly-esque in that sense)

- She bounces between jobs as a cook in chain restaurants, and she brings the Stingers whatever food and money she can spare from the day

- Bisexual and genderqueer

💚Lord Chrome (he/they):

- His given name is Barry Friedman

- He’s like the dad of the Stingers

- Their father was an alcoholic and abusive toward him and his mom, so he makes it his mission to save kids in abusive households

- With their experience combined with Skids’, the Stingers are a very vindictive group against adults who have wronged children in any sense, and the gang seeks justice in their own way as vigilantes

- They enjoy carving art pieces out of metal, especially using the bottle caps in the Splish factory

- Bisexual with a preference for men, but he and Leadfoot dated for a little bit

💙Dan (he/him):

- As mentioned, he grew up in the suburbs with Skids

- He joined the Army when he was 18, and after serving for 6 years after West Point, he was honorably discharged following a traumatic experience at war that resulted in the scar on his cheek

- He moved to Big City and reconnected with Skids, and he joined the Stingers after that since he was struggling with income and his mental health after the military

- He’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet, but if you make him mad, he will show no mercy

- Gay and nonbinary (uses he/him)

- Very into punk music

- Works at a Wholesome Foods, and he smuggles food out of their inventory like Leadfoot

- Again, because he and Leadfoot have similar experiences being wronged by the government, they both have a vendetta against unjust legislation and greed, which is another major motivation that the Stingers combat

- Deals with PTSD because of his military service, and the rest of the Stingers do their best to help him in times of need

💗Rashida Remington (she/her):

- Born into a wealthy family, and she does her best to use her wealth for good causes

- Breast cancer survivor

- She met Russell at Big City University, where she was going into pre-law and he was going into marketing (with a football scholarship)

- She loves history, especially learning about East Asian dynasties

- Straight, but a vocal ally

🧡Maria Media (she/her):

- Loves the beach

- Feral about libraries (she checks out soooo many books at once and reads none of them)

- Always wanted to be a journalist, and she’s living out her dream in Big City

- Bisexual, in a straight relationship with her childhood best friend (don’t ask me about him because I have no clue lmao)

🔵Gloria Sato (she/her):

- Anime fan

- Enjoys watching sports, but doesn’t really understand them

- A little in love with Nancy, but it’s just a crush that doesn’t really go anywhere (because obviously. they are decades apart in age)

- Bicurious

- Undiagnosed autism (European history is her special interest)

🗣️🗣️Thank you for coming to my TedTalk! THAT IS ALL

[theflixdiaryproject]

"I found a British guy in a cave! I thought he was a little boy, but he has a full beard!" - Beth Hatten

author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock), known for her steamy adventure novels, is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire, Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), who believes her fictional story holds clues to a real-life treasure. her well-meaning but hapless book cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), launches a rescue mission, leading to a madcap jungle adventure full of mishaps and unexpected allies.

read my review below (may contain spoilers):

watched July 28th, 2024 on netflix

The Lost City had me curious, and I’ll say, it’s got that fun kind of vibe. Sandra Bullock’s character, Loretta, spends a good bit of the film in a pink sequined jumpsuit; and honestly, thank goodness it didn’t stick around for the entire runtime. that sparkly outfit is probably the real hero of this movie, enduring mud, sweat, and who-knows-what else! Sandra Bullock is as graceful as ever, and I have to say, she does not look a day older than she did in her last rom-com; but she really looks scrawny. her chemistry with Channing Tatum? well, it’s there.. like, it’s okay. they’re both charming, and even if I didn’t totally buy the romance, the banter’s fun. Channing’s character, Alan, is that classic loveable oaf, trying to be the brave hero but tripping over vines and his own feet. he definitely brings in a few laughs with his clumsy attempts at rescuing her, and his knack for looking completely clueless is half the comedy.

now, I have to admit, Daniel Radcliffe as the villain caught me off guard. haven’t I seen him as an evil archaeologist before? turns out, this is becoming his thing, and I’m honestly not mad about it. he has that perfect mix of arrogance and lunacy, and while it’s not the most original character, he brings enough quirk to keep it entertaining. then, oh man, Brad Pitt. I was NOT expecting him to show up, and when he did, it was in the most Brad Pitt way possible—charismatic, effortlessly cool, and, surprisingly, pretty funny! this guy shows up as some wild-card mercenary, and he’s just so nonchalant about all the action happening around him. usually, we see him as the smooth, mysterious type, but here, he’s leaning into the comedy, and it’s a pretty good fit. honestly, I’m convinced Brad can pull off any role he wants. he’s in and out way too quickly, but he makes a memorable impact for sure. overall, The Lost City is just a fun, light-hearted ride. it’s one of those movies where we don’t think too hard, laugh at the goofy bits, and just enjoy the ridiculous plot. sure, it’s predictable and has some cheesy moments, but it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. this is pure popcorn fun, with a bit of adventure, a hint of romance, and a lot of laughs. if you’re after a movie with a mix of escapist adventure and humour, this one’s worth a watch.

