(dallas!azzi x dallas!paige; basically, azzi wants to fidget trade with paige) snippet time 😽
—————————————————————————
ain’t nobody else like you
azzi was bored. well, bored was very much an understatement.
the brunette had tried virtually everything to stimulate her brain. she re-read her favorite chapters of the seven husbands of evelyn hugo, she doom-scrolled, got ready to go to the gym then decided she didn’t feel like being seen by the general public. the girl had attempted a nap, made herself ass whole sandwich and cued scandal on paige’s ipad just for it all to flop.
the thought of how unproductive she was being stressed her out, but her anxiety made her unable to actually do anything useful, and she was too tired to try something new, but far to awake to sleep; she just wasn’t interested in doing anything.
god, when was her annoying girlfriend coming home?
azzi groaned as she dramatically threw herself onto her bed, peeking one eye open as she snaked her left hand to grab her phone.
5:23
only 7 more minutes until paige got back. azzi’s face softened at the thought of her girlfriend coming home, the brunette could never get enough of her favorite nuisance. the blonde somehow always knew what azzi needed, cuddles or a snack. alone time or annoying the younger while she pretended she didn’t love the attention.
but paige wasn’t here. so, in the meantime, she scrolled through tiktok. ad, family vlogger, wnba recaps, ad, she paused at a paige edit, letting herself admire her girl before continuing to rot her brain. new water bottle that everyone needs, another ad, ai generated slop, lipsync, fidget trading—fidget trading?
the rainbow text plastered above a white piece of paper with hastily drawn “plus”, “add”, and “decline” signals caught the brunettes eye.
hey guys today we’re fidget trading with different snacks we bought from the grocery store…
azzi’s heart quickened with excitement as she watched the video, oh she was for sure making paige do this.
the girls in the video placed down different foods in their respective quadrants, giggles erupting from their throats as one smacked the “add” sign despite the trade being completely unfair. azzi couldn’t help but smile alongside them, chuckling lightly as the video progressed to pure chaos. by then, azzi had fallen down a rabbit hole.
she pressed the blue text on the top of the comment section, taking herself directly to a plethora of different trading videos. a few were real fidget toys, all glittery needohs and overpriced cheese cubes. some were snacks, clothes, others were more unhinged—tampons and grandparents ashes unhinged.
it was safe to assume that azzi was addicted. she continued to scroll until the sound of her apartment door opening snapped her out of whatever trading haze she was in.
“babe! im home!” paige called from the living room, voice a little hoarse from her shoot around.
azzi excitedly shot up from her starfish position on her comforter, eyes wide as she raced over to paige to share their plans for the evening.
a/n | this was based on azzi’s obsession with cottage cheese lolz. hope you guys enjoy!
⸻
you knew better than to text azzi immediately after a loss.
not because she didn’t want to hear from you.
quite the opposite.
you knew her well enough to know that sometimes she needed a little time before she was ready to talk about what happened.
especially after a game she wasn’t happy with.
and tonight had definitely been one of those games.
dallas had lost to indiana, so you already knew what kind of mood azzi was going to be in when she got home.
you’d watched the game from home, sitting on the edge of the couch for most of the fourth quarter.
you’d tried not to stare at the clock, tried not to check your phone every thirty seconds, tried not to let yourself worry, but you knew her.
you knew how much game days mattered to her.
especially the ones that didn’t go the way she’d wanted.
so instead of sending her the usual:
good game ❤️
or
you played hard!
you’d simply sent:
you good?
the response came almost twenty minutes later.
azzi: yeah
you stared at the message.
one word.
you: okay
you: i’ll see you when you get home, my love.
azzi: okay
you put your phone down.
then looked toward the kitchen.
the counter was covered with cottage cheese everywhere.
a bowl of it sat beside a blender, another bowl was cooling in the refrigerator.
there were strawberries on the counter, blueberries beside them, a few ingredients you’d used for a sweet treat, and a container you’d labeled with a piece of tape that simply said:
DO NOT TOUCH.
you’d been experimenting for the last hour.
mostly because you knew one thing about azzi with absolute certainty.
she loved cottage cheese.
and if there was one thing you could do tonight, it was make sure she came home to something she actually wanted to eat.
you looked at the mess you’d created.
“she better appreciate this.”
⸻
10:41 p.m.
you heard the front door unlock which made you immediately look up from the couch.
the door opened which showed a tired azzi.
you stood up.
“hey, az.”
azzi looked up.
“hey.”
you walked over.
“come here.”
you wrapped your arms around her, squeezing her for a moment.
“rough one?” you asked quietly.
she nodded against your shoulder.
“yeah.”
you rubbed her back once before letting go.
“i’m sorry.”
she shrugged.
“it’s okay.”
you gave her a look.
“you don’t have to say it’s okay everytime.”
azzi sighed.
“i know.”
“you don’t have to talk about it either.”
“okay.”
you smiled softly.
azzi looked toward the kitchen then back at you.
“what were you doing?”
you immediately stepped slightly in front of her.
“oh… nothing!”
she raised an eyebrow.
“that’s definitely a lie.”
“it’s not.”
“what’s in the kitchen?”
“nothing...”
“why are you standing in front of it?”
you laughed under your breath.
“go shower.”
“what?”
“go shower and get comfortable.”
“why?”
“because...”
“that’s not an answer.”
“it’s the only one you’re getting.”
she narrowed her eyes towards the bucket of cottage cheese.
“you’re being very suspicious.”
“no, i’m not...”
“yes, you definitely are.”
“go shower, az.”
azzi shook her head, but there was the smallest smile on her face now.
“fine.”
“thank you.”
⸻
you waited until you heard the bathroom door close before turning back toward the kitchen.
you had approximately thirty minutes to make sure everything looked presentable.
the problem was that you’d somehow managed to make your kitchen look like a cottage cheese factory.
you’d made a little bowl of fruit and cottage cheese, a sweet whipped mixture with strawberries, a small dessert you’d been experimenting with, and a couple of savory things because you figured azzi might not want everything sweet.
none of it looked perfect.
one of the bowls was slightly too full, one of the desserts had clearly been scooped into the container with absolutely no concern for presentation, but you’d made it all yourself.
and that counted for something.
you arranged everything on the counter.
then stepped back.
“okay.”
you nodded to yourself.
“this is tea.”
you grabbed your phone and took a picture.
after taking the picture you heard footsteps.
you looked up.
azzi walked into the kitchen wearing a hoodie with some sweatpants hanging low, her hair still slightly damp.
she stopped, looked at the counter, then looked at you.
“what is all that?”
you smiled.
“your surprise.”
she walked closer.
“you made all this?”
“maybe.”
“you did.”
“okay, yes.”
she glanced at everything.
“what is this?”
“try it.”
“what is it?”
“you’re asking too many questions.”
she laughed.
“i need to know what i’m eating.”
“just trust me, baby.”
you handed her a spoon.
“try it.”
azzi took a small bite.
you immediately watched her face.
then nodded.
“that’s really good.”
you smiled.
“really?”
“yeah.”
“okay, good.”
you handed her another.
“try this.”
azzi giggled as she grabbed the other treat.
“why are you so excited?”
“because i spent forever making this.”
“okay, chef.”
“don’t call me that.”
“you literally made me a tasting menu.”
“it’s not a tasting menu.”
“what is it?”
“a bunch of food.”
“that’s a tasting menu.”
you rolled your eyes.
“just eat.”
azzi tried the next one.
“okay.”
“well?”
“good.”
“that’s it?”
“what do you want me to say?”
“i don’t know. maybe something more enthusiastic?”
azzi laughed.
“it’s really delicious, babe.”
“thank you.”
“you’re welcome.”
you watched her take another bite.
and for the first time since she’d walked through the door, she looked a little more relaxed.
you leaned against the counter.
“you want to know something?”
azzi looked over.
“what?”
“guess what all of it has in it.”
she looked down at the food.
“strawberries?”
“no.”
“yogurt?”
“no.”
“protein?”
“no.”
she looked at you suspiciously.
“what?”
you smiled.
“cottage cheese.”
azzi’s face changed immediately.
“wait.”
you giggled.
“all of it.”
“seriously?”
“yes.”
she looked at the different dishes again.
“you made all of these with cottage cheese?”
“yep.”
she picked up another spoon.
“okay, wait.”
she tried another one.
her eyes widened.
“you actually made this work.”
you laughed.
“i know.”
“how?”
“i have my ways.”
azzi shook her head.
“these are actually so good.”
“i told you.”
“no, like—”
she pointed toward the spread.
“you made all this just because of my love for cottage cheese, huh?”
you shrugged.
“maybe.”
you glanced at the food.
“i just thought… you should come home to something nice.”
azzi smiled.
“that’s really sweet.”
she picked up one of the little containers.
“can i take this with me?”
“you can take all of it.”
“really?”
“yes.”
“even this?”
“especially that.”
“okay.”
she carefully picked up the containers.
then looked at you again.
“thank you.”
you smiled.
“of course, az.”
azzi stepped around the counter and pulled you into another hug.
you laughed softly, hugging her back.
“okay, okay.”
“no.”
she squeezed a little tighter.
“i’m thanking you.”
“you’ve thanked me.”
“not enough.”
you smiled.
“fine.”
after a moment, she finally pulled away.
she looked toward the food again.
“so…”
“yeah?”
“what else did you make?”
you laughed.
“you want to try everything?”
“obviously.”
azzi grabbed another spoon.
you watched her sit down at the counter, already reaching for the next thing.
you sat beside her.
“so, which one’s your favorite?”
she looked at the spread.
“i don’t think any of these compare to you.”
you giggled as you furrowed your brows.
“what?”
“let me show you how thankful i am.”
azzi stepped around the counter and pulled you into another hug.
you laughed softly, hugging her back.
“okay, okay.”
“no.”
she squeezed a little tighter.
“i’m thanking you.”
“you’ve thanked me.”
“not enough.”
you smiled.
“fine.”
after a moment, she finally pulled away.
she looked toward the food again.
“so…”
“yeah?”
“what else did you make?”
you laughed.
“you want to try everything?”
“obviously.”
azzi grabbed another spoon.
you watched her sit down at the counter, already reaching for the next thing.
you sat beside her.
“so, which one’s your favorite?”
she looked at the spread.
“i don’t think any of these compare to you.”
you giggled as you furrowed your brows.
“what?”
“let me show you how thankful i am.”
azzi closed the distance fast, her mouth finding yours in a deep, hungry kiss. her hands slid down your sides, gripping your waist before moving up to cup your tits through your shirt.
she squeezed, thumbs brushing over your nipples until they stiffened under her touch.
you moaned into her mouth, hips shifting on the stool. “thank you… for the treats,” she murmured against your lips, voice low and rough.
her fingers slipped under your shirt, pushing it up until your tits were bare.
she leaned down, tongue flicking over one nipple before sucking it into her mouth, teeth grazing just enough to make you gasp. she switched to the other, sucking harder while her hand kneaded the first, rolling the wet nipple between her fingers.
you moaned again, louder this time, head tipping back as her mouth worked over your chest.
she kissed lower, teeth nipping at your stomach before she pulled away and stood up straight “stay right there,” she ordered, already walking toward the bedroom.
she came back with the strap-on already in her hand, harness dangling from her fingers.
you watched her step into it, tightening the straps around her hips until the thick silicone cock jutted out in front of her. she stroked it once, eyes locked on yours.
“you love this, don’t you?” she asked, stepping between your spread legs. “love when i fuck you with it.”
you nodded, breath shaky.
“say it.”
“i love it,” you whispered.
she smirked, reaching down to tug your shorts and panties off in one motion. her fingers slid through your folds, spreading the wetness she found there.
“already soaked for me. good girl.”
she rubbed the head of the strap against your clit, slow circles that made your hips jerk. she did it again, pressing harder, teasing your entrance without pushing in.
“azzi, please,” you breathed.
“please what?” she asked, still rubbing the tip up and down your slit.
“fuck me. please.”
she lined up and pushed in slow, inch by inch, watching your face the whole time. once she was buried deep she stayed still, letting you adjust around the stretch.
“breathe for me,” she said, voice calm and steady. “that’s it. take it all.”
she started moving, long, deep strokes that dragged the strap almost all the way out before sliding back in. her hands gripped your hips, holding you in place while she fucked you.
“look at you,” she murmured. “so pretty when you’re full. you feel that? every time i push in you get tighter around me.”
your moans filled the kitchen, mixing with the wet sound of her thrusting. she leaned in, mouth at your ear.
“you’re doing so good for me. taking every inch like you were made for it.”
her pace picked up, hips snapping harder. one hand slid between you to rub your clit in tight circles while she fucked you.
“i want you to cum for me,” she said, voice firmer now. “right on my cock. let me feel it.”
you clenched around her, thighs shaking as the pressure built fast.
“that’s it. cum for me. now.”
your orgasm hit hard, body jerking as you cried out. azzi kept thrusting through it, slowing only when your moans turned into whimpers.
she stayed inside you, forehead pressed to yours, breathing heavy.
“good girl,” she whispered, kissing you soft and slow. “so fucking good for me.”
Azzi Fudd, the people’s princess and UCLA’s star player, is the Dallas Wings new number one pick. And now, everyone’s worried if she’ll clash with the team’s already established face, Paige Bueckers.
What they don’t know is? the famously known noncholant final boss is actually hopelessly, embarrassingly, ridiculously in love with the rookie. And now, it’s become Paige’s lifelong devoted mission to make Azzi fall for her too. and thus begins, operation: win over the rookie!
please please listen to black magic by little mix for the full experience 💞
this is fully inspired by both of my visualizers, so i’d recommend watching it first : here & here. happy reading as always, tell me what you guys think 💜💭
—。 Presented and written by, azzidefender.
dear readers,
it’s paige. yes, the one and only paige bueckers from this story. and before you ask—yes, i really did manage to bag the most perfect woman on planet earth, azzi fudd.
no, i will not be accepting questions at this time. actually, i will. i love talking about her.
now, i know what you’re thinking: paige, how did you do it? how did you, a woman with an obviously high level of charm and natural charisma, win over someone as gorgeous as azzi fudd?
well, lucky for you, i’ve decided to share my secrets.
welcome to :
paige bueckers’ 101 guide to winning over the rookie!
now, i know not everyone was blessed with the level of aura i possess. it’s okay, you can’t all be me.
some of you may be painfully awkward, some of you may have the flirting skills of a brick wall and some of you may see your crush and immediately forget how to speak. basically, this guide is for you.
don’t worry. i got you.
you guys can thank me later.
1. get her attention : nothing will work unless she notices u first!
2. treat her like a princess : since azzi is already my princess, it came naturally for me, but seriously, treat your woman real nice and spoil her.
3. make her giggle : the key to winning her heart? make her laugh. i’m naturally funny, so u can say it was a piece of cake for me.
4. be her favorite nuisance : annoy her. bother her. tease her until she threatens to throw something at you. but remember, it’s all out of love and care. this one’s my personal favorite :)
5. win her heart : and once you’ve made it this far, fellas, she’s basically yours. congratulations, you did it! just don’t fumble like an idiot.
follow my carefully crafted phases, trust the process, and you too might have a chance at getting the girl of your dreams.
yes, it worked. obviously.
okay, maybe it wasn’t that easy. and maybe i embarrassed myself a few times… fine, a lot of times.
but that’s beside the point. because i won at the end, didn’t i? and let’s be honest, azzi is way out of everybody’s league. that woman is on her own category.
but did that stop me? absolutely not.
so sit back, take notes, and whatever you do, do not tell azzi i wrote this.
she’ll never let me live it down.
with love,
paige bueckers
professional basketball player, romance expert, azzi fudd’s biggest fan and girlfriend.
❥ phase one : get her attention!
paige hadn’t really seen any angels in real life before, which she took as a pretty good sign. it probably meant she was still alive and, more importantly, hadn’t died and gone to heaven without noticing.
but standing on this painfully neon orange carpet right now, paige could’ve sworn she’d just seen one. and apparently, that angel went by the name azzi fudd—the ucla star who was most likely about to become the newest addition to her team.
now, don’t get her wrong, paige knows who azzi is. she’s heard all about her, seen the highlights, and okay, maybe watched a few more of them than necessary. purely for research, obviously.
but during her time at uconn, they never got the chance to play against ucla, which paige now considered one of the greatest tragedies of her life. because if they had, maybe she could’ve met the love of her life sooner.
but seeing azzi in person?
paige was pretty sure the universe had personally gate-kept azzi from her.
because no highlight reel, no photograph, no video could’ve prepared her for that. azzi fudd was beautiful, unfairly beautiful. the kind of beautiful that made paige briefly forget how to act like a normal human being.
because tell her why, after azzi’s name was called as the number one pick to the dallas wings. which, by the way, she was correct about—she ended up on the jumbotron looking like the world’s most obvious lovesick idiot.
mind you, arike, jess, and alanna were all right there beside her, there to support their new rookie. but nooo, apparently the cameras just had to catch paige with all thirty-two teeth out, grinning like a fool for the entire audience to see.
great, exactly how she wanted to be perceived.
but it’s fine.
maybe azzi will see the clip later. maybe she’ll notice paige was smiling the biggest. maybe she’ll think, wow, she looks nice, and maybe that’ll make her more comfortable around paige once she joins the team.
and if azzi happens to confide in her out of all the other vets because paige looked the nicest during her draft?
well, that’s just good strategy for making the first move.
first move, her ass.
how on earth was paige supposed to make the first move if she couldn’t even move?
after azzi had officially been announced, the dallas crew invited them back over to the carpet to personally greet their new rookie. by the time paige finally made it over, the others had already gotten there first. screw them, by the way. alanna went straight in for a hug, while arike and jess settled for a high-five.
so what the hell was paige supposed to do?
she wanted the hug. obviously she wanted the hug. but wouldn’t it be weird if she hugged azzi when the other two hadn’t?
so, when those beautiful, bright brown doe eyes turned towards her, expectant and just a little shy, paige panicked.
and went for a side hug.
yes.
a fucking side hug.
what on earth was she doing?
azzi’s eyes widened slightly in confusion, but she went along with it anyway, returning the awkward little half-embrace with a soft chuckle.
“hi, paige. nice to meet you.”
oh.
oh, she was done.
because nobody was allowed to call her paige ever again. only azzi. ideally, forever.
her name had never sounded that good before. coming from those pretty pink plump lips, it had paige’s brain running approximately seventeen miles per hour, and she was pretty sure at least three of her thoughts had crashed into each other.
and then there was the smell.
god.
azzi smelled so fucking good.
paige couldn’t even explain it. she didn’t know what perfume she was wearing, didn’t know what shampoo she used, didn’t know what the hell had possessed the universe to make someone smell that good.
all she knew was that she wanted more of it.
and just when she thought she couldn’t possibly do anything worse, after the others had made their small talk with azzi and it was finally the blonde’s turn, she opened her mouth and immediately made the worst decision of her life.
“how do you like dallas?”
the silence that followed was brutal.
alanna, arike, and jess all facepalmed in perfect, horrifying sync. don’t even ask about her, the blonde wanted to die right there on the carpet, buried under the sad orange fabric, ready for the world to swallow her in.
the younger girl stared at her, clearly confused, but there was a hint of amusement in those circular deer-like eyes.
“umm… i’ll have to wait and see until i actually get there?” she answered, followed by a small giggle.
alert. alert.
pretty girl laughed.
that counts as a laugh, right?
yes, it absolutely counts. because paige said so, therefore it was legally binding.
and suddenly, none of that mattered anymore. not the terrible question, not the secondhand embarrassment radiating from her teammates, nor the fact that she’d just asked the number one overall pick how she liked a city she hadn’t even moved to yet.
because technically? she made azzi laugh.
and that was a sound paige was determined to keep hearing.
preferably because of her.
azzi arrived in dallas, two days later. practice immediately kicks in as it usually does.
on the court, paige and azzi’s chemistry was practically perfect from the very first try. the passes clicked, the timing was there, and somehow they already seemed to know where the other would be before either of them even made a move. it was almost unfair. which meant paige only had one problem left: off-court chemistry.
because apparently, being able to read azzi’s movements on the court did not mean paige knew how to talk to her like a normal human being. so, naturally, she came up with a plan. if she couldn’t charm the rookie yet, she’d simply spend enough time around her until the charm eventually kicked in.
locker room? somehow, paige was always right beside her. which, to be fair, was mostly because azzi’s locker had been assigned directly next to hers, but paige preferred to call it fate.
lunch? what a coincidence, the seat beside azzi was always conveniently empty. purely because the blonde had followed her into the dining area approximately ten seconds later, of course.
practice? somehow, they always ended up walking out together—or, more accurately, paige would spot azzi leaving and casually speed-walk until she caught up.
subtle, calculated and absolutely genius. paige wanted to applaud herself.
the team bus was where paige decided to really put the plan into action. she spotted azzi sitting alone by the window, earbuds in, scrolling through her phone, and immediately claimed the empty seat beside her. obviously.
azzi pulled one earbud out when paige sat down. “hey.” just one word. one tiny, harmless word, and paige’s brain immediately forgot every clever line she’d rehearsed.
“hey,” she replied, much less smoothly than intended. after a second, azzi glanced at the seat, then back at her. “you sitting here?”
“yeah,” paige said, trying very hard to sound casual. “if that’s okay.”
azzi smiled and shifted over. “of course.” and that was it. paige had spent five minutes mentally preparing to unleash her legendary rizz, only to hit azzi with if that’s okay.
where was her aura? her charisma that people mentioned her about? apparently, all of it disappeared the second the brunette looked at her. meanwhile, azzi simply put her earbud back in, completely oblivious to the fact that paige was sitting beside her having a full-blown internal crisis.
still, azzi seemed to genuinely enjoy having her around (paige hoped). she’d pull out an earbud to show paige something, ask her random questions, or chuckled at something she said. and every single time, paige walked away convinced she was making progress.
technically, she was. probably. phase one was going perfectly. if they ignored the tiny detail that paige had absolutely no idea how to flirt with the girl she was trying to win over. at least, azzi notices her.
❥ phase two : treat her like a princess!
now, paige had absolutely no clue how to get her crush to like her back. to be honest, she’d never really had a real crush before. unless zendaya counted, but that was obviously different. a perfectly normal, completely reasonable celebrity crush.
most of her relationships, especially the ones during her uconn days that never really lasted all that long, had started because the other person was interested in her first. so it was easy for her, nothing really to fuss about.
but azzi?
she made paige want to do things she’d never even considered doing for anyone before, you know… the kind of sappy, romantic movie shit she used to practically barf over? yeah, those things.
and if winning azzi over meant sacrificing a little dignity along the way, then so be it. she had plenty of dignity to spare.
she would gladly sign an oath, shake on it, maybe even have it notarized, that if she managed to win azzi’s heart, she’d make that love last a lifetime.
the rookie just didn’t know it yet.
“you know you’re giving her special treatment, right?” arike pointed out, the comment cutting through the locker room as most of the team finished changing after practice. it had been a little over a month since azzi joined the team, and the season had already begun.
paige gasped, “i am not.”
she said it dramatically, one shoe already kicked off while the other remained firmly on her foot, a hand clutching her chest like arike had just accused her of a felony.
“you are,” most of the team replied in perfect unison.
paige exaggeratedly pulled off her other shoe, then pointed it around the locker room like she was presenting evidence in court. “give me one example where i gave her special treatment.” the blonde raised her eyebrows, looking far too confident for someone who was absolutely guilty.
“really? ’cause i can name more than one, pb.” zaza replied, her lips pressing into a straight line as her face practically said, do i really need to list it one by one for you?
the blonde planted both hands on her hips, shifting her weight onto one leg as she nodded her chin forward. “enlighten me.”
exhibit a.
about three weeks ago, the team had been running through practice drills when everyone was finally given a short break. most of them were sprawled across the floor or taking up space on the benches, trying to catch their breath before the next drill.
“rook, can you grab me a water bottle from there?” arike called, mostly because azzi happened to be closest to the stash. but teasing the rookie was also a perfectly valid reason.
azzi, who had been sitting on the bench, immediately perked up at the word rook. she stood adorably, giving a small nod. “okay.”
but before she could even take a step, a water bottle went flying across the court and landed directly in arike’s lap.
“here.”
arike raised her brows.
paige was somehow already sitting up, despite being completely sprawled out on the floor less than a minute ago. apparently, she had just gotten up specifically to grab the bottle.
“…thanks?”
paige simply shrugged, like it was nothing, before dropping back down.
“hey, azzi, can i have one too?” zaza called from the other end of the bench, one hand holding the phone controlling the aux.
azzi nodded again. “yeah.”
but just as she reached for a bottle, paige had already appeared in front of her.
“thanks, az.”
she flashed her a slightly lopsided grin as she took the bottle from azzi’s hands, their fingers brushing for just a second.
azzi blinked at her. “oh, but that’s not—”
“yo! that was mine!” zaza shouted.
paige had to forcefully tore her gaze away from those pretty brown eyes, clearing her throat as she turned towards zaza.
“grab it yourself, bro. you got your own feet. stop bullying azzi around.”
the entire team gawked at her and the interaction upon them. azzi stared at her too, looking particularly confused and what most likely seems weirded out.
the blonde, however, seemed completely unbothered. she simply turned back towards the younger, locked their gaze again, and took another drink from the bottle azzi had just handed her.
yeah.
her charm was definitely working.
she could feel it.
