#paige bueckers

[scooby1723]

New Bose Ad coming

[brenwritesss]

𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝'𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐

⋆˚࿔Paige Bueckers x reader ❀˖°

Summary: You and Paige keep your promise to Azzi, steering clear of each other. What happens when you both fuck up?

Warnings: semi-sexual content ahead.

part 1

Your heavy breathing could be heard from miles outside your dorm while your hands rubbed down your forehead, clearing off the sweat. Your chest heaved and your legs flexed, spreading open the slightest bit as the girl beneath you rolled upwards, taking her own gasp of air and resting her hand on your thighs.

Things hadn’t been the same since that day in the locker room since you and Paige got caught by Azzi. You had spent the last month trying to make it up to the curly-haired girl as you kept your promise that you wouldn’t hang out with Paige alone. And fuck, it was harder than you thought it would be. And it seemed like to Paige, it was natural and the easiest thing she could ever do. She took ignoring you to a whole other level. First, she would only talk to you when Azzi or someone else was in the room. Then it progressed to fewer words exchanged between the two of you to her ignoring you completely. Always leaving the room when you entered, turning around and walking in the other direction when you passed in the halls. She even went so far as to block you on social media which in your opinion, was completely unnecessary.

“Same time tomorrow?” The girl in front of you asked, drawing you out from your thoughts. You met her in your communications class, bonding over your favorite shoe brands which ended up turning into a heated make out session in your dorm room. 

You take your hands off your face, leaning up to meet her eyes. “Yeah, yeah same time tomorrow.”

She flashed you a smirk, standing up and putting her jeans on. You watched her as she slipped her shirt on after, covering the exposed skin that you marked up just minutes before and the thought of Paige shot through your mind. 

You turn your head away. No. Stop thinking about her.

 After getting dressed, the girl picks up her phone and heads for the door. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you…” you barely mutter out, to distracted to even try and remember her name.

Not even remembering to put your clothes back on, you pick up your phone from your nightstand, checking to see what the time was. 10:20 p.m. 

Against your best judgement, you open up Paige’s text thread, practically a ghost town now that she wasn’t making an effort to talk to you anymore. But who were you kidding, the text thread had always been a ghost town since senior year. Releasing a sigh, you hit her contact photo, pulling up her contact information. You scroll all the way to the bottom until your thumb hovers over the block button.

God, this is so pathetic, you think to yourself. I’m over here doing this shit everyday just to get over my ex who probably hasn’t given me a single thought for over a month.

And that’s all it takes for you to hit the block button. Because you’d be damned if you let someone like Paige Bueckers get you in your feels, thinking about wanting her back in your bed. You’re not going to give her that satisfaction.

You text Azzi right after. I’m coming over, that ok?

You get a response in less than thirty seconds. Yeah, I’ll leave my door unlocked.

Since you and Paige got caught, things between you and Azzi were…not as good as it was before. But Azzi being Azzi, she was able to get mostly over it and things were mostly back to normal. Sleepovers every few days, always going out to eat when she wasn’t away for a game, random Target runs, and lots of tiktok drafts being made. The only times when things didn’t feel normal between you and Azzi were when Paige would walk into the room. Azzi would go from being the loudest in the room to being the most quiet. Not because she was uncomfortable but because she was watching the two of you, trying to see if there were any longing glances, or words mouthed between you. And she was definitely checking to see if either of you were on your phones for a bit too long at the same time. Obviously with Paige ignoring you, she didn’t have to worry about that.

You get up from bed, grabbing a fresh new pair of sweatpants and some other clothes to change into before you leave. You head into your bathroom, taking a quick shower before changing into the outfit you picked out. You opted for some sweats and an oversized shirt that you found at the bottom of your closet. Staring at yourself in the mirror, you fix your hair and brush your teeth before walking out of your bathroom to grab your phone and wallet.

When you walked out of your dorm, you were half expecting Paige to meet you on the other side as she would walk out from her own hook up. But that hasn’t happened at all since she stopped talking to you. It was better this way, anyway, because the last thing you wanted to see was her all disheveled and her hair a mess just like how yours was a few minutes ago, looking at you like she just got fucked. By someone else.

You make it to Azzi’s place in ten minutes, opening the door to see the curly-haired girl packing her bag for another away game.

“Where you going to this time?” you ask her as you plop down on her bed, messing up the organized pile of clothes she had sitting there.

Azzi shoots you a glare, swatting at your leg as she moves the now messy pile away from you. “Indiana to play Notre Dame.”

You scrunch your face. “Ew.”

“Let’s not talk about it,” Azzi tells you as she continues to pack.

You lean back on her bed, wrapping yourself up in her fuzzy pink blanket. The same blanket that Paige had a matching one in purple. “Right, sorry.”

Azzi holds one of her shirts in her hands when she looks up at you, tilting her head. “Hey, you still seeing that one girl?”

“Which one?”

Azzi pauses, looking at you with disbelief. “That’s actually nasty.”

“Hey, everyone deserves to have a little fun.”

Azzi laughs. “So, I was talking about the one I accidentally walked in on. The blonde one,” she pauses, “which by the way, I’m still traumatized.”

“The blonde one…” you trail off. Paige was the first blonde to pop into your head even though the only blonde girl that you have been hooking up with regularly was no where close to Paige. “Uh, Rachel?”

Azzi rolls her eyes at you. “Her name is Kathrine, dumbass. She’s in my accounting class.”

“Damn, I could have sworn it was Rachel.” You don’t dare to make eye contact with her because you knew she was giving you a look of disappointment, which from Azzi Fudd, was not a look anyone wanted to receive.

“Well for future reference,” she says, “it’s Kathrine.”

You don’t say anything for a couple minutes after that, debating on asking Azzi a very specific question. Curiosity got the better of you on this one. “Azzi, can I ask how Paige is doing?”

Azzi stops folding her clothes, turning to look at you and letting her shoulders relax. “Yeah,” she pauses. “She’s okay, Y/n. She’s in the gym a lot preparing for March.”

“That’s good.”

“Look,” Azzi sits down on the bed. “I appreciate you both keeping your promises and not seeing each other. It’s not that I don’t want you guys to interact at all, it’s just that I know you both. And I know how you both get with this stuff.”

“Ri–” you say as she cuts you off.

“And seeing you in the locker room…I could just tell that it was going to end badly. I mean, I love you both so much and I would hate to see either of you get hurt. Besides, with Paige being in her weird situation thing with that one girl she’s into, I don’t want to see you get caught up in that.” 

The look that Azzi gave you was so sincere that you could tell she meant every word she said. Azzi wasn’t in the wrong for keeping you both apart. She just wanted the best for both of you. You look up at Azzi, “I know. And I don’t blame you for anything at all. I agree, it would have ended badly.” As much as you wanted to disagree.

“Why did you break up with her in the first place?” The question shouldn’t have caught you as off guard as it did.

You shrug. “At the time, I thought it was the best decision considering we were both going to different schools. Long distance in high school is already hard enough. Long distance with a college basketball player would be even harder.”

“That’s understandable.” Azzi had to have been the most understanding person you have ever met. And you loved her for it. “Well when I said I hated the girl who broke her heart, I didn’t mean it.”

You tirelessly laugh. “I know Azzi.”

You wake up the next morning, still tired and craving coffee. After putting your shoes, you grab your phone and head for the door. The girl whose name Azzi reminded you was Kathrine, had left about a few hours prior, allowing you to get a few extra hours of sleep in. You open the door, not looking in front of you as you close it behind you. You walk into a tall body, making you stumble backwards.

“Paige,” you whisper, eyes wide as you flash her a shocked expression. Paige is standing in front you, walking out of the dorm that you haven’t seen her walk out of in over a month. She looked the same as she always did, blonde hair a mess, and the UConn patch over her clothing. She looks down at you, making eye contact for the first time in what felt like a decade. 

She didn’t say anything because she too was frozen in her place. You didn’t know what to say either because not only would you be breaking Azzi’s promise, but Paige was a stranger to you just like she had been for the past four years.

“Hi.” Was the only thing you could say because in a situation like this, what could you even say?

Paige eyes you up and down, drawing your body with her eyes until she met yours again. It didn’t even look like she was admiring you or missing you. Just complete shock. If you could even call whatever her expression is shocked. 

It felt like a matter of fours years had gone by between the two of you, either one not wanting to say anything. That was when you had to remind yourself that you’re both seniors in college not high school. “How are you?” you asked her, waiting to be met with no response yet again.

“Do I know you?” Her words shocked you more than seeing her out here in the hallway. And that is when you realized that you knew exactly how Paige felt that one time you had said the same words to her in the same spot. Paige shoves her hand in her pockets, turning to walk away.

You couldn’t even say anything as you watched her get further away and that’s when she turned back towards you, “you smell like sex by the way, I suggest you shower that off.”

Your dropped jaw turns into a grimace as you silently her off in your head. Paige Bueckers isn’t allowed to be pissed at you, not after she turned you into a memory and forgot you. And you were going to make her remember that.

Four days later and the team is back from Indiana as you find yourself standing in front of the door across the hall, preparing yourself to make what could quite possibly be the dumbest decision you have ever made. You sigh, knocking three times as you take a step back, part of you hoping she won’t answer the door.

About ten seconds later, a slightly shorter, brunette girl with brown eyes opens the door. “Hello?”

There was a part of you that flared with anger as you remember that this was the girl Paige had been seeing, sleeping with while you were right across the hall.

You fake a smile. “Hi, is Paige here?”

The girl in front of you raises her eyebrows, cocking her head to the side. “No, she’s not,” she pauses, “sorry, who are you?”

“Oh, sorry I’m Y/n. I’m supposed to be meeting Paige here? God, I hope I didn’t get the dorm number wrong,” you say as you fish your phone out of your pocket, pretending to look confused as you scroll on it.

“What? Why did Paige tell you to meet her here?”

By the look on her face, you could tell you were getting to her and that was exactly what you needed. “Paige and I have been…that’s not important. But she said that I should meet her here.”