final verdict: I think it was okay/watchable

maturity rating: 13+ genre: action, adventure, comedy, romance duration: 1h 52m (112 mins) country of origin: USA language: English, Spanish, Latin screenplay: Oren Uziel, Dana Fox, Adam Nee, Aaron Nee major cast: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Brad Pitt

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

[ find me! ]

🦇 The Rival Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What makes you competitive? 🦇 At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip-smart next-door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Added bonus: she's coming to terms with some less-than-resentful crush for Seb while trying to crush him in the competition. But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Will they finally realize they've met their match in more ways than one?

💜 This story is, in two words, "good chaos." If you've read one of Emma Lord's books before, you know she loves a forced proximity rivalry, but this one is SO elevated in terms of the sizzling chemistry and prose. The witty banter was everything I needed from this ship, and it truly speaks to how well the friends-to-rivals-to-lovers know one another. The quips aren't just one-offs; they're full-on tennis matches, the quick back-and-forth playful yet dangerously exciting. Let's break it down:

✨ Characters: Every character has layered relationships (friends, family, romances), making them real and raw. Their motivations are clear, they have passions outside of those motivations, their voices are distinct. I loved Sadie having a space to find and define herself, Seb's bisexuality feeling natural, Betty and her wife, the zine team. Overall, a great cast.

✨ Plot and Pacing: There's a lot going on in this one, which did affect the pacing, but the plotlines overlap fairly well. I loved seeing how the budgeting issue could affect different people (Sadie versus her best friend, Christina) in different ways. Allowing Sadie to find her own, healthy chaos outside of her family worked well for her character development, and all the antics on campus were a blast to read.

✨ Romance: The transition from rivals to lovers could have been easy, seamless, and instantaneous or exhausting and slow; somehow, Lord found the perfect medium. The obstacles between them are both internal and external, giving readers the perfect build toward this relationship. I adored Seb's dialogue about how we should never feel pressured into firsts, even a first kiss; it made the moment all the more meaningful for them. Seb's patience with Sadie--in waiting for her to process her real feelings for him, in never pressuring her but still making swoon-worthy comments that SEEM like jokes but aren't--was everything. Perfect book boyfriend.

✨ Tone/Prose: Sadie's narration is fun and easy, making this for a quick read. The story explores real issues (our over-focus on sports over arts, self-discovery, family dynamics, college corruption, etc.) while maintaining focus on the characters. However, I do think there's way too much introspection, which slows the pacing.

🦇 Recommended for fans of Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 🥞 Friends to Rivals to Lovers 🗞 College Romance / YA / Coming-of-Age 🥞 First Person POV 🗞 Academic Rivals 🥞 Loaded With Banter 🗞 Opposites Attract 🥞 Everyone Can See It 🗞 Queer/Bisexual MMC

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TheRival

💬 Quotes ❝ “I’ve got a sweater in here you can borrow.” “I’ve got a one-way ticket out of my sight you can keep.” “I hope you can get a decent refund, then." ❞ ❝ “Just trying to decide if it’s worth it for me to keep paying for all these streaming services when I’m about to have the world’s most ridiculous ‘will they, won’t they, dear god, just kiss already’ show playing out right in front of my eyes.” ❞ ❝ ‘Nick Jr. and Netflix fed scripts to a bot and it wrote a cursed rom-com, and made Pancake It or Leave It one of the sets.’ ❞ ❝ When we were little there was an inevitability to us. Not one that could be defined by friendship or family or romance, but was undeniably, permanently shared. ❞ ❝ "Maybe it was only a matter of time before some catalyst set us off.” What I don’t say but I know Seb hears: Maybe it was only a matter of time before something brought us back together. ❞

[pivotalmarka]

*twiddles thumbs*

Just finished rw&rb.

It had its moments. I still don’t like Alex’s actor, but Henry’s was fantastic. Uma was a great choice. I wish they’d shown more of Nora and Bea, but I get it — not the point.

All in all, idk, like a 6/10. I did like the 2004 rom com feel but a lot of it was stiff and clunky and awkward. The book definitely made me feel more. Like every emotional line Alex delivered was just … flat. Every joke he said was very Disney Channel vibe. Like I know it’s the same jokes as the book, but his delivery sucked. He also showed very few emotions on his face. Henry looked like a kicked puppy and I felt for him. Alex just. Idk man he’s FLAT. Michael Cimino would have killed this role and I’m so irritated he didn’t get it. Like they had his costar play Nora so I KNOW they knew him.

I wish they’d included the true ending. Missed opportunity.

Why was the green screen so shitty? Amazon, you have money. Jfc.