“how on earth is that bullying?!” zaza’s voice echoed from the back of the gym.
exibit b.
the team was on their way to the hotel for their first away game, everyone slowly filing off the bus with their luggage in tow. by the time they reached the parking lot, alanna and awak were both carrying what looked like half their belongings between the two of them, bags hanging from their shoulders and hands.
azzi noticed immediately.
“do you guys need help?” she asked, already reaching for one of the bags.
alanna looked over at her, clearly grateful. “actually, yeah. thanks, az.” awak nodded, handing azzi one of hers too. “oh my god, yes azzi, thank you.”
and honestly, it made sense. azzi was strong. basically all muscle. she could probably carry both bags without breaking a sweat, so there was nothing wrong with her helping.
except paige had just stepped off the bus. she took one look at azzi carrying someone else’s bags.
“nope.”
azzi looked over and paige was already walking towards her, shaking her head in pure disapprovement. “absolutely not.”
“what?” azzi blinked.
the older didn’t answer. she simply started taking the bags from her hands.
“paige, i can carry them.” azzi protested, trying to hold onto one.
“i know.”
“then—”
“give it.”
“but i’m fine.”
“give it to me, az.”
“paige.”
“azzi.”
and somehow, within the span of thirty seconds, paige had managed to collect every single bag from azzi until she was standing there with approximately five bags hanging off both arms.
azzi, meanwhile, walked besides her with nothing but her little pink owala bottle in hand.
the sight was absolutely ridiculous.
alanna stared, awak stared and the rest of the team stared.
paige marched into the hotel lobby like this was completely normal, her arms practically buried underneath everyone’s luggages. she stopped in front of alanna and awak before dumping their respective bags back into their hands.
“don’t tell azzi to bring your bags.” paige said, dead serious.
alanna blinked down at the bag now in her hands. “…but we didn’t.”
awak nodded slowly, “she offered.”
paige paused.
azzi stood a few feet behind her, sipping from her pink bottle with the most oblivious adorable expression on her face.
zaza would’ve gladly given more, but the locker room door suddenly opened, revealing the very rookie they’d been discussing. azzi walked in giggling, li chatting beside her, and paige immediately shot zaza a look that clearly said shut. up. the second azzi entered.
like a lovesick puppy, paige’s eyes followed the brunette all the way to her locker, conveniently placed right beside hers.
“hey,” paige called, a grin already spreading across her face.
azzi glanced over her shoulder. “hi.” there was only the tiniest smile on her lips, but it was enough for paige to catch the dimples appearing on her cheeks. naturally, paige’s grin only grew wider.
“wanna grab cava after this? i know you don’t really like the food today.”
azzi raised her eyebrows, clearly amused by how much attention the veteran seemed to pay to her. “oh, really? how do you know i don’t like it?”
paige shrugged, trying her hardest to look casual as a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. “‘cause.” she rubbed the back of her neck. “you mentioned it last week, remember? you said you didn’t really like the wednesday options.”
azzi’s eyes widened for a second before her expression softened into an apologetic smile, her dimples deepening.
fuck.
paige was pretty sure she could fall straight into those things.
“can’t, p. i’m staying for practice for a bit longer. need to work more on my shooting.”
okay, hold up.
paige’s heart practically did a backflip inside her chest.
p.
did azzi just call her p?
holy shit.
okay. calm down, paige. calm down.
that was a good sign. a very good sign. clearly, her master plan was working.
and even though she repeatedly told herself to chill out and act cool, the smile spreading across her face was so massive the apples of her cheeks were practically on full display.
“oh, really? i was thinkin’ the same thing! i need to work more on my aim.”
lie. a blatant, shameless lie.
paige did not need to work on her aim. not even remotely. but if it meant getting more time alone with azzi, then apparently her shooting needed some serious attention.
azzi narrowed her eyes slightly at the suspiciously enthusiastic veteran before her gaze dropped toward paige’s feet.
“really…?”
paige followed her gaze. right, she was still completely shoeless.
“yup.” paige immediately shoved her feet back into her shoes, tying the laces as quickly as humanly possible. “c’mon, imma even help you rebound.”
and before her brain could catch up with what she was doing, paige reached out, grabbed azzi’s hands, and pulled her towards the door.
soft.
that was the first thing paige noticed. azzi’s hands were so soft. and now they were holding hands.
like, actually holding hands.
paige’s brain officially shutted down.
azzi, meanwhile, looked thoroughly confused but completely compliant, trailing behind the older girl as they walked out of the locker room hand in hand.
inside, zaza and the rest of the team stared after them. there was a beat of silence as they all exchanged the same knowing look.
that was basically exhibit c.
❥ phase three : make her giggle!
you might think that, after all the years you’ve been alive, you’ve already heard your favorite sound at least once. but paige was convinced that none of them could ever compare to the sound of azzi’s giggles.
it had been three months since the rookie arrived in dallas, and honestly, paige couldn’t have been happier. were they the best team? no. but were they doing tremendously better compared to last year? absolutely.
and maybe paige was a little biased, but azzi had been a huge addition to the team. her defense was relentless, her gravity on the court was ridiculous, and somehow, she just made everything click a little better.
so really, how could paige not fall even harder for her?
the thing was… azzi still might not have realized that paige had a crush on her. although, to paige and, apparently, the rest of the team, it was painfully obvious, azzi somehow remained completely oblivious. at this point, paige was starting to wonder if the rookie was just naturally immune to flirting.
but that was okay, because paige wasn’t exactly known for giving up easily. if anything, she took azzi’s obliviousness as a challenge. romeo waited for juliet, odysseus spent ten years trying to get home to penelope, and paige was perfectly willing to add herself to the list of historically persistent idiots in love.
besides, if those people could wait years for their person, paige could survive a few months of azzi not realizing she was being flirted with.
she was doing good… she thinks. azzi was now practically glued to her without paige having to initiate or follow her around first, which in her humble opinion, was a very good sign of progress.
and honestly, the blonde was becoming addicted to making the rookie laugh. every time she managed to get one of those pretty giggles out of azzi, her entire mood instantly lifted, like she’d just accomplished the greatest achievement of her life.
there was this one time during a game when the rookie just wasn’t having her best shooting night. paige, who had been examining her ever since she arrived, had gotten pretty good at picking up on her little habits.
like now, during the halftime huddle, she could tell azzi wasn’t quite in the right headspace. she looked a little too distant, like she was overthinking every play, and even now, with the team gathered around jose as he drew up their next set, there was still that serious, slightly disappointed look on her face.
paige hated seeing it.
she glanced across the huddle at azzi, who was listening to jose, or at least pretending to. as if sensing the stare, azzi looked up and caught paige watching her.
call paige childish, but she was absolutely not about to let her soon-to-be pretty girlfriend spend the rest of the game furrowing her brows and doubting herself.
so she did the only logical thing, she started making faces.
first, paige stuck her tongue out. then she widened her eyes and pretended to look completely lost at the coaches drew-up play, raising her eyebrows and silently mouthing, you understand any of this?
azzi stared back at her in disbelief.
then came the little huff of laughter. she shook her head, a dimpled smile finally breaking through.
paige immediately grinned.
mission accomplished.
unfortunately, arike, who was standing right beside her, had apparently noticed the entire exchange. without warning, she kicked paige lightly in the shin.
“ow!”
the sudden yelp made the entire huddle turn toward her, including jose, who gave her a look that clearly said pay attention.
paige straightened immediately, trying her best to look innocent.
but honestly?
she could hear azzi’s giggles spilling out across from her. so maybe it wasn’t all that bad.
another time, paige discovered what azzi actually ate in a day and genuinely had to question whether the rookie was trying to live forever.
her plate was basically a garden, piled high with greens, vegetables, and, somehow, cottage cheese. cottage cheese.
paige tried very hard not to gag as she sat across from her, setting down her own beautiful plate of glizzies and mac and cheese like it was a five-star meal.
“you eat like this voluntarily?” paige asked, staring at azzi’s plate in genuine disgust.
azzi rolled her eyes. “yes, paige. some people like vegetables.”
“some people clearly enjoy suffering themselves.”
that earned her a giggle, and paige immediately grinned, pointing at the cottage cheese. “and what the hell is that?”
she knew what it was, she was just playing dumb to spark up small talk.
“cottage cheese.”
“out of all the cheese you could pick, you pick the nasty one?”
azzi laughed again, shaking her head. “it’s not nasty. it’s yummy and it has tons of proteins, p. you’re just jealous because i have self control.”
“self control?” paige looked down at her mac and cheese. “i have happiness.”
by the time they finished eating, paige figured she’d earned herself another laugh, so naturally, she had to push her luck.
“ice cream?”
azzi’s entire face lit up, instantly. “yes!”
the sudden beam on her face caught paige completely off guard. oh, so azzi loves ice cream? noted.
but then, the younger’s smile faded slightly. “wait, i can’t… i’m on a no-sugar thing right now.”
paige suddenly panicked, she was not letting that beautiful smile disappear, let alone, pout.
“oh, i know a place that sells, like sugar-free ones.” she blurted. “it’s healthy and stuff.”
the rookie immediately brightened again. “really?”
“yeah. for sure.”
no, not for sure.
the second azzi was busy packing her things, paige pulled out her phone and frantically googled the nearest sugar-free ice cream shop. it was thirty five minutes away.
but it’ll be worth it.
and apparently, azzi thought so too, because she didn’t complain once during the drive. soon enough, they were sitting in the car with their respective cups of ice cream. azzi had gotten some kind of berry and mint flavor, while paige had reluctantly gone with mango for herself.
and to her surprise? mango wasn’t that bad. well, until azzi suddenly held out her spoon.
“try mine.”
paige stared at it suspiciously. “i don’t like mint.”
“you haven’t even tried it.”
“i know what mint tastes like.”
“just try it, p.”
there was no winning against that smile. the older reluctantly leaned forward and let azzi feed her the spoonful.
god. it was awful.
paige tried her absolute hardest to keep her face neutral, but apparently she wasn’t convincing anyone. azzi immediately burst into laughter, her head falling back against the car’s headrest.
“you’re so dramatic!”
paige stared at her, momentarily forgetting about the horrible taste still coating her tongue. that was one of the most carefree laughs she’d ever heard from azzi.
paige would eat ten more cups of that disgusting, non-sugar mint ice cream if it meant getting to hear azzi laugh like that every time.
❥ phase four : be her favorite nuisance!
by now, paige had discovered something important. annoying azzi got her attention just as effectively as flirting did. maybe even better. because the little furrow between azzi’s brows, the dramatic eye rolls, and the way she’d look at paige like she was genuinely questioning why she had to deal with her every day? yeah, paige was addicted.
“azzi.”
no response came from the younger.
the rookie was too busy working through her shooting drills, pulling ball after ball from the rack as she prepared for the all-star three point competition coming up in a few days. paige stood a few feet away, watching her, waiting for even the slightest reaction.
“azzi.”
still nothing.
at this point, paige knew azzi had learned to ignore her. the longer they’d known each other, the more the rookie had realized that responding only encouraged paige, so apparently, she’d decided silence was her best weapon. good thing paige was stubborn.
“azzi.”
the brunette continued shooting.
li came out suddenly, she had already packed up, looking like she was heading home now that practice was finally over. she gave them both a quick wave as she walked past. “bye, azzi! bye, paige!”
“bye, li!” azzi immediately replied, sending her a little wave back.
paige gasped. she waved goodbye to li too, but the moment li was out of earshot, the blonde turned back towards the rookie, visibly offended.
“oh, so you reply to li but not me?”
azzi simply grabbed another ball from the rack and continued shooting, her eyes fixed on the basket.
paige huffed. oh, so that was how it was going to be?she walked over to the brunette’s side, watching her take another shot.
“azziiii.”
“azzz.”
finally, the blonde snatched the basketball right out of her hands. which caused azzi to stop midmotion, taking a deep breath before she slowly turned towards the older. “what paige?” annoyance clearly laced in her voice.
paige grinned successfully, “gimme’ attention.”
azzi stared at her for a second, almost like she couldn’t believe that was actually what paige wanted. “can’t you see what i’m doing?” she gestured towards the basket.
“i’m trying to practice.”
“i can see that.”
“then move.”
“why?” the blonde acted oblivious, purposefully ragebaiting.
“because you’re literally standing in my way.”
paige only grinned wider as azzi sighed, shooting her a serious glare, that unfortunately only looked adorable to paige. azzi tried to step around her, reaching for the ball in the blonde’s hands. “move before i throw this ball at your head.” she grabbed the ball back from paige’s hands, giving her one last warning look.
paige raised both hands in mock surrender. “whoa, feisty princess.”
azzi stopped. her eyebrows furrowed slightly,
“…princess?”
paige froze.
oh. shit.
that had slipped out.
she’d called azzi plenty of things before. rook. az. fudd. but never princess. that was supposed to stay safely inside paige’s head, where all her other embarrassingly lovesick thoughts lived.
“i—” paige cleared her throat. “sorry. i didn’t mean—
“it’s fine.”
paige looked back at her, stunned.
azzi was still wearing that faintly amused expression, but there was a hint of shyness behind it now. the corners of her lips curled into a small, almost teasing smirk as she shrugged.
“i like it.”
there was something about the way azzi said it, all soft and slightly bashful but with just enough teasing behind it to make paige’s brain short-circuit.
she likes it.
she likes being called princess.
holy shit.
paige stood there trying desperately to keep her face neutral while internally celebrating like she’d just hit a game winning shot.
“oh,” she managed, nodding far too quickly. “cool.”
“umm, i’ll let you get back to it then.” paige replied as she slowly backed away.
azzi’s grin grew just a little before she turned back towards the basket, leaving paige standing there internally losing her entire mind.
well, didn’t this backfire.
after all-star break was over, and azzi had officially made history as the first rookie to win the three point contest, nobody on the team was surprised. especially not paige. the moment the rookie got invited, paige already knew everyone else was basically fighting for second place.
with all-star weekend behind them, the team decided to have a movie night, which somehow, and very conveniently for paige, ended up at her apartment.
the movie night had started off innocently enough. everyone was scattered around paige’s apartment, some taking over the couch, others sprawled across the floor with snacks in their laps, while a horror movie played loudly on the television.
paige totally didn’t abandon the perfectly comfortable beanbag she’d been sitting in just to move over to the loveseat where azzi was seated. and she definitely didn’t catch alanna’s eye from across the room, silently gesturing for her to switch spots because she just happened to want to sit next to the rookie.
alanna stared at her for a moment, as if to say seriously?
paige raised her eyebrows. yes, bro. help me.
alanna rolled her eyes but eventually moved. the blonde immediately slid into the newly available spot beside azzi, acting like the entire thing had been completely spontaneous.
luckily, the rookie was far too engrossed in the movie to notice anything, a fact that had paige quietly chuckling to herself.
paige had been paying attention at first.
well, kind of.
that was until a particularly nasty jumpscare made azzi flinch beside her. paige immediately turned her head. the rookie had curled herself into the corner of the loveseat, knees tucked slightly toward her chest, eyes fixed on the television.
paige’s lips twitched, “you scared?”
azzi shot her a look. “shut up.”
the blonde grinned, “you are.”
“i’m not.”
“you literally jumped.”
“it was loud, p.”
“sure it was.”
azzi rolled her eyes and turned back toward the screen, determined to prove she wasn’t bothered. paige, meanwhile, had completely forgotten there was even a movie playing. another few minutes passed before the blonde leaned slightly closer.
“you sure you’re not scared?”
azzi sighed, finally tearing her gaze away from the screen to look at the older girl. “paige.”
“what?” paige hummed innocently.
azzi lightly pushed her cheek away, gently turning her face back toward the movie. “watch the movie.”
paige’s heart gave a little flip at the casual touch, warmth spreading through her chest as she fought back a grin. she let out a quiet chuckle, settling back into her seat. “‘aight.”
then another jumpscare happened.
azzi jolted again, immediately covering half her face with her hand. paige had to bite back a laugh, watching the rookie peek through her fingers like the ghost might somehow reach through the screen.
“don’t.”
“i didn’t even say anything.”
“your face did.”
paige chuckled, shaking her head. “c’mere, princess. i’ll protect you.” woah, okay. even the blonde didn’t know where that confidence came from.
“i’d rather fight the ghost myself.”
“wow bro, harsh.”
azzi let out a dimpled grin, shaking her head as she turned her attention back to the movie. still, she didn’t move any farther away from paige. if anything, she seemed to settle a little closer, her shoulder occasionally brushing against paige’s.
paige tried very hard not to think about it.
and maybe that was why, a few minutes later, she decided to try something that had worked in approximately every cheesy romance movie ever made. casually, very casually, she lifted her arm and rested it along the back of the loveseat behind azzi. pretending it was the most natural thing in the world.
and to paige’s surprise, the younger didn’t pull away.
instead, the rookie shifted closer, seemingly without even realizing it, until her shoulder was tucked comfortably beneath paige’s arm. paige’s breath caught, her heart suddenly beating a little too fast for someone who was supposedly just watching a movie. she had expected an awkward glance, maybe a teasing comment at most, not this.
paige had to stare very intently at the television, pretending she was still watching the movie while internally losing her mind. holy shit. she’s leaning on me.
by the time the movie was nearing its end, azzi had somehow migrated even closer, her head resting fully against paige’s shoulder. the blanket that had started out covering paige’s lap was now draped over both of them, trapping them in their own little bubble.
azzi yawned softly, her eyes barely open as she shifted against paige, nuzzling a little closer in search of a more comfortable position.
“you’re warm.” she murmured.
paige’s heart practically stopped. she turned her head, staring down at the beautiful girl curled against her like this was somehow real. “yeah?”
azzi only hummed, a tiny, sleepy “mhm.” before settling back against her.
paige had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot. between the warmth of azzi against her side and the sheer cuteness of her sleepy little mumble, she was dangerously close to suffering a full-on cuteness attack.
yeah, this was definitely her favorite operation phase so far.
❥ phase five : win her heart!
by the time the playoffs rolled around, paige had a problem. a very serious problem. because, according to the carefully constructed plan she had come up with months ago, she should have been at the finish line by now.
phase one: getting azzi’s attention? done.
phase two: treat her like a princess? practically mastered.
phase three: make her laugh? easiest thing ever.
phase four: annoy her? paige was pretty sure she had that one locked down permanently.
so the question now is….
why the fuck is she still single?
all that’s left is phase five : win her heart.
except… how exactly was she supposed to do that when she wasn’t even sure whether azzi wanted her heart in the first place?
it had been months.
months of flirting, teasing, stealing glances, finding excuses to be around each other, calling her princess just to see azzi roll her eyes with a smile on her pretty face, and making absolutely no effort to hide how much she enjoyed being around her.
paige had dropped hints.
a lot of hints.
honestly, at this point, she was pretty sure she had practically dropped a neon sign over her head that said i like you, azzi fudd.
and yet, azzi had never actually said anything.
sure, she flirted back.
sometimes she’d lean into paige when they sat besides each other, laugh at her terrible jokes, seek her out after games, remember the tiniest things paige mentioned, and occasionally give her that look that made paige’s stomach flip.
but what if that was all it was?
what if azzi was simply comfortable with her?
what if paige had spent the entire season interpreting every little thing as a sign because she desperately wanted it to mean something?
or worse, what if she was forcing something azzi wasn’t ready for? it was her first year in the league after all.
the thought had started eating at her. so paige did something she’d never thought she’d have to do.
she stopped.
not completely, because she was still paige.
but the flirting became less obvious. the teasing softened, she stopped finding excuses to be near azzi every chance she got and she gave the rookie a little more space.
azzi noticed.
one evening after practice, the two of them were walking towards the parking lot when azzi finally stopped.
“why aren’t you flirting with me anymore?”
paige nearly tripped over her own feet. she turned around slowly. “what?”
azzi crossed her arms, looking genuinely puzzled. “you heard me.”
paige blinked, “i don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“yes, you do.”
“i really don’t.”
“paige.”
the way azzi said her name made paige sigh.
“okay, fine.” shoving her hands into the pockets of her hoodie. the blonde looked down at the ground, suddenly finding the concrete fascinating.
“i just figured maybe you were getting tired of it.”
azzi’s eyebrows furrowed, “tired of what?”
“me.” the word came out quieter than paige intended.
azzi’s expression softened, “why would i be tired of you?”
“‘cause,” paige gave a small shrug. “i’ve been doing this for months, azzi. and you haven’t exactly… said anything.”
“said what?”
paige looked at her. “…that you like me.”
silence.
paige’s heart hammered against her ribs.
she’d rehearsed this moment a hundred times in her head, but none of those versions involved standing under the harsh parking lot lights with her hands shoved into her pockets, suddenly terrified of the answer.
“i thought you knew.” azzi finally said.
paige furrowed in confusion, “knew what?”
“that i like you.”
paige stared at her. what?
azzi smiled faintly, a bit shy. “i was waiting for you to say it first.”
paige’s mouth fell open. “you were waiting?”
azzi nodded. “i wanted to know if you were actually serious…”
paige let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head.“azzi, why wouldn’t i be serious? i’ve been practically throwing hints at you for months.”
“i know.”
“i’ve been flirting with you since the beginning of the season.”
“i know that, too.”
“and you just—waited?”
azzi's smile widened. "you seemed to be having fun."
well, i guess paige couldn't even argue with that. she was still staring at her when azzi stepped closer. then, before paige could say anything else, azzi leaned in and pressed a small, soft peck to her lips.
paige froze. for one completely ridiculous second, she forgot how to breathe.
azzi pulled back just enough to look at her.
"i like you, p."
paige stared at her in disbelief, "you.." she laughed under her breath, almost unable to believe this was actually happening.
"you really like me?"
azzi nodded, slightly squinting her eyes with a pout, "i thought it was obvious, dummy."
paige's grin slowly spread across her face.
"oh my god, i feel like an idiot."
"paige—"
before azzi could finish her sentence, the older gently caught her by the waist and guided her back until she was lightly against the side of the car, giving her plenty of room to pull away.
"can i kiss you again?"
azzi's cheeks flushed in a pretty warm pink tone, but instead of answering, she simply leaned forward. and that was all the permission the blonde needed.
their lips met again, this time lingering longer as the months of teasing, flirting, and unspoken feelings finally caught up with them. paige smiled against her lips, almost laughing from how absurdly happy she felt.
all this time, she'd thought she was trying to win azzi over. when, apparently, azzi had just been waiting for her to finally admit what they'd both already known.
paige pulled back just enough to rest her forehead against azzi's, still grinning like an fool.
“so…”
azzi looked up at her, still smiling. “so?”
paige’s grin softened, leaning in until her breath brushed over azzi’s lips.
“my operation worked.”
azzi blinked obliviously, her eyes darting down to paige's mouth before meeting her gaze again. “what operation?”
a quiet laugh escaped paige, low and hummed against azzi’s skin. she tilted her chin up, resting the tip of her nose against azzi's, letting the warmth settle between them.
“nothing you need to worry about, princess.”
before azzi could press for an answer, paige closed the tiny distance left, pulling her in by the waist and capturing her lips again. it was a slow, deliberate kiss, completely undoing any lingering thoughts.
and just like that, operation: win over the rookie?
a spectacular success. paige would definitely be taking all the credit for this one.
Azzi Fudd goes on vacation to her grandparents ranch in Texas to get a change of scenery. She meets their farm hand Paige Bueckers, who’s supposed to be giving her horseback riding lessons; she teaches her more than just that.
A/n: Hi ya’ll, I’ve never written a one shot before and it’s very poorly edited so if there’s some things that don’t make sense please give me some grace and ignore it!!! I hope you like this cause it was very fun to write!!! Lmk what you think and maybe I could be convinced to write a second part….no promises
Word count: 16.5k
The drive was long, bumpy, and surrounded by endless acres of sun-bleached Texan pasture. By the time Azzi pulled her car into the driveway of the ranch, her back was stiff from the long trip down from Virginia, but the moment she killed the engine, the front screen door flew open.
"Azzi! Oh, sweetheart, you're finally here!"
Karen practically sprinted off the wrap-around porch, Tom right behind her in his worn leather boots and a wide-brimmed cowboy hat. Before Azzi could even get her legs out of the car, she was pulled into a tight, warm hug that smelled like sweet tea.
"Look at you!" Tom beamed, clapping a hand on her shoulder as she stepped out of the embrace. "We’ve been counting down the days until you got here."
"I missed you guys so much," Azzi said, a huge smile breaking across her face as she hugged her grandfather. "It feels like it’s been forever."
"Too long," Karen agreed, linking her arm through Azzi’s and steering her toward the house while Tom grabbed her bags from the trunk. "Come on inside, get out of this heat. We’ve got the room all set up for you."
They walked into the cool, air-conditioned house, the familiar smell of cedar and home-cooked meals instantly washing over Azzi. She followed her grandparents down the hallway to the spacious bedroom at the end of the hall.
"Now, just a heads up," Karen said, opening the door to reveal two neatly made twin beds, framed by rustic wooden furniture and warm blankets. "You’ll be sharing the room this week."
Azzi paused, looking over at her grandma. "Sharing?"
"Oh, yes! With Paige," Karen said brightly. "We hired her a few months ago to help run the stables and take care of the horses. Hon, she’s been an absolute godsend. Hardest worker we've ever had, and just the sweetest girl."
