#paige feeling alive

[feelingalive]

height difference

(2023)

oof did not remember this sketch

[lovetogether]

Speaking of our favorite media, our favorite music artist ever in the whole wide world recently announced the date for her new album :-) we are so excited,

[sobecomesomethingelse]

maybe paige’s god’s name should be vaughan, since one could make the argument that vaughan was the seed of the wound tree

[d3arapril]

PUSH 2 START | p.b

pushin' on my buttons with no hesitation, gas me up give me motivation

pairing: paige bueckers x f!reader word count: 5.4k words of pure filth sorry not sorry warnings/tags: sexual content. VACATION PAIGE!!!, they get drunk and nasty FRRR, dom!paige, oral, fingering, strap usage (yes i finally wrote it), squirting, doggy, spanking, overstim - bro i could literally go on and on, just read it lol. (reminder - don't like it? don't read it)‼️ ᡣ𐭩 this idea quite literally came to me in a dream. this wasn't supposed to be full on smut but obviously i got carried away & ended up writing quite possibly the dirtiest thing i've ever written.... i listened to tyla's album on repeat whilst writing hence the random title. enjoy :D as always feedback & reblogs are appreciated x

“Think I have heatstroke.”

You roll your eyes from where you’re sat on the balcony, distracted from the half eaten packet of lays sat in your lap. You shift in your seat to crane your neck around to look at Paige through the glass doors, sun beaming down onto your skin.

“We were outside for like, half an hour.”

The Greek sun was no joke. You'd both decided to treat yourselves to a last minute vacation, frantically booking one of the nicest apartments you could both find a week prior to departure. Seven days on a Greek island was your idea of heaven and Paige had willingly agreed, claiming she needed some sun.

However, what she wasn't prepared for was the sun being the hottest thing she'd ever felt in her 23 years of being alive– her words.

The blonde groans from where she’s splayed out on the bed. The crisp, white sheets are a nice contrast against her newly tanned skin, body wrapped in a white fluffy towel.

You stand up from the chair, grimacing at the sting of your legs unsticking from the plastic. The packet of lays gets abandoned on the small table before you and your toes burn against the hot tile as you hop back into the bedroom, pulling the door shut behind you.

Paige doesn't flinch when she hears you come in, cheek smooshed against the sheets. She hums in the back of her throat when you scratch at her scalp as you pass her, her hair still slightly damp from the shower.

"You gonna make it to dinner, champ?"

A breath of a laugh leaves Paige as she pushes herself up with another groan, towel loosely tucked around her body. You're busy sorting through the selection of dresses you'd packed when you feel her wrap her arms around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder.

Her head juts towards the white dress hanging up in the closet. "Wear that one."

It's a fairly simple dress- plain white with a racer style neckline and ruffled skirt. You take it off the rail and hold it up in front of you, head tilting as you study it. "Really? It's kind of boring."

"Nah," Paige's hands rub up and down your sides, nose nudging against your cheek. "S'my favourite." She punctuates her sentence with a kiss to your jaw. It's seemingly innocent, but you know the girl well enough by now.

You slip out of her grip, dress in hand, before she can try anything, grabbing a pair of white strappy heels as you go.

"I'm gonna get ready in the bathroom," you're heading towards said room before she can stop you. "Reservation is at 8!"

You're sat on the couch, impatiently tapping a heel against the flooring. You tap against your phone screen to check the time for what felt like the hundredth time– you only had five minutes to get to the restaurant. Somehow, Paige always managed to take so long to get ready. You'd tried to get into the bedroom to see what was taking her so long but the door was locked so you were forced to sit and wait for her like her chauffeur.

You're scrolling through TikTok when you hear the lock click on the door. You huff, grabbing your bag from beside you. Standing up, you run a hand down your dress to flatten out any creases and when you look up Paige is stood in the doorway.

She's got her hair slicked back in her classic bun and she's wearing a white shirt with a simple black crop top underneath. The shorts she's wearing are black, too and she's wearing the Nike's you bought for her. She stands in silence, hands tucked into her pockets as she watches you take her all in.

You slink towards her, heels clicking against the tiles. You're aware you're probably staring at her like she's a piece of meat but you can't find it in you to car when she looks this good, plus it's not like she would complain.

"You're late," you hum, pulling her in by the belt loops. "What took you so long?"

She shrugs, opting to not respond. Instead, her hands reach out to rub down your back. "You look..." She pauses, leaning back. Her eyes start from your heels, trailing up your legs. Her gaze pauses on your chest for a second before meeting your eyes. "Really fucking good."

The pink of her tongue darts out to wet her lips as she takes your hand and holds it above your head. "Twirl for me."

You do as she says, giddily spinning in a circle for her. Her teeth pull at her bottom lip as she watches you, the vanilla from your perfume hitting her like some sort of pheromone. You drive her insane.

"You like?"

"You know I like. We're matching."

Before you can respond, the sudden dread of missing your reservation hits you and you're kicked into gear, eyes widening as you cast a glance at your phone in your hand.

"Fuck, we're late!"

You pull Paige by the wrist as you frantically leave the apartment, locking the door behind you and walking as fast as you could in your heels to the restaurant.

Alcohol in Europe is different to the alcohol in America– it's somehow much, much stronger.

You'd had an amazing dinner, followed by some amazing cocktails. What was supposed to only be one or two turned into arguably too many and before you knew it you were both stumbling back to the apartment.

The front door is opened and shut again faster than you can blink and you're pressed against it before your brain can catch up with you. Your head spins a little when you tilt it up to give Paige access to your neck, dazed smile spreading across your lips.

"Mmmm," Paige all but moans against your skin, licking a stripe up your neck. "Tastes good."

"Might be the alcohol." the words leave you lazily, slurred. Paige pulls back to look at you, eyes glazed over.

"Nah, s'all you."

You pull her in with a hand gripping the back of her neck, lips slotting against hers. It's hot, messy- her tongue slides against yours and you taste the alcohol on her breath. Ordinarily, you'd make a joke about her needing to brush her teeth but you're fully aware you're just as bad so you remain silent, just kiss her deeper and softly moan into her mouth.

When you part from each other you're both panting, string of spit separating the two of you. You lick your lips and it breaks, clinging to your bottom lip. Paige's thumb reaches up to wipe it away, pad of her thumb pressing against you. She just stares at you as she swipes the digit across slowly, smudging the remainder of your lip liner down your chin.

"So fucking fine," she murmurs, eyes trained on your lips. Your tongue darts out to lick at her thumb, smirk forming when she lets out a shaky breath. "You tryna kill me?"

"Maybe." you smirk at her, pushing at her shoulders until she stumbles back. You glide past her and head to the lounge, the blonde hot on your heels.

She catches you by the couch, arms caging you in from behind. You let her, of course. The cat and mouse game is usually fun but when you're this desperate, there are plenty other things you'd rather be doing.

"So many rooms to choose from," Paige whispers against the shell of your ear, "So many places to fuck you in."

Your knees almost give out and you're sure they would've if it wasn't for Paige holding you up, her chest pressed tight to your back.

"Could fuck you here," a flick of her head gestures to the couch.

Her hands find your chest, squeezing at your tits through the fabric of your dress. "Or on the counter, on the balcony."

You're abnormally quiet, nodding at whatever she says. She snickers, hands trailing down further until they reach the hem of your dress. Paige knows that when you're speechless, she's doing something right.

"You want that?"

"Yes."

"Which?"

"All of them."

She spins you around and you have to grab onto her to steady yourself. Her cheeks are all flushed and she's clearly just as drunk as you.

"Gonna let me?"

You feel like you're going to cry from how badly you want it.

You nod eagerly, gripping the fabric of her shirt. You want to rip it off of her, lick all over her tan lines and have your way with her but you let her have this one; you can tell she's in the mood to take control and you'd never be one to deny her of that.

She wrestles herself from your tight grip and flops down on the couch, legs spread and arms wide across the back cushions. You're still stood in your spot, hands now awkwardly by your sides as you wait for her to tell you what to do.

"Take it off."

You lean down to slip off your heels but she stops you with a cough.

"Keep 'em on, I meant your dress."

"But-"

"Off, c'mon."

You stand up straight again, gripping the hem of your dress and pulling it up and off your body. It's a bit of a struggle and you stumble around slightly but it eventually slides off of your head. It drops beside you and you're left in a simple matching white set.

Despite the alcohol coursing through your body, you still manage to feel shy under Paige's heavy gaze. She's still sat in the same position, eyes raking over your body.

"C'mere."

You toe towards her with careful steps, nothing but the sound of your heels clicking against the tile and both of your heavy breaths echoing throughout the room. You're standing between her legs, much like you were earlier, and she still doesn't move from her spot, fingers gripping at the cushions of the couch.

Paige’s gaze remains locked on yours, her lips curling into a smirk as she leans back further into the couch, making no move to close the distance between you. Her liquid confidence oozes with the weight of her stare and the longer she waits the more your heartbeat thuds in your ears.

“Closer." she murmurs, her voice low.

You inch forward until your shins hit the leather of the couch. You try to stop your hands from shaking, try to act like this is any other time you've been in this situation but there's something about having the entire space to yourself that makes this feel so different, so intense.

"Do you plan to do this all night, or?" your voice comes out quieter than you'd intended.

She lets out a laugh, arms reaching forward to pull you in by your hips. You fall into her lap, bracing yourself against her shoulders to soften the impact.

"I just like lookin' at you," Paige licks her lips, glossy eyes looking up at you. "So sexy, you know that?" Her left hand smooths up your torso, grips at the fat of your chest and squeezes.

You whimper pathetically at the contact, your hands moving from their spot on her shoulders to her hair. You mess with the hair ties and pull the bun free, fingers brushing through the blonde strands. Paige hisses when your nails scratch against her scalp, hips pushing upwards against your own.

Her right hand slides around your back and she pulls you down until your chests are pressed together. You kiss her, open mouthed and messy as your tongue laps at hers, grinding down against her. The rough metal of her zipper presses against you through the thin material of your underwear and you whimper against her mouth, eyebrows drawing together at the feeling.

Paige's left hand finds home on your ass, squeezing and guiding you to rock against her. You whimper into the kiss as she uses her hold on you to grind you down onto her harder, tongue pushing further into your mouth. You can feel the heat radiating off of her, can smell the scent of the shampoo she used in the shower this afternoon and taste the alcohol on her tongue. You're practically drunk on her let alone the alcohol, and she's definitely drunk on you, too.

You're so caught up in the moment you're not prepared for Paige to flip you around. You let out a small ah! as she does so, head spinning from the sudden movement. Your back is now against the cushions, leather sticking to your sweaty skin. The blonde slips down onto the tiles in front of you, now kneeling between your legs.

"Hold 'em." Paige's hands are at the backs of your knees, pushing them up until they're almost at your chest. The heels of your shoes knock together and it's a reminder that you're actually still wearing them. You do as she says, clammy hands gripped tight over hers. You watch with bated breath as she slips her hands from your grip, thumb coming to press against your clit through your panties. It's a soft touch but it's enough to make you gush again; what was once a thick white material now a glossy, sheer mess.

"Fuck," Paige breathes. She moves her thumb in small, gentle circles around the clothed area. Your head falls back against the cushion of the couch, mouth open in a silent moan. "This all for me?"

"Always," you murmur, licking your lips as you move your heavy head, eyes meeting hers. "It's yours."

"Yeah it is," Paige nods, her voice coming out strained. She moves to slide her hands up the backs of your thighs and hooks both thumbs into your panties, pulling them up and off your legs until they're hanging around your ankle, exposing your pussy. "So good." she purrs, leaning forward to press open mouthed kisses against you. You suck in a breath when her tongue laps up your slit, nails digging into the skin of your thighs.

She moves slowly at first, and for a moment you wonder if it's because of her own drunkenness, but the longer she goes on the more you're reminded of just how good she is at this. You feel like you're going to explode at the slightest touch, every stroke of her tongue against your clit sending shocks of pleasure through your entire body.

"Paige," you moan repeatedly, her name coming out like a prayer. She hums against you, hands pressing against the backs of your thighs to keep you spread open for her.

You gasp at the feeling of her warm, wet muscle pushing past your folds to languidly dip against your entrance. "Oh fuck, fuck- babe."

She's sloppy with it, a mixture of your juices and her spit dripping down between your ass and onto the couch. You'll scold her for doing this here tomorrow but right now it's your last concern.

Your toes curl when she shakes her head against you, tongue flicking against your clit. "Gonna make me cum," the words leave you as a sob, mouth hanging open. You feel the wetness between your thighs increase even more when you hear her moan, the vibrations shooting pleasure straight up your spine. "Feels so good."

Paige's fingers dig harder into the skin of your thighs as she continues to lap at you. She pushes her tongue into you again and then moves upwards, pressing sloppy kisses against your swollen clit.

"Yeah, right there, please-" you choke on your own words, the feeling of her nose brushing against your sensitive skin making you jolt. You can't stop the loud cry that leaves you as she sucks your clit back into her mouth, tongue massaging against it.

The room is spinning and your legs start to cramp from how hard your muscles are tensed, nails almost piercing into your skin when the chord in your stomach suddenly snaps. You're practically crying, eyes rolled back in your head when it hits you. Paige helps you ride it out, keeping you pressed to the couch whilst she drinks up your slick. You're trembling, stomach rippling from the intensity.

You expect Paige to pull away, lean up and give you a messy kiss like she normally would but instead she slides two fingers up and down your pussy, gathering your wetness on the tips before she's pushing them into you.

"Wait," you whimper, feet kicking in the air. "Babe, wait, I just- I'm-"

"You're good," she murmurs, lips brushing against the inside of your thigh as her fingers slowly pump in and out of you. "I got you, just relax."

You mewl, letting her have her way with you. She starts off slow, fingers curling up deep. The sound is obscene, with every flick of her fingers the wet sound fills the air but you feel no shame, if anything it just turns you on more.

Paige definitely feels you flood her fingers because she picks up the pace, thrusting her fingers deeper into you, curling them with each stroke. Your entire body is coated in sweat, droplets beading against your skin. Her other hand moves from its place on your thigh to spread you wider, opening you up to her even more.

It's all too much; the heat, the way you're spread open for her, the pressure building deep in your stomach. She adds a third finger and the stretch makes you sob, legs starting to shake in your grip.

"I can't," the words spill from you, incoherently. "Please, please I can't."

"Shhh," Paige coos, leaning down to kiss the back of your thigh. "You can, gonna make you cum again."

She curls her fingers and the tip of her middle finger brushes against that spot, her palm pressing down against your clit. The feeling is so intense and you can't do anything but whine, thighs shaking around her.

"So good to me," Paige breathes out, heart hammering in her chest. She watches the way your pussy clings to her fingers, the digits now glistening as she pulls them out of you before thrusting back in. "She loves me, hm?"

You nod feebly, tears slipping down your cheeks, head lolling against the cushions of the couch.

Paige is relentless, fucking her fingers into you with such force you can feel the pressure in your ass. Your legs are starting to burn and so are your hips and it feels like a balloon is being blown up in your stomach, pressure becoming harder to ignore with every pump of her fingers.

"M'gonna cum, fuck, Paige-"

You cum for the second time with a broken sob and you hear it before you feel it, the distant sound of a splash against the tiles below you followed by Paige's load groan. It hits you hard, legs quivering as you squirt around her fingers, the wetness coating the floor. She slips her fingers out quick enough for another gush to leave you, trickling down your ass and onto the leather.

She moans, watching it play out in front of her. It's the hottest thing she's ever seen, her fingers now rubbing against your clit in quick motions.

"Again, again."

"Fuck, I can't-"

"Again." she demands but the word leaves her like she's begging, voice a pitch higher.

It's embarrassing how fast the heat builds in your stomach again, and before you can stop it you're squirting all over again, pussy clenching against nothing as you cry out.

Paige leans down, tongue slipping between your folds to drink you up. You're sobbing, trying to get away from her but you can barely move.

"You're okay," Paige mumbles, soothing her hand down your quivering leg. "I got you, s'okay."

A moment passes, Paige's head resting against the back of your thigh as she strokes her soaked hand against the other. You drop your legs ungracefully, stretching your limbs and groaning when your hips and knees crack after being bent for so long.

"That sobered me up." you whisper, heavy eyelids threatening to close. "Did they put viagra in your drink?"

Paige stifles a laugh, her own knees cracking when she stands up. She holds out a hand you to help you up and you take it with a shaky one of your own. You grimace at the feeling of the wet leather sticking to your bare skin, standing up.

"You ruined the couch."

"Says the one who squirted like a fucking firehose." Paige's hand comes up to push the hair from her face, a bead of sweat dripping down her temple. "S'not my fault I do that to you."

You groan, pushing at her shoulder. "Shut up."

Paige laughs and drops her hands to your hips, walking you backwards towards the bedroom. You stumble a little, bambi-like legs struggling in your heels.

"Get on the bed."

You're pushed backwards onto the bed, bouncing slightly when you hit the sheets. Your chest is heaving, heart still thumping wildly in your chest. Paige is climbing over you, caging you in with her arms and legs. Her lips ghost the shell of your ear,

"Still gotta fuck you in here."

She ducks down and connects your lips, teeth knocking against yours as she does so. Her hips grind down against yours and your hands snake under the fabric of her shirt, pushing it off her shoulders. Paige pulls back to shrug it off of her and throw it blindly behind her, reaching back to pull her crop top off in one fluid movement. She's braless, tan lines from her bikini top prominent against her now tanned skin. The sight alone makes you moan.

You both shimmy up the bed, lips still connected, and when the back of your head hits the pillow Paige's lips are on your neck. You sigh, hand smoothing down her back. Her skin is damp and so is yours, the smell of sex filling the air.

"Please, babe," you whimper, fingers pulling at the waistband of her shorts. Paige hums, sitting up to push them down her legs and kick them off.

"Hmm," she murmurs, fingers sliding over your cheek, thumb resting against your bottom lip. You part your lips, tongue swiping out to lick the pad of her thumb. "You gonna do something for me?"

"Anything."

Wordlessly, Paige pulls off her boxers with practiced ease and begins crawling over you. Her hand rests against the headboard as she steadies herself, the other reaching down to cup her pussy. You lick your lips, eyes flickering between hers and her cunt.

"Please," the word is soft, leaving you breathlessly. "I wanna taste you, please."

"Yeah?" she tilts her head, the pad of her index finger sliding up and down her slit. You watch her gather her wetness and then bring it up to her clit, circling the bud. "Wanna make me cum?"

"Please, please." you grip at her thighs, nails digging into her skin. Paige moans at the feeling, her own hand now moving faster against herself. "Wanna make you feel good."

Paige's hand leaves her pussy and she hovers above you, holding onto the headboard. You lift your head and stick your tongue out, eager for her to sit on you. You whine when she hovers her pussy just above your mouth, tongue swiping out to lick against her folds.

"Fuck, yeah," Paige moans, head dropping forward. Her left hand grips the headboard whilst her right holds onto her pussy, spreading herself open for you. "Yeah, good girl."

The praise goes straight to your core and you moan, tongue darting out again. She's finally sat on your face and your head falls back against the pillow, licking at her cunt like a woman starved.

She starts grinding against your tongue, the slick sounds filling the air. You're making a mess of yourself, saliva dribbling down your chin as you lap at her, tongue dipping inside her.

"S'good," Paige pants, grip against the headboard tightening. "Yeah, like that-oh fuck."

Your tongue flicks against her clit, your thighs squeezing together as a you feel your pussy gush just from making her feel good. She's so warm and wet and tastes so good and you can't get enough, tongue lapping at her clit in quick, harsh motions.

"Keep- fuck- keep doing that," her head drops forward and her hips cant, her movements becoming sloppy as she chases her high. "Right there, yes-"

Her legs start shaking, the muscles quivering under your touch and her hand reaches down, smoothing against your hair. Her hips move erratically, chasing her orgasm.

"Oh fuck, m'gonna cum." she pants, a bead of sweat rolling down the valley of her breasts. "Keep- yeah, yeah-"

Paige cries out with a broken moan, her orgasm washing over her. She's shaking all over, groaning as you keep lapping at her clit. You drink her up, moaning against her pussy.

"Please," she begs, her voice high pitched. "Fuck, I can't."

She's cut off by her own sob, eyes rolling back in her head. The room is filled with her moans, the sound bouncing off the walls and mixing with the obscene sounds coming from where your mouth is.

Paige is squirming on top of you, the sensation of overstimulation sending waves of pleasure through her body. Two can play at that game, you think.

"So good to me," Paige manages to choke out between moans, teeth gritted. "My fucking girl, s'so good."

You're drunk off of her, her words of encouragement only spurring you on. You roll your tongue against her clit, nails pressing down harder into her skin. Paige fights against your grip, hips lifting up as she pants heavily, forehead pressed against the wall.

She shakily moves her hips backwards and away from your mouth, now sitting across your hips. You're breathing just as heavily, the room spinning around you. Your chest is heaving and your eyes are half lidded as you stare up at her, lips red and puffy.

"You're so hot," you mumble, eyes drifting across her chest. The words leaving you before you can even process them.

Paige snickers, running a hand through her hair. "I know."

"So fucking annoying."

"You love it."

And well, she's not wrong. You reach up, cupping her tits and giving them a firm squeeze. Her hands reach up to cover yours, leaning into your grip.

"You want it?"

It takes a moment for your brain to catch up and figure out what she's referring to but when she gestures down to her crotch with a nod of her head, the cogs turn into place.

Paige spots the excitement in your eyes because she sniggers, tongue kissing her teeth. "'Course you do."

She clambers off of you, slight wobble in her legs as she does so. The moonlight dances through the room and you can see the sweat beading against her back, muscles rippling when she digs through her suitcase.

When she turns back she's got the harness briefs dangling from her fingers, skin coloured dildo fisted in the other hand. She wiggles her eyebrows at you and you roll your eyes back at her, urging her to get on with it.

She stands at the end of the bed, slipping the boxers over her feet and up her legs. She fits the dildo into place, bottom lip pulled between her teeth in concentration when she fumbles slightly.

You watch her with bated breath, squeezing at your covered tits mindlessly.

"Keep that on," Paige mumbles, nodding towards your bra. She crawls onto the bed, stopping at your feet. "Turn over for me."

You flip over with a groan, using what little strength you had left to keep your chest flat to the mattress, ass high in the air. Just how you know she liked it.

She affirms your thoughts with a soft moan at the sight of you, moving further up the bed. You feel the plastic brush up against you and it makes your thighs twitch, ass jutting up higher for her touch.

Her hands smooth against your ass, squeezing at the fat of it when you back up against her again. "Someone's impatient."

"C'mon." you urge, shaking your ass just enough to get her to fold. It works, of course, because she moans again- deeper this time. She grips the base of the dildo and slides it between your folds, blunt head nudging your clit. You're still soaking wet, the plastic glistening before she's even put it in you.

"Damn," the word leaves Paige automatically, pupils blown out as she admires your mess. "Ask me nicely and I'll put it in."

You groan against the sheets, fits gripping the cotton tightly. "Please, Paigey."

The nickname gets you a harsh slap to the ass, the impact stinging your skin. You suck in a breath through your teeth but the smirk grows across your lips despite it all.

"Fuck me Paigey, please."

"Shut the fuck up."

She slides in with one smooth motion, intrusion bringing your brows up to your hairline. It stings slightly but the familiar is welcomed, comforting almost.

"Gonna fuck you now," Paige's hands smooth down your back, coming to rest at the base of your spine. "Gonna make you fucking cry."

You strain your neck against the bed to get a peek at her and you're not sure you've ever seen her this wound up before- her eyes are wide, a red flush travelling across her chest and up to her cheeks. She's fucked.

Her hips draw back and then slam back into you, the sound of skin on skin deafening you. She's unforgiving, nails digging into your skin as she uses your hips as leverage to fuck into you. She's grunting with each thrust, bottom lip trapped between her teeth.

"Yeah, yeah-" you whine, eyes screwed shut as the blonde ruins you. You can just about hear how wet you are over the sound of her skin smacking against yours, the recognisable squelch of your pussy getting louder when she grants you with another slap to the ass. "You fuck me so go-ood."

"Yeah?" Paige breathes out, slapping your ass again. Her hand tingles from the force but she ignores it, slapping your other ass cheek with the same hand. "Whose pussy is this? Hm?"

You can barely respond, body jostling against the sheets.

"Is it mine, baby?"

You nod against the sheets, helpless.

Another slap.

"Tell me."

"It's yours!" you cry out, fingers practically ripping holes into the sheets. "Yoursyoursyours-"

"Fuck yeah it is."

She pistons in and out of you at an ungodly speed and it makes you dizzy- so dizzy you don't even feel your orgasm approaching until you're on the edge, threatening to tip over.

"Cumming!" is all you can let out, the word caught in your chest as your spine curls inwards, heels kicking up against your girlfriend. It hits you like a truck, legs spasming and arms stretching out against the sheets as you cream against Paige. You see spots in your vision, eyes crossing as the pleasure consumes you. You feel everything, and then all of a sudden- nothing.

"You good princess?"

You crack an eye open to see Paige laying beside you, propped up on an elbow. She's gently stroking your cheek with her thumb, hair now pulled up into a messy bun atop of her head.

"Did I die?"

She snickers, leaning across to press a kiss to your forehead. "I killed that pussy, maybe."

You release the sheets that's still gripped in your hand to shove the blonde back but she just sticks her tongue out at you, reaching behind her for a glass of water left on the bedside drawer.

"Drink some, you need it."

She holds it to your mouth and you chug it down, dry throat welcoming the fluid. "I seriously passed out?"

"Eh," Paige shrugs, rubbing down your back. "You were conscious, just about."

"Wow," you roll onto your front, ache between your thighs making itself evident. "You did a number on me."

"Same again tomorrow?"

Your palm smooshes against her face, pushing her away with a laugh.

"Your turn tomorrow, Bueckers."

[vamptizm]

SATURN — p. bueckers

pairing: paige bueckers x ex teammate!gf

synopsis: the of joy watching your girlfriend finally accomplish the dream you’d chased together for years had you feeling as if you were on another planet.

warnings: none.

word count: 4.1k

note: NATTY BABYYYY this is lowkey supposed to be part of a series but idc. might write a nasty part 2 idk yet

@brenwritesss @bueckersbitch @ekisokay @paige05bby @sierrale8ne @ohmybueckers @pboogerswbb @yailtsv @xxloveralways14 @prettygirl-gabi

You were already in your seat before warmups even started, nestled between some of the players' families — the energy in the arena pulsing like a heartbeat under your skin. The crowd was alive, buzzing with excitement, nerves, hope — everything you knew Paige was probably feeling tenfold.

You shifted in your seat, politely chatting with a few of the parents nearby, when you felt the subtle buzz-buzz of your phone in your back pocket. Once. Then again. And even before you touched it, you already knew.

It was her.

Paige was the only one you ever left your notifications on for — a quiet agreement between the two of you that started back when you were teammates. Important games, late-night flights, tournament weeks. The world could wait. But not each other.

You slipped the phone out and glanced down, already smiling at the first few lines of her message. She didn’t have to say she was nervous — not directly — you knew her. Knew the way she over-thought during high stakes. Knew when her confidence sometimes needed a little steadying hand. And maybe, in this moment, that was you.

Without hesitation, you leaned slightly toward Amy, tapping her gently on the arm. "I'm gonna go see her real quick," you said, voice raised just enough to carry over the swelling music. "I think she's a bit more nervous than she lets on."

Amy turned to you with a warm smile, her eyes soft and familiar. "Alright, hun. Be careful not to get lost or hurt," she teased, patting your back gently.

You chuckled lightly, offering a nod before slipping away, weaving through the packed row of seats with the kind of practiced ease that only years in arenas could give you. At the base of the stands, a security guard moved to stop you until you flashed the laminated pass hanging from your neck — the one Paige gave you just in case the ‘I played here’ card didn't cut it.

"Special clearance," you said with a playful grin, tapping the badge.

He nodded and stepped aside, and you made your way down the tunnel, the sounds of the court fading into a muffled roar behind you. Your footsteps echoed against the concrete, sneakers quiet but purposeful as you searched for the locker room.

You'd walked hallways like these more times than you could count, but tonight it felt different — electric. Heavier. As if every brick remembered the weight of your own games, your own moments.

You passed staff, trainers, and volunteers — offering polite nods, a quick smile, but your focus didn't waver. And finally, you reached it. The door to the locker room stood just ahead, slightly ajar, voices murmuring beyond it.

You took a steady breath.

Raising your hand, you knocked gently, not wanting to interrupt too harshly — but the response was immediate. The door swung open with a soft creak and standing there, arms crossed like a disappointed sitcom dad, was Geno Auriemma himself.

You barely had time to open your mouth before he squinted at you with that familiar mock-annoyed stare. "What the hell do you want?" he said, dry as sandpaper. "Don't you have a season to be preparing for?"

You couldn't help the grin that tugged at your lips. "Nice to see you too, Coach," you said sweetly. "Just came to say hi to your star player before the game. She sounded like she needed a little emotional support."

He huffed, dramatically stepping back but still blocking the doorway. "Great. Just what I need. A walking distraction waltzing in here like she still owns the place." He turned his head toward the locker room behind him. "Bueckers! Your traitor of a girlfriend is here."

You heard a faint laugh from somewhere inside before Paige's voice came closer, followed by her footsteps. "You don't have to say it like it's a federal offense, Coach," she called.

"I do when someone deserts my program and then has the audacity to come distract my loyal players." Geno muttered.

You bit back a laugh, stepping inside just slightly, hands up in mock surrender. "Sorry I didn't stay until I was grey and old for a sixth year. That wouldn’t have been on-brand for me."

He rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Aubrey did it. You could've too. But no, you’re busy being passed around from team to team.

Your jaw fell comically at his harsh joke, though it was clear on your face that you found it funny.

Before you could respond, Paige appeared just behind him, her ever-familiar grin lighting up her face. "Not too much on her," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder with the kind of ease only years under his coaching could earn.

Geno snorted, stepping aside with an exaggerated grumble. "Great. Now they're both ganging up on me," he mumbled, brushing past the two of you. "You've got five minutes before I drag her back by that ponytail. Don't make me come looking."

And then he was gone, muttering something else under his breath as he disappeared down the hall.

The door clicked shut behind him, and the hallway suddenly felt a little quieter — just the two of you in your own little world for a moment.

Paige's grin melted into a familiar, knowing smirk, her eyes slowly dragging over you with no rush, like she had all the time in the world. She tilted her head slightly, tongue pressing into the inside of her cheek as her gaze took in the outfit that had her full attention: her white UConn #5 jersey — the one she wore when setting her new career high — cropped just right, the hem tucked into the wire of your bra. Two dainty chains shimmered at your waist, resting lightly against your skin, and that denim skirt you wore? It had her completely entranced.

"You look beautiful, mama," she murmured, her voice low and warm, hands rising to curl gently around your exposed waist and bringing you closer. Her thumbs brushed softly along your skin, like she was trying to commit every inch of you to memory before she had to leave.

You rolled your eyes, though your heart fluttered at the nickname, lifting your hand to place a single finger beneath her chin and tilt her face up again. "Eyes up here," you said with a teasing smile.

She smirked even more but obeyed, locking eyes with you now, and something in her expression shifted—just barely. There was still that signature confidence lingering behind her grin, but it flickered for a second. She was nervous. You knew her well enough to read between the lines of her confidence.

So you let your hands move too—one settling against her jaw, the other tracing slow, comforting patterns along the back of her neck as you leaned in just slightly.

"You got this," you whispered, your voice soft but steady. "You all do. You've worked so fucking hard. I've seen it. I've lived it. There's not a single team that deserves this more than you guys."

She sighed quietly, leaning into your touch for a moment, grounding herself.

"And no matter how this goes, okay? You've already made history. You've already built a legacy here that no one can touch. This game doesn't change that."

Paige looked at you, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. "Easy for you to say," she muttered, her thumb still circling your waist, "you won a natty your first year here. Freshie magic or something."

You snorted, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. "Yeah, and I also tore my ACL and dislocated my knee right after, and then lost two championship games after coming back," you quipped, raising an eyebrow. "Trust me, legacy isn't built in the win column. It's built in moments like this—where you show the fuck up no matter what."

She chuckled, head dipping as she pressed a quick kiss to your collarbone. "Why do you always know exactly what to say?"

"Because I'm wise. And I'm hot. And you're madly in love with me, so it helps the delivery," you replied with an obnoxious smirk, earning an eye roll and a grin from her.

But just like that, a knock came from inside the locker room—someone calling out a one-minute warning.

Paige's smile faded into something more solemn, more focused. She looked at you like she wanted time to stop.

You leaned in and kissed her—slow and grounding, a kiss full of belief and reassurance, not desperation.

"I'll be right there in the stands," you whispered against her lips. "Cheering like hell for you."

She nodded, brushing her nose against yours once more before pulling away, a last squeeze at your waist anchoring her before she stepped back inside.

And then you were turning on your heel, heart pounding in your chest, rushing back up the tunnel with a promise in your chest and her kiss still warm on your lips.

You sat wedged between Amy and Aaliyah, knees bouncing and knuckles cracking one after the other, that nervous tick you could never seem to shake. The roar of the crowd was muffled by the storm brewing in your chest—excitement, anxiety, hope. You weren't even on the court, but it felt like your lungs were working overtime, like your body hadn't quite realized you weren't the one playing tonight.

Your eyes were locked on Paige. You knew her rhythm, the way her feet moved before a shot, the slight squint she made when something didn't feel right in her wrist. And right now? She was off. Not by much, not enough for the commentators to acknowledge — but you noticed. A missed layup. A clean three that rimmed out. A hesitation where there usually was none.

"She's holding back," you mumbled under your breath, not sure if it was to Amy or yourself.

Amy glanced sideways, calm despite the tension, her hand resting patiently in her lap. "She's pacing herself. It's a long game," she murmured, like a mother who'd said that to herself a thousand times over the years.

You swallowed hard, fingers flexing again.

Halftime came. A ten-point lead didn't erase all the nerves, but it helped you breathe. You were ushered into a short media segment with Chiney, Elle, and Draya—each of them glowing with energy and optimism. Most of them had chosen South Carolina as their winner, just like the last time. And you knew Paige heard, knew that she wanted to prove them wrong once again. You forced a grin, answered their questions with practiced poise and your usual humor, cracked a quick joke about having more nerves now than you ever did during your championship games. But as soon as the segment ended and you were back in your seat, your hands found each other again. Crack. Crack. Crack.

The second half started with fire.

UConn came out swinging—faster, sharper, hungrier. It was like watching the team you knew they were all season finally come alive. The passes were crisp. The communication was seamless. And Paige? Paige lit up. The crowd surged every time her feet left the ground, and you felt every ripple of it.

Then came the moment—before the fourth quarter even began. UConn had ballooned the lead to twenty points. Twenty. Against South Carolina.

You knew. They had it.

They really, truly had it.

With just minutes left in the game, Paige was called out. You didn't even hear the announcer. All you saw was her name flash on the substitution board, and then her figure walking off the court for the last time in a UConn jersey. She headed straight for Geno.

And that was it.

You saw the second her walls fell. Her arms wrapped tight around him, her face buried into his shoulder, and she cried. Not from sadness, not even from relief—just that overwhelming wave of everything at once. The grief of goodbye, the joy of winning, the weight of all she'd carried for five years crashing down at once.

You bit your lip hard, trying to blink it away.

But the tears came anyway.

Your hand, almost on instinct, reached for Amy's beside you. You didn't even realize you'd done it until you felt her soft squeeze, her thumb gently brushing your knuckles.

"She did it," Amy said softly, her own voice thick. "Our girl did it."

You nodded, a teardrop slipping down your cheek as you watched Paige wipe her own. You didn't care about the cameras or the cheering crowd around you. All you saw was the girl you loved standing in the center of it all—finally at peace with the legacy she’d leave behind.

And God, she looked beautiful.

The clock ticked down, South Carolina letting the seconds bleed out as they dribbled at the top of the key. 82 to 59. There was nothing left to chase, nothing left to prove. You could see it in their body language—shoulders slack, heads low. Acceptance.

But you?

You could barely breathe.

Your chest was tight with emotion, heart hammering beneath your UConn jersey as if it had taken the court with Paige. The tears were already there, sitting heavy in your eyes, threatening to spill every time you blinked.

This wasn't just a win.

This was a culmination.

Of years of grit. Of heartbreak and healing. Of setbacks that could've broken her. Could've broken anyone, including you. But Paige never let them. And through every single one — every surgery, every rehab session, every media doubt and ‘what if’ — she fought her way back.

And tonight, she crossed the finish line.

National. Champion.

The buzzer blared and the world exploded. The roar of the arena became a blur as blue and white stormed the court, players tackling each other into tears and laughter and chaos.

A sob broke from your chest before you even knew it was coming.

Aaliyah pulled you into a tight hug, your bodies shaking with the same overwhelming joy. "They fucking did it," she whispered into your shoulder, and your tears fell freely now.

Then Amy was there, and you didn't even hesitate. You folded into her arms like she was your own mother, crying into her shoulder as she cradled you. "I'm so proud of her," you choked, and Amy's voice cracked, too.

"I know, baby. Me too."

It was only a moment, but it felt eternal—one of those fragments of time that would etch itself into your memory forever. The kind you'd still feel in your chest decades from now.

The hugs came in waves after that. Bob pulled you in, patting your back like he'd known you your whole life, Drew following. Jana and Azzi’s families were in tears, too — parents who'd watched their daughters pour everything into this season. You found yourself hugging them all, despite the fact that you were never the touchy kind.

But tonight? Tonight, everything was different.

You were overflowing with so much love, so much pride, that it didn't matter how many people you embraced. You wanted to hold them, hold something, because it was the only way you knew how to keep from completely falling apart.

Because this wasn't just UConn winning. This was Paige winning.

Your Paige.

And after everything she'd survived, everything she'd sacrificed, there wasn't a single person in this building who deserved it more.

Blue and white confetti began to rain from the rafters like snowflakes falling from heaven. Like they’d been waiting an eternity to rain for this team, each piece catching the light as it fluttered down onto the court—onto jerseys soaked in sweat and triumph, onto shoes that had carried a thousand miles’ worth of effort. You were already on your feet, pushing past rows of elated families and clapping fans, heart hammering as your eyes locked on the chaos unfolding below.

You didn’t wait. Couldn’t. Your legs carried you forward before your mind could catch up, weaving through bodies — staff, players, press — your official pass swinging around your neck as you moved with purpose. Nothing else mattered but getting to her.

Paige was somewhere in the mess of limbs and laughter, her face flushed with adrenaline and joy, heart pounding so hard she swore she could feel it in her ears. They’d done it. She’d done it. After everything—injuries, heartbreak, missed chances—she had finally finished what she started.

But as the arena roared around her and her teammates screamed with triumph, none of it felt quite real.

Not until she saw you.

Her eyes scanned desperately through the confetti-streaked blur, searching past the crowd of coaches and teammates and celebratory loved ones until — there. That familiar silhouette, that proud, teary-eyed smile she’d know in any stadium, in any lifetime.

You were coming toward her, dodging through the swell of people like gravity was pulling you straight to her. Your tears had long dried thanks to Aaliyah’s tissue and a few shaky breaths, but the way your chest rose and fell with emotion, the way your smile quivered just enough to betray what this moment meant—it all hit her like a second wave of victory.

She didn’t wait either.

Shoving past the bodies in her way, Paige moved faster than she had all game. A blur of blue and white, of shoes pounding the floor, until finally — finally — she reached you.

And without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around you and pulled you in like you were her anchor in a storm. Your bodies collided with the force of something years in the making, her face burying itself in the crook of your neck, breath warm against your skin as she clung to you like you were the only thing tethering her to the earth.

She didn’t care about the cameras. The trophies. The future.

She only cared about this. About you.

Your arms came around her neck, locking her in just as tight as you whispered, voice shaking but certain, “I’m so proud of you, I could scream.”

Her breath hitched against your shoulder, and when she pulled back just enough to look at you, her blue eyes were glassy—overwhelmed, elated, completely undone. You could see everything she couldn’t say reflected in them.

Another tear slipped down your cheek, and Paige leaned in to kiss it away without thinking, without hesitation, her lips brushing your skin with so much gentleness it undid you all over again.

“You fucking did it,” you breathed, voice cracking with the weight of it all.

The urge to kiss her—really kiss her—was overwhelming, but you held back. You weren’t public yet. You’d agreed to wait until the WNBA Draft, until she was ready. But truthfully, it felt like everyone in the world already knew. The way she looked at you like you hung the moon didn’t exactly scream subtle.

So instead, you cupped her face with both hands, thumbs brushing along her cheeks, trying to memorize every detail—every emotion etched into her features. Your smile trembled as you whispered, “God, I’m so relieved and overjoyed that I feel dizzy.”

She let out a soft, breathless laugh—something between disbelief and pure elation—and pressed her forehead against yours, her voice breaking through the din, “Hold onto me, then. I’ve got you, angel.”

And in that moment, with confetti clinging to her hair and sweat still glistening on her brow, Paige Bueckers didn’t just feel like a champion.

She felt whole.

The confetti was still falling when you found yourself wrapped up in the chaos of celebration—players, coaches, staff, families, cameras flashing in every direction. And yet, through all of it, Paige refused to let go of you. She hadn’t once loosened her grip on your hand unless absolutely necessary. She dragged you with her everywhere—through the mob of hugs and team photos, past media personnel and assistants trying to usher players into the right spots. If she had to move, you were moving with her.