Some good points, other than Henry? The settings were really nice, when green screen wasn’t involved. I liked the change of keeping Alex’s family together, though I will say it negates his fear of a relationship failing. I think the ‘first time’ scene was really sweet. I’m not sure why this film was rated R other than that scene, and even then? It was very CW smex either way. Like I’ve seen raunchier shit on Riverdale. Some of their chemistry was good (again a lot of it was awkward and forced. Idk if either actor is lgbt and that could have a LOT to do with it.)

Like I said. 6/10. I wanted more. I got choked up 2 times and it was Henry’s doing. I’m disappointed but I don’t expect a lot from Prime. It’s like when Netflix first started making their own stuff — it’s stiff and weird. I know books have more time to build and smaller details and arcs and what not. I know not to expect much of movies. But like … idk. I wanted more than 2004 hallmark. I watched it with my bff who hasn’t read it and when it was over she was just like “cute … okay, goodnight.” Like I’ve seen more reaction from her watching glee so y’all know it was weak.

Final word : WHY IS ALEX SO TALL? He’s supposed to be sHORT. like 6 inches shorter than Henry. NOT SOME BEEFY TALL MAN. Erasure.

[the-100-dateproject]

Day 4: Awkward Firsts, Funny Conversations, and the Mystery of Marital “Sparks”

Today was one of those days where I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off—work, kids, and then off for a photoshoot. Not much time for anything else, but on the plus side, I did get to have some very interesting car conversations with friends. You know the ones—where you start with a casual chat and end up deep-diving into awkward first-time stories and how-to-survive-marriage tips?

It all started when I ran into an old acquaintance at B-Dubs yesterday. That place should come with a disclaimer: warning—unexpected life reflections may occur here. Seeing him got me thinking about my very first time… which, let’s just say, was about as graceful as a giraffe on roller skates. Senior year of high school, my ex’s grandma’s house while she was at church (oh, the romance, right?). The whole thing lasted about two minutes—basically the equivalent of finishing a text message. I remember thinking, “Wait, this is it? Where’s the fireworks? The passion?” And yet, somehow, everyone else was acting like it was this big life-changing event while I was left wondering if I missed the memo.

One of my friends jumped in with her own first-time tale, and I honestly couldn’t stop laughing. She had hers while she was high—and, spoiler alert, she didn’t exactly feel anything. I mean, I guess that’s one way to experience it? The whole time, she thought maybe she couldn’t feel anything because she was high, which, I mean, is a valid theory Turns out we both just found our own tiny Tim’s.

Then, another friend shared a story that had us all in stitches. She was getting into it, but—wait for it—she fell off the bed. Yes, she literally tumbled off, then popped back up and yelled, “Five-second rule!” I mean, what? If this isn’t peak first-time energy, I don’t know what is. The way it kept escalating had me convinced we were accidentally writing the script for a rom-com that would never make it to theaters.

Eventually, we all moved to the topic of marriage. Three of my married friends revealed that they, uh, only have sex about twice a year. Twice. A year. At first, I thought they meant twice a week, and then I realized—nope, it’s the annual update. Yikes. That felt so familiar to me. In my own marriage, the spark kind of fizzled out the moment we realized we were more interested in finishing Netflix series than finishing… well, you know.

But here’s the kicker: In my last relationship, the chemistry? Unreal. I’m talking full-on firecracker vibes. We could go all day long. It was like a never-ending “honeymoon phase” that kept going and going. Even after a year, it was still electric. That’s the kind of connection I want again. The kind where you feel like you’ve just met, and it’s a full-blown you-can’t-keep-your-hands-off-each-other situation. If you’re going to be with someone, that’s the kind of spark I want. Because, let’s be real, nothing says “relationship goals” like a whole lot of craving. It’s too bad that honestly was the best part of the relationship. The rest of it was just toxic heartbreak.

So, lesson learned today? Nobody’s first time is great at least not in any stories. I’ve heard some marriages fizzle but I don’t think they have to and sex is the only part of relationship that matters. It’s an important factor but chemistry deeper than that.

[nezz-cringe-crib]

Anyone But You -- movie review

summary of plot (no spoilers): a girl named bea ends up coming across this guy named ben at a coffee shop. they hit it off really well and end up having a date that ends with them sleeping (literally, not the spicy no-no way) together. however, bea ends up leaving ben's house without saying anything and this sparks a lot of resentment between the two. they avoid each other for the most part, but they're no longer able to keep their distance when bea's sister and ben's friend end up getting married. now they're being forced to get along while stuck in australia.

general thoughts: if i had to rate it, i'd give it a solid 6.5 or 7 out of ten. it was a feel-good movie and it was pretty wholesome, but nothing special. it also definitely felt like a netflix movie, if that makes sense????? like in the sense that it would've been easier to read if it was a fanfic on wattpad, y'know?????? and if i had to recommend this to anyone, i'd only recommend it to people who either enjoy cringey-but-charming rom-coms or a group of drunk people. it probably would've been a lot funnier to watch while intoxicated honestly.

