a/n: Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out. I was busy this weekend, and I also did not have any motivation to write. But anyway, here we are. Again, I am new to writing stuff like this so please give me your opinions, thoughts, suggestions. Thank you for reading. I appreciate it!
Warnings: sexual content (yay we all cheered!)
Word Count: 7.8k
Chapter 11: Real Romantic Shit
Azzi had been on dozens of dates. She'd dated her ex for years. If she counted all the dinners, movies, random Tuesday nights spent wandering Target for no reason, she'd probably been on hundreds of dates.
So why did this one have her feeling like she might actually throw up? She'd spent most of the day trying to breathe through it. In for three, hold for three, out for three. The technique her therapist had taught her. Usually it helped.
Today, not so much. Because the nerves weren't really about the date itself. Dinner with Paige sounded easy enough. Exciting, even. It was everything after that that kept sending her thoughts spiraling.
Azzi was very aware that she was attracted to Paige. There was no point pretending otherwise anymore. Her heart raced when Paige smiled at her. She caught herself staring at her hands, her mouth, the little cross necklace she absentmindedly played with.
And that attraction came with questions Azzi had never really had to answer before. Questions that somehow had her standing in a nail salon, trying very hard to act normal.
"Do you want me to cut them down?" the nail tech asked.
Azzi glanced at her hands.
"Uh..." Her stomach flipped. "Yeah. Pretty short."
Later, she had a hair appointment, which she had been meaning to do for a while, but didn’t have the time. Four simple cornrows, two on each side of her center part, while the rest of her curls stayed loose and defined.
Luckily, she'd gotten waxed the weekend before, one less thing to worry about. By the time she got home, it was just after four, leaving her plenty of time to get ready.
She showered longer than usual, exfoliating her legs and scrubbing her lavender and vanilla body wash all over. Afterwards, she moisturized practically every inch of herself. Totally normal behavior.
She worked through her skincare slowly before moving on to makeup. Her skin had been behaving lately, so she skipped foundation, using only a little concealer beneath her eyes. Then she attempted the smoky eyeliner Caroline had taught her. Mascara. Lip stain. Gloss.
When she finally stepped back from the mirror, she barely had time to admire the finished look before her phone lit up on the bathroom counter.
P (heart emoji) 5:35pm
The reservation is at 7:30, but Ill be there at 6:15
A little bit of a drive
Im excited
Butterflies erupted instantly. Azzi stared at the message for a full minute before smiling helplessly at herself in the mirror. Maybe that was the problem. This wasn't just another date. She liked Paige. Enough that the possibility of messing it up made her nauseous.
She picked up her phone, reread Paige's text one more time, and tried the breathing exercise again. Then she opened Paige's contact, grinning despite herself as she typed back. Okay. Maybe she was terrified. But she was excited, too.
Azzi texted back that the time sounded perfect and that she was excited too. The second Paige liked the message, Azzi set her phone on the charger and walked toward her closet.
That was when the real problem started. What the hell was she supposed to wear? It had gotten colder out, which meant she could finally justify wearing her favorite trench coat. She considered pairing one of her newer tops with a skirt, but that felt too casual.
Paige had texted her the name of the restaurant earlier, so naturally Azzi had looked up the menu. The photos made it seem really fancy.
Fancy enough that Azzi suddenly wished she'd known sooner. She could've gone shopping. But between her nail appointment, getting her hair done, and spending half the day trying not to have a nervous breakdown over the fact that she was going on a date with Paige, there hadn't been time.
She shuffled through hangers with growing frustration. Eventually, she stepped back from the closet and pressed both hands against her cheeks. She could feel herself spiraling. Her chest tightened slightly. Okay. Breathe. This was supposed to be fun.
As she pushed a few more hangers aside, her eyes caught on something tucked farther in the back of the closet.
Her brows furrowed. "Oh." She carefully pulled the dress free. The one she'd bought when she'd gone shopping with Paige. Caroline had reorganized her closet, and Azzi had completely forgotten it was there. She held it up against herself, turning slightly toward the mirror.
Then she remembered the way Paige had looked at her that day. Not glanced. Looked. The memory sent warmth flooding straight into her stomach.
At the time, Azzi had brushed it off. Now? She was definitely wearing this tonight.
She carried the dress over to her dresser and opened the top drawer, reaching automatically for one of the bras she usually wore. Then she paused. Folded neatly off to the side was the lavender matching set Caroline had talked her into buying.
"For no particular reason," Caroline had insisted.
Apparently, Caroline's definition of no particular reason involved lace. Azzi stared at it for a second. Then quickly grabbed both pieces before she could overthink it. She got dressed carefully, checking herself in the mirror more times than she cared to admit. The dress fit just as well as she remembered.
She slipped on her Louboutins before adding her jewelry piece by piece, a silver twist ring on her right hand, a simple silver band on her left middle finger, diamond studs, and a delicate tennis bracelet.