She was sending you daggers with her eyes now. “What the fuck do you mean? Are you hooking up with Paige?”

You look at her, slightly shifting your footing. “Yeah…yeah we have.”

“How fucking long?”

“I mean I’m not counting but if I had to guess,” you say, making your voice a bit higher. “I’d say about a month maybe?”

“That fucking liar,” she whispers, rubbing a hand on her forehead. She looks at you again. “Well she’s not here and you can fuck off.” She slams the door in your face.

You turn back around and walk into your own dorm, the biggest fucking smile on your face.

It was another night out that Azzi had forced you to go to, although this time you had opted to meet her at Ted’s, needing to finish the last bit of your homework for the week. You didn’t know if Azzi had told Paige you were going, but if she did, then you needed to look your absolute best. The thought that ran through your head was if Paige found out you had ruined her relationship with whoever the bitch was across the hall, she’d say something about it. And that meant you needed to look drop dead fucking gorgeous because she couldn’t stay that mad at you and ignore you anymore, right?

Even with Azzi not letting you both speak to each other alone, she never said anything about in a group setting and you were determined to get more words out of Paige that weren’t ‘who are you?’.

You walked into Ted’s wearing a short black dress with your favorite sneakers because you never learned how to walk in heels and today did not feel like the day to start trying. Azzi glanced up from the group, eyeing you and waving you over. “Y/n, over here,” she said and waited for you to approach. “Wow, you look so hot.”

You laugh as she eyes you up and down, giving you an encouraging smile. “Not so bad yourself, Azzi Fudd.”

“Damn girl, who you tryna look this good for? It ain’t me right?” Aubrey joked, appearing beside you and handing you a drink. You gladly took it and downed about half of it right then and there. “Woah, easy you just got here.”

You turn to Aubrey, “I’m okay, trust.”

“Alright then,” Aubrey says, going back to converse with Ice and KK who waved at you before turning back to their TikTok live.

Azzi nudges you, eyeing the two girls on their phones. “You should go tell KK to do karaoke on live.”

“Is she any good?” you ask, turning to her.

“It’s definitely something,” she whispers, making sure that KK didn’t hear. Although that didn’t really work when you both heard a “girl boo, like you can do any better Miss Fudd.”

You let out a laugh as Azzi glared at KK. “I can be a professional singer if I wanted to. Can you say the same?”

Before they argued anymore, you hold up your glass. “I’m going to get another drink. Anyone want anything?”

Aubrey and Azzi both shake their heads, already having drinks in their hands as you nod and walk over to the bar. The bartender meets you at the counter, taking your order while you sit on one of the barstools, waiting. Someone sits next you although you don’t really pay attention because you’re too focused on Paige. Too focused on Paige to realize that she had come to sit right next to you.

“Tell me, do you usually get this jealous over someone? Or is it because I’m your ex?” Paige asks beside you, making you almost jump out of your seat. You turn to her, seeing her stool already swiveled towards you and she’s leaning her hand on her palm that rested on the bar counter.

Damn, did she look good.

You turn your own stool towards her, realizing that your plan had worked and you got her right where you wanted her. “I’m not jealous.”

Paige raises her eyebrow. “Really? So you just told the girl I’m seeing that we have been hooking up because what? Because you’re bored?”

You shrug. “Oh don’t worry, I’m sure you can find another girl.” The bartender hands you your drink which you gladly take a sip of, not looking away from her eyes once. “Maybe text one of the girls you fucked freshman year. From what I heard, you got around quite a bit didn’t you?”

“So you’re concerned about my sex life now? Do you–” she paused, looking over at the group to see if Azzi was looking, which she wasn’t. “Do you not remember that you broke up with me?”

You lean closer to her. “And did that kiss in the locker room not tell you that I made a mistake?”

Paige scoffs. “What changed your mind? Because senior year, I’m not good enough for you to stay, and now I’m good enough to fuck around with. What changed, huh?”

Your slight smirks drops when you realize that the look on her face wasn’t amusement, it was pain that she was trying to hide. That maybe she had been thinking about you this past month. Missing you like she had been the past four years. “It wasn’t like that.”

“I’m not talking about this anymore,” she said. “We made a promise to Azzi and we damn well are going to keep it. So stay out of my fucking love life Y/n because for once, it doesn’t revolve around you.”

And then she stands up swiftly, leaving you at the bar as she walks over to the team. You contemplated going back over to the group but didn’t want to raise any suspicion with Azzi. What were you doing? Were you wasting your time trying to get her attention? Probably. And what did this say about you? That you crave attention? That you want what you can’t have? Maybe it was all true.

How do you fix this? How do you make it right so that you both aren’t hurting anymore? 

You slowly walk back over to the group, forgetting your drink at the bar but nobody even noticed as you approached. Paige looked up at you, sitting beside Azzi and turning her head, not trying to make eye contact.

Azzi notices you, waving you over to her. “Come sit between Paige and I.”

Both you and Paige widen your eyes. Azzi wanting you to sit next to Paige. That’s…odd. Paige looks from Azzi to you and slightly shifts over, allowing you space to sit between them, which you reluctantly do.

Your right leg immediately presses up against Paige’s and even more memories flood back to you. All those times your body slumped against hers, when she’d spoon you in your bed; it was all coming back. You try to move more towards Azzi, not wanting to relive those moments all over again. But Paige, she knew you. Even after all these years, she still knew you.

So you weren’t as surprised as you should have been when she let her pinky finger graze your knee, rubbing it as a source of comfort because she knew you were in your head. You try not to look at her but even at that you fail and it makes you feel stupid. It makes you feel even more stupid when she doesn’t even turn her head your way, pretending you’re not even there yet her finger was still on your knee. And it was comforting for a while because it reminded you of the old Paige. The one you fell in love with in high school. It also reminded you of her and that girl across the hall. Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it?

You use your hand to shove her finger off of you, causing Paige to look at you for the first time since she touched you. You were over doing this to yourself. You were better than this. Nobody else noticed the movement you just made besides Paige and that was all that really mattered, right?

“I’m getting a drink,” Paige muttered to the rest of the group before getting up abruptly from the table and walking over to the bar. It was clear you had struck a nerve but had she not been doing that since the first time you saw her outside the bar?

It made you sick to your stomach, thinking about this whole situation over and over in your head for the past month. And ten minutes later, Paige wasn’t back from the bar and damn did you really need to take a piss. So you excused yourself, getting up and trying to find your way to the bathroom.

You turn down a hallway, the loud music growing quieter as you pushed the door open. Your breathing stopped and you felt your heart physically drop when you saw Paige pushing a girl against the bathroom wall by the sink, shoving her tongue down her throat. And it wasn’t just any girl. It was Kathrine, the girl who was just in your bed that morning.

“Leave me the fuck alone, Paige,” you say as she follows you out of the bar and into the street. And of course to your luck, it was raining. Hard. The sudden cold droplets against your skin made you shiver. But not nearly as bad as you felt when you saw Paige and Kathrine in that bathroom.

“Can you give me a damn second please?” Paige shouts after you. She catches up to you and grabs your arm, yanking you back around to face her. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“Let me go.” You said sternly, trying to loosen yourself from her grip but it was no use.

Paige shook her head. “You fuck up my relationship, you shove my hand away, you won’t leave me alone, and now you get mad because I was making out with someone else? When will you realize that I’m not the problem here?”

“I’ve been hooking up with that girl for the past month, dumbass.”

Paige’s jaw drops slightly and her grip on you slowly loosens. “First, I didn’t know. Second, why are you so pissed about it?”

“You just go and fuck anything with a heartbeat, don’t you?” You ask her, wiggling your arm free from her hand.

“Fuck you,” she grits through her teeth. “This would have never happened if you didn’t do what you did senior year.”

“Why did it hurt you that fucking badly? We were kids, Paige.”

Paige glared at you, reaching for your waist to steady you. “Because I was fucking in love with you, Y/n.”

You stop, the only movement coming from the shivers as a result of the rain. She was in love with you and she never told you. And you never told her. “What the fuck.”

“So yes, I hooked up with girls to get over you. And now that I finally am, you come walking back into my life for no goddamn reason and it makes me feel like shit. And I’m done trying to tiptoe around you like your some fragile thing that can’t be broken because the truth is, you’re a fucking bitch. You’re rude and you’re selfish and you’re ignorant.”

You couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. Did she really think all those things about you? “Do you really think that?”

“Yes,” she said with no hesitation and that hurt you anymore. “And I’m sorry to myself that I let myself fall in love with you. Because that was a form of torture on myself.”

And what could you even say to that? Paige Bueckers just admitted that she regretted falling in love with you. What more was there to that?

“You want me out of your life? Fine.” You turn around and begin walking in the opposite direction of the bar, just wanting nothing more than to go home. “For the record, I never regretted falling in love with you.”

You didn’t wait to see her reaction and she never called out to say anything else. You were done.

[lessi-lover]

Paige taking care of reader when she’s on her period! Reader could have like a period disorder (i don’t want to name specific ones so you can choose) and gets super achy and sick when she’s on her period. They could be at an event maybe and reader gets super bad cramps, so Paige try’s to comfort her until they can get home and then when they do get home Paige is in full doctor mode trying to take care and help reader?