movies "Anyone But You" reminds me of: Choose Love (it was that one interactive rom-com thing netflix did???? if anyone saw that?????), The Package

SPOILERS + MORE IN-DEPTH THOUGHTS:

in depth but also scattered thoughts bc i cant organize for shit:

I HAVE NO IDEA HOWNTO EXPLAIN THIS BUT LIKE. LIKE THIS IS A NETFLIX MOVIE. SPECIFICALLY A HETERO NETFLIX MOVIE. I SINCERELY DON'T KNOW HOW TO DESCRIBE IT OTHER THAN THAT. I WAS NOT LYING WHEN I SAID IT FEELS LIKE I WOULD'VE ENJOYED IT A LOT MORE IF IT WERE A WATTPAD FANFIC????? I CAN'T EXPLAIN THAT BUT IF YOU WATCH IT MAKES MORE SENSE.

the characters are like. charming but also meh???? cuz they're all flat?????? and normally i'd like to appreciate the background characters but you're given so little about them that it's hard to really attach to them. like there are some scenes that i honestly thought were funny as hell and really enjoyed, but it was only ever like small quips, y'know????? it never lasted for the whole show so it was hard to actually become emotional about them. those small clips did still make it enjoyable to watch though.

there were emotional scenes because it's a rom-com obviously, but personally i couldn't really attach onto it that much?? it's not like they were poorly executed, it just. was kinda meh??? kinda mid?????? it felt very tell-not-show and when they were over i just kinda felt like "oh okay we're past that then." it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either????? so that's my take on the emotional scenes.

ALSO EVERYONE THROWS IN F WORDS AT THE WEIRDEST MOMENTS LMAOO??????? IT FEELS LIKE A JUMPSCARE TBH. IT'S LIKE EVERY FEW MINUTES THE WRITERS REMEMBER SWEAR WORDS EXIST AND THEN FOR LIKE 2 MINUTES PEOPLE START SWEARING BACK AND FORTH FOR LIKE NO REASON??????? IT'S SO STUPID AND WEIRD THAT IT'S FUNNY LMAOAOAO. KINDA GAVE HELLUVA BOSS VIBES SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THAT.

for the actual characters, ben and bea were like. meh? like, i enjoyed watching them (because the whole movie is about them, duh), but i didn't really care for them that much. i personally didn't like bea because she reminded me too much of y/n fanfics but that was just a me thing. she was a pretty decent character overall, i guess? nothing special though. same with ben. i liked ben a little more because he had some pretty funny lines that his actor pulled off pretty well, but i didn't exactly care that much for him? they were both just. y'know, basic mid couple.

i was also less inclined to like them because how the plot was handled overall. aND THIS IS SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THE WHOLE MARRIAGE THING GOING ON?????? BECAUSE LITERALLY EVERYBODY IS SO MUCH MORE FOCUSED ON SETTING UP BEN AND BEA THAT. THAT THE MARRIAGE BARELY MATTERS???? LIKE IT'S MORE SO JUST A PLOT DRIVING THING. THEY LEGITIMATELY DO JUST SHOW UP AND TAKE OVER THEIR FRIENDS' WEDDING. WHICH IN A REAL LIFE SITUATION WOULD BE BAFFLING AND RUDE AS HELL, YKNOW????? AND THE FACT THAT THE WEDDING IS A WLW MARRIAGE AND BEN AND BEA ARE JUST. JUST TWO RANDOM WHITE HETERO GUYS IS DEFINITELY NOT HELPING THEIR REPUTATION EITHER LMAOOOOO. IDK WHY BUT I JUST THINK THAT'S SO. STRANGE THAT YOU HAVE TO LAUGH AT IT?????? I DON'T KNOW MAN.

the background characters honestly had some pretty damn good lines. for the most part, a LOT of the dialogue didn't really land (mainly because either the line could've been written better or because the acting just didn't match up with the line), but there were a lot of clips that actually had me laughing. also beau (there's a lot of B names, i have no idea why) was funny as hell to me. he's just a little surfer guy and yk what good for him good for him.

als the ending scenes with everyone singing was honestly super wholesome. that was probably the best part of the whole movie, and probably the most emotional one tbh. it was really neat to watch, at least for me.

credits song was also peak. a lotta the music was nice, very much feel-good vibes. a lil cheesy but it was the kinda cheesy that's just cringey enough to come off as charming. the heteros were gettin a lil concerning but yk what its okay i forgive them they have good music taste at least.

i can't think of what else to put here. if you're into watching shitty movies that are just good enough to not be completely shitty, then this is a good movie for you. it wasn't entirely my thing, but i don't regret watching it. it got me through doing my algebra homework at least.