It didn’t exactly help the dating ‘rumors,’ but it’s not like either of you were trying that hard to hide it anymore. Not when every glance, every touch, every lingering moment screamed what hadn’t been said out loud yet. And the only time she’d left your side was for a few post-game interviews—short ones she kept brief, always glancing over her shoulder like she couldn’t wait to get back to you.

By the time she returned, she was in full celebration gear — navy blue championship shirt, the official ‘2025 National Champions’ hat perched crookedly on her head thanks to the ponytail sticking through the back. It wasn’t sitting properly, but she didn’t care. She looked every bit the moment — casual, powerful, confident. The cut-down net hung around her neck like jewelry, each white loop resting against her chest like a symbol of everything she’d fought for.

You’d never wanted someone more in your life.

There she was — grinning, flushed, radiant with triumph and joy. Cool as hell with that net swaying like a diamond chain, like a statement piece. She looked like victory and history wrapped into one, and it made your heart clench. It also made your thighs clench, but that was another battle you’d deal with later.

She turned to you mid-laugh, slipping an arm around your shoulder so easily, so instinctively, it was like your place had always been right there beside her. You leaned into her side as you laughed along with your friends and their families, occasionally pausing to pose for photos, smiling so much your cheeks ached.

Still, it all felt surreal.

Overwhelming, yes—but not in a bad way. Just… different.

It reminded you of your own championship win, though yours had been more quiet, intimate. COVID-era restrictions kept the arena half-empty, the celebration smaller. It had been beautiful in its own way — just your team, close family, a bubble of victory you’d all created together. But this? This was a different universe. The noise, the cameras, the massive crowd — this was loud, unapologetic joy, the kind of celebration dreams are made of.

And Paige knew that. She remembered. She’d watched you win on her TV screen her senior year of high school, wide-eyed and proud, texting you congratulations from her living-room as she geared up for her freshman year at UConn. She’d imagined chasing a repeat with you, shoulder-to-shoulder. But god had other plans.

Instead, it was you watching her from the sidelines that year, your injured leg keeping you benched while she chased the dream alone.

It was all coming full circle now.

You didn’t even realize she was looking at you until her hand reached up to tug off her crooked hat. She turned to face you fully, that soft, easy smile spreading across her face — the kind only you ever got. Then, with the gentlest touch, she placed the hat on your head, her fingers brushing lightly along your temple as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

Your lips twitched up, amused and curious. “Why am I wearing your hat?”

Without missing a beat, her voice low and steady, she replied, “What’s mine is yours.”

Then her eyes held yours, deep and unflinching, as she added, “Including this natty. I wouldn’t be standing here without your love. Your support. Your belief in me—especially when I couldn’t believe in myself.”

Your breath hitched.

She leaned in slightly, voice quieting in a way that made it feel like no one else in the world existed. “We did this for you too. You, Aaliyah and Nika.”

The words shattered something open inside you. Not in a painful way — more like a dam breaking, releasing every moment of sacrifice and struggle, every cheer from the bench, every quiet tear from the stands, every night you spent holding her through self-doubt and injury and pressure.

Because through all of it, you had been there. She’d carried your strength onto that court like a second heartbeat as if you were still playing alongside her and now, standing beneath a shower of confetti and surrounded by her teammates, she was handing that championship right back to you.

Your throat burned. Your vision blurred. You blinked up at her, lips trembling into the softest, most overwhelmed smile as your fingers came up to grip the brim of the hat she’d gifted you.

You didn’t cry. Not fully. But your eyes said everything.

And Paige, with a tired smile and unspeakable tenderness, reached out and pulled you close again—not for the cameras, not for the crowd.

But just for you.

[writingbuckets]

𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

paige bueckers x reader

wc: 6.8k

synopsis: Y/N and Paige Bueckers are caught in a tense moment after Paige’s jealousy and neglect come to a head. With emotions running high, both struggle to navigate their complicated feelings, forcing them to confront the future of their relationship.

warnings: angst, jealousy, explicit sexual content, slight manipulation, possessiveness, dom/sub dynamics, slight violence (physical restraint)

a/n: i present to you... jealous paige bc this is one of my favorite tropes literally ever! this was 16 pages on google docs so i apologize for that, gonna go through all my posts and add warnings to them so i shall see you later <3

You’re sprawled out on your bed, limbs heavy against the soft blanket, phone clutched in one hand. The screen casts a faint glow in the dim room, illuminating the furrow of frustration etched into your brow. Your thumb idly scrolls through your message thread with Paige—a barren wasteland of unanswered texts. Each message feels like a tiny stone dropped into the pit of your stomach, adding to the growing weight.

Monday

Hey, how’d practice go? You alive?

Wednesday

I know you’re busy, but can we talk soon? Paige?

Friday

Cool. Guess I’ll take the hint.

You sigh heavily, locking your phone and tossing it onto the bed beside you. The device bounces slightly before settling face down, but your mind refuses to let it go. A sharp buzz suddenly cuts through the silence, jolting your heart into a sprint. For a fleeting moment, hope flickers. You snatch up the phone, only for disappointment to flood in when Jasmine’s name lights up the screen instead.

You swipe to answer, switching to speaker and tossing it back on the bed. “What’s up, Jas?” you say, your tone flat and lacking its usual warmth.

“Clearly not you,” Jasmine replies, her voice teasing but tinged with concern. “You sound like someone kicked your puppy. Is this about Paige again?”

You pause, chewing on your bottom lip, the weight of your emotions threatening to spill over.

“She’s been ghosting me all week,” you finally admit, bitterness seeping into your voice like a slow drip. “I get that basketball keeps her busy, but is it really that hard to send one text? Like, ‘Hey, sorry, can’t talk right now’? That’s all I’m asking. It’s not rocket science.”

Jasmine’s incredulous tone comes through loud and clear. “Wait. She hasn’t responded at all? Not even a quick ‘Hey, I’m swamped’?”

“Not a word,” you reply, the edge in your voice sharpening. “Meanwhile, she’s out here talking about how much she likes me and how she wants to make things work. For what? So I can sit here, feeling like a damn afterthought, while she… I don’t even know what she’s doing anymore.”

“You deserve so much better,” Jasmine says firmly, her voice a grounding presence.

“Tell me about it,” you mutter, picking up your phone again despite yourself. It’s a reflex, a bad habit you can’t seem to break. You open Instagram, swiping through stories without purpose, when something stops you cold.

KK’s latest post dominates the screen. It’s a picture of the team crammed into a booth at Ted’s, smiles wide and carefree. Paige is smack in the middle, holding up Dirty Shirley, her grin so effortless it’s like she hasn’t ignored a single text in her life. She looks happy. Relaxed. Completely unbothered.

The caption reads: “Dubs only, baby! Turnt up with the squad 🏀.”

Your grip on the phone tightens as heat rises to your cheeks. Your jaw clenches involuntarily. So, she has time for this? Time to party, to hang out with her team, to go to Ted’s of all places—your spot—but can’t find two seconds to acknowledge you?

“Unbelievable,” you mutter under your breath, the words simmering with anger.

“What happened?” Jasmine’s voice snaps you back to reality.

“She’s at Ted’s,” you say through gritted teeth. “With the team. Laughing, drinking, looking like life is perfect while I’m over here wondering if she fell off the face of the Earth.”

“Oh, hell no,” Jasmine says, her indignation matching your own. “She thinks she can ignore you and get away with it? Nope. Get up, put on your hottest outfit, and remind her who the hell you are.”

You sit up, heart pounding as the idea takes root. Your glare is fixed on KK’s post, as if staring at it hard enough might erase the image entirely. Locking your phone, you toss it onto the bed before swinging your legs over the side.

“You know what?” you say, your voice steady and laced with resolve. “Maybe I will.”

The moment you’ve had enough, something shifts inside you—like a fire being reignited. The frustration that’s been simmering all evening finally boils over, and you grab your phone with newfound determination. Sitting upright on your bed, you unlock the screen, your fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease.

Y’all down for Ted’s tonight? Need backup.

The message is direct, no frills. This isn’t just a night out—it’s a mission.

Jasmine’s reply comes almost instantly, as if she’s been waiting for an excuse to hit the town. Say less. On my way in 20. Her energy is palpable even through a text.

Seconds later, Veronica chimes in: I’m in. Let’s cause some trouble. Her signature wink emoji follows, and you can’t help but smirk.

Finally, Serena’s response lights up your screen with a single word: Bet. Short, sweet, and packed with confidence.

With your friends locked in, you toss your phone onto the bed and head straight to your closet. It’s time to make a statement—one that’s impossible to ignore. You stand in front of your wardrobe, fingers brushing over hangers as you mentally critique each option. Too casual. Too plain. Too predictable.

After what feels like an eternity, your hand lands on the one. It’s bold, sleek, and undeniably sexy—a figure-hugging dress that accentuates all the right places and practically demands attention. You pull it off the hanger, holding it up in front of the mirror. The deep color complements your skin perfectly, and the hem does the absolute minimum in covering the bottom of your ass.

You slip into it carefully, smoothing the fabric over your body and adjusting it until it fits like a second skin. Taking a step back, you examine yourself in the mirror, tilting your head as a small smile plays on your lips. You look good. No—scratch that. You look amazing. But tonight, looking amazing isn’t enough. You want to turn heads. You want Paige to feel it.

Not done yet, you move to your vanity, flipping on the lights. Your makeup bag sits waiting, and you dive in with practiced precision. First, a flawless base, smooth and glowing, like your skin was kissed by the perfect Instagram filter. You follow with a contour that defines your features, giving you a sharp, sculpted look. Then comes the winged liner, bold and dramatic, with a flick so precise it could cut glass. Smokey eyeshadow enhances the look, making your gaze impossible to ignore, and a high-shine gloss adds the perfect finishing touch to your lips.

You lean back, giving yourself a final once-over in the mirror. Every detail is on point, down to the faint shimmer of highlighter catching the light on your cheekbones. It’s flawless, if you do say so yourself.

As you’re spritzing on your favorite perfume—a scent both intoxicating and unforgettable—your phone buzzes again. Jasmine’s text reads: Outside. Let’s do this.

You slip on your favorite pair of chunky, heeled boots, the ones that make you feel like you own every room you walk into, and grab your bag. The rhythmic click of your heels on the pavement mirrors your determination as you stride out to Jasmine’s car.

Sliding into the passenger seat, you’re met with a low whistle from Jasmine. “Damn, girl,” she says, giving you an approving once-over. “Are you trying to destroy someone tonight?”

You smirk as you buckle your seatbelt, tossing your bag onto your lap. “Not destroy. Just remind a certain someone what she’s about to lose.”

Jasmine’s laugh fills the car as she reaches over for a fist bump. “Now that is the energy I needed. She won’t know what hit her.”

The ride to Ted’s feels electric. The bass of the music pulses through the car, a perfect soundtrack to your rising confidence. Jasmine keeps hyping you up the whole way, stealing glances at you every so often.

“You look so good, you’re probably going to start a fight,” she teases with a grin.

You meet her eyes with a smirk, adjusting a strand of hair in the mirror. “Good,” you say, your voice dripping with confidence. “Let her be mad. She’s got it coming.”

Jasmine’s laughter rings out, blending with the music as the two of you pull into the crowded parking lot. The neon sign for Ted’s glows against the night sky, and the hum of voices and laughter spills out into the cool evening air.

You step out of the car with purpose, adjusting your outfit one last time as your heels click against the asphalt. One final glance in the car’s side mirror confirms what you already know: you’re a vision, and tonight, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

Ted’s won’t know what hit it. And neither will Paige.

The low buzz of voices and the faint clinking of glasses hit you the moment you step into Ted’s. The warm glow of string lights overhead bathes the packed bar in a golden hue, and the energy in the room is palpable—loud laughter, animated conversations, and the occasional cheer erupting from the direction of the pool table. Your heels click against the floor as you make your way in with Jasmine, Veronica, and Serena flanking you like a well-coordinated squad. 

It doesn’t take long to spot her. Paige is exactly where you expected, seated in a large booth near the back with Azzi, KK, Ice, and Jana. She’s dressed casually, black denim shorts, a black crop top, and an unbuttoned, white shirt, but she might as well be wearing a neon sign with the way she draws attention. She’s laughing, leaning back with her arm draped casually over the seat, completely at ease. You can see the sparkle in her eyes from here, even as she remains blissfully unaware of your presence.

The sight makes your stomach twist, but you shake it off. Tonight isn’t about Paige. At least that’s what you tell yourself.

“Let’s hit the bar,” you say, keeping your voice steady as you lead your friends in the opposite direction, deliberately ignoring the booth and the person in it.

The bartender greets you with a smile, and you order a couple rounds of shots for your group, letting Jasmine and the others hype you up as you throw them back the second they’re placed in front of you. Once you feel enough of a buzz to quell your anxiety, you decide to settle for a mixed drink to sip on for the remainder of the night. It isn’t long before you notice someone approaching, a tall, athletic-looking girl with broad shoulders and an easy grin. She’s wearing a fitted T-shirt and jeans, and the confidence in her stride is unmistakable.

“Hey,” she says, leaning against the bar. Her voice is low, smooth. “You look like you’re having more fun than anyone else here.”

You flash her a smile, tilting your head slightly. “You could say that.”

Her grin widens, and she introduces herself, launching into a conversation that you quickly match. Her compliments come freely—your outfit, your laugh, even the way you carry yourself—and you don’t hold back, laughing a little louder than usual and letting your fingers brush against her arm as you talk.

Across the booth, KK nudges Paige, a look of concern flickering across her face. “Uh, hey, isn’t that Y/N?” she says, nodding toward the bar.

Paige’s head snaps toward KK, her expression darkening as she follows her teammate’s line of sight. Her brows knit together as she takes in the scene—your effortless smile, the way you lean into the girl’s space, her hand resting on the bar just a little too close to yours. She recognizes the look in your eyes, it’s the same look she was on the receiving end of the first night you met.

“Yeah,” Paige says shortly, her voice clipped. She sets her drink down with more force than necessary, her grip tightening around the glass before she looks away.

Meanwhile, you pretend not to notice the silent storm brewing across the room. You keep your focus on the girl in front of you, leaning in just enough to keep the conversation flowing, though you can feel the heat of Paige’s jealousy from where you stand. It sends a thrill through you, equal parts satisfaction and spite.

As the girl laughs at something you’ve said, you turn your head to the side slightly, trying to catch a glance at the booth where Paige sits. Out of the corner of your eye, you see her tense, her hand balling into a fist on the table as she murmurs something to Azzi.

You can feel it in the air, Paige is reaching her breaking point. And that’s exactly what you wanted.

Paige sits stiffly in the booth, her grip on her drink tightening as her knuckles blanch. Her jaw works furiously, muscles twitching as if she’s holding back an eruption. The sound of your laugh, airy and effortless, cuts through the din of the bar, and Paige’s eyes flicker with barely concealed rage. Her teammates exchange uneasy glances, sensing the storm brewing beside them.

Azzi nudges KK and leans in. “Uh, is she okay?”

KK shrugs, her voice low. “I don’t think so.”

Paige suddenly stands, her movements sharp and deliberate. The scrape of her chair against the floor draws their attention.

“Where are you going?” Azzi asks, concern softening her voice.

Paige doesn’t look at her, her gaze fixed like a laser on you across the room. “I’ll be back,” she mutters, her voice clipped.

She doesn’t wait for a response, weaving through the crowd with purpose. Her steps are quick, her shoulders tight, and her eyes never leave you. You’re at the bar, leaning casually against the counter, completely absorbed in your conversation with the tall, athletic-looking girl beside you. The girl leans in close, her hand grazing your arm as she says something that makes you throw your head back with a laugh.

Paige’s chest tightens, and the corners of her vision blur with the heat of her jealousy. Each second feels like an eternity as she closes the distance, her blood boiling at the sight of the stranger getting a little too comfortable with you.

When she reaches you, she doesn’t pause to think. Her arm snakes around your waist in one swift motion, pulling you firmly against her side. The sudden contact makes you gasp, your conversation abruptly cut off. The flirty girl takes a step back, startled and clearly intimidated by Paige’s possessive presence.

“We’re leaving,” Paige says, her tone low and commanding. Her words are sharp enough to slice through the tension in the air.

You turn your head sharply, blinking in surprise as your eyes meet hers. The fire in her gaze burns so brightly it could scorch you, but you’re too stubborn to back down. “Now you have time to talk to me?” you ask, drawing the sentence out with deliberate sarcasm. “I think I’m fine right here.”

Paige’s jaw ticks, but she doesn’t respond. Instead, her arm tightens around your waist, her fingers pressing firmly into your side. It’s a silent warning, one you choose to ignore as you plant your feet against her attempts to steer you toward the door.

“Paige, what the hell?” you protest, your voice rising with irritation.

“Not here,” she snaps, her tone cold and final. Her grip remains unrelenting as she continues to lead you away from the bar.

Your friends notice the commotion, Jasmine standing halfway out of her seat. “Y/N, are you good?” she calls, her brows furrowed with concern.

You twist in Paige’s hold just enough to look back at them, throwing a hand up in a dismissive wave. “I’ll text you!” you shout over your shoulder, your voice dripping with frustration.

Paige doesn’t slow her pace until the two of you are outside, the cool night air biting at your skin. She releases you near her car, and you immediately step back, glaring at her.

“Seriously, Paige?” you snap, your voice sharp as you cross your arms over your chest. “You think you can just show up, ruin my night, and drag me out like this?”

Paige’s nostrils flare as she turns to face you fully, her expression thunderous. “I think I just did.”

Eventually you arrive at her apartment, and she has to practically pull you out of her car by your arm. The second you step into Paige’s entryway, you rip your arm out of her grip with enough force to make her stumble slightly. You spin around to face her, your chest heaving with frustration. The door slams shut behind you, echoing through the space like a gunshot.

“What the hell is your problem, Paige?” you shout, your voice cutting through the silence like a blade. Your words are sharp, fueled by anger that’s been simmering for days.

Paige whirls around to face you, her face already twisted in fury. “My problem?” she fires back, her voice rising to match yours, letting out a humorless chuckle. “You’re out there all over some random girl, and you’re asking me what my problem is?”

You take a step closer, refusing to back down. “Yeah, I am! Because you ignore me all week, and the second I talk to someone else, you suddenly care? Make it make sense, Paige!”

She runs both hands through her hair, pacing in jerky, frustrated strides between the door and the counter. “Do you know how insane it made me to see you with her?” she snaps, her words laced with raw, unfiltered emotion. “Laughing, touching her, looking like you were having the time of your life? Like I didn’t even exist?”

You laugh bitterly, the sound sharp and humorless as you cross your arms over your chest. “That’s rich, Paige. At least she actually talked to me, which is more than I’ve gotten from you in weeks.”

The room feels charged, every word hanging heavy in the air, but Paige isn’t done. She steps forward again, her voice low and rough with frustration. “You think I don’t care? You think I don’t want to talk to you? You’re all over her, touching her like it doesn’t matter, and it’s driving me crazy—"

“Gee, sounds like you finally get it,” you fire back, your words sharp with bitterness. “But hey, don’t worry, I’ll stop talking to people if it’ll make you feel better. Maybe next time, I’ll just sit in the corner and wait for you to remember I���m here, like some sad little backup plan.”

You turn your head, preparing to walk out, but before you can take a single step, Paige’s hand shoots out, grabbing your wrist with a force that stops you in your tracks. Your heart pounds in your chest as you turn to face her, ready to throw another snarky remark her way.

But before you can speak, she’s there, bringing her hands to grab both sides of your face, her lips crashing into yours with an intensity that takes you by surprise. You freeze for a split second, then instinct kicks in. You try to pull away, pushing against her chest with as much force as you can muster.

But she doesn’t let up. Her kiss deepens, her hand sliding to the back of your neck, keeping you in place. The anger you’ve been carrying fades, replaced with confusion and something else you can’t quite name. You can feel her tension, her frustration, her need for something—maybe an answer, maybe redemption.

She slides one of her hands down to anchor around the front of your throat, her other hand drifting to grab at your hip through the thin material of your dress. She slowly starts to back you towards her kitchen, not stopping until the top of your ass is pressing against the island counter. She brings both hands to your hips, tapping the side of your ass with one hand, encouraging you to jump, and roughly squeezing your hip with the other.

A soft gasp escapes your lips as she lifts you effortlessly onto the cool marble countertop. Her hands slide possessively up your thighs, pushing the hem of your dress higher. She steps forward, wedging herself between your parted legs.

"You look so fucking good in this dress," she says, her voice low and thick with desire. One hand slips under the fabric to caress the bare skin of your hip while the other tangles in your hair, tugging your head back to expose the column of your throat.

She dips her head, warm breath ghosting over your sensitive skin before her lips press against your racing pulse. Your back arches as she nips at the delicate skin, soothing the pinch with her tongue and surely leaving a mark. A breathy moan fills the air and it takes you a moment to realize it came from you. 

Her lips trail lower, peppering hot, open-mouthed kisses along your collarbone. You shiver as her tongue flicks out to taste your skin. The hand on your hip slides inward, fingertips skimming teasingly along the inside of your thigh. 

You wrap your legs around her waist, pulling her in closer, desperate for more contact. She chuckles darkly against your throat, the vibrations sending sparks of pleasure racing down your spine. "I love it when you get like this," she murmurs approvingly. "All desperate and needy."

To punctuate her point, she rolls her hips, grinding against your center. The pressure and friction draw a keening whimper from your lips. Your hands fly up to grip her strong shoulders, nails digging into taut muscle through her shirt. 

Her lips glide over your skin, a delicate yet fervent touch, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. As she moves up from your jawline, each kiss ignites a spark, and her breath, hot and teasing, touches your neck, sending shivers racing down your spine. "I've been thinking about having you like this all night," she murmurs.

You whimper as her hands skim higher, thumbs brushing the undersides of your breasts through the thin fabric. She captures your lips in a searing kiss, tongue delving deep to claim your mouth, leaving you breathless and aching for more. 

She reaches up to pull your dress down, revealing your bare breasts. Her lips immediately latch onto one of your nipples, sucking and biting it gently. You arch into her touch, a moan escaping your parted lips as she places full attention on the sensitive bud. Her tongue flicks and swirls, sending jolts of pleasure straight to your core. 

Her other hand palms your neglected breast, kneading the supple flesh. She rolls the pebbled nipple between her fingers, pinching and tugging in time with the ministrations of her mouth, each pull sending another rush of heat flooding your body.

"So pretty, baby," she says, the words vibrating against your skin. She gives your nipple one last hard suck before trailing her lips across your chest to the other breast, circling her tongue around the straining peak. Her mouth is relentless, her tongue swirling and flicking over your nipple until it’s aching, her teeth grazing just enough to make you gasp. Her free hand slides down your stomach, fingers tracing the curve of your hip before slipping between your thighs. You’re already wet, your panties soaked through, and she groans against your skin as her fingers brush over the damp fabric.

Your head falls back as you cry out, hands fisting in her silky hair to hold her close. She smirks against your skin, clearly enjoying the reactions she's pulling from your trembling body. Your back arches involuntarily, pressing your body closer to hers as you desperately seek more of her touch, the sound of her soft chuckle making you shudder with pleasure.

"Patience," she whispers, the word barely audible as her fingers trace lazy circles around your clit through the lace of your underwear. The sensation is frustrating, and you can't help but whimper, your hips bucking involuntarily in search of more contact.

You can feel the wetness pooling between your legs, your body responding to her touch in ways you never thought possible. You already know she's jealous, you saw the way she looked at you earlier when you were talking to that other girl. But you can't help but feel thrilled at the way she's touching you now, as if she's trying to claim you as her own.

You lean back on your hands, your eyes locked on Paige's as she continues to tease you. Her gaze is intense, fiery, and you can see the possessiveness in her eyes. It sends a thrill down your spine, making you even more turned on. 

"You're mine," Paige murmurs, her voice low and husky, filled with an undeniable possessiveness. The words send a thrill throughout your body, making your heart race with excitement. “Say it.”

"I'm yours," you whisper back, your voice barely audible as the tension builds within you. You can feel the pressure growing more and more intense, your body aching for release. 

Paige's fingers finally slip under the waistband of your underwear, making contact with your sensitive skin. The feeling is electrifying, sending jolts of pleasure through your body. You cry out, your hips bucking wildly as she begins to stroke you. Her touch is firm and confident, her fingers expertly finding your most sensitive spots.

You feel yourself teetering on the edge of orgasm, your body trembling with anticipation. Paige's gaze is locked on yours, her eyes filled with a fierce intensity that makes you feel both vulnerable and powerful at the same time.

She leans in, her lips brushing against your ear as she whispers, "Come for me, baby."

And with those words, you finally let go, your body convulsing with pleasure as you cry out her name. Paige holds you close, her fingers still moving rhythmically as you ride out your orgasm. As the waves of your orgasm begin to subside, Paige pulls her fingers away from your clit. 

Before you can fully catch your breath, Paige is on you again. She moves with a speed and agility that takes you by surprise, pushing your back onto the counter with a force that leaves you momentarily stunned.

Your body splayed out beneath her, you feel a thrill of excitement run through you. You're completely at her mercy, and the thought is intoxicating. Paige's hand makes its way back to your throat, her grip firm and unyielding. She pins you to the counter by your throat, her body pressing against yours as she holds you in place.

You gasp at the sudden change in position, your heart racing with a combination of fear and excitement. The feeling of being completely dominated by Paige is both terrifying and exhilarating, sending a rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins. 

Paige's other hand slides back between your legs, her fingers finding your entrance with ease. You can feel yourself growing wetter with each passing moment, your body responding instinctually to her touch. She finds your g-spot easily, her fingers curling and pressing against it with just the right amount of pressure. You moan softly, your hips bucking as she begins to stroke you, her movements slow and deliberate at first, before building up to a feverish pace. 

But she’s not content with just bringing you to orgasm. She wants to claim you, to mark you as hers in every way possible. And as she continues to finger you, her grip on your throat tightening ever so slightly, you know that you're completely and utterly hers.

Paige's movements become more insistent, her fingers moving faster and harder as she brings you closer and closer to the edge. You can feel yourself teetering on the brink of another orgasm, your body writhing and bucking beneath her touch. Your breath comes in short, ragged gasps as she continues, her movements growing more frantic as she feels your body starting to give in to the pleasure. “Paige, I can’t… it’s too much.”

“Nah, baby, I’ve been so mean to you this week, I just wanna make it up to you.” You moan louder now, your voice echoing through the room as Paige brings you to new heights of pleasure. Your body feels like it's on fire, every nerve ending sparking with pleasure. “C’mon, I know you can take it.”

And then, with one final stroke, you reach the peak of your orgasm, your body convulsing and shaking as wave after wave of pleasure washes over you. Paige's fingers continue to move inside you, prolonging your orgasm and sending you spiraling into new heights of ecstasy. When it's all over, you collapse back onto the counter, your body spent and satisfied. Paige pulls her fingers away, a satisfied smirk on her face as she looks down at you, bringing her fingers to her mouth to suck at the remnants of your orgasm.

“Don’t look at me like that,” you snap, your voice sharper than you intended, though the heat in your cheeks betrays your embarrassment. You quickly move to fix your dress, suddenly feeling self-conscious now that the moment is over.

“I’m not looking at you like anything,” Paige replies, her voice steady but softer than usual. Still, her gaze doesn’t waver, her blue eyes fixed on you.

The silence in the apartment feels suffocating, filled with the weight of everything unspoken. The distant hum of the refrigerator is the only sound, an almost mocking contrast to the charged tension between you. Sitting on the edge of the kitchen counter, you swing your legs idly, trying to feign a casualness you don’t feel. The cool surface beneath you does little to soothe the heat creeping up your neck as Paige stands in front of you, close enough that her presence seems to fill the room.

When you finally look at her, expecting that same smug, self-satisfied smirk she’s perfected, you’re caught off guard. Her expression isn’t cocky; it’s something else entirely. The spark of amusement is gone, replaced by something heavier, something raw. Her blue eyes hold yours, steady and searching, as if she’s trying to find the words buried somewhere between you.

Paige shifts slightly, her hands resting on the counter on either side of your thighs. She takes a breath, her chest rising and falling in a way that betrays the steady confidence she usually exudes. For a split second, it feels like the world narrows down to just this moment, just the two of you.

Her voice finally breaks the silence, low and uncharacteristically serious. “You know we need to talk about everything.”

The words hang between you, heavy and undeniable. Her tone is firm but carries a vulnerability that makes your stomach twist. She’s not brushing this off or dancing around it like you half-expected. No teasing grin, no playful deflection—just a directness that makes it impossible to pretend this is something you can both walk away from unscathed.

Paige shifts her weight slightly, standing even closer now, the space between your legs shrinking until there’s barely any left. The warmth of her body radiates against you, and you suddenly feel hyper aware of every inch of space she occupies. Her eyes don’t leave yours, and you can tell she’s waiting, giving you the chance to push her away—or pull her closer.

But the way she looks at you, so open and unguarded, makes it hard to do either. It’s a stark contrast to the Paige who had been ignoring your texts all week, and yet, it feels so achingly familiar. You’re torn between wanting to stay guarded and giving in to the pull of the moment. Finally, you arch an eyebrow, your voice steady despite the swirl of emotions threatening to surface.

“Okay,” you say, your tone more challenging than you intended. “Start talking.”

Paige’s shoulders stiffen, and for a second, you think she might retreat into that wall of stoicism she hides behind so well. But then her jaw tightens, and she steps even closer, her closeness making your nervousness spike, but you don’t flinch, meeting her gaze head-on.

“I can’t stand seeing you with someone else,” she says, her words thick with frustration. “I don’t want you flirting, laughing, or even looking at anyone but me. I want you, Y/N. Only you. I want us to be exclusive. I’ll do better. Just… don’t ever do that again.”

Your breath catches, and you almost flinch at how accurately her words cut to the truth. Still, you say nothing, giving her the space to continue.

“I messed up,” she begins, her voice quiet but deliberate. “I know I’ve been distant. I know I’ve made you feel like you’re not important to me, like basketball or… anything else in my life comes before you.”

You swallow hard, your heart pounding in your chest as you try to maintain your composure, the snarky defense you’ve built up around yourself threatening to crack. You cross your arms, fighting to keep the sarcasm in your voice, even though your insides are a tangled mess of emotions.

“Exclusive, huh?” you challenge, your voice sharp, almost taunting, as you raise an eyebrow. Your arms are crossed tightly over your chest, creating a barrier between you and the vulnerability she’s suddenly laying at your feet. “And what happens when basketball gets in the way again? When I’m just another item on your to-do list?”

Paige flinches, just barely, but you catch it. The slight crack in her usually unshakable confidence stirs something in you—satisfaction, maybe, or guilt. You can’t quite tell. Her jaw tightens, the muscles working as if she’s biting back the first response that comes to mind. Instead, her gaze shifts, no longer carrying the frustration or defensiveness you’ve grown used to. Instead, there’s something softer, rawer, in the way she looks at you now. The intensity of her eyes locks you in place, her expression quietly pleading yet resolute.

“I’m not going to let that happen again,” Paige says, her voice low and steady. “I know I’ve screwed up before. I’ve made you feel like you’re not a priority, like you’re just… there, waiting for me to fit you in.” She pauses, the weight of her own admission hanging heavily between you. “But that’s not how I see you. That’s not what I want us to be.”

Her words hit you harder than you expected. There’s no rehearsed apology, no empty promises. Just a raw honesty that feels like she’s peeling back the layers she’s kept hidden from everyone else. Your heart twists, torn between holding onto your frustration and the pull of what she’s offering.

You narrow your eyes, unwilling to let her off the hook so easily. “And how do I know this isn’t just another one of your moments? That it won’t be the same cycle all over again?”

Paige exhales, her shoulders rising and falling with the weight of your skepticism. “Because I don’t want to lose you,” she says simply, her tone almost breaking. “Because when I saw you with her tonight, it felt like the ground was being ripped out from under me. I don’t want to feel that again, Y/N. I don’t want you to ever feel like you’re not enough, or that you’re not worth my time.”

You’re still sitting on the counter, and the height difference gives you a brief sense of power, though it doesn’t last long under the intensity of her gaze.

“You’re not some item on a list,” she continues, her voice softening as she tilts her head to meet your eyes. “You’re the list, Y/N. You’re the one thing that matters more than all of it. And if that means I have to rearrange my life, show up differently, or prove it to you every single day, then that’s what I’ll do.”

The vulnerability in her words catches you off guard. For a moment, all the anger and bitterness you’ve been clinging to starts to loosen its grip. Still, you’re not ready to let her win that easily. You raise an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly as if to study her, daring her to flinch under your scrutiny.

“You’re really laying it on thick, Bueckers,” you quip, though the usual sharpness in your tone is softened by the faintest hint of a smirk.

Paige’s lips twitch upward, a flicker of her usual confidence returning. “That’s because I mean it,” she counters, her voice steady. “I’m not going to let you walk away from this—not without fighting for you.”

You’re quiet for a moment, the air between you charged with unspoken feelings and the lingering tension of everything that’s gone unsaid for far too long.

“So, you’re telling me I’m the priority now?” you ask, your voice quieter this time, a little softer, though you keep your arms crossed in a weak attempt to shield yourself. There’s hesitation in your tone, an uncertainty you can’t quite hide, but the words still slip past your lips. “Not basketball, not your schedule, not the team?”

Paige doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t waver. Her blue eyes hold yours with an intensity that pins you in place, her conviction written all over her face. “Yes,” she says, her voice steady, as though the truth of it is something she’s carried for a long time. “You. Only you, Y/N.”

You look down at where her hands rest, then back up to meet her eyes—those piercing blue eyes that seem to hold nothing but honesty and a hint of fear, as if she’s bracing for your rejection. Your defenses falter. The weight of her confession, the raw emotion in her voice, the way she’s standing there, so vulnerable—it all seeps into the cracks of your resolve. Slowly, your arms drop to your sides, the tension in your shoulders easing as you exhale a shaky breath.

“Paige,” you murmur, your voice quieter now, fueled with something more forgiving. “If you screw this up—”

“I won’t,” she interrupts, her voice firm but not forceful. Her hands slide up slightly, resting on your hips now, anchoring herself to you. “I swear to you, Y/N. I won’t.”

You hold her gaze for another long moment, searching her face for any sign of doubt. But all you see is determination—determination and something deeper, something so achingly familiar it makes your heart clench.

“Okay,” you whisper, the word barely audible, but it’s enough. Enough to make Paige’s expression soften, her shoulders relax, and a spark of hope flicker in her eyes.

Her grip on your hips tightens slightly as she steps closer, standing between your legs, her face just inches from yours now. “Okay?” she repeats, as if she can’t quite believe it.

“Okay,” you say again, your voice steadier this time. You tilt your head slightly, a small, almost teasing smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “But you’d better back it up, Bueckers. I’m not making this easy for you.”

Paige chuckles softly, a sound filled with relief and affection. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Before you can respond, she leans in, her hands sliding up to cup your face gently, her thumbs brushing against your cheeks. She hesitates for the briefest moment, giving you a chance to pull away, but when you don’t, she closes the distance.

The kiss is slow at first, almost tentative, as if she’s trying to convey everything she can’t put into words. But it doesn’t take long for the intensity to build, for her to pour every ounce of her emotions into the connection. Her lips move against yours with a mix of passion and desperation, and you can feel her heartbeat pounding in sync with your own.

Your hands find their way to her shoulders, then slide up to thread through her hair, pulling her closer as you kiss her back with just as much fervor. The tension, the anger, the frustration of the past week melts away, replaced by a warmth that spreads through your chest like wildfire.

When she finally pulls back, both of you are breathing hard, foreheads resting together. Paige’s eyes search yours, her lips curling into a small, almost shy smile. “I’ll make it up to you, Y/N. Every day. You’ll see.”

You can’t help but smile back, your fingers still tangled in her hair. “You’d better,” you reply, your tone soft but teasing. “Because I’m holding you to it.”

Paige grins, and for the first time in what feels like forever, it feels like everything is falling into place.

[foreingersgod]

Dress . PB

pairing: paige bueckers x reader

synopsis: you and paige weren’t just friends…but not quite girlfriends either despite your mutual feelings. you’d been longing for the day she’d finally make a move, and upon conspiring tactic to get her to confess her feelings, you finally get your wish.

you hated to love it.

hated the tension, loved the thrill. hated the uncertainty, loved the chase. hated the dull ache in your chest that longed for her, loved the way she made you feel.

it was a tango that you and paige had fallen quite familiar with throughout the years. not just friends, but certainly not girlfriends. the attraction had been there since you met her a lifetime ago, but the both of you couldn't find it in yourselves to throw your entire friendship away-even if that did mean letting something far more beautiful blossom.

it was unbelievably frustrating. the stolen glances, the way her hand always seemed to find yours, the lingering hugs that always lasted far too long-it was all there, like a punch to the gut. it was meant to be, the devotion and the passion, yet neither of you were willing to act on it and risk it all.

you so badly wished you could finally kiss her, feel her soft lips on yours. the urge to feel more than just the supple skin of her hands but feel the entirety of her weight underneath you. your entire being longed for paige, and it only made it more painful that you couldn't have her.

but the desperation overruled the pain, and you'd come to the conclusion that you'd had enough. no more pining and anticipation, silence and patience, and no more desperately waiting. if paige wasn't going to finally admit her feelings on her own, then you'd take matters into your own hands.

it started out simple in your head, a lot more straight forward than what it actually was, but what's love without a little mess? a little harmless flirting, a few well-placed comments, just enough to egg her on; and tonight was the perfect night to set it all into motion.

paige had invited you to tag along to the team's "end of season gala" last weekend and you happily obliged. though, at the time you had no intention of conspiring a plan to corner paige into confessing your feelings for one another. but as you walked the streets of downtown, window shopping for a suitable dress for the evening, the idea flickered alive in your mind.

something just enough to make her jealous-make her realize what she's missing out on.

a dangerous mix, a fool proof plan, right in the palm of your hands. it would be near impossible for her to back away when you were clad in a low-cut neckline as you courted your way to her heart. it was a beautiful gown, not too flashy, but it had a sort of charm to it. the moment you saw it draped over the mannequin in the store, you knew it was the one. a dress curated just for paige to see you in.

you felt a shift in the air as you shimmied it on in front of your mirror, smoothing the fabric down with shaky hands. tonight, could make or break your friendship and you were scared shitless. she meant everything to you, but you weren't sure you could go another second without making your interest known.

the gala was a blur of laughter and music as soon as you stepped through the door. everyone seemed to be having a goodtime, paige's teammates-your mutual friends-coming up to greet you as you made your rounds. you tried your best to stay engaged in your conversations, offering an agreeable response every so often, but your mind was already elsewhere. you were here for one person, after all.

you could see out of the corner of your eye that she was standing across the room, caught in conversation with azzi and kk, the soft glow of the dim lighting illuminating her features. she was dressed in a white button up with a black blazer and black slacks to match. if you didn't know any better, you would've assumed she wore that just so you'd notice.

you took a deep breath, trying to keep yourself focused, but it was useless. she was undeniably hypnotizing. every time she moved, every time she flashed that brilliant smile or threw her head back in laughter, it was like you were gravitating towards her.

as if on cue, paige turned. her lips curled when she saw you, eyes moving down your body when she noticed your attire. she ushered you over without hesitation and you nervously obliged. now was as good of a time as any to make your move.

"hey!" you beamed as you reached the trio, offering a warm smile and a small wave. kk and azzi were quick to greet you back, pulling you in for a brief hug, but paige kept her distance. instead, she muttered a breathy 'hey' back, her eyes still glued on you.

"everything looks so great, i'm having so much fun!" you attempted to talk to paige again, nudging her with your arm playfully "thanks for inviting me paige"

she gulped at the contact, looking into your eyes and then down to the ground to avoid your gaze. you bit back a smile, knowing exactly where the awkwardness was coming from so suddenly. but you couldn't pat yourself on the back too soon, there was still a lot left to set in motion.

you started light, giggling a little bit too long at azzi's jokes, just enough to catch paige's attention. then you'd let your fingers trail up the length of her arm, resting your hand on her shoulder with a gentle squeeze. and that really caught her attention. you watched as paige's jaw clenched, her eye's darkening at the sight of the two of you in such close contact. and as the conversation went on, you may or may not have let a few comments slip about how beautiful azzi looked tonight.

before you knew it, you were full on filirting with azzi right in front of paige, trying to get a rise out of her as quick as possible. and it was working too-the whispers in azzi's ear, the twirling of your hair around your finger, the movement of your tongue to jut out against your bottom lip. it was beginning to drive paige crazy and you could tell.

eventually, as the night came to a halt, kk and azzi said their goodbyes and headed out. but paige stayed put, leaving the two of you alone in the outskirts of the celebration. her eyes burned into you as she tried to find the right words to say, but ultimately, you were left in a rigid silence.

"so," she spoke suddenly "you looked nice tonight, i forgot to mention it earlier"

you smiled, genuinely this time, the whole point of the dress quickly forgotten as her words flooded your mind. her tone was sweet and real, and it make your heart flutter.