When she looked back into the mirror, though, she found herself lingering. Not studying the dress. Studying herself.
A year ago, her life had looked entirely different. A different relationship. A different future. A different version of herself. Back then, she'd been settling. Making herself smaller. Accepting things she knew she deserved better than.
Now, she was standing in her own apartment, dressed for a date with someone who made her feel excited and terrified in equal measure. Someone who made her laugh. Someone who made her feel seen. Azzi smiled softly at her reflection. She was proud of herself. Proud that she'd taken the leap. Proud that she'd chosen herself.
She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and slipped it into her black purse. After making sure her lip gloss was safely tucked inside, she headed into the living room.
As she reached for her trench coat hanging by the door, a knock echoed through the apartment. Immediately, her stomach erupted into butterflies. Excitement. Nerves. Panic.
Azzi closed her eyes briefly and took a slow breath. She was fine. This was fine. This was just Paige. They hung out all the time. Nothing new. Another knock sounded through the apartment.
Azzi opened her eyes. Her pulse skipped. Okay. Maybe it wasn't exactly the same.
But when the thought of seeing Paige sent a smile tugging at her lips anyway, Azzi knew one thing for certain. Whatever this was between them, it was worth being nervous for.
She took a deep breath before opening the door. The moment she did, her breath caught. Paige stood on the other side holding a bouquet of flowers.
The smile on her face was priceless, soft and a little uncertain, like she wasn't entirely convinced Azzi would actually want them. The slight embarrassment written across her features made Azzi's chest tighten. It was the cutest thing she'd ever seen. Her gaze dropped briefly, taking in Paige's outfit.
Black trousers that fit her perfectly. A black belt with a silver buckle. A fitted white ribbed top tucked neatly into the waistband. Instead of her usual hoodie, she wore a sleek black leather jacket that made her look both polished and effortlessly cool.
Her hair was down, Azzi's favorite. Soft waves framed Paige's face, and Azzi couldn't help but wonder if she'd curled it herself. The thought made her smile. When Azzi looked back up, she caught Paige's eyes moving over the dress she'd chosen. Recognition flashed across Paige's expression. Azzi's stomach fluttered.
"Hi," Paige breathed, looking momentarily speechless before a smile spread across her face. "You look amazing." She took a small step forward before holding out the bouquet. "These are for you."
Azzi accepted them carefully, allowing Paige to step inside before closing the door behind her.
"Let me just put these in water."
She moved toward the kitchen counter, grabbing the tallest glass she could find. She filled it quickly, mixed in the flower food, and carefully arranged the bouquet.
"I guess I should've gotten you a vase too," Paige teased from behind her.
Azzi laughed softly. "Shut up."
Turning back toward Paige, Azzi found herself taking her in all over again. The nervous smile that still hadn't fully disappeared.
"Thank you," Azzi said warmly, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around Paige's shoulders.
"You look..." Azzi trailed off.
Paige's mouth curved into a knowing smirk. "Sexy?"
Azzi rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips gave her away instantly. "Yeah," she admitted, her voice quieter than she'd intended. "You look really sexy."
The confidence in Paige's expression faltered for just a second. Then her hands settled carefully at Azzi's waist.
"Thank you, ma," Paige murmured. The teasing edge in her voice had softened into something gentler. Paige leaned forward slightly, giving Azzi plenty of time to pull away. Instead, Azzi closed the distance between them.
Their lips moved slowly. Azzi tangled her hands in Paige's hair pulling a little. She let out a quiet groan, causing heat to pool low in Azzi’s stomach.
Azzi nipped at her bottom lip before pulling back still in between her teeth before letting go. Azzi lightly wiped some gloss off Paige's lip before taking a step back, unlocking her hands from Paige's shoulders.
"We should probably go," she said, reaching for her purse. "We dont want to be late."
She turned back around only to find Paige still standing exactly where she'd left her. Her expression had gone pleasantly dazed. Azzi crossed her arms.
"You good?" she asked, fighting back a grin.
Paige blinked once before shaking her head slightly, like she was trying to remember what planet she was on.
"Perfect," she answered. Then she smiled, a warm confident smile Azzi had come to know so well. She walked toward the door before holding it open for her.
Azzi shook her head, unable to stop smiling as she stepped past her. The butterflies hadn't gone away. If anything, they'd multiplied. Paige reached over to gently brush her fingers against Azzi's hand on their way out the door. She was having trouble controlling the smile on her face.
Paige guided her toward the car, opening the passenger door before Azzi even had the chance to reach for it herself. Azzi couldn't help but smile as she slid into the seat. Paige closed the door gently before rounding the front of the car and climbing into the driver's seat.
"Are you comfortable?" Paige asked almost immediately, adjusting the vents before fiddling with the temperature controls. Azzi glanced over at her. The slight furrow between Paige's brows. The way she kept readjusting things that didn't actually need adjusting. It was adorable.
"Yeah," Azzi assured her, her voice light. "I'm good."