"She knows those horses so well," Tom added, leaning against the doorframe as he set Azzi’s luggage down. "We asked her to teach you how to ride while you’re here. You’re in great hands."
"Oh, cool," Azzi said, nodding as she stepped into the room. "That sounds great. I'm excited to meet her."
Karen smiled, a sly, knowing spark suddenly appearing in her eye as she smoothed down an invisible wrinkle on one of the bedsheets.
"And, you know... she’s twenty-one, gorgeous, and very single," Karen added.
Azzi froze mid-step, her head snapping toward her grandmother so fast her neck almost cracked.
"Grandma, no," Azzi said instantly, putting her hands up in defense. "Do not start. I am here for a relaxed week, not to be set up on a blind date with your horse trainer!"
Tom let out a deep laugh, shaking his head. "Told you she'd say that, Karen."
"I'm just stating facts!" Karen said innocently, holding her hands up in surrender, though the mischievous grin on her face remained. "I'm just saying, keep an open mind."
"Door's closed. Mind's closed," Azzi teased, laughing as she shook her head. "I'm here for rest, relaxation, and apparently horse lessons. That's it!"
"Alright, alright," Karen chuckled, holding up her hands in defeat. "No matchmaking. But come on, you've got to stretch your legs and see the stables anyway. Paige should be finishing up with the horses right about now."
Azzi followed her grandparents out the back door, stepping into the warm breeze.
They walked down the graveled path toward the large, wooden barn, the smell of hay, leather, and cedar filling the air.
As they stepped inside the shade of the barn, the noise of the outside world died down, replaced by the soft stomping of hooves and gentle nickers from the stalls.
Near the far end of the aisle, standing in the cross-ties beside a massive, dark bay horse, was a girl.
Azzi stopped in her tracks.
The girl; Paige, had her back partially turned, working a comb in smooth, practiced circles against the horse. She was tall and lean, wearing a fitted white tank top dusted with dirt, dark denim jeans held up by a worn leather belt, and dark boots. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a messy low ponytail, stray pieces catching the sunlight streaming through the barn doors.
Azzi blinked, suddenly feeling very warm, and it had nothing to do with the Texas weather.
Door's closed, mind's closed, Azzi reminded herself desperately. Except her brain had apparently decided to lock itself out.
"Paige, honey!" Karen called out softly as they approached.
The blonde stopped brushing, turning around and resting one hand on the horse's back. She wiped a line of sweat from her brow with the back of her forearm, revealing striking blue eyes, high cheekbones, and a crooked, gummy smile that was completely unfair.
"Hey, y'all," Paige said, her voice dropping into a smooth drawl.
"Paige, this is our granddaughter, Azzi," Tom introduced, smiling warmly. "Azzi, this is Paige. The magician keeping this place running."
Paige tossed the brush into a nearby caddy on top of a tack trunk and picked up a towel to wipe off her hands. She stepped forward, her eyes locking onto Azzi. A slow, appreciative look washed over her face, her eyes scanning Azzi from head to toe before settling back on her eyes with an undeniable intensity.
"So you're Azzi," Paige said, stepping close enough that Azzi could smell the combination of leather, sunshine, and warm vanilla on her. She held out a hand, her smile softening into something teasing and warm. "I've heard a whole lot about you, sweetheart."
Azzi felt a jolt run straight down her spine at the word. Her hand moved automatically to meet Paige's, and when Paige’s calloused, warm fingers wrapped around hers, Azzi completely forgot how to speak.
"I—hi," Azzi managed, her voice cracking slightly before she quickly cleared her throat. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Paige said softly, her thumb brushing ever so slightly against the back of Azzi's hand before she let go. Her eyes held a playful glint, fully aware of the effect she was having. "Long drive down from Virginia, ain't it? You gotta be exhausted."
"A little," Azzi said, suddenly hyper-aware of how her heart was pounding against her ribs. She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "Bit tired, but... definitely glad I came down."
From a few feet away, Karen gave Tom a subtle, knowing nudge with her elbow. Azzi caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and felt a blush creeping up her neck, though she desperately tried to play it cool.
"We were just telling Azzi that you're going to give her her first riding lesson tomorrow morning," Tom said.
"Is that right?" Paige turned her gaze back to Azzi, leaning casually against the stall door and crossing her arms. The movement flexed her biceps slightly, a fact that Azzi’s eyes traitorously registered. "You ever been up on a horse before?"
"Not... recently," Azzi admitted, her previous adamance about keeping her distance completely evaporating into thin air. "I'm basically a beginner."
"Well, don't worry 'bout a thing," Paige said, dropping her voice just a fraction as her eyes locked onto Azzi's. "I'm a real good teacher. Very hands-on. I'll make sure you're took care of."
Azzi felt her cheeks burn hot. "Hands-on sounds... good. I mean, great. That's great."
Paige’s smile widened, a faint dimple appearing on her cheek as she let out a quiet chuckle. "Good. We'll start bright and early tomorrow before that heat really sets in. How's eight o'clock sound to ya?"
"Eight is perfect," Azzi said without a second thought, despite having planned on sleeping in until noon every single day of her vacation. "I'll be ready."
"I look forward to it, sweetheart," Paige said softly, giving her one last long, lingering look.
She turned back to the horse, unhooking the cross-ties and patting the animal's neck. "Tell you what, I'm just about wrapped up out here anyway. Lemme put him back in his stall, run inside and take a quick shower, and I'll meet y'all at the table for dinner in a bit."
"Take your time, honey," Karen smiled brightly, a triumphant smirk plastered across her face as she gently turned Azzi back toward the house. "We'll have everything set up."
As they walked back up the path, Azzi felt as if her feet were barely touching the ground. She glanced back over her shoulder once, catching Paige watching her from the barn entrance before heading back toward the house.
Karen leaned in close to Azzi, dropping her voice so Tom couldn't hear. "So... still keeping the door closed?"
Azzi stared straight ahead, her face burning, though a helpless grin tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Grandma," Azzi muttered under her breath, "please stop."
Karen just cackled softly, patting her on the back as they walked up the porch steps, Azzi’s head already spinning at the thought of sitting across from Paige at the dinner table and sharing a bedroom with her tonight.
—
The dining room was bathed in the warm, golden glow of the chandelier as Karen put the finishing touches on a massive platter of grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and cornbread. The smell wafting through the house was enough to make Azzi’s stomach rumble, but her nervous energy was keeping her entirely on edge.
She stood near the kitchen island, nervously fiddling with her bracelet, when the hallway door clicked open.
Azzi looked up, and her breath caught right in her throat.
Paige had showered. The tank top, boots, and messy ponytail were gone. In their place, she wore a fresh, soft faded denim button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, dark fitted jeans, and her damp blonde hair down, still smelling like vanilla. Her jawline and bright blue eyes seemed twice as striking now that the dust was washed away.
Paige caught Azzi staring and offered a lazy, crooked smile. "Hey again," she drawled softly, her accent slipping out like syrup.
"Hey," Azzi squeaked out, quickly smoothing her hands over her shirt. "You... cleaned up fast."
"Didn't wanna keep the guest of honor waiting," Paige teased, stepping closer. "Besides, I know better'n to be late to one of Miss Karen's meals."
"Alright, y'all, sit on down!" Karen called out warmly, carrying a steaming dish to the table. "Tom, grab the iced tea, would you?"
Azzi stepped toward the dining table, aiming for one of the wooden chairs along the side. Before her hands could even touch the back of the chair, Paige was suddenly right there beside her. Paige reached out, her arm lightly brushing against Azzi’s shoulder, and smoothly pulled the chair back for her.
Azzi paused, looking up at Paige in surprise.
"After you, sweetheart," Paige murmured, her eyes locking onto Azzi’s with a quiet, devastating charm.
Azzi felt a heat surge right up her neck to her cheeks. "Thanks," she managed, sliding into the seat. Paige gently guided the chair forward until Azzi was comfortably settled, her hand lingering on the top of the seat for just a beat longer than necessary before she took her own seat right next to Azzi.
Across the table, Karen didn't even try to hide the massive grin spreading across her face as she passed around the plates, while Tom gave Paige an approving nod.
"So, Azzi," Tom said, taking a hefty serving of chicken. "How's everything going back home?"
"It's good!" Azzi said, trying desperately to focus on her grandfather and not the fact that Paige’s knee was mere inches away from hers under the table. "Busy, but good. It's really nice to finally have a break and get away for a week."
"Well, we're sure glad to have you," Tom replied. "And tomorrow, Paige here is gonna show you how we do things out on the dirt."
"Gotta take it easy on her first day, Tom," Paige said, leaning back in her chair with a low, easy laugh. She glanced sideways at Azzi. "Don't want to break our city girl on day one. I was thinkin' we'd stick to the round pen, get her comfortable in the saddle, and maybe do a little trail ride down by the creek if she's up for it."
"That sounds... really nice, actually," Azzi said, turning her head to meet Paige's gaze.
As she spoke, Azzi reached for her glass of iced tea, realizing she had already finished half of it just trying to calm her nerves. Before her fingers could touch the glass, Paige was already moving.
Without missing a beat in the conversation, Paige picked up the pitcher from the center of the table, reached over, and smoothly refilled Azzi's glass right to the brim. She set the pitcher back down and tipped her head toward Azzi, a subtle, knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Azzi stared at her glass, completely caught off guard by how attentive Paige was being. "I... wow. You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," Paige said softly, her voice pitched low enough that it was meant just for Azzi. "Gotta make sure you're taken care of. Texas heat'll dehydrate you before you even realize it."
Azzi felt her throat go dry all over again, ironically enough. "Right. Thanks, Paige."
"Anytime, sweetheart."
Karen cleared her throat, though the amusement in her voice was unmistakable. "So, Paige, how's that new bay horse comin' along? You think Azzi can ride him this week?"
"Barnaby's a sweetheart, but he can be a little headstrong," Paige said, turning her attention back to Karen, though her arm remained resting casually on the back of Azzi’s chair, her fingers lightly brushing against the wood right behind Azzi’s shoulder. "I'm puttin' Azzi on Buttercup first. Perfect for learnin'."
"Buttercup?" Azzi asked, raising an eyebrow with a slight chuckle. "Is he yellow?"
"She's a palomino, actually," Paige corrected smoothly, leaning in just a fraction closer to Azzi, her tone dripping with quiet warmth. "Golden coat, white mane. Beautiful... kinda reminds me of someone else at this table."
Azzi nearly choked on a piece of cornbread. She quickly took a sip of the sweet tea Paige had just poured her, her heart practically hammering against her ribs.
Tom let out a laugh. "Buttercup's a good girl. You'll do just fine, Azzi."
Throughout the rest of dinner, the rhythm continued seamlessly. Paige made sure Azzi’s plate was never empty, passing her the butter, offering her the best piece of chicken, and catching Azzi's eye every time a joke was made around the table. Every quiet touch and every watchful glance from Paige made Azzi's original plan of keeping her distance crumble into dust.
By the time Karen began clearing the dessert plates, Azzi was fully, hopelessly captivated.
"I'll help with the dishes, Miss Karen," Paige said, standing up and reaching out to take Azzi's plate for her.
"Oh, don't worry about it, honey, Azzi and I can—" Karen started.
"I got it," Paige insisted softly, giving Azzi a gentle, reassuring smile. "You had a long drive, Azzi. Why don't you go on back to the room, unpack a bit, and relax? I'll be in after I finish up here."
Azzi looked up at Paige, the warm glow of the room catching the sharp features of Paige's face.
"Okay," Azzi said softly, her voice full of genuine warmth. "Thanks, Paige. For... everything."
Paige gave her a wink that made Azzi’s knees go weak. "See you in a bit, sweetheart."
—
The cool night air filtered softly through the open window of the bedroom, bringing with it the distant, soothing sounds of chirping crickets and rustling trees.
Azzi was already washed up and changed into an oversized t-shirt and a pair of soft gray shorts, sitting on the edge of her twin bed. She was trying to process the absolute whiplash of her day. She had come to Texas planning on a quiet, sleepy week, only to be completely floored by her grandparents' ranch hand.
The bathroom door clicked open, and Azzi looked up.
Paige walked back into the bedroom, her blonde hair pulled up into a loose bun. She had tossed her jeans and button-down shirt into her laundry hamper and was now wearing a pair of basketball shorts and a white sports bra. Her toned shoulders and defined abs were on full display, and Azzi felt her breath hitch slightly before she caught herself and quickly looked down at her hands.
Paige paused near the foot of her bed, suddenly noticing Azzi's initial silence. She looked down at herself, a rare moment of hesitation crossing her expression.
"Oh—hey," Paige said softly. "Is it... alright if I wear this to sleep? I usually sleep hot, but if you're uncomfortable, I can go toss a shirt on real quick. Don't wanna make you feel weird."
Azzi’s head snapped up, her cheeks instantly warm. "No! No, totally fine," she said a bit too quickly. She cleared her throat, trying to sound casual. "You're good. Don't worry about it at all."
"You sure?" Paige asked, a small, knowing smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she leaned against her bedpost.
"Yes," Azzi promised, swinging her legs up onto her mattress and pulling the blanket over her lap.
Paige smiled, seemingly satisfied, and climbed into her own bed across the narrow aisle.
"So," Azzi started, resting her chin in her hand as she turned sideways to face Paige. "How did you end up here? In Texas, working for my grandparents?"
Paige propped her head up on her arm, looking over at Azzi with a thoughtful expression. "Grew up about two hours north of here," she explained softly. "Been around horses my whole life. A few months back, I was lookin' for a change of pace; somewhere smaller, where I could really take care of the animals without all the corporate barn nonsense. I met Tom at a livestock auction in town, we got to talkin', and he offered me the gig on the spot."
"And you like it?"
"Love it," Paige said without hesitation, her eyes fixing warmly on Azzi. "Tom and Karen treat me like family. Honestly... best decision I ever made coming down here." She paused, her voice dropping an octave. "Especially now."
Azzi felt a familiar flutter in her stomach, tossing a pillow lightly at Paige's bed. "You're such a flirt."
Paige caught the pillow with an effortless laugh, tossing it back gently. "I'm just bein' honest, sweetheart."
"Mhm," Azzi chuckled, though her smile gave her away entirely. She let out a soft sigh, her playful energy settling into something a little more honest. "Can I tell you something?"
"Anything."
"I... I lied a little earlier," Azzi admitted, looking down at her blanket. "I'm actually really nervous about tomorrow."
Paige shifted on her side, her smirk disappearing, replaced by an attentive, gentle focus. "Nervous about riding?"
"Yeah," Azzi said, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I mean, I haven't been on a horse since I was like, eight years old at a birthday party. They're huge, Paige. What if I make a fool out of myself? Or worse, get thrown off?"
Paige’s expression softened completely. She reached across the small gap between their beds, her fingers coming to rest lightly on the edge of Azzi’s mattress, right near Azzi's hand.
"Hey," Paige said, her voice low and steady. "Look at me."
Azzi looked up, meeting her eyes.
"You ain't gonna make a fool out of yourself, and I am not gonna let you fall," Paige said firmly, her tone laced with reassurance. "Buttercup is the sweetest, easiest mare on this property. But more importantly, I'm gonna be right there next to you the entire time. Hand on the reins, hand on the saddle if you need it. I got you."
The confidence in Paige’s voice made Azzi’s nerves melt away almost instantly. She looked down at Paige’s hand resting on the mattress and moved her fingers over, lightly brushing them against Paige's knuckles.
"Promise?" Azzi whispered.
"Promise," Paige murmured, her thumb gently caressing the back of Azzi’s hand before she reluctantly pulled back to lie under her covers. "Now get some sleep. Morning comes real fast around here."
"Goodnight, Paige," Azzi said softly, turning off the bedside lamp and plunging the room into cool, shadowy moonlight.
"Night, sweetheart," Paige's smooth drawl floated through the dark. "Dream about horses."
—
The morning sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, casting a soft orange glow across the pastures as the crisp morning air gave way to the impending Texas heat.
Azzi stood in the barn aisle, looking up at Buttercup. The palomino mare was undeniably pretty; golden coat, white mane, and soft, gentle eyes, but standing right next to her, Azzi was still acutely aware of how massive the animal was.
"Mornin', sleepyhead," Paige’s smooth voice echoed through the barn.
Azzi turned to see Paige walking out of the tack room, looking effortlessly good in a soft, faded black tank top, dark jeans, and her boots. She carried a grooming kit in one hand and a couple of soft brushes in the other.
"Morning," Azzi smiled, holding her coffee cup like a lifeline. "I made it. Eight o'clock sharp."
"Proud of ya," Paige said, her eyes crinkling as a slow smile appeared. She set the brushes down on a bench and patted Buttercup’s neck. "Since you were feelin' a little anxious last night, we ain't gonna rush into the saddle just yet. Figured we'd start by just brushing her down. Get you comfortable around her, let her get used to your scent."
"Really?" Azzi asked, a wave of relief washing over her. "We don't have to ride right away?"
"Nope," Paige answered, picking up a brush and handing it to Azzi, her fingers deliberately brushing against Azzi’s as she passed it over. "Rushing things is how folks get hurt. We go at your pace."
Azzi took a breath and stepped closer to Buttercup. Guided by Paige’s instructions, she began making long, smooth strokes down the mare’s side. But as she leaned in to sweep the brush along Buttercup’s shoulder, a sudden breeze blew through the open barn doors, whipping Azzi's dark curls right across her eyes and mouth.
"Ugh, direct hit," Azzi muttered, tossing her head back to clear her vision, only for another gust to push her hair right back into her face.
Paige let out a soft laugh, leaning casually against the stall door as she watched. "You know, most folks tie their hair up before workin' around horses. Keeps you from going blind mid-brush."
"I know, I know," Azzi sighed, brushing a strand out of her nose with the back of her forearm. "I realized when I was walking out here that I left all my hair ties back at home."
Paige chuckled, stepping away from the stall door. "Well, we can't have our star pupil working blind, now can we?"
Azzi turned her head, about to ask what she meant, but Paige was already stepping up directly behind her.
The proximity made Azzi’s breath hitch. She could feel the subtle heat radiating off Paige, catch the clean scent of soap and vanilla, and hear the soft rustle of Paige’s boots on the barn floor.
"Keep brushing," Paige murmured, right next to Azzi’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "I got you."
Before Azzi could process the warm electric feeling running down her neck, Paige reached up with both hands. Her fingers gently gathered Azzi’s curls, gathering them smoothly at the nape of her neck. Paige’s fingertips brushed lightly against the sensitive skin of Azzi's neck and jawline, deliberate and lingering.
Azzi froze for a fraction of a second, her cheeks burning hot as she tried desperately to keep her hands moving the brush against Buttercup's side.
"There," Paige murmured, her chest practically touching Azzi’s back as she held the ponytail firmly in place. "How's that? Better?"
"Much better," Azzi managed, her voice a little breathier than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "You know... this is pretty high-end service for a horse riding lesson."
"Only the best for you, sweetheart," Paige teased quietly, her thumbs making tiny, slow circles against the base of Azzi’s neck as she held the hair tight. "Besides, I don't mind staying right here."
Azzi turned her head slightly, catching Paige watching her with an intense, playful glint in her eyes.
"You're a distraction, Paige," Azzi said, a helpless smile tugging at her lips. "I'm trying to learn how to groom a horse, and you're standing here playing with my hair."
"Hey, I'm just helping," Paige chuckled softly, her voice dipping lower as she leaned in just a millimeter closer. "Is it workin'?"
"My hair's out of my face," Azzi admitted, her heart hammering against her ribs like a drum. "So... yeah. It's working."
"Good," Paige murmured, her thumb brushing against the side of Azzi’s neck one last time before giving the ponytail a tiny, playful tug. "Take your time. I can hold this all day if I have to."
Azzi let out a quiet laugh, sliding the brush down Buttercup’s body, entirely forgetting about her nerves, the size of the horse, and the heat; completely lost in the warmth of Paige holding her close.
After another ten minutes of grooming, and Paige refusing to let go of Azzi’s hair until the very last stroke of the brush, Paige finally pulled a spare hair tie from her pocket, neatly securing Azzi’s curls before walking her through the basics.
Paige moved with practiced ease, explaining everything from how to hold the reins loosely to how Buttercup would respond to subtle leg pressure. Her voice was calm and steady, her hands guiding Azzi’s arms to show her the proper posture.
"Ridin' ain't about fighting the horse, sweetheart," Paige said softly, tossing the saddle blanket over Buttercup’s back before lifting the saddle effortlessly into place. "It's a conversation. You listen to her, she listens to you."
Paige turned to Azzi, stepping up close and patting the saddle.
"Alright, moment of truth."
Azzi stared up at the saddle, her stomach doing a dramatic flip. "Right. The saddle. High up. Very high up."
"I got you," Paige promised. She took hold of the reins near Buttercup’s bit with one hand, offering her other arm to Azzi. "Put your left foot in the stirrup, grab the horn, and spring up. I'm right here."
Azzi swallowed hard, stepping up. With a deep breath, she placed her boot into the stirrup and pushed up. For a terrifying half-second, she felt weightless and unbalanced, letting out a sharp squeak.
"Whoa, easy!" Paige laughed softly, her hands instantly planting firmly on Azzi's waist, supporting her full weight until Azzi swung her leg over and settled into the seat.
"Okay, okay, I'm up," Azzi gasped, clutching the saddle horn like a lifeline. "Oh wow. Okay. This is high."
Paige didn't immediately let go of Azzi's waist, letting her hands linger on her hips for a moment, her eyes looking up at Azzi with a mix of warmth and fondness.
"See? Piece of cake," Paige teased, giving Azzi's hip a gentle, reassuring squeeze before stepping back and grabbing the lead rope.
She slowly led Buttercup out of the shade of the barn into the bright morning sunlight. The moment they stepped into the open space, Buttercup took a long stride, and Azzi immediately stiffened, her whole body locking up.
"Paige," Azzi squeaked, her eyes wide as the horse swayed gently beneath her. "She's moving. Why is she moving so much?"
Paige stopped, looking back over her shoulder. Seeing Azzi sitting bolt upright, shoulders practically up to her ears, clutching the horn like she was on a roller coaster, Paige let out a quiet, raspy chuckle.
"She's just walkin', sweetheart," Paige said, as a crooked, thoroughly amused grin spread across her face.
"It feels like an earthquake up here!" Azzi protested, though a embarrassed laugh bubbled up in her chest. "Don't laugh at me! I told you I was terrified!"
"I ain't laughin' at ya," Paige answered smoothly, though her eyes were crinkled with absolute delight. She walked back over to the side of the horse, reaching up to gently lay her hand over Azzi's grip on the saddle horn. "You look adorable, is all."
Azzi looked down into Paige's eyes, her heart doing a completely different kind of flip that had nothing to do with being on a horse.
"Adorable?" Azzi echoed, her cheeks flushing. "I'm holding onto this thing for dear life!"
"And you're doing great," Paige murmured, her thumb stroking the back of Azzi’s hand until Azzi's posture finally softened just a little. "Just breathe. Relax your hips. I'm holding the rope, Azzi. Buttercup ain't going anywhere I don't let her."
Azzi let out a long breath, slowly loosening her grip on the horn, though she kept her eyes firmly on Paige. "You promise you won't let go?"
Paige’s expression softened, her smile turning sweet and incredibly genuine as she looked up at Azzi.
"Cross my heart," Paige murmured, her voice dripping like honey. "I ain't lettin' go of you all week."
—
Paige kept her hand on Buttercup’s bridle, guiding them slowly in wide, gentle circles around the grassy area beside the barn. With every step, Azzi’s grip on the saddle horn slowly loosened, her shoulders dropping an inch as she got used to the swaying motion of the horse.
"See? You're a natural," Paige said, looking back over her shoulder with that signature charming smirk. "Told ya there was nothing to be scared of."
"Easy for you to say," Azzi laughed, though her voice was much more relaxed now. "You probably rode a horse before you could walk."
"Pretty much," Paige chuckled. She glanced at the path ahead, then up at Azzi. "Tell you what. I'm gonna unclip this rope for just a second. You've got the reins, you're doing great. Just hold 'em soft and let her walk."
Before Azzi could object, the soft clack of the brass clip echoed in the morning air.
For about five glorious seconds, Azzi was actually doing it. She was steering Buttercup, feeling the sun on her face, feeling like a real cowgirl. But then, Buttercup tossed her head slightly and took one slightly faster, heavier step toward a patch of green grass.
Azzi’s stomach dropped straight to her shoes.
"Paige!" Azzi shrieked, her posture going instantly board-straight as she grabbed the horn again. "Paige, no! Clip it back! Clip it back right now!"
Paige didn't even hesitate. In two quick, effortless strides, she was right back beside the horse, her hand catching the bridle and bringing Buttercup to a smooth stop.
"I gotcha, I gotcha," Paige said softly, her voice full of fond amusement as she looked up at Azzi. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm right here."
Azzi let out a massive, dramatic exhale, resting her forehead against her hand as she laughed nervously. "Okay, nope. That is officially enough excitement for my first morning. Please get me off this creature."
"Fair enough," Paige chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
She led Buttercup back into the cool, shaded aisle of the barn. Once the horse was settled, Paige stepped up right beside the saddle, holding out her arms. "Alright, swing your right leg over. I'll catch ya."
Azzi carefully swung her leg over the saddle, sliding down the side of the horse. Paige’s hands immediately caught her around the waist, taking her weight and easing her down until Azzi’s boots hit the floor.