"oh yeah" you said timidly. now it was your turn to avoid eye contact "yeah, thank you"

"i know what you were doing, by the way" she blurted again, stopping another silent episode before it had the chance to settle. her abruptness caught you off guard.

you blinked, feigning innocence, testing the waters "what do you mean?"

she huffed softly; anxiety written all over her face. a strong hand came to scratch at the back of her neck before she moved closer towards you, head dipping just next to your ear.

"you know what i mean" you bit your lip at the drop of her voice, feeling the resistant energy radiating off of her. it was no secret, the both of you were stalling, waiting for the other to make a move "you've been messing with me. and it's working"

"yeah?" you cleared your throat, trying to hide the fact that you were terrified for what was yet to come. but still, you mustered up the courage you'd been yearning for all night, and let a whisper fall from your parted lips "'cause this dress? bought it just for you, paige"

she groaned shamelessly at your boldness, head falling as her forehead rested against the edge of your collarbone.

"don't say that" she said "because i don't think i'll be able to help myself"

"paige," and everything stops when she hears you say her name again. her fingers brushed against your waist, balancing on the edge of letting herself go and running away "i don't want you to help yourself"

and finally, something in her clicked. like all the tiptoeing around each other and the pretending was left to the past. it was as if a dam had been broken, all the quite longing rushing to the surface. there was no more second guessing, no more wondering about the "what-ifs?". there was only the indisputable truth; she didn't want to be your best friend anymore, she just wanted to be yours. and as she pulled back away from you, her expression contorted into something much rawer and more certain. you knew that there was no turning back now.

"please tell me that this isn't a dream" her voice cracked as she spoke.

you just shook your head, already missing the feeling of her touch. she swallowed hard, nodding back at you before she grabbed your wrist.

"i've been wanting this longer than you know" she was tugging you towards the exit, leading you out of the party so quick that you didn't have a chance to say goodbye to the rest of your friends. but you didn't mind one bit "but i've been scared. and i don't want to be scared anymore"

"me neither" you said as you raced across the parking lot towards her car.

"tell me this is what you wanted" she paused in front of the passenger's side door, lingering on the door handle to let you in. she needed you to confirm that once and for all, that what she was about to do wasn't going to destroy you forever "before i do something that might fuck us up"

"you're not going to fuck us up paige" you reassured "please, i want this. i want you. it's all i've ever wanted"

and she just grinned, so big that her cheeks hurt. she couldn't believe that this was happening, that you were right here in front of her, saying every word she wanted to hear.

"YN, i think i'm in love with you" she wasn't about to hold back now. if she was going to do this, she was going to do this right and finally tell you the truth "and i'm sorry if that's too weird, or-or if that's too quick, but...i need you to know that"

"paige-"

"i'm serious. have been for years, and i'm an idiot for waiting for this long. i'm sorry that it took a stupid fucking gala, that it took-fuck" she cut herself off with a laugh of disbelief "that it took how jaw dropping you look in this dress right now. you deserve so much more than that and i can't apologize to you enough"

you closed the gap between you two, now chest to chest, her hand sliding off the cool metal of the handle in only to find solace on your waist. then, as if you couldn't wait any longer, you cupped her face and kissed her. so hard, so passionate, so needy that it knocked the air straight from your chest. she melted into you in an instant, one hand leaving your torso and coming up to tangle itself in your hair. her grip felt so rough, like she had you and never wanted to let you go.

with lips both numb and brains fuzzy, you pulled away reluctantly for air. paige pulled back, drawing your bottom lip between her teeth, enticing a strained whimper from you.

"i love you too," you panted "paige, i've always loved you"

the hand once in your hair came down to trace the curve of your jaw like she was memorizing this moment. her lips were swollen from the kiss, pupils blown wide, and the sight of her like this-because of you-sent shivers down your spine. it felt almost unreal, saying those words out loud. you would've spent an eternity there with paige; in this parking lot pressed up against the side of her car with your hands all over each other like you were some horny teenagers. it would have made you more than happy just to get to see this look in her eyes forever, like all the pieces in her life finally fit into place.

"you know," she grinned "i've spent so many nights thinking about this exact moment"

"oh really?" you teased, lips ghosting over hers again once more as she toyed with the flowy fabric of your gown.

"yeah," she hummed, ducking her head to press a kiss just below your ear "every fucking night"

gasping at the need for more, you kissed her again, pulling her back to you in an instant. you groaned against her, and she took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, her tongue brushing against yours in way that made your back arch instinctively.

"you know how i said i bought this dress for you?" you asked once the need for air became too strong again. she humored you with a nod, smirking as you leveraged yourself on your tiptoes to purr into her ear "i actually just bought it so you could take it off"

paige let out a low growl, fingers flexing against your skin possessively, portraying just how badly she wanted you.

"that so?"

"mhm," you could feel the excitement rumbling deep within your stomach "so what're you waiting for?"

"oh baby," she chuckled, reaching behind her to finally open the car door for you. you glanced at her tantalizingly as you pushed yourself off of her, climbing into the seat eagerly "you have no idea what you just started"

heat flooded through you, biting back an uncontrollable smile. this reality was finally yours-no more hiding your feelings, no more waiting.

tonight, you were hers.

[prettygirl-gabi]

Title: Spicy Noodles Challenge

Rating: General Audiences

Warning: paige being a tease, Paige almost losing her life.

Paring: Paige Bueckers x fem reader x Azzi Fudd

Fandom: UConn's Women's basketball

Summary: spicy ramen and sheer willpower

TikTok Live was rolling, the ring light illuminating my face as I stared at the terrifyingly red bowl of noodles in front of me. Aubrey and Caroline sat beside me, all of us mentally preparing for what we were about to endure. The rest of the UConn women’s basketball team was gathered around us, off-camera but fully invested in our suffering.

"Alright, y’all," Aubrey said dramatically, looking at the screen. "We’re doing the spicy noodle challenge, and I already know I’m not making it out alive."

"Me either," Caroline added, shaking her head. "Why did I let y’all talk me into this?"

I scoffed. "Y’all got nothing to worry about. I have a reputation to uphold."

The comments were already flying in.

@p.y.aluver: "Y/n's about to humble everyone."

@UConnsfavtoy: "Paige and Azzi gon’ clown her if she starts crying."

@Purplepaigepurples: "Why do I feel like Aubrey is gonna tap out first?"

Paige and Azzi were standing behind me, flanking either side like my own personal hype squad—and personal menace squad. Paige rested her chin on the top of my head, peering down at my bowl.

"You sure about that, babe?" she teased. "‘Cause that looks lethal."

Azzi smirked, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "Don’t get cocky now. You know you can’t handle spice."

I nudged her off me. "Y’all are so fake. Where’s the encouragement?"

Azzi patted my back. "You got this, baby."

Paige shrugged. "Yeah. You got this, but if you cry, just know I’m laughing."

KK Arnold snickered from the side. "You already know Paige and Azzi about to be the worst cheerleaders."

"I am offended," Paige said dramatically. "I support my girl in every way."

Azzi nodded. "Yeah, we just support her… with a little bit of clowning included."

Aubrey clapped her hands. "Okay, okay, less talking, more suffering. Let’s go."

We counted down together.

"Three… two… one—go!"

I took my first bite, and immediately, I felt the heat punch me in the throat. The spice didn’t creep up—it attacked. My tongue burned, my lips tingled, and my throat felt like I had swallowed actual fire.

Beside me, Aubrey was already gagging. "Nah. Nope. I’m out."

Caroline had taken one bite and was chugging her water like her life depended on it.

I powered through, despite my taste buds screaming at me to stop. My eyes watered, my nose was already running, and I could feel Paige and Azzi watching me, waiting for me to break.

"You good, baby?" Azzi asked, rubbing my back.

I nodded, swallowing another bite. "Yup."

Paige tilted her head. "Are you crying?"

I shot her a glare. "No."

The comments were going crazy.

@paxazxyn35: "Y/N IS STRUGGLING OMG LMAOOO."

@aubreyslefttoe: "Paige just wants to see her suffer 💀"

@ynrealluver: "Aubrey is already gone, Caroline is barely hanging on, but Y/N IS STILL FIGHTING."

Azzi handed me a napkin as I sniffled. "Babe, your nose—"

I wiped my nose quickly, taking another bite even though my throat felt like sandpaper.

"She’s fighting for her life," Ice Brady laughed.

"Ice, be useful and get me some milk," I croaked out, voice slightly hoarse.

Paige raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you need something?"

I exhaled, trying to cool my mouth down. "Yes, I need milk, now."

Paige smirked, holding up a glass of milk she had magically produced from somewhere. "I’ll give it to you… but you gotta kiss me for it."

I stared at her, deadpan. "Paige. Madison. Bueckers, if you don’t hand me that damn milk—"

Azzi, bless her soul, grabbed a different glass from the side and handed it to me before I committed a crime. "Here, baby."

I immediately chugged the milk, sighing in relief as the burn subsided slightly.

Paige pouted. "Wow, Azzi. You’re ruining my fun."

Azzi rolled her eyes. "You were gonna ruin your own fun when she knocked you out on live."

I slammed my glass down dramatically, after regaining the ability to truly speak. "I WIN. I FINISHED IT ALL."

The team burst into cheers and laughter, clapping for me.

"A TRUE CHAMPION," Aubrey declared, even though she had up two minutes ago.

Caroline wiped her own watery eyes. "I don’t know how you did that."

"Sheer willpower," I said, sniffling.

Paige kissed the top of my head. "Proud of you, baby. Even though you look like you just fought for your life."

Azzi cupped my cheeks, looking at me with faux concern. "Do you regret it, though?"

I leaned into her hands, sighing dramatically. "Yes."

Paige and Azzi both laughed before kissing me on either cheek at the same time.

"Never doing that again," I mumbled, still sniffling.

The chat was blowing up with laughing emojis and comments, but the best part? The stolen kisses, the teasing, and the way my girlfriends never let me suffer too much.

---

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

-Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

-prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[bueckers555]

JEALOUSY — paige bueckers x reader

summary: in which, you and paige have a strict friends with benefits deal. so, why the hell do you feel some typa way seeing her hugged up on someone else?

warnings: smut (w like a LITTLE plot? idek anymore), fingering, spitting (? ho idk)

authors note. this is so bad but idk im lowkey running out of ideas IM NOT CREATIVE so i hope this doesn’t sound repetitive?

You wanted nothing more than to go home and forget everything.

The diner was loud as hell—UConn girls packed around a long, sticky table, plates of fries and half-eaten burgers scattered everywhere, the air thick with grease and laughter.

Paige was at the far end, her blonde hair loose, her hoodie slung over the back of her chair, manspread and leaned back like she owned the damn place. She was leaning in close to Azzi—too close—her best friend, her teammate, her fuckin’ shadow lately.

Azzi said something, her curls bouncing as she laughed, and Paige’s hand brushed her arm—light, casual, but it hit you like a punch to the gut.

It shouldn’t have hit as hard as it did, but suddenly you wanted to jump across the table and get them far apart from each other.

You forced yourself to stare at your flat Coke, your fries cold, your stomach twisting—jealousy, green and ugly, clawing up your throat.

You and Paige had been fucking around for a while now. Your little friends with benefits deal had been a good idea at first. No strings, no feelings. No jealousy.

That was the deal—had been since the first time she fucked you in her dorm, her hands all over you, her moans in your ear, no feelings, just sex.

It worked up until now, watching her grin at Azzi, her voice low and flirty, her eyes flicking to her like you didn’t exist. You knew you couldn’t say shit—couldn’t storm over, couldn’t claim her—and that might’ve just pissed you off even more.

“Yo, you good?” KK voice broke you out of your trance, elbowing you, her brows furrowed as she shoved a fry in her mouth. “You’re quiet as fuck.”

“Yeah, just—hot in here,” you mumbled, your voice tight, shoving your chair back, the legs scraping loud against the floor. “Gonna hit the bathroom.” You didn’t wait for a reply—stood fast, your shorts riding up, your tank clinging to your skin, your heart pounding as you weaved through the diner, past the jukebox, the buzzing neon signs, ‘til you hit the grimy bathroom door—pushing it open, the door clicking behind you.

The sink was cold under your hands, the mirror smudged, your reflection a mess—cheeks flushed, eyes dark, jealousy eating you alive.

You splashed water on your face, your breath shaky, trying to cool off, trying to shove down the stupid fuckin’ feelings you weren’t supposed to have. The door creaked—fuck—and you spun, Paige slipping in and locking the door behind her, her white tee riding up a bit, her grey sweats hanging loosely on her hips, her eyes low and locked on you, that smirk tugging her lips—cocky, knowing.

“Caught you,” she said, her voice low, rough, stepping closer, the door clicking shut behind her, the diner noise muffled. “You’re all pissy—what’s up?” Her hand brushed your hip—light, teasing—her head tilting, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulder, her scent hitting you—sweat, vanilla, her.

You laughed—bitter, sharp—shoving her hand off, your chest tight. “Fuck off, Paige,” you snapped, your voice trembling, stepping back ‘til your ass hit the sink. “Go back to your new lil play thing. See if I care.” Jealousy spilled out—raw, messy—you couldn’t stop it even if you desperately wanted to. And you did.

Her smirk faded, her eyes narrowing—dark, hungry—grabbing your wrists, pinning them to the sink, her body pressing yours, her thigh shoving between your legs—hard, sudden—your pussy grinding against her through your shorts, wet heat flaring.

“Play thing? That how it is?” she murmured, her voice gravelly, her lips close—not kissing, just breathing you in. “You’re my fuckin’ girl—Azzi’s just a friend.”

You tried your best not to roll your eyes. You failed.

“You jealous? That’s cute, ma—turns me on.” Her thigh flexed, rubbing your cunt, your moan slipping out—soft, desperate—her grin growing, filthy.

“Fuck you,” you muttered, your voice weak, your hands tugging at her shirt, pulling her closer even as you cursed her, your pussy soaking—folds slick—your no-strings rule cracking, jealousy fueling the heat. “You don’t get to flirt then fuck me like it’s nothing”

“Nah?” she questioned with an arched brow, her voice thick, yanking your tank up fast—your tits bouncing free, nipples hard—her hands cupping them, squeezing rough, her thumbs flicking, your back arching.

“Feels like I can.” her murmur made goosebumps rise on your skin.

She shoved your shorts down, your cunt dripping—glistening—her fingers plunging in—two, deep—your cum leaking, your moan loud, bouncing off the tiles.

“Paige—shit—” you gasped, your voice wrecked, your hands clawing her shoulders—nails digging—her fingers pumping—hard, fast—your pussy clenching, wet and messy, her other hand gripping your ass—spreading you. “Fuck—this jealous pussy’s so wet—mine, huh?”

“Fuck—yes—yours—” you groaned, your voice breaking, your cunt spasming, cum flooding her fingers—sticky, hot—dripping down her wrist, splattering the floor, your thighs shaking, clit throbbing as she fucked you through it—nasty, relentless—her breath huffing, her eyes locked on yours—wild, possessive.

“Good fuckin’ girl,” she muttered, pulling out—fast—spinning you, your stomach on the sink, your ass up, your pussy dripping—wet, begging—her hand smacking your cheek—sharp, loud—your skin stinging, your cunt clenching, her fingers sliding back in—three now—stretching you wide, fucking deep, the sink rattling, her other hand yanking your hair—hard—her lips at your ear, growling, “Still jealous? Or you gonna cum for me again?”

“Paige—God—please—” you sobbed, your face a mess, her breath hot on your neck, her teeth biting your shoulder—hard, possessive, breaking skin.

Your folds felt fucked raw, pulsing, her fingers ruthless—slamming, curling, her thumb pressing, pinching your clit—nasty, fast—her spit hitting your pussy—wet, messy—her moans loud, her dominance peaking, fucking you like she owned you.

“Take it—fuckin’ take it,” she groaned, her voice rough, her fingers pumping—wild, sloppy—your pussy gushing, cum flooding her hand, splattering the sink, your thighs trembling, clit swollen, her jealousy kink flaring, her top energy unhinged. “Cum—now,”

Your body shook—cum gushing—hot, wet—soaking her fingers, her wrist, the floor, your thighs shaking, ass bouncing, your vision blurring as she fucked you through it—hard, nasty—her own cum leaking, dripping down your leg, her moan loud—real—her body tensing, shuddering, her fingers slowing, her breath ragged, her grip softening, possessive.

“Fuck—Paige—” you panted, your voice weak, your pussy still twitching—wet, raw—your hands gripping the sink, her body slumped against you, her chest heaving, her lips brushing your neck—sloppy, warm—her breath sticky, her cum on you, yours on her.

“Still mad?” she muttered, her voice hoarse, her fingers sliding out—slow, teasing—her cum-coated hand smearing your thigh, her grin faint, cocky, her dominance still buzzing. “You’re my fuckin’ girl—no strings, but mine.”

“Yeah,” you mumbled, your voice thick, your pussy still dripping, your head spinning, the diner noise faint outside—teammates laughing, oblivious—the bathroom a mess, jealousy burned out in the heat of her, the no-strings rule bent but not broken, just fucked into place.

[feelingalive]

A first meeting scenario....

[skiesuconn]

Lost in Argentina | Chapter 2

From Tangled Limbs to Tangled Plans Pairing: Paige Buecker | Azzi Fudd WC: 20K

Synopsis: The journey’s just beginning, and Paige? Well, she’s always the first one up, ready to kickstart the day with a good deed. The team’s energy is buzzing as the morning sun warms the air, teasing Azzi and Paige relentlessly about last night’s little... situation.

The day’s rolling on, and it’s like a rom-com script come to life. Endless laughter, spontaneous kisses, and all the moments that make you go, yeah, this is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s the kind of love you only find when you’re somewhere like Argentina—where everything feels a little more alive, a little more possible.

By the end of it all? It's the perfect note to close the day. It’s safe to say, this whole week? Pure, uninterrupted fun. With some twists. Frankie's note: I had so much fun writing this, especially the beach scenes with the team and all their ridiculous jokes—I was literally laughing my ass off while thinking about it. I really enjoyed putting this together, and thanks so much for all the support! Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know what you think, mwah

Paige woke to the soft glow of morning slipping through the too-thin curtains, the air still cool, the world outside just starting to stir. For a moment, she stayed in that hazy space between sleep and waking, eyes half-lidded, brain sluggish. Then she felt it—warmth.

Azzi.

Paige blinked fully awake, heart giving a small, stupid flutter as she registered the way they were tangled together. Limbs overlapping, Azzi’s arm draped across Paige’s waist, her face tucked into the curve of Paige’s shoulder, her breathing slow and steady. It was the kind of mess that only happened after nights spent too close, when even an inch of space between them felt like too much.

Not that Paige was complaining.

But also—her arm was asleep. Completely numb. And, yeah, she really had to pee.

Carefully, like she was defusing a bomb, Paige started extracting herself. She moved in slow increments, biting her lip, hyper-aware of every tiny shift in Azzi’s breathing. When she finally managed to slip free, she hesitated, glancing back down at Azzi, who was still fast asleep, soft curls spilling over the pillow.

Paige reached for the sheets, tucking them around her with the kind of gentle care she’d never admit to out loud. Just enough to keep her warm, but not too tight. Like a protective little cocoon.

Azzi sighed in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent. Paige froze, but she didn’t wake. Angel behavior.

She stood there for a second, just looking.

Azzi’s face was completely relaxed, all the tension she carried during the day nowhere to be found. She looked peaceful. Beautiful. Paige felt something in her chest tighten, a kind of quiet, overwhelming fondness settling into her bones.

God. She was so screwed.

With a quiet sigh, Paige slipped out of the room, padding barefoot through the hallway and out into the early morning air.

The streets of Argentina were calm, bathed in that soft golden light that made everything look a little dreamlike. A gentle breeze carried the faint strumming of a guitar from somewhere in the distance. The city was waking up, stretching, yawning.

Paige knew exactly where she was going.

She made her way down the street, weaving through a few early risers, until she spotted the little flower stand she’d seen the other day. It was tucked beneath a striped awning, small but overflowing with color. Bouquets of roses, sunflowers, daisies—each one wrapped in crisp brown paper, waiting to be chosen.

The woman behind the stand had warm eyes and the kind of energy that immediately put Paige at ease.

She scanned the flowers like she was making the most important decision of her life. Then she saw them—pink and white lilies, delicate and soft, with little sprigs of baby’s breath nestled between the petals. They just felt like Azzi.

Paige pointed at them and, with all the confidence of someone who was absolutely winging it, said, “Para mi novia.”

The woman’s eyes twinkled. She didn’t say anything, just started wrapping the bouquet with practiced grace, her hands careful and precise.

“Es hermoso,” she said warmly as she handed them over.

Paige hesitated, then pulled out a tip and passed it to her. The woman’s face lit up, and before Paige could fully register what was happening, she was being pulled into a brief but incredibly heartfelt hug.

Okay. Unexpected. But kind of… really nice. ━

By the time Paige made it back to bed, it was 8:30, and Azzi was still fully dead to the world. Face smushed against the pillow, one arm flopped out dramatically like she’d fought off some demons in her sleep, a soft little snore escaping her every few seconds.

Paige bit back a smile. No, actually, screw that—she grinned like an idiot.

There was something about Azzi when she was asleep. She looked so unguarded, so effortlessly soft in a way she rarely let herself be when she was awake. Paige swore it was one of her favorite things in the world—right up there with buzzer-beaters, ice cream straight from the carton, and absolutely obliterating Azzi in 2K (which only happened like… twice, but that’s beside the point).

Paige didn’t waste another second. She slipped under the covers, slow and careful, until she was right there—right next to her, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from Azzi’s body. And like clockwork, Azzi shifted in her sleep, her subconscious apparently recognizing Paige like muscle memory.

Her hand found Paige’s waist like it belonged there. She burrowed in without hesitation, face pressing into Paige’s collarbone, a sleepy little sigh leaving her lips as she melted into the warmth she always, always sought out.

Yeah. Paige was done for.

Her arms moved on their own, wrapping around Azzi’s body, holding her close, heart swelling like some dumb rom-com protagonist. She let her fingers wander, tracing slow, featherlight circles into Azzi’s back before moving up, up, up into her hair—curling and uncurling soft strands between her fingers.

God, she loved Azzi’s hair. She loved the way it felt, the way it framed her face, the way Azzi got all self-conscious about it even though it was easily the most beautiful thing ever.

Paige leaned in, pressing the lightest kiss to the top of Azzi’s head. Then, because she was feeling brave (and also because no one could call her out for it when Azzi was still asleep), she kissed the spot just beneath her ear, where her skin was warm and impossibly soft.

Azzi made a noise. A barely-there, sleep-heavy mumble that sounded a lot like Paige’s name.

Paige froze. Then smiled. Then did it again.

It was addicting, okay? The way Azzi melted into her touch, the way she clung just a little tighter, the way Paige could literally feel the trust between them in every tiny movement.

She tightened her grip, one last squeeze, one last gentle stroke of her fingers through Azzi’s hair. The room was still, quiet in that way mornings always were before the world fully woke up. Paige felt her own eyelids drooping, the comfort of Azzi’s warmth pulling her under like a weighted blanket straight from heaven.

But before she fully gave in, she reached blindly for her phone on the nightstand, squinting against the brightness as she set an alarm for 9:10. Enough time to sleep a little longer. Enough time to wake up slow, to have breakfast together, to just… be.

She let the phone slip from her fingers, exhaling a content sigh as she nuzzled closer. ━

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Paige groaned. Stupid alarm. Stupid responsibility. Stupid morning.

She blindly reached over, smacking at her phone until the beeping finally stopped. The screen glowed in the dim light, the time glaring back at her—9:10 AM—and right beneath it, an unread message.

Ice: “dude get up or i’m gonna eat yo breakfast, the plates too”

Paige snorted, thumbs already moving as she fired back.

Paige: “we’re going down soon, thanks 🙄”

She tossed her phone back onto the nightstand and turned her attention to something infinitely more important—Azzi.

Still dead to the world. Still tucked into her side, her face smushed against Paige’s shoulder in a way that should not be this cute.

Paige let herself look for a second. Just one. Because how could she not? Azzi’s face was soft with sleep, her lips slightly parted, her dimples peeking through even in unconsciousness. It was unfair. No one should look that good half-asleep.

Paige smiled, shifting just enough to press the lightest, softest kiss to Azzi’s nose—just a quick thing, careful not to startle her. Then, because she was technically a responsible adult (debatable), she gave Azzi a tiny nudge.

“Babe,” she murmured, voice still thick with sleep. “C’mon, we gotta get up.”

Azzi groaned dramatically, tightening her grip around Paige’s waist like she could physically stop time. “Nooo, baby,” she whined, voice muffled against Paige’s skin. “Five more minutes.”

Paige sighed. A helpless, head-over-heels, what-am-I-gonna-do-with-you kind of sigh.

Because yeah, sure, they technically had to get up. But also? She could stay like this forever. The way Azzi felt against her, warm and impossibly soft, the way their skin pressed together, the way it was just them—close, connected, vulnerable in a way that made Paige’s heartache in the best possible way.

She tightened her hold just a little, her fingers tracing slow, absentminded shapes against Azzi’s back. “You’re making this really hard,” she muttered.

Azzi, still very much not awake, just hummed, snuggling even closer.

Paige groaned again—because seriously—but at the same time, she was grinning like an idiot

“Azzi, for real, we gotta move, or Ice is gonna inhale our breakfast.”

Paige sat up, already swinging her legs off the bed, but before she could even think about escaping, a hand shot out, yanking her right back down. She barely had a second to react before Azzi’s lips were on hers.

A dirty move. Unfair play.

Paige melted into it for a second—because, duh—but then she pulled back just enough to mumble, “Morning breath, Az. That toothpaste does not do you good.”

Azzi smirked, completely unbothered. “Don’t care. I love you.”

Paige sighed dramatically, pressing a quick kiss to Azzi’s cheek. “I love you more, baby.”

“Then stay.” Azzi’s arms looped around her waist, making zero effort to let her go.

Paige wanted to. God, she wanted to. But also? Food.

“Big head,” she said, trying to pry herself free. “We really have to get down for breakfast.”

Azzi cracked one eye open, her smirk turning downright dangerous. “There’s literally my breakfast in front of me.”

Paige choked. Visibly malfunctioned.

“Azzi,” she groaned, face already burning.

Azzi just grinned. So pleased with herself.

Paige huffed, running a hand down her face before leaning down to kiss Azzi’s forehead. “Baby, I know you’re ovulating, but we really have to get down there.”

Azzi made a small sound—half a nod, half a whiny moan—before finally, finally shifting under the covers.

That’s when Paige clocked it.

“Wait—are you naked under there?”

Azzi just grinned, stretching lazily.

Jesus Christ.

Paige exhaled through her nose, forcing herself to focus. Be strong, Paige. She grabbed Azzi’s bra from the chair and held it out. “C’mon, babe, let’s get you dressed.”

Azzi smirked, eyes way too mischievous. “Put it on me?”

Paige swallowed. Hard. “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

She moved slowly, soft, delicate, intentional. Slid the straps up Azzi’s arms, clasped the back with practiced ease. Her fingers lingered for a second, then she pressed a slow, lazy kiss to Azzi’s bare shoulder.

Azzi actually shivered.

Paige smirked. Good to know she wasn’t the only one suffering.

Shaking her head, Paige pulled herself together and threw on a grey USA Basketball T-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts. Her usual. She slipped on some cream slides, ran a hand through her messy bun, and called it a day. ━

Azzi stepped out of the bathroom, sliding into a beige, seashell-colored cover-up that clung to her curves in a way that made Paige lose her train of thought for a solid second. The material was just thin enough to be barely there, a whisper of fabric that made her skin glow in the soft light of the room. It was perfect for the warm Argentine weather, that sweet in-between stage where it’s hot enough for the beach, but still needing something light to wear. Her untamed curls framed her face effortlessly, and honestly, Paige swore she might actually throw herself off the balcony if she didn’t contain herself.

She bit down hard on her knuckles, desperately trying to stop herself from well, whistling, but there was no stopping the way her heart did a little flip every time Azzi moved. Every. Single. Time.

Azzi turned around, and Paige nearly went dizzy. The way Azzi’s back muscles shifted beneath the fabric, the subtle flex of her shoulders—it did something to Paige that she couldn’t even explain.

Paige smirked, fighting the urge to let out a wolf-whistle. “You look... decent, I guess,” she said casually, her voice as nonchalant as she could manage. But inside? She was doing backflips. Cartwheels (She can't do those, actually)

Azzi raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Decent?”

“Yeah,” Paige said, trying to keep her cool, even though she was about five seconds away from fainting. “I mean, you look... fine. Nothing special.”

Azzi leaned in, brushing a hand against Paige’s jaw. “You sure about that?”

Paige’s eyes drifted down to Azzi’s curves, and she grinned. “No, I’m not. If any man checks you out, I swear, I’m carrying you home myself.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but pressed a soft kiss to Paige’s lips, smirking as she pulled back. “Okay, big shot. Good luck with that.”

Paige grinned, completely wrapped up in the way Azzi moved. “I’m serious, babe. You’re making every guy within a mile radius regret not bringing sunglasses.”

Azzi laughed, tossing her hair back like she was born to be on a beach—and Paige? Well, she was ready to lose it.

Azzi slipped on some white slides, simple but perfect, and Paige could barely hold it together. “Wait, before we go,” Paige said, her voice all playful, “close your eyes.”

Azzi frowned but did it anyway, clearly suspicious. “Paige, please don’t tell me you got us a capybara.”

Paige’s eyes twinkled. “Open.”

Azzi opened her eyes slowly, expecting maybe some weird, Paige-style surprise—a capybara or whatever. But what she saw in front of her completely took her breath away. A bouquet of flowers—pink lilies and white lilies, soft and delicate but bold in their beauty. Azzi’s name practically screamed from the petals, but in the most subtle, perfect way.

Azzi’s breath caught, and she reached out, gently caressing the flowers. “Oh my God.” Her eyes softened as she examined them, running her fingers along the soft petals like she couldn’t quite believe they were real.

Paige stood there, a little nervous, but mostly excited. “So, do you like it?”

Azzi turned to her, a small smile spreading across her face. “Are you serious? Of course I like it. You just… you just know what I like.”

Paige smiled, feeling a little shy. “Well... I might’ve gotten a little lucky.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, the sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Lucky? With that advanced vocabulary of yours?”

Paige grinned. “Let’s just say I keep my streak on Duolingo strong.”

Azzi chuckled, giving her a playful shove. “You’re getting it.”

Paige’s face lit up, heart racing at the way Azzi looked at her. “I’m trying, okay? I’m trying real hard.”

Azzi gave her one last look at the bouquet before pulling Paige into a soft kiss. “I love you. And I love this.”

“Glad you do,” Paige murmured against her lips. “You deserve it.”

And for a moment, there was nothing but Azzi, the bouquet, and the connection between them that was starting to feel like something more than just a day at the beach. A lot more.

━ The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and the scent hit them instantly—freshly brewed coffee, warm pastries, and that perfect morning air that promised the start of something good. Paige’s eyes fluttered, taking in the smell, a mix of vanilla and that rich coffee aroma that made her want to dive face-first into a croissant. Azzi beside her inhaled deeply, her lips curving into a soft smile as the warmth of the space wrapped around them.

Paige caught the movement of the long buffet bar in the distance, stacked high with an assortment of fresh fruits—oranges, berries, and sliced melon—along with golden, flaky croissants that practically screamed her name. The buffet was lined with neatly arranged eggs, bacon, sausages, and all sorts of meats, their warm aroma mixing with the pastries in the air. Everything was carefully laid out beneath soft lighting, giving it all a slightly dreamlike quality, like they were stepping into a gourmet dream.

Paige spotted Ice, Nika, and Lili right away, their familiar faces standing out amidst the breakfast crowd, and without missing a beat, she nudged Azzi toward the table where they were sitting. The morning buzz of laughter, clinking silverware, and the hum of quiet conversations filled the air around them, but Paige's focus was squarely on the crew waiting for them. She wasn’t great at multitasking, so she let her instincts guide her as they weaved through the crowd.

Azzi, glancing over at the menu with a mild sense of unease, noticed that some dishes had pictures for easy navigation—thank God for that, considering Paige’s Spanish wasn’t exactly top-notch. Paige, with the confidence of someone who pretended to know what she was doing, pointed to a picture of eggs and chorizo with a proud grin plastered on her face. “I’ll have… this one.”

She looked so proud, but it was clear by the way she paused and squinted at the photo that she was just guessing at what the dish was. Azzi, trying her best not to burst out laughing, shot Paige an amused look but decided to get her own order in. She tapped the picture of a vegetarian dish, clearly trying to dodge any further need for butchering Spanish. "I’ll have this," she said casually, trying to keep her voice steady. "Looks light."

Lili, who had clearly come to the same conclusion, added with a smile, "I’ll have the same. Vegetarian for me." She was always so simple and to the point, making Paige grin.

Paige gave a big thumbs up to Lili, her grin widening. “Good choice. Looks like we’re all on the ‘I don’t know what the hell I’m ordering’ train today.”

Azzi shot her a look, but there was no denying the soft chuckle that escaped her. It was a familiar dynamic, this easy back-and-forth, and Paige wouldn’t have it any other way.

When they reached the table, Paige immediately pulled out Azzi’s chair with a dramatic flourish. “After you,” she said with a grin, making sure to emphasize the queen part. It earned an exaggerated eye roll from Azzi, but the way Azzi’s lips curved into a soft smile made it clear that she didn’t mind the attention.

"Here we go," Nika teased from across the table, her eyes practically twinkling with mischief. "The official ‘Paige, stop simping’ moment of the day."

Paige shot her a playful glare, but it was all in good fun. She quickly dabbed her teammates up, giving them a quick fist bump before sitting down. “You know you love it,” Paige said smoothly, throwing Nika a wink that made the whole table laugh.

"I’ve got a front-row seat to all of this," Nika smirked, leaning back in her seat like she was watching a show. "Who’s gonna say it first?"

"Say what first?" Azzi asked, eyes narrowing as she caught on to the teasing game. She was already onto them, but Paige could tell she was curious.

"Y’all heard about the thin walls, right?" Ice, ever the instigator, leaned forward with that shit-eating grin of hers, clearly itching to stir the pot.

Paige froze mid-reach for her coffee, her hand hovering awkwardly in the air. The words hit her like a brick wall, and her eyes widened in realization. She nearly choked on her sip, coughing and sputtering as she tried to clear her throat. "I do not know what you’re talking about," she managed to force out, sounding a little too defensive.

Azzi, noticing Paige’s sudden fluster, leaned closer, placing her hand under the table. Her finger brushed softly against Paige’s, offering a quiet, unspoken reassurance. The touch was comforting, grounding. Azzi couldn’t help but laugh quietly at Paige’s reaction, the soft sound making Paige’s ears go hot.

Ice leaned back in her chair, taking a smug sip of her own coffee. "Well, you know, the hotel staff was making rounds last night, around midnight or so, checking who was making all that noise on the fourth floor."

The tension was thick, but Paige—with her typically playful deflection—shot Ice a look that could only be described as a “seriously?” kind of glare. The others at the table chuckled, but Paige only sighed dramatically. "Seriously?" She shot a glance at Azzi, who was now trying not to laugh too hard at the situation, clearly playing along with the whole thing. Paige wanted to die a little, but her heart thudded in her chest as she tried to pretend she was completely fine.

"Let’s just say," Ice continued, practically twinkling with mischief, "I’m pretty sure they know exactly what room you’re in."

"Don’t even start," Paige grumbled, but deep down, she was laughing with Azzi too, though she would never admit it.

Paige and Azzi shot each other a look, their faces turning the brightest shade of red as the memory came rushing back to them. They both knew exactly what Ice was referring to—those very same noises that, despite their best efforts, couldn’t be erased from their minds. Paige quickly cleared her throat, her hand reaching for her water as a weak attempt to mask the embarrassment burning in her cheeks. "I’m pretty sure it was just… a loud TV, or something," she stammered, her words a little too quick. "You know, the tele novela here is real dramatic," Paige added.

Nika, always quick to back her up, jumped in with unwavering confidence, "Yeah! It's like, real intense here. The drama’s on another level." She raised her coffee cup with mock seriousness, pretending to be lost in thought as if she was an expert on Latin American soap operas. "So much yelling, so much—uh, passion," Nika continued, her eyes flicking between Paige and Azzi with a mischievous grin.

Lili, who had been quietly eating her granola, barely lifting her eyes from her bowl, added in the most deadpan tone possible, "I told them someone was doing their Duolingo lesson at midnight. Honestly, I think I was right."

Azzi grinned at Lili, her eyes lighting up with amusement. "You were right," she said, nodding enthusiastically. "The ‘Duolingo streak’ doesn’t stop just because it's midnight." She leaned toward Paige with a mischievous glint in her eye, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I’ve seen Paige get really dedicated to that streak," she added, her voice low but teasing.

Paige couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "I do not need you two exposing me like that," she said with a dramatic sigh, nudging Azzi under the table with her foot.

Ice, already having way too much fun at Paige’s expense, leaned back in her chair with a satisfied grin. "Oh no," she chimed in, her tone full of playful teasing, "We all know you’re deep into it, Paige. If anyone’s getting interrupted by that owl at 2 AM, it’s you."

Paige groaned, pretending to be offended. "I swear, that owl’s more of a nightmare than any of you."

"Don’t worry, Paige," Azzi whispered with a smirk, squeezing her hand under the table. "You’re still the best at Duolingo, even if you wake up the entire hotel."

The group laughed, the teasing and jokes flowing naturally. The camaraderie between them was strong, and despite the embarrassment, Paige was thankful for the easy atmosphere and the way Azzi always had her back, even in the most awkward moments.

As they neared the end of their breakfast, the laughter and teasing had subsided a little, but the energy was still there. Ice was scrolling through her phone, flipping between messages, then looked up with a wide grin. "Alright, so the coach said we’ve got some freedom today. We can go explore the city, check out the little forest a few miles from here—just, y'know, don't drown or anything," she said, her voice laced with that signature dry humor.

The table erupted with laughter, everyone knowing Ice wasn’t exactly the most serious person in the world, but they loved her for it.

Paige grinned, "I’ll do my best not to drown. I mean, I’ve been known to fall into puddles…"

Azzi, half-joking, added, "But can we drown in a sea of mimosas?"

Nika, already glancing at the menu for dessert options, jumped in. "Wait, I heard the spa here has these amazing hot steam massages," she said with a glint in her eye. "And they don’t charge for it. Like, free. Zero dollars."

Azzi’s cover-up, barely covering anything, clung to her body, and Paige couldn’t help but notice the way her panties peeked out just slightly. The way the bra strap was just visible, sitting perfectly under the fabric. And her skin—wow. That milk chocolate tone that looked like it was kissed by the sun, glowing even in the hotel light. Paige found herself zoning out, her fingers lightly grazing Azzi’s leg beneath the table, just to feel the softness of her skin.

Azzi let out a soft moan, so low it was almost imperceptible, and Paige’s heart skipped a beat. The table went eerily quiet for a second, everyone’s attention shifting from the menu to the couple. Nika, ever the observant one, coughed loudly. "Oh my God, Paige," she said with a smirk, her eyes widening dramatically, giving Paige a long look, like she was about to bust a gut laughing.

Paige immediately pulled her hand away from Azzi’s thigh, her face flaming with embarrassment. "Shit," she muttered under her breath, trying to regain her composure.

Azzi, barely keeping it together, whispered into Paige’s ear, her breath warm against her skin, "You're such a freak."

Paige chuckled, trying to act all innocent but failing miserably. "I swear, I was just trying to be sweet," she teased in a low voice, though the heat in her face was hard to hide.

Lili, who had been minding her own business and quietly sipping her orange juice, piped up, "Y’all are on another level. We really need to get some boundaries, like a public display of affection limit or something." She raised an eyebrow. "It’s 9 AM."

Paige laughed, shaking her head. "You’re right, Li, you’re right. We’ll tone it down."

Azzi, still holding Paige’s hand under the table, leaned in and murmured, "Just wait until we’re at the beach later."

Paige’s eyebrows shot up at the subtle promise in Azzi’s voice. "Oh, trust me, I’m counting down the minutes."

"Alright, alright," Ice cut in with a grin, clearly enjoying the banter. "Focus, people. We’re getting a beach day later, and no one’s gonna care about PDA when you’re getting sand in places you didn’t think sand could go."

"True," Nika chimed in with a laugh. "The beach has a way of, uh, making everything feel... extra public."

They all broke into laughter, and the tension between Paige and Azzi melted into playful teasing, making the moment feel easy and carefree. Paige couldn’t help but smile, knowing that no matter what, every single second with Azzi felt like it was filled with a perfect kind of chaos—and she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

━ As the group was finishing up their breakfast, the noise around the table started to fade into a cozy, low hum. Paige and Nika were deep in a heated debate about pancakes, with Nika passionately arguing that chocolate chip was so overrated, and Paige, of course, being the most dramatic about defending them. "You can’t just throw some plain pancake on a plate and call it a day. It's not 2008!" Paige exclaimed, laughing. Nika rolled her eyes, “Says the person who thinks extra butter makes it ‘art,’” she shot back with a smirk.

In the middle of this pancake chaos, Caroline, who'd been chilling on the opposite side of the table, stood up and casually strolled over to Azzi, who was half-slouched on Paige's shoulder, looking like the chillest human ever. Azzi noticed her coming and gave a warm, but curious smile. "Hey, what’s up?" she asked, her voice a mix of sweetness and intrigue.