Paige nodded once before putting the car into drive. Soft music filtered through the speakers as they pulled away from the curb. A few minutes later, Paige settled back into her seat a little more comfortably before resting one hand on Azzi's thigh. Azzi's breath caught. The warmth of Paige's palm seeped through the fabric of her dress, sending an embarrassing amount of awareness racing through her body.
Neither of them spoke much during the drive. The silence wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. Paige's thumb began moving absentmindedly back and forth against her thigh. Azzi stared straight ahead. The slow sweep of Paige's thumb repeated. Azzi swallowed. Maybe she needed to stop paying attention to it. She shifted slightly in her seat, resisting the urge to glance over. Another stroke of Paige's thumb. Maybe Paige needed to stop. Or maybe Azzi needed to get a grip. Beside her, Paige hummed softly along with whatever song was playing on the radio, completely unaware of the internal crisis she was causing.
By the time they pulled up in front of the restaurant, Azzi had finally convinced herself she'd regained some level of composure. At least until a valet attendant approached the car.
"One sec," Paige murmured. She climbed out before handing over the keys and exchanging a few polite words with the attendant.
Then, without hesitation, she walked around to Azzi's side. The passenger door opened. Paige held out her hand. Azzi stared at it for half a second before placing her own in it.
"Thank you," she said softly as Paige helped her out of the car.
Paige's hand shifted to rest gently against Azzi's hip as she guided her toward the restaurant entrance. The gesture felt so natural that Azzi barely thought about it. Until she realized how much she liked it. The hostess greeted them immediately and led them through the dining room. Azzi glanced around as they walked.
The restaurant was beautiful. Low lighting cast a warm glow across the room. Small candles flickered on each table, accompanied by simple floral arrangements. Conversations drifted quietly through the space, mixing with the soft music playing overhead. It was elegant. And definitely expensive.
Azzi shot Paige a look over her shoulder. Paige suddenly seemed very interested in the hostess's directions.
The hostess stopped beside a small table tucked away near the windows. Before Azzi could react, Paige stepped forward and pulled out her chair. Azzi stared at her for a moment before shaking her head with a helpless grin.
"Thank you," she said, for what had to be the hundredth time that evening.
A faint flush spread across Paige's cheeks. "No problem."
Paige settled into the chair across from her. Azzi glanced around the restaurant once more. When her attention shifted back to the table, she noticed Paige fidgeting with something in the pocket of her leather jacket. Her fingers tapped nervously against whatever it was. Azzi frowned slightly. Before she could ask, the waiter appeared beside their table.
"Good evening," he said warmly. "Can I start you both off with something to drink?"
Paige ordered a Cabernet for the table along with two waters. Azzi smiled to herself. Paige remembered.
It wasn't something Azzi had mentioned often, but it was the wine she'd gravitated toward whenever they went out. The fact that Paige had remembered something so small made warmth settle in her chest.
As they waited, conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about their days while skimming through the menus. Well. Paige skimmed. Azzi had already looked up the menu hours ago. She'd studied it enough to know exactly what she wanted before she'd even walked through the restaurant doors. Still, she flipped through the pages thoughtfully, pretending to debate her options.
"What do you think you're going to get?" Paige asked casually. "I heard the shrimp scampi is really good."
Azzi glanced up from the menu. Then smiled. For two reasons. The first being that Paige definitely wasn't recommending it for herself. Paige hated shrimp. The second being that Paige was trying to steer her toward something she thought Azzi would enjoy. It was such a small thing. And yet somehow, it made Azzi's heart squeeze.
"Yeah," Azzi said, glancing back down at the description she'd practically memorized earlier. "I was looking at that." She traced the words with her eyes before looking back up. "I think that's what I'm gonna go with."
She closed her menu and set it on the table. "What about you?" she asked. "What are you getting?"
"Probably the steak," Paige answered with a shrug. "Apparently the mashed potatoes are supposed to be incredible."
She glanced down at the menu again before looking back up. Only to find Azzi staring at her.
"What?" Paige asked, a hint of nervousness slipping into her expression.
Azzi tilted her head slightly. "Nothing."
Paige narrowed her eyes. "Azzi."
A smile spread slowly across Azzi's face. "You just look really nice."
The faint pink that dusted Paige's cheeks was immediate. "Oh." The confidence Paige carried so effortlessly seemed to falter for a moment. "Thanks."
Azzi's smile widened. "Like..." She paused, letting her gaze flick briefly over Paige's leather jacket before meeting her eyes again. "Way too good."
Paige's blush deepened instantly. Her lips parted slightly, as if searching for a response. Before she could find one, the waiter appeared beside their table.
"Are you both ready to order?"
Paige blinked once before tearing her attention away from Azzi. "Uh, yeah."
Azzi bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. They placed their orders before handing back their menus.
"Excellent choices," the waiter said with an easy smile. "I'll get those started for you."