[maliaxwoodard]

Samira totally got what mom-life was all about. For real, someone else got the whole bathroom flood drama. "Spot on about the cheesecake … it fixes everything," she said. Malia had all the intention of taking things at her own pace. Like, yeah, Amos gave off good vibes, but so had James in the beginning. Big nope. The wine made everything look chill, but she knew better. At least Samira was real about it all. Zero judgment, zero pressure - that was their vibe. "Thanks for understanding. Leilani is my focus. It means a lot having someone who knows exactly what it's like." The whole go-with-the-flow thing freaked her out a bit, but whatever. Maybe one day she'd be ready to date again, but right now? Hard pass. This moment was perfect - just two friends being real. "You know what, I feel like watching that new rom-com on Netflix? The one with the bookstore owner?" She pulled up Netflix and got cozy.

Samira couldn't help the laughter as Malia described her bathroom looking like a waterpark gone wrong. That had definitely been something she'd experienced a variation of back in San Francisco with Maya and so she absolutely knew the plight Malia was referring to. It was still all worth it though when she spotted the happiness on her child's face and she knew it must've been the same for Malia with Leilani. That was how parenthood was after all. "Of course, cheesecake is always a good idea." Samira informed her before leaving her phone on the table, just in case any notifications from the delivery service came through. When the topic shifted to Amos, Samira found herself nodding as Malia agreed about the other man's good vibes and how that was a positive point for sure. But as she spoke about her daughter being her priority, Samira could absolutely identify with that wholeheartedly. "You don't have to tell me twice Mal, you know I get it...our kids are always the focus for our lives. But just take it each day as it comes," she told her with a smile. "You never know what could happen, you know? The main thing is...just go at your own pace and it'll flow...I'm sure of it."

[misswoozi]

What are your favorite shows at the moment, and which idols would be perfect for playing characters in those shows? (I really want to see Dahyun in a rom-com, or a romantic musical because her voice is so pretty and she has that first love vibe for me.)

I HAVEN'T BEEN WATCHING AS MUCH TV AS USUAL RECENTLY because I got a second job and I've been working A Lot

I watch Bob's Burgers every day and I've always felt like Huening Kai IS Gene (loud, talented, musical middle child son with an older and younger sister) and very frequently also The Simpsons but otherwise it's mostly been Netflix documentaries, YouTube or music

HUGE AGREE ABOUT DAHYUN IN A ROM-COM THOUGH, she'd do amazing. I'd watch the heck out of that.

[kdramacrybaby]

King the Land (2023)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Cheon Sa-rang has always dreamed of working at a hotel ever since she was a kid, so she works hard and finally earns a spot at the luxury King Hotel. Very early, she rises to the top as their best employee, and she's living her dream. Through promotions of the hotel, she meets the hotel owner's son - Go Won. In the middle of an inheritance war with his sister, Go Won has little time for anything else, but they keep running into each other. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they soon come to realize that they both have a lot to learn from each other.

Episode info: 16 episodes / Runtime around 60 minutes

Lead cast: Lee Jun-ho (Go Won), Im Yoon-ha (Ceon Sa-rang), Ahn Se-ha (Noh Sang-sik), Go Won-hee (Oh Pyung-hwa), Kim Ga-eun (Kang Da-eul)

Link to watch: You can watch on Netflix or Dramacool

Drama rec masterlist | Drama rant thread (beware of spoilers)

I'm going to completely honest here - I almost stopped watching after the very first episode. Without spoiling much, I can say they ended it on a joke that had me cringing so hard it was physically uncomfortable for me, so I decided to just stop it there and then. But then I kept seeing it on my dash everywhere, and it did look kind of cute, so I skipped past the joke and pretended it never happened.

And yes, I did like this drama - but not as much now as I did after getting over that initial joke, and definitely not as much as the rest of Tumblr seems to.

Overall, it's a cute, typical rom-com with every single cliché you can name. All the longing looks, the awkward slo-mo shots from multiple camera angles, the one-liners that just make you either squeal or cringe - it has it all. If you like rom-coms, this is a must-watch for you.

Also, I first want to say that yes, Go Won does have some pretty decent character growth throughout the drama, but oh how he annoyed me at first. Especially when we're talking about the whole 'dating your boss thing' this drama decided to do. I'm personally never really about that, especially when there's such a large gap in power between them - a gap he really struggles to respect at first, and that is what annoys me the most.

I thought they were really cute at first, but then I started watching Hidden Love also, and somehow this drama just didn't do it for me anymore. (They still are cute, it's just not... really my vibe of relationship, if that makes sense?)

And compared to other very similar kdramas I've watched like Business Proposal and Sh**ting Stars, this is definitely my least favorite, and it is not a drama I will watch again.

