𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲

𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲:
Spring Rolls

❅𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲❅

"Mazin, I have to finish packing," I reminded her, laughing when she groaned dramatically and pulled me closer to her in the bed.

After the mall, I managed to pack a little bit for Aspen, but it was hard with Mazin's distracting presence.

Then yesterday we spent all day doing nothing, just binge-watching Netflix shows together.

And now we leave for Aspen today and I'm definitely not close to being fully packed and ready.

"Ten more minutes," Mazin tried to negotiate, her hands roaming up my body as she pressed soft kisses to my neck.

"It's never just ten minutes with you," I pointed out with an amused smile.

"I'll go with you then. I'll be the packing supervisor," my girlfriend said, suggesting the made-up term.

"You can't—your presence is too distracting," I reminded her, knowing she had agreed last night to these packing terms, "And you still need to finish packing, Mazin."

My girlfriend whined against my neck, "Baby—you call me baby," she instructed me, pulling back slightly to meet my stare.

"You still need to finish packing baby," I repeated myself, using the pet name she specified.

Mazin leaned in to briefly kiss my lips, "I guess that makes it better," she mumbled, letting out a soft sigh as she pulled back from our brief kiss, "Maybe we could just leave later than everyone and—"

"Mazin," I quickly cut her short, which made my girlfriend raise a brow, "Baby," I quickly corrected myself.

"Fine Virelai, I guess I can be away from you for a couple of hours," Mazin mumbled, sitting up from the bed as she tucked her messy blonde hair behind her ears, "I'll be depressed and lonely in this huge house all alone, but you probably won't care."

I jokingly scoffed when Mazin got out of bed entirely, leaving me with an amused smile at her dramatic words.

Is she throwing a fit right now?

The way she's nearly stomping off to the closet feels like she's throwing a fit.

And it's possibly the cutest thing I've ever witnessed.

"Baby," I called out, quickly pulling the covers back to get out of bed and walk toward the closet, "You're not really upset," I said as I entered the closet where she stood with her back to me.

"Yeah, whatever," Mazin said, her tone childish and reluctant.

Which naturally made my amused smile grow wider.

"It's only a couple of hours, and then we'll have an entire week together," I tried to remind her, sliding my arms past her waist from behind as I hugged my body to hers.

I raised a brow, hearing a few sniffles from her.

"Mazin," I spoke again, pulling back from her to try and get her to turn around.

But she wouldn't budge.

"Are you really upset baby?" I asked with a frown, suddenly wondering if she was being serious, "What can I do? I don't want you to be upset," I whispered softly.

"Well since you're offering," Mazin suddenly said, turning around to face me with her usual smile.

Of course, she was faking it. 

I scoffed, "You are so annoying," I groaned, nudging her away from me, which made my girlfriend smile wider. 

"I think a kiss before you leave would be nice and I would like to FaceTime halfway through packing," Mazin stated, clasping her hands in front of her as if this were a real business deal or something, "Can we reach an agreement on this?"

I rolled my eyes at her, "Sure Mazin, we can reach an agreement," I said, shaking my head at her almost in amusement.

"A pleasure doing business with you Professor," Mazin said with a smile, leaning down to kiss me.

And I didn't hesitate to kiss her back, running my hands up her arms as she gently grabbed my waist.

I slid my tongue past Mazin's soft lips, deepening the kiss as she naturally pressed me back against the nearest wall of the closet.

The coolness of the wall against my covered back made me inaudibly gasp, gripping her closer to me by the back of her neck.

"Packing—I have to pack," I quickly whispered against her lips, mostly to myself as a reminder.

Because it seems like I'll never leave this house under Mazin's watch.

"Go," Mazin whispered against my lips.

Yet, she still chose to kiss me deeper, nudging my legs apart using her one.

"Mazin," I breathed out as soon as her hand trailed down from my waist while her other held me firmly in place.

"Leave, Virelai," Mazin repeated against my lips, slipping her hand past the waistband of my sweatpants and cotton underwear.

I moaned against her lips as soon as I felt the smoothness of her finger against my clit—rubbing and flicking it as she kissed me even deeper.

I grew breathless, my desperate moans muffled by her mouth against mine as she quickened her pace against me.

And then slid two fingers past my slick folds.

"You're doing this on purpose," I whined out as she trailed soft kisses down to my neck, holding me in place for each thrust.

"The door is right there," Mazin reminded me, curling her fingers into me and eliciting a drawn-out moan from my parted lips, "You can leave at any time beautiful."

I let out a series of deep breaths, my head swirling with pleasure as she slid in and out of me quicker and quicker—

Until I firmly pushed her back.