Caroline’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in a little closer, practically whispering like she was about to drop the spiciest gossip. "So, uh... I think I owe you something," she started, letting the words hang in the air before she added with a grin, "Ear plugs."

Azzi blinked, momentarily confused. "Ear plugs?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow like she was missing the punchline.

Caroline’s grin got wider, full of that signature drama she was known for. "Yup. From last night." She leaned in a little closer, her voice dropping into a whisper. “I got your back, girl.”

Azzi’s confusion turned into a sudden burst of laughter. "Oh. That kind of ear plugs," she said, her smirk widening as she realized what Caroline meant. Her voice dropped into a teasing tone. "You’re terrible, but I see how it is."

Caroline, dramatically pretending to be serious, nodded as if the ear plugs were a matter of national security. "Exactly. Thought I’d let you know, so you can make good use of them today." Her voice had that playful lilt, like she was just waiting for Azzi to bite on the joke.

Azzi couldn’t help but laugh, her cheeks a little pink now, but not bothered. She shot Caroline a side-eye. "You're the worst," she said, shaking her head, but there was a clear fondness in her eyes.

Caroline shrugged with exaggerated innocence, like she was the queen of comedy. "What can I say? I’m basically a stand-up comedian at this point," she said, throwing a playful wink before tossing a quick wave toward Paige and Nika, who were still arguing over pancakes like it was the most important decision of their lives.

"Tell Paige to keep it down, alright?" Caroline said with a grin, before strolling away to rejoin the others.

Azzi, still laughing, turned to Paige, who was in the middle of cracking up at something Nika just said. Azzi tapped her shoulder softly, and when Paige looked at her, Azzi smirked. "Babe," she said, the words dripping with playful sarcasm, "Caroline says I gotta keep you down a notch."

Paige shot her a confused look, eyes wide for a second before bursting into laughter. "What? Keep me down? I'm not that loud." She was practically shouting it in that classic Paige way, but Azzi already knew she was totally aware of what the issue was—Paige’s voice could easily be heard over a stadium crowd.

Azzi chuckled and shoved her lightly, the playful energy between them never fading. "Yeah, well, apparently, we’re ‘the loud ones’ this morning." She motioned around the breakfast hall, where the rest of the teammates were all pretending not to notice, but were absolutely soaking in the drama.

Paige leaned back in her chair, making a big show of scanning the room like it was some deep mystery. "Okay, okay," she said in an exaggerated whisper, but loud enough for everyone to hear, "Note to self: don’t let us be too loud. We don’t wanna disturb Caroline’s delicate sensibilities."

Azzi couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the sarcasm in Paige’s voice. "Exactly. And you’re lucky we’re not getting a noise complaint," she said, shaking her head but clearly loving the banter.

As they all started heading out of the breakfast room, Caroline was already waving them off from a distance. Azzi leaned in close to Paige, her voice dropping low. "Do you think she actually likes you?" she whispered with a smirk.

Paige turned to Azzi, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, for sure. I mean, who wouldn’t? I’m, like, the life of the party." She threw her arms out like she was accepting an imaginary award.

Azzi rolled her eyes, giving her that you're insufferable look. "Yeah, you’re a real handful, you know that?"

Paige just winked, unfazed. "But you love it." ━

As they stepped into their hotel room, Azzi collapsed onto the bed like a sack of potatoes, her eyes half-lidded and giving major I just woke up energy. She fumbled for her phone, brain still foggy from the early morning rush, and typed out a quick message to her parents: "Hey, we’re all up! Probably gonna be outside all day, just exploring. I’ll hit you up when we get back!" After hitting send, she added a selfie of herself sprawled out on the bed, rocking the I’m half-dead but still cute vibe. Her tired smile was soft against the warm morning light, and it had just enough chill to make it look like this is me in my element, taking naps and sending cute pics.

Paige, who’d been across the room chugging water like she was dehydrated from a marathon, spotted the pic and immediately jumped on the bed with an exaggerated gasp. "Wait, hold up. You’re just gonna send a pic without me in it?" she teased, all dramatic and over the top, totally playing the part of someone offended for real—but her voice was all play, no malice. Before Azzi could even process, Paige pulled her into a kiss, her lips lingering for a hot second on Azzi's cheek. Then she pulled back, snapping a pic like a paparazzi, capturing the moment with a mischievous grin.

Azzi was caught off guard, her phone almost slipping from her hand as she burst into laughter. "You’re such an attention hog," she giggled, swatting at Paige in that playful, not-really-pushing-her-away way, clearly loving every second of the drama.

Paige, grinning like she just pulled off a major heist, held up the picture she just took. "Perfection," she said smugly, giving it the thumbs-up as if she’d just scored the winning shot in a game. "Gotta send that to your fam now."

Azzi, still cracking up, snatched her phone back and—without missing a beat—sent the goofy photo straight into her family’s group chat with the message: “I have to wake up to this girl everyday”

Her family had long gotten used to the duo’s antics. Katie and Tim were as close to Paige as Azzi was, so they were all on the same wavelength of “yep, this is just another day with these two.” Azzi had learned a long time ago to just roll with it whenever Paige made her the star of one of her goofy stunts.

Meanwhile, Paige was already texting her own crew. "Hope you guys are good!" she messaged her parents, Amy and Bob, before sending them the pic of Azzi mid-laugh, her smile so bright it could probably outshine the sun. She knew her parents would be grinning at the photo the same way Paige was. Then, Paige shot off a text to Drew: "Hope you slept good, bro. I’ll call you later when I get a sec."

Azzi, eyes twinkling with affection, watched her. "You and your family are seriously something else," she teased softly. "Always turning everything into a photo shoot."

Paige kicked back on the bed, lifting her legs and draping them lazily over Azzi’s lap. "Hey," she shot back, half-serious but with a wink, "I’m just spreading the love, babe. We're lucky to have this. You know that, right?" She ran her hand through her hair, casually glancing at Azzi like they were the only two people in the world. "Finding your person at this age? That doesn’t happen for everyone."

Azzi’s expression softened, a quiet moment passing between them. She reached for Paige’s hand, fingers intertwining as she leaned her head against Paige’s shoulder. "Yeah," Azzi agreed, her voice warm and sincere. "We’re lucky."

Paige smiled, her lips pressing against the top of Azzi’s head for a quick kiss. "Real lucky."

Azzi pulled back just a little, her smirk playful. "Lucky and totally ridiculous," she added, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"Hey," Paige chuckled, nudging Azzi with her shoulder, "you’re ridiculous too."

Azzi shot her a playful look, standing up and pulling Paige by the hand. "Let’s make sure we get some actual pictures today," she teased, her smile teasing in that I see right through you way.

Paige groaned in mock exasperation but was still grinning like she won the lottery. "Fine, fine," she said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "No more weird selfies... for now."

━ Azzi flopped onto her back with a satisfied sigh, stretching her arms out like a cat in the sunlight. The golden morning glow spilled across the room, hitting just right, making everything feel a little too perfect. The city view through the window was borderline cinematic, but she was too comfortable to appreciate it properly.

Paige, leaning casually against the window frame, smirked. “Az, that balcony’s calling my name.” Her tone was dripping with mischief. “Plenty of time, no rush…”

Azzi groaned, already knowing where this was going. She cracked one eye open and shot Paige a look. “You are not about to fuck me in front of half the city, Paige. Some things deserve a little mystery, yeah?”

Paige raised an eyebrow, like she was actually considering it. “Temptation’s a funny thing,” she mused, before disappearing into the bathroom.

Azzi exhaled a laugh, shaking her head. Absolute menace.

When Paige reappeared, towel in hand, she froze for a second.

Azzi was sprawled out on the bed, sunlight kissing her skin, hair messy in a way that wasn’t on purpose but still looked like a damn magazine cover. She had that sleepy, relaxed expression—the kind that Paige swore was reserved just for her. Like she was the only person in the world who got to see Azzi like this.

Paige didn’t even think before moving. She climbed onto the bed and curled up against Azzi’s side, resting her head on her chest like it was second nature. Azzi hummed, shifting just enough to pull her in closer, their faces now inches apart. Close enough for Paige to feel the soft warmth of Azzi’s breath against her lips.

“Hey, pretty girl,” Paige murmured, voice low, affectionate.

Azzi’s lips twitched into a smile, her eyes shining with something quiet, something that always made Paige’s heart feel too big for her chest. “Hey, you,” she whispered back, like it was a secret just for them.

They just… looked at each other for a second. No rush, no need to fill the silence. Azzi’s gaze was steady, deep, like she saw right through Paige—like she always did. Paige could get lost in those eyes, no problem. She kinda already was.

And then, without another thought, Azzi leaned in, closing the space between them. The kiss was soft, slow—one of those kisses that made time irrelevant. The kind that didn’t need words because everything was already there. Paige melted into it, into her, into the way Azzi’s arms tightened around her like she wasn’t letting go anytime soon.

Azzi pulled her even closer, until their foreheads touched, their breaths tangled up together. The world outside didn’t exist—just them, just this.

Paige smiled against Azzi’s skin. “I love you, you know that, right?”

Azzi let out a small, contented laugh, her fingers tracing lazy circles on Paige’s back. “I think I might have a pretty solid guess,” she teased, voice filled with that warmth that Paige would bottle up if she could.

Paige brushed a loose curl from Azzi’s face, her touch lingering. “You’re everything to me, Azzi.”

Azzi’s lips curled into a knowing, genuine smile. “You’re everything to me too, dummy.”

“Hey,” she murmured, eyes flicking between Azzi’s lips and the teasing glint in her eyes. “You wanna go to the park? I heard there’s a lake nearby.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, shifting just enough to put a little space between them—not that it lasted. “You know coach specifically told us not to drown,” she quipped, but there was a spark of excitement in her voice. She knew exactly what Paige was like when she got a random idea in her head.

Paige smirked and leaned in again, her breath warm against Azzi’s ear. “You have me, Azzi,” she whispered, voice dipped in something deep and effortless. “You’re never gonna drown with me.”

Azzi scoffed, shaking her head with the kind of fondness that only Paige could pull out of her. Still, she pressed a quick kiss to Paige’s nose, barely suppressing her smile. “You’re such a sap.”

“I’m your sap,” Paige shot back, grinning like she’d just won something.

Azzi just laughed, rolling her eyes as she sat up. Paige stretched as she got off the bed, arms reaching high over her head, her shirt riding up just enough for Azzi to catch a glimpse of her boxers peeking out from her shorts.

Oh.

Yeah, okay. That was unfair.

Azzi bit the inside of her cheek, her gaze lingering maybe a second too long before Paige—blissfully unaware—offered her a hand.

“Come on,” Paige said, tugging Azzi up without waiting for a response. “The lake’s waiting, and I’m pretty sure it’s not gonna wait forever.”

Azzi let herself be pulled to her feet, shaking her head with a smirk. “Lead the way, Prince.”

Paige’s grin widened as she slung their bags over her shoulder, her movements effortless, a little cocky, like she was feeling herself just a bit too much. Azzi didn’t bother calling her out on it—she’d never admit that she liked it.

They double-checked their stuff before heading out, Paige slipping both of their phones into her pocket with the hotel keycard. As they stepped into the elevator, Paige leaned against the wall, all relaxed limbs and easy confidence. She caught Azzi staring and shot her a wink.

“Alright, let’s get lost in some summer Argentine streets,” she said as the doors opened, voice full of that endless, restless energy that made Azzi fall for her in the first place.

Azzi grinned, bumping her shoulder as they walked out. “You do know how to use a map, right?”

Paige gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Wow. Wow. You think I’d get us lost?”

Azzi gave her a look.

Paige shrugged. “Okay, fair. But, like… what’s the worst that could happen?”

Azzi sighed, but she was laughing. “I guess we’ll find out.” ━

They stepped outside, sunlight hitting them immediately, warm and golden. The streets buzzed with life—painted buildings in every shade imaginable, murals spilling across walls like stories in motion, vendors calling out their best deals, music drifting from open windows. It was loud and colorful and alive.

Paige let out a low whistle. “Damn,” she said, taking it all in. “I swear, I could live here.”

Azzi hummed, watching as Paige’s eyes bounced from one thing to another, like she was trying to soak up everything at once. With a small smile, she leaned her head against Paige’s shoulder as they walked. “I know what you mean. It’s like this place just pulls you in.”

Paige squeezed her hand, that same easy, confident energy settling between them.

They walked on, fingers loosely intertwined, laughter blending into the hum of the city, knowing that no matter where they went, this—the quiet moments, the teasing, the touches that lingered—was what really mattered. ━

As Paige and Azzi made their way into the park, the nature surrounding was nothing short of breathtaking. The area was straight-up unreal—towering trees, tangled marshes, and little lagoons scattered like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth, the sun filtering through the trees in golden streaks. Everything felt untouched, like they’d stumbled into some secret corner of the world.

“Okay, this place is giving national park energy,” Paige said, eyes scanning the scene in pure admiration. “Like, I’m waiting for a Lion King to pop out.”

Azzi smirked, squeezing Paige’s hand a little tighter. “Right? It’s kinda insane. Feels like we should be narrating this like a nature documentary.” She deepened her voice dramatically, “And here, we have two incredibly lost American tourists—”

“—with zero survival skills,” Paige finished, grinning. “But, like, we’re hot, so it balances out.”

Azzi laughed, nodding at a sign up ahead. “Okay, but real talk. What do you think that says?” The text was in Spanish, and neither of them was exactly fluent.

Paige squinted, pretending to analyze it. “Well… ‘lago’ sounds like lake. So, I vote we go that way.”

Azzi tilted her head, considering. “Lakes and wetlands? Sounds like a vibe.”

They followed the trail, the sound of their footsteps blending with rustling leaves and distant bird calls. The deeper they got, the more unreal it felt—wild greenery, bursts of colorful flowers, and the occasional rustle in the underbrush that made Paige whisper dramatically, “That’s gotta be a capybara.”

When they finally reached the lake, it was straight out of a dream. The water stretched wide and clear, shimmering under the afternoon sun. A small wooden bridge arched over one section, worn but sturdy, with wet footprints marking where someone had just walked across.

Azzi exhaled slowly, taking it all in. “This… is kinda perfect.”

Paige dropped her bag with a satisfied sigh. “Yeah. Lowkey jealous of the capybaras living their best lives out here.”

Azzi chuckled, but then winced slightly, reaching down to rub her knee. “Ugh. I think I pulled something earlier.”

Paige immediately turned to her, brows furrowing. “Wait—your knees? You good?”

“Yeah, I just need to sit for a sec.”

Paige smirked, stretching her arms out dramatically. “You could sit on me if you want.”

Azzi shot her a look. “You’re so extra.” But she still took Paige up on the offer, settling between her legs as Paige leaned back against a tree, wrapping her arms around Azzi’s waist. The warmth of Paige’s body pressed against her back, grounding her in a way she didn’t even realize she needed.

“This better?” Paige murmured, her hands moving to Azzi’s knee, massaging gently.

Azzi melted into the touch, closing her eyes. “Mmm. Yeah, much better.”

Paige grinned, placing a soft kiss against Azzi’s shoulder. “Good. ‘Cause I plan on spoiling you all day.”

Azzi hummed, tilting her head to glance at Paige. “You always do.”

“And I’m just getting started.” Paige’s voice dropped to that playful, intimate tone that always made Azzi’s stomach flip. She leaned in, her lips brushing against the curve of Azzi’s neck, sending warmth spiraling through her veins.

Azzi turned slightly, their eyes meeting, the air between them charged. “You really know how to make a girl feel special, huh?”

Paige grinned. “It’s my full-time job, actually.”

Azzi laughed softly, shaking her head before pressing her forehead against Paige’s. The world around them blurred, the distant sounds of the park fading into the background. It was just them—their breaths mingling, the steady rhythm of Paige’s heartbeat against Azzi’s back, the unspoken promise that wherever they went, whatever they did, moments like this would always feel like home.

━ Azzi slowly stirred from her nap, the soft rustle of the grass beneath her and the warmth of the afternoon sun making it hard to stay asleep. A light breeze skimmed over her skin, carrying the scent of wildflowers and lake water. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the golden light filtering through the leaves. The first thing she registered—before she even fully remembered where she was—was the feeling of Paige’s fingers lazily running through her curls.

Paige had a habit of touching her without even thinking about it, like it was second nature. Soft, absentminded, comforting. Azzi swore Paige didn’t even realize she did it half the time, but Azzi did. Every single time.

She shifted, rolling over just enough to face Paige, her limbs feeling pleasantly heavy from sleep. Paige was half-asleep too, her eyes barely open, a lazy grin stretching across her face.

Azzi smiled sleepily, voice still soft from the nap. “Good morning, cutie.”

Paige blinked at her, squinting slightly. “Is it morning already?”

Azzi laughed, her voice light and happy as she reached out and kissed Paige’s lips gently. “Yeah, it’s morning somewhere.”

Paige hummed, clearly not fully awake but still committed to flirting. “How was your nap?”

“The best nap so far,” Azzi murmured, stretching her arms above her head and letting the fresh air fill her lungs. “The air out here... it’s just different. I feel like I could sleep forever.”

“I agree,” Paige said softly, still playing with a curl, twirling it between her fingers. She looked at Azzi with that familiar, easy adoration in her eyes, like she was looking at her favorite view. “It’s like this place has its own rhythm. So peaceful.”

Azzi rested her head on Paige’s chest, her voice quiet but serious. “Can we stay like this forever? Just in our little world here?”

Paige’s heart melted at the thought. She ran her hand over Azzi’s back, her thumb lightly tracing the curves of her spine. “Yeah, I’d love that too. It’s okay that we only know like five words in Spanish, right?”

Azzi grinned, looking up at her. “Yeah, it’s just us. Who needs words when we’ve got this?”

Paige chuckled softly. “We do have ankles to break back at home, though…” she trailed off, her tone playful. “But yeah. I’d love it here. With you.”

Azzi smiled to herself, her fingers tracing patterns on Paige’s stomach, the soft rise and fall of her breath calming her. There was no rush in this moment. No expectations. No cameras. Just their silly, random thoughts filling the silence. Just them.

Paige leaned down, her lips brushing against Azzi’s forehead before she suddenly rolled her over, flipping them so Azzi was the one lying on the soft grass now. Azzi gasped, laughing as her curls fanned out around her. The sunlight hit them just right, turning the strands golden at the edges. Paige lowered herself, her lips finding Azzi’s once again—this time more urgent, more alive.

Azzi barely had time to react before she found herself laughing into the kiss. “Paige, I—”

Paige pulled back just a little, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Azzi, I’m kinda in the middle of something here.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle her giggles. “And so am I.”

Paige blinked, clearly confused. “What?”

Before Paige could say anything else, Azzi’s hands reached down, and with a grin, she held up a tiny, fluffy white kitten. It mewed softly, its tiny paws stretching in the air like it had also just woken up from a nap.

Paige blinked again, now in pure disbelief. “Wait. Where did you even find that?!”

Azzi grinned wider, holding the cat up to Paige’s face. “Doesn’t matter. She’s ours now.”

Paige gave the kitten a careful once-over, gently picking it up. “Okay, but is it a boy or a girl?”

Azzi leaned in, squinting. “Uh, I think it’s a girl?”

Paige nodded like she was making a very important executive decision. “Yep, she’s a girl,” she said, now cradling the kitten like it was the most delicate thing in the world.

Azzi burst into laughter, watching Paige immediately turn soft over a cat she had met literally ten seconds ago. “You’re so extra.”

“I’m not extra,” Paige defended with a dramatic scoff. “This little girl is just a whole vibe.”

Azzi smirked. “Guess we’re parents now. She’s our responsibility.”

Paige lit up. “Alright, I’m gonna name her... uh, Mimi.” She looked at Azzi for approval, eyes full of anticipation.

Azzi rolled her eyes, but the fond smile on her lips gave her away. “Mimi? That’s your best idea?”

Paige shrugged dramatically. “Hey, I think it suits her. She’s cute, sweet, and a little wild.”

Azzi giggled, leaning up to kiss Paige’s cheek. “Fine. Mimi it is.”

Paige stretched out on the grass, gazing up at the clear sky, then over at the sparkling lake just beyond them. The sun glinted off the water, making it look almost unreal, like something out of a painting. She turned to Azzi with a grin, her eyes playful. “Sooo… wanna jump in the lake?”

Azzi side-eyed the water, then side-eyed Paige. “I’d rather get bitten by those mosquitoes chilling on that tree,” she said, pointing dramatically. “At least they’d be quick about it.”

Paige snorted, her grin widening. “Even if you had a thousand mosquito bites, I’d still kiss you all over. Just to make it better.”

Azzi stared at her, blinking in disbelief. “How dumb are you?”

“Hey, I’d do it for you,” Paige said with a shrug, trying to keep a straight face before cracking up. “Okay, okay, maybe I’m a little dumb, but it’s the thought that counts.”

Azzi shook her head, trying to hold back her own smile. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Paige sat up, holding out a hand. “Come on. Let’s go to the pier. It’ll be fun.”

Azzi sighed like she was agreeing reluctantly, but her fingers still laced with Paige’s the moment she reached for her. Their hands fit together so naturally, so easily, like they had always been meant to find each other.

And just like that, they walked toward the wooden pier, their laughter filling the air, their world existing only for them. ━

By the time they made it to the end of the pier, Paige wasted zero time, plopping down on the edge like she owned the place. She stretched her legs out, swung them over the water, and took a deep, dramatic breath like she was soaking in the cinematic beauty of the moment. Then, without hesitation, she grabbed the hem of her shirt, yanked it off, and folded it way too neatly for someone who was about to do something dumb. Her shorts came next, leaving her in nothing but a sports bra and a pair of boxers, the waistband slightly rolled down like she was trying to look effortlessly cool.

She shot Azzi a grin, all mischief. “You sure you’re not tempted?”

Azzi barely blinked. “Tempted to do what? Watch you lose a limb to whatever’s lurking in that water? Not particularly.”

Paige snorted. “Nika told you there are sharks, didn’t she?”

Azzi raised a single, unimpressed brow. “She was very convincing.”

“Az, she told me the same thing about Croatia, and guess what? Both my legs? Still here. My head? Still attached. All ten fingers? Check.” Paige wiggled them like she was proving a point.

Azzi side-eyed the water, still unconvinced. “You’re actually insane.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Paige said, waving a dismissive hand before—yup—yeeting herself into the lake like she had no sense of self-preservation.

The splash was massive. Water rained down onto the pier, soaking Azzi’s legs and a good chunk of her lap. She gasped, nearly toppling over. “Paige! What the hell?!”

Paige resurfaced, grinning way too wide, her hair plastered to her face like a wet dog. “That. Was. Amazing.” She wiped water from her eyes. “Get in here, babe. It’s perfect.”

Azzi, still sitting in her newly damp clothes, let out a sharp laugh but shook her head. “Paige. My knees.”

Paige’s expression turned dramatic in an instant, her voice dropping into something soft, teasing, yet somehow serious. “If you need me to carry you back to the hotel, I’ll do it. A thousand times over.” She tipped her head, eyes gleaming. “Just jump. I got you.”

Azzi chewed the inside of her cheek, glancing between Paige and the water like she was mentally calculating all possible ways this could go wrong. But then there was Paige—drenched, grinning, looking up at her with that signature dumbass confidence.

Ugh.

Azzi exhaled through her nose. “You are such a dork.”

“And yet, you’re still in love with me,” Paige shot back, tossing in a wink.

Azzi groaned, but it wasn’t exactly a denial. She stood, brushing off the dirt on her legs, already regretting every decision that led her here. “If I get eaten by something, it’s on you.”

“No one’s getting eaten. Except maybe—”

“Paige.”

“Sorry, sorry, I’ll be good.”

“Paige,” Azzi drawled, giving her a look.

Paige snapped out of it, blinking rapidly. “Right, okay. You’re totally gonna jump this time, yeah? No backing out?”

Azzi rolled her eyes, shaking out her limbs like she was prepping for war. “I will literally—”

“Okay, on three.” Paige clapped her hands together, excitement written all over her face. “One!”

Azzi swallowed.

“Twoooooo—” Paige drew it out, eyes sparkling.

“I can’t, PAIGE” Azzi took a step back like she was contemplating running for her life.

Paige full-on cackled, arms slapping the water. “GET IN! YOU’RE SO DRAMATIC!”

Azzi crossed her arms, cheeks warm, her voice dropping to a soft, amused murmur. “Paige. You’re so loud.”

Paige immediately shut up. Her expression shifted, something almost sheepish flickering across her face. She exhaled, lowering her voice. “Okay, sorry. Didn’t mean to yell.” Then, after a beat, she softened completely. “Just… please? Get in the water, Azzi. For me?”

Azzi met her gaze, heart racing as she saw how earnestly Paige was asking—how much she wanted this. And despite herself, despite every logical reason to roll her eyes and walk away, Azzi laughed, a soft, shy giggle escaping her lips. “You really are something else.”

Then, with zero warning, she let out a dramatic scream, took three quick steps back, and then full-send sprinted toward the edge of the pier. The second her feet left the wooden planks, she regretted everything.

“SHI—”

SPLASH.

The lake swallowed her whole. Cold, murky water rushed over her head, sending a shock down her spine. She surfaced a second later, hair plastered to her face, gasping. “Paige, I swear to God—”

But before she could finish, Paige launched herself in right after her, limbs flailing in what could only be described as the least graceful dive known to man. Water exploded around them, rippling outward in chaotic waves. Azzi barely had time to react before Paige popped up right in front of her, grinning like she just won the lottery.

“You are INSANE,” Azzi huffed, swiping wet strands of hair out of her face. “Do you know how many diseases there are in here?”

Paige shrugged, completely unbothered. “Do you know how hot you look right now?”

Azzi rolled her eyes but felt the warmth creeping up her neck anyway. “Shut up.”

Paige floated closer, her smile softening. “No, really.”

They were inches apart now, the water swirling around them, the world suddenly too quiet. Azzi’s breath hitched as Paige’s fingers brushed against her wrist, featherlight, like she wasn’t even sure she was allowed to touch her.

“Hi, silly,” Azzi whispered, lips barely moving, her voice soft enough that it was almost lost in the sound of water lapping at the shore.

Paige’s chest tightened. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she rested her hands lightly on Azzi’s waist, like holding something delicate, something she didn’t want to startle away. “Hey,” she whispered back.

They stood there, locked in something neither of them had the words for. The sun hung low in the sky, streaking pink and orange across the water, but Azzi wasn’t looking at the sunset. She was looking at Paige. Paige, with her messy wet bun slipping out of place, with droplets of water clinging to her skin, with that infuriatingly soft expression that made Azzi’s stomach flip.

Paige tilted her head toward the sky. “Hey, Azzi.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “What?”

Paige smirked, all mischief. “Look at the sky.”

Azzi frowned, skeptical. “Why? Are you about to propose?”

“Just look, baby. Trust me.”

Azzi sighed but glanced up anyway. The clouds were tinged gold, a few birds soaring overhead, and—

WHOOSH

Before she even registered what happened, Paige’s hands found her shoulders and shoved. Hard.

Azzi yelped as she was sent plunging backwards into the water, sinking under with a flurry of bubbles. For a split second, all she saw was murky blue-green, feet kicking up tiny storms of sand from the lake floor.

When she surfaced, sputtering, she wiped her face and glared at Paige, who was cackling so hard she nearly went under herself. “Really?!”

Paige, still giggling, gave a lazy shrug. “You looked too peaceful.”

Azzi didn’t hesitate. With all the speed and precision of a trained athlete, she lunged forward and grabbed Paige by the wrist, yanking her under in one swift motion.

Paige let out a muffled “HEY—” before the water swallowed her whole.

Azzi waited, smug, arms crossed as she floated. Paige resurfaced a moment later, blinking furiously, hair now completely undone and sticking to her face in tangled wet strands.

“Okay,” Paige admitted, breathless, “I might’ve deserved that.”

“You definitely deserved that.”

They floated there, the tension between them buzzing like an exposed wire. Something had shifted, something neither of them could name, but they both felt it—like the second before lightning strikes, like standing on the edge of something vast and unknown.

Paige broke the silence first, her voice dipping lower. “Hey, Azzi…”

Azzi hummed, tilting her head. “What now?”

Paige’s grin turned wicked. “Have you ever had an underwater kiss?”

Azzi blinked. “What?”

Paige floated closer, eyes glinting. “I mean, we’re already here. Might as well cross it off the bucket list.”

Azzi stared at her, torn between laughing and throwing Paige across the lake. “Paige. We’re gonna drown.”

Paige smirked. “Then let’s make it a memorable way to go.”

Azzi huffed, biting her lip. “Okay, but I swear to God, if I die, I’m haunting you.”

Paige grinned, voice dropping into something teasing, something warm. “Deal.”

Before Azzi could overthink it, Paige grabbed her hand and pulled them both under.

For a moment, everything was still. ━

The world above blurred into soft, shifting light. Below, the water muffled every sound, wrapping them in quiet, in something weightless and infinite. Azzi’s fingers curled instinctively around Paige’s wrist, their hands slipping slightly, but neither of them let go.

They hovered there, breath held, foreheads nearly brushing, their noses barely touching. Azzi’s pulse roared in her ears. Paige’s hand found her jaw, fingers warm even in the cold water, thumb tracing a path along her cheekbone like she was memorizing her by touch alone.

Azzi exhaled, bubbles trailing up toward the surface. Paige smiled, just slightly, before leaning in.

Then, with no more hesitation, they leaned in, their lips meeting in the cool, damp air of the water. The kiss was slow at first—gentle—unhurried, like they had all the time in the world. But as the seconds stretched, it grew deeper, more urgent, as though neither of them wanted to let go of the moment.

Paige’s hands slid around Azzi’s waist, pulling her closer, her grip tightening as she brought their bodies flush together. The pressure was electric—Azzi could feel every inch of Paige, the strong hands on her back, the way her breath quickened beneath the water. And just as their kiss deepened, Paige’s hands moved lower, squeezing Azzi’s ass just a little too much, pulling a small, weak slap from Azzi.

Azzi pulled back slightly, eyes wide in mock indignation. “Did you seriously just—”

But before she could finish her sentence, Paige grinned, pulling her back to the surface. They both broke through the water, gasping for air, their faces flushed and their hearts still racing.

Azzi’s chest rose and fell with every breath, her skin tingling from the adrenaline. She smiled at Paige, a little out of breath but feeling like she’d just experienced something she never expected to. “That was... better than I thought,” she admitted, her lips curling into a soft grin. “Thanks for having my first underwater kiss with me.”

Paige’s smile widened, and without missing a beat, she gave Azzi a playful squeeze on the ass in response. “You’re welcome, baby.” She leaned in, her voice teasing but full of warmth. “Next time, I’ll let you squeeze back.”

Azzi laughed, rolling her eyes but feeling the warmth in her chest. “Oh, please,” she scoffed, but there was a smile on her lips that told Paige everything she needed to know. “You’re lucky I’m not drowning you right now.”

But even as she said it, she pulled Paige closer, as if she never wanted to let her go.

Azzi looked at Paige, her brow raised in playful skepticism, and suddenly broke the moment with a soft chuckle. "We're both living icks right now," she said, a little incredulously, but still with that mischievous smile of hers.

Paige's face softened, her usual teasing expression morphing into something more genuine as she laughed lightly. "I don't care," she shrugged, the carefreeness in her tone a reflection of her easygoing nature. “You think I care about looking cute? Nah, I’m just here for you.”

Azzi couldn’t help but smile at Paige’s carefree confidence, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. In that moment, she leaned forward slowly, pressing her lips to Paige’s in a soft kiss. It wasn’t rushed or heated, just a moment of pure connection. She pulled away slightly, her lips still hovering near Paige’s as she whispered, “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Paige’s eyes softened, her thumb gently brushing against Azzi’s cheek as she let out a breath, almost as if she was taking in the full weight of the words. “Well, you don’t have to,” she said, her voice tender. Her lips met Azzi’s again, and this time the kiss felt even deeper, like a promise that there was no going back. No separation. They were already too intertwined to untangle.

Azzi couldn’t help but smile into the kiss, her heart feeling full, as if the whole world had shrunk down to just them in that moment. She pulled away a fraction, still looking at Paige. In the quiet of the space between them, Azzi’s mind wandered, her thoughts swirling as she realized something she hadn’t before. Paige had a way of making my Mondays feel like Fridays. It was like every moment with her was the weekend, no matter what time of the week it was. She couldn’t remember the last time something felt so easy, so simple.

Paige, too, was lost in her own thoughts as she gazed at Azzi. She was still replaying that moment when Azzi first said "hello" to her. It was casual—no big deal, just a greeting—but in that second, Paige had known something was different. Like the whole universe had just shifted and aligned in a way she couldn’t explain. Azzi’s hello was the start of everything, and Paige was hooked from then on.

“Do you ever think about that?” Paige asked softly, a little out of nowhere, her eyes searching Azzi’s.

Azzi, still caught up in the moment and the thought of how quickly she had fallen, just shrugged lightly, a smirk tugging at her lips. "What, how I got you wrapped around my finger from the start?" she teased, but there was softness in her voice, as if the question wasn’t all that far from the truth.

Paige laughed, leaning her forehead against Azzi’s. “Yeah, something like that.”

They were sitting there, the world just kinda fading into the background. Silence hung between them, but it wasn’t awkward. It was peaceful, like everything around them was just... right. Azzi couldn’t help but smile, the kind of smile that said she’d found something she didn’t know she was looking for.

She let out a quiet breath, leaning into Paige’s arm, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on the soft fabric of Paige's sleeve. “I’m lucky, you know that?” she said, her voice low, but there was a quiet certainty in it—like she’d been waiting for this moment, for Paige.

Paige glanced down at her, that easy grin spreading across her face, like she didn’t even have to think about it. She pushed a damp strand of hair from Azzi’s face, her touch lingering for a second longer than needed. “We both are,” Paige replied softly, her words full of something warm—something that wrapped around Azzi like a blanket.

Then, with the same ease, Paige kissed Azzi’s forehead, a kiss that wasn’t rushed, just... perfect. “I’m glad I found you,” she murmured, her voice almost a whisper but hitting Azzi like a wave.

Azzi let herself melt against Paige’s shoulder, the gentle rise and fall of her chest the only thing that anchored her to the moment. 

━ The cool lake water clung to their skin as they waded out, droplets catching the last rays of the sun. The sky was still bright, but the evening light was starting to mellow, turning everything around them a golden shade, like the world had been dipped in honey. The air was crisp, the kind of comfortable that felt like a soft hug from the inside. The lake's quiet lapping was the loudest sound, other than the occasional bird doing its thing and the distant hum of traffic, still too far to be bothersome.

Paige snagged her phone from where it rested on the towel, checking the time with one hand as the other wiped water from her face. A few notifications lit up her screen. Of course, she thought with a soft eye roll.

KK: twin where have y’all been? oh and also can i borrow your charger? i left mine in storrs

Paige smiled to herself. Classic KK. She quickly typed a reply, her thumbs moving fast.

Paige: Az and I went to the lake, and yeah, you can borrow it. We’ll be back at the hotel soon.

She sent it and scrolled down to the next message.

Ice: we’re at the hotel, chillin’. also, i think azzi’s underwear was stuck in the sheets or something. Y’all really have to do a better job at this.

Paige snorted, holding her phone a little tighter as she laughed quietly. Seriously, Ice? She typed back, shaking her head as she tried to stop smiling.

Paige: dude, are you seriously bringing this up in a text. just don’t tell az, her knees are acting up. we’ll be back soon.

She laughed to herself at her own reply before moving on to the next one.

Aubs: whats the password to your netflix acc? We been trynna put on some friends. Hope y’all enjoyed the afternoon. Paige: i’mma tell you when i get there, and yes we did. It was splendid.

She hit send, then scrolled through a few photos her little brother, Drew, had sent. She grinned and sent them back to him with a quick caption.

Meanwhile, Azzi was slipping into her knitted bodycon, the fabric soft and tight, hugging her figure in a way that made Paige’s heart do a little flip. Azzi walked over with that effortless smile, rubbing Paige’s back in a playful way. Paige glanced up as she typed another reply, noticing Azzi and feeling her pulse quicken a little.

Azzi leaned in, resting her cheek on Paige’s shoulder, and Paige could feel her breath tickling her skin. Azzi was so close that it made Paige’s fingers fumble just slightly, her thumbs stumbling over the keys.

Azzi pressed a quick, soft kiss to Paige’s cheek, pulling back with that easy, warm grin that made Paige’s heart squeeze.

“Ready to go?” Azzi’s voice was soft but playful, like she was ready to roll but still wanted to tease.

Paige grinned, matching her tone. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

━

Hand in hand, they stepped onto the cobblestone streets of the little Argentine town, the kind of place where everything felt real and vibrant. The air was fresh with that perfect mix of crispness and warmth, and the whole town buzzed with life. The hum of people talking, laughing, and just living their lives echoed around them. In the distance, they could hear kids kicking a soccer ball around, their voices rising in excited shouts, the sound of sneakers skidding on the cobbles. It was the kind of place that felt like it could steal your heart in an instant.

As they walked, they passed street vendors with carts loaded with colorful snacks—bright pink cotton candy, crispy empanadas sizzling on grills, and freshly fried churros piled high, their sugar coating sparkling in the sun. The smell of grilled meat mixed with sweet, fried goodness, and it made Paige’s stomach rumble, but she couldn’t help but smile as she took in the scene.

“Azzi, look at that,” Paige said, her voice full of that playful excitement that was impossible to ignore, pointing at a stall overflowing with sugary treats that practically begged to be eaten. “We gotta come back for that.”

Azzi’s eyes lit up, her usual smirk turning into a full-blown grin. “I’m in.” She was always in for the little moments—moments like this, with Paige, that made everything feel like it was exactly where it was supposed to be.

They continued strolling down the street, the world feeling slow, easy, and effortless. The sun had started its descent, casting a golden glow on everything, and it felt like they could walk forever. Paige squeezed Azzi’s hand, pulling her a little closer as they moved through the crowd, their fingers intertwined, the connection between them as natural as breathing. The distant hum of traffic filled the air, but it was more like background noise to the peace they found in each other’s presence.

But before they could go any further, a soft, shy voice interrupted their bubble.

“Excuse me,” a little girl said, tapping Paige lightly on the shoulder. Paige turned around, meeting the shy, almost nervous gaze of the girl. She was small, with big brown eyes and an adorable, awkward smile. "Can I take a photo with you?" The girl’s English was halting, but her excitement was crystal clear in her sparkling eyes.

Paige’s heart melted. She smiled warmly, crouching down to the girl’s level so they were eye-to-eye. “Of course,” she said, her voice soft and kind. “Do you want Azzi in the picture too?”

The girl’s face lit up like it was the best thing she’d heard all day, her smile stretching wide. Paige looked up at Azzi, who was watching with an amused grin, clearly finding the whole thing endearing. Paige reached out for Azzi’s hand and pulled her gently toward the girl.

Azzi leaned in, one hand resting casually on her hip, while Paige draped an arm around the girl’s shoulders. The three of them stood there, grinning like they were best friends, a snapshot of simple happiness. The camera clicked, and just as quickly, the girl squeezed them both in a tight hug, giggling as she pulled away.

“¡Gracias!” she exclaimed, waving at them before darting off, her little laugh trailing behind her like a melody.

Azzi turned to Paige, her grin wide and genuine. “That was cute,” she said, her voice light but full of warmth.

Paige wrapped her arm around Azzi’s shoulders as they continued their walk, their fingers still locked together. “Yeah,” she agreed, smiling at the thought. “Just makes me realize how lucky we are, you know? That we get to be... us. Together.”

Azzi leaned into her, her cheek lightly resting against Paige’s shoulder, the comfort of the moment settling around them like a warm blanket. They continued walking through the bustling streets, the sounds of Spanish chatter and children’s laughter filling the air, the distant honk of a car horn a soft reminder of the outside world. But in that moment, it was just the two of them—walking through life side by side, perfectly in sync.

“It’s perfect,” Azzi said softly, her voice almost a whisper as she looked up at Paige. “I love it here... I love this.” Her words held that quiet intensity that Paige had come to adore, a mix of vulnerability and awe.

Paige smiled, pulling Azzi a little closer, her heart swelling. “Me too. And I love you,” she whispered, just loud enough for Azzi to hear.

Azzi glanced up, her lips curving into a smile that was as soft and genuine as the words she whispered back. “I love you, too.” And they kept walking, their fingers intertwined, as the lights of the city began to twinkle in the distance, everything falling into place perfectly, like it was meant to be.

━ The hotel room door creaked open, the sounds of their teammates already filling the space. It was that perfect blend of familiar chaos—soft TV murmurs, the occasional rustle of a snack bag, and the calming hum of a few pages flipping. Nika was on the carpet, propped up against the wall, her feet stretched out and her head buried in a fashion mag. Her expression? The usual mix of smug satisfaction and a vibe that screamed “I’m better than you, but I’ll let you find out on your own.”

Aubrey was standing by the TV, frowning like she was one wrong button away from throwing the remote out the window. Paige could hear the subtle click of buttons being pressed and the muffled curse when something didn’t work. It was so Aubrey.