This drama is definitely shiny and pretty and fun to watch, but, to me, it started feeling hollow about half-way through, and I stopped caring about the story as much. I began rooting more for the b-plot stories of Sa-rang's friends than I did for the actual main couple.

Okay, I didn't expect this review to come out as negative as it did, because it's not actually a bad drama, it's just not 100% what I'm looking for in a good rom-com. I'm sure anyone into romance would love this.

[dragonslayer-5fanfiction]

Haikyuu Headcannons 3

Osamu

Is always freezing at night, needs like five blankets

Can sleep through any noise due to living with Atsumu

Has floral bedsheets

Has a boba tea plushie that he NEVER sleeps without, even when the team goes away, he brings it with him

Has worn leggings on a dare, and found them super comfy, so sometimes when he’s alone he wears them

Love thunderstorms, especially the rolling thunder, finds it peaceful

He is a major Star Trek nerd, has seen all the movies and shows, from the very beginning

Won’t admit it, but is a good photographer

Always carries a polaroid of his S/O, either in his wallet, phone case, or hat, depends on what’s going on

Definitely has knee high high blue fuzzy onigiri socks

Also has a fuzzy Gudetama blanket that he brings with him everywhere, like his boba plush

His ears are super sensitive, to literally everything

Speaks Arabic, fluently, and sometimes slips into it when he’s arguing or passionate about something

He snorts when he laughs

He has a crazy good green thumb, not only can he grow anything, he can also revive just about any almost dead plant

He loves crime shows, he will binge them

Atsumu

Secretly a big LOTR/ Hobbit fan, like read all the books and seen all the movies

Got a fox onesie as a joke, and wears it when he’s sad

Wears glasses, but isn’t a fan of how he looks in them, so he only wears them when he’s alone, not even around ‘Samu

He loves to do diamond art

He talks to ‘Samu’s plants about literally anything and everything, he holds nothing back when talking to them. They literally know all of his secrets

He also plays classical music for them while ‘Samu is gone

He love High School Musical, he knows all the songs and dances

He loves rom-coms, particularly the cheesy ones like Holiday in Handcuffs or Love Hard on Netflix

Is scared of big dogs, he was bit when he was younger, and has a few scars on his shoulder, that he tries to hide

His feet have high arches

Wheezes when he laughs

Gets really bad hand cramps

Tries to do streams, but ends up dying and yelling more than anything

I love his wiggly feet!!!!!

Kenma

Stims a lot, even when he doesn’t realise he’s doing it

Always has his game or a silicone mochi with him because he picks his skin really bad when he gets anxious

He hates running, but honestly doesn’t mind swimming

Is a really good chess player, but doesn’t really have anyone to play with

Cats are drawn to him, but out of preference he likes hedgehogs. He has two named Mrs. Teacup and Mr. Pigglypuff, they sit with him on streams sometimes, and his fans love them

Hates the beach it’s hot and sticky and gross

He bites his lip a lot, so he always has chapstick on him

When he has a S/O, they play a game where they try to guess what flavour it is that day

Although he is a veteran gamer, when he plays horror games and a jump scare comes out, he yells and almost falls out of his seat

He also likes the calming games like Flower or Abzu

Has bought a small helicopter drone, that he uses outside, and tells Kuroo that he’s been outside. It works for about a month, before Kuroo catches on and forces him outside

Iwaizumi

Big baby, when it comes to getting hurt, always has someone kiss his ouchies better

Super straight with kids, but they seem to like him, and he can’t figure out why

Has a big book of insects

Has definitely compared all of his friends to different insects, and those are their names in his phone

Loves k-dramas

Is an absolute bear to wake up, no one wants to do it, he just grumbles at them

Is super off balance when he wakes up, and has definitely ran into doors and walls

Hates shaving, but does it anyway, so on the weekends he has a little stubble

Loves the James Bond movies, any and all of them

Math nerd, like really good at math, and somewhat enjoys it

He give me reptile pet owner vibes, or even spiders?? Idk just get the vibe

Has a fat ass, that Oikawa always hits because his hand bounces off of it, and he thinks it’s hilarious

Loves Scooby Doo, has seen them all the shows, movies, etc.

He has a rhino beetle plushie that is about the length of his torso, and LOVES that thing. His favouriteIwai

[jeniferprince]

first kill trailer just dropped! sapphic vampire x hunter !!! on netflix

yesss let's go sapphics!!! what are your thoughts on the trailer anon?

I'm really excited about this show! isn't it SO FREAKING COOL that we're getting amazing sapphic/lesbian content lately? both "First Kill" and "Crush" were a great surprise for me. "Crush" is a lovely rom-com with positive vibes and was really fun to watch. "First Kill" has sapphic leads, vampire x hunter plot and also looks like a fun watch with no gays being killed. I mean, I love me some lesbian period drama with lots of angst and gay yearning, I really do, but we do deserve this kind of light, fun, lovely content. hopefully we'll get more and more of those. :')

[danielfuckingricciardo]

I loved your fic with bisexual reader and Daniel/Lewis threesome, it was AMAZING!