Naturally knocking the wind out of us both.

And leaving me painfully on this edge that made my core ache.

But I irritatingly have a point to prove.

"Virelai come on," Mazin said, taking a step closer to me as I adjusted my sweatpants, "Don't do this to yourself—let me finish you off baby."

I only let out a deep sigh, rolling my tense shoulders back, "I have to finish packing," I reminded her for the hundredth time, walking past her as I purposely brushed my shoulder against hers.

Even if I did this to myself, she still started something that we didn't have the luxury of finishing.

So yes, I'm very frustrated.

"I'll see you later, Mazin," I said, walking out of the closet before she could say anything else.

Until I felt her catching up to me, firmly grabbing my wrist and pulling me back to her.

"I have to pack—"

"We don't leave each other without saying I love you," Mazin said, her voice nothing but serious with me as she let go of my wrist to gently grab my neck and pull me closer, "Never."

"Okay," I mumbled, keeping my arms by my side as I stared up at her, "Love you," I purposely said the shortened two words. 

Mazin stared at me blankly, remaining silent as her dark eyes burned into mine.

It was the most tense it had ever been between us, staring at each other as we anticipated who would make the next move.

Until I sighed dramatically, annoyingly giving in first.

"I love you," I said, my voice lowered and reluctant.

Mazin hummed in approval, "I love you too beautiful," she said, leaning in to briefly kiss my cheek before she let go of my neck entirely.

I turned away from her, continuing my way out of her room.

Soon I was outside where my car awaited me, which I had purposely driven back from my place after attempting to pack with Mazin there the other night.

It always makes it easier when it's here so I can leave rather than having Mazin take me.

Especially at a time like this.

We're supposed to be at that tarmac in two hours.

Not leaving for it.

We have to be there in two hours.

Or less than two hours by the time I got back to my apartment and showered.

I went ahead and got dressed for our travel day, pulling on a brown Chanel hoodie that had the logo outlined in a cream sherpa material, black leggings, and matching black Chanel boots.

I kept my face bare, pulling my hair into a high ponytail to save time.

Then I grabbed everything I used to get ready, preparing it all to get packed away with everything else.

I swear I was just grabbing random things at some point, only ensuring that I had enough to layer and that everything somewhat matched.

It was a little easier since most of my new outfits were already clean and folded in the suitcase from when I had started packing.

Everything we got from the mall the other day was already good to go, it was really just pajamas and extra outfits as a precaution.

I also couldn't forget Mazin's gifts so I had to unzip an entirely separate suitcase for them.

Nelli had purposely put them in my utility closet where Mazin wouldn't see if she was over at my
place.

I smiled as I grabbed the numerous bags, feeling excited to give all of the gifts to her.

Even if she frustrated me this morning.

Luckily her more sentimental gift came too, so everything is going according to plan.

I suddenly furrowed my brows, halting right by the kitchen island with the shopping bags hanging loosely on my arms.

I slowly lowered them down onto the floor, eyeing the silver flip phone sitting on the counter.

I didn't put that there.

Knots tied in my stomach, suddenly glancing around out of paranoia.

Someone's been here.

They were in my apartment.

I drew in a deep breath, quickly scooping up the shopping bags so I could put them in the open suitcase.

Once I had it zipped up, I grabbed my phone and immediately called Mazin.

"I'm on the way now. Don't worry—"

"How far away are you?" I cut her short, my voice echoing in my ears that my racing heartbeat thumped so prominently in.

"I'm two blocks away. Why? What's going on?" Mazin asked me, sensing the anxiousness in my voice.

I let out a long deep sigh, glancing past my open bedroom door to the flip phone that sat on the counter.

"Virelai," I heard Mazin say again, "What's going on," she repeated herself, her words much more demanding.

"Have you guys figured anything out about that new gang?" I suddenly asked her, snapping my focus away from the untouched flip phone on the counter.

"No they went underground," Mazin said, naturally causing me to let out a deep relieved sigh.

This wasn't them then.

Maybe Nelli accidentally left it here yesterday when she dropped off Mazin's more sentimental gift that I had mailed to her place out of precaution.

I'll probably just ask her.

"Did someone do something to you?" Mazin suddenly asked, her voice as serious as ever, "Is this something concerning that gang because I swear—"

"No-no, it's not," I quickly cut her short before she could get irritated, "I was just thinking about it and wanted to know," I quickly lied, not wanting to make this out to be a big deal.

It could ruin the entire Aspen Christmas trip.

Besides, if it is anything, we'll at least be out of town until it blows over.

If it doesn't then that's something we'll handle when we get back.

"Are you sure? You sounded..." Mazin trailed off in search of a word.