I know this might be a weird request so you can totally trash this if you want!

i got you ma II p.bueckers x reader

i got you ma II p.bueckers x reader 2.2k

the event was loud, packed with people and the bright lights overhead felt like they were boring straight into your skull. you’d been fine earlier, just a little tired, a little sore.

but now, the cramps were hitting you at full force, twisting through your abdomen like barbed wire. your whole body ached, nausea creeping up your throat, and the dizziness in your eyes made it hard to focus on anything but trying to stay upright.

you had always gotten bad periods when you were a teen. the kind that left you curled up in bed for hours, body aching like you’d run for days straight, the cramps hitting so hard you could barely even keep water down.

for years, doctors had brushed it off as something normal, telling you to take painkillers and wait it out. it was never normal, but your parents couldn't do anything but listen to the medical advice you were being given.

growing up, you never knew what it was like to have a “normal” period. while your friends seemed to get through it with just a little discomfort here and there, you were the one clawing at your desk, trying to breathe through cramps that felt like they were ripping your stomach apart. your sisters had just told you it was part of growing up, that it would get better as you got older. but it didn’t. it only seemed to get worse.

in high school, when you started playing basketball more seriously, the pain of your cramps started to affect your performance. you’d be on the court, trying to push through a tough game and suddenly your body would just give out. you couldn’t concentrate on the game or your teammates, you could only focus on getting yourself off the court as soon as possible.

eventually, after enough trips to specialists, you were finally diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea when you turned nineteen. primary dysmenorrhea is caused by a chemical imbalance in the body, which causes an overproduction of prostaglandins, and in your body's strong attempt to rid the lining, it's much more painful than it should be.

you began learning how to work around it though. by the time you were at uconn, you’d become an expert in managing and listening to your body. you knew your limits and how to stay ahead of your pain.

you’d adjust your play with your trainers to prepare for the worst days of your cycle, always making sure to keep your body well rested and heard. on those tougher days, when the cramps were almost unbearable, you knew how to take care of yourself whether it was icing down, using heat pads, or taking painkillers.

you were prescribed medication to help manage the pain, but it came with its own set of problems. the meds worked, there was no denying that. they helped ease your cramps, the headaches, and your dizziness. but they also made you drowsy, tired, and slowed you down.

as a professional basketball player, those were the last things you could afford. being sluggish on the court was a game changer, but not in the way you needed, and you weren't about to give up your spot for some nonsense pills.

you tried taking them on off-days, on your recovery days, but even then, the tiredness lingered longer than you liked. it was hard to balance the benefits with the negatives especially when you needed to stay at your sharpest, always ready to give your best performance for your team.

so more often than not, you chose to skip taking the medication. your cramps would be unbearable at times, but it was easier to deal with than feeling groggy and uncoordinated when it mattered most. the meds made you feel like you had lost control of yourself, control you weren't about to give up. it felt like a decision you had no choice but to make.

you hadn’t taken your meds this morning. you couldn’t. not with the game this important. the pain was something you'd learned to deal with over the years. tuning it out, ignoring it, finding ways to get through the day without letting it affect you.

but today was certainly challenging you. your body was rebelling at you, no matter how much you tried to push it away, almost as if it was mocking you for being scared to take simple medicine.

you glanced at the bench, where you see cd notice the look on your face, the way you were clutching your stomach as you sat on the subs bench. you gave a small shake of your head and a smile, trying not to show how much it hurt. no time for weakness, especially when your spot could be taken in a second.

but as the final buzzer went off and the team huddled together in celebration of the win, you knew it was only a matter of time before the pain would force a takeover and you would be limping away from the homearena. the moment you got home, you'd be back in full recovery mode, heating pad on your stomach and trying to make it through the worst of it.

you'd been living with this for so long, managing it, hiding it. almost forgetting about if.

paige noticed immediately though. she always did. her hand was on your shoulder in an instant, her brows knitting together in concern. “hey, you okay?” her voice was soft but firm with you, she knew something was up but she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

you forced a small smile back, but the throbbing under your stomach was almost too much to hide. "yeah just a bit sore from the game." you muttered, but even to your own ears it sounded unconvincing. you were lying through your teeth and paige didn't buy it for a second.

she crouched down beside you, her eyes scanning your face, studying the way you were gripping your stomach. “you sure? cause you don’t look okay.”

you closed your eyes for a moment, trying to steady your breath, but the cramps were coming harder now, but you let go of your stomach as she looked down again.

you nodded quickly, refusing to show any weakness, refusing to let it be something that would cause paige to talk to your trainers. she could get you cut off from matches if they found out you were skipping out on your pain meds.

“seriously, i’ve got this. just need a minute.” paige raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical at how defensive you were being, but nodded regardless. “don’t push it too far. i’m watching you.” i nodded back, grateful for her concern but too stubborn to admit how drained i truly felt.

as the high of the game wore off. my energy had plummeted and my vision was beginning to blur. the room was getting tighter, the noises from the crowd booming, but my legs felt like they were made of stone and i stayed in place.

without warning, my knees buckled and i let my body fall. i couldn’t stop it. my body gave in, crumpling to the ground. i heard someone shouting my name as i felt hands on my shoulders, turning me onto my side as they called for help.

paige’s face was the first thing i saw when i blinked my eyes open again. concern etched deep into her face, though she was trying to mask it with a forcely tight lipped smile. “hey, can you hear me?”

i nodded, though everything felt like a blur and her words were slightly distorted. the stadium’s sounds were muffled and i could barely make out the voices of my teammates, but paige was the one who kept me grounded. her hands on mine, her voice gentle as she instructed me to focus on her.

“just breathe, okay? slow and steady with me.” her words were firm, but soft enough to comfort me as the panic set in.

it wasn’t long before the medics arrived, their quick movements barely registering in my mind as the blonde lowered me to the floor. paige kept talking to me, helping me focus on her breathing whilst she kept her hand on my my shoulder.

as the medics checked my pulse and asked me questions, i could barely get the words out in my state. the pain was still there, i could feel sharp knives digging into my back, but the dizziness in my head was worse.

my body felt heavy, like i was sinking into the cold gym floor of the arena and i couldn’t stop shaking. "what happened?" one of the medics asked, his voice calm but urgent as he pressed a cold towel against my forehead.

"she just dropped," paige answered for me. "she wasn’t feeling great after the game. she has dysmenorrhea, and i don't think she's been taking her medicine." the medic frowned, glancing between paige and me as they slid something soft under my back. “is that true?” he asked and i could feel paige’s eyes boring into me, waiting for me to say what she knew had been happening.

i swallowed hard, my throat dry and bitter, my body still trembling from the cramps. i didn’t want to admit it, but there was no point in lying now. paige had clearly already put the pieces together. i gave a small nod. “yeah.” i mumbled, barely able to even look guilty because i knew what i had been doing. “didn’t wanna take it before the game.”

"has this happened before?" the medic asked.

paige looked at me, waiting for me to answer, but i didn’t. i didn’t want to admit that, yeah, it had happened before. i’d pushed myself too far more times than i could count and i had ignored the warning signs until my body just gave out. "yeah," paige said when i didn’t speak. "she has really bad cramps. worse than normal."

i wanted to protest, to say i was fine, but i couldn’t even form the words. the medic pressed two fingers to my wrist, counting my pulse, while another checked my blood pressure. i could see my teammates lingering nearby, their faces blurred in my vision, their whispers blending with the distant sounds of the crowd still filtering out of the stadium.

paige let out a frustrated sigh, but there was no real anger in her face, she only ever worried about you. “you should’ve told me.” she said, shaking her head and looking up. “you scared the hell out of me.”

~

"you need to let me help, alright ma? we’ll get you home and get you taken care of."

you barely managed a nod before another wave of pain hit you in the stomach like a truck, making you hunch over slightly as you tried to walk out of the stadium. paige didn’t hesitate to help you, her arm wrapped around you, steadying you as she scanned the room. “we’re getting you out of here.”

you didn’t argue. you couldn’t. it's not like anyone would let you leave the arena by yourself, and paige wasn't about to just let you off. the ride home was a blur, you eyes were barely open but you could feel paige’s hand around yours, her thumb rubbing slow circles against your skin. every time you winced, she gave you reassurance, promising that you’d be home soon.

as soon as you stepped inside your apartment, paige switched into full helicopter mode. she helped you change out of your clothes into thick pyjamas, guiding you to the bed and tucking you under a heap of fluffy blankets she had found. “okay, doctor p reporting for duty,” she announced, already moving. “heat pack first, then meds, and i’ll make you tea. do you think you can stomach something?”

you shook your head weakly, pressing the heating pad she handed you against your stomach as she returned with a glass of water and some painkillers. “just this for now.” she decided, watching to make sure you took them before brushing your hair back.

paige held your chin upwards to make sure you didn't spit them out, because even though you had agreed to take them she couldn't trust you anymore. “you’re burning up, babe. hold on.”

minutes later, she was back with a cool cloth, pressing it against your forehead as she gently massaged your temples. "your body is so important baby. if you won't take care of it like it deserves then i'll have to take care of it for you."

"you don’t have to," i murmured, though i didn’t pull away from her hand. my body was still too weak, too drained, but even if it wasn’t, i wasn’t sure i wanted to. i let my heavy head sink back into the pillows. she huffed. "of course i do. you think i’m just gonna stand by and watch you neglect yourself?" her voice softened, fingers slowing but still moving through your hair. "i can’t let you do that, ma."

"i'm sorry," i whispered.

paige sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face and tightening the blanket around my body. "don't be sorry," she said, her voice gentle but firm in that i knew she was being serious. "just let me help you, yeah?"

you let out a weak laugh and paige grinned back. “there’s my girl.”

as the medicine started kicking in, exhaustion weighed heavy on you, but paige stayed close, shrugging off her shoes and tucking herself into your side. “i got you,” she murmured into your neck, rubbing her face against your skin. “i love you.”