Could I request something about Dan and reader being in a relationship and it’s fairly early on and the reader is bisexual but Dan doesn’t know and one evening, maybe they’re watching a movie or something, and the reader comes out and starts freaking out thinking Dan will break up with them but instead he is the most supportive boyfriend ever 🥺

Hi anon! Thank you so much for your kind words!! It really means a lot ❤️❤️❤️

This ask has been sitting in my box for a while because I wanted to write something proper and do it justice!! This is a lovely idea and I’d like to think he’d just be the most supportive and lovely boyfriend!! He also has serious bi wife energy, you can’t persuade me otherwise!!

Reader is gender neutral in this fic, but it’s kind of implied reader is either female or non binary because it kinda doesn’t make sense otherwise! Just fluffy no smut here! Also The Mummy is my favourite movie and was 100% my bisexual awakening, so this is totally inspired by that. The cast are so damn hot it should be illegal 🥵

- You throw yourself down onto the sofa beside your boyfriend Daniel, who is absentmindedly scrolling through Netflix looking for something for the two of you to watch.

- “What’s the vibe? Horror, crime, rom-com?” He says, flicking through the various movie categories.

- “Hmmm, I dunno, anything jump out at you?” You say, digging your hand into the popcorn bowl between the two of you.

- “I’ve never seen this one before, I hear it’s good.” Daniel says, landing on the movie poster for ‘The Mummy’ and opening the synopsis.

- “You’ve never seen The Mummy? That’s it, decision made, let’s go. You’re in for the best hour and a half of your life.” You say, reaching for the remote control in his hand and pressing play.

- Twenty minutes in, you and Daniel are cuddled close, his eyes not even leaving the screen as he dips his hand into the popcorn bowl and tosses a few pieces into his mouth.

- “Fuck me the cast of this movie is so hot,” Daniel says, and you chuckle.

- “Tell me about it, I swear this movie was like, my bisexual awakening when I was younger,” you say, not realising you had just let slip the one secret you had been holding onto for so long.

- “Your what?” Daniel asks, looking over at you. Your eyes go wide as you try and think of what to say, your mouth opening and closing as you try and search for the right words.

- “I, um- I didn’t mean to say that I- I don’t know where that came from, uh… just forget I said anything,” you stutter out. You feel your cheeks flush, your head spinning and thoughts running a hundred miles an hour. Fuck.

- Daniel pauses the movie and turns to face you, but your eyes refuse to make contact with his as they fill up to the brim with tears.

- You stand up from the sofa, pulling yourself out of Daniel’s grip as you walk over to the window, glancing out onto the streets of Monaco as you try and clear your head.

- “(y/n)?” Daniel says, a sense of worry in his voice.

- “Daniel, I- fuck, I’m so stupid, please don’t hate me, please, I’m sorry, I…” You stutter, unable to form a sentence as you feel your heart beating out of your chest.

- You always told yourself you’d tell him eventually. After the first date, you said you’d tell him on your second, but then you never really had the chance. Eventually, he asked you to be his partner, and by then, things were going so well between the two of you, and you were so unbelievably in love with him, you couldn’t bare to tell the truth. You couldn’t bare the thought of losing him.

- And now you found yourself, six months in, so comfortable around your boyfriend Daniel you had accidentally let slip your biggest secret while watching a movie. Something only a handful of your closest friends and not even your parents knew about you. You were bisexual.

- You had known since you were a kid, but only started admitting it to yourself in your late teens. Having dated men, women, and people who identified otherwise in the past, you knew for sure you were bisexual. But after landing yourself in the public eye, you pushed away that part of you, only pursuing people of a different gender to avoid awkward questions and unnecessary biphobic hate on social media and in the press.

- “Hey, you don’t have to say anything more if you don’t want to. But I want you to know that if you are bisexual, that doesn’t change anything between us, at all. I love you, so much,” He says, walking over to you and wrapping his arms around your waist.

- You turn around in his grasp, and he offers you a sad smile as he notices the tear streaming down your cheeks.

- “Hey, don’t cry, please,” He says, wiping away an escaped tear with the pad of his thumb.

- “But I lied to you, you told me everything there is to know about you, you were an open book, and I kept this from you. I held back a big part of me and lied and- I’m so sorry Daniel,” You say between sobs.

- Daniel shakes his head and offers you a genuine smile, “oh love, you don’t need to apologise, I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it is to share something like that. I’m so proud of you, and so happy that you felt comfortable enough to share it with me, even if it was an accident,” He says, chuckling slightly.

- You manage a weak laugh as he pulls you close, and you rest your head on his shoulder, escaped tears soaking into the soft material of his hoodie.