Because of the momentum, Azzi ended up chest to chest with Paige, her hands naturally coming to rest on Paige’s broad shoulders. Neither of them moved away. Paige’s hands stayed firmly resting on Azzi’s waist, her head tilted down as she looked into Azzi’s eyes.
"You did really good for your first time," Paige murmured. "Though... your posture could use a little bit of work."
Azzi blinked, her heart hammering against her ribs, and not because of the horse anymore. "My posture?"
"Yeah," Paige said, a subtle, dangerous smirk playing at the edge of her lips. She stepped half an inch closer, her thumb lightly tracing the fabric of Azzi’s shirt at her waist. "Your form was a little stiff. Needs some hands-on adjustment."
"Oh," Azzi said, her mind suddenly going completely hazy. "And... are we going to practice that out here?"
"Well," Paige whispered, leaning in just a fraction closer so her breath brushed Azzi's cheek, "Tom and Karen had to drive into town for supplies. Won't be back till dinner time."
Azzi blinked again, a tiny wave of confusion washing over her before she caught the implication in Paige’s eyes. "Wait... they're gone all day?"
"All day," Paige confirmed softly, her eyes dropping down to Azzi’s lips for a quick beat before snapping back up. "So I was thinkin'... why don't I put Buttercup away, and we head up to the house? I can show you proper form where it's a little more... comfortable. Air-conditioned, too."
The air in the barn suddenly felt ten degrees hotter. Azzi swallowed hard, a slow, helpless smile breaking across her face as she looked up at Paige.
"Air-conditioning sounds great," Azzi whispered, her hands sliding off Paige's shoulders to lightly tug at the collar of Paige's tank top. "Lead the way."
—
The walk back from the barn felt completely different than it had two hours ago. The morning sun was bright, but all Azzi could focus on was the steady, grounding presence of Paige walking beside her, their fingers lightly brushing against each other with every step.
They stepped into the house, the front door clicking shut behind them. Without Tom and Karen there, the house felt strangely big, filled only with the faint hum of the air conditioner and the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway.
Azzi kicked off her boots by the entryway, turning around to face Paige. She leaned back against the wall, crossing her arms over her chest with a playful, teasing half-smile.
"Okay," Azzi started, raising an eyebrow. "How exactly are you supposed to teach me horse-riding posture inside a living room? Are we bringing a chair out, or—"
Before Azzi could even finish her sentence, Paige closed the space between them.
Paige’s hands came up, her palms planting firmly against the wall on either side of Azzi’s head, trapping her in place. The sudden movement sent a thrill straight down Azzi’s spine. Azzi’s breath hitched in her throat as she looked up into Paige’s eyes, which were no longer filled with easygoing banter, but with a dark, intense heat that made Azzi’s knees instantly weak.
"I might've lied a little about the posture lesson, sweetheart," Paige murmured right above Azzi's lips.
"You did, huh?" Azzi breathed, her hands naturally rising to rest against Paige's waist.
"Yeah," Paige purred. "I just really needed an excuse to do this."
Paige leaned in, tilting her head, and pressed her lips to Azzi’s.
The kiss was soft at first, a warm, lingering press that tasted like sweet tea and felt like electricity. Paige’s lips were impossibly soft, moving against hers with a patient, magnetic warmth that made Azzi’s head spin. Azzi gasped softly into the kiss, her fingers tightening around the fabric of Paige’s tank top, pulling her closer.
After a long, breathtaking moment, Paige slowly pulled back just a few inches. Her breathing was slightly uneven, her forehead resting gently against Azzi’s. Her eyes searched Azzi’s face with intense care.
"Hey," Paige whispered softly, her thumb reaching up to stroke Azzi’s cheekbone. "Is this okay? I ain't moving too fast for you, am I?"
Azzi looked up into Paige’s eyes, her heart pounding like a drum against her ribs. The care and respect in Paige's voice made Azzi’s chest ache in the best way possible.
"Paige," Azzi murmured, a smile breaking across her face as she slid her hands up from Paige’s waist to wrap around her neck, tangling her fingers in the soft blonde hair at the base. "If you stop kissing me right now, I'm going to throw myself off Buttercup tomorrow."
Paige let out a low, breathless laugh.
"Well, we can't have that," Paige responded smoothly.
Paige leaned back in, capturing Azzi’s lips again, only this time, there was no hesitation. The second kiss was deeper, hungrier, filled with all the built-up tension from the moment Azzi had stepped out of the car yesterday.
Azzi let out a soft sigh into Paige's mouth as Paige’s hands slid down from the wall, wrapping firmly around Azzi's waist and pulling her flush against her body. The heat radiating between them was intoxicating. Every time Paige’s lips moved against hers, every time Paige’s hands gave a gentle, possessing squeeze to her hips, Azzi felt like she was completely melting into the drywall.
Paige shifted closer, her thigh subtly stepping between Azzi’s legs to hold her up as Azzi’s posture completely gave out under the intensity. Paige's mouth slid from Azzi's lips down to trace a trail of soft, lingering kisses along her jawline, down to the sensitive dip beneath her ear.
Azzi tilted her head back against the wall, a quiet, shuddering gasp escaping her lips. "Paige..."
"I got you, sweetheart," Paige murmured against her skin, her hands sliding up under the back of Azzi’s shirt, her palms pressing directly against the bare skin of Azzi's waist, sending goosebumps rippling across her entire body. "I got you."
Paige brought her lips back to Azzi’s, deepening the kiss once more.
Paige pulled back slightly, her breath warm against Azzi’s cheek, though her eyes were heavy with intention. She took a slow step backward toward the stairs, lacing her fingers securely through Azzi's.
"Come on," Paige murmured, as she tugged Azzi gently toward the staircase.
Azzi followed without a second thought, her head still swimming from the kiss. They made their way up the stairs in comfortable silence, the quiet house amplifying the soft sound of their steps. When they reached the room, Paige closed the door behind them, the soft click of the latch echoing in the space.
Turning around, Paige didn't hesitate. She pulled her tank top over her head in one fluid motion and tossed it onto the nearby chair. Before Azzi could even take in the sight, Paige reached down, unbuckled her belt, and unzipped her jeans, stepping out of them effortlessly.
Underneath, strapped securely around her hips, was a sleek leather harness holding a strap-on.
Azzi’s eyes widened slightly, her breath catching right in her throat.
Paige leaned back against the edge of the dresser, crossing her arms over her chest as a slow, confident, and thoroughly wicked smirk spread across her face.
"I knew your form was gonna need work, sweetheart," Paige murmured, her eyes dark and heavy as they locked onto Azzi. "And I always come prepared for extra practice."
Azzi swallowed hard, her heart pounding against her ribs as the confidence radiating off Paige completely pinned her in place.
Paige tipped her head toward the bed, her voice dropping into a low, smooth command that left zero room for argument. "Now strip... and get on the bed for me."
Azzi didn't say a word. Her eyes stayed locked on Paige as her hands reached for the hem of her t-shirt, pulling it over her head and tossing it onto the floor. She unbuttoned her shorts, stepping out of them until she was left in just her underwear, her skin tingling under the intensity of Paige’s gaze.
Paige’s eyes scanned down Azzi’s body, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Look at you..." Paige admired softly. "So damn gorgeous."
Azzi moved toward the bed, crawling onto the mattress. Paige immediately followed, shifting up beside her and pulling Azzi into her arms. The contrast of Paige’s smooth, bare skin against hers sent a wave of heat through Azzi’s body. Paige leaned in, capturing Azzi’s lips in a slow, deep kiss that made Azzi melt into the sheets, her hands sliding up to frame Paige’s jaw.
"Good girl," Paige murmured against Azzi’s lips, trailing soft, lingering kisses down her jawline to her neck, making Azzi gasp quietly. "You're doing so good for me."
Paige pulled back just enough to look down into Azzi’s flushed face, her eyes dark with focus. She rested one hand gently on Azzi’s waist, her thumb making slow, soothing circles.
"Tell me something," Paige murmured with a quiet curiosity. "You ever taken strap before?"
Azzi looked up at her, her breath hitched in her throat, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Yeah," she admitted softly, her voice breathy. "I have."
Paige’s smirk returned, slow and devastatingly satisfied. "Good," Paige murmured, her fingers giving Azzi’s hip a firm, possessive squeeze. "That makes things even better."
Before Azzi could respond, Paige shifted backward, propping herself up against the headboard and tapping her collarbone.
"Come here," Paige commanded softly, her voice dropping into that smooth, irresistible cadence. "Come sit on my face first, sweetheart. Lemme warm you up right."
Azzi’s cheeks burned hot, but her body moved automatically. She straddled Paige’s chest, positioning herself right over Paige's face, her hands resting on Paige’s shoulders for balance.
Paige reached up, her hands gripping Azzi’s hips firmly to steady her, guiding her down. "That's it," Paige murmured against her skin before sliding Azzi’s underwear aside and burying her face between Azzi’s thighs.
Azzi gasped, her fingers tightening on Paige’s shoulders as Paige’s tongue made firm, warm contact. Paige was thorough and patient, her hands holding Azzi tightly in place while she worked, her tongue swirling in long, deliberate strokes that made Azzi’s head roll back. The low hum of Paige’s murmurs against her skin vibrated right through Azzi, making her hips shift instinctively against Paige's mouth as the heat pooled between her legs.
Paige kept her tongue working in smooth, deep rhythms until Azzi’s thighs began to tremble against her hands, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Just as Azzi felt the first peak building, Paige placed her hands firmly on Azzi's waist, easing her up slightly.
"Easy, sweetheart," Paige murmured, her voice raspy and breathless as she looked up at Azzi’s flushed, stunning face."I want you to feel every single second of this next part."
Paige shifted underneath her, gently guiding Azzi down so they were facing each other on the bed. Paige propped herself back up against the headboard, her arms reaching out to pull Azzi close. She cupped Azzi’s cheek, running her thumb over Azzi's bottom lip before bringing her in for a slow, lingering kiss.
"You doing alright?" Paige asked softly, her voice quiet and impossibly sweet as she smoothed a few stray curls away from Azzi’s forehead.
"Yeah," Azzi breathed out, her hands resting on Paige’s shoulders, her body still buzzing from Paige's mouth. "More than alright."
"Good," Paige whispered, her hands sliding down to frame Azzi's hips. She carefully aligned the tip of the strap against Azzi's entrance, holding herself completely still to let Azzi set the pace. "Look at me, Azzi."
"Take your time," Paige whispered, her hands steady and grounding on Azzi’s hips, giving them a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "You're in control, sweetheart. Just sink down whenever you're ready."
Azzi took a long, shaky breath and slowly lowered her hips. The initial stretch was intense, making her gasp aloud, her fingers digging firmly into Paige's shoulders.
"Ah—Paige—" Azzi cried out, her head tilting back as she froze mid-movement.
"I got you, I got you," Paige soothed instantly, her voice dripping like warm honey. She leaned up to press a tender kiss to the corner of Azzi’s mouth, then her cheek, then her jaw. "Breathe for me. You're taking it so damn well. Just relax those pretty hips for me."
Azzi let out a shuddering breath, Paige's sweet praises instantly loosening the tension in her muscles. Slowly, inch by inch, Azzi sank all the way down, taking every bit of Paige until their hips met flush together.
Azzi let out a loud moan that echoed off the walls of the bedroom, her chest heaving as she buried her face into the crook of Paige’s neck.
"Oh, fuck, Paige..." Azzi whined out.
Paige let out a quiet groan of her own, her hands tightening around Azzi’s waist, her thumbs stroking the smooth skin of her lower back. "Shh, I know... look at you, sweetheart. You're holding me so tight." Paige tilted her head to murmur right into Azzi’s ear. "You like how that feels?"
"Yes," Azzi gasped out, her head snapping back as she began to lift her hips and slide back down, finding a slow, natural rhythm. "Yes, it feels—ah!"
As Azzi rode up and down, the angle hit a spot deep inside that made her voice crack into a loud, high moan. She couldn't keep quiet even if she wanted to; every roll of her hips brought a fresh wave of pleasure.
Paige’s smirk flared, her eyes wide with delight as she watched Azzi work above her. Paige started meeting Azzi’s rolls from below, popping her hips upward with deliberate, slow thrusts that hit that exact spot every single time.
"That's it, baby," Paige encouraged, her voice thick and praise-filled. "Ride it just like that. You're doing so good for me. Hear how pretty you sound?"
"Paige—god, Paige!" Azzi cried out loudly. Her hips sped up, her body moving in a frantic, desperate rhythm as the heat built into a tight, coiled spring deep in her lower stomach. "It's too much—ah!"
"No it ain't, you got it," Paige replied smoothly, her hands shifting from Azzi’s hips up to hold her waist firmly, taking over the rhythm and guiding Azzi down harder, faster, deeper. Paige leaned up, pressing her forehead against Azzi’s, her breath ragged. "Let it go, baby. Come for me. Let me hear you."
Azzi didn't need to be told twice. The combination of Paige’s relentless, perfect thrusts, the praise dripping from her lips, and the visual of Paige looking up at her with so much devotion pushed Azzi right over the edge.
Azzi cried out Paige's name in a loud, shattering scream, her entire body arching as the orgasm tore through her in powerful, wracking waves. Her inner muscles clamped down hard around the strap, her chest heaving as she collapsed forward, burying her face into Paige’s neck, her loud, breathless sobs of pleasure muffling against Paige’s bare skin.
Paige didn't stop moving entirely; she kept up a slow, gentle roll beneath her, riding out the end of Azzi’s climax while wrapping her arms completely around Azzi’s back, pulling her close.
"There she is," Paige whispered softly, kissing the side of Azzi’s head over and over again, her voice full of warmth and pride. "I got you, sweetheart. Good girl. You did so amazing for me."
Azzi lay there chest to chest with Paige, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs, her body trembling and utterly spent. She let out a long, shuddering sigh, resting her cheek against Paige's shoulder.
"Don't move," Azzi mumbled, her voice thick and breathy. "I don't think my legs work anymore."
"I ain't going nowhere," Paige chuckled softly.
Instead of letting Azzi slip off or pulling back, Paige gathered Azzi tightly in her arms. With effortless strength, Paige carefully rolled them both onto their sides, keeping their bodies flush together so she stayed buried deep inside her.
Azzi let out a quiet, surprised gasp as the shift in position sent a fresh, gentle spark straight through her core.
Paige was curled around her from behind, spooning her tightly into the curve of her body. Paige pulled the cool cotton bedsheet up over both of them, burying her face in the crook of Azzi’s neck.
"There," Paige murmured, her lips brushing the sensitive skin right behind Azzi’s ear. "Now stay right here with me."
Azzi smiled, letting out a soft, contented sigh as she reached down to tangle her fingers with Paige's, which were wrapped securely around her waist. The lingering sensation of Paige still inside her was warm and incredibly grounding, making every last bit of tension leave her body.
"You're unbelievable," Azzi whispered, leaning her head back against Paige’s chest.
Paige tightened her grip slightly, pressing a soft kiss to Azzi’s shoulder blade, her breath warm against her back. "Just makin' sure you get all the instruction you need, sweetheart. We got all afternoon."
The room was still for a few minutes, filled only with the soft sound of their breathing and the hum of the air conditioner. But as Paige held Azzi tightly against her chest, her breathing began to deepen again, becoming warm and heavy against the nape of Azzi’s neck.
Without pulling back an inch, Paige subtly shifted her hips. A slow, agonizingly deep thrust pushed the strap straight back into that exact sensitive spot.
Azzi’s eyes flew open, a sharp, loud gasp tearing from her throat. "Paige—ah!"
"Shh," Paige calmed, her voice dropping into a dark, low whisper right against Azzi’s ear.
Paige reached her hand around, resting her palm firmly against the center of Azzi’s lower stomach, pressing down slightly. The added pressure locked Azzi’s hips right against hers, making every slow slide of the strap feel twice as deep and overwhelming.
Azzi’s head thrashed back against the pillow, her reactions echoing off the walls of the bedroom. "Oh, god, Paige! That—mmph!"
"Look at how loud you get the second I touch you," Paige whispered, her hips beginning to pull back and drive in with a steady, relentless rhythm. Her hand stayed pinned to Azzi's stomach, holding her completely helpless against the mattress. "Can't keep quiet for me, can you, baby?"
"Paige, please—"
"Please what, baby?" Paige questioned, her pace picking up, the friction building into a hot, heavy rhythm behind Azzi.
Azzi’s breath hitched as the sensation began to build rapidly in her core again, bringing her right to the very edge of another orgasm. "Paige, wait—I'm gonna—"
Before Azzi could finish, Paige abruptly slowed her hips to a deliberate, torturous crawl, holding herself just shy of that sweet spot and pulling Azzi back from the brink.
Azzi let out a needy, frustrated whine, trying to tilt her hips back into the pressure. "Paige... please..."
Paige leaned down, her lips brushing the shell of Azzi’s ear, her voice dripping with a commanding possessiveness.
"Uh-uh," Paige whispered, her hand pressing firmly down onto Azzi’s lower stomach to keep her in place. "You ain't finishing yet, sweetheart. You're getting fucked until you make me cum."
The intensity in Paige’s voice made Azzi’s heart hammer wildly against her ribs, heat washing over her entire body. She leaned her head back against Paige’s chest, breathless and completely surrendered to her.
"Okay," Azzi gasped out, her hands reaching down to cover Paige's on her stomach. "Okay... whatever you want."
A low, dangerous chuckle vibrated against Azzi's back.
"Good girl," Paige groaned softly.
Paige grabbed Azzi by her waist and manhandled her, pulling the strap out for only a fraction of a second before lifting Azzi right onto her lap.
Azzi gasped as Paige maneuvered her so her back was pressed flush against Paige’s chest, staying facing forward, before Paige guided her straight down again. The strap slid all the way back inside with zero resistance, locking them together once more.
"Ah! Fuck!" Azzi cried out, her head falling back against Paige’s shoulder.
Paige wrapped one arm around Azzi’s chest, pinning her tight, while her other hand gripped Azzi's hip to drive upward. Paige set a fast, punishing rhythm from below, thrusting into Azzi over and over while burying her face into the crook of Azzi’s neck, dropping hot, messy kisses along her skin.
Both of them were loud now, the room filled with the slap of skin, Azzi’s high, desperate moans, and Paige’s groans.
"God, you feel so fucking good, baby," Paige groaned into her neck, her voice dripping with approval. "You like taking it like this? Sitting on my lap, getting stretched out?"
"Yes—ah! Paige, yes!" Azzi sobbed out, her hands clutching at Paige’s thigh for leverage as Paige’s thrusts hit that spot repeatedly.
"You want me to cum inside you?" Paige whispered dirty against her jaw, her hips popping upward with merciless force. "You want me to fill you up?"
"Please, Paige!" Azzi begged, her voice cracking, completely desperate. "Please, I want it, cum inside me!"
"Uh-uh, you gotta work harder for it than that," Paige responded, a wicked smirk against Azzi’s skin.
Paige shifted her grip, manhandling Azzi again, forcing her to sit up straight on her lap without Paige supporting her back. Now, Azzi was fully exposed, her chest heaving, sitting upright while Paige had a full view of everything.
Paige’s eyes darkened as she looked down at Azzi’s body working above her.
"Look at you," Paige whispered softly, her hand coming down with a loud, sharp slap against Azzi’s ass, leaving a bright red handprint. "Sitting up here like a good girl. Look at that fat ass bouncing on me."
"Ah!" Azzi cried out at the sting, a wave of intense heat rushing straight to her core as Paige slapped her again just as hard, grabbing her hips to force her down deeper onto the strap.
"Ride it, baby," Paige commanded, her hands now digging firmly into Azzi’s thighs, guiding her up and down in a fast, agonizing pace. "Show me how bad you want me to cum."
Azzi kept riding Paige’s lap, her hips moving in a fast, desperate rhythm that made the room ring with the sound of her moans. She was completely at Paige's mercy, her body flushed and trembling as Paige held her firmly in place.
"Baby?" Paige asked softly against her ear, her hand resting on the curve of Azzi’s hip before lifting. "You like getting slapped like this? You like when I mark what's mine?"
"Yes!" Azzi sobbed out, her posture arching as Paige brought her hand down with another sharp, loud slap against her skin. "Ah! God, yes, Paige!"
"Good girl," Paige purred, her voice thick with approval as her hand immediately came down again leaving another hot, stinging print. "Such a good girl for me."
Slap. "Taking it so well."
Slap. "Look at how red you get."
The combination of the stinging heat on her skin, the deep, relentless thrusts of the strap, and the filthy praise pouring from Paige’s lips had Azzi completely unraveling. She couldn't take much more. Her hips worked frantically above Paige, her hands clutching Paige’s shoulders as she practically started weeping with desperation.
"Paige, please... I can't, it's too much!" Azzi begged, her voice cracking. "Please cum for me!"
Paige’s hands tightened around Azzi’s waist, abruptly bringing her frantic movement to a complete standstill. Paige leaned back against the headboard, her chest heaving, her eyes dark, completely unhinged with satisfaction as she looked up at Azzi.
"You really wanna make me cum that bad, sweetheart?" Paige questioned.
"Yes, please," Azzi whimpered, her body shuddering on top of her.
A slow smirk spread across Paige’s face.
"Suck me," Paige commanded softly, tapping her thigh and looking down at Azzi. "Get down there and use that pretty mouth on me."
Azzi didn't hesitate for a single second. She slid right off Paige’s lap, dropping to her knees on the mattress between Paige’s spread legs, and immediately leaned in to comply.
Paige let out a low, ragged groan, her head falling back against the headboard as Azzi set a surprisingly deep, enthusiastic rhythm. But Azzi didn't just stop at taking her in; she wanted to make Paige completely lose her composure.
Azzi swirled her tongue around the head, using her lips to create a tight, suctioned pull before taking Paige down her throat in one long, smooth glide.
"God—fuck, Azzi..." Paige gasped out, her hands flying to tangle firmly into Azzi’s curls. Her fingers threaded through her hair with possessive strength, but Azzi didn't flinch.
Instead, Azzi bobbed her head faster, swirling her tongue with every up and down stroke and pressing her chest flat against Paige's thigh to get even deeper. Every time Paige let out a moan, Azzi pushed further, using her hands to stroke the base while her mouth worked the top, humming low in her throat to send vibrations straight through Paige.
Paige’s hips twitched off the mattress, a loud, raspy moan tearing straight from her chest. "Holy shit, baby... look at you go..."
Without warning, Paige’s grip tightened in Azzi's hair, her hand pressing down on the back of Azzi’s head, holding her down deep until Azzi’s throat caught.
Azzi gagged softly, a sharp, muffled noise escaping her throat, her eyes watering. But instead of pulling back or fighting it, Azzi relaxed her jaw completely, taking every inch without hesitation. She kept her throat open, swallowing down hard and continuing to stroke the base with her hand while locked in Paige's grip.
Paige let out a filthy groan of pure disbelief, her hand releasing Azzi's head just enough to let her breathe before holding her down once more.
"Look at you taking all of it," Her voice wrecked and raspy. "God, you are so fucking good at this, sweetheart. So eager for me."
Hearing the pride and undone pleasure in Paige's voice sent a violent shockwave straight to Azzi’s core. Azzi worked even harder, picking up the pace, her mouth swirling tighter, taking Paige as deep as she could go, completely driven wild by every reaction she tore out of Paige.
Paige’s breathing was ragged, her hips rolling up off the bed to meet Azzi’s mouth as she lost her cool completely. She looked down, catching the desperate look in Azzi’s tear-filled eyes as she sucked, completely hooked on every word and groan.
A slow, knowing smirk spread across Paige’s flushed face, her thumb lightly tracing Azzi’s bottom lip as she pulled her back just an inch to let her catch her breath.
"Wait a second..." Paige whispered softly, her breath coming in heavy gasps. "Do you have a praise kink, baby?"
Azzi froze, a bright, burning blush instantly exploding across her face and neck. She looked down, deeply embarrassed, her chest heaving as spit dripped from her lips.
"I—" Azzi stammered, her voice breathy and small. She swallowed hard, looking up through her lashes. "...Yes."
Paige let out a quiet laugh that vibrated with satisfaction.
"I knew it," Paige replied, her eyes glowing with delight. She reached out, catching Azzi under her arms and effortlessly pulling her back into her lap. "Come here. Back on top. I want you facing me this time."
Azzi complied instantly, straddling Paige’s lap and lining herself up. She slowly sank all the way down onto the strap, a loud, shuddering moan tearing from her throat as she took Paige completely back inside her.
The second Azzi was settled, Paige’s hands came up to gently frame Azzi’s face. Paige pulled her down into a deep, incredibly sweet kiss before pulling back just far enough to look right into her eyes.
"Such a good listener," Paige whispered, her thumb stroking Azzi’s cheek with immense warmth as she began pushing her hips upward in a slow, deep rhythm. "So obedient for me all morning. Sucking me so good, taking the strap, swallowing every inch without a single complaint."
Azzi’s head rolled back, a high, needy whimper escaping her as Paige’s steady, deep thrusts hit her sweet spot over and over, punctuated by the relentless stream of affection.
"You can handle so much, sweetheart," Paige praised softly, leaning up to press soft, worshipful kisses to Azzi’s nose, her cheeks, her jawline. "My tough girl. You're doing so amazing for me."