~

[bdbueckers]

trust me? | p.b

pairing: paige bueckers x fem!reader

warnings: smut, fluff, sub!paige, soft dom!reader, sex toy usage, spit, slight tribbing, fingering, overstimulation(?), i think that’s all but feel free to lmk if i missed anything!

wc: 4.4k (pwp)

summary: reader wants to try something new with paige after an impromptu trip to the sex store. based on this request!

author's note: i couldn't finish up the fic that i wanted to upload for valentine's day so we're scrapping it for now and ima leave y'all with this! it's different for me to write sub!paige but i think i like how it came out and maybe i'll get more into it for future posts! once again, thank you to the anon that sent this request, hopefully you enjoy it a little more than everyone else! (ngl i didn’t really proofread this so we’re giving it to god…and as always if you hate it idc DON’T tell me)

also that uconn vs south carolina game has given me the serotonin boost needed to carry me through this month AND march, they make me so proud😭 y’all better be tuned in for the game tonight vs seton hall :) i’m manifesting more pg paige and some beautiful uconn hoops!

okay sorry i’m done talking, enjoy! x

nervous was an understatement. how do you bring up the idea of topping your girlfriend…to her? considering you hadn’t thought about how to do so prior to this moment, the nerves seemed normal.

you took a spontaneous trip to your favorite sex shop without telling paige and you blacked out when you got inside, overwhelmed by all the options without your girlfriend by your side to give you her opinion. 

immediately once you had eyes on it you’d settled for a dual bullet vibrator, paired with a remote. the thought of paige using it on you immediately causes you to hold your breath a little. but the thought of you using it on her had you b-lining to the register and giddy and running up the stairs at home to hide it while she was asleep on the couch.

after some pondering, you’d figured it would be a little too easy to ask. it was essentially a yes or no question, and she’d honestly answer in a heartbeat, but you wanted to ensure that she’d be at your mercy.

you settled on the idea of a nice candlelit dinner for the both of you to butter her up. then you’d “pop the question”. 

you were back out of the house as soon as you’d returned, texting paige that you were heading out for some groceries, tucking the “gift” away.

by the time you were back she was wide awake and pretty tuned in to whatever she had playing on the tv. she heard you coming in the door and met you there to greet you sweetly and take any bags from your hands. she sets them down on the counter and starts to reach in, almost too fast for you to remember that she was supposed to be hands off and out of the kitchen for tonight.

“noo, wait let me do it! i wanna cook dinner for you so i’ll put things away.“

“cook for me? baby, what’s the occasion? literally we just celebrated valentine’s day.” okay, so she was already asking you questions.

“shh, no occasion. i just love you and i want to practice making some things. then i’ll be cooking for you all the time instead of…almost never” you respond in a rush, sort of frowning at the last part but still prying her hands off the bags and lightly pushing her out of the kitchen.

you can hear her muttering under her breath but nonetheless she turns on her heels to press a kiss to your lips and whisper a quick “missed you” before turning back around to leave.

your heart swells in your chest at the thought of how sweet she is to you while you put away everything and set out what you were gonna make.

you wanted to get a little fixed up, or at least out of one pair of sweatpants and into another. slipping past paige, who was once again focused on the tv, you headed upstairs. 

after putting on the smallest bit of makeup and fiddling with your hair you grin at your reflection in the mirror. the thought of getting pretty for your girlfriend enough to make your stomach jump. you throw on a pair of loose fitting pants and one of your teenier tops. you’d even saved up to buy another overpriced lingerie set and you had it on underneath, intending for p to see you in it and immediately want it off.

paige walks into the bathroom ready to shower and stops directly behind you in the mirror, letting out a small noise of shock. 

“all this for me? okay now i really need to know what’s going on.” she questions, now standing so close that you could feel her body heat on your back.

“nothing is going on! i told you i wanted to cook for you tonight, can’t i look good while doing it?” you reply, holding eye contact with her in the mirror and ending your sentence with a mini eye roll.

she lifts a hand from her side and places it right underneath your bust, slightly on your ribs, pulling you even further into her.

“you always look good for me baby, but i’ll let you have this.” she teases, kissing your temple and continuing her stride to the shower.

as soon as she was facing away from you, you were staring hard. watching the muscles in her back strain against her shirt when she reached for a towel, you trailed your eyes up and down her frame.

you wish you had her underneath you right now.

stopping yourself you huff slightly and make your way down to the kitchen to get started on dinner. you get in with the “harder” more time consuming parts first so you could focus and shortly the whole process starts to breeze by. 

everything thus far was perfect, especially for a meal that didn’t technically require a recipe.

you hear the water of the shower shut off and a few other noises upstairs. this allows you to anticipate paige emerging from your shared bedroom and getting a whiff of the home cooked meal, immediately on track to fold for you like you needed. 

when she does make her way into the kitchen you’re standing over a cutting board gathering some stuff to chop.

“it smells so good in here baby, oh my god” you hear paige from behind you. then you feel her. hands gravitating to your hips as always and she gently places her chin on your shoulder, her front molding to your back.

“i’m just making a lil something…since i was finally given some time to put some groceries in the fridge. we’re gonna eat something home cooked and actually fulfilling tonight, no fast food, no take out. made with lots of love.” you say, a smile plastered on your face at the domestic feel of this entire moment.

just you and the prettiest girl in the world, standing in your shared living space while you prepared dinner as a way to treat yourselves. 

“i don’t even know what you’re making and i’m drooling over it, guess you’ve still got your touch.” she teases, nudging your cheek with her nose and leaving a light smack on your ass.

“STILL? get out of the kitchen.” you respond, stifling a laugh of your own at how ridiculous she was. “it’s almost done and i’ve already set the table, maybe pour yourself a glass of wine and get out of my way?”

“yes ma’am.” she snorts, holding her hands up in fake defense and shaking her head a little.

you quickly plate everything, mentally saving yourself a pat on the back for how good it truly did look.

sneaking a peek into the dining room you see paige on her phone, eyes low and cheeks already a little rosy as a result of her now finished glasses of wine.

“hey pretty girl, dinner is ready!” you call out, assuming she’d want to carry your plates to the table as she always did.

her lips form an “o” as she locks eyes with the food on the counter and then her eyes pan over to you. if looks could talk her eyes would definitely be confessing their love to you right now. 

feeling shy under her gaze you shake your head and go in for a hug, slightly nuzzling into her chest. you pull back, tilt your head up, and she’s already looking back at you. you both pull back cheesing, not needing to say much.

“babe this is a little too much, you didn’t have to– wait, are you tryna butter me up?” paige breaks the silence.

“butter you up? mmm, maybe…but that doesn’t mean i didn’t want to cook for you. it’s like the cherry on top, please just enjoy yourself baby c’mon!” you plead, stepping back from her to hold her hands in your own.

“okay…” she mutters, before repeating the words cherry on top underneath her breath and giggling. 

she grabs your plates and walks them to the table as you follow closely behind and take your spot across from her.

you’re only two bites in before you hear her again, “okay but seriously what is it? the suspense is killing me.”

“can’t you just eat your food first?” you laugh, shaking your head and taking another bite.

“i think we both know i can multitask, answer the question.” she responds, taking a bite of her food and a sip from her wine glass.

“i promise you will find out when we finish our meal,” you dodge again.

paige smacks her lips a little, a smile fighting for its life to stay hidden.

she does let it go, or so you’d hoped. and dinner goes well. eventually you’re just poking at what’s left on your plate while paige rambles a little. she’d cleared whatever she had in front of her a bit ago but you’d managed to get her talking to avoid her disrupting your own train of thought.

she pauses between sentences and your mouth moves faster than your thoughts.

“p, you trust me right?” you genuinely ask, already nervous again.

“of course baby, what’s going on?” she asks, placing her hand over yours on the table.

“i, i got uh– well i wanna show you something, if that’s okay?” you taunt a bit, lacing your fingers together and getting up from your seat at the table.

her eyebrows furrow a little and she smirks before getting up with you. you begin leading her to your bedroom and stop a few paces from the door to face her. you place your hands on her chest, before allowing them to creep up and secure behind her neck.

“you’re so beautiful,” you whisper, a very visible glint in your eyes.

before she can respond you pull her down to your height and connect your lips. you sigh into the kiss when you feel her hands immediately on your ass and her tilting her head to deepen the kiss. you open your mouth the slightest bit and feel her tongue meet your own. if you weren’t hot before from the wine, you definitely were now. 

you pull back completely and smirk before turning around and heading directly into the bedroom, a slight sway in your hips.

you guide paige onto the bed and she plops down a little, you perched at her side.

“earlier today, i was shopping around and i found something that i wanted to see if you’re interested in.” you trail off, getting up to fetch the discreet packaging that you knew for a fact paige was familiar with.

“mhm, and what is this ‘something’?” she proceeds, holding up her own air quotes. her eyes on yours and one of her eyebrows raised the tiniest bit. almost challenging you.

you pull the toy out of the bag, seeing as you had already taken them out of their packaging earlier to prep.

paige’s expression is hard to read and you can tell she’s leaving space for you to answer her unspoken questions, her breath hitching.

you climb on top of her holding the toy at your side. you catch her eyes fell onto your lips, glossy and parted to speak.

“i just saw this and thought we could try something new? specifically me, trying it out on the both of us.” you ask, or tell her rather. voice a little low but not wavering at all.

“baby i’m all yours, i want whatever you want.” she utters, hands lightly gripping your thighs.

“i’m so happy to hear you say that,” you smile.

you lean down, your weight falling onto your hand that’s now right beside paige’s head. you hold eye contact for as long as you can before you connect your lips again in another kiss. this one less gentle, some notable urge behind it. paige moans immediately kissing back, her hands back on your ass when your tongue slips between her lips to meet her own. 

you pull back to catch your breath, also opting to shed your shirt and reveal your other surprise for her. 

“fuck, are you serious?” paige groans. immediately drawn to the teacup bralette that held your tits just right, but also left you exposed with the mesh on the front of it.

“you like?” you ask, pulling your bottom lip between your teeth to stop yourself from laughing at the expression on her face.

“baby you know i do, cmon” 

“let me show you the rest of it then?” you finish, pushing up onto your knees so you could rid yourself of your pants.

your panties are the same mesh as the bralette, but they’re lacking the smallest piece of fabric. 

they’re crotchless.

you swear you can see the girl in front of you drool a little when she realizes. paige’s eyes are blown out and her mouth is agape when she sees you kneeling in front of her, practically naked.