Once he walked away, silence settled over the table again. Paige reached for her water glass. “You did that on purpose."
Azzi lifted an innocent shoulder. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."
Paige let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. Then, unable to stop herself, she smiled. "You really don't make this easy, do you?"
Azzi leaned back slightly in her chair, her grin growing. "No," she admitted softly.
Paige held her gaze for a moment before looking away. "I had a question I wanted to ask."
Something in her tone made Azzi sit up a little straighter. "What?"
Paige's fingers tapped once against the side of her water glass before she wrapped her hand around it. She looked down at the table. "Well..."
Azzi waited.
Paige let out a quiet breath through her nose, almost laughing at herself. "I wanted to ask officially."
Azzi's brows furrowed.
"Officially?"
"Yeah."
Paige glanced up, then immediately back down again. For someone who could talk to thousands of people without breaking a sweat, she suddenly seemed weirdly interested in the pattern of the tablecloth.
Azzi felt her stomach flip. "Paige."
Paige laughed nervously. "Sorry." That definitely wasn't helping. A second passed. Then another. Azzi watched Paige rub her palms against her jeans before finally looking back up.
"Would you be my girlfriend?"
For a moment, Azzi forgot how to speak. Everything else seemed to disappear, the restaurant, the conversations around them, the music playing somewhere overhead. Just Paige. Waiting. Looking more nervous than Azzi had ever seen her. Her heart skipped once. The smile that spread across her face was immediate.
"Yeah," she whispered.
Paige blinked. Like she hadn't expected her answer to come that quickly.
Azzi laughed softly. "Yes," she repeated, stronger this time. "I would love to."
The change in Paige was instant. Her shoulders loosened. The tension disappeared from her face. She ducked her head, a smile breaking across her lips that she couldn't quite hide. Something warm settled in Azzi's chest. Across the table, she reached for Paige's hand. Paige's fingers intertwined with hers immediately. Neither of them said anything for a few seconds. They just sat there smiling like idiots.
"That's why you were so nervous..." Azzi teased.
Paige's smile faltered. Just slightly. She glanced down toward her lap.
Azzi noticed the way her thumb kept moving against the back of her hand. "Hey." She squeezed gently. "If anyone should be nervous, it's me."
Paige shook her head. "You don't even know."
"What?" Azzi asked with a small laugh.
Paige was quiet for a beat. Long enough that Azzi thought she might not answer.
"You're just..." She stopped. Searched for the words. "You're amazing."
Azzi felt her teasing expression soften.
Paige looked down again before continuing. "I don't want to mess this up."
The honesty in her voice caught Azzi off guard. She frowned. "I should be the one saying that," she said honestly. "I'm the one who just figured out I'm a lesbian. I've never done any of this before."
"It's not about that," Paige said quickly.
"Then what is it?"
Paige let out a breath. "You've made things better for me."
Azzi blinked.
Paige gave a small, self-conscious laugh. "I've been happier." Her thumb brushed across the back of Azzi's hand. "I've been taking care of myself more."
Azzi stayed quiet. Listening.
"I'm just saying..." Paige's voice softened. "I really like you. For you."
Warmth flooded Azzi's chest. For once, she couldn't think of anything clever to say. The silence settled comfortably between them. Then, eventually, the corners of her mouth lifted into a smirk.
"You sure you're not just trying to get into my pants?"
Paige rolled her eyes immediately. "Shut up, bro."
Azzi raised an eyebrow. "Calling me bro definitely isn't helping your case." That finally earned the laugh Azzi had been looking for.
The waiter arrived then, balancing their meals effortlessly. The conversation shifted easily back into their familiar rhythm. They teased each other between bites. Made fun of each other's food choices. Azzi took her time eating, savoring both the meal and the fact that Paige was now officially her girlfriend.
The shrimp scampi was good. Not life-changing. But good. Across from her, Paige worked through her steak much quicker. As Azzi noticed Paige nearing the end of her mashed potatoes, she opened her mouth to ask for a bite. Before she could speak, Paige slid the bowl across the table.
Azzi blinked.
Paige shrugged. "I saw you eyeing them since they brought the food out."
"I was not," Azzi mumbled.
Paige just looked at her. Azzi happily accepted the potatoes.
The first bite made her pause.
Paige's grin widened. "They're good, right?"
Azzi pointed her fork toward Paige. "You don't get to be smug."
Paige looked entirely too pleased with herself.
Dessert followed not long after. A slice of chocolate cake to share. Azzi only managed a few bites before she was full, but she couldn't help smiling every time Paige dramatically offered her another spoonful before eating it herself instead.