Azzi lost her mind, her hands clutching Paige’s shoulders as she rode her, completely drowning in the warmth.
Paige’s hands shifted from Azzi’s waist up to the small of her back, gently slowing the frantic pace.
Azzi leaned down, her lips finding Paige’s in a hot, breathless makeout. It was messy and deep. Their tongues swirling together in a slow, intoxicating rhythm that matched the steady roll of their hips.
Unable to get close enough, Azzi pulled her lips away and buried her face into the crook of Paige’s neck. She planted needy, open-mouthed kisses along the line of Paige’s jaw down to her collarbone, sucking lightly against the smooth skin until Paige let out a quiet, raspy hum.
Azzi was entirely out of her mind with heat. Even though she knew logically that Paige was a girl, the sheer realism of the strap, the weight of Paige underneath her, and the dominance Paige had shown, had completely blurred the lines in Azzi's brain. She was obsessed with the fantasy of Paige filling her, of making Paige cum deep inside her.
Determined to make it happen, Azzi took control of her posture. She arched her back, grinding her hips down hard with every roll, intentionally pressing Paige's base directly against her own slick, swollen core. The friction sent a searing wave of pleasure straight to Azzi's head, making her let out a sharp, trembling whine right against Paige's pulse point.
"Paige..." Azzi whimpered, her voice raspy, breathless, and entirely undone. "God, you feel so good... you're so fucking good to me..."
Paige’s hands tightened around Azzi's waist, her thumb digging into her hip as she felt the shift in Azzi's movement. "Yeah, baby?" Paige whispered. "Tell me about it."
Azzi ground down extra hard, rolling her hips in a tight, desperate circle that pressed them flush together. She tilted her head, her lips brushing Paige's ear as she tried her best to talk dirty, her heart hammering wildly.
"I love your dick so much," Azzi whispered, her breath scorching hot against Paige's skin. "I want you to fill me up, Paige... I want you to cum so deep inside me..."
Paige let out a low, ragged breath, her hips bucking up slightly to meet the deep grind.
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping into a needy, breathless murmur right into Paige’s ear.
"Cum inside me... baby."
Paige let out a loud, gut-wrenching moan that tore straight from her throat, her entire frame going taut beneath Azzi.
"Holy fuck," Paige breathed out.
Hearing Paige completely lose her cool set off something wild inside Azzi.
"Yeah, baby?" Azzi muttered, her voice dropping into a filthy whisper that vibrated right against Paige’s pulse point. She kept up that tight, rolling grind, making sure every movement pressed them together as flush as physically possible. "You like hearing me say that? You like knowing what you do to me?"
Paige let out a loud, shuddering moan, her head falling back against the headboard with a soft thud. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, her chest heaving underneath Azzi.
"Fuck... Azzi..." Paige groaned. "God, you're driving me fucking crazy..."
"No way," Azzi whimpered playfully, leaning down to plant a hot, biting kiss along the sharp line of Paige’s jaw before dragging her lips back to her ear. "You're the one who said I had to work hard to make you cum. I'm just being a good listener, baby. Doing exactly what I was told."
Azzi reached down, taking both of Paige's hands off her waist and guiding them down, placing them firmly over her ass.
"Hold on," Azzi commanded softly, her voice trembling with a mix of authority and pure, needy desperation. "Feel how good you make me ride you."
Paige didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second. Her fingers dug deep into Azzi's soft skin, squeezing hard. Her palms stung slightly against the hot, flushed skin she had slapped earlier, holding Azzi locked in place. Paige’s thumbs pressed into the smooth dips below Azzi's hips as Azzi began to work her posture again, lifting herself just an inch before slamming her hips back down.
The wet sound of their bodies meeting filled the quiet room, mingled with the loud, rhythmic slap of skin and the unraveling sound of Paige’s composure. Azzi arched her back, grinding her hips down in tight, deliberate circles that kept the base of the strap pressed hard against her swollen, sensitive clit while the length stretched her out deep inside.
"Fuck, baby, look at me," Azzi begged, her voice cracking into a loud, needy moan that echoed off the walls. She looked down, locking her gaze straight into Paige's dark, heavy blue eyes. "Look at how deep you are inside me. You feel so big... filling me so good..."
Paige’s hips twitched violently underneath her, a groan tearing straight from her chest. "Azzi... fuck, baby… you're gonna make me cum... I swear to god..."
"Then cum for me," Azzi pleaded, her hands sliding up to grip Paige's shoulders, her nails digging in as she picked up the pace. She rolled her hips faster, slamming down hard and relentlessly, keeping the blunt pressure pinned right on her clit while taking every single inch deep into her core. "Fill me up. I want to feel you cum so deep inside me... make me your dirty girl, please...”
That was the limit.
Paige let out a loud, shattered groan that vibrated right through the mattress. Her fingers dug into Azzi’s ass with ruthless strength, and her hips bucked upward in a series of hard, uncontrolled, frantic thrusts. Paige’s entire frame went taut, her abdominal muscles locking up as she came, completely overwhelmed by Azzi’s body and the relentless stream of filth pouring into her ears.
"Ah—fuck! Azzi!" Paige cried out. She held Azzi pinned flush against her hips, driving upward again and again to ride out the violent, wracking waves of her climax. "I'm cumming—god, I'm cumming inside you, baby!"
Paige held her tight, driving up as deep as humanly possible one last time.
"Fuck, you feel so good," Paige rasped out, her voice trembling with effort as she buried her face in the crook of Azzi’s neck, dropping frantic, open-mouthed kisses against her skin. "So perfect baby..."
The lingering friction of Paige holding her down, combined with the heat of Paige’s voice in her ear, drove Azzi straight over the edge right alongside her. Azzi threw her head back, letting out a loud scream of pleasure as her muscles clamped down hard around the strap, her body wracked with intense, uncontrollable waves of relief as she collapsed completely onto Paige's chest, shattered in her arms.
—
Paige gently lifted Azzi off her lap, easing her down onto her back on the mattress. The separation sent a small chill over Azzi’s flushed, sensitive skin, but before she could even register it, Paige was already moving with frantic speed.
Paige unbuckled the harness, unceremoniously tossing it onto the floor. A wave of guilt washed over her; she felt horrible that she hadn't immediately pulled Azzi into her arms when they finished, worried that even a few seconds of distance felt cold.
"Come here," Paige murmured, her voice laced with urgency.
She gathered Azzi up into her arms and pulled the covers over both of them. Paige pulled Azzi’s head against her chest, wrapping her arms securely around her waist, and pressed a long, tender kiss to her forehead.
"You okay, sweetheart?" Paige asked softly, her eyes filled with quiet concern as she looked down at Azzi’s pale, exhausted face. "I'm sorry I didn't hold you right away."
Azzi let out a long, shuddering sigh, nestling her face deeper into the crook of Paige’s neck. "It's okay," Azzi mumbled, her voice breathy, and small. "I'm just... really tired. My legs hurt. And my tummy hurts."
Paige’s eyebrows knit together instantly, a spike of worry crossing her features. "Your stomach?" Paige asked softly, her hand coming to rest over Azzi's waist. "What kind of hurt, baby? Did I press down too hard earlier? Is it a sharp pain, or..."
"No, not like that," Azzi whispered, closing her eyes as she cuddled closer to Paige’s warmth. "It just... feels like a cramp."
Relief washed over Paige, though her concern didn't fade. "A cramp... okay. Okay, I got you."
Paige carefully shifted Azzi onto her back, keeping her comfortably tucked under the covers. Paige propped herself up on one elbow beside her, reaching under the sheets to place her palm flat against Azzi’s lower abdomen.
Her hand was warm against Azzi’s skin. Paige began moving her palm in slow, gentle, soothing circles right over her lower stomach, applying just enough light pressure to ease the tight, aching muscles.
"How's that feel?" Paige asked quietly, her voice dropping into an impossibly gentle, sweet tone.
"Good," Azzi breathed out, a soft sigh escaping her lips as the warmth of Paige’s hand immediately started to work against the dull ache. "Feels really good."
"Good," Paige murmured, leaning down to kiss Azzi’s cheek, then her temple, then her lips. Her thumb stroked the side of Azzi’s hip as her palm kept up the rubbing. "You did so amazing for me today, Azzi.."
Paige paused for a second, her eyes searching Azzi’s face with complete, unwavering sincerity.
"Hey," Paige said softly, her voice thick with genuine care. "I need you to tell me if anything today was too much, okay? If I pushed too hard, if I hurt you, if you need me to slow down or do anything different next time... you just gotta tell me. You won't hurt my feelings, I promise. I just want to make sure I'm taking proper care of you."
Azzi opened her eyes, looking up at Paige’s worried, affectionate face. A soft, small smile tugged at the corners of Azzi’s lips, her heart melting completely at how attentive Paige was being.
"Nothing was too much," Azzi promised quietly, reaching up to gently trace the line of Paige's jaw. "You took such good care of me. It felt amazing... all of it."
Paige let out a long sigh of relief, leaning down to press her forehead gently against Azzi’s.
"Good," Paige whispered against her skin, her hand continuing its slow, warm circles over Azzi’s stomach. "Good. You just lie back and rest now, baby. I'm right here. I'll rub it until it feels all better."
Paige kept her hand moving in slow circles against Azzi’s lower stomach, her palm radiating a steady, comforting heat under the covers. She watched Azzi’s face closely, waiting for the slight tension in her brow to soften.
After a few quiet minutes, Paige leaned in a little closer, her voice soft and hushed. "How's it feel now, sweet girl? Any better?"
Azzi bit her bottom lip, shifting slightly under the sheets before shaking her head. "No... not really."
Paige’s expression tightened with instant worry, her eyebrows knitting together as her hand paused for a fraction of a second before resuming its gentle motion. "It ain't helping at all?"
"A little, but it still hurts," Azzi mumbled, pulling the blanket up higher around her shoulders.
"Hey," Paige murmured, her eyes filled with quiet concern as she brushed a stray curl away from Azzi's forehead. "Has this ever happened to you before? After... doing stuff like this?"
Azzi looked up at her through her lashes, her voice small. "Yeah. Sometimes." She paused, her forehead crinkling slightly. "But... it never usually lasts this long."
Paige’s heart sank a little. She rubbed her thumb soothingly against Azzi’s hipbone. "Were you cramping while we were doing it?"
Azzi hesitated for a second before giving a small, guilty nod.
Paige let out a long, heavy sigh, a mixture of guilt and frustration washing over her face. She leaned down, pressing a lingering, sweet kiss to Azzi’s lips, then her nose, and finally her forehead.
"Baby, we should've stopped the second you felt that," Paige said softly, her tone dripping with gentle regret. "You gotta tell me when something hurts."
Azzi instantly pouted, her lips pushing out as she turned her head slightly into the pillow, looking thoroughly defensive. "I'm sorry," she grumbled, her voice full of sweet, stubborn protest. "I just... I didn't want to stop."
Paige couldn't help the soft, fond smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth, even as her chest ached with concern for her. "I know, sweetheart. I know you didn't."
Paige kissed her cheek one more time before sliding back the covers and stepping out of bed. "Alright. We're gonna fix this."
Azzi blinked, watching as Paige scooped her up off the mattress, cradling her securely against her bare chest. Azzi instinctively wrapped her arms around Paige’s neck, burying her face into the crook of her shoulder as Paige carried her out of the bedroom and into the adjoining bathroom.
Paige set her down gently on the edge of the counter, immediately turning around to plug the drain of the tub and turning on the taps. She adjusted the temperature until steaming, perfectly warm water began pouring out, filling the bathroom with a gentle, soothing mist.
Paige stood right in front of Azzi, resting her hands on Azzi's knees and looking down into her pouty face with a soft, reassuring grin.
"A hot bath is gonna soak all that tension right out of your muscles," Paige promised gently, reaching to stroke Azzi’s cheek. "It's gonna make it all better, I promise."
Paige reached down, testing the water with her hand until it was at a perfectly warm, relaxing temperature. She turned off the taps, then turned back to Azzi, slipping her hands under her arms to gently lift her off the counter.
"Alright, sweetheart," Paige murmured softly, helping Azzi step over the high porcelain edge and into the steaming water. "Go on and sink all the way down."
Azzi let out a long, quiet sigh as the warm water swirled up to her chest, immediately taking the edge off the aching muscles in her lower belly. Paige smiled, pressing a quick, tender kiss to the top of Azzi’s hair.
"I'll be right back, okay? Just sit tight for a second."
Paige stepped out of the bathroom, leaving the door cracked open. True to her word, she was back less than five minutes later. She had tossed on a pair of oversized gray sweatpants and a soft cotton t-shirt. In one hand, she carried a tall glass of ice water, and in the other, Advil.
She kneeled back down on the bathmat beside the tub, setting the glass on the edge and holding out the pills.
"Here, baby," Paige said gently. "Take these. They'll help knock out that cramp from the inside while the water handles the outside."
Azzi nodded gratefully, taking the pills and washing them down with a few big gulps of the cold water. She leaned her head back against the rim of the tub, looking up at Paige with tired eyes.
"Thank you, baby," Azzi whispered.
"Always," Paige replied, her thumb softly tracing Azzi's jawline.
She stayed right there on the floor for the next fifteen minutes, idly running her fingers through the water, kissing Azzi's shoulder, and talking to her in a quiet, soothing tone until the Advil and the heat had completely relaxed Azzi's body.
Seeing Azzi’s eyelids start to grow heavy, Paige stood up and grabbed a bath towel from the rack.
"Alright, sleepyhead, time to get you into bed," Paige said softly.
She helped Azzi stand, wrapping the towel securely around her the second she stepped out of the tub. Paige dried her off with slow, gentle pats, making sure she was warm and dry before carrying her back into the bedroom.
Lain out on the foot of the bed was a pair of Azzi’s pajamas. Paige patiently guided Azzi’s legs into the pants and pulled the comfortable long-sleeve top over her head, buttoning it up to her neck.
Once she was dressed, Paige pulled back the comforter and tucked Azzi straight into the fresh, cool sheets, sliding in right beside her to pull her tight against her chest.
"How's the tummy feeling now?" Paige whisperedm, her arm wrapped securely around Azzi’s waist.
"So much better," Azzi mumbled into Paige's neck, already halfway to sleep.
Paige smiled against her skin, pressing a long kiss to Azzi’s temple. "Good. Go to sleep, sweetheart. I've got you."
—
The bedroom was filled only with the soft, steady rhythm of Azzi’s breathing as she slept soundly, her face buried into Paige’s shoulder. Paige had been lying there awake for a while, idly running her fingers through Azzi’s hair, when the muffled sound of a car door shutting in the driveway broke the silence.
A moment later, the front door clicked open downstairs, followed by the familiar rumble of voices.
Tom and Karen were back. Gently, so as not to disturb the sleeping girl, Paige slid her arm out from under Azzi and pulled the covers up over her shoulders. She slipped quietly out of bed, padded over to the door, and slipped downstairs, taking the steps two at a time. After living on the ranch and helping Tom and Karen with the horses for months, the house felt like second nature to her; even if having Azzi here visiting for the first time had completely flipped Paige's world on its head.
As she rounded the corner into the kitchen, Tom was setting a bag of groceries on the counter while Karen was busy putting away a bunch of fresh produce.
"Well, afternoon, Paige!" Tom called out with a warm smile, wiping his hands on his jeans. "We didn't hear you come down. How'd the riding lessons go today with Azzi?"
Paige rubbed the back of her neck, a sheepish, half-amused grin spreading across her face as she leaned against the doorframe. "Well... let's just say Azzi isn't exactly a natural in the saddle, sir."
Tom chuckled, shaking his head. "Can't say I'm surprised! Where is she, anyway?"
"She's upstairs sleeping," Paige explained softly, her tone shifting to something more protective and polite. "She started having some pretty bad cramps after we finished up, so I ran her a bath and gave her some medicine. She was pretty worn out, so I tucked her in for a nap."
Karen paused, holding a bunch of carrots, her face instantly melting into fond sympathy. "Oh, poor sweetie... those cramps always do get the best of her."
Karen set the carrots down and walked over, leaning against the counter and looking at Paige with a warm, knowing glint in her eyes. "You know, Paige... I was telling Tom on the drive home, I really think you two would make the cutest pair."
Paige froze for a fraction of a second, heat rushing straight to her cheeks. She looked down at the hardwood floor, a genuine, slightly flustered blush creeping up her neck, though a soft, helpless smile tugged at her lips.
"Well..." Paige drawled. "Your granddaughter is such a sweetheart. Really... just a great girl."
Karen beamed, thoroughly pleased with herself, while Tom just chuckled knowingly.
Paige gestured back toward the stairs, eager to escape the sweet teasing before her face burned off completely. "If it's alright with y'all, I'm gonna go head back upstairs and wake her up so she can get some dinner in her."
"Of course, dear," Karen smiled, waving a hand toward the staircase. "Tell her dinner will be ready in twenty minutes!"
—
Paige slipped quietly back into the bedroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
She walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the mattress. Azzi was still fast asleep, curled up into a tight, adorable ball beneath the covers. Paige couldn't resist a soft smile; she reached out, gently stroking a few curls away from Azzi’s cheek.
"Hey, baby," Paige whispered, her voice impossibly sweet. "Wake up, sweetheart. Your grandparents are home, and dinner's gonna be ready in a bit."
Azzi let out a tiny, sleepy whimper, her eyelashes fluttering open. Her eyes were hazy with sleep, looking up at Paige with complete, trusting affection. Instead of sitting up, Azzi reached her arms straight out from under the covers, making a soft, needy grabbing gesture with her hands.
"Don't wanna get up," Azzi mumbled, her voice small. "Come here. Just snuggle me for a minute."
Paige chuckled softly, but she didn't offer a single word of resistance. "Alright, alright. Just for a minute."
Paige slid back under the covers, pulling Azzi flush against her chest. The second Paige was settled, Azzi buried her face straight into the crook of Paige’s neck, wrapping her arms tightly around Paige’s waist and letting out a long, contented sigh.
Paige wrapped her arms securely around Azzi, burying her nose into Azzi’s hair.
As they lay there, the grounding weight of Azzi resting so peacefully in her arms hit Paige like a ton of bricks. An overwhelming wave of warmth washed through her chest, making her heart skip a beat.
She had only met Azzi yesterday. Yesterday. Paige had spent months living on this ranch, focused strictly on the horses, the work, and her quiet routine. But in less than forty-eight hours, this stubborn, sweet, gorgeous girl from out of town had completely dismantled every boundary Paige had ever built. Azzi had completely stolen her heart, so quickly, so effortlessly, and so thoroughly that it almost terrified her.
Paige tightened her grip just a little bit, resting her chin on top of Azzi’s head and pressing a deep, lingering kiss into her hair. The thought of Azzi’s visit coming to an end, of her packing her bags and heading back home, suddenly felt completely unbearable.
Paige never wanted her to leave.
"You're too good to me, you know that?" Paige whispered into the quiet room, her thumb making slow, possessive circles on Azzi's back.
Azzi just hummed softly against her skin, cuddling even closer, completely unaware that she had just permanently rewritten Paige's entire world.
A loud knock echoed from downstairs, followed by Karen’s cheery voice drifting up the staircase. "Dinner's on the table, girls! Come get it while it's hot!"
Azzi groaned into the crook of Paige’s neck, squeezing her eyes shut. "Nooo," she whimpered softly, digging her face deeper into the warmth. "Tell them we died."
Paige let out a quiet laugh, running her hand down Azzi's back one last time. "Come on, honey. You gotta eat something."
Paige slipped out from under the covers, standing up beside the bed and extending a hand to help Azzi up. Azzi took it with a dramatically heavy sigh, swinging her legs over the edge of the mattress and placing her feet on the hardwood floor.
She pushed herself up to stand and her knees immediately buckled.
A sharp gasp tore from Azzi's throat as her inner thighs and core violently protested. She wobbled dangerously, barely catching herself on the edge of the nightstand.
Paige’s hand shot out to steady her, but as she looked at Azzi’s completely shocked, wide eyed expression, a sudden, stifled snort escaped Paige’s nose. She bit her lip, trying desperately to hold it in, but a low, quiet chuckle rumbled out of her chest anyway.
Azzi’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "It's not funny, Paige!" she hissed.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry, honey," Paige said quickly, her face softening into genuine guilt, though a tiny, helpless smirk still twitched at the corner of her mouth. She reached out to wrap her arm around Azzi's waist to support her weight, but Azzi huffed, swatting Paige's hand away with a dramatic pout.
"Don't honey me," Azzi grumbled, trying to smooth down her pajamas with trembling hands. "Look what you did to me! I can barely stand!"
"Hey," Paige whispered, leaning down so her face was inches from Azzi’s, her tone dropping into a quiet, serious drawl. "I'd pick you up and carry you all the way down those stairs in a heartbeat, you know I would. But I don’t think you want your grandparents seeing that."
Azzi crossed her arms, glaring up at her.
"If I carry you down there, or if I'm holding you up the whole time, they're gonna know something's up," Paige explained softly, a teasing glint returning to her eyes. "And unless you wanna explain to tom why your legs are shaking like a leaf in the wind... you gotta walk down there on your own two feet, honey."
Azzi let out a loud, irritated huff, rolling her eyes as hard as she possibly could. "You are the worst," she muttered.
"You don’t seem to mind," Paige replied, pressing a quick, sweet kiss to Azzi’s cheek despite her glare.
Azzi turned her head away with a stubborn pout, refusing to acknowledge the kiss, and took one agonizingly slow, stiff step toward the bedroom door, glaring back over her shoulder at Paige the entire time. Paige just followed a half-step behind, her hands hovering inches from Azzi's waist, ready to catch her the second she needed it.
Dinner was a warm, noisy affair, the dining table loaded with pork chops, mashed potatoes, and steaming green beans. Azzi sat rigidly in her chair, her thighs aching every single time she shifted her weight. Paige sat right across from her, chewing her food with a perfectly calm, polite expression.
"Pass the butter, please, Tom," Karen said, setting her fork down. She looked across the table at the two girls, a fond, unstoppable grin spreading across her face. "You know, seeing you two sitting here at the table together... I just have to say it again. You girls would make such a beautiful couple."
Azzi instantly choked on her glass of iced tea, coughing into her napkin while her face turned a violent, bright red.
Tom just chuckled, shaking his head. "Karen, leave the girls alone and let 'em eat."
"I'm just saying!" Karen defended lightly, waving a fork. "They look lovely together."
Paige swallowed her food, clearing her throat with a polite, sheepish smile. "Appreciate that, Karen," she drawled smoothly, shooting a quick, teasing glance at Azzi, who was glaring daggers through her napkin.
The rest of the meal passed with comfortable, easy small talk; Tom rambling about the repairs needed on the fence, Karen asking Azzi about her drive into town, and Paige chiming in about the horses' feeding schedules for the week.
Once everyone cleared their plates, Karen stood up, stacking two bowls together. "Well, that was delicious. Azzi, honey, why don't you help me with the dishes tonight while Paige gets off her feet?"
Azzi’s heart sank. The thought of standing at the sink for twenty minutes on her trembling, jelly-like legs sounded like torture. She swallowed hard, trying to hide her panic as she began to push her chair back. "Yeah, sure, Grandma, I can—"
"Actually, Karen," Paige interrupted smoothly, swinging her legs out from under the table and standing up before Azzi could fully get her footing. "Let me handle the dishes tonight."
Karen waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, hush now, Paige! You did the dishes last night after working out in the barn all day. It's Azzi's turn to lend a hand."
"No, really, it's no trouble at all," Paige insisted gently, her voice dropping into that firm, protective tone. She stepped over to the head of the table, taking the stack of plates right out of Karen's hands before stepping between Azzi and the kitchen sink. "Azzi's still pretty sore and worn out from... riding earlier. She needs her rest tonight. I've got it covered, I promise."
Karen looked between Paige's resolute expression and Azzi’s exhausted, flushed face, her expression softening into fondness.
"Well... alright then," Karen relented with a warm smile, patting Paige on the arm. "You're a sweet girl, Paige."
As Karen walked out toward the living room with Tom, Paige turned around to face the table. She looked down at Azzi, giving her a quiet, knowing wink as she rolled up her sleeves to start the water.
Azzi sank back into her chair, letting out a long, quiet sigh of relief.
—
Later that night, after the house had fallen completely quiet and Tom and Karen had turned in, Paige and Azzi were tucked safely beneath the covers. The room was illuminated only by the faint silver glow of the moon filtering through the blinds.
Azzi was curled flush against Paige’s side, her head resting comfortably on Paige’s chest, listening to the steady, grounding thud of her heart. Paige’s arm was wrapped securely around Azzi’s waist, her thumb tracing lazy, soothing circles through the fabric of Azzi’s pajamas.
Azzi shifted slightly, resting her chin on Paige’s chest so she could look up at her. "Hey," she whispered.
Paige looked down, her eyes soft and warm. "Yeah, baby?"
Azzi bit her lip, a shy, sweet blush rising on her cheeks. "I really like you, Paige."
A slow, tender smile spread across Paige’s face. She leaned down, pressing her lips gently against Azzi’s in a slow, sweet, lingering kiss that tasted of mint.
"I really like you too, baby," Paige murmured against her lips, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. She let her hand rest gently over Azzi’s lower stomach, her tone shifting into quiet concern. "How're you feeling tonight? Cramps all gone?"
Azzi nodded softly, cuddling closer. "I'm really okay now. The bath and the medicine helped a lot... I'm sorry I worried you earlier."