“do you wanna shed some layers too p? i’m getting impatient,” you tease, watching as she scoffs a little before sitting up to pull her own shirt over her head. 

you have to stop yourself from getting too distracted by her taut abdomen and the little bit of cleavage that’s exposed when she presses her arms together, tugging her sleeves off. as soon as the shirt hits the floor of your bedroom you have your hands in the waistband of her pants, locking eyes with her. she tilts her head in a small nod that signals you to continue.

when you’re both lacking a good amount of clothing you crawl over her. your panties allowing your bare clit to rest on her lap and you hiss at the contact. you grab her hand and place it over your front, hinting at her to fondle your nipples over the thin fabric of your bralette.

“you’re unreal,” you hear paige utter from underneath you, her eyes watching your puffy clit glide messily over her slightly covered bottom half. the sight causes you to swallow a mix of a chuckle and a moan.

“yeah? tell me more.” you respond, breathless as you reach for her other hand, bringing two of her fingers up to your mouth. you kiss them gently and then wrap your lips around her fingertips.

knowing that this gets her going you’re not shocked at how her eyelids flutter before she takes her bottom lip between her teeth.

“you cooked me dinner and now you’re dressed in some of the best lingerie i’ve ever seen, plus you got your pussy in my lap. that’s as good as it gets, baby.” paige answers you, pinching your nipple between two of her fingers and smirking when you sigh and lick at your already glossy lips.

“only the best for you,” you start, pulling her hand away from your lips and toying at the waistband of her underwear, ready for those to come off too.

when her bottom half is completely bare you reach for the vibrators on the bed. 

“take off your bra.” you demand, raising an eyebrow at your girlfriend whilst putting some more distance between the two.

she complies easily and now she is beneath you, completely naked. a slight sheen of sweat on her chest that’s rising and falling a little quicker than before. she’s nervous.

you down and place a hand on her hip while you tongue at her nipples, they’re already hard from being exposed to the air in your bedroom. you don’t miss how pretty she sounds when she lets out a whine, her hand securing itself on the back of your head to hold you closer if even possible. 

“for once i just want to please you baby, i think this is the perfect way to make sure that we both get what we need. just lay back for me and enjoy yourself.” you utter into the empty silence, voice breathy while you sit up again and take one end of the toy, putting it in your mouth to wet.

paige’s mouth opens and she doesn’t say anything but you can tell she’s trying hard not to.

with the remote in your hand you immediately switch the speed to 2 and place it on the nipple that your mouth was on moments ago.

paige arches her back off the bed slightly, eyes immediately squeezing shut. this is already everything you want and you’re just getting started.

“fuck, baby what are you doing–“

“ah ah, remember just enjoy yourself, let me worry about what’s going on.” you shush her, circling her nipple with the vibrating bullet.

she looks beautiful under you like this. her cheeks are red, head thrown back in pleasure as her hips start to move beneath you on instinct.

“m-more, please i want more” she moans, lifting her head up, only to drop it again when she gets sight of you. 

your hair is a little messy from tossing your head side to side and the look in your eyes is sultry. plus you’ve got a vibrator held onto her nipple and she swears she can see a wet spot on her skin from you rutting against her. if it was possible she would’ve cum just from watching you touch her.

“more? what do you want? baby you have to tell me.” you taunt, already gripping the other end of the vibrator in your free hand.

“i’m so wet, i know you can feel it. t-touch me? please? mmmh–“ she cuts herself off when she feels the vibrations on her nipple intensify. the speed was now at 3…and then it was at 4.

“you’re even prettier when you beg p, have i ever told you that?”

“n-no, fuck” she hisses.

“well, you’re usually so in control. i just have to say i love seeing you like this.”

with a light touch you trace some shapes on the outside of her thigh before spreading her legs, your eyes immediately drawn to the wet spot underneath her on her bed. 

“you weren’t lying baby, you’re already making a mess and i haven’t even done anything yet.” you don’t give her much time to say anything in response, gathering all the spit into your mouth and pushing it from your lips so that it lands on her clit in a glob. it’s nasty, just how you both like it and paige lets out another surprisingly high pitched noise. her hole clenching around nothing.

sitting back on your heels between her legs you take your hand that’s holding the vibrator to her nipple and you switch sides. when you see how puffy and red the one that was previously receiving attention is, you almost feel bad, but that feeling doesn’t last long. 

while paige is trying to catch her breath you take the other end of the vibrator and start tracing circles around her clit, before pulling it away again. she cries out, realizing that you were going to keep teasing her.

landing a smack on her hip to get her to drop them down towards the bed again you drag the bullet up and down the length of her pussy, your eyes never leaving her face as she was putting on a show.

“mmm– please just do something baby, anything. i don’t know how much more of this i can take.” paige whines, then reaches out for you. you lean away from her touch.

“you’re good with the safe word?” you ask, tone a little more serious than you intended.

“yes of course baby, just– OH FUCK!”

before she can say anything else you’re pushing the bullet into her fluttering hole, holding in a moan at how tight she is.

“how’s that?” you tease, completely inserting the toy.

“shit– it’s perfect baby,”

“i bet.”

pulling away the end of the vibrator that was on her nipple you lean down again to take it in your mouth. once more she’s cradling your head, this time a little harder. she wants you close, it’s cute.

using little force you pump the bullet into her, listening for her sounds of satisfaction. 

pulling off of her nipple with a pop you watch as she fights to pry her eyes open.

“baby, k-kiss me?” she says, or rather pleads.

your heart beats faster at how desperate she sounds. you grant her the kiss and it’s hot, sloppy, and leaves a string of spit between the two of you when you pull away while she chases after you with her lips.

“my god p, you’re such a good girl for me. who would’ve thought?” you whisper right in her face, smirking a little as she huffs in disappointment when you lean back and away from her again.

“i’ll be a good girl for you any time you want baby, just please don’t stop.” she groans, gushing around the toy inside of her.

“oh really, any time? you promise?” 

an image flashes in your head and before you can think about it too much you’re releasing paige’s leg from your grip, pulling the vibrator out of her and increasing the speed to 5. you pull your left leg up and drape it over her right, almost in a split, pulling the vibrator out of her and pressing it down on her clit with a good amount of pressure. 

her upper half jolts once again, as she raises her head just in time to watch you press your clit down on the vibrator as well, sandwiching it between the two of you.

paige almost screams when you put your entire weight down. your own jaw falls slack and you throw your head back, squeezing your eyes shut.

“p, oh my god– FUCK i can’t believe i thought of this. you’re doing so good, my messy baby. i wish you could see yourself right now.”

leaning down to smack a wet kiss in the middle of her chest you grab the remote in your free hand and turn up the speed to 6. whimpering and crying out into paige’s skin that’s beneath your lips. another loud whine leaves the back of her throat, followed by a grunt and a string of curses.

“i-i can’t”

“you can.”

you use her mouth to wet two of your fingers, she sucks on them sloppily, barely able to focus on the action due to the intense pressure on her clit from both you and the vibrator. you pull them from her lips, with a pop, before you trail them down to between her thighs, circling her hole one last time with your fingertips.

“SHIT– i’m so close baby” paige yelps, starting to huff her breaths out faster when she feels you pressing down harder, using your weight to move the shiny bullet against the both of you slightly. 

she attempts to close her legs around your hand and fails due to the position you were in.

“i know pretty girl i know, m-me too, just hold out a little more hmm?”

turning the vibrator to its highest speed of 7 you pump your middle and ring finger into paige, choking on your own breath at the feeling of her clenching around you and the bullet beneath you violating your clit at this point. 

paige lets out a sob, bringing one of her arms to cover her face. you reach up with the hand that’s not inside of her and rip her arm back. you watch her intently, tears hot and heavy on her cheeks blurring her vision.

“fuck–, paige you look so perfect when you cry.”

“it hurts so good baby, don’t stop“

“you’re close aren’t you? give it to me, cmon, i’m right there with you. i want all you’ve got.”

at this point you have no idea what’s coming out of your mouth but you don’t give a fuck, trying to hold onto your orgasm intending for the girl underneath you to finish first.

and finish she did. smacking your hand off of her arm she reaches down to hold your hips still against her own, tears falling rapidly from her eyes now. 

you don’t know if she’s just really spent or if it’s you that’s spent because you can’t register the words coming out of her mouth while she’s riding out her high. except the last three she matters as soon as you pull your fingers from her leaking cunt.

“i love you”

this sends you over the edge and you have to use every little bit of strength left in you not to collapse directly into paige. 

moaning pornography as your hole spasms around nothing you can only withstand the vibrator for another millisecond before you reach down to snatch it off of the two of you.

you do actually fall onto paige after this but she’s starting to catch her breath now so she welcomes you with open arms, still panting loudly.

you lay a mess between her legs with your head on her chest and your body trembling a little.

when you calm down enough you crane your neck to get a glimpse of your girlfriend. your hand instinctively reaching up to wipe the remainder of tears from her face.

“p, you did so well for me baby. thank you for letting me try that with you” you whisper, pecking her chest gently.

she doesn’t open her eyes, you assume she probably can’t after the amount of energy that orgasm must’ve exerted from her. but she replies nonetheless.

“i already told you, i’ll do anything for you anytime you want. all you have to do is ask.” 

“yeah yeah whatever, just kiss me and go to sleep.”

she actually does open her eyes. they’re glossed over and a little red and puffy from the crying but just as you had mentioned earlier, she looked so gorgeous. 

lifting her head just enough to meet you halfway she slots her lips against your own. the entire moment is so sweet, your entire body feels warm again. the thought of this girl being yours for the rest of your life crosses your mind.

when you pull back you’ve got a goofy grin on your face and you rest your head back on her chest before letting out a deep breath and closing your eyes again. 

paige’s body moves a little and you recognize the motion as her chuckling, before she opens her mouth one final time.

“i can’t wait to use that toy on you next. only. on you.”