Meanwhile, Ice was sprawled on the bed, phone in hand, scrolling through TikTok like her life depended on it. Probably hunting for something totally absurd to send to Nika. You could almost hear her plotting the chaos in her head.

When Paige and Azzi walked in, the room buzzed with that comfortable, chaotic energy.

“Hey, you two,” Aubrey called out without even looking away from her screen, her voice tinged with frustration. "Come save me from this tech nightmare."

Paige shot a glance at the remote mess in Aubrey’s hands, then grinned. “Hey girls,” she said casually, almost too amused by the mess of tangled buttons and wires.

Nika didn’t even glance up at first, but then her eyes shifted to Azzi and Paige, and she raised a brow. “Yo, what happened to your clothes?” she asked, her voice muffled by the magazine, but her gaze clearly taking in the damp, lake-soaked situation. “Y’all look like you just swam across the freaking lake or something.”

Paige smirked, nudging Azzi. “We went for a little swim,” she said, her grin widening.

Azzi shot her a look, narrowing her eyes with dramatic flair. “You mean you almost drowned us?” she deadpanned. “Paige almost killed me, y’all.”

The teasing banter hit instantly. Paige burst out laughing, clearly delighted by Azzi’s sarcasm, while Azzi crossed her arms and shot Paige a sideways smile that could've cut glass. Nika rolled her eyes, but the tiny smile playing at her lips betrayed her fondness.

“You two are ridiculous,” Nika muttered, flipping another page in her magazine, but the tone in her voice was warm despite the irritation.

Paige raised an eyebrow at Azzi, giving her a playful shrug. “I think she likes us that way.”

Azzi smirked. “Maybe. But I’m gonna go catch up with Caroline in the next room. She wanted something,” she said, nonchalantly tossing the words out like they were nothing.

Paige tilted her head in curiosity, the corners of her lips tugging upward. “What’d she want?”

Azzi shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I don’t know, but I’ll be back soon. Don’t miss me too much,” she added with a wink, already starting to walk toward the door.

Before Azzi could leave, though, she leaned in, capturing Paige’s lips with a soft kiss. The moment lingered, almost teasing, before Azzi whispered, her lips still barely touching Paige’s, “Be good while I’m gone.”

Paige grinned, her hand catching Azzi’s before she pulled away. “Always,” she said with a wink of her own, watching her walk out, the door left slightly ajar, a sliver of warmth and chaos slipping through.

The moment the door clicks shut, Ice’s voice cuts through the room like a knife through butter. “Wait, did y’all seriously do it in a lake?” she asks, eyes wide with this mix of disbelief and amusement, like she can’t decide if she’s shocked or impressed.

Paige glares at Ice, narrowing her eyes with the perfect deadpan. “Isuneh, I swear to god,” she says, her voice dripping with that exaggerated, fake-threat energy that only Paige can pull off.

Ice throws her hands up in mock surrender, a grin stretching across her face. “Okay, okay, no need to get all scary on me,” she teases, laughing. “But y’all are always all smiley and shit. It’s cute. I just don’t need you two traumatizing us. The hotel staff is probably thinking all kinds of wild stuff.”

Paige rolls her eyes but can’t fully hide the smile creeping onto her face. “We’ll try, Ice, but you know—sometimes you gotta make things fun,” she says, her tone playful but with that little too chill vibe.

Ice snorts, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “Fun, huh?” she says, clearly not buying it.

Paige leans back against the wall, acting like she’s about to drop some serious info. “Oh, we did it on that bed, though,” she says, giving a nonchalant nod toward the bed Ice is currently lounging on, looking way too comfortable.

Ice’s face goes from carefree to straight-up horror in less than a second. She jumps off the bed like it just spontaneously combusted. “NOPE,” she practically yells, backing away from the bed like it might actually bite her. Her eyes are wide, and she’s nearly tripping over herself in her rush to get as far from it as possible.

Paige, now fully leaning into the drama, smirks and places her hands on her hips. “Thanks for the bed, Ice,” she says sweetly, but the sarcasm’s heavy in her voice.

Ice groans, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Paige with an exaggerated, theatrical pout. “Y’all are ridiculous. Just… just go wash your damn clothes,” she says, rolling her eyes so hard you can practically hear them spin.

Nika, finally done with the banter, chimes in, looking around the room as if she’s over it all. “Seriously, though, the hot steam massage? Too fire. Had to leave a tip even though it was free. It was that good,” she says, her tone like she’s just imparted some deep wisdom.

Aubrey lets out an overly dramatic groan from the corner, sounding like she’s ready to explode. “Guys, can someone PLEASE help me with the Netflix login? I’m this close to throwing this remote through the TV,” she says, holding up the remote like it’s her worst enemy.

Paige raises an eyebrow, amused by how worked up Aubrey is. “I got you,” she says, stepping over and swiping the remote from Aubrey’s hands, taking control like a pro. She taps the remote, bringing up the login screen, and pauses for a second, her fingers hovering over the keyboard with the same mischievous glint she always has.

“You know it’s Azzi,” she says, dragging out the words for maximum drama. With a grin, she types in the password: “Azzi<3Paige8785.”

Aubrey's eyes light up, and she lets out a satisfied sigh as the screen loads. “Yoo, thanks, you really are a lifesaver, huh,” she says, looking at Paige like she just performed some kind of magic.

“I know,” Paige says, flashing a wide grin at Aubrey. She tosses the remote onto the nearest bed and flops down on it dramatically, like she just won the Olympics. (Which in fact, she did, multiple times)

━ The group was lounging around the room, the low hum of their chatter filling the space. Nika had her legs sprawled out on the carpet, flipping through a fashion magazine like she was planning world domination with every turn of the page. Ice was on one of the beds, glued to her phone, scrolling through TikTok with the kind of focus most people reserve for finals week. Aubrey was perched on the edge of the bed, grumbling under her breath as she fought with the TV remote, trying to get Netflix working.

"So, beach plans, y’all?" Nika broke the silence with a playful grin, clearly in the mood for something fun. "Sunset vibes, campfire, grilled meat. I’m down."

Paige’s ears perked up like a dog hearing a snack wrapper. "Wait, are we doing s’mores? I’m so down for some s’mores."

Nika barely looked up from her magazine, the deadpan stare she shot Paige making it clear this was not a serious question. "Dude, we’re in Argentina. I don’t think they’re out here eating like average Americans, alright?"

Paige dramatically flopped back onto the couch, hands over her face like she’d been personally attacked. "Thanks for the enthusiasm, Nika. You’re a real mood booster."

Nika shot her a grin, eyes twinkling like she just won the lottery. "You’re welcome."

Just as Paige was about to respond, the door creaked open, and Azzi walked in, followed by Caroline. Everyone greeted Caroline with their usual warm energy, but Paige’s attention immediately snapped to Azzi. She looked even more radiant than usual, the fresh shower she’d just taken making her skin glow in the soft light of the room. Paige’s heart gave a little flip.

Azzi was effortlessly glowing in a white tank top and loose shorts, walking toward Paige with that mischievous glint in her eyes that made Paige’s breath hitch. Before Paige could even process, Azzi dropped onto her lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Hey, baby," Azzi murmured, her voice low and comfortable as she settled in, making Paige’s heart skip a beat.

Paige, still slightly in awe, leaned in, taking in the fresh scent of her skin. "You smell good, ma," she said softly, brushing a damp strand of Azzi’s hair from her face like it was the most intimate thing in the world.

Azzi smirked, teasing her as always. "You smell like fish," she said, wrinkling her nose like Paige had just insulted her.

Paige burst into laughter, the sound light and carefree. "Nice, babe. Real nice," she said, grinning before pressing a soft, wet kiss to Azzi’s neck. The contact made Azzi shiver, and she let out a low hum of appreciation.

Nika, not one to pass up an opportunity to mess with them, rolled her eyes from across the room. "Get a room, Romeo and Juliet," she sighed dramatically, clearly fed up with their constant back-and-forth teasing.

Paige and Azzi exchanged a soft look, their gazes filled with the kind of affection that made it clear this wasn’t just playful banter. "We might just take you up on that offer," Paige shot back with a grin, her tone mischievous.

Aubrey, glancing at the clock, interrupted the moment. "Okay, y’all, we’ve got like 30 minutes before we need to head to the beach. Let’s wrap it up, yeah?"

Paige stretched her arms over her head with a yawn, trying to shake off the lingering warmth Azzi’s touch had left on her skin. "Alright, I’mma shower and then we can head out." She grabbed her towel, already picturing the soft sand between her toes and Azzi’s teasing smile in her mind.

The group continued to chat about the evening ahead, but Caroline, noticing Azzi’s distracted expression, slid onto the couch next to her. "Girl, you really down bad," Caroline said with a sly grin, nudging Azzi lightly.

Azzi raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the playful teasing but not backing down. "What do you mean, Car?"

Caroline leaned in close, her voice dropping just enough so the others wouldn’t hear. "Dude, you’re literally wearing black panties under white shorts," she said, shaking her head with a knowing grin. "You’re really out here letting Paige see all that, huh?"

Azzi’s lips curled into a smirk, but she wasn’t fazed. "So? I just like them," she shrugged casually, but there was that tiny blush creeping up her neck that Caroline definitely noticed.

Caroline let out a soft laugh, leaning back with a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "Okay, sure, girl. Just please, for the love of all things sacred, keep it down tonight, okay? We don’t need to be traumatized by your chemistry," she teased, her eyes lighting up with amusement.

Azzi didn’t respond right away. Instead, she bit her bottom lip, already lost in thoughts of Paige’s hands on her skin, the warmth of her touch. Her mind wandered, a soft smile playing at her lips as she got lost in the daydream.

"Azzi," Caroline said, snapping her out of her daze, her voice playful. "You good?"

Azzi blinked, coming back to the present and meeting Caroline’s eyes with a mischievous glint. "Yeah, I’m good. Don’t worry about me," she said, already plotting her next move.

━ Paige stepped out of the bathroom, her hair still damp, the faint smell of her shower soap lingering in the air. She pulled on a loose white shirt that hugged her body just enough to show off the soft curve of her shoulders, paired with floral shorts that screamed summer vibes. The silver necklace around her neck caught the light as she moved, giving off a subtle shimmer that made her look effortlessly put together. Azzi, who had been leaning against the bed scrolling through her phone, couldn’t help but pause, her eyes tracking Paige’s every movement.

Azzi’s gaze lingered a little too long, tracing the outline of Paige’s body, from the way the shirt clung to her waist to the curve of her thighs. She didn’t even try to hide the fact that she was staring. Paige caught the look, her lips curling into a smirk.

“You good, ma?” Paige teased, eyebrows arched as she casually plopped down next to Azzi on the bed, making sure their knees brushed just enough to make Azzi’s breath hitch.

Azzi snapped out of her trance, the faintest blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Yeah… yeah, just… you look good,” she said, voice soft but laced with that familiar warmth that always made Paige’s heart do a little flip.

Paige chuckled, her voice playful. “You act like you’ve never seen me before, babe.”

Azzi leaned her head against Paige’s shoulder, her breath slow and content as she sighed. “It’s just… you look different,” she admitted, her voice quieter now, almost reverent. “Like, somehow even more... stunning than usual.”

Paige’s chest swelled with that warm, fluttery feeling she only got when Azzi looked at her like that—like she was the only thing that mattered in the world. “Thanks, ma. I try,” Paige replied, nudging her playfully.

Azzi’s smile widened, but she straightened up, clearing her throat. “Ready to go to the beach?” she asked, trying to shift the mood back to normal. She adjusted her posture, shoulders squaring as she made the effort to focus on something else.

Paige nodded, grinning. “Yeah, let’s go. Sunset’s waiting for us.” ━

As they stood and made their way toward the door, the others were already gathering to head out. Caroline passed by Paige, a sly grin spreading across her face. “You better not fuck this up, P,” Caroline said lightly, though there was a definite warning edge to her tone.

Paige laughed, completely oblivious. “What, like the time I forgot to pack sunscreen?” she shot back, flashing a grin. She waved her hand dismissively, acting like it was nothing. “I got this. No worries.”

Azzi rolled her eyes playfully as Caroline walked ahead, but there was a subtle look exchanged between her and Paige that no one else could quite catch.

They were the last two to leave the room, walking down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. The elevator doors slid open just as they arrived, and Nika, already inside, shot Paige a mock-warning look. “Don’t you dare press any buttons, P,” she said, eyebrow raised, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “We’re not risking another near-death experience.”

The whole group burst out laughing, but Paige—of course—pretended to be offended, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. “What? I can’t have a little fun? You guys are no fun.”

She reached for the buttons, fingers hovering over the panel, but Azzi quickly swatted her hand away, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Stop it, Paige,” she muttered, though the smile tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her.

Paige sighed dramatically, holding her hands up in mock surrender. “Fine, fine,” she said, winking at Nika, who was standing with her arms crossed, eyes still locked on Paige, making sure she didn’t pull any stunts.

The elevator dinged and arrived at the lobby floor. The doors slid open, revealing an older couple waiting to step in. They gave the group a polite, warm smile, and for a split second, Nika couldn’t help herself.

“Wow, that’s the first time an older person hasn’t given me a side-eye,” Nika commented, voice dripping with playful disbelief. The others burst into laughter, the tension in the air lightening instantly.

Paige wrapped her arm around Azzi’s waist, pulling her closer, a sense of ease settling over them. Azzi, without thinking, slipped her hand into the back pocket of Paige’s shorts, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. They were practically inseparable, not just physically but in the way their personalities fit so perfectly together.

“Don’t let go, alright?” Paige whispered, lips brushing Azzi’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. The heat of Paige’s breath against her skin made her heart race. “I’m not leaving you alone for a second tonight.”

Azzi tilted her head back to meet Paige’s gaze, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Promise,” she whispered back, her fingers tightening just a little in the back pocket of Paige’s shorts.

The elevator doors closed with a soft chime, and they headed toward the beach, the air buzzing with their laughter and easy conversation. As they stepped outside, the sun’s warmth still lingered in the air, casting everything in a golden glow. Despite the teasing, the playful banter, and the jokes, there was something undeniable in the way they were together—like they were two pieces of the same puzzle, effortlessly fitting together.

“So,” Nika said, glancing over at the group, “who’s making the first move on the campfire tonight? Because if it’s Paige, we’re probably gonna end up with charcoal instead of a roast.”

Paige grinned mischievously. “I’m excellent with fires. You’ll see.”

But as they walked toward the beach, the sound of the waves in the distance and the excitement of the night ahead, nothing else mattered. Not the teasing, not the jokes. All that mattered was the moment, and the fact that they were together—laughing, teasing, and perfectly in sync. ━ The group finally made it down to the beach, the golden sun spilling over everything, making the sand look like something out of a tropical postcard. The air smelled like salt, sunscreen, and the faint hint of the ocean breeze. The moment they stepped onto the beach, they spotted Aaliyah, already lounging like she owned the place, sunglasses sitting pretty on her nose, and casually eating a mango like it was her full-time job.

"Y'all took forever," Aaliyah said with a dramatic eye-roll, biting into the mango with exaggerated flair. "Could've grown a whole mango tree by now."

Paige, not missing a beat, plopped down next to her with a dramatic sigh. "Why do you look like you just retired in Miami?" she asked, fanning herself.

Aaliyah grinned, unbothered. "I'm manifesting, babe. One day, I’ll be living this life. Just wait."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the beach, Coach was standing there, arms crossed, sunglasses on, looking like he was auditioning for a role in Witness Protection Program: Beach Edition. His whole vibe screamed, "I’m just here to observe and not get involved."

Nika leaned toward Ice, whispering, “Look at him. He really thinks he’s incognito or something.”

The group cracked up as they dropped their bags, laid out towels, kicked off sandals, and adjusted to beach life. Paige and Azzi made their way toward the water, finding a chill spot where the waves gently crashed against the shore. As they sat down, the sand shifted beneath them, and their legs brushed together. It was like the world had slowed down a bit, everything feeling kinda perfect.

Azzi crossed her legs and glanced out at the ocean, her fingers absentmindedly drawing shapes in the sand. Paige leaned back, palms flat on the sand, head tilted up toward the sun, letting it soak into her skin.

Azzi let out a quiet sigh, breaking the peaceful silence. "Lowkey, I feel like I could just stay here forever," she said, her voice soft but carrying that kind of wistful longing.

Paige turned her head, studying her for a second before smirking. “So you’re saying we should just ditch the team and start a new life as beach bums?”

Azzi snorted. “You wouldn’t last a week.”

“Excuse me,” Paige said, placing a hand over her heart. “I would thrive. I’d be that one surfer girl who doesn’t actually surf but wears the aesthetic.”

Azzi rolled her eyes just as—thunk!—a loud thump interrupted them.

“All right, y’all! Who wants some watermelon?” Nika yelled, pulling out a whole watermelon and flopping it onto the towel like it was a WWE smackdown.

Heads turned.

Silence.

Then, chaos.

“Where did you get a whole watermelon?” Ayanna asked, eyebrows raised.

Nika smirked and pulled a kitchen knife out of her duffel bag.

The group recoiled.

“YO—where did you get that?” Caroline demanded, leaning back like Nika was about to perform a magic trick.

"Don't ask questions," Nika said, completely unfazed. "Do you want a piece or not?"

Everyone immediately nodded because watermelon was watermelon, even if it came with mild criminal activity. Nika got to work slicing, while Ice sat beside her, watching with concern.

“This is how we die,” Ice mumbled.

As slices got passed around, Paige leaned back and clapped her hands together. "Alright, so who’s starting the campfire?"

Ice took a thoughtful bite of watermelon, chewed dramatically, then went, “Well, we could blow on it. Y’know, like the people back then did it.”

There was a pause.

A long pause.

Then a collective explosion of laughter.

“You mean cavemen?!” Ayanna wheezed.

“The people back then,” Ice repeated, unfazed. “We gotta embrace the struggle.”

Nika wiped tears from her eyes. “I can’t believe you just said that with a straight face.”

Paige, holding her stomach from laughing, pointed at Ice. “I respect the commitment, though.”

Azzi shook her head, reaching over to steal a piece of Paige’s watermelon. “You are so unserious.”

“I’m full of wisdom,” Ice declared. “Now, watch me create fire from pure vibes.”

As the sun dipped lower, the team sat there, eating stolen watermelon, attempting to start a fire with sheer willpower, and making memories that were going to be brought up for years.

━ Paige let out a deep laugh, shaking her head. “Bro, you cannot be serious.”

Ice shrugged, still holding onto their prehistoric vision. “We had to try.”

“No. We didn’t,” Paige said, standing up and dusting the sand off her shorts. “Y’all keep the caveman dream alive—I’m gonna go get some actual firepower.”

With that, she made her way toward a small beachfront bar, the air filled with the sound of waves and the faint, sultry notes of tango music floating from inside. The place had a cozy, rustic vibe—dim lights, wooden stools, a bartender who looked like he’d seen it all. Paige pulled out her phone and showed him a picture of matches because, let’s be real, she definitely did not know how to say “matches” in Spanish.

The bartender squinted at the screen, then nodded like, Oh, I gotchu. He handed her a small box.

“Gracias, boss,” Paige said, sliding him a fist bump, which he accepted with a look of amused confusion.

She jogged back to the group, shaking the box in her hand. “Guess who just saved us from an actual survival episode?”

The team turned their heads, expressions ranging from disbelief to straight-up awe.

“No way,” Caroline said, eyeing the box like it was an ancient artifact.

“You got them? Just like that?” Nika asked.

Paige smirked. “Some of us have social skills.”

Nika rolled her eyes. “Relax, you asked for matches, not the nuclear codes.”

Ignoring her, Paige struck a match and lit up the campfire, tossing in some dry wood. The flames flickered to life, glowing warm against their faces, crackling softly as they curled around the logs.

Azzi, watching the whole thing unfold, found herself hyper-focused—not on the fire, but on Paige. The way her muscles subtly flexed when she handled the wood, the effortless way she moved, the casual confidence in her stance.

Paige sat back down next to her, looking satisfied with herself. “There. No cave tactics required.”

Azzi, without thinking, leaned into her, resting her head against Paige’s chest. Paige blinked for a second, caught off guard, then wrapped an arm around Azzi’s waist, pulling her closer.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, streaking the sky in deep oranges and purples, the team fell into conversation—one of those effortless, talk-about-everything-and-nothing at the same time types. The warmth of the fire, the salty ocean breeze, the laughter—it all felt unreal, like something out of a coming-of-age movie.

Azzi, half-mumbling, half-laughing, brought up the moment.

“Remember that night when we, um…” She hesitated, her lips twitching into a smirk. “Met that stray cat?”

A split second of silence. Then—

“NAH. NO. NO WAY.” Nika practically lunged forward, eyes wide with scandal.

Paige sighed dramatically. “Azzi, I trusted you.”

Azzi was grinning. “I had to tell them.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Caroline gasped, barely breathing from laughing. “A cat? DURING?”

Paige groaned. “Why does this sound like I was in some Disney princess fever dream?”

“That’s actually insane,” Ayanna said, shaking her head. “Y’all were like, mid-love story, and a random cat just appeared?”

“I swear on everything, it was watching us,” Azzi added. “Like, deadass just sitting there, judging.”

“I mean,” Nika said, wiping tears from laughing, “cats do be haters.”

They were still recovering from the story when Nika, in a completely unrelated move, pulled out a Sharpie from somewhere.

The team should have been suspicious.

Instead, they were distracted—because Aubrey had passed out mid-convo, lying back on her towel, completely knocked out from the long day.

And Nika? Oh, Nika saw an opportunity.

Moving like a seasoned criminal, she leaned in and—

One stroke.

Two strokes.

A full mustache now lived on Aubrey’s upper lip.

When she stirred slightly, Nika froze mid-doodle like a cartoon character caught in the act.

Then Aubrey turned her head, still asleep.

Everyone lost it.

Paige was rolling on the sand, clutching her stomach. Ice had to walk away to avoid choking on laughter. Caroline had actual tears in her eyes.

Aubrey, still peacefully snoozing, had no idea she was now the proud owner of a villainous, curly mustache.

“I—” Azzi gasped between wheezes. “I can’t breathe.”

Nika wiped imaginary dust off her hands. “Hang it in the Louvre”

And that was how the night went—chaos, laughter, inside jokes that would last forever. ━

As the night rolled on, the realization hit them all at once—

“Wait.” Ice sat up suddenly, eyes wide. “Weren’t we supposed to, like… grill something?”

A long pause. A collective brain lag.

“Oh shit.” Paige smacked her forehead. “The fish.”

Instant chaos.

Phones were pulled out, Google searches were launched. Nika typed in how to say fish in Spanish like she was hacking into the Matrix.

“Alright, alright,” she read aloud. “It’s pez.”

“Pez,” Paige repeated, testing it out. “Pez. Pez. Pez.”

“You sound like a broken record,” Azzi deadpanned.

“Pez,” Paige said one more time just to be annoying.

Aaliyah, still lounging like she was the queen of this whole operation, waved lazily at Paige. “Yo, while you’re at it, I can’t eat fish. Can you, like, grab me some vegetables or something?”

Paige squinted. “Vegetables?”

“Yeah. Y’know. Green stuff?”

“...Damn, you want me to just start foraging?”

“Love ya, thanks, bye,” Aaliyah said sweetly, rolling onto her side like she had no worries.

Paige shook her head but got up anyway, dusting off her shorts. “Alright. Operation Pez and Plants. I got this.”

She strutted back to the bar, confidence at an all-time high.

The moment she reached the counter, she leaned in, cool as hell. “Hey. We ordered pez. Is the pez waiting for us?”

The staff just… stared.

Like she had just asked them if they were in possession of a mythical sea creature.

One of them raised an eyebrow. “...Pez?”

“Sí,” Paige nodded, feeling very authentic. “The pez.”

A beat of silence. Then one of the waiters slowly pointed at a tray sitting on a nearby table.

“Oh, sick.” Paige grabbed it, feeling victorious. Before she turned away, she hesitated. “Hey, uh… y’all got, like… a tomato or something?”

The waiter exchanged a glance with his coworker, then reached under the counter and handed her a whole-ass tomato.

Paige blinked. “Damn. Just like that?”

The guy shrugged. “Sí.”

“Alright then. Love the energy.” Paige gave them a salute and turned—only to see Azzi already standing there, hands tucked behind her back, watching with amusement.

“You good?” Azzi asked, smirking.

“Oh, thriving,” Paige said, handing her the tray. “Got the pez. Got the tomato. Livin’ the dream.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but took the tray from her, and together, they started heading back.

As they walked, Paige’s eyes naturally drifted downward—just for a split second.

And that’s when she noticed it.

Azzi’s black panties, barely peeking above the waistband of her shorts.

Oh.

Paige immediately bit back a grin, her brain short-circuiting for a good two seconds.

She let out a small laugh to herself.

Azzi, side-eyeing her, caught it. “What’s so funny?”

Paige, still grinning like an idiot, shrugged. “Nothing. Just enjoying this day.” She nodded toward the beach, the bonfire, their teammates acting like absolute fools. “With you. And those idiots.”

Azzi stared at her for a moment, then softened. Without thinking too much about it, she leaned in and kissed Paige’s cheek.

Paige—who had not been expecting that—froze for half a second before her grin turned even dumber.

By the time they made it back to the group, they set the trays down, and everyone crowded around, looking at the fish like it was an unsolved mystery.

“So, uh…” Nika rubbed her hands together. “How do we start?”

A deep silence fell over the group.

Ice poked at the fish with a stick. “Do we, like… season it?”

Paige clapped a hand on Ice’s shoulder. “Buddy. That is an excellent question.”

Ice clapped her hands together like she was about to deliver a TED Talk. “Alright, listen up, children. I watched a tutorial, so I know exactly how to do this.”

The group side-eyed her so hard.

“Okay, but, like… from where?” Ayanna asked suspiciously. “Was it an actual cooking channel, or did you just watch some dude in his backyard with an iPhone 6?”

Ice crossed her arms. “It was Gordon Ramsay, first of all—”

“Cap,” Nika interrupted. “Gordon Ramsay is not out here teaching people how to grill fish over a bonfire.”

“Okay, fine, it was some random uncle on YouTube, but that’s besides the point.” Ice huffed. “Just trust the process.”

Surprisingly, the process actually worked.

They seasoned the fish, tossed the vegetables on the grill, and within minutes, the warm air filled with the mouthwatering smell of grilled food—spices blending together, the slight charred crisp of the fish skin, the sweetness of caramelizing onions.

“Yo… we might actually be onto something,” Paige admitted, leaning back with a proud nod.

“Yeah, yeah,” Nika waved her off. “Anyway, hear me out—” She held up a slice of watermelon. “What if we grill this?”

Immediate uproar.

“Bro, no.”

“Why would you even say that?”

“We are not about to grill watermelon like it’s a damn steak.”

Nika threw up her hands. “Okay, damn, y’all are acting like I committed a crime.”

“You did.” Azzi deadpanned.

“Okay, but—” Nika was really about to start defending it when Aubrey, who had been completely silent this whole time, suddenly woke up from her nap, looked around, and mumbled, “Grilled watermelon actually kinda slaps.”

Everyone turned to her like she had just admitted to tax fraud.

“See?!” Nika pointed triumphantly. “I knew I wasn’t crazy.”

“No, no,” Paige shook her head. “She’s delirious. She just woke up, you can’t trust anything she says right now.”

Aubrey blinked. “Huh?”

“Exactly,” Paige said.

Nika sighed dramatically and flopped back onto her towel. “Y’all are not visionaries.”

Meanwhile, the fish was cooking perfectly, the veggies were slightly charred but still fresh, and everything was falling into place.

As the team sat around the fire, breathing in the smell of their hard-earned meal, there was a quiet moment of satisfaction—like, damn. ━

As the last bits of food disappeared and everyone settled into their post-meal habits, the beach vibes were immaculate.

Nika was down by the shore, feet in the water like she was filming a perfume commercial. Ice was completely knocked out, starfished on her towel. Aaliyah had her nose buried in a book like they weren’t on a team vacation, and Aubrey—well, she was still very much asleep, mustache and all.

Azzi and Paige, meanwhile, were in their own little world. Azzi sat comfortably in Paige’s lap, her arms draped lazily around Paige’s shoulders while Paige held onto her waist to make sure she didn’t tumble backward like a Jenga piece.

Paige leaned in slightly. “You tryna get some ice cream?”

Azzi perked up. “Oh, bet.”

“I heard they got Olaf-themed ones.”

Azzi’s eyes lit up like she just heard breaking news. “Wait, really?!”

Paige let out a snort. “Nah, I’m playin’.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “That’s not funny.”

“It was a little funny.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Azzi just huffed dramatically and got up. Paige grinned, standing with her. “C’mon, let’s go. They’re all knocked out, and Nika is… well, Nika.”

They wandered over to a small street vendor selling popsicles. Paige grabbed an orange one, while Azzi picked out a strawberry. But—because Paige knew Azzi—she also got her an apple-flavored one, just in case.

“Why’d you get two?” Azzi raised a brow.

Paige shrugged. “’Cause I know you. You’re gonna take, like, three licks of that strawberry one and suddenly decide apple is superior.”

Azzi scoffed but didn’t deny it.

As they made their way back, Ice had somehow woken up, groggy but immediately clocking the popsicles.

“Yo, lemme get a bite.”

Paige held out her orange one. “Go for it.”

Ice took one bite, then made the most disgusted face. “Eugh.”

Paige stared at her. “Really?”

Ice shrugged. “Tasted too orange.”

“It’s literally an orange popsicle, what did you—never mind.” Paige waved her off.

Ice stood up, dusting the sand off her legs. “Yeah, I’m gonna head back. I don’t want the shower line to be insane later.” She grabbed her bag, then pointed at Aubrey’s diabolical-sleeping form. “Tell Nika she stole my socks.”

Paige saluted. “Aye aye, captain.”

Azzi smirked. “You think Aubrey’s ever gonna wake up?”

Paige looked at her, then at Aubrey, still blissfully unaware of the fake mustache on her face.

“Honestly? I hope not.”

Azzi stretched before nudging Aubrey’s arm. “Yo, Sleeping Beauty, time to wake up.”

Aubrey groaned dramatically, like she had just been asked to run suicides in practice. She blinked a few times, then checked her phone, squinting at the screen like it had personally offended her. With a slow nod, she dragged herself up to her feet.

Meanwhile, Nika was making her way back toward them, looking way too energized for someone who had just spent half the night causing chaos. “Damn, we leaving already?” she pouted. “It was just starting to get interesting.”

The entire group just stared at her.

Nika cracked a grin. “Okay, okay, I’m fucking with y’all.”

Aaliyah, already packed and fully in responsible adult mode, waved at them. “Y’all are slow, I’m going back,” she called before heading toward the hotel.

Aubrey looked around. “Wait… where are my sunglasses?”

Cue Paige, sitting there with zero remorse, spinning Aubrey’s sunglasses between her fingers.

Aubrey frowned. “Dude.”

Paige smirked and handed them back. “My bad, my bad. You just make it too easy.”

Aubrey sighed but took them. Then Paige, for no reason, burst out laughing.

Aubrey blinked. “What?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Paige wheezed.

Azzi shook her head, biting her lip to keep from laughing too.

Aubrey was so damn clueless about the fact that Nika’s Sharpie masterpiece was still living rent-free on her face.

Aubrey just shrugged. “Y’all are weird. Goodnight.” She waved and headed to the hotel, sunglasses crooked as hell on her face.

Nika clapped her hands together and started rambling in Croatian—something about finally finding whatever the hell she had been looking for all night. Paige and Azzi just stood there, nodding along, completely desensitized to the chaos at this point.

Finally, Nika grinned, slung an arm around both of them, and squeezed. “Alright, goodnight, you losers.”

Paige smirked. “Love you too, twin.”

Azzi shook her head, but she was smiling. “Goodnight, Nika.”

━ They sit there for a while, the night air warm but crisp, the distant chatter from the bar blending with the sound of waves. Azzi’s head rests against Paige’s shoulder, her body warm against her. Paige absentmindedly twirls the popsicle stick between her fingers, and just as she’s about to make some dumb joke about it being a weapon of mass destruction, Azzi turns to look at her.

Without warning, Azzi shoves Paige onto the sand.

Paige blinks up at her, eyebrows shooting up. “Bro, what was that for?”

Azzi smirks, straddling her waist. “For this.”

And before Paige can even process that, Azzi leans down and starts pressing soft, deliberate kisses along her neck, her collarbone, the sharp line of her jaw—each one slow and warm, leaving a trail of heat behind. Paige’s breath hitches when Azzi’s lips brush lower, just barely over her chest before she stops.

Azzi stays there, hands resting lightly against Paige’s chest, her fingers spreading out like she’s grounding herself. Paige is just staring at her, her blue eyes so stupidly soft, even in the dim light. She looks so calm, so completely at peace, and Azzi takes a second to just admire her.

Then, faintly in the background, music starts drifting over from the bar.

“Do I Wanna Know”—except it’s Hozier’s cover, the one that somehow sounds even more like a love confession than the original.

Paige grins. “Hey, Az.”

Azzi hums, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the fabric of Paige’s shirt.

Paige tilts her head toward the bar. “Our song is on.”

Azzi blinks. “Our song?”

Paige smirks. “Yeah, duh. You know, the one we slow danced to in the kitchen that one time before you almost burned the dorms down.”

Azzi rolls her eyes. “You told me to turn up the heat—”

“Not literally, babe.” Paige’s grin softens, and she gives Azzi a knowing look.

Azzi’s about to ask how Paige even managed to pull this off when it clicks. She narrows her eyes. “Paige.”

Paige shrugs, looking way too pleased with herself. “I called in a favor.”

Azzi just stares at her before shaking her head, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “You’re ridiculous.”

Paige just grins harder. “You love it.”

Azzi doesn’t even argue—just leans down, cups Paige’s face, and kisses her.

Paige’s hands rest on Azzi’s waist, her thumbs absentmindedly brushing over the fabric of her shorts. The ocean breeze is warm, and the soft hum of the bar’s music lingers in the air. Azzi’s lips are still curled into that stupid, lovesick smile, and Paige swears it’s her new favorite thing.

“I love your smile,” Paige murmurs, tilting her head as she watches Azzi like she’s the only thing that matters.

Azzi grins, pressing her forehead against Paige’s. “I love your smile.”

Paige smirks. “I love your eyes.”

Azzi’s nose scrunches up. “I love your eyes.”

Paige raises an eyebrow. “I love your silly little mind.”

Azzi laughs, poking Paige’s cheek. “I love your silly little mind.”

Paige leans in slightly, voice dropping playfully. “I miss shots all the time.”

Azzi gasps, pulling back dramatically. “Do you really?”

Paige bursts out laughing, her grip tightening around Azzi’s waist. “No, babe, I’m a bucket.” And before Azzi can roll her eyes, Paige closes the gap, kissing her slow and easy, like she has all the time in the world.

They stay like that for a few moments—Azzi’s fingers curling into Paige’s hoodie, Paige’s hands firm on Azzi’s waist—until Paige pulls back just enough to murmur, “Alright, we gotta sleep.”

Azzi groans, resting her forehead against Paige’s chest. “Ugh, why? We could just stay here forever. Be beach people. Collect shells. Live off coconuts.”

Paige snorts. “Babe, we’d last maybe two days before you start missing your hair products and I start complaining about sand in places sand should not be.”

Azzi sighs dramatically. “Fine.” Then she tugs at Paige’s hand, pulling her up.

As they start walking back, Azzi glances at the still-glowing campfire and nudges Paige. “Uh, shouldn’t we put that out?”

Paige glances over her shoulder. “I mean… I don’t think sand can catch on fire?”

Azzi blinks. “If we end up on the news tomorrow, this is on you.”

Paige grins. “As long as they get my good side in the mugshot.”

Azzi shakes her head, laughing as she laces their fingers together. They walk back to the hotel, the cool sand between their toes, the sound of waves crashing in the distance. The night air is thick with the scent of salt and smoke, and Paige swears she’s never felt more at home.

━ As they step into the elevator, the air is thick with exhaustion, but it’s the good kind—the type that makes their limbs heavy but their hearts full. The doors close with a soft chime, and the quiet settles in. Not awkward, not tense. Just theirs. Paige leans back against the elevator wall, running a hand through her hair as Azzi leans into her side, resting her head against Paige’s shoulder. Neither of them says anything, and they don’t need to.

When the elevator dings, they step into the hallway, their footsteps light against the plush carpet. Paige fumbles with the keycard, nearly swiping it upside down. Azzi watches with an amused smirk.

"You got it, genius?"

"Shut up," Paige mutters, finally unlocking the door.

Inside, chaos. The room is dimly lit, but even in the soft glow of the nightstand lamp, it’s clear that their friends are in shambles.

Nika is sprawled out on one of the beds, phone still clutched in her hand, snoring loud enough to shake the walls. Aubrey is half on the couch, one leg dangling off like she lost a battle with gravity mid-sleep. Aaliyah is the only one who actually looks peaceful, wrapped up like a burrito, sleeping as if she’s in a coma.

Paige nudges Azzi and whispers, “Yo, why does Aaliyah look like she’s getting the best sleep of her life while Nika sounds like she’s inhaling a whole thunderstorm?”

Azzi stifles a laugh. “And why is Aubrey built like one of those ragdoll physics glitches in a video game?”

They exchange a look before shaking their heads, quietly closing the door behind them, careful not to wake the wreckage of their friend group.

Bathroom time.

They move in sync, like a routine they’ve done a hundred times before. Paige grabs her toothbrush, Azzi grabs hers, and they start brushing in front of the mirror. The bathroom light is soft, casting a warm glow over their faces, both a little sun-kissed from the day.

Azzi finishes first, rinses her mouth, and then reaches for the soap on the counter. And of course, in a move so obvious it’s almost criminal, she pushes her ass—her azzi—back against Paige’s hip in a way that is definitely not accidental.

Paige chokes on her toothpaste.

"Are you trying to kill me, woman?" Paige splutters, nearly dropping her toothbrush into the sink.

Azzi hums innocently, doesn’t say a word. She just lifts her arms and, with the slowest, most deliberate movements, starts undoing the knot on her crop-top.

Paige freezes. Oh. Oh, we’re doing this tonight?

Azzi lets the fabric slip off her shoulders, down her arms, before it pools at her feet, leaving her in just her underwear—the black ones, the ones Paige has definitely noticed before—and a delicate bra with lace detailing.

Paige is going through it.

Her brain short-circuits, her mouth suddenly dry despite the fact that she just brushed her teeth. She gulps, gripping the counter like it might anchor her back to reality.

Azzi bites her lip, tilts her head, and finally looks at Paige. “You good?”

Paige nods way too fast. “Mhm. Yep. Totally fine.”

Azzi smirks, stepping closer. “Those shorts look good on you,” she says, low and teasing, like she knows exactly what she’s doing.

Paige manages a crooked grin, still gripping the counter for dear life.

And somewhere in the back of her mind, she thanks their coach for telling her that these shorts have some kind of effect on women.

Because damn.

━ Paige tugs on a plain white t-shirt, the fabric soft and a little oversized, hanging loose over her frame. She pulls on a pair of worn-in sweatpants, the kind that have survived countless practices and late-night hangouts, then runs a hand through her messy bun before rinsing her face. The cold water jolts her slightly, a small reset after the heat of the day (and, well, Azzi).

When she steps out of the bathroom, Azzi is already curled up in bed, the sheets half-draped over her body, her hair splayed across the pillow like some kind of art. Paige slips under the covers without hesitation, shifting closer until she can press her lips to the soft skin of Azzi’s back.

One.

Then another, lower this time.

And another.

Her fingers trace absentminded patterns along Azzi’s thigh, but before she can get too far, Azzi lets out a breathy laugh and grabs Paige’s wandering hand.

"Baby, we really can’t. They’re literally a foot away from us."

Paige exhales dramatically, resting her forehead against Azzi’s shoulder. "Okay, okay, but hear me out—what if I put tape over your mouth?"

Azzi turns her head so fast, giving Paige the most are you serious look of all time.

"You're actually insane," she mutters before leaning in to kiss her, slow and deliberate, making sure Paige really understands that the answer is no.

Paige sighs, but she’s smiling, wrapping an arm around Azzi’s waist and pulling her closer. She lets her fingers graze Azzi’s ribs just to be annoying.

Azzi yelps, swatting Paige’s hand away. "Stoppp."

Paige holds up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. No funny business. Just sleep."

Azzi eyes her skeptically, but Paige just nudges her. "Turn around."

Azzi does, rolling so they’re face-to-face, inches apart in the dim light.

"Goodnight, Az," Paige murmurs.

Azzi hums. "Goodnight, Paigey."

A beat of quiet. Then, softer: "I love you. So much."

Paige grins. "I love you more."

Azzi groans. "Stop."

Paige laughs but doesn’t push it. Instead, she just pulls Azzi in closer, feeling the way Azzi naturally fits against her, how easily she curls into Paige’s chest, like it’s home.

As Azzi's breaths grow slower, Paige carefully reaches for her phone. She types out a quick text to Azzi’s parents:

Paige: we’re going to sleep now, love you guys

She sets her phone down, glancing at Azzi, taking in the peaceful rise and fall of her shoulders.

"Goodnight, beautiful," she whispers, pressing a soft kiss to Azzi’s forehead.