"Don't you ever apologize for that," Paige murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Azzi’s forehead. "I'm always gonna worry about you."
They lay in comfortable silence for a moment, Azzi idly traced the hem of Paige’s t-shirt with her fingers, a thought drifting through her head.
"So..." Azzi started softly, looking back up at her. "Do you plan on spending the rest of your life working on a ranch like this?"
"Yeah," Paige said without a second of hesitation, a quiet, deep pride in her voice. "I do. Hope to have my own place one day, honestly. Raise a family, run some cattle, have a handful of horses... raise 'em on the land the way I was raised."
Azzi listened quietly, a small, bittersweet knot tightening in her chest. "I can't really imagine myself living anywhere that isn't a city," she admitted softly. "I'm in nursing school right now, you know. My whole life is back there."
Paige chuckled softly, running her fingers through Azzi’s hair. "Well, there's hospitals everywhere, you know. Even round here."
Azzi gave a gentle, amused shake of her head. "Yeah... but as you could clearly see today, I’m definitely not the farm type."
Paige went still for a beat, her thumb pausing on Azzi's waist. She looked down at Azzi, a subtle, teasing smirk hiding the quiet flicker of apprehension in her eyes.
"So... what you're saying is this is gonna be short-lived, huh?" Paige whispered softly, nodding lightly between the two of them.
Azzi looked up, catching the tender, guarded look on Paige's face. A sweet, soft smile broke across her lips, and she reached up to lightly rest her palm against Paige’s jawline.
"Maybe," Azzi whispered playfully, her eyes glowing in the dark. "...Maybe not. My grandma does think we're absolutely lovely together."
A sudden, loud laugh burst out of Paige’s chest. She shook her head, buried her face in the crook of Azzi’s neck, and pulled her tight against her chest as Azzi giggled softly against her skin.
"She ain't wrong," Paige whispered into her neck, pressing a warm kiss to her pulse point. "She ain't wrong at all, honey."
𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 : Swearing, had to mention "Y/N" multiple times
𝗪𝗖 : 5.2k
𝗔/𝗡 : Hey everyone! This is a sequel to my story, Sunny Days! I'm thinking about turning it into a family series, but I'd love to hear what you all think! (Requested 🏷️ @iowahawkeyes22 )
PART 1
Tomorrow marks a monumental day in your life, it's your wedding day with Nika. Tonight, you both find yourselves at a hotel, celebrating the night before your big day, but in separate rooms, a tradition rooted in superstition. You can hardly contain your excitement, the thought of finally becoming Nika's wifey fills you with joy. As you sit in your room, a warm smile spreads across your face while your hands gently caress your noticeable baby bump. The anticipation of what’s to come makes your heart flutter.
When morning light breaks, your makeup artist and stylist arrive, transforming your hotel room into a flurry of beauty and elegance. They work their magic, applying makeup and adjusting your gown, turning you into a vision of beauty that you can hardly recognize. As you stand in front of the mirror, you give a small spin, and your breath catches in your throat. The reflection staring back at you is stunning—radiant, joyful, and glowing in every possible way. You are overwhelmingly happy, words fail to express the feelings swelling within you.
Meanwhile, in her own room, Nika shares the same excitement. She’s slipping into the bridal gown she has envisioned wearing for so long. What makes this moment even more special is the fact she’s wearing it to marry you. You can almost feel her thrill from afar as you imagine the wide smile on her face. After hours of preparations and a flurry of nervous energy, the time finally approaches for you to head to the wedding venue.
As you arrive, the grand doors swing open, revealing a beautiful scene. Your veil cascades down, elegantly framing your face. You begin to walk down the aisle, surrounded by a lush arrangement of flowers that you and Nika carefully selected. Each step you take is filled with delight and a hint of disbelief that this dream is finally coming true. From across the aisle, you catch sight of Nika, her eyes glistening with tears that stream down her cheeks. This is it, this is the moment you have imagined for so long, marrying your soulmate, with the baby you wanted together nestled safely within you walking down with you.
Little flower girls scatter petals along the red carpet just before you entered to walk, each delicate bloom leaving a trail of beauty. As you approach the end of the aisle, your mother gently takes your hand, lovingly guiding you towards Nika, who waits eagerly to receive you. The look in her eyes is filled with love and gratitude, and when she takes your hand in hers, it feels like your hearts align.
“You’re breathtaking,” Nika whispers, her voice breaking ever so slightly with emotion. Tears glisten in her wide eyes, and you can't help but beam back at her, feeling a flutter of cheekiness from her heartfelt compliment.
“And so are you, my love,” you respond, feeling as if your heart could burst from joy. The wedding ceremony unfolds before you, but it’s the moment of exchanging vows that makes everything so real.
“Dear my love…” Nika begins, her voice steady yet full of affection.
“I vow to love you like the ocean loves the shore, endlessly, faithfully, and always comforting you when you get dramatic about the food we order from fast food, insisting that you like mine better. I promise to be your calm in the storm, your partner in mischief, and the excuse to leave those awkward parties a little early. I’ll cherish your laugh like the first warm day after winter, and your quirky habits like rare treasures known only to me. Through every chapter of our lives, those quiet mornings, thrilling adventures, and the moments when life gets a little messy, I choose you, over and over. Your heart is my favorite place, your smile is my sweetest song."
As you listen to her vows, tears well up in your eyes, a mixture of happiness and laughter spilling over. You can’t help but soak in every word she says, feeling more loved than ever.
Then it's your turn. You take a deep breath and speak from your heart, “I promise to love you louder than the roar of the crowd at your games, and softer than the warmth of your favorite hoodie after practice. I vow to be your biggest supporter, whether you’re sinking hoops on the court or scattering snacks all over the couch. You've taught me that true strength is not just in how we play the game, but in how fiercely we love, loyal and wholeheartedly. I’ll be by your side through every season of our lives, celebrating those championship highs, enduring the tough losses, and enjoying those late-night road trips where I find myself tracking your flight as if it were my full-time job. I promise to always believe in you, chase your dreams with you, and remind you, no matter how tall you stand on the court, I’ll still manage to steal your hoodies, your fries, and, effortlessly, your heart.”
As your words hang in the air, you and Nika share laughter and joyful tears, a beautiful connection woven through every sentiment shared.
Finally, the moment arrives where the priest asks, “Do you, Nika Mühl, accept Y/N Y/L as your wife, in richer times and poorer, until death do you part?”
“I do, father,” Nika responds without a single moment’s hesitation.
“Do you, Y/N Y/L, accept Nika Mühl as your wife, in riches and in struggles, until death do you part?” he asks, now directing his attention to you, and with a radiant smile, you reply, “I do.”
"You may now kiss" the priest declared, and in that moment, everything else faded away. Nika, with a soft smile and bright eyes, pulled you in by the waist, leaning in for a kiss that was both tender and filled with passion. It was as if time stood still, and you could feel those tears of joy streaming down your cheeks, a mixture of love and overwhelming happiness washing over you.
As she pulled back slightly, locking eyes with you, Nika whispered, "God, I love you so much." She wrapped her arms around you, holding you tightly but with a gentle touch, mindful of your growing baby bump. It was a beautiful reminder of the life you were creating together, and every moment felt like a dream come true.
"And I love you," you replied, feeling yourself melt into her embrace. It was hard to believe how special and magical this day truly was, a day you would remember for the rest of your lives.
It had only been a few months since you and Nika exchanged vows, but every single day since then had been filled with happiness, and you couldn’t help but think about how everything was just perfect. You felt like the luckiest person in the world.
Now, as the sun rose on yet another day, it was bittersweet because today, Nika had to leave for one of her games. They were heading to Los Angeles and would be away for a whole week before returning to Seattle for their next match. The reality of it all hit you hard, and you helped her pack her bags, participating in this routine while your pregnancy hormones ran wild. Much to your dismay, tears cascaded down your cheeks—seriously, it felt like you could fill a bucket with all those emotions.
Nika noticed your distress and wrapped her arms around you, her reassuring voice cutting through your worries. "Hey, baby, it’s okay. I’ll call you as soon as I get on the team bus, and I’ll keep you updated while we’re on the way there. Okay?" She spoke softly, trying to soothe your fears even though you couldn’t quite understand why you felt this extra pang of longing for her today compared to other trips.
"Just promise me you'll bring me back some food when you get home," you said through your sobs, your voice a mix of sadness and playful desperation. Nika couldn’t help but chuckle at your plea, and she nodded decisively. "I will, princess, I promise you," she said, planting a gentle kiss on the top of your head, her way of sealing the promise.
As the time came for her to leave, you felt a wave of loneliness crash over you the moment Nika stepped out of the house. With a heavy heart, you decided to curl up on the couch and lose yourself in a movie, hoping it would distract you from her absence. Just about an hour later, your phone rang, breaking the silence—Nika was calling you from the team bus. You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at the sound of her voice, and you wouldn’t let her hang up until you’d shared a few more sweet moments together, even from a distance.
Nika’s face filled your phone screen, her dark brown hair tucked beneath her grey hoodie, a few strands framing her sharp cheekbones. Those familiar dark brown eyes were still impossibly bright, twinkling even through the grainy camera. You could hear the low hum of her teammates chatting in the background, but her attention was solely on you.
“See, love, I called the second we left,” she teased, her accent soft and affectionate, lips curling into that irresistible grin. “How’s my dramatic wife holding up without me?”
You dramatically flopped back on the couch, one hand on your bump, the other still gripping the hoodie she left behind. “I’ve been abandoned. Betrayed. Left to raise this tiny Croatian firecracker alone,” you whined, pouting. Nika let out a quiet laugh, running a hand through her brunette waves.
“You’ve been alone for only an hour, princess.”
“One hour's too long.” You sniffed, your voice cracking with exaggerated heartbreak. “I cried over a TikTok because someone got engaged in taylor's concert, you know, during that love story song… and then cried because your hoodie still smells like you.”
Her expression softened, dark eyes glowing with warmth as her teasing faded into something gentler. “Aww, love…” She leaned closer to the screen. “I miss you too. And our little peanut.”
You smiled, your hand instinctively tracing circles over your belly. “The baby's been kicking like crazy today. Probably mad you ditched us.”
Nika’s grin widened, her Croatian accent thickening slightly with pride. “Already has my attitude, huh? That’s my kid.” Her eyes twinkled. “But I know where they get the dramatics—from their mama.”
You gasped. “Excuse me? I am a graceful, composed, emotionally stable woman.”
Nika burst into a laugh, and you could hear her teammates snickering behind her. “Babe… you cried over soggy fries last week.”
“They were cold, Nika!”
“They were like…lukewarm at worst,” she teased, shaking her head.
You rolled your eyes at her but couldn’t help smiling. “Whatever. You better bring back fries. And nuggets. And… like, a cookie the size of my face.”
Nika chuckled softly, her dark eyes turning serious again, filled with affection. “I’ll bring back the whole bakery if that’s what you want.” She paused, her voice dropping to that sweet, sincere tone that always melted you. “I hate leaving you, you know? Especially now.” Her gaze flicked down to your bump before returning to your eyes. “But I’ll be home soon, princess. I promise.”
You let out a soft smile as you wrapped up the call. It was clear that Nika needed to focus and rest while she was on her way to Los Angeles, so you decided to let her go and enjoy the journey. After all, she had a big game ahead, and the last thing you wanted was to distract her.
But when tomorrow finally rolled around, you found yourself feeling a bit lonely. Sure, there was excitement bubbling up inside you because tonight was the night you’d finally get to watch Nika's game on TV! You had even gone a little overboard and stocked up on an array of snacks to cheer her on, popcorn, nachos, even some sweet treats. You wanted to be the loudest fan in the room, even if it was just you in your cozy living room.
You had really wanted to be there with her in person, cheering from the sidelines, but Nika had insisted that you stay home. “You’re so close to your due date,” she said with that familiar hint of concern in her voice. “I just can’t risk anything happening.” It made you feel a bit guilty, but deep down, you understood. She was just looking out for you and the little one growing inside you, and you couldn’t really argue with that kind of love and worry.
So here you were, one hour away from tip-off, pacing around your living room, trying to combat that slight sense of isolation. The anticipation was almost unbearable! Just to hear her voice, you picked up the phone and called Nika.
“Hey, baby! How are you doing?” Nika’s voice came through warmly, but there was a faint buzz of background noise, sneakers squeaking against polished hardwood, basketballs thudding in the distance, the faint, sharp whistle of a coach barking instructions.
You sat up straighter, your heart doing that ridiculous little flip. “Oh, you’re already at the arena?” you asked, immediately seeing her, dark brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, those intense espresso-colored eyes sharp with focus, her Croatian features drawn in determination.
“Yeah, courtside at Crypto Arena,” she confirmed, shifting the phone slightly, the background coming into focus. You caught a glimpse of towering stadium lights overhead, rows of empty seats still filling up, and the bright gleam of the Sparks's court polished to perfection. “Had to sneak off for five minutes. Told Coach I was calling my ‘pregnant, hormonal wife so she doesn’t eat the couch out of stress."
You snorted, grabbing a handful of popcorn, your free hand instinctively cradling your bump. "I’m not eating furniture! just half the snack cabinet.”
“Half? Babe, you were supposed to save the good snacks for the game,” Nika teased, adjusting her hoodie over her jersey. You could just imagine her name stitched on the back, Mühl in bold letters, the number 1 underneath, a familiar reminder of every proud moment you’d watched her dominate the court.
“The baby wanted nachos, I don’t control the baby anymore,” you said with faux innocence, biting back a grin.
Nika shook her head, but her eyes softened, glowing even under the harsh arena lights. “Love… I miss you. I hate being this far from you.”
You let out a shaky breath, your eyes flicking to the TV, already set to the sports channel, the familiar pre-game graphics rolling across the screen. “Me too,” you admitted, voice cracking slightly. “It’s weird… watching you play from here, knowing I should be there in the stands—”
“No,” Nika cut in, her tone gentle but firm, that fierce protectiveness kicking in. “We’re too close to your due date. I can’t risk… I can’t—” she paused, visibly wrestling with the emotions behind her steady exterior. “I need you both safe, okay?”
You nodded, the lump in your throat growing. “Okay… but you better wave at the camera. I need my TV moment.”
Nika’s laugh cracked through her serious expression, her dark eyes shining. “Deal. I’ll blow you a kiss mid-game, get fined for PDA if I have to.”
Your laugh melted into something softer, your heart aching, full of love and nerves and pride. “Go crush them, superstar.”
“Always,” she whispered, her voice lowering. “And after? FaceTime. I want to see your face… and your snack crimes.”
“You got it,” you grinned, feeling lighter already.
The background roared as the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena, and Nika’s eyes darted to the court. “Gotta go. I love you—more than basketball.”
You smirked. “Wow, Croatian love confessions on game night? I must be special.”
She winked, backing toward the tunnel. “The most special. I love you.”
The line clicked off, but your living room suddenly felt warmer, brighter, even from miles away.
You settled back on the couch, your bump shifting under your hand, your eyes glued to the TV.
“Alright, kid,” you whispered with a grin, “let’s go cheer for Mama.”
The second quarter was heating up, and you were already a wreck.
Your living room looked like a mini sports bar exploded—empty snack bags, half a soda can tipping precariously on the coffee table, your bump sticking out proudly under Nika’s oversized team hoodie. You were absolutely not sitting still. No chance.
The game had you on edge—L.A. fans roaring through the TV speakers, the fast-paced plays, and your wife darting across the court like she owned the place.
“Come on, Nika… come on… YES—YES, BABY!” you shrieked as Nika sank a three-pointer, nearly launching yourself off the couch, your popcorn bowl dangerously tilting as kernels flew.
The baby kicked in solidarity, or possibly protest, but you didn’t care. You were already bouncing, carefully, up and down in place, your bare feet hitting the floor as you cheered like there's no tomorrow.
“That’s my wife! MY WIFE!” you hollered at the TV, pointing aggressively toward the screen as if the commentators could hear you. “Look at her go! Look at those handles! Croatian queen, future MVP, love of my life!”
The next play, Nika stole the ball mid-pass and zipped down the court for a clean, easy layup.
You practically levitated.
“Oh my God—OH MY GOD, THAT’S MY GIRL,” you shouted, hands in the air like you were signaling touchdown instead of basketball. Your voice cracked, eyes watering from pure, unfiltered pride.
“Look at her, little peanut! Your mama’s a beast out there! You’re genetically destined for greatness!” you giggled, one hand rubbing your belly, the other dramatically fanning your flushed face.
Another camera close-up of Nika filled the screen, sweat on her brow, intensity written all over her sharp features, and she did the quick hand-to-lips kiss, that subtle wave. Just for you.
You stopped mid-bounce, hands flying to your chest, overwhelmed.
“Okay, I’m gonna cry,” you sniffled, wiping your face with your sleeve. “Damn hormones… damn beautiful wife… ruining me.”
It happened in the middle of the fourth quarter.
One second you were screaming at the TV, full-blown feral wife mode, popcorn everywhere, wearing Nika’s hoodie like a badge of honor—and the next?
Your brain short-circuited.
At first, you thought… maybe the soda can tipped over, or maybe you sat on an ice pack (weird).
But no.
Oh no.
You looked down. Wide-eyed. Heart racing.
“Okay… okay, that’s… not the soda…” you muttered, frozen for a solid three seconds as the reality hit you like a freight train.
Your water just broke. On the couch. During Nika’s game.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” you exclaimed, eyes darting between the TV, where Nika was mid fast-break down the court, and the absolute crisis happening in your living room.
Panic set in instantly. You couldn’t call Nika, she was literally on national TV, winning, being the love of your life and the hero of the game… she’d probably throw her whole career away if you called her mid-contraction.
“Okay, okay—best friend—call… call… CALL!” You scrambled for your phone, fingers shaking as you hit dial, pacing awkwardly around the living room in a hoodie and pajama shorts, liquid trailing with every step.
The phone rang twice before your best friend picked up, voice casual and oblivious “What’s up? Screaming at the refs again?”
You barely breathed. “My water broke.”
A beat of silence.
“…Wait, like dramatic movie scene broke? Or like, you spilled something again and you’re being extra?”
“Movie scene broke. Like, wet couch, baby coming, can’t call Nika ‘cause she’s on the court, I’m freaking the hell out—what do I do?!” Your voice cracked, eyes darting wildly to the TV, where Nika was obliviously assisting another perfect shot.
Your best friend practically choked. “Holy sh*t—okay, okay—breathe. I’m coming over. Sit your dramatic ass down, don’t move, grab your hospital bag—did you pack snacks? No, never mind, I’ll bring snacks—”
You were pacing again, half-laughing, half-crying. “I’m literally leaking on the hardwood floor, and you’re talking about snacks?!”
“Priorities! You’ll be starving after, I know you,” she shot back, already rustling around on the end of the line.
On the TV, Nika was still mid-game, fierce and flawless, no clue her wife was about to have a whole baby mid fourth-quarter.
“I swear to God if she finds out after the game, she’ll combust,” you muttered, rubbing your belly as another tiny contraction rippled through.
“Good news, you get to meet the baby,” your best friend said, already rushing out their door. “Bad news, I have to peel your dramatic, crying ass off the couch first. Stay put. I’m five minutes away.”
You exhaled, adrenaline spiking, a wild mix of fear, love, and pure chaos buzzing through you.
The final buzzer echoed through the arena, the crowd erupting as the scoreboard flashed victory. Nika’s teammates swarmed the court, hugging, high-fiving, the usual post-win chaos. But her eyes? They darted immediately to the sideline, scanning for her phone like clockwork.
You always texted right after a game, proud, teasing, some dumb flirty message that made her grin no matter how exhausted she was.
Except… nothing.
No text.
No missed call.
Just radio silence.
Her heart squeezed, nerves replacing adrenaline as she grabbed her phone from the bench. The first thing she saw wasn’t from you, it was from your best friend.
"Hey, don’t freak, but Y/N’s water broke mid-game. We’re at the hospital. Baby’s coming. She’s okay, but you should get here."
The world tilted.
Her pulse thundered in her ears, drowning out the cheers around her. Her fingers trembled, unlocking her phone again, rereading the message over and over like it might change.
“Sh*t” Nika hissed under her breath, shoving past celebrating teammates, her heart hammering so hard it hurt. She barely heard her coach congratulating her, the blinding arena lights, all she could see was the hospital’s name in the text.
She tried calling you, straight to voicemail.
Panic clawed up her chest, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She was supposed to be there. Holding your hand. Whispering terrible jokes while you cussed her out through contractions.
Not here. Not an arena hundreds of miles away.
Nika’s hands were shaking as she shoved her sneakers into her duffel, fingers barely working fast enough to zip the bag shut. Her heart thundered like it might crack her ribs, the text from your best friend burning into her brain “Y/N’s water broke. We’re at the hospital. Baby’s coming.”
Baby’s coming.
Her baby.
Your baby.
Too soon. Too fast.
And she wasn’t there.
“F**k, f**k, f**k,” Nika muttered under her breath, practically bulldozing her way through the locker room, ignoring confused teammates and lingering press trying to flag her down. Her jersey was half off, hoodie barely yanked over her head, and her bag thudded hard against her hip with every frantic step toward the exit.
The team manager called after her. “Hey, media’s waiting—"
“I can’t, my wife’s in labor.” Nika snapped, voice cracking, practically throwing herself into the team manager’s path. Her eyes were wild, glassy with panic. “I need to get to Seattle. Tonight. Right now. My wife—she’s—God, my wife’s having the baby"
The manager’s face fell, snapping immediately into action. “Okay, okay, breathe, Mühl. Go get changed, I’ll call the front desk. We’ll get you on the first flight out.”
But Nika was already dialing on her phone, fingers trembling, trying your number again—straight to voicemail.
“Come on, love” she whispered, pacing tight circles near the exit, her Croatian slipping out as stress twisted in her chest. Her teammates hovered nearby, concern etched across their faces, but she barely noticed.
All she could hear was the deafening silence of your missed call. All she could see was the faint mental image of you—alone, scared, pacing your living room, belly full of their child, and she wasn’t there.
Airport security blurred past her. She didn’t remember half the drive there, her duffel flung in the backseat, her game-worn shoes still dangling from her backpack, hoodie half unzipped, passport clutched tight as she bolted through LAX like a woman possessed.
The ticket agent barely had time to finish their sentence before Nika slammed her passport down on the counter. “Next flight to Seattle—emergency. My wife’s in labor—please.”
The attendant blinked at her flushed, frantic face, dark eyes wide, jersey still peeking out beneath her hoodie. “I—um—let me check—”
“Please,” Nika’s voice cracked, chest heaving. “I can’t miss this.”
The next thirty minutes were a blur of airport chaos, security lines, impatient passengers, shoving her phone in her pockets with trembling hands, jogging across the terminal, heart pounding with every wasted second.
Her phone buzzed, a text from your best friend “They’re okay. She’s strong. Baby’s taking their time. I’ll update you.”
Nika sagged against the gate wall for half a breath, shoulders shaking, relief flooding in, but it wasn’t enough.
Not until she was there.
Not until she was holding you both.
The second they called boarding, Nika nearly tripped sprinting down the jet bridge, ignoring stares from flight attendants as she collapsed into her seat, legs jittering, palms sweaty, her mind looping worst-case scenarios over and over.
The flight felt like an eternity.
Every ding of the seatbelt sign, every bump of turbulence, every minute trapped in that metal plane made her skin crawl. She scrolled through old photos of you, grinning selfies, your baby bump poking out from under her hoodie, sleepy pictures of you curled against her chest, all while biting back the sting of tears.
The moment the plane touched down, Nika shoved past rows of drowsy passengers, muttering apologies as she practically vaulted down the aisle, duffel slung over her shoulder, hair a mess, eyes bloodshot, lungs burning.
She didn’t care.
She tore through the terminal, hailed the first cab she saw, barking out the hospital address with a voice so hoarse it barely sounded human.
Every red light was agony. Every slow turn, every traffic delay made her fists clench white-knuckled against her knees.
She texted the whole way
“I’m almost there.”
“Please hold on.”
“I love you both.”
Finally, finally, the cab screeched to the curb of the hospital.
Nika threw bills at the driver, bolting through the automatic doors like a storm in sneakers and panic.
Nurses barely got a word out before she blurted, “Labor and delivery—my wife’s here—her water broke—Y/N L/N—please—”
A nurse guided her to the room, and her legs nearly gave out as she spotted you through the window, pale, exhausted, hair messy but eyes sparkling despite it all, cradling the impossibly small bundle in your arms.
Her throat closed. The world tilted. Her heart cracked and mended all at once.
She stumbled in, breathless, knees weak, eyes stinging.
“You made it,” you rasped, voice soft and teasing despite the exhaustion in your face.
Nika collapsed beside you, forehead pressed to yours, hands trembling as she touched both you and the tiny miracle between you.
“I’m here,” she choked, tears streaming freely. “I’m so f**king here.”
Nothing else mattered.
Not the game.
Not the distance.
“I love you,” she breathed, pressing kisses into your hair, your temple, your shaking shoulders. “I love you both more than anything.”
The room, the world, it all blurred. But this? You, her, the tiny miracle between you?