- “So you don’t hate me?” You sniffle.

- “Love, why would I ever hate you for something like that? I love you so fucking much (y/n). So fucking much.” Daniel says, before pressing a kiss to your head.

- You look up at him and smile, a relieved look in your eyes as you feel all the tension in your body ease.

- “Just one more thing we have in common, eh? Now we can make looking at attractive women a couples activity,” Daniel laughs, and you can’t help but giggle too.

- Daniel releases his grip on your waist and takes your hand in his, guiding you back over to the sofa.

- He pulls you on top of him so you’re sat between his legs, your head resting on his chest as he gently runs his fingers through your hair.

- “You promise you don’t hate me?” You ask, looking up at him.

- “I could never hate you, ever, I love you and considering I had twice the competition to make you mine, I’m so fucking pleased and proud to call you my partner,” he chuckles.

- “I love you too Daniel. Thank you for being so good to me,” You say, offering him a small smile.

- Daniel winks at you and smiles, “let’s get back to the movie, huh? The gorgeous Rachel Weisz is waiting for us.”

- You rest your head on his chest and settle into the sound of his heartbeat as he presses play on the movie. Every so often you glance up at him, his eyes fixated on the screen once again, and you feel yourself falling even more in love with your boyfriend, knowing he accepts you just as you are.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Perfect on Paper Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What's the best advice you've ever received or given? ❓ 🦇 High school junior Darcy Phillips has a secret identity as the relationship advice expert behind Locker 89. Leave a letter along with $10 and she'll provide the perfect solution to your relationship woes. So far, she hasn't been caught...that is, until Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters. He'll keep her secret...if she can fix his relationship post-break-up, that is. Can Darcy help Brougham win his girlfriend back (without strangling the entitled, rich, yummy-Australian-accent-slinging swimmer) in the process?

💜 Perfect on Paper was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award (Best Young Adult Fiction - 2021) and it's no wonder. This was the exact book bisexual baby me needed a decade ago. Though I've read a multitude of books featuring bisexual FMCs, Sophie Gonzales is the first to capture the authenticity of internalized biphobia. I'll admit I was sheltered enough that it took me a while to realize bi was even an option for me. Bisexual erasure didn't help; once I self-identified, I was given the oh-so-cliche, "that's not real," and "it's just a phase." Bitch, I'm a moon goddess; I'm in a new phase every day of my life. ANYWAY. Darcy is authentic in her concern that a crush over a guy invalidates her bi-ness. The Queer & Questioning Club scene where Darcy's community validates her was everything (and truly got me misty-eyed).

💜 The advice column aspect of the story was brilliant. Darcy's letters are written in a tone that's patient and empathetic yet informative and encouraging. She'd obviously done her research and it shows, but you see her mentally unravel the moment there's personal bias and it's BEAUTIFUL. Darcy isn't perfect. She's a high schooler, still figuring herself out. Yes, she's flawed, but she's also self-aware, willing to grow and change and take her own advice (or the advice she gets from her AMAZING trans big sister, who I adored).

💜 While this is a queer YA romance, there are so many layers beyond that. There's a mixed bag of diversity and personal trauma (and with that, potential for growth) to explore.

💙 The story DID take a minute to pick up speed, so the beginning left me waiting for a catalyst for momentum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm no a fan of the miscommunication trope. HOWEVER, it does fit here, and proves how easily a tiny moment of misunderstanding can completely alter the course of a friendship. I did have to put the book down at one point, when Darcy's best friend outs her (I was super frustrated on Darcy's behalf because that betrayal was intense). I was disappointed that no one stepped forward and THANKED Darcy for her advice when she was getting attacked as the person behind Locker 89. People were upset BEFORE their letters were taken, but no one thanked Darcy until LONG after the situation cooled. Given Darcy's self-proclaimed success rate (was there a mention of HOW she knew she was successful, beyond the lack of refunds?), I expected a lot more praise for her abilities beyond one person.

🦇 Recommended to fans of Leah on the Offbeat and Imogen, Obviously, with a hint of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix's Sex Education.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 💌 Bisexual FMC (w/ Internalized Biphobia) 💌 Queer Young Adult Rom-Com 💌 Lots of Rep 💌 Hate-to-Love 💌 Friends to Lovers 💌 POC Sapphic Side Ship

💬 Quotes ❝ "Do you think there’s a chance that [...] you’re intellectualizing things so you don’t have to, you know, feel them?" ❞ ❝ I was sitting in the space between a sound and its echo. Brougham had asked a question, and I had to answer it. It was that, or keep dreaming about love, and working toward helping others find it, while never letting myself risk it. ❞ ❝ In some ways, we mirrored each other. We shared cracks in complementary places. ❞ ❝ Bi people are part of the queer community, and their identity does not change depending on who, if anyone, they happen to have feelings for or date at any given moment. ❞