[bueckersfavv]

okayy fresh blondee

[ineedpaigebuckets]

my baby🤗

for people saying she's miserable please look at happy baby

[purple-paige-purple]

this shit actually has me so dead azzi and paige’s faces after the kicking

[prettygirl-gabi]

Title: Sideline Chemistry

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Sports Media!Reader

Fandom: UConn’s women’s basketball

Word Count: ~2.3k

Summary: As a sports media intern, having to interview Paige for a class project and games should be fun right, but she takes it as an opportunity to shamelessly flirt each time.

As far as internships went, I had a pretty good one. Covering UConn sports for SNY as a student journalist meant I got to attend games, interview players, and build a solid portfolio. But it also came with one huge downside—my current assignment.

Interview Paige Bueckers.

For most people, that wouldn’t be a problem. Paige was an easy-going interview subject, known for her charm and humor. But I wasn’t most people. I was also in her friend group, which meant I had to deal with that version of Paige—the one who lived to tease me, held eye contact for way too long, and always found a way to make me flustered.

I’d prepared a professional approach. Keep it short, ask good questions, and don’t let Paige’s antics get to me.

Too bad she had other plans.

By the time I arrived at the UConn practice gym, most of the team had already left. A few players were still getting shots up, but Paige was leaning against the scorer’s table, scrolling through her phone.

She looked up when she heard my footsteps, a slow smile spreading across her face.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite journalist,” she said, slipping her phone into her hoodie pocket.

I sighed, setting up my camera. “Don’t start, Paige.”

“What? I’m just stating facts.” She stepped closer, resting a hand on her hip. “I feel honored. You could’ve interviewed anyone, but you chose me.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to focus on adjusting my tripod. “I had to choose you. It’s an assignment.”

“Mm-hmm.” Paige rocked back on her heels, watching me work. “Admit it, though—you’re kinda excited.”

I huffed a laugh. “Yeah, totally. This is the highlight of my week.”

She smirked. “See? Told you.”

I shook my head, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Can you just stand over there so I can frame the shot?”

Paige moved to the designated spot, but instead of standing normally, she put her hands in her hoodie pockets and tilted her head, eyes locked on me.

“You’re staring,” I muttered, adjusting the camera settings.

“You look cute when you’re focused.”

My fingers fumbled over the buttons, nearly knocking the camera off its mount. Paige’s quiet laugh filled the space between us.

“Paige,” I warned.

“What?” she said, feigning innocence. “I’m just being supportive.”

I took a deep breath, trying to reset my brain. Focus. I hit record and lifted my notepad.

“Alright, let’s start. Name, year, position.”

Paige grinned. “You already know all that.”

“It’s for the recording, genius.”

She huffed dramatically but answered. “Paige Bueckers, red shirt senior, guard.”

I nodded. “So, this season’s been a big one for you. Coming back after injury, new team members, leading the team—what’s been the most rewarding part?”

Paige leaned forward slightly, resting her hands on her knees. “Honestly? Just being back on the court with my teammates. The rehab process was tough, but it made me appreciate the game even more. And, you know…” She flashed me a smirk. “It’s nice having my favorite reporter covering it all.”

I kept my expression neutral. “I’m sure you say that to every reporter.”

“Nah. Just you.”

I clenched my jaw, fighting back a smile. “Next question.”

Paige chuckled, clearly enjoying herself.

I went through a few more, mostly straightforward ones about team chemistry, goals for the season, and her personal growth as a player. And, to her credit, Paige answered them seriously—at least, until the end.

“Last question,” I said, scanning my notes. “What’s something people don’t know about you?”

Paige pretended to think. “Hmm. That I’m a great flirt.”

I blinked at her. “Paige.”

“What? It’s true.” She leaned back, giving me a slow once-over. “Want me to prove it?”

I pointed at the camera. “I will put this in the final cut.”

“Oh, please do,” she said, grinning. “Maybe it’ll finally get you to admit you like me.”

My breath caught in my throat. She wasn’t just playing around anymore—there was something different in the way she said it. Confident. Sure.

The air between us shifted.

I looked at her, really looked, and she met my gaze without hesitation. Her blue eyes held mine, steady and unyielding, a challenge wrapped in warmth.

I swallowed hard. “Paige—”

“Say the word,” she murmured, stepping closer. “And I’ll stop messing with you.”

The way she said it—low, teasing, but undeniably sincere—made my brain short-circuit.

A sharp whistle from the other end of the gym shattered the moment. I jolted back, turning off the camera.

“We’re done,” I said quickly.

Paige chuckled. “For now.”

I spent the next couple of days editing the interview, but no amount of technical work could erase the way Paige had looked at me. It didn’t help that our friend group noticed something was off when we met up for a post-practice dinner.

“You’re quiet,” Azzi noted, sipping her drink.

“Just tired,” I lied, stabbing at my fries.

Paige, sitting way too close beside me, leaned in. “Or you’re thinking about something. Or someone.”

I elbowed her. “Stop.”

Kk, sitting across from me, raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on?”

Paige smirked. “She interviewed me. Got all flustered.”

I groaned. “I was not flustered.”

“Yeah?” Paige tilted her head, eyes gleaming. “So you didn’t almost drop your camera when I complimented you?”

Azzi grinned. “Oh, this is good.”

I shot Paige a glare. “You’re the worst.”

Paige just laughed, draping an arm over the back of my chair. “Nah. I’m your favorite.”

Kk snorted. “Yeah, this is definitely a thing.”

I covered my face with my hands. “Can we change the subject?”

“Fine,” Paige said, nudging my knee under the table. “For now.”

But as the night went on, she stayed close—casual touches, lingering looks, little comments only I could hear.

By the time I left, my heart was pounding.

A week later, my professor praised my interview, and my editor asked if I wanted to do a follow-up feature on Paige.

I hesitated.

Another interview meant more flirting. More of those looks. More of whatever was happening between us.

But before I could think too hard, Paige texted me.

Pb5🙄: So when’s our next interview? Gotta keep my favorite reporter happy.

I stared at my phone, exhaling.

Then, against my better judgment, I replied.

Me: Next home game. Try to behave this time.

Pb5🙄: No promises.

And somehow, I knew she meant it.

The next home game came so quickly, I wasn’t even mentally prepared.

So, when the first half of the game had been intense, UConn leading by only a few points against a tough opponent. Paige had been playing lights-out, and I knew she’d be the one pulled for the halftime interview.

I ran over my questions in my head, reminding myself to stay professional. But when Paige jogged over after the buzzer, sweat on her brow and a grin on her face, I knew I was in trouble.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she said, eyes glinting as she took her spot next to me.

I swallowed hard, forcing a neutral expression. Professional. Focus.

“Paige, great first half from you,” I started, keeping my voice steady. “What’s been working so well for you and the team so far?”

She wiped her forehead with her jersey before answering. “Honestly, just playing together, trusting each other. The energy is great out there.”

A solid, textbook answer. Good. Maybe she’d keep it normal.

I nodded, moving to my next question. “You’ve been on fire, leading the team with 15 points already. What’s your mindset going into the second half?”

Paige tilted her head slightly, her smile just a little too amused. “Stay aggressive. Keep making plays. And, you know—keep impressing my favorite reporter.”

My breath hitched.

I knew she was doing it just enough to be subtle—flirty, but professional enough to avoid getting in trouble. Still, my ears burned.

I cleared my throat. “Right. Well—uh—” I cursed myself for stumbling, but Paige’s smirk only grew.

She lifted an eyebrow, waiting. Daring me.

I quickly recovered. “What adjustments do you think the team needs to make in the second half?”

Paige took pity on me, answering normally. “Just tightening up on defense, getting stops, and taking smart shots. If we do that, we’ll close this game out strong.”

I nodded, feeling my pulse return to normal. “Thanks, Paige. Good luck in the second half.”

She leaned in slightly, voice lower but still audible on the mic. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

I barely held back a reaction as she jogged off, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

And then I heard the announcers laughing.

I turned my head slightly, realizing the game commentators had been watching the whole thing.

One of them chuckled, “I don’t know about you, but I think Paige might have a favorite reporter for real.”

The other commentator joined in. “She’s got the confidence on the court and off it. That was smooth.”

I wanted to die.

The interview wrapped, and the second half started, but my phone was already blowing up.

Fuzzy Fudd: No way you just let that happen on LIVE TV.

Hey Arnold: Paige Bueckers is NOT real.

Icey B: Not sweetheart on a broadcast—BE FR.

Kayla Wayla: girl. GIRL.

Me: you three shouldn’t even be on your phone rn, like listening to coach fudd about the two man pick n roll p and sar been doing all night.

I groaned, clicking send before stuffing my phone in my pocket. I am never living this down.

UConn won. Of course they did. Paige went on a scoring tear in the second half, finishing with 27 points, and the team dominated the fourth quarter.

By the time I finished post-game coverage, I was exhausted—and dreading seeing our friend group.

But Paige had other plans.

As I packed up my things, she walked over, still in her warmups, a towel draped over her shoulders. “Hey.”

I glanced up, wary. “Hey.”

She grinned. “So, since I was on my best behavior tonight—”

I shot her a look. “Best behavior?”

“Okay, decent behavior,” she corrected. “I think I deserve a reward.”

I sighed. “What do you want, Bueckers?”

Paige shifted closer, lowering her voice just enough that it sent a chill down my spine. “Go on a date with me.”

My brain short-circuited. “W-What?”

“You heard me,” she said smoothly, blue eyes locked onto mine. “A real date. No interviews, no sideline reports—just us.”

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

She smirked. “You thinking about saying no?”

I exhaled sharply, glaring at her. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you love it,” she shot back. “So? What do you say?”

I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched. “Fine. One date.”

Paige grinned like she’d just won the national championship.

“Oh, and don’t think you’re off the hook for movie night tomorrow,” she added, nudging my arm. “Kayla said we’re doing a marathon, and you’re not skipping.”

I groaned. “Paige—”

“See you there, sweetheart.” She winked before jogging off, leaving me stunned for the second time that night.

I should have known I wouldn’t make it through the night without getting clowned for the halftime interview.