As she turns off the lamp, the room settles into stillness, filled with warmth, love, and the quiet comfort of knowing they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be.

[azzifuddfanpage]

Just Friends

part 1

——

collab with fave @ldapper

our prompt: here

3.5k words

themes: fluff

——

Paige had always been good at keeping secrets—hiding the way her hands shook before a big game, masking her frustration when she missed a shot, pretending she didn’t steal glances at Azzi when she thought no one was looking. 

It was easy to blame the nerves on the competition, the frustration on her own perfectionism, the glances of simple admiration. But deep down, she knew the truth.

Azzi was her best friend, her teammate, the person who made every practice feel like an adventure. It wasn’t the kind of crush she could confess with a giggle or a note scribbled in the corner of her notebook. Not when she wasn’t sure Azzi liked girls. Not when she wasn’t sure if admitting it would ruin everything. So Paige did what she always did—she pushed it down and tucked it away like an unspoken play they both knew by heart.

But the thing about secrets is that they don’t stay hidden forever. And the way Azzi smiled at her sometimes, like she was seeing right through Paige’s carefully built walls, made her wonder if maybe—just maybe—she wasn’t the only one keeping something quiet.

It was 2018, Paige and Azzi’s second time playing together with Team USA. 

Their tournament wasn’t until later in the month, so right now they were stuck at training camp. Practices were intense, but after the hard work and sweat of each session, there was time to breathe–time to get to know each other outside of just basketball. 

One day after practice, the girls gathered in one of the dorms, sprawled out on the beds and the floors, chatting about everything under the sun. Caitlin Clark, ever fearless with words, was the one to bring up relationships and sex, sparking an animated discussion. Cam Brink chimed in with a funny story that had everyone in stitches. Soon enough, the room was alive with laughter as each girl shared their own awkward, silly, and sometimes cringe-worthy experiences–with boys, of course.

Paige, sitting cross-legged on the floor, joins in with her usual playful energy, keeping the vibe light. But as the conversation continued, she couldn't help but glance at Azzi, who was sitting further away from the rest of the group, quietly sipping her drink. Her gaze was distant, her usual smile nowhere to be seen.  Paige could see it in the subtle way her best friend’s fingers traced the rim of her cup, the way her posture was more closed off than it normally was with the team. The blonde could tell something was holding her back.

While everyone else was laughing and talking, Azzi was unusually quiet, her eyes fixed on her hands as she moved to absently fidget with the hem of her sweatshirt. Paige could see the tension in her shoulders, the restlessness in every movement.

“Cait how many guys have you kissed?” Cam asks, scooting closer to the group, eager for the gossip. 

“Honestly? Not many, probably like 3,” Caitlin replied, leaning back against the side of the bed.

The girls burst into giggles, peppering Caitlin with follow-up questions and teasing for details. Paige’s gaze flickered back to Azzi and that’s when she noticed it–the way Azzi’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, the way her eyes darted nervously, the way she shifted uncomfortably, almost like she’d rather be anywhere else. 

Paige’s heart sank. It was unmistakable now–Azzi wasn’t just being quiet, she was uncomfortable.“So what are your guys favorite shoes to hoop in, mine are probs Kobe’s,” Paige said after finding a pause in the incessant chatter, her voice wavering slightly.

Immediately all eyes turned to her.

For a moment she was worried they thought her opinion was wrong; but all of a sudden Caitlin chimed in.

“Wow, look who’s all of a sudden trying to change the conversation. Is there someone you’re trying to hide,” Caitlin teased, laughter bubbling up from the group.

Paige glanced at Azzi, expecting to see the same distant, frazzled look, but was surprised to find her focused, eyes locked on her with an almost intense attention. Her hands, which had been fidgeting earlier, were now still in her lap. She’d inched closer to the group, listening as if what Paige was about to say mattered more than anything.

Paige felther face grow hot as everyone is waitedfor her response.

“Uhm…yeah, not really anyone right now,” shelaughed awkwardly, eyes dropping to the floor, avoiding Azzi’s gaze.

“Oh come on Paige, no way there isn’t even a crush. You and Jalen are pretty close aren’t you?” Cam inquired. 

Paige coughed, startled by the accusation and her eyes subconsciously flickered to Azzi. She noticed the brunette’s expression had once again shifted–nervous, almost like she was bracing herself.

“Uhm, haha, no, we are uhm–just friends,” Paige stammered,, her voice rising higher in pitch due to nerves. She quickly cleared her throat. “He’s like a brother to me,” she finished, hoping the conversation would shift back to someone with a more interesting love life. 

“Alright, well if it’s not Jalen, then who? There is no way you don’t have a crush on anyone. And celebrities don’t count either.”

“Uhm well, you don’t know him...” Paige said as her voice trailed off, her eyes finding Azzi��s, which are looking towards the floor, zoned out.

The sound of a knock on their door saved Paige from dealing with the girls’ harassment.

“YES! They brought the pizza! I’m starving,” Cam said, getting up to open the door. The girls forgot about their conversation for the most part, now wanting to settle down and watch “Love and Basketball”.

Paige tried to forget about the way Azzi’s mood kept shifting, but she couldn’t help herself; It was like her every waking thought was consumed by the brunette.

The girls that were sitting on the floor—Paige, Cam, and Caitlin—moved up to the couch with Samantha, Hailey, and Azzi, all squeezing in on the (what’s the word for the L shaped couch bro). Immediately, Paige noticed that instead of cuddling up next to her like always when they watched a movie, Azzi stayed on the opposite end, sandwiched between Haley and Cam.

Azzi’s discomfort seemed to have settled, but the blonde couldn’t help but feel like something was wrong. She tried to brush it off, settling at the end of the group next to Caitlin.

Sam occasionally turned to her and Caitlin, talking about something Quincy did that was hot. Paige, half-listening, would laugh softly and roll her eyes before turning back to the screen. 

Just as Paige thought she might’ve finally quieted her swirling thoughts and settled in to watch the movie, Azzi’s unmistakable laugh cut through the air. Paige glanced over, catching the brunette whispering a soft “sorry” toward a glaring Caitlin before leaning in to talk to Hailey. Both of them broke out into quiet giggless. 

The sight made the ache in Paige’s chest swell. This was her and Azzi’s movie—it was hard to watch the younger enjoy it with someone else in the same way. She missed their quiet pokes and inside jokes, the way they'd whisper to each other while their teammates shushed them. She missed Azzi snuggling into her side when she got sleepy, her warmth pressing close. And she missed the way her heart would race, the soft brush of Azzi’s skin sending sparks that made her cheeks flush.

What changed? The question played in Paige’s mind  as she caught Azzi’s gaze across the room, but the brunette quickly looked away, refocusing on Hailey. Paige’s stared lingered and a quiet hurt settled in.

When the movie ended, the group filtered out to their respective dorms, leaving Paige and Azzi alone.

“Soo..” Paige started, breaking the impossibly loud silence. 

“Hm” Azzi replied, not looking up from her spot on the couch. 

“Did you have fun watching the movie? I mean, it kinda seemed like you were laughing—But also, it is our favorite, so then why wouldn’t you like it…” Paige rambled, nerves betraying her as her voice trailed off shakily.

“Yeah, I guess,” Azzi answered shortly. “I’m gonna go brush my teeth and stuff,” she added, standing up and wandering into the bathroom.

Paige stood there for a moment, stunned at her bluntness. After about a minute went by, she decided to busy herself by gathering the leftover paper cups scattered around the room. She sighed, wondering how she was going to handle this situation.

When she returned to the bedroom, Paige found Azzi already snuggled under the covers, her bonnet on, and one of Paige’s hoodies swallowing her frame. The blonde gazed at her for a moment, feeling a pang of disappointment when Azzi refused to meet her eyes. 

Paige went about her nighttime routine in silence, brushing her teeth and hair, and changing into her own pajamas. When she emerged from the bathroom, darkness swallowed her vision before her eyes adjusted. She could see Azzi staring up at the ceiling, wide awake. As Paige stepped closer, the younger quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. 

Paige climbed into bed and poked Azzi gently in the ribs. “I know you're not asleep Az,” she said, her voice gentle and teasing. Azzi’s body tensed at the contact, and to Paige’s surprise, she pulled away. 

“What’s with you?” Paige asked. 

Without turning towards her, Azzi simply shrugged a response. “Don’t know what you're talking about.”

Paige shifted so she had a full view of the brunette’s side profile. “Why were you so quiet tonight? You weren’t yourself,” she said, voice filled with concern. 

As Paige waited for a response, she admired the younger’s features, taking in the slope of her nose, the way her eyelashes fluttered, and the soft blush on her cheeks. 

Quite suddenly, Azzi’s eyes glossed and a tear rolled down her face. “Az? What’s wrong?” Paige asked, her voice filled with concern, as she reached out and grabbed her hand.

Azzi looked down at their interlaced hands, watching intently as Paige’s thumb caressed the back of her hand.

“It wasn’t that I just didn’t wanna talk,” Azzi finally responded, her voice shaking as she wiped the droplet away. “It was just what we were talking about,” she continued. 

Paige watched Azzi’s focus shift from their hands to the wall in front of them, like she was avoiding the blonde’s gaze; As if looking into those sharp blue eyes would cause all truth to spill from her mouth like a waterfall. What was she hiding? Paige questioned. She racked her brain, trying to remember the moment Azzi’s mood had turned bitter.

“Was it when we started talking about Jalen?” Paige asked, her voice flooded with confusion.

The brunette nodded slowly and Paige’s jaw tightened.

“What, do you like him or somethin’?” 

Paige hated the thought of Azzi having a crush on her best friend, immediately removing the image from her brain.

“Fuck no,” Azzi responded with a quick breath, almost laughing.

Paige let her head fall to the pillow and let out a quiet sigh of relief. Yet confusion still plagued her mind as she continued to study Azzi, whose focus on the wall was unwavering and whose breath had quickened.

Then it clicked. 

Paige suddenly shifted her weight into her elbow so she could better see the girl next to her.

“Az,” Paige whispered softly, placing her hand on the younger’s cheek. She gently forced Azzi to face her, searching her amber eyes.

“You didn’t wanna talk about boys?” Paige asked. The words were a mix between a question and a confirmation.

Azzi nodded shyly. “I just don’t understand. I- I always tried to think of them the way they described them, I just never could. I haven’t ever felt that way with- well,  I’ve only ever felt it with…” her voice trailed off as another tear rolled down her face. 

Paige sat up and maneuvered Azzi onto her lap. The younger curled inwards and buried her face into Paige’s shoulder as she let out a sob. Her tears were damp, but the blonde couldn’t care less. She moved the hand not supporting Azzi’s weight to her curls as she brushed through them. Paige knew Azzi found the motion comforting, recognizing the way her breath calmed just slightly as she began the motion.

“Azzi, it’s okay if you don’t feel that way about boys,” Paige remarked, combing her fingers through Azzi’s hair, knowing the calming effect it had on her.

“I don’t know, I just- hearing everyone else tell all these stories about all the guys they liked… It just made me  feel like there is something wrong with me,” Azzi sniffled, her forehead now leaning on Paige’s shoulder. 

The blonde pulled away slightly. “Az, look at me,” she urged, and Azzi slowly lifted her head to make eye contact with Paige. She suddenly became aware of how close Paige was and she felt her heart rate spike, the effect not going unnoticed by Paige.

“Trust me,” Paige continued; “I would 100 percent tell you if you were weird.” 

Azzi shoved at Paige playfully, letting out a little giggle that made the blonde’s heart flutter. 

“Okay, well, you can’t even talk since you apparently have this guy that you just never told me about,” Azzi said, a wave of sadness returning to her face.

It was the same look Paige saw before, when Cam brought up Jalen.

“I was lying, Jalen’s a friend. I just wanted to get them off my back,” Paige said with a shrug.

“So you aren’t dating anyone?” Azzi asked, unsure.

After giving a quick shake of her head no, the blonde felt Azzi’s body relax back into her. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both not knowing what to say next.

“Az,” Paige finally said, soft voice breaking through the quiet. “I’ve never had a crush on a boy either.”

Azz felt her pulse quicken. A deep shade of red swam across her face. 

“Have you had a crush on a girl?” She asked tentatively, searching the blonde’s eyes for an answer.

“Mhm,” Paige responded, seemingly much more relaxed than Azzi currently was— though, internally, she was going crazy.

When Paige didn’t elaborate, the brunette tensed up.

“Oh,” Azzi said, peeling her eyes away from Paige’s. She has had a crush on a girl, I guess just not on me, Azzi thought.

Paige had begun to piece together what was going on with Azzi, and curious, she began to test her theory.

“You probably know her better than you think,” Paige said with a sly grin.

“Really? What does she look like?” Azzi asked, but Paige could hear the subtle shift in her voice.

“Well,” Paige paused, letting her fingers dance along Azzi’s arm. “She has brown hair, and it’s really curly, and beautiful when it’s down, but she never wears it that way because she always says ‘it’s harder to move around in,’”

Paige continued her movements, basking in the way Azzi’s breath hitched as she tried to make sense of her words. 

“She has pretty, brown, doe eyes, that squint when she laughs, and the cutest dimples that make me just want like…‘ion know- want to kiss her to death,” Paige trailed off for a few seconds—eyes flickering to Azzi’s mouth which was now agape—before continuing. “And her lips are perfect, her smile, her kindness, her game, everything about her amazes me,” Paige finished, her fingers now tracing small figure eights along Azzi’s palm.

Without a word, Azzi shifted so she hovered over Paige. They stared at each other for a minute, their eyes flickering to each other’s lips, taking in the exciting, unfamiliar air between them.

Finally, Azzi leaned in, resolving the tension. Her lips brushed against Paige’s in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a tentative peck, a test of the waters. As they pulled back, a blush grew on Azzi’s cheeks and Paige’s heart skipped a beat. 

Paige smirked and reached out to bury her hands in Azzi’s hair. With a gentle tug, she pulled Azzi back in, their lips meeting again in a more passionate, more confident kiss. 

This time, there was less hesitation, less uncertainty. Their lips moved together in perfect sync, dancing in sweet rhythm. Paige ran her tongue along Azzi’s bottom lip, exploring the soft curve of her mouth and feeling the softness of her skin. The brunette let out a soft moan, her body relaxing into the kiss. Paige took this as a sign to deepen the connection, and she slipped her tongue in.

As they kissed, the world around them melted away, leaving just the two of them. The silence of the night was filled with the sound of their breathing, the soft rustle of their clothes, and the hum of their hearts beating quickly.

When they finally pulled away, gasping for breath, Paige’s eyes onto Azzi’s drinking in the sight of her. Her lips were swollen, her pupils dilated, and her skin was flushed with a soft, golden glow. 

“What?” Azzi asked, a blush creeping onto her face.

The blonde’s smile grew, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” Paige said, her fingers coming up to trace over Azzi’s soft skin.

They lay there, staring at each other, the tension between them dissipating, replaced by a sense of calm, of contentment. As the night wore on, they drifted off to sleep, their bodies lovingly intertwined.

———-

A series of aggressive knocks jolted Paige awake, and she groggily opened her eyes to the sound of a voice booming through the door. “PAIGE?! AZZI?! YOU BETTER BE UP. WE GOTTA BE DOWN IN THE GYM IN 15!” The urgency in the voice sent a rush of adrenaline through her, and she quickly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

When Paige looked to her left, she saw Azzi doing the same. For a few seconds they just laid practice, disoriented from sleep. It wasn’t until Paige noticed their limbs tangled together that she felt a flutter in her chest. She could tell Azzi had noticed too, as they exchanged an awkward glance.

“We can talk about this later, promise,” Paige said, throwing off the sheets and checking the time on her phone. The two girls frantically scrambled to get ready, grabbing their sneakers and clothes before racing out the door after their teammates.

The day felt as though it moved in slow motion, and neither Paige nor Azzi seemed to be able to catch a moment alone during the first half of practice. Aside from the occasional glance across the gym, or brush of contact as they switched stations, they didn’t see much of each other at all.

Azzi couldn't shake off the anxiety that had been building up inside her. She kept wondering what was going on between her and Paige, and whether Paige felt the same way. Every time she caught a glance of the blonde, she felt a pang of uncertainty. 

Paige, on the other hand, seemed to be having a tough time focusing on basketball. Her eyes kept drifting towards Azzi, noticing the nervousness on her face. She even missed a few shots, earning a stern warning from the assistant coach. 

By the time they took a water break, the stress was etched all over Azzi’s face. Paige jogged to catch up to the brunette, who was attempting to fly under the radar.

Azzi turned at the sound of the familiar footsteps. She felt her nerves settle seeing Paige’s friendly smile.

As they made their way to the locker room, Azzi felt Paige’s pinky suddenly interlock with hers, sending a warm feeling through her chest.

Once they were alone in the locker room, Paige broke the silence. “Wanna get ice cream after practice? We can talk,” she said, her voice hushed as she squirted her Gatorade bottle into her mouth. Azzi nodded, eyes fixed on Paige’s bicep flexing as she squeezed her bottle. 

Paige caught the brunette staring and smirked, “It’s a date,” she said teasingly, tossing her bottle by her stuff and walking out the door. Azzi was left standing there, a blush still present on her face.

As she made her way out of the locker room, Can draped her arm over Azzi’s back and asked, “What was that about?” Azzi coughed instinctively, not realizing anyone had overheard the conversation. “Uh, what was what about?” she replied dismissively. 

Cam turned to Caitlin, who rolled her eyes dramatically. It was no secret that Paige and Azzi had feelings for each other, and it seemed like everyone knew except for the two girls themselves. Or maybe not anymore, considering the conversion they’d just overheard. 

[pbaz7]

FLIGHT 2136: PART 3

paige x azzi

warning: mentions car accident

word count: 10.3k

A/N: I have literally never written anything like this so I hope it comes across correctly. I swear some of your answers are in this chapter just be patient. Let me know what you think please 🫶🏼

—————————————————————————

3rd Person POV - Friday

The morning light filtered softly through the hotel curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Azzi blinked a few times to adjust her eyes to the bright rays filing in, slowly waking her up to the quiet stillness of the room. Her gaze naturally drifted to Paige, who was still fast asleep beside her, the steadiness of her breathing reflecting her deep slumber.

Azzi watched her for a moment, taking in the sight of her in a way she hadn’t been able to before. The blanket had shifted considerably, low on Paige’s waist, and she was lying on her stomach, her hair a little messy on the pillow. Azzi’s gaze softened as she noticed how naturally beautiful Paige was, the little details that made her feel more real, more alive. The sunlight caught in Paige’s hair, highlighting certain strands that framed her face, even in her sleep.

Her eyes traced the sharpness of Paige's jaw, the arch of her nose, the curve of her lips that were relaxed in slumber. As Azzi looked at her she noticed that there was a scar, small and barely visible, near Paige's hairline. Azzi’s finger itched to trace it, to figure out the story associated with it, but she stayed still, careful not to disturb her. The quiet intimacy of the moment was too precious to ruin with a thoughtless action like that.

Her gaze moved lower, her eyes looking at the scar on Paige’s torso—the one from last night. It was more visible when Paige was facing her, but now, with her turned on her stomach, Azzi could only make out a small portion of it, curving along her side and reaching toward her back just slightly.

In the stillness, Azzi felt the weight of the moment, the growing sense of curiosity she had about Paige. She realized, then, just how little she truly knew about her—the person she had shared what felt like many lingering moments with in the past few days. Still, there were so many layers left to explore, so much left to understand.

It wasn’t lost on Azzi how much she wanted to know, how much she yearned to unravel the mysteries that Paige held beneath the surface. It felt like the beginning of something important, something bigger than just a random night in a hotel room. For now, though Azzi was content to just be here, beside her, breathing in the quietness of the morning as she gathered her thoughts.

Azzi lay there for a moment longer, watching Paige as she slept, it was all so peaceful. It felt weird, she could’ve stayed in that moment forever, but after a while, Azzi shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Paige. She slowly reached over the edge of the bed to grab her phone from her pocket, making sure not to make too much noise.

She unlocked it and couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw a text from Caroline pop up first: You still alive? Hope it was good.” Azzi typed a reply, “Yes, I’m alive and please relax.” A few more notifications popped up and Azzi spent a few minutes responding, her fingers moving across the screen.

The next time she glanced over at Paige, she noticed the subtle shift in her posture. Paige’s eyelids fluttered a little, and the quiet signs of waking up were starting to show. Azzi couldn’t help but smile to herself, lowering her phone as Paige slowly began to blink her eyes open.

Paige squinted slightly, clearly still adjusting to the morning light that filtered in through the window. Her eyes, that seemed to be a deeper blue with the way the sun was hitting them, met Azzi’s, a soft glimmer of awareness and curiosity in them. There was something so serene about the way Paige looked at her, a sense of familiarity already settling in, even though they had only known each other for such a short time.

Paige stretched a little, still blinking as she finally spoke in a raspy morning voice, “Morning.” She looked at Azzi for a beat longer, still processing the shift from sleep to reality.

Azzi couldn’t help but grin, the corners of her mouth moving upward as she replied, “Morning. You look like you just got out of a coma.”

Paige’s lips twitched, her eyes still half-lidded as she fought a smile. “Yeah? You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Azzi laughed softly, the moment between them feeling more natural than anything they had shared before. The tension that had once seemed so thick between them now seemed to have lifted, replaced with something lighter.

Paige’s gaze flickered to Azzi’s phone, still in her hand. “Telling your friends how good I was already?”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Sure something like that,” she replied playfully. She lowered the phone and moved it to the side before she turned back to Paige. “So, how’d you sleep?”

Paige stretched once more, the slight stretch of her body revealing more of the scar near her side that Azzi had seen the night before.

"Like a rock," Paige said, her voice still a little horse. "You?" she asked, turning to Azzi who had the sheet covering her chest.

Azzi chuckled. "Yeah, better than I’ve slept in a while."

Paige kept her gaze fixed on Azzi, still lying there with her head on the pillow. "So, what now?"

Azzi smiled a little, the corners of her lips curling up. "I was hoping you'd know."

Paige returned the smile, raising an eyebrow. "Me? I thought you were the one with all the answers."

Azzi shrugged, not answering right away. Instead, she glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "What time is your flight?"

"6:15," Paige replied.

Azzi hummed quietly, not saying anything else for a moment as she just looked straight ahead. Paige, still looking at her, propped her head up with her hand, studying Azzi’s profile as her eyes danced over Azzi’s face.

Azzi shifted slightly, meeting Paige’s gaze again. "Stop looking at me like that."

Paige grinned. "Like what?"

Azzi let out a soft sigh. "Like you just had sex with me last night."

Paige laughed softly, the sound completely unguarded. "I did have sex with you last night."

Azzi smirked, shaking her head completely at a loss for words. The atmosphere between them felt so easy.

Randomly Azzi says, “Tell me something about you.”

Paige chuckled as she sat up, her shoulder brushing against Azzi’s. “What do you want to know?” she asked, her amusement with the question clear.

Azzi shrugged, her brown eyes warm but curious. “Anything.”

Paige thought for a moment, tilting her head slightly before offering, “Um…Well I’m 22.”

Azzi immediately cut in, unimpressed. “That’s boring, and I already know that.”

Paige laughed. “You didn’t even let me finish.”

Azzi smirked, motioning for her to continue. “Alright, go on.”

Paige licked her lips, thinking for another second before continuing, “I’m 22. My birthday is October 20th. Um… I like purple.” She trailed off, her mind suddenly blank on what else to add.

Azzi gave her an exaggerated look before deadpanning, “Wow. I feel like I’ve known you for years.”

Paige scoffed, shoving Azzi’s arm playfully. “Shut up.”

Azzi grinned, shaking her head. “I’m serious, that was definitely life-changing information.”

Before Paige could respond her phone ringing cut off her thought process, making both Paige and Azzi glance toward the desk where it was sitting. Paige sighed before pushing herself up, stretching her arms over her head as she walked over in just her boxers and sports bra. Azzi’s eyes lingered for a moment, biting her lip slightly as she took in the way the light outlined the toned muscles of her back.

Paige glanced at the caller ID before answering. “Hello.”

Azzi stayed in bed, half-listening as she tried to piece together the conversation once she heard Geno’s voice. She could hear his voice through the speaker, though not clearly enough to make out every word. Something about wanting Paige to come by campus for a bit before her flight since she didn’t have much time to officially meet the team and hangout with them yesterday. Paige hummed in response here and there, glancing over her shoulder with a smirk when she noticed Azzi watching her.

Paige hung up a few moments later, still smiling as she turned back toward the bed. Before she could explain, Azzi’s phone started ringing. She frowned when she saw Geno’s name on the screen, glancing at Paige, who shrugged before disappearing into the bathroom.

Azzi exhaled and answered. “Hey, Coach.”

“Paige is coming to campus in about 20 minutes. I’m sending her your number so she can call you when she gets there. Make sure she feels comfortable,” Geno instructed, his voice casual yet expectant.

Azzi bit back a smile even though he couldn’t see her. “Yeah, I got it. Don’t worry.”

Geno seemed satisfied with that and ended the call. Azzi sighed, tossing her phone on the bed before standing up and stretching. While looking for her shirt her eyes landed on Paige’s black oversized shirt from yesterday, thrown over the chair. Without thinking much of it, she grabbed it and slipped it on. It was small, but she caught a faint trace of Paige’s scent on the fabric and it felt strangely intimate. As if they hadn’t just woken up in the same bed.

She walked toward the bathroom, leaning against the doorway as she watched Paige brush her teeth.

Paige caught Azzi’s reflection in the mirror, her gaze flickering down to the black shirt draped over Azzi’s frame before meeting her eyes again. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she mumbled through the toothpaste, “Looks good on you.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, shifting her weight against the doorframe. “Please don’t start.”

Paige chuckled, spitting into the sink before rinsing her mouth. She turned around, leaning back on the counter as she reached for the towel. “I’m just saying.”

Azzi scoffed, but there was a slight tug at her lips, betraying what she was about to say. “Don’t get used to it.”

Paige just smirked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at Azzi like she knew something she wasn’t saying. Azzi held her gaze for a moment before shaking her head, pushing off the doorframe. “Hurry up,” she said, turning back toward the bed. “I’m not gonna be the reason you’re late.”

Paige watched her go, her smirk still lingering as she wiped her face.

Paige walked out of the bathroom and settled for throwing on a hoodie and a pair of sweats. Turning back toward the bed, she grabbed an extra pair of sweatpants and some boxers and tossed them to Azzi.

Azzi caught them easily saying. “Thank you,” as she slipped them on.

Once they were both ready and Azzi grabbed all of her clothes, they stepped out of Paige’s room.

When they got outside there was a slight breeze as they made their way to Caroline’s car. Azzi unlocked it and slid into the driver’s seat while Paige got in the passenger seat, a lingering smile still tugging at her lips.

Azzi caught the look and sighed, shaking her head as she started the car. “You’re still smirking.”

Paige shrugged. “I didn’t say anything.”

Azzi gave her a pointed look before exhaling a small laugh. “You don’t have to, it's litrally all over your face.”

Paige chuckled but didn’t say anything else, letting the conversation fade into a comfortable silence, the soft hum of the car filling the space between them as they drove toward campus.

When they arrived, Azzi pulled into Caroline’s usual parking spot and turned off the engine. They stepped out, making their way up the stairs to Azzi’s suite.

The second Azzi pushed open the door, she was met with Caroline and Ice lounging on the couch. Both of them took one look at her, eyes dropping to the clothes in her hand before flicking to the shirt and sweats she was wearing. Matching smirks immediately spread across both of their faces.

Azzi paused for half a second before exhaling through her nose, already regretting the situation.

Paige followed, moving into view just enough to lift a hand in a wordless acknowledgment. Ice and Caroline’s eyebrows lifted slightly, clearly not expecting to see her here, both of them thankful they kept their mouths shut for a second.

Azzi kept her expression neutral as she said, “Geno wants us all to hang out with her today before she leaves.”

They both nodded, but the smirks never left their faces. Azzi didn’t entertain it, instead glancing at Paige for a second. She immediately noticed the shift—how Paige’s energy had seemed to dim. Her entire demeanor was more reserved now, quieter, a stark contrast to how she’d been that morning in the hotel of just moments ago in the car.

Azzi frowned slightly before saying, “You can just come with me until the rest of them get here.”

Paige met her eyes briefly before nodding, following Azzi deeper into the suite and into her room.

When they got to Azzi’s room, she shut the door behind her while Paige settled into the chair in front of her desk. Azzi moved to her closet, tossing her clothes inside before straightening up and turning back toward Paige.

Paige was looking around, taking in the space with quiet curiosity. Azzi leaned against the closet door, watching her for a moment before asking, “Is it what you expected?”

Paige glanced at her and nodded. “Surprisingly, yeah.”

Azzi chuckled, grabbing her phone and sending a message to the group chat, telling them all to come to her suite courtesy of Geno. Almost instantly, the message started getting likes, but she didn’t linger on it. Placing her phone down, she looked back at Paige.

“I’ll be right back. I’m gonna go brush my teeth and make myself presentable,” Azzi said.

Paige gave a small nod, and with that, Azzi slipped out of the room, making sure she shut the door behind her.

Left alone, Paige let out a soft exhale, her gaze drifting across the room until it landed on a corkboard hanging on the wall. It was filled with pictures—Azzi’s life in high school and college. Paige leaned forward slightly, eyes tracing over the pictures, and before she realized it, a small smile had formed on her lips.

When Azzi returned from the bathroom, her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, a few loose strands framing her face. She shut the door behind her again and moved to lean against the desk, standing just a few inches from where Paige was sitting, her leg brushing against Paige’s knee.

Paige glanced up at her, eyes flicking to her hair before smirking slightly. “Cute.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Me or the bun?”

Paige shrugged. “Both.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the way her lips twitched. “You’re lucky you’re charming.”

Paige leaned back in the chair, spreading her legs a bit more. “I know.”

Azzi gave her a look, smiling at her. “Oh, you’re back now, huh?”

Paige tilted her head. “Back?”

Azzi motioned toward the door with her chin. “You got a little stoic out there.”

Paige exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. “Just wasn’t in the mood to be the center of attention first thing in the morning to strangers.”

Azzi studied her for a moment before nudging her knee with her own. “Well, it’s just us now.”

Paige grinned up at her. “Yeah?” Paige licked her lips as she looked up at Azzi, “So what you wanna do about it?”

Azzi shook her head, biting her lip slightly to stop a smile. “I should’ve left you in the hotel.”

Paige chuckled, tilting her head back against the chair as she looked up at Azzi. “Too late now.”

“Unfortunately.”

Paige kept her eyes on Azzi, her gaze unwavering. It made Azzi shift slightly, the intensity of it throwing her off.

“Stop,” Azzi muttered

Paige raised an eyebrow. "Stop what?"

"You’ve had that look on your face since you woke up."

Paige just hummed in response, the smirk never leaving her lips as she continued looking up at Azzi.

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “Can you at least tell me what you’re thinking?”

Paige slouched further against the chair, her legs spread slightly, and lazily shook her head. “No.”

Azzi didn’t respond immediately, just studied her, trying to decipher whatever was running through her mind. Paige, still lounging effortlessly, absentmindedly started playing with the hem of her shirt that Azzi was wearing.

Azzi glanced down at her hand before raising an eyebrow. Without hesitation, she swatted Paige’s hand away.

Paige scoffed at the action.

From down the hall, the sound of voices grew louder, the unmistakable clamor of the team filling the suite.

“I think the team’s here,” Azzi murmured, straightening up from the desk as she glanced toward the door.

Paige didn’t respond. Instead she took a moment before she stood up, immediately in Azzi’s space—close enough that Azzi could feel the warmth radiating off her. They both noticed the closeness but neither of them moved, locked in a quiet stare.

Azzi looked Paige up and down with a small smirk playing on her face. “You know if you want to–”

KK’s voice rang out through the suite and interrupted whatever Azzi was about to say, “Azzi, stop hogging the recruit!”

Azzi chuckled, while Paige simply exhaled through her nose. Without a word, she stepped back, casually shoving her hands into her pockets before following Azzi out of the room.

As they stepped out of Azzi’s room, the noise in the suite became more apparent. The team was already gathered, everyone lounging in comfortable clothes—sweats, sweatshirts, sneakers—looking relaxed. No one made any formal introductions again, but the moment Paige stepped into the living room, the attention shifted to her. They all greeted her, some with friendly smiles and others with more playful words trying to immediately make her feel comfortable, but the ease of the atmosphere didn’t seem to reach Paige fully as she sat down on the couch and Azzi walked to the other side of the room.

As soon as Paige sat down KK took a seat next to her, KK’s natural energy radiating off of her as she looked at Paige. “So,” KK said, trying to strike up a conversation, “What makes you not boring like everybody else? Gimme something good.”

Paige glanced over at her, her lips curling up in a small, reserved smile. “Um, I don’t know,” she said, shrugging slightly. “I play basketball. That’s pretty much it.”

KK groaned but pressed on. “Okay, but what do you like to do when you’re not playing? There has to be something interesting about you.”

Paige didn’t answer right away, her gaze flicking to the others in the room as if searching for something to latch onto. Finally, she let out a breath and gave a half-smile, her eyes momentarily flicking back to Azzi who was standing by the counter. “I don’t have much time for hobbies these days honestly. Mostly just rehab and working out, been doing a lot of visits and when I’m not doing any of those I watch my team practice. Homework I don’t know.”

Aubrey nodded, chiming into the conversation. “That’s fair,” she said. “But I mean, everyone has something outside basketball, right? You like any movies or music? Come on, give us something. You sound like a robot dawg.”

Paige’s jaw tightened slightly, and she leaned back a little more on the couch, her posture still casual but distant. “I mean yeah I like music. R&B, mostly, a little of everything though” she replied, her voice steady but a little guarded.

The conversation kept going, but it was clear that Paige wasn’t opening up much. She was here physically, but emotionally she was closed off. There was confidence in her responses—no hesitation, no awkwardness—but not much more. She didn’t offer much beyond what was necessary to keep the conversation moving or to answer direct questions they asked her.

Azzi caught the shift in Paige’s demeanor the moment she looked over and saw Paige staring off into space, her finger absentmindedly spinning the ring on her hand. It was subtle, but Azzi noticed. Azzi pushed off the counter, excusing herself from the conversation with Ashlynn and Jana, and made her way over to where Paige was sitting on the couch.

She lowered herself into the seat next to her, close enough that their legs brushed together.

“Whatcha thinkin about?”

Paige blinked, breaking out of her thoughts, and her eyes slowly shifted over to Azzi. A faint smile appeared on her face. She shook her head. “Nothing much.”

Azzi didn’t buy it. “I don’t believe you,” she said simply.

Paige chuckled, a small and unconvincing sound, before her gaze shifted back to the group as the noise around them seemed to fill the air.

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Are you uncomfortable?”

Paige quickly shook her head. “Not uncomfortable, just… not much to say really.”

Azzi muttered under her breath, almost too quietly to hear, but Paige caught it. “You sure had a lot to say last night.”

Paige chuckled at this, tilting her head slightly as she met Azzi’s gaze. “I don’t think you wanna get into that with me right now,” she murmured.

Azzi held her gaze, her lips twitching, but before either of them could push further, a voice cut through the moment.

“Yo, Paige!” Aubrey called from across the room.

Paige let the stare linger for a second longer before finally tearing her eyes away, turning toward Aubrey. “Yeah?”

“How tall are you?” Aubrey asked, her expression unreadable.

Paige blinked, thrown off by the random question. “Six foot.”

Aubrey nodded. “You can shoot?”

Paige huffed a small laugh, still confused but playing along. “Yeah.”

Without another word, Aubrey simply nodded again and went right back to her conversation, as if she hadn’t just stopped the room to ask.

Paige frowned slightly, looking over at Azzi, who just shrugged.

Paige’s time with the team went like this for about another hour—mostly talking to Azzi, though every now and then, someone would chime in with a random question that Paige would answer. It wasn’t that she didn’t know how to talk to people. She just didn’t do well with new people, with people she didn’t know. Simply because she didn’t like small talk much. It was one of her pet peeves that had formed some time ago when her step mom would force her to talk through the pain in her ribs with pointless questions and comments.

After a few hours of chilling with the team it was time for Paige to head back to her hotel so she could go to the airport. She stretched slightly as she stood up, glancing at Azzi, who was already watching her.

“You heading out?” Azzi asked.

Paige nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

Paige didn’t argue, just slipped her hands into her pockets as she followed Azzi toward the door bidding goodbye to everyone before they walked out.

The two of them stood outside waiting for Paige’s uber not saying much. Paige rocked back on her heels, hands in her pockets, glancing at Azzi, who was leaning against the railing, arms crossed.

Azzi glanced at Paige. “So.”

Paige smiled softly, tilting her head. “So.”

Azzi exhaled, watching her carefully. “When are you making your decision?”

“I have to visit a few more schools first,” she admitted. “But soon.”

Azzi hummed at this, nodding slightly. Before either of them could say anything else, the Uber pulled up. Paige stood there for a second, looking at Azzi, searching for something in her expression. Then, a small smile tugged at her lips.

“How do you wanna play this?” Paige asked, her voice quieter now.

Azzi shrugged, her face unreadable.

Paige smiled at that before stepping forward, pulling Azzi into a hug. It was brief but firm, lingering just long enough before they pulled away.

Azzi met her eyes. “Don’t be a stranger.”

Paige smirked. “You have my number Azzi.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Are you actually going to text back?”

Paige shrugged. “Guess we’ll have to see.”

Azzi scoffed, shaking her head. “You aren’t as mysterious anymore. So your little ominous comments don’t work.”

Paige laughed at that, reaching for the car door. “I’ll text you.”

Azzi crossed her arms, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’ll text back.”

Paige met her gaze one last time, her expression softer now. “I’ll see you soon, Azzi.”

With that, she slid into the Uber, shutting the door behind her. Azzi stood there, watching as the car pulled away, her arms still crossed, her smile lingering, before she walked back upstairs.

…

After that day, Paige and Azzi kept in touch—not constantly, but enough. Their conversations were never rushed, never forced. A text here and there, one of them sending something random. Azzi sending a meme, Paige sending a highlight clip, both of them sending song recommendations that neither of them ever admitted to actually listening to.

Their texts always stretched over days. It would start off as a constant back and forth, but then one of them would respond hours later, sometimes even the next day, but neither ever seemed to mind. Azzi would send something sarcastic, Paige would respond with something equally dry, and it would spiral into playful messages until one of them finally let it die out—only for another conversation to start days later in the same effortless way.

What surprised Azzi the most during this time was that Paige always answered her FaceTime calls. She’d roll her eyes and act inconvenienced, but she never ignored them. “I told you I don’t like FaceTime,” she’d say when she picked up, usually lying in bed or at a random gym. Azzi would just smirk, tilting her head. “Then why do you always answer?”

Paige never had a real answer for that. She’d just shake her head, fighting a small smile before changing the subject.

Through these scattered conversations, Azzi learned more about Paige. She found out that Paige was at a small Division II school in Minnesota, though she rarely talked about it unless Azzi pried, mumbling about how Azzi asked way too many questions. Azzi learned that Paige hadn’t played her freshman year because of the accident, and after tearing her ACL this past year, she still had two years of eligibility left. Though she planned to use just one—coaches seemed to think that was all she needed to prove that she could still perform on the big stage.

Azzi also learned little things. Like how Paige always listened to music when she couldn’t sleep, nothing too loud, just playing softly in the background so she could listen to the lyrics instead of all the random thoughts swirling in her head. She learned how Paige had a habit of spinning the ring on her finger when she was thinking or when she got a little nervous or uncomfortable. How she spaced off in the middle of conversations and came back to earth like nothing happened. How she only drank coffee if she was desperate, otherwise she stuck to water or the occasional shirley temple.

It was a slow process, getting to know her. Paige didn’t just offer things up freely, but Azzi didn’t mind the wait. The more Paige revealed, the more Azzi realized that, beneath all that confidence and “mystery,” she was someone who chose her words carefully. Someone who didn’t say things unless she meant them.

Paige learned about Azzi just as Azzi had learned about her.

It was almost effortless—Azzi carried most of their conversations, filling in the silences that Paige left behind. That was the first thing Paige realized: Azzi wasn’t necessarily talkative, but with her, she was. Because she knew Paige wouldn’t speak much unless she was eased into it first. If they were ever on FaceTime around Azzi’s team they were the one’s talking and yelling while Azzi usually just sat there offering a small comment here and there.

Paige learned that, despite being one of the healthiest people she had ever met, Azzi had an undeniable sweet tooth—so much so that if she could, she’d probably marry a sweet treat. Paige learned that Azzi loved to read, losing herself in books when she needed a break from the world. She learned that Azzi loved talking about the books she was reading when she was done, even when Paige had no idea what she was talking about most of the time.

She learned about Stewie, Azzi’s dog, and how just talking about him could make Azzi light up. Paige learned about the little things—the things that made Azzi smile, the things that made her laugh, the things that made her feel at home when she was away at school and missed her family.

And now, about a month or so later, they were about to see each other again.

Azzi hadn’t expected to see Paige. As far as she knew, Paige was still making her rounds, visiting schools, weighing her options. They had texted earlier in the day like usual—short, easy messages that stretched over time—but Paige hadn’t mentioned anything about being at the game.