By the time the check arrived, Paige had already reached for it. Azzi didn't even bother protesting. Mostly because she knew Paige wouldn't let her pay. But also because she'd left her wallet at home. Her purse contained exactly two things of importance: Lip gloss and a piece of gum.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Paige waited for Azzi to step ahead before resting a gentle hand against the small of her back. The simple touch made Azzi smile. Paige opened the car door for her. Then closed it once she was settled inside. It was such a small thing. But after everything, the flowers, the nervous question, the way Paige had looked at her all night, it made Azzi's heart feel impossibly full. She glanced through the windshield as Paige rounded the front of the car. Her girlfriend. The thought alone was enough to make her smile all over again.
On the drive home, Paige let her hand linger on Azzi's thigh again. But after the night they'd had, Azzi couldn't handle the constant awareness that came with it. She reached down and intertwined their fingers instead, settling Paige's hand safely in her lap.
As they got closer to Azzi's apartment, she could feel her nerves starting to creep back in. She'd managed to keep them under control most of the evening, but now they were bubbling back to the surface. She took a deeper breath. Everything was going to be okay.
When they got back to the apartment, Paige took Azzi's keys from her hand, jogging up the steps first to unlock the door. Azzi followed behind, moving almost on autopilot. She dropped her purse on the table before shrugging out of her trench coat and hanging it neatly on the rack.
As she started toward her bedroom, she glanced back over her shoulder.
Paige was still standing near the front door. Watching her carefully. Almost cautiously.
"Can you help me with my dress?" Azzi asked softly, her voice betraying a little more nerves than she'd intended.
Paige hesitated. Then nodded. "Yeah."
Azzi walked toward the bedroom, her heartbeat picking up with every step. She stopped near the edge of the bed, turning her back toward Paige as she lifted her hair out of the way. She felt Paige step closer. Close enough that Azzi became aware of every little thing. The warmth radiating from her. The faint scent of her perfume. The brush of her fingertips as they found the zipper.
Paige slowly pulled it down. Azzi wasn't sure if Paige was intentionally moving carefully or if her own mind had stretched the moment into something much longer than it actually was. She held her breath until the zipper settled at the small of her back. Paige's hands lingered for only a second before resting gently against her waist.
A soft kiss pressed against Azzi's shoulder. "I'll let you get changed," Paige murmured.
Azzi blinked. She turned slightly, confusion flickering across her face.
"I'll be in the living room," Paige added, nodding toward the doorway before stepping away.
Azzi stood there for a moment. Maybe she was just overthinking things. With a quiet sigh, she changed into a pair of loose boxers and an oversized college T-shirt that slipped off one shoulder.
When she stepped back into the living room, she found Paige sitting on the couch. Her jacket had been draped over one of the kitchen chairs, her shoes kicked off nearby. One arm rested along the back of the couch while she flipped through something on the television.
When Paige looked up and saw her, her entire expression softened. "There you are," she said quietly.
Azzi walked over. Paige reached for her hand, gently tugging her closer. Azzi climbed onto the couch beside her, settling comfortably against her side. Paige wrapped an arm around her waist automatically, pulling her close. Azzi rested her head against Paige's shoulder.
For a while, neither of them said anything. Eventually, Azzi glanced up. Paige was already looking at her. Paige leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before reaching for the remote again.
"Let's watch something."
Azzi paused. That wasn't what she'd expected, but she nodded anyway.
As she shifted to sit more comfortably, Paige tightened her hold around her waist, keeping her tucked securely against her side. Azzi glanced over. Paige smiled before pressing another brief kiss against her temple. Then she turned back toward the television. A few seconds later, the familiar opening notes filled the room.
Azzi stared at the screen. Then back at Paige. "...Frozen?"
Paige shrugged. "What?"
Azzi laughed, unable to stop herself. "What the hell?"
Paige's arm squeezed around her keeping her eyes on the tv.
Azzi looked at her skeptically. "I thought this was a kids movie?" She said in a mocking tone.
Paige avoided eye contact. “Just watch the movie” She said, settling further into the couch.
Beside her, Paige seemed to relax too. They sat quietly as the movie played, neither of them paying much attention to what was actually happening on screen. For the first time since they'd left the restaurant, Azzi let herself stop overthinking. Paige wasn't rushing her. Wasn't expecting anything from her. She just wanted to be here. With her. The realization settled warmly in Azzi's chest as she sank further into Paige's side, content to let the silence stretch between them.
A few minutes passed. Then a few more. Eventually, a familiar feeling prickled at the back of her neck.
Azzi smiled slowly, she tilted her head back. "What?"
Paige looked almost guilty. "What?"
Azzi lifted an eyebrow. "You're staring at me."
Paige sighed dramatically before reaching into the pocket of her jeans. "Okay."
Immediately, Azzi sat up a little straighter. "What are you doing?"
"Hold on."
"Paige."
Paige laughed quietly. Then she pulled out a small box.
Azzi froze. "Paige." Her voice came out softer this time.
Paige suddenly looked almost as nervous as she had in the restaurant. "I know it's probably too much, but I already bought it."
That made Azzi laugh.
Paige's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Just open it."