Drenched in sapphire moonlight - pt2 of it’s all for you
Long overdue, am so sorry but here’s pt2 as promised :) —the lollipop story is legit something that happened to me
~Coming of age, wlw yearning, best friends to lovers ofc, homoerotic friendship, heavy on the erotic part, young love, mildly internalized homophobia
Word count : 2.7k
Warnings : smut 😁 but romantic and sweet not so porny
Part 1 here - it’s all for you
Azzi’s bedroom is steeped in blue moonlight, the sound of crickets masking their careful footsteps. Paige turns on the shower in the bathroom connected to Azzi’s room while she tosses their damp towels over the bedframe to dry. She gingerly joins Paige under the water to rinse off the chlorine, as they’d done a hundred times before. Only this time she’d had Paige’s tongue in her mouth ten minutes prior, a notable line they’d yet to cross. They stifle their laughter and tease each other with a newfound lightness. They don’t yet dare discuss the moment they’ve just shared, but it’s recognized nonetheless through the noticeable weight lifted from the air between them. Paige doesn’t feel like she’s choking on Azzi’s presence anymore. She feels giddy and breathless, like nothing could intrude on the delicate sanctuary this room and tiny cabin has brought them. After a final complaint about the heat of the water, Paige excuses herself from the shower.
She stands just outside, watching the droplets fall from her skin onto the fuzzy green bathmat. They bleed a deeper, mossy color as the fabric absorbs them. She reaches back to unclasp her swimsuit top, unintentionally catching a glimpse at the shower beside her. The glass is fogged up and steam curls around them. She can still vaguely make out Azzi’s now nude form from behind the frosted wall. She snaps her head away, suddenly embarrassed. Something about seeing the vague blur of her body from outside the shower feels more intimate than having just been in there with her. She slides her wet bottoms from her body, the material sticking to her knees as she tugs them off. She contemplates hanging the suit from the shower door next to where Azzi’s draped hers, but she decides against it. The breach of their ever so delicate dance of friendship having already complicated things. Before this confirmation of their feelings for one another, they could get away with doing wildly intimate things under the guise of being “just close friends.” Sharing a bed with their limbs entwined and showering together after the lake was allowed to mean nothing when, for all they knew, they were best friends. She’s reminded of the lollipop they shared earlier, just a thing Azzi had found in her backpack and plucked the plastic from as they got ready to walk down to the lake. They passed it back and forth between one another, sometimes with Azzi taking the red sucker out of her mouth with a pop, and placing it right between Paige’s lips. She’d swirl her tongue around it, searching for any flavour of Azzi in the cherry sugar. They’d lock eyes while they did it, reading every micro expression to try and figure out what the other was thinking. It drove Paige crazy. They would push and push, carefully toeing the line of what the other was okay with, having yet to find a limit. This sudden shift meant Paige wasn’t sure what she was allowed to do anymore. She didn’t want Azzi to feel uncomfortable with anything. 24 hours ago, Paige likely would’ve thrown her wet top over the shower wall and attempted to hit Azzi in the face with it. She opts to leave it on the window sill.
The sound of crickets takes over as the muffled hum of water stops.
Paige is sitting on the side of the bed, held up by the heels of her palms when Azzi steps out of the bathroom. She looks half zoned out, her gaze turning to Azzi as she’s absorbed by the sliver of orange light swallowing the bedroom as it pours from the bathroom door. For once, she looks almost bashful, her eyes on Azzi as she flicks off the light. As her eyes adjust to the darkness, she takes in the girl on her bed. She’s in gray calvin klein boxers and a thin white t-shirt that looks almost blue in the moonlight. She looks pretty. Her low messy bun and the few escaped strands dripping water onto her shirt. The peaks of her breasts through the thin material and the way that despite her timid expression, she sits relaxed with her legs slightly apart. Azzi takes a step toward her, the floor creaking lightly beneath her feet. Both girls jump, instinctively looking toward the door to the hallway. Their eyes meet again, both enjoying a breathless giggle.
Azzi’s right above her now. Paige smiles, blinking up at her as she breathes in the scent of her skin. Some type of sweet, tropical lotion and the familiar floral smell of her curls. She rakes her eyes down her body, over the little black tank top and her pink plaid pj shorts. Her hand comes up instinctively, curling around the back of Azzi’s thigh, anchoring her where she stands between Paige’s legs.
“We should talk.” Azzi mumbles, smiling.
“Yeah.” Paige agrees, dropping her head, letting it rest against Azzi’s middle.
“But not right now.” She responds, her voice a whisper as she tilts Paige’s chin back up. Paige’s eyes are wide and before she knows it she’s on her back against the cool white sheets and Azzi’s lips are on hers. They kiss like that for a while, content with only the sounds of their mingled breathing and mouths moving together. Paige tangles her fingers in Azzi’s curls, maneuvering them onto their sides. They part for a moment to breathe and Paige swears she sees stars in Azzi’s big brown eyes. They can’t help but grin, their hands on each other's faces like the other might slip away, even now. Paige sits up onto her elbow, whispering into Azzi’s jaw. “C’mere.” She plants a kiss following her words. She slides backwards until she’s up against the bedframe. Azzi shuffles until her knees are on either side of Paige’s legs. The blonde taps the outside of her thigh, prompting her to lift her leg enough for Paige to move hers through. Now Azzi’s straddling her thigh. She pulls her down with a gentle guiding hand on her lower back, pressing her thigh up just enough to spark that delicious pressure between Azzi’s legs. They kiss again, tentative and slow. Azzi’s lips are soft and all Paige can taste is her sweet chapstick. She rolls her hips against Paige’s thigh and breathes out soft sounds into her mouth. Paige swallows everything she gives her, her long, lithe fingers dragging along the sides of Azzi’s torso, fingertips slipping under her tank top. They stop carefully under the ridges of her breasts, with Paige breaking the kiss. “Can I?” She breathes, her blue eyes wide and pleading. Azzi grins, planting a long kiss on Paige’s mouth before sitting back on her heels. She grips the bottom of her tank top, pulling it over her head. Paige’s lips are parted and slick with her spit and Azzi thinks it’s the prettiest she’s ever seen her. Maybe because she rarely sees Paige without words. The blonde’s hands find her waist, pulling her forward. They wander shamelessly, her thumbs kneading her breasts, sliding over the peaks of her nipples as her tongue finds Azzi’s neck. “You’re so perfect.” Paige’s tongue soothes her words, sucking gently on the soft skin behind her jaw. Azzi hums in contentment, gasping softly as Paige’s mouth covers her nipple. She tangles her fingers in the loose tangle of blonde hair from Paige’s bun that's come undone. Paige swirls her tongue over Azzi’s nipple, sucking softly. She thinks of the lollipop, of how her bare skin is a thousand times sweeter than the cherry sugar. Paige keeps one of her hands busy on Azzi’s breast, dropping the other to trace a delicate path on the inside of Azzi’s thigh. The other girl whines almost desperately and it’s beautiful. Paige wants to drink the sounds she makes as the fist in her hair tightens. “Please.” Azzi pleads, staring down at her, her pupils wide and black as ink.
Paige’s fingers press deeper into the flesh of Azzi’s thigh. “What?” She smiles, a glint in her eye.
“Touch me. Please?” Azzi mumbles gingerly, her hips pressing forward into Paige’s grip.
“I am touching you.” She replies, her thumb swiping over the bud of Azzi’s breast. Azzi cocks her head, sliding a hand from Paige’s chest to cup her jaw. “Fuck me, Paige. Please.” She whispers, boldly and bluntly. Paige feels her throat tense and her brain short circuit. She’s looking at Azzi and her gaze is on fire. It reminds Azzi of the look she gets when somebody starts shit talking to her on the court. It’s that crazy eyed stare she gets when she’s only thinking about one thing. Usually it’s winning, but right now it’s Azzi. Something about it makes her nervous to have it directed at her. She’s snapped out of it by Paige’s lips below her navel. “Take these off f’me.” She mumbles, tugging on Azzi’s shorts. She shuffles back, sliding them off and tossing them somewhere on the floor.
She has on the prettiest white cotton panties, delicate lace trimming the edges and Paige just wants to go down on her right then and there. But she paces herself, kissing just above her waistband, trailing each press of her lips with her tongue. Azzi makes the most delightful sounds above her, and she thinks they can’t possibly get better until she brings two of her agile fingers between Azzi’s legs, pressing down gently. She’s so wet it drives Paige insane. She makes a choked sound between a gasp and a moan and pulls her blonde hair. Suddenly all Paige wants to hear is her name in that same tone. “Lie down.” She orders curtly but gently, following Azzi’s body with her own. Paige’s lips are on hers the moment the brunette is on her back. Paige is propped up on one elbow, the other arm dragging softly over Azzi’s tawny skin. She stops to toy with her breast and then ghosts her fingertips over the piercing on Azzi’s navel. She jerks her hips as Paige’s fingers meet her waistband, sliding down to rub soft circles over the wet fabric of her underwear. Azzi whines into Paige’s mouth, which she takes as a signal to stop her teasing. She breaks apart the kiss briefly to tell Azzi to lift her hips as Paige slides her panties down her legs. She can read the nervousness in Azzi’s eyes, kissing her gently as she finally slides her fingers through the wetness between her thighs. Azzi gasps, tossing her head back against the pillow. Paige grins, triumphant, continuing her gentle motions. She glances down in awe at where her hand sits between the girl's toned thighs. She’s never seen a more beautiful thing in her life.
Azzi lifts her head from its place on the pillow, concern and shyness in her wide eyes. She smacks Paige lightly on the side of her arm. “Stop looking!” She scolds in a hushed voice. Paige grins, abruptly removing her hand as she kisses Azzi’s neck. “You say stop?”
“Paigee..” Azzi whines, long and drawn out as she reaches for the blonde's wrist, placing her hand back between her legs. “Mhmm?” She hums in response, a lazy smile in her voice as she goes back to her previous motions. Their playful moment lulls as Azzi’s mouth finds hers again, every so often stopping as she raggedly exhales.
Paige collects the wetness on two of her fingers, slipping them inside. She curls her fingers just right. “Fuck, fuck.” Azzi breathes into her ear. “That feel good?” Paige asks, knowing the answer. “Feels so good.” Azzi parrots, practically babbling.
They kiss for a while as Paige’s fingers find their way back to Azzi’s clit. She’s pulling on Paige’s hair now, and kissing her hard. “You’re so good at that, don’t stop, please don’t stop.” She pleads, and Paige isn’t sure there’s anything on this earth that would make her stop. She breathes Paige’s name alongside a string of curse words and Paige thinks she must be in heaven. Azzi’s body shakes as she comes, her thighs closing tightly around Paige’s hand. She’s louder than Paige had expected, having to muffle her soft moans with her own mouth.
The air between them is thick with their mingled heavy breathing as Azzi comes down. Paige’s heart is suddenly racing and she’s filled with fear that Azzi will regret what has just happened. She anxiously meets her eyes when Azzi finally opens them and tilts her chin down to face Paige. She wears a timid smile. “How are you so good at that?”
Paige opens her mouth before Azzi cuts her off. “Actually, don't answer that.” They both laugh, breathless and Paige is filled with relief. Azzi suddenly feels aware of her nakedness and glances rapidly between Paige’s face and the silver cross rocking against her white shirt. She tugs on the fabric, indicating she wants it off. Paige smiles, incredulous as she reaches back to pull the shirt over her head. She drops it on the bed near their feet and Azzi presses up onto her palms to be on her level. Paige swallows nervously as Azzi rakes her fingernails over the girl's chest. They catch on the cross and their eyes meet at the same time. Azzi has no way of proving it, but she knows they’re thinking the same thing. What that cross means to them, for them. To others about people like them. She decides this is not the time to think about it, wrapping and arm around Paige’s ribs to kiss her tenderly. She takes the opportunity to explore, her fingers tracing the small roundness of her breasts and the pink of her nipples. She plants kisses along Paige’s collarbone, hearing her gasp as her tongue finds the peak of her breast. She sucks on the milky skin, separating briefly to admire the few purple marks littered over her chest. She grins. “White people bruise so easily.” she whispers, a teasing giggle as her fingers touch the skin. “Hey, not too much on me now.” Paige rolls her eyes, her hand clasping the one on her chest. “White girl just made you come–” Paige is cut off from her cocky and ever audacious remark by Azzi’s muffling hand over her mouth. “Shut up!” She scolds, her cheeks red and her dimples showing. Paige simply chuckles and kisses her again. Azzi’s hand trails lower, slipping past Paige’s waistband between her thighs. She’s wet, it’s soaked through the gray cotton of her boxers. She sighs into the kiss as Azzi starts moving her fingers in shy, tentative circles. Paige hums, content, which encourages Azzi to add a bit more pressure. “Is this okay?” She asks nervously. “I haven’t–” “Yes. You couldn’t possibly touch me and have it not be okay, Az.” Paige cuts her off, comforting her as she tucks a few curls behind her ear. “Can I… try?” Azzi asks, her fingers hovering over the waistband of Paige’s boxers. Paige pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, smiling as she nods bashfully. She lifts her hips, sliding the material down her legs and tossing it on the ground to join Azzi’s shorts. Azzi slides her fingers a few times through the slick between her legs and Paige feels like she might die if she hasn’t already. There’s something so beautiful about the earnestness with which Azzi moves, careful but eager to please. Paige tangles her fist in Azzi’s curls and pulls her down for a kiss. Her tongue is in Azzi’s mouth as she moves her hips in time with the motions between her legs. She pulls back, a string of saliva still connecting their lips. “You’re doing so good, please don’t stop Az.” She praises breathlessly before leaning in to kiss her again. Paige is all ragged breaths and curse words as she comes. She tugs on Azzi’s hair and pulls her impossibly closer by the waist.
They catch their breaths in sync, lying face to face under the thin white sheet, a sheen of sweat on their bodies from the summer heat. Drenched in sapphire moonlight, they fall asleep to the chirping of the crickets outside the window. Maybe they'll talk tomorrow.
ooo you should do azzi and a cheerleader read fic if you’re open to it! and if you and feel comfortable with it you should make it smut.?
hi anon! i don’t know a lot about azzi so sorry fits not how she acts and i don’t know a whole lot about cheerleading 😭 ALSO they’re in a handicap stall with a sink (they exist look it up)
warning(s): cussing, smut, fingering, eating out
genre: smut
pairing(s): azzi fudd x fem!reader
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you were walking around in the halls of UCONN in your cheer uniform, you were about to leave for a cheer competition in about 20 minutes but you wanted to “say bye” to your girlfriend first. all of your teammates knew you were going to fuck in the bathroom but they all stayed quiet so you wouldn’t get in trouble.
while you were walking around, azzi texted you and said “meet me in the bathroom.” you immediately headed straight for the bathroom, knowing you were gonna get fucked senseless especially since you were wearing your cheer uniform, she likes the way you look in it, especially the short skirt.
-
when you got there she pulled you in the handicapped stall and immediately started to kiss you, her hands on your waist. you kissed back and let your hands go under her shirt to caress her abs. the already heated kiss turned even hotter when she put her tongue in your mouth, you moaned in shock. her hands went from your waist to you ass and she picked you up and set you on the sink, spreading your legs and getting in between them.
she put her hand under your skirt and took off your shorts and rubbed your clit through your underwear. you were trying so hard to quietly moan but it was getting harder the faster she rubbed. azzi scooted you up in the sink and got on her knees, she moved your panties to the side and put her finger in you. you let out a moan an covered your mouth, throwing your head back. she put in another finger and pumped in and out of you. she was staring up at you and watching your facial expressions as she finger fucked you, she loved the way you moaned her name and tried to be quiet but couldn’t because she was fucking you that good. after a little while she added her mouth and sucked your clit. the mix of her lurch and fingers sent you over the edge, you couldn’t control your moans anymore. you let it all out. you moaned continuously, saying her name and cussing.
you coouldnt take it anymore and cummed all over her fingers and mouth, she helped you ride out your high then pulled her fingers out and pulled her mouth away and stood up, sucking you off her fingers. you were leaned against the mirror breathing heavy and watched her, it made you wetter than you already were.
she helped you clean up then helped you off the sink and you picked up your shorts and put them on, then turned to the mirror and fixed yourself up. azzi was behind you with her hands on your waist and giving you little pecks on your neck and face, “i love you.” she said as she holds you tighter, “i love you too.” you replied as you turned around and gave her a kiss, tasting yourself in her mouth. “i have to go but i’ll see you later.” you told her while pulling away and walking out the stall, before you walked out azzi gave you a slap on the ass and said bye.
-
when you got on the bus, your teammates were all minding their business till you got to your seat, then one of them said “so, how was the goodbye?” and you just side eyed her.
she laughed and said “i’m assuming good.” and you looked at her and replied with “it was more than good.”
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sorry it’s short 😭 i’m not the best with smut but anyway i hope you enjoyed, have a good day/night, love you 💋💋
The UConn women's basketball locker room still smelled like sweat and victory when Paige Bueckers, twenty-four and freshly drafted to the Dallas Wings, watched Azzi Fudd peel off her practice jersey. Azzi was one year younger, still grinding through her senior season, curls wild around her face.
"You looked good out there," Paige said, voice low.
Azzi rolled her eyes but smiled. "Save it for when I actually get drafted."
Paige didn't answer. She already knew what was coming.
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One year later, the Dallas Wings draft party filled a downtown ballroom with champagne, cameras, and nervous energy. Azzi sat at the head table in a shimmering gold-patterned dress with a halter neck that hugged her curves, her straightened curls falling perfectly down her back. Paige sat beside her in a tailored black suit, one hand resting on Azzi's thigh.
When the commissioner called Azzi's name, the room erupted. Paige stood first, pulling Azzi into a tight hug before the younger woman even processed what was happening. Cameras flashed. Teammates cheered. Paige leaned in and gave Azzi a short, congratulatory kiss on the lips—nothing too long, just enough to make Azzi's cheeks burn.
Azzi finally made it back to her seat, heart racing, and Paige leaned in close.
"Paula's Choice is hosting a private party for you upstairs," Paige whispered. "Come on."
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The private suite on the top floor was smaller, more intimate. Zaza was already behind the bar mixing drinks. Li sat on the arm of a couch, legs crossed, watching everything with her usual quiet smile. Alysha—Dallas's veteran mother figure—kept one eye on Azzi like she was her own child. Awak lounged in the corner with a beer. Arike and her wife Lala had flown in for the occasion.
Paige waited until the room quieted. She raised her glass.
"To Azzi Fudd," Paige said, voice steady. "My teammate. My best friend. The woman who makes every day better just by existing."
The room cheered. Azzi's eyes were already glassy.
Paige set her glass down. She reached into her jacket pocket, pulled out a small black box, and dropped to one knee in the middle of the suite.
"Azzi Fudd," Paige said clearly, opening the box. The diamond caught the light. "Will you marry me?"
Azzi's hands flew to her mouth. The entire room went silent.
"Yes," Azzi whispered. Then louder: "Yes. Fuck yes."
Paige slid the ring onto Azzi's finger and stood, pulling her into a deep kiss while their teammates screamed around them.
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Wedding planning started the next week.
Caroline, Azzi's maid of honor, dragged both of them to the first dress fitting. The boutique was small and private, white gowns lining every wall. Azzi stood on a pedestal in a simple sheath dress while the seamstress pinned fabric around her waist.
Paige sat in a velvet chair, legs spread, watching Azzi's reflection in the three-way mirror.
"You look fucking incredible," Paige said.
Azzi caught her eye in the mirror and smirked. "Behave."
Caroline snorted from the couch. "You two are disgusting."
The seamstress stepped out to grab more pins. The moment the door closed, Paige stood and crossed the room. She pressed against Azzi's back, hands sliding around to cup her tits through the dress.
"I want to fuck you in this," Paige murmured against Azzi's ear. "Bend you over that pedestal and make you watch yourself in the mirror while I make you come."
Azzi's breath hitched. "Paige—"
"Daddy," Paige corrected, squeezing harder.
"Daddy," Azzi whispered. "Not here."
Paige's hand slid lower, pressing between Azzi's legs through layers of fabric. "Then later."
The seamstress returned before Paige could push further. Azzi's cheeks stayed flushed for the rest of the fitting.
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Nika, Paige's maid of honor, handled most of the venue scouting. She dragged the couple to a historic estate an hour outside the city, its gardens already blooming for spring.
"This is it," Nika declared, spinning in a circle on the lawn. "Tell me this isn't perfect."
Azzi looked at Paige. Paige looked at Azzi. They both nodded.
Sarah and KK handled the guest list. The UConn team would all be there—former teammates flying in from across the country. KK was already planning to be the life of the party. Sarah, who looked shy but was secretly wild, promised to keep things organized. Kelis, Azzi's lastborn child UConn, had already texted that she wouldn't miss it.
Dallas teammates RSVP'd quickly. Zaza promised to keep the energy high. Li offered to help with decorations. Alysha texted Azzi directly: "My baby is getting married. I'm crying." Awak just sent a thumbs up. Arike and Lala booked their flights.
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The second dress fitting happened two weeks later. This time Azzi tried on a more elaborate gown—layers of lace, a long train, delicate beading across the bodice. The seamstress left them alone again while she searched for the right veil.
Paige didn't waste time.
She pushed Azzi into the dressing room, locking the door behind them. Azzi's dress was half-unzipped already, hanging off her shoulders. Paige spun her around and pressed her against the mirror, yanking the fabric down to expose her tits.
"Look at yourself," Paige ordered, voice rough. "Look how fucking pretty you are."
Azzi watched her own reflection as Paige dropped to her knees and pushed the dress up around her waist. Paige pulled Azzi's panties aside and licked through her folds in one long stroke.
"Paige—fuck—"
Paige sucked Azzi's clit into her mouth, two fingers sliding inside her without warning. Azzi's head fell back against the mirror, thighs shaking. Paige fucked her fast and hard, tongue working in tight circles until Azzi came with a broken moan, pussy clenching around Paige's fingers.
Paige stood and wiped her mouth on the back of her hand. "Good girl. Now finish trying on the dress."
Azzi's legs barely held her as she straightened her clothes. “Okay Daddy”
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The dress rehearsal was scheduled for the evening before the wedding. Their parents were supposed to arrive early to run through everything, but traffic delayed them by an hour.
The venue was empty except for Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Nika, and the officiant. Azzi stood at the altar in her full wedding dress, practicing her walk. Paige waited in her black tux, watching every step.
The officiant stepped away to take a call. Caroline and Nika wandered off to check the sound system.
Paige grabbed Azzi's hand and pulled her behind a large floral arrangement near the side of the garden.
"Paige, what are you doing?" Azzi whispered.
Paige pushed Azzi against the stone wall, hands already hiking up the heavy skirt of the wedding dress. She dropped to her knees again, pushing the fabric up around Azzi's waist.
"Been thinking about this all day," Paige said, voice low. She pulled Azzi's panties aside and licked through her folds in one long stroke.
Azzi's hands flew to Paige's hair. "Fuck—Daddy—our parents are going to be here any minute—"
"Then you better come fast," Paige growled against Azzi's pussy.
She sucked Azzi's clit into her mouth, two fingers sliding inside her without warning. Azzi bit her lip hard, trying to stay quiet as Paige fucked her fast and hard against the wall. Her wedding dress bunched around her waist, lace and silk everywhere.
Azzi came with a choked moan, thighs shaking around Paige's head. Paige licked her through it, then stood and kissed her hard, letting Azzi taste herself on Paige's tongue.
"Good girl," Paige whispered. "Now walk down that aisle like nothing happened."
Azzi's legs were still trembling when their parents finally arrived.
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Wedding day arrived clear and warm.
Azzi stood in the bridal suite with Caroline, Sarah, and Nika, the final touches being pinned into her hair. The dress fit perfectly—lace sleeves, fitted bodice, flowing skirt that moved like water when she walked. Her straightened curls had been restyled into soft waves.
Paige waited at the altar in a black tux, her hands steady even though her heart hammered. When the music started and Azzi appeared at the end of the aisle, Paige's breath caught.
Azzi walked toward her slowly, eyes locked on Paige's face. When she reached the altar, Paige took both her hands.
The officiant spoke. Vows were exchanged. Rings slid onto fingers.
"You may kiss your bride," the officiant said.
Paige pulled Azzi in and kissed her like they were alone, one hand gripping the small of Azzi's back, the other tangled in her hair. The crowd cheered.
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The reception lasted four hours.
Paige and Azzi danced, ate cake, and accepted congratulations from every teammate and former teammate in attendance. KK was the life of the party, dragging people onto the dance floor. Sarah kept things organized in the background. Kelis cried during her toast, calling Azzi her "Mom." Nika made everyone laugh with stories from their freshman year. Alysha gave a speech that had half the room tearing up, calling Azzi her "baby" one last time before she became a Bueckers.
Zaza kept the energy high with toasts and shots. Li helped with the playlist. Awak and Arike took turns making speeches. Lala pulled Azzi aside to give her advice about married life.
By the time they escaped to the honeymoon suite, both of them were buzzing.
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Paige kicked the door shut and immediately pressed Azzi against it, hands already working at the buttons of her dress.
"I've been waiting all fucking day to get you out of this," Paige growled.
Azzi helped, shimmying out of the gown until she stood in white lace lingerie—strapless bra, garter belt, stockings, and a thong that barely covered anything. Paige stripped out of her tux in seconds, revealing the sleek purple strap-on she'd had custom made for their wedding night. Azzi's name was inscribed along the shaft in delicate silver lettering.