"I'm fine—more than fine," I said before Mazin could say anything else, "I just really want to make it on time," I quickly added, feeling beyond thankful that I wasn't in person with her or else she would easily know I'm lying.

"Okay, I'm pulling up now so I'll be up to help with your bags," Mazin said almost hesitantly, "I love you," she told me, her voice flowing from the phone speaker.

"I love you too," I said, briefly ending the call.

I immediately rushed out of my bedroom into the kitchen, grabbing the flip phone that I immediately opened—

But only to twist it at the middle point and snap it in half.

I quickly threw the broken phone away, deciding to just ignore it even happened and focus on this trip instead.

Mazin was at my door within less than a couple of minutes, inputting the code to get in.

She was wearing a smooth black long-sleeve shirt with dark baggy jeans and her blonde hair slicked into a low bun away from her sharp face.

As soon as she was in my apartment she grabbed my suitcases for me.

I had packed two large ones and a duffel bag.

Which Mazin handled entirely for me, not allowing me to carry anything or push a single suitcase.

She even loaded them into the trunk with hers, leaving me to sit in the passenger seat as I waited.

And as I got settled, I unconsciously zoned out—wondering if I made the right decision.

Maybe I should've looked on that flip phone.

Or even told Mazin about it.

It wouldn't have hurt.

We just might've not been going on this trip—something I knew everyone was looking forward to.

You know what?

It was a good decision.

It's decided.

I'm not going to overthink it or let it ruin this trip.

What's done is done.

"Vir?"

I immediately glanced away from the tinted window, noticing the tarmac we were parked in front of by the numerous luxury cars.

Everyone seemed to already be on the plane, minus Tahir and Tazmin who stood by the stairs waiting.

"Are you okay?" Mazin asked me, eyeing my face as I tried to snap out of my thoughts, "You're never that quiet for fifteen minutes straight."

I forced a smile, "I'm okay," I assured her, unbuckling my seatbelt.

"Is this about this morning? Because I'm sorry if you're really upset about it. I just hate being away from you but I can work on it, we can work on it together—"

"Mazin, baby, I promise I'm not upset about this morning," I quickly cut her short, hating that my actions had led her to believe that, "I was... frustrated in the moment but I'm all good now."

Mazin's dark eyes traced my face for a moment, "Well, I still got your favorite spring rolls to make it up to you and once we get to the lodge and we're alone, I'll make it up to you as many times as you want," she whispered, her voice soft as she leaned in to briefly kiss my cheek.

I pursed my lips at her genuine actions.

How she had gone out on a limb to pick up spring rolls for me, which I knew she had to fit into her already tight schedule.

"Thank you so much baby," I whispered, now leaning over the console to briefly kiss her lips, "I promise I'm really not upset."

Mazin nodded, letting out a relieved sigh at my words, "Okay good because if you're not happy then I can't be happy," she said, now reaching over to open her door.

I remained in the passenger seat waiting for her as she gave the car keys to the man waiting.

Given the garage off to the side of the tarmac, I assume all of these cars will be parked there and secure.

I suddenly glanced over when Mazin opened my door, causing me to slide out of the passenger seat of the G-Wagon.

There was already someone at the trunk getting our bags, leaving me and Mazin to walk over toward the stairs of the plane.

"Hey guys," Tazmin said as she briefly hugged her daughter and then me.

"Who's ready to snowboard their asses off?" Tahir said, his tone light and joking as he side-hugged Mazin and then me.

"Not me," I said, easily making both Tahir and Tazmin's brows raise.

Even my girlfriend looked at me in disbelief.

I shook my head at their dramatics, "I'm not that into the cold and I don't know how to snowboard—"

"We're changing that this year," Mazin cut me short in determination, "She'll definitely be on the slopes guys," she added, glancing back over to Tazmin and Tahir.

"Yeah, it's a Moretti thing. You can't marry into the family otherwise," he told me as if there was currently a ring or something present on my finger.

"We're not doing another wedding talk right now," Mazin said as she went to walk past them up the stairs with me.

At least until Tazmin suddenly grabbed Mazin's arm, halting her entirely.

"We actually need to talk with you," Tazmin told her as Tahir began whistling inconspicuously.

It almost made me want to laugh, especially with the sleep mask casually slid up on his forehead.

"Cool, what's going on?" Mazin asked Tazmin as I stood halted on the plane stairs.

"It's more of a private conversation," Tazmin said, glancing past her daughter, "No offense, Vee."

I quickly shook my head, "None taken—I'll just go get settled on the plane," I quickly offered, flashing them a reassuring smile.