Carefully, Azzi took the box from her hands. The second she lifted the lid, her breath caught. Inside was a delicate silver cross necklace, tiny diamonds catching the light from the television. For a moment, she just stared. Because she knew that necklace. She'd stopped in front of that display more than once.
She looked up. "How did you..."
Paige's smile turned almost shy. Azzi wasn't sure she'd ever seen that expression before. She looked back down at the necklace. Then back at Paige. And before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and kissed her. Paige made a surprised sound before immediately kissing her back. When they finally pulled apart, Azzi was still smiling.
"You're ridiculous."
Paige grinned. "That's not a thank you."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
She closed the box and set it carefully on the coffee table in front of them.
Without thinking too much about it, she turned and pressed another quick kiss to Paige's lips before settling back into her side.
For the next half hour, they stayed curled up together on the couch. At some point, Paige's thumb began tracing absentminded circles against her side.
It was such a small gesture.
But once Azzi noticed it, she couldn't stop noticing it.
Every slow pass of Paige's thumb sent a little shiver through her. She shifted against the couch, trying to focus on the movie instead.
It didn't help.
The television continued playing in the background while Azzi became increasingly aware of the warmth of Paige's arm around her waist and the steady rhythm of her touch. She was constantly shifting to distract herself from the ache between her legs. At some point Azzi got fed up, and turned to face Paige.
“Wassup” Paige glanced down immediately.
Azzi swept the back of her hand across Paige's cheek before brushing her fingers through her hair. Paige's eyes fluttered shut. Azzi felt herself smile. She liked seeing her like this. Relaxed. Comfortable. The tension she'd carried throughout the evening seemed to melt away beneath the simple touch. Paige leaned into her hand instinctively. The movement was small, but it made something warm twist in Azzi's chest. Her fingers caught lightly in Paige's hair, giving a gentle tug. Paige let out a soft sound that made Azzi's breath hitch.
Slowly, Paige opened her eyes again. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Azzi found herself studying her. There was something different in her expression now. Softer. More open. The bright blue of her eyes seemed darker in the dim light of the living room, her gaze fixed entirely on Azzi. The look sent a nervous flutter through her stomach.
“Az-” before she could say anything, Azzi pulled Paige's in by the neck, crashing their lips together. The kiss was intense, it felt like neither one was being careful anymore. They both needed this.
Azzi felt Paige's tongue slid against her lip, prodding her to open hers wider. When she finally licked inside her mouth, Azzi moaned at the feeling. Hearing this, Paige hand slid to her waist pulling her closer. Azzi was quick to swing her leg around Paige's legs, settling against her lap.
Azzi lightly pushed her back against the couch leaning down, sinking into the kiss. Azzi shifted her hips slightly against Paige's, causing Paige to groan slightly. She felt Paige grip her waist, pulling her down slightly. It was getting harder to breathe but it felt too good. Azzi pulled back slightly, lips still ghosting over Paige’s.
“Bedroom” Azzi basically breathed.
“Are you sure?” Paige said carefully, but Azzi could hear the restraint in her voice.
Azzi nodded, connecting their lips again. “Please fuck me” she said into Paiges lips.
That must've motivated her, because Paige quickly readjusted her hands and was standing up off the couch.
Azzi squealed a little, not expecting that.
“Hold on” Paige mumbled readjusting her hold. She slowly made her way to the bedroom, careful not to bump into anything on the way. They kept their lips together, but Paige wasn't as focused as before.
When Paige got to the edge of the bed, she gently lowered Azzi till she was laying. She climbed onto the mattress, her knees bracketing her legs. Azzi reached up and pulled her down causing Paige to laugh into her mouth. Their kiss was a little slower this time, Paige mapping out her mouth. Azzi just let her, she felt her body relaxing into her touch.
She felt Paige’s fingers slide up her sides, lifting her shirt in a silent question. Azzi was quick with a head nod, Paige sat back on her heels while Azzi ripped her shirt off before laying back on her elbows. Paige took a second to just look. Azzi breathed slowly, looking at Paige's face. She looked needy, almost hungry. That lit a fire in the bottom of Azzi’s stomach.
Paige leaned down, lightly kissing her before tracing along her cheek and down along her jaw. Azzi couldn't hold herself up any longer falling back against the pillows. Paige followed, connecting her lips to her neck. Azzi could only let out a soft breath. The kisses on her neck sent shivers throughout her body. She couldn't think of a time when she felt this good.
Paige made her way farther down stopping right above the edge of her bra line. She pulled back to look at Azzi.
“I love this bra” She said leaning down kissing her once, then a little further down over the bra. And then finally found her nipple biting at it over the bra. Azzi let out an embarrassing loud moan at this. She could feel pleasure shooting through her body. Paiges one hand slid up grabbing at her other breast lightly kneading it as she sucked on her nipple.
Azzi lasted six seconds before she was pushing at Paige's shoulder sitting up and reaching behind her back to un hook her bra. She pulled at the straps, grabbing it in her hand and throwing it somewhere across the room before laying back down and grabbing Paige to follow her. Paige went right back to work on her breasts. Switching sides kissing her way to Azzi's other nipple.