"On the bed," Paige ordered. "Hands and knees."
Azzi climbed onto the massive bed and positioned herself, ass up, face down. Paige yanked the thong aside and pressed the tip of the strap against Azzi's entrance, pushing inside in one smooth thrust. Azzi moaned into the pillows as Paige started fucking her hard and deep.
Paige fucked her through the first orgasm, then flipped her onto her back and kept going. Azzi's legs wrapped around Paige's waist, pulling her deeper. Paige leaned down and sucked on Azzi's nipple through the lace bra.
"Gonna put a baby in you," Paige said against Azzi's skin. "Gonna breed this pussy until you're round and full."
Azzi came again at the words, pussy clenching hard around the strap. Paige fucked her through it, then pulled out and pushed Azzi onto her knees.
"Open," Paige ordered.
Azzi opened her mouth and Paige pushed the strap between Azzi's lips. Azzi sucked greedily, tasting her own cum on the purple silicone. Paige held Azzi's head and fucked her throat in shallow thrusts until Azzi was gasping.
Paige pulled Azzi up and pushed her back onto the bed. They fucked for hours—Azzi on her back, on her stomach, riding Paige's strap while Paige squeezed her ass. Every time Azzi came, Paige kept going, relentless.
Near dawn, they finally collapsed, Paige still buried inside Azzi, both of them breathing hard.
Azzi traced patterns on Paige's chest, her voice soft in the quiet room.
"I want your kids," she said. "Like... really want them. Multiple. I want to have your babies, Paige."
Paige's hips twitched forward at the words, the strap still deep inside Azzi.
"Then we'll start trying tonight," Paige said, rolling Azzi onto her back again. "And tomorrow. And the day after that."
Azzi smiled up at her new wife, legs already spreading.
"Yes, Daddy."
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Paige pushed open the front door, practice bag slung over her shoulder. The smell of garlic and herbs hit her immediately. She kicked off her sneakers and followed the sound of soft humming into the kitchen.
Azzi stood at the stove in one of Paige's old UConn hoodies, her belly round and full with their second child. Lila, their three-year-old, sat at the kitchen table with crayons scattered everywhere, coloring a picture of what looked like a basketball court.
"Mommy!" Lila shouted when she saw Paige. "Look what I made!"
Paige crossed the room and kissed the top of Lila's head, then moved behind Azzi at the stove. She wrapped her arms around Azzi's waist, hands resting gently on the swell of her belly.
"How are my girls?" Paige asked, pressing a kiss to Azzi's neck.
Azzi leaned back against her. "We're good. This one has been kicking all day."
Paige's hands moved in slow circles over Azzi's stomach. "She's excited to meet her big sister."
Lila held up her drawing. "It's us playing basketball! Mommy's belly is in it too."
Azzi laughed, stirring the sauce. Paige stayed behind her, chin resting on Azzi's shoulder, watching their daughter color and feeling the baby kick against her palm.
Paige was easily one of the most talented officers on her unit—a relentless force whose dedication to protecting the city was unquestioned. If a criminal was on the run, nobody doubted Paige would be the one to bring them in. But even the fiercest officers had their limits, and a brutal night shift running from eight in the evening until five the next morning was testing hers.
By ten o’clock, the streets had gone dead silent. Exhaustion began to heavy her eyelids, prompting Paige to step away from her patrol for a quick caffeine fix.
The nearby coffee shop was entirely empty when she stepped inside, save for the woman behind the counter. Paige caught her breath for a second. The barista was stunning, with soft brown eyes framing a delicate face, dark curls cascading down her shoulders, and an effortless, warm presence.
"Good evening," Paige offered, resting a hand on her belt.
The barista offered a polite, tired smile. "Good evening. What can I get for you?"
"I’d like a coffee, please," Paige said, though her mind blanked as she stared up at the sprawling menu board. Sensing her indecision, the barista leaned across the counter.
"How about trying the house specialty? It’s iced caramel coffee, and it comes with a fresh cookie."
Paige considered the offer for a long moment before nodding. "Yeah, that sounds perfect. Thank you."
While Paige pulled out her phone to check for updates, the barista went to work, expertly crafting the iced drink before fetching a golden, fresh-baked cookie from the display case. Returning to the counter, she set the order down with a quiet smile. "Here you go."
Paige took a slow sip, then bit into the cookie, her face instantly brightening. "You weren't lying," she admitted, looking up. "This is amazing."
The barista laughed softly, stepping back toward the register. As Paige savored another bite, the woman’s gaze casually drifted to the sharp definition of Paige's muscular arms filling out her police uniform.
When Paige reached for her wallet, the barista quickly waved her hands. "It’s on the house."
"Oh, no, I definitely need to pay you," Paige insisted, reaching for her cash.
"Don't worry about it," she replied warmly. "You already do more than enough keeping us safe."
Before Paige could argue, static burst through the radio clipped to her shoulder, followed by an urgent call for backup.
The barista gave her an encouraging nod. "Go on. You shouldn't waste time."
Paige’s eyes dropped briefly to the small metal nametag pinned to her apron: Azzi.
"Thank you... Azzi," Paige said, offering a rare, genuine smile before turning on her heel and sprinting out into the dark night.
💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓
The next day, Paige found herself walking back into the exact same coffee shop. It was her day off, but she hadn't been able to stop thinking about their interaction all night.
As the door chimed, Paige spotted Azzi standing behind the counter, greeted by the barista’s familiar, bright smile.
"Good morning, Azzi," Paige said softly. She’d made a point to remember the name.
"Good morning..." Azzi paused, searching her eyes.
"Paige," she offered with a gentle smile. "My name is Paige."
Azzi’s smile widened instantly. "It’s great to see you again, Paige. So, what can I get for you today?"
Paige glanced up at the chalked menu, considering her options for a moment. "I think I’d like to try something different today. Maybe a Blue Moon milkshake?"
"Anything else?" Azzi asked.
"No, just that, thank you."
Azzi rested her hands on the counter, a playful spark in her eye. "You know, whenever I make that one, I always like to add a bit of banana into the blend."
Paige raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely confused. "Blueberries and banana? That sounds like a pretty weird combination."
"I promise you, it’s incredible," Azzi insisted, her confidence wavering just a fraction under Paige’s sharp gaze.
Paige couldn't help the warm smile that broke across her face. "Well, if you say so, now you’ve actually made me curious to try it." She leaned against the counter, her eyes holding Azzi's. "Besides... how could I possibly refuse a suggestion from such a beautiful woman?"
A deep blush immediately flushed across Azzi’s cheeks. Stunned into silence, she offered a flustered, shy smile before quickly turning around to start blending the milkshake, her heart beating just a little faster behind the counter.
Paige took a long sip of the milkshake, her eyes widening slightly as the rich flavor hit her. "This is incredible," she admitted, looking straight at Azzi. "You were completely right."
Azzi flushed pink again, a quiet smile tucked into the corner of her lips. As she turned to walk back around to her usual spot behind the register, Paige reached out and lightly caught her wrist.
"Wait," Paige said, her voice dropping into a gentle, soft tone. "Stay with me while I finish it?"
Azzi paused, surprised, but pulled up a chair and sat down across from her. For a moment, a peaceful silence settled between them before Paige broke it. "How long have you been working here?"
"Almost two years," Azzi answered, resting her chin in her hands. "I took this job just to make some extra cash, but my actual career is in software engineering."
Paige frowned slightly, studying her tired face. "You must be exhausted running between two jobs."
Azzi let out a dry chuckle. "Well, if my tech boss actually paid us what we were worth, I wouldn't have to be here."
"Why stay there if they’re treating you like that?" Paige asked, genuine concern in her eyes.
Azzi went quiet for a moment, tracing the pattern on the table. "I signed a multi-year contract with the company. I’m pretty much locked in for now." She looked up at Paige, her tone shifting. "Besides, I shouldn't complain too much. It’s not like I’m risking my life every day like you do."
Before Paige could answer, the bell above the entrance chimed sharply as the door swung open.
Azzi offered a quick nod and excused herself, walking back over to the counter to greet the new customer. But as she stepped up to the register, the man didn't order. Instead, he reached beneath his heavy jacket and pulled out a handgun, aiming it directly at her chest.
"Empty the register. Now," he growled.
From her table, Paige’s entire posture shifted in an instant. Her pulse spiked—it was her day off, and she was completely unarmed.
Staying low, Paige slowly began to edge toward the counter, stepping as silently as possible to close the distance. But the gunman caught the movement in his peripheral vision and whirled around, snapping the barrel of the gun directly at Paige's chest.
"Don't even think about coming closer," he barked.
Paige froze immediately, raising her hands shoulder-high to show them empty. As the gunman turned his attention back to the register, Paige caught Azzi’s panicked gaze across the counter, giving her a quick, subtle look that silently signalled her to open the drawer.
Paige didn't hesitate for a split second. As soon as the gunman's focus flickered, she launched herself across the counter with the agility of a predator. She slammed into him, knocking the weapon from his grip before pinning him firmly against the floorboards.
She held him down, her eyes locking onto Azzi’s to offer a silent, steady anchor. "I’m taking him to the station," Paige commanded, her voice calm and controlled. "Stay here, okay?"
Azzi nodded, her hands trembling as she watched Paige work with practiced efficiency. Thirty minutes later, Paige returned to the shop, looking composed as ever. Seeing her walk back through the door, the tension that had been strangling Azzi’s chest finally unspooled.
Paige reached into her pocket, scribbled something onto a scrap of paper, and slid it across the counter. "That’s my number. If anything like this ever happens again, you call me immediately. I’ll be there."
Azzi took the paper, her fingers brushing against Paige’s, and felt a rush of genuine warmth. "Thank you for everything, Paige."
Paige offered her a soft, lingering look before turning toward the door. "I suppose I should get going now... princess."
The pet name hit Azzi like a physical jolt, sending a deep, fiery blush climbing up her neck. She stood frozen by the register, watching until the door clicked shut behind the officer.
Later that night, the silence of Azzi’s apartment felt loud compared to the chaos of her shift. Her hand hovered over her phone until she finally typed out a message to the number Paige had given her.
“Hi, is this Paige?”
She paced for four agonizing minutes, staring at the screen until a bubble popped up.
“Yes.”
Azzi felt a little surge of courage. “It’s Azzi. I just wanted to say thank you again.”
Back at the station, Paige looked down at her phone, a genuine, soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she read the name on the screen. She didn't hesitate to type back.
“Don’t mention it.”
💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓💜💓
Weeks bled into months as the two became practically inseparable. Paige still frequented the coffee shop, though caffeine was no longer her primary motivation; she was there simply to spend every available minute with Azzi. She had mapped out Azzi’s schedule with meticulous precision, dropping by during her shifts at the cafe, and often waiting outside the tech firm to pick her up after long days at her engineering job.
One quiet evening, they were curled up together on the couch in Paige’s apartment, a half-eaten pizza box resting on the coffee table between them.
Paige took a bite, breaking the comfortable silence. "You never told me what that Lucas guy wanted from you earlier."
Azzi leaned back against the cushions, sighing softly. "Oh, yeah. He came by my desk at work and asked if I wanted to go out on a date after our shift."
In an instant, the relaxed posture Paige held completely rigidified. Her jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing as a dark shadow crossed her face. "Oh, yeah? And what did you say?"
Azzi caught the sharp shift in Paige’s tone immediately, a subtle spark of amusement flickering behind her eyes. "I just told him I had a three-hour shift at the cafe right after, so I wouldn't be done until ten-thirty. He said he could pick me up then, but I gently made it clear I wasn't interested."
Paige picked at the edge of her crust, trying desperately—and failing—to hide the possessive edge in her voice. "Why not? I thought you were looking to meet someone."
Azzi went still, studying Paige’s guarded expression for a long beat before answering softly. "Because he isn't that someone."
Paige turned her whole body to face her, leaning in closer. "Oh, yeah? Then who is?"
A nervous silence stretched across the living room. Azzi’s heart hammered against her ribs as she debated whether to take the leap, watching Paige’s intense, waiting gaze. Finally, she let out a slow breath.
"You."
Paige froze, the air leaving her lungs. "Me?"
Azzi gave a subtle, single nod, a crimson flush blooming rapidly across her cheeks. "Yes."
Paige’s gaze dropped from Azzi’s soft brown eyes down to her lips, watching them tremble slightly. Without another word, Paige closed the distance between them, cupping Azzi’s jaw in her hand and pulling her into a kiss that melted all the quiet tension into warmth.
The initial tenderness of the kiss dissolved instantly, igniting into something fierce and desperate. Paige’s hands found the hem of Azzi’s top, slipping it over her head before lifting her effortlessly into her arms. Carrying her into the bedroom, Paige laid her down gently on the bed, immediately leaning back in to capture her lips.
Paige trailed her mouth down to Azzi’s jawline, pressing open-mouthed kisses against the sensitive column of her throat, leaving dark, sweet marks in her wake. A soft moan escaped Azzi’s lips, her fingers tangling tightly in Paige’s hair.
Reaching behind Azzi, Paige unhooked her bra, letting her gaze linger before taking one peak into her mouth, coaxing breathless sighs from deep in Azzi’s chest. She traced a slow path of warm kisses down Azzi’s chest, worshipping every inch of her skin, resting her lips against the smooth dip of her stomach and defined abs.
"You're so gorgeous, Azzi," Paige whispered, her voice rough.
When her hands settled on the waistband of Azzi’s pants, Paige paused, looking up to meet her eyes in silent question. Azzi offered a breathless, eager nod.
Paige slid her pants off, kissing along the inside of her thighs before pulling away her underwear. She aligned herself close, slowly easing a single finger inside. Azzi gasped at the sudden warmth, her hips lifting instinctually off the sheets. When Paige slid a second finger in, Azzi gripped the bedding, her chest heaving.
"Fuck, Paige... I can't—it's too much," Azzi choked out, though the way her body melted against Paige made her true desire undeniably clear.
Paige set a slow, deliberate rhythm with her fingers, gradually building the pace while leaning down to let her tongue trace where her fingers couldn't reach. Azzi squeezed her eyes shut, completely undone by the sensation.
"Fuck... Paige, yes—just like that, don't stop," Azzi panted, her voice breaking.
Paige picked up the speed, driving Azzi right to the edge. The only sounds left in the room were Azzi’s broken, frantic cries of Paige's name—"Paige... Paige, please—Pai-geeee"—before a sharp, shattered "Fuckkkkk" tore from her throat as shockwaves of pleasure crashed over her.
As Azzi came down from the high, Paige brought her fingers to her own lips, tasting her with a quiet, appreciative hum that sent a shudder through Azzi’s chest.
Azzi let out a breathless, exhausted laugh, pulling Paige up by her collar to press a slow, deep kiss to her lips. She rested her head against Paige's chest, listening to the steady, comforting beat of her heart.
Wrapping her arms securely around her, Paige pressed a gentle kiss into Azzi’s curls, whispering softly into the quiet room: "I love you, Azzi."
Azzi smiled against her skin, safely curled in Paige’s arms as exhaustion finally pulled them both into sleep.
authors note: in this snippet azzi is touched starved. She’s also a huge daydreamer. If you couldn’t tell from the first paragraph. anyways, I hope you like it! I really liked how I wrote this intro.
also, I will come back to ‘I can’t get enough (of you)’ after I finish this story. or maybe I’ll work on them at the same time. We’ll see. It depends on my motivation 😭
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ever since Azzi was a little kid, she would always zone out focusing more on the scene playing in her head then what was actually happening around her. The fake scenarios in her head kept her entertained and allowed her to escape from the real world.
She used to always find herself daydreaming about the future. her future job, pets, or how she would look. Sometimes she would imagine herself as other people like celebrities. There were countless times where Katie—her mother—would catch her staring off out of a window or walk in on her with headphones on and completely zoned out.
As she got older and headed off to college, her daydreaming turned into fantasies. Azzi would find herself imagining what it would feel like to be touched. Having someone worship her body.
She would imagine what it would feel like to straddle a woman, pleasing her with just her tongue. Words couldn’t describe the desire she had about wanting to experience what it would feel like to pleasure a woman.
But her imagination wasn’t always about sexual things. Azzi imagined what it would feel like to be loved by someone who wasn’t related to her. She wanted to cry when her dreams had finally came true.
She had met Paige in math class. They sat by each other every day for the past two weeks giving each other glances and small smiles before one of them said something. When they finally did talk, they instantly clicked, eventually becoming best friends to girlfriends.
When the two started dating, Azzi's fantasies centered around one thing: Paige.
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authors notes: for the people who are in my community, this is about Azzi loving Paige’s abs. and the story is still gonna be the 3 + 1 thing. This scene is just background info kinda. anyways, tell me your thoughts!
Ok I am making a list of the fics that have fundamentally altered how I see myself or the world around me because of the BEAUTY with which these writers write humanity, slice of life, relationships, humor, interaction, and personhood.
Just a list of pieces of writing I really enjoy and appreciation for all of the creativity that makes them happen. Everyone who writes genuinely could be choosing to do something else and I’m so grateful for human creativity and expression, as well as this little corner of the internet we have here.
What are my qualifications? Well I count reading Pazzi fanfiction as doing research on humanity and I like making lists so here we are. GUYS HOW ARE YOU ALL SO GOOD AT WRITING AGGHHHHH. I could go on and on for hours about the amazing and passionate writing that happens on this but here is a list of my current faves, what I’m reading rn, and fics that have supported me.
@peach4pazzi Gardener? I hardly Know Er and Airport Crush. The banter. The settings. The humanity and messiness and awkwardness. I literally feel like I’m there with them in this critical short glimpses of scenes and I LOVE IT. Dear Miss Azzi is also fantastic, these all use very sweet every day settings to immerse the reader and really make you feel like you can romanticize and whimsify your every day life’s plus the way she describes Paige and her clothes is to die for. Effortless!
@hcneymooners Anaktoria (honorable mention for the one about PMDD for reframing how I think about my own mental illness and the romanticism of caring for/being with yourself and others) (I also love the double booked airbnb trope fic she wrote, it is so SO beautiful I just re read the other night night because the ending is so beyond perfectly written) AND as I’m writing this I would like to add that Pink Noise which is her influencer!Azzi x baller! P fic is so so cute (and also feels like it’s in the same ish world of some of my fave Peach fics of being cute and comforting and funny and agh!) AND just to recommend one more, dentition is so gorgeous and sexy and feely and UGH!!! Everything she writes is beautiful, touching, poignant—so so well chosen like seriously how are we coming up with these circumstances. I would love to know how her brain works but all I can say is that her writing has fed me. I genuinely had such a blast when I went on a trip home and just read her stuff all day (the slasher fic definitely stands out too!! A true visionary in this field.) BUT anyway. ANAKTORIA. OMG. I HAVE RE READ SO MANY TIMES. Do I relate??? The holy grail. The way she describes the different settings, making their surroundings and the sensory input feel like an integral part of each characters mind train of thought and feelings. I cannot even explain it or put it into words. She literally changed how I feel about how time self clothes body and expression and ohhhh my god I love it. I’m not even kidding you I have some of the lines memorized. This smut fic has genuinely changed the way I perceive things, myself, me, life. Its my favorite. How does she do that. Inject it.
@wecrytogether the author that brought you recognition and recognition Christmas bonus. I love her depictions of gender, courage, and desire, as well as confidence when it comes to Paige and Azzi. Definitely something I have played with in my own internal monologue and yes I love this rendition of Paige. Wow. (Am I blissfully enjoying my own ideas about what happens at the end of the fics…yes.) She also wrote Greedy which is in my opinions one of if not the most powerful and iconic quintessential work of Pazzi smut on the frickin app (seriously my re reads were…whew.) ALSO all fours was recently dropped (hello Juju Watkins) after a lot of anticipation and it totally lives up to the hype. Just a beautifully descriptive fic (that says so much without saying too much) and at the end of which I am maximally sweetly rooting for the two protags :)
@twostepcherry ASMR FOR SLEEP. Oh my god. Hahaha I love this fic so much. One of the ones I check on updates for the most because I just love the back and forth (can you tell I love back and forth) between each of their seperate lives. So excited for them to intersect but I think the way that their individual selves have been set up is very very sweet, enriching, and relatable so far. Reminds me of peach4pazzi in that I think FRIENDSHIP is written so well in this fic and really given a beautiful spotlight :) I haven’t read dots right now because I’m SAVINGGGG THEM yummmm for later but I’m sure all of their work is gold :) omg and stopgap is so sweet and fluffy and cute and beautiful and dynamics and forgiveness and familiarity m and yay
@girliblue Can I Have this Dance. ENUFF. SAID. I love CIHTD because it deals with these super short chapters that are just gorgeous slices of the same sequence of events, sometimes jumping around in a way that feels sooo realistic. The evolution of their relationship genuinely made me so giddy and again I feel like the character interactions feel so authentic and human and real in a way that just makes everything about the fic feel more romantic and relatable. and there’s a balcony scene for crying out loud. This fic makes the reader relate to Azzi while also rooting for Paige in such a beautifully touching way that just literally makes me feel like I understand my own emotions more.
@graybuckets coastline. Kid fic. Omg. I actually read the two parts of a closeness completely unrelated from eachother and out of order? and my goodness the resolution touched my heart in beautiful ways. I literally re read the ending multiple times because it was just that good. There is so much care given to sensory input, character choice making, and the beautiful complexity of angst that feels so immersive and special. I love it. THE KID FIC HAD ME IN A CHOKE HOLD WHEN IT WAS FIRST COMING OUT (and the entire time it was being updated. You’d best believe I read those chapters twice each if not more. And the smut?? Every author on this list can write smut but these smuts were CREATIVE AND ADVANCING THE PLOT IN SUPER SECRET UNEXPECTED WAYS always a surprise that was so delicious. Omg also this seasonal depression fic is very sweet gorgeous to me AND her standalone smut angsty ish fics are so good
@hiitsme535 father forgive me I am sick BOOK TWO. Holy frick yall book two. Idk something about the way the dynamic between P and A is being written is so rich and yummy and tense and sweet and aghhhh. This one is newer for me because I didn’t follow book one as closely but book two has me. If you like this one, you also might like Devotion by @allfictionallfun which has similar moments of tension and tenderness (with really really nice slice of life and found family energy in a college setting :))
@buffalo1221 Anything buffy writes is beautiful but can you fix a broken heart oh my goodness. First of all I love the Pacific Northwest SECOND OF ALL this fic feels so regular and realistic to me. It truly feels like it takes us through the lives and emotions of a story with these emotions and relationships which I love. And we just got an epilogue! Bonus points for the most mega fun climax chapters ever how do you come up with this stuff? Does it count as slow burn? I just love the scenery that I get from this fic :) NAWW is also such a beautiful masterpiece (I think also set in Seattle? Dubs.) that is unfolding so gradually for us which is really nice. I think it’s a beautiful to take on such a complex, detailed, emotionally nuanced story and I have loved following it so far.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: One that isn’t complete is Better Distractions (also by @twostepcherry) (very very sweet so far and I’m very very invested in the plot)—feels like it has a similar vibe to behind enemy lines (you just gotta read it man) (by Buffy). These fics both do really interesting things with hiding information from you throughout the fics. Similar to CIHTD, they also have have a cool dynamic of push and pull, (are they supposed to be doing this? Moments) COMBINED WITH CLUBBING BABY HELL YEAH. (Clubbing also heavily mentioned in ITTBWYNMTB (the kid fic) by graysen. heck yeah.)
LOOKING DOWN AT YOU LOOKING UP AT ME BY @wecrytogether ALSO is on this similar wave length of tension and compromising situations and self control by utilizing perceived and very real power dynamics in such a cool way. Plus Valks Paige and Azzi?? Say less. (I have also been mega enjoying the Valkzi and Cheffzi fics by @the1975-10 ugh these fics are all so linked for me 💗🫶 keep writing about the club yall I love it.
Last honorable mention goes for the love island au by @azzibueckers5 it is genuinely so good so juicy full of information and little jokes that are so real and so hilarious BUT IT IS ONLY ONE CHAPTER FOR NOW SO ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN PEOPLE…the knee thing. ENOUGH SAIDDDD. Such a fun fic.
LAST LAST HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO HONEWORK AND HEAVY EYE. @pboogersworld I have a playlist with the name of this fic in the details because of how it makes me feel. I wanted to make a playlist that made me feel like reading this fic makes me feel and overlay that on my visions for the summer. Hence, the playlist, which I’ve listened to in the car many a time. I think a fic with a vibe powerful enough to geniunely mesh with the vibes of an ENTIRE SUMMER should is just…chefs kiss.
FOR CONTEXT I have been reading Pazzi fics literally all summer since graduating. I feel like reading romance helps me a lot because it helps me get a better understanding of how interact with my sense of self and the world around me. These fics write describe and romanticize life in a way that is so so special to me and have genuinely rewired my brain! I think this fandom is so full of beautiful creative humans, so this is also only the tip of the iceberg and I’m sure all of these creative humans will continue to write and create and be in other beautiful ways. This is just a small shoutout and appreciation of their material so far.
Also! I hope it’s obvious but this list is not meant to be divisive or deprecating to anyone at all. This is just a list of some of my personal favorites, and we all like different things. It has been fun to highlight what I like enjoy and resonate with across different fics, especially as it relates to my own perception and my own practice of writing. I’m very grateful we have such a special engaged community of people who love these humans and either, truly so grateful to be Pazzi fc :)
