Work Text:
Pj and Hazel found themselves in an unexpected romance, a revelation hidden beneath layers of teenage sarcasm and passive-aggressiveness. It was a shock to everyone, including themselves, that they were now a couple. Pj, in particular, struggled to accept her newfound attraction to Hazel, and begrudgingly admitted that she was becoming a better person.
Friday night had taken on a new meaning for Pj. Instead of judging her best friend Josie's sappy dates with Isabel, she now had her own romantic plans with Hazel. She fussed over her appearance, secretly pleased that she was putting effort into looking nice for her girlfriend. Pj knew that dressing up for her girlfriend was a thing, even though it felt slightly ridiculous.
As the doorbell rang, Pj practically flew down the stairs to greet Hazel with a flirtatious wink. Hazel, with her sparkling eyes and a candy bouquet in hand, greeted Pj with a puppy-like enthusiasm that never failed to stir something in Pj's heart.
"Hey there, hottie," Pj teased as she welcomed Hazel inside.
Hazel responded with an affectionate, frantic kiss. Pj had quickly learned that Hazel not only looked like a puppy but acted like one too, especially when they reunited after a short time apart. Hazel's hugs and kisses, though slightly suffocating at first, had grown on Pj over time.
Pj hadn't said the L word to Hazel yet. Not because she didn't love her; she did. Admitting that she loved the goofiest person on the planet was just challenging. Tonight, she told herself, she would tell Hazel.
Their passionate kiss ended with silly smiles. "I missed you," Hazel said, her vibrant tone echoing in Pj's ears. "And I missed your coconut lip gloss." Another quick peck followed.
"Yeah, well, I suppose I missed this ridiculous haircut of yours," Pj shrugged, playfully ruffling Hazel's dark hair with her fingers.
Hazel beamed at her, dressed in her usual kid-like fashion with baggy shirts, even baggier shorts, and an array of silver chains and rings. Pj had once detested Hazel's fashion sense but had come to realize that it only made her more endearing, even if her charm could be annoying.
Hazel raised an eyebrow, that crooked smile on her face. "Want a picture to put next to your bed, Pj?" she teased.
Pj rolled her eyes, leading Hazel up the stairs, kicking the bedroom door open, and playfully throwing her onto the bed. She climbed on top of her and sealed their lips with another kiss.
When Pj leaned back slightly, Hazel protested with a moan, wanting a deeper kiss. "What if I want a photo, huh?" Pj asked.
Hazel rolled her eyes this time. "I'm surprised you don't have any pictures of me here, you know. We've been friends for decades."
"I don't want a 'we're friends' picture; I want a 'we're dating' picture, you little goofball," Pj replied, nuzzling Hazel's neck with her nose.
Hazel giggled, clearly enjoying their playful banter. "Fine, milady, let's take some 'we're dating' pictures then."
They sat on Pj's bed, using Hazel's superior phone camera, but Pj couldn't stop complaining that none of the photos did her justice. Hazel swallowed her giggles, thoroughly entertained.
"Seriously, why don't I look super hot in these pictures? That's unnatural," Pj grumbled.
Hazel leaned in and kissed along Pj's neck, making her shiver. "I might have an idea," she said with a sweet smile, undoing Pj's ponytail and letting her hair cascade over her shoulders. "There, you look so pretty with your hair down, you know that?" Hazel took another photo, capturing the moment.
Pj couldn't tear her eyes away from Hazel's face, tracing the curve of her nose and the apple of her cheek. Almost instinctively, she leaned in and kissed Hazel's jaw, and Hazel snapped a photo just in time.
Hazel's face lit up. "Look, Pj, this one turned out really good!"
Pj smiled genuinely as she looked at the photo, Hazel's face flushed in the picture, their lips close. "Who would've thought? You kind of look cute in pictures. Of course, the spotlight is mine, but still," Pj teased.
"See? I told you, you look great with your hair down," Hazel replied, brushing a lock of Pj's hair behind her ear.
Pj's heart fluttered again, and this time, instead of another passionate kiss, she took a deep, shuddering breath. It was just three simple words.
"PJ?" Hazel called out, her hand sliding from Pj's cheek to her shoulder. "Pj, what's up?"
"Hazel, you're such a dork," Pj said, her voice filled with affection. "But I kind of...you know."
Hazel raised an eyebrow, tilting her head like an adorable puppy. "What?"
Pj hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, wondering if she should go through with it. But looking at Hazel, she realized it was worth it, and one day, they'd be married to each other. "I love you, you absolute goofball," Pj blurted out.
Hazel's reaction was priceless. Her eyes widened, glittering with surprise, and she broke into an incredulous smile. It felt like slow motion before she threw herself at Pj.
"I love you too," Hazel replied, her words muffled as she buried her face in Pj's chest.
Pj rolled her eyes affectionately, massaging Hazel's shoulders until Hazel leaned over and kissed her gently. They cuddled on the couch, watching a lousy show that Pj loved. As Hazel eventually fell asleep on Pj's lap, Pj couldn't help but think, "Yeah, I don't hate it here."