“You're so beautiful,” Paige said into the skin of her breast. She could only let out a sigh. Not sure what words would come out. Paige kept working at her nipple, while her other hand started exploring the skin of her abdomen. Trailing her finger up and down.
She could feel herself getting wetter, the ache growing, and she was doing anything she could to cause friction. Paige must have caught on, coming back up to her lips.
“What do you need?” Paige said in a husky voice.
Azzi hesitated, not sure what to say.
“Tell me what you want” Paige whispered again, causing goosebumps on Azzi’s skin. She was nervous to say it. She never really talked during this. She never had to say what she wanted. But then again, she never ended up getting what she really wanted. That gave her a boost of confidence.
Azzi grabbed Paiges hand that was on her stomach, sliding it over her boxers between her legs. She bit Paige's lip before pulling back.
“I need you to touch me” Azzi could hear how desperate she sounded, but she didn't care. She had been wanting this, dreaming about this for so long, she thought she might combust.
Paige smiled at this slowly reaching for her waistband pushing past her underwear. She was slowly moving her hand over Azzi’s center exploring.
She heard Paig’s breath catch. “Your so wet Az”
“About time” Azzi joked. “Ive been like this for weeks” She breathed out before a moan. Paige had started moving her finger pads over Azzi clit, rubbing small circles. Paige leaned down kissing her slow, listening to Azzi’s breathing and how her body reacted to her touch.
“Yeah” She sounded almost taunting. “You need me that bad?” All Azzi could do was nod her head. Paige moved her hands farther down feeling the wetness as Azzi’s center. “Fuck” Paige huffed out. She gathered her slick, bringing it back up to Azzi's clit, rubbing tighter circles.
“That okay? You like that?” Paige whispered in Azzi’s ear.
“Mhm, yeah” Azzi choked out. “It's good” was all she could say. Her breath stuttered. Azzi reached down grabbing at the bed sheets needing to hold something. She was feeling the ache start to build. She bucked her hips up into Paige's hand causing her to smile into a kiss. Paige sped up slightly from that.
“Please” Azzi breathed “dont, dont stop” She got out.
Paige just smiled into another kiss. She circled her fingers a few more times before she was easing her hand off and pulling it back.
“Mghu” Azzi mumbled out grabbing at Paige’s hand that was pulling out of her shorts.
“I gotta taste you,” Paige said, kissing her jaw and then biting the lobe of her ear. That effectively shut Azzi up. Her breath caught in her throat and just gave a tiny nod. Azzi could feel Paige’s smile from her lips traveling down her neck. Taking her time to nip and suck on ever part of skin she could. When she got down to her belly bottom she lightly tugged at the ring which sent another shiver down her body. Azzi brought her hand up lightly combing her fingers through Paige’s hair, grounding herself. Paige trailed a little farther down before looking up and locking eyes with Azzi.
“This okay?” she emphasized with her fingers pulling at the waistband.
Azzi nodded feverishly “please” she barely breathed out. What can she say, she was needy. She was pent up. For weeks. She didn’t care at this point. No nervousness, no hesitation, just pure straight want. Paige could see it in her face, that only made her smile more.
Paige pulled her boxers down way too slow for Azzi's liking, she kissed along her legs as she got further down. Azzi helped once they were at her ankles, quickly kicking them off the bed which made Paige chuckle.
Paige took a second just admiring, lightly messaging Azzi’s calf before leaning down kissing right above her knee. She peppered kissing along her leg moving closer to where Azzi needed her. She started squirming a little bit, which only made Paige's grin grow.
“You’re enjoying this way too much,” Azzi said with a huff reaching down to run her hands through Paige’s hair.
“Maybe a little” Paige mumbled into her skin, right by her hip bone. She kissed further down in the crease of her leg. She ghosted her lips over her center blowing a little causing Azzi to shiver.
“Stop” Azzi whined. She sounded ridiculous but she was on the verge of exploding.
“Ask nicely,” Paige said, pressing the lightest kiss on Azzi’s clit.
Azzi’s breath hitched. She could feel her pulse around nothing. “Please” she said in a breath. Her hand in Paige's hair tightened. “Please” she said a little louder with more urgency.
“Good girl” Paige mumbled before pressing a firm open mouthed kiss against her clit. Azzi let out a shaky breath at the feeling. Paige took her time, licking lightly from her entrance up to her clit, then lightly sucking between her lips.
Paige lightly hummed at the taste causing a drawn out moan from Azzi. Paige was slow, and attentive, listening to what made Azzi’s breath louder, what made her squirm. Paige was taking her time.
Paige kept one hand wrapped under her leg and was lightly rubbing the outside of her hip. The other was holding her right leg down. Every pass over her clit, Azzi felt herself buck her hips up slightly, lightly tugging Paige closer. That only made Paige’s tongue move faster, swirling around her clit in a devastating rhythm.