Kayla’s apartment was packed when I walked in. UConn’s entire women’s basketball team, plus a few extras like me, Sam and Kariny had claimed every available couch, bean bag, and blanket-covered floor space. The lights were dimmed, popcorn bowls were already half-empty, and The Lion King was paused on the screen.

But the second Paige walked in after me, all hell broke loose.

“Ohhh, look who finally decided to show up,” Ice called out, her smirk way too satisfied.

Caroline flexed dramatically from her seat on the floor. “UConn’s power couple has arrived!”

Azzi, the only one who usually kept it low-key, still shot me a knowing look. “I hope you’re ready for tonight.”

Paige just grinned, completely unbothered. I, however, was already regretting this.

We barely made it to an open spot on the floor before Ice turned to the TV. “Hold up, before we start, let’s go over tonight’s highlights.”

She grabbed her phone, tapped something, and suddenly, my own voice echoed through the dorm.

“Paige, great first half from you…”

I froze.

No. No, no, NO.

“ICE, I SWEAR TO GOD—”

“Oh no, let it play,” Paige interrupted, smirking.

The entire room erupted when we got to the part where Paige smoothly said, “Keep impressing my favorite reporter.”

Aubrey wheezed. Kayla facepalmed. Ice was on the floor.

KK pointed dramatically. “AIN’T NO WAY.”

I wanted to die.

“Okay, fun’s over,” I rushed, reaching for Ice’s phone, but Paige just casually leaned back, enjoying the chaos she created.

Azzi chuckled. “Nah, because the announcers even backed her up—‘I think Paige might have a favorite reporter for real.’”

Allie snorted. “THEY WERE ROOTING FOR HER.”

I groaned, sinking further into my spot on the floor. “This is actual harassment.”

Kayla nudged me. “It’s what you get for flirting on live TV and expecting us to ignore it.”

“I WASN’T FLIRTING.”

The entire room answered in unison: “YOU WERE FLIRTING.”

Paige, the devil herself, finally took pity on me. “Alright, alright, let’s focus on something important—like how I carried us to victory tonight.”

That successfully derailed the conversation, as the team started debating plays from the game.

But Paige?

She leaned in close, her breath warm against my ear. “You were flirting, by the way.”

I turned my head sharply, ready to argue, only to be met with those damn blue eyes already on me.

Paige smirked. Held the eye contact.

I swallowed hard.

This girl was going to be the death of me.

Kayla clapped her hands. “Alright, we’re starting the movie! No more flirting in the corner.”

“We’re not—” I started, but KK cut me off.

“Shhh, let them have their little thing.”

I gave up. Completely.

Paige just threw an arm around my shoulders as the movie started, completely unbothered by the attention.

“Hope you like long movie nights,” she murmured.

I huffed, but I didn’t move away.

I was doomed. So, so doomed.

And, somehow, I didn’t mind one bit.

---

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

                 -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[elliesglock]

i might swerve bend that corner WOAHHHHHH ahh play

[lexiputellas]

One More Drink, One More Mistake

Part 2

You could say I’m drinking. A lot. Like, a lot—for a company party, at least.

The venue is packed, a blur of agents, players, family members, and people I don’t even recognize. The air is thick with expensive perfume and chatter, and suddenly, I feel suffocated. Too many faces. Too many bodies. Too many expectations wrapped in designer labels and cocktail glasses.

I don’t hate parties. Actually, I’m usually the life of them. But tonight? Tonight, I’ve passed my limit.

I need air.

Which is how I end up on the balcony, predictably, cigarette in hand. Should I be smoking? No. Will I? Absolutely.

The door behind me clicks open, and I hear the quiet shuffle of someone stepping closer. A hand rests on the railing beside mine.

Paige. I know her. I know her face.

“You look like you’re having fun,” she says, voice edged with amusement.

I smirk. “Depends on your definition of fun.”

She tilts her head, considering me. “Are you an athlete?”

“Nope.”

“Oh.”

She keeps looking. And looking. Her gaze lingers, eyes trailing over me like she’s trying to figure something out.

I raise a brow. “Do you want a picture?”

She hums, amused. “Do you have one?”

“No, but I could get you one. Signed, if that’s your thing.”

Paige laughs, leaning in just slightly. “Oh, absolutely. I’ll keep it in my wallet, since I’m such a fan.”

“You’re acting like one.”

She shrugs. “Because you’re pretty.”

That catches me off guard. I stare at her. She stares back. The alcohol in my system dulls my better judgment, makes everything a little slower, a little blurrier, a little bolder.

I know I shouldn’t say it.

I know it’s reckless.

I say it anyway.

“Do you wanna get out of here?”

Paige raises a brow. “Get out of here as in…?”

“My place is close.” I take a drag from my cigarette, exhaling slowly. “And this party kinda sucks.”

She doesn’t hesitate. “Let’s go.”

The door barely clicks shut before Paige is on me, her body pressed against mine, her breath hot against my lips.

“Finally,” she murmurs, voice husky, fingers digging into my waist as she pushes me back against the wall. The air between us is thick—charged. My pulse hammers, the anticipation sparking like a live wire between us.

I don’t hesitate. My mouth crashes into hers, and she responds instantly, deepening the kiss with a hunger that makes my knees weak. She tastes like champagne and something sweeter, something intoxicating, and I can’t get enough. Her suit is crisp beneath my fingers, the smooth fabric a stark contrast to the fire between us.

We stumble backward, tangled in each other, laughter spilling between frantic kisses as we knock into furniture. My jacket is the first to hit the floor, revealing the black dress beneath. Her hands slide along my waist, fingertips grazing the fabric, teasing, setting my skin alight.

“Bedroom,” she demands, voice thick with want.

I grab her hand, pulling her through the dimly lit apartment, nearly tripping in my own urgency. The second we reach the bed, she shoves me back onto it, straddling me with a wicked smirk. The cut of her suit is immaculate, sharp lapels framing the open collar of her shirt, just enough skin exposed to make my mouth go dry.

“You look so good in a suit,” I murmur, hands sliding up her thighs, pushing the hem of her blazer aside.

She leans down, lips tracing the shell of my ear. “I look good in a lot of things,” she teases. “But you should see how I look out of it.”

Her mouth moves lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses down my neck, nipping at my collarbone. My head falls back, a breathy curse slipping past my lips. My fingers toy with the buttons of her shirt, slipping them open one by one, revealing inch after inch of smooth, heated skin.

I flip her over, pinning her beneath me, drinking in the way her breath catches, the way her pupils dilate as she looks up at me. My fingers ghost along the waistband of her tailored trousers, teasing, watching her squirm beneath me.

“You like teasing, don’t you?” she breathes, her hands sliding into my hair, pulling me down until our lips meet again, hotter, deeper, more desperate.

I hum against her mouth. “Maybe.”

She arches against me, her body fitting against mine like she was made for this moment, like this was inevitable. I can feel every inch of her through the thin layers between us, the heat radiating off her skin. It’s dizzying.

Her fingers work at the straps of my dress, her impatience making me grin against her lips. “This needs to go,” she mutters, pushing the fabric aside.

“Bossy,” I tease, but I let it fall to the floor, reveling in the way her hands roam over my skin like she’s memorizing me.

Her response is a sharp tug on my hips, dragging me flush against her. “Less talking,” she whispers, her voice like silk and sin, “more doing.”

And I have no intention of stopping now.

The next morning arrives like a slap to the face, with it comes my sanity—what's left of it—and the crushing weight of regret.

The headache is unbearable, a full percussion band playing inside my skull. The sunlight streaming through the window is personally attacking me. My limbs feel heavy, my mouth is dry, and I swear I can still taste the alcohol from last night. I groan, rolling onto my side in search of some form of comfort—

And hit something.

No.

Someone.

A very warm, very real, very much breathing someone.

My eyes snap open, and my heart rate skyrockets. There’s a solid five seconds where my brain refuses to process what it’s seeing.

Paige. Fucking. Bueckers.

Not only is Paige Fucking Bueckers in my bed—

But she is also very, very naked.

Oh my god, what the actual fuck did I do last night?

Paige smirks, voice low and teasing. “Now you’re the one that needs a picture.”

I groan, burying my face in my hands. “I need to die.”

Paige stretches, grinning. “Or… you could get back in bed.”

I throw a pillow at her.

She laughs, dodging effortlessly. “Feisty in the morning, huh?”

I sigh, already dreading the inevitable. I am in so much trouble.

[caitified]

INTERRUPTED

PAIGE BUECKERS X FAMILY READER

notes: the name eva will be changed once i get a good suggestion, sorry for conclusion. pls keep the paige family requests coming.

paige was exhausted, fresh off another dominant performance for the wings, but as she walked into the post-game press conference, she wasn’t thinking about her stat line or even the reporters waiting for her. she was focused on the little bundle of energy bouncing in her arms—eva.

you had let her take eva with her for the press conference because, well, your daughter had demanded it. she had seen her mommy talking to the cameras after games before and had finally decided she wanted in. and paige? well, she could never say no to eva.

so now here she was, walking into the press room with a grinning two-year-old on her hip, while you trailed behind, knowing this was about to be an absolute mess.

as soon as paige sat down, placing eva on her lap, your daughter gasped dramatically at all the microphones and cameras. her little hands immediately reached for one of the microphones, gripping it with all her toddler strength.

the room chuckled as paige tried to gently pry it from her hands. “okay, okay, you gotta let mommy talk first,” she said, voice full of amusement.

eva wasn’t having it. “no!” she declared, causing another round of laughter.

you covered your face with your hands. oh god.

paige chuckled, shaking her head. “all right, y’all, fire away. eva will apparently be answering questions tonight.”

the reporters played along. “eva, what do you think of your mommy’s game tonight?”

eva gasped dramatically, turning to look up at paige. “mommy was so fast!” she said, her eyes wide with admiration.

paige grinned. “yeah? i was fast?”

eva nodded aggressively. “yes! and you make all the baskets! all of them!”

paige laughed, glancing over at you like, are you hearing this? you just shook your head, arms crossed as you leaned against the wall, trying to contain your amusement.

another reporter jumped in. “eva, do you think your mommy is the best player in the world?”

eva turned to the reporter like they had just asked the dumbest question ever. she blinked once, then slowly shook her head.

the room went silent.

paige’s mouth fell open. “wait, what?”

eva beamed up at her, completely oblivious to the betrayal. “mommy is the best in the universe!”

the entire room erupted into laughter, and paige threw her head back, dramatically relieved. “oh, okay, i was about to say!” she exclaimed, pulling eva in for a tight hug.

you groaned from the back of the room. “she is so your daughter.”

paige just smirked at you. “jealous?”