The arena was loud, packed with energy as UConn went through their usual warmups. The rhythm of bouncing basketballs, sneakers squeaking against the hardwood, and the music blaring through the speakers filled the space. Azzi was locked in, focused on her silent routine, until a glance toward USC’s bench made her freeze for half a second and do a double take.

Paige was there. Sitting just behind their bench, in nearly the same spot she had been when she watched UConn play before.

Azzi’s eyebrows lifted slightly, her grip tightening around the ball in her hands as she tried to process the sight. Paige, of all people, at the USC game—against UConn, no less.

Paige, of course, had seen Azzi notice her. And, because she was Paige, she smirked, leaning back slightly in her seat when she caught Azzi’s eyes.

Azzi blinked, exhaling a short breath as she shook her head, trying to fight the smile tugging at her lips. This girl.

…

From the moment the ball tipped off Azzi spent the entire game battling against USC’s defense, which had clearly done its homework on the shooting guard. Every time she tried to move off the ball, two defenders shadowed her. Every screen she ran around, they fought through, or two people jumped at her. UConn’s offense, usually fluid and dynamic with the ball in her hands, felt a little stagnant without her usual rhythm.

Paige could see it—the way Azzi’s frustration built with every contested shot, every missed opportunity. She wasn’t playing badly by any means, but she wasn’t playing as freely as she usually did. From where Paige was sitting, she could see ways Azzi could create more space for herself. Small adjustments, little shifts in movement that could’ve made a difference. But all she could do was sit there and watch it unfold behind USC’s bench.

The game was tight all the way through, every possession feeling heavier as the clock wound down. But in the final minutes, USC managed to stay just a step ahead.

When the buzzer finally sounded, the scoreboard read 83-79 in USC’s favor.

The home crowd erupted in celebration while UConn’s players sighed, some shaking their heads, others already replaying the game in their minds. Azzi, standing near the baseline, exhaled sharply, hands on her hips as she looked up at the scoreboard.

From her seat behind USC’s bench, Paige simply watched it all unfold.

A few minutes after the game, once the immediate post-game chaos settled, Paige and Azzi finally made their way toward each other. Paige had stepped away from the crowd, having a few moments to herself while USC went to have their post-game talk. Azzi, fresh off the handshake line, was still coming down from the intensity of the game.

"You didn’t tell me you were coming," Azzi said as soon as they were close enough. The fans near them yelling to get Azzi’s attention.

Paige let out a soft laugh. "You always lead with something I don’t expect. Never a hello."

Azzi shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I don’t have a lot of time," she admitted, glancing over her shoulder toward the tunnel, where her teammates were heading in. "But I wanted to see where you were staying."

"The Marriott, a few minutes from here," Paige answered easily.

Azzi hummed at this. "Hm. Us too."

Paige chuckled, tilting her head slightly. "Guess I’ll see you later, then."

Azzi was about to respond, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw the final straggler from her team disappear into the tunnel. She knew she couldn’t afford to linger any longer, especially after a loss. Exhaling softly, she glanced back at Paige.

"I’ll text you," Azzi said instead.

Paige gave her a small nod. Azzi held her gaze for just a second longer before turning and walking toward the locker room.

…

Later that night, Paige was lying in bed, scrolling aimlessly through her phone, when a soft knock echoed through her hotel room. She blinked at the door before pushing herself up, already knowing who it was but still peeking through the peephole out of habit.

A smirk tugged at her lips as she swung the door open, revealing Azzi standing on the other side in an oversized hoodie and pajama shorts. Paige’s gaze dropped to the shorts, taking in the tiny red hearts printed across them.

“Nice hearts,” Paige teased.

Azzi rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips as she reached out and shoved Paige’s shoulder—though Paige barely moved.

Without another word, Azzi stepped inside, her expression expectant as she looked at Paige. Paige furrowed her brows slightly before realization dawned on her features. Without hesitation, she reached out, wrapping Azzi in a long, lingering hug.

Azzi let out a quiet sigh as Paige wrapped her arms around her, melting into the hug like it was exactly what she needed. Paige held her close, resting her chin on Azzi’s shoulder, feeling the tension still lingering in her body from the game.

"Long day?" Paige murmured.

Azzi huffed a soft laugh. "You could say that."

Paige smiled, pulling back just enough to look at her. "So, what? You came all the way up here just for a hug?"

Azzi raised an eyebrow. "Would that be weird?"

Paige shrugged. "Nah. I get it. I’m me."

Azzi rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. Instead, she wandered further into the room, glancing around before flopping down onto Paige’s bed like she’d done it a hundred times before. Paige smirked at this.

"You make yourself at home real quick, huh?"

Azzi glanced up at her. "Well, you did say you’d see me later."

Paige huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head before pushing off the wall and making her way toward the bed. She sat at the edge, glancing over at Azzi, who was already sprawled out against the pillows, arms tucked behind her head, looking completely at ease.

Azzi turned her head slightly, her gaze settling on Paige. “How’d I play?”

Paige shrugged before shifting to lay beside her, mirroring her position. “Pretty good.”

Azzi arched her brow. “Not great?”

Paige shook her head. “No, not great.”

Azzi sighed, tilting her head back against the pillows as she mumbled “I hate basketball sometimes.”

Paige turned her head slightly, studying her before adding, “Their defense was basically ‘anyone but Azzi Fudd’ so don’t think about it too much.”

Azzi let out a quiet groan, staring up at the ceiling. "Tell me about it," she muttered. "Felt like they had three people trailing me at all times."

Paige turned her head slightly, glancing at her. "They did," she confirmed. "But you were still getting good looks. You just weren't creating enough space."

Azzi gave her a side-eye. "Oh, so now you're my coach?"

Paige laughed. "I'm just saying, I saw a few ways you could’ve gotten open."

Azzi rolled onto her side, propping her head up with her hand. "Yeah? Like what?"

Paige mirrored her, facing Azzi. "Couple times, you could’ve used your off-ball movement better. They were biting hard on screens—if you slipped off quicker, you would've had more separation. I don’t know if you had anyone to make the pass but still. And when you did get the ball, you hesitated just a little too long. You let them recover."

Azzi stared at her for a moment, her competitive nature flaring just slightly. "You really sat there analyzing me the whole game, huh?"

Paige smirked. "What else was I supposed to do? Watch USC?"

Azzi scoffed. "Yeah, actually."

Paige chuckled, nudging Azzi’s arm with her elbow. "Seriously though, you played well. USC just had a good scouting report."

Azzi sighed, rolling onto her back again. "Yeah. Sucks, though."

"Would've helped if you had a more consistent shooter."

Azzi turned her head toward Paige, raising an eyebrow. "Ashlynn can shoot."

Paige shrugged. "She can, But if she doesn’t make her first few shots, she’s nonexistent the rest of the game."

Azzi hummed at this but didn’t argue, staring up at the ceiling in thought. After a while she tilted her head to look at Paige who was just staring at the ceiling now. Azzi propped her head up on her hand again as she said, “Enough about me. How was your visit?”

Paige shrugged, not offering anything more.

Azzi gave her a pointed look. "How many times do I have to tell you? Shrugging isn’t a proper form of communicating."

Paige chuckled, finally breaking her silence. "It was alright, I guess."

Azzi narrowed her eyes. "Wow. Raving review. So... USC’s out of the running?"

Paige nodded. "Yeah."

Azzi hummed, studying her. "That was quick."

Paige smiled slightly. "I know what I want."

Azzi tilted her head. "And USC wasn’t it?"

Paige shook her head. "Not even close."

Azzi’s lips curled slightly, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she just traced Paige’s arm with her fingers. "Guess that means you’re running out of options, huh?"

Paige glanced down at her arm where Azzi was touching before saying. "Guess so."

Azzi shifted slightly, resting her cheek against her palm as she eyed Paige. “How many do you have left?”

Paige knew what she was asking—how many visits, how many schools still in consideration. She exhaled softly. “Two.”

Azzi nodded, her fingers idly playing with the string of her hoodie. “Are you actually considering them?”

Paige turned her head, meeting Azzi’s gaze for a brief moment before answering. “Not really…I have to go, though.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Paige laughed. “Because they’ll report all the other schools to the NCAA if I don’t.”

Azzi let out a laugh, shaking her head. “You really have schools breaking rules for these ‘unofficial’ visits?”

Paige just chuckled, shrugging like it wasn’t a big deal. “Guess I’m a hot commodity.”

Azzi laughed at this and the room settled into a quiet stillness, the only sound the faint hum of the hotel’s air conditioning. Paige’s eyes flickered over Azzi’s face, taking in the way the dim light softened her features, the way her lips parted slightly like she had something to say but was hesitating. Azzi, normally composed, seemed almost hesitant now, her fingers playing with the string of her hoodie as she held Paige’s gaze.

Finally, Azzi exhaled. “Can I kiss you?”

Paige smiled a little at the question and gave a small nod.

With the confirmation, Azzi closed the distance between them, her fingers brushing gently against Paige’s jaw before tilting her chin up and capturing her lips in a slow kiss. Paige exhaled steadily against Azzi, her hands finding their place on Azzi’s hips.

Not long after the kiss started Azzi tilted her head, deepening it, and Paige followed her lead, nipping at Azzi’s bottom lip just enough to make her sigh.

The sound sent a warmth through Paige’s chest, and before she could process it, Azzi shifted forward instinctively, settling more comfortably in Paige’s lap, her knees pressing into the mattress on either side of Paige’s waist.

Paige’s hands slid upward, fingertips grazing the skin just beneath Azzi’s hoodie, tracing patterns. After some time, Azzi pulled back slightly, her lips parting as she exhaled.

“We can’t,” she murmured, her voice breathy but firm.

Paige, still beneath her, let out a low chuckle, her thumbs rubbing soothing circles against Azzi’s waist. “I know.”

Azzi blinked, slightly thrown off by Paige’s lack of protest. “You know?”

Paige nodded, her blue eyes flickering with amusement as she tilted her head back against the pillows. “Yeah. You spent all day yesterday texting me about how bad your cramps were,” she reminded her. “And how none of this actually makes sense because men are the ones with Adam’s apples.”

Azzi huffed out a small laugh, shaking her head as she sat back a little, still straddling Paige. “Hm. I sure did say that.”

Paige hummed in acknowledgment, her fingers still lazily circling Azzi’s waist, her touch lingering. She was looking at Azzi in the way she seemed to do a lot lately—like she had her completely figured out.

Azzi shifted slightly, her gaze flickering between Paige’s eyes as she noticed the way Paige was just… staring at her. Not in a way that made her uncomfortable, but in a way that made her feel like Paige was seeing right through her—like she was memorizing her, like she was thinking about something she wouldn’t say out loud.

Azzi’s voice was quiet when she finally asked, “What do you think about when you look at me?”

Paige’s fingers were still circling lazily against Azzi’s waist, her touch warm. She blinked at the question, lips parting slightly before she simply answered, “Too much.”

Azzi hummed at this, tilting her head slightly. “Why?”

Paige sighed, her expression shifting into something a little more distant. She took a moment, as if deciding whether she wanted to answer, before finally saying, “Don’t wanna make the wrong decision.”

Azzi didn’t respond right away, but her silence and the look she was giving her encouraged Paige to continue.

Paige inhaled deeply before saying, “Life has a way of being unpredictable and a little cynical, regardless of your intentions. So I think about everything I’m doing way too much, hoping I can control the outcome… even though chances are I can’t.”

Azzi studied her, processing the weight behind Paige’s words. Without thinking, her fingers moved to the ring on Paige’s finger, gently spinning it the way she had seen Paige do. She hesitated before asking, “Is it because of the accident?”

Paige didn’t answer right away, but the way her jaw tightened—how her fingers briefly stilled against Azzi’s waist—was answer enough. After a second, she gave a small nod.

Azzi kept her touch light as she continued to toy with the ring, her voice even softer when she said, “You don’t talk about it much.”

Paige let out a quiet breath, eyes flickering away for a moment. “Not much to say.”

Azzi shook her head slightly. “I think there’s a lot to say. You just don’t want to.”

Paige chuckled under her breath, but there was no humor in it. “You make that sound like a bad thing.”

“It’s not bad,” Azzi murmured. “Just… something I’ve picked up on.”

Paige exhaled, staring past Azzi for a moment, her thoughts somewhere else. Then, with a small shake of her head, she finally admitted, “It’s just… easier. Not thinking about it, not talking about it.”

Azzi watched Paige carefully, noting the way her fingers twitched slightly against her waist. She let the silence settle between them for a moment before asking, “Have you ever talked to anyone about it?”

Paige’s lips pressed together briefly before she shook her head. “No.”

Azzi’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why not?”

Paige exhaled through her nose, then looked up at her with a soft smile. “You ask a lot of questions, pretty girl.”

Azzi huffed a soft laugh. “And you usually answer them, gorgeous.”

Paige let out a breath, her smile fading into something more thoughtful. She glanced away before finally saying, “No point. Every time I try, I just end up thinking about all the different decisions I could’ve made. Doesn’t do me any good.”

Azzi didn’t respond right away, just watching Paige as she absentmindedly traced circles against her skin. There was something raw in Paige’s admission, something unspoken lingering between them.

“You know there’s nothing you could’ve done. You can’t control the world Paige.”

Paige nodded, but she didn’t speak, her eyes fixed somewhere past Azzi’s shoulder. Azzi could tell she wasn’t fully convinced—just because she knew it didn’t mean it was easy to accept.

“I know,” Paige finally said, her voice quiet. “But there’s just a lot from that day that could’ve changed things.”

Azzi tilted her head slightly. “Like what?”

Paige hesitated. Azzi saw the way her lips parted like she was about to say something before she stopped herself, debating.

But then Paige’s gaze shifted, fully looking at her—the way Azzi was straddling her hips, the way she was still idly playing with the ring on her finger, the way her brown eyes were searching but so patient and warm.

Suddenly, Paige just started talking. “You know my little brother, Drew?”

Azzi nodded.

Paige stared past her for a second before continuing. “That day, he was bugging me all afternoon to go get ice cream. I mean, non-stop—every few minutes for some reason. But I was tired from the games that week, and I had a workout later that day, so I didn’t really want to leave the house before I had to. But I promised him we would go… just not right then.”

Azzi stayed silent, just listening as Paige’s voice took on a more distant quality.

Paige chuckled dryly. “When it was time for my workout, I couldn’t drive because I didn’t put gas in my car the night before, so we all went together—me, my dad, my stepmom, and Drew. Ironically we had never even done that before, that was the first time everyone was coming to one of my workouts. We left a little earlier than we needed to, and when Drew noticed he asked if we could stop for ice cream.” Paige let out a small, humorless huff, eyes still unfocused as she spoke. “My dad looked at me in the rearview mirror and said it was my workout so it was up to me. And I always hated saying no to Drew and I had said no so many times that day already, so I said of course.”

Azzi saw the moment Paige started slipping away, her expression flattening, her words turning mechanical, like she wasn’t even processing them as they left her mouth.

“So instead of going straight, we turned right,” Paige said, her voice distant, like she was narrating someone else’s life. “A few blocks later, one light before we were going to turn into the coldstone, there was this Pepsi truck. I guess he was coming off the highway too fast or something. He couldn’t brake in time, so he ran the light while we were in the intersection.”

She swallowed hard.

“The truck hit the side of the car my stepmom and I were on…They say your brain is supposed to block out things like that. Make it easier. But I remember everything. I just—” Her voice faded, like the words had dried up in her throat. Her eyes were glossy, unfocused, trapped in a memory she couldn’t shake. She blinked once, slowly, then murmured, “And yeah. That was that.”

Paige let out a shaky breath before continuing, her voice rough.

“And I hated the world for so long. Sometimes I still do honestly,” she admitted, a bitter edge creeping into her tone. “Because I—I did everything right. I prayed every night, I gave back, I was generous, selfless, I worked hard, I did everything they say you’re supposed to, and that still happened. But then I remember I can’t hate the world. Because we’re all still here and healthy. I still get to play the game I love. I’m still so blessed. So I can’t even give myself the grace to be upset about everything.”

Silence settled between them as Paige just stared into space.

Azzi glanced down at Paige’s hands, noticing how cold they had become. She squeezed them softly, rubbing her thumbs over the backs of Paige’s knuckles, trying to get the blood flowing again.

“Paige,” Azzi said gently, her voice barely above a whisper. She squeezed her hands again, firmer this time, tilting Paige's head slightly to meet her eyes. “Hey.”

Azzi watched as Paige slowly came back to herself, the distant haze in her eyes clearing as she blinked a few times. Her gaze refocused, landing on Azzi like she had just remembered she was there.

“Hm?” Paige murmured.

Azzi softened her hold on Paige’s hands, giving her the space to pull away if she wanted to—but she didn’t let go completely. She just held on. “What do you need?” Azzi asked gently.

Paige exhaled, her fingers flexing slightly in Azzi’s grasp. “I’m good,” she said, but there was no real conviction behind it.

Azzi didn’t argue, didn’t push. She just said, soft but firm, “Paige.”

Paige licked her lips, taking a slow breath. “Tell me something about you.”

Azzi studied her for a moment, then nodded, shifting slightly where she sat. She thought for a second before a small smile tugged at her lips.

“Okay,” she said, tilting her head. “During CoVid, my brothers and I got so bored one day that we decided to go out on the patio and I gave them haircuts.”

Paige’s brows lifted slightly, intrigued.

Azzi grinned. “And not just any regular haircuts. I was cutting shapes into their heads. Like, just completely ruining them. I had no idea what I was doing, but they let me do it anyway.”

Paige huffed a small laugh, and Azzi could see the lightness in her eyes start to return.

“I drew a basketball in one of their heads, even added my jersey number,” Azzi continued, laughing at the memory. “It was awful. Just—bad all around. But we were dying the whole time. Even my parents came out to watch.”

Paige chuckled, the sound quiet but genuine. “They actually let you do that?”

“Oh yeah,” Azzi nodded. “We were locked in the house for months; we needed entertainment. I think they regretted it as soon as they saw their reflections, but at that point, it was too late.”

Paige shook her head, smiling softly. “That’s ridiculous.”

Azzi shrugged. “Definitely. But I think it’s one of my favorite memories. Just us being stupid and not caring about anything else.”

Paige looked at her for a long moment, then exhaled. “Sounds nice.”

Azzi gave her hands another squeeze. “It was.”

They stayed like that for a few beats, the weight in the room a little lighter now. Azzi watched Paige carefully, making sure she was really back, that she wasn’t slipping away again.

“You good?” Azzi asked quietly.

Paige nodded, her fingers brushing against Azzi’s where they were still intertwined. “Yeah,” she murmured.

Azzi studied her for a moment before speaking softly. “Thank you for telling me that.”

Paige didn’t say anything at first—just nodded again. Then, with a gentle tug on Azzi’s hoodie, she pulled her down, closing the space between them. Their lips met in a kiss that felt different from all the others—not rushed or hesitant. It was just them, existing in this moment, wrapped up in each other.

Azzi sighed into the kiss, her hands moving instinctively to cup Paige’s face, her thumbs brushing over her cheeks. Paige’s fingers curled around the fabric of Azzi’s hoodie, holding her close, like she needed this—like she needed her.

The kiss continued to slowly deepen, neither of them in a rush to pull away. It was a quiet kind of intimacy, one that didn’t need words.

Then—

A knock at the door.

Azzi broke the kiss, her head moving toward the sound as her breath came a little uneven. Paige groaned, her head dropping against the pillow.

Azzi exhaled a quiet laugh, still slightly dazed as she glanced down at Paige. “You expecting someone?”

Paige shook her head. “No.” She tapped Azzi’s leg, silently telling her to get up. With a small sigh, Azzi slid off Paige’s lap, settling back against the pillows as Paige stood and walked toward the door.

Azzi couldn’t see who it was from where she sat—the way the hotel room was laid out blocked her view—but she heard the confusion in Paige’s voice when she opened the door.

“Wassup?”

A second voice answered, a little sheepish. “I think I left my charger here earlier. And I know you’re leaving tomorrow, so I didn’t wanna be SOL.”

Paige chuckled. “Hold on, I’ll grab it.”

She stepped back into the room, her eyes scanning for a moment before she spotted a charger near the couch. Grabbing it, she walked back toward the door.

“Thanks,” the voice said.

“No problem,” Paige replied easily before shutting the door behind her.

Azzi raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching slightly. “I didn’t realize your hotel room doubled as lost and found.”

Paige laughed as she sat back on the bed. “Ha ha, very funny.”

Azzi tilted her head. “Who was that?”

“Just one of the girls from the USC team,” Paige said casually.

Azzi’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at this, and Paige immediately caught on, shaking her head. “It’s not what you think.”

“I didn’t even say anything.”

Paige scoffed. “It was all over your face.” She shifted, propping herself up on her elbow as she continued, “A couple of them came over yesterday before the game and just chilled here with me because my flight’s early tomorrow.”

Azzi hummed at this, but Paige could tell her mind was still working.

“What?” Paige prompted, watching as Azzi hesitated for a moment before finally asking, “Have you slept with anyone since me?”

There wasn’t a single beat of hesitation before Paige answered, “No.”

Azzi didn’t say anything for a moment, her gaze lingering on Paige. Paige studied her in return, waiting, until the silence stretched a little too long.

Finally, Paige spoke again. “There’s no one else, Azzi.”

Azzi looked at her, eyebrows furrowing slightly as if processing the weight of the words. Then, softly, she responded, “I know. I’m just processing why the thought crossed my mind.”

Paige chuckled, leaning back on the bed with a casual smile. “I already told you why…You were way too interested for it to be just one night.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but there was a softness in her expression now. “You’re full of yourself,” she muttered. “I miss when you didn’t speak unless spoken to.”

Paige raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the bed with a smug smile. “Really?” she teased.

Azzi sighed dramatically, shaking her head. “No,” she said, her voice softening. “I don’t miss it, but it was... easier.”

Paige chuckled. “I’ll remember this when you’re begging me to say more than two words on FaceTime.”

Azzi smirked. “I’ll give you at least three. You probably say ‘I don’t know’ more than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Paige’s lips twitched as she crossed her arms over her chest. “You say ‘I don’t know’ just as much as I do. Don’t act like I’m the only one with the habit.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “I do not.”

Paige grinned. “You literally said ‘I don’t know’ like five times today before noon.”

Azzi rolled her eyes again, though it was clear she was trying not to laugh. “Okay, maybe once or twice,” she conceded, but then pointed at Paige, “But that’s because you’re always asking me impossible questions.”

Paige laughed fully. “Impossible questions? I ask things like, ‘How’s your day?’”

Azzi raised her hand in mock surrender. “Fine, I’m outnumbered.”

Paige smiled, her eyes warm with affection. “Yeah, you are.”

Azzi's phone rang from the nightstand next to the bed, interrupting their playful exchange. She glanced at the screen, letting it ring a few times.

“You gonna get that?” Paige asked with a smirk.

Azzi rolled her eyes but picked up her phone. “I was about to, if you give me a second.”

As Azzi answered, Caroline’s voice instantly filled the room, loud and clear. “Stop having sex with the recruit and come back to the room. CD’s having room checks soon.”

Azzi let out a laugh. “If I was having sex, I wouldn’t have answered the phone, babe.”

Caroline’s voice came back with a sigh. “Whatever. You’ve got like fifteen minutes.”

Azzi sighed, glancing at Paige as she responded, “Okay, bye,” before hanging up. She tossed the phone onto the nightstand, her expression now amused as she met Paige’s gaze.

Paige’s eyebrows were shot up in disbelief. “Sex with the recruit?”

Azzi gave her a pointed look, rolling her eyes. “Shut up.”

Paige stood up, slipping on her Ugg Tasman slippers. “Come on, let’s get you back,” she said, glancing over at Azzi.

“You don’t need to walk me to my room.”

Paige shrugged casually, her usual nonchalance apparent. “I don’t mind.”

Azzi pushed herself off the bed, and as she reached for her phone, Paige grabbed her phone and keycard. The two of them walked out of the room, moving silently down the hall.

The walk to the elevator wasn’t awkward—just quiet. Azzi was lost in her thoughts, her mind drifting to places she hadn’t quite sorted through yet regarding the game.

Once inside the elevator, Paige leaned her head back against the wall, closing her eyes. The hum of the elevator made the moment feel peaceful, a brief pause in their whirlwind of thoughts.

It was then that Azzi finally spoke, her voice soft but laced with concern. “Are you okay?”

Paige opened her eyes slowly, tilting her head slightly toward Azzi. She nodded, the motion small.

Azzi watched Paige as they stepped out of the elevator and began walking down the hall toward her room. She raised an eyebrow, noting the quiet shift in Paige’s energy. “Why’d you get all quiet on me?”

Paige glanced at her, a faint smirk pulling at her lips. “I didn’t. I was just letting you think.”

Azzi chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Right.”

When they reached Azzi’s door, she leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed. Paige stood in front of her, looking down the hallway for a moment before meeting Azzi’s gaze.

Azzi hesitated, then said, “I probably won’t see you for a while.”

Paige nodded, not offering much else. Azzi studied her, noticing the subtle shift in her posture. “You did get quiet on me. What’s up?”

Paige shook her head. “Nothing. I’m good.”

Azzi gave her a pointed look, not buying it. “You sure about that?”

Paige sighed, looking down at her shoes for a moment before meeting Azzi’s eyes. “I’m just gonna miss you.”

Azzi softened at the admission. “Keep going,” she said quietly, sensing there was more to it.

Paige hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. “It’s just—my thoughts are a lot quieter when you’re around, for some reason. It’s just a little jarring going back to that after you leave.”

Azzi’s expression softened as she let out a small pout, tugging on Paige’s shirt, pulling her closer. “You know, you make it hard to leave when you say things like that.”

Paige chuckled softly, a sheepish smile on her lips. “My bad.”

Azzi couldn’t help but smile at the unnecessary apology, her heart softening a little. “Come here.”

Paige hesitated for only a moment before stepping closer, the space between them closing. As soon as she was near enough, Azzi reached out, pulling Paige in by the waist to connect their lips.

The moment their lips met, Azzi felt Paige’s tense jaw, the tension still lingering in her. Azzi gently traced her finger along the curve of Paige’s jaw, coaxing her to relax. Paige let out a soft sigh, her body responding as she melted into the kiss, her hands coming to wrap around Azzi pulling her closer.

They stayed like that for several minutes, the world outside disappearing as they simply focused on the feeling of being with each other in the hallway. When Paige finally pulled back, her breath uneven, she murmured quietly, “Thank you.”

Azzi chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind Paige’s ear. “You don’t need to thank me for that.”

The two of them lingered close, their foreheads nearly touching as they just savored the moment in silence, comfortable in each other’s presence. Eventually, Paige stepped back, putting her hands in her pockets, though Azzi noticed how her fingers absently toyed with the ring on her finger.

Azzi laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’re cute sometimes.”

Paige glanced at her with a playful smirk. “Thanks.”

Azzi turned toward the door, her hand moving to unlock it. "I’ll call you tomorrow," she said, her voice carrying the same familiarity that made everything feel a little more comfortable.

Paige nodded, her gaze softening. "Okay," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

The brief silence between them lingered as Azzi slowly pushed the door open, stepping inside. She paused for a moment, eyes meeting Paige's one last time, before closing it behind her. Paige remained where she stood, her expression lingering. The soft click of the door locking was the only sound that followed, leaving Paige standing in the hallway for just a moment longer before she turned to walk away.

[hcneymooners]

౨ৎ stargirl interlude: chapter ii.

wnba!paige x pop star!azzi. men & minors dni.

⋆ 🪩 masterlist.

synopsis: azzi’s one of the industry’s fastest rising stars—a notorious ice princess. she doesn’t pay much attention to the internet, so she’s caught off guard when she finds out who her biggest fan is: world-class athlete paige bueckers, publicly losing her mind over her.

cw: implied mental health issues, fluff, first date, medium burn?, young girls rediscovering themselves and their desires, slight angst, mentions of faith.

notes: hi, my doves. let me know if you enjoyed this. sorry this is a little sad, but azzi is a product of childhood fame. love you. can't wait to see you in my inbox.

II: SECOND SKIN.

“i’d like to work on something different. something that feels more like me.”

azzi watched as her manager’s brow rose, sensed her mother's gaze boring holes deep into her skin. she steadfastly ignored them, focusing instead on the condensation dripping down the plastic body of her iced blueberry matcha. 

the head of the label sat across from her. he was a stout man with a pinched face. it always looked as though he was struggling to breathe. he was kind though, had seen many a pop legend come and go, and seemed to have a soft spot for her ideas, usually called silly, when she presented them to katie on the car ride home.

“you don’t feel any connection to what you’re doing now?” he asked her, and azzi blinked back into the moment.  

“i think i did at some point but,” azzi pursed her lips, then let out a flow of air, “i’m not feeling myself in any of it. i look at the lyrics and open my mouth and nothing comes out. at least nothing i’m proud of.”

the man sat back, green eyes unnervingly bright. she focused on the liver spot that pulled across his neck, mind running as she tried to remember his name. it was something rather clandestine. micheal? murray? 

“what do you feel yourself in?”

azzi looked up from beneath her lashes, her cheeks haloed by her unbrushed curls. she was only in a midi black dress, the straps thick and the neckline square. along her collarbones lay a thin diamond chain with a silver, cursive ‘a’ pendant that swung forward every time she readjusted herself. her feet were encased in faux-leather flats, the small, needlework rosary tattoo she’d gotten on a whim dark and visible.

“i’ve been listening to a lot of indie rock. red hot chili peppers, smashing pumpkins, the teenagers. i like the way i feel when i listen. there’s more room in the writing to sing about what i’m going through, big or small. i’m—” she hesitated. “i’m tired of being a sexy baby.”

“indie rock, huh?” the man said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. “i didn’t think kids knew of red hot chili peppers these days.”

azzi smiled, her two front teeth shining white and new. her mother, who had been holding on for a rather impressive amount of time, finally gave her input.

“but she’s not a rockstar, max! she’s a pop star.”

oh, so his name was max. yes, very clandestine. max rolled his neck over to one side as he glanced irritably at katie, his jaw working before he responded. 

“i get that, katie, i really do.” azzi tried not to laugh and took a sip of her matcha. “but reinvention is how these girls stay alive in this world. azzi’s right. people are not looking for the sexy baby thing right now. i mean there’s always an audience, but azzi’s demographic has grown with her. and if she wants her growth to be noticeable, i think it's smart to play up a different image other than discovering that you have a body and desires for the first time.” 

huh, azzi thought. go, max.

he looked back at her, eyed her drink. “need another?’

“sure,” azzi said, her voice quiet but her resolve strong. 

they got up. they took a walk.

⟡

azzi pushed three thick sprays of salt water through the nozzle and into the back of her throat, her nose burning as california brine coated the muscles. then she texted paige. 

» hey, paige. just wanted to touch base about getting coffee this week.

her arms burned when she pressed the meat of them into the metal strings of her bass guitar. she shined it earlier and its teal corpse stared at her, reflecting a distorted image of her face as it begged her to touch it—to raise it from the dead. she felt the feeble spirit of her thirteen-year-old self in the marrow of the instrument, and she focused she could hear her too.  

she hated the message once she sent it. she sounded so out of touch with what it meant to be a young girl, a cool girl. while she waited for paige’s response, her eyes roved over the other girl’s instagram. she cataloged what she knew of her already: she was twenty-five, two years to azzi’s twenty-three, and a well-loved prodigy. she frequented texas, dallas to be specific, due to her current contract. she flew back and forth to new york, apparently helping to coach teenage athletes in her spare time. 

azzi liked that, that the goodness of her heart gave her a reason to plant her feet on new york’s rat-run ground. azzi sometimes worried that she wasn’t good, not even a little bit. 

she lingered on a candid of paige in the pews of a church, the light streaming in through the thin stained glass adorning her with mock sainthood. azzi wondered if it would matter to paige that god tended to put a frog in her throat, that she had removed his hands from around her neck and thighs and was trying to sit next to him without flinching on most days. maybe they would never get there. 

» hey, azzi. yeah, i’m still good for coffee. 

azzi smiled. i wonder if you know how good you make me feel, she thought and then was immediately embarrassed. 

» that’s really good to hear. 

she paused, then sent another message. 

» sorry about saying “touch base”. it was weird.

the response was swift.

» nah, it wasn’t. 

azzi wondered if she should leave it alone, but if she was going to coffee she may as well ensure it wasn’t too awkward. she raised her arms, ignoring the indentations in her skin, and snapped a picture of her guitar. the steel of its strings gleamed; the teal paint seemed to cry. you could see her shadow reach across it. her leg was bent, but visible—tender from her weight being shifted across it for several hours.

» trying to learn how to use her again » going a new direction with my music and i’m kind of really scared 

too honest, she berated herself. paige didn’t seem to think so.

(paige didn’t think so at all. her crystal blue eyes had fallen on the reddened skin of azzi’s knee, on the thin strip of darkness made by the bend of azzi’s leg and the crush of her thigh. her mouth watered, and she redid her ponytail to regain some self-control.)

» u have a voice like an angel, azzi. some things are just meant to be. 

» God knew what He was doing. 

she capitalized God, azzi noted. her mouth twitched into a smile. she liked that. it was a good detail.

» i’m not that religious, but since you are i guess you would know. » sorry that sounded mean, but i don’t mind it. your faith, i mean. please don’t feel bad.

a moment passed and then,

» i don’t know, i just trust. » and i didn’t feel bad. ur not a mean girl. 

azzi laughed out loud then. 

» it’s my desire to know vs my desire to trust, she said.  » see you tomorrow, paige

her phone buzzed one last time. 

» can’t wait. i’ll be looking for u. 

azzi took a deep breath and closed her eyes. she thought hard of california, saw her father in the waves with a hand around her arm—the bone thick with baby fat. she heard something, someone. 

she touched a string. it sang.

⟡

the morning light came in sharp, cutting the shop into bright angles and long shadows. the windows were too clean, the floor polished to a dull shine. it smelled like scorched milk and antiseptic, something artificial masking something else. the kind of place people pretended to not mind, with its ten-dollar oat lattes and plastic baristas. the kind of place azzi used to think she liked.

she had dressed without thinking—well, no. she had thought about it quite a bit, but it was a good fantasy.

a strapless smocked top, tight across her ribs, the fabric shifting when she moved. faded jeans, loose at the hip, cinched with an old leather belt. they slouched low, soft, and worn in the way vintage denim should be, brushing against the tops of her boots. she carried her jacket in one hand, twisted around her fingers like an afterthought. her hair, loose from whatever styling had held it the other morning, fell in soft, uneven spirals. she’d drawn up the top with brown butterfly clips to prevent it from getting into her eyes. 

she looked like someone caught between selves. not quite undone, but close.

her fingers traced the rim of her mug, nails chipped down to uneven edges. the heat of the ceramic barely registered. paige was watching her. not in the way people usually did—calculating, expectant—but with a slow heat closer to patience. like she was trying to understand something. azzi often felt like a ghost within her own body, but now, someone was gazing at her,  not through her.

paige sat with her legs apart, elbows resting on her thighs. it was the kind of posture that helped make her look present without seeming too comfortable. the light made a halo of her, just for a second.

she wore a white, slightly oversized button-down, sleeves rolled up just once—as she did it absentmindedly, not for style. the fabric looked soft; it seemed the kind that came off better the more it was worn. beneath that: dark wash straight-leg jeans, fitted enough to hint at her strength but relaxed to a degree that spoke to her disinterest in the semantics of fashion. they fell heavy at the hem, half-swallowing her vintage nike cortez sneakers. a simple chain encircled her neck, barely noticeable except when the light caught it. a cross, just simple metal.

the image instilled a sense of wonder in azzi. she wanted to ask about it, if it meant anything.

paige grimaced, picking up her vanilla latte with two shots of espresso. "twelve fucking dollars?" she muttered. "for this?"

azzi watched her, something soft developing in her chest. she slightly recognized this feeling. it was like rediscovering a language she'd forgotten she knew how to speak. it began to bleed through her, raw and unfiltered. she worried that it would stain her shirt.

"so," paige said, her voice slipping through the lo-fi hum of someone’s terrible 2010-esque playlist, "tell me something."

azzi blinked. the overhead lights buzzed, too bright, catching on the fine gold chain around her throat. her small scorpio pendant shifted when she swallowed. 

“um, let’s see. i'm twenty-three," azzi started, her words falling into a practiced rhythm. "born in virginia, but lived in california for a while. i miss it there. uh, oh. my favorite color is pink. i have a birthmark shaped like texas on my left hip.” 

paige took another swig of coffee and then looked her dead in the eye. she raised an eyebrow. "you giving me teen beat facts?"

azzi suppressed a smile. she shrugged.

paige leaned in, elbows on the table, hands loose but steady.

"something that doesn’t exist in a press release." a pause. "give me the real you, please."

the words settled between them. the moment stretched, thin and expectant. something about it made azzi want to look away.

she didn’t.

“um,” her voice was quieter now, “i’m terrified of spiders, but i don’t ever want to kill them. i’m allergic to fake gold, and my ears swelled when i got them pierced as a toddler. i can’t cook or bake, but i have a good eye for presentation. i haven’t really written or performed anything i’ve liked in over two years.”

the last bit took her by surprise, but paige’s eyes only softened. she leaned back and swallowed down the remnants of her drink. she put it down and tilted her head, her blonde hair shifting with the movement. her mouth seemed electric as she spoke. 

“i want to take you somewhere. come with me?”

they ended up at a small ethiopian restaurant.

it was tucked between a laundromat and a convenience store, where the scent of berbere and spiced butter pulled at the air before the door even opened. inside, the walls were warm-toned, lined with woven baskets and paintings, the floor covered in persian rugs softened and faded by years of footsteps. it hummed with low chatter, the clink of metal trays, and the occasional burst of laughter from a group in the corner.

azzi looked around, a little mesmerized. "this is beautiful."

paige watched her, further endeared. "yeah."

they sat on the floor, low cushions pressed against their backs, a tray of injera and slow-cooked stews set between them. the place was packed, families and couples and groups of friends leaning close, tearing pieces of bread with practiced ease. 

it was intimate in a way that surprised azzi—hands reaching, sharing, dipping.  food was so respected here; the art of the meal and family so centered. she followed paige’s lead, watching her scoop a piece and fold it with practiced ease.

azzi’s first bite made her eyes widen, then flutter closed. "oh my god."

"right?" paige grinned, watching as azzi eagerly took another bite. it was so good, flavored in a way that stuck to your ribs. this was the kind of food you could taste long after you’d left the table.

they stayed like that, across from one another but intersecting as their hands met in the warm rivers of heavily spiced sauce and pots of yellow rice.

at some point, azzi got a bit of sauce on her chin, then her cheek, and paige, without thinking, swiped her thumb over it only to smear it across the bridge of her nose. azzi let out a startled laugh, brown eyes crinkling, and paige smirked.

"you missed a spot."

paige watched as azzi lifted her phone, angling the camera to capture the streak of sauce on her cheek, then her nose. she stuck out her tongue, crossing her eyes in one, then tilted her head slightly, lips parted to reveal her american girl teeth, a mess of curls cradling her face.

"these are so cute," she murmured, voice warm as she tapped through the shots. "i never get to have food on my face."

and it was clearly meant to be funny in an offhanded way, but then azzi’s face flickered—like she’d just realized something. a small thing, but a thing that felt bigger, heavier. her throat tightened, and she hurried to blame it on the spice, but she could tell that paige saw through it, saw the way her fingers flexed like she didn't know what to do with them.

under the table, paige found her hand. squeezed. then, casually, she tore another piece of injera, scooped up some stew, and lifted it to azzi’s full lips—the skin a deep pink and swollen by the flame of peppers.

"here, mama," she said, voice easy. "try this one."

azzi took the bite, chewed, and swallowed. she exhaled, slow. paige didn’t let go of her hand.

before they left, the owners took a polaroid for the wall of customers. azzi insisted they take two, so they could have their own. in the photo, azzi was mid-laugh, eyes bright, sauce still dotted on her nose. paige stood beside her, relaxed in a way she didn’t even realize, watching azzi like she had a secret within that she didn’t know yet.  like she always had.

they didn’t decide who would get to keep it officially, but it ended up in the back of azzi’s phone. a pale copy sat in paige’s gallery. azzi pocketed the second polaroid, running a thumb over the glossy surface. something shifted inside her, loose and warm. 

later, on the train home, she tucked her legs beneath her in the seat and hummed under her breath. a melody had given birth inside of her—new, half-formed, and fighting. words came to her unbidden, stale lyrics made better by the fact that she was trying again.

she murmured into her phone’s voice memo app. she held up the phone to paige’s mouth and asked her to speak. paige smiled, tender with joy, and protested that she didn’t know what to say.

“it’s not the real thing,” azzi assured her. “you can say anything.”

paige hummed and then,

“will you get another coffee with me?” 

azzi grinned, her body trembling. she lowered her feet to the floor and leaned over until her head fell onto paige’s shoulder. she picked up paige’s hand and turned it over so that the pale palm was open and exposed. she traced nine letters into the skin.

yes, please.

paige closed her hand and kept her there. 

azzi hummed from the station to her apartment. even the clink of her keys into their designated bowl seemed on-key. 

it was a song. her song. the first in a long time. she could’ve sobbed. 

thank god, she thought, that i remember how to sing.