Azzi could feel a finger lightly prodding her entrance causing her to look down. Paige was already looking up at her with her eyebrows raised asking a silent question.
Azzi nodded, “yes please” she said breathly. Paige immediately complied sliding her finger in agonizingly slow. She pumped a few times before she felt Paige add another finger, moving a little faster and curling perfectly hitting that spongy part inside. Paige continued sucking on Azzi’s clit causing Azzi's moans to get embarrassingly loud.
“Fuck”- she choked out hips rocking to the rythym of Paige’s mouth and fingers. Her grip tightened in Paige's hair keeping her locked in place. Not that she was going anywhere, but just in case.
It was only a minute or two before Azzi started to feel her body tense, her clit pulse feverishly. Her hand clamped roughly on Paige's scalp. Azzi felt the moment the band snapped, pleasure shooting through her body. She came apart with a cry, her pulse pounding in her ears. She felt Paige slow her fingers, still working her through it. Azzi's body slowly melted into the bed.
Azzi’s breath started to return to normal, and she loosened her grip on Paige's head slowly moving her hand down to Paige's shoulder, weakly pulling at her to come closer. Paige complied immediately climbing back up Azzi’s body leaving kisses as she made her way up. Her hand stayed at Azzi's center leaving her palm flat against her clit, putting pressure for any lingering pulses.
Paige brushed a kiss over her lips slowly, But Azzi pulled her down connecting their lips with a little more passion. Paige just smiled into it. They kissed for a few minutes, Azzi just fully settling into the peace. Paige leaned back slightly to look her in the eyes.
“You okay?” Paige asked lightly
“Mhm” Azzi said with a small smile. “That was-” She nodded looking away, “really good”
Paige just smirked, leaning in for another kiss. “I aim to please” She said against her mouth.
Azzi laughed for a second before it came out as a choked moan. Paige had pressed her palm down in a circular motion, before letting up and sliding her fingers through her folds. Before she could say anything Paige kissed her again, her hand moving a little faster against her clit. Azzi could feel the tightening in her stomach come a little quicker this time. Her hand reached down to Paige's wrist, not to stop her but to have something to ground her. Azzi could barely breath with how Paige’s hand was moving, and how she was kissing her.
Azzi leaned her head away to get a breath in, Paige just moved her head down to her jaw, kissing her way to her neck. Azzi just closed her eyes and leaned into the feeling. As Paige's movements got quicker Azzi squirmed.
“I dont-” she breathed out. “I cant-” she could only get out before Paige was moving back connecting their lips. Paige mumbled against her mouth
“You can” she rasped out, almost sounding out of breath herself. Azzi clenched at the noise. Even though she was sensitive, wanting to be good for Paige, she let go giving into the feeling. She was so lost in the pleasure she could barely register what Paige was whispering in her ear. All she knew was something about a good girl. Which only made her clench more.
It was only a few minutes before she was cumming again. This time it caught her by suprise. One minute she was clenching, the next she was hit with pleasure. It felt like her body was slowly lighting on fire.
Paige slowed her hand kissing back up her neck and connecting their lips. Azzi lightly pushed at Paige's hand from the feeling. Paige smiled before placing one last lingering kiss against her lips. Azzi closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She felt the bed dip on her side, Paige laying down on her side, her head propped up by her elbow.
Paige placed her hand across Azzi’s stomach, lightly rubbing her thumb along her skin. Azzi just layed there with her eyes closed for a minute before slowly peeling them open and looking over at Paige. She brought her hand up against Paige's cheek pulling her in for another kiss.
“Thank you” she mumbled. Her body felt like jello.
“Anytime.” Paige punctuated it with a kiss to her shoulder before leaning her head back in her hand.
They just stared at each other for a few seconds, Azzi taking in Paige's appearance. Her hair slightly tousled from Azzi gripping at it. The witness on her chin, and the slight red surrounding her lips. She looked a little crazy, but it made Azzi’s stomach flutter. She looked so good. Like she could go another ten rounds.
Paige must’ve been reading her mind, she placed her hand fully on her stomach, almost stopping her from moving.
“You look tired,” she said with a grin. “Let's just chill for a second” She said, sitting up slightly to pull the blanket over them.
“Wait” Azzi said but stopped herself. She wasn't sure what she was trying to ask.
“I-” She hesitated. “Can I- I wanna do that to you” the heat immediately rose to her face. She sounded like an idiot that's for sure.
“Why don't we just relax for a sec” Paige said, laying against the pillows, holding her arm out for Azzi to lay against her side. She looked at her for a second before giving in and laying her head on Paige's chest. Paige started rubbing her back slowly.
Azzi tried to keep her eyes open, but after everything, she felt her body relaxing every trace of Paige's hand. Her eyes started slowly shutting. She held out as long as she could but before she knew it, sleep pulled her under.