"I won't be long," Mazin told me, briefly kissing my cheek before I began making my way up the stairs and onto the plane.

The air-conditioning felt so good given the sweater and boots that I wore but I knew in Aspen I would easily freeze my ass off in this.

A smile immediately grew on my lips as soon as I walked onto the plane, passing the flight attendants as I got a full look at the open space.

Everyone was here.

Nelli and Ronan sat across from Alena in the cushioned seats while Lena sat beside an empty seat across from Marie and Vic.

Mav and Jada were also seated in their own seats across from Omara and Nadia—while Morana and Zane sat further down from them.

My dad is planning to fly in on Tuesday since he's handling some more business for me even if I specifically told him not to.

I really think I'm going to pass it all over to Mazin and Tahir.

I smiled wider as everyone immediately began greeting me, walking around to exchange hugs with them all.

Then I could finally take my seat over by the last four seats left empty, which was luckily near Nelli.

"I think you left your phone at my place," I told Nelli as I secured my purse in the overhead bin.

Nelli furrowed her brows, "My phones on me girl," she said as I stood by her, Ronan, and Alena.

Who both looked as equally confused as my best friend.

"I mean your other one? It's silver? A flip phone?" I said, hoping she would just say it's hers.

Because if it wasn't then I'm not sure whose it could be.

"Now you know I don't know how to use a flip phone," Nelli said, smiling at me in amusement, "Maybe it's Maz's. Have you tried asking her?"

"What's mine?" I suddenly heard my girlfriend say, walking over to me with Tahir following behind her.

Meanwhile, Tazmin seemed to be getting seated over with Lena.

I wonder what they all had to discuss so privately.

"You know what, it's nothing," I suddenly determined, shaking my head with a loose smile even if I suddenly felt sick to my stomach, "Can I have those spring rolls now please?" I suddenly asked my girlfriend even if I was far from hungry.

But it felt like a good topic switch.

I really don't want to be the one who ruins the trip with this stupid phone situation.

"Of course," Mazin didn't hesitate to say, walking past me as she set the takeout bag on the table between the four cushioned chairs.

"Enjoy your spring rolls," Nelli said as Mazin motioned me to sit down first near the window.

"I could lowkey go for a spring roll," Tahir suddenly said as he sat down beside Alena.

"Someone has spring rolls?" I heard Vic suddenly call out, easily making Nelli face-palm herself at her dad's words.

Who always loves to eat I swear.

So does Mav who—

"Spring rolls sound good for real," Mav suddenly said as everyone's attention shifted over to us.

"Maybe you guys can get some when we touch down in Aspen," Mazin subtly said, now opening the takeout bag for me.

"Oh wow, you heard that Uncle Vic?" Tahir said, glancing over to Vic and then Mav, "You're really going to let her do you guys like that Uncle Mav?"

"Don't piss me off Tahir," Mazin said before Mav or Vic could say anything in response.

And at Mazin's words, the twins managed to immediately look away and mind their business, leaving the topic alone.

"Well I'll take a spring roll because I'm the pretty one of the family," Omara casually added to the conversation.

And I couldn't help but purse my lips when both Mazin and Tahir glanced over to her with a blank look.

"I don't know who declared that," Tahir said, his tone so hilariously sassy.

Here we go.

"Aw you're the pretty one T?" Omara purposely said, her tone mocking, "Hims want to be a pretty-pretty princess?"

Tahir rolled his eyes, "Ma says I have pretty features," he emphasized with a narrowed look, "She calls me handsome."

Mazin suddenly laughed, "Aw yeah, you are Mr. Handsome Pants aren't you?" she teased him, which naturally made me and everyone laugh.

Especially when Tahir had a blank look on his face.

"Mr. Handsome Pants—wow I forgot about that one, bee," Nadia said, laughing even harder as Lena shook her head at us all.

"I forgot too," Morana nudged Zane who shook his head with a smile.

"He's Mr. Handsome Pants because he's so handsome," Lena argued the point but it was really only contributing.

Which naturally made us laugh harder.

"Petition to bring back Mr. Handsome Pants," Ronan raised his hand up, causing us all to raise our hands.

Even I did.

And so did Alena.

"Babe you can't be serious," Tahir said to Alena.

"It's cute though," she said with a smile, reaching up to pinch his cheeks.

"You all get on my fucking nerves," Tahir mumbled, now pulling his sleep mask down over his eyes.

Which only made us all laugh even more.

"Guess he doesn't want to be a pretty-pretty princess," Omara said with a shrug, which naturally made me giggle, shaking my head at how hilarious this entire conversation was.

This trip is going to be so fun.

It's exactly what I needed, especially for the holidays.