⟡

voguescandinavia: azzi fudd has a new approach: “i want to keep going to places where i don’t know anyone or anything. i tend to find myself there.”

a black and white portrait accompanied the tweet. azzi's face was slightly turned, wind-blown wisps of her natural curls catching across her cheekbone. her expression was borderline intense, almost vulnerable—eyes looking slightly off-center, not quite meeting the camera.

she wore a simple white tank top, and her skin was slightly tanned, with shadows and bits of sand dusted along parts of her face. the background was indistinct, a blurred landscape suggesting openness, motion. her gaze penetrated.

it was silently understood that she wasn’t performing, but truly present.

the reception was overwhelmingly kind, warm. but only one mattered.

trending simple and proud:

pbueckersofficial: angel falls short but swear it’s her true form 🩶🎙️

on her private account, her heart to mouth filter had failed. the same picture, quote retweeted but with different wording: 

pbuckets5: i want to run away. make a world of just you and me. somewhere between the city lights and the way you breathe—i'm desperate to understand everything.

her teammates' immediately lit up her notifications.

karnold: girl what is happening  aubrey: wait what.   janaaa: oh. drewbuckets: paige poetry era??

azzi, almost half asleep, saw the public thread. smiled. then quote-tweeted:

azzi35: i'd like to stay on earth for another coffee with you 🕊️

the internet imploded. 

username: they actually hang out?!  username: paige bueckers and azzi fudd interacting again??? this is not a drill  uconnsports: we're witnessing history  ⤷ username: who is the intern running this page lmfao username: the way they're speaking about each other?? its giving legacy love story i fear karnold: y’all don’t you worry, we got somebody checking on paige cause she may actually be dead idk

and trending worldwide: #bueckersfudd2028.

⟡

azzi went to sleep. in her dreams there was a stage, but no microphone. azzi opened her mouth and extended a hand to the sole person in the audience. from her mouth burst three pink butterflies. 

teach me, they said with every pump of their wings. please, teach me.

the woman stood from her seat. her hair was so blonde it was almost white. she looked at azzi with her sharp blue gaze, touched her own throat, and then stepped forward to press into azzi’s skin. the heat from her fingertips spiraled up into azzi’s mouth until she felt so warm that she thought her bones might melt into ash and milk. 

the woman cupped her cheek. from her heart a beat; from her mouth a word. 

azzi, she said. her mouth was closed. God himself opened your mouth and placed music on your tongue.

azzi, she said. sing.

© hcneymooners.

[vamptizm]

ii. MISSION JEALOUSY — p. bueckers

pairing: paige bueckers x clover amar (oc)

synopsis : in which paige bueckers and clover amar, two uconn wbb stars, have an ongoing mission of making each other jealous and outdoing the other.

warnings : smut, fingering (oc receiving), brief degrading, exhibitionism if you squint, they’re both assholes, no aftercare. please do not read if this makes you uncomfortable!

word count : 3.5k

note : this is my first time writing this stuff and omfg was it HARD, i cringed at myself like 10 times and this might be bad but everyone starts somewhere ig lol

series masterlist

The team weight room was alive with the rhythmic clanking of weights and low murmurs of conversation, but Paige only had ears for Clover. The two had been switching off sets on the bench press, each girl pushing themselves harder than necessary—not to outdo their personal records, but each other. Ice, nearby and unbothered, worked through her squats, seemingly oblivious to the escalating competition between the two. 

Clover added another set of plates to the bar and smirked as she lay back, her tattoos flexing with every adjustment of her arms. Paige leaned against the rack, her arms crossed, watching with an unimpressed expression.  

"Feeling bold after last night, huh?" Paige's tone was casual, but the edge was unmistakable. 

Clover gripped the bar above her, sparing Paige a glance. "Nah, I couldn't care less." she quipped, her voice light as she lifted the bar. "Why? Did I make your little friend cry?" 

Paige's jaw tightened with a small scoff, but she kept her composure. "You really thought you ate, huh?" She stepped closer as Clover re-racked the bar with ease. "Maybe next time, try not to scare people off before dessert." 

Clover sat up, wiping her hands on her shorts. "Scare her off? Oh, baby. She was hanging by a thread before I said anything." She stood, gesturing for Paige to take her spot. "Maybe don't bring your charity cases to team dinners next time." 

Paige slid under the bar, refusing to let Clover see how much that comment—and pet-name—got under her skin. She grabbed the bar with purpose, her fingers tightening around it as she muttered under her breath, "You're insufferable, you know that?" 

Clover, now spotting Paige, leaned forward slightly, her grin widening. "Yeah, and you fucking love it." 

Paige bit the inside of her cheek, annoyed that she couldn't come up with a retort fast enough. Instead, she pressed through her reps, feeling Clover's eyes on her the whole time. By the time she re-racked the bar, she was already regretting agreeing to partner with Clover. 

When Clover took her turn again, she added more weight to the bar, clearly trying to prove a point. Paige didn't bother hiding her scoff. "Sure you don't wanna just tape a 'look at me' sign to your back while you're at it?" 

"Jealousy doesn't look good on you, Bueckers," Clover shot back, her voice steady as she lowered the bar with perfect form. 

Paige crossed her arms, leaning slightly closer. "You're not that special, Ma." 

Clover's laugh echoed through the room as she racked the bar with ease. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. I'm not the one who brought a backup date to dinner." 

Paige felt her temper flare, the heat rising up her neck. "You think everything's a game, don't you?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper as Jia moved to another station. 

Clover tilted her head, her expression smug. "Maybe. But you love to play, don't you?" 

Paige didn't respond, instead picking up a pair of dumbbells and turning her attention to another exercise. But the tension between them lingered, thicker than the humid air in the weight room.

The weight room grew quieter as the rest of the team filed out, leaving only the steady hum of the overhead lights and the sound of weights being racked. Clover and Paige remained, neither willing to be the first to leave.

Paige pretended to focus on her dumbbells, but her attention kept flickering to Clover, who was at the mirror adjusting the resistance on a cable machine. The gym's fluorescent light caught the sheen of sweat on Clover's skin, highlighting the tattoos curling around her arms and peeking out from the neckline of her tank top.

Clover glanced at Paige's reflection in the mirror, catching her staring. She didn't say anything, but the smirk that tugged at her lips made Paige's stomach twist in equal parts annoyance and something else she refused to name.

"Enjoying the view, Bueckers?" Clover's voice broke the silence, casual and teasing.

Paige huffed, looking away as she set her dumbbells back on the rack. "You wish."

Clover turned, leaning against the cable machine, her arms crossed. "You're still mad about dinner, aren't you? I thought we had fun."

"Fun for you maybe," Paige shot back, stepping closer to grab her water bottle. "I don't make a habit of embarrassing people for sport."

Clover's grin widened. "Oh, come on. Amelia was—what's the word?—forgettable."

Paige glared, taking a long drink to buy herself time. She hated how Clover always knew exactly which buttons to push. But worse than that was how Clover's confidence—the way she carried herself, so effortlessly bold—made it hard to focus on anything else.

"You really can't help yourself, can you?" Paige asked, her voice quieter this time.

Clover tilted her head, her expression softening just enough to catch Paige off guard. "Why would I?"

Paige didn't answer, but the air between them felt charged, almost suffocating. She could feel Clover watching her, and it made her want to walk out—or close the distance between them.

Clover took a step closer, her gaze steady, curious. "What is it about me that gets under your skin so much, huh? Don't act like it's just my big mouth."

Paige's breath caught, her pulse quickening as Clover's words hung in the air. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss.

"Nothing to say?" Clover teased, leaning in slightly, her voice dropping. "That's a first."

Paige clenched her fists at her sides, every nerve on edge. "You don't know when to stop, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," Clover replied, her tone softer now, less playful but no less intense.

For a moment, the weight room felt impossibly small, the space between them shrinking by the second. Paige could feel the tension in her chest, the unspoken words and emotions she wasn't ready to name.

Paige didn't step back. Her smirk turned sharper, her eyes searching Clover's face for any sign of hesitation—but she didn't find any. Instead, Clover stood firm, her confidence unwavering even as the air between them grew impossibly thick.

"You're looking at me like you wanna fuck me, Bueckers," Clover remarked, her voice steady and cocky grin unfaltering, even if her heart was pounding.

"Good," Paige replied, voice low. "Maybe that's exactly what I wanna do."

Before Clover could reply, Paige's hand moved—lightly brushing her hip first, then lingering at her waist, her grip firm but not overbearing. Her touch sent a jolt through Clover, but she didn't pull away. Paige stepped even closer, their bodies nearly touching, her breath warm against Clover's cheek.

"You're bold today," Clover murmured, her voice quieter now but still laced with challenge.

Paige chuckled softly, the sound deep and confident. "Bold, or just tired of you running your mouth?"

The weight room suddenly felt a hundred degrees hotter. Paige's free hand came up, her fingers gently grazing along the line of Clover's jaw, tilting her head up slightly. The smirk on Clover's lips wavered for a second—not out of nerves, but because Paige's sudden boldness had thrown her off her game for the first time.

"Speechless for once?" Paige teased, her thumb brushing the corner of Clover's mouth.

Clover regained her footing quickly, her cocky grin returning as her hands came to rest against Paige's chest. "Not speechless. Just wondering if you're finally gonna back up all that talk."

Paige's response was immediate. She closed the small gap between them, her lips brushing against Clover's as she pinned her against the cold wall, teasing at first but quickly growing firmer, more insistent. Clover matched her energy without hesitation, her fingers curling into the fabric of Paige's shirt as she pressed closer.

The kiss was nothing short of electric—heated, competitive, and every bit as charged as their arguments. Paige's larger hand slipped from Clover's jaw to her ass, pulling her closer, while Clover tilted her head to deepen the kiss, not willing to let Paige take the lead entirely.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily. Clover was the first to speak, her voice soft but edged with humor. "So... does this mean you're done being mad about dinner?"

Paige laughed under her breath, her hand still lingering on Clover's waist. "Not even close." She stepped back slightly, her cocky smile returning as she grabbed her towel. "But that's a conversation for another time, Ma."

And instantly, the blonde's lips crashed back against Clover's, her unoccupied hand snaking back up to the girl's face before finding a light grip around her throat. That was enough to ignite the tamed fire inside of Clover, their kiss growing rougher, teeth clashing and tongues meeting— Paige licking into her mouth like she was seeking water in the Sahara desert. A small whimper escaped Clover into Paige's mouth. One that had the blonde cockily grinning against her lips as her slim fingers lightly squeezed the girl's throat.

"Already got you whimpering for me, Baby?" The blonde's grin was taunting, nothing short of confident in herself like she always was.

Clover, however, wasn't as amused as Paige. Too worked up, too hot to come up with her usual and well known retorts. "Just shut the fuck up." She rolled her eyes, barely able to express her annoyance, that could more so be described as frustration.

Paige didn't make an effort to reply, her hand snaking to the back of Clover's neck, pulling the girl into another rough and messy kiss. Her lips slowly began to trail down, peppering wet kisses along Clover's jaw until she reached her neck.

Clover couldn't help but fist the blonde's shirt, gripping it tightly in hopes of grounding herself. Her head tilts backwards, upper teeth biting down on the bottom of her lips to suppress the whimpers that so desperately wanted to be let out. Paige started out with placing soft kisses down Clover's neck, halting at the crook of her neck. Her grip around the girl's waist tightened, tongue darting out to lick along the inked area, down to the collar bone.

The pooling wetness and the growing heat between Clover's legs was hard to deny, even harder to hide. She almost scolded herself for the way her thighs pressed together—it only gave her away and of course Paige didn't miss that. A smirk tugged on the corners of the blonde's lips, darkness clouding her bright eyes.

"You think you're slick, huh? Spreading them for others all fucking week and now you wanna close those legs?" Her tone was mocking, almost degrading and for some reason it only turned Clover on even more.

She couldn't keep her mouth shut, though. When could she ever? Clover Amar was a loud mouth through and through. "Maybe if you weren't all talk I would've spread them for you instead."

Paige had to hold herself back from rolling her eyes, only a small, amused scoff escaping her. "Oh, I'm so sorry I made you wait, princess. Let me make it up to you, yeah?"

And just like that Paige went back to kissing and nibbling on her collar bones, mouth moving further south with each second before reaching her cleavage. Her hands slid up slowly, fingers playing with the hem of the girl's sports bra. "Can I?" Her gaze was back on Clover's face, blue eyes locking with hers and her tone unusually and bizarrely soft and gentle. As if getting permission meant a great deal to her. Clover could only nod her head, too dazed to trust her own voice.

That wasn't enough for Paige, though. She lifted her head up, standing straight as she shook her her head. "You got words, baby. Use 'em."

Clover had to bite her tongue to not curse the blonde out at that very moment. Even in a moment like this, Paige still needed to tease her about it. Typical. Taking a deep breath, she finally complied. "Yes. You can."

A smug smirk made it's way back onto Paige's lips, triumph painted all over her features. It was clear that she enjoyed this more than Clover herself. "There you go, good job."

And oh, how Clover hated the way those words made her stomach do flips.

Paige's fingers finally hooked into the material of the black sports bra, taking her sweet time in pulling it up until Clover's breast sprang free. She stilled for a moment, breath hitching in her throat as she took the sight in front of her in, mouth already watering. If it had been anyone other than the girl in front of her, she'd make sure to shower them in praise and compliments, but she couldn't do that yet. Clover's full tattoo was now in sight— starting from the valley of her breast and ending only a couple of inches above her navel.

The blonde took a subtly deep breath before her hands continued their abandoned actions. "Arms up," she dryly instructed, tugging the clothing over Clover's head and throwing it to the floor after she complied once again. She had to refrain herself from commenting on how well Clover could listen for once.

Paige took her sweet time admiring the girl's exposed chest, hands instinctively finding their way back to her waist, rubbing and caressing the soft skin up and down. Clover was starting to get impatient, her hand finding one of Paige's, guiding it up and placing it over her breast.

The smug smirk on Paige's face only intensified, exuding her all too known and obnoxious confidence. "Eager, aren't we?"

Clover didn't say a word, she didn't have to because as soon as the blonde spoke those words, her mouth was already back on Clover, lips latching onto one nipple while her hands played with the other one. Fondling, pinching her nipples, suckling and biting on them until she got a satisfying squeal out of the girl.

As much as Clover hated this, she absolutely loved it. In some way she was being worshiped AND pleased right? Technically, she was the winner.

Paige continued to suckle and place open mouthed kisses all over her tits, slowly trailing down along the inked skin, licking and pecking.

It wasn't enough for Clover, though. Not nearly enough to coming anywhere close to stilling her hunger for the annoying blonde. But luckily for her, she didn't have to do or say anything. Paige was already on it, hand sliding to the waistband of the girl's shorts while she straightened up. That's when Clover felt her body ignite with fire, the mere thought of being touched in such a public space where anyone could walk in at any given time—despite it being so late—excited her more than she'd like to admit.

"Can you stop teasing?" She asked in an unintentionally low tone, her question coming off as more of a demand or request.

"I don't know, can you behave for once?" Paige countered, that stupid smirk never leaving her face and if Clover wasn't so turned on in that moment, she'd want to smack it off of her.

She hesitated before replying, voice barely above a whisper and a small pout on her lips. "Yes."

That one word seemed to be enough for Paige. Her hand came back up, two digits hovering over Clover's lips. "Suck."

'Is she serious?' Clover thought to herself. She debated it, fighting her pride and ego all for the sake of pleasure before ultimately complying and parting her lips, slowly wrapping them around Paige's fingers.

"Good girl." The blonde hummed as she watched and Clover wanted to roll her eyes. Her tongue swirled around the digits, sucking on and wetting them all while maintaining eye contact until Paige pulled them out again, a string of saliva connecting them. This was purely for the blonde's own pleasure.

Her hands were back on Clover's hips, but this time she didn't seem to have the patience to tease her. Paige's hand slipped right between the material of her waistband and panties.

Clover let out a huffed breath of relief at the touch of Paige's fingers running over her slick folds. The girl was completely soaked by now—embarrassingly so—something that emitted a raised brow from the blonde. "What's got you all soaked, Ma?"

"Shut the fuck up." is all that Clover could muster to say, her words coming out breathless. Her body was on fire and the last thing she wanted, was to be teased again.

Paige could only chuckle, something that would've aggravated the girl if she wasn't so worked up and desperate. She began to slowly circle Clover's clit, biting back that smug smirk as she studied her expression. Clover made no efforts of hiding her face, nor how good she felt, multiple sighs escaping her lips and her eyes fluttering shut. Her leg lifted to semi-hook around Paige's hip for easier access.

"More, please." She breathed. Clover knew that if there was one way to get what she wanted, it was by playing her cards right. By asking nicely.

And it seemed to work when Paige sped her movements up, rubbing tight circles as her mouth latched back onto the girl's chest. It was as if she couldn't get enough of her.

Paige's movements slowed, two digits circling the girl's entrance for what felt like an eternity before slipping in all at once.

A soft gasp left Clover's lips at the delicious stretch, her head tipped backwards as Paige continued the abuse on her chest. The blonde's fingers were pumping in and out of Clover's sopping cunt, and the sound of wet squelching would've flustered her if she'd cared enough.

"Oh- Fuck, Paige." Clover's hands came up to the girl's shoulders, steadying herself. Soft whimpers and the sound of kisses all across Clover's chest was all that could be heard through the weight room.

"Good, huh?" Her voice was low and sultry, eyes looking up at Clover's already fucked out face, who could only nod her head.

The familiar knot below her stomach started to tighten, nails digging into Paige's skin as she continued her abuse on her cunt, fingers curling deep, hitting that gummy spot just perfectly.

Clover feels like she's floating and suffocating all at once, her muscles and senses trembling with pleasure and she can feel her high approaching. This wasn't what she had planned—being at the mercy of Paige Bueckers—but there wasn't anywhere she'd rather have been in that moment.

"You close, baby?" Paige mumbled against her neck that she was now attacking with kisses, almost as if she could sense it. "Clenching on my fingers like a slut. You're that desperate, Mama?"

Once again, Clover could only nod her head, whimpering and whining were the only form of noise she could muster up.

Paige smirked against the crook of her neck before pulling back to get a good look of Clover. Her unoccupied hand grabbed the girl's chin, tilting her head back forwards. "Look at me or I'll stop." She near to demanded as her movements quickened.

Clover barely had any time to register what was happening, her eyes fluttering open only to be met by Paige's hungry eyes. The intimacy of it should've turned her on even more, should've brought her closer and while it did just that, it also scared her. Looking into Paige's eyes was a form of intimacy and vulnerability that Clover had never expected to experience with her, a language so foreign, one she’d never bothered to learn. Her heart was pounding in her chest, stomach fluttering and she didn't know whether it was due to Paige bringing her closer to her release, or if it was the girl's baby blue eyes staring deeply into her soul, almost as if wanting to find a home within.

Those thoughts were quickly disrupted by the sudden feeling of Clover's climax washing over her, everything except the feeling of her all consuming orgasm, vanishing into thin air.

Just as quickly as it happened, it seemed to end when Paige's hand slipped out again, barely giving Clover the time to register anything. All she could do was watch how the blonde casually licked her fingers clean. "Tastes good." She spoke, but it sounded like she was more so speaking to herself.

Paige turned and a towel along with Clover's sports bra were already being handed to her. "To clean up with." She said, as if it wasn't the most obvious thing in the world.

Before Clover could register anything, the blonde was already making her way towards the door. "See you tomorrow." She called over her shoulder, barely looking back as she left the weight room.

Clover could only stand there in shock. Did that really just happen? Did she really leave just like that? It's not as if she expected any aftercare or something as silly as a kiss, but standing topless and still catching her breath, Clover couldn't help but feel ashamed. Feel as if she had just been used and discarded so easily. It wasn't something she was used to. Heck, even she had the decency to help the girls she hooked up with get cleaned up and dressed before ditching them.

She scoffed humourlessly before putting her bra back on, tightly gripping her towel and walking out of the weight room herself in annoyance, and which she hated to admit, tears of frustration stinging her eyes.

[bapeach]

Valentine's Day

Anyone else suck at writing summaries for their stories? Anyways, happy belated Valentine's! I hadn't planned on writing a Valentine's related story, but here we are. Hope you all enjoy! Constructive criticism is always welcome :D Find my masterlist here :)

Pairing(s): Paige Bueckers x female!reader  Word count: 4.8k+ Warnings: a bit clinché, swearing, long-distance Summary: Valentine's Day isn't so bad when you get to call with your long-distance best friend, except things don't really go the way you planned. You're not mad about it, though. ------------

Valentine's Day. A day loved by many and hated by even more. 

You belonged in the latter category. Why did couples need an extra day to celebrate their relationship? Why would you require an extra day to be nice to your partner when you should do that any other day as well? The only thing this holiday does is make single people feel bad. You’re not bitter about it or anything, it’s just a fact, okay fine, you’re a little salty.

Today is another Valentine that you’re spending single, but this time at least you have plans! While most of your friends were going to be off on dates, you were going to be calling your long-distance best friend and making fun of the whole holiday. To say you were excited to talk to the girl was an understatement.

Being a student-athlete wasn’t easy, Paige had complained about her busy schedule enough for you to know. Not that she had to, you could tell how exhausted she was whenever she found a bit of time to call you between school, homework, and basketball. It saddened you to know the blonde was wearing herself out completely to be the perfect student while also making sure she’s the best basketball player she can be. She barely ever has time to relax, and you’re scared she’s going to give herself a burn-out.

You were glad Paige found time today to hang out with you. You’ve missed her more than you thought you could ever miss anyone, not having heard her voice in weeks and only having gotten short messages to let you know she’s still alive. 

“Everyone is gonna be out and about on friday after practice so I’ll have the dorm to myself, FaceTime at 10:30?” Her message had read last Sunday, and you’d immediately agreed. While you knew the Valentine’s Day hangout was just a friendly hangout between best friends, you liked pretending it would be a date. 

When you met Paige, you never thought you’d ever fall for her so deeply, let alone be such good friends with her. But here you were, 6 years later, with the biggest crush on her.

When your mom sent you to a random month-long summer camp when you were 16, you’d protested with your whole being. You’d much rather stay home, bundled up on the couch all summer, re-reading your favorite book series, not going to a random camp out in the wild. “You’ll learn so much stuff! And you’ll make friends for life!” She’d said, making you roll your eyes. You didn’t believe a word she’d said, knowing that even if you managed to make friends, you’d only talk to them for that summer and maybe a month after.

You didn’t meet Paige until a week into camp. Her cabin was nowhere near yours, and so you weren’t in the same activity groups as her. One of your roommates had met her one night when she couldn’t sleep and went on a walk. She said you two would get along well, but the more she talked about the blonde, the less likely it seemed to you.

While you were shy, loved staying in, let people walk all over you, and were a bit of a teacher’s pet, 16-year-old Paige was the complete opposite. She was outgoing and friendly, and she loved teasing people even when she didn’t know them. She preferred the outdoors, getting restless when she had to stay in and couldn’t play her sports. She loved breaking the rules and always seemed to get away with it too, her charisma being able to charm all the camp leaders.

When your cabinmate had called her over during dinner, you were incredibly intimidated by the taller girl. She towered over you with a big grin, her blue eyes wide and full of mischief. She was loud and immediately set her eyes on you when she noticed your quietness. When your friends had joked about how shy you were, she’d only grinned wider, saying she was going to get you to come out of your shell.

She managed to win you over a lot faster than you dared to admit. After that dinner, she was always able to spot you in the crowd, coming over to tease you or introduce you to more people. Within a week, you two were glued at the hip. She managed to do what she said she would, making you a little less afraid to speak your mind, while you were able to bring a calm to her that no one knew existed.

You swore saying goodbye to her at the end of camp was one of the hardest things you’d ever had to do. You were quite dramatic at times. Sadly, you’d been right about the not staying friends thing. You two sent each other two letters once camp was over and called five times before life got too busy with school, extracurriculars, and new friends. After that, you didn’t talk for two years.

The next time you saw her again, you thought you were dreaming. You were touring different universities and had just finished the UConn one. Paige had managed to get even taller, her muscles were more defined, and she’d finally found her style. You thought you were mistaken at first, but then her bright eyes found yours, and a wide smile made its way onto her face. She excused herself from the conversation she was in and jogged over to you, not letting you say more than a hi before pulling you into a hug. You let yourself fall into the comfortable, familiar feeling, sinking into her as you hug her back.

This time, when you two parted and said you’d stay in touch, you actually did. Sadly, you didn’t end up going to UConn, instead choosing a university over two hours away from the blonde. Keeping in contact was easier now that you were older and more mature. You called each other multiple times a month, texting almost daily, and even met up IRL whenever you could. You’d attended quite a few of her games, and she even surprised you on your birthday last year.

That birthday is your favorite one so far. Paige had surprised you with flowers and a book you’d been wanting for ages. She spoiled you like crazy that day, even staying the night at your dorm before having to go back to UConn. The day after was the day you realized you were head over heels for her. You became aware of the fact that the butterflies you felt in your stomach weren’t just from being excited at seeing your best friend, they were actually because you had a crush on her.

You never told her about your feelings, however. You figured she only saw you as a friend and knew that there were hundreds of girls throwing themselves at her feet, so why would she choose someone who didn’t even live in the same state as her? 

You shake yourself out of your thoughts as you readjust yourself on your bed. Seeing it’s already 10:28, you open your camera to make sure you look okay. Patting down the flyaway hairs, you smile at your reflection. Closing the app, you grab your water bottle to take a sip and calm your growing nerves.

Knowing you’ll be even more nervous if you keep staring at the seconds tick by, you open TikTok and scroll on your FYP to pass the time. You quickly realize that wasn’t the best idea, seeing as there are only edits of Paige on your screen. Your face becomes a bright red as you watch the videos and save them all. You close the app after seeing an edit that makes you feel certain things, fanning your face as you try to get rid of your blush. 

When you look at the time again, you shake your head in amusement. 10:35. In the years that you’ve known the blonde, there haven’t been many instances in which the girl has been on time. Usually, it bothers you to no end when someone is late. It makes you feel as though they don’t respect you enough to be on time. With the blonde, it’s different, however. 

It’s cute to see her all flustered, apologizing again and again for her tardiness. It makes you laugh when she pouts at you, complaining about how her laptop had to do another update, how her alarm didn’t go off, or how Geno always has it out for her during the practices before a call. You grin when she leaves out the part where she was once again being a menace at practice, teasing her about it after Nika texts you to let you know Paige will be late and why.

You send her a quick text, asking if she managed to piss off Geno again, before checking to see if the Croatian had texted you anything. After another 5 minutes pass, you frown a little, slightly worried about the blonde. When your phone buzzes, you sit up straighter, fluffing up your hair a bit as you prepare to start the call. Grabbing your phone, you expect a “Sorry I’m late! You ready?” message, but you deflate instead.

“Hey, sorry I can’t call 2day, feeling exhausted, rain check?” It reads.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Paige has had to cancel on you. You understood that her busy schedule left her incredibly exhausted, and you knew she hated herself every time she had to cancel. Usually she pushed through, calling you anyway and falling asleep within 10 minutes of the call. She’d apologize profusely, a big frown on her face as her eyes turn a murky blue in sadness. You always told her you didn’t mind, you actually found it cute how her tired eyes would slowly blink at you before finally closing. 

The fact that she actually canceled this time meant she didn’t feel good at all, so you let her know it was okay and that you’d talk soon. Once you wish her sweet dreams as she goes to take a nap, you close your laptop with more force than necessary. 

While you typically wouldn’t mind all that much, you did this time. You missed her like crazy, you hadn’t had the easiest week, all your friends were out having fun, and to top it all off, you were about to have your period, making you even crankier than usual. You sit in silence for a moment as you try to blink away your tears. You press your palms to your eyes as you shake your head. Slapping your cheeks softly, you try to snap out of it. “Don’t be such a little baby,” you think to yourself.

You get up and stretch before pausing in the middle of the room. You look around a little lost, unsure of what to do now that your plans fell through. You bite your lip as you think about the tub of ice cream you left in your freezer for when you had a bad day. You pout as you realize you’ll spend yet another Valentine’s Day watching a cheesy movie that’ll make you cry into your ice cream.

Right as you’re about to open the freezer, you hear a knock at the door. You throw your head back, holding in a groan as you debate pretending no one is home. You knew it was most likely your roommate, who knew you were going to be home, having forgotten her keys again, so you make your way over to the door. 

You take a quick peek into the mirror to check if your eyes look red from your mini breakdown, silently cursing when they do. Rolling your eyes at yourself, you open the door, ready to tell your roommate to not mention it.

You freeze as your jaw drops open. Paige is standing in the hallway, holding a bouquet of red roses and a big teddy bear, a wide smile carved on her face. “Surprise,” she says, her voice soft as she takes you in. You cover your mouth with your hand as tears well up in your eyes again. “Damn these hormones,” you think, blinking to make them go away.

Seeing your watery eyes, the blonde’s smile softens as she mutters a “C’mere.” You fall into her open arms, squeezing her tightly as you nuzzle your face into the crook of her neck. Paige leans her head against yours, pressing a gentle kiss against your temple. She slowly shuffles you backward into your dorm, using her foot to close the door behind her.

Once you realize the way you’re gripping onto her, you let her go, heat creeping up your face. You feel a bit embarrassed, but the feeling gets taken over by the happiness of finally being near the blonde again. “What’re you doing here?” You breathe out as you look at her in childlike wonder. “Wanted to spend Valentine’s with my favorite girl,” she replies, shoving the flowers and bear towards you. The butterflies in your stomach flutter around as you take the gifts with a wide smile, your cheeks bright red at the nickname.

You quickly put the flowers in a vase with some water before setting the teddy bear down on the couch. When you turn back towards Paige, you see her already staring at you with a soft look in her eyes. You skip back over to her, flinging yourself back into her arms, making her chuckle. “Thank you,” you mutter against her shirt, fondness seeping through in your voice.

You pull back slightly with a loving smile, looking up at her but not leaving her arms. She moves one hand away from your back, bringing it towards your face as she rubs your cheek. “Anything for you,” she mumbles as she takes in your face like she’s trying to memorize every bit of it. You can feel your face heat up, but you can’t look away. Your heart beats faster as you admire her, waiting to see what’s on her mind as you see different emotions swim around in her eyes. 

Softly clearing her throat, she steps back nervously as she takes an envelope out of her pocket. She shifts her weight from foot to foot as she looks down at the envelope, her throat bobbing as she swallows harshly. “I, uh,” she starts, biting her lip before looking up at you with an anxious yet hopeful look. “This is for you,” she says, handing you the envelope. You raise an eyebrow at her as you ask, “What’s this?”

“Jus open it,” she says, fidgeting with her sleeve. You open the envelope tentatively, a little nervous at how anxious the usually confident girl is. Folding open the pink letter, you scan the page, smelling her perfume as if she sprayed it on the paper. You smile in adoration as you see the usual scribbly handwriting, this time a little less messy. Taking a quick glance at the girl, you see her rub her neck, nodding at you to read it. Your heart skips a beat as you read the words. 

It’s… It’s a love confession. 

You grip the paper a little tighter as you read about how Paige has had a crush on you for the past two years and how much you mean to her. Your eyes stay glued to the page until you reach the end. “Will you be my valentine?” The last sentence reads.

You look up at her in shock, excitement bubbling in your chest. The athlete is still looking at you, her eyes wide and hopeful. “Really?” You whisper, not wanting to break the intimate atmosphere. She nods her head as she bites her lip shyly. A broad smile spreads across your face as you nod enthusiastically. “Yes!” You say, your voice a bit higher as you’re unable to contain your joy.

“Yeah?” Paige grins, her confident, cheerful self showing again. She grabs you again, lifting you up as she twirls you around. You can’t help the laugh that escapes your lips at the giddiness you’re feeling. “Okay, uhh, I’ve made dinner plans for tonight, but I was thinking we could just chill here for a bit and then go get lunch in that cute little café we went to last time I was here!” The blue-eyed girl beams.

You’re already nodding your head before she finishes her sentence, knowing you’d do anything with the girl. Seeing as you still have some time before you need to start getting ready, you drag the basketball player to your couch. You let her sit down first before settling down next to her and swinging your legs over her lap. You’d been in this position plenty of times before, but those times never felt as intimate as this time.

Your heart thrums in your chest as Paige immediately rests her hands on your legs, rubbing them softly as she relaxes into her seat. You hold your new teddy bear against your chest as you watch the blonde fondly. Catching you staring, she sends you a smirk, making you look down with a chuckle.

“So, how’d you manage to get coach to let you skip practice?” You ask, your head tilted in question. “Oh, that was easy, he loves me, so he said he’d let me skip for once,” she replies smoothly. You huff out a laugh as she says that, mischief clear in her eyes. “You’re such a liar,” you grin back. “Okay, okay, maybe that’s not exactly how it went,” she rolls her eyes playfully. You look at her triumphantly as she gives your leg a little squeeze, more amused than annoyed that you caught her. “He said I could skip, but that my next practice is gonna be extra hard.” 

You look at her in amusement but also slight worry. “You didn’t have to do this, you know? I would’ve been happy with just a phone call. I don’t want you to work yourself to the point of passing out,” you reply, your brows furrowed slightly in concern. She shakes her head, bringing one hand to your face to smooth out your frown. “I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. Besides, I think I would’ve gone insane if I didn’t see you soon,” she says, her voice more vulnerable than you’re used to.

Your lips curve back into a smile as she continues. “And stop worrying about me so much, I’m okay. If things get too much, I’ll let you know, I promise.” She sticks out her pinky finger, grinning at you as you interlace yours with hers.

You two keep talking until it’s time to get ready for lunch. Seeing as Paige is already dressed, you leave her on your couch as you walk up to your closet to pick a nice outfit before running to the bathroom to put yourself together. Once you’re satisfied, you return to the couch, blushing as you see the blonde check you out. You raise your eyebrow and send her a teasing grin, letting her know you caught her. She simply sends you a smirk back as she gets up.

There’s not a moment of silence on the way to the café as you two talk about the latest things in your lives. You talk about classes, basketball, family, friends, and the weird dreams you’ve had. The conversation continues to flow during lunch and into the afternoon as you walk around the city with Paige. A smile is permanently etched into your face as you stroll around with your hand in the blonde’s. While her hand is a bit rough from playing so much basketball, it’s still very soft. She rubs her thumb across your knuckles as she animatedly talks about the shenanigans she’s been up to with the team.

When you stop for ice cream, you order your favorite flavor before noticing Paige taking another flavor you love. It confuses you a little, knowing she doesn’t really like it, but you don’t really pay any mind to it as you continue rambling about what your professor did last class. When you sit down, you enjoy your ice cream as you listen to the girl in front of you. She takes small bites in between sentences, making her still have half of it left when you’re done with yours. As she talks, she starts feeding you some of her cup, making you smile at how cheesy you two are being. You don’t mind, though, this is exactly what you’d dreamed of.

When you notice the blonde isn’t eating her ice cream anymore, only feeding you, you go to protest. You don’t get the chance to, however, as the girl knew what you were up to. She quickly shoves another spoonful into your mouth when you open it to speak, rolling your eyes playfully. She grins as she shrugs a little.

Once you two are done, you walk back towards your dorm, silently thanking your roommate for having her own plans and not being home. Once inside, you guide the blonde to your bed, plopping down as you put on a random show for background sounds. You spend hours talking about everything and nothing, laughing harder than you have in months. 

“So, this dinner, where are we going?” You ask Paige as you crane your neck up from where you’re lying against her. She pretends to lock her mouth and throw away the key, making you roll your eyes. “You’re so unhelpful, y’know that?” She laughs, knowing it’s true. “Can you at least tell me what the vibe is? Do I need to dress fancy?” You question as you get up and walk over to your closet. You rifle through your options as the athlete speaks. “Semi-formal, I guess,” she shrugs, getting up herself. “Where are you going?” You ask as she starts walking towards the door. 

“Gonna grab my bag from my car, I’m not going to dinner in this outfit,” she replies, making you nod in understanding. Once she’s gone, you pause for a moment, pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. When you know for sure you’re not, you let out an excited squeal before calming yourself down and getting ready. Once you’re dressed, you sit down in front of your mirror to apply some light make-up.

You hear Paige walk back in, having borrowed your keys, as you’re applying mascara. Once you’re done, you look at her through the mirror and send her a bashful smile. She doesn’t smile back, too enthralled by your beauty. You shake your head as you giggle, grabbing your lip gloss. You lean in a bit closer to the mirror, applying a thin layer of gloss to make your lips shine. You glance over at Paige, seeing her eye the applicator as you glide it across your lips. She swallows harshly when you make eye contact, looking away sheepishly as she walks over to get ready in the bathroom. 

You scroll through Instagram as you wait for the blonde, liking the Valentine’s Day posts from your friends. When you hear the bathroom door open, you glance up, your throat going dry. Paige always looked gorgeous, but right now, you think she’s never looked better. She smiles softly at you as you take her in. She doesn’t tease you about the way you’re basically drooling over her, knowing she’s just as enamored.

“You look beautiful,” she says, grabbing your hand and giving it a soft squeeze. “Says you,” you grin with rosy cheeks. Her eyes twinkle with happiness as she leads you to the door. “Oh, one sec!” You mutter, running back towards your dresser to grab something. You quickly put the tiny box in your bag before walking back over to Paige. “Alright, I’m ready,” you say, rocking back and forth in excitement.

You walk towards the taller girl’s car in comfortable silence, your hand in hers, fingers interlinked. You let her open the passenger door for you, chuckling at her as she gives you a bow. “M’lady,” she tries to say seriously, but she can’t stop the smile growing on her face. “You’re such a dork,” you reply as you get in, hoping she doesn’t notice the bright color of your cheeks.

Once you two are on the road, Paige takes one hand off of the steering wheel, putting her arm on the center console. You look at it for a moment before grabbing her hand and interlacing your fingers once more. You take a peek at the blonde to see her reaction and feel your stomach flutter when you see her sporting a tiny, content smile.

Once you get to the restaurant, you look around in awe. It was beautiful. You still can’t believe that all of this is real. That Paige Bueckers, your best friend, is taking you out on a date and treating you like a queen. Your cheeks hurt from how much you’ve been smiling all day. 

You two share a bottle of wine as you enjoy your food, letting one another taste each other’s dishes, grinning when you find the other’s food better. You giggle as you switch your plates around, not paying any mind to the looks you’re receiving. After finishing your meal, you order dessert, sharing the sweet treat, feeling pretty full from dinner. 

Once you’re done, Paige pulls out a wrapped box with a tiny ribbon bow. For a moment you’re confused where it came from, but you quickly dismiss your confusion. “Paige, you didn’t have to get me anything! You’ve already paid for everything today,” you whine, feeling bad about how much the girl is spending on you. “Oh hush,” she says, “I love spoiling my girl.” “Your girl, huh?” You tease with a grin. She rolls her eyes lightheartedly. “Open itttt,” she says impatiently.

You giggle as you open it, letting out a gasp as you see the bracelet inside. “Paige…” you breathe out, “this is beautiful.” “Yeah? You like it?” She asks, hoping you’re speaking the truth. You nod eagerly, flashing her a toothy smile as you brush your thumb over the P charm. “I was scared it would be too possessive, giving you something with my initial on it for our first date,” she admits, scratching her temple. “I love it, P,” you say, letting her help you put it on.

You grab your bag, pulling out your own gift box. “You didn’t,” Paige grins as you hand it to her. “I did,” you grin back. “How? You didn’t even know I was coming today,” she asks, giving you a curious look. “I got this a while back and was just waiting for the perfect moment to give it to you,” you say, your heart drumming in your ears as you nervously wait for her reaction. Her face lights up at the sight of the new chain you’d gotten her. She lifts it out of the box, letting it shine in the dim restaurant lights.

She taps the tiny basketball pendant as it swings on the chain. The blonde sends you a radiant smile, her eyes shining with love. “Thank you,” she says, adoration clear in her voice. You raise one finger, making her pause. You rummage in your bag, grabbing a tiny plastic bag, before handing it to her with a smirk. She holds it close, laughing as she realizes what it is. Opening the bag, she grabs the tiny charm, twirling it between her fingers. “I see we had the same idea,” she smiles, her cheeks becoming a soft pink at the thought of wearing your initial on her neck. 

You help her put it on before waving over the waiter for the bill. You begrudgingly let Paige pay, knowing you’d never win that fight against her. You hold her hand as you walk towards her car, squeezing it softly. Your heart feels like it’s going to burst with joy and adoration. Once you reach the car, you look at the taller girl as she pauses. 

Her eyes flit over your face as she softly grabs your hips. She steps closer, gently pushing you against the car. She leans in closer, her eyes looking into yours with a questioning look. Your heart skips a beat as you nod lightly. The blue-eyed girl leans even closer, her lips hovering over yours for a moment to give you an extra second to change your mind. When you don’t, she presses her lips against yours in a slow but deep kiss. You grab her face, trying to pull her even closer as you close your eyes. After a minute, you pull away slightly to catch your breath. You move your hands towards her neck as you play with her baby hairs. The smile she sends you makes you weak in the knees, making you silently thank God that you’re leaning against the car. 

“Be mine?” Paige breathes, her question sounding almost like a statement. You don’t need to think twice as you nod, pulling her into another kiss.

You know it won’t be easy, being in a relationship while you’re miles apart, but you know that it’s all worth it when you get to call this amazing girl yours.