“no,” you lied, even though the sight of paige and eva being the cutest duo on earth was making your heart melt.

eva, now fully feeling herself, went back to gripping the microphone, humming into it, and making silly noises.

paige turned back to the reporters. “all right, i think we’re gonna wrap it up before she starts performing a concert,” she said, standing up while still holding eva.

but your daughter wasn’t done yet. she grinned at the room, waved her chubby little hand, and yelled, “bye-bye everybody! mommy best in the universe!”

paige looked like she might combust from pride. you just sighed, shaking your head as you followed them out.

“so,” paige said, looking over at you as you walked through the tunnels. “think i should bring her to every press conference?”

you gave her a look. “paige.”

she snickered. “you love it.”

you rolled your eyes, but when you looked over at eva, who was resting her head on paige’s shoulder, eyes drooping sleepily, you couldn’t help but smile.

“yeah,” you admitted. “i do.”

…..

as you all made your way to the car, eva was still babbling excitedly about the press conference, even as she fought off the sleepiness creeping into her little body.

“mommy, i talk so good!” she declared, rubbing her eyes but still trying to stay awake.

paige grinned, opening the car door and carefully buckling eva into her car seat. “you did amazing, baby,” she said, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “you totally stole the show.”

eva let out a sleepy giggle. “i like talking.”

“oh, we know,” you muttered, shaking your head fondly as you got into the passenger seat while paige slid behind the wheel.

the drive home was peaceful, the city lights flashing by as eva finally started to doze off, her little head tilting to the side. you turned in your seat to look back at her, your heart clenching at how tiny she looked, her curls falling messily around her face.

paige caught you staring and reached over, squeezing your thigh. “she’s perfect, huh?”

you turned back to her and smiled softly. “yeah,” you murmured. “she really is.”

when you got home, paige carefully unbuckled eva and lifted her into her arms, the little girl clinging to her sleepily. you followed them inside, tossing your bags onto the couch and stretching.

paige started heading toward eva’s room, but as soon as she tried to set her down in her crib, eva whined, eyes barely open. “nooo, mommy,” she mumbled, reaching out for paige.

paige sighed, already knowing there was no winning this one. she looked over at you for backup, but you just smirked. “you brought her to the press conference. now you’re her favorite. deal with it.”

paige shot you a glare but couldn’t hide her amusement as she scooped eva back up, carrying her toward your bedroom. “fine. family sleepover.”

you rolled your eyes, following them inside. paige set eva down in the middle of the bed, and you both climbed in on either side of her.

as soon as you got comfortable, eva wiggled her way closer to paige, her little hand patting her mommy’s face sleepily. “mommy best in the universe,” she mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

paige’s eyes softened, and she kissed the top of eva’s head. “you’re my whole universe,” she whispered.

you smiled, running a hand through eva’s curls as her breathing evened out. paige turned to look at you, her expression soft in the dim light.

“love you,” she murmured, reaching for your hand under the covers.

you squeezed her fingers. “love you too.”

[akaz2908]

[azzifudd]

Paige does look visibly taller than Azzi…

[fuddbueckers]

we’re being fed w content yes

[azzifuddfanpage]

So the world knows🫶🏻

————

*this is not my story guys ‼️‼️

full credits to my amazing anon who actually cooked so I’m posting it since they can’t but ya hope u guys love this as much as I did

————

Author note

~A story told in past tense through small snippets of a fictional Pazzi World.

————-

The way Paige and Azzi announced their relationship was subtle and without much conversation. Paige knew that without a doubt, no matter how many seats she was given at her draft table, Azzi would be there. When she was announced as the #1 pick she stood, turned to her parents for a brief hug and then quickly found the arms of the one person who mattered most to her, Azzi. She latched on to her as Azzi whispered “I love you, P. I am so proud of you. This is your moment. Your deserve it.” Paige smiled and leaned up from the hug and placed her forehead gently on Azzi’s knowing they only had a second she said “I love you so much, this isn’t my moment without you right here.” She placed her hand briefly on Azzi’s cheek and Azzi smiled “I’m here, now go to the podium.” She chuckled and so did Paige, and then Paige walked up to the podium as the #1 draft pick.

Perhaps it was that moment that told the world, or perhaps it was later that night when Azzi posted on her social media pictures of them congratulating Paige, gushing over her, and then ending the post with “I love you the most.” Only for Paige to comment on it “you’re the love of my life for real, thank you Baby 💗.” It wasn’t a comment Paige ran by Azzi, but she didn’t need too. Without saying anything, even though the girls were sitting next to each other on a couch at the after party, Azzi replied back to it “always 😘💗”

To capitalize on what they already established tonight, Paige allowed her teammates to go live one more time at the draft after party. KK was talking to the live as she normally did, wrapping her arm around Paige and hyping her up about the night and telling all the fans to get a Wings Jersey and to buy some tickets. Paige just laughed at her friends. She read some comments “umm Paige and Azzi came out!” “Pazzi for life” and then “Paige where is your girlfriend?” Paige smiled before she said “where’s my girlfriend? She’s right here, “baby the live wants to see you.” KK’s grin spread from ear to ear and then she eventually got out of the frame and Azzi joined her. She looked at Paige and smiled then turned toward the camera, waiving, “hi live.” The comments went nuts. They came in so fast the couldn’t even read them. Azzi laughed “ok guys slow down let me look at some of these.” Azzi settled on a comment to read out loud “Paige and Azzi are in love 😭” Azzi giggled and looked at Paige and Paige raised an eyebrow Azzi leaned her head on Paige’s shoulder and looked at the camera “yeah we are.” The team behind them came into the frame then, jumping for joy and wrapping their arms around them. They all laughed and then Paige said “aight aight, bye live! I’ll see you in Dallas!” Paige dragged Azzi way from her teammates and let KK do whatever she was going to do. She found a corner, wrapped up Azzi in her arms and kissed her. She kissed her for a long time, until Brittany came up behind them. “Ahem, you may want to chill.” They pulled apart with laughter, Paige said “when have I ever been chill about Azzi.” Brittany laughed “true.”

When the girls would wake up the next morning ,in their hotel room, they’d see the internet going crazy over their deceleration of love. It didn’t bother them, they were ready for it.

They would also wake to many texts from friends and family, congratulating them, supporting them, and very thankful they didn’t have to evade weird questions from people about their relationship. John and Jose were the most grateful the pressure was now off of them having an accidental slip up.

~

Even though they had been together for essentially 7 years, defined or not, they had a lot of firsts. Like when Azzi showed up courtside to Paige’s first game wearing a jersey and Paige couldn’t stop staring at her. Yes, she had worn her jersey a couple of times.. but this time everyone knew that they belonged to each other. When the game was over and after acknowledgements to her team and the other team, Paige would walk straight to her girlfriend, and kiss her. Cameras around and all, Azzi would just smile and shake her head at her girlfriend. “Come with me to sign autographs.” P said immediately and Azzi followed suit as fans screamed for both Paige and Azzi. Azzi ended up signing everything Paige did and walked down the tunnel with her. In the post game media presser Paige would get her first taste of WNBA media personal who loved to ask all kinds of non basketball related questions. “Paige, we saw Azzi here tonight in your jersey, the affection you showed her at the end of the game, and then her walking down the tunnel with you. As I’m sure you know social media is already going crazy, I was just wondering if you had any comment on your relationship with your long time best friend.” Paige smiled “umm yeah, social media is what it is- but Azzi has always been there for me, I knew she’d be here today cheering me on and wearing my Jersey. I love her more than life and just really grateful to have her support.” Azzi would tell Paige later that she handled that question well, they didn’t want to ignore their relationship in the press but they also didn’t want it to be a focal point around everything they did.

~

Once the W season was over, Paige would get the chance to return her support as she would sit right behind the bench, in a #35 jersey cheering loudly for Azzi and the UConn Huskies. When the game was over and they had won, Paige would walk on the court hugging her former teammates and wrapping up her girlfriend in the biggest bear hug. She wouldn’t kiss her, only because CD would ban her from the court, but she did let hands linger just a bit on her hug.

~

In April, when it would be Azzi waiting to be drafted, Paige would sit at the table along with the Fudds and when Azzi was selected #2, one behind Lauren Betts, Azzi would take her last hug at the table from Paige, and then lightly kiss her lips before heading to the podium. Paige would stand the entire time, watching her being interviewed and smiling as big as she could.

~

When Paige and Azzi would meet each other for the first time on opposing squads, they wore matching shoes. Paige walked up to Azzi who entered on the court before tip off with the rest of the starting 5 for her squad. They had decided they’d go back to their roots when they would see each other on the court, so they brought their hands together and did their familiar USA basketball handshake as the cameras watched. The crowd at Dallas erupted, and the girls laughed. “Good luck baby” Paige said. Azzi winked “I don’t need luck, I’ll see your ass once this is over.” Paige laughed “like my naked ass?” “Yep” Azzi said over her shoulder, as she walked to join her team. Paige just smiled after her, laughing, and then dapped up Arike to get in game mode.

That evening the girls would lock themselves away from the world, relishing in the short time they had together. They knew this was their new normal and they were ok with that. It didn’t matter they would now have more days apart than together.. because the days together were worth every single one they spent apart.